# US 8,541,145 B2 · Tapered anode header insert for startup hydrogen distribution > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,541,145 B2 - Document ID: US8541145B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/887,792 - Filed: 2010-09-22 - Published: 2012-03-22 - Granted: 2013-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 2010-09-22 - Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Applicants: Steven G. Goebel - Inventors: Steven G. Goebel - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8541145B2 ## CPC - H01M 8/04089: of gaseous reactants - H01M 8/0263: having meandering or serpentine paths - H01M 8/0278: {O-rings} - H01M 8/2483: characterised by internal manifolds - H01M 2008/1095: {Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes} - Y02E 60/50: Fuel cells - H01M: PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION ## Abstract A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly is disclosed. The fluid distribution insert includes a wedge section having a first end and a second end. The wedge section forms a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path receives a fluid therein and delivers the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly. The wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the inlet header. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A fluid distribution insert for a fuel cell assembly comprising: a wedge section having a first end and a second end, the wedge section received within an inlet header of the fuel cell assembly to form a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path is adapted to receive a fluid therein and deliver the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the fluid flow path; a baffle section having a first end and a second end, the second end of the baffle section spaced from the first end of the wedge section forming a fluid passageway therebetween; and a coupling member formed adjacent the first end of the baffle section and a wall member having a first side and a spaced apart second side extending outwardly from the coupling member and terminating at the second end of the baffle section. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the baffle section is coupled to the first end of the wedge section. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 1, wherein a sealing member is disposed on the coupling member of the baffle section, ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 3, wherein the sealing member is an O-ring. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 1, wherein a flow channel is formed in the first side of the wall of the baffle section to deliver the fluid to the fuel cells. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 1, wherein a protuberance extends outwardly from the second side of the wall of the baffle section, the protuberance received in an opening formed in the first end of the wedge section to couple together the wedge section and the baffle section. ### Claim 7 A fluid distribution insert for a fuel cell assembly comprising: a wedge section having a first end and a second end, the wedge section received within an inlet header of the fuel cell assembly to form a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path is adapted to receive a fluid therein and deliver the fluid to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly; and a baffle section having a first end and a second end, the baffle section received within the inlet header of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the second end of the baffle section and the first end of the wedge section cooperate to form a fluid passageway therebetween, wherein the wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the inlet header and a coupling member formed adjacent the first end of the baffle section and a wall member having a first side and a spaced apart second side extending outwardly from the coupling member and terminating at the second end of the baffle section. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 7, wherein the second end of the baffle section is coupled to the first end of the wedge section. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 7, wherein a sealing member is disposed on the coupling member of the baffle section. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 7, wherein a flow channel is formed in the first side of the wall of the baffle section, wherein the fluid channel is adapted to receive a fluid therein and deliver the fluid to at least one of the plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The fluid distribution insert according to claim 7, wherein a protuberance extends outwardly from the second side of the wall of the baffle section, the protuberance received in an opening formed in the first end of the wedge section to couple together the wedge section and the baffle section. ### Claim 12 A fuel cell assembly comprising: a first end plate and a spaced apart second end plate; a plurality of fuel cells disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate; an inlet header in fluid communication with the fuel cells for supplying a reactant gas to the fuel cells; and a fluid distribution insert received within the inlet header of the fuel cell assembly, the fluid distribution insert comprising: a wedge section having a first end and a second end, the wedge section received within the inlet header of the fuel cell assembly to form a fluid flow path between a surface forming the inlet header and the wedge section, wherein the fluid flow path is adapted to receive a fluid therein and deliver the fluid to the plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly; and a baffle section having a first end and a second end, the baffle section received within the inlet header of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the second end of the baffle section is spaced from the first end of the wedge section to form a fluid passageway therebetween, wherein the wedge section minimizes a cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path adjacent the second end of the wedge section to maintain a substantially constant fluid velocity along a length of the inlet header: and a coupling member formed adjacent the first end of the baffle section and a wall member having a first side and a spaced apart second side extending outwardly from the coupling member and terminating at the second end of the baffle section. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The fuel cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein the second end of the baffle section is coupled to the first end of the wedge section. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The fuel cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein a sealing member is disposed on the coupling member of the baffle section. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The fuel cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein a flow channel is formed in the first side of the wall of the baffle section, wherein the fluid channel is adapted to receive a fluid therein and deliver the fluid to at least one of the plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The fuel cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein a protuberance extends outwardly from the second side of the wall of the baffle section, the protuberance received in an opening formed in the first end of the wedge section to couple together the wedge section and the baffle section.