Importance

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Abstract

Partitioned fuel cell stacks having end plates between which two or more subassemblies of fluidly interconnected fuel cells are supported and selectively electrically isolated from each other. At least the fuel cells in each subassembly, and optionally all of the stack's fuel cells, are in fluid communication with each other. The stacks further include at least one partition that provides a non-conductive barrier between subassemblies within the stack. In some embodiments, a jumper is connected across a partition to electrically interconnect the subassemblies that are separated by the partition. In some embodiments, an electrical connection across the partition is provided by the jumper responsive to a switch. Responsive to the presence or absence of the jumper and/or the configuration of a switch, the partitioned stack provides a power output having a nominal voltage selected from a predetermined number of nominal voltages that the stack is adapted to selectively provide.

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First Claim