COMPOSITE PLATE FOR A FUEL CELL

The present invention relates to an end plate for a fuel cell. [0002] In order to provide for an improved fuel cell with a high stability, low weight and wide range of deployability an end plate (10) for a fuel cell is provided. The end plate comprises a first layer forming an outer end plate layer (12), a second layer forming an abutting layer (14) for a cell assembly of the fuel cell and a core (16) between the first layer and the second layer. The outer end plate layer comprises a first fibre composite structure providing structural tensile strength in a plane orientation of the outer end plate layer and forming a supporting structure to the abutting layer and the core. The abutting layer comprises a second fibre composite structure providing structural tensile strength in a plane orientation of the abutting layer. The abutting layer provides an electrical insulation for the abutting cell assembly, the abutting layer also providing a leak-tightness for media during operation of the fuel cell. The first fibre composite structure comprises a first fibre material (18) and the second fibre composite structure comprises a second fibre material (20) that is different than the first material. The core is provided as a sandwich core between the outer end plate layer and the abutting layer. The core along with the outer end plate layer provides the torsional and/or bending stiffness to the end plate. The core comprises a porous structure (22) of a dielectric material comprising a plurality of volumes, the porous structure providing compressive strength. The outer end plate layer and the abutting layer are each connected to the core in a laminar manner (24), such that a sandwich plate is formed.