Each individual MEA produces less than 1 V under typical operating conditions, but most applications require higher voltages. Therefore, multiple MEAs are usually connected in series by stacking them on top of each other to provide a usable output voltage. Each cell in the stack is sandwiched between two bipolar plates to separate it from neighboring cells. These plates, which may be made of metal, carbon, or composites, provide electrical conduction between cells, as well as providing physical strength to the stack. The surfaces of the plates typically contain a “flow field,” which is a set of channels machined or stamped into the plate to allow gases to flow over the MEA. Additional channels inside each plate may be used to circulate a liquid coolant.

The picture to the right shows four different types of serpentine flow channels in graphite plates: (A) a single serpentine channel; (B) double serpentine flow channels; (C) four serpentine flow channels; and (D) a symmetric arrangement of four serpentine flow channels.