A fuel cell includes a first bipolar plate, a second bipolar plate and a gas diffusion layer. The first bipolar plate defines a first metal bead seal and a first plate embossment in fluid communication with the first metal bead seal. The second bipolar plate defines a second metal bead seal and a second plate embossment in fluid communication with the second metal bead seal. The first plate embossment and the second plate embossment are offset from one another along the length of the first and second metal bead seals. The second metal bead seal is operatively configured to abut the first metal bead seal to form a joint between the first and second bipolar plate. The gas diffusion layer may be disposed between the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate.
展开▼