NOVELTY - A fuel cell apparatus (400) comprises a fuel cell containing electrode(s); and spacer(s) (420) secured to electrode surface, having a surface that defines a channel that extends from an input port (470) across spacer surface to a output port (472). The inlet port receives a fluid (e.g. electrolyte or oxidant bearing gas) and provides the fluid to channel, which allows the fluid to flow through it to output port. The channel has a portion that opens toward the electrode such that the fluid is in contact with electrode surface as fluid flows from input port through channel to output port.    USE - As a fuel cell apparatus such as rechargeable fuel cell system and battery (e.g. metal hydride battery); useful for power generation, transportation applications, portable power sources, home and commercial power generation, and large power generation.    ADVANTAGE - The fuel cell apparatus is capable of controlling water loss from a fuel cell, at least in part by separating gas and liquid fluid flows. The fuel cell apparatus includes a flow design that allows carbon dioxide free air or pure oxygen to flow through channels in, or in contact with, air electrodes. The flow design associated with the fuel cell apparatus enables improved water management and oxygen supply; and enables oxygen that is released during a charging process to be carried away from the metal hydride electrode. The use of porous anode in a rechargeable fuel cell improves the energy conversion and energy transfer efficiency of the fuel cell.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A fuel cell apparatus (400) comprises a fuel cell containing electrode(s); and at least one spacer (420) secured to electrode surface, having a surface that defines a channel that extends from a input port (470) across the spacer surface to a output port (472). The input port receives a fluid (e.g. an electrolyte or oxidant bearing gas) and provides the fluid to the channel. The channel allows the fluid to flow through it to the output port. The channel has a portion that opens toward the electrode such that the fluid is in contact with the electrode surface as the fluid flows from the input port through the channel to the output port. The electrode is an anode or a cathode. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for operating the fuel cell apparatus involving flowing at least one reagent to a fuel cell through a input port and splitting the reagent flow into several parallel circuit flow paths, where each circuit flow path extends from the input port, contacts a first electrode capable of electrochemically reacting with the reagent, and flows further to a output port.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a fuel cell stack.    Fuel cell apparatus (400)    End plates (410, 412)    Spacer (420)    Gas input port (460)    Gas output port (462)    Electrolyte input port (470)    Electrolyte output port. (472)