NOVELTY - The bipolar plate (12) comprises two main surfaces that are formed of elongated ridges. The extending channels are formed on the ridges of the main surfaces. A flattened portion is formed on one of the ridges of the main surfaces. An intersection point is formed on the ridges of the main surfaces and arranged on the flattened portion. The flattened portion is provided in a distributing section. The channels of the distributing section are introduced into or away from an active area.    USE - Bipolar plate for fuel cell (claimed) e.g. high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell for electric drive unit of motor vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The internal short circuit protection of the fuel cell is increased, and the fuel cell is less expensive to produce. The thinning-out or creep of a peripheral reinforcement of a membrane-electrode assembly of the fuel cell due to an excessive load is reduced. Therefore, a short-circuit safety is increased. The excessive pressing of the membrane-electrode assembly and an edge reinforcement of the membrane-electrode assembly are prevented at the crossing points within the fuel cell. The short circuits due to an excessive burden of an overlap at the crossing points are prevented. The overflow between the individual channels is prevented. The lowest point of the dip and the highest point of elevation on both sides of the flat are reduced. The surface pressure of the membrane-electrode assembly is reduced. The width of the increase is measured on both sides of the flattened portion. The width extending respectively at right angles to the longitudinal extent is and parallel to the plane of the bipolar plate is increased. Therefore, a reliability of the motor vehicle is increased.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a fuel cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a perspective view of the fuel cell.    Fuel cell (10)    Fuel cell stack (11)    Bipolar plates (12)    Seals (16)    End plates (18)