Electrochemical fuel cell stack with compression mechanism extending through interior manifold headers
US5484666A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrochemical fuel cell stack has a first end plate, a second end plate, and fuel cell assemblies interposed therebetween. Each fuel cell assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly having at least one manifold header opening formed in the assembly for directing at least one of a fluid fuel stream, a fluid oxidant stream and a fluid coolant stream through the assembly. A tie rod extends within the opening and through each of the first and second end plates. Fastening means are disposed at opposite ends of the tie rod. Compressive means are interposed between at least one of the fastening means and at least one of the first and second end plates. In operation, the fastening means and the compressive means urge the first end plate toward the second end plate, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell assemblies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.