Apparatus and method for compressing a stack of electrochemical cells
US6040072A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for assembling an electrochemical cell stack, or an assemblage of components which need to be clamped together, especially where minimizing the size and weight of the clamping mechanism is advantageous. The invention encompasses combining a band or strap to transmit load to a plurality of components. A metal link is provided to apply greater tension to the band than could normally be achieved with the band alone. The invention may provide a band having a spiral screw clamp wherein the screw portion is used to apply and control tension in the band and the band is used to transmit the tension to a plurality of components. The invention also provides systems that improve the distribution of the force over a portion of the assembly, preferably the entire area of at least one face of the assembly. The invention encompasses a system with straps surrounding a fuel cell stack placed between two end plates, with raised ridges placed under the strapping system to concentrate the compressive force at selected points on the endplates. The invention also encompasses a device comprising an array of adjustable elements that control the distri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.