Fuel cell stack compressive loading system
US6797425B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A compression system is described for use in conjunction with a fuel cell stack having first and second ends and contained within a vessel. The system includes members connecting the first and second ends of the stack, a compression plate at the first and second ends of the stack, and compression assemblies adjacent the second end of the stack. Each compression assembly includes a compression pack for maintaining compressive load on the stack as it creeps throughout its life and to compensate for thermal expansion of the stack under varying operating conditions, and a coupling assembly that couples each compression pack to one of the members. Each compression assembly is at least partially disposed exterior to the vessel, with compression packs mounted to the second compression plate outside the stack vessel and coupling assemblies provided to connect each compression pack to the members, and forming a gas seal between the inside of the vessel and the surrounding space. An additional compression plate is provided at the first end of the stack, inside the stack vessel, to which the force from the spring packs is applied through the members. Both compression plates are separated from…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.