SOFC stack with thermal compression
US6835486B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a thermally responsive compression element. The compression element extends between the top and bottom plates of the stack and has an overall coefficient of thermal expansion which is substantially the same or less than the composite coefficient of thermal expansion of the stack itself. The compression element may be elongated and include a lower rod, an upper sleeve and an intermediate expansion member which are concentrically arranged. The expansion member bears on shoulders formed on the lower rod and upper sleeve to provide a compressive force at elevated temperatures, if the expansion member has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the lower rod and upper sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.