Improved enclosed fuel cell stack row

Abstract

Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks require a significant nominal compressive loading for proper operation and sealing. This loading is typically provided using relatively thick end plates andtight straps. In certain fuel cell applications, one or more solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks are secured in larger enclosures (e.g. for isolation and crash worthiness in automotive applications). The enclosures however can themselves be sturdy enough to provide the necessary loading on the fuel cell stacks within. The present invention takes advantage of that to allow for use of thinnerend plates and / or weaker straps which would otherwise be insufficient for use.

Description

Technical field[0001]The present invention relates to an improved closed fuel cell stack row, in which one or more solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks in a row are inserted into a housing.Background technique[0002]Fuel cells electrochemically convert fuel and oxidizer reactants (for example, hydrogen and oxygen or air, respectively) to generate electrical power. One type of fuel cell is a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which usually uses a proton-conducting polymer membrane electrolyte between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode. The electrode contains a suitable catalyst, and usually also includes conductive particles, a binder, and materials for changing wettability. A structure including a proton-conducting polymer membrane sandwiched between two electrodes is called a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Such components can be prepared in an efficient manner by appropriately coating a catalyst mixture on a polymer membrane, and are therefore commonly referre...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Multiple seals are required in a typical fuel cell stack construction, and achieving adequate, reliable sealing in a manner suitable for commercial, high-volume manufacturing is challenging

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