Fuel cell mounting system

Abstract

A fuel cell mounting system includes a fuel cell stack housing accommodating a fuel cell stack and having a flat structure, a support frame supporting the fuel cell stack housing, and a connection system connecting the fuel cell stack housing and the support frame, wherein the connection system is configured to elastically restore the fuel cell stack housing to a reference position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0167361, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to fuel cell installation systems. Background Technology

[0004] A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of fuel (hydrogen) and oxidant (oxygen) into electrical energy through a redox reaction.

[0005] As awareness of the environmental crisis and the depletion of oil resources grows, eco-friendly vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are emerging. In recent years, the application of fuel cells has expanded not only to vehicles but also to various modes of transportation, such as trams, urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles, and private vehicle vehicles (PBVs). Considering the diverse customer needs and the diversified nature of the fuel cell industry, research and development is actively underway towards low-profile, fully flat fuel cell systems.

[0006] A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack that generates electricity, a fuel processing system that supplies and processes the fuel (hydrogen) used in the fuel cell stack, an air processing system that supplies and processes oxygen from the air (which is used as an oxidant in the fuel cell stack), and a thermal management system that removes the heat of reaction from the fuel cell stack to the outside of the system and controls the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from the air, releasing heat and water as reaction byproducts.

[0007] Existing fuel cell systems have a relatively high profile, making it difficult to install in various vehicles, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, trams, UAMs, and PBVs. For example, some vehicles (tram, UAM, PBV, etc.) require low-profile fuel cell systems with a height of 250mm or less due to internal space constraints.

[0008] However, existing fuel cell systems have a relatively high profile of 250 mm or more, so they cannot meet the low profile requirement.

[0009] The information described in this background section is intended to help understand the background of the inventive concept and may include any technical concepts that are not considered prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure relates to fuel cell mounting systems. Specific embodiments relate to fuel cell mounting systems having a flat fuel cell stack housing, thereby allowing the fuel cell system to be of a low profile type.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein can solve the problems that exist in the prior art, while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a fuel cell mounting system having a flat fuel cell stack housing, thereby making the fuel cell system a low-profile type.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a fuel cell mounting system may include a fuel cell stack housing having a flat structure, a support frame supporting the fuel cell stack housing, and a connection system connecting the fuel cell stack housing and the support frame. The connection system can elastically restore the fuel cell stack housing to a reference position.

[0014] The fuel cell stack housing may have a first flexible flange and a second flexible flange extending toward the support frame, and the connection system may include a first connecting member connecting the first flexible flange and the support frame and a second connecting member connecting the second flexible flange and the support frame.

[0015] The first and second flexible flanges can deform according to the movement of the fuel cell stack casing.

[0016] The connection system may include a first biasing member and a second biasing member, the first biasing member causing the first connecting member to be elastically biased toward a reference position, and the second biasing member causing the second connecting member to be elastically biased toward a reference position.

[0017] The first biasing member and the second biasing member can provide biasing forces in opposite directions.

[0018] The first biasing member can provide a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member is tilted downward.

[0019] The second biasing member can provide a biasing force in the direction in which the second connecting member is tilted upward.

[0020] The connection system may include a shaft mounted on a support frame. The first connection member may include a first body rotatably mounted on the shaft and a first extension extending from the first body. The second connection member may include a second body rotatably mounted on the shaft and a second extension extending from the second body.

[0021] The first extension can be connected to the first flexible flange, and the second extension can be connected to the second flexible flange.

[0022] The fuel cell mounting system may also include a connecting rod located between the first flexible flange and the second flexible flange.

[0023] The first flexible flange and the second flexible flange can be spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the fuel cell stack casing.

[0024] The reference position can be the position where the central transverse axis of the fuel cell stack casing is parallel to the reference line, and the reference line can be a horizontal line.

[0025] The bottom surface of the fuel cell stack casing can be higher than the bottom surface of the supporting frame by a certain distance.

[0026] The top surface of the fuel cell stack casing can be a second distance lower than the top surface of the support frame.

[0027] The support frame can surround at least two side edges of the fuel cell stack shell. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The fuel cell stack housing and connection system shown in the fuel cell installation system;

[0031] Figure 3 A fuel cell stack housing and connection system are shown in a fuel cell mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 Show connection Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the connection system of the fuel cell stack casing shown;

[0033] Figure 5 Show along Figure 4 A sectional view taken by line AA;

[0034] Figure 6 Show along Figure 4 A sectional view taken by line BB;

[0035] Figure 7 Show along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken by line CC;

[0036] Figure 8 This illustrates the state of vertical load acting on the fuel cell stack casing from bottom to top;

[0037] Figure 9 This illustrates the state of vertical load acting on the fuel cell stack casing from top to bottom;

[0038] Figure 10 This illustrates the state of a torque load acting counterclockwise on the fuel cell stack casing;

[0039] Figure 11 This illustrates the state of a torque load acting on the fuel cell stack casing in a clockwise direction;

[0040] Figure 12 A fuel cell stack housing and support frame are shown according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 13 A perspective view of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0042] Figure 14 A perspective view of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0044] 11 Fuel Cell Stack

[0045] 12 Fuel cell stack casing

[0046] 13 Fuel Handling System

[0047] 14. Air handling system

[0048] 15 Thermal Management System

[0049] 16 Supporting Frame

[0050] 20. Connection System

[0051] 21 First connecting member

[0052] 22 Second connecting member connecting shaft

[0053] 23 First Offset Component

[0054] 24 Second offset component

[0055] 25 axis

[0056] 31 First Flexible Flange

[0057] 32 Second Flexible Flange

[0058] 33 First Belt

[0059] 34 Second Zone

[0060] 35 Connecting rod Detailed Implementation

[0061] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will always be used to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies associated with embodiments of the present disclosure will be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the disclosure.

[0062] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe elements in exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent features, order, or sequence of corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Such terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this application.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 A fuel cell system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fuel cell stack 11 (see [link to embodiment]). Figure 7 The fuel cell stack housing 12 that houses the fuel cell stack 11, the fuel processing system 13 that supplies and processes the fuel (hydrogen) used in the fuel cell stack 11, the air processing system 14 that supplies and processes oxygen in the air (which is used as an oxidant in the fuel cell stack 11), the thermal management system 15 that removes the heat of reaction from the fuel cell stack 11 and controls the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack 11, and the support frame 16 that supports the fuel cell stack housing 12.

[0064] refer to Figure 7 The fuel cell stack 11 can be housed within the fuel cell stack housing 12, and the fuel cell stack 11 can be protected by the fuel cell stack housing 12. The fuel cell stack housing 12 can have a low profile and a flat structure, thereby facilitating the flattening of the fuel cell system.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 The fuel handling system 13 can be directly mounted on the front end of the fuel cell stack housing 12, and the air handling system 14 can be directly mounted on the support frame 16. The thermal management system 15 can be directly mounted on the rear end of the fuel cell stack housing 12. The arrangement of the fuel handling system 13, air handling system 14, and thermal management system 15 is not limited to... Figure 1 The arrangement shown is not fixed and can be changed.

[0066] The fuel handling system 13, air handling system 14, and thermal management system 15 can be disposed between the periphery of the fuel cell stack housing 12 and the support frame 16. Specifically, the fuel handling system 13, air handling system 14, and thermal management system 15 can be at the same level as the fuel cell stack housing 12 in the height direction. Since the fuel handling system 13, air handling system 14, and thermal management system 15 do not protrude above or below the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel cell system can have a low profile and a completely flat structure.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the high-voltage junction box 17 can be attached to one edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12.

[0068] According to another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the high-voltage junction box may not be attached to the edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12, but may be located inside the fuel cell stack housing 12 or in different locations.

[0069] according to Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support frame 16 may surround the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel processing system 13, the air processing system 14, and the thermal management system 15. The support frame 16 may include a plurality of horizontal members 16a and a plurality of vertical members 16b, and the plurality of horizontal members 16a and the plurality of vertical members 16b may be at least partially connected to each other.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 The two opposite edges of the fuel cell stack shell 12 can be elastically connected to the support frame 16 through multiple connection systems 20.

[0071] Multiple connection systems 20 can be symmetrically arranged on two side edges of the fuel cell stack housing 12. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two connection systems 20 can be connected to one edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12, and two other connection systems 20 can be connected to the other edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12.

[0072] Each connection system 20 can elastically bias the fuel cell stack housing 12 to a reference position. Therefore, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can be held in the reference position by multiple connection systems 20.

[0073] refer to Figures 4 to 6The fuel cell stack housing 12 may have a first flexible flange 31 and a second flexible flange 32 extending from the side edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12 toward the support frame 16. The first flexible flange 31 may be spaced apart from the second flexible flange 32 in the height direction of the fuel cell stack housing 12. The first flexible flange 31 may be located above the second flexible flange 32.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, refer to Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 A first strip 33 may surround the upper part of the fuel cell stack housing 12, and a second strip 34 may surround the lower part of the fuel cell stack housing 12. A first flexible flange 31 may extend from each end of the first strip 33 toward the support frame 16. A second flexible flange 32 may extend from each end of the second strip 34 toward the support frame 16. (See reference) Figure 2 The first belt 33 can surround the upper part of the fuel cell stack housing 12 and the upper part of the high voltage junction box 17, and the second belt 34 can surround the lower part of the fuel cell stack housing 12 and the lower part of the high voltage junction box 17.

[0075] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 may extend from each side edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12. In other words, the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 may be directly connected to the side edges of the fuel cell stack housing 12, thus the first strip 33 and the second strip 34 can be omitted.

[0076] A connecting rod 35 may be positioned between a first flexible flange 31 and a second flexible flange 32, and the connecting rod 35 may maintain the distance between the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32. The connecting rod 35 may be connected to the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 by fasteners. The connecting rod 35 may extend along each side edge of the fuel cell stack housing 12. The connecting rod 35 may connect to multiple connection systems 20 mounted on the side edges of the fuel cell stack housing 12. In the connecting rod 35, the upper rod 35a and the lower rod 35b may be joined by welding and / or similar methods.

[0077] The first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 can be formed of a flexible deformable material. The first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 can deform in response to movement of the fuel cell stack housing 12 (see [link]). Figures 8 to 11 ).

[0078] refer to Figure 4Each connection system 20 may include a shaft 25. The shaft 25 may have a pair of mounting protrusions 25a and 25b disposed at its two ends, and a pair of mounting flanges 25c and 25d respectively adjacent to the pair of mounting protrusions 25a and 25b. The mounting protrusions 25a and 25b of the shaft 25 may be secured to the support frame 16, so that the shaft 25 can be mounted on the support frame 16.

[0079] Each connection system 20 may include a first connecting member 21 connecting the connecting shaft 25 and the first flexible flange 31, and a second connecting member 22 connecting the connecting shaft 25 and the second flexible flange 32. The first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 may be arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell stack housing 12.

[0080] A portion of the first connecting member 21 is rotatable about the axis 25, and another portion of the first connecting member 21 is connectable to the first flexible flange 31. (See reference) Figure 5 The first connecting member 21 may include a first body 21a having a circular cavity accommodating a shaft 25, and a first extension 21b extending from the first body 21a toward the fuel cell stack housing 12. The first extension 21b may be attached to the top surface of the first flexible flange 31. The first extension 21b may be connected to the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 by first fasteners 26a and 26b. The first fasteners 26a and 26b may be a first bolt 26a and a first nut 26b. The first bolt 26a may pass through the first extension 21b, the first flexible flange 31, the connecting rod 35, and the second flexible flange 32 of the first connecting member 21, and the first bolt 26a may be screwed into the first nut 26b on the bottom surface of the second flexible flange 32, so that the first extension 21b, the first flexible flange 31, the connecting rod 35, and the second flexible flange 32 of the first connecting member 21 may be fastened together by the first bolt 26a and the first nut 26b.

[0081] A portion of the second connecting member 22 is rotatable about the axis 25, and another portion of the second connecting member 22 is connectable to the second flexible flange 32. (See reference) Figure 6The second connecting member 22 may include a second body 22a having a circular cavity accommodating a shaft 25, and a second extension 22b extending from the second body 22a toward the fuel cell stack housing 12. The second extension 22b may be attached to the bottom surface of the second flexible flange 32. The second extension 22b may be connected to the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 by second fasteners 27a and 27b. The second fasteners 27a and 27b may be a second bolt 27a and a second nut 27b. The second bolt 27a may pass through the second extension 22b, the second flexible flange 32, the connecting rod 35, and the first flexible flange 31 of the second connecting member 22, and the second bolt 27a may be screwed into the second nut 27b on the top surface of the first flexible flange 31. Therefore, the second extension 22b, the second flexible flange 32, the connecting rod 35, and the first flexible flange 31 of the second connecting member 22 may be fastened together by the second bolt 27a and the second nut 27b.

[0082] The first extension 21b of the first connecting member 21 and the second extension 22b of the second connecting member 22 may be spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the fuel cell stack housing 12. The first extension 21b of the first connecting member 21 may be located above the second extension 22b of the second connecting member 22.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 Each connection system 20 may include a first biasing member 23 and a second biasing member 24, the first biasing member 23 causing the first connection member 21 to be elastically biased toward a reference position, and the second biasing member 24 causing the second connection member 22 to be elastically biased toward a reference position.

[0084] The first biasing member 23 may be a torsion spring disposed between the first mounting flange 25c of the shaft 25 and the first connecting member 21, and the first biasing member 23 may have a pair of support legs, which are respectively supported by the first mounting flange 25c and the first connecting member 21. Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the first connecting member 21 tilts upward from the reference position by a predetermined angle due to an external impact (see... Figure 8 a1 and a2 in Figure 10 a5 and Figure 11In step a8), the first biasing member 23 can provide a biasing force in a direction opposite to the tilting direction of the first connecting member 21, so as to restore the first connecting member 21 to the reference position. Specifically, the first biasing member 23 can provide a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member 21 tilts downward. Even if the first connecting member 21 moves due to an external impact, the biasing force of the first biasing member 23 can counteract the impact, so that the first connecting member 21 can be restored to the reference position, and therefore the first flexible flange 31 and the second flexible flange 32 can be restored to the reference position.

[0085] The second biasing member 24 may be a torsion spring disposed between the second mounting flange 25d of the shaft 25 and the second connecting member 22, and the second biasing member 24 may have a pair of support legs, which are respectively supported on the second mounting flange 25d and the second connecting member 22. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the second connecting member 22 tilts downward from the reference position by a predetermined angle due to an external impact (see... Figure 9 a3 and a4 in Figure 10 a6 and Figure 11 In step a7), the second biasing member 24 can provide a biasing force in a direction opposite to the tilting direction of the second connecting member 22, so as to restore the second connecting member 22 to the reference position. Specifically, the second biasing member 24 can provide a biasing force in the direction in which the second connecting member 22 tilts upward. Even if the second connecting member 22 moves due to an external impact, the biasing force of the second biasing member 24 can counteract the impact, so that the second connecting member 22 can return to the reference position, and therefore the second flexible flange 32 and the first flexible flange 31 can return to the reference position.

[0086] As described above, the first biasing member 23 can provide a biasing force in the direction of downward inclination of the first connecting member 21, and the second biasing member 24 can provide a biasing force in the direction of upward inclination of the second connecting member 22. In other words, the first biasing member 23 and the second biasing member 24 can provide biasing forces in opposite directions.

[0087] refer to Figure 7When no external load is applied to the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can be in a reference position. Here, the reference position can refer to the position where the central transverse axis of the fuel cell stack housing 12 is aligned with or parallel to the reference line P1. The reference line P1 can be a virtual line (horizontal line) virtually connecting the centers of the axes 25 of the left and right connecting systems 20. When the fuel cell stack housing 12 is in the reference position, the first extension 21b of the first connecting member 21 and the second extension 22b of the second connecting member 22 can be parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the fuel cell stack housing 12. Figures 7 to 11 In this context, the reference position can be a horizontal position.

[0088] like Figures 8 to 11 As shown, when the fuel cell stack housing 12 is moved by external loads L1, L2, M1 and M2, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can be restored to the reference position through the connection system 20.

[0089] refer to Figure 8 When a vertical load L1 generated by an external impact moves from the bottom to the top of the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can move upward. Therefore, the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the left connecting system 20 can tilt upward from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a1, and the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the right connecting system 20 can tilt upward from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a2. Here, the first biasing member 23 of the left connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member 21 of the left connecting system 20 tilts downward, and the first biasing member 23 of the right connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member 21 of the right connecting system 20 tilts downward, thus counteracting the vertical load L1 applied to the fuel cell stack housing 12. Therefore, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can return to its reference position.

[0090] refer to Figure 9 When a vertical load L2 generated by an external impact moves from the top to the bottom of the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can move downwards. Therefore, the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the left connecting system 20 can tilt downwards from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a3, and the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the right connecting system 20 can tilt downwards from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a4. Here, the first biasing member 23 of the left connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member 21 of the left connecting system 20 tilts upwards, and the first biasing member 23 of the right connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member 21 of the right connecting system 20 tilts upwards, thus counteracting the vertical load L2 applied to the fuel cell stack housing 12. Therefore, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can return to its reference position.

[0091] refer to Figure 10 When a torque load M1 generated by an external impact acts counterclockwise on the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can twist (tilt) to the left in response to the torque load M1. Therefore, the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the left connecting system 20 can tilt upwards from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a5, and the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the right connecting system 20 can tilt downwards from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a6. Here, the first biasing member 23 of the left connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction of downward tilting of the first connecting member 21 of the left connecting system 20, and the first biasing member 23 of the right connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction of upward tilting of the first connecting member 21 of the right connecting system 20, thus counteracting the torque load M1 applied to the fuel cell stack housing 12. Therefore, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can return to its reference position.

[0092] refer to Figure 11 When a torque load M2 generated by an external impact acts clockwise on the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can twist (tilt) to the right in response to the torque load M2. Therefore, the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the left connecting system 20 can tilt downwards from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a7, and the first connecting member 21 and the second connecting member 22 of the right connecting system 20 can tilt upwards from the reference line P1 by a predetermined angle a8. Here, the first biasing member 23 of the left connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction of upward tilting of the first connecting member 21 of the left connecting system 20, and the first biasing member 23 of the right connecting system 20 can apply a biasing force in the direction of downward tilting of the first connecting member 21 of the right connecting system 20, thus counteracting the torque load M2 applied to the fuel cell stack housing 12. Therefore, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can return to its reference position.

[0093] refer to Figures 1 to 3 Two left connection systems 20 can be located on the left side of the fuel cell stack housing 12, and two right connection systems 20 can be located on the right side of the fuel cell stack housing 12. In other words, a total of four connection systems 20 can be symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the fuel cell stack housing 12. This arrangement allows external impacts acting on the fuel cell stack housing 12 in various directions to be offset or absorbed, thereby enabling the fuel cell stack housing 12 to stably return to its reference position.

[0094] refer to Figure 12When the fuel cell stack housing 12 is in the reference position, the bottom surface of the fuel cell stack housing 12 can be higher than the bottom surface of the support frame 16 by a first distance h1. For example, the first distance h1 can be 45 mm. The top surface of the fuel cell stack housing 12 can be lower than the top surface of the support frame 16 by a second distance h2. For example, the second distance h2 can be 45 mm. Therefore, sufficient space can be provided below the bottom surface and above the top surface of the fuel cell stack housing 12. Therefore, even if the fuel cell stack housing 12 moves due to external impact, it can prevent the fuel cell stack housing 12 from protruding from the upper end of the support frame 16 or contacting the bottom of the fuel cell system, thereby preventing the fuel cell stack housing 12 from interfering with or colliding with external components.

[0095] Figure 13 A fuel cell system including a fuel cell mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 13 The support frame may include a pair of support structures 56 respectively disposed on both sides of the fuel cell stack housing 12. The pair of support structures 56 may surround the two side edges of the fuel cell stack housing 12. Each support structure 56 may include a longitudinal member 56a extending in the longitudinal direction of the fuel cell stack housing 12 and a plurality of vertical members 56b supporting the longitudinal member 56a. The shaft 25 of each connection system 20 may be mounted between two adjacent vertical members 56b.

[0096] Since other configurations of the fuel cell system are the same as or similar to those in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0097] Figure 14 A fuel cell system including a fuel cell mounting system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 14 The support frame 66 may surround the fuel cell stack housing 12, the fuel processing system 13, the air processing system 14, and the thermal management system 15. The support frame 66 may include a plurality of horizontal members 66a, a plurality of vertical members 66b, and a plurality of enclosed walls 66c. The plurality of horizontal members 66a and the plurality of vertical members 66b may be at least partially connected to each other, and the plurality of enclosed walls 66c may face the front, rear, left, and right sides of the fuel cell stack housing 12.

[0098] As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the fuel cell stack housing 12 is elastically returned to its reference position via a plurality of connection systems 20, the fuel cell stack housing 12 can be a low-profile flat structure with a relatively low thickness (e.g., 250 mm or less). Therefore, a fully flat structure for the fuel cell system can be achieved.

[0099] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, even when external impacts act on the fuel cell stack casing in various directions, the fuel cell stack casing can stably return to a reference position by reliably offsetting or absorbing the external impacts.

[0100] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto and various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell installation system, comprising: The fuel cell stack shell houses the fuel cell stack and has a flat structure; A support frame supports the outer shell of the fuel cell stack; as well as A connection system connects the fuel cell stack housing and the support frame, wherein the connection system is configured to elastically restore the fuel cell stack housing to a reference position. The fuel cell stack housing includes a first flexible flange and a second flexible flange extending toward the support frame, and The connection system includes: A first connecting member connects the first flexible flange and the support frame; The second connecting member connects the second flexible flange and the support frame; A shaft is mounted on the support frame, and the first connecting member and the second connecting member are rotatably mounted on the shaft; A first biasing member is configured to resiliently bias the first connecting member toward the reference position; and The second biasing member is configured to elastically bias the second connecting member toward the reference position.

2. The fuel cell mounting system of claim 1, wherein the first flexible flange and the second flexible flange are configured to deform according to the movement of the fuel cell stack housing.

3. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting member includes a first body rotatably mounted on the shaft and a first extension extending from the first body; and The second connecting member includes a second body rotatably mounted on the shaft and a second extension extending from the second body.

4. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 3, wherein: The first extension is connected to the first flexible flange; and The second extension is connected to the second flexible flange.

5. The fuel cell mounting system according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting rod between the first flexible flange and the second flexible flange.

6. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The first flexible flange and the second flexible flange are spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the fuel cell stack casing.

7. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 1, wherein: The reference position is the position where the central transverse axis of the fuel cell stack casing is parallel to the reference line; and The baseline is a horizontal line.

8. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom surface of the fuel cell stack shell is higher than the bottom surface of the support frame by a first distance.

9. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The top surface of the fuel cell stack casing is lower than the top surface of the support frame by a second distance.

10. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 1, wherein, The support frame surrounds at least two side edges of the fuel cell stack shell.

11. A fuel cell installation system, comprising: A fuel cell stack housing, which accommodates the fuel cell stack and has a flat structure, the fuel cell stack housing including a first flexible flange and a second flexible flange; A support frame supports the fuel cell stack housing, wherein the first flexible flange and the second flexible flange extend toward the support frame; as well as A connection system for connecting the fuel cell stack housing and the support frame, wherein the connection system is configured to elastically restore the fuel cell stack housing to a reference position, and wherein the connection system includes: A first connecting member connects the first flexible flange and the support frame; The second connecting member connects the second flexible flange and the support frame; A shaft is mounted on the support frame, and the first connecting member and the second connecting member are rotatably mounted on the shaft; A first biasing member is configured to resiliently bias the first connecting member toward the reference position; and The second biasing member is configured to elastically bias the second connecting member toward the reference position.

12. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 11, wherein, The first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to provide biasing forces in opposite directions.

13. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 11, wherein, The first biasing member is configured to provide a biasing force in the direction in which the first connecting member is tilted downward.

14. The fuel cell installation system according to claim 11, wherein, The second biasing member is configured to provide a biasing force in the direction in which the second connecting member is tilted upward.

15. A fuel cell system, comprising: Fuel cell stack; The fuel cell stack shell houses the fuel cell stack and has a flat structure; A fuel handling system configured to supply and process the fuel used in the fuel cell stack; An air handling system is configured to supply and process the oxidant used in the fuel cell stack; A thermal management system configured to remove reaction heat from the fuel cell stack and control the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack; A support frame supports the outer shell of the fuel cell stack; as well as A connection system connects the fuel cell stack housing and the support frame, wherein the connection system is configured to elastically restore the fuel cell stack housing to a reference position. The fuel cell stack housing includes a first flexible flange and a second flexible flange extending toward the support frame, and The connection system includes: A first connecting member connects the first flexible flange and the support frame; The second connecting member connects the second flexible flange and the support frame; A shaft is mounted on the support frame, and the first connecting member and the second connecting member are rotatably mounted on the shaft; A first biasing member is configured to resiliently bias the first connecting member toward the reference position; and The second biasing member is configured to elastically bias the second connecting member toward the reference position.

16. The fuel cell system according to claim 15, wherein, The first flexible flange and the second flexible flange are configured to deform according to the movement of the fuel cell stack housing.

17. The fuel cell system according to claim 15, wherein, The fuel handling system, the air handling system, and the thermal management system are disposed between the periphery of the fuel cell stack housing and the support frame, and do not protrude above or below the fuel cell stack housing.

18. The fuel cell system according to claim 15, wherein, The support frame surrounds the fuel cell stack shell, the fuel handling system, the air handling system, and the thermal management system.

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