Fuel cell module

Abstract

In an embodiment, a fuel cell module may include a fuel cell stack, an end plate configured to cover an end portion of the fuel cell stack based on a stacking direction of unit cells, a jig member configured to surround the fuel cell stack and support the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack, an end plate disposed on the fuel cell stack, a clamp member disposed on the fuel cell stack, a housing configured to surround the fuel cell stack and the clamp member, and an elastic member disposed to be elastically compressible between an end portion of the end plate and the housing based on a stacking direction of the unit cells, the elastic member is configured to define a variable volume space between an end of the end plate and the housing such that a variable volume varies according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0108579, filed on August 18, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a fuel cell module. Background Art

[0004] A fuel cell stack refers to a power generation device that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction of fuel (eg, hydrogen), and the fuel cell stack may be constructed by stacking tens or hundreds of fuel cells (unit cells) in series.

[0005] The fuel cell may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane configured to allow hydrogen positive ions to move therein, and an electrode (catalyst electrode layer) coupled to two opposing surfaces of the electrolyte membrane and configured to enable a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell may also include a gas diffusion layer (GDL) positioned to be in close contact with two opposing surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly and configured to distribute the reaction gas and transfer the generated electrical energy, and a separator (bipolar plate) positioned to be in close contact with the gas diffusion layer and configured to define a flow path.

[0006] In addition, at two opposite ends of a plurality of fuel cells constituting the fuel cell stack, a pair of end plates are provided and connected by a fastening member (a clamp member or a band). The fuel cells can be supported by the end plates to maintain their surface pressure (a friction contact state can be maintained).

[0007] Meanwhile, if the surface pressure and tightening force (tightening load) are concentrated at a specific location in the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack may be deformed and damaged, and the durability is deteriorated. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the surface pressure and tightening force applied to the fuel cell stack are as uniform as possible.

[0008] However, in the related art, there is a problem that when the volume of the fuel cell stack changes (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells increases), the surface pressure and the fastening force (fastening load) are concentrated at a specific location in the fuel cell stack. For this reason, it is difficult to apply a completely uniform surface pressure (internal pressure) to the fuel cell stack.

[0009] In particular, since the fastening member partially supports a specific portion of the end plate in the related art, there is a problem that when the volume of the fuel cell stack changes, the portion not supported by the fastening member (the portion not in contact with the fastening member) is deformed (bent). Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to apply a completely uniform surface pressure (internal pressure) to the fuel cell stack, and the load is concentrated on a specific portion in the fuel cell stack.

[0010] Therefore, various studies have been conducted recently to minimize the deformation and damage of fuel cell stacks and to improve safety and reliability, but the results are still insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology to minimize the deformation and damage of fuel cell stacks and to improve safety and reliability. Summary of the invention

[0011] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a fuel cell module, and more particularly, to a fuel cell module capable of minimizing deformation and damage of a fuel cell stack and improving safety and reliability.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention may be directed to providing a fuel cell module capable of minimizing deformation and damage of a fuel cell stack and improving safety and reliability.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention may also be directed to applying substantially uniform surface pressure and tightening force to a fuel cell stack.

[0014] Among other things, embodiments of the present invention may also be directed to applying substantially uniform surface pressure and tightening pressure to a fuel cell stack as the volume of the fuel cell stack changes.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention may also be directed to improving sealing, waterproofing, and dustproofing performance while ensuring the durability of the fuel cell stack.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention may also be directed to improving the performance of cooling a fuel cell stack.

[0017] Advantages that can be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described advantages, but also include advantages or effects that can be understood from solutions or embodiments described below.

[0018] In order to achieve the above advantages, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel cell module, comprising: a fuel cell stack realized by stacking a plurality of unit cells; an end plate, the end plate being configured to cover an end of the fuel cell stack based on a stacking direction of the unit cells; a clamp member, the clamp member being configured to surround the fuel cell stack and support the fuel cell stack; an outer shell, the outer shell being configured to surround the fuel cell stack and the clamp member; and an elastic member, the elastic member being configured to be elastically compressible between an end of the end plate and the outer shell based on the stacking direction of the unit cells, the elastic member being configured to define a variable volume space, the variable volume space being located between the end of the end plate and the outer shell, and having a volume that changes according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack.

[0019] This is to minimize the deformation and damage of the fuel cell stack and improve safety and reliability. That is, if the surface pressure and the fastening force (fastening load) are concentrated at a specific position in the fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack may be deformed and damaged, and the durability is deteriorated. Therefore, it is preferable to ensure that the surface pressure and the fastening force applied to the fuel cell stack are as uniform as possible. However, in the related art, there is a problem that when the volume of the fuel cell stack changes (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells increases), the surface pressure and the fastening force (fastening load) are concentrated at a specific position in the fuel cell stack. For this reason, it is difficult to apply a completely uniform surface pressure (internal pressure) to the fuel cell stack.

[0020] In particular, since the fastening member partially supports a specific portion of the end plate in the related art, there is a problem that when the volume of the fuel cell stack changes, the portion not supported by the fastening member (the portion not in contact with the fastening member) is deformed (bent). Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to apply a completely uniform surface pressure (internal pressure) to the fuel cell stack, and the load is concentrated on a specific portion in the fuel cell stack.

[0021] In contrast, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member is provided between the end portion of the end plate and the housing, which makes it possible to obtain an advantageous effect of applying uniform surface pressure and fastening force to the fuel cell stack.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, among other things, an elastic member is provided between the end of the end plate and the housing so that when the fuel cell stack is elastically deformed (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells increases), the elastic member can elastically support the outer surface of the end plate. Therefore, in an embodiment, local deformation (bending deflection) of the end plate can be minimized, and uniform surface pressure and tightening pressure can be applied to the fuel cell stack.

[0023] The clamp member of the embodiment may have various structures capable of fastening the plurality of unit batteries.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamp member may include a clamp body and a clamp hook, wherein the clamp body is constructed to cover the outer surface of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells, and the clamp hook is connected to the end of the clamp body and is constructed to cover the outer surface of the end plate and is directly constrained by the end plate.

[0025] The housing of the embodiment may have various structures capable of surrounding the fuel cell stack.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a housing may include a first case configured to surround a portion of a fuel cell stack and a second case configured to surround another portion of the fuel cell stack.

[0027] The elastic member of the embodiment may have various structures capable of being elastically compressible and recoverable (expandable and contractible) between the end portion of the end plate and the housing.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may include: a first support portion, which is configured to be in elastic contact with the shell; a second support portion, which is spaced apart from the first support portion and is configured to be in elastic contact with the end plate; and a connecting portion, which is constructed to connect the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0029] The elastic member of the embodiment may be made of various materials according to required conditions and design specifications. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may be provided in the form of a continuous ring provided along the edge of the end plate.

[0031] According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may have a continuous ring arranged along the edge of the end plate and elastically support the entire edge of the end plate, thereby more effectively suppressing the local deformation (bending deflection) of the end plate caused by the volume change of the fuel cell stack.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module may include a reinforcing rib provided on the housing while corresponding to the elastic member.

[0033] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing rib can be provided on the housing to correspond to the elastic member, so that the structural rigidity of the portion of the housing in contact with the elastic member can be ensured. Therefore, the advantageous effects of minimizing the deformation of the end plate and more stably maintaining the arrangement state and elastic supporting performance of the elastic member can be obtained by using the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module may include a sealing member disposed between the elastic member and the end plate.

[0035] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member can be provided between the elastic member and the end plate. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effects of minimizing the leakage of the reaction gas and the coolant through the gap between the elastic member and the end plate and minimizing the introduction of foreign matter such as dust.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module may include a placement groove disposed between the elastic member and the end plate. For example, the placement groove may be disposed in a surface of the elastic member facing the end plate. In another example, the placement groove may be disposed in a surface of the end plate facing the elastic member.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module may include a guide groove provided in an outer surface of the clamp hook facing the elastic member so as to be continuously connected to the seating groove and configured such that the elastic member is seated in the guide groove.

[0038] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the seating groove may be provided between the elastic member and the end plate, and the sealing member may be seated in the seating groove. Therefore, the advantageous effect of stably maintaining the arrangement state of the sealing member and stably ensuring the sealing performance can be obtained.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module may include a vent hole provided in the housing so that air may enter or leave the housing according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack.

[0040] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a vent hole can be provided in the housing so that an effect of cooling the fuel cell stack depending on a volume change of the fuel cell stack can be provided. Therefore, an advantageous effect of improving the operating stability and operating efficiency of the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0041] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a separate cooling fan or the like for supplying air for cooling the fuel cell stack, because the air can enter or leave the housing according to the change in the volume of the fuel cell stack. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and improving space utilization and design freedom.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module may include a filter member disposed in the housing while covering the vent hole and configured to filter air introduced into the vent hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The above and other features and other advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is a view of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a view of an elastic member of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a view for explaining a state in which the volume of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention is reduced;

[0048] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a view for explaining a state in which the volume of a fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention is increased;

[0049] Figures 9 to 11 is a view for explaining a process of assembling a fuel cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0050] Fig.12 is a view of a modified example of the seating groove in the fuel cell module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference numerals for each element in the drawings:

[0052] 10: Fuel cell module

[0053] 110: Fuel cell stack

[0054] 112: Cell

[0055] 114: End plate

[0056] 120: Fixture components

[0057] 122: Fixture body

[0058] 124: Clamp hook

[0059] 130: Housing

[0060] 132: First shell

[0061] 134: Second shell

[0062] 136: Ventilation hole

[0063] 138: Filter component

[0064] 139: Reinforcement ribs

[0065] 140: Elastic member

[0066] 140a: Variable Volume Space

[0067] 142: First support section

[0068] 144: Two support parts connected

[0069] 146: Department

[0070] 148, 148': Placement slot

[0071] 150: Sealing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not necessarily limited to some embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention, one or more constituent elements in each embodiment can be selectively combined and replaced.

[0074] In addition, unless otherwise specifically and clearly defined and stated, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings that can be generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. The meanings of commonly used terms such as terms defined in dictionaries may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0075] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for explaining the embodiments and are not for necessarily limiting the present invention.

[0076] In this specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, a singular form may also include a plural form. The expression "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C" may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed by combining A, B, and C.

[0077] In addition, terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", and "(b)" may be used to describe the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms may be used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, order or sequence of the constituent elements is not necessarily limited by these terms.

[0078] Furthermore, when a constituent element is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “attached” to another constituent element, the constituent element may be directly connected, coupled or attached to the other constituent element or may be connected, coupled or attached to the other constituent element with another constituent element interposed therebetween.

[0079] In addition, the expression "a component element is disposed or positioned above (on) or below (under) another component element" includes not only a case where two component elements are in direct contact with each other, but also a case where one or more other component elements are disposed or positioned between the two component elements. The expression "above (on)" or "below (under)" may indicate a downward direction and an upward direction based on one component element.

[0080] refer to Figures 1 to 12According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module 10 includes a fuel cell stack 110 realized by stacking a plurality of unit cells 112, an end plate 114 configured to cover an end of the fuel cell stack 110 based on a stacking direction of the unit cells 112, a clamp member 120 configured to surround the fuel cell stack 110 and support the fuel cell stack 110, an outer shell 130 configured to surround the fuel cell stack 110 and the clamp member 120, and an elastic member 140 configured to be elastically compressible between an end of the end plate 114 and the outer shell 130 in the stacking direction of the unit cells 112, each of the elastic members 140 being configured to define a variable volume space 140a, which is disposed between an end of the end plate 114 and the outer shell 130 and has a volume that changes according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack 110.

[0081] For reference, the fuel cell module 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various motor vehicles such as automobiles, ships and airplanes. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the type and characteristics of the object (motor vehicle) to which the fuel cell module 10 is applied.

[0082] Hereinafter, an example in which the fuel cell module 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to an aerial mobility vehicle will be described.

[0083] The fuel cell stack 110 refers to a power generation device that generates electric energy through a chemical reaction of fuel (eg, hydrogen), and may be constructed by stacking several tens or hundreds of unit cells (fuel cells) 112 in series in a reference stacking direction.

[0084] The unit cell 112 may have various structures capable of generating electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction between a fuel (eg, hydrogen) and an oxidant (eg, reactive air). The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure of the unit cell 112 .

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the unit cell 112 may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA, not shown) and a separator (not shown) stacked on two opposite surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly.

[0086] The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is configured to generate electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction between a fuel (eg, hydrogen) as a first reaction gas and an oxidant (eg, air) as a second reaction gas.

[0087] The membrane electrode assembly can be variously modified in structure and material according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure and material of the membrane electrode assembly.

[0088] For example, the membrane electrode assembly may include an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move, and catalyst electrode layers attached to two opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane. The electrochemical reaction occurs in the catalyst electrode layers. In addition, a gas diffusion layer (GDL) (not shown) may be located at two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. The gas diffusion layer is used to evenly distribute the reaction gas and transfer the generated electrical energy.

[0089] The separator not only serves to block air and hydrogen as reaction gases, but also serves to define a flow path for moving the reaction gases and a coolant, and to transmit electric current to an external circuit.

[0090] In addition, the separators may also serve to distribute heat generated in the unit cells 112 to the entire unit cells 112 , and excessively generated heat may be discharged to the outside through a coolant flowing along a cooling flow path (not shown) between the separators.

[0091] The separator is configured to supply a first reaction gas (eg, hydrogen) and a second reaction gas (eg, air) to the membrane electrode assembly and is positioned in close contact with one surface and the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly in a stacking direction of the unit cells 112 .

[0092] For example, a separator (e.g., a first separator) positioned on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly may be any one of an anode separator configured to define a flow path of a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) as a first reaction gas and a cathode separator configured to define a flow path of an oxidant (e.g., air) as a second reaction gas. In addition, a separator (e.g., a second separator) positioned on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly may be the other of the anode separator and the cathode separator.

[0093] For example, the first separator may be in close contact with one surface of the membrane electrode assembly. A first channel (not shown) through which a first reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen) flows may be provided in one surface of the first separator facing the membrane electrode assembly, and a cooling channel (not shown) through which a coolant flows may be provided in another surface of the first separator.

[0094] The second separator may be in close contact with the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly. A second channel (not shown) through which a second reaction gas (e.g., air) flows may be provided in one surface of the second separator facing the membrane electrode assembly, and a cooling channel (not shown) through which a coolant flows may be provided in the other surface of the second separator.

[0095] For reference, hydrogen as a fuel and air as an oxidant may be supplied to an anode (not shown) and a cathode (not shown) of the membrane electrode assembly through channels (not shown) in the first separator and the second separator, respectively. Hydrogen may be supplied to the anode, and air may be supplied to the cathode.

[0096] The hydrogen gas supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by the catalyst in the electrode layers provided at opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane. Only hydrogen ions are selectively transferred to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane as a cation exchange membrane, while electrons are transferred to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and separator as a conductor.

[0097] At the cathode, hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and electrons transferred through the separator meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode through the air supply device, thereby generating a reaction that produces water. Due to the movement of hydrogen ions, electrons flow through the external wire, and current is generated due to the flow of electrons.

[0098] The end plate 114 may serve to protect the fuel cell stack 110 from external impact or the like, and define the outermost peripheral side of the fuel cell stack 110 .

[0099] The end plate 114 can be made of various materials according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the material of the end plate 114. For example, the end plate 114 can be made of a typical metal material.

[0100] The end plate 114 may have various structures capable of covering the outermost peripheral end (outer surface) of the fuel cell stack 110. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the end plate 114.

[0101] For example, the end plate 114 may have a structure corresponding to the unit cell 112. The outer surface of the unit cell 112 (the outermost peripheral end of the fuel cell stack) may be completely covered by the end plate 114.

[0102] In addition, a bypass plate (not shown) can be disposed between the end plate 114 and the fuel cell stack 110 (the outermost peripheral end of the fuel cell stack) and is used to remove the pressure difference between the first reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen) and the second reaction gas (e.g., air) introduced into the fuel cell stack 110.

[0103] The clamp member 120 is configured to ensure the sealing property (fastening pressure) of the fuel cell stack 110. The respective unit cells 112 may be brought into close contact with each other by a preset fastening pressure applied by the clamp member 120.

[0104] The number and installation position of the clamp members 120 may be variously changed according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the number of the clamp members 120 and the installation position of the clamp members 120.

[0105] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a total of four clamp members 120 are fastened to the fuel cell stack 110 , with two clamp members 120 each provided on the upper and lower sides of the fuel cell stack 110 .

[0106] The clamp member 120 may have various structures capable of fastening the plurality of unit batteries 112. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure of the clamp member 120.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamp member 120 may include a clamp body 122 and a clamp hook 124, wherein the clamp body 122 is constructed to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the fuel cell stack 110 in the stacking direction of the unit cells 112, and the clamp hook 124 is connected to the end of the clamp body 122, is constructed to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the end plate 114, and is directly constrained by the end plate 114.

[0108] The jig body 122 may have various structures capable of covering the outer surface of the fuel cell stack 110 in the stacking direction of the unit cells 112. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the jig body 122.

[0109] For example, the jig body 122 may be provided in the form of a straight belt (strip) having a length corresponding to the fuel cell stack 110 (ie, a length in the length direction of the fuel cell stack).

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the jig body may have a curved shape (eg, an S-shape or a C-shape) or other shapes.

[0111] The clamp hook 124 is connected to an end of the clamp body 122 so as to be restrained by (fastened to) the end plate 114 while covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the end plate 114 .

[0112] For example, the clamp hook 124 may be fastened to the end plate 114 by a coupling member such as a typical fastening bolt. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp hook may be configured to be independently fastened (coupled) to the end plate without using a separate coupling member such as a separate fastening bolt.

[0113] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the clamp hooks 124 are respectively provided at two opposite ends of the clamp body 122 and fastened to the end plates 114 corresponding to the clamp hooks 124. For example, the clamp hooks 124 together with the clamp body 122 may define an approximately "U"-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0114] The clamp member 120 can be made of various materials according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the materials and properties of the clamp member 120.

[0115] In particular, the clamp member 120 may be made of a material that can be elastically deformed (extended or contracted) according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack 110 .

[0116] For example, the clamp member 120 may be made of a carbon fiber material. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp member may be made of a typical metal material or other materials.

[0117] The housing 130 is configured to at least partially, mostly, or completely surround the fuel cell stack 110 to protect the fuel cell stack 110 from external impact or the like.

[0118] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the outer housing 130 is configured to surround the entire lateral side of the fuel cell stack 110. Alternatively, the outer housing 130 may be configured to surround a portion of the lateral side of the fuel cell stack 110.

[0119] The housing 130 may have various structures capable of surrounding the fuel cell stack 110. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the housing 130.

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing 130 may include a first shell 132 and a second shell 134. The first shell 132 is configured to surround a portion of the fuel cell stack 110 (eg, based on the Figure 2 The second housing 134 is configured to surround another portion of the fuel cell stack 110 (eg, based on Figure 2 The first shell 132 and the second shell 134 may jointly define an accommodation space for accommodating the fuel cell stack 110 .

[0121] For example, the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 may jointly define an approximately quadrilateral box shape.

[0122] Furthermore, the housing 130 may be configured to surround a portion or the entirety of the outer surface of the end plate 114 according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0123] For example, any one of a pair of end plates 114 disposed at two opposite ends of the fuel cell stack 110 (eg, based on Figure 2 The substantially central portion of the left end plate of the fuel cell stack 110 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 130 except for its edge portion. The other of the pair of end plates 114 disposed at the two opposite ends of the fuel cell stack 110 (for example, Figure 2 The right end plate in the figure) can be completely covered by the shell 130.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present invention, both end plates disposed at the two opposite ends of the fuel cell stack may be exposed to the outside of the housing (e.g., the left end plate and the right end plate are partially exposed to the outside of the housing). Alternatively, both end plates disposed at the two opposite ends of the fuel cell stack may be covered by the housing.

[0125] In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated and described above, an example has been described in which the housing 130 includes two shells. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, only a single shell may constitute the housing, or three or more shells may constitute the housing.

[0126] refer to Figures 2 to 8 The elastic member 140 is provided to be elastically compressible between the end of the end plate 114 and the housing 130 in the stacking direction of the unit cells 112. The elastic member 140 is configured to define a variable volume space 140a provided between the end of the end plate 114 and the housing 130 and having a volume that changes according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack 110.

[0127] The elastic member 140 can be constructed to minimize local deformation (bending deflection) of the end plate 114 and apply completely uniform surface pressure and fastening pressure to the fuel cell stack 110 when the fuel cell stack 110 is elastically deformed due to a change in its volume (for example, when the fuel cell stack 110 extends or contracts in the stacking direction of the unit cells).

[0128] For reference, in an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which the volume of the variable volume space 140a changes according to a change in the volume of the fuel cell stack 110 can be defined as a configuration in which the length (or width) of the variable volume space 140a in the stacking direction of the unit cells changes according to a change in the volume of the fuel cell stack 110 (for example, the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells changes).

[0129] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic members 140 may be respectively disposed at two opposite ends of the fuel cell stack (eg, an end of a left end plate and an end of a right end plate).

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may be provided at only any one of the two opposite ends of the fuel cell stack (eg, at any one of the end of the left end plate and the end of the right end plate).

[0131] The elastic member 140 may have various structures capable of being elastically compressible and recoverable (expandable and contractible) between the end of the end plate 114 and the housing 130. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure of the elastic member 140.

[0132] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 140 may include a first support portion 142 configured to be in elastic contact with the housing 130, a second support portion 144 spaced apart from the first support portion 142 and configured to be in elastic contact with the end plate 114, and a connecting portion 146 constructed to connect the first support portion 142 and the second support portion 144.

[0133] For example, the first support portion 142 , the second support portion 144 , and the connecting portion 146 may collectively define an approximately “U” shape.

[0134] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first supporting portion, the second supporting portion and the connecting portion may jointly define an approximately “H” shape or other shapes.

[0135] The elastic member 140 may be made of various materials according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the materials and properties of the elastic member 140.

[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 140 may be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0137] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member may be made of a typical metal material (eg, stainless steel) or other materials.

[0138] In particular, the elastic member 140 may be provided in the form of a continuous ring disposed along the edge of the end plate 114 .

[0139] For example, the elastic member 140 may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrilateral ring corresponding to the end plate 114 .

[0140] With the above configuration, when the length of the fuel cell stack 110 increases according to the volume change of the fuel cell stack 110 (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells increases), the second support portion 144 elastically moves toward the first support portion 142 through the end plate 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the elastic member 140 may be compressed and the outer surface of the end plate 114 (the surface facing the elastic member) may be elastically supported by the elastic member 140 .

[0141] Among them, the elastic member 140 can be provided in the form of a continuous ring arranged along the edge of the end plate 114 and elastically supports the entire edge of the end plate 114, thereby suppressing local deformation (bending deflection) of the end plate 114 caused by the volume change of the fuel cell stack 110.

[0142] In contrast, when the length of the fuel cell stack 110 is reduced according to the volume change of the fuel cell stack 110 (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells is reduced), as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the second support portion 144 moves away from the first support portion 142 so that the elastic member 140 can be restored, and the outer surface (the surface facing the elastic member) of the end plate 114 can be elastically supported by the elastic member 140 .

[0143] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 140 may be provided between the end of the end plate 114 and the housing 130 based on the stacking direction of the unit cells 112, and when the length of the fuel cell stack 110 changes according to the volume change of the fuel cell stack 110, the end plate 114 may be elastically supported by the elastic member 140, so that the local deformation (bending deflection) of the end plate 114 may be minimized. Therefore, the advantageous effect of applying a completely uniform surface pressure and a fastening pressure to the fuel cell stack 110 and improving the durability of the fuel cell stack 110 may be obtained.

[0144] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module 10 may include a reinforcing rib 139 disposed on the housing 130 while corresponding to the elastic member 140 .

[0145] The reinforcement rib 139 may be configured to ensure structural rigidity of a portion of the housing 130 that contacts the elastic member 140 .

[0146] For example, the reinforcing rib 139 may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 130 and correspond to the elastic member 140. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing rib may be provided on the inner surface of the housing.

[0147] The reinforcing rib 139 may have various structures capable of improving the structural rigidity of the housing 130. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the reinforcing rib 139.

[0148] For example, the reinforcing rib 139 may be provided on an edge portion of an end portion of the housing and have an approximately “L” shape. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 139 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the housing.

[0149] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing rib 139 may be provided on the housing 130 to correspond to the elastic member 140, so that the structural rigidity of the portion of the housing 130 in contact with the elastic member 140 may be ensured. Therefore, by using the elastic force of the elastic member 140, the advantageous effect of minimizing the deformation of the end plate 114 and more stably maintaining the arrangement state and elastic supporting performance of the elastic member 140 may be obtained.

[0150] refer to Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module 10 may include a sealing member 150 disposed between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114 .

[0151] The sealing member 150 may be configured to perform sealing, waterproofing, and dustproofing functions together with the elastic member 140 .

[0152] The sealing member 150 may have various structures capable of sealing the gap between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the shape and structure of the sealing member 150.

[0153] For example, the sealing member 150 may have an approximately quadrilateral ring shape and be interposed between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114 .

[0154] The sealing member 150 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone or urethane. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the material and properties of the sealing member 150.

[0155] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 150 may be provided between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114. Therefore, an advantageous effect of minimizing leakage of the reaction gas and the coolant through the gap between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114 and minimizing introduction of foreign matter such as dust may be obtained.

[0156] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module 10 may include a seating groove 148 provided between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114 .

[0157] For example, refer to Figure 5 , a seating groove 148 may be provided in one surface of the elastic member 140 facing the end plate 114 , and the sealing member 150 may be seated in the seating groove 148 .

[0158] As another example, see Fig.12 , a seating groove 148 ′ may be provided in one surface of the end plate 114 facing the elastic member 140 , and the sealing member 150 may be seated in the seating groove 148 ′.

[0159] In addition, reference Fig.12 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module 10 may include a guide groove 124a provided in the outer surface of the clamp hook 124, the guide groove 124a facing the elastic member 140, so that the guide groove 124a is continuously connected to the seating groove 148' (communicated with the seating groove 148'). The seating groove 148' and the guide groove 124a may jointly accommodate the entire elastic member 140.

[0160] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the seating groove 148 and / or 148' is provided between the elastic member 140 and the end plate 114, and the sealing member 150 is seated in the seating groove 148 and / or 148'. Therefore, the advantageous effect of stably maintaining the arrangement state of the sealing member 150 and stably ensuring the sealing performance can be obtained.

[0161] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6and Figure 8 As shown, the fuel cell module 10 may include a vent hole 136 disposed in the housing 130 so that air may enter or leave the housing 130 according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack 110 .

[0162] The construction in which air enters or leaves the outer shell 130 through the vent 136 may include two constructions in which external air is introduced into the gap between the fuel cell stack 110 and the outer shell 130 through the vent 136 and in which air retained in the gap between the fuel cell stack 110 and the outer shell 130 is discharged to the outside of the outer shell 130 through the vent 136.

[0163] The vent hole 136 may have various structures through which air may be introduced or exhausted. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the vent hole 136.

[0164] For example, the vent holes 136 may be provided in the form of straight grooves provided along the lateral edges of the housing 130 .

[0165] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the vent hole may have a circular shape or other shapes.

[0166] With the above configuration, when the volume of the fuel cell stack 110 is reduced (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells is reduced), the outside air having a low temperature can be introduced (sucked) into the gap between the fuel cell stack 110 and the housing 130 through the vent hole 136, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 shown.

[0167] On the contrary, Figure 6 As shown, when the volume of the fuel cell stack 110 increases (the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction of the unit cells increases), the hot air in the outer shell 130 (the air trapped in the gap between the fuel cell stack and the outer shell) can be discharged to the outside of the outer shell 130 through the vent 136.

[0168] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vent hole 136 may be provided in the housing 130 so that the effect of cooling the fuel cell stack 110 according to the volume change of the fuel cell stack 110 may be provided. Therefore, the advantageous effect of improving the operation stability and operation efficiency of the fuel cell stack 110 may be obtained.

[0169] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a separate cooling fan or the like for supplying air for cooling the fuel cell stack 110, because the air can enter or leave the housing 130 according to the volume change of the fuel cell stack 110. Therefore, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and improving space utilization and design freedom.

[0170] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell module 10 may include a filter member 138 that is disposed in the housing 130 to cover the vent hole 136 and is configured to filter air introduced into the vent hole 136 .

[0171] The filter member 138 may be configured to filter air to be supplied (introduced) into the housing 130 through the vent hole 136 .

[0172] The configuration in which the air to be supplied into the housing 130 is filtered may be a configuration in which foreign matters such as dust contained in the air are filtered out by the filter member 138 .

[0173] A typical dry filter or a typical paper filter (eg, an air filter) may be used as the filter member 138. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the material and type of the filter member 138.

[0174] For example, the filter member 138 may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrilateral block and disposed on the inner surface of the housing 130 to cover the vent hole 136. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the filter member may be provided on the outer surface of the housing.

[0175] Meanwhile, the fuel cell module 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be assembled in various ways according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not restricted or limited by the method and order of assembling the fuel cell module 10.

[0176] For example, refer to Fig. 9 , the end plate 114 may be positioned at an end of the fuel cell stack 110 including the plurality of unit cells 112 , and then the clamp member 120 may be fastened to the end plate 114 .

[0177] Next, if Fig.10 As shown, the elastic members 140 may be positioned at two opposite ends of the end plate 114 , respectively.

[0178] Afterwards, if Fig.11 As shown, the housing 130 may be assembled to surround the fuel cell stack 110 and the jig member 120 , so that the fuel cell module 10 may be manufactured.

[0179] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of minimizing deformation and damage of a fuel cell stack and improving safety and reliability.

[0180] In particular, according to the embodiments of the present invention, an advantageous effect of applying completely uniform surface pressure and fastening force to the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0181] According to the embodiments of the present invention, among other things, when the volume of the fuel cell stack changes, an advantageous effect of applying a completely uniform surface pressure and a fastening pressure to the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0182] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of improving sealing, waterproofing, and dustproofing performance while ensuring the durability of the fuel cell stack.

[0183] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, an advantageous effect of improving the cooling performance of the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0184] Although various embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are merely illustrative and are not necessarily intended to limit the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and applications not described above may be made to the present embodiment without departing from the inherent characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, the various constituent elements specifically described in the various embodiments may be modified and then executed. In addition, it may be interpreted that the differences associated with modification and application may be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell module, comprising: A fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack comprising a unit cell stack; an end plate configured to cover an end of the fuel cell stack based on a stacking direction of unit cells; a clamp member configured to extend along a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack and to support the fuel cell stack; a housing configured to surround the fuel cell stack and the clamp member; as well as An elastic member is configured to be elastically compressed between the end plate and the housing based on the stacking direction of the unit cells, and the elastic member is configured to define a variable volume space between the end plate and the housing so that the variable volume changes according to the volume change of the fuel cell stack.

2. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein: The resilient member comprises a continuous ring positioned along a perimeter of the end plate.

3. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member comprises: a first support portion, the first support portion being arranged to be in elastic contact with the housing; a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion and disposed to elastically contact the end plate; and A connecting portion configured to connect the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion. 4 . The fuel cell module according to claim 1 , further comprising a sealing member located between the elastic member and the end plate. 5 . The fuel cell module according to claim 4 , further comprising a seating groove between the elastic member and the end plate, such that the sealing member is seated in the seating groove.

6. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, wherein: The seating groove is provided in a surface of the elastic member facing the end plate.

7. The fuel cell module according to claim 5, wherein: The seating groove is provided in a surface of the end plate facing the elastic member.

8. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a first housing configured to surround a first portion of the fuel cell stack; and A second housing is configured to surround a second portion of the fuel cell stack. 9 . The fuel cell module according to claim 1 , further comprising a vent hole provided in the housing, the vent hole being configured to allow air to enter or leave the housing according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack. 10 . The fuel cell module according to claim 9 , further comprising a filter member disposed to cover the vent hole and configured to filter air entering the vent hole. 11 . The fuel cell module according to claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing rib provided on the housing while corresponding to the elastic member.

12. The fuel cell module according to claim 7, wherein: The clamp member comprises: a jig body configured to extend along an outer surface of the fuel cell stack in a stacking direction of the unit cells; and A clamp hook is coupled to an end of the clamp body and is configured to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the end plate.

13. The fuel cell module according to claim 12, further comprising a guide groove provided in an outer surface of the clamp hook such that the guide groove faces the elastic member to be continuously connected to the seating groove and is configured such that the elastic member is seated in the guide groove.

14. The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member includes carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

15. A fuel cell module, comprising: A fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack comprising a unit cell stack; an end plate coupled to an end of the fuel cell stack based on a stacking direction of unit cells; a clamp member configured to extend along a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack and to support the fuel cell stack; a housing structure configured to house the fuel cell stack and the clamp member; as well as an elastic member configured to be elastically compressed between the end plate and the housing structure based on the stacking direction of the unit cells, the elastic member configured to define a variable volume space between the end plate and the housing structure so that the variable volume changes according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack, wherein the elastic member comprises: a first support portion, the first support portion being configured to be coupled to the housing, a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion and configured to be coupled to the end plate, and A connecting portion configured to connect the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion.

16. The fuel cell module according to claim 15, further comprising: a sealing member located between the elastic member and the end plate; a vent disposed in the housing, the vent configured to allow air to enter or leave the housing in accordance with a change in volume of the fuel cell stack; as well as A filter member is provided to cover the vent hole and is configured to filter air entering through the vent hole.

17. A fuel cell module, comprising: A fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack comprising a unit cell stack; an end plate coupled to an end of the fuel cell stack based on a stacking direction of unit cells; A clamp member configured to extend along a stacking direction of the fuel cell stack and support the fuel cell stack, wherein the clamp member comprises: a jig body configured to extend along an outer surface of the fuel cell stack in a stacking direction of the unit cells, and a clamp hook coupled to an end of the clamp body and configured to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the end plate; a housing structure configured to accommodate the fuel cell stack and the clamp member, wherein the housing structure comprises: a first housing configured to cover a first portion of the fuel cell stack, and a second housing configured to cover a second portion of the fuel cell stack; an elastic member configured to be elastically compressed between the end plate and the housing, the elastic member configured to define a variable volume space between the end plate and the housing so that the variable volume changes along the stacking direction according to a volume change of the fuel cell stack, wherein the elastic member comprises: a first support portion coupled to the housing, a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion and coupled to the end plate, and a connecting portion configured to connect the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion; a sealing member located between the elastic member and the end plate; a vent disposed in the housing, the vent configured to allow air to enter or leave the housing in accordance with a change in volume of the fuel cell stack; a filter member disposed to cover the vent hole and configured to filter air entering through the vent hole; and A seating groove is located between the elastic member and the end plate, so that the sealing member is seated in the seating groove.

18. The fuel cell module according to claim 17, wherein: The resilient member comprises a continuous ring positioned along an edge of the end plate.

19. The fuel cell module according to claim 17, wherein: The seating groove is provided in a surface of the elastic member facing the end plate.

20. The fuel cell module according to claim 17, wherein: The seating groove is arranged in the surface of the end plate facing the elastic member, and wherein the clamp hook includes a guide groove formed in the outer surface of the clamp hook, so that the guide groove faces the elastic member to be continuously connected to the seating groove, and is constructed so that one or both of the elastic member and the sealing member are seated in the guide groove.

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