Fuel cell stack assembly

Abstract

Fuel cell stack assembly (1) comprising at least: an assembled fuel cell stack having at least a first end plate and at least a second end plate clamping a plurality of unit fuel cells, wherein each unit fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly and a bipolar plate and at least one clamping device configured for clamping the first end plate, the second end plate and the plurality of unit fuel cells together to form the assembled fuel cell stack; wherein the first end plate further has at least one connection element through which a medium for operating the fuel cell stack is guided to or from the fuel cell stack; a medium supply base plate for providing a medium supply and removal between at least one medium conduit and the first end plate and having at least one port for supplying and removing the medium to and from the fuel cell stack, wherein the first end plate and the medium supply base plate are connected to each other in a fluid-tight joint; and wherein the medium supply base plate is further equipped with a control unit for determining a joint status between the first end plate and the medium supply base plate and for triggering at least one control action in the fuel cell stack assembly based on the joint status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel cell stack assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells enable the electrochemical reaction between a hydrogen-containing fuel gas and an oxygen-containing reactant gas (such as air) to generate electricity. A fuel cell is essentially constructed as a membrane that selectively transports hydrogen ions, sandwiched between two electrodes (i.e., an anode and a cathode). This assembly of membrane and electrodes is commonly referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (“MEA”). A fuel cell stack typically comprises multiple stacked MEAs separated by bipolar plates.

[0003] Bipolar plates are conductive separators used to mechanically clamp the MEA (Mechanical Assembly of Assemblies) and to establish a series electrical connection between adjacent MEAs. Each bipolar plate includes multiple gas flow channels for supplying fuel gas and reactant gas to the corresponding electrode and removing generated water or excess gas. The structure in which the MEAs are clamped between the bipolar plates is called a unit fuel cell.

[0004] The fuel cell stack has end plates at both ends, which clamp the fuel cell stack together and hold it together with clamping devices. In addition, the stack is equipped with connecting elements that extend into the stack to supply different media (such as hydrogen, air, coolant, etc.) to the stack and to supply these media from the stack.

[0005] Typically, the fuel cell stack is mounted to a support structure or coupling unit having connection mating elements that interact with the connection elements of the fuel cell stack. The support structure is also adapted to support the fuel cell stack and other components of the fuel cell operating system. The support structure may, for example, be a dielectric supply substrate.

[0006] The medium supply base is typically continuously connected to the corresponding medium storage tank via medium guide pipes. Therefore, to remove a fuel cell stack from or install a fuel cell stack onto the medium supply base, the medium pipes must first be disconnected or reconnected, a process easily overlooked. This can lead to a serious explosion hazard, as hydrogen gas may flow into the enclosed interior space. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell stack assembly that enables rapid and easy installation and removal of the fuel cell stack from the system, while providing a robust leak-proof seal that is insensitive to vibration or thermal motion.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the fuel cell stack according to claim 1.

[0009] The present invention provides a fuel cell stack assembly comprising at least an assembled fuel cell stack. The assembled fuel cell stack has at least a first end plate and a second end plate clamping a plurality of unit fuel cells, wherein each unit fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. Further, at least the first end plate, the second end plate, and the plurality of unit fuel cells are clamped together by at least one clamping device to form the assembled fuel cell stack.

[0010] Additionally, the first end plate has at least one connecting element through which the medium for operating the fuel cell stack is guided to or from the fuel cell stack. Preferably, multiple unit fuel cells are stacked in a stacking direction.

[0011] In addition, a medium supply substrate is provided for supplying and removing medium between at least one medium conduit and the first end plate. The medium supply substrate has at least one port for supplying medium to and removing medium from the fuel cell stack, wherein the first end plate and the medium supply substrate are connected to each other in a fluid-tight engagement. The medium supply substrate is also equipped with a control unit for determining the engagement state between the first end plate and the medium supply substrate, and for triggering at least one control action in the fuel cell stack assembly based on the engagement state.

[0012] This dielectric supply substrate can be part of the fuel cell system support structure, suitable for supporting the fuel cell stack and other components of the fuel cell operating system. The dielectric supply substrate can also be pre-installed in application scenarios, such as in vehicles (e.g., ships, airplanes, trains, or automobiles).

[0013] Typically, the first endplate of a fuel cell stack includes six connection elements: hydrogen inlet connection element, hydrogen outlet connection element, oxidant inlet connection element, oxidant outlet connection element, coolant inlet connection element, and coolant outlet connection element.

[0014] Therefore, it is further preferred that, for each medium, particularly hydrogen, oxidant (e.g., air) and coolant, the medium supply substrate has corresponding connection pairing elements, i.e., corresponding inlet ports and corresponding outlet ports.

[0015] The control action is triggered by the engagement state between the first end plate and the medium supply substrate, enabling rapid and automatic installation and / or removal of the fuel cell stack from the medium supply substrate. This improves the safety of fuel cell stack operation, because, for example, the supply of medium and / or electrical connection to the stack is only possible when the fuel cell stack is securely arranged and installed in the medium supply substrate, such that the first end plate and the medium supply substrate are fluidly sealed together.

[0016] To provide a fluid-tight connection, a preferred embodiment is wherein at least one connecting element of the first end plate and at least one corresponding port of the medium providing substrate are adapted to mate with each other such that they engage by form fit and / or friction fit, and the control unit determines the engagement state between the at least one connecting element and the at least one port.

[0017] Alternatively, the fuel cell stack assembly also includes an adapter plate disposed between the dielectric supply substrate and the first end plate, wherein the adapter plate includes at least one corresponding connection mating element, wherein each corresponding connection mating element includes a first connection mating element portion, a second connection mating element portion, and a third connection mating element portion, wherein the first corresponding connection mating element portion is configured to engage with a connection element of the first end plate by form fit and / or friction fit, the second corresponding connection mating element portion is configured to connect with at least one port of the dielectric supply substrate, and the third connection mating element portion is configured to connect the first connection mating element portion and the second connection mating element portion; and the control unit determines the engagement state between at least one second connection mating element and at least one port.

[0018] Using adapter plates, assembled fuel cell stacks of one size can be connected to dielectric supply substrates of different sizes. This enables the installation of fuel cell stacks of a single size in various application scenarios without modifying the fuel cell stack itself. It also allows for the retrofitting of existing systems with improved fuel cell stacks without altering the application scenario or system setup.

[0019] Further preferably, the second connecting mating element portion is also configured to connect to the corresponding port of the medium supply substrate via a form-fit engagement and / or a friction fit engagement to provide a fluid-sealed engagement between the adapter plate and the medium supply substrate.

[0020] Since there are inlet and outlet ports for all three media, the adapter plate also includes six corresponding connection pairs: hydrogen inlet connection pair, hydrogen outlet connection pair, oxidant inlet connection pair, oxidant outlet connection pair, coolant inlet connection pair, and coolant outlet connection pair.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting mating elements and connecting elements and / or ports are nested and inserted into each other, rather than being arranged face-to-face as is known in the prior art, so as to fit tightly with each other and provide a fluid seal.

[0022] As described above, in order to ensure that the fuel cell stack is securely arranged and mounted on the medium supply substrate, such that the first end plate and the medium supply substrate are in a fluid-tight connection, a preferred embodiment is wherein the control action is the automatic closing and / or opening of the medium supply at least one port in the supply substrate. Thus, it is only possible to supply the medium to the stack when the fuel cell stack is securely arranged and mounted on the medium supply substrate.

[0023] According to other preferred embodiments, the medium supply plate may be equipped with a flow regulating valve, preferably a check valve, which interacts with the adapter plate and controls the automatic closing and / or opening of the port. Thus, the check valve is a normally closed check valve. The check valve provides a simple and cost-effective way to open / close a port in the medium supply plate based on its engagement state.

[0024] Therefore, it is possible that the check valve is opened by the connecting mating element itself (especially the second connecting mating element portion). However, it is also possible that the adapter plate is equipped with a mechanical device capable of mechanically opening the check valve. Furthermore, it is also possible that the opening / closing of the check valve or port is typically triggered by an electrical control command provided by a control unit (especially by a sensor unit). Thus, mechanical interaction for opening and / or closing the port between the adapter plate and its portions and the medium supply substrate is not necessary.

[0025] According to other preferred embodiments, at least one port of the medium supply substrate is connected to a medium conduit to connect the assembled fuel cell stack to a medium storage tank, and the check valve includes a back pressure regulating mechanism or is designed as a back pressure valve, which is configured to maintain a predetermined pressure in the assembled fuel cell stack and / or the medium conduit.

[0026] Typically, such a back pressure regulating mechanism or back pressure valve maintains a predetermined pressure on its inlet side by opening to allow flow when the inlet pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

[0027] It differs from an overpressure valve in that it only opens when the pressure it holds is too high and does not need to maintain a constant upstream pressure. It also differs from a pressure-reducing regulator in that it controls the downstream pressure and is insensitive to upstream pressure.

[0028] It is a normally closed valve that can be installed in parallel with sensitive equipment or after sensitive equipment to provide flow obstruction and thus maintain upstream pressure.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the back pressure regulating mechanism uses a determined inlet pressure as input to the control mechanism and can be actuated by a spring-loaded diaphragm or piston that responds to changes in the inlet pressure to control the valve opening, wherein the valve is opened only to a degree sufficient to maintain the set regulating pressure.

[0030] Therefore, the back pressure regulating mechanism is suitable for actively regulating the upstream pressure, while the check valve controls the opening and / or closing of the port.

[0031] As described above, it is further preferred that, for each medium, particularly hydrogen, oxidant (e.g., air), and coolant, the medium supply substrate has an inlet port and an outlet port.

[0032] Check valves can be placed at either the corresponding inlet or outlet port, or at both the inlet and outlet ports.

[0033] This enables the following implementation: when the check valve closes its port based on a control command provided by the control unit, the back pressure regulating mechanism maintains the back pressure in the medium pipeline when the back pressure regulating mechanism is arranged at the inlet port of the medium supply substrate; and / or when the back pressure regulating mechanism is arranged at the outlet port of the medium supply substrate, the back pressure regulating mechanism maintains the back pressure in the fuel cell stack.

[0034] Therefore, the back pressure regulating mechanism ensures that the inlet and / or outlet ports should be able to be closed so that when the fuel cell stack is disconnected, pressure is maintained in the fuel cell stack to perform hydrogen immersion and air immersion for the recovery procedure.

[0035] Furthermore, the back pressure regulating mechanism may also include features such as a pressure regulating handle, an outlet pressure gauge, and an inlet pressure gauge, which can also be integrated into the check valve and controlled by a control unit. A check valve with an integrated back pressure mechanism can be a ball check valve, a piston check valve, or a wafer check valve.

[0036] According to other preferred embodiments, the control action is the connection and / or disconnection of the electrical contact between the first end plate and the dielectric supply substrate. Thus, power can only be supplied to the power-consuming device when the fuel cell stack is securely arranged and mounted in the dielectric supply substrate.

[0037] In addition to providing automatic connection / disconnection between the first endplate / adapter plate and the medium supply substrate, the control action can also be an audible or visual warning signal indicating the engagement status between the first endplate / adapter plate and the medium supply substrate. This also enables a secure attachment and fluid-tight connection between the first endplate / adapter plate and the medium supply substrate, which improves the operational safety of the fuel cell stack.

[0038] More preferably, the control unit may include a mechanical switch and / or at least one sensor (e.g., an optical sensor and / or an electronic sensor) for providing and / or triggering the corresponding control actions as described above.

[0039] As described above, the connecting mating element and the corresponding connecting element and / or the corresponding port are nested and inserted into each other, thereby fitting tightly into each other and providing a fluid seal.

[0040] Therefore, it is further preferred that at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is a nozzle, and the corresponding port of the medium providing substrate is an opening, and / or wherein at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is an opening, and the corresponding port of the medium providing substrate is a nozzle.

[0041] Alternatively, when the adapter plate is arranged between the fuel cell stack and the medium supply substrate, it is preferred that at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is a nozzle, and the first corresponding connecting mating element portion of the adapter plate is an opening; and / or wherein at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is an opening, and the corresponding first connecting mating element portion of the adapter plate is a nozzle; and wherein at least one of the ports of the medium supply substrate is an opening, and the corresponding second connecting mating element portion of the adapter plate is a nozzle, or at least one of the ports of the medium supply substrate is a nozzle, and the corresponding second connecting mating element portion of the adapter plate is an opening.

[0042] Therefore, it should be noted that all connecting elements of the first end plate can be designed as nozzles or openings, but it is also possible that only some connecting elements of the same first end plate are nozzles, while the other remaining connecting elements of the same first end plate are openings. The corresponding connecting mating elements are designed such that they correspond to the respective connecting elements to which they are to be connected.

[0043] Providing nozzles and openings as connecting elements and / or connecting mating elements has the following advantages: introducing the nozzle into the corresponding opening allows for a radial seal against the opening wall, ensuring a fluid-tight connection between the nozzle and the opening. Additionally, sealing elements (e.g., O-rings) can be placed on the nozzle or in the opening to further improve the fluid tightness.

[0044] Therefore, a preferred embodiment is wherein the nozzle is provided with a sealing element that frictionally engages with the inner wall of the opening to provide a fluid seal.

[0045] Alternatively, in order to provide a secure engagement that will not come loose, the nozzle is equipped with a form-fitting element that engages with a complementary form-fitting element located on the inner wall of the opening to provide a fluid-tight frictional engagement.

[0046] It should also be noted that it is preferable to provide both a form-fitting element and a friction-fitting element at the same connecting element or connecting mating element. This enables an improved fluid-tight connection.

[0047] Whether it is a form-fit or friction-fit joint, inserting the connecting element into the connecting mating element or vice versa requires a great deal of force that cannot or cannot be easily provided manually. This in turn hinders the process of installing the fuel cell stack into the system or onto the medium supply substrate.

[0048] To provide a fuel cell stack assembly that enables rapid and easy installation and removal of the fuel cell stack from a system, while providing a robust leak-proof seal insensitive to vibration or thermal motion, at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element are provided.

[0049] Thus, at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element are configured to interact with each other to bring at least one connecting element and at least one connecting mating element into frictional engagement, thereby providing a fluid-tight connection between the connecting element and the connecting mating element.

[0050] Therefore, at least one force receiving element can be arranged at the first end plate of the fuel cell stack, and at least one force transmitting element can be arranged at the medium supply substrate. Alternatively, at least one force transmitting element can be arranged at the first end plate of the fuel cell stack, and at least one force receiving element can be arranged at the medium supply substrate. Thus, at least one force receiving element or at least one force transmitting element is arranged in an area with high mechanical rigidity.

[0051] According to other preferred embodiments, at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element interact, such that force is transmitted between the at least one force receiving element and the at least one force transmitting element, causing the fuel cell stack to move in the stacking direction. This makes it possible to apply controlled forces to the fuel cell stack, and thus reduces any risk of damaging the fuel cell stack. Furthermore, due to the force generated in the stacking direction, the fuel cell stack can be pulled downwards, which also makes it possible to further insert the seal into the mating connection element, thereby forming a very robust seal.

[0052] Preferably, at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element are further configured to interact, such that a force can also be applied in the opposite direction to the stacking direction for removing the fuel cell stack. This is also for the purpose of quickly and easily removing the fuel cell stack from the system.

[0053] According to other embodiments, at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element are configured to engage with each other. That is, at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element can be configured to cooperate with each other during installation. For example, at least one force receiving element and / or at least one force transmitting element can be a gear, threaded element, rack, lead screw, bayonet coupling, hydraulic element, pneumatic element, lever, angled sliding plane, etc.

[0054] According to other preferred embodiments, the control unit of the dielectric supply substrate further includes a sensor unit that detects the position of at least one force receiving element and / or at least one force transmitting element. For example, the sensor unit may be a switch that is actuated when at least one force receiving element and / or at least one force transmitting element reaches its final position.

[0055] According to other preferred embodiments, the control unit of the dielectric supply substrate further includes a sensor unit that detects the operation of at least one force receiving element and / or at least one force transmitting element. For example, the sensor unit may be a switch that is actuated when at least one force receiving element and / or at least one force transmitting element is operated, thereby triggering a corresponding control action.

[0056] According to other embodiments, the fuel cell stack assembly includes at least one locking unit configured to lock at least one force receiving element and at least one force transmitting element and / or the fuel cell stack to a medium supply substrate, wherein a control unit is adapted to trigger a control action when the locking unit is operated. For example, the at least one locking unit may be a lock, pin, or the like clamped onto at least one force receiving element. It is also possible that the at least one locking unit may be a separate component relative to the force receiving element and the force transmitting element. Preferably, the at least one locking unit may be mechanically, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically actuated. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one locking unit may be actuated by the same movement that causes the fuel cell stack to move toward a fuel cell stack support unit.

[0057] According to other aspects, a method for controlling a fuel cell stack assembly as described above is provided, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0058] A fluid connection is established between at least one medium storage tank and a first end plate via a medium supply substrate connected to a medium pipeline and a medium guiding conduit.

[0059] The dielectric supply substrate is connected to the first end plate by engaging the connecting mating element located on the dielectric supply substrate with the connecting element on the first end plate through force engagement and / or friction engagement.

[0060] The engagement state between the connecting element and the connecting mating element is monitored by using a control unit located on the dielectric supply substrate; and

[0061] At least one control action is triggered in the fuel cell stack assembly based on the engagement state between the connecting element and the connecting mating element to regulate the supply of medium to or removal of medium from the fuel cell stack assembly.

[0062] Other preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims, as well as in the specification and drawings. Thus, elements described or shown in combination with other elements may exist alone or in combination with other elements without departing from the scope of protection. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined only by the appended claims.

[0064] The attached diagram shows:

[0065] Figure 1a / Figure 1b: Schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a fuel cell stack assembly;

[0066] Figure 2a / Figure 2b: Schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a fuel cell stack assembly;

[0067] Figure 3: Schematic illustration of the assembled fuel cell stack;

[0068] Figure 4: Schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a preferred dielectric supply substrate;

[0069] Figure 5: Schematic illustration of other embodiments of the preferred dielectric providing substrate;

[0070] Figure 6: Schematic illustration of other embodiments of the preferred dielectric providing substrate;

[0071] Figure 7: Schematic illustration of other embodiments of the preferred dielectric providing substrate;

[0072] Figure 8: Schematic illustration of other embodiments of the preferred dielectric providing substrate; and

[0073] Figure 9: Schematic illustration of other embodiments of the preferred dielectric providing substrate.

[0074] In the following text, the same or similar functional elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Figures 1 and 2 show two different preferred embodiments of the fuel cell stack assembly 1, each fuel cell stack assembly 1 including an assembled fuel cell stack 2 encapsulated in a housing 3.

[0076] Overall, the assembled fuel cell stack 2 is shown in Figure 3 and includes at least a first end plate 8-1 and a second end plate 8-2, which clamp multiple unit fuel cells 4. Each unit fuel cell 4 includes a bipolar plate 4-1 and a membrane electrode assembly 4-2, which are stacked such that two bipolar plates clamp multiple layers of membrane electrode assembly 4-1 in the stacking direction.

[0077] In order to provide an assembled fuel cell stack 2 that can be processed as a physical object, the first end plate 8-1 and the second end plate 8-2 are clamped together by a clamping device 5 (e.g., a clamping strap as shown in FIG3).

[0078] To operate the fuel cell stack 2, reactants need to be supplied to the unit fuel cell 4. Typically, hydrogen, an oxidant (e.g., air), and a coolant are used as reactants. To supply and remove reactants from the fuel cell stack, each bipolar plate and / or membrane electrode assembly includes a hydrogen inlet manifold 6-1 and a hydrogen outlet manifold 6-2, an air inlet manifold 6-3 and an air outlet manifold 6-4, and a coolant inlet manifold 6-5 and a coolant outlet manifold 6-6, wherein the manifolds form corresponding tubular channel inlets and outlets (not shown). The channel inlets and outlets extend through the assembled fuel cell stack 2 and are fluidly connected to corresponding connecting elements 10-1 to 10-6 arranged at the first end plate 8-1. A clamping device 5 ensures the fluid tightness of the assembled fuel cell stack 2.

[0079] For operation of the fuel cell stack, the connecting elements 10-1 to 10-6 are adapted to be connected to corresponding media conduits via a connecting unit 12, which includes a number of ports 11-1 to 11-6 corresponding to the first end plate 8-1. These ports serve as connecting mating elements. Thus, the connecting unit 12 can be designed as a media supply substrate 13, as shown in the embodiment of FIG1, wherein the connecting mating elements 11-1 to 11-2 are provided by ports arranged in the media supply substrate 13.

[0080] Alternatively, as shown in FIG2, the connecting unit 12 can be designed as an adapter plate 14, which is disposed with a gap between the first end plate 8-1 and the media guiding device, such that the first end plate 8-1 is connected to the adapter plate 14 via connecting mating elements 15-1 to 15-2. The media guiding device can be a media providing substrate 13, as shown in FIG1. ​​However, when the adapter plate is provided, ports 11-1 to 11-6 of the media providing substrate 13 are also connected to the connecting mating elements 15-1 to 15-6 provided by the adapter plate 14.

[0081] Of course, the connecting mating element 15 of the adapter plate 14 can also be directly connected to the media guiding hose / pipe.

[0082] As can be further seen from Figures 1 and 2, the connecting element 10 and the connecting mating elements 11 and 15 are adapted to cooperate with each other so that they are engaged by frictional fit and / or form fit.

[0083] Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG1, the connecting element 10 of the first end plate 8-1 is designed as a nozzle, and the port 1 is designed as an opening, wherein the nozzle is adapted to be fitted into the port 11 of the dielectric supply substrate 13.

[0084] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG2, the connecting element 10 is designed as an opening, and the connecting mating element 15 of the adapter plate 14 is designed as a nozzle, wherein the nozzle 15 is adapted to be fitted into the opening 10 of the end plate 8-1.

[0085] As can be further seen from the embodiment shown in Figure 2, each connection pairing element 15 of the adapter plate 14 has a first connection pairing element portion 17, a second connection pairing element portion 19 and a third connection pairing element portion 20, wherein the third connection pairing element portion 20 connects the first connection pairing element portion 17 and the second connection pairing element portion 19.

[0086] When the connecting element 10 is inserted into the connecting mating elements 14 and 17, a seal is formed that ensures a fluid-tight connection between the connecting element 10 and the connecting mating elements 11 and 15.

[0087] To enhance fluid sealing, the nozzle may additionally be provided with a sealing element 21, such as an O-ring, which frictionally engages with the inner walls of the openings 14, 17 to provide a frictional engagement for fluid sealing, as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively and / or additionally, such a sealing element 21 may also be provided on the inner walls of the openings 14, 17.

[0088] As can be further seen from the embodiment in Figure 2, the connecting mating element 17 (in particular the second connecting mating element portion 19) is equipped with a shape-fitting element 22, such as a hook, which engages with a groove (not shown) arranged in the inner wall of the openings 14, 17.

[0089] To move the fuel cell stack 2 into place, i.e., to insert the connecting element 10 into the connecting mating elements 11, 15, a force typically exceeding the weight of the fuel cell stack 2 and / or a force that can be generated manually is required. Therefore, several force receiving elements 16 and force transmitting elements 18 are provided, which interact with each other to generate a sufficiently large force to insert the connecting element 10 into the connecting mating elements 11, 15, thereby establishing a fluid-tight connection.

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, the force receiving element 16 in the first embodiment is a rod with gears or threads, which is fastened to the first end plate 8-1 of the fuel cell stack 2 to achieve uniform and controlled force application. The advantage of arranging it below the fuel cell stack 2 is that it provides high mechanical rigidity.

[0091] As shown in Figure 1, in the first embodiment, the force transmission element 18 is a corresponding gear, such that when the gear rotates, force is transmitted between the force transmission element 18 and the force receiving element 16, causing the fuel cell stack 2 to move along the stacking direction 4. Advantageously, if the gear rotates in the opposite direction, force can also be applied in the opposite direction, making it easy to remove the fuel cell stack 2 from the fuel cell stack support unit 12.

[0092] Furthermore, the fuel cell stack assembly 1 includes at least one locking unit (not shown) configured to lock the force receiving element 16 to further secure the final position of the connecting element 10 and / or the connecting mating elements 11, 15. This can increase redundancy and allow the locking of the final position of the fuel cell stack 2 to be separated from the movement of the fuel cell stack 2. The at least one locking unit can be a clamp held on at least one of the force receiving elements 16. The locking unit can be mechanically, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically actuated. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one locking unit can be actuated by the same movement that causes the fuel cell stack to move toward the coupling unit 12.

[0093] Additionally, the fuel cell stack assembly 1 is provided with a sensor unit 23 (see Figure 2a) that detects the position of the connecting element 10. For example, the sensor unit 23 may be a switch that is actuated when at least one connecting element and / or at least one mating element of the fuel cell stack reaches its final position. Specifically, a portion of the connecting element 10 may contact the switch, signaling to the system that the fuel cell stack 2 is in place and sealed to the outside. This also means that when the stack is removed, the system can receive signals to close flow valves, disconnect electrical contacts, illuminate warning lights, etc. Furthermore, depending on the type of seal used between the connecting element 10 and the mating elements 11, 15, the fuel cell stack 2 may be noticeably lifted before the seal is breached, allowing the switch and / or valve to be actuated before the fluid ports are opened to the outside.

[0094] Figure 4 depicts a schematic illustration of the medium supply substrate 13 connected to the adapter plate 14 and the medium guiding conduit 40. The inlet ports 11-1, 11-3, and 11-5 and the outlet ports 11-2, 11-4, and 11-6 of the medium supply substrate 13 are connected to the corresponding connection mating element portions 15-1 to 15-6 of the adapter plate 14. Ports 11-1 to 11-6 are connected to the second connection mating element portions 19-1 to 19-6 of the connection mating element portions 15-1 to 15-6. Furthermore, the first connection mating element portions 17-1 to 17-6 can engage with the corresponding connection elements 10-1 to 10-6 of the assembled fuel cell stack 2 via friction fit and / or form fit to form a fluid-tight connection between the medium supply substrate 13 and the fuel cell stack 2, as shown in Figure 1.

[0095] As can be seen from the embodiment shown in Figure 4, in order to supply the medium required for operating the fuel cell stack 2 from the medium storage tank, the inlet ports 11-1, 11-3, and 11-5 of the medium supply substrate 13 are further connected to corresponding medium guiding pipes 40, which in turn are connected to the corresponding medium storage tanks (not shown). Therefore, as shown by the arrows in Figure 4, the medium is supplied from the medium storage tank to the corresponding inlet ports 11-1, 11-3, and 11-5 of the medium supply substrate 13 via the corresponding medium guiding pipes 40, and subsequently supplied to the assembled fuel cell stack 2. Thus, the medium supply substrate 13 and the adapter plate 14 serve as intermediate connection units connecting the fuel cell stack 2 to the medium storage tank.

[0096] Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the medium supply substrate 13, wherein the inlet ports 11-1, 11-3, and 11-5 and the outlet ports 11-2, 11-4, and 11-6 of the medium supply substrate 13 are adapted to mate with corresponding connecting elements 10-1 to 10-6 of the first end plate 8-1, such that they are engaged by friction fit and / or form fit. This direct engagement eliminates the need for intermediate connections via the adapter plate 14 and facilitates the flow of medium from the medium guide conduit 40 into the connecting elements 10-1 to 10-6 of the first end plate 8-1.

[0097] In addition, in order to regulate and control the flow of the medium from the medium storage tank to the fuel cell stack, the medium supply base plate 13 and / or the adapter plate 14 are equipped with a control unit 30, which may be an electronic and / or mechanical control mechanism.

[0098] Preferably, the control unit 30 may include a mechanical switch and / or at least one sensor 23 (e.g., an optical sensor and / or an electronic sensor) that monitors the position of the connecting element 10 of the first end plate 8-1 and the port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13. This enables the control unit 30 to automatically detect the position of the connecting element 10 relative to the port 11, determine the engagement state between these components, and trigger necessary control actions. These control actions include, but are not limited to, regulating the inflow and outflow of medium into the fuel cell stack 2, or providing audible or visual warning signals indicating the engagement state (i.e., whether the connecting element 10 is engaged or disengaged from the port 11). Therefore, the automatic control mechanism enhances the safe installation or removal of the fuel cell stack 2 mounted on the medium supply substrate 13.

[0099] Alternatively, the fuel cell stack 2 and / or the medium supply substrate 13 may be equipped with an electrical switch for electrically connecting / disconnecting the fuel cell stack 2 to / from an electrical device. The electrical switch is activated when the connecting element 10 is fully engaged or disengaged from the port 11. This signals to the control unit 30 that the fuel cell stack is securely in place or fully engaged. In response, the control unit 30 closes the flow valve and / or disconnects the electrical contact between the fuel cell stack 2 and the medium supply substrate 13, as well as any electrical device.

[0100] Figures 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the fuel cell stack 2 and the medium supply substrate 13, which is provided with an electronic control unit 30 for regulating the flow of the medium.

[0101] As shown in Figure 6, a flow regulating valve (preferably a check valve 34) is disposed within port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13 to regulate the supply and removal of medium from the fuel cell stack 2. The medium supply substrate 13 is also equipped with an electronic control unit 3030, which controls the opening and / or closing of the check valve 34 based on the engagement state between the connecting element 10 of the first end plate 8-1 and port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13, to regulate the flow of medium into / out of the connecting element 10 through port 11. Normally, when the medium supply substrate 13 is not connected to the first end plate 8-1, the check valve 34 remains closed, as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, the closed check valve within port 11 prevents port 11 from further exposure to the medium guiding conduit 40, thereby preventing medium from flowing into port 11 from conduit 10.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the check valve 34 may be positioned at the connection element 10 of the first end plate 8-1, which may also be controlled by the control unit 30 in the medium supply substrate 13 to automatically open / close the connection element 10 once the fuel cell stack 2 is engaged / disengaged from the medium supply substrate 13.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6, various sensors 23 are arranged at the fuel cell stack assembly, for example, at the control unit 30 and / or at the medium supply substrate 13 and / or at the fuel cell stack 2. Alternatively, the sensors 23 may be positioned at the port 11 and / or at the connecting element 10 and / or at the adapter plate 14 (not shown) to monitor the position of the connecting element 10 and the mating connecting element 11 (i.e., the port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13) of the first end plate 8-1. When the connecting element 10 engages with the port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13, the sensor 23 signals this engagement state to the control unit 30. Upon receiving the signal from the sensor 23, the control unit 30 instructs the check valve 34 to open, which facilitates the flow of medium from the medium guide pipe 40 through the port 11 and into the connecting element 10. Preferably, the sensor 23 sends a signal to the control unit only after a fluid-tight connection is established between the port 11 and the connecting element 10.

[0104] Furthermore, Figure 7 depicts the closed state of the check valve 34 after port 11 is disconnected from the connecting element 10. Here, sensor 23 sends a signal to control unit 30 indicating this disconnection state, prompting control unit to instruct check valve 34 to close. In response, check valve 34 closes, thereby sealing port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13 and preventing any further medium from flowing into / out of the connecting element 10 from the conduit 40. Therefore, control unit 30 automatically opens and / or closes check valve 34 and port 11 based on the engagement state between the connecting element 10 of the first end plate 8-1 and the corresponding port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13. Thus, the supply of medium fluid from the medium reservoir to and from the fuel cell stack 2 is automatically regulated, while (preferably when the fuel cell stack 2 is disconnected from the medium reservoir) medium loss is prevented.

[0105] Figures 8 and 9 show cross-sectional views of the medium supply substrate 13 equipped with a mechanical control mechanism.

[0106] As shown in Figure 8, the port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13 is equipped with a mechanical device 38, which mechanically opens or closes the check valve 34 based on the engagement state between the connecting element 10 of the first end plate 8-1 and the port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13, so as to regulate the inflow and outflow of the medium into the fuel cell stack 2.

[0107] When the first end plate 8-1 of the fuel cell stack 2 is mounted onto the medium supply substrate 13, the mechanical device 38 located on the medium supply substrate 13 is actuated by the pressure generated by the engagement between the medium supply substrate 13 and the fuel cell stack 2. This pressure pushes the mechanical device 38 against the check valve 34, causing the check valve 34 to open and allowing the medium to flow into the port 11 and thus into the connecting element 10.

[0108] However, as shown in Figure 9, when the fuel cell stack 2 is detached from the medium supply substrate 13, the pressure applied to the mechanical device 38 decreases. This, in turn, causes the mechanical device 38 to release from the check valve 34, resulting in the check valve 34 closing and preventing the medium from flowing further from the conduit 40 through the port 11 of the medium supply substrate 13 into the fuel cell stack 2.

[0109] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the mechanical device 38 may be controlled by an electronic control unit 30 located on the medium supply substrate 13 based on the engagement state between the connecting element 10 and the port 11. Furthermore, the connecting element 10 of the fuel cell stack 2 may be equipped with a mechanical device 38 to mechanically open or close a check valve, which is controlled by the control unit or by the interaction between the connecting element 10 and the medium supply substrate 13.

[0110] Figure Labels

[0111] 1. Fuel cell stack assembly

[0112] 2. Assembled fuel cell stack

[0113] 3. Shell

[0114] 4-unit fuel cell

[0115] 4-1 Bipolar plate

[0116] 4-2 Membrane Electrode Assembly

[0117] 5. Clamping device

[0118] 6 Inlet / Outlet Manifold

[0119] 6-1 Hydrogen Inlet Manifold

[0120] 6-2 Hydrogen outlet manifold

[0121] 6-3 Air Inlet Manifold

[0122] 6-4 Air outlet manifold

[0123] 6-5 Coolant inlet manifold

[0124] 6-6 Coolant outlet manifold

[0125] 8-1 First end plate

[0126] 8-2 Second end plate

[0127] 10 Connecting elements

[0128] 11 Connecting and mating elements of the dielectric supply substrate

[0129] 12 Connection Units

[0130] 13. Dielectric supply substrate

[0131] 14 Adapter Board

[0132] 15 Connecting and mating components of the adapter board

[0133] 16 Force receiving elements

[0134] 17 First connecting mating element part

[0135] 18 Force transmission elements

[0136] 19 Second connecting mating element part

[0137] 20 Third connecting mating element section

[0138] 21 Sealing devices / friction mating elements

[0139] 22 Hook / Shape Fitting Components

[0140] 23 Sensors

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack assembly (1), comprising at least: An assembled fuel cell stack having at least a first end plate and at least a second end plate clamping multiple unit fuel cells, wherein each unit fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a bipolar plate, and at least one clamping device configured to clamp the first end plate, the second end plate, and the multiple unit fuel cells together to form the assembled fuel cell stack, wherein the first end plate further has at least one connecting element through which a medium for operating the fuel cell stack is guided to or from the fuel cell stack; The fuel cell stack assembly is characterized in that it further includes: A medium supply substrate is provided for supplying and removing medium between at least one medium conduit and a first end plate, and the medium supply substrate has at least one port for supplying medium to and removing medium from the fuel cell stack, wherein the first end plate and the medium supply substrate are connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner. The medium supply substrate is further equipped with a control unit, which is used to determine the engagement state between the first end plate and the medium supply substrate, and to trigger at least one control action in the fuel cell stack assembly based on the engagement state.

2. The fuel cell stack assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one connecting element of the first end plate and at least one port of the medium providing substrate are adapted to mate with each other such that they engage by form fit and / or friction fit, and the control unit determines the engagement state between the at least one connecting element and the at least one port.

3. The fuel cell stack assembly of claim 1, further comprising a transition plate disposed between the medium supply substrate and the first end plate, wherein the transition plate includes at least one connection mating element, wherein each connection mating element includes a first connection mating element portion, a second connection mating element portion, and a third connection mating element portion, wherein, The first connecting mating element portion is configured to engage with the connecting element of the first end plate by form fit and / or friction fit; The second connection mating element portion is configured to connect to at least one port of the medium providing substrate; the third connection mating element portion is configured to connect the first mating member to the second connection mating element portion; The control unit determines the engagement state between at least one second connection pairing element portion and at least one port.

4. The fuel cell stack assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control action is the automatic closing and / or opening of at least one port in the medium supply substrate.

5. The fuel cell stack assembly according to claim 4, wherein the automatic closing and / or opening of the at least one port is regulated by a flow regulating valve, preferably a check valve, in the fuel cell stack assembly.

6. The fuel cell stack assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one port of the medium supply substrate is connected to a medium guide conduit to connect the assembled fuel cell stack to a medium storage tank, and the check valve includes a back pressure regulating mechanism configured to maintain a predetermined pressure in the medium guide conduit.

7. The fuel cell stack assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control action is the connection and / or disconnection of the electrical contact between the first end plate and the dielectric providing substrate.

8. The fuel cell stack assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control action is to provide an audible or visual warning signal indicating the engagement state.

9. The fuel cell stack assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit comprises a mechanical switch and / or at least one sensor, such as an optical sensor and / or an electronic sensor.

10. The fuel cell stack assembly of claim 2, wherein at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is a nozzle, at least one of the ports of the medium supply substrate is an opening, and / or wherein at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is an opening, and at least one of the ports of the medium supply substrate is a nozzle.

11. The fuel cell stack assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is a nozzle, and at least one of the first connecting mating element portions of the adapter plate is an opening; and / or wherein at least one of the connecting elements of the first end plate is an opening, and at least one of the first connecting mating element portions of the adapter plate is a nozzle; as well as In the case where at least one of the ports of the medium providing substrate is an opening and at least one of the second connecting mating element portions of the adapter plate is a nozzle, or where at least one of the ports of the medium providing substrate is a nozzle and at least one of the second connecting mating element portions of the adapter plate is an opening.

12. The fuel cell stack assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the nozzle is provided with a sealing element that frictionally engages with the inner wall of the opening to provide a fluid-tight frictional engagement; and / or wherein the nozzle is equipped with a shape element that engages with a complementary shape element disposed on the inner wall of the opening by form fitting to provide a fluid-tight frictional engagement.

13. The fuel cell stack assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end plate includes at least one force receiving element and the medium providing substrate includes at least one force transmitting element, or wherein the first end plate includes at least one force transmitting element and the medium providing substrate includes at least one force receiving element, and wherein the at least one force receiving element and the at least one force transmitting element are configured to interact with each other to achieve fluid tight engagement of the first end plate and / or the adapter plate and the medium providing substrate by frictional fit and / or form fit. According to any one of the preceding claims, in the fuel cell stack assembly, the control unit detects the position of the at least one connecting element and / or at least one connecting mating element and / or at least one force transmitting element and / or at least one force receiving element.

14. A method for controlling a fuel cell stack assembly, wherein the fuel cell stack assembly is configured according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: A fluid connection is established between at least one medium conduit and a first end plate by means of a medium supply substrate connected to a medium conduit; The medium providing substrate is connected to the first end plate by engaging the connecting mating element located on the medium providing substrate with the connecting element on the first end plate through force engagement and / or friction engagement. The engagement state between the connecting element and the connecting mating element is monitored by using a control unit disposed on the medium supply substrate; as well as Based on the engagement state between the connecting element and the connecting mating element, at least one control action is triggered in the fuel cell stack assembly to regulate the supply of medium to or removal of medium from the fuel cell stack assembly.

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