CN100499205C - Compact fuel cell stack structure - Google Patents
Compact fuel cell stack structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN100499205C CN100499205C CNB038098466A CN03809846A CN100499205C CN 100499205 C CN100499205 C CN 100499205C CN B038098466 A CNB038098466 A CN B038098466A CN 03809846 A CN03809846 A CN 03809846A CN 100499205 C CN100499205 C CN 100499205C
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- fuel cell
- cell module
- plate
- side plate
- end plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
- H01M8/0206—Metals or alloys
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/247—Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
- H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
- H01M8/247—Arrangements for tightening a stack, for accommodation of a stack in a tank or for assembling different tanks
- H01M8/248—Means for compression of the fuel cell stacks
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Abstract
An electro-chemical fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stacked configuration to form a fuel cell assembly. The fuel cell assembly has opposite first and second ends with a length therebetween. First and second end plates are disposed on the respective first and second ends of the fuel cell assembly. The stack has at least one side plate with opposite first and second ends that are attached to the respective first and second end plates. The side plate holds the first and second end plates in a spaced relation so that the first and second end plates impart a compressive force on the fuel cell assembly. The side plate also encloses the fuel cell assembly between the first and second end plates and provides a protective enclosure for the fuel cell assembly.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to fuel cell, relate in particular to the fuel cell of arranging and keep compressed format by the storehouse mode.
Background technology
Fuel cell stack generally comprises a plurality of fuel cells, they one be stacked on another, keep compressed format each other.These a plurality of stacked fuel cells have formed and have been compressed into the fuel cell module that allows a plurality of fuel cells keep compression context.Generally speaking, each fuel cell all comprise anode layer, cathode layer and be clipped in described anode layer and described cathode layer between electrolyte.This fuel cell module needs sizable compression stress that the fuel cell of this storehouse is forced together.Need compression stress to be because have the internal gas of reactant in the fuel cell and produced needs to excellent electric contact between the internal part that keeps battery.Generally, the power of each square measure is about 195-205psi altogether, and this power is evenly distributed on the whole effective coverage (for the storehouse of automobile-used size, generally being the 77-155 square inch) of battery.So for the about 80 square inches fuel cell of area, the total compression power of this size storehouse generally is about 15500 to 16500 pounds.
Conventional fuel cell stack stack architecture is devoted to adopt rigid end sheet and connecting rod to apply on fuel cell module and is kept compression stress.Will compressed a plurality of fuel cells or fuel cell module be clipped between a pair of rigid end sheet.With the connecting rod that passes or extend end plate is forced together then, and on end plate, apply compression stress around these end plates.In addition, connecting rod extends beyond the surface of end plate usually, increases the volume of stack architecture thus.When stack architecture adopted the connecting rod of the circumferential distribution that centers on end plate to apply compression stress on fuel cell module, suitable fastening connecting rod was difficult so that apply required compression stress.That is, connecting rod is fastening so that apply equally distributed compressive load on fuel cell module with predetermined form in once making great efforts.But when each connecting rod was fastening, the compressive load that end plate applies changed, and makes that each connecting rod must be repeatedly fastening again in process repeatedly, so that realize roughly uniform compression stress on fuel cell module.In addition, connecting rod extends beyond the surface of end plate usually, increases the volume of stack architecture thus.
Wherein use the typical application need of fuel cell that fuel cell module is enclosed in the protective cover.Typical protective cover is applied on the existing stack architecture and increases the volume of global heap structure.Protective cover increases the size of stack architecture thus, makes except protective effect is provided the size increase, does not obtain practicality.Because fuel cell is generally used for the occasion that the space is of great value, be desirable to provide a kind of fuel cell that is contained in the protective cover with minimum volume.
Thus, advantageously provide a kind of stack architecture that on fuel cell module, applies compression stress more easily, and more advantageously the compression stress bringing device only adds the volume of minimum on the stack architecture to.In addition, advantageously provide a kind of protective cover that is used for minimum volume is added to the fuel cell module on the stack architecture, and more advantageously except the protection fuel cell module, protective cover provides multiple advantage for stack architecture.
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to be used to provide the equipment and the method for the compact fuel cells structure of compressing the battery fuel assembly.Except the compressing fuel cells assembly, this equipment also is provided for the protective cover of fuel cell module.
Electro-chemical fuel cell stack of the present invention comprises a plurality of fuel cells that are arranged to fuel cell module in the stacked structure mode.This fuel cell module has first and second relative ends and the length between them.First and second end plates are arranged on first and second ends separately of fuel cell module.Sidewall with relative first and second ends is connected on first and second end plates separately.Sidewall is held in a spaced relation first and second end plates, makes first and second end plates apply compression stress on fuel cell module.
First and second ends of sidewall can be connected on first and second end plates separately, make the compression stress that applies on fuel cell module by first and second end plates have pre-sizing.In addition, first and second ends of sidewall can be connected on first and second end plates separately, make the compresses in length preset distance of fuel cell module.
Preferably, first and second end plates have the peripheral side wall that limits the end plate periphery separately, and are roughly parallel to the length of fuel cell module.First and second ends of sidewall are connected on the peripheral side wall on first and second end plates separately.
In first preferred embodiment, first and second end plates are essentially rectangular end plates, and it has the relative sidewall of the first and second couples that limits each end plate periphery.Sidewall is one of a plurality of side plates, and at least one side plate of a plurality of side plates is connected on the sidewall of first pair of opposing sidewalls, and at least one different side plate of a plurality of side plates is connected on the different sidewall of first pair of opposing sidewalls.
Preferably, first and second ends of sidewall are fixed on first and second end plates by machanical fastener.More preferably, sidewall comprises the stria that receives machanical fastener.
In second preferred embodiment, electrochemical fuel cell comprises and a plurality ofly is arranged to the fuel cell of fuel cell module in the stacked structure mode that this fuel cell module has first and second relative ends and the length between them.First and second end plates are arranged on first and second ends separately of fuel cell module and apply compression stress on fuel cell modules.Sidewall with relative first and second ends is connected on first and second end plates separately.Sidewall surrounds the part of fuel cell module between first and second end plates, and the protective cover of fuel cell module is provided.Preferably, sidewall is connected on the end plate, makes end plate be held in a spaced relation, so that apply compression stress on fuel cell module.
Preferably, sidewall provides the shielding of opposing electromagnetic interference for fuel cell module.More preferably, a sidewall electrical ground.
Optional, but preferably, sidewall is a plurality of side plates.Each side plate of a plurality of side plates surrounds the not ipsilateral of fuel cell module between first and second end plates, make that the whole fuel cell module between first and second end plates is surrounded by a plurality of side plates.
The method of making electro-chemical fuel cell stack of the present invention may further comprise the steps: 1) locate fuel cell module between first and second end plates, close second end plate of wherein close first end plate of the first end of fuel cell module, and the second end of fuel cell module; 2) external compressive force is applied at least one end plate, makes fuel cell module compress; 3) sidewall is connected on the end plate, wherein on first and second end plates that first and second ends of sidewall are connected to separately, make first and second end plates keep, thereby first and second end plates keep with fixed spaced relation, so that internal compression is provided with fixed spaced relation; And 4) remove the external compressive force that is applied on the end plate.
Optional, but preferably, the step that applies external compressive force comprises the external compressive force that applies pre-sizing, and the step that connects sidewall comprises that first and second ends with sidewall are connected on first and second end plates separately, make when compression stress is removed, first and second end plates keep with fixed spaced relation, and the internal compression power of pre-sizing is applied on the fuel cell module.In addition, the step that applies external compressive force comprises compression stress is applied on the end plate, make fuel cell module along this compresses in length preset distance, and the step that connects sidewall comprises that first and second ends with sidewall are connected on first and second end plates separately, make that first and second end plates remain on the preset distance with fixed spaced relation when external compressive force is removed.
Optional, but preferably, sidewall surrounds the length of fuel cell module between first and second end plates, make sidewall be provided for the protective cover of fuel cell module.
To make other range of application of the present invention become obvious by the detailed description that provides below.Should be understood that,, attempt to think that they only are used for illustration purpose though detailed description and object lesson are all represented the preferred embodiments of the present invention, rather than limitation of the scope of the invention.
Description of drawings
By the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, will make the present invention become easier and fully understand, in the accompanying drawing:
Fig. 1 is the perspective view of electro-chemical fuel cell stack of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the simplified cross-sectional view that the hatching 2-2 along electro-chemical fuel cell stack among Fig. 1 cuts open;
Fig. 3 is the part decomposition diagram of Fig. 1 electro-chemical fuel cell stack, and its expression side plate combines with this electro-chemical fuel cell stack;
Fig. 4 is the incomplete view of simplification of expression fuel cell details;
Fig. 5 A-5G is the cutaway view of the various structures of the end plate of electro-chemical fuel cell stack of the present invention and dividing plate;
Fig. 6 A is the plane graph according to the moulding inner surface of the end plate of the principle of the invention;
Fig. 6 B is the cutaway view that the hatching B-B along the end plate of Fig. 6 A cuts open;
Fig. 6 C is the cutaway view that the hatching C-C along the end plate of Fig. 6 A cuts open;
Fig. 7 A-7B is the incomplete cutaway view of the end assembly of electro-chemical fuel cell stack of the present invention, and its expression is in conjunction with the variety of way of the parts of these end board assemblies;
Fig. 8 is the perspective view of the dividing plate that adopts in the electro-chemical fuel cell stack of the present invention, and its expression utilizes the hole to alleviate separator;
Fig. 9 A-9B is the simple and easy cutaway view of the electro-chemical fuel cell stack of Fig. 1, and its expression utilizes the compression stress of pre-sizing F that fuel cell module and fuel cell stack are compressed;
Figure 10 A-B is the simple and easy cutaway view of the electro-chemical fuel cell stack of Fig. 1, and its expression has been compressed preset distance D with fuel cell module and fuel cell stack;
Figure 11 is the flow chart of expression according to the step of the predetermined force compression method of principle manufacturing fuel cell stack of the present invention;
Figure 12 is the flow chart of expression according to the step of the predetermined compression distance method of principle manufacturing fuel cell stack of the present invention;
Figure 13 represents that the manufacturing of use dividing plate is scheduled to or the flow chart of the step of the fuel cell stack of unified length.
Embodiment
Following description of preferred embodiments itself only is exemplary, and they never are the restrictions to invention, its application, or uses.
With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, it shows the electro-chemical fuel cell stack 20 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.This fuel cell stack 20 comprises a plurality of fuel cells 22 that are arranged to fuel cell module 24 in the stacked structure mode, described fuel cell module 24 has opposed upper and lower side 26,28, shown in Figure 10 A, in the middle of their reduction length 30 and reduction length 31 not.Fuel cell module 24 is clipped between the upper and lower side assembly 32,34.Upper and lower side assembly 32,34 keeps with fixed spaced relation by sidewall.In currently preferred embodiments, sidewall comprises at least one side plate 36.Side plate 36 is held in a spaced relation upper and lower side assembly 32,34, so that allow upper and lower side assembly 32,34 apply compression stress to fuel cell module 24.According to known fuel assembly stack technology, fuel cell stack 20 comprise to/from fuel cell module 24 supply, the inlet 37 of discharging reactant and chilled fluid flow, outlet 38 and passage (not shown).
As shown in Figure 4, fuel cell module 24 comprises a plurality of repetitives or fuel cell 22, and each cell of fuel cell all has the bipolar plate assembly 42 on the opposite side of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 40 and a pair of MEA40 of being arranged in.Each bipolar plate assembly 42 is all formed by being clipped in two coolant distribution 42c between the gas distribution layer 42g.Between coolant distribution 42c and gas distribution layer 42g, accompany the dividing plate 44 thoroughly that cooling agent is housed and anode and cathode flame are separated.In the time of between the cathode gas Distribution Layer 42gc of anode gas distribution layer 42ga that MEA is clipped in a battery and adjacent cell, just formed fuel cell 22.MEA40 can adopt various ways, and this is known in this area.For example, MEA40 can be a polymer electrolyte film.Preferably, polymer electrolyte film is slim the add strong film of thickness on 0.018 micron number magnitude.It is much thin that the thickness that adopts in the fuel cell of slim reinforcement polymer electrolyte film than prior art is about 0.007 inch polymer electrolyte film.Polymer electrolyte film thin and that process strengthens of the present invention only accounts for very little percentage in the length 30 of fuel cell module 24, with comparing than the thick polymer electrolytic thin-membrane that the fuel cell stack of prior art adopts, it occurs sliding or stress relaxation is wanted much less.
Fuel cell 22 becomes fuel cell module 24 according to the arranged in form of stacked structure.The number that is stacked adjacent one another to form the fuel cell 22 of fuel cell module 24 can change.The number that is used to form the fuel cell 22 of fuel cell module 24 depends on the needs of fuel cell stack 20.That is, when the bigger or more powerful fuel cell stack 20 of hope, the number of fuel cell 22 will increase in the fuel cell module 24.Well known in the artly be, need compressing fuel cells 22,, and produce more multipotency so that make fuel cell 22 more efficient.So, fuel cell module 24 is pressed between the upper and lower side assembly 32,34.Preferably, the effective coverage (not shown) of even compressing fuel cells assembly 24, make the maximizing efficiency of each fuel cell 22 in fuel cell module 24 and the fuel cell module 24.
Referring again to Fig. 2 and 3, upper module 32 is arranged in upper end 26 position adjacent with fuel cell module 24.Upper module 32 comprises the upper head plate 45 with opposed surfaces externally and internally 46,48.The inner surface 46 of upper head plate 45 is towards the upper end 26 of fuel cell module 24.Upper head plate 45 has a plurality of openings 50, extends to the outside of fuel cell stack 20 from fuel cell module 24 in order to each continuous inlet 37 of transference fluid passage, outlet 38.End with fuel cell stack 20 of the inlet that links to each other with these passages 37 and outlet 38 is also referred to as " green end ".
Optional and preferably, have one or more dividing plates 52 fuel cell module 24 and above and/or under between the end plate 45,58.Dividing plate 52 allows the inner surface 54 of dividing plate 52 towards the end 26,28 of fuel cell module 24 between the end 26,28 of end plate 45,58 and fuel cell module 24, allows the outer surface 55 of dividing plate 52 towards the inner surface 54,60 of end plate 45,58.When being provided with end bracket 56 on the end 26,28 of fuel cell module 24, dividing plate 52 is located between end bracket 56 and the end plate 45,58, and the inner surface 54 of dividing plate 52 is towards end bracket 56.Dividing plate 52 separates end plate 45,58 and end bracket 56.In end assembly 32,34, dividing plate 52 is oriented to allow the thickness 57 of dividing plate 52 and length 30 alignings of fuel cell module 24.Though preferred embodiment shows the dividing plate 52 that is associated with upper and lower side assembly 32,34, those of ordinary skills are cognoscible to be, but the design of the number of dividing plate 52 and position fuel cell storehouse 20 and application and change.
Up and down end plate 45,58 each the peripheral side wall 64 that inner surface 46,60 and outer surface were opened in 48,62 minutes is all arranged.Length 30 alignings of the peripheral side wall on the end plate 45,58 64 and fuel cell module 24 up and down.Preferably, as shown in the figure, the shape of fuel cell stack 20 roughly is rectangular, and the shape of end plate 45,58 also is rectangular up and down.The rectangular peripheral side wall 64 of end plate 45,58 up and down is made up of the first and second pairs of opposed side walls 66,68 that roughly are perpendicular to one another.Each of first and second pairs of opposed side walls 66,68 all has more than one screwed hole 70, in order to hold the threaded fastener 80 that side plate 36 can be fixed on the end plate 45,58 up and down.
Just as mentioned above, upper and lower side assembly 32,34 applies compression stress to fuel cell module 24.The compression stress that is applied on the fuel cell module 24 can produce by the end plate up and down 45,58 that is maintained fixed spaced relationship.Preferably, end plate 45,58 is maintained fixed spaced relationship by side plate 36 up and down.Every block of side plate 36 has the first and second relative ends 72 and 74 and the length between the two 76.Every block of side plate 36 is positioned on the fuel cell stack 20, makes first end 72 adjacent with upper head plate 45, makes second end 74 adjacent with bottom plate 58, the length 76 of side plate 36 and length 30 alignings of fuel cell module 24.Optional and preferably, side plate 36 extends along the whole peripheral side wall 64 of end plate 45,58.First and second ends 72,74 of every block of side plate 36 all have more than one opening 78, and when compressing fuel cells assembly 24, these openings will align with the screwed hole 70 on the peripheral side wall 64 of end plate 45,58 up and down.Preferably, the opening 78 of any end is the stria form in first and/or second end 72,74 of every block of side plate 36, so just can keep end plate 45,58 up and down with fixed spaced relation.This stria still can keep end plate 45,58 up and down with fixed spaced relation in the change in size of each parts that allow fuel cell stack 20.Though preferably adopt screw thread machanical fastener 80 that side plate 36 is attached to up and down on the end plate 45,58, but experienced technical staff can recognize, under the situation of the invention scope that does not break away from claim and limited, also can adopt alternate manner that side plate 36 and end plate 45,58 are up and down combined.On this meaning, the joint that is formed by side plate 36 and end plate 45,58 should be enough to resist the relative rotation that meets the place, boundary between them.For example, on the end plate 45,58, these modes were still in spiritual scope of the present invention above and/or under first and/or second end 72,74 of side plate 36 can or be fixed to accordingly by various bonding modes such as welding, soldering or binding agent bonding by other mechanical fasteners mode such as rivet or pin.In addition, should be understood that, one in the end 72,74 of side plate 36 can be crooked, formation is positioned at the holding element (not shown) on one of end plate 45,58, in order to allow in the opposed end 72,74 of side plate 36 with relative end plate 45,58 in conjunction with and keep the fixed spaced relation of end plate in, maintain end plate 45,58.
As required, every block of side plate 36 all can have more than one opening 82, in order to allow terminal block on the end bracket 56 extend to the outside of fuel cell stack 20.Preferably, every block of side plate 36 electrical ground, thereby the protection fuel cell module 24 be not subjected to electromagnetic interference.In addition preferably, every block of side plate 36 is made of metal.To be used to keep up and down, the size of the side plate 36 of the fixed spaced relation of end plate 45,58 is configured to: can be when keeping the fixed spaced relation of end plate 45,58 up and down, and allow up and down end plate 45,58 apply and keep compression stress to fuel cell module 24.Because the width of side plate 36 is bigger, therefore need less thickness to provide the carrying compression load necessary tensile strength.Compare with the situation of utilizing around the fuel cell module traditionally and/or run through the axial stem of fuel cell module, this scheme of the present invention has the effect of weight reduction.
Preferably, the side plate 36 more than is sealed at least a portion fuel cell module 24, is not subjected to accidental damage with protection fuel cell module 24.More preferably, side plate 36 is sealed whole fuel cell module 24, thereby provides protective cover for fuel cell module 24 and fuel cell stack 20.So; the size of side plate 36 is configured to and can allows side plate 36 stand these impacts, piping and druming and other strike when protection fuel cell module 24 and fuel cell stack 20 are not subjected to infringement that impact, piping and druming or other strike owing to various natural things produce.In this way, side plate 36 not only is used to keep the fixed spaced relation of end plate 45,58 up and down so that apply and keep compression load to fuel cell module 24, and provides protective cover for fuel cell module 24 and fuel cell stack 20.Around fuel cell stack 20, the needs of additional structure are set utilizing side plate 36 execute protection functions to eliminate to resemble in the conventional fuel cell stack stack, fuel cell stack 20 are subjected to unexpected piping and druming, impact or the protection of other strike thereby provide.
The dividing plate 52 that comprises of choosing wantonly is used for multiple purpose in upper module 32 and/or the lower end assembly 34.That is, can be because of more than one former thereby dividing plate 52 contained in the fuel cell stack 20.For example, dividing plate 52 can be used for above and/or under end plate 45,58 and end bracket 56 separate.According to recited above, end bracket 56 conducts electricity, and it is used for extracting electric current by end bracket 83 from fuel cell stack 20.When above and/or under during end plate 45,58 conduction, above and/or under dividing plate 52 between end plate 45,58 and the end bracket 56 upper head plate and/or bottom plate 45,58 and end bracket 56 electric insulations can be separated.Dividing plate 52 also can be used for controlling the overall dimension of fuel cell stack 20.Promptly, to describe in detail according to following, can fuel cell module 24 and above and/or under dividing plate 52 more than one is set between the end plate 45,58 so that in the fuel cell stack 20 that predetermined length is provided, still can allow end assembly 32,34 apply compression stress to fuel cell module 24.Preferably current, the scope of the thickness 57 of dividing plate 52 is about the 8-18 millimeter, thereby provides the fuel cell stack 20 that electrical insulation capability is enough, size is unified.But those of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that concrete application and design specification will determine the scope of the thickness 57 of dividing plate (or a plurality of dividing plate) 52.To describe in detail according to following, dividing plate 52 also can with above and/or under end plate 45,58 be used in combination, be used for applying roughly compression load uniformly to fuel cell module 24.
Preferably, dividing plate 52 is nonconducting, and it can be used for each parts electric insulation of fuel cell stack 20 is separated.So dividing plate 52 is preferably made by electrically non-conductive material such as plastics.More preferably, dividing plate 52 is made by the high performance finished product plastics of technical grade.The high performance finished product plastics of technical grade that are used to make one or more dividing plate 52 under a certain size the compression load effect that is applied on the fuel cell module 24 be incompressible relatively (promptly, stress relaxation is little), thus with compressive load from above and/or under end plate 45,58 pass to the corresponding upper and lower end parts 26,28 of fuel cell module 24.Particularly, proved that polythenylene sulfide is to make the especially effectively material of dividing plate 52.Polythenylene sulfide can be by Chenron Philips ChemicalCompany, and the FORTRON board that RYTON PPS board that L.P. sells and the Celanese AG of German Frankfurt sell obtains.Preferably, as shown in Figure 7, dividing plate 52 has the hole 84 that can alleviate dividing plate 52 weight more than.
Mention according to top, the spaced relationship that is maintained fixed by side plate 36 of end plate 45,58 up and down, and apply compressive load to fuel cell module 24.As described above, end plate 45,58 keeps with fixed spaced relation by side plate 36 up and down.The compression load that produces at the upper and lower side 26,28 of fuel cell module 24 will change according to the distance of distance peripheral side wall 64, reaches maximum along peripheral side wall 64 place's compression loads, and reaches minimum in the center of end plate 45,58 up and down.That is because end plate 45,58 only is maintained along their peripheral side wall 64 up and down, therefore up and down end plate 45,58 will respond on the fuel cell module 24 compression load and up and down the peripheral side wall 64 of end plate 45,58 can not further remove and be out of shape or deflection.Because the efficient of fuel cell stack 20 depends in part on the even compressive load that applies on the whole effective coverage of fuel cell module 24, therefore it is desirable on the whole effective coverage of fuel cell module 24, keep roughly compressive load uniformly.
A kind of mode of uniform load roughly of obtaining is that the thickness of end plate 45,58 becomes firm by them by increasing up and down, so just can allow the deflection of end plate 45,58 generations up and down that minimum is reduced in the influence of the efficient of fuel cell module 24.But supposing to provide this thickness for end plate 45,58 up and down, and these end plates are just too thick, and this has increased too much weight for fuel cell stack 20, thereby has reduced the weight efficiency and the volume efficiency of fuel cell stack.Necessity for fear of the end plate 45,58 that relative stiffness is provided, end plate 45,58 can randomly be attached on dividing plate 52 and the end bracket 56, so that the rigidity of the rigidity of dividing plate 52 and end bracket 56 is contributed global stiffness to end assembly 32,34, and be reduced in the thickness that applies roughly the required end plate 45,58 of compression load uniformly on the whole effective coverage of fuel cell module 24.That is, shown in Fig. 7 A-B, dividing plate 52 and end plate 45,58 can be tightened together, their rigidity is combined, formation can apply roughly the end assembly 32,34 of compressive load uniformly to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24.Shown in Fig. 7 A, mode that end bracket 56 can be by machanical fastener 86 such as bolt or screw thread link to each other with dividing plate 52, and end bracket 56 that combines and dividing plate 52 can combine by in machanical fastener 87 and the end plate 45,58.What can replace is that one of end plate 56, dividing plate 52 and end plate 45,58 all can be by being clipped in the mode combination of the tack coat 88 between the corresponding component.So, the rigidity of the rigidity of the rigidity of end bracket 56 and dividing plate 52 and end plate 45,58 combines, provide and to have applied roughly the end assembly 32,34 of compressive load uniformly to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24, so under situation about end bracket 56 or dividing plate 52 and end plate 45,58 not being combined, thin end plate 45,58 will be necessary.
What can replace is, and/or in addition, end plate 45,58 and/or dividing plate 52 have and can need not to adopt under the situation of super thick end plate 45,58 deflection to end plate 45,58 to compensate and apply roughly the moulding surface of compressive load uniformly to the effective coverage of whole fuel cell module 24.Promptly, by Fig. 5 A-G that only shows a upper head plate 45 and a dividing plate 52 as can be seen, the size of the inner surface 46 of upper head plate 45 is configured to plate 45, towards upper end 26 bendings of fuel cell module 24, the thickness of upper head plate 45 is along peripheral side wall 64 place's minimums, in the center of upper head plate 45 maximum like this.Shape profile to the inner surface 46 of upper head plate 45 has also been done moulding, thereby causes because the upper head plate 45 that is maintained fixed spaced relationship with bottom plate 58 is held, applies the compression load of desirable amount and will produce deflection in upper head plate 45 to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24 again simultaneously along its peripheral side wall 64.Fig. 6 A-6C represents the exemplary profile moulding of the inner surface 46 of upper head plate 45.Just as can be seen, the thickness of upper head plate 45 is greatly about the center of upper head plate 45 maximum.
What can replace is, and/or in addition, dividing plate 52 can be had the interior and/or outer surface 54,55 of contour shape, thereby causes upper head plate 45 to produce deflection.That is, the thickness of dividing plate 52 is configured to the outer rim minimum along dividing plate 52, in the center of dividing plate 52 maximum.For example, shown in Fig. 5 G, the profile of the inner surface 54 of dividing plate 52 is configured to be extended towards the upper end 26 of fuel cell module 24 by dividing plate 52, perhaps shown in Fig. 5 E, the profile of the outer surface 55 of dividing plate 52 is configured to be extended towards upper head plate 45 by dividing plate 52, so just can apply roughly compressive load uniformly to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24 by end plate 45.What can replace is, shown in Fig. 5 F, inside and outside surperficial 54,55 the profile of dividing plate 52 is configured to be extended towards the upper end 26 of fuel cell module 24 and the inner surface 46 of upper head plate 45 by dividing plate 52 respectively, just can apply roughly compressive load uniformly thus to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24.
The various variations of the moulding of the surfaces externally and internally 54,55 of dividing plate 52 and the inner surface 46 of upper head plate 45 are shown among Fig. 5 A-G.The surface profile shape of upper head plate 45 and/or dividing plate 52 can be configured to not only can cause the deflection of upper head plate 45, and causes the deflection of bottom plate 58, and the upper and lower side 26,28 of fuel cell module 24 can both be received roughly compressive load uniformly like this.Equally, should be understood that, the shape of the surfaces externally and internally 54,55 of the inner surface 60 of bottom plate 58 and dividing plate 52 also can be constructed or mould according to same way as in the lower end assembly 34, and the parts of lower end assembly 34 can apply roughly compressive load uniformly to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24 like this.Experienced engineering practice personnel can recognize, have formed the various local features that can realize uniform more compressive load on the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24 in the inner surface 46.So, should be understood that the surface configuration of the parts of the parts of upper module 32 and/or lower end assembly 34 can be constructed or be shaped to separately or together can apply roughly uniform compressive load to the effective coverage of fuel cell module 24.It is to be further understood that for exemplary object, the size shown in each figure has been done exaggerative processing, they should not regarded as the size of each parts of relative fuel cell stack 20.That is, should be understood that, done exaggerative processing to the deflection of end plate 45,58 with by the correction that the surface configuration of moulding end plate 46,58 and/or dividing plate is carried out, so that illustrate principle of the present invention better.It is to be further understood that each parts that will not utilize term " up and down " to describe fuel cell stack 20 are interpreted as it is absolute reference, be interpreted as it it is the relativeness that the parts of fuel cell stack 20 will be provided.
Though fuel cell stack 20 described and is expressed as roughly rectangle structure, should be understood that the shape of fuel cell stack 20 can adopt various structures, they are still in the invention scope that claims limited.For example, fuel cell stack 20 can be columniform, and fuel cell module 24 and upper and lower side assembly 32,34 also can be columniform.When fuel cell stack 20 when being cylindrical, side plate 36 is exactly a cylindrical sleeve, and the inside is inserted with upper and lower side assembly 32,34 and fuel assembly 24.Side plate 36 can also be the part cylindrical sleeve, and it is covering the parts of fuel cell stack 20.So the use of term " side plate " should not be limited to flat board, and to should be understood to can be flat or crooked, or by the different shape of the given shape defined of fuel cell stack 20.
According to what mention previously, fuel cell stack 20 has the fuel cell module 24 that utilizes compression load to keep, and can allow fuel cell module 24 more efficient thus.The present invention also is included in the various manufacture methods of making the fuel cell stack 20 with fuel cell module 24 under the compression load condition.In first method, predetermined compressive load method, shown in Fig. 9 A-9B and 11, fuel cell module 24 and/or fuel cell stack 20 utilizable energies produce the external compressive load of the internal compression load of pre-sizing F and compress on fuel cell module 24.Then side plate 36 is fixed to up and down on the end plate 45,58, so that still can keep end plate 45,58 up and down during the external compression load on removing fuel cell module 24 and/or fuel cell stack 20 with fixed spaced relation.Therefore because end plate 45,58 still can be maintained fixed spaced relationship after removing external compressive load up and down,, continue to apply internal compressive load to fuel cell module 24 by end plate 45,58 up and down according to following discussed in detail.
In second method, predetermined compression distance method, shown in Figure 10 A-10B and 12, fuel cell module 24 and/or fuel cell stack 20 can be by external compressive load C compression preset distance D.In other words, the size of external compressive load is enough to fuel cell module 24 compression preset distance D.Then side plate 36 is fixed to up and down end plate 45,58 (will describe in further detail) as following.Then remove external compressive load.End plate 45,58 keeps its fixed spaced relation up and down.Fuel cell module 24 keeps roughly being compressed the state of preset distance D, applies internal compressive load thus thereon.
Mention according to top, the predetermined compressive load method of making the fuel cell stack 20 that has fuel cell module 24 under the compression load condition of pre-sizing F comprises to fuel cell stack 20 and to apply external compressive load.Predetermined compressive load method may further comprise the steps: between the end plate 45,58, make the upper end 26 of fuel cell module 24 adjacent with upper head plate 45 about 1) fuel cell module 24 being arranged on, the lower end 28 of fuel cell module 24 is adjacent with bottom plate 58; 2) at least one end plate in end plate 45,58 applies external compressive force, so that compressing fuel cells assembly 24 makes it be subjected to the internal compression power effect of pre-sizing F; 3) side plate 36 is linked to each other with end plate 45,58, make first and second ends 72,74 of side plate 36 continuous with corresponding end plate up and down 45,58 respectively; And 4) remove external compressive force at least one end plate that is applied in the end plate 45,58, keep end plate 45,58 up and down with fixing spaced relationship thus, thereby on fuel cell module 24, keep being substantially equal to the compression stress of pre-sizing F.Predetermined compressive load method just provides the fuel cell stack 20 that is applied with the compression stress that is substantially equal to pre-sizing F on fuel cell module 24 thus.
On the contrary, when utilizing predetermined compression distance method fuel cell stack assembly stack 20, compress with the compression stress of utilizing pre-sizing F and opposite to be, be with fuel cell stack 20 and/or fuel cell module 24 compression preset distance D.The datum mark of preset distance D can be the length overall of fuel cell module 24 itself.Therefore, another benchmark only is with fuel cell module 24 compression preset distance D, rather than compressing fuel cells storehouse 20.But, should be understood that, also can be with fuel cell module 24 compression preset distance D by fuel cell stack 20 compression preset distance D are realized.Preferably, preset distance D is corresponding to 24 that apply to fuel cell module, as to cause fuel cell stack 20 efficient operations compression stress.The preset distance D of compressing fuel cells assembly 24 can determine in several ways.For example, to go through according to following, preset distance D can compress according to the fixed range of each fuel cell 22 that comprises fuel cell module 24 and calculate, and perhaps the empirical data of experience of fuel cell module 24 that has a fuel cell 22 of dose known amounts according to compression is in the past determined.In case determined preset distance D, just apply external compressive load, so that with fuel cell stack 20 and/or fuel cell module 24 compression preset distance D to fuel cell stack 20.Then side plate 36 and end plate 45,58 are up and down coupled together, remove external compressive load.Gained fuel cell stack 20 just has the fuel cell module 24 that has been compressed preset distance D, and has the internal compression load corresponding to the valid function of fuel cell stack 20.
When determining compression distance D, each fuel cell 22 is compressed to set a distance according to calculating (that is, the fixed range based on each battery compresses).The preset distance D of compressing fuel cells assembly 24 can multiply by each fuel cell 22 by the number n with the fuel cell in the fuel cell module 24 22 wants compressed fixed range d to calculate.In other words, calculate by equation D=n * d.The fixed range of each fuel cell 22 of compression is chosen as to provide size roughly corresponding to the compression stress of the valid function that fuel cell module 24 can be provided to fuel cell 22.That is, to want compressed fixed range d be based on the required decrement of the physical characteristic of fuel cell 22 and fuel cell 22 valid functions to each fuel cell 22.The fuel cell stack 20 of gained has the fuel cell module 24 that has been compressed preset distance D, and has the compression load of realizing valid function corresponding to fuel cell module 24.
With with each fuel cell 22 compression fixed ranges opposite be that based on empirical data the time, the fixed range D of compressing fuel cells assembly 24 can determine by the experience in the past of utilizing known compressive load compressing fuel cells assembly 24.For these two kinds of methods, final preset distance D equates.Because the roughly uniformity of the composition of the fuel cell 22 that comprised of fuel cell module 24, just can for every type fuel cell 22 set up the number of fuel cell 22 and be subjected to the fuel cell module 24 of compression force generation of known dimensions at fuel cell module 24 and/or the compression distance of fuel cell stack 20 between general correlation.This correlation can be used for the number of the fuel cell 22 that fuel cell stack part 24 comprised and determines the preset distance D of compressing fuel cells assembly 24, so that apply the compression stress of desirable amount on fuel cell module 24.For example, empirical data represents that the fuel cell module that will have 50 to 200 fuel cells is compressed distance X and 4X respectively, applies the compression stress of desirable amount.The fuel cell stack 20 that has the fuel cell module of being made up of 100 equal fuel batteries 22 24 can be compressed apart from 2X, and according to above-mentioned correlation, it should apply the compression stress of the basic desirable amount that equates to fuel cell module 24.
Because the composition of the fuel cell of any given type 22 all has some to change, therefore the final compression stress that is applied on the fuel cell module 24 also will change.The variable quantity of final compression stress will depend on the precision of correlation and the variation of fuel cell 22.Preferably, final compression stress will change near the tolerance interval desirable amount, and therefore this variation is insignificant to the influence of the efficient of fuel cell stack 20.So the empirical data method provides such fuel cell stack 20 with fuel cell module 24: with fuel cell module 24 compression preset distance D the time, described fuel cell module be substantially equal to desirable amount, corresponding to the compression force of fuel cell 24 valid functions.
Mention according to top, dividing plate 52 can be used for providing the fuel cell stack 20 of predetermined or unified length L.That is, in fuel cell stack 20, dividing plate 52 is used to take up space so that fuel cell stack 20 reaches predetermined or unified length L.Unified length L provides a plurality of advantages.For example, unified length L allows the replacing of fuel cell stack become easily, and allows and adopted the device of fuel cell stack 20 to have the normed space that is used for fuel cell stack 20.
Shown in Figure 13 a-13b, the invention provides the various assembling sequences of fuel cell stack with unified length L.The desirable predetermined or unified length L of fuel cell stack 20 both can be known length such as industrial standard, also can be designated length.No matter under which kind of situation, total length L all is known amount.The thickness of all other parts of all end brackets 56 that adopt in end plate 45,58, the fuel cell stack 20 and end assembly 32,34 can be measured up and down, so they also are known quantities.According to these known quantities/dimensions, the spaces that just can the computing fuel cell stack will place fuel cell module 24 in 20 are so this space also is a known quantity.That is, the space length that will place fuel cell module 24 in the fuel cell stack 20 predetermined or unified length L that just equals fuel cell stack 20 deducts end plate 45,58, all end brackets 56 and forms the size of all other parts of end assembly 32,34.And unknown dimension only is the reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24.The reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24 can change according to the number of the included fuel cell 22 of the method that is used to make fuel cell stack 20 discussed above and fuel cell module 24.
According to top illustrated, dividing plate 52 can be used from the fuel cell stack 20 of making predetermined or unified length L with predetermined compressive load method one, in this fuel cell stack 20, has applied the compression load that is substantially equal to pre-sizing F to fuel cell module 24.In order to realize this purpose, need to determine the reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24 or the reduction length of fuel cell stack 20, so that can determine the needed combination thickness of one or more dividing plates 52.
All can determine the reduction length 30:(1 of fuel cell module 24 in the following manner) shown in Fig. 9 A, utilize external compressive load compressing fuel cells assembly 24, so that obtain the internal compression load of pre-sizing F, measure reduction length 30 then; Perhaps (2) utilize external load compressing fuel cells storehouse 20 shown in Fig. 9 B, so that apply the internal compressive load of pre-sizing F to fuel cell module 24, then or (A) measure the reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24; Perhaps (B) measures the reduction length of fuel cell stack 20, and the known dimensions of all other parts by cutting end plate 45,58, end bracket 56 and end assembly 32,34 is calculated the compression degree 30 of fuel cell module 24 then.In case determined the reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24, just laid down external compressive load from fuel cell module 24 or fuel cell stack 20.The needed combination thickness of the dividing plate 52 that the fuel cell stack 20 that utilizes the reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24 to calculate to make predetermined or unified length L needs.The needed combination thickness of dividing plate 52 equals reduction length 30 poor that the space length (as discussed above) of fuel cell module 24 and fuel cell module 24 will be placed in the inside.Calculate the needed combination thickness of dividing plate 52 thus.
What can replace is, can adopt the reduction length of fuel cell stack 20 that the internal compressive load of pre-sizing F is arranged at fuel cell module 24.The reduction length of fuel cell stack 20 can obtain by following steps: utilize external compressive load compressing fuel cells storehouse 20, to apply the internal compression load of pre-sizing F to fuel cell module 24, measure the reduction length of fuel cell stack 20 then.Then remove the external compressive load on the fuel cell stack.Calculate measured reduction length poor of the predetermined of fuel cell stack 20 or unified length L and fuel cell stack 20.Calculate difference be exactly the needed combination thickness of dividing plate 52.
In case determined the needed combination thickness of dividing plate 52, will select to have one or more dividing plate 52 of required combination thickness.Hold between 26,28 above and/or under end plate 45,58 and fuel cell module 24 corresponding above and/or under the dividing plate of selecting 52 placed.With dividing plate 52 location, make the combination thickness of dividing plate 52 and length 30 alignings of fuel cell module 24.Come compressing fuel cells storehouse 20 by applying external compressive load then, thus fuel cell stack 20 roughly is compressed to predetermined or unified length L to fuel cell stack 20.Final internal compressive load with fuel cell stack 20 of predetermined or unified length L should be substantially equal to pre-sizing F.On the end plate 45,58, end plate 45,58 roughly remains on fuel cell stack 20 on the predetermined or unified length L so up and down about then side plate 36 being fixed to.At last, lay down external compressive load from fuel cell stack 20.The length of final fuel cell stack 20 is substantially equal to predetermined or unified length L, and fuel cell module 24 is shown the force compresses of predetermined big or small F greatly simultaneously.
Making the predetermined compression distance method of fuel cell stack 20 also can utilize dividing plate 52 to make the fuel cell stack 20 of predetermined or unified length L.The needed combination thickness of dividing plate 52 is based on the reduction length 30 of the predetermined or unified length L of the ideal of fuel cell stack 20, fuel cell module 24, comprises the thickness of a plurality of parts of end assembly 32,34.The reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24 can calculate by cut predetermined length D from the not reduction length 31 of fuel cell module 24.The thickness that cuts the reduction length 30 of fuel cell module 24 and end 45,58, end bracket 56 and comprise all other parts of end assembly 32,34 from the predetermined of fuel cell stack 20 or unified length L obtains the needed combination thickness of dividing plate 52.Select then and can allow the combination thickness of dividing plate 52 be substantially equal to the dividing plate 52 of required gross thickness.According to discussed above, selected dividing plate 52 is added on the fuel cell stack 20 then.The fuel cell stack 20 that finally obtains roughly have desirable predetermined or unified length L, roughly be compressed preset distance D fuel cell module 24 and with the corresponding internal compression load of the valid function of fuel cell module 24.
Quantize term at this with adverbial word " roughly ", the size that it should be interpreted as the described factor of expression is in the range of tolerable variance accepted of desirable amount.
The description of this invention only is exemplary in essence, therefore, attempts to think that the variation made all within the scope of the present invention under the situation that does not break away from main points of the present invention.Not will be understood that these variations have broken away from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (29)
1. electro-chemical fuel cell stack, this storehouse comprises:
A plurality of fuel cells that are arranged to fuel cell module in the stacked structure mode, described fuel cell module has the first and second relative ends, the length between these both ends, and described first and second ends are corresponding with the major planar surface of described fuel cell module;
First and second end plates, described first and second end plates are arranged on described first and second ends of described fuel cell module separately; Wherein the first type surface of each described first and second end plate is roughly parallel to the described major planar surface of described fuel cell module, and each described first and second end plate has the peripheral side wall of the described length that is roughly parallel to described fuel cell module; And
At least one side plate, it has relative first and second ends on the described peripheral side wall that is connected to described first and second end plates separately, the described first end of described at least one side plate has stria, stria makes the described first end of described at least one side plate be connected on described first end plate by machanical fastener, so that enough power is provided, thereby be held in a spaced relation described first and second end plates, and the length along described stria overlapping between the described first end of at least one side plate and described first end plate provides continuous adjusting, described at least one side plate keeps described first and second end plates with described spaced relationship, makes at least one planar section of described first type surface of each described first and second end plate apply compression stress on described fuel cell module.
2. storehouse as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described first and second ends of described at least one side plate are connected on described first and second end plates separately, make the described compression stress that is applied on the described fuel cell module by described first and second end plates have pre-sizing.
3. storehouse as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described first and second ends of described at least one side plate are connected on described first and second end plates separately, makes the described compresses in length preset distance of described fuel cell module.
4. storehouse as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described at least one side plate is the pair of side plates that is connected on the opposing sidewalls of described periphery of each described end plate.
5. storehouse as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the described the second end of described at least one side plate has at least one opening, and machanical fastener inserts and to pass this opening so that the described the second end of described at least one side plate is connected on described second end plate separately.
6. storehouse as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, the described first end of described at least one side plate is connected to machanical fastener on described first end plate has the threaded portion that engages with threaded openings in described first end plate, and the described the second end of described at least one side plate is connected to machanical fastener on described second end plate has the threaded portion that engages with threaded openings in described second end plate.
7. storehouse as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, described at least one opening on the described the second end of described at least one side plate is one of a plurality of openings, and described stria and a plurality of opening separate around described first and second ends of described at least one side plate.
8. storehouse according to claim 1 is characterized in that the described planar section of the described first type surface of each described first and second end plate is the contact interfaces that are distributed on most of described first type surface.
9. storehouse as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise at least one intermediate member that is arranged between at least one described first and second end plate and the described fuel cell module, wherein the described planar section of the described first type surface of at least one described first and second end plate is applied to described compression stress on the described fuel cell module via described at least one intermediate member.
10. electro-chemical fuel cell stack, this storehouse comprises:
A plurality ofly be arranged to the fuel cell of fuel cell module in the stacked structure mode, described fuel cell module has the first and second relative ends, the length between these both ends; Described first and second ends are corresponding with the major planar surface of described fuel cell module;
First and second end plates, described first and second end plates are arranged on described first and second ends of described fuel cell module separately; Wherein the first type surface of each described first and second end plate is roughly parallel to the described major planar surface of described fuel cell module, and at least one planar section of the described first type surface of each described first and second end plate applies compression stress on described fuel cell module; And
A plurality of side plates; it has relative first and second ends that are connected to separately on described first and second end plates; the described first end of described side plate has stria; stria makes the described first end of described side plate be connected on described first end plate by machanical fastener; so that enough power is provided; thereby be held in a spaced relation described first and second end plates; and the length along described stria overlapping between described side plate and described first end plate provides non-discrete adjusting; each described a plurality of side plate surrounds the part of described fuel cell module between described first and second end plates, and is provided for the protective cover of described fuel cell module.
11. storehouse as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, described first and second ends of described side plate are connected on described first and second end plates separately, the part of described first and second ends of wherein said side plate is held in a spaced relation described first and second end plates, makes the described part of described first and second ends of described side plate cause described first and second end plates to apply described compression stress on described fuel cell module.
12. storehouse as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, at least one described side plate has formation opening wherein, makes the terminal that is formed on the end plate pass through wherein.
13. storehouse as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described side plate is made of metal.
14. storehouse as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described side plate provides the shielding of opposing electromagnetic interference for described fuel cell module.
15. storehouse as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described side plate electrical ground.
16. storehouse as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, the described whole fuel cell module between described first and second end plates is surrounded by described a plurality of side plates.
17. storehouse as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, the described first type surface of each of described first and second end plates roughly is a rectangle.
18. storehouse as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, the described planar section of the described first type surface of each described first and second end plate is the contact interfaces that are distributed on most of described first type surface.
19. storehouse as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, also comprise at least one intermediate member that is arranged between at least one described first and second end plate and the described fuel cell module, wherein the described planar section of the described first type surface of at least one described first and second end plate is applied to described compression stress on the described fuel cell module via described at least one intermediate member.
20. a method of making electro-chemical fuel cell stack, this method comprises the steps:
Between first and second end plates, locate fuel cell module, the first end of wherein said fuel cell module is roughly parallel to the first type surface of also close described first end plate, and the second end of described fuel cell module is roughly parallel to and the first type surface of close described second end plate;
External compressive force is applied at least one described end plate, makes described fuel cell module compress by at least one planar section of the first type surface of each described end plate;
Between the first end of at least one side plate and described first end plate, form with stria overlapping, described overlapping can the adjusting continuously along the length of described stria;
Described at least one side plate is connected on the peripheral side wall of described first and second end plates, first and second ends of wherein said at least one side plate are connected on described first and second end plates separately, so that enough power is provided, thereby keep described first and second end plates with fixed spaced relation, make the overlapping maintenance described fixed spaced relation of described first and second end plates by described formation, and when described external compressive force was removed, described fuel cell module kept compression; And
Remove described external compressive force from described end plate.
21. method as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that,
The step that applies external compressive force comprises and applies the compression stress with pre-sizing, makes described fuel cell module be subjected to having the compression stress of described pre-sizing; And
The step that described at least one side plate is connected on the described end plate comprises that described first and second ends with described at least one side plate are connected on described first and second end plates separately, make when described compression stress is removed, described first and second end plates keep with fixed spaced relation, and keep having the described compression stress of described pre-sizing on described fuel cell module.
22. method as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that,
The step that applies external compressive force comprises compression stress is applied on the described end plate, makes described fuel cell module compress preset distance on the direction of described external compressive force; And
The step that described at least one side plate is connected on the described end plate comprises that described first and second ends with described at least one side plate are connected on described first and second end plates separately, make when described external compressive force is removed, described first and second end plates are maintained fixed spaced relationship, and described fuel cell module keeps the described preset distance of described compression.
23. method as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, described at least one side plate is connected to step on the described end plate comprises pair of side plates is connected on the opposing sidewalls of described periphery of each described end plate.
24. method as claimed in claim 20; it is characterized in that; described at least one side plate surrounds a length of described fuel cell module between described first and second end plates, make described at least one side plate be provided for the protective cover of described fuel cell module.
25. method as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, the described planar section of the described first type surface of described at least one described end plate is the contact interface that is distributed on most of described first type surface.
26. method as claimed in claim 20, it is characterized in that, also comprise at least one intermediate member is arranged between at least one described first and second end plate and the described fuel cell module, and via the planar section compression of described at least one intermediate member with described fuel cell module and at least one described first and second end plate.
27. an electro-chemical fuel cell stack comprises:
Have the first and second relative ends and the fuel cell module of a segment length wherein, described first and second ends are corresponding with the major planar surface of described fuel cell module;
Be arranged in the first end assembly on the described first end of described fuel cell module, described first end assembly has first end plate, and it has the first type surface of the described major planar surface of the described first end that is roughly parallel to described fuel cell module;
Be arranged in the second end assembly on the described the second end of described fuel cell module, described the second end assembly has second end plate, and it has the first type surface of the described major planar surface of the described the second end that is roughly parallel to described fuel cell module;
At least one side plate with relative first and second ends on the sidewall that is connected to described first and second end plates separately, described first end has a plurality of strias, stria makes described first end be connected on described first end plate by machanical fastener, so that enough power is provided, thereby be held in a spaced relation described first and second end plates, described stria makes the overlapping length along described stria between described first end and described first end plate have successive range, described at least one side plate keeps described spaced relationship with described first and second end plates, makes the planar section at least of each described first type surface of described first and second end plates apply compression stress via the described first and second end assemblies on described fuel cell module.
28. storehouse as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that, described first end assembly comprises at least one intermediate member between the described first end that is arranged in described first end plate and described fuel cell module.
29. storehouse as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, described the second end assembly comprises at least one the other intermediate member between the described the second end that is arranged in described second end plate and described fuel cell module.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/137,062 | 2002-04-30 | ||
| US10/136,975 US7045245B2 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2002-04-30 | Method and apparatus for providing a uniform fuel cell stack structure |
| US10/136,781 | 2002-04-30 | ||
| US10/136,975 | 2002-04-30 | ||
| US10/137,062 US6663995B2 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2002-04-30 | End plates for a fuel cell stack structure |
| US10/136,781 US7344797B2 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2002-04-30 | Compact fuel cell stack structure |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1650446A CN1650446A (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| CN100499205C true CN100499205C (en) | 2009-06-10 |
Family
ID=34139480
Family Applications (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB038096943A Expired - Lifetime CN1328810C (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2003-04-09 | End plates for a fuel cell stack structure |
| CNB038097303A Expired - Lifetime CN100362685C (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2003-04-09 | Method and apparatus for providing a uniform fuel cell stack structure |
| CNB038098466A Expired - Lifetime CN100499205C (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2003-04-14 | Compact fuel cell stack structure |
Family Applications Before (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB038096943A Expired - Lifetime CN1328810C (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2003-04-09 | End plates for a fuel cell stack structure |
| CNB038097303A Expired - Lifetime CN100362685C (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2003-04-09 | Method and apparatus for providing a uniform fuel cell stack structure |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (4) | JP2005522857A (en) |
| CN (3) | CN1328810C (en) |
| AU (3) | AU2003226325A1 (en) |
| DE (3) | DE10392584B4 (en) |
Families Citing this family (32)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2005228698A (en) * | 2004-02-16 | 2005-08-25 | Casio Comput Co Ltd | Fuel cell and its manufacturing method |
| US7261964B2 (en) | 2004-07-29 | 2007-08-28 | General Motors Corporation | Fuel cell stack housing |
| JP4664020B2 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2011-04-06 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Manufacturing method of fuel cell stack |
| US7947404B2 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2011-05-24 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Thermally enhanced insulator plates and fuel cell stack incorporating the same |
| CN101589489B (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2011-11-16 | Utc电力公司 | Fuel cell stack having an integrated end plate assembly |
| DE102007012763B4 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2014-04-10 | Staxera Gmbh | Housing for receiving at least one fuel cell stack and fuel cell system with such a housing |
| JP5134272B2 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2013-01-30 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| KR100986456B1 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2010-10-08 | 포항공과대학교 산학협력단 | Device for clamping fuel cell stack |
| JP5285319B2 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2013-09-11 | パナソニック株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
| US8372559B2 (en) * | 2008-10-21 | 2013-02-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Low cost thermal insulation for a fuel cell stack integrated end unit |
| JP5277958B2 (en) * | 2008-12-26 | 2013-08-28 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Manufacturing method of fuel cell stack |
| JP5664477B2 (en) | 2011-06-28 | 2015-02-04 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel cell and fuel cell manufacturing method |
| KR101315739B1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2013-10-10 | 현대자동차주식회사 | End plate for fuel cell having sandwich insert |
| DE102013206335A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-16 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | The fuel cell system |
| DE102013206334A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-16 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | The fuel cell system |
| CN103633359A (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2014-03-12 | 新源动力股份有限公司 | Fuel cell stack assembly method |
| DE102014202215A1 (en) * | 2014-02-06 | 2015-08-06 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel cell stack and method for its assembly |
| US9997800B2 (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2018-06-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Fuel cell stack and assembly method of same |
| DE102014217220A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 | 2016-03-03 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Housing for a fuel cell stack |
| JP6606357B2 (en) * | 2015-06-05 | 2019-11-13 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell stack and heat dissipation adjustment method thereof |
| DE102015225351A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2017-06-22 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method for producing a power supply unit |
| DE102015225350A1 (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2017-06-22 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Housing for receiving a fuel cell, battery or capacitor stack |
| JP6729342B2 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2020-07-22 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Manufacturing method of secondary battery stack |
| US10468707B2 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2019-11-05 | Gm Global Technology Operations Llc. | Fuel cell stack assembly |
| DE102017006138A1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-03 | Audi Ag | Method for producing a fuel cell stack |
| DE102017215510A1 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2019-03-07 | Volkswagen Ag | A method of determining the compressive tensile force acting on a fuel cell stack |
| JP6947061B2 (en) * | 2018-02-01 | 2021-10-13 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | How to make a fuel cell stack |
| JP6950557B2 (en) | 2018-02-15 | 2021-10-13 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | How to make a fuel cell stack |
| CN113571723B (en) * | 2020-04-28 | 2022-08-09 | 安泰科技股份有限公司 | Stacking unit for fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack |
| DE102020211601A1 (en) | 2020-09-16 | 2022-03-17 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung eingetragener Verein | Stacked arrangement formed from a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged one on top of the other, and a method for assembling same |
| CN113036201B (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2022-08-02 | 长春绿动氢能科技有限公司 | Electrochemical cell |
| DE102022113312A1 (en) | 2022-05-25 | 2023-11-30 | J.Schmalz Gmbh | Cell stacking package |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3476609A (en) * | 1967-03-30 | 1969-11-04 | United Aircraft Corp | Fuel cell module |
Family Cites Families (31)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2129187C3 (en) * | 1971-06-11 | 1978-08-31 | Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen | A fuel battery made up of a plurality of fuel elements |
| US4175165A (en) * | 1977-07-20 | 1979-11-20 | Engelhard Minerals & Chemicals Corporation | Fuel cell system utilizing ion exchange membranes and bipolar plates |
| JPS59162777U (en) * | 1983-04-14 | 1984-10-31 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Fuel cell terminal device |
| JPS617868U (en) * | 1984-06-20 | 1986-01-17 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Fuel cell terminal device |
| JPS61116769A (en) * | 1984-11-12 | 1986-06-04 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Stack frame fastening device of fuel cell |
| JP2566757B2 (en) * | 1986-05-19 | 1996-12-25 | ヤマハ発動機株式会社 | Fuel cell |
| JPH0221573A (en) * | 1988-07-08 | 1990-01-24 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| US5176966A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1993-01-05 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Fuel cell membrane electrode and seal assembly |
| JP3111124B2 (en) * | 1993-04-01 | 2000-11-20 | 大阪瓦斯株式会社 | Fuel cell |
| JPH07169473A (en) * | 1993-12-15 | 1995-07-04 | Toshiba Corp | Fuel cell and its external diagnostic method |
| JPH0855631A (en) * | 1994-08-12 | 1996-02-27 | Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| JPH0878044A (en) * | 1994-08-31 | 1996-03-22 | Aqueous Res:Kk | Fuel cell stack |
| JP3149716B2 (en) * | 1995-01-23 | 2001-03-26 | 富士電機株式会社 | Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| JPH0992324A (en) * | 1995-07-20 | 1997-04-04 | Toyota Motor Corp | Cell module and fuel cell |
| JPH09289029A (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1997-11-04 | Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo Kk | Gas seal structure, cooling part structure, and stack for solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell |
| JP3493896B2 (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 2004-02-03 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel cell and fuel cell system |
| JPH1095100A (en) * | 1996-09-24 | 1998-04-14 | Noritake Co Ltd | Squeegee for screen process printing |
| US5789091C1 (en) * | 1996-11-19 | 2001-02-27 | Ballard Power Systems | Electrochemical fuel cell stack with compression bands |
| DE19724428C2 (en) | 1997-06-10 | 1999-09-16 | Ballard Power Systems | Housing for a low-temperature fuel cell stack |
| JPH1111829A (en) * | 1997-06-19 | 1999-01-19 | Mitsubishi Denki Bill Techno Service Kk | Plunger return wheel installing table fixing jig for hydraulic elevator |
| JPH1197054A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 1999-04-09 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Fastening structure and method of layered body |
| CN2329088Y (en) * | 1997-11-24 | 1999-07-14 | 钟家轮 | Proton exchanging film fuel battery |
| JP2000048850A (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2000-02-18 | Aisin Seiki Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| JP3454722B2 (en) * | 1998-08-20 | 2003-10-06 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Polymer electrolyte fuel cell |
| JP2000149978A (en) * | 1998-11-16 | 2000-05-30 | Aisin Seiki Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| US6200698B1 (en) * | 1999-08-11 | 2001-03-13 | Plug Power Inc. | End plate assembly having a two-phase fluid-filled bladder and method for compressing a fuel cell stack |
| US6218039B1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2001-04-17 | Plug Power, Inc. | Clamping apparatus and method for a fuel cell |
| CN2388714Y (en) * | 1999-09-01 | 2000-07-19 | 钟家轮 | Integral packaged proton exchanging film fuel cell |
| CA2353210C (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2006-07-11 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell apparatus |
| JP4487396B2 (en) * | 2000-08-14 | 2010-06-23 | ソニー株式会社 | Fuel cell stack structure |
| JP2002280008A (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2002-09-27 | Mitsubishi Materials Corp | Gas supply structure for fuel cell |
-
2003
- 2003-04-09 DE DE10392584.8T patent/DE10392584B4/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-09 AU AU2003226325A patent/AU2003226325A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-09 JP JP2004502387A patent/JP2005522857A/en active Pending
- 2003-04-09 DE DE10392581.3T patent/DE10392581B4/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-09 AU AU2003223519A patent/AU2003223519A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-09 CN CNB038096943A patent/CN1328810C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-09 CN CNB038097303A patent/CN100362685C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-09 JP JP2004502395A patent/JP2005524214A/en active Pending
- 2003-04-14 JP JP2004502380A patent/JP2006501601A/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-04-14 DE DE10392585.6T patent/DE10392585B4/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-04-14 AU AU2003230898A patent/AU2003230898A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-14 CN CNB038098466A patent/CN100499205C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2008
- 2008-06-03 JP JP2008145765A patent/JP2008277303A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3476609A (en) * | 1967-03-30 | 1969-11-04 | United Aircraft Corp | Fuel cell module |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE10392584B4 (en) | 2021-05-12 |
| CN1650446A (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| DE10392585B4 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
| JP2005524214A (en) | 2005-08-11 |
| DE10392584T5 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
| DE10392585T5 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
| AU2003223519A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
| DE10392581B4 (en) | 2014-07-31 |
| JP2005522857A (en) | 2005-07-28 |
| CN1650454A (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| CN100362685C (en) | 2008-01-16 |
| CN1328810C (en) | 2007-07-25 |
| JP2008277303A (en) | 2008-11-13 |
| DE10392581T5 (en) | 2005-05-19 |
| JP2006501601A (en) | 2006-01-12 |
| AU2003226325A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
| CN1650460A (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| AU2003230898A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CN100499205C (en) | Compact fuel cell stack structure | |
| CN101222066B (en) | Method and apparatus for providing a uniform fuel cell stack structure | |
| US7855023B2 (en) | Fuel cell, method and apparatus for manufacturing fuel cell | |
| US7862958B2 (en) | Retaining apparatus for electrochemical generator | |
| US6660420B1 (en) | Separator for a fuel cell and a method of producing the same | |
| US9190686B2 (en) | Fuel cell stack | |
| US20030203270A1 (en) | End plates for a fuel cell stack structure | |
| US8034503B2 (en) | Fuel cell stack | |
| US8354197B2 (en) | Fuel cell stack having an integrated end plate assembly | |
| JP6123773B2 (en) | Fuel cell device | |
| EP2546915B1 (en) | Housing assembly for a fuel cell stack | |
| US7553399B2 (en) | Hydrogen production apparatus with electrolyte of varying thicknesses | |
| KR100501206B1 (en) | Assembling structure for the PEM fuelcell stack | |
| US11101487B2 (en) | Fuel cell battery | |
| KR100759464B1 (en) | Fuel cell stack | |
| US6815111B1 (en) | Separator for a fuel cell and a method of producing the same | |
| KR100405479B1 (en) | End plate for fuel cell stack | |
| JP6886899B2 (en) | Fuel cell structure | |
| CN114976175A (en) | Fuel cell stack and method for assembling fuel cell stack | |
| CN1996649B (en) | For improvement of the gas diffusion layers preliminary treatment of PEM fuel cell performance and operational stability | |
| KR100405872B1 (en) | Bent Valve Assembly of Lead Storage Battery | |
| KR20190122959A (en) | Device having one-axis pressing structure for measuring electrochemical properties |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| C14 | Grant of patent or utility model | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| CX01 | Expiry of patent term | ||
| CX01 | Expiry of patent term |
Granted publication date: 20090610 |