Abstract: A reduction process is performed to each fuel electrode layer by supplying a reduction gas into each fuel channel 22 in the state in which a perimetric portion of a sheet body 11 is held to be sealed by perimetric portions of an upper support member 122 and a lower support member 121. In the case of a small-sized fuel cell in which the thickness of the sheet body 11 is 20˜500 ?m, the fuel electrode layer is greater in thickness than the solid electrolyte layer and the air electrode layer, and the area of the orthogonal projection of the plane portion 12a of each support member 12 is 1˜100 cm2, a ratio of a warpage of not more than 0.05 cm?1 on the sheet body with respect to the area of the orthogonal projection can be achieved at room temperature after the reduction process.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell-use gasket, included in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a fuel cell stack is provided. In the fuel cell stack, a plurality of unit cell modules is stacked, and each of the unit cell modules includes sealing members disposed at circumference portions of respective front and back surfaces of a membrane electrode assembly, and paired separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly and the sealing members. The sealing members are integrally molded with the circumference portions of the respective front and back surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly. In each sealing member of the gasket, two rows of sealing lips are continuously provided in parallel to each other in an in-plane manner, and at least an outer one of the two rows of sealing lips is integrally formed, having a top side bell-shaped portion overlaid on a bottom side bell-shaped portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a fuel cell plate. The fuel cell plate includes a substrate of electrically conductive material and a first outer layer of corrosion-resistant material bonded to a first portion of the substrate. To reduce the weight of the fuel cell plate, the electrically conductive material and the corrosion-resistant material are selected to be as light as practicable.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit assembly is disclosed, the water vapor transfer unit assembly including a plurality of water vapor transfer units having a fluid permeable membrane and a plurality of supports disposed within a sealing frame adjacent an end plate of a fuel cell stack, wherein the sealing frame is adapted to provide support to the end plate and a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell stack system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell comprises component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: A manufactured fuel cell includes: a unit cell including a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding an outer circumference of the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer while exposing an end of the electrolyte layer; a plating layer around an outer circumference of the exposed electrolyte layer; a cell coupling member including a passage pipe inserted into the unit cell and forming a continuous passage from the inside of the unit cell, a coupling pipe provided outside of the passage pipe to form a space accommodating an end of the unit cell from the passage pipe, and a connecting unit connecting the coupling pipe with the passage pipe and restricting an insertion depth of the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer; and a welding portion fixing and sealing the plating layer and an inner circumference of the coupling pipe with each other.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell that secures a flow path of a separator while preventing generation of a pin-hole. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a microporous layer that is disposed at both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, a backing layer that is disposed on the microporous layer, and a circumferential edge protective layer that is disposed at an circumferential edge of the electrolyte membrane. An end portion of the microporous layer is positioned further inside of the membrane electrode assembly than an end portion of the backing layer. The circumferential edge protective layer is inserted between the backing layer and the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: In order to improve an electrochemical conversion device comprising a plurality of functional elements stacked one upon the other into a stack in a stacking direction and interconnected within the stack, some of which have peripheral areas of sheet material, some of which are arranged in a stacked configuration one upon the other in a stacking direction, forming peripheral stacks, and are interconnected by way of a first element-to-element connection and some others of which are interconnected by way of a second element-to-element connection, in such a manner that the strain placed on the element-to-element connections can be kept as low as possible, it is proposed that one of the functional elements comprise a compensating unit and that the compensating unit comprise at least one deformable element which, by deformation, allows for at least one height compensation in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators-sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. The separators each include first and second fuel gas supply sections through which a fuel gas supply passage extends centrally, first and second bridges extending radially outwardly from the first and second fuel gas supply sections and first and second sandwiching sections connected to the first and second bridges. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are provided in the first and second sandwiching sections. Each of the first sandwiching sections has pairs of fuel gas outlets, and a fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel is discharged through the fuel gas outlets.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is formed from a plurality of stacked fuel cell units and at least one stack end element. The stacked fuel cell units being surrounded by a housing. A frame element is situated on the at least one stack end element and the housing on the end-face side. At least one seal is situated at least between the stack end element and the housing in the area of the frame element.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of stacked fuel cell units and at least one stack end element that are clamped a clamping device. The clamped fuel cell units are surrounded by a housing. A circumferential seal, in particular a lip seal, which has recesses for accommodating the clamping device is situated between the housing and the at least one stack end element. The clamping device is electrically insulated at least in the area of the recesses.

Abstract: A fuel cell layer includes a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar array arrangement and an interconnector for electrically coupling an anode catalyst layer of one of adjacent membrane electrode assemblies to a cathode catalyst layer of the other of the adjacent membrane electrode assemblies. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, the anode catalyst layer provided on one face of the electrolyte member and the cathode catalyst layer provided on the other face of the electrolyte membrane in such a manner that at least part of which is disposed counter to the anode catalyst layer. The interconnector is formed of at least one of a material constituting the anode catalyst layer and a material constituting the cathode catalyst layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having compression retention features that functions dually to provide compression retention and to provide structural sealing and vehicle mounting capability, eliminating the bulk of an additional structural enclosure while retaining the balance of plant simplicity associated with the use of structural enclosures. The fuel cell system has fuel cells disposed between a dry end unit plate and a wet end unit plate and a compression retention system with a pair of opposing end caps and a pair of opposing side panels such that wet end unit plate is fixedly secured to the opposing end caps and the dry end unit plate is adjustably secured to the opposing end caps. Methods for eliminating the effect of stack height variance and balance of plant tolerances on fuel cell system installation are also provided.

Abstract: A device includes a ceramic thin plate member including a fired ceramic sheet; and a metal thin plate member having an outer shape larger than that of the ceramic thin plate member. An outer circumferential portion of the ceramic thin plate member is joined to the metal thin plate member. The ceramic thin plate member has through holes and a plurality of crease portions. Each crease portion has a ridge portion whose crest continuously extends from a joint portion between the ceramic thin plate member and the metal thin plate member toward an outer circumferential portion of the metal thin plate member. Since thermal stress due to a difference in thermal expansion between the metal thin plate member and the ceramic thin plate member can be relaxed through expansion of the crease portions, the ceramic thin plate member does not deform.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other.

Abstract: A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a first membrane electrode assembly, a first metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a second metal separator. Resin frame members are provided at the outer ends of the first and second membrane electrode assemblies. Coolant connection channels including a plurality of grooves is formed in each of the resin frame members. The grooves of the coolant connection channels of the cell unit and grooves of coolant connection channels of a cell unit that is adjacent to the cell unit in the stacking direction are offset from each other, and are not overlapped with each other in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A nanoconverter or nanosensor is disclosed capable of directly generating electricity through physisorption interactions with molecules that are dipole containing organic species in a molecule interaction zone. High surface-to-volume ratio semiconductor nanowires or nanotubes (such as ZnO, silicon, carbon, etc.) are grown either aligned or randomly-aligned on a substrate. Epoxy or other nonconductive polymers are used to seal portions of the nanowires or nanotubes to create molecule noninteraction zones. By correlating certain molecule species to voltages generated, a nanosensor may quickly identify which species is detected. Nanoconverters in a series parallel arrangement may be constructed in planar, stacked, or rolled arrays to supply power to nano- and micro-devices without use of external batteries. In some cases breath, from human or other life forms, contain sufficient molecules to power a nanoconverter.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell stack may include a cell array, a pair of planar current collecting members, first and second terminal portions, and a pair of electric insulating members. A plurality of interconnector-type unit cells may be electrically connected in parallel to form a bundle, and a plurality of bundles may be electrically connected in series. The pair of the planar current collecting members may be electrically connected electrically to the plurality of bundles and configured to collect current. The first and second terminal portions contact the current collecting members. The pair of insulating members has first through-holes through which the first and second terminal portions pass, and to the insulating members are formed outside the pair of the current collecting members.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an electrochemical cell stack compression system may include an integral, hollow frame configured to contain a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged along an axis in a stack configuration. The frame may have a defined shape and may form a continuous border around a periphery of the electrochemical cell stack when inserted. The frame may be formed of a plurality of fibers.

Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.

Abstract: In solid polymer fuel cells employing framed membrane electrode assemblies, a conventional anode compliant seal is employed in combination with a cathode non-compliant seal to provide for a thinner fuel cell design, particularly in the context of a fuel cell stack. This approach is particularly suitable for fuel cells operating at low pressure.

Abstract: A spring compression assembly is configured to apply a load to a stack of electrochemical cells. The assembly includes a ceramic leaf spring, a tensioner configured to apply pressure to a first side of the spring and a bottom plate located on a second side of the spring opposite the first side of the spring. The bottom plate is configured to transfer a load from the spring to the stack of electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Deterioration of an electrolyte and a sealing member is suppressed taking account of the durable temperature characteristics thereof, while enhancing the starting performance of a fuel cell. For this realization, in a system comprising a gas piping system for supplying a reactant gas to a fuel cell, and a gas supply controller for altering the supply state of the reactant gas in response to a power generation request, a gas supply quantity is altered in accordance with the temperature of the fuel cell. Preferably, the gas supply quantity is altered in accordance with the durable temperature characteristics of a passage member forming a gas passage of the reactant gas. Furthermore, the differential pressure of the gas supply state between the anode side and the cathode side of the fuel cell is preferably taken into account and the differential pressure between both poles is suppressed by altering the gas supply quantity on the cathode side as the case may be.

Abstract: An adhesive suitable for solid polymer fuel cells is provided that has sufficient bond durability, so that the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the gas diffusion layer do not separate, even with the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell repeatedly wetting and drying, and changing in dimension. An adhesive including a base compound, a cross-linking agent, an adhesion promoting agent, and a reaction catalyst is employed using a specific base compound having alkenyl groups, and a specific cross-linking agent having Si—H groups, in which the ratio of moles of the above Si—H group relative to moles of the above alkenyl group (moles of Si—H group/moles of alkenyl group) is adjusted to the range of 1.0 to 5.0.

Abstract: This invention relates to the presence of slightly or non-porous zones in the electrode layer around gas inlets, in order to improve the leak tightness between the different individual cells making up a fuel cell with a plane geometry. The fuel cell comprises a first electrode layer having a non-porous zone forming a passage therethrough for gas flow and an electrolyte layer having a protuberance which extends into the first electrode layer for forming the non-porous zone with the non-porous zone representing a gas tight passage. Nested contact between the bipolar plate and the ceramic triple layer making up the basic cell is also described and is another possible means of avoiding mixes of gasses.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells in a stacking direction, and first and second end plates at both ends in the stacking direction. Long sides of the first and second end plates are fixed together by a pair of tightening members. The tightening member includes a bent portion bent in a direction along a surface of the second end plate, and coupled to the pressure application adjustment device, and a wide portion having a width extended toward the first end plate.

Abstract: A rubber composition comprising (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) a silicone resinous copolymer, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (D) fumed silica having a BET specific surface area of 50-400 m2/g, (E) carbon powder having a BET specific surface area of 30-150 m2/g, and (F) an addition reaction catalyst cures into a product which is useful as a separator seal in PEFCs. The rubber has a reduced compression set even in an acidic atmosphere or in contact with LLC, and the rubber itself has strength and good adhesion to separator substrates. The separator provides excellent seal performance over a long term.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack with a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and a plurality of bipolar plates, wherein at least one surface of a first bipolar plate runs in undulating fashion, meandering fashion or zig-zag-shaped fashion and extreme points of the surface of the bipolar plate make contact with a first surface of a MEA at contact points. At least some of the contact points are associated with mating contact points on a second surface of the MEA, which surface is opposite the first surface of the MEA, with a surface of a second bipolar plate making contact with said mating contact points, and that the contact points and the associated mating contact points are positioned one above the other in the stacking direction. A method for producing a fuel cell stack is provided. A bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack is also provided.

Abstract: An electricity storage device includes: a plurality of cells that are aligned in a predetermined direction; a pair of end plates that sandwich the plurality of cells in the predetermined direction; and a restraining member that extends in the predetermined direction, is fixed to the pair of end plates, and exerts a restraining force on the plurality of cells in the predetermined direction via the end plates. Each of the end plates includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a plurality of ribs on a surface that faces the adjacent cell and is formed of insulating material. The second plate is fixed to the first plate on a side opposite to the surface that faces the adjacent cell and is formed of material stronger than the insulating material for the first plate.

Abstract: A method of insulating a base portion of a fuel cell system including pouring an insulation that can be poured to fill at least 30 volume % of a base portion cavity of the fuel cell system housing through an opening in a sidewall of the housing. The base portion cavity of the housing is located between a bottom wall of the housing and a stack support base plate located in the housing. The stack support base plate supports one or more columns of fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided that includes: i) a plurality of unit cells that are stacked together; ii) end plates that are each disposed at outermost ends of the unit cells and that press the plurality of unit cells together; and iii) a plurality of tension bars that engage the end plates, wherein an tension bar corresponding to an outermost portion of the unit cells has a predetermined angle of slope and engages with the end plate.

Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell device includes a cell stack assembly having a plurality of fuel cells. A vapor barrier tape is wrapped around at least a portion of an exterior of the cell stack assembly. An exemplary method of managing moisture within a fuel cell stack assembly includes covering at least a portion of an exterior of the cell stack assembly with a vapor barrier tape to thereby maintain moisture within the cell stack assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack formed by stacking two or more fuel cell layers each constituted of one or more unit cell and a fuel cell system including the same are provided. Any two fuel cell layers adjacent to each other each have one or more gap region. At least a part of the gap region in one fuel cell layer of any two fuel cell layers adjacent to each other is in contact with a unit cell constituting the other fuel cell layer. The gap region in one fuel cell layer and the gap region in the other fuel cell layer communicate with each other. The fuel cell stack is excellent in fuel or oxidizing agent supply performance and it realizes high power density.

Abstract: In a fuel cell, one of separators that are opposed to each other and an intermediate body interposed between the separators are sandwiched by a cell monitor. An end portion of the intermediate body extends to an edge portion of a cell monitor mounting portion of the above-indicated one separator. The intermediate body includes at least one of a member that functions to hold an electrolyte body, a spacer (as in the case where the intermediate body is a resin frame), and a seal member or members. A major surface of the separator in the cell monitor mounting portion on which the cell monitor is mounted is in surface contact with a terminal of the cell monitor for conduction therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel cell that includes a cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked, a case that houses the cell stack, and a pressure plate that is placed in the case at a position between an end of the cell stack in the stacking direction and the case. The case has a first opening through which a pressing member that presses the pressure plate in the stacking direction from outside the case is brought into contact with the pressure plate, and a fixing portion that fixes the pressure plate in place with the cell stack compressed in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes: four fastening bolts which extend in a stack direction of a stack structure so as to penetrate through openings of end plates and nuts which are disposed at both ends of the fastening bolts and can adjust fastening forces applied by the fastening bolts to the stack structure sandwiched between the end plates. Each fastening bolt is disposed in the vicinity of an intermediate point of each side of the end plate. In an electrode facing region of the end plate, one or more springs are disposed on a first straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a second straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a third straight line passing through two fastening bolts and one or more springs are disposed on a fourth straight line passing through two fastening bolts.

Abstract: Fuel cell stacks (20) include fuel cells (22) in which internal pressure on membranes (28), caused by adjacent cross points (19) or ribs (9, 17) of gas flow field plates (7, 33) is reduced by lowering the axial load holding the stack together, after an initial high axial load, that establishes minimal possible internal resistance, has been held for between a few hours and 20 hours. The need for robust axial load restraints is also reduced. Pressure of cross points (19) can also be spread by stiffening components or adding stiffeners.

Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell plate and a datum hole formed in the fuel cell plate for alignment of the fuel cell plate during assembly of the fuel cell stack. The subassembly also includes a datum insert disposed adjacent the datum hole of the fuel cell plate. The datum insert is configured to militate against a bending of the fuel cell plate at the datum hole during the assembly of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell module including: a plurality of cylindrical unit cells including a cylindrical internal electrode, an electrolyte, and an external electrode; stack supports including a pair of current collecting plates arranged in parallel and elastic parts changing a gap between the pair of current collecting plates, wherein the stack supports are arranged so as to be in electrical communication with the external electrode of the unit cell.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack constituting a fuel cell module, electrolyte/electrode assemblies and separators are alternately laminated. An electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on one end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly, and a dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly and a terminal separator are arranged on the other end of the fuel cell stack in the lamination direction in this order outwardly. The dummy electrolyte/electrode assembly is so formed as to have the same shape as the electrolyte/electrode assemblies, while having conductivity but not having a power generation function.

Abstract: An arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer (208) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (210), and first and second current collectors coupled to said anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively, wherein the first current collector extends from the anode side of one cell to the cathode side of an adjacent cell, and wherein the cell components are clamped together. The first current collector (206) which is in contact with the anode gas diffusion layer (GDL; 208) of a first electrochemical cell (200a) is configured to be connected to the cathode side of a second, adjacent electrochemical cell (200b) via an inert and electrically conductive member (204b), without being in electrochemical contact with the electrochemically active components of the adjacent cell.

Abstract: A cell stack of a fuel cell comprises a cell stack body including a cell stack structure including plural cells stacked together; an elastic member disposed at an end of the cell stack structure in a direction in which the plural cells are stacked, and a pair of end plates sandwiching the cell stack structure and the elastic member, and a fastener band extending to surround the cell stack body and to cover a pair of end surfaces and a pair of opposing side surfaces of the cell stack body, the fastener band including a first band engagement portion and a second band engagement portion at both end portions thereof, respectively, and the cell stack body is fastened by the fastener band by direct or indirect engagement between the first band engagement portion and the second band engagement portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell stack comprising a base plate supporting fuel cells and a cap of an electrically insulating material, particularly of ceramics, for electrically insulating the fuel cells stacked on top of each other partially enveloping the fuel cells stacked on top of each other. According to the invention it is contemplated that a metal cap provided for guiding cathode gas envelops the cap including the fuel cells together with the base plate and that the metal cap is attached to the base plate in a sealed manner. The invention further relates to a method for producing a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A method and resulting device for metallic structures including interconnects and sealed frames for solid oxide fuel cells, particularly those with multi-cell electrolyte sheets, includes providing a high-temperature aluminum-containing surface-alumina-forming steel, forming an interconnect structure from the steel, removing any alumina layer from a surface portion of the interconnect where an electrical contact is to be formed, providing a structure having a surface portion with which electrical contact is to be made by the surface portion of the interconnect, and brazing the surface portion of the interconnect to the surface portion of the structure, and sealing fuel cell frames by brazing.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes: an electrode member having a membrane electrode assembly, which is formed from an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrode catalyst layers that is disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, and having a pair of porous layers disposed on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly in the thickness direction; a separator disposed layered on the electrode member so as to contact at least one of the porous layers; and an adhesive rubber member sealing a peripheral edge portion of the electrode member, wherein the electrode member and the separator are integrated by the adhesive rubber member, and a tensile product of the adhesive rubber member is 1,500 MPa·% or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface pressure controlling device for a fuel cell stack, in which an inflator capable of being expanded by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is mounted in an end plate so as to control the surface pressure required for the assembly of the fuel cell stack to be maintained above a predetermined level.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell units, which are arranged consecutively in a stacking direction, wherein each of the fuel cell units comprises a housing with at least one housing part made of a metallic material, which has an adequate electrical insulation effect and an adequate mechanical strength at a high operating temperature of the fuel cell stack, a sealing assembly is provided and comprises at least one intermediate element made of a metallic material, wherein the intermediate element is soldered to a housing part of a first fuel cell unit at at least one location by a metal solder and is secured to a housing part of a second fuel cell unit at at least another location, wherein the intermediate element and/or the housing part of the first fuel cell unit is provided with a coating made of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A stack structure for a solid oxide fuel cell includes a plurality of stacked single cells, each having a fuel electrode layer including a fuel electrode and an air electrode layer including an air electrode, the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer being arranged opposite each other on either side of a solid electrolyte, separators arranged between the stacked single cells to separate the single cells, and non-porous seal parts located within the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer, are equivalent to either the separators or the solid electrolyte at least in terms of thermal expansion and contraction characteristics, and are integrated with an edge of the fuel electrode or an edge of the air electrode, and also with the adjacent separator and the adjacent solid electrolyte.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems (10) and related methods for limiting fuel cell slippage are provided. A stacked plurality of adjacent fuel cells (14) collectively forming a fuel cell stack (12). The fuel cells each include a pair of first and second plates (30, 30?, 30?; 32, 32?, 32?) at respective opposite ends thereof. A first fuel cell has a first plate (30, 30?, 30?) in engagement with a second plate (32, 32?, 32?) of a second fuel cell adjacent to the first fuel cell. A slip mitigation arrangement (50, 50?, 50?) between at least one of the pairs of the first and second fuel cells comprises first and second seats (62, 62?, 62?; 64, 64?, 64?) recessed in the engagement surfaces of the first and second conductive plates respectively, and a key member (60, 60?, 60?) having opposite ends seated in the first and the second recessed seats such that relative movement between the first and the second fuel cells is limited.

Abstract: A battery unit with improved safety measures, a lithium polymer battery using the battery unit, and a method for manufacturing the lithium polymer battery are provided.