Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a load receiver provided at an outer end of a fuel cell unit, a guide receiver provided in a box, and a pressure receiver provided in at least one corner in the box. The guide receiver abuts against the load receiver for receiving the external load. The pressure receiver protrudes toward the fuel cell unit. The pressure receiver abuts against a corner of the fuel cell unit for receiving the load. The pressure receiver has a resin receiver, and the resin receiver abuts against a curved portion of the fuel cell unit for supporting the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. An annular member and a ring foil are provided between the separators. The annular member is provided around an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly, and includes grooves for discharging a first exhaust gas FGoff which has been consumed at an anode to the outside of the electrolyte electrode assembly. The ring foil is provided adjacent to a cathode, and extends from a position between an outer end of the electrolyte electrode assembly to a position between the annular member and the separator.

Abstract: A system includes power modules received within a frame of a ventilation enclosure. Each of the power modules has a fuel cell stack. A ventilation shaft is arranged along a rear side of the ventilation enclosure and sealingly receives the power modules so that exhaust outlets of the power modules discharge into the ventilation shaft. Each of the power modules is removably attachable to the ventilation shaft through the front side of the ventilation enclosure. A fuel supply pipe in the ventilation shaft supplies fuel to fuel inlets of the power modules. An exhaust pump draws exhaust fluid out of the ventilation shaft.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) device having a gradient interconnect is provided, including a first gradient interconnect having opposing first and second surfaces, a first trench formed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect, a second trench formed over the second surface of the first gradient interconnect, and an interconnecting tunnel formed in the first gradient interconnect for connecting the first and second trenches. A first porous conducting disc is placed in the first trench and partially protrudes over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect. A first sealing layer is placed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect and surrounds the first trench. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is placed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect and contacted with the first porous conducting disc and the first sealing layer.

Abstract: A gasket formed of compressible material and having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for providing a fluid seal between a first component and a second component, a plurality of cavities provided within the gasket proximate the first and/or second sealing surfaces and extending over at least a first portion of the gasket to provide increased compressibility of the gasket in the first portion.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including an electricity generating unit for generating electrical energy by electrochemically reacting a fuel and an oxidizing agent, the electricity generating unit including: a first separator; a second separator; a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) between the first separator and the second separator, each of the first and second separators including a channel on a surface facing the MEA and a manifold in the surface facing the MEA, the manifold communicating with the channel; and a gasket, positioned at an outer circumference portion of an area where the MEA is positioned, for sealing a space between the first and second separators and for covering an open area of a channel extension area of at least one of the first and second separators where the manifold communicates with the channel.

Abstract: A coolant inlet manifold for coolant supply passages is attached to an end plate of a fuel cell stack. Pillars are provided on at least one end of the coolant inlet manifold in a longitudinal direction thereof. The pillars are fitted into through holes formed in the end plate, and are connected to a manifold body and to a connector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a sealing member for a solid oxide fuel cell and a solid oxide fuel cell employing the same. The sealing member for a solid oxide fuel cell includes: a glass sheet; and mica layers formed on both surfaces of the glass sheet. The sealing member can have excellent airtightness and bonding capability, proper flow characteristics, and high electric resistivity, by constituting the sealing member of the glass sheet and the mica layers.

Abstract: A unit cell of a fuel cell stack, and a fuel cell stack including the unit cell, where the unit cell includes channel plates including first and second manifolds, a plurality of channels and channel connecting units; hard plates arranged to contact surfaces of the channel connecting units; and gaskets arranged to surround the plurality of channels and first and second manifolds between the channel plates and the hard plates.

Abstract: A fuel cell, having improved sealing against leakage, includes a sealant disposed over the peripheral portions a membrane electrode assembly such that the cured sealant penetrates a gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly. The sealant is applied through liquid injection molding techniques to form cured sealant composition at the peripheral potions of the membrane electrode assembly. The sealant may be thermally cured at low temperatures, for example 130° C. or less, or may be cured at room temperature through the application of actinic radiation.

Abstract: A fuel cell is mounted in a mobile unit. The fuel cell may include a stacked assembly composed of a plurality of stacked power generation elements held between a first rigid plate and a second rigid plate. The plurality of stacked power generation elements may be stacked adjacent to one another in a stacked direction and along a central stack axis. The central stack axis may extend through a center of gravity of the fuel cell. A first mount, a second mount, and a third mount may be used to mount the fuel cell to the mobile unit. Each of the first mount, the second mount, and the third mount may be an insulating elastic element that suppresses vibration transferred from the mobile unit to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A membrane-membrane reinforcing member assembly includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) having a substantially quadrilateral shape; a membrane-like first membrane reinforcing member (10a) disposed on a first main surface (F10) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) to bend at a substantially right angle at a corner of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and extend along sides forming the corner; and a membrane-like second membrane reinforcing member (10b) disposed on a second main surface (F20) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) to bend at a substantially right angle at a corner of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and extend along sides forming the corner, and the first membrane reinforcing member (10a) and the second membrane reinforcing member (10b) are disposed to extend along four sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) as a whole.

Abstract: A fuel cell air exchanger is provided. The fuel cell air exchanger includes a platform having at least one throughput opening and at least one holding post, where the holding post fixedly holds a fuel cell offset from the platform and proximal to the opening, where the opening can have many shapes. The fuel cell air exchanger provides an unimpeded air exchange through the openings to the fuel cell and can be flexible, semi-flexible or rigid. The fuel cell air exchanger can hold an array of fuel cells and fuel cell electronics. A chimney feature provides enhanced airflow when the air exchanger is disposed in a vertical position.

Abstract: A membrane-membrane reinforcing member assembly includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1); one or more membrane-like first membrane reinforcing members (10) disposed on a main surface (F10) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) so as to extend along a peripheral edge of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) as a whole; and one or more membrane-like second membrane reinforcing members (11) disposed on the first membrane reinforcing members (10) so as to extend along the peripheral edge of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) as a whole and disposed such that an inner edge of the second membrane reinforcing member (11) and an inner edge of the first membrane reinforcing member (10) do not coincide with each other.

Abstract: In order to prevent decrease of power generation due to a narrow MEA reaction region, an MEA (2) arranged between a pair of separators (5), a rubber sheet (6) arranged on its planar extension at the outer circumferential side of the MEA (2), and a gasket-like lip line (7) formed at the opposite sides of the rubber sheet (6) integrally therewith to closely contact with the separators (5) are provided, a rubber impregnated portion (8) for integrating the rubber sheet (6) with the MEA (2) by impregnation of a part of rubber composing the rubber sheet (6) into the GDL (4) constituting the MEA (2) is provided at the circumferential edge of the MEA (2), and a GDL constricted portion (9) for regulating the rubber impregnated portion is provided at the immediately inner circumferential side of the rubber impregnated portion (8) in the plane of the MEA (2).

Abstract: A metal-air fuel cell has electrodes including a cathode and an anode, current pickups provided for each of said electrodes for taking currents from a respective one of the electrode, wherein at least one of the electrodes being formed as a frameless box-shaped element, wherein additional hydrogen electrode, an electrolyte container, and a power source are provided.

Abstract: A glass foaming material and method are disclosed for filling void spaces in electrochemical devices. The glass material includes a reagent that foams at a temperature above the softening point of the glass. Expansion of the glass fills void spaces including by-pass and tolerance channels of electrochemical devices. In addition, cassette to cassette seals can also be formed while channels and other void spaces are filled, reducing the number of processing steps needed.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells each include a circular cell plate holding single cells as a solid oxide fuel cells and having a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. A circular separator plate has a gas introducing opening and a gas exhausting opening in a central section. Sealing members allow the gas intruding openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other and allow the gas exhausting openings of the cell plate and the separator plate to airtightly communicate with each other.

Abstract: A textured surface is formed on at least one of a fuel cell mounting plate or fuel cell subassembly to define a joint spacing between these two components. In a preferred embodiment, the textured surface comprises a plurality of dimples coined or otherwise formed in the metal mounting plate. The joint spacing improves the manufacturing and assembly process of the fuel cell cassettes through precise application and control of the brazing process which improves the braze joint strength while reducing material cost.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cell stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50-70 wt % SiO2, 0-20 wt % Al2O3, 10-50 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt % MgO, 0-2 wt % (Na2O+K2O), 5-10 wt % B2O3, and 0-5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, MoO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, La—Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A plurality of integral bundle assemblies contain a top portion with an inlet fuel plenum and a bottom portion containing a base support, the base supports a dense, ceramic air exhaust manifold having four supporting legs, the manifold is below and connects to air feed tubes located in a recuperator zone, the air feed tubes passing into the center of inverted, tubular, elongated, hollow electrically connected solid oxide fuel cells having an open end above a combustion zone into which the air feed tubes pass and a closed end near the inlet fuel plenum, where the open end of the fuel cells rest upon and within a separate combination ceramic seal and bundle support contained in a ceramic support casting, where at least one flexible cushion ceramic band seal located between the recuperator and fuel cells protects and controls horizontal thermal expansion, and where the fuel cells operate in the fuel cell mode and where the base support and bottom ceramic air exhaust manifolds carry from 85% to all of the weight

Abstract: A porous body which has a density of from 40 to 70%, is formed from an Fe-based alloy and contains from 0.01 to 2% by weight of mixed oxide with at least one oxidic compound of one or more metals from the group consisting of Y, Sc, rare earth metals and at least one further oxidic compound of one or more metals from the group consisting of Ti, Al, Cr. The porous body displays no after-shrinkage even at operating temperatures of 900° C., it has very good corrosion resistance and it is particularly suitable as a support substrate for use in high-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: A flat fuel cell including: at least two unit cells, a casing provided with supports for each of said unit cells, said supports offering a bearing surface to a periphery of the unit cells, a sealing member interposed between the periphery of each unit cell and the surface of an associated support, and a cover forming a compression element coming into abutment on the periphery of each unit cell opposite the sealing member and cooperating directly with the associated support in order to provide compression of the sealing member.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte membrane positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode; a separator including a channel for a flow of fuel and oxidant and closely adhered to the membrane electrode assembly; and a gasket with a two-layer structure stacked between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: An interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell includes a conductive structure having first portions defining a first contact zone, second portions defining a second contact zone which is spaced from the first contact zone, and intermediate portions extending between the first and second portions, wherein the intermediate portions are joined to the first portions through first corners, and wherein the intermediate portions are joined to the second portions through second corners, and wherein the first corners have a smaller radius than the second corners.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an edge-sealed fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprising the steps of: i) providing a suitable membrane electrode assembly lay-up; ii) positioning a suitable annular layer of a thermoplastic; and iii) applying pressure and heat sufficient to melt impregnate the thermoplastic into the fluid transport layer or layers of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up and simultaneously bond the fluid transport layer or layers to the polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up. The polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up may be perforated in its outer sealing area. Membrane electrode assemblies made according to the method of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A separator (41) for use in a fuel cell stack has an anode facing plate (44), a cathode facing plate (42), and an intermediate plate (45). The intermediate plate (45) has an air supply through-hole (452a), an air discharge through-hole (452b), a hydrogen supply through-hole (454a), and a hydrogen discharge through-hole (454b). The intermediate plate (45) also has through-holes (452c1, 452d1, 452e1, and 452f1). The air supply through-hole (452a) is in communication with the through-hole (452c1), the air discharge through-hole (452b) with the through-hole (452d1), the hydrogen supply through-hole (454a) with the through-hole (452e1), and the hydrogen discharge through-hole (454b) with the through-hole (452f1), respectively via communication passages (452c2, 452d2, 452e2, and 452f2) formed in the intermediate plate (45).

Abstract: A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15).

Abstract: In a solid polymer electrolyte membrane type fuel cell of the invention, where a pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and the outside thereof is clamped by a pair of separators, and nonconductive picture frame-shaped members 61 are arranged at the outer edge portions of the separators, for allowing increase and decrease of a space between separators, while sealing a gap between the separators.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator is provided for electrochemically reacting a fuel gas with a flowing oxidant gas at an elevated temperature to produce power. The generator includes a generator section receiving a fuel gas and a plurality of elongated fuel cells extending through the generator section and having opposing open fuel cell ends for directing an oxidant gas between opposing plena in the generator. A sealant defines a seal on the fuel cells adjacent at least one of the fuel cell ends. The sealant is a modified lanthanum borate aluminosilicate glass composition having a minimal amount of boron oxide and silica, and in which the sealant maintains substantially constant physical characteristics throughout multiple thermal cycles.

Abstract: The module comprises a reinforced sealing device at the outlet of stacked cells (10). It essentially comprises a distribution box (20), a collection box (30) and a concentric stack of elementary cells (10) intercalated with interconnectors (12). An upper seal (50) is placed at the outlet of the cells (10) into which penetrate the walls (38) of the collection box (30). Inner (44) and outer (45) ferrules form tanks at the outlet of the chambers and themselves open into cavities (37) formed by the walls (38). The invention applies to SOFC type fuel cells and SOEC type electrolysers.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plurality of electrolyte electrode assemblies and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assemblies. A substantially ring shaped stopper is formed integrally with a plate of the separator. The stopper has a guide inclined surface, and the guide inclined surface contacts an anode inclined surface formed in an outer circumferential region of the anode of the electrolyte electrode assembly for preventing exposure of the anode to the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell-use gasket, included in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a fuel cell stack. In 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 both surfaces of a membrane electrode assembly, and paired separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly and the sealing members. The fuel cell stack is assembled by being clamped by a fastening member via paired end plates respectively disposed at both ends of a stacked product. The present invention relates to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell-use gasket in which the sealing members are integrally molded with the circumference portions of both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly. A conventional gasket has an issue that the gasket cannot achieve, at the same time, the conflicting demands, i.e., a reduction in the fastening force and a sure securing of the sealing performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell stack which includes: a cell assembly formed of stacked unit cells, each composed of a membrane electrolyte assembly and separators which sandwich the membrane electrolyte assembly; a pair of collector plates A and B which sandwiches the cell assembly; a pair of end plates A and B which sandwiches the cell assembly and the collector plates; and an elastic member disposed between end plate A and collector plate A, wherein end plate A has a convexed portion and a concaved portion on a surface facing collector plate A, and the concaved portion of end plate A holds therein the elastic member, and a bottom surface of the concaved portion includes a second convexed portion and a second concaved portion.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, in this structure, a first gas separator, a first gas diffusion layer and a first catalyst on the one side, a proton exchange membrane, a second catalyst, a second gas diffusion layer and a second gas separator on the other side, are in turn stacked, wherein an area of the second gas diffusion layer is smaller than an area of the proton exchange membrane. The area of the proton exchange membrane is not larger than an area of the first gas diffusion layer, and the area of the first gas diffusion layer is smaller than an area of the first gas separator, therefore, the shape of the front edges of these elements are step-shaped. The area obverse to the step shape is filled with cured sealing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) that prevents an electrolyte membrane from being damaged upon the fabrication of a single cell or a stack of fuel cells. The MEA further includes a guard gasket interposed between conventional gaskets, wherein the guard gasket has a thickness corresponding to 70%-95% of the thickness of the electrolyte membrane. The MEA ensures mechanical protection of the electrolyte membrane, and thus prevents the electrolyte membrane from being damaged by an excessive binding pressure upon the fabrication of a single cell or a stack of fuel cells. Furthermore, the contact resistance between the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer and the contact resistance between the gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer can be minimized, thereby improving the quality of a fuel cell.

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: 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 unit cell for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising: a membrane/electrode assembly including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode disposed on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, the assembly being sandwiched from either side by a first separator and a second separator to give a stacked construction to form therebetween a fuel gas flow passage and an oxidant gas flow passage. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane has a projecting portion projecting outwardly beyond the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode, and the projecting portion is coated by a reinforcing resin member. Connecting grooves formed on a primary face of the separators connecting both ends of the fuel gas/oxidant gas flow passages with a fuel/oxidant gas feed/discharge ports, respectively. The reinforcing resin member is placed so as to bridge openings of the connecting grooves in order to give a tunnel construction to the connecting grooves.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.

Abstract: The invention relates to 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. The invention provides that 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. The invention also relates to a method for producing a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and fuel cell modules that constitute such a fuel cell stack are provided, wherein adhesion of foreign materials to an electrolyte membrane of each fuel cell can be effectively prevented, and highly efficient maintenance is possible by replacing a fuel cell with degraded performance out of the fuel cell stack. A plurality of fuel cells 10 each having a membrane electrode assembly 1, gas-permeable layers 2,3,5,6 on the anode and cathode sides, sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly 1 therebetween, and a separator 7 on at least one of the anode and cathode sides are stacked. A gasket 8 is integrally molded with peripheral edges of the membrane electrode assembly 1 and the gas-permeable layers 2,3,5,6 of each of the stacked cells, whereby a single fuel cell module 100 is formed. Stacking and compressing such modules 100, . . . can form a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A sealing structure includes: components (1, 2, 11, 16, 21, 22, 33, 34, 44, 51, 52, 61, 62) respectively having sealing surfaces (8, 9, 14, 17, 30, 31, 42, 43, 49, 71, 72) on surfaces thereof facing each other; and a seal member (3, 18, 25, 37, 46, 50, 55, 65, 104, 105, 106, 140, 240) interposed between the sealing surfaces to make the sealing surfaces closely adhere to each other, and at least a hard carbon film (6, 7, 13, 28, 29, 40, 41, 48, 53, 54, 66, 67, 108, 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 430) is formed on one or both of the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid oxide electrochemical device comprising disposing electrolyte between a first electrode and a second electrode, applying a bonding agent between the first electrode and a first interconnect, applying a sealing agent between the first electrode and the first interconnect, disposing a second interconnect adjacent to the second electrode, heating the first interconnect, the first electrode, the electrolyte, the second electrode, the second interconnect, the bonding agent, and the sealing agent to at least one intermediate temperature for at least one intermediate length of time, and then to a curing temperature, for a curing time, effective to bond and seal the first electrode to the first interconnect, wherein the at least one intermediate temperature is less than the curing temperature.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for making a gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) fuel cell subassemblies via roll-to-roll processes are described. A material processable by one or both of heat and pressure having spaced apart apertures is transported to a bonding station. A first gasket layer having gas diffusion layers arranged in relation to spaced apart apertures of a first gasket layer is transported to the bonding station. The heat/pressure processable material is aligned with the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. At the bonding station, the heat/pressure processable material is bonded to the first gasket layer and the gas diffusion layers. After bonding, the heat/pressure processable material forms a second gasket layer that attaches the gas diffusion layers to the first gasket layer.

Abstract: A sealing material for solid oxide fuel cells is provided, which is composed of around 60% to 80% by weight of glass, around 20% to 30% by weight of alcohol, around 0.5% to 3% by weight of ethyl celluloid as a binder, and around 0.01% to 0.1% by weight of polyethylene glycol as a plasticizer.

Abstract: A fuel cell device including a fuel cell stack with a flexible enclosure.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end. The fuel cell stack includes at least one fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between adjacent gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell system further includes a compression retention system having a plurality of compliant straps adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The plurality of compliant straps are further adapted to accommodate an expansion of the fuel cell stack during an operation thereof and maintain the compressive force within a desired range.

Abstract: To provide a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which a reaction gas can be utilized efficiently for an electrode reaction even when a gap is formed between an anode-side sealing member and the end face of an anode and between a cathode-side sealing member and the end face of a cathode, and sufficient power generation performance can be ensured with a simple constitution. At least one of the anode-side sealing member and the cathode-side sealing member of the fuel cell includes an annular body, and at least one deformable protruding portion provided on the inner surface of the annular body.

Abstract: A housing case that houses a fuel cell is provided with mounts for fixing two ends of a lower surface of an end plate that retains stacked unit cells of the fuel cell, and a mount for fixing a central portion of a lower surface of another end plate. Using these three mounts, the fuel cell is fixed to the housing case.