Abstract: A system and method of actively managing electrochemical stack compression using a hybrid compression system is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a data acquisition unit, stack data from an electrochemical stack in real time; providing, by the data acquisition unit, the stack data to a first compression controller and to a second compression controller; controlling, by the first compression controller, a first compression system configured to provide first adjustments to a compression force applied to the electrochemical stack; and controlling, by the second compression controller, a second compression system configured to provide second adjustments to the compression force on the electrochemical stack. The first compression system may be configured to provide the first adjustments to the compressive force during start-up and/or shutdown of the electrochemical stack.

Abstract: The following disclosure relates to a compression apparatus for an electrochemical stack having a first plate, a second plate, and a plurality of electrochemical cells positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The compression apparatus includes a spring compression bar, a plurality of first fasteners, a plurality of second fasteners, and a plurality of springs positioned around a circumference of each second fastener.