Abstract: The fuel cell includes several assembled cells with end plates at the top and bottom of the cells that are compressed using an external retention kit. An end plate that is at the top or bottom of the assembly which separates the compression force on the active area and sealant around the cell. The end plates give the freedom and flexibility to adjust compression force on specific areas in the assembly accurately without interfering with other components and the active area.

Abstract: A clamping and holding apparatus for an article (1) fixed under preload by at least one clamping means (4), preferably for a container of variable volume, the clamping and holding apparatus having a clamping frame or carrier (3) assigned to the article (1), and also a clamping device (5), assigned to the clamping frame or carrier (3), for the clamping means (4), the clamping frame or carrier (3) being provided with guide or directing devices (6) for the clamping means (4) and being able to be connected by said clamping means to the article so as to provide a preload force, the clamping means (4) being composed of at least one endless belt composed of elastomer material which wraps around the article and at least parts of the clamping frame or carrier (3) and the wraparound length of which is variable by means of the clamping device (5).

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a case body containing a cell stack body formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells. The case body includes a plurality of connectors for mounting the fuel cell module into a fuel cell vehicle. The plurality of connectors include a first connector group used for mounting the fuel cell module into a first fuel cell vehicle in a manner that a stacking direction of the fuel cell module is substantially aligned with a first direction, and a second connector group used for mounting the fuel cell module into a second fuel cell vehicle in a manner that the stacking direction of the fuel cell module is substantially aligned with a second direction. Some connectors are common to both the first connector group and the second connector group.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a stack case storing the fuel cell stack, and an auxiliary device case joined to the stack case, and storing fuel cell auxiliary devices. The auxiliary device case includes an end plate part which applies a tightening load in a stacking direction to the fuel cell stack, as an integral part of the auxiliary device case.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel-cell end plate that is disposed at an end, in a stacking direction, of a fuel cell stack formed by stacking members including a single cell. This fuel-cell end plate has, on a surface disposed so as to face the outside of the fuel cell stack, a first rib that extends in a first direction and a second rib that extends in a second direction different from the first direction, intersects the first rib, and is formed so as to be shorter in height than the first rib.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes an endplate assembly having a structural endplate. An insulator plate has a second exterior surface contacting a first interior surface of the structural endplate and a second interior surface on an opposite side of the insulator plate. A third plate has a third exterior surface contacting the second interior surface and a third interior surface on an opposite side of the third plate relative to the insulator plate. The third interior surface and third exterior surface are substantially flat. The second interior surface and the third exterior surface contact each other substantially continuously in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and are flat and substantially parallel to each other. The second exterior surface is contoured such that the second exterior surface is not flat and is substantially non-parallel relative to the third interior surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a fuel cell stack, a casing, an application part, and a facilitating mechanism. The facilitating mechanism has a space that is provided between the casing and an upper current collector. The upper current collector and the casing are connected at inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a fuel cell stack includes: stacking fuel cells on a first end plate; superposing a pressure plate, on which protruding portions are provided along an outer periphery thereof, on a stacked body of the fuel cells so that the protruding portions protrude outward from side faces of the stacked body; pressing the protruding portions so that the stacked body is pressed between the first end and the pressure plates; measuring a length of the stacked body in a stacking direction while pressing the protruding portions; superposing on the pressure plate an adjustment plate having a thickness in accordance with the measured length while pressing the protruding portions; and fixing a second end plate to the first end plate so as to sandwich the stacked body, the pressure plate and the adjustment plate between the first and the second end plates while pressing the protruding portions.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells positioned between opposing end plates, an anode manifold configured to direct anode gas into or out of the fuel cell stack, a cathode manifold configured to direct cathode gas into or out of the fuel cell stack, and at least one truss attached to an external surface of at least one of the cathode manifold or the anode manifold. The at least one truss is configured to reinforce the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a front room disposed at a front portion of the vehicle in the vehicle in a vehicle-longitudinal direction; a fuel cell stack disposed in the front room, the fuel cell stack including multiple cells stacked in the vehicle-longitudinal direction; and a buffer member disposed in front of the fuel cell stack in the vehicle-longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed comprising: a fuel cell stack comprising a first end plate, a second end plate, and a plurality of fuel cells interposed between the first and the second end plates; and a compression band which urges the first end plate towards the second end plate along a first face of the fuel cell stack and also along an opposing second face of the fuel stack in a stacking direction thereof in at least two passes on each face of fuel cells stack, thereby applying a compressive force upon the plurality of fuel cells in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack alignment system includes an alignment guide bar for positioning a plurality of stack components. Each of the stack components has an alignment slot and a spacing slot. A first alignment portion and a second alignment portion of the alignment guide bar has a shape that is complimentary to the shape of the alignment slot of each of the stack components. Abutting engagement between one of the first or second alignment portions and the alignment slot aligns each respective stack component in a respective assembly position. The other of the first and second alignment portions of each respective stack component is disposed within the spacing slot. The spacing slot has a shape that is larger than the first and second alignment portions, to provide a gap between the stack components and the alignment guide bar.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes: a fuel cell stack having a plurality of stacked unit cells; a first current collector and a second current collector which are arranged so as to have the fuel cell stack sandwiched therebetween in a stacking direction of the unit cells; a housing which stores the fuel cell stack, the first current collector, and the second current collector; a conductive first fastening member which is electrically connected to the second current collector, extends from the second current collector toward a side where the first current collector is disposed along the stacking direction, and has a first protrusion protruding from inside the housing to outside the housing; and a first elastic member which is provided at the first protrusion of the first fastening member so as to elastically bias the second current collector toward the first current collector via the first fastening member.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes an endplate assembly having a structural endplate. An insulator plate has a second exterior surface contacting a first interior surface of the structural endplate and a second interior surface on an opposite side of the insulator plate. A third plate has a third exterior surface contacting the second interior surface and a third interior surface on an opposite side of the third plate relative to the insulator plate. The third interior surface and third exterior surface are substantially flat. The second interior surface and the third exterior surface contact each other substantially continuously in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and are flat and substantially parallel to each other. The second exterior surface is contoured such that the second exterior surface is not flat and is substantially non-parallel relative to the third interior surface.

Abstract: A manifold includes an end plate, which has an opposed surface facing an end in a cell stacking direction of a cell stack, a recess, which opens in the opposed surface and forms a flow path, and ribs protruding from the bottom surface of the recess to the opening position of the recess. Portions of a plastic layer that cover the opposed surface and the distal end faces in the protruding direction of the ribs contact the end in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack. The portions of the plastic layer that cover the distal end faces in the protruding direction of the ribs each have a cooling passage, which causes cooling water in the flow path to flow to the space between those portions of the plastic layer and a contact surface of the end in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell device with a pressing device (3) for pressing a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell device, as well as a pressing device (3) for pressing the fuel cell stack. In order to be able to press the fuel cell stack as needed, the invention provides that the pressing device (3) have a pretensioning unit (9a) with an adjusting element (12) and a supporting element (13), wherein contact surfaces (15, 16) of the adjusting element (12) and of the supporting element (13) extend obliquely to the pressing direction (P).

Abstract: A fuel cell assembling apparatus includes: a tensile load application device that pulls a coupling plate to apply a tensile load to the coupling plate of which a first end portion is fixed to a first end plate, the tensile load application device being temporarily fixed to a second end portion of the coupling plate; a compressive load application device that applies a compressive load to a cell stack of a fuel cell; and a fixing device that fixes the second end portion of the coupling plate to which the tensile load is applied, and a second end plate to each other. The tensile load application device applies the tensile load to the coupling plate by using a reaction force generated in response to the compressive load applied to the cell stack by the compressive load application device.

Abstract: A battery module is provided and includes an array body in which a plurality of battery cells are arrayed, an elastic member disposed on at least one side in an array direction of the array body, a pair of end plates holding the array body and the elastic member therebetween, a resin middle plate disposed between the array body and the elastic member, and a metal joining member joining the pair of the end plates each other, in which the middle plate is provided with a through hole through which the joining member is inserted, and a metal collar is inserted through the through hole.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions from water. The apparatus may include a stack having a first electrode including a first current collector, a spacer on top of the first electrode, and a second electrode on top of the spacer. The stack may have a tray to hold and position the stack within a housing of the apparatus and thus may improve the manufacturability of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrochemical system has at least one endplate, a terminal bipolar plate as well as a sealing device arranged between the endplate and the terminal bipolar plate. The materials of the terminal bipolar plate and the endplate have different coefficients of thermal expansion and with the sealing device being designed in such a way that during temperature changes, the sealing function is also given by a sliding of the endplate and/or the terminal bipolar plate along the sealing device.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack manufacturing method includes: a step of disposing a fuel cell stack so as to be sandwiched between a first fastening member and a second fastening member; a step of temporarily fastening the fuel cell stack by inserting a jig into a hole-form first connecting portion formed on each end portion of the first fastening member and a second connecting portion formed on each end portion of the second fastening member while applying pressure to the fuel cell stack at a predetermined load; a step of performing aging processing on the temporarily fastened fuel cell stack in order to advance creep deformation of the fuel cell stack; and a step of inserting a pin into the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion while reapplying the pressure.

Abstract: A saddle-ridden vehicle includes: an engine; a radiator unit which is disposed in front of the engine and cools cooling water sent from the engine; a supercharger which is disposed between the engine and the radiator unit and compresses air for combustion to be supplied to the engine; and a reservoir tank which is connected to the radiator unit and stores cooling water to flow into the radiator unit, the radiator unit includes a top radiator disposed in top-front of the engine and a bottom radiator disposed below the top radiator, and the reservoir tank is disposed below the supercharger between the engine and the bottom radiator.

Abstract: A fuel cell including a pair of connectors (12, 13); a single cell (20) having an electrolyte layer (2) and electrode layers (14, 15); and current-collecting members (18, 19) disposed between the electrode layers and the connectors, respectively. The current-collecting members (19) corresponding to at least the one electrode layer (15) has connector contact portions (19a) in contact with connector (13), cell contact portions (19b) in contact with electrode layer (15), connection portions (19c) connecting corresponding connector contact portions (19a) and cell contact portions (19b), and a spacer (58) disposed between connector contact portions (19a) and cell contact portion (19b). An end of the spacer (58) located opposite the connection portions (19c) protrudes from at least the ends of the cell contact portions (19b) located opposite the connection portions (19c) or the ends of the connector contact portions (19a) located opposite the connection portions (19c).

Abstract: A fuel cell including a pair of connectors (12, 13); a single cell (20) having an electrolyte layer (2) and electrode layers (14, 15); and current-collecting members (18, 19) disposed between the electrode layers and the connectors (12, 13), respectively. The current-collecting members (19) corresponding to at least the one electrode layer (15) has connector contact portions (19a) in contact with the connector (13), cell contact portions (19b) in contact with the electrode layer (15), connection portions (19c) connecting corresponding connector contact portions (19a) and cell contact portions (19b), and a spacer (58) disposed between the connector contact portions (19a) and cell contact portion (19b). An end of the spacer (58) located opposite the connection portions (19c) recedes from the ends of the cell contact portions (19b) located opposite the connection portions (19c) and from the ends of the connector contact portions (19a) located opposite the connection portions (19c).

Abstract: A power storage device includes a plurality of power storage modules, a first connecting plate, and a second connecting plate. Each of the plurality of power storage modules includes a plurality of power storage cells, a first end plate, and a second end plate. The first end plate includes a first main plate and a first sub-plate. The first sub-plate includes a first securing hole. The first main plate and the first sub-plate are provided to be connected to each other in at least two positional relationships with different positions of the first securing hole. The first connecting plate includes a first reference securing hole aligned with the first securing hole. The first securing hole is secured to the first reference securing hole by a first securing member.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell. The fuel cell comprises a stacked body that has a stacked configuration by stacking a plurality of single fuel cells; a fastening support member that is extended along a stacking direction of the plurality of single fuel cells and is configured to fasten the stacked body in the stacking direction; and an impact transmission member that is configured to include a dilatant fluid and is placed between the stacked body and the fastening support member to be arranged in a location corresponding to multiple consecutive single fuel cells along the stacking direction among the plurality of single fuel cells.

Abstract: An example laminate assembly pressurization arrangement includes a plurality of laminations arranged in a laminate stack. The plurality of laminations are movable between sealed positions and unsealed positions relative to each other. An end plate is adjacent the laminate stack. A housing is configured to establish a first volume together with the end plate. A first group of tie rods is directly secured to the end plate and is configured to move the end plate to a first position that holds the plurality of laminations in sealed positions. A second group of tie rods is directly secured to the housing. Pressurizing the first volume limits movement of the end plate away from the first position.

Abstract: A bipolar separator assembly for use with a fuel cell comprising: a plate member having opposing first and second surfaces compatible with fuel gas and oxidant gas, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments which are transverse to the first and second opposing end segments; first and second pocket members situated adjacent the first and second end segments and extending outward of the first surface, the first and second pocket members being adapted to enclose opposing ends of an anode current collector, and third and fourth pocket members situated adjacent the third and fourth end segments and extending outward of the second surface, the third and fourth pocket members being adapted to enclose opposing ends of a cathode current collector, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third and fourth pocket members is formed separately from the plate member and is releasably positioned relative to the plate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy and/or electrical energy into chemical energy with a housing (2, 3, 3a), which is open towards at least one side (6) and in which a pressure chamber (4) is formed, and with at least one electrochemically active cell (5) for energy conversion, which extends from the open side (6) of the housing (2, 3, 3a) into the housing (2, 3, 3a), wherein the open side (6) is closed by a plate (7, 31), which holds and/or supplies power to the cell (5). A sealing element (8, 9) is arranged between the housing (2, 3, 3a) and the plate (7, 31), closes the open side (6) of the housing (2, 3, 3a) in a fluid-tight and/or gas-tight manner so as to form the pressure chamber (4) and is formed at least partially from an elastic material.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell stack wherein a plurality of fuel cell cassettes is coupled together by a joining material. A spring strap is coupled to the fuel cell stack in a manner effective to apply a first compressive force to the fuel cell stack. A first load distribution plate is located intermediate the fuel cell stack and the spring strap. The first load distribution plate is configured to distribute the first compressive force over the fuel cell stack in a manner effective to normalize the first compressive force on the joining material. A diaphragm is configured to define a cavity and is configured to apply a second compressive force to the fuel cell stack dependent on a cavity pressure of oxidant within the cavity. The cavity pressure is dependent upon an oxidant pressure of oxidant provided to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system 1 has at least one fuel cell stack 2, which comprises a plurality of plate-shaped fuel cells 10. A retaining device 3 is provided for installing the fuel cell stack in a vehicle 6. When the fuel cell stack 2 is installed in the vehicle 6, the plate-shaped fuel cells 10 are arranged inclined relative to the vertical 9.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly comprises a plurality of fuel cells in a stack, the stack defining two opposing parallel end faces. An end plate assembly is provided at each opposing end face of the stack. The end plate assemblies are coupled together to thereby maintain the fuel cells in the stack under compression. At least one of the end plate assemblies comprises: a master plate defining a master compression face having a first portion and a second portion; a first slave plate defining a first slave compression face; and a second slave plate defining a second slave compression face. The first slave compression face faces the first portion of the master compression face and when assembled, is in compressive relationship therewith, and the second slave compression face faces the second portion of the master compression face and when assembled, is also in compressive relationship therewith.

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: A fuel cell stack assembly comprises a plurality of fuel cells in a stack, the stack defining two opposing parallel end faces. An end plate is disposed at each opposing end face of the stack. Each end plate defines a compression surface adjacent to and in compressive relationship with a respective one of the two opposing parallel end faces. A coupling mechanism is attached to the end plates to thereby maintain the fuel cells in the stack under compression. At least one, preferably both, of the end plates comprise a preformed element defining the compression surface, the preformed element being configured with a predetermined curvature such that the compression surface is a convex surface when the preformed element is not under load whereas, under the application of the load to maintain the fuel cells under compression, flexure of the preformed element between elements of the coupling mechanism causes the compression surface to become a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, a reformer, and a combustor. The combustor is provided around the heat exchanger. A combustion gas path for supplying a combustion gas produced in the combustor to the heat exchanger and an exhaust gas path for supplying an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack after consumption in power generation reaction are merged at a merger section provided on an upstream side of a heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit configuring a fuel cell is provided with a first separator, a first electrolyte film/electrode body, a second separator, a second electrolyte film/electrode body, and a third separator. Resin guide members are provided on the outer periphery of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. The resin guide members have outer peripheral ends which protrude outwards, and in the aforementioned resin guide members are formed concave reliefs which are spaced inwards from the aforementioned outer peripheral ends.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body, a first terminal plate, a second terminal plate, a first resin end plate, and a second resin end plate. The stacked body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a stacking direction. The first terminal plate is provided on the first end of the stacked body in the stacking direction to have a first surface substantially parallel to surfaces of first and second electrodes. The first terminal plate includes a first reinforcement rib provided in the first surface. The second terminal plate is provided on the second end of the stacked body in the stacking direction to have a second surface substantially parallel to the surfaces of the first and second electrodes. The second terminal plate includes a second reinforcement rib provided in the second surface.

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 group of fuel gas system devices are provided at a first end plate of a fuel cell system through a block member. A cover member is provided at the first end plate to cover the group of the fuel gas system devices. Support rod members are provided at the first end plate. The support rod members protrude outward in a stacking direction to support the cover member at the front ends of the support rod members.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fuel cell component for use with or as part of a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, the method comprising: providing a fuel cell component, providing a deposition assembly for depositing loading material particles onto the fuel cell component, and actuating the deposition assembly to cause the deposition assembly to deposit said loading material particles onto said fuel cell component.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to allow desirably installing a fuel cell stack in an installation site with a simple and compact configuration. The fuel cell stack comprises an end plate. A pair of mount parts are integrally disposed on the end plate protruding downward on both sides of the lower end part thereof by a depression part being disposed on the lower end part of the end plate. The mount parts are anchored in the installation site for installing the fuel cell stack. Some screws are positioned in the mount parts to anchor to the end plate manifold members which link to a fuel gas supply connector hole and an oxidant gas exhaust connector hole of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The manufacture and calibration of an interconnect for a fuel cell ensures contact in all contact points between the interconnect and the adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a main body including a first partial header and a fastening point. The main body is adapted to be coupled to a plurality of plates forming a fuel cell stack, allowing a single plate design to be used for multiple fuel cell stack lengths having a large differential of energy requirements, affording a durable alignment mechanism for the fuel cell stack, and providing integration flexibility for components and configurations of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: When assembly is carried out by clamping a stacked product made up of a plurality of unit cell modules, paired end plates respectively disposed on both the sides thereof and the like by a plurality of fastening members, first coupling portions of one end portion of each of such plurality of fastening members and second coupling portions of the other end portions are combined to each other, and coupled with one pin member. Thus, a plurality of such fastening members are coupled.

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 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: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a compression retention enclosure with upper and lower compression shells and side sheet components coupled by interlocking hem joints. Methods for manufacturing compression retention enclosures with hem joints such that the enclosure remains sealed upon operational swelling of the fuel stack are also provided. A compression shell may be formed from a light weight composite structure having a polymeric layer interposed between steel skins, and an extension of the top steel skin may form a hemmed edge or may form a side sheet having a hemmed edge. Side sheet panels may be coupled to the end plates by interlocking two opposing hemmed edges to form the hem joint, or by sliding an opposing C-linking element between two hemmed edges held under compression force in an interlocking position.

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: An alignment system and method for assembling a fuel cell stack. Components of the fuel cell stack have internal alignment features and are aligned to a predetermined orientation during assembly. The system and method allow fuel cell stacks to be assembled within high tolerance levels while improving access to each component during assembly. Additionally, the system and method can provide additional rigidity to a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A ceramic baffle is configured to place a load on a stack of electrochemical cells and direct a reactant feed flow stream to the stack.