Clamping Device for a Fuel Cell Stack and Method for Clamping a Fuel Cell Stack

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This patent describes a novel device and method for bracing (mechanically clamping) a fuel cell stack. The invention features an external housing and two ring-shaped clamping elements (as opposed to traditional tension rods) that evenly distribute pressure across the whole contact area of the stack when tightened using screw threads. This leads to uniform compression of the fuel cell stack, ensuring gas-tight seals and reliable electrochemical contact between the membrane electrode assemblies. The clamping device can remain in place during fuel cell operation and enhances both safety (by reducing the risk of electrical shorts) and assembly efficiency.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automotive industry: Secure and stable assembly of fuel cell stacks in electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered cars.
• Industrial stationary power generation: Efficient fuel cell module assembly for backup generators or distributed power supply systems.
• Portable or remote energy solutions: Reliable bracing and mechanical protection of compact fuel cell stacks in off-grid or mobile electricity sources.
• Oil and gas industry: Fuel cell stacks installed in challenging environments, such as inside boreholes where space constraints and reliability are critical.
• Research and development: Simplified assembly, testing, and reconfiguration of fuel cell stacks in laboratory settings.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Uniform compression of seals and membrane electrode assemblies, resulting in consistent performance and longevity of the fuel cell stack.
• Simplified and faster assembly process compared to traditional methods involving multiple tension rods or external presses.
• Enhanced safety by minimizing the risk of electrical short circuits, particularly through the use of a non-conductive external housing or insulation measures.
• Improved thermal compensation as the design can accommodate expansion and contraction within operational temperature ranges.
• Modular design allows for pre-assembly and later easy integration into end-use systems, supporting scalable and flexible manufacturing.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for bracing a fuel cell stack, comprising two end plates (2) for the fuel cell stack, each of which has at least one feed-through for the passage of operating equipment lines of the fuel cell stack, and also an external housing (1) for receiving the fuel cell stack and two annular clamping means (3), wherein at least one annular clamping means (3) is designed to be connected to the external housing (1) by way of a screw thread. The two annular clamping means (3) serve for final bracing of the pre-assembled fuel cell stack. In an advantageous embodiment this is effected by mounting one annular clamping means in the external housing, introducing the pre-assembled fuel cell stack into the external housing and screwing the second annular clamping means onto the inserted stack. During this process the pressure force is applied not at a single point, as is the case for example, with tension rods, but over the entire area (contact area), as a result of which force is uniformly distributed in the case of the seals and the membrane electrode unit. The clamping device can advantageously remain around the fuel cell stack during operation.