Interconnect and end plate design for fuel cell stack

摘要

Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.

主权项

1. An interconnect for a fuel cell stack, comprising:
a plurality of ribs and channels on a first major surface of the interconnect defining a flow field for a first reactant; an opening extending through the interconnect for a second reactant; an elevated surface on the first major surface of the interconnect surrounding the opening; and a seal on the elevated surface and surrounding the opening, wherein the seal is a D-shaped seal comprising a generally straight segment facing an edge of the interconnect and a curved segment facing the flow field in a central portion of the interconnect, wherein the generally straight segment is defined by a generally straight portion of an outer periphery of the seal and a generally straight portion of an interior opening of the seal.