Pressure equalized fuel cell stack

摘要

A pressure equalized fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack for receiving an oxidizing agent, a coolant accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack, an electrolyte accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack and a device for equalizing the pressurized flow of coolant and electrolyte from the respective accumulators into the fuel cell stack depending upon the pressure exhibited by the oxidizing agent. The equalized pressure flow is obtained by an accumulator having a rigid housing for receiving an oxidizing agent and a flexible housing received within the rigid housing for receiving respective amounts of coolant and electrolyte wherein the flexible housing is coupled to the fuel cell such that any change in pressure within the rigid housing causes a corresponding change in pressure in the flexible housing. This construction allows for equalized amounts of oxidizing agent, coolant and electrolyte to be received by the fuel cell stack, thus maximizing the chemical reaction within the fuel cell to generate electricity and maintain long-life of the fuel cell.