FUEL CELL CASSETTE WITH COMPLIANT SEAL

摘要

A fuel cell cassette for forming a fuel cell stack along a fuel cell axis includes a cell retainer, a plate positioned axially to the cell retainer and defining a space axially with the cell retainer, and a fuel cell having an anode layer and a cathode layer separated by an electrolyte layer. The outer perimeter of the fuel cell is positioned in the space between the plate and the cell retainer, thereby retaining the fuel cell and defining a cavity between the cell retainer, the fuel cell, and the plate. The fuel cell cassette also includes a seal disposed within the cavity for sealing the edge of the fuel cell. The seal is compliant at operational temperatures of the fuel cell, thereby allowing lateral expansion and contraction of the fuel cell within the cavity while maintaining sealing at the edge of the fuel cell.

主权项

1. A fuel cell cassette for forming a fuel cell stack along a fuel cell axis, said fuel cell cassette comprising:
a cell retainer; a plate positioned axially to said cell retainer and defining a space axially with said cell retainer; a fuel cell having an anode layer and a cathode layer separated by an electrolyte layer; the outer perimeter of said fuel cell being positioned in said space between said plate and said cell retainer, thereby retaining said fuel cell and defining a cavity between said cell retainer, said fuel cell, and said plate; and a seal disposed within said cavity for sealing the edge of said fuel cell, said seal being compliant at operational temperatures of said fuel cell, thereby allowing lateral expansion and contraction of said fuel cell within said cavity while maintaining sealing at the edge of said fuel cell.