FUEL CELL SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY THEREOF

摘要

A fuel cell installation includes a support structure and a cell stack assembly that is removably insertable into the support structure from an uninstalled position to an installed position during an installation procedure. The cell stack assembly includes a fitting. An interfacing structure is mounted on one of the support structure in the cell stack assembly. The interfacing structure carries a connector that is configured to receive the fitting in interconnected relationship. At least one of the fitting and the connector floats in a plane relative to the support structure during the installation procedure. In operation, the fitting engages the connector when the cell stack assembly is inserted into the support structure. The fitting is repositioned relative to the connector to ensure that the fitting and connector are aligned with one another and connected upon installation.

主权项

1. A method of installing a cell stack assembly into a support structure comprising the steps of:
inserting a cell stack assembly into a support structure in an installation direction; engaging a fluid fitting on the cell stack assembly with a fluid connector mounted on the support structure; and repositioning the fluid fitting and fluid connector relative to one another in a direction transverse to the installation direction in response to the inserting step.