SOFC STACK WITH THERMAL COMPRESSION ELEMENTS

摘要

A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a thermally responsive compression element (40). The compression element extends between the top and bottom plates (42, 12) of the stack and has an overall coefficient of thermal expansion which is substantially the same or less than the composite coefficient of thermal expansion of the stack itself. The compression element may be elongated and include a lower rod, an upper sleeve and an intermediate expansion member which are concentrically arranged. The expansion member bears on shoulders formed on the lower rod and upper sleeve to provide a compressive force at elevated temperatures, if the expansion member has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the lower rod and upper sleeve.