END-PLATE ASSEMBLY OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL WITH A POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE CONSTRUCTION

摘要

The end-plate assembly clamps an electrochemical cell or a stack of electrochemical cells with a polymer electrolyte membrane construction, in addition to forming the contact. An end plate (1) consisting of a synthetic material or metal, which is used to introduce the compressive forces into the cells or the cell stack, is provided. The end plate (1) is provided with a compensation layer (5) in the vicinity of the cell, which evens out the force introduction into the cell or the stack over the surface. The compensation layer (5) is covered with an electrically conductive layer (6), in order to form the electric connection (7) to the cell. The electrically conductive layer (6) is coupled to a connection (7) that is externally accessible. The compensation layer is formed by a material that is free-flowing under pressure, in such a way that it can be manipulated like a solid or pasty material during assembly, but takes on substantially liquid and thus excellent pressure distribution properties after the application of the clamping forces to the cell stack.