FUEL CELL SUPPORT AND ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTOR

摘要

Fuel cells (1) are stacked, supported and electrically connected into a battery structure with a connector block (20). The anode and cathode elements of each fuel cell are provided with conductive terminating elements, preferably extending downward U-shaped configuration from the upper ends of the elements. The connector block comprises a series of conductive apertures which positioned and sized to accommodate the conductive terminating elements. When the terminating elements and apertures are engaged, the connector block mechanically supports the anodes and cathodes. This arrangement also permits selective rapid cell removal for replacement or servicing. The connector block also includes electrically conductive elements which electrically connect the fuel cells in a desired interconnection, which may be serial, parallel, or mixed. The cells are also provided with keyed members for interlocking with a support tray (45) having cof-itting keyed elements (41). Lateral end elements extend between the connector block and support tray to complete and open enclosure. Air is circulated through a duct (50) defined by the connector block.