ENCAPSULATING SEALS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL STACKS AND METHODS OF SEALING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL STACKS

摘要

An encapsulating seal for an electrochemical cell stack provides sealing when individual cell seals fail and also provides increased insulation and protection for the stack and its components. The encapsulating seal also provides compressive force to the stack, thereby reducing the need for a separate compression mechanism. The encapsulating seal is disposed on at least one side of the cell stack and at least between one or more pairs of separator plates having a membrane electrode assembly between them. An improved method for sealing a electrochemical cell stack comprises forming an encapsulating seal with different material and conditions, such as with a seal material having a curing temperature greater than the operating temperature of the cell stack. The encapsulating seal can be formed by injection molding, potting or other suitable methods.