ELECTROCHEMICAL FUEL CELL STACK WITH COMPACT, CENTRALLY DISPOSED COMPRESSION MECHANISM

摘要

An electrochemical fuel cell stack (30) has a compact, compression assembly which includes a plurality of non-intersecting compression bars (50). Each of the compression bars (50) extends across a central portion of the adjacent first end plate (44). The central portion corresponds to the central, catalytically active region of the anode layer and the cathode layer of the fuel cells which make up the stack. The compressive assembly also includes compressive means for fastening each of the compression bars to a second end assembly (42) at the opposite end of the stack. The compressive fastening means urges the compression bars against the first end plate so as to urge the first end plate toward the second end assembly, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cells to promote sealing and electrical contact between the layers forming the fuel cell stack.