Fuel cell stack compression system having integrated vehicle mounts

A method for assembling a fuel cell system capable of accommodating variations in fuel cell stack build height, the method comprising:

• providing a fuel cell stack disposed between a dry end unit plate and a wet end unit plate;
• providing a compression retention assembly having opposing end caps, a pair of opposing side panels, and at least two rigid discrete bracketing elements with at least one disposed exterior and vertically adjacent to each side panel;
• fixedly securing the wet end unit plate to the end caps and bracketing elements while permitting the dry end unit plate to float in accordance with stack build height;
• applying a suitable compression load to the fuel cell stack;
• and
• adjustably securing the dry end unit plate to the end caps and bracketing elements.

A method for substantially eliminating an effect of fuel cell stack build height variation on vehicle balance of plant components;

• the method comprising:
• assembling a fuel cell system capable of accommodating variations in fuel cell stack build height, the method comprising:
• providing a fuel cell stack disposed between a dry end unit plate and a wet end unit plate;
• providing a compression retention assembly having opposing end caps, a pair of opposing side panels, and at least two rigid discrete bracketing elements with at least one disposed exterior and vertically adjacent to each side panel;
• fixedly securing the wet end unit plate to the end caps and bracketing elements while permitting the dry end unit plate to float in accordance with stack build height;
• applying a suitable compression load to the fuel cell stack;
• and adjustably securing the dry end unit plate to the end caps and bracketing elements;
• and
• mounting the fuel cell system in the vehicle.