Compression mechanism for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly
AssigneeBallard Power Systems Inc.
InventorsPeter Robert Gibb, Kemal Ozgur
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Abstract
A compression mechanism comprises a planar spring sheet having a plurality of openings rendering the spring sheet resilient. An electrochemical fuel cell assembly with resilient compression mechanism includes a plurality of fuel cell assemblies interposed between first and second endplates. The mechanism for securing the fuel cell assemblies in their assembled, compressed state includes at least one resilient compression spring sheet extending between first and second endplates.
Claims18
A compression spring sheet comprising a generally planar material rendered resilient by having a plurality of openings therein, wherein said plurality of openings comprises internal openings of a first shape and dimension disposed in rows extending between opposed ends of said spring sheet and peripheral openings of a second shape and dimension.
A compliant compression mechanism for an electrochemical fuel cell assembly, said assembly comprising:
- a first plate;
- a second plate;
- and
- at least one membrane electrode assembly interposed between said first plate and said second plate, said mechanism comprising at least one spring sheet, each spring sheet comprising a generally planar material rendered resilient by having a plurality of openings formed therein, wherein each spring sheet extends between said first and second plates perpendicular to the plane of said at least one membrane electrode assembly, whereby each spring sheet urges said first plate towards said second plate such that compressive force is applied to said at least one membrane electrode assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.