Fuel cell module

A fuel cell module comprising:

• a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells, and providing a first end plate and a second end plate at both ends of the fuel cells in a stacking direction, the fuel cells each formed by stacking an electrolyte electrode assembly and a separator in the stacking direction, the electrolyte electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte interposed between the anode and the cathode;
• and
• a load applying mechanism for applying a load to the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction,
• wherein the load applying mechanism includes:
• a first tightening load applying unit for applying a first tightening load to a gas sealing portion of the fuel cell stack;
• a second tightening load applying unit for applying a second tightening load to the electrolyte electrode assembly, the second tightening load being smaller than the first tightening load;
• and
• a third tightening load applying unit provided at the first tightening load applying unit for applying a third tightening load to the gas sealing portion in the stacking direction, separately from the first tightening load applying unit, and
• wherein the first tightening load applying unit includes:
• a first bolt screwed into the second end plate, and extending through the fuel cell stack toward the first end plate;
• a first plate member engaged with the first bolt;
• and
• a first spring member interposed between the first plate member and a support plate for applying a load in the stacking direction to the gas sealing portion, and
• the second tightening load applying unit includes:
• a second bolt screwed into the second end plate;
• a second plate member engaged with the second bolt;
• and
• a second spring member interposed between the second plate member and the fuel cell stack for applying a load to the electrolyte electrode assembly in the stacking direction.