Fuel cell system manifold seal

A manifold seal for a fuel cell system comprising:

• a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack;
• a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages said sealing area, said mating surface having a slot formed therein;
• a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof, said base portion being moveably secured to a face of said end plate so that said edge is positioned on said sealing area;
• during operation of the fuel cell system, at least a portion of the mating surface and the sealing area are disengaged from one another defining a gap therebetween and said lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with said slot to seal said gap between said mating surface and said sealing area, said gap being caused by movement of said fuel cell stack resulting from operation of said fuel cell system;
• said lip defines a leg extending laterally therefrom;
• and
• further comprising a space between said leg and said end plate through which a gasket is disposed, said leg slidingly engaging said gasket.

A manifold seal for a fuel cell system comprising:

• a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack;
• a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages said sealing area, said mating surface having a slot formed therein;
• a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof, said base portion being moveably secured to a face of said end plate so that said edge is positioned on said sealing area;
• during operation of the fuel cell system, at least a portion of the mating surface and the sealing area are disengaged from one another defining a gap therebetween and said lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with said slot to seal said gap between said mating surface and said sealing area, said gap being caused by movement of said fuel cell stack resulting from operation of said fuel cell system;
• and
• said base portion is free to move parallel to said face of said end plate.

A manifold seal for a fuel cell system comprising:

• a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack;
• a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages said sealing area, said mating surface having a slot formed therein;
• a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof, said base portion being moveably secured to a face of said end plate so that said edge is positioned on said sealing area;
• during operation of the fuel cell system, at least a portion of the mating surface and the sealing area are disengaged from one another defining a gap therebetween and said lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with said slot to seal said gap between said mating surface and said sealing area, said gap being caused by movement of said fuel cell stack resulting from operation of said fuel cell system;
• and
• a portion of said manifold frame is fixed to said end plate and remaining portions of said manifold frame are movable with respect to the fuel cell stack.