Electrochemical Cell Stack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cell stack having at least one electrochemical cell arranged between a first end plate connected to an electrical bolt and a second end plate connected to another electrical bolt, said stack having a housing, means for providing fixed support of said stack to said housing and means for maintaining a constant load over said cell stack. Said means for maintaining a constant load comprise an elastic pad inserted into the space between said cell stack and said housing wall. The cell stack is applicable in the area of PEM fuel cells and PEM water electrolyser cells.

1 . A cell stack having at least one electrochemical cell arranged between a first end plate connected to an electrical bolt and a second end plate connected to another electrical bolt, where said stack having a housing, means for providing fixed support of said cell stack to said housing and means for maintaining a constant mechanical load over said cell stack,
 characterised in that   said means for maintaining a constant load comprise at least one elastic pad inserted into the space between said cell stack and said housing wall.   
   
   
       2 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said pad is inserted into the space between one of said end plates and the adjacent end plate of said housing.   
   
   
       3 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said pad is inserted into the space between each of said end plates and each of its adjacent end plate of said housing.   
   
   
       4 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said means for maintaining a constant load comprise two or more individual pads.   
   
   
       5 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said elastic pad is a silicon pad.   
   
   
       6 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said pad is spherical shaped.   
   
   
       7 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said pad has indentation.   
   
   
       8 . A cell stack according to  claim 1 ,
 characterised in that   said housing is a pressure vessel.