Patent ID: 6794069
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell battery structure comprising:at least two fuel cells each comprising an anode, cathode, and an ionically-conducting medium disposed therebetween; a connector block, disposed adjacent to one side of the at least two fuel cells, comprising means for electrically connecting the anodes and cathodes of the stacked cells into an electrical interconnection selected from the group consisting of series electrical interconnection, parallel electrical interconnection and mixed series and parallel electrical interconnection, and wherein said block mechanically holds the respective fuel cells in a fixed position as a result of mechanical engagement; wherein another side of the at least two fuel cells remains exposed to permit disengagement and removal of the fuel cells from the connector block; and wherein the anode and cathode of each cell comprise a terminal conductor element positioned on one side of the respective fuel cells, wherein said block is elongated along a longitudinal axis and said cells are axially engaged with said block; wherein said block comprises at least two rows of apertures extending along said axis; wherein said terminal conductor elements of said anodes and cathodes extend away from the respective cells and are adapted to be respectively inserted and engaged with said apertures, wherein the terminal conductor elements of said anodes, when said cells are aligned, are offset from the terminal conductor elements of the cathodes, wherein the terminal conductor elements of the anodes are engaged with apertures in one of said rows and the terminal conductor elements of the cathodes are engaged with apertures of the other of said rows.