Patent ID: 6764786
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell stack for producing electricity from reducing fluid and process oxidant reactant streams, comprising:a. a plurality of fuel cell component plates stacked adjacent each other to form a reaction portion of the fuel cell stack, the plurality of fuel cell component plates including a first end cell component plate at a first end of the stack of fuel cell component plates, and a second end cell component plate at an opposed second end of the stack of fuel cell component plates: b. a current collector secured adjacent to an end cell component plate, wherein the current collector is made from non-porous, electrically conductive graphite material, and wherein the current collector includes at least one conductive stud secured to the collector and extending away from the current collector in a direction away from the end cell component plate; and, c. a first pressure plate secured adjacent the current collector and overlying the end cell component plate, wherein the first pressure plate is made of an electrically non-conductive, non-metallic, fiber reinforced composite material, and wherein the first pressure plate defines a plurality of tie rod protrusions, each tie rod protrusion defining a throughbore dimensioned to receive a tie rod that passes through a second pressure plate to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack of between 50 and 100 pounds per square inch.