Patent ID: 8846260
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell stack formed by stacking electrolyte electrode assemblies and rectangular separators in a first horizontal direction, the electrolyte electrode assemblies each comprising a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte interposed between the electrodes, the fuel cell stack having first and second side portions extending in a direction of gravity at respective ends in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, the fuel cell stack comprising: coolant supply passages, which extend in the stacking direction and through which a coolant flows, disposed at upper positions in the first and second side portions; coolant discharge passages, which extend in the stacking direction and through which a coolant flows, disposed at lower positions in the first and second side portions; a coolant flow field disposed between the separators and between the first and second side portions; and a coolant passage connecting portion, which extends in the direction of gravity and provides a direct fluid connection with one of the coolant supply passages with one of the coolant discharge passages, disposed in at least one of the first and second side portions, wherein the coolant supply passage is connected toward the coolant flow field for supplying the coolant to the coolant flow field in the second horizontal direction, and the coolant discharge passage is connected to the coolant flow field for discharging the coolant from the coolant flow field in the second horizontal direction, and the coolant passage connection portion is separate and distinct from the coolant flow field.