Patent ID: 7070874
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell stack end unit for a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells stacked in a first direction, said end unit for stacking in said first direction adjacent an end fuel cell in said fuel cell stack, said end unit comprising: an assembly having: a first wall being adjacent said end cell when said end unit is stacked in said first direction in said fuel cell stack; a second wall opposing said first wall; a first side wall connecting said first and second walls; a second side wall transverse to said first side wall and connecting said first and second walls; a first inlet port receiving a first gas of said fuel cell stack when said end unit is stacked in said fuel cell stack; and a second inlet port in said second side wall for receiving a second gas of said fuel cell stack when said end unit is stacked in said fuel cell stack; said assembly conveying said first and second gases in heat exchange relationship and outputting said gases after heat is transferred from one gas to another when said end unit is stacked in said fuel stack; a third side wall opposing said first side wall and connecting said first and second walls; a fourth side wall opposing said second side wall and connecting said first and second walls; a first outlet port in at least one of said first and third side walls for outputting said first gas after undergoing heat exchange in said assembly; and a second outlet port in said fourth side wall for outputting said second gas after said second gas undergoes heat exchange in said assembly; wherein said assembly further includes: an interior wall extending between said first and second walls and said second and fourth side walls, said interior wall being spaced from said third side wall and forming with said first and second walls and said second and fourth side walls a chamber; a third inlet port in said third side wall for receiving in said chamber a third gas of said fuel cell stack when said end unit is stacked in said fuel cell stack; and a third outlet port in said second side wall for outputting said third gas after passage through said chamber.