초록 ▼

A fuel cell stack may be enclosed within a plastic membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, a stack may be enclosed within a heat shrinkable membrane and the membrane caused to shrink about the stack. In this way, any leakage of fluids from the stack may be prevented or retarded by the membrane

A fuel cell stack may be enclosed within a plastic membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, a stack may be enclosed within a heat shrinkable membrane and the membrane caused to shrink about the stack. In this way, any leakage of fluids from the stack may be prevented or retarded by the membrane. A variety of different membranes may be utilized including composite membranes made up of barrier film and heat shrinkable puncture resistant film or bubble wrap covered by shrink wrap film. Any openings formed in the enclosure may be closed using plastic tape or heat sealing techniques. A leak detector may be provided within the enclosure for detecting leaks including gas leaks from within the stack.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An assembly comprising:fuel cell plates arranged to form a fuel cell stack, the plates establishing a manifold passageway to communicate a reformed fuel for the fuel cell stack and at least one of the plates including flow channels to communicate the fuel through the fu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An assembly comprising:fuel cell plates arranged to form a fuel cell stack, the plates establishing a manifold passageway to communicate a reformed fuel for the fuel cell stack and at least one of the plates including flow channels to communicate the fuel through the fuel cell stack; anda plastic membrane enclosure formed from a shrink film material substantially surrounding said fuel cell stack.