System including thermal structural spacers for air inlet and compressor interface

Abstract

A thermal structural spacer is provided. The spacer includes a cylindrical central portion, a first flange connected to a first end of the cylindrical central portion, a second flange connected to a second end of the cylindrical central portion. The second end is distal from the first end. The spacer further includes an annular inner wall configured to provide a through-hole extending through a longitudinal axis of the thermal structural spacer. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange. The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to systems including thermal structural spacers for air inlet and compressor interfaces. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell system can generate electricity using a stream of hydrogen and a stream of air containing oxygen. The hydrogen can be stored in a pressurized tank and delivered at a first desired pressure, possibly higher than atmospheric pressure. The air can be compressed by a compressor to provide a stream of air at a second desired pressure, possibly higher than atmospheric pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A thermal structural spacer is provided. The spacer includes a cylindrical central portion, a first flange connected to a first end of the cylindrical central portion, and a second flange connected to a second end of the cylindrical central portion. The second end is located away from the first end. The spacer also includes an annular inner wall configured to provide a through-hole extending through a longitudinal axis of the thermal structural spacer. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange. The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

[0004] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

[0005] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

[0006] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm. The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, a system including a fuel cell device is provided. The system includes: a compressor configured to supply pressurized air to the fuel cell device; an air inlet including a polymer tube configured to supply airflow to the compressor; and a thermal structural spacer disposed between the air inlet and the compressor. The thermal structural spacer includes a cylindrical central portion, a first flange connected to a first end of the cylindrical central portion, and a second flange connected to a second end of the cylindrical central portion. The second end is located away from the first end. The spacer also includes an annular inner wall configured to provide a through-hole extending through a longitudinal axis of the thermal structural spacer. The system also includes a threaded fastener connecting the air inlet to the compressor. The thermal structural spacer is disposed on the threaded fastener and configured to limit heat transfer between the compressor and the air inlet. The compressor contacts the thermal structural spacer at the first flange. The air inlet contacts the thermal structural spacer at the second flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange. The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

[0010] In some embodiments, the compressor includes a compressor intake housing made of a metallic material.

[0011] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm. The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the compressor is an internal component of the fuel cell system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the compressor is an external component of the fuel cell system.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment, a method is provided for connecting an air inlet made of polymer to a compressor. The method includes securing an air inlet configured to provide airflow to the compressor to a plurality of threaded fasteners; and providing a plurality of thermal structural spacers between the air inlet and the compressor, each of the plurality of threaded fasteners having one of the plurality of thermal structural spacers. Each thermal structural spacer includes a cylindrical central portion, a first flange connected to a first end of the cylindrical central portion, and a second flange connected to a second end of the cylindrical central portion. The second end is remote from the first end. Each spacer also includes an annular inner wall configured to provide a through-hole extending through a longitudinal axis of the thermal structural spacer. The compressor contacts the thermal structural spacer at the first flange. The air inlet contacts the thermal structural spacer at the second flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange. The thermal structural spacers are configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

[0019] In some embodiments, each thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

[0020] In some embodiments, each thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, each thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

[0022] Option 1. A thermal structural spacer, comprising: The central part of the cylinder; A first flange connected to the first end of the central portion of the cylinder; A second flange connected to the second end of the cylindrical central portion, wherein the second end is remote from the first end; and An annular inner wall, the annular inner wall being configured to provide a through hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the thermal structure spacer; The central portion of the cylinder is narrower than the first flange. The central portion of the cylinder is narrower than the second flange; and The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

[0023] Option 2. The thermal structural spacer according to Option 1, wherein the thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

[0024] Option 3. The thermal structural spacer according to Option 1, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

[0025] Option 4. The thermal structural spacer according to Option 1, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

[0026] Option 5. The thermal structural spacer according to Option 1, wherein the thermal structural spacer comprises at least a ratio of the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer to the width of the cylindrical central portion of 1.393:1.

[0027] Option 6. The thermal structural spacer according to Option 1, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm; and The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

[0028] Option 7. A system including a fuel cell device, comprising: Configure a compressor for supplying pressurized air to the fuel cell unit; This includes an air inlet configured with a polymer tube for supplying airflow to the compressor; A thermal structural spacer is disposed between the air inlet and the compressor, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes: The central part of the cylinder; A first flange connected to the first end of the central portion of the cylinder; A second flange connected to the second end of the cylindrical central portion, wherein the second end is remote from the first end; and An annular inner wall, configured to provide a through-hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the thermal structure spacer; and A threaded fastener is used to connect the air inlet to the compressor, wherein a thermal structural spacer is disposed on the threaded fastener and configured to limit heat transfer between the compressor and the air inlet; The compressor contacts the thermal structure spacer at the first flange. The air inlet contacts the thermal structure spacer at the second flange. The central portion of the cylinder is narrower than the first flange. The central portion of the cylinder is narrower than the second flange; and The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

[0029] Option 8. The system according to Option 7, wherein the compressor includes a compressor intake housing made of a metallic material.

[0030] Option 9. The system according to Option 7, wherein the thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

[0031] Option 10. The system according to Option 7, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

[0032] Option 11. The system according to Option 7, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

[0033] Option 12. The system according to Option 7, wherein the thermal structural spacer comprises at least a ratio of the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer to the width of the cylindrical central portion of 1.393:1.

[0034] Option 13. The system according to Option 7, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm; and The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

[0035] Option 14. The system according to Option 7, wherein the compressor is an internal part of the fuel cell system.

[0036] Option 15. The system according to Option 7, wherein the compressor is an external part of the fuel cell system.

[0037] Option 16. A method for connecting an air inlet made of a polymer to a compressor, comprising: The air inlet, configured to provide airflow, is secured to the compressor using multiple threaded fasteners; and Multiple thermal structural spacers are provided between the air inlet and the compressor, and each of the multiple threaded fasteners has one of the multiple thermal structural spacers, wherein each thermal structural spacer includes: The central part of the cylinder; A first flange connected to the first end of the central portion of the cylinder; A second flange connected to the second end of the cylindrical central portion, wherein the second end is remote from the first end; and An annular inner wall configured to provide a through hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the thermal structure spacer; The compressor contacts the thermal structure spacer at the first flange. The air inlet contacts the thermal structure spacer at the second flange. The central portion of the cylinder is narrower than the first flange. The central portion of the cylinder is narrower than the second flange; and The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

[0038] Option 17. The method according to Option 16, wherein each thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

[0039] Option 18. The method according to Option 16, wherein each thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

[0040] Option 19. The method according to Option 16, wherein each thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

[0041] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 An exemplary fuel cell system including a compressor and an air inlet connected to the compressor is schematically illustrated in perspective view according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 The connection according to this disclosure is schematically illustrated in perspective view. Figure 1 The compressor intake housing has an air inlet, wherein multiple thermal insulation spacers are disposed between the compressor intake housing and the air inlet; Figure 3 A threaded fastener for connecting an air inlet to a compressor according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated in cross section, wherein an insulating spacer is disposed on the threaded fastener and between the air inlet and the compressor. Figure 4 The perspective view schematically illustrates the following according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 Spacers; Figure 5 The cross-sectional view schematically illustrates the invention according to this disclosure. Figure 3 Spacers; and Figure 6 The illustration schematically depicts the following according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 The threaded fasteners, air inlets, compressors, and thermal insulation spacers, including temperature values ​​across cross-sectional views, illustrate the excellent thermal insulation properties of the thermal insulation spacers. Detailed Implementation

[0043] A fuel cell system (FCS) is an exemplary self-sufficient power plant that can be used in a wide range of applications. An FCS can be characterized by common dimensions, weight, and other similar parameters. Similarly, an FCS can be optimized for size, weight, power output, etc., based on its intended application. To reduce weight, some components used in an FCS can be made of lightweight materials, such as polymers. In one exemplary embodiment, an air inlet or conduit configured to deliver ambient airflow into the FCS for use as an oxygen supply by the fuel cell can be constructed of a lightweight non-metallic material.

[0044] To deliver an airflow to a fuel cell at a pressure higher than atmospheric air, an air compressor or pump can be used to pressurize the air. A compressor is an air compressor or pump that receives an inlet airflow and provides a pressurized output airflow. The compressor is operated using power supplied by a rotating input shaft. The input shaft powers the compressor blades within the compressor. In one example, the compressor's input shaft can receive power from an electric motor. The rotating compressor blades within the compressor compress the inlet air. This process generates heat, causing the temperature of the compressor housing to rise. Given the heat generated within the compressor, the compressor housing can be constructed from a metal material that can withstand relatively high temperatures. In one embodiment, the compressor housing can be constructed from an aluminum alloy.

[0045] An air inlet, a lightweight tube made of a material such as a polymer, connects to the compressor inlet and supplies atmospheric airflow to it. The compressor inlet may be a circular wall forming an orifice within the compressor. During compressor operation, the temperature of the compressor housing may be relatively high and may exceed the maximum operating temperature of the air inlet material. The temperature of the compressor housing may not be constant across the housing. For example, at the circular wall receiving the airflow from the air inlet, the airflow cools the housing in that area, such that the air inlet in contact with that circular wall may not exceed the maximum operating temperature of the air inlet material. Simultaneously, locations on the compressor housing away from the circular wall, such as on the vortex surface of the compressor blades surrounding the compressor, may simultaneously be at higher temperatures, such as 175 ºC, exceeding the maximum operating temperature of the air inlet material.

[0046] The air inlet can be fastened to the compressor housing to ensure a secure engagement with the circular wall forming the compressor inlet. While the interface between the circular wall and the air inlet may be at a relatively low temperature, the features of the air inlet that enable threaded fasteners to secure the air inlet to the compressor housing may be attached to the housing in a relatively high temperature region. As a result, these features of the air inlet may be exposed to temperatures exceeding the maximum operating temperature of the air inlet material.

[0047] A thermal structural spacer is provided, configured to be disposed between an air inlet and a compressor housing, thereby restricting heat flow from the housing to the air inlet. The thermal structure serves a dual purpose in the disclosed system. First, when the air inlet is mounted on the compressor housing, it imparts structural integrity and load transferability to the system. Second, the shape and material selection of the spacer enable it to act as a thermal barrier, preventing the material of the air inlet from reaching the relatively high temperatures of the compressor housing. The disclosed thermal structural spacer can be used in an FCS, another configuration of a fuel cell, or other configurations involving attaching a first part or device to a second part or device (where it is desirable to restrict heat transfer between the first and second parts).

[0048] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals are used throughout several views to refer to the same features. Figure 1 An exemplary FCS 10 is schematically illustrated in perspective, including a compressor 20 and an air inlet 30 connected to the compressor 20. The FCS 10 includes a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode and is configured to convert a hydrogen flow and an air flow into electrical energy. The outline of the FCS 10 is shown in dashed lines. The compressor 20 is configured to pressurize the inlet air flow at atmospheric pressure for use by the fuel cell. The air inlet 30 is illustrated as including an exemplary polymer tube with an air inlet opening 35. The air inlet 30 is connected to the compressor 20. The illustrated compressor 20 can be mounted on an external or internal portion of the FCS 10.

[0049] Figure 2 The connection is illustrated in perspective. Figure 1 The compressor intake housing 22 has an air inlet 30, wherein a plurality of thermal structural spacers 40 are disposed between the compressor intake housing 22 and the air inlet 30. The air inlet 30 includes reinforcing ribs 31 and connecting features 32, the connecting features 32 including three reinforcing fastener pads configured to receive three threaded fasteners 50. Each thermal structural spacer 40, illustrated, includes a generally cylindrical shape and a hollow center, configured such that one of the threaded fasteners 50 can extend through the thermal structural spacer 40 and into a corresponding fastener boss on the compressor intake housing 22. In this way, the air inlet 30 can be connected to the compressor intake housing 22 without the material of the air inlet 30 directly contacting the compressor intake housing 22.

[0050] The compressor 20 converts the input torque or power provided via its rotating shaft into increased pressure of air or another gas drawn into the compressor 20. Compressing or pressurizing the gas generates heat, and the compressor intake housing 22 may become significantly hotter or reach temperatures higher than ambient temperature. This high temperature of the compressor intake housing 22 may exceed the maximum temperature of the air inlet 30. The compressor intake housing 22 may comprise or be constructed of a metallic material that is an excellent thermal conductor or capable of transferring significant amounts of heat from its high-temperature surfaces to adjacent parts or devices. A spacer 40 is used between the compressor intake housing 22 and the air inlet 30 to prevent the material of the air inlet 30 from being subjected to the high temperature of the compressor intake housing 22. The mating features on the compressor intake housing 22 and the air inlet 30 may take different forms. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates two fasteners that connect the air inlet 30 to the compressor 20, while Figure 2 The figures illustrate three fasteners that connect the air inlet 30 to the compressor intake housing 22. These figures illustrate alternative embodiments for attaching the air inlet 30 to the compressor 20, and this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples provided herein.

[0051] Figure 3 The cross-sectional diagram shows the... Figure 2 An air inlet 30 is connected to a threaded fastener 50 of the compressor intake housing 22, wherein a thermal structural spacer 40 is disposed on the threaded fastener 50 and between the connection feature 32 of the air inlet 30 and the compressor intake housing 22. The threaded fastener 50 is illustrated to include a fastener shaft 52.

[0052] Figure 4 The perspective view is shown. Figure 3 The spacer 40 shown in the figure includes a relatively narrow cylindrical central portion 42, a first widened flange 46 on the top surface of the spacer 40, and a second widened flange 48 on the bottom surface of the spacer 40. The spacer 40 also includes a groove or annular inner wall 44 configured to provide a through hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the spacer 40.

[0053] The shape of the spacer 40 is chosen to resist heat flow through it. The cylindrical central portion 42 is relatively narrow, thus creating a small cross-sectional area for heat flow. Furthermore, the spacer has a relatively high aspect ratio, for example, a total length of 18.00 mm and an outer diameter of 12.92 mm for the cylindrical central portion 42. This high ratio allows heat to dissipate from the spacer 40 along its length. Additionally, the spacer 40 can be constructed of a relatively robust material such as stainless steel to improve... Figure 2The connection between the air inlet 30 and the compressor intake housing 22 has structural rigidity and provides additional thermal resistance in the material compared to similar spacers that can be made of aluminum alloy or other steel alloys. Furthermore, flanges 46 and 48 provide additional surface area at the connection region between the air inlet 30 and the compressor intake housing 22.

[0054] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 3 The spacer 40 is illustrated as including an annular inner wall 44 configured to provide a through hole. The shape of the spacer 40 is important for providing insulation or resistance to the flow of heat across the spacer 40. Figure 4 The widened flanges 46 and 48 provide a considerable surface area at each distal end of the spacer 40, such that mechanical forces or compressions applied to the spacer 40 are effectively distributed across the spacer. Figure 3 On each connection feature 32 and the matching, fairly large surface area on the compressor intake housing 22. Furthermore, Figure 3 The cylindrical central portion 42 is narrower than the flanges 46 and 48, providing a smaller cross-sectional area for heat to flow from the flange 48 through the spacer 40 to the flange 46.

[0055] The additional length of the spacer 40 (including the additional length of the relatively narrow cylindrical central portion 42) provides additional insulation or resistance to heat flow through the spacer 40. In one embodiment, the spacer 40 is at least 10.00 mm long. The useful width or outer diameter of the spacer 40 can be defined between 12.00 mm and 14.00 mm. The dimensions are limited by the bending strength of the spacer. The ratio of the longitudinal length of the spacer 40 to the outer diameter of the spacer 40 in the cylindrical central portion 42 can be described additionally or alternatively. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment described, this ratio can be provided as 18.00 mm divided by 12.92 mm or 1.393:1. A spacer 40 with useful thermal insulation properties can be defined as including a length-to-width ratio of a cylindrical central portion 42 between 1.2 and 1.4, with the upper limit limited by the bending strength of the spacer. The minimum ratio of the OD of the flange to the OD of the central portion is determined by the dimensions of the connecting feature 32. In some embodiments, this ratio is limited to at least 1.

[0056] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the threaded fastener 50, the connection feature 32 of the air inlet 30, the compressor intake housing fastener boss 12, and the insulating spacer 40, including temperature values ​​across the cross-sectional view, illustrating the excellent insulation of the insulating spacer 40. Temperature indices are provided, correlating the shading with temperature values ​​in degrees Celsius. It can be seen that the insulating spacer 40 provides excellent insulation or heat flow resistance, with a gradient of approximately 35 degrees Celsius across it.

[0057] Although the best mode for carrying out this disclosure has been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing this disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell system, comprising: Configure a compressor for supplying pressurized air to the fuel cell unit; This includes an air inlet configured with a polymer tube for supplying airflow to the compressor; A thermal structural spacer is disposed between the air inlet and the compressor, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes: The central part of the cylinder; A first flange connected to the first end of the central portion of the cylinder; A second flange connected to the second end of the cylindrical central portion, wherein the second end is remote from the first end; and An annular inner wall, configured to provide a through-hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the thermal structure spacer; and A threaded fastener is used to connect the air inlet to the compressor, wherein a thermal structural spacer is disposed on the threaded fastener and configured to limit heat transfer between the compressor and the air inlet; The compressor contacts the thermal structure spacer at the first flange, and the compressor includes a compressor intake housing made of metal material. The air inlet contacts the thermal structure spacer at the second flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange, and the cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange, so that the mechanical force or compression of the thermal structural spacer is applied to each connecting feature of the air inlet and the matching surface area on the compressor intake housing of the compressor; and The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal structural spacers are made of stainless steel.

3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal structural spacer has a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

6. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm; and The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

7. A fuel cell system including a fuel cell device, comprising: Configure a compressor for supplying pressurized air to the fuel cell unit; This includes an air inlet configured with a polymer tube for supplying airflow to the compressor; A thermal structural spacer is disposed between the air inlet and the compressor, wherein the thermal structural spacer includes: The central part of the cylinder; A first flange connected to the first end of the central portion of the cylinder; A second flange connected to the second end of the cylindrical central portion, wherein the second end is remote from the first end; and An annular inner wall, configured to provide a through-hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the thermal structure spacer; and The air inlet is connected to the compressor via a threaded fastener, wherein a thermal structural spacer is disposed on the threaded fastener and configured to limit heat transfer between the compressor and the air inlet; The compressor contacts the thermal structure spacer at the first flange. The air inlet contacts the thermal structure spacer at the second flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange, and the cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange, so that the mechanical force or compression of the thermal structural spacer is applied to each connecting feature of the air inlet and the matching surface area on the compressor intake housing of the compressor; and The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

8. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The outer diameter of the thermal structural spacer is between 12.00 mm and 14.00 mm.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The thermal structural spacers are made of stainless steel.

10. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The thermal structural spacer has a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

11. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

12. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

13. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm; and The thermal structural spacer includes a ratio of at least 1.393:1 between the longitudinal length of the thermal structural spacer and the width of the cylindrical central portion.

14. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The compressor is an internal component of the fuel cell system.

15. The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The compressor is an external component of the fuel cell system.

16. A method of connecting an air inlet made of a polymer to a compressor, comprising: The air inlet, configured to provide airflow, is secured to the compressor using multiple threaded fasteners. as well as A plurality of thermal structural spacers are provided between the air inlet and the compressor, and one of the plurality of thermal structural spacers is located on each of the plurality of threaded fasteners, wherein each thermal structural spacer comprises: The central part of the cylinder; A first flange connected to the first end of the central portion of the cylinder; A second flange connected to the second end of the cylindrical central portion, wherein the second end is remote from the first end; and An annular inner wall configured to provide a through hole extending through the longitudinal axis of the thermal structure spacer; The compressor contacts the thermal structure spacer at the first flange. The air inlet contacts the thermal structure spacer at the second flange. The cylindrical central portion is narrower than the first flange, and the cylindrical central portion is narrower than the second flange, so that the mechanical force or compression of the thermal structural spacer is applied to each connecting feature of the air inlet and the matching surface area on the compressor intake housing of the compressor; and The thermal structural spacer is configured to limit heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Each thermal structural spacer is made of stainless steel.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Each thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 10 mm.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, Each thermal structural spacer includes a longitudinal length of at least 18 mm.

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