Device for dielectric insulation

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for dielectric insulation of an object (50), in particular of a hydrogen fuel cell stack, comprising a metal strip (10) for fixing the object (50), and a plurality of insulating blocks (20) which are arranged between the metal strip (10) and a surface of the fixed object (50) and are secured to selected points on the metal strip (10). According to the invention, the insulating blocks (20) are arranged on the metal strip (10) in such a way that the insulating blocks ensure the dielectric resistance only at critical surface regions of the fixed object (50).

Description

[0001] Device for dielectric insulation

[0002] The invention relates to a device for the dielectric insulation of an object, in particular a hydrogen fuel cell stack, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] In industrial and technical applications, such as hydrogen fuel cell technology, the dielectric insulation of electrically conductive components is crucial to ensuring system safety and efficiency. This is particularly important for systems exposed to high electrical voltages. Dielectric insulation prevents electrical breakdowns, which can lead to short circuits, damage to system components, or even significant safety risks.

[0004] For the dielectric insulation and fixing of objects such as hydrogen fuel cell stacks, metal strips are typically used to secure the electrically connected stacks. These metal strips must be electrically insulated to ensure that no unwanted electrical connections occur between the metallic components and the sensitive areas of the fuel cell stacks.

[0005] A hydrogen fuel cell stack (often called a fuel cell stack) is an array of multiple fuel cells connected in series to achieve higher electrical power output. Each individual fuel cell directly converts chemical energy, produced by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, into electrical energy. A stack consists of multiple such cells stacked on top of each other to achieve the desired output voltage and power. These cells must be precisely fixed and electrically insulated to prevent short circuits and other electrical malfunctions. Hydrogen fuel cell stacks are used in a variety of technical applications, including motor vehicles (such as hydrogen cars), stationary power supply systems, and portable devices.

[0006] Traditionally, or in previous approaches, various methods are used for insulation, including the use of insulating materials such as plastic films, insulating coatings or rubber strips, which are inserted between the metal band and the surface of the object.

[0007] While this method ensures that no unwanted electrical connections are formed, it leads to increased material costs. The use of large-area insulating materials is expensive. Coating large surfaces is time-consuming and labor-intensive, which increases production costs and necessitates complex manufacturing processes. The extensive use of insulating materials thus results in high material and production costs. Furthermore, changes to the object's geometric shape or size often require a complete readjustment of the insulating materials and methods.

[0008] Furthermore, these solutions have a disadvantageous lack of flexibility, as adjustments to specific customer requirements or design changes are complicated and costly to implement. The integration of the insulating materials, or...

[0009] Coatings often require special tools, techniques, or modifications that can further complicate the manufacturing processes. These modifications can also be time-consuming and costly, as they frequently require manual intervention or specialized techniques.

[0010] These disadvantages and other challenges in the prior art necessitate the development of an improved solution that is both more cost-effective and more flexible in application, while simultaneously ensuring reliable dielectric insulation. The aim of the invention is to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved device for the dielectric insulation of an object that ensures cost-effective, flexible, and efficient insulation.

[0011] The main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of further claims 2 to 15.

[0012] In a device for the dielectric insulation of an object, in particular a hydrogen fuel cell stack, comprising a metal strip for fixing the object, a plurality of insulating blocks arranged between the metal strip and a surface of the fixed object and attached at selected locations on the metal strip, the invention provides that the insulating blocks are arranged on the metal strip in such a way that they ensure the dielectric resistance only at critical surface areas of the fixed object.

[0013] In the context of the invention, dielectric insulation refers to preventing electrical breakdown between the metal strip and the conductive components of the fixed object, such as a hydrogen fuel cell stack. This insulation is achieved by the insulating blocks according to the invention, which act as a barrier and prevent electrical currents or voltages from being transmitted through the metal strip to other conductive parts. The insulation thus ensures the protection and safety of the entire system by preventing unwanted electrical connections.

[0014] The term "at selected points on the metal strip" describes the fact that the insulating blocks are not evenly distributed along the entire length of the metal strip, but are only placed at specific points identified as particularly relevant for insulation. These points are chosen to provide the most effective dielectric insulation by covering critical contact points between the metal strip and the surfaces of the object to be insulated. This targeted placement enables optimized insulation with minimal material usage and effectively saves costs.

[0015] In this context, "critical surface areas" refer to the specific areas of the fixed object where dielectric insulation is particularly necessary to prevent electrical breakdown. These areas are typically those exposed to a high electrical potential or where contact between the metal strip and the object's conductive components could cause problems. The insulating blocks are specifically designed to target these critical surface areas to ensure safe and effective insulation.

[0016] Preferably, the insulating blocks can be attached to the metal strip by snapping or clipping them in place, allowing for easy adaptation to different design requirements and cost-effective production. Alternatively, other fastening methods such as screwing or gluing are also conceivable.

[0017] The term "snap-in" or "clip-in" describes the method by which the insulating blocks are attached to the metal strip. This is preferably achieved by mechanically snapping the insulating blocks into designated recesses or edges of the metal strip, without the need for additional fasteners such as screws or adhesives. This fastening method offers the advantage of quick and easy assembly as well as flexible adaptation to various geometries and design requirements, which ultimately reduces production costs and increases efficiency.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the insulating blocks can consist of a dielectric material such as ceramic, glass, plastic or rubber, wherein the dielectric material of the insulating blocks can be a polymer selected from the group consisting of PTFE, PVC or epoxy resin.

[0019] The use of a dielectric material such as ceramic, glass, plastic, or rubber offers the advantage of excellent insulating properties. The selection of a specific polymer such as PTFE, PVC, or epoxy resin further improves chemical resistance, durability, and adaptability to various application conditions.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the width and thickness of the insulating blocks can be variable and adapted to customer requirements, and the insulating blocks can be designed as flat and / or rectangular blocks.

[0021] The variable width and thickness of the insulating blocks allow for easy adaptation to specific requirements and ensure their suitability for various applications and surfaces. Flat and rectangular blocks also offer a simple yet effective way to cover large areas while providing stable mechanical support.

[0022] Preferably, the metal strip can have cutouts for receiving the insulating blocks, wherein the insulating blocks can be mechanically attached to the metal strip by snapping them into the cutouts.

[0023] The presence of cutouts or pre-drilled holes in the metal strip for mechanically attaching the insulating blocks by snapping them into place significantly simplifies assembly and disassembly. This reduces labor and allows for easy and quick maintenance as well as trouble-free replacement of the insulating blocks.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating blocks can alternatively include, or additionally include, lateral edges in addition to the cutouts, which can be designed to assist in clipping the insulating blocks into place, whereby the insulating blocks can be clipped laterally onto the metal strip.

[0025] The lateral clipping of the insulating blocks onto the metal strip advantageously allows for easy installation without special tools and ensures a particularly secure positioning of the blocks, which remains stable even under vibrations and other mechanical stresses. The complementary design of the metal strip's lateral edges, for example, contributes to guaranteeing a secure connection.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating blocks can exhibit high thermal stability and be suitable for use at high temperatures. The high thermal stability of the insulating blocks makes them particularly suitable for use in high-temperature applications, which significantly increases the versatility and applicability of the device in demanding environments, such as near hot fuel cells.

[0027] Preferably, the insulating blocks are suitable for use in humid environments and may also be corrosion-resistant. Their suitability for humid environments and their corrosion resistance further expand the device's application possibilities to environments with high humidity or direct liquid contact, ensuring its durability and reliability under a wide range of conditions.

[0028] According to another preferred design variant, the insulating blocks can be manufactured in modular units to allow for easy maintenance and replacement.

[0029] The modular design of the insulating blocks allows for easy maintenance and quick block replacement, which extends the service life of the entire device and advantageously minimizes downtime. This is particularly beneficial in applications that require, for example, regular maintenance.

[0030] It is also preferably conceivable that the insulating blocks could be provided with an additional protective layer at the contact points.

[0031] The additional protective layer at the contact points of the insulating blocks positively increases resistance to mechanical wear and chemical attack, further improving the service life and reliability of the insulation under demanding operating conditions.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating blocks can have high mechanical strength.

[0033] The high mechanical strength of the insulating blocks ensures that they are not damaged even under significant mechanical stresses, such as those that can occur in dynamic or vibration-prone environments. This increases the reliability and safety of the insulation throughout the entire service life of the device.

[0034] According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating blocks can be designed in such a way that they prevent contact between the metal strip and the hydrogen-carrying components.

[0035] This design of the insulating blocks, which avoids contact between the metal strip and the hydrogen-carrying components, leads to a significant increase in the safety of the fuel cell stack or object and prevents potential leaks or electrical malfunctions that could be caused by direct metal contacts.

[0036] According to another preferred embodiment, the metal band can at least partially encircle the object, wherein the metal band can be bent around the object and can be firmly secured at its ends by means of fixing means.

[0037] The configuration, in which the metal band at least partially encircles the object and is firmly secured at its ends, ensures stable fixation of the object, guaranteeing safe and reliable positioning of the fuel cell stacks. This is particularly important to ensure uniform pressure distribution and mechanical stability.

[0038] Preferably, the metal strip can be divided into a front section with two arc sections and two side sections, each of which can fulfill specific functions within the device.

[0039] The side sections preferably extend along the lateral surfaces of the fixed object. These sections can further preferably be designed to laterally encompass the object and, in combination with the curved sections and the front section, ensure secure fixation of the object. The side sections can preferably vary in width and thickness depending on the design of the object to allow for optimal adaptation.

[0040] The front section of the metal band preferably forms the front or upper part of the object's enclosure. It can further preferably be designed to hold the object firmly in position and, together with the side and curved sections, ensure an even distribution of the holding forces during fixation. The front section can also preferably be provided with insulating blocks to ensure dielectric insulation at the front of the object as well.

[0041] Preferably, the curved sections can connect the front and side sections of the metal strip. These sections can further preferably be curved to allow for smooth adaptation to the shape of the object and to ensure that the metal strip fits snugly against the object. The curved sections can preferably be designed such that, together with the other sections of the metal strip, they form a stable and uniform enclosure of the object.

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the insulating blocks can be specifically configured for use in hydrogen fuel cell stacks, wherein the object can be a hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0043] The specific configuration of the insulating blocks for use in hydrogen fuel cell stacks ensures that the device is optimally adapted to the requirements of this particular application. This includes both mechanical and electrical insulation, thereby maximizing the overall performance and safety of the fuel cell stack.

[0044] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device can be designed and suitable for use in various areas alongside fuel cell stacks, particularly where electrical insulation is required.

[0045] The versatility of the device, allowing it to be used in various fields, expands its application possibilities beyond fuel cell stacks. This makes the device attractive for a wide range of industries and applications requiring electrical insulation, thereby increasing the potential market and the economic significance of the invention.

[0046] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention (without a fixed object);

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of the device according to the invention (with fixed object).

[0049] Figure 1 particularly highlights the basic structure and function of the device 1, while Figure 2 illuminates the arrangement of the insulating blocks 20 in relation to the fixed object 50 and emphasizes the adaptability and safety of the device 1, especially for use in hydrogen fuel cell stacks.

[0050] The device for dielectric insulation of an object 50, generally designated by 1 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, comprises a metal band 10 for fixing the object 50 and a plurality of insulating blocks 20, which are arranged between the metal band 10 and a surface of the fixed object 50 and are attached at selected points on the metal band 10.

[0051] The insulating blocks 20 are arranged on the metal strip 10 in such a way that they ensure the dielectric resistance only at critical surface areas of the fixed object 50.

[0052] The insulating blocks 20 can be attached to the metal band 10 by snapping or clipping them in, to allow easy adaptation to different design requirements and cost-effective production.

[0053] The fixed object 50 can be a hydrogen fuel cell stack, as shown in Fig. 2 in an exemplary and schematic way.

[0054] The metal band 10 of the device can be designed to partially surround the object 50. It can be sufficiently flexible to be adapted to the specific requirements of different applications while simultaneously exhibiting sufficient mechanical strength and rigidity.

[0055] The width and thickness of the metal strip 10 can be variable to meet different design requirements and to be adaptable to a width of the insulating blocks.

[0056] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 1, the metal strip 10 can have cutouts 11 or pre-punched holes which serve to receive the insulating blocks 20, thereby enabling mechanical fastening by snapping the insulating blocks 20 into place.

[0057] The insulating blocks 20 are arranged between the metal strip 10 and the surface of the object 50 and are attached to the metal strip 10 at selected points. These blocks ensure the dielectric resistance at critical surface areas of the object 50, thus guaranteeing the safe and effective dielectric insulation of the object 50.

[0058] The insulating blocks 20 can be made of a dielectric material such as ceramic, glass, plastic, or rubber, and polymers such as PTFE, PVC, or epoxy resin can also be used. The insulating blocks can be flat and / or rectangular, and their width and thickness can be variable.

[0059] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the metal strip 10 can have lateral edges 17 designed to facilitate the clipping in of the insulating blocks 20. This allows the insulating blocks 20 to be more easily clipped onto the lateral edges 17 of the metal strip 10, enabling a stable and flexible assembly.

[0060] At the ends 16 of the metal band 10, fixing means 12 are provided that securely fasten the metal band 10 around the object 50. The fixing can be achieved, for example, on a suitable wall or other similar base. These fixing means 12 can be designed, for example, as clamps, screws (as shown in Fig. 1), or other mechanical fasteners that ensure a firm and reliable fixation. The ends can have correspondingly complementary structures for receiving and interacting with the screws.

[0061] The insulating blocks 20 shown can exhibit high thermal stability and are therefore suitable for use at high temperatures. Furthermore, the insulating blocks can be designed for use in humid environments and be corrosion-resistant.

[0062] The insulating blocks 20 can be manufactured in modular units to facilitate easy maintenance and replacement. At the contact points, the insulating blocks can be provided with an additional protective layer to increase their service life and resistance to mechanical and chemical stresses.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the device 1, showing the arrangement of the insulating blocks 20 on the metal strip 10.

[0064] Particularly in Fig. 2 it can be seen that object 50 is a hydrogen

[0065] The fuel cell stack can be fixed by the device 1. The metal band 10 can encircle the object 50 and, together with the insulating blocks 20, provide the necessary dielectric insulation. The device 1 can be designed to prevent contact between the metal band 10 and the hydrogen-carrying components of the system.

[0066] As can be seen, the metal band 10 can be divided into a front section 13 with two arc sections 14 and two side sections 15, each of which fulfills specific functions within the device 1.

[0067] The side sections 15 can extend along the lateral surfaces of the fixed object 50. These sections can be designed to laterally encircle the object 50 and, in combination with the arc sections 14 and the front section 13, ensure secure fixation of the object 50. Depending on the design of the object 50, the side sections 15 can have different widths and thicknesses to allow for optimal adaptation.

[0068] The front section 13 of the metal band 10 forms the front or upper part of the enclosure of the object 50. It can be designed to hold the object 50 firmly in position and, together with the side sections 15 and the curved sections 14, to ensure an even distribution of the holding forces during fixation. The front section 13 can also be provided with insulating blocks 20 to ensure dielectric insulation at the front of the object 50.

[0069] The curved sections 14 connect the front section 13 and the side sections 15 of the metal band 10. These sections can be curved to allow for smooth adaptation to the shape of the object 50 and to ensure that the metal band 10 fits snugly against the object 50. The curved sections 14 can be designed to form, together with the other sections of the metal band 10, a stable and uniform enclosure of the object 50.

[0070] The insulating blocks 20 are attached to critical surface areas of the object 50 to ensure effective insulation. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 2, the insulating blocks 20 can be distributed at regular intervals along the metal strip 10 and positioned such that they ensure the dielectric resistance at the most critical areas of the hydrogen fuel cell stack. The insulating blocks 20 can also be designed to exhibit high mechanical strength and thus meet the requirements of a robust industrial application.

[0071] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified in a variety of ways. The object fixed by the device and the precise alignment and fixing method of the metal strip can vary depending on the application. In particular, the device according to the invention can be used for fixing and dielectrically insulating a hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0072] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations.

[0073] Reference numeral list

[0074] I Device (dielectric insulation)

[0075] 10 metal band

[0076] II. Punching (pre-punched holes)

[0077] 12 Fixatives

[0078] 13 Anterior section

[0079] 14 arc section

[0080] Section 15

[0081] 16 End

[0082] 17 side edge

[0083] 20 insulating blocks

[0084] 50 objects (hydrogen fuel cell stacks)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for dielectric insulation of an object (50), in particular a hydrogen fuel cell stack, comprising a metal strip (10) for fixing the object (50), a plurality of insulating blocks (20) arranged between the metal strip (10) and a surface of the fixed object (50) and attached at selected locations on the metal strip (10), characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) are arranged on the metal strip (10) in such a way that they ensure the dielectric resistance only at critical surface areas of the fixed object (50).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) consist of a dielectric material such as ceramic, glass, plastic or rubber, wherein the dielectric material of the insulating blocks (20) is a polymer selected from the group consisting of PTFE, PVC or epoxy resin.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width and thickness of the insulating blocks (20) are variable and adaptable to customer requirements, wherein the insulating blocks (20) are designed as flat and / or rectangular blocks.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) can be attached to the metal band (10) by snapping or clipping them in order to allow easy adaptation to different design requirements and cost-effective production.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal strip (10) has cutouts (11) for receiving the insulating blocks (20), wherein the insulating blocks (20) can be mechanically attached to the metal strip (10) by snapping them into the cutouts (11).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) can be clipped laterally onto the metal strip (10), wherein the metal strip (10) comprises lateral edges (17) which are designed to support the clipping in of the insulating blocks (20).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) have high thermal stability and are suitable for use at high temperatures.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) are suitable for use in humid environments, wherein the insulating blocks (20) are corrosion-resistant.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) are manufactured in modular units to allow for easy maintenance and replacement.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) are provided with an additional protective layer at the contact points.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) have high mechanical strength.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) are designed to prevent contact between the metal strip (10) and the hydrogen-carrying components.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal band (10) at least partially surrounds the object (50), wherein the metal band (10) is bent around the object (50) and is firmly mounted at its ends (16) by means of fixing means (12).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating blocks (20) are specifically configured for use in hydrogen fuel cell stacks, wherein the object (50) is a hydrogen fuel cell stack.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is designed and suitable for use in various to be used in areas next to fuel cell stacks, especially where electrical insulation is required.

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