Bellows-Shaped Membrane Electrode Assembly for Fuel Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional proton exchange membrane fuel cells have a complex structure and high cost due to the need for additional support equipment like blowers, valves, and pipelines for fuel and oxygen input/output.
Innovation Solution
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell design that incorporates a container with internal and external annular walls, a membrane electrode assembly with a hollow supporting structure and bellows for gas exchange, eliminating the need for external support equipment by using pressure-controlled doors and a gas exchange hole for fuel and waste management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support equipment (blowers, valves, pipelines) is used for fuel and oxygen input/output, then reliable gas supply is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel cell stack with the gas storage and delivery functions by integrating bellows-shaped membrane electrode assembly devices directly into the fuel cell structure. The first and second bellows serve as both structural components and gas storage/delivery mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate blowers, valves, and pipelines while maintaining reliable gas supply to the anode and cathode sides.
2Reliability
If traditional support equipment (blowers, valves, pipelines) is used for fuel and oxygen input/output, then reliable gas supply is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel cell stack with the gas storage and delivery functions by integrating bellows-shaped membrane electrode assembly devices directly into the fuel cell structure. The first and second bellows serve as both structural components and gas storage/delivery mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate blowers, valves, and pipelines while maintaining reliable gas supply to the anode and cathode sides.
3Device complexity
If pressure-controlled doors and gas exchange hole are used for fuel input and waste output, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure-controlled doors that automatically open or close based on pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the fuel cell. When internal pressure exceeds external pressure, the door opens to allow gas exchange; when pressures equalize, the door closes. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems while maintaining appropriate pressure control through the inherent pressure differential principle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the structure and reduces costs by integrating fuel and oxygen input/output through pressure-controlled mechanisms within the fuel cell, eliminating the need for external equipment like blowers and valves.
Implementation Method 1
The bellows can be expanded and contracted so as to change a volume of the anode electrode space and a volume of the cathode electrode space
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The fuel cell includes: a container, wherein the container includes a reacting room, a fuel room connected to the reacting room through a fuel inputting hole, a fuel inputting door located on the fuel inputting hole, a waste collecting room connected to the reacting room through a waste outputting hole, a waste outputting door located on the waste outputting hole; a membrane electrode assembly located in the reacting room, wherein the membrane electrode assembly device defines a bellows and a pipe connected to the bellows and extending out of the reacting room, the reacting room is divided into a first electrode space outside the bellows and a second electrode space inside the bellows, the volume of the first electrode space and the second electrode space can be changed by deforming the bellows.