Electrochemical Cell Stack Insulation for Rigid Fluid Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large electrochemical cell stacks, metal pipes used for fluid flow need to be rigid to withstand internal pressure but risk electrical conduction due to shared potential with metal plates, requiring insulation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of insulating plates and joints between metal pipes and plates to ensure electrical insulation, using insulating materials and specific joint designs to maintain rigidity and prevent electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal pipes are used for fluid flow in large electrochemical cell stacks, then rigidity and pressure withstand capability are improved, but electrical conduction between metal pipes and metal plates occurs due to shared potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces insulating plates as intermediary components positioned between metal pipes and metal plates. These insulating plates serve as mediators that physically separate the conductive metal components while allowing fluid to pass through, thereby preventing direct electrical contact between metal pipes and metal plates that share the same potential, thus eliminating the harmful electrical conduction while maintaining the structural rigidity provided by metal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conductive metal structure by inserting insulating plates at specific locations where metal pipes connect to or pass through metal plates. This segmentation divides the continuous conductive path into isolated sections, preventing electrical conduction between different metal components that are at the same potential, while each metal component retains its individual rigidity and structural function
2Reliability
If insulating plates are inserted between metal pipes and metal plates, then electrical insulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating plates are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical insulation between metal components, acts as flow channels for fluid passage, and serve as structural support elements within the electrochemical cell stack. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated insulating components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable electrical insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insulating plate with the flow channel structure, combining the electrical insulation function with the fluid flow function into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts needed in the system, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring both electrical insulation and proper fluid flow paths are maintained
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present embodiment, an electrochemical cell stack includes a stack, an insulating plate, a metal plate, a metal pipe, and an insulating joint. The stack is a stack of electrochemical cells. The metal pipe communicates with a communication hole of the stack which allows either the anode fluid or the cathode fluid to flow into or flow from the electrochemical cells therethrough, via a first hole of the insulating plate and a second hole of the metal plate. The insulating plate is arranged on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the stack and made of an electrically insulating material. The metal plates sandwich the insulating plates from outside. The insulating joint insulates the metal pipe and the metal plate from each other.