Monolithic Clamping Plate with Integrated Resistive Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, face challenges in efficiently heating and maintaining temperature due to bulky heating ovens and gas preheating systems, which complicate assembly, increase costs, and hinder precise temperature regulation.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system with a monolithic clamping plate housing a resistive heating member, where the heating member generates heat through the Joule effect and transfers it to the electrochemical unit via conduction and convection, eliminating the need for external heating ovens and enhancing temperature regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heating oven is used to heat the electrochemical device, then the device can reach operating temperature, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating function is merged with the clamping plate by integrating a resistive heating member directly into the clamping plate structure. This eliminates the need for a separate heating oven, reducing overall device size and weight while maintaining the ability to heat the electrochemical device to operating temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping plate acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the resistive heating member and the electrochemical device. The heating member generates heat that is conducted through the clamping plate to the electrochemical device, enabling temperature control without requiring a large external oven.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If preheating gases are implemented using a loop tube near a heating resistor, then gas temperature increases, but the assembly becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas temperatureVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas preheating function is merged with the clamping plate structure. The clamping plate, which already contains the heating member, directly preheats the gases supplied to the electrochemical device through its walls, eliminating the need for separate loop tubes and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping plate performs multiple functions: it provides mechanical clamping force, generates heat through the integrated resistive heating member, and preheats the gases supplied to the electrochemical device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If heat transfer by radiation is used in a large furnace, then heating is achieved, but temperature regulation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidtemperature regulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating mechanism is replaced from thermal radiation in a large furnace to resistive heating through an electrical heating member integrated in the clamping plate. This substitution enables more precise temperature control through electrical power regulation while maintaining effective heating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution reduces heat losses, improves device compactness, and allows for precise temperature control of the electrochemical unit by effectively transferring heat to the unit and preheating gases, thereby optimizing the heating process.

Implementation Method 1

a resistive heating member housed at least part inside the clamping plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule effect: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

transfers it to the electrochemical unit via conduction and convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

transfers it to the electrochemical unit via conduction and convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat convection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

the clamping plate compressing the electrochemical unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3835455B1Clamping plate incorporating a heating element and electrochemical device comprising it

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c

AI summary

Clamping plate integrating a heating element and electrochemical device comprising it. Electrochemical device (5) selected from a fuel cell and an electrolyzer, the electrochemical device comprising: - an electrochemical unit (10) comprising a stack (20) of elementary cells (25) each comprising an anode (35), a cathode (40) and an electrolytic membrane (45) sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, - a clamping system (15) comprising a monolithic clamping plate and a resistive heating element (125) housed at least in part inside the clamping plate, the clamping plate (70) compressing the electrochemical unit and comprising a supply conduit (120) for distributing a gas to the electrochemical unit, the supply conduit having at least one curved portion extending into the mass of the clamping plate.