Variable-Resistivity Conductive Member for Fuel Cell Temperature Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel cell stack devices experience variations in temperature during power generation, leading to reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an electrically conductive member with a first portion and a second portion having different resistivities to manage temperature variations, reducing resistive heating and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrically conductive member with uniform resistivity is used in fuel cell stack devices, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but temperature variations during power generation increase, reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidtemperature variations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically conductive member is divided into first and second portions with different resistivities. The first portion has higher resistivity to reduce resistive heating and lower temperature in high-temperature regions, while the second portion has lower resistivity to maintain adequate electrical conductivity. This local differentiation of resistivity properties allows temperature control in specific regions without compromising overall electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The resistivity parameter of the electrically conductive member is changed spatially to control temperature distribution. By adjusting the resistivity of different portions (first portion with higher resistivity, second portion with lower resistivity), the temperature profile during power generation is modified to reduce extreme temperature variations, thereby improving durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the resistivity of the electrically conductive member is increased to reduce resistive heating, then temperature control improves, but electrical conductivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the electrically conductive member have different resistivity qualities tailored to their specific functions. The first portion has higher resistivity optimized for temperature control, while the second portion has lower resistivity optimized for electrical conductivity. This spatial differentiation allows each region to perform its primary function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive member is segmented into functionally distinct first and second portions with different resistivity characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of temperature control and electrical conductivity in different regions, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution effectively reduces temperature fluctuations, thereby increasing the durability of the electrically conductive member and the overall cell stack device.

Implementation Method 1

A resistivity of the first portion is larger than a resistivity of the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250309481A1Electrically conductive member, electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electrically conductive member includes a first portion and a second portion having a resistivity different from that of the first portion. An electrochemical cell device includes an electrically conductive member and an electrochemical cell connected to the electrically conductive member. The electrochemical cell includes a first part connected to the first portion, and a second part connected to the second portion. A temperature of the first part is higher than a temperature of the second part. A resistivity of the first portion is larger than a resistivity of the second portion.