Fuel Cell Stack Current Collector Insulation Against Coolant Permeation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stacks face issues with coolant permeation leading to corrosion and electrical shorting, as well as heat loss, which reduces overall performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of blank plates within the terminal structures of the fuel cell stack, along with an intermediate sheet and additional seals, to prevent coolant permeation and enhance thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphite-based bipolar plates are used in the fuel cell stack, then electrical conductivity and chemical stability are improved, but coolant permeation occurs leading to corrosion and electrical shorting hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric coating layer is applied to the graphite-based bipolar plates to serve as an intermediary barrier. This coating prevents coolant permeation through the porous graphite structure while maintaining electrical conductivity and chemical stability of the underlying graphite material.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin polymeric coating film is deposited on the bipolar plate surface to create a barrier against coolant permeation. The coating is sufficiently thin to maintain electrical conductivity while providing effective protection against coolant infiltration that would cause corrosion and electrical shorting.
2Strength
If starter plates are positioned at the ends of the fuel cell stack, then mechanical support and coolant flow distribution are improved, but heat loss increases in the adjacent fuel cells
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the starter plate and the adjacent fuel cell. This insulation layer maintains the mechanical support and coolant flow distribution functions of the starter plate while reducing thermal energy loss from the fuel cell to the starter plate.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin thermal insulation film or coating is applied to the surface of the starter plate facing the fuel cell. This film reduces heat transfer from the fuel cell to the starter plate, minimizing energy loss while preserving the structural and fluid distribution functions.
3Temperature
If the fuel cell stack operates with active liquid cooling, then temperature control is improved, but coolant permeation through bipolar plates causes corrosion and electrical shorting
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric coating film is applied to the bipolar plates to create a barrier that prevents coolant permeation. The coating is sufficiently thin to maintain electrical conductivity while providing effective protection against coolant infiltration that would cause corrosion and electrical shorting, thus preserving reliability while allowing active liquid cooling to continue.
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 configuration effectively prevents coolant permeation and heat loss, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the fuel cell stack by reducing corrosion and electrical shorting hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a blank plate positioned in between the starter plate and the current collector
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate sheet positioned between the first the starter plate and the blank plate
Implementation Method 3
a seal may be positioned adjacent to the starter plate and the intermediate sheet is configured to fill a gap created by the seal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of improving fuel cell stack performance by preventing corrosion and heat loss. The present disclosure describes embodiments of end plates positioned in a fuel cell stack that are configured to increase fuel cell stack efficiency.