Curved Membrane Electrode Assembly Fuel Cell Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have a relatively small contacting surface with fuel, leading to low energy conversion efficiency due to their planar sandwich structure.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell module design featuring a container with a membrane electrode assembly where the proton exchange membrane is sandwiched between cathode and anode electrodes, with a container shape that allows for a larger contacting surface and the use of carbon nanotube layers and catalysts to enhance energy conversion, and optionally includes a baffle for improved gas cycling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar sandwich structure is used for the membrane electrode assembly, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the contacting surface with fuel is small leading to low energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane electrode assembly is designed with a curved or arc-shaped configuration instead of a flat planar structure. This curvature increases the surface area available for fuel contact while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturability through standardized bending processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar sandwich structure to a three-dimensional curved structure by arching the membrane electrode assembly along its length. This dimensional change significantly increases the effective contacting surface area with fuel without adding complexity to the basic sandwich construction.
2Device complexity
If the membrane electrode assembly is made planar, then the structure is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency is low due to small contacting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane electrode assembly incorporates a curved geometry that arches upward from the planar configuration. This curvature is achieved through controlled forming processes that maintain the simplicity of the sandwich structure while dramatically increasing the fuel-contacting surface area for improved energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved structure allows the membrane electrode assembly to better conform to the flow dynamics of fuel delivery, optimizing the interaction between fuel and the active surfaces of the electrodes while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 design increases the energy conversion efficiency of the fuel cell module by providing a larger contacting surface with fuel and reacting gases, simplifies the fuel cell system structure, and enhances gas cycling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane electrode assembly generally includes a proton exchange membrane, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode
Implementation Method 2
with a container shape that allows for a larger contacting surface and the use of carbon nanotube layers and catalysts to enhance energy conversion
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module includes a container and a membrane electrode assembly located on the container. The container includes a housing and a nozzle connected to the housing. The container defines a number of through holes located on the housing and covered by the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a cathode electrode located on the first surface and an anode electrode located on the second surface.