Dummy Cell Adhesive Joining with Deformation Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell stacks, the ends tend to have lower temperatures due to heat dissipation, leading to reduced diffusion performance of reactant gases and stability issues, which can be mitigated by providing a dummy cell at the ends but require effective methods to prevent deformation of the dummy resin frame member during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for producing a dummy cell by joining a dummy resin frame member with a dummy structural body using adhesive, applying heat and pressure while limiting outward deformation with a limitation projection, ensuring the dummy resin frame member is securely integrated around the dummy structural body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heat and pressure are applied to join the dummy resin frame member and dummy structural body, then the adhesive hardens and components are securely joined, but the dummy resin frame member deforms outward
Solution Approach 1:
The limitation projection is positioned to contact the outer peripheral end surface of the dummy resin frame member before heat and pressure are applied for joining. This preliminary positioning creates a constraint that prevents outward deformation during the adhesive hardening process, counteracting the deforming force before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The limitation projection is pre-positioned in the pressing apparatus to align with and contact the dummy resin frame member before the joining operation begins. This preliminary setup ensures that the constraint is in place before heat and pressure are applied, preventing deformation during the critical bonding phase.
2Loss of energy
If the ends of the stack body are exposed to outside temperature, then heat dissipation occurs at the ends, but the temperature at the ends decreases leading to reduced diffusion performance
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy cell, which does not generate power, is strategically placed at the cold end regions of the fuel cell stack. Its presence converts the harmful low-temperature effect into a beneficial thermal insulation barrier, protecting the power-generating cells from excessive heat loss to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy cell acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the external environment and the power generation cells at the stack ends. It mediates the thermal interaction by providing insulation that reduces the direct impact of external temperature on the active cells.
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 approach effectively suppresses deformation of the dummy resin frame member, enhancing the heat-insulating performance at the ends of the fuel cell stack, thereby improving power generation stability and preventing condensation and voltage drops, even under low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
heat and pressure are applied to a portion of the dummy stack body where at least the adhesive is present, to harden the adhesive
Implementation Method 2
the dummy cell itself functions as a heat insulating layer between the terminal plate and the stack body. Thus, by providing the dummy cell as described above, it is possible to suppress decrease in the temperature at the ends of the stack body
Data Source
AI summary
In a joining method in a method of producing a dummy cell, a dummy structural body and a dummy resin frame member are stacked together into a dummy stack body in a state where an adhesive is interposed between the dummy structural body and the dummy resin frame member, and heat and pressure are applied to the dummy stack body to harden the adhesive to join components of the dummy stack body together into a single piece of the dummy stack body. In the joining step, in a state where a limitation projection is brought into contact with an outer peripheral end surface of the dummy resin frame member to limit outward deformation of the dummy resin frame member, heat and pressure are applied to the dummy stack body.