Fuel Cell Elementary Module Conductive Bridge Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cells require heavy compression elements to maintain electrical connection and leaktightness, reducing power density per unit mass and complicating manufacturing due to complex bipolar plate shapes.
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell design incorporates an elementary module with conductive bridges for electrical connection and leakproofing, eliminating the need for external compression, using conductive and insulating adhesives to attach and insulate components, thereby reducing mass and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy compression elements (end plates, compression tie rods, case) are used to ensure electrical connection and leaktightness, then reliability is improved, but weight increases reducing power density per unit mass
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the heavy compression elements (end plates, compression tie rods, case) from the fuel cell assembly. Instead of using external compression means, the bipolar plates themselves are designed to provide both structural support and compression force through their inherent rigidity and geometry, thereby maintaining electrical connection and leaktightness without the additional weight of separate compression components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar plates are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection between cells, maintain leaktightness through their structural design, and provide the necessary compression force without requiring separate compression mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heavy compression elements while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If complex shaped bipolar plates are used to ensure compression and connection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bipolar plate into distinct functional zones with different geometries: a first zone with a first geometry for electrical connection and a second zone with a second geometry for compression and leaktightness. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to a single complex geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the bipolar plate are designed with locally optimized geometries tailored to their specific functions. The first zone has features optimized for electrical connection while the second zone has features optimized for compression and leaktightness. This local quality approach allows complex functionality to be achieved through simple, localized geometric variations rather than a single complex overall shape.
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 design achieves higher power density per unit mass without external compression, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for easier module replacement by eliminating the need for heavy compression elements.
Implementation Method 1
an anode conductive bridge (80), respectively, a cathode conductive bridge (50), containing an electrically conductive adhesive
Implementation Method 2
an anode leakproofing bridge (100), formed from a fuel-leaktight electrically insulating adhesive seal
Data Source
AI summary
An elementary module including an oxidation unit for generating electrons by oxidizing a fuel with an oxidant, an anode and cathode sandwiching an electrolytic membrane, an anode block including a fuel transporter support for transporting an anode feed flow containing the fuel to an anode chamber and an anode electron collector attached to the fuel transporter support, a cathode block including an oxidant transporter support for transporting a cathode feed flow containing the oxidant to a cathode chamber and a cathode electron collector attached to the oxidant transporter support, the elementary module defining the anode chamber, respectively, the cathode chamber, between the oxidation unit and the fuel transporter support, respectively, the oxidant transporter support, the anode electron collector, respectively, the cathode electron collector and the oxidation unit being attached by bonding and electrically connected by means of an anode conductive bridge, respectively, a cathode conductive bridge, containing an electrically conductive adhesive.