Fuel Cell Connection Members Varying Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stacks with non-uniform thicknesses face challenges in reducing contact resistance due to clamping pressure techniques, as uniform thicknesses are not consistently achieved, leading to inadequate electrical connection and potential member damage.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using connection members with varying thicknesses between cell units, allowing for adjustable clamping pressure to control contact resistance, with specific thickness relationships (D2 - D1 ≤ 200 µm) and incorporating elastic or insulative adjustment members to ensure effective electrical connection and reduce stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping pressure is applied to reduce contact resistance, then electrical connection is improved, but non-uniform thickness causes inadequate pressure distribution and member damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustment members with varying thicknesses at different locations to create localized pressure distribution. Each adjustment member is specifically sized to compensate for the non-uniform thickness of individual cell units, ensuring uniform contact pressure across the entire stacking surface without concentrating stress on thin areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform thickness is assumed for all cell units, then manufacturing is simplified, but contact resistance cannot be adequately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of adjustment members to match the non-uniform thickness variations in cell units. By producing adjustment members with a range of thickness values and selecting appropriate ones for each position, the system maintains simple manufacturing processes while achieving precise contact resistance control through parameter variation.
3Reliability
If connection members have different thicknesses to compensate for non-uniform cell units, then contact resistance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection structure into modular adjustment members that can be independently selected and positioned. Each adjustment member is a discrete component with a specific thickness, allowing the system to handle non-uniform cell units through simple modular assembly rather than requiring complex integrated structures.
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 reduces contact resistance and prevents component damage by ensuring uniform pressure distribution and adjusting for non-uniform thicknesses, maintaining electrical connection and reducing the likelihood of member breakage in fuel cell stacks.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (158) inserted into the current collector (157)
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel cell according to one embodiment is formed by stacking multiple cell units and fitting the multiple cell units into each other in a stacking direction. The cell unit comprises at least an electroconductive interconnector, a connection member, a unit cell, and a separator. The electroconductive interconnector includes a front surface and a rear surface. The connection member is electrically connected to the interconnector. The unit cell includes a fuel electrode, an electrolyte, and an air electrode, and is electrically connected to the connection member. The separator has an opening connected to an outer circumferential section of the unit cell. The thickness of the connection member in at least one cell unit of the multiple electrode units is different from the thicknesses of the connection members in other fuel cells.