Fuel Cell Contact Device with Adjustable Resistance Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stacks face inefficiencies due to condensation of water on end plates, which can block flow channels and reduce performance, and existing solutions require separate components for electrical contact and heating, leading to increased installation space and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical contact device with conductive contact regions that serve as both charge diversion points and resistance heating elements, featuring adjustable resistance through switching elements and varying material resistances, allowing for variable heating and reduced installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate components are used for electrical contact and heating, then the heating function can be achieved, but the installation space increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact function and heating function into a single integrated component. The contact device includes conductive contact regions that serve dual purposes: diverting electrical charge from the fuel cell stack and generating resistance heat to warm the end plates. This eliminates the need for separate heating components, reducing installation space and device complexity while maintaining effective heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an electrical conductor for charge diversion and as a heating element through its resistance properties. The conductive contact regions with varying material resistances enable the same component to perform multiple functions: electrical connection, charge collection, and thermal generation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Temperature
If separate components are used for electrical contact and heating, then the heating function can be achieved, but the installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the existing contact device structure, eliminating the need for additional separate heating components. The conductive contact regions generate heat in situ where they are already positioned, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the installation area required for the overall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform contact regions are used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the heating efficiency and charge diversion efficiency cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality variations within the contact device by providing contact regions with different material resistances. First contact regions have a first material resistance optimized for charge diversion, while second contact regions have a second material resistance optimized for heat generation. This localized differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through a systematic design approach.
4Area of stationary object
If the contact device serves both heating and charge diversion, then the installation space is reduced, but the efficiency of charge diversion may be affected by heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the potential efficiency conflict by spatially separating the functions: first contact regions with lower resistance are positioned and configured to prioritize charge diversion, while second contact regions with higher resistance are configured for heat generation. This local quality differentiation ensures that charge diversion pathways maintain optimal electrical conductivity while heating occurs in designated regions, minimizing interference between the two functions.
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
Enables efficient heating of fuel cell stack end plates with minimal space requirements, improving temperature distribution and reducing the risk of water condensation, while maintaining efficient charge diversion and adjustable heat output.
Implementation Method 1
the contact regions, determined target temperatures, which are determined on the basis of Joule heat which is produced in the contact regions
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact device for the diversion of electrical current from a fuel cell stack can have a plurality of electrically conductive contact regions which are delineated from each other. A plurality of electrically conductive first contact structures connects each, or a plurality of, the contact region(s) to an external load current circuit. Via at least one switching element arranged in a first contact structure, an electrically conductive connection may be disconnected by the first contact structure, in particular between at least one contact region and a load current circuit. In this way it is possible to adjust the overall resistance of the contact structure, and thus the Joule heat produced in the contact regions. Second contact structures that are arranged between the contact regions enable a further increased variability of the overall electrical resistance of the contact device.