Fuel Cell Interconnect via Inert Clamping Member

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel cells experience corrosion and poisoning due to electrochemical contact between current collector foils and the cathode MEA, leading to reduced service lifetime and performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

The current collector foil is separated from the cathode of adjacent cells, with electrical contact maintained through an inert conductive clamping member, preventing direct contact and electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion and poisoning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the current collector foil directly contacts the cathode GDL and MEA to establish electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but corrosion and ion release occur reducing service lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifetimeVSAvoidcorrosion and ion release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (adhesive layer or coating) between the current collector foil and the cathode GDL/MEA. This intermediary prevents direct electrochemical contact and ion release while maintaining electrical conductivity, thereby eliminating corrosion without sacrificing electrical connection quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a sacrificial protective layer (such as adhesive or coating) that can be easily replaced or regenerated. This layer serves as a disposable barrier that protects the current collector foil from corrosion, allowing the system to maintain reliability over extended service periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If the current collector foil covers part of the cathode GDL to ensure electrical contact, then electrical connection is improved, but air access to the GDL and underlying MEA is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidgas distribution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes thin film structures (such as adhesive layers or coatings) that allow the current collector foil to maintain electrical contact while being permeable or non-obstructive to gas flow. This enables air to access the cathode GDL and MEA through or alongside the foil structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements localized electrical contact points rather than broad coverage of the current collector foil over the cathode GDL. This allows air to access most of the GDL surface while maintaining sufficient electrical connection at specific contact points, thereby balancing electrical conductivity with gas distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly extends the service lifetime of fuel cells by reducing corrosion and maintaining uniform temperature, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

electrical contact maintained through an inert conductive clamping member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

preventing direct contact and electrochemical reactions that cause corrosion and poisoning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction prevention:

Implementation Method 3

The GDL is thus working as a compressible element, pushing the foil against the net, when the cell is being clamped together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

Analogous to the electrical contact also the heat conductivity is improved by the clamping and thereby more heat can be dissipated from the reaction layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

The GDL is thus working as a compressible element, pushing the foil against the net, when the cell is being clamped together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2201631B1An arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells, a fuel cell assembly and method of manufacturing a fuel cell device

Publication Date: 2015.05.27 MYFC AB

Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer (208) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (210), and first and second current collectors coupled to said anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively, wherein the first current collector extends from the anode side of one cell to the cathode side of an adjacent cell, and wherein the cell components are clamped together. The first current collector (206) which is in contact with the anode gas diffusion layer (GDL; 208) of a first electrochemical cell (200a) is configured to be connected to the cathode side of a second, adjacent electrochemical cell (200b) via an inert and electrically conductive member (204b), without being in electrochemical contact with the electrochemically active components of the adjacent cell.