Fuel Cell Interconnecting Sections with Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
High contact resistance between interconnecting sections and electrodes in fuel cells hinders electron conduction, leading to a decrease in electromotive force.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design with zigzag layouts for anodes and cathodes, where interconnecting sections are offset and pressed by protrusions in an oxygen-containing gas supply layer, reducing contact resistance and enhancing electron conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interconnecting sections are formed in the electrolyte membrane to connect unit cells in series, then electrical connection between unit cells is achieved, but contact resistance between interconnecting sections and electrodes increases, hindering electron conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnecting sections are formed with a curved or meandering shape rather than straight lines. This curvature increases the contact area between interconnecting sections and adjacent electrodes, reducing contact resistance and improving electron conduction while maintaining the series connection function between unit cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting sections extend not only in the planar direction but also in the thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane. This three-dimensional configuration increases the contact area with electrodes and provides multiple conduction paths, effectively reducing contact resistance.
2Power
If multiple membrane electrode assemblies are stacked to form multiple unit cells, then the power output of the fuel cell increases, but the internal resistance increases due to multiple interconnecting sections
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of interconnecting sections reduces contact resistance at each connection point. By minimizing resistance at each interface, the cumulative internal resistance across multiple unit cells is reduced, allowing the fuel cell to maintain high power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting sections are formed using a composite structure that combines conductive materials within the electrolyte membrane. This composite approach enhances electrical conductivity while maintaining mechanical integrity, reducing overall internal resistance in multi-cell configurations.
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 reduces internal resistance and increases electromotive force while maintaining a simple structure and preventing excessive drying of electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of unit cells are connected together in series through the interconnecting section
Implementation Method 2
the first protrusions are positioned in a manner to press the interconnecting sections of the first membrane electrode assembly, and the second protrusions are provided in a manner to press the interconnecting sections of the second membrane electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
This fuel cell is provided with a first electrolyte membrane electrode structure and a second electrolyte membrane electrode structure, respective cathode electrodes of which face each other with an oxidant gas supply layer being interposed therebetween. The oxidant gas supply layer has: a first projection part which presses an interconnect part of an electrolyte membrane that constitutes the first electrolyte membrane electrode structure; and a second projection part which presses an interconnect part of an electrolyte membrane that constitutes the second electrolyte membrane electrode structure.