Fuel Cell Interconnector via Local Resin Carbonization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing planar array fuel cell configuration requires complex steps to form an interconnector part, which is time-consuming and effort-intensive for electrical connection between adjacent unit cells.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design featuring electrode layers on both surfaces of a proton conductive resin electrolyte membrane with dividing grooves, where the interconnector part is made of conductive carbide derived from the electrolyte membrane by local heating, allowing for easy formation without intricate steps, and a pressing member ensures contact continuity between the interconnector and electrode layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interconnector part is formed by filling void portions with catalyst layer material, then electrical connection between unit cells is achieved, but the formation process requires several complex steps that consume time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition and electrical properties of the electrolyte membrane by incorporating conductive carbide particles. This parameter change transforms the membrane from a non-conductive proton exchange membrane to one with electrical conductivity, enabling the interconnector function to be achieved through material composition modification rather than complex multi-step formation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite electrolyte membrane by combining proton conductive polymer material with conductive carbide particles. This composite structure simultaneously provides proton conductivity from the polymer matrix and electrical conductivity from the carbide particles, allowing the membrane to function as both electrolyte and interconnector in a single integrated component
2Reliability
If multiple work steps are used to form the interconnector part, then proper electrical connection is ensured, but the manufacturing time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrolyte membrane function and the interconnector function into a single integrated component. The electrolyte membrane itself is designed to provide both proton conduction and electrical connection through the incorporation of conductive carbide, eliminating the need for separate interconnector parts and their complex formation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte membrane with conductive carbide incorporated provides its own electrical connection function without requiring external interconnector components or complex formation steps. The membrane structure itself serves the dual purpose of proton transport and electrical conduction, achieving self-sufficiency in functionality
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 simplifies the formation of interconnector parts, reducing the complexity and time required for electrical connections between unit cells, ensuring efficient power generation while maintaining electrode continuity.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte membrane made of a proton conductive resin
Implementation Method 2
the interconnector part is made of conductive carbide derived from proton conductive resin of the electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 3
the interconnector part can be obtained only by carbonizing a part of the electrolyte membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fuel cell capable of easily forming an interconnector part electrically connecting adjacent unit cells in a planar array fuel cell. In the fuel cell, an electrode layer on each of two surfaces of an electrolyte membrane is divided into a plurality of electrode regions by a dividing groove; a unit cell is constituted by a stacked structure including the electrolyte membrane, one electrode region on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and one electrode region on the other surface thereof; and the plurality of the unit cells are connected in series by the interconnector part formed in the electrolyte membrane. The interconnector part is formed by heating and carbonizing a proton conductive resin in the electrolyte membrane. The proton conductive resin can be heated by laser beam irradiation.