Fuel Cell Module Quick-Acting Couplings for Submarine Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stacks in submarines require frequent replacement, which must be easily and safely performed by the crew without service personnel, due to their limited stability and the need for quick exchange during operation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell module design featuring quick-acting couplings for gas and electrical connections, a modular structure with self-coupling mechanisms, and integrated water management to facilitate easy installation and removal, along with decentralized data storage for efficient error analysis and operation parameter recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fuel cell stacks are designed for frequent replacement in submarines, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to limited stability and potential leakage during exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is divided into modular stacks that can be independently replaced. Each stack is a self-contained unit with standardized coupling interfaces, allowing the crew to exchange individual modules without affecting the entire system. This segmentation enables easy replacement while maintaining system reliability through standardized connection protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices are pre-designed with self-coupling mechanisms and automatic sealing features. Before actual connection, the coupling elements are prepared and aligned, ensuring that when modules are connected or disconnected, the sealing action occurs automatically without manual intervention. This preliminary design of the coupling mechanism prevents leakage during exchange operations.
2Speed
If quick-acting couplings are used for gas connections, then the speed of replacement improves, but the risk of hydrogen leakage and air ingress worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices incorporate pre-positioned sealing elements and automatic sealing mechanisms. When the coupling halves are brought together during quick connection, the sealing action occurs automatically as part of the coupling engagement process. This preliminary design ensures that the sealing function is activated simultaneously with the mechanical connection, preventing hydrogen leakage and air ingress during the rapid replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-coupling mechanism includes automatic sealing features that activate without manual intervention. When the coupling elements engage, the sealing surfaces automatically contact and seal the gas passages. The system performs the sealing function itself through the mechanical action of coupling, eliminating the need for separate manual sealing steps and ensuring protection against leakage during quick replacement.
3Ease of operation
If all couplings are arranged on one side of the module, then the ease of operation improves through simultaneous connection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
All coupling devices (gas couplings, electrical connections, and sealing elements) are consolidated and arranged on a single side of the fuel cell module. This merging of multiple coupling functions into one location allows the crew to connect or disconnect all interfaces simultaneously through a single operational action, greatly simplifying the replacement process despite the inherent complexity of coordinating multiple connection types.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel cell module (10), wherein the at least one first anode gas coupling (30), the at least one first cathode gas coupling (32) and the at least one first anode residual gas coupling (40), the at least one first cathode residual gas coupling (42), the at least one first anode coupling (50) and the at least one first cathode coupling (2) are arranged on one side of the fuel cell module (10).