Fuel Cell Module Thickness Control via Sealing Member Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing fuel cell stacks face challenges in achieving uniform thickness across the central and peripheral portions of the module, leading to insufficient compression of the sealing member and compromised sealing properties due to dimensional variability and uneven crushing.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack manufacturing method and device that control the lamination-direction thickness by applying pressure equal to or less than the clamping pressure load during the curing of the sealing members, ensuring uniform compression and sealing across the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spacer is used to maintain gap between membrane electrode assembly and separator, then the thickness of outer peripheral part is controlled, but the central portion becomes excessively crushed and thickness uniformity cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter during the curing process of the sealing member. By controlling the pressure to be equal to or less than the clamping pressure load, the invention prevents excessive crushing of the central portion while ensuring proper compression of the sealing member, thereby achieving both thickness uniformity and reliable sealing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies pressure control during the curing process of the sealing member before final assembly. This preliminary action of controlling compression during curing ensures that the sealing member achieves proper compression without causing excessive crushing, preventing thickness non-uniformity from occurring in the first place.
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to cure sealing member, then sealing property is improved, but excessive pressure causes uneven thickness and insufficient sealing compression
Solution Approach 1:
The invention precisely controls the pressure parameter during sealing member curing, setting it equal to or less than the clamping pressure load. This parameter control ensures the sealing member is sufficiently compressed for reliable sealing while preventing excessive pressure that would cause uneven thickness and compromise sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If clamping pressure is increased to compress sealing member, then sealing compression is improved, but dimensional variability increases and thickness uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the clamping pressure parameter by setting it equal to or less than the clamping pressure load. This optimized parameter ensures sufficient compression of the sealing member for reliable sealing while minimizing dimensional variability and maintaining thickness uniformity across the fuel cell module.
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 approach ensures reliable sealing properties by maintaining uniform thickness and preventing excessive crushing, thereby securing the compression amount of the sealing member and enhancing the sealing performance of the fuel cell stack.
Implementation Method 1
pressure is applied to the fuel cell module in the lamination direction of the fuel cells, forming sealed regions from the sealing members
Implementation Method 2
the lamination-direction thickness of the fuel cell module is controlled by controlling the amount of pressure applied to the fuel cell module at the time of curing of the sealing members
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a fuel cell stack manufacturing method and a manufacturing device that are able to secure the compression amount of the sealing member disposed on the fuel cell module. [Solution] The present invention is a method for manufacturing a fuel-cell stack (100) that contains a laminate (30) comprising of a plurality of fuel cells (30a) that are laminated together. In each of these fuel cells (30a), an MEA (31) comprising an anode (31b) and a cathode (31c) joined respectively to the two sides of an electrolyte membrane (31a) is sandwiched between a pair of separators (32a, 32b). The aforementioned method has the following steps: a sealing member layout step, in which fuel cells (30) with sealing members (70) applied at least between adjacent fuel cells are laminated together, forming a fuel cell module; and a pressure application step, in which pressure is applied to the fuel cell module in the lamination direction of the fuel cells, forming sealed regions from the sealing members. The lamination-direction thickness of the fuel cell module is controlled by controlling the amount of pressure applied to the fuel cell module in the pressure application step.