Fuel Cell Seal with Embedded Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cells have low electrical efficiency and require heating to optimal temperatures, which can be costly and mass-penalty-inducing, especially in cold environments, and existing heating systems are inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a heating member with a heating element, such as an electrical resistor, directly into the fuel cell seal, which is embedded within the main body, allowing for in-situ heating and automatic temperature regulation through the Joule effect, reducing the need for fluid circulation and external heating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fluid circulation heating system is used, then the fuel cell can be heated to optimal temperature, but the system mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the seal structure of the fuel cell, merging the heating function with the sealing component. This eliminates the need for separate heating systems and fluid circulation apparatus, thereby reducing system mass while maintaining effective heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal with embedded heating element serves dual functions: sealing and heating. The heating element is self-contained within the seal, allowing the seal to provide heating services without requiring external heating systems or fluid circulation infrastructure.
2Temperature
If a fluid circulation heating system is used, then the fuel cell can be heated to optimal temperature, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged into the seal structure, eliminating separate heating components and fluid circulation systems. This integration dramatically simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex fluid circulation heating system is extracted and replaced by a simple embedded heating element within the seal. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential heating function needed for fuel cell operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is made accessible from outside, then power can be supplied to it, but the thermal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is nested within the seal structure, with the heating element embedded in the main body of the seal. This nesting arrangement allows the heating element to be thermally integrated with the seal for efficient heat transfer, while electrical connections are provided through the seal structure itself, maintaining both thermal efficiency and electrical accessibility.
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 solution enhances heating efficiency, reduces mass and cost, and automatically regulates heat dissipation based on temperature, ensuring optimal fuel cell operation without the need for additional regulation devices.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element includes an electrical resistor. The heating is therefore done by Joule effect
Implementation Method 2
the conductivity of the electrical resistor decreases with temperature. the electrical resistance is more and more resistant as the temperature increases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Fuel cell comprising at least one seal (10), said seal (10) comprising a main body (12) and a heating member (14) having a heating element (16) and a power supply portion (18), the heating element (16) being immersed in the main body (12) and the power supply portion (18) being accessible from outside of the main body (12).