Fuel Cell Seal Plate Segmentation for Replaceable Gas Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell stacks, the deterioration of bead gaskets leads to inefficient disposal of cell modules, as the entire module must be discarded even if the fuel cells can still generate power.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack design that includes a seal plate with manifold holes for separate flow of power-generation gases, featuring seal members along the peripheral portions of the holes to seal the gases, allowing for the continued use of cell modules by replacing only the deteriorated seal plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flat panel including the bead gasket is joined to the separator with an adhesive, then the sealing function is achieved, but the entire cell module must be discarded when the bead gasket deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing system into separate components: the bead gasket remains attached to the separator, while the flat panel with the new seal member is detached and replaceable. This segmentation allows the seal member to be replaced independently without discarding the entire cell module, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sealing reliability and enabling easy repair.
2Reliability
If the bead gasket is used to seal the space between cell modules, then the sealing is achieved, but the fuel cells that can still generate power are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables recovery of functional fuel cells by allowing selective replacement of only the deteriorated seal member rather than discarding the entire cell module. The seal member can be detached and replaced while the fuel cells remain in use, thus reducing waste of valuable functional components.
3Reliability
If the entire cell module is discarded when the bead gasket deteriorates, then the sealing issue is resolved, but the manufacturing efficiency and resource utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing system into replaceable components (seal member detached from the flat panel), the invention enables maintenance without complete module replacement. This reduces waste of functional components and improves resource utilization, thereby enhancing overall manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of cell modules each formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells, each of the plurality of fuel cells having a membrane electrode assembly having an insulating member at an outer periphery portion thereof and paired separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly, and by attaching the insulating members of adjacent fuel cells together, and a seal plate interposed between the stacked cell modules. The seal plate includes a plurality of manifold holes from which two power-generation gases flow separately through the plurality of fuel cells, and a first seal member provided along a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of manifold holes to seal a corresponding one of the two power-generation gases flowing through the manifold hole.