Fuel Cell Sealing Member Meniscus Angle Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cell stack devices face reliability issues due to deformation-induced cracks at the bonded parts between the sealing member and the fuel cell, which are exacerbated by the shape of the sealing member.

Innovation Solution

A cell stack device with a sealing member having a concave meniscus structure, where the angle between the vertical line from the meniscus leading end and the concave profile line is 45° or less, is used to reduce stress differences and prevent crack formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing member with a conventional meniscus structure is used to bond the fuel cell and manifold, then the sealing function is achieved, but deformation during fuel cell reduction produces cracks at the bonded parts

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the sealing member by controlling the angle θ of the meniscus structure to be 45° or less. This parameter optimization modifies the stress distribution pattern during fuel cell reduction, converting tensile stress into compressive stress at the bonded parts, thereby preventing crack formation while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the curved meniscus structure of the sealing member and optimizes its curvature characteristics by controlling the angle θ. The specific curvature profile distributes mechanical stress more favorably during fuel cell reduction, preventing stress concentration that would lead to cracking at the bonded parts between the sealing member and fuel cell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Area of stationary object

If the sealing member has a meniscus structure with a large angle θ, then the sealing coverage is improved, but stress concentration occurs at the bonded parts causing cracks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing areaVSAvoidstress concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the angle parameter θ of the meniscus structure to be 45° or less, which balances the sealing area coverage with stress distribution. This parameter control ensures adequate sealing coverage while preventing excessive stress concentration at the bonded parts during fuel cell reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9876250B2Cell stack device, module, and module housing device

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

In at least one sealing member (16) disposed between at least two neighboring cells of a plurality of cells (3) in this cell stack device, the angle θ is 45° or less, where the angle θ is defined by an angle between a vertical line drawn from a leading end portion (18) of a meniscus structure toward a manifold (7) and a straight line connecting the leading end part (18) and a point (19) located on a profile line of a concave of the meniscus structure, and at a midpoint of a height of the leading end part (18) from the bottom part (17) of the concave, which makes it possible to obtain a cell stack device in which the occurrence of cracking at bonded parts between the fuel cells (3) and the sealing member (16) is suppressed and reliability is improved.