Fuel Cell Spring Module for Uniform Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stack fastening structures fail to maintain uniform load distribution over the entire fuel cell surface, particularly when faced with variations in separator thickness, temperature changes, and creep of electrolyte membranes and electrodes, leading to inadequate contact resistance and seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack design incorporating a spring module with independent springs and adjustable casings that can incline and deform to accommodate surface irregularities and length changes, ensuring uniform load distribution and flexibility in the fuel cell piling direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid fastening plate is used to fasten the fuel cell stack, then the fastening structure is simple and stable, but it cannot follow the wavy deformation of the end surface of the fuel cell pile, resulting in non-uniform fastening load
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening plate is divided into multiple independent springs instead of using a single rigid plate. Each spring can independently deform to adapt to the wavy surface of the fuel cell pile, while collectively providing uniform fastening load distribution across the entire stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid fastening plate is replaced with elastic springs that can change their compression parameter according to the surface deformation. This allows the fastening system to adapt to varying separator thicknesses and thermal expansions while maintaining stable fastening load.
2Device complexity
If a bolt extending in the fuel cell piling direction is used to fasten the stack, then the fastening structure is simple, but it cannot follow the thermal expansion or creep deformation of the fuel cell pile
Solution Approach 1:
The static bolt fastening system is replaced with dynamic springs that can continuously adjust their compression length. This allows the fastening structure to follow thermal expansion and creep deformation of the fuel cell pile while maintaining appropriate fastening load.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed length bolt is replaced with elastic springs whose compression parameter can change in response to length variations in the fuel cell pile. This enables the system to accommodate thermal expansion and creep while maintaining structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If a single integral elastic resilient member is used at the central position, then the fastening structure is simple, but it cannot provide uniform load distribution across the entire fuel cell surface
Solution Approach 1:
The single central resilient member is segmented into multiple independent springs distributed across the fastening plate. This segmentation allows each spring to independently adapt to local surface variations while collectively providing uniform load distribution across the entire fuel cell stack.
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
The solution allows for uniform fastening load across the fuel cell plane, reduces load alterations due to thermal expansion and creep, and enhances assembly ease by using a compact, pre-assembled spring module that can follow wavy and convex deformations, maintaining stability and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring module disposed in series with the pile of fuel cells; and the spring module includes a first member and a second member, capable of inclining relative to each other and moving in a direction toward and away from each other, and a plurality of springs independent of each other and disposed in parallel with each other between the first member and the second member
Implementation Method 2
the fastening structure cannot follow a change in a length of the pile of fuel cells in the fuel cell piling direction. Therefore, the fastening structure cannot follow a thermal expansion of the pile of fuel cells
Implementation Method 3
the fastening load of the fuel stack will also change because of a creep of an electrolyte membrane and electrodes after a long period of time
Data Source
AI summary
A spring module is mounted to a fuel cell stack. The spring module includes a first member and a second member capable of inclining relative to each other and moving in a direction toward and away from each other, and a plurality of springs independent of each other and disposed in parallel with each other between the first and second members. The spring module is disposed between an end plate and the pile of fuel cells. The first member includes a first casing, and the second member includes a second casing, whereby the sparing module includes a casing assembly housing the springs. The bottom surface of the casings is deformable to be wavy. The spring module may include a shock absorber. The plurality of springs may include a coil spring and a sponge of a low-resilience type.