Fuel Cell Stack Surface Pressure Control via Inflator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assembling fuel cell stacks face challenges such as high dead volume, weight, and complexity due to the use of bolts, bands, and metal elastic members, which affect surface pressure control and lead to increased volume and difficulty in optimizing the layout within an engine room, as well as requiring complex assembly and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A surface pressure controlling device with an inflator mounted in an end plate having a sandwich structure, utilizing hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to expand and clamp the fuel cell stack at a constant surface pressure, and a clamping band to automatically correct deviations in thickness, allowing for uniform pressure distribution and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts and nuts are used to assemble the fuel cell stack, then the stack can be fixed together, but a large amount of dead volume is created which is inappropriate for vehicle application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the dead volume created by conventional bolt assemblies. By removing the bolt heads, nuts, and associated clearance spaces, the design achieves compact integration while maintaining clamping force through alternative means such as integrated fastening structures or distributed pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the clamping function with the structural components of the fuel cell stack. Instead of separate bolts and nuts, the design integrates fastening capabilities into the end plates or frame structures, combining support and clamping functions into unified components that eliminate dead volume.
2Strength
If bands are used to fasten the end plates, then the stack can be assembled, but the length of the assembled stack increases requiring bands of various dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities to the clamping system. Instead of fixed-length bands, the design employs adjustable mechanisms that can adapt to variations in stack length while maintaining consistent clamping force, eliminating the need for multiple band dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the fastening system to accommodate length variations. By implementing variable geometry or telescopic structures in the clamping mechanism, the system can adjust its effective length while maintaining the same clamping capability, avoiding the need for multiple standardized band sizes.
3Stress or pressure
If high stiffness metal elastic members are used to provide uniform surface pressure, then pressure can be maintained, but the weight and volume of the fuel cell stack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces heavy metal elastic members with pneumatic or hydraulic pressure systems. By using compressed gas or liquid to generate and distribute surface pressure, the design achieves the required clamping force with significantly reduced weight and volume compared to traditional spring-based or metal elastic member systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and material properties used for pressure generation. Instead of relying on the elastic deformation of heavy metal components, the system uses the compressibility of gases or incompressibility of liquids to generate pressure, fundamentally changing how clamping force is produced and enabling weight reduction.
4Stress or pressure
If metal elastic members are used for surface pressure control, then uniform pressure can be provided, but complex assembly and maintenance is required due to high clamping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic or hydraulic systems that can be easily assembled and disassembled compared to pre-loaded metal elastic members. These systems allow for simple connection and disconnection without requiring specialized pressing equipment, greatly simplifying both assembly and maintenance operations while maintaining uniform surface pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements self-adjusting pressure control mechanisms that automatically maintain uniform surface pressure without requiring manual intervention or complex assembly procedures. The system can self-regulate and adapt to variations in the stack structure, eliminating the need for precise pre-loading and complex assembly sequences.
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 enables efficient surface pressure control, reduces weight and volume, and simplifies assembly by using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to maintain consistent clamping pressure, addressing the limitations of existing methods and optimizing fuel cell stack layout in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator capable of being expanded by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
an inflator capable of being expanded by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a surface pressure controlling device for a fuel cell stack, in which an inflator capable of being expanded by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is mounted in an end plate so as to control the surface pressure required for the assembly of the fuel cell stack to be maintained above a predetermined level.