Fuel Cell Stack Insulation Segmentation for Swelling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell stacks, the integration of single cells and resin members leads to cracking when electrolyte membranes swell, causing insulation deterioration and water vapor leakage due to the inability of resin members to follow displacement in the stacking direction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating displacement absorbing members between insulation members and adjacent membrane electrode assemblies, which deform to prevent cracking and maintain insulation integrity by allowing the fuel cell stack to expand without compromising insulation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single cells and resin members are integrally formed, then insulation performance is improved, but cracking occurs when electrolyte membranes swell causing insulation deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The resin members are divided into multiple independent segments along the stacking direction, with each segment corresponding to a single cell. These segmented resin members can independently deform when electrolyte membranes swell, preventing crack propagation while maintaining insulation performance between adjacent cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin members are designed to be dynamically deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to expand and contract with the electrolyte membranes during operation. This dynamic adaptability prevents cracking while maintaining continuous insulation coverage.
2Reliability
If resin members are rigid to maintain insulation, then insulation performance is improved, but displacement between MEAs causes resin member cracking
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the resin members into multiple independent units, each segment can adapt to local displacements of membrane electrode assemblies while maintaining overall insulation. The segmentation allows independent deformation without compromising the insulation function of adjacent segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin members are designed with flexible properties similar to thin films, enabling them to bend and deform elastically when MEAs displace due to electrolyte membrane swelling. This flexibility maintains insulation performance while accommodating dimensional changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If resin members crack due to inability to follow displacement, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but water vapor leakage and insulation deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The resin members are segmented into multiple independent sections that can be formed and assembled separately, then combined to create the complete insulation structure. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while preventing crack formation through independent deformation of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin members incorporate dynamic deformation capabilities that allow them to adapt to swelling electrolyte membranes without cracking. This dynamic design maintains insulation integrity throughout the fuel cell stack's operational lifecycle.
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 displacement absorbing members effectively prevent insulation member cracking and water vapor leakage, ensuring sustained insulation performance and reduced risk of liquid junction formation during electrolyte membrane swelling.
Implementation Method 1
the first displacement absorbing members, the outer peripheral members, or the displacement absorbing means deform so that the insulation members can follow displacement of the fuel cell stack
Implementation Method 2
When the electrolyte membranes of the membrane electrode assemblies swell
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.