Fuel Cell Stack Power Output Unit Reducing Stacking Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel cell stacks face challenges in achieving desired sealing performance while minimizing their length in the stacking direction, as the power output units protrude beyond the seal parts, leading to inefficiencies in fluid leakage prevention.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a power output unit with a first conductor penetrating through the insulator in the stacking direction and a second conductor extending to the outer peripheral end of the insulator, positioned inside the end plate, ensuring the power output unit does not protrude outside the end plate, thus achieving sealing performance without extending across the seal part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power output unit extends in the stacking direction to the outside of the end plate, then the electrical energy collection is achieved, but the length of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The power output unit transitions from a purely longitudinal extension to a multi-dimensional configuration. The first conductor extends in the stacking direction through the insulator, while the second conductor extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction along the outer surface of the insulator. This dimensional transition allows electrical energy collection without increasing the stack length in the stacking direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The power output unit is divided into two distinct conductors with different functions and orientations. The first conductor handles the stacking direction penetration for electrical connection, while the second conductor handles the lateral extension for external connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving electrical collection without compromising stack compactness.
2Ease of operation
If the power output unit extends across the seal part, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the sealing performance for preventing fluid leakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the power output unit's electrical function while protecting the seal part. The first conductor penetrates the insulator to achieve electrical connection, and the second conductor extends along the insulator's outer surface. This intermediary arrangement allows electrical connection without the power output unit crossing the seal part, thus maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The power output unit is designed with different spatial configurations in different regions. Within the insulator region, the first conductor extends in the stacking direction for electrical connection. Outside the insulator, the second conductor extends perpendicular to the stacking direction. This localized quality differentiation ensures electrical connection is achieved where needed while avoiding interference with the seal part's sealing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes a first power output unit connected to a first terminal plate, the first power output unit including a first conductor, and a second conductor extending from the first conductor to the outside of an outer peripheral end of a first inner insulator in the state where the second conductor is placed between the first inner insulator and a first end plate. The second conductor is positioned inside of the first end plate in a stacking direction of a cell stack body.