Fuel Cell Stack Case Sealing with T-Shaped Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems face challenges in reducing the size and weight of vehicle fuel cell stacks while maintaining efficient power generation, as conventional designs often require larger and heavier structures to ensure proper sealing and support.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design featuring a stack case with T-shaped sealing members and a configuration of end, side, top, and bottom plates that securely encase the fuel cell stack, utilizing elastic sealing materials to prevent gas leakage and provide a hermetic seal with a simple and economical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing structures are used in fuel cell stacks, then sealing reliability is maintained, but the size and weight of the fuel cell system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple functional regions: a first sealing portion for sealing the mating surface between end plates and side plates, and a second sealing portion (T-shaped end portion) for sealing the opening in the stack cover. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific sealing function, achieving reliable sealing with reduced material usage and overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member extends in the vertical direction along the mating surface, adding a dimensional aspect to the sealing approach. The T-shaped end portion protrudes toward the inner surface of the stack cover, creating a multi-level sealing structure that enhances sealing effectiveness while minimizing the horizontal footprint and overall system dimensions.
2Reliability
If conventional sealing structures are used in fuel cell stacks, then sealing reliability is maintained, but the size of the fuel cell system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple functional regions: a first sealing portion for sealing the mating surface between end plates and side plates, and a second sealing portion (T-shaped end portion) for sealing the opening in the stack cover. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific sealing function, achieving reliable sealing with reduced material usage and overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member extends in the vertical direction along the mating surface, adding a dimensional aspect to the sealing approach. The T-shaped end portion protrudes toward the inner surface of the stack cover, creating a multi-level sealing structure that enhances sealing effectiveness while minimizing the horizontal footprint and overall system dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If simplified stack case structures are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member integrates multiple sealing functions into a single component: it seals both the mating surface between end plates and side plates, and simultaneously seals the opening in the stack cover through its T-shaped end portion. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing components, simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealing element for the mating surface, provides structural support at the opening, and prevents gas leakage in multiple directions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the stack case, simplifying assembly and manufacturing processes while ensuring reliable sealing.
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 design effectively reduces the size and weight of the fuel cell system while ensuring reliable sealing and efficient power generation, allowing for a more compact and lightweight fuel cell stack that can be integrated into vehicles without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member disposed on a mating surface between each of the end plates and each of the side plates so as to extend in a vertical direction along the mating surface
Implementation Method 2
Each of the power generation cells generates electric power by causing an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a stack case. The fuel cell stack includes power generation cells, a first end and a second end, a first side and a second side, and a top side and a bottom side. The stack case contains the fuel cell stack therein. The stack case includes a first end plate, a second end plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, and sealing members. Each of the sealing members is disposed between the first side plate and the first end plate, between the first side plate and the second end plate, between the second side plate and the first end plate, and between the second side plate and the second end plate. Each of the sealing members includes an end portion. The end portion has a T-shape.