Series Fuel Cell Coolant Circuit for Stray Current Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell systems connecting multiple cells in series face corrosion issues due to stray currents caused by the conductivity of cooling liquids, which existing solutions fail to adequately address, leading to potential system complications and insufficient insulation resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design where each fuel cell is connected in series with separate coolant circuits, incorporating a sacrifice corrosion member in one circuit to divert stray currents away from critical components, ensuring sufficient insulation resistance and preventing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple fuel cells are connected in series to increase power output, then power output is improved, but corrosion of components due to stray current occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A sacrifice corrosion member (50) is introduced as a disposable protective element that intentionally corrodes instead of critical components. This member is electrically connected to the first connecting member (30A) and positioned in the first coolant circuit (20A), serving as a sacrificial anode that absorbs stray current corrosion damage, thereby protecting expensive fuel cell components while maintaining high power output from series-connected cells
2Temperature
If cooling liquid with specified conductivity is used to cool fuel cells, then temperature control is improved, but stray current occurs causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrifice corrosion member (50) acts as an intermediary element between the cooling liquid and the connecting members. It provides a controlled electrical pathway that mediates the interaction between conductive cooling liquid and metal components, allowing the cooling liquid to maintain its necessary conductivity for temperature control while preventing harmful stray currents from reaching critical components
3Reliability
If grounding member is connected to coolant circuits, then electrical safety is improved, but insulation resistance becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The solution applies local quality by providing different electrical characteristics at different locations. The sacrifice corrosion member (50) is specifically positioned in the first coolant circuit (20A) and connected to the first connecting member (30A), creating a localized corrosion protection zone. This allows the grounding system to maintain electrical safety overall while preserving insulation resistance in critical areas where the sacrifice member is not present
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 system effectively inhibits corrosion of components by redirecting stray currents through a sacrifice corrosion member, maintaining insulation resistance and avoiding system complexity, thus ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first coolant circuit includes a sacrifice corrosion member; and the sacrifice corrosion member contacts the first connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel cell system capable of inhibiting corrosion of components due to a stray current in a structure of connecting a plurality of fuel cells in series. The present disclosure achieves the object by providing a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a coolant circuit that circulates a cooling liquid to cool the fuel cell; wherein the fuel cell system includes: as the fuel cell, at least a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell; and as the coolant circuit, at least a first coolant circuit that cools the first fuel cell, and a second coolant circuit that cools the second fuel cell; and the first fuel cell and the second fuel cell are connected in series in a manner the first fuel cell is in a low potential side and the second fuel cell is in a high potential side; the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit are respectively connected to a grounding member interposing a first connecting member and a second connecting member; the first coolant circuit includes a sacrifice corrosion member; and the sacrifice corrosion member contacts the first connecting member.