Fuel Cell Stack Supporting Member Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stacks assembled by layering cell modules face deformation issues due to reaction forces from inter-cell module seal members, which can lead to leakage and stress on the frames, compromising the integrity and efficiency of the fuel cell stack.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack design that incorporates cell modules with membrane electrode assemblies integrated with electrically insulating frames, sandwiched between separators, and featuring bonding members for joining adjacent frames, inter-cell module seal members for sealing, and supporting members that overlap the inter-cell module seal members to distribute reaction forces and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cell modules are layered to assemble the fuel cell stack, then the number of assembly steps is reduced, but deformation of fuel cell units occurs due to reaction forces from inter-cell module seal members
Solution Approach 1:
A rigid supporting member is introduced as an intermediary element between the inter-cell module seal member and the fuel cell units. This supporting member acts as a mediator that receives the reaction force from the seal member and transfers it to the end plates, preventing direct transmission of deforming forces to the fuel cell units. The supporting member thus protects the fuel cell units from deformation while maintaining the modular assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is pre-installed in position before the inter-cell module seal member is compressed during assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the seal member is compressed to create the seal, the supporting member is already in place to bear the reaction force, preventing deformation of the fuel cell units from the outset rather than correcting it afterward.
2Reliability
If the fuel cell stack is compressed to ensure sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but stress and deformation increase on the frames and fuel cell units
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid supporting member serves as a force-distributing intermediary between the compressive sealing force and the fuel cell units. When compression is applied to ensure sealing, the supporting member intercepts and distributes this force across its larger surface area, preventing concentration of stress on the frames and membrane electrode assembly, thus maintaining both sealing performance and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member provides a rigid, flat surface that distributes compressive forces evenly across the interface between cell modules. This rigid support prevents localized deformation of the flexible membrane electrode assembly and frame structures under compression, ensuring that the sealing function is achieved without compromising the structural strength of the fuel cell units.
3Reliability
If bonding members join outer circumferential sections of adjacent frames, then insulation between interior and exterior is ensured, but deformation of fuel cell units occurs under reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid supporting member is positioned to overlap with the bonding members, creating a hierarchical support structure. The supporting member bears the primary reaction forces from seal compression, while the bonding members maintain insulation and structural continuity. This division of mechanical roles allows the bonding members to focus on insulation and electrical isolation without being overloaded by compressive forces that would cause deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support function is segmented from the bonding function. The supporting members handle the mechanical load-bearing role, while the bonding members specialize in providing electrical insulation and structural continuity. This functional segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance without compromising the other, preventing deformation while maintaining insulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes bonding members for joining projecting sections of adjacent frames in cell modules, an inter-cell module seal member forming a seal between the cell modules, and supporting members disposed between adjacent frames in the cell modules. As viewed from above in the direction in which the cell modules are layered, the supporting members overlap at least a part of a section of the inter-cell module seal member that contacts the cell modules.