Fuel Cell Stack Terminal Plate Voltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stacks require a dedicated dummy separator to measure the voltage of the last cell in the stack, increasing the number of parts and elongating the stack dimension, which complicates the structure and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating voltage detecting terminals on terminal plates with insulating plates, eliminating the need for a dedicated dummy separator by allowing cell voltage measurement without additional parts, thus maintaining a simple and compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated dummy separator is provided on the end of the cell stack body to measure the voltage of the last cell, then the cell voltage measurement function is improved, but the number of parts increases and the stack dimension in the stacking direction becomes elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage detection function with the existing terminal plate structure. The terminal plate is designed to contact both the separator of the last cell and provide a reference potential, eliminating the need for a separate dummy separator. This integration maintains the measurement capability while reducing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal plate is given multiple functions: it serves as both the electrical connection terminal for power output and as the reference potential source for voltage measurement of the last cell. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated components, thereby reducing part count while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated dummy separator is provided on the end of the cell stack body to measure the voltage of the last cell, then the cell voltage measurement function is improved, but the dimension in the stacking direction of the fuel cell becomes elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage measurement function is merged into the terminal plate structure, which is already positioned at the end of the stack. By making the terminal plate contact the separator of the last cell and using it as the reference potential source, the patent eliminates the need for an additional dummy separator, thereby maintaining the original stack length.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal plate performs multiple functions including electrical connection and voltage reference provision. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain cell voltage measurement capability without adding extra components that would increase the stack dimension in the stacking direction.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated dummy separator is provided on the end of the cell stack body to measure the voltage of the last cell, then the cell voltage measurement function is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage reference function with the terminal plate, eliminating the need for a separate dummy separator component. This merging of functions simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to measure the voltage of the last cell by using the terminal plate as the reference potential source.
Data Source
AI summary
In a fuel cell stack, voltage detecting terminals are disposed on a second separator and a third separator of a power generation unit, whereas a voltage detecting terminal is not disposed on a first separator of the power generation unit. Among terminal plates of the fuel cell stack, another voltage detecting terminal is disposed only on the terminal plate that is in contact with the first separator.