Fuel Cell Stack Window Frame Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stack structures face issues with increased thickness and limited temperature distribution uniformity due to the need for additional heat dissipating bodies, which also lead to deteriorated current density and durability.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack structure where unit cells are stacked with second window frames having a larger area than first window frames, periodically disposed at predetermined intervals, promoting heat movement without additional heat dissipating bodies, maintaining stack thickness and current density while uniformizing temperature distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat dissipating body is disposed between upper and lower separators to reduce temperature deviation, then temperature distribution is uniformized, but stack thickness is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat dissipating function into the existing window frame structure by extending it in the thickness direction, rather than adding a separate heat dissipating body. This integration allows the window frame to serve dual purposes: structural support and heat dissipation, thereby uniformizing temperature distribution without increasing stack thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The window frame is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the separator and actively dissipates heat through its extended portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated heat dissipating components, resolving the contradiction between temperature uniformity and stack thickness
2Temperature
If a heat dissipating body is disposed between upper and lower separators to reduce temperature deviation, then temperature distribution is uniformized, but current density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the heat dissipation function into the window frame rather than adding a separate component, the patent avoids introducing additional elements that would block current paths. The extended window frame dissipates heat without interfering with the electrical connectivity between unit cells, thus maintaining current density while achieving temperature uniformity
3Temperature
If a heat dissipating body is disposed between upper and lower separators to reduce temperature deviation, then temperature distribution is uniformized, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates heat dissipation into the existing window frame structure, eliminating the need for additional components that would create more sealing interfaces. This reduction in interface数量 decreases potential failure points, thereby improving overall stack durability while achieving temperature uniformity
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
This approach effectively mitigates temperature deviations and uniformizes temperature distribution within the fuel cell stack, improving durability and maintaining current density without the need for additional heat dissipating bodies.
Implementation Method 1
second window frames, which each have an area larger than an area of a first window frame, are periodically disposed at a predetermined interval in a direction in which the unit cells are stacked, such that heat movement is promoted
Implementation Method 2
heat movement is promoted, a temperature deviation in the fuel cell stack structure is mitigated, and a temperature distribution is uniformized
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack structure, and more particularly, to a fuel cell stack structure in which unit cells are stacked, and second window frames, which each have an area larger than an area of a first window frame, are periodically disposed at a predetermined interval in a direction in which the unit cells are stacked, such that heat movement is promoted, a temperature deviation in the fuel cell stack structure is mitigated, and a temperature distribution is uniformized.