Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly Frame Deformation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing frame equipped membrane electrode assemblies in fuel cells face deformation issues due to the biting of the resin frame member into the electrolyte membrane during thermal compression bonding, which compromises the durability of the membrane.
Innovation Solution
A frame equipped membrane electrode assembly is designed with a resin sheet having a higher elastic modulus than the electrolyte membrane, and an adhesive layer with a lower elastic modulus than both, acting as a protection layer to prevent direct contact and deformation, ensuring the electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between the electrodes and the resin sheet with the adhesive layer serving as a cushion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the resin frame member is directly joined to the electrolyte membrane through thermal compression bonding, then the structural support is improved, but the electrolyte membrane deforms due to biting of the frame member
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the resin frame member and the electrolyte membrane. This adhesive layer prevents direct contact and thermal compression bonding between the frame member and membrane, eliminating the biting deformation while still providing structural support through the adhesive bonding mechanism.
2Strength
If the resin frame member is made with high elastic modulus for structural support, then the frame strength is improved, but the membrane durability deteriorates due to direct contact and biting
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer serves as a protective intermediary that shields the electrolyte membrane from direct contact with the high-modulus resin frame member. This allows the frame to maintain its high structural strength while the adhesive layer prevents the frame's rigid edges from biting into and damaging the membrane, thereby improving membrane durability.
3Strength
If thermal compression bonding is used to join the frame member and membrane, then the bonding strength is improved, but the membrane undergoes deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer acts as a mediator that replaces direct thermal compression bonding between the frame member and electrolyte membrane. The adhesive provides sufficient bonding strength to hold the assembly together while its compliant nature prevents the high-pressure thermal compression from deforming or damaging the membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the bonding mechanism parameter from direct thermal compression bonding to adhesive bonding. This parameter change eliminates the high pressure and temperature direct contact that causes membrane deformation, while still achieving the necessary bonding strength through the adhesive layer's chemical and mechanical adhesion properties.
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 configuration effectively prevents deformation of the electrolyte membrane and enhances its durability by maintaining the adhesive layer as a cushioning element between the resin sheet and the electrolyte membrane, thereby improving the overall assembly's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic modulus of the resin sheet is larger than an elastic modulus of the electrolyte membrane, and an elastic modulus of the adhesive layer is smaller than the elastic modulus of the resin sheet and the elastic modulus of the electrolyte membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly and a frame member having a first frame shaped sheet provided on an outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly. An outer peripheral portion of an electrolyte membrane is provided between a cathode and the first frame shaped sheet, stacked on an outer peripheral portion of the cathode, and joined to an inner peripheral portion of the first frame shaped sheet through an adhesive layer. The elastic modulus of the first frame shaped sheet is larger than the elastic modulus of the electrolyte membrane. The elastic modulus of the adhesive layer is smaller than the elastic modulus of the first frame shaped sheet and the elastic modulus of the electrolyte membrane.