Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Frame Structure for Humidity and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing through-holes in the resin frame for humidity exchange in fuel cells reduces the strength of the frame, making it difficult to achieve sufficient durability.
Innovation Solution
A membrane electrode structure with a frame member comprising overlapping first and second frame members that sandwich the electrolyte membrane in a non-power generation region, with non-overlapping through-holes in the frame members to enhance durability while allowing humidity exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If through-holes are provided in the resin frame for humidity exchange, then humidity exchange between gases is improved, but the strength of the frame is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments (first frame member and second frame member) that overlap each other. The through-holes are segmented between these members, with the first through-hole in the first frame member and the second through-hole in the second frame member at a different position. This segmentation allows humidity exchange functionality while maintaining structural integrity through the overlapping configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-plane frame structure to a multi-layer overlapping structure. By positioning through-holes at different locations in overlapping frame members rather than at the same location in a single frame, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension to achieve both humidity exchange and strength requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If through-holes are provided in the resin frame, then humidity distribution is optimized, but durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into overlapping first and second frame members, each containing through-holes at different positions. This segmentation enables effective humidity distribution across the membrane electrode assembly while the overlapping configuration provides structural reinforcement that enhances durability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping frame members create a composite structural system where the combination of multiple frame members provides both the functional capability for humidity exchange and the mechanical strength for durability. The composite structure achieves properties that neither single frame member could provide alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane electrode structure for fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane, and a frame member including an inner edge portion defining an opening, the membrane electrode assembly being positioned to face the opening. The frame member includes a first and second frame members formed in a substantially plate shape and overlapping each other, the electrolyte membrane is extended to non-power generation region, the first and second frame members have a first and second holding portions between which the electrolyte membrane in the non-power generation region is sandwiched, and a first through-hole penetrating the first holding portion and a second through-hole penetrating the second holding portion are provided at different positions from each other in a plan view viewed along a stacking direction of the membrane electrode structure.