Disposable Plastic Bracing for High-Temperature Fuel Cell Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature fuel cell stacks face internal stress issues due to differing thermal expansion coefficients and temperature changes, leading to potential seal rupture and performance degradation, with existing bracing methods being costly, inefficient, and risking damage during temporary bracing removal.
Innovation Solution
A temporary bracing device made of plastic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, which burns at lower temperatures than the fuel cell stack's operating temperature, allowing for residue-free removal by starting up the stack, eliminating the need for complex removal processes and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temporary bracing device made of metal or other non-combustible material is used, then the fuel cell stack can be securely braced during transport and installation, but the removal process becomes complex, labor-intensive, and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the temporary bracing device from metal to plastic, which fundamentally alters the removal mechanism. The plastic material is designed to burn at temperatures below the fuel cell stack's operating temperature, transforming the removal process from mechanical disassembly to thermal decomposition. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining bracing security during use while enabling simple, residue-free removal through combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary bracing device is designed as a disposable component made of plastic that burns away after serving its purpose. This eliminates the need for complex removal procedures and avoids damage risks associated with manual removal. The plastic material serves its bracing function temporarily and then self-destructs through combustion, leaving no residue and requiring no additional removal steps.
2Strength
If tie rods made of high-temperature steels are used for permanent bracing, then the fuel cell stack can maintain tension during operation, but the cost increases significantly and creep processes compromise long-term uniform tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-temperature steel tie rods with inexpensive plastic temporary bracing devices. The plastic components are designed to be removed after serving their temporary purpose, eliminating the need for costly metal materials. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient strength during the critical transport and installation phases while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary plastic bracing device performs the bracing function in advance during manufacturing, transport, and installation phases. A permanent bracing system is then installed before operation begins. This preliminary action by the plastic device eliminates the need for expensive high-temperature steel tie rods, as the permanent system takes over before the fuel cell stack reaches operating temperature.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic elements are placed outside the insulation to compensate for creep, then creep compensation is achieved, but heat loss increases due to required openings in the insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for permanent elastic elements outside the insulation by using disposable plastic temporary bracing devices. These plastic components are removed (by combustion) after serving their temporary purpose, so no permanent openings in the insulation are required. This resolves the contradiction by providing tension stability during critical phases without creating pathways for heat loss during operation.
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
The plastic bracing device ensures safe transportation and installation of the fuel cell stack, automatically transitions to final bracing during operation, avoiding costly and labor-intensive removal procedures and minimizing the risk of damage, while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the temporary bracing device consists of a plastic material that burns at a temperature that is lower than the operating temperature of the high-temperature fuel cell stack
Implementation Method 2
Due to the components and materials used in high-temperature fuel cell stacks with slightly different coefficients of thermal expansion and the temperature difference of, for example, 850 °C operating and joining temperature as well as room temperature in the cooled state, internal stresses arise
Data Source
Figure 1~2e
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-temperature fuel cell stack (10) which is braced by a temporary bracing apparatus. The invention provides that the temporary bracing apparatus (12-22) is composed of a plastic material which burns at a temperature which is lower than the operating temperature of the high-temperature fuel cell stack (10). The invention also relates to a method for temporary bracing of a high-temperature fuel cell stack (10) and to a method for removing a temporary bracing apparatus (12-22) from a high-temperature fuel cell stack (10). The invention also relates to the use of plastic elements (12-22), which are known per se, as a temporary bracing apparatus for the high-temperature fuel cell stack (10).