Porous Cell Stack Fixing Layer for Crack-Resistant Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell stack devices for fuel battery systems face challenges with crack formation near the boundaries between the fixing part and the cell or support member, leading to reduced durability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The cell stack device incorporates a fixing part with a porous region having higher porosity than the surrounding regions, which helps to buffer stress and reduce crack occurrence by allowing for better absorption of fuel gas and oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cells are bonded to support members using bonding material in a stacked configuration, then the cell stack device can be assembled and electrically connected, but cracks occur in the bonding material near the boundaries between the fixing part and the cell or support member
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding material is designed with a porous structure containing numerous pores. This porous configuration allows the bonding material to flexibly accommodate thermal expansion and contraction stresses during fuel cell operation, preventing crack formation at the boundaries between the fixing part and cells or support members while maintaining strong bonding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the bonding material, specifically its porosity and composition ratios (such as the ratio of glass beads to binder). By optimizing these parameters, the bonding material achieves both sufficient bonding strength for assembly and enhanced flexibility to withstand operational stresses without cracking.
2Strength
If the bonding material has high density and low porosity, then the structural integrity is improved, but the bonding material becomes brittle and prone to cracking under operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding material incorporates a controlled porous structure with specific pore size distributions and volume ratios. This porous design reduces brittleness by providing void spaces that can accommodate stress, while the overall bonding strength is maintained through optimized pore configuration and material composition, preventing crack propagation under operational conditions.
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 enhances the durability of the cell stack device by minimizing crack formation and improving the device's ability to withstand operational stresses, thereby maintaining efficient power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a porous region 7a4 having a porosity higher than that of a third region 7a3 is provided in an arbitrary cross section including the support member 7b, the fixing part 7a, and the cell 1
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~3A
AI summary
A cell stack device 10 according to the present disclosure includes a cell stack 10 in which a plurality of cells 1 is laminated, and a fixing member 7 that fixes the plurality of cells 1. The fixing member 7 includes a support member 7b that supports the plurality of cells 1, and a fixing part 7a arranged between the support member 7b and the plurality of cells 1. In a cross section including the support member 7b, the fixing part 7a, and at least one of the plurality of cells 1, the fixing part 7a includes a first region 7a1 arranged close to the support member 7b, a second region 7a2 arranged closer to the at least one cell 1 than the first region 7a1, and a third region 7a3 arranged between the first region 7a1 and the second region 7a2. At least one of the first region 7a1 and the second region 7a2 includes a porous region 7a4 having a porosity that is higher than a porosity of the third region 7a3.