SOFC Stack Composite Support Member for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell stack assembly methods require high precision and costly positioning guides or pins, which can lead to positional deviations during transportation due to high operating temperatures, and result in increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack with a composite fuel cell support member made of alumina fiber and vermiculite, which provides thermal insulation, heat resistance, and flexibility to prevent positional displacement and reduce assembly complexity, eliminating the need for precise positioning guides or pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning guides are used to position fuel cell components during assembly, then positioning precision is improved, but production cost increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning protrusions and positioning grooves as intermediary positioning structures. The positioning protrusions on the separator extend into the positioning grooves on the electrolyte electrode assembly, creating a simple mechanical interface that achieves accurate positioning without requiring complex positioning guides or pins.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning pins are inserted into pin holes to position separators, then positioning precision is improved, but the risk of damage during transportation increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile positioning pins with robust positioning protrusions that are integrally formed on the separator. These protrusions are more damage-resistant and do not require precise insertion into holes, eliminating the risk of pin damage during transportation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions are integrally formed with the separator structure, merging the positioning function into the separator itself. This eliminates separate positioning pins and their associated mounting hardware, reducing parts count and improving reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision positioning guides are fabricated, then positioning precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple positioning protrusions and grooves that can be easily formed during normal separator and electrolyte electrode assembly manufacturing processes. These structures do not require high-precision machining or specialized tooling, significantly reducing production costs compared to precision positioning guides.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning guides and pins are used, then positioning precision is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from separate positioning guides and pins and integrates it directly into the separator and electrolyte electrode assembly structures. This eliminates multiple separate positioning components and simplifies the assembly process to a single intuitive positioning action.
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 solution enables easy assembly, suppresses positional displacement and heat radiation, and facilitates thermally self-sustaining operation, reducing production costs and improving efficiency while maintaining high-temperature durability and insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell stack with a composite fuel cell support member made of alumina fiber and vermiculite, which provides thermal insulation, heat resistance, and flexibility
Implementation Method 2
The fuel cell support member is made of composite material of alumina fiber and vermiculite... maintaining high-temperature durability and insulation properties
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes a stack body formed by stacking a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes wall plate members and fuel cell support members. The wall plate members are provided in the stacking direction of the stack body around the sides of the stack body. Each of the fuel cell support members includes a composite layer made of composite material of alumina fiber and vermiculite. The fuel cell support members are interposed between the wall plate members and the sides of the stack body, and apply a load to the sides of the stack body in directions of a separator surface.