Solid-State Compressor Hydraulic Counter-Pressure System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state compressors face issues with poor electric contact and potential rupture due to high pressures and thermal expansion, leading to leakage and frequent re-tightening of bolted joints, as the clamping structure fails to maintain uniform sealing and counter-pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state compressor design that uses a hydraulic fluid under pressure to distribute and maintain counter-pressure uniformly across the compressor cell stack, with a contact body and pressure adjustment mechanism to ensure consistent sealing and integrity, even under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping structure with bolts is used to maintain counter-pressure on the compressor cell stack, then sufficient sealing is achieved, but the flanges bend in the centre leading to poor electric contact and potential rupture
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the enclosure and the compressor cell stack. The hydraulic fluid transmits the counter-pressure uniformly across the entire surface of the compressor cell stack, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact that causes flange bending. This fluid intermediary distributes the force evenly, maintaining both sealing integrity and preventing structural deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies hydraulic principles by using a fluid under pressure to transmit and distribute the counter-pressure load. The hydraulic fluid, contained in a closed system, responds to pressure changes and automatically adjusts to maintain uniform distribution of forces across the compressor cell stack surface, preventing localized stress concentrations that cause flange bending.
2Reliability
If bolted joints are used to clamp the compressor cell stack, then initial sealing is achieved, but the joints gradually loosen over time due to thermal and pressure effects
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid system provides self-adjusting counter-pressure that automatically compensates for changes in compressor cell stack dimensions due to thermal expansion and pressure effects. As the cell stack expands or contracts, the hydraulic fluid pressure equalizes the forces, maintaining constant contact pressure without requiring external intervention or re-tightening of mechanical fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of force transmission from discrete mechanical contact points (bolts) to continuous fluid pressure distribution. This parameter change allows the system to adapt dynamically to dimensional changes in the compressor cell stack, maintaining sealing stability over time without the gradual loosening characteristic of bolted joints.
3Reliability
If high counter-pressure is exerted on the compressor cell stack to maintain sealing, then leakage is prevented, but the flanges bend away from the engagement point
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid acts as a mediator that distributes the high counter-pressure load uniformly across the entire surface of the compressor cell stack. This eliminates the concentrated forces at bolt engagement points that cause flange bending, while still maintaining the high overall pressure needed for effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves homogeneous distribution of counter-pressure across the compressor cell stack surface through the hydraulic fluid. This uniform pressure distribution prevents localized stress concentrations that cause flange deformation, while maintaining the high overall pressure level required for reliable sealing.
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 hydraulic fluid system maintains uniform pressure distribution and prevents leakage by compensating for internal pressure variations, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the need for frequent re-tightening of connections.
Implementation Method 1
a space is enclosed between the enclosure and the contact body, which space is configured to contain a hydraulic fluid under pressure
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic fluid system maintains uniform pressure distribution and prevents leakage by compensating for internal pressure variations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solid-state compressor for electrochemically compressing a fluid, including: a compressor cell stack, including at least one compressor cell having a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between two cell plates, an enclosure, clamping the compressor cell stack at opposing sides thereof, and at least one contact body, interposed between the compressor cell stack and the enclosure and contacting an outer surface of the compressor cell stack, wherein a space is enclosed between the enclosure and the contact body, which space is configured to contain a hydraulic fluid under pressure. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a solid-state compressor.