Stack Terminating Plate Support Element for Leak-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical systems face challenges with leaktightness due to differing spring behaviors between single-layer and double-layer separator plates, leading to potential leaks and increased manufacturing costs, especially when dealing with temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A single-layer stack terminating plate with a support element that integrates a sealing bead, where the support element projects into the bead interior to prevent deformation beyond its operating point, ensuring consistent sealing behavior with other stacked sealing beads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-layer separator plate is used as a stack terminating plate, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but sealing behavior becomes inconsistent with double-layer separator plates
Solution Approach 1:
A support element is introduced as an intermediary component between the single-layer separator plate and the end plate. This support element has a spring behavior that matches the collective spring behavior of multiple double-layer separator plates, thereby mediating the sealing interface and ensuring consistent sealing performance across different separator plate configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant of the support element is specifically designed to match the collective spring constant of multiple double-layer separator plates. By adjusting the physical parameters of the support element (such as its stiffness and compression characteristics), the sealing behavior is standardized regardless of whether single-layer or double-layer separator plates are used in the stack.
2Reliability
If separate spring configurations are implemented for different separator plate types, then sealing consistency is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support element serves as a universal component that can be used with both single-layer and double-layer separator plates. By designing the support element to have the collective spring behavior of multiple double-layer plates, it becomes a multi-functional solution that standardizes sealing across different separator plate configurations, eliminating the need for separate spring configurations and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support element is made rigid, then stability is improved, but adaptability to temperature changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with elastic properties that allow it to expand and contract in response to temperature changes. This elastic behavior enables the support element to maintain stable sealing pressure across a wide temperature range, adapting to thermal expansion and contraction of the separator plates and end plates without compromising sealing integrity.
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 sealing behavior by bypassing the spring set of stacked sealing beads, improving overall leaktightness and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by eliminating the need for separate spring configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the support element projects into the bead interior in order to support the bead top, so that the bead can no longer be deformed beyond its operating point
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for an electrochemical system comprising a separator plate and a support element is disclosed. The separator plate is designed as a single layer and as a stack terminating plate. The electrochemical system may be a fuel cell system, an electrochemical compressor, an electrolyzer, a humidifier for an electrochemical system, or a redox flow battery.