Tubular PEM Fuel Cell Stack With Conical Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stacks are heavy and bulky due to the presence of end plates and bipolar plates, limiting their application in compact devices and requiring complex clamping systems for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A tubular polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack with a truncated cone shape and a reduced number of components, utilizing a corrugated tube connection and a bendable design that eliminates the need for end plates and bipolar plates, allowing for flexible stacking and integration into compact devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional end plates and bipolar plates are used in fuel cell stacks, then structural strength and sealing are improved, but weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of end plates and bipolar plates into a single integrated current collector structure. The current collector serves both as a structural component and as an electrode, eliminating the need for separate end plates and bipolar plates, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electrical conductor, a structural support, and a sealing surface. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate components, reducing overall stack weight and complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fuel cell stack assembly with multiple components is used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple traditional components (end plates, bipolar plates, current collectors) into a single integrated current collector structure, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack is divided into modular units, each containing a complete functional assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where modules are stacked together, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity through standardized interfaces
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid traditional fuel cell stack structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to compact devices and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible membranes and elastic sealing structures that can deform to adapt to different spatial configurations. These dynamic components maintain sealing effectiveness while allowing the stack to be adapted to compact device geometries, reducing the constraint of rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible membranes and thin film structures replaces rigid components in certain areas, allowing the stack to bend and conform to compact device shapes while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled material properties and design parameters
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 design results in a lightweight and compact fuel cell stack that can be easily stacked and applied to small electronic devices, with improved power generation efficiency and the ability to use both gaseous and liquid fuels, suitable for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications.
Implementation Method 1
ions move to the cathode electrode through the electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 2
the electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure is coated with a catalyst that accelerates the chemical reaction of the gas or liquid supplied from the anode diffusion layer and the cathode diffusion layer
Implementation Method 3
a gas or liquid supplied from the anode diffusion layer ionizes at the anode electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cell units having a truncated cone shape and connected in series with each other is proposed. The series connection of the fuel cell units may be made such that a relatively small outer diameter portion of one of the fuel cell units is inserted into a relatively large outer diameter portion of another fuel cell unit adjacent to the one fuel cell unit.