Analysis of Optimized Performance Design for Non-latch Locked Flexible Fuel Cell

Abstract

When the volume of a product decreases and the need of power supply remains, the problem of lacking of space for power equipment appears. In this condition, flat planar fuel cells could be one of the solutions for this challenge; additionally, flat planar flexible fuel cells with non-latch locks can be applied to products with curvy surface in order to fit with their aesthetic design. This research analyzes the parameters of fuel cell bending deformation to find the best combination. The Taguchi method is applied to optimize the following parameters: bending direction, width of pressing bead, pressing force, curvature depth, bending times, opening rate of cathode air-intake holes, as well as elongation. The test results indicate the highest contribution rate with the bending depth, followed by the bead area, and the third one is the circular cathode air-intake holes. All of the above parameters have contribution rates over 10%. Moreover, the 15% elongation of cathode, arranged with larger curvature depth and smaller width of pressing bead, concentrates the force within specific portion and makes the internal resistance smaller. The overall performance of the fuel cell is thus improved. Fuel cell components in this research are laminated with glue, instead of screw locking, in order to better prevent gas leakage and to have better anti-vibration ability. The fuel cell can even be formed into U-shape to fit the curvy surface of different products. The fuel cell’s power density acquired from the optimized parameters by the Taguchi method is 82.5mW/cm². This is also the optimized power density for the fuel cell.

Key findings

• ▸Bending depth has the highest contribution rate to the fuel cell's performance.
• ▸A larger curvature depth and smaller width of pressing bead can concentrate force within a specific portion, reducing internal resistance.
• ▸15% elongation of the cathode can improve the fuel cell's performance.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1149/ma2020-02342192mtgabs

Journal

ECS Meeting Abstracts

Year

2020