Optimum Structural Design of Fuel Cell Stacks for Improving the Resistance to Mechanical Shock

Abstract

for improving the fuel cell stack's resistance to mechanical shock, a finite element model was established using ABAQUS, and used to optimally design the mechanical structure of the fuel cell stack from perspectives of bolt packaging and end plate optimizing. According to the analysis results, the packaging torques of the fuel cell stack is within a reasonable limit under the bolt packaging method; the smaller the better. An optimal performance has been gotten with six bolts. And the ratios for the best horizontal position and the best longitudinal distribution are 5mm and 0.5 respectively. Besides, with the thickness of the front end plate being 20mm, the best shock resistance can be obtained, and the weight of the front end plate can also be reduced, which contributing to the lightweight of the fuel cell stack. In comparison with aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the epoxy resin is recommended to be the material of the front end plate, which can provide the best shock resistance and the lightest weight.