Structural Analysis and Optimization of DMFC Stack Components

摘要

Direct-Methanol-Fuel-Cells (DMFC) consist of individual polymer and metal layers. The components have to meet high demands concerning durability with respect to thermal and hygroscopic loads which significantly influence the pressure distribution within the stack. The stack behaviour and performance can be simulated performing a detailed mechanical analysis. For this purpose, in a first step the effective material parameters of the single-cells have to be identified. The material behaviour generally can be described by means of the theory of viscoelasticity since the applied materials are mainly polymers. Furthermore it is important to determine the structural behaviour under thermal and hygroscopic loading conditions. Thus, several measurements were conducted leading to significant information about the structural behaviour of the stack. The knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of the stack allows statements on the mechanical loading of the components and enables performance of optimizations concerning weight minimization using the methods of mathematical programming.