The Welding Technology of Fuel Cell Stack
Fuel cells are a source of cleaner energy and have been widely used in transportation and power plants. Generally, the fuel cells are composed of several components, including catalysts, gas diffusion layers, membrane electrode assemblies, separators, and current collectors. For fuel cell stack, the current collectors and separators need to be welded together. As welding is an important step in fuel cell stack production, understanding and applying the welding technology of fuel cell stack is essential in the development and improvement of fuel cells.
The welding technology of fuel cell stack is divided into two steps: spot welding and ultrasonic welding. In spot welding, a pointed needle-like tool, called a welding tip, is submerged into a stack of current collectors and separators to create an electrical arc melting the materials together. This type of welding is relatively slow and may require multiple tries to get everything connected in one weld. It is particularly suitable for single-stack, short busbar and foil overlaps.
The ultrasonic welding technology. In this process, a welding tip is placed between the two layers and vibrates at ultrasonic frequency, melting the materials together. This process is direct, fast, and consistent with little energy wasted. Furthermore, it can weld any thickness and type of material, including thick and thin sections. This method is particularly suitable for long busbar and thicker overlaps.
The welding technology of fuel cell stack is a critical step in the manufacturing process. It sets the foundation for all the subsequent steps in the fuel cell stack production. Therefore, it is important to find the right welding technology, depending on the application and technology requirements. For example, spot welding may be the right choice for certain materials, while ultrasonic welding may be better for larger welds. It is also important to pay attention to the safety guidelines and make sure that the welding surfaces are clean, free from corrosion and contamination, and are properly covered with a protective layer.
In conclusion, Welding technology of fuel cell stack is a critical step in the manufacturing process and requires careful planning and execution. Spot welding and ultrasonic welding are the two commonly used welding technologies for fuel cell stack production. Selecting the right welding technology for different materials and applications is essential for making sure that the fuel cell stack production process is efficient and productive.
