Stepwise optimization of endplate of fuel cell stack assembled by steel belts. (30th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, B.; Wei, M.Y.; Ma, G.J.; Zhang, W.; Wu, C.W.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 2911
• Page End: 2918
• Publication Date: 2016-01-30
• Subjects: Fuel cell -- Clamping belt -- Stepwise optimization -- Multi-objective optimization; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.12.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: To reduce the mass and improve the uniformity of pressure distribution on the contact interfaces between the components of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack clamped with steel belts, a multi-objective stepwise optimization method for the endplate is proposed in the present paper. We first divide the 2-D optimization problem into a two-step optimization, i.e. shape optimization and topology optimization, to improve the numerical convergence and stability. The simulated annealing method is introduced to promote the numerical efficiency and precision for the nonlinear contact optimization problem. Then the grid parameterization method is used, resulting in a smooth boundary topology optimization. Finally, based on the 2-D shape optimization and the improved topology optimization, a 3-D optimized topology is obtained using a geometry parameterization method. The final optimized endplate not only gives a small mass but also improves greatly the uniformity of the contact pressure distribution. Highlights: A stepwise multi-objective optimization method is proposed. The step-wise method improves the numerical convergence and stability. The optimization of objective and reduction of mass is achieved simultaneously. Simulated annealing method is used for nonlinearity problem.