05/09/2017-Trento SETI summer school 2017

Challenge Proposal
 1 Outline

Outline:

• Stack compression system

• New stack, new challenges

• Constraints

• Q/A
 2 Stack compression system

-After the assembly and before heating it up, the stack is subjected to a load exerted by
4 springs.
-During the thermal cycle, the stack shrinks, mostly because of the sealing volume loss.
-As a consequence, the springs stretches and the load decreases.
 3 Stack compression system

-The initial load is then the maximum load ever

experienced by the stack and has to be compatible
with the maximum spring compression and with the
mechanical resistance of the cells (brittle in nature).

-Actually this load is kept at 140Kg ca. (spring length of

42mm)

-The final load has direct consequence on the gas

tightness of the stack and cannot be lowered below
90Kg ca.

-With the actual springs and these requirements we

can manage shrinkages up to 9mm.
 4 Stack compression system

Characteristics of the actual compression system:

Pros:
• Price
• Weight
• Ease the stack handling and positioning on the bench
• Works fine to keep the stack compressed after sintering and during thermal cycles

Cons:
• Springs are not that reliable, L0 and k can be variable.
• Force exerted not necessary linear
• Load is dependent on the shrinkage and cannot manage shrinkages larger than 11-13mm
• Load is minimum when the shrinkage is maximum
• Load cannot be controlled or varied during the sintering cycle
 5 New stack, new challenge

-The new version of stack will use a sealing configuration that will
shrink more than double of the present version (20-25mm ca.)

-Considering the space requirement in the system, longer springs (with

lower k) are excluded.

The challenge consist in developing a new

compression system able to manage larger shrinkages
without exiting from the identified load range and,
possibly, to tune the load during the thermal cycle.
 6 Constraints

How would we like it:

• Compatibility with the actual balance of stack.

• Compatibility with the springs (we want them on the sintered stack).
• Compatibility with the bench (space under the stack is limited).
• Precise and reliable.
• Electrically conductive and isolated from the external tube.
• Tunable load during thermal cycle (possibly).
• Able to accommodate larger shrinkages (20-25mm ca.)
• As cheap and as light as possible!
• Easy and practical to install / unistall.
• In case of an auxiliary compression system, remember that the final load has to be
transferred back to the springs without variation.

Good Luck!
Any questions?