Method for determining the dimensions of an electrochemical cell comprising PCB holding plates

A computer-implemented method for determining the dimensions of an electrochemical cell, the method minimizing a total area of the electrochemical cell while maximizing an electrical signal generated by the electrochemical cell in operation, the electrochemical cell comprising:

• a membrane electrode assembly formed from two electrodes separated from each other by an electrolytic membrane, and two holding plates between which the membrane electrode assembly is held in contact;
• the total area of the electrochemical cell being defined in a plane parallel to plane of the electrolytic membrane by:
• (1) an active zone of elongated shape having an aspect ratio defined by a length and a width, the length being larger than the width, wherein in the active zone each holding plate is liable to be deformed in a direction opposite to the plane of the electrolytic membrane, and
• (2) a fastening zone encircling the active zone, wherein in the fastening zone each holding plate is fastened to the membrane electrode assembly;
• the method comprising the following steps:
• (a) determining a first cost function expressing a variation in a first parameter representative of the total area as a function of an adjustment variable representative of said aspect ratio of the active zone;
• (b) determining, from a predetermined physical model of the electrochemical cell implemented in the computer, a second cost function expressing the variation in a second parameter representative of the generated electrical signal as a function of the adjustment variable;
• and
• (c) determining a compound cost function from the first and second cost functions and identifying a value of the adjustment variable that optimizes the compound cost function thereby conjointly optimizing the first and second cost functions.