System including a thermo-structural spacer for air inlet and compressor interface

A system including a fuel cell device, comprising:

• a compressor configured for providing pressurized air to the fuel cell device;
• an air inlet including a polymerized tube configured for providing a flow of air to the compressor;
• a thermo-structural spacer disposed between the air inlet and the compressor, wherein the thermo-structural spacer includes:
• a cylindrical center portion;
• a first flange connected to a first end of the cylindrical center portion;
• a second flange connected to a second end of the cylindrical center portion, wherein the second end is distal from the first end;
• and
• an annular inner wall configured for providing a through hole extending through a longitudinal axis of the thermo-structural spacer;
• and
• a threaded fastener connecting the air inlet to the compressor, wherein the thermo-structural spacer is disposed upon the threaded fastener and is configured for restricting heat transfer between the compressor and the air inlet;
• wherein the compressor contacts the thermo-structural spacer at the first flange;
• wherein the air inlet contacts the thermo-structural spacer at the second flange;
• wherein the cylindrical center portion is narrower than the first flange;
• wherein the cylindrical center portion is narrower than the second flange;
• and
• wherein the thermo-structural spacer is configured for restricting heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.

A method to connect an air inlet constructed with a polymer to a compressor, comprising:

• fastening the air inlet configured for providing a flow of air to the compressor with a plurality of threaded fasteners;
• and
• disposing a plurality of thermo-structural spacers between the air inlet and the compressor, one of the plurality of thermo-structural spacers upon each of the plurality of threaded fasteners, wherein each of the thermo-structural spacers includes:
• a cylindrical center portion;
• a first flange connected to a first end of the cylindrical center portion;
• a second flange connected to a second end of the cylindrical center portion, wherein the second end is distal from the first end;
• and
• an annular inner wall configured for providing a through hole extending through a longitudinal axis of the thermo-structural spacer;
• wherein the compressor contacts the thermo-structural spacer at the first flange;
• wherein the air inlet contacts the thermo-structural spacer at the second flange;
• wherein the cylindrical center portion is narrower than the first flange;
• wherein the cylindrical center portion is narrower than the second flange;
• and
• wherein the thermo-structural spacer is configured for restricting heat transfer between the first flange and the second flange.