Mechanical design methodology for spacers

Mechanical simulation is a method of assessing the strengths, needs and weaknesses of a new design in a virtual environment. It can then be tested virtually many times and under various conditions before it is actually produced. Here we are talking about the spacer: this new accessory as designed and created by our R&D department to ensure the ideal compression of the cells integrated in a module.

In the previous article, we presented the function of spacers. This article on mechanical simulation aims to demonstrate the reliability of the design and the strength of our finished product.

The imagined part is discussed in a working meeting and then drawn by our engineer with the help of CAD software (computer-aided design software). The mechanical simulation must be consistent with the components of the final project and must comply with the technical and quality criteria set out in the SIG Energy Technology specifications. Once the appropriate solution has been found, mechanical simulations are carried out on the spacer to check its resistance to the stresses applied during its future use.

The mechanical simulation depends very much on the information given to the software beforehand. It is important to know and define the situation, i.e. the initial conditions, the internal and external pressures that the spacer will face in the module, the types of materials used, the compression of the cells, the vibration of the module etc. The simulation gives an idea of the static behaviour of the spacer in a real situation. The engineer interprets these results using the deformation scale and his technical knowledge, and then defines the best solution for the various constraints. The validated spacer is duplicated according to the architecture of the module (simulation of the assembly of several parts), then the accessories are added. Virtual reality provides a visualisation of the spacer behaviour and exposes areas for improvement. Finally, the conclusions of this study ensure the optimal choice of materials needed to realise the spacer geometry and the necessary modifications to improve it until the perfect product is obtained.

We observe 3 advantages to mechanical simulation:

• considerable time saving
• a wide range of tests
• reduction in construction costs

To find out more about our spacers, please see the article on the subject and our R&D team will be happy to answer your questions.