Fuel cells and fuel cell stacks

Abstract

A fuel cell and a fuel cell stack are disclosed, wherein the fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), separators stacked on the surface of the membrane electrode assembly, a rolled edge portion protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly, and a seal arranged between the membrane electrode assembly and the rolled edge portion and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the fuel cell and improving safety and reliability.

Description

[0001] Citations of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0068513 filed on May 27, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack, and more particularly to a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack including a separator having ensured structural rigidity and improved safety and reliability. Background Art

[0004] A fuel cell stack refers to a type of electric power generation device that generates electric power through a chemical reaction of fuel (eg, hydrogen), and may be configured by stacking tens or hundreds of fuel cells (unit cells) in series.

[0005] A fuel cell may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane that allows hydrogen positive ions to move therethrough, and electrodes (catalyst electrode layers) disposed on opposite surfaces of the electrolyte membrane to enable a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell may also include a gas diffusion layer (GDL) disposed in close contact with the opposite surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly and configured to distribute the reactant gas and transport the generated electrical energy, and a separator (bipolar plate) disposed in close contact with the gas diffusion layer and configured to define a flow path.

[0006] The separator may include an anode separator configured to supply hydrogen as a fuel, and a cathode separator configured to supply air as an oxidant. The separator includes a channel through which the fuel or the oxidant flows.

[0007] In addition, in order to configure a fuel cell stack by stacking fuel cells, sealability needs to be maintained between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator reaction surface and between the cooling surfaces of the separator.

[0008] To this end, gaskets are placed between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator reaction surface, as well as between the separator cooling surfaces. Specifically, the gaskets prevent reactant gases (e.g., hydrogen and air) flowing to the separator reaction surfaces from leaking out of the fuel cell stack, and they prevent coolant flowing to the separator cooling surfaces from leaking out of the fuel cell stack.

[0009] The gasket may be integrated with edge portions of two opposing surfaces of the separator and with edge portions of two opposing sides of each manifold for flowing the reaction gas and the coolant in and out by injection molding. Flow paths of the reaction gas and the coolant may be defined by the gasket.

[0010] Meanwhile, the flatness of the separator and the state of being sealed by the gasket need to be firmly maintained to ensure stable performance of the fuel cell and the safety and reliability of the fuel cell.

[0011] However, in the related art, there is a problem that when the fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the fuel cell, the separator is easily deformed or damaged. In addition, there is also a problem that the separator deformation will reduce the separator flatness, which reduces the performance of the fuel cell and leads to poor durability and sealability of the gasket.

[0012] In addition, the thickness of the gasket (e.g., a reaction surface gasket) needs to be minimized to minimize the gasket's compressibility deviation and surface pressure deviation. However, reducing the gasket thickness to a certain level or higher makes it difficult to ensure stable sealing performance. Therefore, there is a problem of difficulty in reducing the gasket thickness to a predetermined level or higher.

[0013] Therefore, recently, a number of studies have been conducted to minimize the deformation and damage of the separator and ensure the durability and sealability of the gasket, but the research results are still insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology to minimize the deformation and damage of the separator and ensure the durability and sealability of the gasket. Summary of the Invention

[0014] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0015] In one general aspect, a fuel cell is provided that includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), separators stacked on surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly, a beading portion protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly, and a seal arranged between the membrane electrode assembly and the beading portion and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separators.

[0016] The beaded portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

[0017] The fuel cell may include an edge beading portion disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator.

[0018] The edge bead portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

[0019] The bead portion may include a flat surface, and the seal may be disposed on the flat surface.

[0020] The partition may include a flow path part arranged on a first surface of the partition and configured to define an area in which the reaction gas reacts; a manifold part arranged in the partition and spaced apart from the flow path part; a connecting channel arranged between the flow path part and the manifold part; a plurality of first distribution channels arranged on a second surface of the partition and configured to connect the manifold part and the connecting channel, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold part, and supply the reaction gas to the connecting channel; and a plurality of second distribution channels arranged on the first surface of the partition and configured to connect the connecting channel and the flow path part, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connecting channel, and supply the reaction gas to the flow path part.

[0021] The fuel cell may include a gasket disposed on the second surface of the separator to correspond to the beaded portion, wherein the first distribution channel may be disposed on the gasket.

[0022] The fuel cell may include a plurality of beading protrusions protruding from the first surface of the separator, wherein the second distribution channel may be defined between adjacent beading protrusions.

[0023] The plurality of bead protrusions may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

[0024] The fuel cell may include a channel seal disposed on the plurality of beaded tabs to seal portions between the beaded tabs and the membrane electrode assembly.

[0025] In another general aspect, a fuel cell is provided, comprising a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), separators stacked on surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly, a rolled edge portion comprising a flat surface and protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly, a seal arranged on the flat surface and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator, and an edge rolled edge portion arranged along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator.

[0026] The beaded portion and the edge beaded portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

[0027] The partition may include a flow path portion arranged on a first surface of the partition and configured to define a reaction zone in which the reaction gas reacts; a manifold portion arranged in the partition and spaced apart from the flow path portion; a connecting channel arranged between the flow path portion and the manifold portion; a plurality of first distribution channels arranged on a second surface of the partition and configured to connect the manifold portion and the connecting channel, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion, and supply the reaction gas to the connecting channel; and a plurality of second distribution channels arranged on the first surface of the partition and configured to connect the connecting channel and the flow path portion, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connecting channel, and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion.

[0028] The fuel cell may include a gasket disposed on the second surface of the separator to correspond to the beaded portion, wherein the first distribution channel may be disposed on the gasket.

[0029] The fuel cell may include a plurality of beaded protrusions protruding from the first surface of the separator, wherein second distribution channels may be defined between adjacent beaded protrusions.

[0030] The plurality of bead protrusions may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

[0031] The fuel cell may include a channel seal disposed on the plurality of beaded tabs to seal portions between the beaded tabs and the membrane electrode assembly.

[0032] In another general aspect, a fuel cell stack is provided, which includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), separators stacked on the surface of the membrane electrode assembly, a rolled edge portion protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly, a seal arranged between the membrane electrode assembly and the rolled edge portion and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator, and an edge rolled edge portion arranged along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator, wherein the separator includes a flow path portion arranged on the first surface of the separator and configured to define a reaction zone in which a reaction gas reacts; a manifold portion arranged in the separator and spaced apart from the flow path portion; a connecting channel arranged between the flow path portion and the manifold portion; a plurality of first distribution channels arranged on the second surface of the separator and configured to connect the manifold portion and the connecting channel, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion and supply the reaction gas to the connecting channel; and a plurality of second distribution channels arranged on the first surface of the separator and configured to connect the connecting channel and the flow path portion, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connecting channel and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion.

[0033] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a view for explaining a separator of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a view for explaining a beaded portion of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a view for explaining a gasket of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 and Figure 7 1 and 2 are views for explaining first and second distribution channels of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described or provided, the same drawing numbers will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0041] <Description of Reference Numerals>

[0042] 1: Fuel cell stack

[0043] 10: Fuel Cell

[0044] 20: Flow path section

[0045] 30: Manifold

[0046] 30a: First manifold

[0047] 30b: Second manifold

[0048] 32a: Hydrogen inlet manifold

[0049] 32b: Hydrogen outlet manifold

[0050] 34a: Air inlet manifold

[0051] 34b: Air outlet manifold

[0052] 36a: Coolant inlet manifold

[0053] 36b: Coolant outlet manifold

[0054] 40: Connection channel

[0055] 100: Membrane Electrode Assembly

[0056] 200: Partition

[0057] 200a: First partition

[0058] 200b: Second partition

[0059] 210: Curling part

[0060] 210a: Flat surface

[0061] 212: Edge curling

[0062] 214: Curling protrusion

[0063] 216: Second distribution channel

[0064] 220: Seals

[0065] 222: Channel seals

[0066] 230: Gasket

[0067] 232: First distribution channel DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The following detailed description is provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of the application, various variations, modifications and equivalent forms of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein will be apparent. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to those examples described herein, but in addition to the operations that must occur in a specific order, changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application can be made. In addition, for the purpose of improving clarity and brevity, the description of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0069] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be considered limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0070] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more items. As used herein, the terms "include", "comprising" and "having" indicate the presence of the described features, values, operations, elements, components and / or their combinations, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, operations, elements, components and / or their combinations.

[0071] Throughout this specification, when a component is described as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, the component may be directly “connected to” or “coupled to” the other component, or there may be one or more other components interposed therebetween. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, there may not be other elements interposed therebetween. Similarly, similar expressions, for example, “between” and “immediately between” and “adjacent to” and “immediately adjacent to” should also be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0072] Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or portions, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or portions should not be limited by these terms. However, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, component, region, layer, or portion from another component, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, a first component, component, region, layer, or portion mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as a second component, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0073] In this document, the use of the term "may" with respect to an example or implementation (e.g., with respect to what an example or implementation may include or implement) indicates that there is at least one example or implementation in which the feature is included or implemented, while all examples are not limited thereto.

[0074] In addition, in the description of the exemplary embodiments, when it is considered that such description will cause an obscure interpretation of the exemplary embodiments, the detailed description of the structure or function known after understanding the disclosure of the present application will be omitted. Hereinafter, the examples will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the drawings.

[0075] In addition, the expression "one component is provided or arranged above (upper) or below (lower) another component" includes not only a case where two components are directly in contact with each other, but also a case where one or more other components are provided or arranged between the two components. The expression "above (upper) or below (lower)" can indicate a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0076] refer to Figures 1 to 7 The fuel cell 10 includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 100, separators 200 stacked on the surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100, a rolled edge portion 210 each protruding from a surface of each separator 200 facing the membrane electrode assembly 100, and a seal 220 arranged between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the rolled edge portion 210 to seal the portion between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the separator 200.

[0077] For reference, the separator 200 in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined as including a first separator 200a (e.g., an anode separator) having a flow path for hydrogen as a fuel, and a second separator 200b (e.g., a cathode separator) having a flow path for air as an oxidant.

[0078] In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first separator 200a and the second separator 200b may be made of a thin film metal (e.g., stainless steel, Inconel, or aluminum). The first separator 200a and the second separator 200b, together with the membrane electrode assembly 100, may constitute a single fuel cell (unit cell) 10 and independently define flow paths for hydrogen, air, and coolant.

[0079] That is, the fuel cell (unit cell) 10 may include a membrane electrode assembly 100, a first separator 200a stacked on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100, and a second separator 200b stacked on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100. The fuel cell stack 1 may be configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cells 10 in a reference direction (e.g., an upward / downward direction) and then assembling end plates (not shown) to two opposite ends of the stack of fuel cells 10.

[0080] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 100 is configured to generate electric current through an oxidation-reduction reaction between a fuel (eg, hydrogen, which is a first reaction gas) and an oxidant (eg, air, which is a second reaction gas).

[0081] The structure and material of the membrane electrode assembly 100 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited to or restricted to the structure and material of the membrane electrode assembly 100 .

[0082] For example, the membrane electrode assembly 100 may include an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move; and catalyst electrode layers attached to two opposing sides of the electrolyte membrane. Electrochemical reactions occur in the catalyst electrode layers. In addition, gas diffusion layers (GDLs) (not shown) may be arranged on two opposing sides of the membrane electrode assembly 100. The gas diffusion layers serve to evenly distribute the reactant gases and transport the generated electrical energy.

[0083] Hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant are supplied to the anode (not shown) and cathode (not shown) of the membrane electrode assembly 100 through channels (not shown) in the first separator 200a and the second separator 200b, respectively. Hydrogen is supplied to the anode, and air is supplied to the cathode.

[0084] The hydrogen gas supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by catalysts arranged in the electrode layers on both opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane. Only hydrogen ions are selectively delivered to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane (which is a positive ion exchange membrane), while electrons are simultaneously delivered to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and separator 200, which serve as conductors.

[0085] At the cathode, hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and electrons transported through separator 200 meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode through the air supply device, thereby generating a reaction that produces water. Due to the movement of hydrogen ions, electrons flow through the external wire, and this flow of electrons generates current.

[0086] The separator 200 serves to supply reaction gas (eg, hydrogen and air) to the membrane electrode assembly 100 and is arranged to be in close contact with one side and the other side of the membrane electrode assembly 100 in a direction in which the fuel cells 10 are stacked.

[0087] For example, based on Figure 1 , separators 200 (first and second separators) may be stacked on upper and lower surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly 100, respectively.

[0088] More specifically, the separator 200 is in close contact with one surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100. The flow path portion 20 through which the reaction gas (hydrogen or air) flows is arranged on one surface of the first separator 200a facing the membrane electrode assembly 100 (based on Figure 1 On the other surface of the partition 200a (based on Figure 1 , lower surface) is provided with a cooling channel (not shown) through which a coolant flows.

[0089] refer to Figure 3 The flow path portion 20 is arranged at a substantially central portion of the separator 200 and faces one surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100 to define a reaction zone. The flow path portion 20 may include a plurality of flow paths (not shown) spaced apart from each other. The present disclosure is not limited to or restricted by the number of flow paths and the arrangement structure of the flow paths.

[0090] Manifold portions 30 (eg, hydrogen manifold, coolant manifold, and air manifold) are permeably provided at both opposite ends of the separator 200 with the flow path portion 20 interposed therebetween, and serve to move (supply and exhaust) hydrogen, air, and coolant, respectively.

[0091] For example, the first manifold 30a may be arranged at one end of the partition 200 (based on Figure 3 , left end) to be spaced apart from one end of the flow path portion 20. The second manifold 30b may be disposed at the other end of the partition plate 200 (based on Figure 3 , right end) to be spaced apart from the other end of the flow path portion 20.

[0092] Specifically, a gas (reaction gas) may be introduced into any one of the first manifold 30 a and the second manifold 30 b , and the gas may be exhausted from the other one of the first manifold 30 a and the second manifold 30 b .

[0093] For example, the first manifold 30a may include a hydrogen inlet manifold 32a through which hydrogen is supplied, a coolant inlet manifold 36a through which coolant is supplied, and an air outlet manifold 34b through which air is discharged. In addition, the second manifold 30b may include a hydrogen outlet manifold 32b through which hydrogen is discharged, a coolant outlet manifold 36b through which coolant is discharged, and an air inlet manifold 34a through which air is supplied.

[0094] The structure and shape of the manifold portion 30 may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not limited to or restricted by the structure and shape of the manifold portion 30.

[0095] For example, each of the hydrogen inlet manifold 32a, the coolant inlet manifold 36a, and the air outlet manifold 34b may be provided in the form of a substantially quadrilateral hole permeably provided at one end of the separator 200. Similarly, each of the hydrogen outlet manifold 32b, the coolant outlet manifold 36b, and the air inlet manifold 34a may be provided in the form of a substantially quadrilateral hole permeably provided at the other end of the separator 200.

[0096] The bead portion 210 extends from one surface of the separator 200 facing the membrane electrode assembly 100 (eg, based on Figure 1 , the upper surface of the first partition or the lower surface of the second partition) protrudes.

[0097] The beaded portion 210 may have various structures according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited to or restricted by the structure and shape of the beaded portion 210 .

[0098] For example, the beaded portion 210 may include a first beaded portion (not shown) disposed along an edge of the partition plate 200 and a second beaded portion (not shown) configured to surround the manifold portion 30 .

[0099] For example, the beading portion 210 may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Hereinafter, an example in which the beading portion 210 has a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape will be described.

[0100] Specifically, the flat surface 210a parallel to the membrane electrode assembly 100 may be arranged at the uppermost end of the bead portion 210 facing the membrane electrode assembly 100 (based on the Figure 4 ). The sealing member 220 may be disposed on the flat surface 210a.

[0101] Since the bead portion 210 includes the flat surface 210 a and the seal 220 is arranged on the flat surface 210 a as described above, an advantageous effect of minimizing compressibility deviation and surface pressure deviation of the seal 220 may be obtained.

[0102] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the seating portion (seating surface) of the bead portion of the seal member on which it is seated may have a curved surface or other shapes instead of a flat surface.

[0103] Specifically, the beaded portion 210 is integrated with the separator 200 by partially processing (eg, pressing) a portion of the separator 200 .

[0104] More specifically, when a land and a flow path are formed by partially processing a portion of the separator 200 , the beaded portion 210 may be formed together with the land and the flow path (through a single process).

[0105] For example, the curled portion 210 may have a completely uniform width (based on Figure 4 , width in the left / right direction).

[0106] As described above, the rigidity of the separator 200 can be improved by processing the beaded portion 210 integrated with the separator 200 by a portion of the separator 200. Therefore, when fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the separator 200, deformation and damage of the separator 200 are minimized, and deterioration of the flatness caused by the deformation of the separator 200 is minimized.

[0107] In addition, since the rigidity of the separator 200 can be increased, advantageous effects of making it easy to stack and fasten the separator 200 and improving the safety and reliability of the separator 200 can be obtained.

[0108] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the beaded portion may be produced separately and then attached (eg, welded) to the separator. Alternatively, the beaded portion may have different widths at different locations.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell 10 may include an edge bead portion 212 disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator 200 .

[0110] This is based on the fact that when the separator 200 is fastened, the outermost peripheral portion of the separator 200 is more likely to deform due to contact and fastening forces. The edge beading 212 arranged along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator 200 can increase the rigidity of the outermost peripheral portion of the separator 200. Consequently, the advantageous effect of more effectively suppressing deformation and damage to the separator 200 can be achieved.

[0111] The edge curling portion 212 may have various structures according to required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited to or restricted to the structure of the edge curling portion 212 .

[0112] For example, the edge bead portion 212 may be stepped and bent in a stepwise manner at the outermost peripheral end of the separator 200 .

[0113] For reference, in the embodiment of the present disclosure shown and described above, an example is described in which the edge beading portions 212 are continuously arranged along the outermost peripheral edge of the partition 200. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge beading portions may be arranged spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the outermost peripheral edge of the partition.

[0114] The sealant 220 is disposed between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the beading portion 210 to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the separator 200 .

[0115] For reference, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a configuration in which the seal 220 seals the portion between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the separator 200 indicates that the seal 220 seals the portion between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the first separator 200a and the portion between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the second separator 200b, respectively.

[0116] For example, the seal 220 may include a first sealing portion (not shown) disposed along the first bead portion and a second sealing portion (not shown) connected to the first sealing portion and disposed along the second bead portion.

[0117] In this case, the configuration in which the second sealing portion is arranged along the second bead portion may mean that the second sealing portion seals the hydrogen inlet manifold 32a, the coolant inlet manifold 36a, the air outlet manifold 34b, the hydrogen outlet manifold 32b, the coolant outlet manifold 36b, and the air inlet manifold 34a.

[0118] The seal 220 may be produced in a variety of ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted to the production method of the seal 220 .

[0119] For example, the sealant 220 may be produced by applying or transferring a sealant made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane onto the flat surface 210 a of the bead portion 210 or performing a printing method on the flat surface 210 a with the sealant.

[0120] Specifically, the sealant 220 may have adhesiveness, and a state in which the sealant 220 and the membrane electrode assembly 100 are in contact with each other may be maintained (fixed) by the adhesiveness of the sealant 220 .

[0121] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the seal may be attached to the diaphragm by injection molding. Alternatively, the seal may be produced separately from the diaphragm (by injection molding, for example) and then attached (bonded) to the diaphragm.

[0122] Since the seal 220 is arranged on the bead portion 210 protruding from the diaphragm 200 in the embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, the thickness of the seal 220 can be reduced to the height of the bead portion 210 (i.e., the height of the bead portion 210 protruding from the diaphragm 200). Therefore, the compressibility deviation and surface pressure deviation of the seal 220 can be minimized, and the durability and sealability of the gasket (gasket, washer, gasket) 230 can be stably ensured.

[0123] Among them, since the seal 220 having a small and uniform thickness is arranged on the flat surface portion of the beaded portion 210 in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the fuel cell 10, a completely uniform surface pressure can be applied to the seal 220. Therefore, the advantageous effects of minimizing excessive compression and deformation (e.g., twisting) of the seal 220 and improving the durability and sealability of the seal 220 can be achieved.

[0124] As shown and described above, the separator 200 includes the flow path portion 20 disposed on one surface of the separator 200 and configured to define a reaction zone in which the reaction gas reacts, and the manifold portion 30 disposed on the separator 200 and spaced apart from the flow path portion 20. The reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen gas and air) may be supplied to the flow path portion 20 through the manifold portion 30.

[0125] refer to Figures 5 to 7 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the partition 200 may include a junction channel 40 arranged between the flow path portion 20 and the manifold portion 30; a plurality of first distribution channels 232 arranged on another surface of the partition 200 and configured to connect the manifold portion 30 and the junction channel 40, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion 30 and supply the reaction gas to the junction channel 40; and a plurality of second distribution channels 216 arranged on one surface of the partition 200 and configured to connect the junction channel 40 and the flow path portion 20, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the junction channel 40 and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion 20.

[0126] This minimizes deviation in the flow rate of the reaction gas supplied to each flow path of the flow path portion 20 and more uniformly distributes the reaction gas to each flow path of the flow path portion 20 .

[0127] That is, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold portion 30 can be supplied to the flow path portion 20 by sequentially passing through the first distribution channel 232, the connection channel 40, and the second distribution channel 216. As described above, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold portion 30 can be primarily distributed through the first distribution channel 232, and the reactant gas supplied to the connection channel 40 can be secondarily distributed again through the second distribution channel 216. Therefore, the advantageous effects of minimizing the flow rate deviation of the reactant gas supplied to the flow path of the flow path portion 20 and more uniformly distributing the reactant gas to the flow path of the flow path portion 20 can be achieved.

[0128] In other words, the reactant gas introduced into the manifold section 30 can be uniformly supplied (distributed) across the entire cross-section of the connecting channel 40 (the entire cross-section of the connecting channel 40 in the longitudinal direction) via the first distribution channel 232, and the reactant gas introduced into the connecting channel 40 can be redistributed (supplied) to the flow path section 20 via the second distribution channel 216. This minimizes deviations in the flow rate of the reactant gas supplied to the flow path of the flow path section 20. Consequently, the advantageous effect of stably and uniformly ensuring the output performance of the fuel cell 10 can be achieved.

[0129] More specifically, the connecting channel 40 is arranged between the manifold portion 30 and the flow path portion 20 and spaced apart from the manifold portion 30 and the flow path portion 20 , the first distribution channel 232 connects the manifold portion 30 and the connecting channel 40 , and the second distribution channel 216 connects the connecting channel 40 and the flow path portion 20 .

[0130] According to the required conditions and design specifications, the connecting channel 40 can have a variety of structures. For example, it can have a length corresponding to the manifold portion 30 (based on Figure 6 , length in the upward / downward direction) is provided in the form of a substantially quadrilateral hole.

[0131] The plurality of first distribution channels 232 are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the connection channel 40 . One end of each first distribution channel 232 communicates with the manifold portion 30 , while the other end communicates with the connection channel 40 .

[0132] In this case, the number, width and spacing of the first distribution channels 232 can be variously changed according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not limited to or restricted to the number of the first distribution channels 232, the width of the first distribution channels 232 and the spacing between the first distribution channels 232.

[0133] The first distribution channel 232 may be provided in various ways depending on required conditions and design specifications.

[0134] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell 10 may include a Figure 5 The upper surface or based on Figure 7 A gasket 230 on the lower surface of the gasket 230 is provided to correspond to the curling portion 210. A first distribution channel 232 may be arranged in the gasket 230.

[0135] The gasket 230 is used to maintain a gap between the overlapping separators 200. The gasket 230 seals a cooling channel (not shown) disposed on the other surface of the separator 200. The gasket 230 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane.

[0136] Specifically, the inner space (recessed space) defined by the beaded portion 210 may be filled with the gasket 230 , which makes it possible to suppress leakage of the coolant flowing along the cooling channel.

[0137] For example, the gasket 230 may be integrated with the separator 200 by injection molding, and the first distribution channel 232 may be arranged in the gasket 230 when the gasket 230 is formed.

[0138] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket may be produced separately from the separator (by injection molding, for example) and then attached (bonded) to the separator.

[0139] In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown and described above, an example has been described in which the first distribution channel 232 is arranged in the gasket 230. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distribution channel may be arranged directly on the other surface of the separator, or the first distribution channel may be arranged on another element, and the other element is arranged on the other surface of the separator.

[0140] The plurality of second distribution channels 216 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the connection channel 40. One end of each second distribution channel 216 communicates with the connection channel 40, while the other end communicates with the flow path portion 20.

[0141] In this case, the number, width and spacing of the second distribution channels 216 can be variously changed according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not limited to or restricted to the number of the second distribution channels 216, the width of the second distribution channels 216 and the spacing between the second distribution channels 216.

[0142] The second distribution channel 216 can be produced in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0143] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell 10 may include a separator 200 having one surface (based on Figure 3 , upper surface) and may define a plurality of beading protrusions 214 , and a second distribution channel 216 may be defined between adjacent beading protrusions 214 .

[0144] For example, the bead protrusion 214 may be integrated with the separator 200 by partially processing (eg, pressing) a portion of the separator 200 .

[0145] Specifically, when the beaded portion 210 is formed by partially processing a portion of the separator 200, the beaded protrusion 214 can be formed together with the beaded portion 210 (through a single process). Since the beaded portion 210 and the beaded protrusion 214 are formed together when the separator 200 is formed as described above, the advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and production method and reducing costs can be achieved.

[0146] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the beaded tabs may be produced separately and then attached (eg, welded) to the separator.

[0147] More specifically, the fuel cell 10 may include channel sealants 222 respectively disposed on the beading protrusions 214 to seal a portion between the beading protrusions 214 and the membrane electrode assembly 100 .

[0148] The channel seal 222 is disposed between the beaded protrusion 214 and the membrane electrode assembly 100 and is used to seal portions between adjacent second distribution channels 216 .

[0149] The channel seal 222 may be produced in a variety of ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted to the production method of the channel seal 222 .

[0150] For example, a sealant made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone or urethane may be applied or transferred to the uppermost end of the curling protrusion 214 (based on the Figure 7 ) or a printing method is performed on the uppermost end of the curling protrusion 214 using a sealant to produce the channel seal 222. Specifically, the channel seal 222 can be produced together with the seal 220 when the seal 220 is formed on the flat surface 210a of the curling portion 210, so that the channel seal 222 has the same thickness as the seal 220.

[0151] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel seal may be provided on the separator by injection molding. Alternatively, the channel seal may be produced separately from the separator (by injection molding, for example) and then attached (bonded) to the separator.

[0152] According to the present disclosure as described above, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of ensuring the structural rigidity of the diaphragm and improving the safety and reliability of the diaphragm.

[0153] In particular, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of stably maintaining the planarity of the separator and minimizing deformation and damage of the separator.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of minimizing leakage of reaction gas and coolant and improving stability and reliability of the fuel cell.

[0155] According to the present disclosure, advantageous effects of minimizing the thickness of the seal and minimizing the deviation in compressibility and surface pressure of the seal can be obtained.

[0156] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of minimizing the distribution deviation (flow rate deviation) of the reaction gas and ensuring the stable output performance of the fuel cell.

[0157] The present disclosure is directed to providing a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack including a separator having ensured structural rigidity and improved safety and reliability.

[0158] The present disclosure also aims to stably maintain the planarity of the separator and minimize deformation and damage to the separator.

[0159] The present disclosure also aims to minimize leakage of coolant and reactant gases and improve fuel cell stability and reliability.

[0160] The present disclosure also addresses minimizing seal thickness and minimizing seal compressibility deviations and surface pressure deviations.

[0161] The present disclosure also aims to minimize distribution deviation (flow rate deviation) of the reaction gas and ensure stable output performance of the fuel cell.

[0162] Objectives achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned objectives, and also include objectives or effects that can be understood from solutions or embodiments described below.

[0163] The embodiments of the present disclosure ensure the structural rigidity of the diaphragm and improve the safety and reliability of the diaphragm.

[0164] Specifically, in the related art, there is a problem that when a fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to a fuel cell, the separator is easily deformed or damaged. Furthermore, there is also a problem that the separator deformation reduces the separator flatness, which reduces the performance of the fuel cell and leads to poor durability and sealability of the gasket.

[0165] In addition, the thickness of gaskets (e.g., reactive surface gaskets) needs to be minimized to minimize gasket compressibility deviation and surface pressure deviation. However, reducing the gasket thickness above a certain level makes it difficult to ensure stable sealing performance. Therefore, there is a problem of difficulty in reducing the gasket thickness to a predetermined level or above.

[0166] However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the bead portion can be arranged on the partition, and the seal can be arranged on the bead portion. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of ensuring the structural rigidity of the partition and ensuring the durability and sealing performance of the seal.

[0167] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the seal can be arranged on the curled portion protruding from the partition, which further reduces the thickness of the seal. This minimizes the compressibility and surface pressure deviations of the seal, while stably ensuring the durability and sealability of the gasket.

[0168] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the beaded portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

[0169] As described above, the rigidity of the separator can be increased by processing a portion of the separator to form an integral hem. Consequently, when a clamping pressure (pressing force) is applied to the separator, deformation and damage to the separator are minimized, and the deterioration of the flatness caused by the deformation of the separator is minimized.

[0170] In addition, since the rigidity of the partition can be increased, advantageous effects can be obtained in that it is easy to stack and fasten the partition and the safety and reliability of the partition are improved.

[0171] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell may include an edge bead portion disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of a separator.

[0172] This is based on the fact that when a partition is fastened, its outermost peripheral portion is more likely to deform due to contact and fastening forces. The edge beading arranged along the outermost peripheral edge of the partition increases the rigidity of the outermost peripheral portion of the partition. This effectively suppresses deformation and damage to the partition.

[0173] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the beaded portion may include a flat surface, and the seal may be disposed on the flat surface.

[0174] Since the bead portion includes a flat surface and the seal is arranged on the flat surface as described above, an advantageous effect of minimizing deviations in compressibility and surface pressure of the seal can be obtained.

[0175] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the partition may include: a flow path portion arranged on one surface of the partition and configured to define a reaction zone in which the reaction gas reacts; a manifold portion arranged in the partition and spaced apart from the flow path portion; a connecting channel arranged between the flow path portion and the manifold portion; a plurality of first distribution channels arranged on another surface of the partition and configured to connect the manifold portion and the connecting channel, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion and supply the reaction gas to the connecting channel; and a plurality of second distribution channels arranged on one surface of the partition and configured to connect the connecting channel and the flow path portion, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connecting channel and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion.

[0176] This minimizes deviation in the flow rate of the reaction gas supplied to each flow path of the flow path portion and more uniformly distributes the reaction gas to each flow path of the flow path portion.

[0177] That is, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold section can be supplied to the flow path section by sequentially passing through the first distribution channel, the connecting channel, and the second distribution channel. As described above, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold section can be primarily distributed through the first distribution channel, and the reactant gas supplied to the connecting channel can be secondarily distributed again through the second distribution channel. This advantageously minimizes flow rate deviations of the reactant gas supplied to the flow path section and more evenly distributes the reactant gas to the flow paths of the flow path section.

[0178] In other words, the reactant gas introduced into the manifold section can be uniformly supplied (distributed) across the entire cross-section of the connecting channel (the entire cross-section of the connecting channel in the longitudinal direction) via the first distribution channel, and the reactant gas introduced into the connecting channel can be redistributed (supplied) to the flow path section via the second distribution channel. This minimizes deviations in the flow rate of the reactant gas supplied to the flow path section. Consequently, the advantageous effect of ensuring stable and uniform fuel cell output performance is achieved.

[0179] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents, these examples can be made to various changes in form and detail. The examples described herein will be considered to be merely descriptive, rather than for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example will be considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. If the described technology is implemented in different orders, and / or if it is combined in different ways and / or replaced or added to the components in the described system, architecture, device or circuit by other components or their equivalents, suitable results can be achieved.

[0180] Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel cell comprising: membrane electrode assembly; a separator stacked on a surface of the membrane electrode assembly; a curling portion protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly; and a seal disposed between the membrane electrode assembly and the bead portion and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator, and Wherein, the partition comprises: a flow path portion disposed on the first surface of the separator and configured to define a region in which a reaction gas reacts; a manifold portion disposed in the partition plate and spaced apart from the flow path portion; a connecting passage disposed between the flow path portion and the manifold portion; a plurality of first distribution channels provided on a second surface of the separator opposite to the first surface and configured to connect the manifold portion and the connection channels, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion, and supply the reaction gas to the connection channels; and A plurality of second distribution channels are arranged on the first surface of the separator and configured to connect the connection channel and the flow path portion, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connection channel, and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The beaded portion is integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, comprising: An edge bead is disposed along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein The edge bead portion is integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The bead portion includes a flat surface, and the seal is disposed on the flat surface.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 1, comprising: a gasket arranged on the second surface of the separator to correspond to the beaded portion, Wherein, the first distribution channel is arranged on the gasket.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of curling protrusions protruding from the first surface of the separator, Wherein, the second distribution channel is defined between adjacent curling protrusions.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein The plurality of curling protrusions are integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 7, comprising: A channel seal is disposed on the plurality of beading protrusions to seal a portion between the beading protrusions and the membrane electrode assembly.

10. A fuel cell comprising: membrane electrode assembly; a separator stacked on a surface of the membrane electrode assembly; a bead portion including a flat surface and protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly; a seal disposed on the flat surface and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator; and an edge bead portion disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator, and Wherein, the partition comprises: a flow path portion disposed on the first surface of the separator and configured to define a region in which a reaction gas reacts; a manifold portion disposed in the partition plate and spaced apart from the flow path portion; a connecting passage disposed between the flow path portion and the manifold portion; a plurality of first distribution channels provided on a second surface of the separator opposite to the first surface and configured to connect the manifold portion and the connection channels, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion, and supply the reaction gas to the connection channels; and A plurality of second distribution channels are arranged on the first surface of the separator and configured to connect the connection channel and the flow path portion, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connection channel, and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein The beaded portion and the edge beaded portion are integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 10, comprising: a gasket arranged on the second surface of the separator to correspond to the beaded portion, Wherein, the first distribution channel is arranged on the gasket.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 10, comprising: a plurality of curling protrusions protruding from the first surface of the separator, Wherein, the second distribution channel is defined between adjacent curling protrusions.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 13, wherein The plurality of curling protrusions are integrated with the separator by partially processing a portion of the separator.

15. The fuel cell according to claim 13, comprising: A channel seal is disposed on the plurality of beading protrusions to seal a portion between the beading protrusions and the membrane electrode assembly.

16. A fuel cell stack comprising: membrane electrode assembly; a separator stacked on a surface of the membrane electrode assembly; a curling portion protruding from a first surface of the separator facing the membrane electrode assembly; a seal disposed between the membrane electrode assembly and the bead portion and configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator; and an edge beading portion arranged along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator, Wherein, the partition comprises: a flow path portion provided on the first surface of the separator and configured to define a reaction zone in which a reaction gas reacts; a manifold portion disposed in the partition plate and spaced apart from the flow path portion; a connecting passage disposed between the flow path portion and the manifold portion; a plurality of first distribution channels arranged on the second surface of the separator and configured to connect the manifold portion and the connection channels, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the manifold portion, and supply the reaction gas to the connection channels; and A plurality of second distribution channels are arranged on the first surface of the separator and configured to connect the connection channel and the flow path portion, distribute the reaction gas introduced into the connection channel, and supply the reaction gas to the flow path portion.

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