Non-channel and anisotropic flow field for multiple distributed portions in multiple fuel cells

Abstract

A fuel cell (100) has an active region (102) and a distribution region (104). The distribution region (104) can be in communication with the active region (102) and substantially disposed adjacent to the active region (102). The active region (102) can include a non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow. In some cases, the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow can include an expanded metal sheet. The expanded metal sheet can achieve uniform distribution across the active region (102) without the use of multiple conventional channels.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 084,157, filed September 28, 2020. The entire disclosure of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure is broadly related to multiple fuel cells, and more specifically to multiple distribution areas of multiple fuel cells. Background Technology

[0003] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Various fuel cell systems are currently being developed for use as power sources in numerous applications, such as multiple vehicles and multiple stationary power plants. These systems promise to provide electricity economically and offer numerous environmental and other benefits. However, for commercial viability, multiple fuel cell systems should exhibit sufficient operational reliability, even when the multiple fuel cells are subjected to multiple conditions outside their preferred operating range.

[0005] Multiple fuel cells convert multiple reactants, namely fuel and oxidant, to produce electrical energy and multiple reaction products. Multiple polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM fuel cells) employ a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which includes a polymer electrolyte or ion exchange membrane disposed between two electrodes, namely a cathode and an anode. A catalyst typically initiates multiple desired electrochemical reactions at the electrodes. Multiple separators or multiple bipolar plates, including multiple plates providing a flow field for guiding the multiple reactants across a surface of each electrode substrate, are disposed on each side of the MEA.

[0006] In operation, the output voltage of a single fuel cell under load can be less than one volt. Therefore, to provide a higher output voltage, multiple cells can be stacked together and connected in series to create a fuel cell stack with a higher voltage. Multiple endplate assemblies can be placed at each end of the stack to hold the stack together and press the multiple stack components together. The compression force can provide a seal and sufficient electrical contact between the individual stack components. Multiple fuel cell stacks can then be further connected in series and / or in parallel to form multiple larger arrays to provide multiple higher voltages and / or currents.

[0007] Specifically, the plurality of bipolar plates may include multiple platforms and flow channels for distributing the plurality of gaseous reactants to the plurality of anodes and cathodes of the fuel cell. The plurality of bipolar plates serve as an electrical conductor between adjacent fuel cells and are also provided with multiple internal coolant channels adapted to exchange heat with the fuel cell when a coolant flows through them.

[0008] However, the multiple flow channels of the bipolar plate in the fuel cell may require a relatively large area to achieve uniform flow of the reactant stream to the active region. Therefore, there is a continuous need for a distribution area in the fuel cell that achieves uniform flow to the active region without using multiple channels. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to this disclosure, a one-fluid path for a fuel cell has been surprisingly discovered, which achieves uniform flow to the active region without using multiple channels.

[0010] A fuel cell is provided having a path that couples an inlet manifold fluid to an outlet manifold. A non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed within the path. The anisotropic material is disposed in an active region of the fuel cell, and in some embodiments, may be disposed only in the active region of the fuel cell. The anisotropic material is disposed in a distribution region of the fuel cell, and in some embodiments, may be disposed only in the distribution region of the fuel cell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the material exhibiting anisotropic flow comprises a plurality of voids, each void having a minor axis and a major axis, wherein a flow resistance along the minor axis can be greater than a flow resistance along the major axis. Therefore, the ratio of the flow resistances between the minor and major axes can be between approximately two to one and approximately three to one.

[0012] In some embodiments, a fuel cell may have an active region and a distribution region. The distribution region may be in fluid communication with the active region. The distribution region may include one or more expanded metal plates, which thereby or through which anisotropic flow is provided. Multiple orientations of the one or more expanded metal plates can optimize fluid distribution to the active region of the fuel cell without using multiple conventional channels and multiple flow fields.

[0013] Further applications will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and other advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, especially when considered in conjunction with the various accompanying drawings described herein.

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel cell according to the present technology; Figure 2 The fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present technology has an active region, the active region comprising an expanded metal plate having a plurality of rhomboid voids; Figure 3 According to another embodiment of the present technology, a fuel cell has an active region and multiple distribution regions, wherein the active region and multiple distribution regions include multiple expanded metal plates having multiple rhomboid voids; Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the expanded metal plate, further illustrating the orientation of the plurality of rhomboid voids, wherein a major axis of the plurality of rhomboid voids is substantially arranged parallel to a longitudinal length of the fuel cell; and Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the expanded metal plate, further illustrating the orientation of the plurality of rhomboid voids, wherein a major axis of the plurality of rhomboid voids is substantially arranged parallel to a lateral length of the fuel cell. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following technical description is merely illustrative of the subject matter, making, and use of one or more inventions and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any particular invention claimed in this application or in other applications that may claim priority to this application or in multiple patents thus granted. Regarding the various methods disclosed, the order of the presented multiple steps is illustrative in nature, and therefore, the order of the multiple steps may differ in various embodiments, including cases where certain steps may be performed simultaneously. The term “a (A and an)” as used herein means that “at least one” of the items is present; multiple such items may be present if possible. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all numerical values ​​in this specification should be understood to be modified by the word “about,” and all geometric and spatial terms should be understood to be modified by the word “substantially” when describing the broadest scope of the technology. When applied to multiple numerical values, “about” means that the calculation or measurement allows the value to be slightly imprecise (somewhat close to the accuracy of the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If for some reason the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art to have such a general meaning, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein at least indicates multiple variations that may arise from various common methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0017] Although the open-ended term "comprising" is used herein as a synonym for several non-limiting terms, such as including, containing, or having, to describe and claim protection for various embodiments of the present technology, various embodiments may also be described using more restrictive terms, such as "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of". Therefore, for any given embodiment describing multiple materials, multiple components, or multiple process steps, the present technology also specifically includes multiple embodiments consisting of or substantially consisting of such materials, multiple components, or multiple process steps, excluding additional multiple materials, multiple components, or multiple processes (for consisting of), and excluding additional multiple materials, multiple components, or multiple processes (for substantially consisting of) that affect the aforementioned multiple important characteristics of the embodiments, even if such additional materials, multiple components, or processes are not expressly described in this application. For example, a description of a composition or process of elements A, B, and C specifically contemplates multiple embodiments consisting of, and substantially consisting of, A, B, and C, excluding element D which may be mentioned in the art, even if element D is not explicitly described and is excluded herein.

[0018] As indicated herein, unless otherwise stated, multiple disclosures of multiple ranges include multiple endpoints and include all distinct values ​​and multiple ranges further subdivided throughout the range. Thus, for example, a range “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” includes both A and B. The disclosure of multiple values ​​and multiple ranges of multiple values ​​for multiple specific parameters (e.g., multiple quantities, multiple weight percentages, etc.) does not exclude other multiple values ​​and multiple ranges of values ​​that are useful herein. It is conceivable that two or more specific example values ​​of a given parameter can define multiple endpoints of a range of multiple values ​​for which protection can be claimed for said parameter. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having the value A and also exemplified as having the value Z, it is conceivable that parameter X can have a range of multiple values ​​from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is conceivable that the disclosure of two or more ranges of multiple values ​​of a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) includes all possible combinations of multiple ranges of said value that may be claimed using multiple endpoints of said multiple disclosed ranges. For example, if the parameter X exemplified in this article has multiple values ​​in the range of 1 to 10, or 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, it is also conceivable that the parameter X may have multiple other ranges of multiple values, including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, etc.

[0019] When an element or layer is referred to as “on,” “joined,” “connected,” or “coupled” to another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or multiple intermediate elements or layers may exist. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, multiple intermediate elements or layers may not exist. Other terms used to describe the aforementioned relationships between multiple elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the multiple related listed items.

[0020] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms herein does not imply a sequence or order. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the various example embodiments, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0021] For ease of description, this document may use multiple spatially related terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. These multiple spatially related terms are intended to cover multiple different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, the elements described as “below” or “below” to other elements or features will be oriented “above” to those other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” may encompass both an above and a below orientation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the multiple spatially related terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0022] As used herein, the term "active zone" refers to a region of a fuel cell in which multiple essential components for the operation of the fuel cell are available, namely hydrogen, air or oxygen, coolant, polymer electrolyte membrane, catalyst, electrical conductors (e.g., diffusion medium), and electrical contacts (e.g., all essential components under compression). Multiple feed regions of multiple nested plates are generally not part of the active zone, nor are they multiple gasket or sealant regions. The active zone comprises a region where multiple distributed reactive streams can participate in multiple electrochemical reactions that contribute to the operation of the fuel cell.

[0023] A flow distribution portion may be located before and / or after the active region in the fuel cell. In other words, the plurality of distribution portions may be substantially adjacent to the active region. It should be understood that some materials are more suitable for the plurality of distribution portions than others. It is advantageous to achieve uniform flow in the active region by sacrificing a minimum area of ​​the plurality of distribution portions.

[0024] An inlet manifold and an outlet manifold may be fluidly coupled along a flow path of a fuel cell. In some cases, the active region and one or more distribution regions may be disposed between the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold. In a specific example, the distribution regions may include a first distribution region disposed in the inlet manifold and a second distribution region disposed in the outlet manifold, and the first and second distribution regions are disposed at multiple ends of the active region of the fuel cell.

[0025] In some cases, the fuel cell may have an active region comprising a non-channel material flowing anisotropically through it. In a specific example, the fuel cell may have a channel distribution portion substantially disposed adjacent to the active region. Figure 1 As shown, the flow in the upper distribution portion can be guided to the right side of the fuel cell to achieve uniform flow in the active region. Alternatively, as... Figure 2 As shown, the distribution portion may further include a non-channel flow field with anisotropic flow resistance, allowing uniform flow through the active region. It is also envisioned that multiple fuel cells with anisotropic flow-exhibiting non-channel materials can be arranged on top of each other to form a fuel cell stack. Some applications of this technology may include providing multiple energy systems for multiple vehicles.

[0026] The fuel cell may include one or more of the following configurations: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow may be disposed only in the active region of the fuel cell. The material exhibiting anisotropic flow may be disposed only in the distribution region of the fuel cell. The material exhibiting anisotropic flow may be disposed in both the active region and the distribution region of the fuel cell.

[0027] A material exhibiting anisotropic flow allows a fluid to travel with less resistance and a smaller pressure drop in a first direction, and allows the fluid to travel with greater resistance in a second direction. The material exhibiting anisotropic flow can be porous. Specifically, the material exhibiting anisotropic flow can include multiple finely structured mesh materials that advantageously provide reinforced support for the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and multiple sub-gaskets. The material exhibiting anisotropic flow can be used for the distribution and / or passage of multiple reactive fluids (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, or air) across multiple sections of the fuel cell, including an active region of the fuel cell and one or more distribution regions of the fuel cell. The material exhibiting anisotropic flow can also be used for the distribution and / or passage of a coolant fluid in the fuel cell; for example, the path can include a coolant path. In a specific example, an expanded metal plate works with a GDL to couple the inlet manifold fluid to the outlet manifold and provide anisotropic flow.

[0028] An example of a material that can provide such anisotropic flow includes an expanded metal plate. Multiple expanded metal plates may include multiple voids having approximately multiple rhomboid or multiple elliptical shapes. The flow resistance along a major axis of the multiple voids may be low, while the flow resistance along a minor axis may be high, or in other words, the flow resistance along the minor axis may be higher than the flow resistance along the major axis. The ratio of the flow resistance in the two directions may be from about 2:1 to about 3:1, depending on the multiple dimensions of the multiple voids. The multiple dimensions of the multiple voids can be adjusted to regulate the anisotropic flow. For example, a larger flow ratio can be obtained by increasing the major axis of the multiple voids and / or decreasing the minor axis of the multiple voids. Those skilled in the art can select from several other suitable shapes within the scope of this disclosure to form the multiple voids.

[0029] Multiple expanded metal sheets can be formed in various ways. In some embodiments, the multiple expanded metal sheets can be made from multiple solid plates / coils of stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and other various expandable alloys. The solid plates are slit and stretched using a set of dies with upper and lower cutting edges, and the shape of the resulting multiple slits can be partially guided by the shape of the dies. The solid metal sheets can be cut and stretched using the dies to form the expanded metal sheets without waste. That is, the multiple slits can be formed in the solid plates without punching out multiple portions of the plates. The solid sheet can be fed into an expander, where precision dies can cut and stretch the metal in a single operation. The material can then be sheared and stretched into a specific pattern with multiple openings or slits of uniform size. Some embodiments include the original solid metal sheet being able to expand to ten times its original width, and the final expanded metal sheet being lighter per unit area and stronger per unit weight than the original solid sheet. No material is lost in the manufacturing process. When the expanded metal sheet is cut into multiple desired sizes, the expanded metal sheet may not scatter, and the strand intersections can hold the sheet together. A rolling mill can be used to control the thickness of the expanded metal sheet as needed.

[0030] In some cases, where the expanded metal plate is used to form the material exhibiting anisotropic flow, the fuel cell can be configured to allow the inlet manifold fluid to be coupled to the outlet manifold. For example, the path may include a gap or space adjacent to the expanded metal plate, so that the reactant stream can travel between the space and the plurality of gaps. As a non-limiting example, the space may be provided by a gasket and / or the gas diffusion layer. In a specific example, the gasket and / or the gas diffusion layer may include a plurality of gaskets and / or a plurality of gas diffusion layers substantially disposed above and / or below the expanded metal plate. The expanded metal plate may work in conjunction with the gas diffusion layer to provide anisotropic flow in the path coupling the inlet manifold fluid to the outlet manifold. For example, when the gas diffusion layer is disposed adjacent to the expanded metal plate, the reactant stream can travel between a gap in the expanded metal plate by flowing through the plurality of holes in the gas diffusion layer and then return to an adjacent gap in the expanded metal plate. Within the scope of this disclosure, those skilled in the art can choose from a variety of other suitable methods for coupling the inlet manifold fluid to the outlet manifold using the expanded metal plate.

[0031] The material exhibiting anisotropic flow can be used to replace the multiple reactant flow distribution channels used in multiple distribution zones and multiple flow fields of certain fuel cells. The low-resistance direction can be a horizontal left-right direction, or in other words, the long axis direction can be substantially parallel to a lateral length of the fuel cell. In the active region, the low-resistance direction can be a vertical up-down direction, or in other words, the long axis direction can be substantially parallel to a longitudinal length of the fuel cell. It may be useful to stably change the low-resistance direction from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction by continuously changing the long axis direction of the multiple voids within the fuel cell. Therefore, the long axis direction and the short axis direction of the multiple voids can alternate at least once within the fuel cell. Across the fuel cell, the long axis direction of the multiple voids can alternate between being substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the fuel cell and being substantially parallel to the lateral length of the fuel cell in multiple directions. Specifically, the long axis direction can be rotated along a single direction along a length of the fuel cell, changing the low-resistance direction as needed. Additionally, the long axis direction and the short axis direction can be alternated multiple times as needed to change the direction of the low flow resistance within the fuel cell.

[0032] In addition to multiple expanded metal plates, some fiberboard materials and some types of woven metal mesh can provide anisotropic flow behavior and can be used as the materials exhibiting anisotropic flow.

[0033] In some embodiments, the material exhibiting anisotropic flow may comprise multiple regions of the fuel cell previously used to distribute multiple reactant streams to the active regions of the fuel cell. For example, certain separators of multiple bipolar plates may be designed with multiple distribution regions connecting multiple reactant stream headers to multiple flow fields in the multiple active regions of the fuel cell. In addition to the active regions, the technology may also include using the material exhibiting anisotropic flow in such distribution regions. For example, the reactant streams may flow from a corresponding inlet manifold into a material exhibiting anisotropic flow, wherein a long axis of the multiple voids initially distributes the fluid from the inlet manifold across a width of the fuel cell in a transverse direction. A transition may then be provided to change the orientation of the long axis of the multiple voids in the anisotropic flow material to a longitudinal direction, distributing the fluid across a length of the fuel cell. Another transition may then be provided to change the orientation of the long axis of the multiple voids back to the transverse direction, guiding the fluid from across the width of the fuel cell to an outlet manifold.

[0034] The active region of the fuel cell can also be expanded to include such a plurality of pre-distribution zones by providing the material exhibiting anisotropic flow in these plurality of pre-distribution zones. For example, the plurality of pre-distribution zones of the fuel cell can be combined with the active region. This can be done by expanding or shaping the active region to include the plurality of pre-distribution zones for the plurality of anode and / or cathode reactant streams. In this way, the shape of the MEA, which includes one or both of the electrodes (e.g., anode and cathode), can include the plurality of pre-distribution zones. Similarly, the shape of the plurality of GDLs, if present, can include the plurality of pre-distribution zones. In some embodiments, the MEA (and the plurality of GDLs) can be expanded from a pre-quadrilateral active region typically located in the middle of the fuel cell layout to include the plurality of substantially triangular distribution zones for fluid coupling of the reactant stream inlet and outlet manifolds. Any distribution zone between the coolant inlet and outlet manifolds can also be replaced with the material exhibiting anisotropic flow in a similar manner.

[0035] Turning now to the figures provided herein, certain embodiments of the present technology are presented in connection with them. References Figure 1 An embodiment of a fuel cell 100 constructed according to the present technology is shown in an exploded schematic perspective view. The fuel cell 100 may include a pair of plates 105, which may be multiple separators of multiple bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack, multiple end plates at the end of a fuel cell stack, or a single fuel cell. Figure 1 As shown, plate 105 is provided for contextual reference in relation to the configuration of the fuel cell 100. For example... Figure 1As shown, plate 105 is not intended to provide a specific configuration of plate 105 itself. Plate 105 is operable to dispense multiple reactant streams and collect current generated during the operation of fuel cell 100. Plate 105 may sandwich a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 112, wherein the MEA 112 includes a proton exchange membrane 115 with electrodes 120 on its sides. The proton exchange membrane 115 may be configured to be permeable to multiple protons while acting as an electrical insulator and reactant stream barrier, for example, impeding the passage of oxygen and hydrogen. Electrode 120 may include an anode 125 and a cathode 130, wherein hydrogen may be supplied to the anode 125 and oxygen or air may be supplied to the cathode 130, each of the electrodes 120 including a catalyst to facilitate the electrochemical conversion of hydrogen into multiple protons at the anode 125 and the oxygen reduction reaction of the multiple protons at the cathode 130. The plate 105 can be used to distribute the plurality of reactant streams of the fuel cell 100 using a plurality of reactant stream channels and a plurality of flow fields formed therein, wherein one of the plates 105, 135 can distribute the hydrogen to the anode 125, and the other of the plates 105, 140 can distribute the oxygen or air to the cathode 130. A plurality of gas diffusion layers 145 can be located between the electrode 120 and the plate 105 to facilitate the distribution of the plurality of reactant streams. As shown, the plurality of gas diffusion layers 145 can be a plurality of separate components. However, some embodiments may include a location where the plurality of gas diffusion layers 145 and the electrode 120 can be integrated. A plurality of gaskets 150 can be used to provide a fluid seal between the plate 105 and the MEA 112, effectively sealing the distribution of the plurality of reactant streams from the plate 105 through the plurality of gas diffusion layers 145 to the respective electrode 120 located on the side of the proton exchange membrane 115. It should be understood that other types of multiple sealing mechanisms can be used instead of the plurality of gaskets 150.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the plate 105 includes an active region 102, two distribution regions 104, an inlet manifold 106, and an outlet manifold 108. The plate 105 may include a path that fluidly couples the inlet manifold 106 to the outlet manifold 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the path includes the active region 102 and the two distribution regions 104. A non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow may be disposed within the path.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the active region 102 may include the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow. For example... Figure 3As shown, the distribution region 104 may also include the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow. (Reference) Figures 2 to 3 The fuel cell 100 includes a longitudinal length L1 and a transverse length L2. (Continue to refer to...) Figures 2 to 3 The region of the fuel cell 100, which provides the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow, is depicted by a cross-shading pattern. Figure 2 The active region 102 and Figure 3 The general cross-shading patterns in the active region 102 and the distribution region 104 can take various forms and orientations, as further described herein, and as... Figures 4 to 5 As depicted in the text.

[0038] Figure 4 Depicting in Figures 2 to 3 The image shows a magnified view of the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow, captured at points A and C in the diagram. Figure 4 As shown, the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow can be composed of an expanded metal plate with a large number of pores, wherein a single pore is denoted by 110. The pore 110 may have a major axis LA and a minor axis SA. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 4 The long axis LA of the void 110 may be substantially oriented parallel to the longitudinal length L1 of the plate 105. Without being bound by a particular theory, it is believed that an effective flow of the reactive fluid will be provided in the active region 102, where the long axis LA within the active region 102 is substantially oriented parallel to the longitudinal length L1 of the plate 105.

[0039] Figure 5 Depicting in Figure 3 An enlarged view of the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow, cropped at points B and D in the center. (See image below.) Figure 5 As shown, the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow also includes the expanded metal plate with a large number of voids, where a single void is denoted by 110. The void 110 may have the major axis LA and the minor axis SA. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 5 The long axis LA of the gap 110 may be substantially oriented parallel to the lateral length L2 of the plate 105. Without being bound by a particular theory, it is believed that a more uniform distribution will be provided in the distribution area 104, thereby providing it in the active area 102, wherein the long axis LA within the distribution area 104 is substantially oriented parallel to the lateral length L2 of the plate 105.

[0040] Advantageously, the non-channel distribution region of this disclosure minimizes the area of ​​the fuel cell 100 required to achieve uniform flow to the active region 102. Ideally, the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow also provides an economical alternative to multiple conventional channel distribution regions. Furthermore, the non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow provides enhanced support and multiple cooling properties.

[0041] While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating various purposes of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, which is further described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, characterized in that: The fuel cell includes: A path that couples fluid from an inlet manifold to an outlet manifold, wherein a non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed within the path; The non-channel material exhibiting anisotropic flow includes multiple voids, each void having a minor axis and a major axis, wherein a flow resistance in the direction of the minor axis is greater than a flow resistance in the direction of the major axis. The fuel cell has a longitudinal length and a transverse length, extending along the path from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. The long axis of the plurality of voids is initially arranged in a transverse direction to distribute the reactant mass from the inlet manifold across a width of the fuel cell. Subsequently, the direction of the long axis of the plurality of voids changes to a longitudinal direction to distribute the reactant mass across a length of the fuel cell. And subsequently, the direction of the long axis of the plurality of voids changes back to the transverse direction to guide the reactant mass spanning the width of the fuel cell to the outlet manifold. The long axis direction of the plurality of cavities is continuously changed within the fuel cell to stably change the low flow resistance direction from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction, and the long axis direction is rotated in a single direction along a length of the fuel cell to change the low flow resistance direction.

2. The fuel cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed in an active region of the fuel cell.

3. The fuel cell as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed only in the active region of the fuel cell.

4. The fuel cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed in a distribution area of ​​the fuel cell.

5. The fuel cell as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed only in the distribution area of ​​the fuel cell.

6. The fuel cell as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The distribution area includes a first distribution area disposed in the inlet manifold and a second distribution area disposed in the outlet manifold, wherein the first distribution area and the second distribution area are disposed at the end of an active area.

7. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow comprises an expanded metal plate.

8. The fuel cell as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The expanded metal plate works in conjunction with a gas diffusion layer to couple the inlet manifold fluid to the outlet manifold.

9. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The ratio of the flow resistance between the short axis and the long axis is between 2:1 and 3:

1.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The long axis is substantially set to a longitudinal length parallel to the fuel cell.

11. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed in an active region of the fuel cell.

12. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The long axis is substantially set to a lateral length parallel to the fuel cell.

13. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed in a distribution area of ​​the fuel cell.

14. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Across the fuel cell, the long axis can alternate between a longitudinal length substantially parallel to the fuel cell and a transverse length substantially parallel to the fuel cell in multiple directions.

15. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow is disposed in an active region and a distribution region of the fuel cell. In the active region, the long axis of the material exhibiting anisotropic flow is substantially parallel to a longitudinal length of the fuel cell, and in the distribution region, the long axis of the material exhibiting anisotropic flow is substantially parallel to a transverse length of the fuel cell.

16. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow includes one of a plurality of elliptical voids and a plurality of rhomboid voids.

17. The fuel cell as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The material exhibiting anisotropic flow includes one of a fiberboard and a woven metal mesh.

18. A fuel cell stack, characterized in that: The fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell as described in claim 1.

Images