FLOW FIELD FOR A FUEL CELL
The flow field plate with integrated pressure distribution structures addresses non-uniform sealing pressures in fuel cells, achieving improved stability and efficiency by aligning pressure uniformly across the sealing path.
DE102017127342B4Active Publication Date: 2026-06-03GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2017-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-03
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing fuel cell designs face issues with non-uniform sealing contact pressure distributions, particularly at high-pressure spots, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Method used
A flow field plate design featuring metal beads with integrated pressure distribution structures, such as auxiliary beads and openings, to achieve uniform contact pressure along the sealing path, reducing high-pressure spots and aligning pressure more uniformly across the bead's resting area.
Benefits of technology
The solution provides a more uniform sealing pressure distribution, reducing high-pressure spots and enhancing the stability and efficiency of fuel cell operation.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Flow field (18) for a fuel cell (10), comprising the flow field (18): a first metal plate (38) defining a first opening (42) for providing a first reaction gas to a fuel cell (10), wherein the first metal plate (38) also defines a first metal bead (66) surrounding the first opening (42), and the first metal bead (66) is a feature in the first metal plate (38) defining a first channel (80), wherein the first metal plate (38) also defines a first pressure distribution structure (90) reducing pressure changes, a seal formed with the first metal bead (66); and a second metal plate (40) aligned with the first metal plate (38); wherein the first pressure distribution structure (90) has a pair of auxiliary ridges (92, 94) bounded by the first metal plate (38) which flank the first metal ridge (66); characterized in that the first metal bead (66) has side walls (100, 102) that rise from the plane of the first metal plate (38) and defines a first metal bead height (h1) and each auxiliary bead (92, 94) also has side walls (108, 110) that rise from the plane of the first metal plate (38) and defines an auxiliary bead height (h2), wherein the auxiliary bead height (h2) is less than the first metal bead height (h1); the auxiliary ridges (92, 94) only flank the first metal ridge (66) in sections.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art