UNIT CELL FOR FUEL CELL
The fuel cell unit cell employs a laminated film frame to address structural issues in injection-molded frames, ensuring consistent thickness and improved fluid transportability through strategically cut slits.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024109801
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-27
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing fuel cell unit cell frames formed by injection molding often suffer from thickness deviations and pressure variations, leading to incomplete or deformed structures.
A unit cell for a fuel cell is designed with a frame formed by laminating multiple films, featuring a through hole with an abutment surface for connecting the membrane electrode device and gas diffusion layer, and slits cut into the films to form fluid flow paths, improving structural integrity and fluid transportability.
The laminated film frame minimizes thickness and pressure deviations, ensuring a consistent structure and enhancing fluid transportability by adjusting the cross-sectional area of fluid flow paths.
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Abstract
Description
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a unit cell for a fuel cell. background
[0002] A fuel cell is a type of power generator for converting chemical energy contained in a fuel into electrical energy through electrochemical reaction in a stack (also called a "stack"). It can not only provide operating power for industry, household, buildings, aviation and vehicles, but it can also be used to power small electronics such as a portable device. In recent years, its application has gradually expanded into a highly efficient clean energy source.
[0003] The unit cell (also called elementary cell) of a typical fuel cell has a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) located at the innermost side, and the membrane electrode assembly is made up of a polymer electrolyte membrane that can transport hydrogen protons, and an anode and a cathode, which are electrodes arranged so that hydrogen and oxygen can react on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane.
[0004] In addition, a gas diffusion layer (GDL) is laminated (also layered) on the outer portion of the membrane electrode assembly, that is, on the outer portion where the anode and the cathode are located, and a separator on which a flow region is formed to supply the fuel and discharge the water generated by the reaction is located on the outer portion of the gas diffusion layer.
[0005] A fuel cell stack is formed by laminating multiple unit cells with the above configuration in series to achieve a desired fuel cell performance level. The fuel cell stack has an end plate connected to the outermost sides of the unit cells to support and fix the plurality of unit cells.
[0006] Meanwhile, an electricity generating assembly (EGA) integrating the membrane electrode assembly and the gas diffusion layer was conventionally fabricated and used to facilitate the maintenance of airtightness and the lamination process of the unit cell.
[0007] In addition, recent research has been conducted on frames that support the EGA. The frame is made of engineering plastic (EP) for heat resistance and is injection molded. However, the frame is molded to be thin, yet its structure is complex. When molded by injection molding, there is a problem that some areas are not formed to the desired structure or are deformed due to thickness or pressure variations.
[0008] The discussion of the related art is provided only to provide a sufficient understanding of the related art for embodiments of the present invention and is intended as an acknowledgment that the related art is among the technologies already known to those skilled in the art. Short explanation
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure can solve problems in the art, and one embodiment provides a unit cell for a fuel cell having a frame with a structure that can minimize a thickness variation or a pressure variation.
[0010] The technical objects that can be achieved by embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following descriptions.
[0011] A unit cell for a fuel cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an anode separator, a cathode separator, and a frame disposed between the anode separator and the cathode separator and formed by laminating a plurality of films, wherein a through-hole through which a membrane electrode device and a gas diffusion layer are connected is formed in a central portion of the frame, a distribution channel hole through which fluid flows is formed in an edge portion of the frame, and a slit extending from the distribution channel hole toward the through-hole and cut to form a fluid flow path is formed in some of the plurality of films.
[0012] For example, an abutment surface may be formed in the through-hole of the frame, which extends from at least one of the plurality of films toward the through-hole along an edge of the through-hole, and the membrane electrode device and the gas diffusion layer may be connected by the abutment surface formed in the through-hole.
[0013] For example, the gas diffusion layers may be bonded to both sides of the membrane electrode device, the gas diffusion layer bonded to one side of the membrane electrode device may be abutted against the abutment surface together with the membrane electrode device, and the gas diffusion layer bonded to the other side may be formed to have a smaller size than the membrane electrode device and disposed in the through-hole in a state not abutting against the abutment surface.
[0014] For example, a plurality of slits may be formed in some of the plurality of films by cutting some of the plurality of films, and the plurality of slits may be formed parallel and spaced apart along an edge of the distribution channel hole.
[0015] For example, the frame may have a first slit and a second slit formed in different regions, wherein the first slit may be formed in some of the plurality of films and the second slit may be formed in other films except for some of the plurality of films.
[0016] For example, the first slot and the second slot may be formed in different manifold holes.
[0017] For example, the first slit may be formed in some of the films provided on a side in contact with the anode separator (e.g., on a side in contact with the anode separator) among the plurality of films, and the second slit may be formed in another film provided on a side in contact with the cathode separator (e.g., on a side in contact with the cathode separator) among the plurality of films.
[0018] For example, a gasket may be installed on a side of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator which is not opposite to the frame (e.g., not facing the frame), and the first slit and the second slit may be formed by extending from the distribution channel hole of the frame to a location which is behind (e.g., posterior) a corresponding location to which the gasket of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator is attached.
[0019] For example, the frame may be formed by surface adhesion (e.g., surface bonding) of a first film in contact with the anode separator and a second film in contact with the cathode separator, wherein the first slit may be formed in the first film and the second slit may be formed in the second film.
[0020] For example, the first slit may be formed in an outermost film of the plurality of films on the side in contact with the anode separator, and the second slit may be formed in an outermost film of the plurality of films on a side in contact with the cathode separator.
[0021] For example, a shaping portion may be formed on the anode separator and the cathode separator at locations corresponding to the first slit and the second slit, respectively, so that the shaping portion and each slit can together form a flow path.
[0022] For example, a width direction length (e.g., a length in the width direction) of the shaping portion formed on both the anode separator and the cathode separator may be formed to be the same as or different from a width direction length of the first slit and the second slit.
[0023] For example, the frame may be provided with a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots arranged at a distance from each other in parallel (ie, the plurality of first slots are arranged at a distance from each other in parallel and the plurality of second slots are arranged at a distance from each other in parallel), and the anode separator and the cathode separator may have a plurality of forming portions at locations corresponding to the plurality of first slots and the plurality of second slots.
[0024] For example, the width direction lengths of the plurality of shaping sections may be formed to be the same or different from each other.
[0025] For example, the forming portion is formed to protrude toward a side not opposite to the frame (e.g., not facing) of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator.
[0026] For example, a reaction surface may be formed in a central portion of a side corresponding to the frame (e.g., facing the frame) of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator, the distribution channel hole through which fluid flows may be formed at each edge portion, and the shaping portion may be formed to extend from the distribution channel hole of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator toward the reaction surface.
[0027] For example, a gasket may be installed on a side not opposite to the frame (e.g., not facing the frame) of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator, and the molding portion may be formed by extending from the distribution channel hole of each of the anode separator and the cathode separator only to a position where the gasket is installed.
[0028] According to the above, in the unit cell for a fuel cell of embodiments of the present disclosure, an abutment surface is formed in the through-hole of the frame, and the membrane electrode device and the gas diffusion layer abut against the abutment surface, thereby minimizing the occurrence of a step between the frame and the gas diffusion layer.
[0029] In addition, the frame is formed with a plurality of films and the detailed structure of the frame is formed by cutting the films, so that the frame can be molded similarly to the injection molding process, thereby reducing the occurrence of deformation and easily forming the desired structure.
[0030] In addition, the slit is formed by cutting some of the plurality of films, and the inlet / outlet and the path through which the fluid flows through the slit as well as the molding portion formed on the separator are formed, thereby improving the fluid transportability into the separator.
[0031] In addition, by forming the slit by cutting the film, the cross-sectional area of the inlet / outlet through which the fluid flows can be freely adjusted.
[0032] The effects of embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not described here will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing one side of a frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line II of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing one side of a frame provided to an anode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the other side of a frame provided on a cathode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a cathode separator of a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an anode separator of a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line VV of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 to 15 are perspective views showing a cathode separator of a unit cell for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments
[0033] In describing the embodiments of the disclosure, a detailed description of the prior art will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the prior art may obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are used to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure, and it is understood that the embodiments present herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments of the disclosure include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] Although terms that include an atomic number, such as first, second, etc., can be used to describe different elements, the structural elements are not restricted by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one element from the others.
[0035] When an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is described as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.
[0036] The singular forms include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0037] It is further understood that the terms "comprise," "include," and / or "include," when used herein, indicate the presence of certain features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the figure numbering, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.
[0039] First, a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 described.
[0040] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] With reference to Fig. 1, a unit cell 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an anode separator 110, a cathode separator 120, a frame 200, a membrane electrode assembly 300, and a gas diffusion layer 400. Each component is described below.
[0042] The unit cell 10 for a fuel cell may be a component that forms or constructs a fuel cell stack. The unit cell 10 may, for example, have an anode (positive electrode), a cathode (negative electrode), and an electrolyte membrane arranged between the anode and the cathode. The electrolyte membrane is located in particular between the anode and the cathode, enabling the conduction of hydrogen ions while electrically isolating the anode and the cathode. The anode and the cathode may be coated with a catalyst that ionizes hydrogen and oxygen, and the anode and the cathode may be connected to the electrolyte membrane and present as a single unit. This is referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA for short) 300.
[0043] The gas diffusion layer (GDL) 400 may be provided on both sides of the membrane electrode device 300, and the gas diffusion layer 400 may include an anode gas diffusion layer provided on the anode side of the membrane electrode device 300 and a cathode gas diffusion layer provided on the cathode side of the membrane electrode device 300.
[0044] Since the gas diffusion layer 400 is provided, the transfer and distribution of hydrogen and oxygen to the membrane electrode device 300 can be performed evenly. The anode gas diffusion layer can diffuse hydrogen, and the cathode gas diffusion layer can diffuse air.
[0045] A separator 100 may be connected to the structure in which the membrane electrode assembly 300 and the gas diffusion layer 400 are combined, thereby forming a unit cell 10. The separator 100 may electrically connect the unit cells 10, and a flow path through which hydrogen and oxygen move may be formed in the separator 100. For example, the anode separator 110 may be provided on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly 300, and the cathode separator 120 may be provided on the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly 300.
[0046] A frame 200 may be arranged between the anode separator 110 and the cathode separator 120. Conventionally, the frame 200 was molded by an injection molding process and made of engineering plastic (EP). However, it was not possible to form a fine structure in the frame 200 by the injection molding process. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the frame 200 may be manufactured by laminating a plurality of films instead of injection molding. That is, the frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by laminating (e.g., by layering) a plurality of films (e.g., (in particular, thin) sheets, layers, foils, or the like, for example also—but not necessarily—further subdivided into individual film layers or layer layers).
[0047] Furthermore, a through-hole TH may be formed in the center (e.g., a central portion) of the frame 200, and the membrane electrode device 300 and the gas diffusion layer 400 may be connected to the frame 200 through the through-hole TH. For this purpose, an abutment surface SA, where the membrane electrode device 300 and the gas diffusion layer 400 are connected, may be formed in the through-hole TH. The abutment surface SA may, for example, be formed by extending from at least one of the plurality of films along the edge of the through-hole TH toward the through-hole TH (e.g., inwardly within the through-hole TH). This will be described with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained.
[0048] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing one side of a frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line II of Fig. 2.
[0049] First, the membrane electrode device 300 and the gas diffusion layer 400 can be connected or combined with each other in the through hole TH formed in the center of the frame 200 (see Fig. 2). Since the gas diffusion layer 400 is adhered (e.g., glued) to both sides of the membrane electrode device, the gas diffusion layer 400 can be exposed (e.g., exposed) in the area corresponding to the through-hole TH on both sides of the frame 200. In Fig. 2, for example, it is assumed that the anode gas diffusion layer is exposed on one side of the frame 200.
[0050] According to Fig. 3, the contact surface SA, which extends toward the through-hole TH, may be formed on one of the plurality of films forming the frame 200. In Fig. 3, for simplicity, it is assumed that the frame 200 is formed of two films. However, this is only an example, and the number of films is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0051] Furthermore, the membrane electrode device 300 and the gas diffusion layer 400 may be bonded to the formed abutment surface SA. For example, the gas diffusion layer 400 is bonded to both sides of the membrane electrode device 300, and the gas diffusion layer 400 bonded to one side of the membrane electrode device 300 may be bonded to the abutment surface SA together with the membrane electrode device 300. The gas diffusion layer 400 bonded to the other side of the membrane electrode device 300 may be formed with a smaller size than the membrane electrode device 300 and may be disposed in the through-hole TH in a state not bonded to the abutment surface SA.
[0052] Since the contact surface SA is formed in the through hole TH of the frame 200 and the membrane electrode device 300 and the gas diffusion layer 400 abut against the contact surface SA, the gas diffusion layer 400 can form a height level similar to that of the frame 200 (e.g., flush with the frame) and be connected to the frame 200.
[0053] In other words, the thickness of the unit cell 10 can be prevented from increasing by minimizing the height difference between the frame 200 and the gas diffusion layer 400.
[0054] Furthermore, with further reference to Fig. 2, a manifold hole (e.g., also called a manifold hole) may be formed at the edge of the frame 200 through which fluid flows, and the manifold hole may be divided into a plurality of holes depending on the type of fluid. For example, the frame 200 may be formed with a first manifold hole MH1 through which hydrogen flows, a second manifold hole MH2 through which air flows, and a third manifold hole MH3 through which coolant flows.
[0055] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame 200 is formed from a plurality of films, and a fine structure formed in the frame 200 may be formed by cutting each film. For example, some of the plurality of films forming the frame 200 may have slits extending from the distribution channel hole toward the through-hole TH and cut to form a fluid flow path. Furthermore, a plurality of slits may be formed in some of the plurality of films by cutting the films, and the plurality of slits may be formed in parallel and spaced apart from each other along the edge of the distribution channel hole. This is illustrated by Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 explained.
[0056] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing one side of a frame provided to an anode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the other side of a frame provided on a cathode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0057] First, it is assumed that the frame 200 described below is formed of a plurality of films, for example, two films. This is only an assumption for simplifying the explanation, and obviously, the structure of the frame 200 is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0058] The frame 200 may be formed of a first film 210 in contact with the anode separator 110 and a second film 220 in contact with the cathode separator 120, and the first film 210 and the second film 220 may be formed by surface adhesion (e.g., surface bonding) to each other.
[0059] Fig. 4 is an illustration of the first film 210 in contact with the anode separator 110. Referring to Fig. 4, the plurality of manifold holes MH1, MH2, MH3 may be formed in the first film 210, and a first slit 211 extending from one of the manifold holes (e.g., MH1) toward the through-hole TH and cut may be formed in the first film 210. When the number of films constituting the frame 200 exceeds two, the first slit 211 may be formed in some of the films provided on the side in contact with the anode separator 110 among the plurality of films. Specifically, the first slit 211 may be formed in the outermost film on the side in contact with the anode separator 110 among the plurality of films.
[0060] In addition, the first film 210 may be formed by cutting a plurality of first slits 211, and the plurality of first slits 211 may be arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other along the edge of a distribution channel hole (eg, MH1).
[0061] Fig. 5 also shows an illustration of the second film 220 in contact with the cathode separator 120. Referring to Fig. 5, a plurality of manifold holes MH1, MH2, MH3 may be formed in the second film 220, and a second slit 221 extending from one of the manifold holes (e.g., MH2) toward the through-hole TH and cut may be formed in the second film 220. When the number of films constituting the frame 200 exceeds two, the second slit 221 may be formed in some of the films provided on the side in contact with the cathode separator 120 made of a plurality of films. Specifically, the second slit 221 may be formed in the outermost film on the side in contact with the cathode separator 120 among the plurality of films.
[0062] In addition, the second film 220 may be formed by cutting a plurality of second slits 221, and the plurality of second slits 221 may be arranged parallel and spaced from each other along the edge of a distribution channel hole (eg, MH2).
[0063] The first film 210 and the second film 220 are bonded to each other by surface adhesion (e.g., surface bonding), for example, bonded to each other to form the frame 200. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the areas in which the first slot 211 and the second slot 221 are formed are different.
[0064] In other words, the frame 200 includes the first slits 211 and the second slits 221 formed in different regions. When the frame 200 is formed from a plurality of films, some of the plurality of films may include the first slit 211, and other films excluding some of the plurality of films may include the second slit 221. Furthermore, in this regard, the first slit 211 and the second slit 221 may be formed at different manifold holes.
[0065] Hereinafter, the flow path formed by the slots 211 and 221 described above and the fluid flow are described with reference to the Fig. 6 to 11. However, for better understanding, the cathode separator 120 of the unit cell 10 will be described first, followed by the anode separator 110.
[0066] First, the cathode separator 120 of the unit cell 10 is described with reference to the Fig. 6 to 8 described.
[0067] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a cathode separator of a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 6.
[0068] With reference to Fig. 6, the cathode separator 120 may be connected to one side of the frame 200, for example, to the second film 220. Accordingly, a shaping portion (e.g., a flow path forming or defining portion) 121 may be formed in the cathode separator 120 at a location corresponding to (e.g., associated with or coinciding with) the second slit 221 formed in the second film 220. When the frame 200 is provided with the plurality of second slits 221 arranged in parallel at a distance from each other, the cathode separator 120 may also be formed with the plurality of shaping portions 121 at locations corresponding to the plurality of second slits 221.
[0069] Furthermore, the shaping portion 121 may be formed to protrude toward a side of the cathode separator 120 that is not opposite to the frame 200 (e.g., not facing the frame). Due to the shape of the shaping portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120, the shaping portion 121 and the second slit 221 may form a fluid flow path.
[0070] However, the area in which the shaping portion 121 is formed on the cathode separator 120 and the area in which the second slit 221 is formed on the frame 200 may be limited. For example, a gasket 500 may be formed on the side of the cathode separator 120 that is not opposite to the frame 200 (e.g., not facing the frame), that is, on the outer surface of the cathode separator 120. Since the gasket 500 is mounted on the cathode separator 120, the shaping portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120 may be shaped so as not to interfere with (e.g., not to interfere with) the area in which the gasket 500 is mounted.
[0071] For example, a reaction surface (not shown) may be formed in the center of the side of the cathode separator 120 corresponding to (e.g., facing) the frame 200, and the manifold passage holes MH1, MH2, MH3 through which fluid flows may be formed at the edge of the cathode separator 120. Since the shaping portion 121 must be formed to correspond to the second slit 221 formed in the frame 200, it may be formed to extend toward the reaction surface from the same manifold passage hole MH2 as the manifold passage hole (e.g., MH2) where the second slit 221 is formed. However, since the gasket 500 is mounted on the cathode separator 120, the molding portion 121 may be formed to extend from the distribution channel hole MH2 only to the position where the gasket 500 is mounted.
[0072] On the other hand, the frame 200 is connected to the inner surface of the cathode separator 120, and the second slit 221 formed in the frame 200 can be formed regardless of whether the gasket 500 is installed or not. That is, the second slit 221 can extend from the distribution channel hole MH2 of the frame 200 to a position behind (ie, posterior, for example, beyond) the position corresponding to the position where the gasket 500 of the cathode separator 120 is attached.
[0073] The fluid flow due to the shape difference between the shaping portion 121 and the second slit 221 will be described with reference to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 described.
[0074] Referring to Fig. 7, it can be seen that the molding portion 121 is formed so that it protrudes only toward the front side of the location where the gasket 500 is installed. Due to the protruding molding portion 121, the fluid flowing along the distribution channel hole MH2 can easily flow into the interior of the molding portion 121, and the inflowing fluid flows from front to back (e.g., downstream) along the molding portion 121. In this case, at the location where the gasket 500 is installed, it can be seen that a film-sized gap is formed between the anode separator 110 and the cathode separator 120. This may be the space formed by the second slot 221 extending to a point behind the point at which the seal 500 of the second film 220, which is located under the films 210, 220 forming the frame 200 on the side facing the cathode separator 120, is attached.Due to this clearance, the fluid flowing in through the molding portion 121 can flow smoothly from front to back, and the fluid transportability can be improved.
[0075] Related to Fig. 8, the molding portion 121 is formed to protrude only toward the front of the location where the seal 500 is installed, so that since the frame 200 does not form a space at the location where the seal 500 is installed, the inflowing fluid cannot be directed backward (e.g., downstream). That is, the fluid is substantially introduced through the molding portion 121, but a selective fluid flow is formed, which directs or does not direct the introduced fluid backward depending on the formation position of the second slit 221 of the frame 200.
[0076] Next, the anode separator 110 of the unit cell 10 is assembled with reference to the Fig. 9 to 11 described.
[0077] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an anode separator of a unit cell for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line VV of Fig. 9.
[0078] With reference to Fig. 9, the anode separator 110 may be connected to the other side of the frame 200, for example, to the first film 210. Accordingly, a shaping portion (e.g., a flow path forming or defining portion) 111 may be formed in the anode separator 110 at a location corresponding to (e.g., associated with or coinciding with) the first slit 211 formed in the first film 210. When the frame 200 is provided with the plurality of first slits 211 arranged in parallel at a distance from each other, the anode separator 110 may also be formed with the plurality of shaping portions 111 at locations corresponding to (e.g., associated with or coinciding with) the plurality of first slits 211.
[0079] Furthermore, the shaping portion 111 may be configured to protrude toward a side of the anode separator 110 that is not opposite (e.g., not facing) the frame 200. Due to the shape of the shaping portion 111 formed on the anode separator 110, the shaping portion 111 and the first slit 211 may form a fluid flow path.
[0080] However, as stated above with regard to Fig. 6, the area in which the shaping portion 111 is formed on the anode separator 110 and the area in which the first slit 211 is formed on the frame 200 may be limited. For example, the gasket 500 may be mounted on the side of the anode separator 110 that is not opposite to the frame 200, that is, on the outer surface of the anode separator 110. Since the gasket 500 is mounted on the anode separator 110, the shaping portion 111 formed on the anode separator 110 may be configured so as not to interfere with (e.g., not to collide with) the area in which the gasket 500 is mounted.
[0081] For example, a reaction surface (not shown) may be formed in the center of the side of the anode separator 110 corresponding to (e.g., facing) the frame 200, and the manifold passage holes MH1, MH2, MH3 through which fluid flows may be formed at the edge of the anode separator 110. Since the shaping portion 111 must be formed to correspond to the first slit 211 formed in the frame 200, it may be formed to extend toward the reaction surface from the same manifold passage hole MH1 as the manifold passage hole (e.g., MH1) at which the first slit 211 is formed. However, since the gasket 500 is adhered (e.g., glued) to the cathode separator 120, the molding portion 111 may be formed to extend from the distribution channel hole MH1 only to the position where the gasket 500 is attached.
[0082] On the other hand, the frame 200 is bonded to the inner surface of the anode separator 110, and the first slit 211 formed in the frame 200 can be formed regardless of whether the gasket 500 is adhered (e.g., glued) or not. That is, the first slit 211 can extend from the distribution channel hole MH1 of the frame 200 to a position that is rearward (ie, e.g., posterior, beyond) the position corresponding to the position to which the gasket 500 of the anode separator 110 is adhered (e.g., glued).
[0083] The fluid flow due to the shape difference between the shaping portion 111 and the second slit 221 will be described with reference to the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 described.
[0084] Referring to Fig. 10, it can be seen that the molding portion 111 is formed so as to protrude only toward the front side of the location where the gasket 500 is installed. Due to the protruding molding portion 111, the fluid flowing along the distribution channel hole MH1 can easily flow into the interior of the molding portion 111, and the inflowing fluid flows from front to back (e.g., downstream) along the molding portion 111. In this case, when observing the location where the gasket 500 is installed, it can be seen that a film-sized space is formed between the anode separator 110 and the cathode separator 120. This may be the space formed by the first slit 211 extending to a position behind the position to which the seal 500 of the first film 210, which is located under the films 210, 220 forming the frame 200 on the side facing the anode separator 110, is adhered (e.g.glued). Due to this gap, the fluid flowing in through the molding portion 111 can flow smoothly from front to back, and the fluid transportability can be improved.
[0085] In a portion where the forming portion 111 is not formed, the frame 200 may block the inflow of the fluid so that the fluid cannot be directed backward (e.g., downstream) (see Fig. 11). This means that not only can fluid be selectively introduced through the forming section 111, but also a selective fluid flow can be formed which either directs the fluid backwards or does not direct it.
[0086] On the other hand, the shaping portion 111 formed on the anode separator 110 and the shaping portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120 may be formed to be equal to or different from the width direction lengths (e.g., a length in the width direction) of the first slit 211 and the second slit 221, whose width direction lengths correspond to (e.g., correspond to) the shaping portions 111, 121, respectively. When the shaping portion 111 formed on the anode separator 110 and the shaping portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120 are each formed as a plurality, each of the plurality of shaping portions may be formed to have the same or different lengths in the width direction. This will be explained with reference to the Fig. 12 to 15 explained.
[0087] Fig. 12 to 15 are perspective views showing a cathode separator of a unit cell for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0088] With reference to the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the width-direction length of the shaping portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120 may be formed to be identical to the width-direction length of the second slot 221 of the frame 200 corresponding to the shaping portion 121. That is, the width-direction length of the shaping portion 121 and the width-direction length of the second slot 221 may both be formed (specifically, equally) wide or narrow.
[0089] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 14, the width direction length of the forming portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120 may be fixed, and the width direction length of the second slit 221 of the frame 200 may be formed to gradually increase or decrease.
[0090] Thereby, the flow rate or amount of fluid flowing into the cathode separator 120 can be adjusted by freely adjusting the cross-sectional area through which the fluid is introduced or flows.
[0091] On the other hand, with reference to Fig.15, the widthwise length of the shaping portion 121 formed on the cathode separator 120 and the widthwise length of the second slit 221 of the frame 200 may be fixed, and the shape of the end portion of the second slit 221 extending rearward may be changed. This allows the incoming fluid, when flowing in along the fluid flow path formed by the shaping portion 121 and the second slit 221, to flow smoothly to the rear arrival point.
[0092] According to the above, in the unit cell for a fuel cell of embodiments of the present disclosure, an abutment surface is formed in the through hole of the frame, and the membrane electrode device and the gas diffusion layer abut against the abutment surface, thereby minimizing the occurrence of a step between the frame and the gas diffusion layer.
[0093] Furthermore, the frame can be molded by constructing the frame with a plurality of films and forming the detailed structure of the frame by film cutting similarly to the injection molding method, thereby reducing the occurrence of deformation and easily forming the desired structure.
[0094] In addition, the slit is formed by cutting some of the plurality of films, and the inlet / outlet and the path through which the fluid flows through the slit as well as the shaping portion formed on the separator are formed, thereby improving the fluid transportability into the separator.
[0095] Furthermore, by forming the slit by cutting the film, the cross-sectional area of the inlet / outlet through which the fluid flows can be freely adjusted.
[0096] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that numerous improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments of the disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims.
[0097] The above detailed description is not intended to be limiting in any way and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined by a fair interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure are included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Claims
[1] A unit cell (10) for a fuel cell, the unit cell comprising: an anode separator (110), a cathode separator (120), a frame (200) arranged between the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120), the frame (200) comprising: several films (210, 220) which are laminated, a through hole (TH) arranged in a central portion of the frame (200), a distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2) arranged in an edge portion of the frame (200), wherein the distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2, MH3) is adapted to allow a fluid to flow through, and a slit (211, 221) arranged in a first plurality of the plurality of films (210, 220), the slit (211, 221) extending from the distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2) toward the through hole (TH) and being cut to form a fluid flow path, and a membrane electrode device (300) and a pair of gas diffusion layers (400) which are respectively connected to a first and a second side of the membrane electrode device (300), wherein the membrane electrode device (300) and the pair of gas diffusion layers (400) are arranged in the through-hole (TH) of the frame (200). [2] The unit cell (10) according to claim 1, further comprising an abutment surface (SA) in the through-hole (TH) of the frame (200) extending from at least one film of the plurality of films (210, 220) toward the through-hole (TH) along an edge of the through-hole (TH), wherein the membrane electrode device (300) is arranged on the abutment surface (SA). [3] The unit cell (10) according to claim 2, wherein a first gas diffusion layer of the pair of gas diffusion layers (400) connected to the first side of the membrane electrode device (300) abuts against the abutment surface (SA) together with the membrane electrode device (300), and a second gas diffusion layer of the pair of gas diffusion layers (400) connected to the second side of the membrane electrode device (300) has a smaller size than the membrane electrode device (300) and is arranged in the through-hole (TH) in a state not abutting against the abutment surface (SA). [4] The unit cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slit comprises a plurality of slits (211, 221) arranged in the first plurality of the plurality of films (210, 220), the slits (211, 221) are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other along an edge of the distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2), and the slits (211, 221) comprise cuts in the first plurality of the plurality of films (210, 220). [5] A unit cell (10) for a fuel cell, the unit cell comprising: an anode separator (110), a cathode separator (120), a frame (200) arranged between the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120), the frame (200) comprising: several films (210, 220) which are laminated together, a through hole (TH) arranged in a central portion of the frame (200), a distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2) arranged in an edge portion of the frame (200), wherein the distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2, MH3) is adapted to allow a fluid to flow through, a first slit (211) arranged in a first film (210) of the plurality of films (210, 220), the first slit (211) extending from the distribution channel hole (MH1) toward the through hole (TH) and being cut to form a fluid flow path, a second slit (221) arranged in a different area than the first slit (211) and in a second film (220) of the plurality of films (210, 220) which is different from the first film (210) of the plurality of films (210, 220), and a membrane electrode device (300) and a pair of gas diffusion layers (400) which are respectively connected to a first and a second side of the membrane electrode device (300), wherein the membrane electrode device (300) and the pair of gas diffusion layers (400) are arranged in the through-hole (TH) of the frame (200). [6] The unit cell (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first slot (211) and the second slot (221) extend from different manifold holes (MH1, MH2). [7] The unit cell (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first film (210) of the plurality of films (210, 220) is disposed on a first side of the frame (200) which is in contact with an inner side of the anode separator (110), and the second film (220) of the plurality of films (210, 220) is disposed on a second side of the frame (200) which is in contact with an inner side of the cathode separator (120). [8] The unit cell (10) according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of gaskets (500) respectively disposed on an outer side of each of the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120), wherein the first slit (211) and the second slit (221) extend from the distribution channel hole (MH1, MH2) of the frame (200) to a position located behind a corresponding position at which each gasket (500) is disposed. [9] Unit cell (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first film (210) is bonded to the second film (220) by surface adhesion, for example surface bonding. [10] The unit cell (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first film (210) comprises a plurality of first film layers, also known as layer layers, laminated together, and the second film (220) comprises a plurality of second film layers laminated together, the first slit is cut in an outermost film layer of the plurality of first film layers on an outer side in contact with the anode separator (110), and the second slit is cut in an outermost film layer of the plurality of second film layers on an outer side in contact with the cathode separator (120). [11] The unit cell (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising shaping portions (111, 121) disposed on the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120) at locations corresponding to the first slit (211) and the second slit (221), respectively, such that the shaping portions (111, 121) define the fluid flow paths together with each of the first slit (211) and the second slit (221). [12] The unit cell (10) according to claim 11, wherein a width direction length of the shaping portions (111, 121) is equal to a width direction length of the first slit (211) and the second slit (221). [13] The unit cell (10) according to claim 11, wherein a width direction length of the shaping portions (111, 121) is different from a width direction length of the first slit (211) and the second slit (221). [14] The unit cell (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first slit (211) is provided in plurality and is arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other, the second slit (221) is provided in plurality and is arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other, the anode separator (110) has a plurality of shaping portions (111) at locations corresponding to the first slits (211), and the cathode separator (120) has a plurality of shaping portions (121) at locations corresponding to the second slits (221). [15] The unit cell (10) according to claim 14, wherein the width direction lengths of the shaping portions (111, 121) are equal to each other. [16] The unit cell (10) according to claim 14, wherein the width direction lengths of the shaping portions (111, 121) are different from each other. [17] The unit cell (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the shaping portions (111, 121) each protrude toward an outer side of the anode separator (110) and an outer side of the cathode separator (120) which is not opposite to the frame (200). [18] The unit cell (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein reaction surfaces are each arranged in a central portion of an inner side of each of the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120) which is opposite to the frame, the manifold hole (MH1, MH2) is arranged at each edge portion, and the shaping portions (111, 121) extend from the manifold hole (MH1, MH2) of each of the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120) toward the reaction surface. [19] The unit cell (10) according to claim 18, further comprising a pair of gaskets (500) respectively disposed on outer sides of each of the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120) which are not opposed to the frame, wherein the forming portions (111, 121) extend from the manifold hole (MH1, MH2) of each of the anode separator (110) and the cathode separator (120) only to the positions where the gaskets (500) are disposed.