Fuel cell and fuel cell stack

Abstract

To provide a fuel battery cell.SOLUTION: The invention includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA); a separation plate laminated on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly; a beading portion which is provided protruding on one surface of the separation plate facing the membrane electrode assembly; and a sealing member which is provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the beading portion and seals a space between the membrane electrode assembly and the separation plate. The structure can attain advantageous effects such as securing rigidity and improvement of safety and reliability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to fuel cells and fuel cell stacks, and more specifically, to fuel cells and fuel cell stacks that can ensure the structural rigidity of separator plates and improve safety and reliability.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell stack is a kind of power generation device that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction of a fuel (e.g., hydrogen), and can be configured by stacking dozens or hundreds of fuel cells (unit cells) in series.

[0003] A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in which an electrolyte membrane capable of moving hydrogen ions is combined with electrodes (catalyst electrode layers) provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane so that hydrogen and oxygen can react, a gas diffusion layer (GDL) that adheres to both sides of the membrane electrode assembly to uniformly distribute reaction gases and transmit the generated electrical energy, and a separator plate (Bipolar plate) that adheres to the gas diffusion layer to form a flow path.

[0004] The separator plate is divided into an anode separator plate that supplies hydrogen as a fuel and a cathode separator plate that supplies air as an oxidant, and includes channels through which the fuel or oxidant flows.

[0005] In addition, in order to stack fuel cells to form a fuel cell stack, airtightness must be maintained between the reaction surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly and the separator plate, and between the cooling surfaces of the separator plate.

[0006] For this purpose, gaskets are provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the reaction surface of the separator plate, and between the cooling surface of the separator plate. In other words, the gaskets are provided to prevent reaction gases (e.g., hydrogen and air) flowing on the reaction surface of the separator plate, and cooling water flowing on the cooling surface of the separator plate, from leaking to the outside of the fuel cell stack.

[0007] The gasket can be integrally injection molded onto both edges of the separator plate and both edges of the manifold through which the reaction gas and cooling water enter and exit, and the gasket can define the flow paths of the reaction gas and cooling water.

[0008] On the other hand, in order to guarantee the stable performance of fuel cell cells and ensure safety and reliability, the flatness of the separation plate and the sealing condition by the gasket must be firmly maintained.

[0009] However, conventionally, when fastening pressure (applied pressure) is applied to the fuel cell, the separation plate can easily deform or be damaged. This deformation of the separation plate reduces the flatness, which in turn reduces the performance of the fuel cell and the durability and airtightness of the gasket.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to minimize the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the gasket, it is necessary to minimize the thickness of the gasket (for example, the reaction surface gasket). However, if the gasket thickness is reduced beyond a predetermined level, it becomes difficult to ensure stable sealing performance, which presents a problem in that it is difficult to reduce the gasket thickness beyond a predetermined level.

[0011] Therefore, various studies have recently been conducted to minimize deformation and damage to the separator plate and to ensure the durability and airtightness of the gasket, but these are still insufficient, and further development is needed. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a fuel cell cell and a fuel cell stack that can ensure the structural rigidity of the separation plate and improve safety and reliability.

[0013] In particular, embodiments of the present invention aim to stably maintain the flatness of the separation plate and minimize deformation and damage to the separation plate.

[0014] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to minimize leakage of reaction gas and cooling water, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0015] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention aim to minimize the thickness of the sealing member and to minimize the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the sealing member.

[0016] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention aim to minimize the distribution deviation (flow rate deviation) of the reaction gas and ensure stable output performance.

[0017] The problems that this embodiment aims to solve are not limited to those described here, and can also include the means and objectives and effects that can be understood from the embodiment used to solve the problems described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object of the present invention, the fuel cell cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a separation plate laminated on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly, a beading portion provided protruding from one surface of the separation plate facing the membrane electrode assembly, and a sealing member provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the beading portion to seal the space between the membrane electrode assembly and the separation plate.

[0019] This is to ensure the structural rigidity of the separation plate and improve safety and reliability.

[0020] In other words, conventionally, when fastening pressure (applied pressure) is applied to the fuel cell cell, the separation plate easily deforms or gets damaged. This deformation of the separation plate reduces the flatness, which in turn reduces the performance of the fuel cell and the durability and airtightness of the gasket.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to minimize the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the gasket, it is necessary to minimize the thickness of the gasket (for example, the reaction surface gasket). However, if the gasket thickness is reduced beyond a predetermined level, it becomes difficult to ensure stable sealing performance, which presents a problem in that it is difficult to reduce the gasket thickness beyond a predetermined level.

[0022] However, embodiments of the present invention provide the advantageous effect of ensuring the structural rigidity of the separation plate and guaranteeing the durability and airtightness of the sealing member by forming a beading portion on the separation plate and providing a sealing member on the beading portion.

[0023] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, by providing a sealing member on the beading portion protruding from the separation plate, the thickness of the sealing member can be further reduced, thereby minimizing the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the sealing member, and obtaining the advantageous effect of stably ensuring the durability and airtightness of the gasket.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beading portion can be integrally formed with the separating plate by partially processing a portion of the separating plate.

[0025] In this way, by processing a part of the separation plate and integrally forming a beading portion with the separation plate, the rigidity of the separation plate can be improved. Therefore, when fastening pressure (pressure) is applied to the separation plate, deformation and damage to the separation plate can be minimized, and the advantageous effect of minimizing the decrease in flatness due to the deformation of the separation plate can be obtained.

[0026] In addition, since the rigidity of the separator can be increased, the ease of stacking and fastening the separators can be provided, and an advantageous effect of improving safety and reliability can be obtained.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell can include an edge beading portion formed along the outermost edge of the separator.

[0028] This is because deformation due to contact and fastening force occurs more frequently at the outermost part of the separator when the separators are fastened. By forming the edge beading portion along the outermost edge of the separator, the rigidity of the outermost part of the separator can be increased, and an advantageous effect of more effectively suppressing deformation and damage of the separator can be obtained.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flat surface can be formed on the beading portion, and the sealing member can be provided on the flat surface.

[0030] In this way, by forming a flat surface on the beading portion and arranging the sealing member on the flat surface, an advantageous effect of minimizing the compression rate deviation and surface pressure deviation of the sealing member can be obtained.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the separator is provided on one surface of the separator and includes a flow path portion that defines a reaction region where the reaction gas reacts, a manifold portion provided on the separator at a distance from the flow path portion, a merging channel provided between the flow path portion and the manifold portion, a plurality of first distribution channels provided on the other surface of the separator so as to connect the manifold portion and the merging channel and distribute the reaction gas flowing into the manifold portion to the merging channel, and a plurality of second distribution channels provided on one surface of the separator so as to connect the merging channel and the flow path portion and distribute the reaction gas flowing into the merging channel to the flow path portion.

[0032] This is to minimize the flow rate deviation of the reaction gas supplied to each channel in the flow channel section, and to ensure that the reaction gas is distributed more uniformly to each channel in the flow channel section.

[0033] In other words, the reaction gas supplied to the manifold can be supplied to the flow channel by passing sequentially through the first distribution channel, the confluence channel, and the second distribution channel. In this way, the reaction gas supplied to the manifold is primarily distributed by the first distribution channel, and the reaction gas supplied to the confluence channel is then secondarily distributed by the second distribution channel. This minimizes the flow rate deviation of the reaction gas supplied to each flow channel in the flow channel, and provides the advantageous effect of more uniformly distributing the reaction gas to each flow channel in the flow channel.

[0034] In other words, by ensuring that the reaction gas flowing into the manifold is uniformly supplied (distributed) through the first distribution channel to the entire length of the confluence channel (the entire length of the confluence channel), and that the reaction gas flowing into the confluence channel is then distributed (supplied) to the flow path section through the second distribution channel, the flow rate deviation of the reaction gas supplied to each flow path section can be minimized, thereby providing the advantageous effect of ensuring stable and uniform output performance of the fuel cell cells.

[0035] The first distribution channel can be provided in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell may include a gasket provided on the other side of the separation plate corresponding to the beading portion, and the first distribution channel may be formed in the gasket.

[0037] The second distribution channel can be provided in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell may include a plurality of beading protrusions projecting from one surface of the separation plate, and the second distribution channel may be defined between adjacent beading protrusions.

[0039] For example, the beading protrusion can be formed integrally with the separation plate by partially processing a portion of the separation plate.

[0040] Preferably, the fuel cell cell may include channel sealing members provided on the beading projections to seal the space between the beading projections and the membrane electrode assembly.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a separation plate laminated on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly, a beading portion projecting from one surface of the separation plate facing the membrane electrode assembly and having a flat surface, a sealing member provided on the flat surface to seal the space between the membrane electrode assembly and the separation plate, and an edge beading portion formed along the outermost edge of the separation plate.

[0042] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beading portion and the edge beading portion can be integrally formed with the separating plate by partially processing a portion of the separating plate.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the separation plate may include a flow channel provided on one surface of the separation plate and defining a reaction region in which the reaction gas reacts; a manifold section provided on the separation plate at a distance from the flow channel section; a confluence channel provided between the flow channel section and the manifold section; a plurality of first distribution channels provided on the other surface of the separation plate to connect the manifold section and the confluence channel, which distribute the reaction gas flowing into the manifold section and supply it to the confluence channel; and a plurality of second distribution channels provided on one surface of the separation plate to connect the confluence channel and the flow channel section, which distribute the reaction gas flowing into the confluence channel and supply it to the flow channel section.

[0044] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell includes a gasket provided on the other side of the separator plate corresponding to the beading portion, and the first distribution channel can be formed in the gasket.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell includes a plurality of beading protrusions projecting from one surface of the separation plate, and the second distribution channel can be defined between adjacent beading protrusions.

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beading projection can be integrally formed with the separation plate by partially processing a portion of the separation plate.

[0047] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell may include a channel sealing member provided on the beading projection and sealing the space between the beading projection and the membrane electrode assembly.

[0048] In another preferred area of ​​the present invention, a fuel cell stack includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a separator plate laminated on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly, a beading portion provided protruding from one surface of the separator plate facing the membrane electrode assembly, a sealing member provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the beading portion to seal the space between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator plate, and an edge beading portion formed along the outermost edge of the separator plate, wherein the separator plate includes a flow channel provided on one surface of the separator plate that defines a reaction region in which a reaction gas reacts, a manifold portion provided on the separator plate away from the flow channel portion, a confluence channel provided between the flow channel portion and the manifold portion, a plurality of first distribution channels provided on the other surface of the separator plate to connect the manifold portion and the confluence channel and distribute the reaction gas flowing into the manifold portion and supply it to the confluence channel, and a plurality of second distribution channels provided on one surface of the separator plate to connect the confluence channel and the flow channel and distribute the reaction gas flowing into the confluence channel and supply it to the flow channel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a separated perspective view illustrating a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating a separation plate as part of a fuel cell cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the beading section of a fuel cell cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating a gasket as part of a fuel cell cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the first and second distribution channels as a fuel cell cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the first and second distribution channels as a fuel cell cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and may be realized in various forms that are different from each other. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of its components can be selectively combined or substituted between embodiments.

[0052] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms used in embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) can be interpreted in a way that is generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, can be interpreted in terms of their meaning in the context of the relevant art.

[0053] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0054] In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the text, and when it says "A and / or at least one of B and C," it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0055] Furthermore, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used.

[0056] Such terminology is intended to distinguish one component from another, and is not limited by the nature, order, or sequence of that component.

[0057] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, joined, or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” by yet another component between that component and the other component.

[0058] Furthermore, when describing something as being formed or positioned "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or positioned between the two components. Also, when expressed as "above" or "below," it can include not only the meaning of "above" but also "below," based on one component.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the fuel cell cell 10 includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 100, a separation plate 200 laminated on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100, a beading portion 210 protruding from one surface of the separation plate 200 facing the membrane electrode assembly 100, and a sealing member 220 provided between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the beading portion 210 to seal the space between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the separation plate 200.

[0060] For reference, in embodiments of the present invention, the separation plate 200 can be defined as including both a first separation plate 200a (e.g., an anode separation plate) that forms a flow path for hydrogen, which is the fuel, and a second separation plate 200b (e.g., a cathode separation plate) that forms a flow path for air, which is the oxidizer.

[0061] In embodiments of the present invention, the first separation plate 200a and the second separation plate 200b can be formed from thin-film metal (for example, stainless steel, Inconel®, or aluminum). The first separation plate 200a and the second separation plate 200b together with the membrane electrode assembly 100 form a single fuel cell cell (unit cell) 10, and can independently form channels for hydrogen, air, and cooling water.

[0062] In other words, a fuel cell cell (unit cell) 10 may include a membrane electrode assembly 100, a first separation plate 200a stacked on one side of the membrane electrode assembly 100, and a second separation plate 200b stacked on the other side of the membrane electrode assembly 100. A fuel cell stack 1 can be constructed by stacking multiple fuel cell cells 10 in a reference direction (for example, vertical direction) and then assembling end plates (not shown) at both ends.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 100 is configured to generate electricity through a redox reaction between a first reaction gas, which is a fuel (e.g., hydrogen), and a second reaction gas, which is an oxidizer (e.g., air).

[0064] The structure and material of the membrane electrode assembly 100 can be modified in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and material of the membrane electrode assembly 100.

[0065] As an example, the membrane electrode assembly 100 can be constructed with an electrolyte membrane on which hydrogen ions move, and catalytic electrode layers on both sides of the membrane where electrochemical reactions occur. In addition, gas diffusion layers (GDL) (not shown) can be provided on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly 100, which play a role in uniformly distributing the reaction gas and transferring the generated electrical energy.

[0066] Hydrogen, which is the fuel, and air, which is the oxidizer, are supplied to the anode (not shown) and cathode (not shown) of the membrane electrode assembly 100, respectively, via the flow paths (not shown) of the first separation plate 200a and the second separation plate 200b. In this case, hydrogen is supplied to the anode and air is supplied to the cathode.

[0067] The hydrogen supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by catalysts in electrode layers provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. Of these, only the hydrogen ions are selectively transferred to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, which is a cation exchange membrane, while the electrons are simultaneously transferred to the cathode via the conductive gas diffusion layer and the separation plate 200.

[0068] In the cathode, hydrogen ions supplied via the electrolyte membrane and electrons transferred via the separation plate 200 come into contact with oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode by the air supply device, causing a reaction that produces water. The movement of hydrogen ions that occurs at this time generates a flow of electrons through the external conductor, and this flow of electrons generates an electric current.

[0069] The separation plate 200 is provided to supply reaction gases (e.g., hydrogen and air) to the membrane electrode assembly 100, and is positioned in close contact with one side and the other side of the membrane electrode assembly 100 with respect to the stacking direction of the fuel cell cell 10.

[0070] As an example, using Figure 1 as a reference, separation plates 200 (first separation plate and second separation plate) can be stacked on the bottom and top surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly 100, respectively.

[0071] More specifically, the separation plate 200 is in close contact with one surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100. At this time, a flow channel 20 through which a reaction gas (hydrogen or air) flows is formed on one surface of the first separation plate 200a facing the membrane electrode assembly 100 (the top surface with reference to Figure 1), and a cooling channel (not shown) through which cooling water flows is formed on the other surface of the separation plate 200 (the bottom surface with reference to Figure 1).

[0072] Referring to Figure 3, a channel section 20 is formed approximately in the center of the separation plate 200, facing one surface of the membrane electrode assembly 100, and defining the reaction region. The channel section 20 may include a plurality of channels (not shown) arranged at a distance from each other, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the number and arrangement of the channels.

[0073] Manifold sections 30 (e.g., a hydrogen manifold, a cooling water manifold, and an air manifold) for flowing (supplying and discharging) hydrogen, air, and cooling water are formed through both ends of the separation plate 200, flanking the flow path section 20.

[0074] As an example, a first manifold 30a can be formed at one end of the separation plate 200 (the left end with reference to Figure 3), spaced apart from one end of the flow channel 20, and a second manifold 30b can be formed at the other end of the separation plate 200 (the right end with reference to Figure 3), spaced apart from the other end of the flow channel 20.

[0075] Preferably, gas (reaction gas) can be introduced into either the first manifold 30a or the second manifold 30b, and the gas can be discharged into the other of the first manifold 30a or the second manifold 30b.

[0076] For example, the first manifold 30a may include a hydrogen inlet manifold 32a for supplying hydrogen, a coolant inlet manifold 36a for supplying coolant, and an air outlet manifold 34b for discharging air. Similarly, the second manifold 30b may include a hydrogen outlet manifold 32b for discharging hydrogen, a coolant outlet manifold 36b for discharging coolant, and an air inlet manifold 34a for supplying air.

[0077] The structure and form of the manifold section 30 can be modified in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and form of the manifold section 30.

[0078] For example, the hydrogen inlet manifold 32a, the cooling water inlet manifold 36a, and the air outlet manifold 34b can be formed through one end of the separator plate 200 in the form of a substantially rectangular hole. Similarly, the hydrogen outlet manifold 32b, the cooling water outlet manifold 36b, and the air inlet manifold 34a can be formed through the other end of the separator plate 200 in the form of a substantially rectangular hole.

[0079] The beading portion 210 is provided protruding from one surface of the separation plate 200 facing the membrane electrode assembly 100 (for example, the upper surface of the first separation plate or the bottom surface of the second separation plate, with reference to Figure 1).

[0080] The beading portion 210 can be formed into various structures depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure and form of the beading portion 210.

[0081] As an example, the beading portion 210 may include a first beading portion (not shown) formed along the edge of the separation plate 200 and a second beading portion (not shown) formed to enclose the periphery of the manifold portion 30.

[0082] For example, the beading portion 210 can be formed to have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Below, an example in which the beading portion 210 is formed to have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape will be described.

[0083] Preferably, a flat surface 210a parallel to the membrane electrode assembly 100 can be formed at the uppermost end (reference to Figure 4) of the beading portion 210 facing the membrane electrode assembly 100, and the sealing member 220 can be provided on the flat surface 210a.

[0084] In this way, by forming a flat surface 210a in the beading portion 210 and positioning the sealing member 220 on the flat surface 210a, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of minimizing the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the sealing member 220.

[0085] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting area (mounting surface) on which the sealing member is placed in the beading portion can be formed not as a flat surface, but as a curved surface or other shape.

[0086] Preferably, the beading portion 210 is integrally formed with the separating plate 200 by partially processing (for example, by press working) a part of the separating plate 200.

[0087] More preferably, the beading portion 210 can be formed together with the land and channel when partially processing a portion of the separation plate 200 to form the land and channel (formed in a single step).

[0088] As an example, the beading portion 210 can be formed to have a uniform width overall (width along the left-right direction with reference to Figure 4).

[0089] In this way, by processing a part of the separation plate 200 and integrally forming the beading portion 210 with the separation plate 200, the rigidity of the separation plate 200 can be improved. Therefore, when fastening pressure (pressure) is applied to the separation plate 200, deformation and damage to the separation plate 200 can be minimized, and the advantageous effect of minimizing the decrease in flatness due to deformation of the separation plate 200 can be obtained.

[0090] Furthermore, since the rigidity of the separation plate 200 can be increased, it is possible to provide ease of stacking and fastening of the separation plate 200, thereby obtaining the advantageous effect of improving safety and reliability.

[0091] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the beading portion can be manufactured separately and then attached to the separation plate (for example, by welding). Alternatively, the width of the beading portion can be formed to differ at different positions.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell 10 may include an edge beading portion 212 formed along the outermost edge of the separation plate 200.

[0093] This is because deformation due to contact and fastening force occurs more frequently at the outermost part of the separation plate 200 when the separation plate 200 is fastened. By forming the edge beading portion 212 along the outermost edge of the separation plate 200, the rigidity of the outermost part of the separation plate 200 can be increased, thus providing the advantageous effect of more effectively suppressing deformation and damage to the separation plate 200.

[0094] The edge beading portion 212 can be formed into various structures depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the edge beading portion 212.

[0095] For example, the edge beading portion 212 can be bent in a stepped manner at the outermost end of the separation plate 200.

[0096] For reference, the embodiments of the present invention described above and illustrated show an example in which the edge beading portion 212 is continuously formed along the outermost edge of the separation plate 200. However, according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to form the edge beading portions along the outermost edge of the separation plate at predetermined intervals.

[0097] The sealing member 220 is provided between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the beading portion 210 in order to seal (seal) the space between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the separation plate 200.

[0098] For reference, in the embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member 220 sealing the space between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the separator plate 200 is defined as the sealing member 220 sealing the space between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the first separator plate 200a, and the space between the membrane electrode assembly 100 and the second separator plate 200b, respectively.

[0099] As an example, the sealing member 220 may include a first sealing portion (not shown) formed along the first beading portion, and a second sealing portion (not shown) connected to the first sealing portion and formed along the second beading portion.

[0100] Here, the formation of the second sealing portion along the second beading portion can be defined as the hydrogen inlet manifold 32a, the cooling water inlet manifold 36a, the air outlet manifold 34b, the hydrogen outlet manifold 32b, the cooling water outlet manifold 36b, and the air inlet manifold 34a being individually sealed by the second sealing portion.

[0101] The sealing member 220 can be formed in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the manufacturing method of the sealing member 220.

[0102] As an example, the sealing member 220 can be formed by applying, transferring, or printing an elastic sealant such as rubber, silicone, or urethane onto the flat surface 210a of the beading portion 210.

[0103] Preferably, the sealing member 220 can be adhesive, and the adhesiveness of the sealing member 220 can maintain (fix) contact between the sealing member 220 and the membrane electrode assembly 100.

[0104] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member can be injection-molded onto the separation plate. Alternatively, a sealing member manufactured separately from the separation plate (e.g., by injection molding) can be attached (adhered) to the separation plate.

[0105] Thus, in this embodiment of the present invention, by providing a sealing member 220 on the beading portion 210 protruding from the separation plate 200, the thickness of the sealing member 220 can be reduced by the height of the beading portion 210 (the height to which the beading portion 210 protrudes from the separation plate 200). As a result, the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the sealing member 220 can be minimized, and the advantageous effect of stably ensuring the durability and airtightness of the gasket 230 can be obtained.

[0106] However, in the embodiment of the present invention, by forming the sealing member 220 with a thin and uniform thickness on the flat portion provided in the beading portion 210, a uniform surface pressure can be formed on the sealing member 220 when fastening pressure (pressure) is applied to the fuel cell cell 10. This minimizes overcompression and deformation (e.g., strain) of the sealing member 220, thereby providing the advantageous effect of improving durability and airtightness.

[0107] As described above and illustrated, the separation plate 200 includes a flow channel section 20 provided on one surface of the separation plate 200 that defines a reaction region in which the reaction gas reacts, and a manifold section 30 provided on the separation plate 200 at a distance from the flow channel section 20, and the reaction gas (for example, hydrogen and air) can be supplied to the flow channel section 20 via the manifold section 30.

[0108] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the separation plate 200 may include a confluence channel 40 provided between the flow channel 20 and the manifold 30, a plurality of first distribution channels 232 provided on the other side of the separation plate 200 to connect the manifold 30 and the confluence channel 40, which distribute the reaction gas flowing into the manifold 30 and supply it to the confluence channel 40, and a plurality of second distribution channels 216 provided on the other side of the separation plate 200 to connect the confluence channel 40 and the flow channel 20, which distribute the reaction gas flowing into the confluence channel 40 and supply it to the flow channel 20.

[0109] This is to minimize the flow rate deviation of the reaction gas supplied to each channel of the flow channel section 20, and to ensure that the reaction gas is distributed more uniformly to each channel of the flow channel section 20.

[0110] In other words, the reaction gas supplied to the manifold section 30 can be supplied to the flow channel section 20 by passing sequentially through the first distribution channel 232, the confluence channel 40, and the second distribution channel 216. In this way, the reaction gas supplied to the manifold section 30 is primarily distributed by the first distribution channel 232, and the reaction gas supplied to the confluence channel 40 is then secondarily distributed by the second distribution channel 216. This minimizes the flow rate deviation of the reaction gas supplied to each flow channel in the flow channel section 20, and provides the advantageous effect of more uniformly distributing the reaction gas to each flow channel in the flow channel section 20.

[0111] In other words, the reaction gas flowing into the manifold section 30 is uniformly supplied (distributed) over the entire length of the confluence channel 40 (the entire length of the confluence channel 40) via the first distribution channel 232, and the reaction gas flowing into the confluence channel 40 is then distributed (supplied) to the flow path section 20 via the second distribution channel 216. This minimizes the flow rate deviation of the reaction gas supplied to each flow path in the flow path section 20, thus providing the advantageous effect of ensuring stable and uniform output performance of the fuel cell cell 10.

[0112] More specifically, the confluence channel 40 is formed spaced apart between the manifold section 30 and the flow path section 20, the first distribution channel 232 is provided to connect the manifold section 30 and the confluence channel 40, and the second distribution channel 216 is provided to connect the confluence channel 40 and the flow path section 20.

[0113] The confluence channel 40 can be formed into various structures depending on the required conditions and design specifications. For example, the confluence channel 40 can be formed into a roughly rectangular hole shape having a length corresponding to the manifold section 30 (length along the vertical direction with reference to Figure 6).

[0114] Multiple first distribution channels 232 are provided at predetermined intervals along the length of the merging channel 40, with one end of each first distribution channel 232 communicating with the manifold section 30 and the other end of each first distribution channel 232 communicating with the merging channel 40.

[0115] In this case, the number, width, and spacing of the first distribution channels 232 can be changed in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the number, width, and spacing of the first distribution channels 232.

[0116] The first distribution channel 232 can be provided in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell 10 may include a gasket 230 provided on the other side of the separation plate 200 (the top surface with reference to Figure 5 or the bottom surface with reference to Figure 7) corresponding to the beading portion 210, and the first distribution channel 232 may be formed in the gasket 230.

[0118] The gasket 230 is provided to seal a cooling channel (not shown) provided on another side of the separation plate 200, while maintaining the gap between the separation plate 200 and other separation plates 200 that overlap it, and can be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane.

[0119] Preferably, the gasket 230 is filled into the internal space (incised space) defined by the beading portion 210, thereby suppressing the outflow of cooling water flowing along the cooling channel.

[0120] For example, the gasket 230 can be injection molded integrally with the separation plate 200, and the first distribution channel 232 can be provided with the gasket 230 during the molding process.

[0121] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a gasket, which is manufactured separately from the separation plate (for example, by injection molding), can be attached (bonded) to the separation plate.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present invention described above and illustrated, an example is given in which the first distribution channel 232 is formed in the gasket 230. However, according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to form the first distribution channel directly on the other side of the separation plate, or to form the first distribution channel on another member provided on the other side of the separation plate.

[0123] Multiple second distribution channels 216 are provided at predetermined intervals along the length of the confluence channel 40, with one end of each second distribution channel 216 communicating with the confluence channel 40 and the other end of each second distribution channel 216 communicating with the flow path section 20.

[0124] In this case, the number, width, and spacing of the second distribution channels 216 can be changed in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the number, width, and spacing of the second distribution channels 216.

[0125] The second distribution channel 216 can be provided in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell cell 10 may include a plurality of beading protrusions 214 that protrude from one surface (the top surface with reference to Figure 3) of the separation plate 200, and the second distribution channel 216 may be defined between adjacent beading protrusions 214.

[0127] As an example, the beading projection 214 can be integrally formed with the separating plate 200 by partially processing (for example, by press working) a part of the separating plate 200.

[0128] Preferably, the beading projection 214 can be formed together with the beading portion 210 (formed in a single step) when a part of the separation plate 200 is partially processed to form the beading portion 210. In this way, by forming the beading portion 210 and the beading projection 214 together when the separation plate 200 is formed, the advantageous effects of simplifying the structure and manufacturing process and reducing costs can be obtained.

[0129] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the beading protrusions can be manufactured separately and then attached (e.g., welded) to the separation plate.

[0130] More preferably, the fuel cell cell 10 may include a channel sealing member 222 provided on the beading projection 214 to seal the space between the beading projection 214 and the membrane electrode assembly 100.

[0131] The channel sealing member 222 is provided between the beading projection 214 and the membrane electrode assembly 100 to seal (seal) the space between adjacent second distribution channels 216.

[0132] The channel sealing member 222 can be formed in various ways depending on the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the manufacturing method of the channel sealing member 222.

[0133] As an example, the channel sealing member 222 can be formed by applying, transferring, or printing an elastic sealant such as rubber, silicone, or urethane to the uppermost end (referenced in Figure 7) of the beading projection 214. Preferably, the channel sealing member 222 can be formed together with the sealing member 220 when the sealing member 220 is formed on the flat surface 210a of the beading portion 210 so as to have the same thickness as the sealing member 220.

[0134] In another embodiment of the present invention, the channel sealing member can be injection molded onto the separator plate. Alternatively, the channel sealing member, which is manufactured separately from the separator plate (for example, by injection molding), can be attached (bonded) to the separator plate.

[0135] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of ensuring the structural rigidity of the separation plate and improving safety and reliability.

[0136] In particular, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of stably maintaining the flatness of the separation plate and minimizing deformation and damage to the separation plate.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of minimizing leakage of reaction gas and cooling water, thereby improving safety and reliability.

[0138] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of minimizing the thickness of the sealing member and minimizing the compression ratio deviation and surface pressure deviation of the sealing member.

[0139] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of minimizing the distribution deviation (flow rate deviation) of the reaction gas and ensuring stable output performance.

[0140] While the above description has focused on embodiments, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible, without departing from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Furthermore, any differences in such modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 Fuel cell stack 10 fuel cell cells 20 Flow channel section 30 Manifold section 30a First Manifold 30b Second Manifold 32a Hydrogen Inlet Manifold 32b Hydrogen Outlet Manifold 34a Air Inlet Manifold 34b Air Outlet Manifold 36a Coolant inlet manifold 36b Coolant Outlet Manifold 40 Merging Channels 100 Membrane electrode assembly 200 Separation plate 200a 1st separation plate 200b 2nd separation plate 210 Beading section 210a flat surface 212 Edge beading section 214 Beading protrusions 216 Second Distribution Channel 220 Sealing components 222 Channel sealing component 230 Gasket 232 Distribution Channel 1

Claims

1. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and A separation plate is laminated on one surface of the aforementioned film electrode assembly, A beading portion is provided protruding from one side of the separation plate facing the membrane electrode assembly, A sealing member is provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the beading portion to seal the space between the membrane electrode assembly and the separation plate, The separation plate includes an edge beading portion formed along the outermost edge, The edge beading portion is formed by the outermost end of the separation plate being bent in a stepped manner in the opposite direction to the direction in which the beading portion protrudes, in a fuel cell cell.

2. The fuel cell cell according to claim 1, wherein the beading portion is integrally formed with the separation plate by partially processing a part of the separation plate.

3. The fuel cell cell according to claim 1, wherein the edge beading portion is formed integrally with the separation plate by partially processing a part of the separation plate.

4. A flat surface is formed in the beading portion. The sealing member is provided on the flat surface, as described in claim 1 of the fuel cell cell.

5. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and A separation plate is laminated on one surface of the aforementioned film electrode assembly, A beading portion is provided protruding from one side of the separation plate facing the film electrode assembly, and has a flat surface formed thereon. A sealing member provided on the flat surface, which seals the space between the membrane electrode assembly and the separation plate, The separation plate includes an edge beading portion formed along the outermost edge, The edge beading portion is formed by the outermost end of the separation plate being bent in a stepped manner in the opposite direction to the direction in which the beading portion protrudes, in a fuel cell cell.

6. The fuel cell cell according to claim 5, wherein the beading portion and the edge beading portion are integrally formed with the separation plate by partially processing a part of the separation plate.

Images