Separation plate structure and stack including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a separation plate structure in which a separation plate and a membrane electrode assembly are alternately stacked with intervals. According to the present invention, the separation plate structure is fastened by a fastening pressure; a member for sealing a fluid flow and a fluid flow support body are vertically arranged in a region to which the fastening pressure is applied, so as to prevent deformation of the separation plate; and the support body is formed to extend to a flow diffusion section of the separation plate.

Description

Separator structure and stack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator structure and a stack. More specifically, the present invention relates to a separator structure and a stack for water electrolysis or fuel cells.

[0002] Typically, separators are used in fuel cells and electrolysis stacks, and along with the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and gas diffusion layer (GDL), they form a core component of the stack. In fuel cells, the separator separates the reactant gases—hydrogen, air, and coolant—and supplies them evenly to the membrane electrode assembly. It also collects and transmits the current generated by the electrochemical reaction.

[0003] In the past, graphite separators or separators made of graphite and composite resin materials were mainly used, but recently, the use of metal separators made of metal materials is rapidly increasing because they can make the stack smaller and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0004] In order to ensure airtightness during stack manufacturing, gaskets are installed on both sides of the separator and pressure is applied to the separator plates to fasten them together. However, there is a problem in that the gasket is deformed along with the separator plate depending on the fastening pressure.

[0005] This deformation of the separator plate mainly occurs in areas where the gasket is not installed. In particular, if the separator plate is deformed around the gas inlet or coolant inlet of the separator plate, the resistance to the fluid flow increases, preventing fuel or air from being delivered to the reaction area of ​​the separator plate, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the stack. In addition, if the deformation of the separator plate continues, cracks may occur in the separator plate itself, reducing the durability of the stack.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a separator structure that can prevent deformation of a metal separator, ensure good fluid transfer to the reaction area inside the separator, and prevent deterioration of the stack's durability due to deformation of the separator.

[0007] As a background technology of the present invention, Korean Patent No. 10-0766140 is disclosed.

[0008]

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a separator structure that can prevent deformation of the separator due to the fastening pressure when the arrangement of the gasket lines is different during fastening of the separator for manufacturing a stack, thereby reducing the flow of fluid, and can prevent leakage of fluid due to detachment of the gasket.

[0010] The purpose is to place a porous support having a strength greater than that of a gasket between the separators, but to place it in a space where the gasket is not placed because the gasket line is different, thereby allowing the porous support to maintain the fastening structure of the separator and to improve the durability of the stack.

[0011] The above and other objects of the present invention can all be achieved by the present invention described below.

[0012]

[0013] 1. One aspect of the present invention relates to a separator structure.

[0014] The above separator structure is a separator structure in which separator plates and membrane electrode assemblies are alternately laminated with gaps between them;

[0015] The above separator structure is fastened by fastening pressure,

[0016] In the area where the above-mentioned sealing pressure is applied, a member that seals the fluid flow and a fluid flow support are vertically arranged to prevent deformation of the separator plate.

[0017] The above fluid flow support is formed to extend to the fluid diffusion section of the above separation plate.

[0018] 2. In the above specific example, the member sealing the fluid flow may be a gasket.

[0019] 3. In the above 1 or 2 specific examples, the fluid flow support may be porous.

[0020] 4. In any one of the above embodiments 1 to 3, the fluid flow support can induce fluid flow.

[0021] 5. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a separator structure including unit cells in which a fastening pressure is distributed.

[0022] The above separator structure comprises a first separator having an inlet hole formed therein;

[0023] A first gasket provided on one end of the first separator plate;

[0024] A third gasket provided on the inside of the first separator and spaced apart from the first gasket in the direction of fluid flow;

[0025] A membrane electrode assembly separated from the first separator by the first gasket;

[0026] A first porous support body that supports the first separator plate and is positioned on the same axis as the third gasket, and through which the fluid introduced into the inlet hole flows;

[0027] A second porous support disposed inside the first separator and through which a fluid flowing into the first porous support flows;

[0028] A fourth gasket provided on one side of the first porous support and arranged on one side of the second porous support;

[0029] A second gasket disposed on one side of the membrane electrode assembly and disposed on the same axis as the first gasket; and

[0030] It includes a second separator plate spaced apart from the first separator plate by the first gasket and the second gasket.

[0031] 6. In the above 5 specific examples, the separator structure may include a regular structural unit cell.

[0032] 7. In the above 5 or 6 specific examples, the first porous support may extend to the gas diffusion portion of the separator.

[0033] 8. In any one of the above embodiments 5 to 7, the second porous support may extend to the entire reaction passage portion of the separator.

[0034] 9. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 8 above, the first porous support and the second porous support may include at least one of metal foam, carbon paper, and carbon fiber.

[0035] 10. In the above 5 to 9 specific examples, the first porous support and the second porous support may have an average pore size of about 5 μm to 100 μm and a porosity of about 5% to 98%.

[0036] 11. In the above 5 to 10 specific examples, the first porous support and the second porous support may have a compressive strength of about 0.1 MPa to 30 MPa.

[0037] 12. In any one of the specific examples 5 to 11 above, the third gasket and the first porous support are arranged on the same axis along the stacking direction, and a part of the second porous support is arranged in compression on the same axis as the fourth gasket to distribute the fastening pressure between the first separator and the second separator.

[0038] 13. In any one of the specific examples 5 to 12 above, the compressive strength of the first, second, third and fourth gaskets and the compressive strength of the first and third porous supports can be determined according to the following Equation 1.

[0039] [Formula 1]

[0040] σ(A) ≥ σ(B)

[0041] In the above equation 1, σ(A) is the compressive strength of the first and second porous supports, and σ(B) is the compressive strength of the first, second, third, and fourth gaskets.

[0042] 14. In any one of the specific examples 5 to 13 above, the fluid introduced into the inlet hole can pass through the first and third porous supports and be introduced into the reaction passage of the separation plate.

[0043] 15. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 14 above, the fluid may be fuel gas or air.

[0044] 16. In any one of the above 5 to 15 specific examples, a fifth gasket disposed on the same axis as the first gasket and the second gasket on one side of the second separator,

[0045] A third porous support, which is arranged on the same axis as the first porous support on one side of the second separator and through which a fluid flows,

[0046] A membrane electrode assembly attached to the fifth gasket,

[0047] A sixth gasket arranged on the same axis as the fifth gasket on one side of the membrane electrode assembly;

[0048] A seventh gasket is disposed on one side of the third porous support, and is disposed on the same axis as the third gasket, the first porous support, and one end of the third porous support to support the second separator.

[0049] A fourth porous support which is arranged on the same axis as the third porous support and through which gas passing through the third porous support passes, and

[0050] The third porous support may further include an eighth gasket disposed on one side thereof and coaxial with the second porous support and the fourth gasket to support the second separator.

[0051] 17. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 16 above, the third porous support may extend to the gas diffusion portion of the separator.

[0052] 18. In any one of the specific examples 5 to 17 above, the fourth porous support may extend to the entire reaction passage portion of the separator.

[0053] 19. In any one of the specific examples 5 to 18 above, the separator structure may include a reverse structure unit cell.

[0054] 20. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stack in which the above separator structures are laminated.

[0055] The above stack includes the above separator structure,

[0056] The above separator structure is repeatedly laminated.

[0057] 21. In the above 20 specific examples, the stack may be a fuel cell or a water electrolysis stack.

[0058]

[0059] The separator structure according to the present invention can prevent deformation of the separator by dispersing the fastening pressure when fastening the separator. The porous support disposed between the separator plates in a region where a gasket is not disposed can cause deformation of the separator plate if excessive fastening pressure is applied. However, the porous support is disposed in the region where a gasket is not disposed to support the separator plate, thereby preventing sagging or deformation of the separator plate. In addition, the porous support extends to the flow diffusion portion of the separator plate, thereby effectively preventing a decrease in fluid flow due to deformation of the gas inlet.

[0060] In addition, a porous support having a higher strength than a gasket placed on a separator can maintain the structure of the separator by dispersing the fastening pressure applied to the separator, and can maintain the flow of fluid through the pores of the porous support so that even when some gas inlet holes in the stack are closed due to deformation of the separator, the fluid can move and reach the reaction site in the separator, thereby improving the electrochemical reaction efficiency of the stack.

[0061]

[0062] Figure 1 is a plan view of a separator according to one specific example of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 1.

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the deformation of a separator in a separator structure that does not include a porous support.

[0065]

[0066] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the drawings are provided solely to aid understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings are exemplary and the present invention is not limited to the details depicted.

[0067] Throughout the specification, identical reference numerals designate identical components. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0068] In the specification, when "includes," "has," and "consists of" are used, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where the plural is included unless there is a special explicit description.

[0069] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0070] In this specification, “a to b” indicating a numerical range is defined as “≥a and ≤b”.

[0071] In this specification, all numerical ranges include the 95% standard error range.

[0072]

[0073] One aspect of the present invention relates to a separator structure (1000).

[0074] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a separator according to one specific example of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing deformation of a separator in a separator structure (1000) that does not include a porous support.

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a separation plate structure (1000) according to one aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 1, the separator plate may include a gas inlet (10) into which fuel gas, air or cooling water supplied from the outside is introduced, a fluid diffusion portion (20) through which fluid flows and diffuses, and a reaction passage (30) through which fuel gas, air or cooling water moves along a passage formed in the separator plate to cause an electrochemical reaction.

[0077] The above separator structure (1000) is a separator structure in which separator plates and membrane electrode assemblies are alternately stacked with gaps between them.

[0078] The above separator structure (1000) is fastened by a fastening pressure, and a member for sealing the fluid flow and a fluid flow support are vertically arranged in the area where the fastening pressure is applied to prevent deformation of the separator.

[0079] The member sealing the above fluid flow may be a gasket. The gasket may be arranged to seal between the separators and maintain the gap between the separators.

[0080] The above separator structure (1000) may have a fluid flow support arranged along an axial direction to which a fastening pressure is applied. Specifically, the fastening pressure refers to a force applied to the separator in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the separator plates are laminated, and the fastening pressure may cause local deformation of the separator plates.

[0081] For example, when 400 membrane electrode assemblies (110), anode separators, and cathode separators are sequentially stacked, the stacking process is performed up to about 1,200 times, and deformation due to fastening pressure may occur in areas where support members are not arranged due to repetitive stacking. In particular, deformation of the separator due to repetitive stacking may occur numerous times in areas where fuel gas or air is introduced into the gas inlet (10) or coolant is introduced into the coolant inlet (10).

[0082] Although deformation of the separator can be prevented by reinforcing means extending or protruding from the above gasket or separator, deformation of the separator may occur at a specific part of the separator because a member supporting the gasket and separator structure is not arranged in the section where the gas inlet passage (500) is arranged.

[0083] When the above gasket supports the separator, the manufacturing cost increases because a gasket with high strength must be used to distribute the fastening pressure, and a separate process is required to form the separator, which may also reduce manufacturing efficiency.

[0084] The above fluid flow support is formed with a space inside the separator plate because no member such as a gasket is arranged, and a support is arranged in the space inside the separator plate to support the separator plate in a space where a reinforcing member is not arranged, and by dispersing the fastening pressure, deformation of the separator plate can be prevented during stack manufacturing, and in particular, deformation of the separator plate in the gas inlet section (10) and the fluid diffusion section (20) can be effectively prevented.

[0085] In one embodiment, the fluid-flowable support may be porous.

[0086] The above fluid flow support may be a porous support, and when the fluid flow support is a porous support, it provides a passage through which fuel gas or air introduced through the gas inlet (10) can move, and the fuel gas or air can smoothly move to the reaction passage (30) within the separator through the porous support.

[0087] In one specific example, the support may extend to the fluid diffusion section of the separator, specifically, may extend to the fluid diffusion section (20), and may uniformly induce the incoming fluid flow.

[0088] When the above fluid flow support extends to the fluid diffusion section of the separator, the support can not only prevent deformation of the separator due to the fastening pressure by dispersing the external force of the separator, but also improve the flow of the reaction fluid of fuel gas or air and enable uniform movement, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of the stack.

[0089] The above fluid flow support can act as a gas diffusion layer in which both gas and liquid phases can flow when in contact with the membrane electrode assembly.

[0090] Accordingly, the stack including the above separator structure can secure durability by preventing the stack from being defective or damaged because the fastening pressure is effectively distributed when the separator is fastened, preventing deformation of the separator, and the efficiency of the stack can also be increased because the flow of the introduced fuel gas and air is smooth.

[0091] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a separator structure (1000) including unit cells in which a fastening pressure is distributed.

[0092] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the separator structure (1000) along line AA of FIG. 1.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 2, the separator structure (1000) includes a first separator (100a), a first gasket (200a), a second gasket (200b), a third gasket (200c), a fourth gasket (200d), a membrane electrode assembly (MEA, 110), a first porous support (300a), a second porous support (300b), and a second separator (100b).

[0094] The above first separator (100a) and second separator (100b) may be made of metal. If the separator is made of metal, it is preferable because it has high electrical conductivity and excellent processability, enabling mass production.

[0095] In the case where the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b) are made of metal, the strength of the gasket for sealing the cell when manufacturing the cell by fastening the separator plates is higher than that of the gasket, so that when the separator plates are repeatedly stacked, the gasket comes off or is damaged at the position where it is placed, and the separator is deformed. In addition, when manufacturing a stack using a metal separator plate, there is a need to prevent the gasket from coming off and the separator plate from being deformed.

[0096] The above first separator (100a) can have an inlet hole (410) formed therein.

[0097] The above first separator plate (100a) may have an inlet hole (410) formed at one end, and the inlet hole (410) may be a fuel gas inlet hole (410), a coolant inlet hole (410), and an air inlet hole (410) formed on the separator plate, and may be connected to a manifold (400) that distributes fluid and supplies it to the inside of the separator plate.

[0098] The above first gasket (200a) is provided on one end of the first separator plate (100a).

[0099] The first to fourth gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) are of the same material and are arranged between the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) to seal the space between the separators and prevent fluid from leaking out of the cell.

[0100] The third gasket (200c) is provided on the inside of the first separator (100a) and is placed apart from the first gasket (200a) in the direction of fluid flow.

[0101] The third gasket (200c) is provided so that the fluid introduced into the inlet hole (410) can move through the first porous support (300a).

[0102] The above membrane electrode assembly (110) is separated from the first separator (100a) by the first gasket (200a).

[0103] The above membrane electrode assembly (110) has an anode and a cathode on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and may include a gas diffusion layer.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 3, if the gasket (2) line does not match the conventional separator (1), the separator may easily sag and deform due to repeated stacking of cells in the gas inlet (10) and the fluid diffusion portion (20).

[0105] The above first porous support (300a) can be arranged on the same axis as the above third gasket (200c).

[0106] Specifically, when the first porous support (300a) is arranged on the same axis as the third gasket (200c) along the Y-axis direction to completely fill the space between the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b), and the space where the fastening pressure (P) is not uniformly transmitted to the first separator (100a) is eliminated, even when the fastening pressure is repeatedly applied by repeated stacking, deformation and sagging of the separator can be effectively prevented by dispersing the fastening pressure transmitted by the first porous support (300a).

[0107] The first porous support (300a) is arranged on the same axis as the third gasket (200c) to support the first separator (100a), and the fluid introduced into the inlet hole (410) can flow.

[0108] The above first porous support (300a) can provide a passage through which the fluid introduced from the inlet hole (410) can move.

[0109] Specifically, the first porous support (300a) is a porous support with pores formed inside, allowing fluid to move smoothly.

[0110] In one specific example, the first porous support (300a) may extend to the fluid diffusion portion (20) of the separator.

[0111] A gas inlet passage (500) is provided on the opposite side of the third gasket (200c), and the first porous support (300a) can fill the gas inlet passage (500) and extend along the gas inlet passage (500) to the entire flow diffusion section (20) of the separator.

[0112] When the first porous support (300a) is arranged to extend from the gas inlet (500) to the entire flow diffusion section (20) of the separation plate, not only can the fastening pressure transmitted from the outside of the first separation plate (100a) be better distributed, but also the fluid flowing in from the inlet hole (410) can flow uniformly, thereby increasing the efficiency of the stack.

[0113] The above first porous support (300a) can serve as a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and can effectively increase the electrochemical reaction efficiency of the cell by transporting gas or liquid very efficiently.

[0114] Below, the second porous support (300b) to the fourth porous support (300d) all perform the same role of a gas diffusion layer and can replace the gas diffusion layer.

[0115] The second porous support (300b) is placed inside the first separator (100a), and a fluid flowing into the first porous support (300a) can flow.

[0116] The fluid that has passed through the first porous support (300a) can move along the second porous support (300b) and flow into the reaction channel (30).

[0117] The fourth gasket (200d) is provided on one side of the first porous support (300a) and is arranged on one side of the second porous support (300b).

[0118] The fourth gasket (200d) is arranged on the same axis as the second porous support (300b) and can disperse the fastening pressure applied from the outside of the first separator (100a).

[0119] Even when the second porous support (300b) and the fourth gasket (200d) are arranged on the same axis along the vertical direction (Y-axis) of the first separator (100a), the first separator (100a) can be prevented from being deformed because no space is formed inside the first separator (100a).

[0120] The second gasket (200b) is placed on one side of the membrane electrode assembly (110) and can be placed on the same axis as the first gasket (200a).

[0121] The first gasket (200a) and the second gasket (200b) prevent the fluid flowing in from one end of the separator structure (1000) from leaking out and guide the flow path so that the fluid can flow into the first porous support (300a).

[0122] The above second separator plate is placed apart from the first separator plate (100a) by the first gasket (200a) and the second gasket (200b).

[0123] The second separator is arranged to be spaced apart from the first separator (100a), and a space is formed between the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b) in which a first gasket (200a), a second gasket (200b), a third gasket (200c), a fourth gasket (200d), a membrane electrode assembly (MEA, 110), a first porous support (300a), and a second porous support (300b) are arranged, thereby forming a unit cell (600).

[0124] In one specific example, the separator structure (1000) can form a regular structural unit cell (600), and the regular structural unit cell (600) means a structure in which the third gasket (200c) is arranged on the upper side and the first porous support (300a) is arranged on the lower side of the third gasket (200c).

[0125] The reverse structure unit cell (700) is one in which the positions of the gasket and the porous support are reversed. When configuring a unit cell in which the positions of the porous support are different, the stack can be laminated by selecting either the regular structure unit cell (600) or the reverse structure unit cell (700) depending on whether the reaction path of the separator is provided on one or both sides.

[0126] In one specific example, the second porous support (300b) may extend to the entire reaction path (30) of the separator.

[0127] The above second porous support (300b) extends to the entire reaction path (30), so that the fluid can move more effectively along the reaction path of the separator plate, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of the stack.

[0128] In one specific example, the first porous support (300a) and the second porous support (300b) may include at least one of metal foam, carbon paper, and carbon fiber.

[0129] The above type is easy to form and process, so it is easy to place a porous support in the gas inlet (500), fluid diffusion section (20), or reaction passage section (30).

[0130] The above type of porous support not only allows fluid to pass through, but also has high strength, so that it can maintain the structure of the separation plate structure (1000) by dispersing excessive fastening pressure between the first separation plate (100a) and the second separation plate.

[0131] In one specific example, the first porous support (300a) and the second porous support (300b) may have an average pore size of about 5 μm to 100 μm (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 μm) and a porosity of about 5% to 98% (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, It can be 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98%).

[0132] Within the above range, the fluid can pass through, and not only can the flow of the fluid be improved, but also a uniform flow can be formed, thereby increasing the efficiency of the stack.

[0133] In one specific example, the first porous support (300a) and the second porous support (300b) have a compressive strength of about 0.1 MPa to 30 MPa (e.g., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12.0, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14.0, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, 15.0, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, 15.9, 16.0, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7, 16.8, 16.9, 17.0, 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, 17.7, 17.8, 17.9, 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 18.8, 18.9, 19.0, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 19.5, 19.6, 19.7, 19.8, 19.9, 20.0, 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4, 20.5, 20.6, 20.7, 20.8, 20.9, 21.0, 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, 21.6, 21.7, 21.8, 21.9, 22.0, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5, 22.6, 22.7, 22.8, 22.9, 23.0, 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4, 23.5, 23.6, 23.7, 23.8, 23.9, 24.0, 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4, 24.5, 24.6, 24.7, 24.8, 24.9, 25.0, 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, 25.6, 25.7, 25.8, 25.9, 26.0, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, 26.4, 26.5, 26.6, 26.7, 26.8, 26.9, 27.0, 27.1, 27.2, 27.3, 27.4, 27.5, 27.6, 27.7, 27.8, 27.9, 28.0, 28.1, 28.2, 28.3, 28.4, 28.5, 28.6, 28.7, 28.8, 28.9, 29.0, 29.1, 29.2, It can be 29.3, 29.4, 29.5, 29.6, 29.7, 29.8, 29.9 or 30.0 MPa.

[0134] When the strength is within the above range, the membrane electrode assembly (110) attached to the first porous support (300a) and the second porous support (300b) or the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b) does not break even when the fastening pressure increases and the fastening pressure is repeatedly transmitted, and damage to the membrane electrode assembly (110) attached to the first porous support (300a) and the second separator (300b) can be prevented.

[0135] In one specific example, the third gasket (200c) and the first porous support (300a) are arranged on the same axis along the stacking direction, and a part of the second porous support (300b) is arranged in compression on the same axis as the fourth gasket (200d), so that the fastening pressure between the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b) can be distributed.

[0136] Since the first porous support (300a) and the second porous support (300b) provide a passage for the fluid to flow and support the separator plate so that it is not deformed due to the fastening pressure, the fastening pressure can be effectively distributed to prevent sagging or deformation of the separator plate.

[0137] In one specific example, the compressive strength of the first, second, third, and fourth gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) and the compressive strength of the first and second porous supports (300a, 300b) can be determined according to the following Equation 1.

[0138] [Formula 1]

[0139] σ(A) ≥ σ(B)

[0140] In the above equation 1, σ(A) is the compressive strength of the first and second porous supports (300a, 300b), and σ(B) is the compressive strength of the first, second, third, and fourth gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d).

[0141] When the compressive strength of the above 1 to 4 gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) is equal to or greater than the compressive strength of the first and second porous supports (300a, 300b), deformation of the separator plate can be prevented even when the fastening pressure is increased more significantly, and in particular, deformation of the separator plate can be effectively prevented in the fluid diffusion section (20).

[0142] In one specific example, the fluid introduced into the inlet hole (410) can pass through the first and third porous supports (300a, 300c) and be introduced into the reaction passage (30) of the separation plate.

[0143] The above porous support can effectively improve the flowability of the fluid by allowing the fluid to pass through and limiting the size of the pores to allow the fluid to flow uniformly.

[0144] In one specific example, the fluid may be fuel gas or air.

[0145] The fluid may be a fuel gas or air, and specifically may be hydrogen gas (H2) or oxygen gas (O2).

[0146] The fuel gas or air can pass through the first porous support (300a) and be distributed in the reaction path (30) along the second porous support (300b) to induce an electrochemical reaction.

[0147] In one specific example, the fluid may be a coolant, and the first porous support (300a) and the second porous support (300b) may have pore sizes and porosities controlled to allow not only gas but also liquid to flow.

[0148] A reverse structure unit cell (700) may be provided below the above-mentioned regular structure unit cell (600).

[0149] The above-mentioned reverse structure unit cell (700) includes a fifth gasket (200e), a third porous support (300c), a membrane electrode assembly (110), a sixth gasket (200f), a seventh gasket (200g), a fourth porous support (300d), and an eighth gasket (200h).

[0150] The fifth gasket (200e) may be arranged on the same axis as the first gasket (200a) and the second gasket (200b) on one side of the second separator (100b).

[0151] The third porous support (300c) is arranged on the same axis as the first porous support (300a) on one side of the second separator (100b), and fluid can flow therethrough.

[0152] The third porous support (300c) is arranged on the same axis as the third gasket (200c) and the first porous support (300a), and disperses the fastening pressure transmitted from the first separator (100a), thereby supporting the second separator (100b), and can effectively prevent the second separator (100b) from sagging or deforming.

[0153] The above membrane electrode assembly (110) can be attached to the fifth gasket (200e).

[0154] The above sixth gasket (200f) can be placed on the same axis as the fifth gasket (200e) on one side of the membrane electrode assembly (110).

[0155] The fifth gasket (200e) and sixth gasket (200f) are provided so that the gap between the second separator (100b) and the adjacent first separator (110a) can be maintained at a constant level.

[0156] The seventh gasket (200g) is arranged on one side of the third porous support (300c), and is arranged on the same axis as the third gasket (200c), the first porous support (300a), and one end of the third porous support (300c) to support the second separator.

[0157] The above seventh gasket (200g) can determine the flow path of the fluid to form a reverse structure unit cell (700), and, like the third porous support (300c), can prevent deformation of the second separator by dispersing the fastening pressure.

[0158] The fourth porous support (300d) is arranged on the same axis as the third porous support (300c) at one end, and gas passing through the third porous support (300c) can pass through it.

[0159] Through the fourth porous support (300d) above, the fluid can be delivered to the reaction path of the first separator (100a) to induce an electrochemical reaction.

[0160] The above-mentioned eighth gasket (200h) is arranged on one side of the third porous support (300c) and is arranged on the same axis as the second porous support (300b) and the fourth gasket (200d) to support the second separator (100b).

[0161] The above-mentioned 8th gasket (200h) can prevent sagging and deformation of the second separator plate (100b) by dispersing the fastening pressure transmitted in the vertical direction of the first separator plate (100a).

[0162] In one specific example, the third porous support (300c) may extend to the fluid diffusion portion (20) of the separator.

[0163] The above third porous support (300c) also extends to the fluid diffusion portion (20) of the separator, in which case the fluid can flow uniformly and the flowability can be improved.

[0164] In one specific example, the fourth porous support (300d) may extend to the entire reaction path (30) of the separator.

[0165] The above fourth porous support (300d) extends to the entire reaction channel (30), so that the fluid can effectively flow into the reaction channel (30) and effectively increase the efficiency of the stack.

[0166] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stack in which the above-described separator structure (1000) is laminated.

[0167] The above stack includes the above separator structure (1000), and the above separator structure (1000) is repeatedly stacked.

[0168] The above stack may be a stack in which the above-described unit cells are repeatedly stacked.

[0169] In one specific example, the stack may be a fuel cell or a water electrolysis stack.

[0170] Therefore, the separator structure (1000) according to the present invention can prevent fluid from leaking due to sagging or damage of the separator plate caused by the gasket not being arranged on the same axis due to excessive fastening pressure by arranging a porous support in the space around the gasket, and the porous support extending to the fluid diffusion section can improve the efficiency of the stack by facilitating the flow of fluid, and the porous support with controlled average pore size and porosity performs the reverse action of the gas diffusion layer to increase the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction, and the cost of manufacturing the stack can be reduced because a high-strength gasket is not required.

[0171]

[0172] The present invention has been described above, focusing on specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A separator structure in which separator plates and membrane electrode assemblies are alternately stacked at intervals; The above separator structure is fastened by fastening pressure, In the area where the above-mentioned sealing pressure is applied, a member that seals the fluid flow and a fluid flow support are vertically arranged to prevent deformation of the separator plate. The above support is formed by extending to the fluid diffusion section of the above separation plate. Separator structure.

2. A separator structure in the first paragraph, wherein the member sealing the fluid flow is a gasket.

3. A separation plate structure according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow support is porous.

4. A separation plate structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the fluid flow support induces fluid flow.

5. A first separator plate having an inlet hole formed therein; A first gasket provided on one end of the first separator plate; A third gasket provided on the inside of the first separator and spaced apart from the first gasket in the direction of fluid flow; A membrane electrode assembly separated from the first separator by the first gasket; A first porous support body that supports the first separator plate and is positioned on the same axis as the third gasket, and through which the fluid introduced into the inlet hole flows; A second porous support disposed inside the first separator and through which a fluid flowing into the first porous support flows; A fourth gasket provided on one side of the first porous support and arranged on one side of the second porous support; A second gasket disposed on one side of the membrane electrode assembly and disposed on the same axis as the first gasket; and A second separator plate is disposed spaced apart from the first separator plate by the first gasket and the second gasket; Separator structure.

6. A separator structure comprising a regular structural unit cell in the fifth paragraph.

7. A separation plate structure in the fifth paragraph, wherein the first porous support extends to the fluid diffusion section of the separation plate.

8. A separator structure in the fifth paragraph, wherein the second porous support extends to the entire reaction path of the separator.

9. A separator structure according to claim 5, wherein the first porous support and the second porous support include at least one of metal foam, carbon paper, and carbon fiber.

10. A separator structure according to claim 9, wherein the first porous support and the second porous support have an average pore size of about 5 µm to 100 µm and a porosity of about 5% to 98%.

11. A separator structure in claim 9, wherein the first porous support and the second porous support have a compressive strength of about 0.1 MPa to 30 MPa.

12. A separator structure in which, in the fifth paragraph, the third gasket and the first porous support are arranged on the same axis along the stacking direction, and a part of the second porous support is arranged in compression on the same axis as the fourth gasket to distribute the fastening pressure between the first separator and the second separator.

13. In the fifth paragraph, the compressive strength of the first, second, third and fourth gaskets and the compressive strength of the first and second porous supports are determined according to the following Equation 1, the separator structure: [Formula 1] σ(A) ≥ σ(B) In the above equation 1, σ(A) is the compressive strength of the first and second porous supports, and σ(B) is the compressive strength of the first, second, third, and fourth gaskets.

14. A separation plate structure in accordance with paragraph 5, wherein the fluid introduced into the inlet hole passes through the first and third porous supports and is introduced into the reaction path of the separation plate.

15. A separator structure according to claim 14, wherein the fluid is fuel gas or air.

16. In the fifth paragraph, a fifth gasket arranged on the same axis as the first gasket and the second gasket on one side of the second separator, A third porous support, which is arranged on the same axis as the first porous support on one side of the second separator and through which a fluid flows, A membrane electrode assembly attached to the fifth gasket, A sixth gasket arranged on the same axis as the fifth gasket on one side of the membrane electrode assembly; A seventh gasket is disposed on one side of the third porous support, and is disposed on the same axis as the third gasket, the first porous support, and one end of the third porous support to support the second separator. A fourth porous support which is arranged on the same axis as the third porous support and through which gas passing through the third porous support passes, and A separator structure further comprising an eighth gasket, which is disposed on one side of the third porous support and is disposed on the same axis as the second porous support and the fourth gasket to support the second separator.

17. A separation plate structure in accordance with claim 16, wherein the third porous support extends to the fluid diffusion portion of the separation plate.

18. A separator structure in claim 16, wherein the fourth porous support extends to the entire reaction path of the separator.

19. A separator structure comprising a reverse structure unit cell in the 16th paragraph.

20. A separator structure according to any one of clauses 5 to 19, A stack in which the above separator structure is repeatedly laminated.

21. A stack according to claim 20, which is a fuel cell or water electrolysis stack.

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