Laminated separator structure and method for manufacturing stack using same

Abstract

The present invention provides a laminated separator structure in which a membrane electrode assembly is inserted and fixed between a pair of separators, wherein protrusion portions are provided on any one separator, recess portions corresponding to the protrusion portions are formed in the other separator, and the protrusion portions and the recess portions are coupled to each other.

Description

Separator assembly and method for manufacturing a stack using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator assembly and a method for stacking separators. More specifically, the present invention relates to a separator assembly and a method for stacking separators formed by stacking separators in a vertical direction.

[0002]

[0003] Separators used in fuel cells or water electrolysis stacks are core components that constitute the stack, along with membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). Separators are manufactured to possess a certain level of strength to support and secure the membrane electrode assembly during stack formation and to maintain the stack's shape.

[0004] The stack is formed by stacking unit cells, and gaskets are provided to ensure airtightness and fluid flow paths for each unit cell. The gaskets are positioned along the perimeter of the manifold and along the edges of the separator plates to serve as guides for incoming fuel and air to move to the catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly, respectively, and are typically formed by injection molding and curing together with the separator plates.

[0005] Figure 1 shows a separator plate equipped with a conventional gasket, and Figure 2 shows a cross-section along A-A' according to Figure 1.

[0006] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a gasket is placed on one side of a separator plate to form a unit cell, and a gasket is placed at the upper position of the separator plate in the vertical direction where the gasket is placed to form a gasket line that forms a band shape along the edge of the separator plate. However, when the separator plates are repeatedly stacked, if an external force is applied to the gasket in the horizontal direction due to compression of the separator plates, the gaskets may become misaligned with each other, and the gasket line to which the gaskets are connected may be damaged, and the airtightness of the unit cell may be compromised due to fluid leakage at the damaged area.

[0007] Therefore, a separator assembly is required that can manufacture a stack by stacking separator plates more stably, by maintaining the gasket line when stacking separator plates equipped with gaskets so that fluid leakage does not occur due to the gasket becoming misaligned or detached from the separator plates.

[0008]

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a separator assembly that can prevent fluid leakage and damage to the gasket caused by misalignment of the gaskets during stacking of separator plates by limiting the horizontal external force applied to the gasket as the fastening pressure increases.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell or water electrolysis stack having stacked separator assemblies.

[0011] The above and other objectives 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 assembly.

[0014] The above separator assembly is a separator assembly in which a membrane electrode assembly is inserted and fixed between a pair of separators including a first and a second separator, wherein the first separator is provided with a protrusion, the second separator has an inlet corresponding to the protrusion formed therein, and the protrusion and the inlet are connected to each other.

[0015] 2. In the above 1 embodiment, the protrusion and the inlet may be connected to each other to form a gasket line.

[0016] 3. In the above 1 or 2 embodiments, a gasket may be placed in the gasket line.

[0017] 4. In any one of the embodiments 1 to 3 above, the gasket line may be provided along the edge of the separator plate and the edge of the manifold.

[0018] 5. Another aspect of the present invention provides a separator assembly having a structure in which a plurality of protrusions and inlets are connected.

[0019] The above separator assembly comprises a first separator having a first protrusion and a second protrusion at one end, and a first inlet between the first protrusion and the second protrusion;

[0020] A second separator plate having a second inlet corresponding to the first protrusion, a third inlet corresponding to the second protrusion, and a third protrusion between the second inlet and the third inlet;

[0021] A first gasket disposed in the first inlet section above;

[0022] A second gasket disposed in the second inlet section above;

[0023] A third gasket disposed in the third inlet section above; and

[0024] It includes a membrane electrode assembly interposed between the first separator and the second separator.

[0025] 6. In the above 5 embodiments, the first protrusion and the second inlet are connected to each other so that the second gasket is interposed in a compressed state, the second protrusion and the third inlet are connected to each other so that the third gasket is interposed in a compressed state, and the first inlet and the third protrusion are connected to each other so that the first gasket is interposed in a compressed state.

[0026] 7. In the above 5 or 6 embodiments, the first to third gaskets may be inserted into and fixed to the first to third inlets.

[0027] 8. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 7 above, the 1st to 3rd gaskets may form a gasket line in which the gaskets are arranged along the 1st to 3rd inlet sections.

[0028] 9. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 8 above, the gasket line may form a triple airtight structure.

[0029] 10. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 9 above, the gasket line may be provided along the edge of the separator plate and the edge of the manifold.

[0030] 11. In any one of the above 5 to 10 embodiments, the width of the first protrusion, the first inlet, and the second protrusion may be determined according to the following formulas 1 and 2.

[0031] [Equation 1]

[0032] W3 ≥ W1

[0033] [Equation 2]

[0034] W2 ≤ W3

[0035] In the above equations 1 and 2, W1 is the width of the first protrusion, W2 is the width of the first inlet, and W3 is the width of the second protrusion.

[0036] 12. In any one of the embodiments 5 to 11 above, the depth of the first protrusion and the second inlet may be determined according to the following Equation 3.

[0037] [Equation 3]

[0038] D1 = D2

[0039] In the above Equation 3, D1 is the depth of the first protrusion and D2 is the depth of the second inlet.

[0040] 13. Another aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell stack comprising the separator assembly, wherein the separator assembly is repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction.

[0041] 14. Another aspect of the present invention provides a water electrolysis stack comprising the separator assembly, wherein the separator assembly is repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction.

[0042] 15. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a separator assembly.

[0043] The above method for manufacturing a separator assembly comprises: (a) processing a first separator to form a first protrusion, a first inlet, and a second protrusion;

[0044] (b) a step of processing the second separator plate to form the second inlet, the third protrusion, and the third inlet;

[0045] (c) a step of placing a gasket in the second and third inlet sections and placing a membrane electrode assembly between the first separator and the second separator; and

[0046] (d) a step of compressing and fixing the gasket by applying pressure to the first and second separator plates;

[0047] 16. In the above 15 embodiments, the step of attaching a gasket to the first inlet portion in (c) may be further included.

[0048] 17. In the above 15 or 16 embodiments, a gasket line may be formed in (c).

[0049] 18. In any one of the embodiments 15 to 17 above, the gasket line may be provided along the edge of the separator plate and the edge of the manifold.

[0050]

[0051] The separator assembly according to the present invention restricts the position and movement of the gasket, thereby preventing movement or damage to the gasket caused by horizontal external forces applied to the gasket during separator assembly, and thus can prevent fluid leakage in the unit cell.

[0052] By maintaining the airtightness of the unit cell, defects in the stack can be reduced during the manufacturing of fuel cell or water electrolysis stacks.

[0053] By interposing a gasket between the separator plates without injection molding the gasket, and by having the separator plates directly press and fix the gasket, airtightness is improved so that there is no fluid leakage, and the separator plate assembly is easy to manufacture and stacking is also easy, allowing for the mass production of large-capacity stacks.

[0054]

[0055] Figure 1 shows a separator plate equipped with a conventional gasket.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a cross-section along A-A' according to Figure 1.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the state in which the first separator plate and the second separator plate are fastened in a separator plate assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the BB' line of the separator assembly according to Figure 3.

[0059] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the C-C' line of the separator assembly according to Figure 3.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows the stacked state of a separator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a process flowchart of a method for manufacturing a separator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062]

[0063] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the following drawings are provided merely to aid in understanding the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the drawings. Furthermore, the shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings are exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the depicted details.

[0064] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Additionally, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0065] Where terms such as 'includes,' 'have,' and 'consists of' are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0066] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0067] In this specification, "a to b" indicating a numerical range is defined as "≥a and ≤b".

[0068] In this specification, all numerical ranges include a 95% standard error range.

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the state in which a first separator plate and a second separator plate are fastened in a separator plate assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB' of the separator plate assembly according to FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' of the separator plate assembly according to FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 shows the stacked state of the separator plate assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] A separator assembly (1000) according to one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0072] The above separator assembly (1000) has a membrane electrode assembly (300) inserted and fixed between a pair of separator plates (100).

[0073] The above separator assembly (1000) is provided with a protrusion (121a) on one of the pair of separator plates (100) and an inlet (121b) corresponding to the protrusion (121a) is formed on the other separator plate (100b).

[0074] The protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) are connected to each other. The shape of the protrusion (121a) and the shape of the inlet (121b) are provided to correspond to each other. For example, if the protrusion (121a) has a convex shape at its center, the inlet (121b) may have a concave shape so that the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) can be connected to each other. For example, the shapes of the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) may be in an uneven shape.

[0075] Specifically, if the protrusion (121a) is in the shape of a convex, the inlet (121b) is provided in the shape of a concave so that the protrusion (121a) can be inserted into the inlet (121b) and securely fastened.

[0076] When the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) are connected to each other, a pair of separator plates (100a, 100b) can be fixed in a connected state, and the space between the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) is sealed, so that the separator assembly (1000) including the pair of separator plates (100a, 100b) can exhibit airtightness.

[0077] The above protrusion (121a) is provided with one or more sides, and the sides of the inlet (121b) are provided with a structure that slides against each other on the sides, so that the separator plates (100a, 100b) can be connected more easily to manufacture the separator plate assembly (1000), and thus the manufacturing efficiency of the separator plate assembly (1000) can also be greatly increased.

[0078] In one embodiment, the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) may be connected to each other to form a gasket line (120).

[0079] The above gasket line (120) is arranged such that the gasket (200b) is arranged in a continuous band in the above inlet (121b) and seals between a pair of separator plates (100a, 100b).

[0080] The above protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) are connected to each other, and a gasket (200b) is interposed between the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b). When the protrusion (121a) is connected to the inlet (121b), the gasket (200b) is compressed, and a gasket line (120) that is sealed along the gasket (200b) can be formed.

[0081] The above gasket (200b) is placed in the internal space of the inlet (121b) and is pressed and compressed by the protrusion (121a) to seal the space between the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b). Conventionally, it is common to form a gasket by attaching it to one side of a separator plate using an injection press process. However, if the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) are provided, the gasket (200b) is placed, and the gasket (200b) is compressed by the load of the separator plate (100a) and fixed in the inlet (121b), a separate injection press process is not required, thereby greatly improving the manufacturing efficiency of the separator plate assembly (1000).

[0082] In one embodiment, the gasket line (120) may have a gasket (200b) placed thereon.

[0083] The above gasket line (120) can form a closed curve along the edge of the separator plate (100) in a strip shape.

[0084] Specifically, the separator plate is provided with an inlet (121b) to form a sufficient space for a gasket (200b) to be placed in the inlet (121b), and the protrusion (121a) can directly press the gasket to compress the gasket (200b) and form a sealed structure.

[0085] In one embodiment, the gasket line (120) may be provided along the edges of the separator plates (100a, 100b) and the manifold (110).

[0086] Since the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) are connected to secure a pair of separator plates (100), the movement of the separator plates (100) is restricted, and a gasket (200b) is placed between the protrusion (121a) and the inlet (121b) to form a gasket line (120), thereby providing airtightness to the separator plate assembly (1000).

[0087] Specifically, the separator assembly (1000) can be sealed along the gasket line (120). The gasket line (120) is provided along the edge of the separator plate (100a, 100b) to maintain the airtightness of the separator assembly (1000), and is positioned along the edge of the manifold (110) through which fuel, air, or coolant flows in and out to guide the fluid to the reaction surface (Flow field) of the separator plate.

[0088] If there is only one gasket line (120) above, the manufacturing efficiency of the separator plate can be greatly increased, and it can be utilized in low-capacity stacks.

[0089] Accordingly, a separator assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the airtightness of the separator assembly (1000) by forming a gasket line (120) that allows a gasket (200b) to be stably placed by forming a protruding structure on a pair of separator plates (100a, 100b) that are simply connected to each other during the manufacture of the separator, and can prevent damage or detachment due to horizontal movement of the gasket (200b) fixed in the inlet part (121b), and the manufacturing efficiency of the separator assembly (1000) can also be greatly improved.

[0090] Another aspect of the present invention provides a separator assembly (1000) having a structure in which a plurality of protrusions (121a, 123a) and inlets (121b, 123b) are connected.

[0091] The above separator assembly (1000) includes a first separator (100a), a second separator (100b), a first gasket (200a), a second gasket (200b), a third gasket (200c), and a membrane electrode assembly (300).

[0092] The first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) are identical members and may be, for example, made of metal stainless steel.

[0093] The first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) are not particularly limited as long as they have corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity, and strength that allows for the manufacture of a stack by repeated stacking.

[0094] The first separator plate (100a) is provided with a first protrusion (121a) and a second protrusion (123a) at one end, and a first inlet (122a) is provided between the first protrusion (121a) and the second protrusion (123a).

[0095] The above protrusions (121a, 123a) may be provided in one or more places, and corresponding inlet parts (121b, 123b) may also be provided in multiple places.

[0096] The first protrusion (121a) and the second protrusion (123a) are structures that protrude in the vertical direction of the first separator plate (100a), and, for example, may be provided in a shape that protrudes convexly in one direction, and preferably may be provided in a trapezoidal shape having two facing sides that are bent twice during press injection of the separator plate.

[0097] Between the first protrusion (121a) and the second protrusion (123a), a first inlet (122a) is provided that is concavely recessed in the opposite direction to the protrusion direction of the protrusions (121a, 123a).

[0098] When the first protrusion (121a) and the second protrusion (123a) are formed, the first inlet (122a) can be automatically formed.

[0099] The second separator plate (100b) is provided with a second inlet (121b) corresponding to the first protrusion (121a), a third inlet (123b) corresponding to the second protrusion (123a), and a third protrusion (122b) between the second inlet (121b) and the third inlet (123b).

[0100] The second separator plate (100b) has a structure corresponding to the first separator plate (100a), and specifically, is provided with a second inlet part (121b) having the same shape as the first protrusion (121a), and a third inlet part (123b) having the same shape as the second protrusion (123a).

[0101] For example, if the first protrusion (121a) and the second protrusion (123a) are provided with a convex shape, the second inlet (121b) and the third inlet (123b) are provided concavely in the direction of the protrusion, so that the first protrusion (121a) is inserted into and fixed in the second inlet (121b), and the second protrusion (123a) is inserted into and fixed in the third inlet (123b), thus having a structure.

[0102] The third protrusion (122b) is formed convexly in the opposite direction to the second inlet (121b) and the third inlet (123b), and can be inserted into and fixed to the first inlet (122a).

[0103] The first to third protrusions (121a, 123a, 122b) and the corresponding first to third inlets (122a, 121b, 123b) are provided, so that the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) can effectively prevent misalignment due to horizontal movement of the separator plates or detachment from either separator plate when fastened, thereby significantly reducing defects in the separator plate assembly (1000), and it is also possible to manufacture the separator plate assembly (1000) using a large-area separator plate.

[0104] The first to third protrusions (121a, 123a, 122b) are formed with a trapezoidal slope, and the corresponding first to third inlet parts (122a, 121b, 123b) are also provided with a corresponding slope, so that when the first separator plate (100a) is seated on the second separator plate (100b), it slides along the slope and the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) can be firmly fastened together by gravity.

[0105] Since the first to third protrusions (121a, 123a, 122b) and the first to third inlets (122a, 121b, 123b) are provided, the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) can be easily connected, so the manufacturing efficiency of the separator plate assembly (1000) can also be greatly increased.

[0106] The first gasket (200a) is placed in the first inlet (122a), the second gasket (200b) is placed in the second inlet (121b), and the third gasket (200c) is placed in the third inlet (123b).

[0107] The first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b) each provide a space in which the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) can be placed.

[0108] The first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b) are provided, thereby easily securing space for placing the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c). The separator plates (100a, 100b) are separator plates placed in the middle and lower sections, for example, the second separator plate (100b), can be directly fixed by inserting the gasket (200b, 200c) into the separator plate (100b) without injecting the gasket (200b, 200c) into the separator plate by an injection molding method. In the case of the first separator plate (100a) positioned at the top, it is preferable to fix the first gasket (200a) to the first inlet (122a) with an adhesive. In this case, the first gasket (200a) may detach from the first inlet (122a) during the stacking process, thereby preventing the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) from becoming misaligned with each other.

[0109] It is also possible for the first gasket (200a) to be injected together with the first inlet part (122a) when press molding.

[0110] The above membrane electrode assembly (300) is interposed between the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b).

[0111] The above membrane electrode assembly (300) is coated with an electrode catalyst on both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane and can be interposed and fixed between the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b). Specifically, the first separator (100a) and the second separator (100b) can be firmly fixed by fastening them with one end of the membrane electrode assembly (300) inserted between the first protrusion (121a) and the second inlet (121b) and between the second protrusion (123a) and the third inlet (123b).

[0112] In one embodiment, the first protrusion (121a) and the second inlet (121b) are joined together so that the second gasket (200b) is interposed in a compressed state, the second protrusion (123a) and the third inlet (123b) are joined together so that the third gasket (200c) is interposed in a compressed state, and the first inlet (122a) and the third protrusion (122b) are joined together so that the first gasket (200a) is interposed in a compressed state.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) may be inserted into and fixed to the first to third inlet portions (122a, 121b, 123b).

[0114] First to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) are each disposed in the first to third inlet portions (122a, 121b, 123b), and when the second separator plate (100b) is pressed against the first separator plate (100a), the first to third protrusion portions (121a, 123a, 122b) directly press the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c), and pressure is concentrated at the convexly protruding portions, causing the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) to be strongly compressed.

[0115] Since the first to third inlet parts (122a, 121b, 123b) are provided in a limited space, the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) are compressed and fixed, and the first to third protrusions (121a, 123a, 122b) and the first to third inlet parts (122a, 121b, 123b) are firmly joined to improve airtightness, and the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) can be fastened more strongly.

[0116] The first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) may be in a solid form. Conventional gaskets are generally provided by injecting resin into a separator and press injection molding, but problems arise such as the surface of the separator being easily deformed due to injection pressure and burrs being formed on the gasket. However, if a pre-manufactured solid gasket (200a, 200b, 200c) is directly inserted and fixed into the first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b), the manufacturing process is not only easier, but deformation or damage during separator pressing can also be effectively prevented.

[0117] The above gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) may be made of synthetic resin, natural or synthetic rubber, have corrosion resistance, are compressed by a certain force, and are not particularly limited as long as they can form frictional or adhesive force with respect to the first to third inlet parts (122a, 121b, 123b).

[0118] In one embodiment, the first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) can form a gasket line (120).

[0119] The first to third gaskets (200a, 200b, 200c) can form a gasket line (120), for example, a second gasket (200b) can be compressed and fixed between a first protrusion (121a) and a second inlet (121b) to form a first gasket line (124), a first gasket (200a) can be compressed and fixed between a first inlet (122a) and a third protrusion (122b) to form a second gasket line (125), and a third gasket (200c) can be compressed and fixed between a second protrusion (123a) and a third inlet (123b) to form a third gasket line (126).

[0120] In one embodiment, the gasket line (120) can form a triple airtight structure.

[0121] The above gasket lines (120) can have gaskets arranged to improve airtightness, and the first to third gasket lines (124, 125, 125) each exhibit airtightness to form a triple airtight structure, thereby greatly improving the airtightness of the separator structure.

[0122] In one embodiment, the gasket line (120) may be provided along the edge of the separator plate (100a, 100b) and the edge of the manifold (110).

[0123] The above gasket line (120) is formed along the edges of the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) to improve the airtightness of the separator plate assembly (1000), and is provided along the edges of the manifold (110) to guide fluids such as fuel, air, and coolant to move to the reaction surface of the separator plate.

[0124] In one embodiment, the width of the first protrusion (121a), the first inlet (122a), and the second protrusion (123a) can be determined according to the following formulas 1 and 2.

[0125] [Equation 1]

[0126] W3 ≥ W1

[0127] [Equation 2]

[0128] W2 ≤ W3

[0129] In the above equations 1 and 2, W1 is the width of the first protrusion (121a), W2 is the width of the first inlet (122a), and W3 is the width of the second protrusion (123a). Specifically, W3 is the width of the second protrusion (123a) positioned inside the separator plate.

[0130] When the widths of the first protrusion (121a), the first inlet (122a), and the second protrusion (123a) are determined according to the above Equations 1 and 2, the first separator plate (100a) can be manufactured easily and airtightness can be improved.

[0131] For example, if the width of the first inlet (122a) is determined to be 1 mm, the width of the second protrusion (123a) is determined to be 1 mm or more, and the width of the first protrusion (121a) is determined to be 1 mm or less, so that the widths of the first protrusion (121a) and the second protrusion (123a) are determined according to the width of the first inlet (122a), and the width of the second protrusion (123a) provided inside the separator plate (100a) is further increased to further increase the airtightness of the area receiving more pressure from the fluid.

[0132] Specifically, the width of the first inlet (122a) may be approximately 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm (for example, 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, or 4.5 mm).

[0133] The widths of the first protrusion (121a), the first inlet (122a), and the second protrusion (123a) correspond to the widths of the second inlet (121b), the third protrusion (122b), and the third inlet (123b), respectively.

[0134] In one embodiment, the depth of the first protrusion (121a) and the second inlet (121b) can be determined according to the following Equation 3.

[0135] [Equation 3]

[0136] D1 = D2

[0137] In the above Equation 3, D1 is the depth of the first protrusion (121a) and D2 is the depth of the second inlet (121b).

[0138] Since the first protrusion (121a) is inserted into and fixed to the second inlet (121b), the depth can be made equal according to Equation 3, and in this case, even when the first separator plate (100a) is stacked vertically on the second separator plate (100b), the separator plates do not become misaligned with each other.

[0139] In one embodiment, D1 and D2 can be determined in a range of about 0.3 mm to 1 mm (e.g., 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 mm), and within the above range, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced and the manufacturing efficiency of the separator plate (100a, 100b) can be increased.

[0140] The above separator assembly (1000) can be stacked in a vertical direction and can form a stack by stacking a first layer (C1) and a second layer (C2) stacked on top of the first layer. Since the horizontal external force (S) transmitted to the gasket is limited by the bent structure of the first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b), the gasket does not detach or the separator plate does not become misaligned, so stable and repeated stacking is possible.

[0141] Accordingly, a separator plate structure (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can maintain airtightness by forming a plurality of gasket lines (120) along the edges of the separator plates (100a, 100b) and the manifold (110). The gasket lines (120) can improve airtightness between a pair of separator plates (100a, 100b) by compressing and fixing a solid-type gasket (200a, 200b, 200c) disposed between the protrusions (121a, 123a, 122b) and the inlet parts (122a, 121b, 123b) provided on the separator plates (100a, 100b), and can also fundamentally prevent the gasket from being damaged or detached by controlling the horizontal external force (S) applied to the gasket (200a, 200b, 200c). Fluid leakage in the assembly (1000) can be prevented, and defective products caused by misalignment of the separator plates (100a, 100b) during the manufacture of the separator plate assembly (1000) can be prevented.

[0142]

[0143] Another aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell stack (not shown) comprising the separator assembly (1000), wherein the separator assembly (1000) is repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction.

[0144] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell stack including the separator assembly (1000) can be provided, and since the separator assembly (1000) maintains airtightness even when manufactured over a large area and does not cause defects due to damage to the assembly (1000) caused by the detachment of the gasket during separator stacking, it is possible to manufacture a large-area separator assembly (1000), and the capacity of the fuel cell stack can also be greatly increased.

[0145]

[0146] Another aspect of the present invention provides a water electrolysis stack (not shown) comprising the separator assembly (1000), wherein the separator assembly (1000) is repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water electrolysis stack including the separator assembly (1000) can be provided, and a water electrolysis stack with an increased water electrolysis capacity can be provided by expanding the area of ​​the separator.

[0148] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a separator assembly (1000).

[0149] FIG. 7 is a process flowchart of a method for manufacturing a separator assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 7, the method for manufacturing the separator assembly (1000) comprises: (a) preparing a first separator plate having a first protrusion, a first inlet, and a second protrusion; (b) preparing a second separator plate having a second inlet, a third protrusion, and a third inlet; (c) placing a gasket (200b, 200c) on the second and third inlets (123b) and placing a membrane electrode assembly between the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b); and (d) pressing the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) to compress and fix the gasket.

[0151] First, a first separator plate (100a) is prepared having a first protrusion (121a), a first inlet (122a), and a second protrusion (123a) (S100).

[0152] The first separator plate (100a) is made of metal and can be press-formed from stainless steel to form the first protrusion (121a), the first inlet (122a), and the second protrusion (123a).

[0153] A second separator plate (100b) is prepared having a second inlet (121b), a third protrusion (122b) and a third inlet (123b) (S200).

[0154] The second separator plate (100b) is processed to manufacture a second separator plate (100b) equipped with a second inlet (121b), a third protrusion (122b), and a third inlet (123b). The manufacturing process of the second separator plate (100b) may be the same as the manufacturing process of the first separator plate (100a).

[0155] Gaskets are placed in the second and third inlet sections (121b, 123b), and a membrane electrode assembly (300) is placed between the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) (S300).

[0156] At this time, the step of attaching the first gasket (200a) to the first inlet part (122a) of the first separator plate (100a) may be further included.

[0157] Since the first inlet section (122a) has a structure that becomes wider towards the bottom, when the first gasket (200a) is inserted, there is a possibility that it may detach from the first separator plate (100a) due to gravity, and in this case, misalignment may occur due to the first gasket (200a) when the first separator plate (100a) and the second separator plate (100b) are connected.

[0158] When the first gasket (200a) is fixed to the first inlet (122a) with an adhesive, defects or damage to the separator assembly (1000) caused by the detachment of the first gasket (200a) can be effectively prevented.

[0159] The first gasket (200a) may also be provided by being injected together with the first separator plate (100a) during press injection molding.

[0160] The first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b) provide a space for a gasket to be placed, allowing the gasket to be stably placed in the space. The gasket may be a strip-shaped gasket having a closed curved surface in a solid form, and may be inserted into and fixed in the first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b).

[0161] Since gaskets can be inserted and fixed in the first to third inlet sections (122a, 121b, 123b), the manufacturing efficiency of the separator assembly (1000) can be greatly increased.

[0162] In one embodiment, a gasket line (120) can be formed in S300.

[0163] In the above S300, a gasket can be placed and compressed and fixed between the separator plates to form a gasket line (120), and the gasket line (120) can provide airtightness to the separator plate assembly (100).

[0164] The airtightness of the separator structure can be further increased by adjusting the width and depth of the gasket line (120) in the above S300.

[0165] The above gasket line (120) is formed in a triple layer, so that the airtightness of the separator structure (1000) can be greatly improved.

[0166] In one embodiment, the gasket line (120) may be provided along the edges of the separator plates (100a, 100b) and the manifold (110).

[0167] The above gasket line (120) is provided along the edge of the separator plate (100a, 100b) to provide airtightness to the separator plate structure (1000), and is provided along the edge of the manifold (110) to guide the flow of fluid so that fuel, oxygen, and coolant can move to the reaction surface of the separator plate (100a, 100b).

[0168] Accordingly, the method for manufacturing a separator assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by forming protrusions (121a, 123a, 122b) and inlets (122a, 121b, 123b) that correspond to and are fastened to both separator plates (100a, 100b) when manufacturing the separator plates, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of manufacturing the assembly. Furthermore, by arranging a solid-type gasket in the separator plates by simply inserting and fixing it to the inlets (121b, 123b) rather than by press injection molding, a plurality of gasket lines (120) can be formed, thereby providing airtightness to the assembly.

[0169] Not only can the manufacturing process of the separator assembly (1000) be configured simply, but fluid leakage from the separator assembly (1000) due to horizontal movement of the gasket can also be effectively prevented, and stable stacking can be achieved, thereby effectively preventing defects in the separator assembly, so high-quality fuel cells or water electrolysis stacks can be manufactured in large quantities.

[0170]

[0171] The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. A separator assembly in which a membrane electrode assembly is inserted and fixed between a pair of separators including a first and second separator, and A protrusion is provided on the first separator plate, an inlet corresponding to the protrusion is formed on the second separator plate, and the protrusion and the inlet are connected to each other. Separator assembly.

2. A separator assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion and the inlet are connected to each other to form a gasket line.

3. In paragraph 2, the gasket line is a separator assembly in which a gasket is placed.

4. A separator assembly according to paragraph 2, wherein the gasket line is provided along the edge of the separator and the edge of the manifold.

5. A first separator plate having a first protrusion and a second protrusion at one end, and a first inlet between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; A second separator plate having a second inlet corresponding to the first protrusion, a third inlet corresponding to the second protrusion, and a third protrusion between the second inlet and the third inlet; A first gasket disposed in the first inlet section above; A second gasket disposed in the second inlet section above; A third gasket disposed in the third inlet section above; and A membrane electrode assembly interposed between the first separator and the second separator; comprising Separator assembly.

6. In paragraph 5, the first protrusion and the second inlet are connected to each other, and the second gasket is interposed in a compressed state, and The second protrusion and the third inlet are connected to each other, and the third gasket is interposed in a compressed state. A separator assembly in which the first inlet and the third protrusion are connected to each other, and the first gasket is interposed in a compressed state.

7. A separator assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first to third gaskets are inserted into and fixed to the first to third inlet portions.

8. A separator assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first to third gaskets form a gasket line in which gaskets are arranged along the first to third inlet sections.

9. A separator assembly according to claim 8, wherein the gasket line forms a triple airtight structure.

10. A separator assembly according to claim 8, wherein the gasket line is provided along the edge of the separator and the manifold.

11. A separator assembly according to claim 5, wherein the widths of the first protrusion, the first inlet, and the second protrusion are determined according to the following formulas 1 and 2: [Equation 1] W3 ≥ W1 [Equation 2] W2 > W3 In the above equations 1 and 2, W1 is the width of the first protrusion, W2 is the width of the first inlet, and W3 is the width of the second protrusion.

12. A separator assembly according to claim 5, wherein the depth of the first protrusion and the second inlet is determined according to the following Equation 3: [Equation 3] D1 = D2 In the above Equation 3, D1 is the depth of the first protrusion and D2 is the depth of the second inlet.

13. Including a separator assembly according to any one of paragraphs 5 through 12, The above separator assembly is repeatedly stacked in the vertical direction, Fuel cell stack.

14. Including a separator assembly according to any one of paragraphs 5 through 12, The above separator assembly is repeatedly stacked in the vertical direction, Electrolysis stack. 15.(a) A step of preparing a first separator plate having a first protrusion, a first inlet, and a second protrusion; (b) a step of preparing a second separator plate equipped with a second inlet, a third protrusion, and a third inlet; (c) a step of placing a gasket in the second and third inlet sections and placing a membrane electrode assembly between the first separator and the second separator; and (d) a step of compressing and fixing the gasket by connecting the first and second separator plates; comprising Method for manufacturing a separator assembly.

16. A method for manufacturing a separator assembly according to claim 15, further comprising the step of attaching a gasket line to the first inlet portion in (c) above.

17. A method for manufacturing a separator assembly, wherein, in paragraph 15, a gasket line is formed in (c) above.

18. A method for manufacturing a separator assembly according to claim 15, wherein the gasket line is provided along the separator edge and the manifold edge.

Images