Cell Frame Sealing Structure for High-Pressure Electrochemical Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical systems face challenges in maintaining fluid-tightness and sealing efficiency under high operating pressures, leading to potential leaks and pressure loss due to deformation of elastomeric seals and large space requirements for sealing structures.
Innovation Solution
A cell frame with a metallic support element connected to an elastomeric connecting section, providing stability to the fluid guide structure and reducing deformation under high pressure, while allowing the use of less corrosion-resistant materials for the outer region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric seals are used to seal the flow field and through-openings in conventional separator plates, then sealing effect is achieved, but the seals deform under high operating pressures (up to 40 bar) leading to leaks and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining an elastomeric seal with a metallic reinforcing element. The elastomeric material provides sealing compliance and adaptation to surface irregularities, while the metallic element provides structural strength to resist high operating pressures up to 40 bar without deformation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between needing soft sealing material and resistance to high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic reinforcing element is strategically positioned only in the force connection path where high pressure acts on the seal, while the elastomeric material remains in contact with the sealing surfaces. This localized reinforcement provides pressure resistance exactly where needed without compromising the sealing properties of the elastomeric material.
2Reliability
If elastomeric seals are molded onto metallic layers of separator plates, then sealing effect is improved, but the separator plate including elastomer seal and metallic layer must be replaced during repair or maintenance at great expense
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separable components: the elastomeric seal and the metallic reinforcing element. The metallic element can be retained on the separator plate while the elastomeric seal is removed and replaced independently. This segmentation allows maintenance of only the consumable sealing element rather than replacing the entire separator plate assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal is designed as a replaceable, lower-cost component that can be independently replaced without replacing the expensive metallic separator plate. This allows the use of cheaper, potentially single-use sealing elements while retaining the durable metallic structure.
3Temperature
If double-layered separator plates are used in electrolyzers, then cooling fluid can flow between layers, but additional cooling is not necessary and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic reinforcing element is added only in specific locations where structural strength is needed to support the seal under pressure, rather than making the entire separator plate double-layered or more complex. This localized approach provides necessary mechanical support without unnecessary cooling channels or additional layers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances sealing reliability and reduces leakage risks, enabling higher differential pressures and larger fluid passage cross-sections, with easier maintenance and reuse of bipolar plates by eliminating the need for elastomer seals on the bipolar plate.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid guide structure (34) having a metallic support element (70), which is connected to the outer region (60) via at least one elastomeric connecting section (80)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cell frame for an electrochemical system, comprising an outer region that defines at least one through-opening and a flow field, and a fluid guide structure disposed between the through-opening and the flow field, the fluid guide structure configured to guide a fluid from the through-opening to the flow field or vice versa, wherein the fluid guide structure has a metallic support element, which is connected to the outer region of the cell frame via at least one elastomeric connecting section.