Electrochemical Cell Separator Layout for Low Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators in electrochemical cells face challenges in effectively reducing pressure loss and preventing gas accumulation, which can lead to side reactions and deterioration of the electrolyte membrane.
Innovation Solution
The separator incorporates a serpentine flow channel design with alternating straight and turnaround areas, featuring a different flow channel pattern in the second half to reduce gas accumulation, and includes junction grooves or blocked grooves to alter fluid flow dynamics, thereby minimizing pressure loss and side reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a serpentine flow channel is used, then pressure loss is reduced, but gas accumulation occurs in turnaround areas
Solution Approach 1:
The serpentine flow channel is divided into multiple straight channels and turnaround areas. By segmenting the flow path and creating alternating straight and turnaround sections, the design maintains efficient fluid flow while preventing gas accumulation in specific zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flow channel have different characteristics. The straight channels are designed for efficient fluid flow to reduce pressure loss, while the turnaround areas are specifically configured with different patterns to prevent gas accumulation, giving each local region its optimal function.
2Productivity
If turnaround areas are included in both halves of the flow channel, then fluid flow is maintained, but gas accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel pattern in the second half is made asymmetric compared to the first half. By configuring the turnaround areas differently in each half, the design maintains necessary fluid flow while creating regions that are less prone to gas accumulation, breaking the symmetry that would otherwise cause uniform gas trapping.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If junction grooves are added to connect flow channels, then gas accumulation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Junction grooves are introduced to merge or connect adjacent flow channels at strategic locations. This combining of flow paths allows gas to escape from one channel to another, reducing gas accumulation while integrating the solution into the existing serpentine structure rather than adding completely separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A separator according to an embodiment includes a first flow channel comprising flow-channel grooves and connecting a first location and a second location. The first flow channel has a serpentine flow channel shape. The midpoint in a length direction of the first flow channel is defined as the boundary. A range from the boundary to the first location side is defined as the first half. A range from the boundary to the second location side is defined as the second half. A turnaround area is included in the first half of the first flow channel. A turnaround area is included in the second half of the first flow channel that has a flow channel pattern different from that in the first half of the first flow channel.