Current Collector Flow Path Layout for Uniform Gas Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cell stacks face challenges in achieving uniform gas supply and current collection in the effective electrolysis region, leading to reduced performance due to excessive expansion of flow paths affecting contact area.
Innovation Solution
A current collector with a flow path structure that includes first and second flow paths perpendicular to the stacking direction, ensuring uniform gas supply and current collection by diffusing and merging gases in the effective electrolysis region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If flow paths are expanded to supply gas uniformly, then gas distribution is improved, but contact area between effective electrolysis region and surrounding members decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple first flow paths extending in a first direction and second flow paths extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This segmentation allows gas to be supplied through multiple distributed channels, achieving uniform gas distribution across the effective electrolysis region without requiring excessive expansion of any single flow path, thereby maintaining adequate contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path structure transitions from a single-direction linear arrangement to a two-dimensional grid-like configuration with first flow paths in one direction and second flow paths in a perpendicular direction. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive gas distribution across the effective electrolysis region while optimizing the use of available space, preventing excessive expansion that would reduce contact area.
2Device complexity
If flow path structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but gas distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into first flow paths and second flow paths that are perpendicular to each other. This segmentation creates a systematic grid structure that achieves uniform gas distribution through a relatively simple and manufacturable design, avoiding the need for complex curved or irregular flow path configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first flow paths and second flow paths are arranged to create a homogeneous distribution pattern across the effective electrolysis region. The perpendicular arrangement ensures that gas is distributed uniformly through both directional components, achieving consistent gas supply without requiring complex variable geometry or adaptive structures.
3Reliability
If contact area is increased, then current collection is improved, but flow path effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into first and second perpendicular flow paths that work together to distribute gas efficiently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adequate contact area for current collection while ensuring that the flow path structure remains effective for gas supply through its multi-directional configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing flow paths in two perpendicular directions rather than a single direction, the system optimizes both gas supply effectiveness and current collection. The two-dimensional arrangement ensures comprehensive gas distribution while maintaining sufficient contact area between the effective electrolysis region and surrounding members for efficient current collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A current collector includes a flow path connecting a gas supply end portion and a gas discharge end portion, the gas supply end portion being in the metal member for supplying gas to the electrochemical cell, and the gas discharge end portion being in the metal member for discharging the gas from the electrochemical cell. The flow path includes: first flow paths through which the gas flows from the gas supply end portion to the gas discharge end portion in a first direction of a longitudinal direction of each first flow path, the first flow paths being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to a stacking direction and different from the first direction; and a second flow path between the gas supply end portion and the first flow paths, the second flow path being capable of supplying the gas from the gas supply end portion to the first flow paths.