Fuel Cell Separation Plate with Cycloid Rib Channel Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell stack separation plates are inefficient in distributing and discharging variable amounts of water, leading to performance deterioration under different operation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A separation plate with channel elements protruding from one surface to the other, featuring varying rib heights and cycloid curved surfaces, allowing for optimized gas and liquid flow directions and minimizing interference, with inlet and outlet ports designed to enhance flow path separation and liquid discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional two-dimensional channels or intersecting three-dimensional solid shapes are used for gas and water flow, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency of distributing and discharging variable amounts of water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional channels to three-dimensional channel elements with varying rib heights. The channel elements extend in the thickness direction of the separation plate, creating vertical flow paths that enable more efficient water discharge. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous gas flow through the plate and vertical water discharge through the channel elements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and discharge efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib heights within the channel elements vary dynamically along the flow direction, with different sections having different heights to optimize flow distribution. This dynamic height variation allows the channels to adapt to varying water production rates under different operating conditions, improving water discharge efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If gas and liquid flows travel in the same direction through conventional channels, then the channel structure is simple, but mutual interference between gas flow and liquid flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow paths by creating distinct channels for gas and liquid flows within the channel elements. The varying rib heights create separate flow zones where gas flows through the plate while liquid flows vertically through the channel elements. This segmentation eliminates mutual interference between gas and liquid flows while maintaining ease of operation through unified channel element structures.
3Speed
If conventional channel structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but liquid discharge speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The varying rib heights create dynamic flow paths that accelerate liquid discharge. The changing cross-sectional area along the flow direction creates pressure gradients that enhance discharge speed. While the internal geometry is complex, the channel elements can be manufactured as integrated components using techniques like injection molding or additive manufacturing, balancing manufacturing feasibility with improved discharge performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a separation plate, a manufacturing method therefor, and a fuel cell stack comprising the same, and according to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a separation plate having: a first surface and a second surface in a direction opposite to that of the first surface; a plurality of channel elements protruding from the second surface toward the first surface, wherein each of the channel elements is arranged to have an inlet port and an outlet port along the flowing direction of a fluid flowing on the first surface; and a rib having a height varying along the circumferential direction of a virtual axis connecting the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein at least a partial region of an outer surface of the rib is formed into a cycloid curved surface along the circumferential direction of the virtual axis.