3D Dimpled Separator Plate for Uniform Electrochemical Cell Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cell units face issues with suboptimal fluid distribution and power density due to non-uniform fluid flow and the need for expensive manufacturing techniques, leading to potential channel blockages and reduced electrical performance.
Innovation Solution
A separator plate with a selectively shaped three-dimensional region featuring dimpled protrusions that vary in height to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate channels and allowing even distribution across the electrochemically active cell region, thereby improving power density and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separator plates with flow distributors are used, then electrochemical cell performance is maintained, but bacterial growth occurs in stagnant regions and clogging of flow distributors happens
Solution Approach 1:
The separator plate is designed with a porous structure containing numerous pores that allow fluid flow throughout the plate. This porous configuration eliminates stagnant regions where bacteria could grow, while still maintaining flow distribution functionality. The porous structure allows continuous fluid movement through the entire separator plate, preventing the harmful effects of stagnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator plate is divided into multiple flow channels formed by ridges and grooves, creating segmented flow paths. This segmentation ensures that fluid flows through multiple distinct pathways rather than concentrated regions, distributing flow evenly and preventing stagnation in any single area, thereby reducing bacterial growth risk.
2Ease of operation
If separator plates with flow distributors are used, then fluid flow is distributed, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the separator plate and flow distributor functions into a single integrated component. The separator plate itself incorporates flow distribution features through its porous structure and surface geometry (ridges and grooves), eliminating the need for separate flow distributor components. This integration maintains effective fluid distribution while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it separates electrodes, distributes fluid flow, and prevents bacterial growth through its porous structure. By making the separator plate multi-functional, the design eliminates the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Strength
If traditional separator plates are used, then electrode separation is achieved, but mass transport limitations occur due to stagnant regions
Solution Approach 1:
The porous structure of the separator plate enables continuous fluid flow through the plate thickness, eliminating stagnant regions that limit mass transport. The interconnected pores allow reactants and products to move freely, enhancing mass transport efficiency while the plate maintains its electrode separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distribution is extended from a two-dimensional surface pattern to a three-dimensional porous network throughout the separator plate thickness. This dimensional extension ensures fluid flows through the entire volume of the separator, not just along the surfaces, thereby eliminating stagnant regions and improving mass transport in the through-plane direction.
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
The solution enhances fluid distribution and power density by optimizing fluid flow without channels, reducing the risk of blockages, and enabling efficient operation of electrochemical cell units.
Implementation Method 1
a porous separator plate is provided in an electrochemical cell unit
Implementation Method 2
Electrochemical cell units are the basic building blocks of electrochemical energy storage systems such as redox flow batteries
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
An electrochemical cell unit (400) and stack comprising a separator plate (410) overlying a cell layer (405). The separator plate (410) has a selectively shaped three dimensional (3D) region that overlies at least part of an electrochemically active cell region (307). In that three dimensional (3D) region the separator plate (410) has been deformed into a first plurality of outwardly extending dimpled protrusions (430, 433) that define the height of a first fluid volume (415) on a first side of the separator plate (410), and a second plurality of outwardly extending dimpled protrusions (435, 438) that define the height of a second fluid volume on a second side of the separator plate (410). A mid-plane region (443) is disposed between the protrusions (430, 433, 435) and the mid-plane region (443) is so shaped as selectively to vary its height in at least one direction across the active cell region (307) such that the interrelated respective heights of the first (415) and second fluid volumes are correspondingly increased and decreased as a result.