Fuel Cell Flow Field Plate Pressure Variation Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fuel cell flow field designs experience non-uniform seal contact pressure distributions, leading to high pressure variations, particularly in areas with small curvatures, which can result in inefficient energy production and potential mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a fuel cell flow field plate design featuring metal beads with integrated pressure distributing structures, such as embossments and auxiliary beads or openings, to ensure uniform contact pressure along the seal path, reducing pressure variations and matching pressure across the bead area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If double bead design is used with small curvature, then seal contact pressure is increased, but pressure variation becomes excessive and non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal contact pressureVSAvoidpressure distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces pressure distributing structures (auxiliary beads or openings) specifically at locations where pressure concentration occurs, making the pressure distribution characteristics location-dependent. The auxiliary beads or openings are strategically positioned to address local pressure issues without altering the overall bead design, thereby achieving uniform pressure distribution while maintaining high seal contact pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the pressure distribution by changing geometric parameters - either by adding auxiliary beads with specific dimensions or by creating openings of controlled size and position. These parameter changes allow the system to transition from non-uniform pressure distribution to uniform pressure distribution while maintaining the necessary seal contact pressure levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If larger radius or increased bead base is used, then high pressure spot is reduced, but seal contact pressure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebead contact pressure uniformityVSAvoidseal contact pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pressure distribution function by introducing auxiliary beads or openings that work in conjunction with the main beads. Instead of modifying the main bead geometry (which would reduce overall pressure), the auxiliary structures are added as separate elements to specifically address pressure uniformity, thereby maintaining high seal contact pressure while reducing pressure spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary beads or openings act as intermediary structures that mediate between the main beads and the seal surface. They distribute the concentrated pressure from the main beads to surrounding areas, serving as a pressure redistribution mechanism that maintains overall high contact pressure while eliminating local pressure spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10211473B2Reduction of pressure variation with stamped embossment at bead neighbors

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A fuel cell flow field plate providing a uniform gas flow pressure includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate. The first metal plate defines a first opening for providing a first reactant gas to a fuel cell with a first metal bead that surrounds the first opening. The first metal bead is an embossment in the second metal plate that defines a first channel. The first metal plate also defines a first pressure distributing structure that decreases pressure variation is a seal formed with the first metal bead. A second metal plate aligns with the first metal plate.