Fuel Cell Fluid Guiding Assembly with Porous Distributors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell technology faces challenges in achieving thinner, more compact, and cost-effective designs due to limitations in stamping technology for metallic plates and compression/moulding for graphite plates, which restricts volume power density and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid guiding assembly with a channel structure and gas diffusion layer, featuring porous distributors at both ends that extend over the entire width, allowing for a significant reduction in thickness while maintaining performance and reducing production costs, achieved through a manufacturing method that permanently connects the channel structure, distributors, and gas diffusion layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional stamping technology for metallic plates or compression/moulding for graphite plates is used, then flow field channels can be formed, but the thickness of the fuel cell increases and volume power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow field channel structure with the gas distribution function by integrating porous distributors at both ends of the channel structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate thick distribution layers, thereby reducing overall fuel cell thickness while maintaining effective gas distribution, which directly improves volume power density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar flow field designs to a three-dimensional integrated structure where porous distributors extend through the thickness of the assembly. This dimensional integration allows for more efficient space utilization and reduces the overall thickness required for effective gas distribution, thereby increasing volume power density.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional flow field structures are used, then gas distribution is achieved, but the design becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow field structure into distinct functional segments: the channel structure for gas flow and the porous distributors for gas distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled together, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous distributors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they distribute gas evenly across the flow field channels, provide structural support, and facilitate water removal. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
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
This design reduces fuel cell thickness by almost 50%, enhances gas diffusion and heat transfer rates, and lowers production costs, resulting in a more compact and efficient fuel cell assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the gas diffusion and the heat transfer rate of the fluid guiding assembly is increased significantly
Implementation Method 2
the gas diffusion and the heat transfer rate of the fluid guiding assembly is increased significantly
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~6
Figure 7A~7H
AI summary
A fluid guiding assembly for fuel cells, comprising a channel structure (720) and a gas diffusion layer (5) arranged on the channel structure (720), the channel structure (720) defining flow field channels (72) extending from a first end of the channel structure (720) to an opposite second end, wherein a porous distributor (73) is arranged at both ends of the channel structure (720), extending over the entire width of the channel structure (720).