Flat Fuel Cell Assembly with Gas Barrier Layer and Air Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell water management techniques are inefficient, leading to increased costs, complexity, and reduced output due to issues like blockage of micro-pores and inadequate air permeability, which hinder continuous reaction and power generation.
Innovation Solution
A flat fuel cell assembly incorporating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector, a gas barrier material layer, a case, and an air baffle, with a gas barrier material layer having controlled openings to manage water evaporation and recycle water from the cathode to the anode, utilizing a hydrophobic porous material layer and an air fan for air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a hydrophobic material layer with micro-pores is disposed at the external side of the cathode to enable water permeation, then water can be recycled from cathode to anode, but the micro-pores become blocked by water or air cannot enter smoothly, reducing output power
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the water management function into separate components: the gas barrier material layer with controlled openings handles water evaporation control, while the air channel with air baffles handles air flow distribution. This segmentation prevents micro-pore blockage by using larger openings that don't clog, while still achieving water recycling through controlled evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas barrier material layer is positioned specifically between the cathode and case, creating a localized water management zone. The air baffles are strategically placed within the air channel to create specific flow patterns. This local quality approach allows different regions to perform specialized functions: water control in one area, air flow management in another.
2Loss of substance
If additional devices such as pump, heat sink, and fan are used to remove water generated in the fuel cell, then water can be effectively removed, but the cost increases and the volume of the whole assembly enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the fuel cell to manage its own water through passive mechanisms. The gas barrier material layer with controlled openings allows water to evaporate and be removed naturally, while the air channel provides the necessary air flow path. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external pumps or heat sinks, reducing both cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces active mechanical water removal systems (pumps, heat sinks) with a passive physical structure: the gas barrier material layer with controlled openings and the air channel system. This substitution uses natural evaporation and air flow rather than mechanical forcing, significantly simplifying the assembly while maintaining effective water removal.
3Loss of substance
If the gas barrier material layer has controlled openings, then water evaporation is managed and air permeability is maintained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies a controlled opening ratio range (0.5%-21%) for the gas barrier material layer, providing a flexible parameter range that balances water evaporation control and air permeability. This parameter-based approach allows manufacturers to achieve functional requirements within a range rather than requiring exact precision, making manufacturing more feasible.
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 effectively recycles water from the cathode to the anode, enhancing energy conversion efficiency, simplifying manufacturing, and maintaining air permeability, thus improving fuel cell performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gas barrier material layer having controlled openings to manage water evaporation
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a hydrophobic porous material layer
Implementation Method 3
an air channel is located between the gas barrier material layer and the case... maintaining air permeability
Data Source
AI summary
A flat fuel cell assembly including a MEA, a cathode porous current collector, an anode porous current collector, a gas barrier material layer, a case, and at least one air baffle is provided. The cathode porous current collector and the anode porous current collector are disposed at two opposite sides of the MEA. The gas barrier material layer is disposed at a side of the cathode porous current collector and has at least one opening for exposing a surface of the cathode porous current collector. The case is disposed at a side of the MEA, the gas barrier material layer is disposed between the case and the MEA, and an air channel is located between the gas barrier material layer and the case. Additionally, the air baffle disposed within the air channel.