Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Layer Sealing via Porosity Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cells, the extension of gas diffusion layers into the manifold region with resin impregnation can lead to deteriorated gas sealing properties and reduced electric power generation efficiency due to potential resin penetration into the electric power generation region, and the multilayer laminated structure increases the cell thickness and component count.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design where at least one gas diffusion member extends into the manifold region and is hermetically sealed with liquid resin, with boundary porosity between the electric power generation and manifold regions being smaller than the manifold region, preventing resin penetration and maintaining gas diffusion surface area, and using porous metal passage layers for improved mechanical strength and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple layers (adhesive layers, spacer layers, impregnated portions) are added to seal the manifold opening and prevent gas diffusion layer biting, then sealing reliability is improved, but the number of components increases and cell thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas diffusion layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the gas diffusion medium and the sealing structure for the manifold opening. By extending the gas diffusion layer into the manifold region and reducing its porosity at the periphery, the sealing function is integrated into the gas diffusion layer itself, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers, spacer layers, and impregnated portions, thereby reducing the total number of components and cell thickness.
2Reliability
If multiple layers (adhesive layers, spacer layers, impregnated portions) are added to seal the manifold opening and prevent gas diffusion layer biting, then sealing reliability is improved, but cell thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas diffusion layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the gas diffusion medium and the sealing structure for the manifold opening. By extending the gas diffusion layer into the manifold region and reducing its porosity at the periphery, the sealing function is integrated into the gas diffusion layer itself, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers, spacer layers, and impregnated portions, thereby reducing the total number of components and cell thickness.
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 the number of components, enhances gas sealing properties, and improves electric power generation efficiency by preventing gas leaks and short-circuits while maintaining a thinner cell structure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first gas diffusion member and the second gas diffusion member extends to the manifold region and is hermetically sealed by impregnation with a liquid resin
Implementation Method 2
a first gas diffusion member that supplies a fuel gas to the fuel electrode, a second gas diffusion member that supplies an oxidizing gas to the air electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A cell for a fuel cell, having an electric power generation region in which an assembly 12 and first and second gas diffusion layers 14 are laminated to enable electric power generation, and a manifold region which is formed at the periphery of the electric power generation region and in which manifold openings 18 are formed to allow the passage of a gas or the like, wherein one of the first and second gas diffusion layers 14 extends to the manifold region, and a peripheral edge portion 14c is hermetically sealed by impregnation with a liquid resin that is used for forming a gasket 16 around the periphery of the manifold opening 18. The porosity of a boundary portion 14b of the first and second gas diffusion layers 14 is smaller than the porosity of the electric power generation region 14a and the peripheral edge portion 14c.