Fuel Cell Resin Frame Buffer for Uniform Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell designs face challenges in ensuring uniform and smooth flow of reactant gases through reactant gas channels due to the narrow openings of the internal manifolds, which can lead to inefficiencies in gas distribution and power generation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resin frame member with buffer portions on either side of the membrane electrode assembly, connected to the reactant gas channels, facilitates uniform gas flow by providing independent buffer zones that guide the gases smoothly through the channels, enhancing the flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the opening width of the reactant gas inlet manifold and outlet manifold is made smaller, then the structure becomes more compact, but the gas flow uniformity and smoothness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the manifold opening and the reactant gas channel. This buffer portion has a width that is larger than the manifold opening width, creating a transition zone that allows gas to expand and distribute uniformly before entering the channel, thus resolving the contradiction between compact structure and flow uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer portion extends in the width dimension beyond the manifold opening, creating a two-dimensional transition area. This dimensional expansion allows the gas flow to redistribute across the channel width, improving flow uniformity without increasing the overall manifold opening size
2Ease of operation
If the buffer portion is made independent on both surfaces of the resin frame member, then the gas flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer portions on both surfaces of the resin frame member are merged into a single integral structure. The resin frame member is formed as one piece with buffer portions protruding from both surfaces, which simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the dual-sided flow control functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, and a second separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a resin frame member, and an electrolyte membrane. The resin frame member includes a first surface, a second surface, a first buffer portion, and a second buffer portion. The first buffer portion is provided on the first surface of the resin frame member. The second buffer portion is provided on the second surface of the resin frame member. The second buffer portion is independent from the first buffer portion.