Fuel Cell Separator With Corrugated Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell separators face challenges in ensuring good dispersion of fluids through flow paths, especially at inlet and outlet positions, due to restricted flow directions caused by serpentine flow paths, leading to increased component parts, weight, size, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell separator with a corrugated cross-sectional shape featuring linear and turned areas, where the second grooves have shallower portions to form connection flow paths between adjacent first and second fluid flow paths, allowing for interconnected serpentine flow paths and balanced distribution of fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serpentine flow paths are provided for the second fluid, then fluid distribution efficiency is improved, but the flow direction of the first fluid is restricted and dispersion at inlet/outlet positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple linear areas and turned areas, with each region having distinct flow path configurations. The turned areas specifically enable independent flow direction control for the first fluid while maintaining serpentine paths for the second fluid in linear areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding turned areas that extend beyond the simple linear serpentine pattern. This allows the first fluid flow paths to change direction independently in the turned areas, adding flow direction control in a new dimension without disrupting the serpentine structure for the second fluid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional parts are added to increase degree of freedom for flow directions, then flow path flexibility is improved, but component parts, weight, size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flow path control functions for both fluids into a single integrated separator structure. The turned areas simultaneously define flow paths for both the first and second fluids, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The turned areas serve multiple functions: they guide the first fluid in specific directions, connect linear areas, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functionality allows the separator to achieve flow direction freedom without requiring dedicated components for each function.
3Quantity of substance
If serpentine flow paths are used for the second fluid, then fluid distribution is improved, but dispersion of the first fluid at inlet and outlet positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the separator are given different qualities and functions: linear areas optimize for serpentine flow and uniform distribution, while turned areas are specifically designed to enhance flow direction control and dispersion quality for the first fluid at critical inlet and outlet positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A separator includes a first flow path-forming portion and second flow path-forming portions. The first portion has a corrugated shape including a first groove to form a flow path for a first fluid on a first surface and a second groove to form a flow path for a second fluid on a second surface, which are arranged alternately. The first portion includes at least three linear areas, and plural turned areas, each including a plurality of the first and the second grooves to connect between corresponding grooves in adjacent linear areas, and thereby forms serpentine flow paths for the second fluid. Each of the second portions forms a connection flow path to connect between the flow paths for the first fluid on the first surface and forms a connection flow path to connect between the flow paths for the second fluid on the second surface.