Fuel Cell Separator Reinforcing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell separators with concavo-convex structures, pressure differences between fluid flow paths can cause deformation, leading to contact failure and reduced power or cooling efficiency due to shortcut fluid flows.
Innovation Solution
A gas separator with a concavo-convex structure featuring regular projections and reinforcing elements that enhance rigidity near the projections, preventing deformation and maintaining fluid flow paths, while avoiding interference with the fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a separator has a concavo-convex structure to define flow paths, then fluid flow paths are defined and supported, but pressure differences cause deformation leading to contact failure and increased contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The separator surface is divided into multiple convex structures that are segmented and distributed across the surface. Each convex structure independently defines flow paths and provides localized support, preventing overall deformation while maintaining contact stability with adjacent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator features convex structures with specific geometric properties (height, width, spacing) that are optimized for local flow path definition and mechanical support. These localized convex features provide rigidity where needed while maintaining fluid flow channels, resolving the contradiction between shape definition and deformation resistance.
2Shape
If a convex structure is formed on the separator to part the flow path, then flow direction is controlled, but deformation causes fluid to go over the convex and create shortcut flow
Solution Approach 1:
The convex structures are pre-formed on the separator surface with specific heights and geometries that are sufficient to prevent deformation under operating pressure differences. This preliminary structural reinforcement ensures that the flow path partitioning function is maintained without deformation-induced shortcut flow, preserving fluid flow efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the separator structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but rigidity is reduced leading to deformation under pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The separator employs convex structures with curved surfaces instead of flat or complex geometric forms. These curved convex features are formed through simple molding or pressing processes, making manufacturing easy, while the curved geometry inherently provides structural rigidity to resist deformation under pressure differences, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A separator has a concavo-convex structure formed in mutually reversed shapes on two opposite sides thereof to define flow paths of different fluids on the respective two sides. The concavo-convex structure includes multiple first projections formed and protruded on one side of the two opposite sides and arranged at intervals having a preset regularity. The concavo-convex structure also includes multiple second projections formed and protruded on the other side of the two opposite sides in a specific area corresponding to an area for formation of the multiple first projections on the one side and arranged at intervals having a preset regularity. The concavo-convex structure further includes reinforcing elements protruded on the one side. Each of the reinforcing elements is formed as a convex in a specific shape of connecting multiple positions where the first projections are expected to be formed according to the preset regularity, while avoiding positions corresponding to the second projections formed on the other side. This arrangement effectively prevents a potential trouble caused by deformation of the separator due to a pressure difference between the flow pressures of the respective fluids flowing on the respective sides of the separator.