Fuel Cell Separator Ridge Member for Coolant Channel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell stacks, the coolant flow is constrained by the shape of the reactant gas flow fields, leading to inadequate cooling and compromised sealing characteristics due to deformation under tightening loads, especially in internal manifold type fuel cells.
Innovation Solution
The integration of ridge members on metal separators to form connection channels between coolant passages and flow fields, along with seal members to prevent leakage, allows for smooth coolant flow and maintains sealing integrity regardless of reactant gas flow field shapes, even under applied loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thin metal plates with corrugated surfaces are used for separators to reduce fabrication cost and size, then manufacturing cost and device size are reduced, but the coolant flow field shape is constrained by the reactant gas flow field shape and coolant cannot flow suitably
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into multiple plates (first plate 3a and second plate 3b) stacked together. The coolant flow field is formed between these separated plates, allowing independent design of reactant gas flow fields on the separator surfaces and coolant flow field in the inter-plate space. This segmentation resolves the constraint where coolant flow shape was previously limited by reactant gas flow field shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant flow field is moved from a two-dimensional surface pattern to a three-dimensional space between stacked plates. By forming the coolant flow field in the gap between the first plate 3a and second plate 3b, the design gains an additional dimensional degree of freedom, allowing the coolant flow path to be optimized independently from the reactant gas flow paths on the separator surfaces.
2Volume of moving object
If thin metal plates are used for separators, then device size is reduced, but the plates deform easily under tightening load and sealing characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thin metal plates (first plate 3a and second plate 3b) are merged by stacking them together to form a composite separator structure. This combination maintains the thin-profile advantage while the stacked configuration provides mutual support, significantly improving resistance to deformation under tightening loads compared to a single thin plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator is constructed as a composite structure using multiple metal plates stacked together. This composite configuration combines the advantages of thin plates (small size, low cost) with the structural integrity of a multi-layer assembly, where the stacked plates reinforce each other to resist deformation under operational loads.
3Ease of operation
If cooling water chamber is formed between stacked plates with openings, then coolant flow path is created, but the opening causes plate deformation and sealing characteristics to lower
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling water chamber formation process is segmented into multiple steps: first forming the chamber space between plates, then separately forming openings in each plate, and finally adding seal members to prevent water leakage. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Seal members are introduced as intermediary elements between the cooling water chamber and the openings in the plates. These seal members prevent water leakage through the openings while allowing the plates to maintain their thin, flexible structure for easy coolant supply. The seal members mediate between the need for openings (coolant access) and the need for sealing (preventing leakage).
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 configuration ensures effective cooling and reliable sealing by allowing coolant to flow smoothly between passages and flow fields, maintaining power generation performance and preventing leakage, even when the fuel cell is subjected to tightening loads.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flow field for supplying a coolant is formed between metal separators of adjacent power generation cells
Implementation Method 2
The hydrogen ions move toward the cathode through the electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 3
The catalyst of the anode induces a chemical reaction of the fuel gas to split the hydrogen molecule into hydrogen ions and electrons
Implementation Method 4
the electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode, creating a DC electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. Ridge members are formed integrally on the second metal separator, and these ridge members contact a first seal member of the first metal separator under pressure to form an inlet connection channel and an outlet connection channel. The coolant supply passage and the coolant flow field are connected through the inlet connection channel and the coolant discharge passage and the coolant flow field are connected through the outlet connection channel.