Fuel Cell Separator Assembly for Manifold Seal Pressure Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The fuel cell stack experiences a surface pressure weakening point between the inner and outer airtight lines, leading to increased leakage of cooling water, which compromises the airtight performance around the manifolds.
Innovation Solution
A separator assembly is designed with a support mechanism, such as a connection airtight line or forming protrusion, to strengthen the surface pressure at the weakening point between the inner and outer airtight lines, ensuring a uniform and enhanced airtight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separator assembly is formed with multiple airtight lines (inner and outer) to ensure sealing, then airtight performance is improved, but surface pressure weakening occurs at the region between the airtight lines leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a support structure specifically at the vulnerable region between the inner and outer airtight lines, rather than uniformly throughout the separator assembly. This localized support strengthens the surface pressure at the critical leakage point while maintaining the overall airtight sealing function of both airtight lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed in advance to prevent surface pressure weakening before leakage can occur. By positioning the support between the airtight lines beforehand, the patent creates a cushioning effect that maintains uniform surface pressure distribution and prevents the harmful pressure weakening that would otherwise lead to cooling water leakage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the separator assembly uses a simple flat structure for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing is simplified, but surface pressure distribution becomes uneven causing leakage at weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The separator assembly is segmented into functional regions: the inner airtight line, the outer airtight line, and the support structure positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the airtight lines provide sealing while the support maintains surface pressure uniformity, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and pressure distribution precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer airtight lines. It mediates the surface pressure distribution in the region between the airtight lines, ensuring uniform pressure without complicating the manufacturing of the airtight lines themselves. This intermediary support resolves the contradiction by decoupling the sealing function from the pressure distribution function.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a separator assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack including the same that are capable of strengthening a surface pressure of a surface pressure weakening point formed between an inner airtight line and an outer airtight line. A separator assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that a pair of separators are bonded together and are stacked on each other while facing each other with a sub-gasket that surrounds and supports a membrane electrode assembly therebetween, and includes a first separator, and a second separator having a cooling airtight line, an inner airtight line, and an outer airtight line, wherein at least one support forming a surface pressure is provided in a region between the inner airtight line and the outer airtight line of the second separator.