Fuel Cell Separating Plate with Stepped Coolant Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stamping-molded metal separating plates in fuel cell systems face challenges in uniformly supplying cooling water, leading to non-uniform temperature control and reduced performance and durability due to diffusion resistance and uneven cooling.
Innovation Solution
The design features a separating plate with stepped channel structures on both plates to facilitate uniform cooling water distribution and reduced diffusion resistance, allowing for improved gas flow and heat recovery across the reaction surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional stamping-molded metal separating plates are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the cooling water cannot be uniformly supplied over the reaction surface
Solution Approach 1:
The separating plate is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, third plate, etc.) with each plate containing specific channels. The coolant passages are segmented across multiple plates to achieve uniform cooling water distribution. For example, the first plate has first coolant passages, the second plate has second coolant passages, and they work together to provide comprehensive cooling coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional channel configuration by adding channels in different directions and layers. The first coolant passages extend in one direction while second coolant passages extend in another direction, creating a three-dimensional cooling network that uniformly distributes cooling water across the reaction surface.
2Temperature
If conventional stamping-molded metal separating plates are used, then manufacturing is easy, but the temperature control of the reaction surface becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented across multiple separate plates rather than relying on a single stamping-molded plate. Each plate contributes to specific regions of cooling, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire reaction surface while maintaining manufacturing feasibility for each individual plate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different plates provide localized cooling solutions tailored to specific reaction zones. The first coolant passages and second coolant passages are positioned to address different thermal requirements of the reaction surface, achieving uniform temperature control through localized optimization.
3Reliability
If conventional separating plates are used, then the structure is simple, but the diffusion resistance of reaction gas is high
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow paths are segmented into first channels, second channels, third channels, and fourth channels across multiple plates. This segmentation creates optimized flow paths that reduce diffusion resistance for reaction gases while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to gas flow paths by creating multi-level channel structures. The first channels and second channels operate in one dimension while third channels and fourth channels provide additional flow paths in other dimensions, reducing gas diffusion resistance through multi-dimensional transport pathways.
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 enhances the mass transfer coefficient, reduces diffusion resistance, and promotes gas transfer, thereby improving the performance and durability of the fuel cell stack by ensuring uniform temperature regulation and efficient heat recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first channels protruding from the first surface toward the second surface to provide flow spaces for a first fluid and provided to have linear passages along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of second channels protruding from the second surface toward the first surface to provide flow spaces for a second fluid
Implementation Method 2
coolant passages capable of uniformly supplying cooling water and recovering heat across all areas of the reaction region
Implementation Method 3
recovering heat across all areas of the reaction region
Implementation Method 4
capable of reducing diffusion resistance of a reaction gas
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a separating plate and a fuel cell stack including same. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a separating plate is provided defining a coolant passage capable of uniform coolant supply and heat recovery across all areas of a reaction region, the separating plate can easily regulate the temperature of a reaction surface, and a reduction in performance and durability due to thermal load can be prevented.