Fuel Cell Separator Tunnel Structure for Water Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell structures face challenges in preventing backflows of stagnant water, which can lead to deterioration of the membrane electrode assembly due to the positional constraints of anode and cathode exhaust communication holes and the resulting fluid flow patterns, making it difficult to manage generated water effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell structure with a membrane electrode assembly and frame member, featuring tunnels and joint channels that bypass seal portions, allowing fluid communication while preventing backflows of stagnant water through arc-shaped connections and strategically positioned openings, reducing pressure drops and enhancing power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the positional relationship between anode exhaust communication holes and cathode exhaust communication holes is prioritized, then the structural constraint is satisfied, but water backflow prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel is divided into multiple tunnel bodies (first tunnel body, second tunnel body, third tunnel body) that are spatially separated and connected via a joint channel. This segmentation allows each tunnel body to be positioned independently to optimize water discharge while maintaining the required positional relationship between communication holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel structure extends in multiple spatial dimensions rather than a simple linear path. The joint channel connects tunnel bodies that are arranged in different spatial locations, creating a three-dimensional water discharge path that bypasses the seal portion and prevents backflow while satisfying positional constraints.
2Ease of operation
If tunnels are formed to bypass seal members, then fluid communication is achieved, but water stagnation and backflow increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint channel is configured with a curved arc shape rather than a straight line. This curvature facilitates smooth water flow by reducing turbulence and preventing stagnation points, while still connecting the distributed tunnel bodies to enable fluid communication between the fluid channel and communication holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel bodies are positioned asymmetrically around the seal portion, with each tunnel body oriented to discharge water in a specific direction away from the seal. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that water flows outward from the communication holes rather than back toward the fluid channel, preventing backflow while maintaining fluid communication.
3Productivity
If multiple tunnel bodies are connected via joint channel, then water discharge capability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tunnel bodies are merged into a unified tunnel structure through the joint channel. Rather than creating separate independent tunnels, the joint channel integrates the first, second, and third tunnel bodies into a single coordinated system that works together to discharge water efficiently while presenting a unified structural solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint channel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the distributed tunnel bodies, provides a curved flow path to prevent stagnation, and acts as a common discharge conduit for water from multiple tunnel bodies. This multi-functionality improves water discharge capability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell structure includes a tunnel portion which is formed in the separator, bypasses the seal portion, and allows the communication hole and the fluid channel to communicate with each other. The tunnel portion includes tunnel bodies extending from the communication hole toward the fluid channel, a joint channel which joins ends of the tunnel bodies together so as to allow for fluid communication through the ends, and openings which allow the joint channel and the fluid channel to communicate with each other. The tunnel bodies include an end tunnel body connected to an end of the joint channel. The end tunnel body is connected to the joint channel at an acute angle and a connection portion between the joint channel and the end tunnel body is curved in an arc.