Integrated Gas-Liquid Separator in Fuel Cell End Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas-liquid separators in fuel cell systems are typically large due to being separate components from the end plate, leading to increased fuel cell system size and inefficiencies in water separation and drainage.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a gas-liquid separator within the end plate of a fuel cell system, featuring a recessed gas-liquid separator forming portion and a cover member with a recessed second inner wall portion, creating a U-shaped flow path and projection features to enhance water separation and drainage efficiency while minimizing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gas-liquid separator is disposed separately from the end plate, then the gas-liquid separator can be maintained as an independent component for ease of manufacture and assembly, but the total installation space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid separator is integrated into the end plate by forming a recessed portion directly in the end plate structure. The cover member is attached to this recessed portion to complete the gas-liquid separator assembly, merging two previously separate components (end plate and gas-liquid separator) into a single integrated structure that reduces overall installation space while maintaining functional independence through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-liquid separator is nested within the end plate by creating a recessed portion that houses the separator chamber. The cover member is then attached to the recessed portion, effectively nesting the gas-liquid separator functionality inside the existing end plate footprint, thereby reducing the total installation space without compromising component functionality
2Area of stationary object
If the flow path is made shorter to reduce installation space, then the device size is reduced, but water separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is configured to extend in multiple dimensions within the constrained space of the end plate. The recessed portion and cover member create a three-dimensional flow path that moves water vapor through the off-gas in a longer trajectory without increasing the external footprint of the device, thereby maintaining water separation efficiency while minimizing installation space
3Area of stationary object
If the gas-liquid separator is integrated into the end plate to reduce system size, then the installation space is minimized, but the structural complexity of the end plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated gas-liquid separator is segmented into distinct functional portions: the recessed portion formed in the end plate and the cover member attached thereto. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be divided into manageable components that can be manufactured and assembled separately, reducing the overall structural complexity while maintaining the space-saving integrated design
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 reduces the overall installation space and improves water separation efficiency by increasing the flow path length and preventing water scattering, while promoting effective drainage and preventing freezing issues in the drainage system.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-liquid separator configured to separate and drain water contained in an off-gas discharged from a fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
a drain flow path forming portion that forms a drain flow path through which the water accumulated in the accumulating portion is drained
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-liquid separator includes a gas-liquid separator forming portion that is provided in an end plate, and a cover member. The gas-liquid separator forming portion includes a first inner wall portion that serves as a flow path for an off-gas and forms a part of an accumulating portion, the first inner wall portion having a shape recessed in a thickness direction of the end plate. The cover member includes a second inner wall portion that has a shape recessed in a thickness direction of the cover member, the second inner wall portion being disposed to face the first inner wall portion in a stack direction and forming the accumulating portion together with the first inner wall portion.