Multiple Perforation Plate for Fuel Cell Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cells, the thinning of components to improve power density leads to reduced cross-sectional flow paths, causing impaired water discharge and decreased cell voltage due to stagnated water and turbulent gas flow, which hampers smooth gas supply.
Innovation Solution
A multiple perforation plate with alternately disposed porous hole and channel regions, allowing turbulent and straight gas flows respectively, enhances water discharge while maintaining gas diffusion ability by forming flow paths with communication holes for efficient gas and water flow between regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the cross-sectional area of the flow path is reduced to thinne components for improved power density, then power density is improved, but water discharge ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple regions with different functions: a first region with a straight flow path for efficient water discharge, and a second region with a zigzag flow path for enhanced gas diffusion. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between power density and water discharge ability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flow path are given different local qualities: the first region has a straight configuration optimized for water discharge, while the second region has a zigzag configuration optimized for gas diffusion. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both water discharge ability and gas diffusion efficiency despite reduced cross-sectional area.
2Productivity
If turbulent flow is induced to protect the gas diffusion layer and distribute flow evenly, then gas diffusion ability is improved, but water discharge ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into distinct functional regions: a first region with straight flow paths that facilitate water discharge, and a second region with zigzag flow paths that induce turbulent flow for enhanced gas diffusion. This spatial segmentation allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied in different locations within the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path alternates between straight sections and zigzag sections, creating a periodic structure that alternates between laminar flow conditions (favoring water discharge) and turbulent flow conditions (favoring gas diffusion). This periodic variation in flow characteristics resolves the contradiction between the two opposing requirements.
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
Improves water discharge ability and maintains excellent gas diffusion, reduces contact resistance, and prevents damage to the gas diffusion layer by distributing force evenly, thus enhancing fuel cell performance.
Implementation Method 1
the reaction gas is diffused by forced convection in a turbulent way
Implementation Method 2
the reaction gas is diffused by forced convection in a turbulent way
Implementation Method 3
allowing turbulent and straight gas flows respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple perforation plate for a separator of a fuel cell is provided. The multiple perforation plate is disposed between the separator having a flat plate shape and a gas diffusion layer to form flow paths for a reaction gas, and the multiple perforation plate includes a porous hole region having an uneven shape repeatedly formed therein and provided with a plurality of flow path holes configured to allow the reaction gas to flow in a turbulent way, and a channel region forming a flow path configured to allow the reaction gas to flow along a flow direction of the reaction gas in a straight way, wherein the porous hole region and the channel region are alternately disposed and integrally formed.