Porous Fuel Cell Separator Module for Uniform Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell separators, the pressure difference between the porous cathode and anode separators can cause clogging of the main body diffusion parts, leading to pressure loss and deteriorated flow distribution, reducing fuel cell output.
Innovation Solution
A porous separator module is designed with a porous body that extends over the main body diffusion parts, featuring a waveform cross-section and zigzag flow holes to prevent clogging and ensure smooth gas flow, and sub-gaskets are integrated to maintain uniform pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a porous separator is used to enhance gas diffusion, then gas diffusion performance is improved, but pressure difference causes clogging of main body diffusion parts leading to pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is designed with different structures in different regions: the first separator has a porous body without main body diffusion parts where reaction gas flows, while the second separator has main body diffusion parts where gas diffusion is enhanced. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without the clogging issues that would affect the entire separator.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator is divided into two distinct types (first separator and second separator) with different structural characteristics. The first separator handles reaction gas flow through its porous body, while the second separator handles gas diffusion through its main body diffusion parts. This segmentation allows the system to avoid the clogging problem that would occur if a single separator had to perform both functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If sub-gaskets are pressed against the separator to secure alignment, then alignment is improved, but pressure difference causes sub-gasket deformation leading to flow space clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of sub-gasket deformation is eliminated by removing the sub-gasket component entirely. The separator design incorporates alignment and sealing functions directly into its structure, making the separate sub-gasket component unnecessary. This extraction of the problematic element prevents the clogging issue while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and sealing functions that were previously performed by separate sub-gaskets are merged into the separator structure itself. The separator's designed geometry and surface features provide both alignment guidance and sealing contact with the MEA, eliminating the need for additional sub-gasket components that would be subject to pressure-induced deformation.
3Productivity
If a general porous separator structure is used, then gas diffusion is enhanced, but pressure loss occurs due to clogging in main body diffusion parts
Solution Approach 1:
The separator design applies porous structure selectively: the first separator uses a porous body for reaction gas flow without main body diffusion parts, while the second separator uses main body diffusion parts for enhanced gas diffusion. This local quality differentiation ensures that gas diffusion enhancement occurs only where needed, preventing pressure loss from clogging in flow-critical regions.
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
The solution prevents reaction gas flow clogging, reduces pressure loss, and improves flow distribution, enhancing fuel cell performance by maintaining uniform pressure and preventing sub-gasket deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a porous separator configured such that reaction gas forms a turbulence and is more easily diffused into the GDL
Implementation Method 2
reaction gas forms a turbulence and is more easily diffused into the GDL
Implementation Method 3
having a plurality of flow holes configured such that the reaction gas passes therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a separator module for fuel cells which may reduce pressure loss and improve flow distribution in a separator, and a unit cell for fuel cells including the separator module. The separator module includes a separator main body including a pair of manifold parts formed at both ends of the separator main body and having a plurality of manifolds, a main body reaction part formed between the pair of manifold parts such that reaction gas flows in the main body reaction part, and a pair of main body diffusion parts formed between the main body reaction part and the pair of manifold parts such that the reaction gas is diffused in the main body diffusion parts, and a porous body disposed on one surface of the separator main body in a region corresponding to the main body reaction part and the pair of main body diffusion parts.