Power Generating Cell Separator with Intermediate Convex Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generating cells with metal separators face challenges in stably supporting resin films on the outer peripheral portion of membrane electrode assemblies, particularly in preventing reaction gas bypassing and ensuring stable operation.
Innovation Solution
The power generating cell design incorporates metal separators with bead seals and bypass stopping convex portions, along with intermediate convex portions that support the resin film between adjacent bypass stopping convex portions, providing additional support and stability to the resin film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bypass stopping convex portions are provided between bead seals to prevent reaction gas bypassing, then gas sealing performance is improved, but the resin film on the outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly lacks stable support
Solution Approach 1:
The separator surface is segmented into multiple functional regions: bead seals for gas sealing, bypass stopping convex portions for preventing gas bypassing, and intermediate convex portions for supporting the resin film. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between gas sealing and film support
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the separator are given different local qualities: the bead seals provide sealing quality, the bypass stopping convex portions provide gas flow control quality, and the intermediate convex portions provide mechanical support quality. This local differentiation enables the separator to simultaneously achieve gas sealing and resin film support stability
2Strength
If a resin film is provided over the entire outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly to protect the electrolyte membrane, then membrane protection is improved, but the resin film requires additional support structures to prevent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate convex portions serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support to the resin film, maintain the positional relationship between separators and membrane electrode assemblies, and contribute to the overall structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated support structures, protecting the membrane while avoiding excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A power generating cell is equipped with an MEA to which a resin frame is attached, and a first metal separator. In the first metal separator, there are provided an oxygen-containing gas flow field through which an oxygen-containing gas flows along an electrode surface, an outer peripheral bead surrounding the oxygen-containing gas flow field and which prevents leakage of a reaction gas, and a plurality of first bypass stopping convex portions that prevent bypassing of the reaction gas. Intermediate convex portions that support the resin film are provided between mutually adjacent ones of the first bypass stopping convex portions.