Separator Bead Seal Cross-Section Reduction for Coolant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrochemical systems, coolant often flows in non-desired ways through the interspace of separator plates, leading to inefficient cooling, temperature peaks, and increased coolant flow, which can negatively impact system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of beads with reduced or closed cross-sections in separator plates to guide coolant flow effectively, preventing bypasses and ensuring efficient coolant circulation, while maintaining structural integrity and sealing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant channels are provided in the separator plate to supply coolant to the electrochemical cell, then cooling of the cell is achieved, but coolant may flow in non-desired ways through the interspace of the separator plate causing bypasses and insufficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The bead structure introduces local geometric variations in the interspace, creating regions with different flow resistance characteristics. The bead seal structure with its specific geometry (height, diameter, positioning) creates localized flow restrictions that guide coolant along desired paths while preventing bypasses through regions with higher flow resistance.
2Reliability
If the bead seal structure is made with larger dimensions to prevent bypasses, then sealing and flow control improve, but the structural integrity and resiliency of the separator plate may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the bead seal structure (height h, diameter d, positioning relative to coolant channels) to achieve the desired balance between sealing effectiveness and structural integrity. By carefully selecting these parameters, the bead seal provides sufficient flow control while maintaining the separator plate's mechanical properties.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to an electrochemical system, consisting in a layering of several cells, which each are separated from one another by separator plates (2) comprising at least two metallic layers (2a, 2b), wherein the separator plates comprise beads (3, 7) for the limitation of openings for the supply and removal of coolant into the interspace of the at least two layers of the separator plate or for the supply and removal of reaction media to and from the cells, and/or the separator plates comprise beads for the limitation of an electrochemically active area, characterized in that in order to reduce or block the flow of coolant in the inner space of the beads, the bead itself and/or a structure guiding towards the bead at least in sections (A, C) comprises a reduction and/or closure of its cross section by, for example, a filling (11) and/or a deformation.