Fuel Cell Separator Land Protrusions for Condensate Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel cell stack technology faces challenges in effectively discharging condensate between the gas diffusion layer and the land of the separator, leading to performance deterioration and structural damage due to freezing and defrosting, as the condensate remains trapped and causes uneven gas flow and reactant gas deficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design incorporating a flow path forming part on the land surface of the separator, which creates a condensate flow path with a larger size than the pores of the gas diffusion layer, allowing for effective discharge of condensate and reducing contact resistance, featuring protrusion patterns that form an X shape or other configurations to enhance condensate movement and communication with the channel for efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If condensate is discharged through the channel, then condensate removal is improved, but condensate between the land and gas diffusion layer remains trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The separator surface is segmented into channel regions and land regions with distinct functions. The land region includes protrusions that create separate condensate discharge paths, while the channel region handles gas flow. This segmentation allows condensate to be discharged from both channel and land areas independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Protrusions are added to the land surface to create a third dimension (vertical height), forming condensate discharge paths that extend from the land surface toward the channel. This dimensional addition enables condensate trapped between the land and gas diffusion layer to be discharged effectively.
2Ease of manufacture
If the separator structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but condensate discharge between land and gas diffusion layer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The separator structure applies local quality by adding protrusions only to the land region where condensate accumulation occurs, while keeping the channel region simple for gas flow. This localized modification addresses condensate discharge needs without complicating the entire separator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator incorporates porous structures in the form of protrusions with controlled pore sizes. These porous features create capillary forces that facilitate condensate discharge from the land region while maintaining structural integrity and electrical conductivity.
3Reliability
If condensate remains between land and gas diffusion layer, then contact resistance increases, but adding discharge paths may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions on the land surface serve multiple functions: they create condensate discharge paths, maintain electrical conductivity, and preserve structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting device complexity while improving contact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensate discharge function is merged into the existing land structure of the separator by adding protrusions, rather than being implemented as a separate component. This integration achieves effective condensate removal while minimizing increases in device complexity.
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 design minimizes residual condensate, reduces contact resistance, and improves the durability and operational efficiency of the fuel cell by ensuring effective condensate discharge, thereby stabilizing performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path forming part protruding from a land surface of the land which is in contact with the gas diffusion layer, the flow path forming part being configured to provide a condensate flow path for moving condensate between the land surface and the gas diffusion layer
Implementation Method 2
gas diffusion layers stacked on the membrane electrode assembly... configured to distribute reactant gases
Implementation Method 3
a membrane electrode assembly (MEA)... having an electrolyte membrane that may allow hydrogen positive ions to move therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, gas diffusion layers stacked on each side of the membrane electrode assembly, respectively, separators stacked on the gas diffusion layers, respectively, the separators including channels through which reactant gases move and lands in contact with a respective one of the gas diffusion layers, and a flow path forming part provided on a land surface of one of the lands in contact with the respective one of the gas diffusion layers, the flow path forming part providing a condensate flow path for moving condensate between the land surface and the one of the gas diffusion layers.