Fuel Cell Separator Vibration Control via Offset Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell separators experience displacement and vibration due to differential fluid pressures, leading to seal separation and reduced power generation efficiency, with existing solutions either not addressing seal member separation or complicating the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell separator with a displacement/vibration reducing member featuring offset protrusions and a coupling portion, made of polymer, is integrated into the separator main body through a single injection molding process, reducing manufacturing steps and preventing fluid flow inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separator displacement reducing means are disposed between cell modules as disclosed in JP 2014-127393 A, then separator displacement due to power generation gas pulsation is reduced, but separation of in-cell seal member from separator is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the seal member separation prevention function from the separator displacement reducing means and implements it as a separate in-cell seal member disposed between the separator and electrode member. This allows the separator displacement reducing means to focus on reducing displacement while the in-cell seal member specifically prevents seal separation, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-cell seal member acts as an intermediary element between the separator and electrode member, providing a dedicated sealing function that prevents separation while allowing the separator displacement reducing means to operate independently for displacement control.
2Ease of manufacture
If flow regulating portion with coupling portion is used as disclosed in JP 2016-095966 A, then fluid flow between through hole and internal flow path is regulated, but separator displacement and seal member separation are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the separator structure into distinct functional portions: the flow regulating portion for fluid flow control and the in-cell seal member for displacement and separation prevention. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-cell seal member serves multiple functions: it prevents seal member separation from the separator, reduces separator displacement, and maintains proper fluid flow paths, making it a multi-functional component that addresses multiple issues simultaneously.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for displacement reduction and seal prevention, then specific functions are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the in-cell seal member with the separator structure, where the in-cell seal member is integrally formed with or directly bonded to the separator. This integration reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps while maintaining the reliability of seal member bonding and displacement reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-cell seal member is pre-positioned and bonded to the separator before final assembly with the electrode member, ensuring proper alignment and bonding strength while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by eliminating later adjustment steps.
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 effectively reduces separator displacement and vibration, minimizing seal member separation and maintaining power generation efficiency while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first seal member that is disposed on the first surface of the separator main body and that is in elastic contact with a counterpart member stacked on the separator main body
Implementation Method 2
molding the displacement/vibration reducing member and the first seal member integrally with the separator main body in a single injection molding process
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell separator includes a separator main body having a first surface and a second surface, and a first seal member disposed on the first surface. When a region on the first surface of the separator main body corresponding to an electrode member disposed on the second surface is defined as a power generation region, and a region on the first surface of the separator main body corresponding to an in-cell seal member is defined as a seal region, a displacement/vibration reducing member made of polymer is disposed at a part of the seal region. The displacement/vibration reducing member includes multiple protrusions and a coupling portion. When viewed in plan view, an axis line connecting the centers of the figures of the adjacent protrusions does not coincide with a center line passing through the widthwise center of the coupling portion. The coupling portion has a gate cut mark.