Separator Plate Barrier Elements Prevent Coolant Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical systems face inefficiencies due to coolant bypassing the active region, leading to undesirable temperature peaks and pressure losses, which reduces system performance and requires increased pumping power.
Innovation Solution
A separator plate design with recessed barrier elements and a bead structure that completely encompasses the active region and through-openings, preventing coolant flow into the bead interior and directing coolant effectively to the rear side for efficient cooling, while minimizing fluid connections that could cause bypassing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barrier elements are formed by embossings on the first flat side to prevent reaction medium flow, then reaction medium sealing is improved, but coolant bypass paths are created on the second flat side
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier element is extended from the first flat side through the separator plate thickness to the second flat side, adding a dimensional component that blocks coolant flow paths on the second flat side while maintaining the embossing function on the first flat side for reaction medium sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element is nested within the bead structure, with the bead encompassing the active region and the barrier element positioned between the active region and the bead, creating a nested configuration that prevents coolant bypass while maintaining sealing functionality
2Temperature
If coolant flow paths are provided on the second flat side for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but coolant can flow into bead interior through fluid connections
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful fluid connection between the coolant flow path and bead interior is extracted and removed by configuring the barrier element to extend through the separator plate, eliminating the unwanted pathway while preserving the cooling function
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element is positioned specifically at the interface between the active region and bead, creating a localized barrier that selectively prevents coolant flow into the bead interior while allowing coolant to flow along the second flat side for cooling purposes
3Reliability
If the bead completely encompasses the active region for sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but coolant bypass paths are created along the bead
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier element acts as an intermediary structure positioned between the active region and the bead, mediating the interaction between coolant flow and the bead structure to prevent bypass while maintaining the encompassing seal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a separator plate for an electro-chemical system. The separator plate comprises: a first passage; an active region with structures for guiding a reaction medium along a first flat face of the separator plate and guiding a coolant along a rear face of the active region on the second flat face of the separator plate; a bead formed in the separator plate for sealing at least the active region; and barrier elements formed in the separator plate, which reduce or prevent a flow of reaction medium on the first flat face of the separator plate along the bead and past the active region. The separator plate fully encloses the first passage and the active region together and that at least one of the barrier elements is at least in parts sunk.