Separator Plate Collar Structure to Prevent Edge Damage in Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separator plates in electrochemical cells are prone to bending at their edges, leading to potential damage to adjacent layers such as MEAs when compressed, which disrupts the electrical insulation and functionality of the cell.
Innovation Solution
The separator plates are designed with collars formed from angled half-beads that project out of the layer plane, overlapping and offsetting to prevent edges from pressing against adjacent layers, and optionally featuring slots to compensate for material deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional separator plates are compressed in a stack, then the metal layers provide structural support and fluid guidance, but the edges bend and press into adjacent intermediate layers causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The edge of the separator plate is folded back along a fold line to form a collar that extends in a third dimension perpendicular to the plate surface. This dimensional change transforms the harmful sharp edge into a protective protruding structure that prevents contact between the plate edge and adjacent layers during compression
Solution Approach 2:
The folded collar acts as an intermediary element between the separator plate and adjacent intermediate layers. It provides a buffer zone that prevents direct contact and potential damage to the intermediate layers while maintaining the necessary compression force for sealing
2Reliability
If the separator plate edges are reinforced to prevent bending, then damage to adjacent layers is avoided, but the complexity of the separator plate structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator plate edge is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main plate body, the fold line region, and the folded collar portion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the main body provides structural support, the fold line enables deformation, and the collar provides protection - without complicating the overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The edge geometry is changed by folding it back along a fold line, transforming a simple planar edge into a three-dimensional collar structure. This parameter change in edge configuration provides protective functionality without requiring additional materials or complex assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
A separator plate for an electrochemical system, comprising a first and a second metal layer arranged with flat sides adjacent to each other. The first and the second metal layer each having at least one through-opening for supplying and/or discharging a fluid. Circumferential edges of the through-openings are formed at least in part by a half-bead. An open edge of the half-bead is angled so as to form a collar.