Fuel Cell Separator Reinforcing Ribs for Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell separators are prone to local deformation due to pressure differences between reactant gases and coolant, leading to reduced surface pressure of the gasket and compromised airtight performance, as the flow diffusion region lacks support.
Innovation Solution
A strength reinforcing means, such as work-hardened main ribs and sub-ribs or circular/polygonal forming sections, is integrally formed in the flow diffusion region to prevent local deformation and maintain gasket surface pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a thin metal plate separator is used to reduce manufacturing time and cost, then productivity is improved, but the separator becomes prone to local deformation under pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing support structures (gaskets or support ribs) specifically in the flow diffusion region where local deformation occurs, while leaving other regions of the thin metal plate separator unchanged. This targeted reinforcement maintains the overall thin design for productivity while locally addressing the deformation issue.
2Productivity
If a thin metal plate separator is used to reduce manufacturing time and cost, then productivity is improved, but airtight performance deteriorates due to gasket surface pressure reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing support structures (gaskets or support ribs) specifically in the flow diffusion region where local deformation occurs, while leaving other regions of the thin metal plate separator unchanged. This targeted reinforcement maintains the overall thin design for productivity while locally addressing the deformation issue.
3Device complexity
If the flow diffusion region is left unsupported to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but local deformation occurs under pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing support structures (gaskets or support ribs) specifically in the flow diffusion region where local deformation occurs, while leaving other regions of the thin metal plate separator unchanged. This targeted reinforcement maintains the overall thin design for productivity while locally addressing the deformation issue.
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 reinforcing structure effectively minimizes local deformation and maintains airtightness by increasing the strength of the separator, reducing pressure-induced deformation and ensuring consistent gasket performance.
Implementation Method 1
a strength reinforcing means, such as work-hardened main ribs and sub-ribs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention preferably provides a separator for a fuel cell, in which a strength reinforcing means is integrally formed in a region, which is not supported by a gasket, over the region from manifolds, through which reactant gases and coolant are supplied, to a reaction flow field, in which a reaction takes place, thus suitably preventing local deformation of the separator.