Two-phase water cooling in electrochemical hydrogen separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell cooling systems are inefficient due to single-phase water cooling, which limits heat transfer, and require complex and costly separator plates, while also being prone to oil leaks and high startup times with oil recirculation systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase water cooling system using a cooling tube between anode and cathode half-plates, with a serpentine pattern and thermally-conductive coatings, that transfers heat efficiently and reduces system complexity and cost by directly engaging the fuel cells without additional separator plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-phase water cooling is used, then the cooling system is simple to implement, but the heat transfer efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes two-phase flow (liquid-vapor transition) of water in the cooling channels. The water undergoes phase change from liquid to vapor and back, enabling significantly enhanced heat transfer efficiency compared to single-phase cooling, while maintaining relative system simplicity
2Strength
If separator plates are added between fuel cells, then the structural integrity is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling function directly into the existing separator plates, making them serve dual purposes: structural support and heat dissipation. This eliminates the need for separate cooling components, reducing system complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are merged with the separator plate structure, combining two previously separate functions (structural support and cooling) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
3Device complexity
If coolant runs through separator plates, then the cooling system is simplified, but the heat transfer rate is limited by the separator plate material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized high heat transfer zones within the separator plates by forming cooling channels that provide direct coolant contact with the fuel cell surfaces. This local optimization of heat transfer pathways overcomes the limitation of bulk separator plate material properties
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 two-phase cooling system enhances heat transfer efficiency, reduces system complexity and cost, and extends the operational life of the fuel cell stack by effectively managing temperature and reducing the need for external steam generation, thereby improving the overall performance and longevity of the fuel cell system.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling tube being configured to transfer heat from at least one of the anode half-plate or the cathode half-plate to the cooling fluid in the cooling tube
Implementation Method 2
the cooling fluid including water, steam, or a two-phase mixture of water and steam
Implementation Method 3
excess heat is not transferred to vaporize water into steam or superheat the steam
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling plate assembly includes an anode half-plate having an anode upper surface and an opposing anode lower surface, and a cathode half-plate having a cathode upper surface and an opposing cathode lower surface, the cathode lower surface configured to engage the anode upper surface. The assembly further includes a cooling tube disposed between and engaging the anode upper surface and the cathode lower surface.