Welded Bipolar Plate Sealing for Fuel Cell Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the power of fuel cells increases, assembly errors inevitably occur due to the increased number of elements, affecting the effectiveness of sealing members and potentially causing sealing failures in fuel cell stacks.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar plate design featuring a first and second flow-field plate stacked with continuous welding along their edges, eliminating the need for additional cooling flow field sealing members by using methods like plasma arc or laser welding, which enhances the sealing and structural integrity of the fuel cell stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealing members are added between elements to ensure gas flow without leaking, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but assembly error occurs and sealing failure may result as power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the bipolar plate structure itself by forming an integrated sealing ring through welding at the edge portion. This combines the bipolar plate and sealing member into a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate sealing members and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, conducts electricity, and creates sealing. The integrated sealing ring structure allows the bipolar plate to simultaneously perform flow field functions and sealing functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated sealing components.
2Reliability
If many sealing members are used to prevent gas leakage, then sealing is achieved, but assembly error affects effectiveness and may cause sealing failure
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sealing ring directly into the bipolar plate structure through welding, the patent eliminates multiple separate sealing members that require precise assembly. This single integrated structure reduces assembly errors and improves manufacturing precision while maintaining high sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If additional cooling flow field sealing members are used, then sealing is improved, but the number of elements increases causing assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The bipolar plate is designed to simultaneously serve as both a flow field plate and a sealing member. The integrated sealing ring structure allows this single component to perform multiple functions including cooling flow field guidance and sealing, eliminating the need for separate cooling flow field sealing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling flow field function and sealing function into a single integrated bipolar plate structure. This merging reduces the total number of elements in the fuel cell assembly while maintaining both cooling and sealing effectiveness.
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
This design significantly reduces interfacial contact resistance and leakage rates, improving the overall performance and sealing efficiency of the fuel cell stack by stabilizing electron transfer and eliminating the need for excessive sealing members.
Implementation Method 1
the edges of the first and second flow-field plates have a continuous welding portion to seal the periphery of the bipolar plate by a welding method
Implementation Method 2
using methods like plasma arc or laser welding
Implementation Method 3
using methods like plasma arc or laser welding
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar plate, a fuel cell, and a fuel cell stack are provided. The bipolar plate includes a first flow-field plate and a second flow-field plate. The first flow-field plate and the second flow-field plate are stacked, and the edges of the first and second flow-field plates have a continuous welding portion to seal the periphery of the bipolar plate by a welding method.