JP7323379B2 - Fuel cell separator and fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to fuel cell separators.

In a fuel cell vehicle, the vertical dimension of the space for housing the fuel cell may be limited. Therefore, in fuel cell vehicles, for example, fuel cells having a shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length are used. On the surface facing the GDL of the separator of such a fuel cell, a corrugated convex portion is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction. Wave-shaped flow paths are formed between the wave-shaped convex portions. In Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the wave-shaped protrusions C702 in the separator 70, flat-shaped protrusions C701 are provided at the lowest part in the direction of gravity to form the wave-shaped protrusions C702 and A separator 70 is presented in which flow paths F701 having a larger cross-sectional area than wave-shaped flow paths F702 are formed between flat convex portions C701. In this separator 70, it is possible to prevent the generated water from stagnation in the lower flow path in the gravitational direction and to efficiently discharge the generated water to the gas flow path.

JP-A-2074-27970

By the way, the GDL is made of carbon paper or the like. Further, an MEA having a catalyst layer provided on its surface is disposed on the side of the GDL opposite to the separator. In the conventional technology, as shown in FIG. 10, the width R701 of the flow path between the wavy convex portion C702 and the flat convex portion C701 is the width between the wavy convex portion C702 and the wavy convex portion C702. It becomes wider than the channel width R702. As a result, the GDL 80 overlapping the separator 70 may protrude into the widened flow path F701, causing pressure loss in the flow path (see the broken line frame in FIG. 10). In addition, there was a concern that the contact resistance between the GDL and the catalyst layer would increase in the portion where the width of the flow path is large.

The present disclosure can be implemented as the following forms.
(1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell separator is provided. This fuel cell separator has a linear projection provided on one surface of the fuel cell separator, and extends parallel to the linear projection on one side of the linear projection. and a plurality of wave-shaped convex portions, wherein the wave-shaped convex portion that is closest to the linear convex portion among the plurality of wave-shaped convex portions and the linear convex portion. a plurality of convex portions are provided between the wave-shaped convex portions and between the linear convex portion and the portion farthest from the linear convex portion, The plurality of convex portions are independent from the wave-shaped convex portion and the linear convex portion and each have a triangular prism shape, and the linear convex portion and the plurality of convex portions are Between each of the projections, a channel is formed through which the reactant gas flows.
(2) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell is provided. This fuel cell includes a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly, first and second sides facing each other, and third and fourth sides facing each other sandwiching the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly. an oxidizing gas supply manifold, a cooling water supply manifold, and a fuel gas discharge manifold provided at a position closer to the first side than the second side; A fuel gas supply manifold, a cooling water discharge manifold, an oxidant gas discharge manifold, and one surface of the separator, which are provided at a position closer to the second side than the first side, the membrane A plurality of wavy protrusions extending in a direction from the first side toward the second side, and linear protrusions extending in parallel with the wavy protrusions, on the surface facing the electrode gas diffusion layer assembly. , and between the wavy convex portion closest to the linear convex portion and the linear convex portion among the wavy convex portions, among the portions of the wavy convex portion, the A plurality of projections are provided between the portion farthest from the linear projection and the linear projection, and the plurality of projections are arranged between the wavy projection and the linear projection. each of the plurality of wavy protrusions or the plurality of protrusions on the surface of the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly facing the separator, and A channel is formed between the portion where the contact is not made and the separator.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell separator is provided. This fuel cell separator has a linear projection provided on one surface of the fuel cell separator, and extends parallel to the linear projection on one side of the linear projection. and a plurality of wave-shaped convex portions, wherein the wave-shaped convex portion that is closest to the linear convex portion among the plurality of wave-shaped convex portions and the linear convex portion. and at least one or more protrusions are provided between the portion of the wave-shaped protrusions that is farthest from the straight protrusions and the straight protrusions. It is characterized by being According to the fuel cell separator of this form, when the fuel cell separator is attached to the fuel cell, it is possible to prevent the GDL from protruding in the channel. Therefore, an increase in pressure loss in the flow path can be prevented. Also, an increase in contact resistance between the GDL and the catalyst layer can be suppressed.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell in the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a cathode-side separator in the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of an anode-side separator in the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of an anode-side separator in the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 4; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a cathode-side separator in the third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7 of the third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional separator; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fuel cell at the same location as line IV-IV in FIG. 4;

A. First Embodiment A1. Configuration of Fuel Cell 1 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The fuel cell 1 generates power by being supplied with a fuel gas containing hydrogen as reaction gases and an oxidizing gas containing oxygen. Hydrogen gas is used as the fuel gas. Air is used as the oxidizing gas.

A plurality of fuel cells 1 are supported in the Y-axis direction, which is the stacking direction, by a pair of end plates (not shown). Moreover, the stacking direction is the horizontal direction. The fuel cell 1 comprises a cathode side separator 10 , an anode side separator 20 and a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly 30 . For convenience of explanation, the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly 30 is also called MEGA (Membrane Electrode Gas diffusion layer assembly) 30 .

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of the cathode-side separator 10 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The cathode-side separator 10 supplies oxygen gas to the adjacent MEGA 30 (see FIG. 2). The cathode-side separator 10 is made of a metal member.

The cathode-side separator 10 includes an oxidant gas supply manifold 100a, a cooling water supply manifold CW1, a fuel gas discharge manifold 200b, a fuel gas supply manifold 200a, a cooling water discharge manifold CW2, an oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b, and a straight line. It has a convex portion C101, a wave-shaped convex portion C102, a triangular convex portion C103, an inflow-side embossment 103a, and a discharge-side embossment 104a.

A plurality of fuel cells 1 are stacked to form a fuel cell stack (not shown). A plurality of manifolds (100a, 100b, 200a, 200b, CW1, CW2) are formed inside the fuel cell stack along the Y-axis direction, which is the stacking direction (see FIG. 1).

Oxidant gas is flowed into the oxidant gas supply manifold 100a. Cooling water flows into the cooling water supply manifold CW1. Fuel gas is discharged to the fuel gas discharge manifold 200b. The oxidant gas supply manifold 100a, the cooling water supply manifold CW1, and the fuel gas discharge manifold 200b are formed along the vicinity of side A, which is one of the two short sides of the cathode-side separator . The oxidant gas supply manifold 100a, the cooling water supply manifold CW1, and the fuel gas discharge manifold 200b are arranged in this order in the negative direction of the Z axis.

Fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply manifold 200a. Cooling water is discharged to the cooling water discharge manifold CW2. Oxidant gas is discharged to the oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b. The fuel gas supply manifold 200a, the cooling water discharge manifold CW2, and the oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b are formed along the vicinity of the side B facing the side A described above. The fuel gas supply manifold 200a, cooling water discharge manifold CW2, and oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b are provided in this order in the negative direction of the Z-axis.

The anode-side separator 20, which will be described later, also includes an oxidant gas supply manifold 100a, a cooling water supply manifold CW1, a fuel gas discharge manifold 200b, a fuel gas supply manifold 200a, a cooling water discharge manifold CW2, and an oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b. . Their configurations are similar to those of the cathode-side separator 10 .

The linear convex portion C101 is a convex portion having a substantially linear shape. The straight convex portion C101 is provided on one surface 10a of the cathode-side separator 10. As shown in FIG. The linear protrusion C101 protrudes from the surface 10a. The surface 10a faces the MEGA 30 . The straight convex portion C101 extends on the X-axis. The linear projections C101 are provided one each on the positive direction side and the negative direction side of the Z-axis of the cathode-side separator 10 with respect to the wave-shaped projections C102, which will be described later. Further, the linear convex portion C101 forms a linear flow path F101 extending on the X-axis between the later-described wave-shaped convex portion C102 and triangular convex portion C103.

The wavy convex portions C102 are a plurality of convex portions having a substantially wavy shape. The wave-shaped convex portion C102 protrudes from the surface 10a. The wave-shaped convex portion C102 is formed so as to extend parallel to the linear convex portion C101 on the center side of the cathode-side separator 10 with respect to the linear convex portion C101. The wavy convex portion C102 varies in distance from the linear convex portion C101 along the extending direction. Adjacent corrugated convex portions C102 form corrugated flow paths F102. The wave-shaped convex portion C102 is composed of linear portions that are bent and connected. Also, the wave-shaped convex portion C102 is a triangular wave with a constant period and amplitude.

The triangular convex portion C103 is a plurality of convex portions having a substantially triangular shape. The triangular convex portion C103 protrudes from the surface 10a. The triangular convex portion C103 is provided between the linear convex portion C101 and the corrugated convex portion C102a that is closest to the linear convex portion C101 among the plurality of corrugated convex portions C102. Further, the triangular convex portion C103 is provided between the portion 102aa farthest from the linear convex portion C101 and the linear convex portion C101 among the portions of the wave-shaped convex portion C102a. The triangular convex portion C103 forms a curved flow path F103 with the wave-shaped convex portion C102.

A flow path including the linear flow path F101, the wavy flow path F102, and the curved flow path F103 is also called an oxidizing gas flow path portion F10.

The inflow-side embossments 103 a are a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface 10 a of the cathode-side separator 10 facing the MEGA 30 . The plurality of inflow-side embossments 103a are provided apart from each other, and the spaces between the plurality of inflow-side embossments 103a communicate with each other to form the embossed portions 103 . The embossed portions 103 have the function of uniformly distributing the oxidizing gas in the negative direction of the X-axis within the surface 10a.

The discharge-side embossments 104 a are a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface 10 a of the cathode-side separator 10 facing the MEGA 30 . The discharge side embossments 104a are provided apart from each other, and the spaces between the plurality of discharge side embossments 104a communicate with each other to form the embossed portions 104. As shown in FIG. The embossed portion 104 has a function of uniformly discharging the oxidizing gas.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of the anode-side separator 20 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The anode-side separator 20 supplies fuel gas to the adjacent MEGA 30 .

The anode-side separator 20 includes an oxidant gas supply manifold 100a, a cooling water supply manifold CW1, a fuel gas discharge manifold 200b, a fuel gas supply manifold 200a, a cooling water discharge manifold CW2, an oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b, and a straight line. It has a convex portion C201, a wave-shaped convex portion C202, a triangular convex portion C203, an inflow-side embossment 203a, and a discharge-side embossment 204a.

The linear convex portion C201 is a convex portion having a substantially linear shape. The straight convex portion C201 is provided on one surface 20a of the anode-side separator 20. As shown in FIG. The linear protrusion C201 protrudes from the surface 20a. The surface 20a faces the MEGA 30 . The straight convex portion C201 extends on the X-axis. The linear projections C201 are provided one each on the positive direction side and the negative direction side of the Z-axis of the anode-side separator 20 with respect to the wave-shaped projections C202, which will be described later. Further, the linear convex portion C201 forms a linear flow path F201 extending on the X-axis between the later-described wave-shaped convex portion C202 and triangular convex portion C203.

The wave-shaped convex portions C202 are a plurality of convex portions having a substantially wave-like shape. The wave-shaped convex portion C202 protrudes from the surface 20a. The wave-shaped convex portion C202 is formed so as to extend parallel to the linear convex portion C201 on the center side of the anode-side separator 20 with respect to the linear convex portion C201. The wavy convex portion C202 varies in distance from the linear convex portion C201 along the extending direction. Adjacent corrugated convex portions C202 form corrugated flow paths F202. The wave-shaped convex portion C202 is composed of linear portions that are bent and connected. Also, the wave-shaped convex portion C202 is a triangular wave with a constant period and amplitude.

The triangular convex portion C203 is a convex portion having a substantially triangular shape. The triangular convex portion C203 protrudes from the surface 20a. The triangular convex portion C203 is provided between the linear convex portion C201 and the corrugated convex portion C202a closest to the linear convex portion C201 among the corrugated convex portions C202. Further, the triangular convex portion C203 is provided between the portion C202aa farthest from the linear convex portion C201 and the linear convex portion C201 among the portions of the wave-shaped convex portion C202a. The triangular convex portion C203 forms a curved flow path F203 with the wave-shaped convex portion C202.

The linear flow path F201, the wavy flow path F202, and the curved flow path F203 are collectively referred to as a fuel gas flow path portion F20.

The inflow-side embossments 203 a are a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface 20 a of the anode-side separator 20 facing the MEGA 30 . The plurality of inflow-side embossments 203a are provided apart from each other, and the spaces between the plurality of inflow-side embossments 203a communicate with each other to form embossed portions 203 . The embossed portions 203 have the function of uniformly distributing the fuel gas in the positive direction of the X-axis within the surface 20a.

The discharge-side embossments 204 a are a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface 20 a of the anode-side separator 20 facing the MEGA 30 . The discharge side embossments 204a are provided apart from each other, and the spaces between the plurality of discharge side embossments 204a communicate with each other to form the embossed portions 204. As shown in FIG. The embossed portion 204 has the function of uniformly discharging the fuel gas.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the MEGA 30 has an electrolyte membrane 300, a cathode electrode 310a, an anode electrode 310b, an oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a, and a fuel gas diffusion layer 320b.

The electrolyte membrane 300 has the ability to conduct protons and the associated water transfer. The electrolyte membrane 300 is formed of a fluororesin-based ion exchange membrane containing sulfonic acid groups.

Cathode electrode 310a is a reaction field in which electrode reactions on the cathode side proceed, and contains a catalyst in the vicinity of the contact surface with electrolyte membrane 300, similar to anode electrode 310b. Anode electrode 310 b is a reaction field where an anode-side electrode reaction proceeds, and contains a catalyst that accelerates the electrode reaction in the vicinity of the contact surface with electrolyte membrane 300 .

The oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a diffuses the oxidizing gas when the oxidizing gas is supplied. The oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a has gas permeability and electronic conductivity. The fuel gas diffusion layer 320b diffuses the fuel gas when the fuel gas is supplied. The fuel gas diffusion layer 320b has gas permeability and electronic conductivity.

A2. Operation of fuel cell 1:
As shown in FIG. 1, oxidizing gas is supplied to the oxidizing gas supply manifold 100a in the direction of arrow SA (see the white arrow in FIG. 1). The supplied oxidizing gas is introduced from the oxidizing gas supply manifold 100a to the surface 10a on which the projections protrude. The supplied oxidizing gas passes through the embossed portion 103 and flows in the oxidizing gas flow path portion F10 in the negative direction of the X axis (see FIG. 2).

Along with the supply of the oxidant gas, the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply manifold 200a as indicated by an arrow SB (see the cross-hatched arrow in FIG. 1). The supplied fuel gas is introduced from the fuel gas supply manifold 200a to the surface 20a. The supplied fuel gas passes through the embossed portion 203 and flows through the fuel gas flow path portion F20 in the positive direction of the X axis (see FIG. 3).

The oxidizing gas passing through the oxidizing gas flow path portion F10 passes through the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and is supplied to the cathode electrode 310a. Further, the fuel gas passing through the fuel gas flow path portion F20 passes through the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b and is supplied to the anode electrode 310b. The supplied oxidant gas and fuel gas are consumed by an electrochemical reaction to generate power.

Water generated by power generation moves in the negative direction of the X-axis and the negative direction of the Z-axis through the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a in the cathode-side separator 10 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the negative direction of the Z-axis is also referred to as downward in the direction of gravity. The generated water that has moved downward in the direction of gravity is discharged from the oxidant gas discharge manifold 100b after passing through the embossed portion 104, especially from the linear flow channel F101 and the curved flow channel F103 of the oxidant gas flow channel portion F10.

In the anode-side separator 20, the generated water that permeates from the oxidizing gas flow path portion F10 to the fuel gas flow path portion F20 moves downward in the direction of gravity (see FIG. 3). The generated water that has moved to the fuel gas flow path portion F20 is discharged from the fuel gas discharge manifold 200b after passing through the embossed portion 204 from the straight flow path F201 and the curved flow path F203 in the fuel gas flow path portion F20. be.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional separator 70. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fuel cell at the same location as line IV-IV in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the flow path width R701 of the separator 70 refers to the flow path between the portion C702aa farthest from the linear protrusion C701 and the linear protrusion C701.

As shown in FIG. 2, a triangular convex portion C103 is provided between a portion C102aa farthest from the linear convex portion C101 and the linear convex portion C101. As a result, the dimension of the channel width R101 of the linear channel F101 becomes smaller than the dimension of the channel width R701 when the triangular convex portion C103 is not provided (see FIGS. 4 and 10).

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a triangular convex portion C203 is provided between the portion C202aa farthest from the linear convex portion C201 and the linear convex portion C201. As a result, the dimension of the channel width R201 of the linear channel F201 becomes smaller than the dimension of the channel width R701 when the triangular convex portion C203 is not provided (see FIGS. 4 and 10).

As a result, it is possible to prevent the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b from protruding in the linear flow paths F101 and F201 (within the broken line frame in FIG. 4). Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in pressure loss of the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b in the linear flow paths F101 and F201. Also, it is possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance between the oxidation gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b and the catalyst layer.

Further, by providing the triangular convex portions C103 and C203, the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas flowing between the linear flow paths F101 and F201 and the curved flow paths F103 and F203 are transferred to the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b. Easier to get in. As a result, the generated water is pushed out from the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b, so that the generated water is easily discharged from the flow path.

The consumed oxidizing gas is discharged to the oxidizing gas discharge manifold 100b. The discharged oxidizing gas flows in the negative direction of the Y-axis (see FIG. 1). Also, the consumed fuel gas is discharged to the fuel gas discharge manifold 200b. The discharged fuel gas flows in the negative direction of the Y-axis (see FIG. 1).

Along with the supply of the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas, pure cooling water is supplied to the cooling water supply manifold CW1 as indicated by an arrow SC (see single hatching in FIG. 1). The supplied cooling water flows in the cooling water channel portion FW between the surface 10b of the cathode-side separator 10 and the surface 20b of the anode-side separator 20 in the negative direction of the X-axis. After cooling the MEGA 30, the cooling water is discharged to the cooling water discharge manifold CW2 (see FIG. 1).

B. Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of the anode-side separator 40 in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the triangular protrusions C203 of the anode-side separator 20 are replaced with second wavy protrusions C403, and the triangular protrusions C103 of the cathode-side separator 10 are replaced with second wavy protrusions C503. It differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the cathode side separator 10 and the anode side separator 20 of the first embodiment. In addition, below, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about the structure similar to 1st embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate|omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second wavy convex portion C403 is a convex portion having a substantially wavy shape. The second wave-shaped convex portion C403 protrudes from the surface 40a of the anode-side separator 40 facing the MEGA 30. As shown in FIG. The second wave-shaped convex portion C403 extends on the X-axis. The second wave-shaped convex portion C403 is provided between the wave-shaped convex portion C202a closest to the straight-line convex portion C201 and the straight-line convex portion C201 among the wave-shaped convex portions C202. Further, the second wave-shaped convex portion C403 is provided between the portion C202aa farthest from the linear convex portion C201 and the linear convex portion C201 among the portions of the wave-shaped convex portion C202a. The amplitude of the second wave-shaped convex portion C403 is smaller than the amplitude of the wave-shaped convex portion C202. Also, the wavelength of the wave-shaped convex portion C202 and the wavelength of the second wave-shaped convex portion C403 are the same.

The second wave-shaped convex portion C403 forms a linear flow path F401 extending on the X-axis between itself and the linear convex portion C201. Moreover, the second wave-shaped convex part C403 forms the curved flow path F403 between the wave-shaped convex part C202.

The cathode side separator 50 has the same shape as the anode side separator 40 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line IV-IV in FIG. A second wave-shaped convex portion C403 is provided between the portion C202aa farthest from the linear convex portion C201 and the linear convex portion C201 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the dimension of the channel width R401 of the linear channel F401 becomes smaller than the dimension of the channel width R701 when the second wave-shaped convex portion C403 is not provided (see FIGS. 6 and 10).

Further, similarly to the anode-side separator 40, a second wave-shaped convex portion C503 is provided between the portion C102aa of the cathode-side separator 50 farthest from the linear convex portion C101 and the linear convex portion C501. As a result, the dimension of the channel width R501 of the linear channel F501 becomes smaller than the dimension of the channel width R701 when the second wave-shaped convex portion C503 is not provided (see FIGS. 6 and 10).

As a result, it is possible to prevent the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b from protruding in the linear flow paths F401 and F501 (within the broken line frame in FIG. 6). Therefore, it is possible to prevent pressure loss in the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b in the linear flow paths F401 and F501. Also, it is possible to suppress an increase in contact resistance between the oxidation gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b and the catalyst layer.

Furthermore, by providing the second wave-shaped convex portions C403 and C503, the oxidizing gas and the fuel gas flowing between the linear flow paths F401 and F501 and the curved flow paths F403 and F503 are distributed between the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320a. It becomes easier to enter the layer 320b. As a result, generated water is pushed out from the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b, thereby improving drainage.

C. Third Embodiment FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of the cathode-side separator 60 in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of the linear projections C101 and the wavy projections C102 of the cathode-side separator 10, linear projections C601 and wavy projections C602 are provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. In addition, below, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about the structure similar to 1st embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate|omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the linear convex portion C601 has a plurality of first convex portions C601a projecting in the Z-axis direction and flat portions C601b extending in the X-axis direction. The dimension of the width RH601b in the Z-axis direction of the flat portion C601b is smaller than the dimension of the width RH101 in the Z-axis direction of the linear convex portion C101 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2).

The wave-shaped convex portion C602 has a plurality of second convex portions C602aa and a plurality of third convex portions C602bb. The second protrusion C602aa and the third protrusion C602bb protrude in the Z-axis direction. The second convex portion C602aa is provided at the crest or valley of the wavy convex portion C602a that is closest to the linear convex portion C601. The third convex portion C602bb is provided at the crest or valley of the linear convex portion C601 and the wave-shaped convex portion C602b that is next to the wave-shaped convex portion C602a.

The second convex portion C602aa and the third convex portion C602bb are provided side by side with the first convex portion C601a on the Z-axis. A portion where the first convex portion C601a, the second convex portion C602aa, and the third convex portion C602bb are arranged on the Z-axis is defined as a convex portion area 600 (see the dashed line frame in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the density of the convex areas 600 increases toward the negative direction of the X-axis. Also, the interval between the convex areas 600 becomes smaller toward the negative direction of the X-axis.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present disclosure taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the solid line portion corresponds to the cross section of the portion where the convex area 600 is not provided. 8 corresponds to the cross section of the convex area 600 (see line 8b in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 8, the dimension of the channel width R601 of the linear channel F601 in the convex area 600, the dimension of the channel width R603 of the curved channel F603, and the channel width R602 of the wavy channel F602. The dimension is smaller than the dimension of the channel width where the first convex portion C601a, the second convex portion C602aa, and the third convex portion C602bb are not provided. In addition, the dimensions in the Y-axis direction of the linear flow path F601, the curved flow path F603, and the wave-shaped flow path F602 are the same as the dimensions of the portion where the convex area 600 is not provided.

This makes it easier for the oxidizing gas passing through the convex area 600 to enter the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a. Also, the generated water increases in the negative direction of the X-axis. Therefore, the generated water is easily discharged from the oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a.

The cathode side separator 10 and the anode side separator 20 are also called fuel cell separators. The oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320a and the fuel gas diffusion layer 320b are also called GDL. The flat convex portion and the linear convex portion are also referred to as linear convex portions. The wave-shaped convex portion is also called a wave-shaped convex portion. Moreover, each figure is an explanatory diagram for explaining the technical content, and does not represent the dimensions of each part accurately.

D: Other Embodiments D1) In the above embodiment, the cathode-side separator 10 is made of a metal member. However, the cathode-side separator may be formed of a member made of carbon.

D2) In the above embodiment, the electrolyte membrane 300 is formed of a fluororesin-based ion exchange membrane containing sulfonic acid groups. However, the electrolyte membrane is not limited to sulfonic acid groups, and membranes containing other ion exchange groups (electrolyte components) such as phosphoric acid groups and carboxylic acid groups can be used.

D3) In the above embodiment, pure water is used as cooling water. However, the cooling water is not limited to pure water, and other cooling media such as ethylene glycol or a mixed solution of ethylene glycol and water can also be used.

D4) In the third embodiment, the dimensions in the Y-axis direction of the linear flow path F601, the curved flow path F603, and the wavy flow path F602 are the same as the dimensions of the portion where the convex area 600 is not provided. However, the dimensions in the Y-axis direction of the linear flow path F601, the curved flow path F603, and the wavy flow path F602 may be smaller than the dimensions of the portion where the convex area 600 is not provided.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features in the embodiments and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary column of the invention are used to solve some or all of the above problems, or In order to achieve some or all of the effects, it is possible to appropriately replace or combine them. Moreover, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

Reference Signs List 1 Fuel cell 10, 50, 60 Cathode side separator 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b Surface 20, 40 Anode side separator 30 Membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly (MEGA) 70 Conventional Technical Separator 100a... Oxidant Gas Supply Manifold 100b... Oxidant Gas Discharge Manifold 200a... Fuel Gas Supply Manifold 200b... Fuel Gas Discharge Manifold CW1... Cooling Water Supply Manifold CW2... Cooling Water Discharge Manifold 103, 104, 203, 204... Embossed portions 103a, 203a... Inflow side embossments 104a, 204a... Discharge side embossments 300... Electrolyte membrane 310a... Cathode electrode 310b... Anode electrode 320a... Oxidizing gas diffusion layer 320b... Fuel gas Diffusion layer, C101, C201, C501, C601, C701... Linear protrusions, C102, C102a, C202, C202a, C602, C602a... Wavy protrusions, C103, C203... Triangular protrusions, C102aa, C202aa, C702aa... Part, C403, C503... Second wave-shaped convex part, C601a... First convex part, C601b... Flat part, C602aa... Second convex part, C602bb... Third convex part, 600... Convex area, F10... Oxidizing gas flow Path portion, F20... fuel gas flow path part, F101, F201, F401, F501, F601... straight flow path, F102, F202, F602... waveform flow path, F103, F203, F403, F603... curved flow path, FW ... cooling water flow path portion, R101, R201, R401, R501, R601, R602, R603, R701 ... flow path width, RH101, RH601 ... width, A, B ... side, SA, SB, SC ... arrow, 8b ... line

Claims (3)

A fuel cell separator,
a linear protrusion provided on one surface of the fuel cell separator;
a plurality of wavy protrusions extending parallel to the linear protrusions on one side of the straight protrusions;
Each portion of the wave-shaped convex portion between the wave-shaped convex portion closest to the linear convex portion and the linear convex portion among the plurality of the wave-shaped convex portions Among them, a plurality of convex portions are provided between the portion farthest from the linear convex portion and the linear convex portion,
The plurality of protrusions are
Independent of each other from the wave-shaped convex portion and the linear convex portion,
Each is characterized by a triangular prism shape,
Between the linear protrusion and each of the plurality of protrusions, a flow path for circulating the reaction gas is formed.
Fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator according to claim 1,
The linear convex portion has one or more portions that protrude toward the portion of the wave-shaped convex portion that is closest to the linear convex portion,
Fuel cell separator. A fuel cell,
a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly;
a pair of rectangular plate-like separators having first and second sides facing each other and third and fourth sides facing each other sandwiching the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly;
an oxidizing gas supply manifold, a cooling water supply manifold, and a fuel gas discharge manifold provided at a position closer to the first side than the second side;
a fuel gas supply manifold, a cooling water discharge manifold, and an oxidant gas discharge manifold provided at a position closer to the second side than the first side;
On one surface of the separator, the surface facing the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly,
a plurality of wavy convex portions extending in a direction from the first side toward the second side;
a straight convex portion extending parallel to the wavy convex portion;
has
Among the wavy convex portions, between the wavy convex portion closest to the linear convex portion and the linear convex portion, the linear convex portion among the portions of the wavy convex portion A plurality of convex portions are provided between the portion farthest from and the linear convex portion,
The plurality of protrusions are
independent of each other from the wavy convex portion and the linear convex portion;
Each is characterized by a triangular prism shape,
A flow path is formed between the separator and the plurality of wave-shaped protrusions or portions not in contact with the plurality of protrusions on the surface of the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly facing the separator. ,
fuel cell.

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