KR100778584B1 - A fuel cell having a multiple-layered type separator - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel cell having a multilayered separator is provided to prevent the flooding of main channels and to improve the uniformity of the transfer pressure of main channels and the uniformity of humidity distribution of a separator. A fuel cell comprises a plurality of unit cells, and separators(100) which are inserted between the unit cells to separate the each unit cell, wherein the separators comprises a pair of separators(110) for main channels where a plurality of main channels(112) of linear shape penetrate and which have a discharge hole(114) for discharging the liquefied water at the both sides of the main channels; and a separator(120) for an auxiliary channel which is inserted between the pair of separators for main channels so as to be closely adhered to the separators for main channels, and is provided with microchannels(122) having the width narrower than the main channels and transferring the liquefied water at the both surfaces.

Description

A fuel cell having a multiple-layered type separator}

Figure 1a is an exploded perspective view showing a multilayer separator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1b is a perspective view of the combination showing the multilayer separator according to Figure 1a.

Figure 2a is an exploded perspective view showing a multilayer separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2b is a perspective view of the combination showing the multilayer separator according to Figure 2a.

Figure 3a is an exploded perspective view showing a multilayer separator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3b is a perspective view of the combination showing the multilayer separator according to Figure 3a.

Figure 4a is an exploded perspective view showing a multilayer separator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4b is a perspective view of the combination showing the multilayer separator according to Figure 4a.

Figure 5a is an exploded perspective view showing a multilayer separator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5b is a perspective view of the combination showing the multilayer separator according to Figure 5a.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

100: separator 110: main flow separator

112: main passage 113: discharge hole

120: separator plate for the auxiliary flow path 122: fine flow path

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel cell having a multilayer separator, and more particularly, to a fuel cell having a multilayer separator in which a separator for main flow passage and a separator for auxiliary flow passage are formed in a multilayer structure.

In the anode of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells using the polymer electrolyte membrane, an oxidation reaction occurs during hydrogen supply and discharge, and electrons are generated, and oxygen is supplied from the cathode. And electrons are absorbed and water is generated through a reduction reaction in the discharge process.

At this time, since the ion conductivity of the polymer electrolyte membrane is closely related to the humidification state, it is possible to transfer hydrogen ions to the reduction electrode only when a certain amount of moisture is supplied. Therefore, the water generated during the reaction of the fuel cell plays an important role in humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane during the initial operation of the fuel cell.

However, during steady state operation or at the end of operation, too much water is generated during the reaction of the fuel cell, so that small pores forming the reaction phase interface are blocked by moisture.

In addition, since the reaction between the oxygen and the hydrogen ions is reduced in the cathode, the flow path for supplying air is blocked by the liquefied water, and as a result, the electrode reaction area is reduced, resulting in deterioration of the fuel cell.

To prevent this, the separator has been added with a wide main flow channel and a narrower auxiliary flow path.

However, when the auxiliary flow path is processed in the same direction as the main flow path, the main flow path to which the liquefied water is transferred has a higher transfer pressure than other main flow paths. This causes a difference in the supply of the reaction gas between the flow paths, resulting in a problem that the uniformity of the separator chemical reaction is lowered.

In addition, since the liquefied water is generated in the outer portion of the fuel cell, which generally lowers the operating temperature, the humidity distribution in the center becomes nonuniform. have.

An object of the present invention is to prevent the clogging of the main flow path due to liquefied water by making a multi-layer manufacturing of the separation plate having a main flow path and the separation plate having a fine flow path.

Another object of the present invention is to evenly transfer the pressure between the main flow paths by using multiple layers of the separation plate having a main flow path and the separation plate having a fine flow path, and to equalize the humidity distribution of the whole separation plate.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a fuel cell having a plurality of unit cells and a separator plate which is inserted between each of the unit cells to separate each unit cell, the separator plate, the fuel A pair of separation plates for main flow passages in which liquefied moisture generated during the reaction of the battery is transferred and a plurality of main flow passages having a straight line are formed therethrough; And an auxiliary flow path inserted between the pair of main flow path separator plates to be in close contact with the main flow path separation plate, and having a narrower width than the main flow path, and having a fine flow path for transporting the liquefied water on both surfaces. It is characterized by consisting of a separator.

The auxiliary flow path separating plate is characterized in that the fine flow path of the straight line form perpendicular to the main flow path is formed.

The auxiliary flow path separator plate may cross in a direction different from the direction of the main flow path, and may be formed with a meandering fine flow path.

The auxiliary flow channel separator is characterized in that the fine flow path of the grid form is formed.

The auxiliary flow path separating plate is characterized in that the fine flow path of the diagonal shape that crosses the direction of the main flow path obliquely.

The micro-channel is characterized in that it extends to the outside of the separation plate for the auxiliary channel corresponding to the position of the discharge hole to communicate with the discharge hole.

Hereinafter, a fuel cell having a multilayer separator according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings (the same components will be described with reference to the same reference numerals). Even if it is indicated by a reference number, duplicate descriptions will be omitted when the same function is performed).

First, the structure of the multilayer separator according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described.

1A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a multilayer separator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a combined perspective view illustrating the multilayer separator according to FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a separation plate 100 for separating a plurality of unit cells in a fuel cell stack may include a separation plate for a main flow path having a plurality of straight main flow paths 112 formed therethrough. An auxiliary flow path separating plate 120 having a plurality of fine flow paths 122 coupled to the lower side of the main flow path separating plate 110 and orthogonal to the main flow path 112 on both surfaces, and the auxiliary flow path. The main flow path separating plate 110 is coupled to the lower side of the separation plate 120.

That is, the separation plate 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured in a multilayered manner by inserting the auxiliary flow path separation plate 120 between the pair of main flow path separation plates 110 and being closely coupled to each other.

The separator 100 is made of a metal material for convenience of molding the main flow path 112 and the fine flow path 122, but is applied to various separation methods such as molding even if applied to the separation plate of another material such as plastic. The main flow path 112 and the fine flow path 122 may be molded and used (commonly applied to the second to fifth embodiments of the present invention).

2A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a multilayer separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a combined perspective view illustrating the multilayer separator according to FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the separator 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a separator for main passage 110 having a plurality of straight main passages 112 formed therethrough, and The secondary flow path separating plate 120 and the auxiliary flow path that are coupled to the lower side of the main flow path separating plate 110 and formed on both surfaces of a plurality of fine flow paths 222 having a meandering shape different from the main flow path 112. The main flow path separating plate 110 is coupled to the lower side of the separation plate 120.

That is, the separator 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a double layer type by inserting the auxiliary channel separator 220 between the pair of main passage separators 110 and being closely coupled to each other.

The fine flow path 222 is configured in the form of a serpentine motion, and by the structure of the fine flow path 222, the liquefied water may be transported to be dispersed in the entire separation plate 200 rather than in one direction.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a multilayer separator according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a combined perspective view illustrating the multilayer separator according to FIG. 3A.

The separator 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is another embodiment of the second embodiment, and includes a meandering microchannel between a pair of main separators 110 formed with a straight main passage 112. An auxiliary flow path separating plate 320 having a 322 is inserted thereinto form a multilayer structure.

4A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a multilayer separator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a combined perspective view illustrating the multilayer separator according to FIG. 4A.

The separation plate 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of main flow path separation plates 110 provided with a plurality of straight main flow paths 112 formed through a plate surface, and a pair of main flow path separation. A plurality of micro-channels 422 coupled to the plate 110 and having a different direction from the main passage 112 have a multilayer structure in which the separating plates 420 for auxiliary passages are formed on both surfaces thereof.

The fine flow path 422 having a lattice shape includes a flow path formed vertically with the main flow path 112 and a flow path formed horizontally. However, the fine flow path 422 having a lattice shape may be formed to form an oblique angle with the main flow path.

The micro-channels 422 having a lattice form have an advantage in that the micro-channels 422 are processed at all positions of the main channel 112 so that the micro-channels 422 may be more quickly coped with the liquefied moisture generated.

5A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a multilayer separator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a combined perspective view illustrating the multilayer separator according to FIG. 5A.

The separation plate 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of main flow path separation plates 110 provided with a plurality of straight main flow paths 112 formed through a plate surface, and a pair of main flow path separation. The plurality of auxiliary flow path separating plates 520 formed on both surfaces of the fine flow path 522, which is coupled between the plate 110 and obliquely intersects with the main flow path 112, is formed in a multilayer structure.

Since the diagonal micro-channel 522 directly connects the outer portion of the separator 500 in which a clogging phenomenon occurs well and the inner portion of the separator 500 having a relatively high temperature, the humidity of the whole separator is Can be adjusted more uniformly.

In the separation plate according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention having the configuration as described above, the principle of liquefied water is described as follows.

Discharge holes 114 for discharging the liquefied water transferred through the main flow path 112 to the outside are formed at both sides of the main flow path separating plate 110 according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention. The discharge hole 114 discharges the liquefied water that is not transferred to the center portion of the separation plates 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 to the outside of the separation plate.

Water generated by the reaction in the fuel cell stack is liquefied in the main flow path 112 and flows into the main flow path 112 in the form of waterdrops. Since the main flow path 112 is formed through the plate surface of the main flow path separating plate 110, the liquefied moisture formed in the main flow path 112 is fine formed in the sub flow path separation plates 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520. The flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422 and 522 are moved.

That is, the liquefied water flows from the wide main flow path 112 into the narrow fine flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522 due to a difference in concentration, capillary phenomenon, and diffusion.

As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B, the main flow separator plate 110 and the auxiliary flow path separator plates 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 are combined to form a single separation plate 100. , 200, 300, 400, 500). The main flow direction of the reaction gas is along the direction A of the main flow path 112, and the liquefied moisture is formed in the main flow path 112 to change the direction B of the fine flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522. Spreads along

Since the liquefied water formed in the main flow path 112 is dispersed into the fine flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522, clogging of the main flow path 112 due to the liquefied water is reduced by reducing the difference in transport pressure between the main flow paths 112 ( fooding) phenomenon is eliminated.

In addition, since the fine flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522 are formed to intersect the main flow path 112 at right angles or oblique angles, the pressure difference between the main flow paths 112 due to liquefied water is lowered, thereby separating the separation plate 100, It is possible to ensure a uniform chemical reaction and uniform temperature distribution over the entire reaction surface (200, 300, 400, 500).

Liquefied water generated around the separator plates 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 by the micro-channels 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522 is separated through the various paths 100, 200, 300, and 400. , 500) to uniformly distribute the humidity distribution throughout the separator.

Liquefied water that is not transferred to the center of the separation plate (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is preferably discharged quickly to the outside of the separation plate (100, 200, 300, 400, 500), the discharge hole 114 The fine flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522 are extended to the outside of the auxiliary flow path separation plates 120, 220, 320, 420, and 520 corresponding to the?

MEA (Membrane-Electrode Assembly, Membrane-electrode assembly) must be evenly humidified for smooth chemical reaction of the separator. With such a configuration, when the separator according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention is used, Evenly distributed, a smooth electrochemical reaction of the separator is ensured.

When the separator according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention is used, humidity uniformity of the entire separator reaction area can be maintained, thereby improving reliability and durability of fuel cell performance under various conditions.

In addition, since the separation plate according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention is manufactured by dividing the separation plate for the main flow path and the separation plate for the auxiliary flow path, the convenience of processing may be increased.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the invention claimed in the claims can be variously modified. Of course, such changes are intended to be within the scope of the claims set forth.

As described above, in the fuel cell having the multilayer separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main flow passage is formed by forming a split structure in which the main flow passage is processed and a separation plate in which the fine flow passage is processed. Can be prevented.

In addition, by processing the main flow path and the fine flow path in different directions, the transfer pressure between the main flow paths can be evened, and the humidity distribution of the whole separation plate can be made uniform.

Claims (6)

In the fuel cell provided with a plurality of unit cells, and separating plates (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) are inserted between each of the unit cells to separate each unit cell, The separator plate 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, The liquefied moisture generated during the reaction of the fuel cell is transferred and a plurality of main flow passages 112 having a straight line are formed therethrough, and discharge holes 114 for discharging the liquefied moisture to the outside on both sides of the main flow passage 112. A pair of main flow passage separation plates 110 formed thereon; And The micro flow path inserted between the pair of main flow path separation plates 110 to be in close contact with the main flow path separation plate 110 and having a narrower width than the main flow path 112 to transfer the liquefied water. A fuel cell having a double-layered separator, characterized in that (122, 222, 322, 422, 522) is composed of a secondary flow path separator plate (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) formed on both surfaces. The method of claim 1, The auxiliary flow path separator plate 120 is a fuel cell having a multi-layered separation plate, characterized in that the fine flow path 122 of the straight line form perpendicular to the main flow passage 112 is formed. The method of claim 1, The auxiliary flow path separator plates 220 and 320 intersect in a direction different from the direction of the main flow path 112, but the fuel having a multi-layered separation plate, characterized in that the fine flow path (222, 322) of the meander shape is formed. battery. The method of claim 1, The auxiliary flow path separator plate 420 is a fuel cell having a multi-layer separation plate, characterized in that the fine flow path of the grid (422) is formed. The method of claim 1, The auxiliary flow path separator plate 520 is a fuel cell having a multi-layered separation plate, characterized in that the fine flow path 522 of the diagonal shape intersecting the direction of the main flow path 112 is formed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The minute flow paths 122, 222, 322, 422, and 522 may communicate with the discharge hole 114, and the separation plate 120, 220, 320, 420, for the auxiliary flow path, corresponding to the position of the discharge hole 114. A fuel cell having a multilayer separator, characterized in that extending to the outside of the (520).

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