WO2014035371A1 - Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions - Google Patents
Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014035371A1 WO2014035371A1 PCT/US2012/052589 US2012052589W WO2014035371A1 WO 2014035371 A1 WO2014035371 A1 WO 2014035371A1 US 2012052589 W US2012052589 W US 2012052589W WO 2014035371 A1 WO2014035371 A1 WO 2014035371A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- portions
- pass
- flow field
- flow
- pass portions
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
- H01M8/0263—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant having meandering or serpentine paths
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
- H01M8/026—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
- H01M8/0265—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant the reactant or coolant channels having varying cross sections
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/02—Details
- H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
- H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Definitions
- the subject matter of this disclosure generally relates to components that include a flow field. More particularly, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to flow field configurations.
- Fuel cells are useful for generating electricity. Fuel cells facilitate an electrochemical reaction between reactants such as hydrogen and oxygen.
- Reactant or coolant distribution plates include flow fields having a plurality of channels for directing the reactants or coolant within a cell stack assembly.
- Various flow field configurations have been proposed. For example, a serpentine flow field includes portions of flow channels adjacent each other that direct the reactant or coolant fluid in opposite directions.
- serpentine flow field configurations are that they allow for humidification of potentially drier areas along the flow path.
- One challenge associated with realizing a serpentine flow field for a fluid distribution plate is that there is limited room on the plate and special design considerations must be taken into account especially when the desired number of flow paths increases.
- An exemplary flow field includes a plurality of flow channel portions.
- n inlet portions configured for introducing a fluid into the flow field.
- a plurality of first pass portions direct fluid flow in a first direction.
- a plurality of second pass portions direct fluid flow in a second direction that is generally parallel to and opposite to the first direction.
- a plurality of third pass portions direct fluid flow in the first direction,
- n outlet portions are configured to allow fluid to exit the flow field, n is an integer and a number of the portions in at least one of the plurality of pass portions is a non-integer multiple of n.
- Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example fuel cell component designed according to an embodiment of this invention.
- Figure 2 schematically illustrates another example embodiment.
- Figure 3 schematically illustrates another example embodiment.
- Figure 4 schematically illustrates another example embodiment.
- Figure 5 schematically illustrates a symmetry feature of any of the embodiments of Figures 1-4.
- Disclosed example flow fields have a number n of inlet and outlet portions.
- the flow fields includes a non-integer multiple of n channel portions between the inlet portions and the outlet portions.
- the disclosed flow field arrangements are potentially useful in a variety of situations.
- Fuel cells require flow fields for distributing fluids such as reactants and coolants.
- Other devices, such as flow batteries, include flow fields and the disclosed examples may be useful in such devices.
- a fuel cell component including a flow field is considered for discussion purposes in the following description.
- FIG 1 schematically illustrates a fuel cell component 20.
- the fuel cell component 20 is a reactant distribution plate.
- a flow field 22 includes a plurality of channels for directing fluid within a fuel cell.
- the flow field 22 is configured for directing fluid flow within a fuel cell. This embodiment is useful for directing coolant flow to provide humidification and dissipate heat within a fuel cell.
- the example flow field 22 includes a plurality of inlet portions 24. This example includes five inlet portions 24.
- the inlet portions 24 are configured for introducing a fluid, such as a coolant, into the flow field 22 in a direction (e.g., upward according to the drawing) toward a plurality of first pass portions 26.
- the illustrated example includes eight first pass portions 26 that are connected with the inlet portions 24 for fluid flow from the inlet portions 24 into the first pass portions 26.
- the first pass portions 26 are situated within the flow field 22 for directing fluid flow in a first direction along a portion of the plate 20.
- the first direction is generally horizontal and from left to right.
- the first direction of fluid flow is intended to direct fluid toward a plurality of second pass portions 28.
- second pass portions 28 connected with the first pass portions 26 for fluid movement from the first pass portions 26 into the second pass portions 28.
- the second pass portions 28 direct fluid flow along another portion of the plate 20 in a second direction that is generally parallel to and opposite to the first direction.
- the second pass portions 28 direct fluid flow along the second direction toward third pass portions 30.
- the illustrated example includes eight third pass portions 30 connected with the second pass portions 28 for fluid flow from the second pass portions 28 into the third pass portions 30.
- the third pass portions 30 direct fluid flow in a third direction that is the same as the first direction in the illustrated example (e.g., left to right in the drawing).
- the third pass portions 30 direct fluid flow toward outlet portions 32.
- the illustrated example includes five outlet portions 32.
- the outlet portions 32 are configured to allow fluid to exit the flow field 22.
- the flow field 22 has a general flow of fluid moving into the inlet portions 24, along the first pass portions 26, along the second pass portions 28, then along the third pass portions 30 and finally along the outlet portions 32.
- inlet portions 24 and outlet portions 32 there are an equal number of inlet portions 24 and outlet portions 32.
- the number of pass portions in at least one of the plurality of pass portions is a non-integer multiple of the number of inlet portions.
- n inlet and outlet portions where there are n inlet and outlet portions and at least one of the plurality of pass portions includes a number of portions that is a non-integer multiple of n.
- Providing different numbers of pass portions and utilizing a non-integer multiple of the number of inlet and outlet portions allows for accommodating a larger number of inlet and outlet portions within the restricted space available on a fuel cell component such as a reactant or coolant distribution plate.
- a and c are equal.
- a and c equal 2 and b equals 1. Given this description, those skilled in the art will realize other potential values for a, b or c that will meet the needs of their particular situation.
- the flow path that begins with the inlet portion 24-2 includes a split at 40 such that the inlet portion 24-2 is connected with each of the first pass portions 26-2 and 26-3 for fluid movement from the inlet portion 24-2 to each of the first pass portions 26-2 and 26-3.
- the inlet portion 24-3 is connected with each of the first pass portions 26-4 and 26-5.
- a similar split exists along the flow path that begins with the inlet portion 24-4 where the inlet portion 24-4 is connected for fluid communication with each of the first pass portions 26-6 and 26-7.
- the flow path beginning with the inlet portion 24-1 does not include a split.
- the flow path that beings with the inlet portion 24-5 includes a split at 42 near the end of the first pass portion 26-8 where it is connected with each of the second pass portions 28-8 and 28-9 to allow fluid flow into those second pass portions.
- the example of Figure 1 includes a merge at 44 where each of the second pass portions 28-1 and 28-2 are connected for fluid communication with the third pass portions 30-1. Another merge is shown at 46 where each of the third pass portions 30-6 and 30-7 are connected with the outlet portion 32-4 to allow fluid flow into that outlet portion.
- the outlet portions 32-1 and 32-5 are each connected for fluid communication with a single one of the third pass portions as can be appreciated from the drawing.
- every flow path of the flow field 22 includes at least one split or at least one merge. Most of the flow paths include a split and a merge.
- the splits and merges facilitate using different numbers of pass portions and non-integer multiples of the number n of inlet portions 24.
- Using a number of pass portions that is a non-integer multiple of the number n of inlet portions 24 makes it possible to use a wider range of numbers of inlet portions 24 while still being able to realize a serpentine flow field within the restricted area available on a fuel cell component such as a fluid distribution plate.
- Reactant and coolant distribution plate flow fields typically require a consistent channel pitch and, for some desired number of inlet portions, it is not possible to fit an integer multiple of that number in a serpentine configuration within the size constraints of a fuel cell component.
- the illustrated example including the varying number of pass portions and the use of a non-integer multiple factor makes it possible to accommodate a larger number of inlet portions feeding into a plurality of pass portions that establish a serpentine flow field configuration.
- Figure 2 illustrates another example embodiment.
- the number of inlet portions 24, outlet portions 32, first pass portions 26, second pass portions 28 and third pass portions 30 respectively equals the number included in the embodiment of Figure 1.
- the split 42 of the embodiment of Figure 1 is not included in the embodiment of Figure 2.
- a split at 50 is included where the first pass portion 26-1 is connected for fluid communication with each of the second pass portions 28-1 and 28-2.
- the example of Figure 2 includes a merge at 52 where each of the second pass portions 28-8 and 28-9 are connected for fluid communication with the third pass portion 30-8.
- the example of Figure 2 includes many of the features of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 illustrates another example embodiment.
- at least one of the flow paths does not include any split or any merge.
- the flow path including the inlet portion 24-3, the first pass portion 26-4, the second pass portion 28-5, the third pass portion 30-5 and the outlet portion 32-3 is a direct, uninterrupted flow path that does not split or merge with any other flow path portions.
- the arrangement of the splits and merges 50 and 52 in the example of Figure 3 is like that of the example of Figure 2.
- the splits near the ends of the other inlet portions are like those in Figure 2.
- Figure 4 schematically illustrates another example arrangement.
- This example also includes at least one flow path that does not include any splits or any merges.
- the flow path established by the inlet portion 24-3, the first pass portion 26- 5, the second pass portion 28-5, the third pass portion 30-4 and the outlet portion 32-3 does not have any splits or merges along the entire path.
- the embodiment of Figure 4 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 3.
- the arrangement of splits and merges in the embodiment of Figure 4 is different compared to the other embodiments.
- a split at 42 and 44 is included in the embodiment of Figure 4 similar to the splits 42 and 44 of the embodiment of Figure 1.
- the example of Figure 4 includes a split 60 where the inlet portion 24-1 is connected for fluid communication with the first pass portions 26-1 and 26-2.
- a merge 62 establishes a connection for fluid communication between the third pass portions 30-7 and 30-8 with the outlet portion 32-5.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows reference lines 70 and 72 that intersect at a center of the component 20.
- the flow field configuration of each of the embodiments of Figures 1- 4 is symmetric about an axis along the intersection of the reference lines 70 and 72 when rotated 180°. Achieving rotational symmetry facilitates manufacturing economies.
- the interior splits and merges involve flow paths that recombine with a different flow path than the one from which it split.
- one of the inlet portions 24 does not include a split and one of the outlet portions 32 does not include a merge.
- every flow path includes at least one split or at least one merge.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP12883561.8A EP2891202B1 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
PCT/US2012/052589 WO2014035371A1 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
CN201280075556.6A CN104813526B (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
JP2015529765A JP6029762B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Meandering flow field with varying number of channel parts |
US14/423,684 US9923212B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
KR1020157007534A KR101962512B1 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/052589 WO2014035371A1 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2014035371A1 true WO2014035371A1 (en) | 2014-03-06 |
Family
ID=50184015
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/052589 WO2014035371A1 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2012-08-28 | Serpentine flow field with varying numbers of channel portions |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9923212B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2891202B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6029762B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101962512B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104813526B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014035371A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20240140836A1 (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2024-05-02 | President And Fellows Of Harvard College | Microfluidic systems for pulsed electric field sterilization |
CN112201803A (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2021-01-08 | 香港科技大学 | Convection enhanced snake-shaped flow channel for flow battery |
Citations (7)
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JP2006049197A (en) | 2004-08-06 | 2006-02-16 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Cooling structure of fuel cell |
US20070202383A1 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2007-08-30 | Goebel Steven G | Balanced hydrogen feed for a fuel cell |
US7297424B2 (en) * | 1999-09-01 | 2007-11-20 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack |
JP2008300096A (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2008-12-11 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell system |
US7465513B2 (en) | 2003-05-26 | 2008-12-16 | Daimler Ag | Matching of the local area-specific gas flows in PEM fuel cells |
US20090029228A1 (en) | 2006-02-02 | 2009-01-29 | Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd. | Separator Plate And Fuel Cell |
WO2009078792A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-06-25 | Morphic Technologies Aktiebolag (Publ.) | A flow field plate for use in a stack of fuel cells |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4344513B2 (en) | 2002-10-28 | 2009-10-14 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell |
JP4617661B2 (en) | 2003-11-13 | 2011-01-26 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Fuel cell stack |
US7618734B2 (en) * | 2004-05-19 | 2009-11-17 | General Motors Corporation | Branched fluid channels for improved fluid flow through fuel cell |
US20060134474A1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-06-22 | Hydrogenics Corporation | Fuel cell humidification system |
JP5227680B2 (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2013-07-03 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Fuel cell |
-
2012
- 2012-08-28 JP JP2015529765A patent/JP6029762B2/en active Active
- 2012-08-28 CN CN201280075556.6A patent/CN104813526B/en active Active
- 2012-08-28 KR KR1020157007534A patent/KR101962512B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-08-28 US US14/423,684 patent/US9923212B2/en active Active
- 2012-08-28 EP EP12883561.8A patent/EP2891202B1/en active Active
- 2012-08-28 WO PCT/US2012/052589 patent/WO2014035371A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7297424B2 (en) * | 1999-09-01 | 2007-11-20 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack |
US7465513B2 (en) | 2003-05-26 | 2008-12-16 | Daimler Ag | Matching of the local area-specific gas flows in PEM fuel cells |
JP2006049197A (en) | 2004-08-06 | 2006-02-16 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Cooling structure of fuel cell |
US20090029228A1 (en) | 2006-02-02 | 2009-01-29 | Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co., Ltd. | Separator Plate And Fuel Cell |
US20070202383A1 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2007-08-30 | Goebel Steven G | Balanced hydrogen feed for a fuel cell |
JP2008300096A (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2008-12-11 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell system |
WO2009078792A1 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2009-06-25 | Morphic Technologies Aktiebolag (Publ.) | A flow field plate for use in a stack of fuel cells |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2891202A4 (en) | 2016-06-08 |
US20150188150A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
CN104813526B (en) | 2017-05-10 |
EP2891202B1 (en) | 2017-10-18 |
JP2015526875A (en) | 2015-09-10 |
CN104813526A (en) | 2015-07-29 |
EP2891202A1 (en) | 2015-07-08 |
KR20150048814A (en) | 2015-05-07 |
JP6029762B2 (en) | 2016-11-24 |
US9923212B2 (en) | 2018-03-20 |
KR101962512B1 (en) | 2019-03-26 |
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