Patent Description:
A fuel cell stack refers to a kind of power generation device that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction of fuel (e.g., hydrogen), and the fuel cell stack may be configured by stacking several tens or hundreds of fuel cells (unit cells) in series.

The fuel cell may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane that may allow hydrogen positive ions to move therethrough, and electrodes (catalyst electrode layers) provided on two opposite surfaces of the electrolyte membrane to enable a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell may also include gas diffusion layers (GDLs) disposed to be in close contact with two opposite surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly and configured to distribute reactant gases and transfer the generated electrical energy, and separators (bipolar plates) disposed to be in close contact with the gas diffusion layers and configured to define flow paths.

The separators may include an anode separator configured to supply hydrogen which is fuel, and a cathode separator configured to supply air which is an oxidant. The separator includes channels through which the fuel or the oxidant flows.

In addition, in order to configure the fuel cell stack by stacking the fuel cells, sealability needs to be maintained between the membrane electrode assembly and reaction surfaces of the separators and between cooling surfaces of the separators.

To this end, gaskets are disposed between the membrane electrode assembly and the reaction surfaces of the separators and the cooling surfaces of the separators. That is, the gaskets serve to prevent the reactant gases (e.g., hydrogen and air) flowing to the reaction surfaces of the separators from leaking to the outside of the fuel cell stack and to prevent the coolant flowing to the cooling surfaces of the separators from leaking to the outside of the fuel cell stack.

The gaskets may be integrated, by injection molding, with edge portions of two opposite surfaces of the separator and with edge portions of two opposite sides of each manifold for allowing the reactant gases and the coolant to flow in and out. The flow paths for the reactant gases and the coolant may be defined by the gaskets.

Meanwhile, flatness of the separator and a state sealed by the gasket need to be securely maintained to ensure stable performance of the fuel cell and safety and reliability of the fuel cell.

In the related art, however, there is a problem in that the separator is easily deformed or damaged when a fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the fuel cell. Further, there is also a problem in that the deformation of the separator degrades the flatness of the separator, which degrades performance of the fuel cell and causes deterioration in durability and sealability of the gasket.

In addition, a thickness of the gasket (e.g., a reaction surface gasket) needs to be minimized to minimize a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the gasket. However, a decrease in thickness of the gasket to a certain degree or higher makes it difficult to ensure stable sealing performance. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to decrease the thickness of the gasket to a predetermined degree or higher.

Therefore, recently, various studies are conducted to minimize deformation of and damage to the separator and ensure durability and sealability of the gasket, but the study results are still insufficient. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a technology to minimize deformation of and damage to the separator and ensure durability and sealability of the gasket. <CIT> discloses fuel cell with the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>. A similar fuel cell is disclosed in <CIT> or <CIT>.

In one general aspect, there is provided a fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a separator stacked on a surface of the membrane electrode assembly, a beading portion protruding from a first surface of the separator that faces the membrane electrode assembly, and a sealing member disposed between the membrane electrode assembly and the beading portion and being configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly and the separator.

The beading portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a part of the separator.

The fuel cell may include an edge beading portion disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator.

The edge beading portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a part of the separator.

The beading portion may include a flat surface, and the sealing member may be disposed on the flat surface.

According to the invention, the separator includes a flow path part disposed on the first surface of the separator and configured to define a region in which a reactant gas reacts, a manifold part disposed in the separator and spaced apart from the flow path part, a junction channel disposed between the flow path part and the manifold part, a plurality of first distribution channels provided on a second surface of the separator and configured to connect the manifold part and the junction channel, to distribute the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part, and to supply the reactant gas to the junction channel, and a plurality of second distribution channels disposed on the first surface of the separator and configured to connect the junction channel and the flow path part, to distribute the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel, and to supply the reactant gas to the flow path part.

The fuel cell may include a gasket disposed on the second surface of the separator so as to correspond to the beading portion, wherein the first distribution channels may be disposed on the gasket.

The fuel cell may include a plurality of beading protrusions protruding from the first surface of the separator, wherein the second distribution channel may be defined between the adjacent beading protrusions.

The plurality of beading protrusion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a part of the separator.

The fuel cell may include a channel sealing member disposed on the plurality of beading protrusion to seal a portion between the beading protrusion and the membrane electrode assembly.

In another general aspect, there is provided a fuel cell stack include a plurality of fuel cells according to claim <NUM>, wherein the separator includes a flow path part provided on the first surface of the separator and configured to define a reaction region in which a reactant gas reacts, a manifold part disposed in the separator and spaced apart from the flow path part, a junction channel disposed between the flow path part and the manifold part, a plurality of first distribution channels disposed on a second surface of the separator and configured to connect the manifold part and the junction channel, to distribute the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part, and to supply the reactant gas to the junction channel, and a plurality of second distribution channels disposed the first surface of the separator and configured to connect the junction channel and the flow path part, to distribute the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel, and to supply the reactant gas to the flow path part.

However, various changes, and modifications of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only, and is not to be used to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the terms "include," "comprise," and "have" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof.

Throughout the specification, when a component is described as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly "connected to" or "coupled to" the other component, or there may be one or more other components intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there can be no other elements intervening therebetween.

The use of the term "may" herein with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., as to what an example or embodiment may include or implement) means that at least one example or embodiment exists where such a feature is included or implemented, while all examples are not limited thereto.

In addition, the expression "one constituent element is provided or disposed above (on) or below (under) another constituent element" includes not only a case in which the two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other, but also a case in which one or more other constituent elements are provided or disposed between the two constituent elements. The expression "above (on) or below (under)" may mean a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one constituent element.

Referring to <FIG>, a fuel cell <NUM> includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) <NUM>, separators <NUM> stacked on surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, beading portions <NUM> each protruding from one surface of each of the separators <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and sealing members <NUM> disposed between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the beading portions <NUM> to seal portions between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the separators <NUM>.

For reference, the separators <NUM> in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be defined as including a first separator 200a (e.g., an anode separator) having flow paths for hydrogen as fuel, and a second separator 200b (e.g., a cathode separator) having flow paths for air as an oxidant.

Further, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first separator 200a and the second separator 200b may be made of thin-film metal (e.g., stainless steel, Inconel, or aluminum). The first separator 200a and the second separator 200b, together with the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, may constitute the single fuel cell (unit cell) <NUM> and independently define the flow paths for the hydrogen, air, and coolant.

That is, the fuel cell (unit cell) <NUM> may include the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, the first separator 200a stacked on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and the second separator 200b stacked on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. A fuel cell stack <NUM> may be configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cells <NUM> in a reference direction (e.g., an upward/downward direction) and then assembling endplates (not illustrated) with two opposite ends of the stack of the fuel cells <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) <NUM> is configured to generate electricity through an oxidation-reduction reaction between fuel (e.g., hydrogen), which is a first reactant gas, and an oxidant (e.g., air) which is a second reactant gas.

The membrane electrode assembly <NUM> may be variously changed in structure and material in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and material of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

For example, the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> may include an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move, and catalyst electrode layers attached to two opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane. The electrochemical reactions occur in the catalyst electrode layers. In addition, gas diffusion layers (GDLs) (not illustrated) may be disposed at two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. The gas diffusion layers serve to uniformly distribute the reactant gases and transfer generated electrical energy.

The hydrogen, which is the fuel, and the air, which is the oxidant, are supplied to an anode (not illustrated) and a cathode (not illustrated) of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, respectively, through channels (not illustrated) in the first separator 200a and the second separator 200b. The hydrogen is supplied to the anode, and the air is supplied to the cathode.

The hydrogen supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by catalysts in the electrode layers disposed at two opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane. Only the hydrogen ions are selectively delivered to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, which is a positive ion exchange membrane, and at the same time, the electrons are delivered to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and the separator <NUM> which are conductors.

At the cathode, the hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and the electrons transmitted through the separator <NUM> meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode by an air supply device, thereby creating a reaction of producing water. As a result of the movement of the hydrogen ions, the electrons flow through external conductive wires, and the electric current is produced as a result of the flow of the electrons.

The separators <NUM> serve to supply the reactant gases (e.g., hydrogen and air) to the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and are disposed to be in close contact with one side and the other side of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> in the direction in which the fuel cells <NUM> are stacked.

For example, based on <FIG>, the separators <NUM> (the first separator and the second separator) may be stacked on upper and lower surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, respectively.

More specifically, the separator <NUM> is in close contact with one surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. A flow path part <NUM>, through which the reactant gas (hydrogen or air) flows, is disposed on one surface (an upper surface based on <FIG>) of the first separator 200a that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. A cooling channel (not illustrated), through which the coolant flows, is provided on the other surface (a lower surface based on <FIG>) of the separator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flow path part <NUM> is disposed at an approximately central portion of the separator <NUM> and faces one surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> to define a reaction region. The flow path part <NUM> may include a plurality of flow paths (not illustrated) disposed to be spaced apart from one another. The present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the number of flow paths and the arrangement structure of the flow paths.

Manifold parts <NUM> (e.g., a hydrogen manifold, a coolant manifold, and an air manifold) are penetratively provided at two opposite ends of the separator <NUM> with the flow path part <NUM> interposed therebetween, and the manifold parts <NUM> serve to move (supply and discharge) the hydrogen, the air, and the coolant, respectively.

For example, a first manifold 30a may be disposed at one end (a left end based on <FIG>) of the separator <NUM> so as to be spaced apart from one end of the flow path part <NUM>. A second manifold 30b may be disposed at the other end (a right end based on <FIG>) of the separator <NUM> so as to be spaced apart from the other end of the flow path part <NUM>.

In particular, the gas (reactant gas) may be introduced into any one of the first manifold 30a and the second manifold 30b, and the gas may be discharged from the other of the first manifold 30a and the second manifold 30b.

For example, the first manifold 30a may include a hydrogen inlet manifold 32a through which the hydrogen is supplied, a coolant inlet manifold 36a through which the coolant is supplied, and an air outlet manifold 34b through which the air is discharged. In addition, the second manifold 30b may include a hydrogen outlet manifold 32b through which the hydrogen is discharged, a coolant outlet manifold 36b through which the coolant is discharged, and an air inlet manifold 34a through which the air is supplied.

The manifold part <NUM> may be variously changed in structure and shape in accordance with required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the manifold part <NUM>.

For example, each of the hydrogen inlet manifold 32a, the coolant inlet manifold 36a, and the air outlet manifold 34b may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrangular hole penetratively provided at one end of the separator <NUM>. Likewise, each of the hydrogen outlet manifold 32b, the coolant outlet manifold 36b, and the air inlet manifold 34a may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrangular hole penetratively provided at the other end of the separator <NUM>.

The beading portion <NUM> protrudes from one surface (e.g., the upper surface of the first separator or the lower surface of the second separator based on <FIG>) of the separator <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

The beading portion <NUM> may have various structures in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the structure and shape of the beading portion <NUM>.

For example, the beading portion <NUM> may include a first beading portion (not illustrated) disposed along an edge of the separator <NUM>, and a second beading portion (not illustrated) configured to surround the manifold part <NUM>.

For example, the beading portion <NUM> may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the beading portion <NUM> has an approximately trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

In particular, a flat surface 210a, which is parallel to the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, may be disposed at an uppermost end (based on <FIG>) of the beading portion <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may be disposed on the flat surface 210a.

Since the beading portion <NUM> includes the flat surface 210a and the sealing member <NUM> is disposed on the flat surface 210a as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the sealing member <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a seating portion (seating surface) of the beading portion on which the sealing member is seated may have a curved surface or other shapes instead of the flat surface.

In particular, the beading portion <NUM> is integrated with the separator <NUM> by partially processing (e.g., pressing) a part of the separator <NUM>.

More particularly, the beading portion <NUM> may be formed together with lands and flow paths (through a single process) when the lands and the flow paths are formed by partially processing a part of the separator <NUM>.

For example, the beading portion <NUM> may have an entirely uniform width (a width in the leftward/rightward direction based on <FIG>).

The rigidity of the separator <NUM> may be increased by the beading portion <NUM> integrated with the separator <NUM> by processing a part of the separator <NUM> as described above. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing deformation of and damage to the separator <NUM> when a fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the separator <NUM> and minimizing deterioration in flatness caused by the deformation of the separator <NUM>.

In addition, since the rigidity of the separator <NUM> may be increased, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of making it easy to stack and fasten the separator <NUM> and improving safety and reliability of the separator <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the beading portion may be separately manufactured and then attached (e.g., welded) to the separator. Alternatively, the beading portion may have different widths at different positions.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell <NUM> may include an edge beading portion <NUM> disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator <NUM>.

This is based on the fact that an outermost peripheral portion of the separator <NUM> is more frequently deformed due to contact and fastening force when the separator <NUM> is fastened. The edge beading portion <NUM> disposed along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator <NUM> may increase the rigidity of the outermost peripheral portion of the separator <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of more effectively inhibiting deformation of and damage to the separator <NUM>.

The edge beading portion <NUM> may have various structures in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the structure of the edge beading portion <NUM>.

For example, the edge beading portion <NUM> may be stepped and bent in a stepwise manner at an outermost peripheral end of the separator <NUM>.

For reference, in the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated and described above, the example is described in which the edge beading portion <NUM> is continuously disposed along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator <NUM>. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, edge beading portions may be disposed to be spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator.

The sealing members <NUM> are disposed between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the beading portions <NUM> to seal the portions between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the separators <NUM>.

For reference, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration in which the sealing members <NUM> seal the portions between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the separators <NUM> means that the sealing members <NUM> seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the first separator 200a and a portion between the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and the second separator 200b, respectively.

For example, the sealing member <NUM> may include a first sealing portion (not illustrated) disposed along the first beading portion, and a second sealing portion (not illustrated) connected to the first sealing portion and disposed along the second beading portion.

In this case, the configuration in which the second sealing portion is disposed along the second beading portion may mean that the second sealing portion seals the hydrogen inlet manifold 32a, the coolant inlet manifold 36a, the air outlet manifold 34b, the hydrogen outlet manifold 32b, the coolant outlet manifold 36b, and the air inlet manifold 34a.

The sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured in various ways in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the method of manufacturing the sealing member <NUM>.

For example, the sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured by applying or transferring a sealant made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane onto the flat surface 210a of the beading portion <NUM> or performing a printing process on the flat surface 210a with the sealant.

In particular, the sealing member <NUM> may have adhesiveness, and the state in which the sealing member <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> are in contact with each other may be maintained (fixed) by adhesiveness of the sealing member <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing member may be attached to the separator by injection molding. Alternatively, the sealing member may be manufactured (by injection molding, for example) separately from the separator and then attached (bonded) to the separator.

Since the sealing member <NUM> is disposed on the beading portion <NUM> protruding from the separator <NUM> in the embodiment of the present disclosure as described above, a thickness of the sealing member <NUM> may be reduced to the extent of a height of the beading portion <NUM> (i.e., a height at which the beading portion <NUM> protrudes from the separator <NUM>). Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the sealing member <NUM> and stably ensuring durability and sealability of a gasket <NUM>.

Among other things, since the sealing member <NUM> having a small, uniform thickness is disposed on the flat portion of the beading portion <NUM> in the embodiment of the present disclosure, an entirely uniform surface pressure may be applied to the sealing member <NUM> when a fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the fuel cell <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing excessive compression and deformation (e.g., distortion) of the sealing member <NUM> and improving durability and sealability of the sealing member <NUM>.

As illustrated and described above, the separator <NUM> includes the flow path part <NUM> disposed on one surface of the separator <NUM> and configured to define the reaction region in which the reactant gas reacts, and the manifold parts <NUM> disposed on the separator <NUM> and spaced apart from the flow path part <NUM>. The reactant gases (e.g., hydrogen and air) may be supplied to the flow path part <NUM> through the manifold parts <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the separator <NUM> includes a junction channel <NUM> disposed between the flow path part <NUM> and the manifold part <NUM>, a plurality of first distribution channels <NUM> disposed on the other surface of the separator <NUM> and configured to connect the manifold part <NUM> and the junction channel <NUM>, distribute the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part <NUM>, and supply the reactant gas to the junction channel <NUM>, and a plurality of second distribution channels <NUM> disposed on one surface of the separator <NUM> and configured to connect the junction channel <NUM> and the flow path part <NUM>, distribute the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel <NUM>, and supply the reactant gas to the flow path part <NUM>.

This is to minimize a flow rate deviation of the reactant gas to be supplied to each of the flow paths of the flow path part <NUM> and more uniformly distribute the reactant gas to each of the flow paths of the flow path part <NUM>.

That is, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold part <NUM> may be supplied to the flow path part <NUM> by sequentially passing through the first distribution channels <NUM>, the junction channel <NUM>, and the second distribution channels <NUM>. As described above, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold part <NUM> may be primarily distributed by the first distribution channels <NUM>, and the reactant gas supplied to the junction channel <NUM> may be secondarily distributed again by the second distribution channels <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a flow rate deviation of the reactant gas to be supplied to the flow paths of the flow path part <NUM> and more uniformly distributing the reactant gas to the flow paths of the flow path part <NUM>.

In other words, the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part <NUM> may be uniformly supplied (distributed) over the entire section of the junction channel <NUM> (the entire section in a longitudinal direction of the junction channel <NUM>) through the first distribution channels <NUM>, and the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel <NUM> may be distributed (supplied) again to the flow path part <NUM> through the second distribution channel <NUM>, which makes it possible to minimize a flow rate deviation of the reactant gas to be supplied to the flow paths of the flow path part <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of stably and uniformly ensuring the output performance of the fuel cell <NUM>.

More specifically, the junction channel <NUM> is disposed between the manifold part <NUM> and the flow path part <NUM> and spaced apart from the manifold part <NUM> and the flow path part <NUM>, the first distribution channels <NUM> connect the manifold part <NUM> and the junction channel <NUM>, and the second distribution channels <NUM> connect the junction channel <NUM> and the flow path part <NUM>.

The junction channel <NUM> may have various structures in accordance with required conditions and design specifications. For example, the junction channel <NUM> may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrangular hole having a length (a length in the upward/downward direction based on <FIG>) corresponding to the manifold part <NUM>.

The plurality of first distribution channels <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the junction channel <NUM>. One end of each of the first distribution channels <NUM> communicates with the manifold part <NUM>, and the other end of each of the first distribution channels <NUM> communicates with the junction channel <NUM>.

In this case, the first distribution channel <NUM> may be variously changed in number, width, and spacing interval in accordance with required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the number of first distribution channels <NUM>, the width of the first distribution channel <NUM>, and the spacing interval between the first distribution channels <NUM>.

The first distribution channel <NUM> may be provided in various ways in accordance with required conditions and design specifications.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell <NUM> may include the gasket <NUM> disposed on the other surface (the upper surface based on <FIG> or the lower surface based on <FIG>) of the separator <NUM> so as to correspond to the beading portion <NUM>. The first distribution channels <NUM> may be disposed in the gasket <NUM>.

The gasket <NUM> serves to maintain an interval between the separators <NUM> that overlap each other. The gasket <NUM> seals a cooling channel (not illustrated) disposed on the other surface of the separator <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane.

In particular, an internal space (recessed space) defined by the beading portion <NUM> may be filled with the gasket <NUM>, which makes it possible to inhibit a leakage of the coolant that flows along the cooling channel.

For example, the gasket <NUM> may be integrated with the separator <NUM> by injection molding, and the first distribution channels <NUM> may be disposed in the gasket <NUM> at the time of forming the gasket <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket may be manufactured (by injection molding, for example) separately from the separator and then attached (bonded) to the separator.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated and described above, the example has been described in which the first distribution channels <NUM> are disposed in the gasket <NUM>. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distribution channels may be disposed directly on the other surface of the separator, or the first distribution channels may be disposed on another member disposed on the other surface of the separator.

The plurality of second distribution channels <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the junction channel <NUM>. One end of each of the second distribution channels <NUM> communicates with the junction channel <NUM>, and the other end of each of the second distribution channels <NUM> communicates with the flow path part <NUM>.

In this case, the second distribution channel <NUM> may be variously changed in number, width, and spacing interval in accordance with required conditions and design specifications. The present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the number of second distribution channels <NUM>, the width of the second distribution channel <NUM>, and the spacing interval between the second distribution channels <NUM>.

The second distribution channel <NUM> may be manufactured in various ways in accordance with required conditions and design specifications.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell <NUM> may include a plurality of beading protrusions <NUM> protruding from one surface (the upper surface based on <FIG>) of the separator <NUM>, and the second distribution channel <NUM> may be defined between the adjacent beading protrusions <NUM>.

For example, the beading protrusions <NUM> may be integrated with the separator <NUM> by partially processing (e.g., pressing) a part of the separator <NUM>.

In particular, the beading protrusions <NUM> may be formed together with the beading portion <NUM> (through a single process) when the beading portion <NUM> is formed by partially processing a part of the separator <NUM>. Since the beading portion <NUM> and the beading protrusions <NUM> are formed together at the time of forming the separator <NUM> as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of simplifying a structure and a manufacturing process and reducing costs.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the beading protrusion may be separately manufactured and then attached (e.g., welded) to the separator.

More particularly, the fuel cell <NUM> may include channel sealing members <NUM> disposed on the beading protrusions <NUM>, respectively, to seal portions between the beading protrusions <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

The channel sealing members <NUM> are disposed between the beading protrusions <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and serve to seal a portion between the adjacent second distribution channels <NUM>.

The channel sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured in various ways in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the method of manufacturing the channel sealing member <NUM>.

For example, the channel sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured by applying or transferring a sealant made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane onto an uppermost end (based on <FIG>) of the beading protrusion <NUM> or performing a printing process on the uppermost end of the beading protrusion <NUM> with the sealant. In particular, the channel sealing member <NUM> may be manufactured together with the sealing member <NUM> at the time of forming the sealing member <NUM> on the flat surface 210a of the beading portion <NUM> so that the channel sealing member <NUM> has the same thickness as the sealing member <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel sealing member may be provided on the separator by injection molding. Alternatively, the channel sealing member may be manufactured (by injection molding, for example) separated from the separator and then attached (bonded) to the separator.

According to the present disclosure as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of ensuring structural rigidity and improving safety and reliability of the separator.

Particularly, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of stably maintaining flatness of the separator and minimizing deformation of and damage to the separator.

Further, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a leakage of the reactant gas and the coolant and improving stability and reliability of the fuel cell.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a thickness of the sealing member and minimizing a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the sealing member.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a distribution deviation (flow rate deviation) of the reactant gas and ensuring the stable output performance of the fuel cell.

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack, which include a separator having ensured structural rigidity and improved safety and reliability.

The present disclosure has also been made in an effort to stably maintain flatness of a separator and minimize deformation of and damage to the separator.

The present disclosure has also been made in an effort to minimize leakages of a coolant and reactant gases and improve stability and reliability of the fuel cell.

The present disclosure has also been made in an effort to minimize a thickness of a sealing member and minimize a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the sealing member.

The present disclosure has also been made in an effort to minimize a distribution deviation (flow rate deviation) of reactant gases and ensure stable output performance of the fuel cell.

The objects to be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, but also include objects or effects that may be understood from the solutions or embodiments described below.

The embodiment of the present disclosure ensures structural rigidity and improve safety and reliability of the separator.

That is, in the related art, there is a problem in that the separator is easily deformed or damaged when a fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the fuel cell. Further, there is also a problem in that the deformation of the separator degrades the flatness of the separator, which degrades performance of the fuel cell and causes deterioration in durability and sealability of the gasket.

However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the beading portion may be disposed on the separator, and the sealing member may be disposed on the beading portion. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of ensuring structural rigidity of the separator and ensuring durability and sealing performance of the sealing member.

Moreover, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing member may be disposed on the beading portion protruding from the separator, which makes it possible to further reduce a thickness of the sealing member. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimize a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the sealing member and stably ensuring durability and sealability of the gasket.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the beading portion may be integrated with the separator by partially processing a part of the separator.

The rigidity of the separator may be increased by the beading portion integrated with the separator by processing a part of the separator as described above. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing deformation of and damage to the separator when a fastening pressure (pressing force) is applied to the separator and minimizing deterioration in flatness caused by the deformation of the separator.

In addition, since the rigidity of the separator may be increased, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of making it easy to stack and fasten the separator and improving safety and reliability of the separator.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell may include an edge beading portion disposed along an outermost peripheral edge of the separator.

This is based on the fact that an outermost peripheral portion of the separator is more frequently deformed due to contact and fastening force when the separator is fastened. The edge beading portion disposed along the outermost peripheral edge of the separator may increase the rigidity of the outermost peripheral portion of the separator. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of more effectively inhibiting deformation of and damage to the separator.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the beading portion may include a flat surface, and the sealing member may be disposed on the flat surface.

Since the beading portion includes the flat surface and the sealing member is disposed on the flat surface as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a compressibility deviation and a surface pressure deviation of the sealing member.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the separator includes:
a flow path part disposed on one surface of the separator and configured to define a reaction region in which a reactant gas reacts; a manifold part disposed in the separator and spaced apart from the flow path part; a junction channel disposed between the flow path part and the manifold part; a plurality of first distribution channels disposed on the other surface of the separator and configured to connect the manifold part and the junction channel, distribute the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part, and supply the reactant gas to the junction channel; and a plurality of second distribution channels disposed on one surface of the separator and configured to connect the junction channel and the flow path part, distribute the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel, and supply the reactant gas to the flow path part.

This is to minimize a flow rate deviation of the reactant gas to be supplied to each of the flow paths of the flow path part and more uniformly distribute the reactant gas to each of the flow paths of the flow path part.

That is, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold part may be supplied to the flow path part by sequentially passing through the first distribution channels, the junction channel, and the second distribution channels. As described above, the reactant gas supplied to the manifold part may be primarily distributed by the first distribution channels, and the reactant gas supplied to the junction channel may be secondarily distributed again by the second distribution channels. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing a flow rate deviation of the reactant gas to be supplied to the flow paths of the flow path part and more uniformly distributing the reactant gas to the flow paths of the flow path part.

In other words, the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part may be uniformly supplied (distributed) over the entire section of the junction channel (the entire section in a longitudinal direction of the junction channel) through the first distribution channels, and the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel may be distributed (supplied) again to the flow path part through the second distribution channel, which makes it possible to minimize a flow rate deviation of the reactant gas to be supplied to the flow paths of the flow path part. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of stably and uniformly ensuring the output performance of the fuel cell.

While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and details may be made in these examples, within the scope of the appended claims. The examples described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example are to be considered as being applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and/or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and/or replaced or supplemented by other components.

Claim 1:
A fuel cell (<NUM>) comprising:
a membrane electrode assembly (MEA, <NUM>);
a separator (<NUM>) stacked on a surface of the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>);
a beading portion (<NUM>) protruding from a first surface of the separator (<NUM>) that faces the membrane electrode assembly; and
a sealing member (<NUM>) disposed between the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>) and the beading portion (<NUM>) and being configured to seal a portion between the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>) and the separator (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the separator comprises:
a flow path part (<NUM>) disposed on the first surface of the separator (<NUM>) and configured to define a region in which a reactant gas reacts;
a manifold part (<NUM>) disposed in the separator (<NUM>) and spaced apart from the flow path part (<NUM>);
a junction channel (<NUM>) disposed between the flow path part (<NUM>) and the manifold part (<NUM>);
a plurality of first distribution channels (<NUM>) provided on a second surface of the separator (<NUM>) and configured to connect the manifold part (<NUM>) and the junction channel (<NUM>), to distribute the reactant gas introduced into the manifold part (<NUM>), and to supply the reactant gas to the junction channel (<NUM>); and
a plurality of second distribution channels (<NUM>) disposed on the first surface of the separator (<NUM>) and configured to connect the junction channel (<NUM>) and the flow path part (<NUM>), to distribute the reactant gas introduced into the junction channel (<NUM>), and to supply the reactant gas to the flow path part (<NUM>).