The invention relates to a flow element, in particular, as a component of a bipolar plate of an electrochemical device, comprising a plate-like base body that extends in two main directions of extension that are oriented at an angle in relation to one another, and has an extension in a height direction that is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly thereto, wherein the base body has a channel structure having a plurality of channels that are arranged laterally adjacent to one another, wherein the channels are formed by recesses in the base body and are separated from one another by raised portions, arranged between the recesses, of the base body, wherein regions having a normal level difference, defined in the height direction, as a height difference between a raised portion and an adjoining recess are provided, as well as regions having a level difference, reduced in comparison with the normal level difference, as a height difference between a raised portion and an adjoining recess, wherein, in the running direction of the channels, at least in some portions thereof, regions having a normal level difference and regions having a reduced level difference are provided repeatedly, and regions having a reduced level difference of adjacent channels are offset in relation to one another with respect to the respective running direction thereof, wherein the regions having a reduced level difference are formed on the base body by means of saddle regions, and the regions having a normal level difference are formed by means of valley regions arranged therebetween, and wherein a valley region of an adjacent channel is in each case located opposite the saddle regions. In addition, the invention relates to a use, a bipolar plate, and a method for producing a flow element.

The invention relates to a flow element, in particular, as a component of a bipolar plate of an electrochemical device, comprising a plate-like base body that extends in two main directions of extension that are oriented at an angle in relation to one another, and has an extension in a height direction that is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly thereto, wherein the base body has a channel structure having a plurality of channels that are arranged laterally adjacent to one another, wherein the channels are formed by recesses in the base body and are separated from one another by raised portions, arranged between the recesses, of the base body, wherein regions having a normal level difference, defined in the height direction, as a height difference between a raised portion and an adjoining recess are provided, as well as regions having a level difference, reduced in comparison with the normal level difference, as a height difference between a raised portion and an adjoining recess, wherein, in the running direction of the channels, at least in some portions thereof, regions having a normal level difference and regions having a reduced level difference are provided repeatedly, and regions having a reduced level difference of adjacent channels are offset in relation to one another with respect to the respective running direction thereof, wherein the regions having a reduced level difference are formed on the base body by means of saddle regions, and the regions having a normal level difference are formed by means of valley regions arranged therebetween, and wherein a valley region of an adjacent channel is in each case located opposite the saddle regions. In addition, the invention relates to a use, a bipolar plate, and a method for producing a flow element.

A reaction cell for a flow battery having flow channels positioned within a recess of a non-porous and non-brittle housing that is also a dielectric. Positioning the flow channels within the recess eliminates the need for end plates, gaskets, and insulators of conventional designs. A current collector and an electrode within the recess have areas approximately equal to the area of the recess such that they fit within the recess and maximize the contact area between them.

A reaction cell for a flow battery having flow channels positioned within a recess of a non-porous and non-brittle housing that is also a dielectric. Positioning the flow channels within the recess eliminates the need for end plates, gaskets, and insulators of conventional designs. A current collector and an electrode within the recess have areas approximately equal to the area of the recess such that they fit within the recess and maximize the contact area between them.

A fuel cell unit that includes a support structure having a plurality of flow channels and an active layer membrane coupled with the support structure, the active layer membrane comprising at least one electrode layer. Each flow channel of the plurality of flow channels is configured to direct one of air and fuel across at least one electrode layer of an active layer membrane to create electric current. Each flow channel of the plurality of flow channels includes at least one enhancement feature that is configured to disrupt a formation of a boundary layer near a surface of the active layer membrane where reactions occur. The plurality of flow channels can be positioned in a zig-zag configuration to allow for an increase in power density of the fuel cell unit.

A fuel cell unit that includes a support structure having a plurality of flow channels and an active layer membrane coupled with the support structure, the active layer membrane comprising at least one electrode layer. Each flow channel of the plurality of flow channels is configured to direct one of air and fuel across at least one electrode layer of an active layer membrane to create electric current. Each flow channel of the plurality of flow channels includes at least one enhancement feature that is configured to disrupt a formation of a boundary layer near a surface of the active layer membrane where reactions occur. The plurality of flow channels can be positioned in a zig-zag configuration to allow for an increase in power density of the fuel cell unit.

Disclosed is an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a first heater for applying heat to coolant of a fuel cell stack, a second heater for applying heat to the condensate produced in the fuel cell stack, and a controller that controls an operation of the second heater using residual power based on whether at least some of functions of the first heater are activated.

Disclosed is an apparatus for managing condensate of a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a first heater for applying heat to coolant of a fuel cell stack, a second heater for applying heat to the condensate produced in the fuel cell stack, and a controller that controls an operation of the second heater using residual power based on whether at least some of functions of the first heater are activated.

A separator for a fuel cell includes a facing surface configured to face a power generating unit of the fuel cell. Groove passages are arranged side by side in the facing surface. Reactant gas flows through the groove passages. Ribs, which are located between the groove passages and protrude toward the power generating unit, are provided on the facing surface. At least one of the ribs includes at least one protrusion that protrudes toward the power generating unit.

A separator for a fuel cell includes a facing surface configured to face a power generating unit of the fuel cell. Groove passages are arranged side by side in the facing surface. Reactant gas flows through the groove passages. Ribs, which are located between the groove passages and protrude toward the power generating unit, are provided on the facing surface. At least one of the ribs includes at least one protrusion that protrudes toward the power generating unit.