Proton exchange membrane type fuel cell catalytic device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a proton exchange membrane type fuel cell catalytic device, belongs to the technical field of fuel cells, and aims to solve the problem that a traditional bipolar plate is poor in drainage performance and heat dissipation effect in the operation process of a cell. According to the technical scheme, the proton exchange membrane type fuel cell catalytic device is characterized by comprising a bipolar plate, a sealing ring, a diffusion layer and a proton membrane, the bipolar plate is provided with a plurality of runners connected end to end, the cross section of each runner is wavy, expansion slots are formed in peak valleys and trough positions of the runners, heat conduction pieces are fixedly connected in the expansion slots, and the proton membrane is arranged in the heat conduction pieces. An expansion channel is formed between the peripheral wall of the heat conduction piece and the inner wall of the expansion groove, and dynamic distribution of reactants and products is improved by increasing the surface area of a flow channel through the expansion groove and the heat conduction piece, so that the utilization efficiency and the discharge efficiency of water are improved, and meanwhile, the heat discharge capacity is enhanced; and the stability and the reliability of the proton exchange membrane type fuel cell are further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and more specifically, to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device. Background Technology

[0002] Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are an efficient and environmentally friendly energy conversion technology that uses the electrochemical reaction principle of hydrogen and oxygen. The proton exchange membrane is used as an electrolyte, allowing only protons to pass through, while electrons flow through the external circuit to generate current. The catalytic device is the core part of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and its performance directly affects the efficiency and stability of the battery.

[0003] Among them, the bipolar plate is one of the important components of the fuel cell catalytic device, which plays an important role in supporting and fixing the membrane electrode of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, dividing the fuel and oxidizing gas, collecting and conducting current, etc. A large amount of heat energy will be generated during the operation of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. At the same time, the circulation and discharge of water inside the battery not only need to maintain appropriate moisture to keep the proton exchange membrane moist, but also vary due to the mixing and mass transfer efficiency of the reactants in the flow channel. The straight flow channel or simple corrugated flow channel of the traditional bipolar plate is often difficult to meet the drainage performance and heat dissipation requirements at the same time. The imbalance between the heat energy generation and moisture maintenance during operation may lead to a decline in battery performance, which in turn affects the performance and life of the battery. Therefore, a new solution is needed to solve the problem of poor drainage performance and heat dissipation effect of the traditional bipolar plate during battery operation. Contents of utility model

[0004] Aiming at the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device, which can improve the drainage performance and heat dissipation effect during the operation of the battery through the structural setting.

[0005] The above technical purpose of the utility model is achieved through the following technical solutions: a proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device, including a bipolar plate, a sealing ring, a diffusion layer and a proton membrane, the bipolar plate is provided with a plurality of flow channels connected end to end, the cross section of the flow channel is wavy, and the peaks and valleys of the flow channel are provided with expansion grooves, a heat conducting member is fixedly connected in the expansion groove, and the outer peripheral wall of the heat conducting member and the inner wall of the expansion groove form an expansion channel.

[0006] The utility model is further configured as follows: the bipolar plate comprises an anode monopolar plate and a cathode monopolar plate, and the volume of the expansion slot of the cathode monopolar plate is greater than the volume of the expansion slot of the anode monopolar plate.

[0007] The utility model is further configured as follows: a liquid inlet is provided at one end of the bipolar plate, a liquid outlet is provided at one end of the bipolar plate away from the liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are connected to the flow channel.

[0008] The present utility model is further configured such that: one ends of two adjacent said flow channels near the liquid inlet are connected by a first bend, and one ends of two adjacent said flow channels near the liquid outlet are connected by a second bend, and the length of the second bend is greater than that of the first bend.

[0009] The present utility model is further configured such that: diversion grooves are respectively formed at positions of the bipolar plate near the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and the diversion grooves are respectively connected to the flow channels and the liquid inlet or the flow channels and the liquid outlet.

[0010] The present utility model is further configured such that: a plurality of flow guiding members and flow dividing members are fixedly connected in the diversion groove near the liquid inlet, and the flow dividing member is located between the flow guiding member and one end of the flow channel near the liquid inlet.

[0011] The present utility model is further configured such that: a plurality of flow buffering members and flow dispersing members are fixedly connected in the diversion groove near the liquid outlet, and the flow buffering member is located between one end of the flow channel near the liquid outlet and the flow dispersing member.

[0012] In summary, the present utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] By means of the expansion grooves and the heat conducting members, the surface area of the flow channels is increased to improve the dynamic distribution of reactants and products, thereby enhancing the utilization efficiency and discharge efficiency of water, and at the same time enhancing the heat discharge capacity, and further improving the stability and reliability of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the present utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the bipolar plate;

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of part A in

[0017] Figure 4 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of part B in

[0018] In the figure: 1, bipolar plate; 101, anode single plate; 102, cathode single plate; 2, sealing ring; 3, diffusion layer; 4, proton membrane; 5, flow channel; 6, expansion groove; 7, heat conducting member; 8, liquid inlet; 9, liquid outlet; 10, first bend; 11, second bend; 12, diversion groove; 13, flow guiding member; 14, flow dividing member; 15, flow buffering member; 16, flow dispersing member. Detailed Embodiments

[0019] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model; obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0020] Embodiment:

[0021] Next, the present utility model will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] As Figure 1 shown, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device includes a bipolar plate 1, a sealing ring 2, a diffusion layer 3, and a proton membrane 4. The sealing ring 2 is adhesively bonded to the surface of the bipolar plate 1. The diffusion layer 3 is fixed within the sealing ring 2. One end face of the sealing ring 2 away from the bipolar plate 1 is connected to the diffusion layer 3. A catalytic layer is provided within the proton membrane 4. The diffusion layer 3 is a key component located between the catalytic layer and the bipolar plate 1, and its material is carbon fiber cloth. Its main function is to distribute reaction gases, conduct electrons, and provide certain mechanical support, ensuring that the reaction gases can be evenly distributed on the catalytic layer, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction. Positioning holes are provided at the four corners of the bipolar plate 1 for installation.

[0023] As Figure 1 and 2 shown, the bipolar plate 1 is provided with a plurality of flow channels 5 connected end to end. The wavy flow channels 5 can enhance the transmission ability of oxygen to the catalytic layer and effectively remove the liquid water within the flow channels 5. By increasing the uniformity of oxygen distribution and the water removal ability, it helps to more evenly distribute the reaction gases and ensure the uniform progress of the reaction inside the fuel cell. Expansion grooves 6 are provided at the peaks and valleys of the flow channels 5, which can not only maintain the basic characteristics of the wavy flow channels 5 but also utilize the peak and valley positions to provide additional space for the accumulation and discharge of liquid, improving the management of reactants and products by increasing the local space. A heat conducting member 7 made of composite graphite material is provided within the expansion grooves 6. An expansion channel is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the heat conducting member 7 and the inner wall of the expansion grooves 6, extending the water flow path and increasing the contact time between water and gas, thereby improving the water utilization rate and discharge efficiency, being able to improve the uniformity of oxygen distribution and the water removal ability, helping to more evenly distribute the reaction gases, and ensuring the uniform progress of the reaction inside the fuel cell. By providing the heat conducting member 7 within the expansion grooves 6, heat can be directly conducted from the active area, contributing to the thermal management of the battery.

[0024] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the bipolar plate 1 includes an anode single plate 101 and a cathode single plate 102. The cathode single plate 102 and the anode single plate 101 are made of thin metal sheets, with the material being stainless steel, which provides good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The volume of the expansion groove 6 of the cathode single plate 102 is larger than that of the expansion groove 6 of the anode single plate 101. Since a large amount of water is generated on the cathode side, the volume of the required expansion groove 6 is larger than that of the anode.

[0025] As Figures 1-4 shown, a liquid inlet 8 is provided at one end of the bipolar plate 1, and a liquid outlet 9 is provided at the end of the bipolar plate 1 away from the liquid inlet 8. The liquid inlet 8 and the liquid outlet 9 are communicated with the flow channel 5. The ends of two adjacent flow channels 5 close to the liquid inlet 8 are connected by a first bend 10, and the ends of two adjacent flow channels 5 close to the liquid outlet 9 are connected by a second bend 11. The length of the second bend 11 is greater than that of the first bend 10. Through the first bend 10 and the second bend 11 with different lengths, different pressure zones and flow velocity zones are formed in the flow channel 5, which helps to control the discharge of the liquid and the supply of the reactants, and can also help to disperse the hot spots and improve the temperature distribution of the battery, thereby enhancing the stability and lifespan of the battery.

[0026] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, circular diversion grooves 12 are respectively provided at the positions of the bipolar plate 1 close to the liquid inlet 8 and the liquid outlet 9. The diversion grooves 12 are respectively connected to the flow channel 5 and the liquid inlet 8 or the flow channel 5 and the liquid outlet 9. Three strip-shaped drainage members 13 and a number of convex-shaped flow dividing members 14 are provided in the diversion groove 12 close to the liquid inlet 8. The flow dividing members 14 are located between the drainage members 13 and the end of the flow channel 5 close to the liquid inlet 8. Since the bipolar plate 1 is vertically arranged, the drainage members 13 help to guide the fluid to flow in a specific direction, and the flow dividing members 14 can slow down the flow velocity at the liquid inlet 8, effectively reducing the flow resistance. The reactants entering the battery can flow into the reaction area more effectively, improving the utilization rate of the reactants and accelerating the rate of the electrochemical reaction.

[0027] As Figure 4 shown, a number of convex-shaped flow retardation members 15 and three strip-shaped flow discharging members 16 are provided in the diversion groove 12 close to the liquid outlet 9. The flow retardation members 15 are located between the end of the flow channel 5 close to the liquid outlet 9 and the flow discharging members 16, which helps to slow down the outflow speed of the generated substances, ensuring sufficient time for water separation and avoiding excessive unreacted hydrogen or oxygen being carried away due to too fast water flow, thereby improving the efficiency of the battery. The flow discharging members 16 help to evenly distribute the outflowing fluid, preventing uneven fluid distribution caused by too high local flow velocity and further enhancing the performance stability of the battery.

[0028] As Figures 1-4As shown, the gas distribution is optimized through the expansion slot 6 and the heat conducting member 7, the thermal management is strengthened, the overall efficiency of the fuel cell is improved, the improved fluid management and heat dispersion reduce the formation of hot spots, improve the stability and lifespan of the fuel cell, and by increasing the water utilization rate and discharge efficiency, the maintenance cost is reduced and the economic benefit is improved.

[0029] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the idea of the present utility model belong to the protection scope of the present utility model. It should be pointed out that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present utility model, several improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device, comprising a bipolar plate (1), a sealing ring (2), a diffusion layer (3) and a proton membrane (4), characterized in that: The bipolar plate (1) is provided with a plurality of flow channels (5) connected end to end, the cross section of the flow channel (5) is wavy, the peaks and valleys of the flow channel (5) are provided with expansion grooves (6), a heat conducting member (7) is fixedly connected in the expansion groove (6), and an expansion channel is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the heat conducting member (7) and the inner wall of the expansion groove (6).

2. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bipolar plate (1) comprises an anode monopolar plate (101) and a cathode monopolar plate (102), wherein the volume of the expansion slot (6) of the cathode monopolar plate (102) is greater than the volume of the expansion slot (6) of the anode monopolar plate (101).

3. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A liquid inlet (8) is provided at one end of the bipolar plate (1), and a liquid outlet (9) is provided at one end of the bipolar plate (1) away from the liquid inlet (8), and the liquid inlet (8) and the liquid outlet (9) are in communication with the flow channel (5).

4. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ends of two adjacent flow channels (5) close to the liquid inlet (8) are connected via a bend 1 (10), and the ends of two adjacent flow channels (5) close to the liquid outlet (9) are connected via a bend 2 (11), and the length of the bend 2 (11) is greater than that of the bend 1 (10).

5. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bipolar plate (1) is provided with flow guide grooves (12) at positions close to the liquid inlet (8) and the liquid outlet (9), respectively, and the flow guide grooves (12) respectively connect the flow channel (5) and the liquid inlet (8) or the flow channel (5) and the liquid outlet (9).

6. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of guide pieces (13) and flow dividers (14) are fixedly connected in the guide groove (12) near the liquid inlet (8), and the flow dividers (14) are located between the guide pieces (13) and one end of the flow channel (5) near the liquid inlet (8).

7. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalytic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of flow-slowing members (15) and flow-dispersing members (16) are fixedly connected in the guide groove (12) near the liquid outlet (9), and the flow-slowing member (15) is located between one end of the flow channel (5) near the liquid outlet (9) and the flow-dispersing member (16).

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