Fuel Cells

Abstract

A fuel cell, comprising: a cell stack configured so that a plurality of unit cells are stacked; an end plate arranged at one of the two ends of the cell stack, the end plate comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and a groove portion, the groove portion comprising a first groove adjacent to and spaced apart from the air outlet and a second groove connecting the first groove to the air inlet; and a cover covering a region of the end plate where the air inlet, the groove portion, and the air outlet are formed so as to form a flow path together with the second groove to allow air to pass therethrough. The cover comprises: a first through hole communicating with the first groove, a second through hole communicating with the air outlet, and a partition wall separating the first through hole and the second through hole from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. To this end, the fuel cell includes a cell stack and end plates provided at both ends of the cell stack. A manifold for supplying hydrogen and air may be provided at one of the two end plates, and a manifold for supplying a coolant may be provided at the other of the two end plates. In recent years, various studies have been conducted on structures for supplying gas to or exhausting gas from a fuel cell. Summary of the invention

[0003] Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a fuel cell that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0004] Embodiments may provide a fuel cell having a simple structure and a reduced number of components.

[0005] However, the objects achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0006] A fuel cell according to an embodiment may include: a cell stack configured such that a plurality of unit cells are stacked; an end plate arranged at one of the two ends of the cell stack, the end plate including an air inlet, an air outlet, and a groove portion, the groove portion including a first groove adjacent to and spaced apart from the air outlet and a second groove connecting the first groove to the air inlet; and a cover covering a region of the end plate where the air inlet, the groove portion, and the air outlet are formed so as to form a flow path together with the second groove to allow air to pass therethrough. The cover includes: a first through hole communicating with the first groove, a second through hole communicating with the air outlet, and a partition wall separating the first through hole and the second through hole from each other.

[0007] For example, the fuel cell may further include a valve including an inlet portion connected to the first through hole and an outlet portion connected to the second through hole and separated from the inlet portion. The valve may simultaneously open or simultaneously close the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0008] For example, the end plate may include a valve region overlapping the valve in a first direction in which the plurality of unit cells are stacked, the first through hole and the second through hole overlap the valve region in the first direction; and the first groove and the vent are located within the valve region.

[0009] For example, the first recess can be arranged above the exhaust opening in the valve region.

[0010] For example, the first recess can be arranged next to a point above the exhaust opening in the valve region.

[0011] For example, the fuel cell may further include a first gasket inserted between the end plate and the cover and disposed on edges of the air inlet and the groove portion.

[0012] For example, the fuel cell may further include a second gasket which is inserted between the end plate and the cover and is disposed on an edge of the exhaust port.

[0013] For example, the first gasket and the second gasket may be provided separately from each other, or may be formed integrally with each other.

[0014] For example, the flow path may have a predetermined height and a predetermined width. The height may gradually decrease from the first groove to the air inlet, and the width may gradually increase from the first groove to the air inlet.

[0015] For example, the second groove may include at least one sub-groove that is concavely formed between the first groove and the air inlet in the direction in which the air flows.

[0016] For example, the valve area may be located inside the lower left corner or inside the lower right corner of the end plate, and the air inlet may be located inside the upper right corner or inside the upper left corner of the end plate.

[0017] For example, the end plate may include a first protrusion that protrudes from a corner of the first groove that is oriented opposite to the air flow direction in the air flow direction. The cover may include a second protrusion that protrudes from a corner of the first through hole that is oriented opposite to the air flow direction in the air flow direction. The first protrusion and the second protrusion may guide the air introduced in the first direction so that the direction of the air travel is changed to the air flow direction.

[0018] For example, in the end plate, a corner of the first groove directed opposite to the air flow direction may have a chamfered shape.

[0019] For example, the end of the second groove adjacent to the air inlet may have a curved portion through which air traveling through the flow path in the second direction from the first groove toward the air inlet is guided, thereby allowing the air to travel in the first direction through the air inlet.

[0020] For example, the area of ​​the exhaust port in the inner surface of the end plate may be larger than the area of ​​the second through hole in the inner surface of the cover.

[0021] For example, the height of the exhaust port in the inner surface of the end plate may be greater than the height of the second through hole in the inner surface of the cover.

[0022] For example, the cover may include an upper portion disposed above the second through hole and a lower portion disposed below the second through hole. The lower portion of the cover may have an inclined cross-sectional shape so that the height of the portion of the lower portion adjacent to the valve is less than the height of the portion of the lower portion adjacent to the exhaust port.

[0023] For example, the groove portion of the end plate may be formed of resin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Arrangements and implementations may be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell according to an embodiment, and Figure 1B is a coupled perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and 1B A cross-sectional view of an end plate, a cell stack and a current collecting plate in a fuel cell shown;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A a partial elevation view of an embodiment of the first end plate shown;

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional shape of an embodiment of a flow path;

[0029] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a first space formed by a first groove and a first through hole in a state where the cover is engaged with the first end plate;

[0030] Figure 6 is a partial elevation view of an embodiment of an air inlet and a second recess in a first end plate;

[0031] Figure 7 is a partial joint cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a vent and a cover;

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 1A and 1B a front view of the illustrated embodiment of the valve; and

[0033] Fig.9A and 9B is a front view of a first end plate according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments. However, the examples may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete and to more fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0035] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being 'on' or "under" another element, it can be directly on / under the element, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

[0036] When an element is referred to as being 'on' or 'under', 'under the element' as well as 'on the element' can be included based on the element.

[0037] Furthermore, relational terms such as "first," "second," "upper / upper," and "lower / lower / lower" are used solely to distinguish one subject or element from another subject or element without necessarily requiring or relating to any physical or logical relationship or order between the subjects or elements.

[0038] Hereinafter, a fuel cell 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) will be used to describe the fuel cell 100, but other coordinate systems may also be used to describe it. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect obliquely. In the following description, the +x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction is referred to as a "first direction", the direction in which air flows through the flow path is referred to as a "second direction", the +y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction is referred to as a "third direction", and the +z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction is referred to as a "fourth direction". The second direction will be described in detail later.

[0039] Figure 1A is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell 100 according to an embodiment, and Figure 1B is a coupling perspective view showing the appearance of the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment.

[0040] The fuel cell 100 may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (or proton exchange membrane fuel cell) (PEMFC), which has been most widely studied as a power source for driving vehicles. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific form of fuel cell.

[0041] The fuel cell 100 may include end plates (or pressure plates or compression plates) 110A and 110B, a current collecting plate 112 , and a cell stack 122 .

[0042] The battery stack 122 may include a plurality of unit batteries stacked on one another in a first direction.

[0043] Each of the end plates 110A and 110B may be disposed at a corresponding one of both ends of the battery stack 122 and may support and fix the unit cells. That is, the first end plate 110A may be disposed at one end of the battery stack 122 and the second end plate 110B may be disposed at the other end of the battery stack 122.

[0044] In addition, although not shown, the fuel cell 100 may further include at least one of a clamping member and an enclosure.

[0045] The clamping member is used to clamp the unit cells together with the end plates 110A and 110B in the first direction. For example, the clamping member may have a rod shape, a long bolt shape, a belt shape, or a rigid rope shape to clamp the unit cells.

[0046] The housing may be fastened to the end plates 110A and 110B to serve as a clamping member, or may surround the periphery of the battery stack that has been fastened with the clamping member.

[0047] Reference Figure 1A The first end plate 110A may include first and second intake manifolds M1I and M2I, and first and second exhaust manifolds M1O and M2O, and the second end plate 110B may include a third intake manifold (not shown) M3I and a third exhaust manifold (not shown) M3O.

[0048] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The end plates 110A and 110B, the cell stack 122 and the current collecting plate 112 in the fuel cell 100 are shown in cross-section. For ease of description, the groove portion formed in the first end plate 110A is not shown in FIG. Figure 2 and will be described later.

[0049] Figure 2 The end plates 110A and 110B shown may correspond to Figure 1A or Figure 1B The end plates 110A and 110B are shown, and Figure 2 The battery stack 122 shown may correspond to Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 and 2. An embodiment of a battery stack 122 is shown. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , the battery stack 122 may include a plurality of unit cells 122-1 to 122-N stacked in a first direction. Here, "N" is a positive integer greater than 1, and may be in the range of several tens to several hundreds. "N" may be, for example, in the range of 100 to 300, and may preferably be 220. However, embodiments are not limited to any particular value of "N".

[0051] Each unit cell 122-n can generate electricity of 0.6 volts to 1.0 volts, averaging 0.7 volts. Here, 1≤n≤N. Therefore, "N" can be determined according to the intensity of the power provided from the fuel cell 100 to the load. Here, "load" can refer to a part of the vehicle that requires power.

[0052] Each unit cell 122 - n may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 210 , gas diffusion layers (GDL) 222 and 224 , gaskets 232 , 234 , and 236 , and separators (or bipolar plates) 242 and 244 .

[0053] The membrane electrode assembly 210 has a structure in which a catalyst electrode layer where an electrochemical reaction occurs is attached to both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move. Specifically, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may include a polymer electrolyte membrane (or proton exchange membrane) 212, a fuel electrode (or hydrogen electrode or anode) 214, and an air electrode (or oxygen electrode or cathode) 216. In addition, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may further include a subgasket 238.

[0054] The polymer electrolyte membrane 212 is disposed between the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216. Hydrogen as a fuel in the fuel cell 100 can be supplied to the fuel electrode 214 through the first separator 242, and oxygen as an oxidant can be supplied to the air electrode 216 through the second separator 244.

[0055] The hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 214 is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) (H+) and electrons (e-) by the catalyst. Only hydrogen ions can be selectively transferred to the air electrode 216 through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212, and at the same time, electrons can be transferred to the air electrode 216 through the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 and the separators 242 and 244 as conductors. In order to achieve the above operation, a catalyst layer can be applied to each of the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216. The movement of the above-mentioned electrons causes the electrons to flow through the external wire, thereby generating an electric current. That is, due to the electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen as a fuel and the oxygen contained in the air, the fuel cell 100 can generate electricity.

[0056] In the air electrode 216, hydrogen ions supplied through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212 and electrons transferred through the separators 242 and 244 meet oxygen in the air supplied to the air electrode 216, thereby causing a reaction to produce water (hereinafter referred to as "condensed water" or "product water"). The condensed water produced in the air electrode 216 can penetrate the polymer electrolyte membrane 212 and can be transferred to the fuel electrode 214.

[0057] In some cases, the fuel electrode 214 may be referred to as an anode, while the air electrode 216 may be referred to as a cathode. Alternatively, the fuel electrode 214 may be referred to as a cathode, while the air electrode 216 may be referred to as an anode.

[0058] The gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 are used to uniformly distribute hydrogen and oxygen as reaction gases and transfer the generated electrical energy. To this end, the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 may be disposed on respective sides of the membrane electrode assembly 210. That is, the first gas diffusion layer 222 may be disposed on the left side of the fuel electrode 214, and the second gas diffusion layer 224 may be disposed on the right side of the air electrode 216.

[0059] The first gas diffusion layer 222 may be used to diffuse and uniformly distribute hydrogen as a reaction gas supplied through the first separator 242, and may be conductive. The second gas diffusion layer 224 may be used to diffuse and uniformly distribute hydrogen supplied through the second separator 244.

[0060] Air as a reaction gas, and may be conductive. Each of the first gas diffusion layer 222 and the second gas diffusion layer 224 may be a microporous layer in which fine carbon fibers are combined. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific configuration of the first gas diffusion layer 222 and the second gas diffusion layer 224.

[0061] Gaskets 232, 234, and 236 can be used to maintain the airtightness and clamping pressure of the battery stack at an appropriate level with respect to the reaction gas and the coolant, to disperse the stress when the separators 242 and 244 are stacked, and to seal the flow paths independently. In this way, since airtightness and watertightness are maintained by gaskets 232, 234, and 236, the flatness of the surface adjacent to the battery stack 122 that generates electricity can be ensured, and thus the surface pressure can be evenly distributed on the reaction surface of the battery stack 122.

[0062] The separators 242 and 244 can be used to move the reaction gas and the cooling medium and separate each unit cell from other unit cells. In addition, the separators 242 and 244 can be used to structurally support the membrane electrode assembly 210 and the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224, and collect the generated current and transfer the collected current to the current collecting plate 112.

[0063] The separators 242 and 244 may be disposed outside the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224, respectively. That is, the first separator 242 may be disposed on the left side of the first gas diffusion layer 222, and the second separator 244 may be disposed on the right side of the second gas diffusion layer 224.

[0064] The first separator 242 is used to supply hydrogen as a reaction gas to the fuel electrode 214 through the first gas diffusion layer 222. To this end, the first separator 242 may include an anode plate (AP) in which a channel (ie, a channel or a flow path) is formed so that hydrogen can flow therethrough.

[0065] The second separator 244 is used to supply air as a reaction gas to the air electrode 216 through the second gas diffusion layer 224. To this end, the second separator 244 may include a cathode plate (CP) in which a channel is formed so that air containing oxygen can flow therethrough.

[0066] Furthermore, each of the first separator 242 and the second separator 244 may form a channel through which a cooling medium (eg, coolant) can flow.

[0067] In addition, the separators 242 and 244 may be formed of a graphite-based material, a composite graphite-based material, or a metal-based material. However, the embodiment is not limited to any specific material of the separators 242 and 244.

[0068] Each of the first partition plate 242 and the second partition plate 244 may include first to third intake manifolds M1I, M2I, and M3I and first to third exhaust manifolds M1O, M2O, and M3O.

[0069] Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, an embodiment will be described such that oxygen as a reaction gas is introduced through a first intake manifold (hereinafter referred to as an "intake port") M1I, and oxygen as a reaction gas and condensed water are discharged through a first exhaust manifold (hereinafter referred to as an "exhaust port") M1O. In this case, hydrogen as a reaction gas may be introduced through a second intake manifold M2I, and hydrogen as a reaction gas may be discharged through a second exhaust manifold M2O. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0070] That is, according to another embodiment, hydrogen as a reaction gas may be introduced through the first intake manifold M11, and the hydrogen as a reaction gas may be discharged through the first exhaust manifold M10. In this case, oxygen as a reaction gas may be introduced through the second intake manifold M21, and oxygen and condensed water as reaction gases may be discharged through the second exhaust manifold M20. The following description may also be applied to this case.

[0071] For example, the first and second end plates 110A and 110B may be formed by combining a plurality of plates, but embodiments are not limited to any particular configuration of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B.

[0072] The current collecting plate 112 may be disposed between the inner surfaces 110AI and 110BI of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B facing the battery stack 122 and the battery stack 122. The current collecting plate 112 serves to collect electric energy generated by the flow of electrons in the battery stack 122 and provide the electric energy to a load of a vehicle using the fuel cell 100.

[0073] Meanwhile, in order to supply air from the outside to the cell stack 122 or to discharge air from the cell stack 122 to the outside, the fuel cell 100 may further include a gasket 130 , a cover 140 , and a valve 150 .

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first end plate 110A may include a groove portion HP formed therein. The groove portion HP may include a first groove H1 and a second groove H2. The first groove H1 may be a groove adjacent to and spaced from the exhaust port M10, and the second groove H2 may be a groove connecting the first groove H1 to the intake port M1I.

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A A partial elevation view of an embodiment of a first end plate 110A is shown.

[0076] refer to Figure 3 , at least one of the first groove H1 and the second groove H2 may include at least one sub-groove SH. The sub-groove SH included in the second groove H2 is recessed between the first groove H1 and the air inlet M1I in the second direction D, and air flows therein as shown by arrows. Figure 3 As shown, the at least one sub groove SH may include a plurality of sub grooves. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the sub groove SH formed in the groove part HP may be omitted.

[0077] The cover 140 covers the manifold area MA of the first end plate 110A. Figure 1A , the manifold area MA may be defined as including an area in which the intake port M11, the groove portion HP, and the exhaust port M10 are formed. In addition, the manifold area MA may include an area between the first groove H1 and the exhaust port M10.

[0078] Each of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B may be formed such that the metal insert is surrounded by a plastic injection molded product. The metal insert of each of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B may have high rigidity to withstand inner surface pressure and may be realized by machining a metal material.

[0079] According to an embodiment, in the first end plate 110A, the intake port M11, the exhaust port M10, the groove portion HP, the second and third intake manifolds M21 and M31, and the second and third exhaust manifolds M20 and M30 may be formed of a resin such as plastic, and other regions may be formed of metal.

[0080] When the cover 140 covers the manifold area MA, the cover 140 may form a flow path for air to pass through together with the second groove H2. The cover 140 may be coupled to the first end plate 110A in any of a variety of ways. Embodiments are not limited to any particular form of coupling between the cover 140 and the first end plate 110A. For example, Figure 1A As shown, a plurality of first screw holes 143 may be formed in the edge of the cover 140, a plurality of second screw holes 115 may be formed in the surface of the first end plate 110A to face the plurality of first screw holes 143, and the cover 140 may be engaged with the first end plate 110A by fastening bolts 145 into the first screw holes 143 and the second screw holes 115. Figure 1A The bolt 145 is omitted in the figure.

[0081] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The cross-sectional shape of an embodiment of a flow path is shown.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the height of the flow path formed by the engagement of the cover 140 and the second groove H2 may gradually decrease in the second direction D from the first groove H1 toward the inlet M1I. In addition, the width of the flow path may gradually increase in the second direction D from the first groove H1 toward the inlet M1I.

[0083] For example, a portion of the flow path closer to the first groove H1 than the air inlet M1I may have Figure 4A The cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 1 and the portion of the flow path closer to the air inlet M1I than the first groove H1 may have Figure 4B The cross-sectional shape shown.

[0084] in this case, Figure 4A The first height X1 of the flow path shown may be greater than Figure 4B The second height X2 of the flow path shown, but Figure 4A The first width Z1 of the flow path shown may be less than Figure 4B A second width Z2 of the flow path is shown.

[0085] Reference again Figure 1A, the cover 140 may include a first through hole TH1, a second through hole TH2, and a partition wall 142. The first through hole TH1 communicates with the first groove H1 of the groove part HP to form a first space through which air introduced from the outside flows into the flow path. The second through hole TH2 may communicate with the exhaust port M10 to form a second space through which air is discharged to the valve 150. In this case, the partition wall 142 is disposed between the first through hole TH1 and the second through hole TH2, and serves to separate the first through hole TH1 and the second through hole TH2 from each other.

[0086] In addition, the gasket 130 may be disposed between the first end plate 110A and the cover 140 , and may include a first gasket 132 and a second gasket 134 .

[0087] The first gasket 132 may be inserted between the first end plate 110A and the cover 140 and may be disposed on edges of the inlet port M1I and the groove portion HP.

[0088] The second gasket 134 may be inserted between the first end plate 110A and the cover 140 and may be disposed on an edge of the exhaust port M10.

[0089] According to the implementation mode, Figure 1A As shown, the first gasket 132 and the second gasket 134 can be provided separately from each other. Figure 1A Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the first gasket 132 and the second gasket 134 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0090] Figure 5 110A is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a first space formed by the first groove H1 and the first through hole TH1 in a state where the cover 140 is engaged with the first end plate 110A.

[0091] The first end plate 110A may include a first protrusion H1P, and the cover 140 may include a second protrusion 140P.

[0092] The first protrusion H1P may protrude in the air flow direction D from a corner C1 of the first groove H1 that is oriented opposite to the air flow direction D.

[0093] The second protrusion 140P may protrude in the air flow direction D from a corner C2 of the first through hole TH1 oriented opposite to the air flow direction D.

[0094] The first protrusion H1P and the second protrusion 140P serve to guide the air introduced in the first direction so that the traveling direction of the air is changed to the second direction D.

[0095] In addition, refer to Figure 3, in the first end plate 110A, a corner C1 of the first groove H1 oriented opposite to the air flow direction D may have a chamfered shape HC.

[0096] Figure 6 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the air inlet M1I and the second groove H2 in the first end plate 110A.

[0097] Reference Figure 6 The end HPE of the second groove H2 adjacent to the air inlet M1I may have a bent portion through which air traveling through the flow path in the second direction D from the first groove H1 toward the air inlet M1I is guided, thereby introducing air through the air inlet in the first direction.

[0098] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a partial connection of an embodiment of the exhaust port M10 and the cover 140 .

[0099] According to an embodiment, the area of ​​the exhaust port M10 in the inner surface 110AI of the first end plate 110A may be greater than the area of ​​the second through hole TH2 in the inner surface 140I of the cover 140. Figure 7 When the length of the exhaust port M1O in the inner surface 110AI of the first end plate 110A in the y-axis direction is equal to the length of the second through hole TH2 in the inner surface 140I of the cover 140 in the y-axis direction, the first height h1 of the exhaust port M1O in the inner surface 110AI of the first end plate 110A can be greater than the second height h2 of the second through hole TH2 in the inner surface 140I of the cover 140.

[0100] In addition, the cover 140 may include an upper portion 140U and a lower portion 140D. Figure 7 In the illustrated cross section, the upper portion 140U is disposed on the second through hole TH2 , and the lower portion 140D is disposed below the second through hole TH2 .

[0101] According to an embodiment, the lower portion 140D of the cover 140 may have an inclined cross-sectional shape such that a height of a portion 140E2 of the lower portion 140D adjacent to the valve 150 is smaller than a height of a portion 140E1 of the lower portion 140D adjacent to the gas outlet M10. That is, an upper surface 140DT of the lower portion 140D may be lower than a virtual horizontal surface VHS extending from a lower surface 117 of the gas outlet M10 in the first end plate 110A in the first direction.

[0102] Figure 8 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A front view of an embodiment of a valve 150 is shown.

[0103] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1Band Figure 8 The valve 150 may include an inlet portion 154 and an outlet portion 156 that are spaced apart from each other. In addition, the valve 150 may further include a body 152.

[0104] The inlet portion 154 is a portion connected to the first through hole TH1 in the cover 140 so that air is introduced therethrough (IN) from the outside of the fuel cell 100. One side of the inlet portion 154 is connected to the first through hole TH1 inside the body 152, and the opposite side of the inlet portion 154 has a shape protruding from the body 152 in the gravity direction.

[0105] The outlet portion 156 is a portion connected to the second through hole TH2 in the cover 140 and is spaced apart from the inlet portion 154 so that air is discharged (OUT) therethrough to the outside of the fuel cell 100. One side of the outlet portion 156 is connected to the second through hole TH2 inside the body 152, and the opposite side of the outlet portion 156 has a shape protruding from the body 152 in the gravity direction.

[0106] The implementation is not limited to the specific shape of the main body 152, the inlet portion 154 or the outlet portion 156, as long as the inlet portion 154 can supply air introduced from the outside of the fuel cell 100 along the direction IN to the first through hole TH1, and the outlet portion 156 can discharge the air and / or condensed water flowing out of the second through hole TH2 to the OUT direction.

[0107] In addition, the valve 150 can simultaneously open or simultaneously close the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156. For example, the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 of the valve 150 can be simultaneously opened or simultaneously closed by the operation of a motor (not shown), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the valve 150 can simultaneously open or simultaneously close the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 in various ways.

[0108] To this end, the fuel cell 100 may further include a controller (not shown). When the vehicle equipped with the fuel cell 100 is turned off or not driven for a long time, the controller may generate a control signal to drive the motor so that the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 are closed at the same time. Alternatively, when the vehicle equipped with the fuel cell 100 is turned on to drive, the controller may generate a control signal to drive the motor so that the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 are opened at the same time.

[0109] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a front view of the first end plate 110A according to the embodiment. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The gasket 130, the cover 140 and the valve 150 are omitted in the figure.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the first end plate 110A may include a valve area VA. Here, the valve area VA may be defined as an area of ​​the first end plate 110A overlapping the valve 150 in the first direction of the stacked-unit batteries 122.

[0111] The valve area VA may be located inside the lower left corner DCL or the lower right corner DCR of the first end plate 110A, and the air inlet M1I may be located inside the upper right corner UCR or the upper left corner UCL of the first end plate 110A. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown, when the air inlet M1I is located inside the upper left corner UCL of the first end plate 110A, the valve area VA may be located inside the lower right corner DCR of the first end plate 110A. In this way, the air inlet M1I and the valve area VA may be arranged opposite to each other in a diagonal direction.

[0112] In addition, the first through hole TH1 and the second through hole TH2 may overlap the valve area VA in the first direction. Therefore, the first groove H1 communicating with the first through hole TH1 and the exhaust port M10 communicating with the second through hole TH2 may be located within the valve area VA.

[0113] According to the implementation mode, Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the first groove H1 may be arranged above the exhaust port M10 in the valve area VA (VA1 or VA2). Fig.9A As shown, the first groove H1 may be arranged directly above the exhaust port M10 in the valve area VA1. Fig. 9B As shown, the first groove H1 may be arranged beside a point directly above the exhaust port M10 within the valve area VA2.

[0114] The operation of the fuel cell 100 having the above-described configuration, which receives air from the outside or discharges air to the outside, will be described below.

[0115] First, an operation of supplying air from the outside to the fuel cell 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0116] The motor is driven under the control of the controller to open the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 of the valve 150. In this case, the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 may be opened at the same time.

[0117] Thereafter, air introduced into the valve 150 in the direction IN through the inlet portion 154 enters the first space formed by the first through hole TH1 and the first groove H1 in the cover 140. Thereafter, the air entering the first space flows in the second direction through the flow path formed by the second groove H2 and the cover 140, and is then supplied to the interior of the battery stack 122 through the air inlet M1I.

[0118] Next, an operation of discharging air from the fuel cell 100 to the outside according to the embodiment will be described.

[0119] The air exhausted from the inside of the battery stack 122 through the exhaust port M10 passes through the second through hole TH2 and then escapes to the outside in the OUT direction through the outlet portion 156 of the valve 150 .

[0120] Thus, when the valve 150 is open, air is allowed to circulate through the fuel cell 100 , and when the valve 150 is closed, air is prevented from circulating through the fuel cell 100 .

[0121] Next, a comparison between a fuel cell according to a comparative example and a fuel cell according to an embodiment will be described.

[0122] When a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell is turned off or the fuel cell is not used for a long time, if the battery stack is not sealed, the performance of the battery stack may decline and the clamping force may decrease. This is caused by the battery stack being exposed to the air. Described in detail, when there is an appropriate amount of moisture on the electrode surface of MEA210 (as a path through which hydrogen ions move), the hydrogen ions move smoothly. However, if there is no appropriate amount of moisture on the battery stack, the rigidity of GDL222 and 224 cannot be maintained, the clamping force is reduced, and the battery contact resistance increases. Therefore, when the battery stack is not used or is not used for a long time, it is necessary to close the air inlet M1I and the exhaust port M1O to seal the battery stack so that the battery stack is not exposed to the air.

[0123] In the case of the comparative example, when the fuel cell is not used for a long time, a first air shutoff valve (ACV) for closing the air inlet M1I and a second air shutoff valve for closing the air outlet M1O are respectively mounted on the end plate 110A. In this case, since the air inlet M1I and the air outlet M1O are spaced apart from each other in the diagonal direction, the first air shutoff valve and the second air shutoff valve are coupled to the end plate in a state where they are disposed separately from each other. In this way, since the fuel cell according to the comparative example requires two air shutoff valves, the number of its components increases, and its manufacturing cost increases.

[0124] On the other hand, in the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment, after the groove portion HP is formed in the first end plate 110A, the cover 140 is joined to the first end plate 110A to form a flow path for air flow. The first groove H1 is arranged near the exhaust port M1O. In this case, both the first groove H1 and the exhaust port M1O are arranged in a valve area VA (VA1 or VA2) overlapping the valve 150 along the first direction. Therefore, even if the air inlet M1I and the exhaust port M1O are spaced apart from each other in the diagonal direction, the inlet portion 154 and the outlet portion 156 can be opened or closed simultaneously using only one valve 150. Therefore, compared with the fuel cell according to the comparative example, the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment using only one valve includes a reduced number of components and can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0125] In addition, the portion of the first end plate 110A other than the inlet and exhaust manifolds M1I to M3I and M1O to M3O and the groove portion HP may be made of metal, thereby ensuring that the first end plate 110A has sufficient rigidity. Therefore, for example, the clamping force of the battery stack 122 by the first end plate 110A can be improved. In this case, the inlet and exhaust manifolds M1I to M3I and M1O to M3O and the groove portion HP in the first end plate 110A may be made of an insulating and corrosion-resistant material such as plastic to prevent the first end plate 110A from being corroded by water discharged through the exhaust port M1O.

[0126] In addition, although the first space and the second space are adjacent to each other, the first space, which is formed by the first through hole TH1 and the first groove H1 in the cover 140 and into which air is introduced, and the second space, which is formed by the exhaust port M10 and the second through hole TH2 in the cover 140 and through which air is exhausted, can be safely separated from each other by the first gasket 132 and the second gasket 134. Therefore, the first space and the second space can be formed adjacent to each other.

[0127] Furthermore, although not shown, a third gasket (not shown) may be additionally disposed at a joint portion between the valve 150 and the cover 140. Therefore, since the battery stack 122 can be sealed from the outside air by the first and second gaskets 132 and 134 as well as the third gasket, when a vehicle equipped with the fuel cell 100 is turned off or the fuel cell 100 is not used for a long time, the performance of the battery stack can be maintained and the deterioration of the clamping force can be prevented.

[0128] In addition, if Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 8 As shown, since the outlet portion 156 protrudes from the valve 150 in the direction of gravity, the condensed water can be discharged more smoothly through the exhaust port M10.

[0129] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, since the lower portion 140D of the cover 140 has an inclined cross-sectional shape, the height of the portion 140E2 adjacent to the valve 150 is smaller than the height of the portion 140E1 connected to the air outlet M10, condensed water can be discharged more smoothly through the air outlet M10.

[0130] In addition, if Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, since the widths Z1 and Z2 and the heights X1 and X2 of the flow path vary in the second direction directed from the first groove H1 toward the air inlet M1I, the differential pressure in the flow path can be minimized.

[0131] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, since the first protrusion H1P and the second protrusion 140P are formed to guide the air introduced into the first space toward the flow path, the vortex of the air introduced into the first space can be minimized.

[0132] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, since the end HPE of the second groove H2 adjacent to the air inlet M1I has a curved portion, the air that has traveled through the flow path (along the second direction) in a first direction oriented toward the air inlet M1I is guided by the curved portion, so that the vortex of the air introduced into the air inlet M1I can be minimized.

[0133] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, since the area of ​​the exhaust port M10 in the inner surface 110AI of the first end plate 110A is larger than the area of ​​the second through hole TH2 in the inner surface 140I of the cover 140, the influence of the pressure difference on the battery stack 122 that completes the reaction can be reduced.

[0134] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, when the sub-groove SH is formed in the flow path, air can flow through the flow path more smoothly, and thus, the air introduced into the first space can easily move toward the air inlet M1I.

[0135] As is apparent from the above description, the fuel cell according to the embodiment includes a reduced number of components and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. In addition, the fuel cell according to the embodiment can prevent corrosion of the first end plate, maintain the performance of the cell stack, prevent deterioration of the clamping force, improve the discharge of condensed water, minimize the pressure difference in the flow path, minimize the vortex of the air introduced into the first space and the air introduced into the air inlet, reduce the influence of the pressure difference, and make the air introduced into the first space easy to move toward the air inlet.

[0136] However, effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

[0137] Without departing from the purpose of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned various embodiments can be combined with each other unless they are contrary to each other. In addition, for any element not described in detail in each embodiment, reference can be made to the description of the element with the same reference numeral in another embodiment.

[0138] Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the basic features of the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the various configurations set forth in the embodiments may be modified and applied. In addition, differences in such modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, comprising: a battery stack configured such that a plurality of unit batteries are stacked; an end plate disposed at one of the two ends of the battery stack, the end plate comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and a groove portion, the groove portion comprising a first groove adjacent to and spaced apart from the air outlet and a second groove connecting the first groove to the air inlet; as well as A cover covering an area of ​​the end plate where the air inlet, the groove portion and the exhaust port are formed so as to form a flow path together with the second groove to allow air to pass therethrough, the cover comprising: a first through hole communicating with the first groove, a second through hole communicating with the exhaust port, and a partition wall separating the first through hole and the second through hole from each other.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a valve including an inlet portion connected to the first through hole and an outlet portion connected to the second through hole and separated from the inlet portion, wherein The valve is configured to simultaneously open or simultaneously close the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: The end plate includes a valve region overlapping the valve along a first direction in which the plurality of unit cells are stacked; The first through hole and the second through hole overlap the valve area in the first direction; and The first groove and the exhaust port are located within the valve region.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein: The first groove is arranged above the exhaust port in the valve area.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein: The first groove is disposed obliquely above the exhaust port in the valve region.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein: An end portion of the second groove adjacent to the air inlet has a bent portion through which air traveling through the flow path in a second direction directed from the first groove toward the air inlet is guided so that the air travels in the first direction through the air inlet. 7 . The fuel cell according to claim 2 , further comprising a first gasket inserted between the end plate and the cover and arranged on edges of the air inlet and the groove portion. 8 . The fuel cell according to claim 7 , further comprising a second gasket inserted between the end plate and the cover and disposed on an edge of the exhaust port.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein: The first gasket and the second gasket are provided separately from each other.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein The first gasket and the second gasket are formed integrally with each other.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: The flow path has a predetermined height and a predetermined width; The height gradually decreases from the first groove to the air inlet; and The width gradually increases from the first groove to the air inlet.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: The second groove includes at least one sub-groove that is concavely formed between the first groove and the air inlet in a direction in which air flows.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: An area of ​​the exhaust port in the inner surface of the end plate is larger than an area of ​​the second through hole in the inner surface of the cover.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: A height of the exhaust port in the inner surface of the end plate is greater than a height of the second through hole in the inner surface of the cover.

15. A fuel cell comprising: a battery stack configured such that a plurality of unit batteries are stacked; an end plate, arranged at one of the two ends of the battery stack, the end plate comprising: An air inlet, located on the inner side of the upper right corner or the inner side of the upper left corner of the end plate; exhaust port; and a groove portion including a first groove adjacent to and spaced apart from the exhaust port and a second groove connecting the first groove to the intake port; a cover configured to cover a region of the end plate where the air inlet, the groove portion, and the air outlet are formed so as to form a flow path together with the second groove to allow air to pass therethrough, the cover comprising: a first through hole communicating with the first groove; a second through hole communicating with the exhaust port; and a partition wall separating the first through hole and the second through hole from each other; and a valve including an inlet portion connected to the first through hole and an outlet portion connected to the second through hole and separated from the inlet portion; wherein the valve is configured to simultaneously open or simultaneously close the inlet portion and the outlet portion; wherein the end plate comprises a valve region overlapping the valve along a first direction in which the plurality of unit batteries are stacked, and the valve region is located inside a lower left corner or an inner side of a lower right corner of the end plate; wherein the first through hole and the second through hole overlap with the valve region in the first direction; and Wherein, the first groove and the exhaust port are located in the valve area.

16. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein: The end plate includes a first protrusion protruding in the air flow direction from a corner of the first groove that is oriented opposite to the air flow direction; The cover includes a second protrusion protruding from a corner of the first through hole oriented opposite to the air flow direction in the air flow direction; as well as The first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to guide air introduced in the first direction so that a direction in which the air travels is changed to the air flow direction.

17. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein In the end plate, a corner of the first groove directed opposite to an air flow direction has a chamfered shape.

18. A fuel cell comprising: a battery stack configured such that a plurality of unit batteries are stacked; an end plate, arranged at one of the two ends of the battery stack, the end plate comprising: Air intake; exhaust port; and a groove portion including a first groove adjacent to and spaced apart from the exhaust port and a second groove connecting the first groove to the intake port; a cover configured to cover a region of the end plate where the air inlet, the groove portion, and the air outlet are formed so as to form a flow path together with the second groove to allow air to pass therethrough, the cover comprising: a first through hole communicating with the first groove; a second through hole communicating with the exhaust port; a partition wall separating the first through hole and the second through hole from each other; an upper portion disposed above the second through hole; and a lower portion disposed below the second through hole; and a valve including an inlet portion connected to the first through hole and an outlet portion connected to the second through hole and separated from the inlet portion; wherein the valve is configured to simultaneously open or simultaneously close the inlet portion and the outlet portion; and The lower portion of the cover has an inclined cross-sectional shape, so that a height of a portion of the lower portion adjacent to the valve is smaller than a height of a portion of the lower portion adjacent to the exhaust port.

19. The fuel cell according to claim 18, wherein The groove portion of the end plate is formed of resin.

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