Bipolar plates, cell stacks, fuel cells, and vehicles for fuel cells

Abstract

The application provides a bipolar plate of a fuel cell, a fuel cell and a vehicle, which comprises an anode plate and a cathode plate, a cooling flow channel is formed between the anode plate and the cathode plate, the cooling flow channel has a flow channel inlet and a flow channel outlet; a plurality of control valves are used for opening or closing the flow channel inlet or the flow channel outlet corresponding to the control valves; a temperature detection member is used for detecting a liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet; a controller is in communication connection with the temperature detection member and the plurality of control valves, and the controller is used for controlling the opening number of the plurality of control valves at the flow channel inlet and / or the flow channel outlet according to the liquid temperature value detected by the temperature detection member. Therefore, through cooperation of the plurality of control valves, the temperature detection member and the controller, the opening number of the plurality of control valves at the flow channel inlet and / or the flow channel outlet can be controlled according to the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet, so that the cooling liquid flow in the cooling flow channel can be controlled, and therefore, the whole stack temperature uniformity when the battery stack operates is better, and the working performance of the fuel cell is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack having the bipolar plate, a fuel cell, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, multiple bipolar plates and multiple membrane electrode assemblies can be stacked and assembled into a fuel cell stack. However, during the operation of the stack, there are differences in the operating temperature between the multiple bipolar plates (for example, the operating temperature of the bipolar plates at the end of the stack is different from that of the bipolar plates in the middle of the stack), which leads to poor temperature uniformity of the entire stack during operation, resulting in poor performance of the fuel cell (for example, poor power generation performance of the fuel cell and poor drainage capacity of the bipolar plates). Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, which can control the number of opening valves at the inlet and / or outlet of the flow channel according to the liquid temperature value at the outlet of the flow channel, so as to control the flow rate of coolant in the cooling flow channel, thereby ensuring better temperature uniformity of the entire stack during operation of the fuel cell stack, which is beneficial to improving the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes: an anode plate and a cathode plate, wherein the anode plate and the cathode plate are bonded together to form a cooling channel between the anode plate and the cathode plate, the cooling channel having a channel inlet and a channel outlet; a plurality of control valves, wherein the plurality of control valves are disposed at the inlet end of the channel inlet and / or the outlet end of the channel outlet, and the plurality of control valves are used to open or close the corresponding channel inlet or channel outlet; a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is used to detect the liquid temperature value at the channel outlet; and a controller, wherein the controller is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor and the plurality of control valves, and the controller is used to control the number of openings of the plurality of control valves at the channel inlet and / or channel outlet according to the liquid temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

[0006] In some examples of the present invention, the flow channel inlet is provided with a plurality of control valves, and the flow channel inlet defines a plurality of sub-flow channel inlets, each of the sub-flow channel inlets corresponding to a control valve.

[0007] In some examples of the present invention, the temperature sensing element is located at the outlet of the flow channel.

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, each of the control valves includes: a valve core and at least one control device, the control device being disposed on the anode plate and / or the cathode plate, and near the flow channel inlet and / or the flow channel outlet, the control device being communicatively connected to the controller, and the controller controlling the rotation of the valve core via the control device to open or close the control valve. In some examples of the present invention, the valve core is provided with a liquid through-hole penetrating the valve core.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, the valve core is disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate, and the valve core is rotatable relative to the anode plate and the cathode plate under the control of the control device.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the control device includes: a first driving member, a second driving member, and a rotating rod, wherein the second driving member is connected to the valve core via the rotating rod, and the first driving member is adapted to drive the second driving member to control the rotation of the valve core to open or close the control valve.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the control device further includes: a coil wound around the outside of the first driving member, the first driving member being a fixed iron and the second driving member being a moving iron; when the coil is energized, the first driving member attracts the second driving member to move towards the first driving member so that the rotating rod drives the valve core to rotate; an elastic driving member is connected between the first driving member and the second driving member.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, there are two control devices; a smooth pad is sleeved on the outer side of the second drive member.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, the surface of the anode plate opposite to the cathode plate is provided with a first mounting groove, and the surface of the cathode plate opposite to the anode plate is provided with a second mounting groove. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are arranged opposite to each other, and an installation space is formed between the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove. The valve core is disposed in the installation space.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the bipolar plate of the fuel cell described in this invention has the following advantages:

[0015] According to the present invention, the bipolar plate of the fuel cell can control the number of opening valves at the inlet and / or outlet of the flow channel based on the liquid temperature value at the outlet of the flow channel, thereby controlling the flow rate of the coolant in the cooling flow channel. This ensures better temperature uniformity of the entire stack during operation and is beneficial to improving the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell stack.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0018] A fuel cell stack includes the bipolar plates of the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0019] The advantages of the fuel cell stack and the bipolar plates of the aforementioned fuel cell compared to existing technologies are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0022] A fuel cell comprising the aforementioned fuel cell stack.

[0023] The advantages of the fuel cell and the aforementioned fuel cell stack compared to the prior art are the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0025] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0026] A vehicle comprising the aforementioned fuel cell.

[0027] The vehicle described above has the same advantages over existing technologies as the aforementioned fuel cell, which will not be repeated here.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for the above-mentioned fuel cell.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0030] A method for controlling a fuel cell includes: determining the optimal operating temperature value of the fuel cell stack based on the vehicle speed, and obtaining the optimal operating temperature value of a single cell; detecting the actual liquid temperature value at the outlet of the fuel cell flow channel; determining an actual temperature deviation value based on the optimal operating temperature value and the actual liquid temperature value; and controlling the number of times the control valve of the fuel cell is opened based on the actual temperature deviation value and a preset temperature deviation value.

[0031] Compared with existing technologies, the fuel cell control method of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0032] The control method of this application can control the number of control valves opened based on the actual liquid temperature at the outlet of the fuel cell flow channel and the optimal operating temperature of a single cell. This allows the fuel cell stack to be kept at a suitable operating temperature, preventing it from being in an excessively high or low temperature state for a long time and improving the service life of the fuel cell stack. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery stack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control valve in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control valve in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the control valve in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is another schematic diagram of the control valve in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a top view of the control valve in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the fuel cell control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] Battery stack 100;

[0043] Bipolar plate 10; Anode plate 11; First mounting groove 12; Cathode plate 13; Second mounting groove 14; Flow channel inlet 15; Flow channel outlet 16;

[0044] Control valve 20; valve core 21; liquid passage 22;

[0045] Temperature detection element 30; Temperature sensor 31;

[0046] Controller 40; Signal transmission line 41;

[0047] Control device 50; first drive member 51; second drive member 52; rotating rod 53; coil 54; smooth pad 55; elastic drive member 56; placement groove 57. Detailed Implementation

[0048] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0049] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0050] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the fuel cell stack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an anode plate 11, a cathode plate 13, a temperature detection element 30, a controller 40, and a plurality of control valves 20.

[0051] The anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 13 are welded together to form a cooling channel between them. The cooling channel has a channel inlet 15 and a channel outlet 16. It should be noted that the battery stack 100 may include multiple bipolar plates 10, and the battery stack 100 may also include multiple membrane electrodes. That is, multiple bipolar plates 10 and multiple membrane electrodes can be stacked and assembled into the battery stack 100.

[0052] Multiple control valves 20 are provided at the inlet end of the flow channel inlet 15, or at the outlet end of the flow channel outlet 16, or both the inlet end of the flow channel inlet 15 and the outlet end of the flow channel outlet 16 are provided with multiple control valves 20. Preferably, both the inlet end of the flow channel inlet 15 and the outlet end of the flow channel outlet 16 are provided with multiple control valves 20. Each control valve 20 is used to open or close its corresponding flow channel inlet 15 or flow channel outlet 16. For example, multiple control valves 20 at the inlet end of the flow channel inlet 15 are used to open or close the flow channel inlet 15, and multiple control valves 20 at the outlet end of the flow channel outlet 16 are used to open or close the flow channel outlet 16.

[0053] The temperature sensor 30 can detect the liquid temperature at the outlet 16 of the flow channel. The controller 40 is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor 30 and multiple control valves 20. The controller 40 can control the number of multiple control valves 20 opened at the inlet end of the flow channel inlet 15 and / or the outlet end of the flow channel outlet 16 according to the liquid temperature detected by the temperature sensor 30.

[0054] It is understood that cooling water can flow through the cooling channels of each bipolar plate 10. The cooling water can flow into the cooling channels through the channel inlet 15 and flow out of the cooling channels through the channel outlet 16. The cooling water can be used to regulate the temperature of the bipolar plate 10 to make the temperature of the bipolar plate 10 suitable, so that the battery stack 100 is kept within a suitable operating temperature range. Each bipolar plate 10 can include a temperature detection element 30. The temperature detection element 30 can detect the liquid temperature value (cooling water temperature value) at the channel outlet 16, and the temperature detection element 30 can transmit the detected liquid temperature value to the controller 40. The controller 40 can control the number of openings of multiple control valves 20 at the channel inlet 15 and / or the channel outlet 16 according to the liquid temperature value detected by the temperature detection element 30, so as to control the coolant flow rate in the cooling channels, thereby controlling the temperature at various points of the battery stack 100.

[0055] In the prior art, during the operation of the battery stack, there are differences in the operating temperature between multiple bipolar plates (for example, the operating temperature of the bipolar plates at the end of the battery stack is different from that of the bipolar plates in the middle of the battery stack), which leads to poor temperature uniformity of the entire battery stack during operation, resulting in poor performance of the fuel cell (for example, poor power generation performance of the fuel cell and poor drainage capacity of the bipolar plates).

[0056] In this application, by cooperating with multiple control valves 20, temperature detection elements 30 and controller 40, the flow rate of coolant in the cooling channel can be controlled according to the liquid temperature value at the channel outlet 16, thereby making the overall temperature uniformity of the battery stack 100 better during operation.

[0057] For example, if the temperature sensor 30 installed on one of the bipolar plates 10 detects that the liquid temperature at the flow channel outlet 16 of the bipolar plate 10 is high, the controller 40 can control all or most of the control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16 of the bipolar plate 10 to open, thereby increasing the coolant flow rate in the cooling flow channel of the bipolar plate 10.

[0058] Furthermore, if the temperature sensor 30 on another bipolar plate 10 detects a low liquid temperature at the flow channel outlet 16 of that bipolar plate 10, the controller 40 can control all or most of the control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16 of that bipolar plate 10 to close, thereby reducing the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel of that bipolar plate 10. Thus, the number of opening control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16 can be controlled according to the liquid temperature at the flow channel outlet 16, thereby controlling the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel. This ensures better temperature uniformity throughout the fuel cell stack 100 during operation, which is beneficial for improving the performance of the fuel cell.

[0059] Therefore, by cooperating with multiple control valves 20, temperature detection elements 30 and controllers 40, the number of opening multiple control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16 can be controlled according to the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16, so as to control the flow rate of coolant in the cooling flow channel, thereby ensuring better uniformity of the overall temperature of the battery stack 100 during operation, which is beneficial to improving the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0060] Preferably, the number of control valves 20 can be set to 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30. Of course, the number of control valves 20 is not limited to these.

[0061] Optionally, the temperature sensing element 30 can be disposed on the surface of the bipolar plate 10.

[0062] Optionally, the controller 40 can be configured as a PID controller (Proportional, Integral, and Derivative controller). As one embodiment, each bipolar plate 10 can be equipped with one controller 40, and each temperature sensor 30 on each bipolar plate 10 can communicate with its corresponding controller 40. Alternatively, multiple bipolar plates 10 can share a single controller 40, meaning each temperature sensor 30 on each bipolar plate 10 can communicate with the same controller 40. Alternatively, the controller 40 can be integrated into the fuel cell controller, meaning each temperature sensor 30 on each bipolar plate 10 can communicate with the fuel cell controller. This configuration allows for various configuration options for the controller 40, thus facilitating the design of the bipolar plates 10.

[0063] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the controller 40 can be connected to the temperature sensor 30 and multiple control valves 20 via a signal transmission line 41 to achieve communication between the controller 40, the temperature sensor 30, and the multiple control valves 20.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow channel inlet 15 can be equipped with multiple control valves 20, and the flow channel inlet 15 can define multiple sub-flow channel inlets, each sub-flow channel inlet corresponding to a control valve 20. It can be understood that each control valve 20 can control whether its corresponding sub-flow channel inlet is open.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow channel inlet 15 can define multiple sub-flow channel inlets, and the flow channel inlet 15 can be provided with multiple control valves 20. Each sub-flow channel inlet can correspond to a control valve 20. This arrangement can control the number of openings of the multiple control valves 20 provided at the flow channel inlet 15 to control the flow rate of coolant in the cooling channel, thereby ensuring better uniformity of the overall temperature of the battery stack 100 during operation.

[0066] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow channel inlet 15 can define multiple sub-flow channel inlets, and the flow channel inlet 15 can be provided with multiple control valves 20, each sub-flow channel inlet can correspond to one control valve 20 respectively. In addition, the flow channel outlet 16 can define multiple sub-flow channel outlets, and the flow channel outlet 16 can also be provided with multiple control valves 20, each sub-flow channel outlet can correspond to one control valve 20 respectively.

[0067] This configuration allows for the control of the number of openings of multiple control valves 20 located at the inlet 15 and outlet 16 of the cooling channel, thereby controlling the flow rate of coolant in the cooling channel. This ensures better temperature uniformity of the entire stack during operation of the battery stack 100 and also allows for smooth flow of cooling water in the cooling channel.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature detection element 30 can be set at the flow channel outlet 16. By setting the temperature detection element 30 at the flow channel outlet 16, the accuracy of the temperature detection element 30 in detecting the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16 can be guaranteed. This is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the controller 40 in controlling the number of opening multiple control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16, and is beneficial to accurately controlling the coolant flow rate in the cooling flow channel.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, each control valve 20 may include a valve core 21 and at least one control device 50. The control device 50 may be communicatively connected to the controller 40. The controller 40 may control the valve core 21 to rotate by controlling the control device 50, so as to open or close the control valve 20.

[0070] Optionally, the control device 50 and the controller 40 can be connected via a signal transmission line 41 to achieve communication between them. When the controller 40 receives the liquid temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 30, it can control the valve core 21 to rotate via the control device 50, thereby opening or closing the control valve 20 to control the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel. This configuration allows the controller 40 to quickly and reliably control the opening or closing of the control valve 20, enabling it to quickly and reliably control the number of open control valves 20. This ensures better temperature uniformity throughout the fuel cell stack 100 during operation, which is beneficial for improving the fuel cell's performance.

[0071] Optionally, the valve core 21 can be spherically shaped. This design ensures smooth rotation of the valve core 21 and prevents it from getting stuck, thus ensuring the reliability of the control valve 20.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 21 can be provided with a liquid through-hole 22 penetrating the valve core 21. It can be understood that when the valve core 21 rotates to a position where the axis of the liquid through-hole 22 is perpendicular to the cooling channel, the control valve 20 is in the closed state. At this time, coolant cannot flow into the cooling channel through the control valve 20 at the channel inlet 15, and coolant cannot flow out of the cooling channel through the control valve 20 at the channel outlet 16. When the valve core 21 rotates to a position where the axis of the liquid through-hole 22 is parallel to the cooling channel, the control valve 20 is in the open state. At this time, coolant can flow into the cooling channel through the control valve 20 at the channel inlet 15, and coolant can flow out of the cooling channel through the control valve 20 at the channel outlet 16. This configuration makes the valve core 21's arrangement reasonable, thus allowing the opening or closing of the control valve 20 to be controlled by rotating the valve core 21.

[0073] Furthermore, the control device 50 can also control the opening degree of the valve core 21 according to the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 21 can be disposed between the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 13, and the valve core 21 can rotate relative to the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 13 under the control of the control device 50. This arrangement can omit the valve body structure of the control valve 20 (it can also be understood that part of the structure of the cathode plate 13 and the anode plate 11 can serve as the valve body structure of the control valve 20), thereby helping to reduce the manufacturing cost of the control valve 20 and the manufacturing cost of the bipolar plate 10.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the control device 50 may include a first drive member 51 and a second drive member 52. The second drive member 52 may be connected to the valve core 21. The first drive member 51 can drive the second drive member 52 to move. When the second drive member 52 moves, it can control the valve core 21 to rotate, thereby opening or closing the control valve 20. Specifically, the controller 40 can control the operation of the control device 50 to control the rotation of the valve core 21, thereby opening or closing the control valve 20, and thus controlling the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel.

[0076] This configuration allows for a reasonable structure of the control device 50, enabling reliable control of the opening and closing of the control valve 20. This, in turn, helps ensure better temperature uniformity across the entire battery stack 100 during operation.

[0077] Optionally, the first driving member 51 can be configured as a stationary iron, and the second driving member 52 can be configured as a moving iron.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the control device 50 may further include a rotating rod 53 and a coil 54. One end of the rotating rod 53 may be connected to the second driving member 52, and the other end of the rotating rod 53 may be connected to the valve core 21. The coil 54 may be wound around the outside of the first driving member 51. When the coil 54 is energized, the first driving member 51 can attract the second driving member 52 to move closer to the first driving member 51. When the second driving member 52 moves closer to the first driving member 51, it can drive the rotating rod 53 to move. When the rotating rod 53 moves, it can drive the valve core 21 to rotate.

[0079] One end of the rotating rod 53 can be connected to the second driving member 52 via a hinge device, and the other end of the rotating rod 53 can be connected to the valve core 21 via a hinge device. After the battery stack 100 is in operation, the battery stack 100 can generate electricity, the bipolar plate 10 can conduct electricity, and the power of the coil 54 can be obtained through the bipolar plate 10.

[0080] Optionally, when the second driving member 52 moves closer to the first driving member 51, the rotating rod 53 can drive the valve core 21 to rotate so that the axis of the liquid passage 22 is perpendicular to the cooling flow channel. That is, when the second driving member 52 moves closer to the first driving member 51, the control valve 20 can be changed from the open state to the closed state. This arrangement can reliably control the control valve 20 to close, ensuring the operational reliability of the control device 50.

[0081] Furthermore, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, a smooth pad 55 can be fitted on the outer side of the second driving member 52, and the smooth pad 55 can be fixedly connected to the first driving member 51. Optionally, the cross-section of the smooth pad 55 can be constructed as an annular shape. By setting the smooth pad 55, the frictional resistance of the second driving member 52 during movement can be reduced, thereby ensuring that the second driving member 52 can move smoothly.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the control device 50 can be disposed on the anode plate 11, or on the cathode plate 13, or on both the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 13. Optionally, the control device 50 can be directly disposed on the surfaces of the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 13 opposite to each other, or the control device 50 can be directly disposed on the surfaces of the cathode plate 13 and the anode plate 11 opposite to each other, or a placement groove 57 can be formed on the anode plate 11 and / or the cathode plate 13, and at least a portion of the structure of the control device 50 can be embedded in the placement groove 57, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the anode plate 11 can be provided with a placement groove 57, and the first driving member 51, the second driving member 52 and the smooth pad 55 can all be placed in the placement groove 57.

[0083] Furthermore, the control device 50 can be located near the flow channel inlet 15, or near the flow channel outlet 16, or near both the flow channel inlet 15 and the flow channel outlet 16.

[0084] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the number of control devices 50 can be set to one, and the control device 50 can be disposed on the anode plate 11, and in Figure 4 As shown in the left and right directions, the control device 50 can be located on the left or right side of the valve core 21.

[0085] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the number of control devices 50 can be set to one, and the control device 50 can be disposed on the cathode plate 13, and in Figure 4 As shown in the left and right directions, the control device 50 can be located on the left or right side of the valve core 21.

[0086] As a third embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the number of control devices 50 can be set to two, and both control devices 50 can be set on the anode plate 11. Figure 4 As shown in the left and right directions, the two control devices 50 can be located on both sides of the valve core 21 respectively.

[0087] As a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the number of control devices 50 can be set to two, and both control devices 50 can be disposed on the cathode plate 13. Figure 4 As shown in the left and right directions, the two control devices 50 can be located on both sides of the valve core 21 respectively.

[0088] As a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the number of control devices 50 can be set to two, one of which can be disposed on the cathode plate 13 and the other control device 50 can be disposed on the anode plate 11.

[0089] As a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the number of control devices 50 can be set to four, wherein two control devices 50 can be disposed on the cathode plate 13, and the other two control devices 50 can be disposed on the anode plate 11. Figure 4 As shown in the left-right direction, the two control devices 50 disposed on the cathode plate 13 can be located on both sides of the valve core 21, and the two control devices 50 disposed on the anode plate 11 can be located on both sides of the valve core 21. This arrangement allows the control devices 50 to have multiple arrangement forms, so that the control devices 50 can be arranged according to needs, which can reduce the difficulty of arranging the control devices 50.

[0090] Preferably, there are two control devices 50, both of which are disposed on the anode plate 11, and in Figure 4 As shown in the left-right direction, the two control devices 50 are located on both sides of the valve core 21, and the two control devices 50 are arranged symmetrically.

[0091] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, an elastic drive member 56 can be connected between the first drive member 51 and the second drive member 52. Optionally, the elastic drive member 56 can be constructed as a spring. The elastic drive member 56 can be continuously compressed between the first drive member 51 and the second drive member 52, that is, the elastic drive member 56 can always be in a compressed state.

[0092] It is understandable that when the coil 54 is energized, the first driving member 51 can attract the second driving member 52 to move closer to the first driving member 51. When the second driving member 52 moves closer to the first driving member 51, the rotating rod 53 can drive the valve core 21 to rotate to the direction where the axis of the liquid passage 22 is perpendicular to the cooling flow channel. That is, when the second driving member 52 moves closer to the first driving member 51, the control valve 20 can be changed from the open state to the closed state.

[0093] When the coil 54 is not energized, the elastic drive member 56 can drive the second drive member 52 to move away from the first drive member 51. When the second drive member 52 moves away from the first drive member 51, the rotating rod 53 can drive the valve core 21 to rotate to the direction where the axis of the liquid passage 22 is parallel to the cooling flow channel. That is, when the second drive member 52 moves away from the first drive member 51, the control valve 20 can be changed from the closed state to the open state. This setting can reliably control the opening of the control valve 20 and ensure the working reliability of the control device 50.

[0094] Therefore, by controlling whether to energize the coil 54, it is possible to control whether the control valve 20 is opened. This allows the number of multiple control valves 20 to be opened to be controlled according to the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16, which can ensure better temperature uniformity of the entire stack during operation of the battery stack 100 and improve the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first mounting groove 12 can be provided on the surface of the anode plate 11 opposite to the cathode plate 13, and a second mounting groove 14 can be provided on the surface of the cathode plate 13 opposite to the anode plate 11. The first mounting groove 12 and the second mounting groove 14 are arranged opposite to each other, and an installation space can be formed between the first mounting groove 12 and the second mounting groove 14. The valve core 21 can be placed in the installation space. This arrangement can fix the position of the valve core 21 relative to the cathode plate 13 and the anode plate 11, and can prevent the valve core 21 from moving relative to the cathode plate 13 and the anode plate 11, thereby ensuring the working reliability of the control valve 20.

[0096] Optionally, the sidewall of the first mounting groove 12 can be constructed as an arc surface, and the sidewall of the second mounting groove 14 can also be constructed as an arc surface. Furthermore, the sidewalls of the first mounting groove 12 and the second mounting groove 14 can be matched with the peripheral wall of the valve core 21. This arrangement can prevent the valve core 21 from interfering with the sidewall of the first mounting groove 12 when it rotates, and can also prevent the valve core 21 from interfering with the sidewall of the second mounting groove 14 when it rotates, thereby enabling the valve core 21 to rotate smoothly between the anode plate 11 and the cathode plate 13.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature detection element 30 can be configured as a temperature sensor 31. The temperature sensor 31 has high sensitivity. By configuring the temperature detection element 30 as a temperature sensor 31, the temperature detection element 30 can quickly and accurately detect the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the controller 40 in controlling the number of opening multiple control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16, and is beneficial to accurately controlling the coolant flow rate in the cooling flow channel.

[0098] The fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the bipolar plate 10 of the fuel cell in the above embodiment. Through the cooperation of multiple control valves 20, temperature detection element 30 and controller 40, the number of opening of multiple control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16 can be controlled according to the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16, so as to control the flow rate of coolant in the cooling flow channel. This can ensure that the overall temperature uniformity of the fuel cell stack 100 is better during operation, which is beneficial to improving the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0099] According to the present invention, the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell of the above embodiment can control the number of openings of the multiple control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or the flow channel outlet 16 based on the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16, thereby controlling the flow rate of coolant in the cooling flow channel. This ensures better uniformity of the overall temperature of the fuel cell stack 100 during operation, which is beneficial to improving the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0100] According to the vehicle of the present invention, including the fuel cell of the above embodiment, by means of multiple control valves 20, temperature detection element 30 and controller 40, the number of opening of multiple control valves 20 at the flow channel inlet 15 and / or flow channel outlet 16 can be controlled according to the liquid temperature value at the flow channel outlet 16, so as to control the flow rate of coolant in the cooling flow channel, thereby ensuring better uniformity of the overall temperature of the battery stack 100 during operation, which is beneficial to improving the working performance of the fuel cell.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell can be the fuel cell described above. Figure 7 As shown, the control method includes the following steps:

[0102] S1. Determine the optimal operating temperature of the fuel cell stack based on the vehicle speed, and then obtain the optimal operating temperature of each individual cell. It should be explained that for vehicles equipped with fuel cells, a power battery is also installed. When the fuel cell is operating, the fuel cell and the power battery work together to output electricity. At this time, the optimal power output value of the fuel cell stack can be determined based on the vehicle speed. Based on the optimal power output value of the stack, the optimal operating temperature of the stack can be derived. Then, based on the optimal operating temperature of the stack, the optimal operating temperature of each individual cell can be obtained.

[0103] It is understandable that multiple bipolar plates and multiple membrane electrodes can be stacked and assembled into a battery stack. Each bipolar plate and each membrane electrode can constitute a single cell. In order to ensure the uniform temperature of the entire battery stack, the optimal operating temperature of the battery stack is the optimal operating temperature of each single cell, and thus the optimal liquid temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the flow channel of each bipolar plate.

[0104] S2, Detect the actual liquid temperature at the outlet of the fuel cell flow channel. Optionally, the actual liquid temperature at the outlet of the flow channel (i.e., the actual liquid temperature of the cooling water at the outlet of the flow channel) can be detected by a temperature sensing element installed at the outlet of the flow channel.

[0105] S3, determine the actual temperature deviation value based on the optimal operating temperature value and the actual liquid temperature value. The actual temperature deviation value can be the difference between the optimal operating temperature value and the actual liquid temperature value.

[0106] S4 controls the number of control valves opened in the fuel cell based on the actual temperature deviation value and the preset temperature deviation value. It should be noted that after determining the actual temperature deviation value, it can be compared with the preset temperature deviation value to control the number of control valves opened in the fuel cell. The preset temperature deviation value can be set in advance according to actual needs.

[0107] Specifically, if the actual liquid temperature is greater than the optimal operating temperature, and the difference between the actual liquid temperature and the optimal operating temperature (i.e., the actual temperature deviation) is greater than the preset temperature deviation, then multiple control valves can be controlled to open all or most of them to increase the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel.

[0108] If the actual liquid temperature is lower than the optimal operating temperature, and the difference between the actual liquid temperature and the optimal operating temperature (i.e., the actual temperature deviation) is greater than the preset temperature deviation, then multiple control valves can be closed completely or mostly closed to reduce the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel.

[0109] If the actual liquid temperature is equal to the optimal operating temperature, or if the difference between the actual liquid temperature and the optimal operating temperature (i.e., the actual temperature deviation) is less than the preset temperature deviation, then the number of open control valves can remain unchanged.

[0110] The following example illustrates the control method of the fuel cell of the present invention:

[0111] As one example, the preset temperature deviation value can be 5 degrees Celsius, and the number of control valves can be 10. Under normal circumstances, 5 control valves are open and 5 control valves are closed.

[0112] First, the optimal operating temperature of the fuel cell stack can be determined based on the vehicle speed to obtain the optimal operating temperature of a single cell. For example, the optimal operating temperature of the fuel cell stack can be determined to be 40 degrees Celsius based on the vehicle speed, thus determining the optimal operating temperature of a single cell to be 40 degrees Celsius. Then, the actual liquid temperature at the outlet of the flow channel can be detected by a temperature detection device installed at the outlet of the flow channel.

[0113] If the actual liquid temperature is 47 degrees Celsius, it means that the actual liquid temperature is greater than the optimal operating temperature. Furthermore, the difference between the actual liquid temperature and the optimal operating temperature (i.e., the actual temperature deviation) is 7 degrees Celsius, which means that the actual temperature deviation is greater than the preset temperature deviation. Therefore, the number of control valves that can be opened can be greater than 5. For example, the number of control valves that can be opened can be 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 to increase the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel, thereby reducing the temperature of the single cell and keeping the battery stack at a suitable operating temperature.

[0114] If the actual liquid temperature is 33 degrees Celsius, it means that the actual liquid temperature is less than the optimal operating temperature. Furthermore, the difference between the actual liquid temperature and the optimal operating temperature (i.e., the actual temperature deviation) is 7 degrees Celsius, which means that the actual temperature deviation is greater than the preset temperature deviation. Therefore, the number of control valves that can be opened can be controlled to be less than 5. For example, the number of control valves that can be opened can be controlled to be 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0, in order to reduce the coolant flow rate in the cooling channel, thereby increasing the temperature of the single cell and keeping the battery stack at a suitable operating temperature.

[0115] If the actual liquid temperature is 40 degrees Celsius, it means that the actual liquid temperature is equal to the optimal operating temperature. Alternatively, if the actual liquid temperature is 38 degrees Celsius, it means that the actual liquid temperature is not equal to the optimal operating temperature, but the difference between the actual liquid temperature and the optimal operating temperature (i.e., the actual temperature deviation) is less than the preset temperature deviation. Therefore, the number of control valves that are open can be kept constant, i.e., the number of control valves that are open is kept at 5, so that the battery stack is at a suitable operating temperature.

[0116] Therefore, the control method of this application can control the number of control valves opened based on the actual liquid temperature at the outlet of the fuel cell flow channel and the optimal operating temperature of a single cell, thereby keeping the fuel cell stack at a suitable operating temperature, avoiding prolonged exposure to excessively high or low temperatures, and improving the lifespan of the fuel cell stack.

[0117] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0118] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0119] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0120] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0121] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0122] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0123] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0124] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate (10) for a fuel cell, characterized in that, include: An anode plate (11) and a cathode plate (13) are attached together to form a cooling channel between the anode plate (11) and the cathode plate (13), the cooling channel having a channel inlet (15) and a channel outlet (16). Multiple control valves (20) are provided at the inlet end of the flow channel inlet (15) and / or the outlet end of the flow channel outlet (16). Each of the multiple control valves (20) is used to open or close the corresponding flow channel inlet (15) or flow channel outlet (16). Temperature detection element (30), the temperature detection element (30) is used to detect the liquid temperature value at the outlet (16) of the flow channel; The controller (40) is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor (30) and the multiple control valves (20). The controller (40) is used to control the number of openings of the multiple control valves (20) at the flow channel inlet (15) and / or the flow channel outlet (16) according to the liquid temperature value detected by the temperature sensor (30). Each of the control valves (20) includes: a valve core (21) and at least one control device (50), the control device (50) being disposed on the anode plate (11) and / or the cathode plate (13), and being disposed near the flow channel inlet (15) and / or the flow channel outlet (16), the control device (50) being communicatively connected to the controller (40), the controller (40) controlling the valve core (21) to rotate via the control device (50) to open or close the control valve (20); the surface of the anode plate (11) opposite to the cathode plate (13) is provided with a first mounting groove (12), the surface of the cathode plate (13) opposite to the anode plate (11) is provided with a second mounting groove (14), the first mounting groove (12) and the second mounting groove (14) are arranged opposite to each other, and an installation space is formed between the first mounting groove (12) and the second mounting groove (14), the valve core (21) being disposed in the installation space; The control device (50) includes: a first drive member (51), a second drive member (52) and a rotating rod (53). The second drive member (52) is connected to the valve core (21) through the rotating rod (53). The first drive member (51) is adapted to drive the second drive member (52) to control the valve core (21) to rotate so that the control valve (20) opens or closes. The control device (50) further includes: a coil (54) which is wound around the outside of the first driving member (51). The first driving member (51) is a fixed iron, and the second driving member (52) is a moving iron. When the coil (54) is energized, the first driving member (51) attracts the second driving member (52) to move closer to the first driving member (51) so that the rotating rod (53) drives the valve core (21) to rotate. An elastic driving member (56) is connected between the first driving member (51) and the second driving member (52). The electrical charge of the coil (54) can be obtained through the bipolar plate.

2. The bipolar plate (10) of the fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channel inlet (15) is provided with a plurality of control valves (20), and the flow channel inlet (15) defines a plurality of sub-flow channel inlets, each of the sub-flow channel inlets corresponding to a control valve (20).

3. The bipolar plate (10) of the fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature detection element (30) is located at the outlet of the flow channel (16).

4. The bipolar plate (10) of the fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core (21) is provided with a liquid through hole (22) that penetrates the valve core (21).

5. The bipolar plate (10) of the fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve core (21) is located between the anode plate (11) and the cathode plate (13), and the valve core (21) is rotatable relative to the anode plate (11) and the cathode plate (13) under the control of the control device (50).

6. The bipolar plate (10) of the fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two control devices (50); The outer side of the second drive member (52) is fitted with a smooth pad (55).

7. A fuel cell stack, characterized in that, Includes the bipolar plate (10) of the fuel cell according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. A fuel cell, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell stack according to claim 7.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the fuel cell according to claim 8.

10. A control method for a fuel cell as described in claim 8, characterized in that, include: The optimal operating temperature of the fuel cell stack is determined based on the vehicle speed, thereby obtaining the optimal operating temperature of a single cell. Detect the actual liquid temperature at the flow channel outlet of the bipolar plate; The actual temperature deviation value is determined based on the optimal operating temperature value and the actual liquid temperature value. The number of control valves opened in the fuel cell is controlled based on the actual temperature deviation value and the preset temperature deviation value.

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