Fuel cell stack with integrated heat exchanger

Abstract

A fuel cell stack integrated with a heat exchanger includes a stack body and a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is integrated with an end portion of the stack body to provide a thermal insulation effect to prevent a temperature decrease at an end portion of a stack of the stack body, and has a plurality of heat exchange flow fields including a fuel flow field, an oxidant flow field, and a stack heat exchange medium flow field, wherein the stack heat exchange medium flow field is between the fuel flow field and the oxidant flow field adjacent to each other, so that a fuel warming heater and an oxidant cooling intercooler, which are separately configured in a conventional fuel cell system, are not required, and heat exchange is efficiently performed using a temperature difference between the fuel and the oxidant themselves by arranging the fuel and the oxidant on opposite sides of the stack heat exchange medium, respectively, so that a heat exchange efficiency is enhanced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, in particular to a fuel cell stack integrating a heat exchanger in the stack body. BACKGROUND

[0002] A fuel cell system generates electric energy by supplying fuel and oxidant to both sides of a membrane electrode to cause electrochemical reactions, a conventional fuel cell system taking hydrogen as fuel and oxygen in air as oxidant, as shown in Figure 1 , generally comprises a stack, a hydrogen supply system, an air supply system and a thermal management system, wherein the hydrogen supply system comprises a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen heater and a hydrogen circulation loop for recycling hydrogen recovered from the stack, the air supply system comprises an air filter, an air compressor, an intercooler and a humidifier, and the thermal management system comprises a fluid pump for circulating a heat exchange medium and a temperature regulating module for regulating the temperature of the heat exchange medium, thereby performing thermal management on the stack through the heat exchange medium.

[0003] In the air supply system, the temperature of air after passing through the air compressor will be increased, even to above 150℃, which is higher than the suitable working temperature of the stack, especially the membrane electrode, and the air with too high temperature is not suitable to be directly delivered to the stack, thus needs to be cooled by the intercooler, while the temperature of hydrogen after decompression from the hydrogen tank will be decreased, lower than the ambient temperature, and the low-temperature hydrogen is also not suitable to be directly mixed with the high-temperature (higher than ambient temperature) humid hydrogen recycled, and the condensed water generated by direct mixing will cause anode flooding when entering the stack, thus needs to be heated by the hydrogen heater.

[0004] A conventional fuel cell system, as shown in Figure 1 , the hydrogen heater and the intercooler are connected in parallel in the fluid circulation loop of the thermal management system of the stack, so that the heat exchange medium circulating in the thermal management system respectively heats the hydrogen and cools the air. In addition, the hydrogen heater and the intercooler are respectively produced by different suppliers, resulting in that they must be independently arranged. In summary, the conventional fuel cell system needs to be configured with a special independent hydrogen heater for heating hydrogen and an intercooler for cooling air, which inevitably leads to a large volume and low integration of the fuel cell system, and brings an important influence on the fuel cell system integration manufacturer in the technical research of the volume power density of the fuel cell system.

[0005] In addition, the end portion side of the stack direction of the stack (a plurality of single cells stacked with each other) of the fuel cell system is more likely to be low in temperature than the central side of the stack direction of the stack because the degree of heat dissipation to the outside is large via the end plate. This will result in deterioration of the temperature uniformity of each single cell of the stack, and even result in a decrease in the power generation stability of the stack, and therefore the end portion side of the stack of the conventional fuel cell system needs to be provided with an additional dummy cell formed of a flow field plate to prevent the temperature of the end portion of the stack of the fuel cell system from decreasing by the heat insulating effect of the dummy cell, and to avoid the influence of the outside air temperature on the stack. However, the dummy cell cannot be used for power generation, and not only increases the volume of the entire stack, but also increases the cost of the stack. SUMMARY

[0006] One advantage of the present application is to provide an integrated heat exchanger fuel cell stack which simultaneously achieves the temperature increase of fuel and the temperature decrease of oxidant by the integrated heat exchanger, thereby not requiring a heater for increasing the temperature of fuel and a intercooler for decreasing the temperature of oxidant which are separately provided in the conventional fuel cell system, and is advantageous in reducing the volume of the fuel cell system and improving the volume power density of the fuel cell system.

[0007] Another advantage of the present application is to provide an integrated heat exchanger fuel cell stack which effectively utilizes the temperature difference between fuel and oxidant themselves by arranging the fuel and the oxidant on opposite sides of the stack heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger before the fuel enters the anode of the stack body and before the oxidant enters the cathode of the stack body, respectively, and thereby enhances the heat exchange efficiency.

[0008] Another advantage of the present application is to provide an integrated heat exchanger fuel cell stack in which a multi-layer fluid flow field is formed by the heat exchanger to alternately arrange a fuel flow field, a stack heat exchange medium flow field and an oxidant flow field and to provide a stack heat exchange medium flow field as an intermediate flow field between the fuel and the oxidant, thereby enabling the stack heat exchange medium to simultaneously exchange heat with the fuel and the oxidant to increase the temperature of the fuel and decrease the temperature of the oxidant, and thereby enabling both the fuel and the oxidant to be adjusted to appropriate temperatures, respectively.

[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of stacked heat exchange plates to form a fluid flow field between two adjacent heat exchange plates. The core concept of the heat exchanger is based on a flow field plate with a structural design similar to that of the electrode plates of a fuel cell stack. This makes it easier for companies and technicians in the field of fuel cells to design the heat exchanger's heat exchange plates based on their technical accumulation in electrode plate design.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is integrated at the end of the stack body to provide thermal insulation to prevent the end of the stack body from cooling down due to excessive heat dissipation, and to avoid it from being affected by the external temperature, so that the stack body no longer needs to be configured with dummy cells.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger, wherein by integrating the heat exchanger into the stack body, the integration of the entire fuel cell system is improved, making the structure of the entire system more compact, further reducing the volume of the fuel cell system, and increasing the volumetric power density of the fuel cell system.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger is provided, comprising:

[0013] The fuel cell stack itself; and

[0014] A heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is integrated at the end of the fuel cell stack body and has multiple heat exchange flow fields, the multiple heat exchange flow fields including a fuel flow field, an oxidant flow field and a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field, wherein the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field is between adjacent fuel flow fields and oxidant flow fields, the adjacent heat exchange flow field of each fuel flow field is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field, and the adjacent heat exchange flow field of each oxidant flow field is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the plurality of heat exchange flow fields include a plurality of flow field units, the adjacent flow field of each flow field unit is the fuel stack heat exchange medium flow field, and each flow field unit includes three heat exchange flow fields arranged sequentially adjacent to each other, namely the fuel flow field, the fuel stack heat exchange medium flow field and the oxidant flow field, so that a temperature gradient of sequentially decreasing temperature is formed in each flow field unit of the oxidant flow field, the fuel stack heat exchange medium flow field and the fuel flow field, so as to facilitate sufficient heat exchange along the same heat transfer direction.

[0016] According to some embodiments, when the odd-numbered heat exchange flow field of the heat exchanger is the heat exchange medium flow field of the fuel cell stack, the even-numbered heat exchange flow field of the heat exchanger is alternately configured as the fuel flow field and the oxidant flow field.

[0017] According to some embodiments, when the even-numbered heat exchange flow fields of the heat exchanger are the heat exchange medium flow fields of the fuel cell stack, the odd-numbered heat exchange flow fields of the heat exchanger are alternately configured as the fuel flow field and the oxidant flow field.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the fuel, oxidant, and heat exchange medium of the fuel cell stack body are located on opposite sides of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the fuel, oxidant, and heat exchange medium of the fuel cell stack body are located on the same side of the fuel cell stack as the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger has a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, an electric stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, and an electric stack heat exchange medium outlet, wherein the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet are located at opposite ends of the heat exchanger, the oxidant inlet and the oxidant outlet are located at opposite ends of the heat exchanger, and the electric stack heat exchange medium inlet and the electric stack heat exchange medium outlet are located at opposite ends of the heat exchanger.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes an open end plate, the fuel cell stack body includes an open end plate, the open end plate and the open end plate are located on opposite sides of the fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell stack also includes a humidifier. Fuel, oxidant and stack heat exchange medium enter the heat exchanger from the open end plate and enter the corresponding fuel flow field, oxidant flow field and stack heat exchange medium flow field respectively. After heat exchange, they flow out from the open end plate. The fuel flowing out from the open end plate enters the fuel cell stack body through the open end plate to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The oxidant flowing out from the open end plate is humidified by the humidifier and then enters the fuel cell stack body through the open end plate to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes an open end plate having a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, a fuel stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, and a fuel stack heat exchange medium outlet. The open end plate also has a fuel stack inlet, an oxidant stack inlet, a fuel stack outlet, and an oxidant stack outlet, wherein the fuel stack heat exchange medium inlet and the fuel stack heat exchange medium outlet simultaneously serve as the fuel stack heat exchange medium inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger and the fuel stack body.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell stack forms a fuel inlet channel, an oxidant inlet channel, a stack heat exchange medium inlet channel, a fuel outlet channel, an oxidant outlet channel, and a stack heat exchange medium outlet channel that simultaneously penetrate the heat exchanger and the stack body.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger and the fuel cell stack body are separated by a partition, wherein the fuel cell stack forms a fuel inlet channel, an oxidant inlet channel, a fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet channel, a fuel outlet channel, an oxidant outlet channel and a fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet channel that simultaneously penetrate the heat exchanger, the fuel cell stack body and the partition.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell stack of the integrated heat exchanger further includes a humidifier, wherein the oxidant enters the heat exchanger from the oxidant inlet of the open end plate, undergoes heat exchange, exits the heat exchanger from the oxidant outlet of the open end plate, is humidified by the humidifier, and then flows into the oxidant inlet channel from the stack oxidant inlet of the open end plate, passes through the heat exchanger again, and enters the stack body through the partition oxidant inlet of the partition to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

[0026] According to some embodiments, fuel enters the heat exchanger through the fuel inlet of the open end plate, undergoes heat exchange, flows into the fuel inlet channel, and enters the fuel stack body from the partition fuel inlet of the partition to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plates to form a plurality of said heat exchange flow fields, wherein each of said heat exchange plates has a heat exchange plate fuel inlet, a heat exchange plate oxidant inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel outlet, a heat exchange plate oxidant outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, and a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet.

[0028] The baffle has a baffle fuel inlet, a baffle oxidant inlet, a baffle electric stack heat exchange medium inlet, a baffle fuel outlet, a baffle oxidant outlet, and a baffle electric stack heat exchange medium outlet;

[0029] The battery body includes multiple single cells, and each electrode of each single cell has an electrode fuel inlet, an electrode oxidant inlet, an electrode stack heat exchange medium inlet, an electrode fuel outlet, an electrode oxidant outlet, and an electrode stack heat exchange medium outlet.

[0030] The fuel inlet of the open end plate, the fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate, the fuel inlet of the separator, and the fuel inlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the fuel inlet channel.

[0031] The positions of the oxidant inlet of the open end plate, the oxidant inlet of the heat exchange plate, the oxidant inlet of the separator, and the oxidant inlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are corresponding and connected to form the oxidant inlet channel.

[0032] The heat exchange medium inlet of the open end plate, the heat exchange plate heat exchange medium inlet of the heat exchange plate, the heat exchange medium inlet of the partition plate, and the heat exchange medium inlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the heat exchange medium inlet channel of the fuel cell.

[0033] The fuel outlet of the open end plate, the fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate, the fuel outlet of the separator, and the fuel outlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the fuel outlet channel.

[0034] The positions of the oxidant outlet of the open end plate, the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate, the oxidant outlet of the separator, and the oxidant outlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are corresponding and connected to form the oxidant outlet channel.

[0035] The heat exchange medium outlet of the open end plate, the heat exchange plate heat exchange medium outlet of the heat exchange plate, the heat exchange medium outlet of the partition plate, and the heat exchange medium outlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the heat exchange medium outlet channel of the fuel cell.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plates to form a plurality of said fuel flow fields, a plurality of said oxidant flow fields, and a plurality of said fuel stack heat exchange medium flow fields, wherein one of fuel, oxidant, and fuel stack heat exchange medium is allowed to flow between two adjacent heat exchange plates, thereby correspondingly forming the fuel flow field, the oxidant flow field, or the fuel stack heat exchange medium flow field between the two adjacent heat exchange plates. According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plates to form a plurality of fuel flow fields, a plurality of oxidant flow fields, and a plurality of fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields. Each heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger has a heat exchange plate fuel inlet, a heat exchange plate oxidant inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel outlet, a heat exchange plate oxidant outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel cell stack oxidant inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel cell stack fuel outlet, and a heat exchange plate fuel cell stack oxidant outlet. A seal is provided between two adjacent heat exchange plates, the seal connecting the fuel flow field to the heat exchange plate fuel inlet and the heat exchange plate fuel outlet, and to the heat exchange plate oxidant inlet, the heat exchange plate oxidant outlet, the heat exchange plate fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet, the heat exchange plate fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet, and the heat exchange plate fuel cell stack oxidant inlet. The fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate stack and the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack are not connected. The seal connects the oxidant flow field to the oxidant inlet and the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack, but not to the fuel inlet, fuel outlet, heat exchange medium inlet, heat exchange medium outlet, oxidant inlet, fuel outlet, and oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack. The seal connects the heat exchange medium flow field to the heat exchange medium inlet and the heat exchange medium outlet of the heat exchange plate stack, but not to the fuel inlet, fuel outlet, oxidant inlet, oxidant outlet, fuel outlet, and oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plates to form a plurality of fuel flow fields, a plurality of oxidant flow fields, and a plurality of fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields. Each heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger has a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, and a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet. A seal is provided between two adjacent heat exchange plates, the seal connecting the fuel flow fields to the fuel inlets and fuel outlets of the heat exchange plates, and to the oxidant inlets, oxidant outlets, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlets of the heat exchange plates. The heat exchange medium inlet and outlet of the heat exchange plate stack are not connected. The seal connects the oxidant flow field to the oxidant inlet and outlet of the heat exchange plate, but not to the fuel inlet, fuel outlet, oxidant inlet, and outlet of the heat exchange plate.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell stack is suitable for use in a fuel cell system including a thermal management system, wherein the stack heat exchange medium flow field is provided with a heat exchange circulation pipeline for connecting to the stack heat exchange medium flow field to supply the stack heat exchange medium for heat exchange with fuel and oxidant. The thermal management system includes a stack heat exchange circulation pipeline for supplying the stack heat exchange medium to the stack body, the heat exchange circulation pipeline being connected in parallel or in series with the stack heat exchange circulation pipeline.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell stack body includes a plurality of individual cells and an open end plate and an encapsulated end plate located on opposite sides of the plurality of individual cells, wherein a heat exchanger is stacked on the open end plate or stacked on the encapsulated end plate of the fuel cell stack body, such that the heat exchanger is integrated on the top or bottom side of the fuel cell stack body.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the stack body includes a plurality of individual cells and two current collectors, wherein the individual cells are located between the two current collectors.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the fuel cell stack body includes a plurality of individual cells and two current collectors, wherein the individual cells and the heat exchange plate are located between the two current collectors. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1This is a block diagram of a fuel cell system based on existing technology.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a specific example of a fuel cell system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of fluid in the heat exchanger and the stack body of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the open end plate of the heat exchanger of the fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of the fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of fuel in the heat exchanger of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger of the fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of oxidant in the heat exchanger of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of three fluids in the heat exchanger of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a heat exchange flow field formed between the heat exchange plates of a fuel cell stack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 15A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the open end plate of the heat exchanger of the fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 15B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of the fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the separator of the fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram illustrating a fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 18A This is an exploded view of the fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 18B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a heat exchange flow field formed between the heat exchange plates of a fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of oxidant in a fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of fuel in a fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of the heat exchange medium in the fuel cell stack according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 22A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack according to the first modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 22B This is an exploded schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack according to the first modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of oxidant in a fuel cell stack according to a first modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of fuel in a fuel cell stack according to a first modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of the heat exchange medium in a fuel cell stack according to a first modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack according to a second modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 27 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack according to a second modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of oxidant in a fuel cell stack according to a second modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of fuel in a fuel cell stack according to a second modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of the heat exchange medium in a fuel cell stack according to a second modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of the fuel cell stack according to the third modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow of the heat exchange medium in a fuel cell stack according to a third modified embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0078] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0079] like Figures 2 to 13 The diagram illustrates a fuel cell system 1000 and a fuel cell stack 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system 1000 includes the fuel cell stack 100, a fuel supply system 200, an oxidant supply system 300, and a thermal management system 400. The fuel cell stack 100 includes a stack body 10 and a heat exchanger 20, wherein the heat exchanger 20 is integrated into the stack body 10, thereby eliminating the need for separate fuel heaters (such as hydrogen heaters) and oxidant cooling devices (such as intercoolers) in the fuel cell system 1000.

[0080] More specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figures 11 to 12 As shown, the fuel cell stack 10 includes a plurality of stacked individual cells 11 and end plate assemblies 12 and separator assemblies 13 located on opposite sides of the plurality of stacked individual cells 11. Each individual cell 11 includes a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between them, such that when fuel and oxidant enter each individual cell 11, an electrochemical reaction occurs to generate electrical energy. The end plate assembly 12 includes a current collector 121 and an open end plate 122, wherein the current collector 121 is located on the side adjacent to the individual cell 11 for collecting current, and the open end plate 122 may include an insulating plate on which the current collector 121 is disposed; or the open end plate 122 includes an insulating plate and a metal end plate, wherein the insulating plate is located between the metal end plate and the current collector 121. The separator assembly 13 includes a current collector 131 and a separator 132, wherein the current collector 131 is located on the side adjacent to the single cell 11 for collecting current, and the separator 132 is disposed between the single cell 11 and the heat exchanger 20, wherein the separator 132 is made of an insulating material to prevent the single cell 11 from conducting current to the heat exchanger 20.

[0081] The heat exchanger 20 includes a plurality of stacked heat exchange plates 21 to form a plurality of heat exchange flow fields 22, each heat exchange flow field 22 being formed between two adjacent heat exchange plates 21. The plurality of heat exchange flow fields 22 include one or more fuel flow fields 221, one or more oxidant flow fields 222, and one or more fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, wherein the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 is located between adjacent fuel flow fields 221 and oxidant flow fields 222, the adjacent heat exchange flow field 22 of each fuel flow field 221 is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223, the adjacent heat exchange flow field 22 of each oxidant flow field 222 is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223, and without considering the two outermost heat exchange flow fields 22, each fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 is located between one fuel flow field 221 and one oxidant flow field 222, the two adjacent flow fields of each fuel flow field 221 are the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, and the two adjacent flow fields of each oxidant flow field 222 are also the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223. The fuel supply system 200, the oxidant supply system 300, and the thermal management system 400 are respectively used to supply fuel, oxidant, and fuel cell heat exchange medium to the corresponding fuel flow field 221, oxidant flow field 222, and fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223. In this way, the fuel and oxidant are arranged on opposite sides of the fuel cell heat exchange medium to effectively utilize the temperature difference between the fuel and oxidant for heat exchange, so that the oxidant, fuel cell heat exchange medium, and fuel form a gradient heat exchange, thereby enhancing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0082] In other words, the flow fields 221, 223, and 222 of fuel, fuel stack heat exchange medium, and oxidant are alternately arranged in the heat exchanger 20, and the fuel stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 is located in the intermediate flow field between the fuel flow field 221 and the oxidant flow field 222. Thus, the fuel stack heat exchange medium can simultaneously exchange heat with the fuel and oxidant to raise the fuel temperature and lower the oxidant temperature, thereby allowing both the fuel and oxidant to be adjusted to their respective suitable temperatures.

[0083] It is understood that the oxidant, located at a high temperature in the oxidant flow field 222, transfers heat through the heat exchange plate 21 between the oxidant flow field 222 and the stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 to the stack heat exchange medium in the stack heat exchange medium flow field 223, thereby cooling the oxidant. Simultaneously, heat is transferred from the stack heat exchange medium in the stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 to the fuel in the fuel flow field 221 through the heat exchange plate 21 between the fuel flow field 221 and the stack heat exchange medium flow field 223, thereby heating the fuel. This allows both the high-temperature oxidant and the low-temperature fuel to exchange heat with the stack heat exchange medium. The three media enter the corresponding heat exchange flow fields 22 in descending order of temperature; that is, before heat exchange, the oxidant has the highest temperature. The fuel has the lowest temperature, while the heat exchange medium of the fuel stack has a temperature between that of the oxidant and the fuel. The three media form a temperature gradient that increases or decreases sequentially in the heat exchange flow field 22 of the heat exchanger 20. That is, the arrangement of these three different media adjacent to each other ensures that the direction of heat transfer is the same and does not cause heat transfer disturbance. This allows the three media to fully exchange heat, so that the oxidant can be adjusted to its appropriate temperature before entering the fuel stack body 10, and the fuel can be adjusted to its appropriate temperature before entering the anode of the fuel stack body 10 (especially before mixing with the circulating fuel). This prevents the generation of condensate due to the mixing of low-temperature fuel with high-temperature and humid circulating fuel, and prevents the high-temperature oxidant from damaging the membrane electrode assembly (especially the proton exchange membrane of the membrane electrode assembly) of the single cell 11.

[0084] like Figures 7 to 10As shown in the diagram, the heat exchanger 20 in this embodiment is schematically configured to have seventeen heat exchange flow fields 22, numbered sequentially from the first to the seventeenth. The second, sixth, tenth, and fourteenth heat exchange flow fields 22 are configured as the fuel flow field 221, the fourth, eighth, twelfth, and sixteenth heat exchange flow fields 22 are configured as the oxidant flow field 222, and the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth, and seventeenth heat exchange flow fields 22 are configured as... The heat exchanger 20 forms four fuel flow fields 221, four oxidant flow fields 222, and nine heat exchange medium flow fields 223 through the stacked heat exchange plates 21. This allows the fuel and oxidant to be diverted to multiple fuel flow fields 221 and multiple oxidant flow fields 222 respectively, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the fuel and oxidant and the heat exchange medium of the fuel stack, thus efficiently heating the fuel and cooling the oxidant to improve heat exchange efficiency. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the outermost heat exchange flow fields 22 may not be the stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, but may be the fuel flow field 221 and / or the oxidant flow field 222. For example, in an embodiment with seven heat exchange flow fields 22, the first and fifth heat exchange flow fields 22 are the fuel flow fields 221, the third and seventh heat exchange flow fields 22 are the oxidant flow fields 222, and the second, fourth, and sixth heat exchange flow fields 22 are the stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223.

[0085] In the embodiment having seventeen heat exchange flow fields 22, according to Figures 7 to 10 As shown in the diagram, the heat exchange flow field 22 comprises multiple flow field units. Each flow field unit is adjacent to the fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223. Each flow field unit includes three sequentially adjacent heat exchange flow fields 22: the fuel flow field 221, the fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223, and the oxidant flow field 222. In each flow field unit, the direction of heat transfer is along the oxidant flow field 222 towards the fuel flow field 221. This creates a temperature gradient where the oxidant flow field 222, the fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223, and the fuel flow field 221 successively decrease in temperature, facilitating gradient heat exchange. In other words, in each flow field unit, the fuel cell heat exchange medium at an intermediate temperature is placed in the intermediate flow field, rather than the oxidant at a high temperature or the fuel at a low temperature. This is more conducive to forming a heat gradient and heat transfer along a fixed direction, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency and preventing turbulence in heat exchange.

[0086] Accordingly, according to the flow field arrangement in this embodiment, without considering the two outermost heat exchange flow fields 22, each fuel flow field 221 is flanked by the stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, so that each fuel flow field 221 is heated by the stack heat exchange medium in the two adjacent stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, thereby achieving rapid temperature rise. Similarly, each oxidant flow field 222 is flanked by the stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, so that each oxidant flow field 222 is cooled by the stack heat exchange medium in the two adjacent stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, thereby achieving rapid temperature drop.

[0087] It is worth mentioning that when the odd-numbered heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are the heat exchange medium flow fields 223 of the fuel cell stack, that is, when the (2n+1)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack, the even-numbered heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are alternately constructed as the fuel flow field 221 and the oxidant flow field 222. That is, if the (4n+2)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, then the (4n+4)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222; if the (4n+2)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222, then the (4n+4)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, where n≥0, and n The value is an integer. When the even-numbered heat exchange flow field 22 of the heat exchanger 20 is the heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack, that is, when the (2n+2)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack, the odd-numbered heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are alternately constructed as the fuel flow field 221 and the oxidant flow field 222. That is, if the (4n+1)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, then the (4n+3)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222; if the (4n+1)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222, then the (4n+3)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, where n≥0 and n is an integer.

[0088] like Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 11 to 12 As shown, the heat exchanger 20 is integrated on one end side of the fuel cell stack 10, with the fuel fluid flow as an illustration. The fuel inlet to the heat exchanger 20 and the fuel inlet to the fuel cell stack 10 are located on opposite sides of the fuel cell stack 100. Fuel flows from... Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram, the fuel cell stack 100, after entering the heat exchanger 20 from its bottom side, is guided into multiple spaced fuel flow fields 221 to be heated by the stack's heat exchange medium. Then, after exiting the heat exchanger 20, it flows out from the other side of the fuel cell stack 100... Figure 4The top side, as illustrated, enters the fuel cell body 10 to participate in the electrochemical reaction and generate electrical energy. Similarly, the oxidant and the fuel cell heat exchange medium... Figure 4 The fluid flow path of the fuel illustrated in the diagram is similar. That is, the oxidant also flows from... Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram, the oxidant enters the heat exchanger 20 from the bottom side of the fuel cell stack 100 and is then guided into multiple spaced-apart oxidant flow fields 222 for cooling by the stack's heat exchange medium. After exiting the heat exchanger 20, it flows out from the other side of the fuel cell stack 100... Figure 4 The heat exchange medium of the fuel cell enters the fuel cell body 10 from the top side as illustrated in the diagram to participate in the electrochemical reaction and generate electrical energy. Figure 4 The fuel cell stack 100, as illustrated in the diagram, enters the heat exchanger 20 from its bottom side and is then guided into multiple spaced heat exchange medium flow fields 223 to heat the fuel and cool the oxidant. After exiting the heat exchanger 20, it flows into the loop of the thermal management system 400. The heat exchange medium can also flow from the other side of the fuel cell stack 100, such as... Figure 4 The top side of the fuel cell stack 10 is shown in the diagram. It is understood that the thermal management system 400 is used to circulate the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium through the corresponding flow field within the fuel cell stack 10 and the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the heat exchanger 20, thereby managing the temperature of the fuel cell stack 10 and regulating the temperature of the fuel and oxidant flowing through the heat exchanger 20. The fuel cell stack heat exchange medium can be deionized water, ethylene glycol solution, or other types of fuel cell coolant, which is used to cool the fuel cell stack during fuel cell operation. However, during the cold start process of some fuel cells, the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium can also be used to heat the fuel cell stack to achieve a cold start. The term "fuel cell coolant" is merely a term used in the art and does not imply that the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium can only be used to cool the fuel cell stack.

[0089] In this embodiment, the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 is connected to a heat exchange circulation pipeline 2230, which supplies the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium to the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 to facilitate heat exchange between the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium and the fuel and oxidizer. The thermal management system 400 includes a fuel cell stack heat exchange circulation pipeline 410 for supplying the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium to the fuel cell stack body 10, and includes a temperature regulation module 420 and a pump 430. In this embodiment, the heat exchange circulation pipeline 2230 and the fuel cell stack heat exchange circulation pipeline 410 are connected in parallel, thus reducing the flow resistance of the fuel cell stack heat exchange circulation pipeline 410 used to supply the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium to the fuel cell stack body 10 for thermal management.

[0090] like Figure 5 and Figures 12 to 13As shown, the heat exchanger 20 includes an open end plate 23 having a fuel inlet 231, an oxidant inlet 232, a fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233, a fuel outlet 234, an oxidant outlet 235, and a fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 236. In this embodiment, the fuel inlet 231, the oxidant inlet 232, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233 are located at the same end of the open end plate 23, while the fuel outlet 234, the oxidant outlet 235, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 236 are located at opposite ends of the coplanar end plate 23. The fuel inlet 231 and the fuel outlet 234 are located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23, the oxidant inlet 232 and the oxidant outlet 235 are located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233 and the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 236 are located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23. It is understood that in this embodiment, the fuel inlet 231 and the oxidant inlet 232 are located at the same end of the open end plate 23, meaning that both fuel and oxidant enter the heat exchanger 20 from the same end of the open end plate 23 and then exchange heat with the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium. This allows the low-temperature fuel and the high-temperature oxidant to be heated and cooled respectively on the same side, and then adjusted to the desired temperature at the other end of the heat exchanger 20. In another embodiment, the fuel inlet 231 and the oxidant inlet 232 may not be located at the same end of the open end plate 23; that is, the fuel inlet 231 and the oxidant inlet 232 may be located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23. In this case, the fuel and oxidant enter the heat exchanger 20 from opposite sides of the open end plate 23, exchange heat with the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium, and then are adjusted to the desired temperature at the other end of the heat exchanger 20.

[0091] like Figure 6As shown, each heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20 has a heat exchange plate fuel inlet 211, a heat exchange plate oxidant inlet 212, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium inlet 213, a heat exchange plate fuel outlet 214, a heat exchange plate oxidant outlet 215, and a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet 216, respectively, and corresponds to the positions of the fuel inlet 231, the oxidant inlet 232, the fuel exchange medium inlet 233, the fuel outlet 234, the oxidant outlet 235, and the fuel exchange medium outlet 236 of the open end plate 23. In this illustrative embodiment, the heat exchange plate fuel inlet 211, the heat exchange plate oxidant inlet 212, and the heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium inlet 213 are located at the same end of the heat exchange plate 21, while the heat exchange plate fuel outlet 214, the heat exchange plate oxidant outlet 215, and the heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet 216 are located at opposite ends. The fuel inlet 211 and fuel outlet 214 of the heat exchange plate are located at opposite ends of the heat exchange plate 21, as are the oxidant inlet 212 and oxidant outlet 215. The fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet 213 and outlet 216 of the heat exchange plate are also located at opposite ends of the heat exchange plate 21. In other words, when fuel enters a corresponding fuel flow field 221 from a fuel inlet 211, it fills the entire fuel flow field 221 and flows out from the fuel outlet 214 at the opposite end. This ensures that the fuel in the entire fuel flow field 221 exchanges heat with the adjacent fuel cell stack heat exchange medium through the heat exchange plate 21 while flowing, thus allowing the fuel in each fuel flow field 221 to be heated as uniformly as possible. Similarly, when the oxidant enters the corresponding oxidant flow field 222 from the oxidant inlet 212 of a heat exchange plate, it fills the entire oxidant flow field 222 and flows out from the oxidant outlet 215 of the heat exchange plate located at the opposite end. This allows the oxidant in the entire oxidant flow field 222 to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium of the adjacent two sides of the fuel cell stack through the heat exchange plate 21 while flowing, so that the oxidant in each oxidant flow field 222 can be cooled down as uniformly as possible.It is understood that, in another embodiment, corresponding to the open end plate 23, the fuel inlet 211 and the oxidant inlet 212 of the heat exchange plate may not be located at the same end of the heat exchange plate 21. That is, the fuel inlet 211 and the oxidant inlet 212 of the heat exchange plate may be located at opposite ends of the heat exchange plate 21. In this way, the fuel and oxidant enter the corresponding fuel flow field 221 and the oxidant flow field 222 from opposite sides of the heat exchange plate 21, respectively, and then exchange heat with the heat exchange medium of the fuel cell stack. When they reach the other end of the heat exchanger 20, they are adjusted to the required temperature.

[0092] like Figures 7 to 13 As shown, taking three adjacent heat exchange flow fields 22 as an example, they respectively form the fuel flow field 221, the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223, and the oxidant flow field 222. To ensure that the three adjacent heat exchange flow fields 22 form three different flow fields, the corresponding flow field can be connected to the inlet and outlet of the corresponding fluid, but not connected to the inlet and outlet of other fluids. For example, the fuel flow field 221 is connected to the fuel inlet 211 and fuel outlet 214 of the heat exchange plate, but not to the oxidant inlet 212, oxidant outlet 215, fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet 213, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet 216 of the heat exchange plate, thus forming a fuel flow field 221 between two adjacent heat exchange plates 11 that only allows fuel to flow through. The oxidant flow field 222 is connected to the oxidant inlet 212 and the oxidant outlet 215 of the heat exchange plate, but not to the fuel inlet 211, the fuel outlet 214, the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 213, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 216 of the heat exchange plate. This creates an oxidant flow field 222 between adjacent heat exchange plates 11, allowing only oxidant to flow through. The fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223 is connected to the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 213 and the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 216 of the heat exchange plate, but not to the fuel inlet 211, the fuel outlet 214, the oxidant inlet 212, and the oxidant outlet 215 of the heat exchange plate. This creates a fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223 between adjacent heat exchange plates 11, allowing only the fuel cell heat exchange medium to flow through.

[0093] like Figure 13As shown, adjacent heat exchange plates 21 are sealed to their respective flow fields and inlets / outlets via seals 24. The specific shape and construction of the seals 24 are matched to the specific structural design of the heat exchange plates 21 to ensure that only the correct fluid can flow into the flow field from its inlet and out its outlet, while guaranteeing an external seal for the flow field and all inlets / outlets. For example, in one embodiment, the seals 24 can be implemented as an adhesive layer or a welded layer. Figure 13 In the diagram, the seal 24 is schematically shown to surround the corresponding flow field and inlet / outlet, visually demonstrating the communication between the flow field and the corresponding inlet / outlet, the isolation from other inlets / outlets, and the seal relative to the external environment. Since the fluid guiding method of the heat exchange plate 21 is essentially the same as that of the fuel cell electrode plates, the specific structural design of the heat exchange plate 21 and the seal 24 can refer to the design of the fuel cell electrode plates and their sealing structures. Figure 13 The connection structure between the flow field and the corresponding inlet and outlet (the connecting channel is formed on the same side of the flow field) shown is only one optional fluid guiding method in the electrode design of fuel cells. For example, the connection between the flow field and the inlet and outlet can be achieved through a connecting channel formed on the back side of the flow field and a turning hole penetrating into the flow field, or other methods known in the fuel cell field. These can also be implemented in the heat exchange plate 21 and the seal 24 of this invention. Their specific structures are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described or illustrated here. In other words, the specific flow guiding structure of the heat exchange plate 21 and the specific shape and structure of the seal 24 are not considered as limitations on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0094] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, hydrogen is used as the fuel and air containing oxygen is used as the oxidant. The fuel supply system 200 accordingly includes a hydrogen source 210, a valve 220, a hydrogen circulation device 230, and a gas-water separator 240. The hydrogen source 210 can be a hydrogen cylinder. The hydrogen from the hydrogen source 210 enters the heat exchanger 20 after passing through the valve 220 and is heated. After being heated, the hydrogen flows out of the heat exchanger 20 and is mixed with the recycled hydrogen before being introduced into the fuel cell stack 10 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The hydrogen circulation device 230 is used to recover unreacted hydrogen from the fuel cell stack 10 for recycling, and the gas-water separator 240 is used to remove liquid water carried by the recycled hydrogen.

[0095] The oxidant supply system 300 accordingly includes an air filter 310, an air compressor 320, and a humidifier 330. Air is filtered by the air filter 310 and compressed by the air compressor 320 before entering the heat exchanger 20 for cooling, and then enters the fuel cell stack 10 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The fuel cell stack 10 has requirements for the humidity of the incoming air, so the humidifier 330 can be equipped to humidify the dry air. That is, the air cooled by the heat exchanger 20 is then humidified by the humidifier 330 before entering the fuel cell stack 10. It can be understood that the humidifier 330 uses moist air flowing from the fuel cell stack 10 to humidify the dry air.

[0096] Additionally, the heat exchanger 20 is integrated on the end side of the fuel cell stack body 10, such as... Figure 4 The bottom side of the stack body 10, as shown in the diagram, provides thermal insulation to prevent the temperature of the ends of the stack body 10 (multiple stacked single cells 11) from dropping, thus avoiding the influence of external temperature on the fuel cell stack 100, so that the stack body 10 no longer needs to be configured with dummy cells.

[0097] In this embodiment, fuel, oxidant, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium enter the heat exchanger 20 from the open end plate 23, and respectively enter the corresponding fuel flow field 221, oxidant flow field 222, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223. After heat exchange, they flow out from the open end plate 23. The perforated end plate 122 of the end plate assembly 12 of the fuel cell stack body 10 and the open end plate 23 of the heat exchanger 20 are located on opposite sides of the fuel cell stack 100. Thus, the fuel flowing out from the open end plate 23 is guided through corresponding connecting pipes to the perforated end plate 122 of the end plate assembly 12 of the fuel cell stack body 10, so as to enter the fuel cell stack body 10 through the perforated end plate 122 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. Oxidant, such as air, flowing out from the open end plate 23 is guided to the humidifier 330 via a corresponding connecting pipe. After humidification, it enters the fuel cell stack body 10 through the open end plate 122 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The fuel cell heat exchange medium flowing out from the open end plate 23 flows into the heat exchange circulation pipeline 2230, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium flowing out from the open end plate 122 flows into the fuel cell heat exchange circulation pipeline 410. Fuel exiting from the open end plate 122 enters the fuel circulation loop, flows through the aforementioned gas-liquid separator 240 and the hydrogen circulation device 230, mixes with the fuel flowing out from the open end plate 23, and then enters the fuel cell stack body 10 through the open end plate 122 to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

[0098] like Figures 14 to 21The diagram shows a fuel cell stack 100 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which includes a stack body 10 and a heat exchanger 20, wherein the heat exchanger 20 is integrated into the stack body 10, so that the fuel cell system 1000 does not require additional separate fuel heaters (such as hydrogen heaters) and oxidant cooling devices (such as intercoolers). In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 is integrated into the end of the stack body 10, such as... Figure 14 The top side end is shown in the diagram.

[0099] Similarly, the fuel cell stack 10 includes a plurality of stacked individual cells 11 and end plate assemblies 12 and separator assemblies 13 located on opposite sides of the plurality of stacked individual cells 11. The end plate assembly 12 includes a current collector 121 and an encapsulation end plate 123, wherein the current collector 121 is located on the side adjacent to the individual cell 11 for collecting current, and the encapsulation end plate 123 may include an insulating plate on which the current collector 121 is disposed; or the encapsulation end plate 123 includes an insulating plate and a metal end plate, wherein the insulating plate is located between the metal end plate and the current collector 121. The separator assembly 13 includes a current collector 131 and a separator 132, wherein the current collector 131 is located on the side adjacent to the individual cell 11 for collecting current, and the separator 132 is disposed between the individual cell 11 and the heat exchanger 20.

[0100] The heat exchanger 20 includes a plurality of stacked heat exchange plates 21 to form a plurality of heat exchange flow fields 22, each heat exchange flow field 22 being formed between two adjacent heat exchange plates 21. The plurality of heat exchange flow fields 22 includes one or more fuel flow fields 221, one or more oxidant flow fields 222, and one or more fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, wherein the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 is located between adjacent fuel flow fields 221 and oxidant flow fields 222, the adjacent heat exchange flow field 22 of each fuel flow field 221 is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223, and the adjacent heat exchange flow field 22 of each oxidant flow field 222 is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field 223. Without considering the two outermost heat exchange flow fields 22, each... Each of the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223 is located between a fuel flow field 221 and an oxidant flow field 222. The two adjacent flow fields of each fuel flow field 221 are the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223, and the two adjacent flow fields of each oxidant flow field 222 are also the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields 223. In this way, the fuel and oxidant are arranged on opposite sides of the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium to effectively utilize the temperature difference between the fuel and oxidant for heat exchange, so that the oxidant, fuel cell stack heat exchange medium and fuel form a gradient heat exchange, thereby enhancing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0101] It is worth mentioning that when the odd-numbered heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are the heat exchange medium flow fields 223 of the fuel cell stack, that is, when the (2n+1)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack, the even-numbered heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are alternately constructed as the fuel flow field 221 and the oxidant flow field 222. That is, if the (4n+2)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, then the (4n+4)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222; if the (4n+2)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222, then the (4n+4)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, where n≥0, and n The value is an integer. When the even-numbered heat exchange flow field 22 of the heat exchanger 20 is the heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack, that is, when the (2n+2)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack, the odd-numbered heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are alternately constructed as the fuel flow field 221 and the oxidant flow field 222. That is, if the (4n+1)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, then the (4n+3)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222; if the (4n+1)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the oxidant flow field 222, then the (4n+3)th heat exchange flow field 22 is the fuel flow field 221, where n≥0 and n is an integer.

[0102] The heat exchanger 20 includes an open end plate 23 having a fuel inlet 231, an oxidant inlet 232, a fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233, an oxidant outlet 235, and a fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 236. In this illustrated embodiment, the fuel inlet 231, the oxidant inlet 232, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233 are located at the same end of the open end plate 23, while the oxidant outlet 235 and the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 236 are located at opposite ends. The oxidant inlet 232 and the oxidant outlet 235 are located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23, and the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233 and the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet 236 are located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23. It is understood that, in this embodiment, the fuel inlet 231 and the oxidant inlet 232 are located at the same end of the open end plate 23, meaning that both fuel and oxidant enter the heat exchanger 20 from the same end of the open end plate 23 and exchange heat with the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium. This allows the low-temperature fuel and the high-temperature oxidant to be heated and cooled respectively on the same side, and adjusted to the desired temperature upon reaching the other end of the heat exchanger 20. In another embodiment, the fuel inlet 231 and the oxidant inlet 232 may not be located at the same end of the open end plate 23; that is, the fuel inlet 231 and the oxidant inlet 232 may be located at opposite ends of the open end plate 23. In this case, fuel and oxidant enter the heat exchanger 20 from opposite ends of the open end plate 23, exchange heat with the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium, and are adjusted to the desired temperature upon reaching the other end of the heat exchanger 20.

[0103] In this embodiment, the open end plate 23 also serves as an inlet / outlet end plate for guiding the heat-exchanged fuel and oxidant into and out of the fuel cell stack body 10. That is, in this embodiment, the fuel, oxidant, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium enter the heat exchanger 20 and the fuel cell stack body 100 from the same side, such as the top side. Accordingly, the open end plate 23 also has a fuel inlet 237, an oxidant inlet 238, a fuel outlet 239, and an oxidant outlet 230.

[0104] Each heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20 has a heat exchange plate fuel inlet 211, a heat exchange plate oxidant inlet 212, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium inlet 213, a heat exchange plate fuel outlet 214, a heat exchange plate oxidant outlet 215, and a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet 216, and also has a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium oxidant inlet 218, a heat exchange plate fuel outlet 219, and a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium oxidant outlet 210.

[0105] The partition 132 of the partition assembly 13 also has a partition fuel inlet 1321, a partition oxidant inlet 1322, a partition stack heat exchange medium inlet 1326, a partition fuel outlet 1324, a partition oxidant outlet 1325, and a partition stack heat exchange medium outlet 1323.

[0106] like Figures 18A to 21 As shown, in this embodiment, the fuel cell stack 100 forms a series of fluid channels 25 passing through the heat exchanger 20 and the stack body 10, including a fuel inlet channel 251, an oxidant inlet channel 252, a stack heat exchange medium inlet channel 253, a fuel outlet channel 254, an oxidant outlet channel 255, and a stack heat exchange medium outlet channel 256.

[0107] Each electrode of the single cell 11 has an electrode fuel inlet 111, an electrode oxidant inlet 112, an electrode stack heat exchange medium inlet 113, an electrode fuel outlet 114, an electrode oxidant outlet 115, and an electrode stack heat exchange medium outlet 116.

[0108] The fuel inlet 237 of the open end plate 23, the fuel outlet 214 of the heat exchange plate 21, the fuel inlet 1321 of the partition plate 132, and the fuel inlet 111 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11 are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the fuel inlet channel 251.

[0109] The positions of the oxidant inlet 238 of the open end plate 23, the oxidant inlet 218 of the heat exchange plate 21, the oxidant inlet 1322 of the separator 132, and the oxidant inlet 112 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11 are corresponding and connected to form the oxidant inlet channel 252.

[0110] The heat exchange medium inlet 233 of the open end plate 23, the heat exchange plate heat exchange medium inlet 213 of the heat exchange plate 21, the heat exchange medium inlet 1326 of the partition plate 13, and the heat exchange medium inlet 113 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11 are positioned correspondingly and connected to form the heat exchange medium inlet channel 253 of the fuel cell.

[0111] The fuel outlet 239 of the open end plate 23, the fuel outlet 219 of the heat exchange plate, the fuel outlet 1324 of the partition plate 132, and the fuel outlet 114 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11 are positioned correspondingly and connected to form the fuel outlet channel 254.

[0112] The positions of the oxidant outlet 230 of the open end plate 23, the oxidant outlet 210 of the heat exchange plate 21, the oxidant outlet 1325 of the separator 132, and the oxidant outlet 115 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11 are corresponding and connected to form the oxidant outlet channel 255.

[0113] The heat exchange medium outlet 236 of the open end plate 23, the heat exchange plate heat exchange medium outlet 216 of the heat exchange plate 21, the heat exchange medium outlet 1323 of the partition plate 132, and the heat exchange medium outlet 116 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11 are positioned correspondingly and connected to form the heat exchange medium outlet channel 256 of the fuel cell 11.

[0114] like Figure 18BAs shown, a seal 24 is provided between two adjacent heat exchange plates 21, so that the heat exchange flow fields 22 of the heat exchanger 20 respectively form the fuel flow field 221, the fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223, and the oxidant flow field 222. To ensure that the three adjacent heat exchange flow fields 22 form three different flow fields, the corresponding flow fields can be connected to the inlet and outlet of the corresponding fluid, but not connected to the inlet and outlet of other fluids. For example, the fuel flow field 221 is connected to the fuel inlet 211 and the fuel outlet 214 of the heat exchange plate, but not to the oxidant inlet 212, the oxidant outlet 215, the heat exchange medium inlet 213, the heat exchange medium outlet 216, the oxidant inlet 218, the fuel outlet 219, and the oxidant outlet 210 of the heat exchange plate, thereby forming a fuel flow field 221 between two adjacent heat exchange plates 11 that is only for fuel to flow through. The oxidant flow field 222 is connected to the oxidant inlet 212 and the oxidant outlet 215 of the heat exchange plate, but not to the fuel inlet 211, the fuel outlet 214, the heat exchange medium inlet 213, the heat exchange medium outlet 216, the oxidant inlet 218, the fuel outlet 219, and the oxidant outlet 210 of the heat exchange plate, thereby forming an oxidant flow field 222 between two adjacent heat exchange plates 11 that is only for oxidant to flow through. The heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the fuel cell stack is connected to the heat exchange medium inlet 213 and the heat exchange medium outlet 216 of the heat exchange plate, but is not connected to the fuel inlet 211, the fuel outlet 214, the oxidant inlet 212, the oxidant outlet 215, the oxidant inlet 218, the fuel outlet 219, and the oxidant outlet 210 of the heat exchange plate, thereby forming a heat exchange medium flow field 223 between two adjacent heat exchange plates 11 that only supplies the heat exchange medium of the fuel cell stack.

[0115] like Figure 20As shown, fuel such as hydrogen enters the heat exchanger 20 from the hydrogen source through the fuel inlet 231 of the open end plate 23. After heat exchange, it flows into the fuel inlet channel 251 on the other side, and passes through the partition fuel inlet 1321 of the partition 132 into the fuel cell stack body 10 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. Then it flows through the fuel outlet channel 254 and through the partition 132 and the open end plate 23. After passing through the gas-liquid separator 240 and the hydrogen circulation device 230, it forms recovered hydrogen. This recovered hydrogen then enters the heat exchanger 20 from the fuel inlet 237 of the open end plate 23, mixes with the heat-exchanged hydrogen, and then flows back into the fuel cell stack body 10 through the fuel inlet channel 251. Figure 19 As shown, the oxidant, such as air, enters the heat exchanger 20 from the oxidant inlet 232 of the open end plate 23. After heat exchange, it leaves the heat exchanger 20 from the oxidant outlet 235 of the open end plate 23. After being humidified by the humidifier 330, it flows into the oxidant inlet channel 252 from the stack oxidant inlet 238 of the open end plate 23. After passing longitudinally through the heat exchanger 20, it enters the stack body 10 through the partition oxidant inlet 1322 of the partition 132 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. Then, it flows through the oxidant outlet channel 255 and passes through the partition 132 and the open end plate 23 before being discharged from the fuel cell stack 100 and flowing into the humidifier 330 to humidify and dry the air. The positions of the heat exchange medium inlet 233 of the open end plate 23 and the heat exchange medium inlet 1326 of the partition plate 132 correspond to those of the heat exchange medium inlet 213 of the heat exchange plate 21 and the heat exchange medium inlet 113 of the electrode plate of the single cell 11, forming the heat exchange medium inlet channel 253. Figure 21 As shown, the fuel cell heat exchange medium flows into the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet channel 253 through the fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 233 of the open end plate 23. Part of the fuel cell heat exchange medium flows into the fuel cell heat exchange medium flow field 223 of the heat exchanger 20 for heat exchange with the low-temperature fuel and high-temperature oxidant. The other fuel cell heat exchange medium passes through the partition fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet 1326 of the partition 132 and enters the fuel cell body 10 for thermal management (temperature control) of the fuel cell body 10. Then, the fuel cell heat exchange medium that enters the heat exchanger 20 and the fuel cell body 10 flows out of the heat exchanger 20 through the fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet channel 256.

[0116] like Figures 22A to 25The image shows a fuel cell stack 100 according to a first variation of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a stack body 10 and a heat exchanger 20, wherein the heat exchanger 20 is integrated into the stack body 10. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 is integrated into an end of the stack body 10 as shown in the image. Figure 22A The top side end is shown in the diagram.

[0117] Similarly, the fuel cell stack 10 includes a plurality of stacked individual cells 11 and an end plate assembly 12 located on one side of the plurality of stacked individual cells 11. The end plate assembly 12 includes a current collector 121 and an encapsulation end plate 123, wherein the current collector 121 is located adjacent to the individual cell 11 for collecting current, and the encapsulation end plate 123 may include an insulating plate, on which the current collector 121 is disposed; or the encapsulation end plate 123 includes an insulating plate and a metal end plate, wherein the insulating plate is located between the metal end plate and the current collector 121. On the other side of the individual cell 11 is the heat exchanger 20, which includes an open end plate 23 and the heat exchange plate 21, wherein the current collector 131 is disposed inside the open end plate 23. That is, in this embodiment, the heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20 and the individual cell 11 of the fuel cell stack 10 can be disposed between the current collector 121 and the current collector 131. It is understood that the single battery 11 is connected to the current collector 131 located inside the open end plate 23 of the heat exchanger 20 via the conductive heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20. In this way, the heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20 and the single battery 11 can be located between the two current collectors 121 and 131.

[0118] like Figures 26 to 30 The diagram shows a fuel cell stack 100 according to a second modified embodiment of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell stack 100 includes a stack body 10 and a heat exchanger 20. In the second preferred embodiment, when assembling the fuel cell stack 100, the partition assembly 13 and the heat exchange plate 21 can be added between the two end plates, namely the perforated end plate 122 and the encapsulated end plate 123, so that the heat exchanger 20 is integrated into the stack body 10. That is, the perforated end plate 122 and the encapsulated end plate 123 are used as the two end plates of the fuel cell stack 100 for assembly, which facilitates the assembly of the stack body 10 and the heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, the fuel cell stack 100 does not need to change the original structure of the stack body 10, but the heat exchanger 20 can be directly integrated into an existing stack body 10, such as integrating the heat exchanger 20 as a stacked structure at the end of the stack body 10.Figure 26 The top end, as shown in the diagram, is where the heat exchanger 20 is stacked on the perforated end plate 122 of the fuel cell stack body 10, so that the heat exchanger 20 is integrated on the top side of the fuel cell stack body 10, thus making the assembly of the fuel cell stack 100 easier. Of course, in another modified embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 may also be stacked on the encapsulated end plate 123 of the fuel cell stack body 10, so that the heat exchanger 20 is integrated on the bottom side of the fuel cell stack body 10.

[0119] It is understood that in the above embodiments, the manifolds 121 and 131 are not used to form fluid inlets or outlets, thereby preventing fluid from contacting the manifolds 121 and 131 and causing corrosion and damage to the manifolds 121 and 131.

[0120] like Figures 31 to 32 The diagram illustrates a third variation of a fuel cell stack 100 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 is connected to a heat exchange circulation pipeline 2230, which supplies the stack heat exchange medium to the stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 to facilitate heat exchange between the stack heat exchange medium and the fuel and oxidant. The thermal management system 400 includes a stack heat exchange circulation pipeline 410 for supplying the stack heat exchange medium to the stack body 10, and the heat exchange circulation pipeline 2230 is connected in series with the stack heat exchange circulation pipeline 410 of the thermal management system 400.

[0121] More specifically, in this embodiment, the heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20 correspondingly has a heat exchange plate stack heat exchange medium inlet 213 and a first heat exchange plate stack heat exchange medium outlet 216a and a second heat exchange plate stack heat exchange medium outlet 216b located at opposite ends of the heat exchange plate 21. The stack heat exchange medium enters the corresponding stack heat exchange medium flow field 223 from the heat exchange plate stack heat exchange medium inlet 213 for heat exchange with the fuel and oxidant in the adjacent flow field, and flows out from the first heat exchange plate stack heat exchange medium outlet 216a at the opposite end and further flows into the stack body 10 for thermal management of the stack body 10. After flowing through the stack body 10, the fuel cell stack 100 flows out from the second heat exchange plate stack heat exchange medium outlet 216b of each of the heat exchange plates 21 of the heat exchanger 20.

[0122] In other words, in this embodiment, the aforementioned heat exchange medium inlet channel 253 passing through the open end plate 23 and heat exchange plate 21 of the heat exchanger 20 and the fuel cell stack body 10 is not formed. The fuel cell stack heat exchange medium does not directly enter the fuel cell stack body 10 through the heat exchange medium inlet channel 253 as in the above embodiment. Instead, it flows through the heat exchange medium flow field 223 before entering the fuel cell stack body 10. The fuel cell stack heat exchange medium entering the heat exchanger 20 does not directly exit the fuel cell stack 100 from the heat exchanger 20 after flowing through the heat exchange medium flow field 223. Instead, it flows through the fuel cell stack body 10 and then through the heat exchanger 20 before exiting the fuel cell stack 100.

[0123] It should be noted that in the apparatus and method of this application, the components or steps in different embodiments can be disassembled and / or recombined without departing from the principle of the present invention. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as included within the inventive concept of this application.

[0124] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The objectives of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functions and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and any variations or modifications may be made to the implementation of the present invention without departing from the stated principles.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: The stack body; as well as A heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is integrated at the end of the fuel cell stack body and has multiple heat exchange flow fields, the multiple heat exchange flow fields including a fuel flow field, an oxidant flow field and a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field, wherein the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field is between adjacent fuel flow fields and oxidant flow fields, the adjacent heat exchange flow field of each fuel flow field is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field, the adjacent heat exchange flow field of each oxidant flow field is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field, the multiple heat exchange flow fields include multiple flow field units, the adjacent flow field of each flow field unit is the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field, and wherein each flow field unit includes three heat exchange flow fields arranged sequentially adjacent to each other, namely the fuel flow field, the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field and the oxidant flow field, so that a temperature gradient of sequentially decreasing temperature is formed in each flow field unit to facilitate sufficient heat exchange along the same heat transfer direction.

2. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the odd-numbered heat exchange flow field of the heat exchanger is the heat exchange medium flow field of the fuel cell stack, the even-numbered heat exchange flow field of the heat exchanger is alternately configured as the fuel flow field and the oxidant flow field.

3. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the even-numbered heat exchange flow field of the heat exchanger is the heat exchange medium flow field of the fuel cell stack, the odd-numbered heat exchange flow field of the heat exchanger is alternately configured as the fuel flow field and the oxidant flow field.

4. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet of the fuel, oxidant, and heat exchange medium of the fuel cell stack body are located on opposite sides of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

5. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet of the fuel, oxidant, and heat exchange medium of the fuel cell stack body are located on the same side of the fuel cell stack as the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

6. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack forms a fuel inlet channel, an oxidant inlet channel, a stack heat exchange medium inlet channel, a fuel outlet channel, an oxidant outlet channel, and a stack heat exchange medium outlet channel that simultaneously penetrate the heat exchanger and the stack body.

7. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger has a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, an electric stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, and an electric stack heat exchange medium outlet, wherein the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet are located at opposite ends of the heat exchanger, the oxidant inlet and the oxidant outlet are located at opposite ends of the heat exchanger, and the electric stack heat exchange medium inlet and the electric stack heat exchange medium outlet are located at opposite ends of the heat exchanger.

8. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes an open end plate, and the fuel cell stack body includes an open end plate. The open end plate and the open end plate are located on opposite sides of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack also includes a humidifier. Fuel, oxidant, and stack heat exchange medium enter the heat exchanger from the open end plate and enter the corresponding fuel flow field, oxidant flow field, and stack heat exchange medium flow field, respectively. After heat exchange, they flow out from the open end plate. The fuel flowing out from the open end plate enters the fuel cell stack body through the open end plate to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The oxidant flowing out from the open end plate is humidified by the humidifier and then enters the fuel cell stack body through the open end plate to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

9. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes an open end plate having a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, a fuel stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, and a fuel stack heat exchange medium outlet. The open end plate also has a fuel stack inlet, an oxidant stack inlet, a fuel stack outlet, and an oxidant stack outlet. The fuel stack heat exchange medium inlet and the fuel stack heat exchange medium outlet serve as the inlet and outlet of the fuel stack heat exchange medium for both the heat exchanger and the fuel stack body.

10. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heat exchanger and the fuel cell stack body are separated by a partition, wherein the fuel cell stack forms a fuel inlet channel, an oxidant inlet channel, a fuel cell heat exchange medium inlet channel, a fuel outlet channel, an oxidant outlet channel and a fuel cell heat exchange medium outlet channel that simultaneously penetrate the heat exchanger, the fuel cell stack body and the partition.

11. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a humidifier, wherein the oxidant enters the heat exchanger from the oxidant inlet of the open end plate, and after heat exchange, leaves the heat exchanger from the oxidant outlet of the open end plate. After being humidified by the humidifier, it flows into the oxidant inlet channel from the fuel cell oxidant inlet of the open end plate, passes through the heat exchanger again, and enters the fuel cell body through the partition oxidant inlet of the partition to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

12. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 10, characterized in that, Fuel enters the heat exchanger through the fuel inlet of the open end plate, undergoes heat exchange, flows into the fuel inlet channel, and enters the fuel stack body through the partition fuel inlet of the partition to participate in the electrochemical reaction.

13. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 10, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plates to form a plurality of heat exchange flow fields, wherein each heat exchange plate has a heat exchange plate fuel inlet, a heat exchange plate oxidant inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange outlet, a heat exchange plate oxidant outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange medium outlet, a heat exchange plate fuel exchange inlet, a heat exchange plate fuel outlet, and a heat exchange plate fuel exchange outlet. The baffle has a baffle fuel inlet, a baffle oxidant inlet, a baffle electric stack heat exchange medium inlet, a baffle fuel outlet, a baffle oxidant outlet, and a baffle electric stack heat exchange medium outlet; The stack body includes multiple single cells, each of the single cells having a plate fuel inlet, a plate oxidant inlet, a plate stack heat exchange medium inlet, a plate fuel outlet, a plate oxidant outlet, and a plate stack heat exchange medium outlet. The fuel inlet of the open end plate, the fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate, the fuel inlet of the separator, and the fuel inlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the fuel inlet channel. The positions of the oxidant inlet of the open end plate, the oxidant inlet of the heat exchange plate, the oxidant inlet of the separator, and the oxidant inlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are corresponding and connected to form the oxidant inlet channel. The heat exchange medium inlet of the open end plate, the heat exchange plate heat exchange medium inlet of the heat exchange plate, the heat exchange medium inlet of the partition plate, and the heat exchange medium inlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the heat exchange medium inlet channel of the fuel cell. The fuel outlet of the open end plate, the fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate, the fuel outlet of the separator, and the fuel outlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the fuel outlet channel. The positions of the oxidant outlet of the open end plate, the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate, the oxidant outlet of the separator, and the oxidant outlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are corresponding and connected to form the oxidant outlet channel. The heat exchange medium outlet of the open end plate, the heat exchange plate heat exchange medium outlet of the heat exchange plate, the heat exchange medium outlet of the partition plate, and the heat exchange medium outlet of the electrode plate of the single cell are located in corresponding positions and connected to form the heat exchange medium outlet channel of the fuel cell.

14. The fuel cell stack of the integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange plates to form multiple fuel flow fields, multiple oxidant flow fields, and multiple fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields, wherein one of fuel, oxidant, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium is allowed to flow between two adjacent heat exchange plates, thereby correspondingly forming the fuel flow field, the oxidant flow field, or the fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow field between the two adjacent heat exchange plates.

15. The fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 7, and 9 to 12, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange plates to form multiple fuel flow fields, multiple oxidant flow fields, and multiple fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields. Each heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger has a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet, an oxidant inlet, a fuel outlet, and an oxidant outlet. A seal is provided between two adjacent heat exchange plates, the seal connecting the fuel flow field to the fuel inlet and fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate, and to the oxidant inlet, oxidant outlet, fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet, fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet. The fuel outlet and the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack are not connected. The seal connects the oxidant flow field to the oxidant inlet and the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate, but not to the fuel inlet, fuel outlet, heat exchange medium inlet, heat exchange medium outlet, oxidant inlet, fuel outlet, and oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack. The seal connects the heat exchange medium flow field to the heat exchange medium inlet and the heat exchange medium outlet of the heat exchange plate stack, but not to the fuel inlet, fuel outlet, oxidant inlet, oxidant outlet, fuel outlet, and oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate stack.

16. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 4 or 8, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange plates to form multiple fuel flow fields, multiple oxidant flow fields, and multiple fuel cell stack heat exchange medium flow fields. Each heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger has a fuel inlet, an oxidant inlet, a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium inlet, a fuel outlet, an oxidant outlet, and a fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet. A seal is provided between two adjacent heat exchange plates, the seal connecting the fuel flow field to the fuel inlet and fuel outlet of the heat exchange plate, and to the oxidant inlet, oxidant outlet, and fuel cell stack heat exchange medium outlet of the heat exchange plate. The heat exchange medium inlet and the heat exchange medium outlet of the heat exchange plate stack are not connected. The seal connects the oxidant flow field to the oxidant inlet and the oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate, but not to the fuel inlet, fuel outlet, oxidant inlet, and oxidant outlet of the heat exchange plate.

17. The fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack is suitable for use in a fuel cell system, which includes a thermal management system. The heat exchange medium flow field of the stack is provided with a heat exchange circulation pipeline, which is connected to the heat exchange medium flow field of the stack to supply the heat exchange medium of the stack for heat exchange with the fuel and oxidant. The thermal management system includes a heat exchange circulation pipeline for supplying the heat exchange medium of the stack to the stack body. The heat exchange circulation pipeline is connected in parallel or in series with the heat exchange circulation pipeline of the stack.

18. The fuel cell stack with an integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack body includes a plurality of individual cells and an open end plate and an encapsulated end plate located on opposite sides of the plurality of individual cells, wherein the heat exchanger is stacked on the open end plate or stacked on the encapsulated end plate of the fuel cell stack body, so that the heat exchanger is integrated on the top or bottom side of the fuel cell stack body.

19. The fuel cell stack of the integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The stack body includes multiple individual cells and two current collectors, wherein the individual cells are located between the two current collectors.

20. The fuel cell stack with the integrated heat exchanger according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack body includes multiple individual cells and two current collectors, wherein the individual cells and the heat exchange plate are located between the two current collectors.

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