A fuel cell stack end plate structure

Abstract

The application provides a fuel cell stack end plate structure suitable for a fuel cell stack, comprising an end plate body and a gas inlet channel arranged in the end plate body; a buffer cavity structure is arranged in the gas inlet channel; in terms of a gas inlet direction of the gas inlet channel to a gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel, a cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to a first maximum value; in terms of the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel to the gas inlet direction of the gas inlet channel, the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to a second maximum value. By arranging the buffer cavity structure in the gas inlet channel of the end plate and controlling the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure, the application can effectively reduce the occurrence of turbulent flow, so that the gas entering the plurality of single cell structures is more evenly distributed, and the voltage consistency of the plurality of single cell structures of the fuel cell stack is better, thereby ensuring the normal power generation of the fuel cell stack.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of fuel cell, in particular to a fuel cell stack end plate structure. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fuel cell generates electricity by chemical conversion of fuel and oxygen, and its core component includes membrane electrode unit. The membrane electrode unit is a combination of proton-conducting membrane and electrodes (anode and cathode) arranged on both sides of the membrane. Fuel cell is generally composed of a large number of stacked membrane electrode units, and the electrical power of these membrane electrode units is superimposed on each other.

[0003] Generally, the fuel cell includes an end plate and a plurality of single cell structures. Typically, the single cell structure includes two polar plates arranged oppositely and a membrane electrode assembly arranged between the two polar plates; wherein the two polar plates are each provided with a flow channel for the flow of gas and water. The end plate is provided with an inlet channel and an outlet channel, and the gas enters the plurality of single cell structures through the inlet channel for reaction.

[0004] However, the gas flows through the existing end plate at a relatively high speed, which makes the gas prone to turbulent flow when it passes through the plurality of single cell structures, resulting in uneven distribution of the gas among the plurality of single cell structures, and further affecting the voltage of the single cell structure, so that the voltage consistency of the plurality of single cell structures of the stack is poor, thereby affecting the normal power generation of the stack. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the present application provides a fuel cell stack end plate structure, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of turbulent flow, make the gas distribution among the plurality of single cell structures more uniform, and further ensure the voltage consistency of the plurality of single cell structures of the stack.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a fuel cell stack end plate structure, which is suitable for fuel cell stack and includes an end plate body and an inlet channel arranged in the end plate body; a buffer cavity structure is arranged in the inlet channel; the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to large to a first maximum value from the inlet direction of the inlet channel to the outlet direction of the inlet channel; and the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to large to a second maximum value from the outlet direction of the inlet channel to the inlet direction of the inlet channel.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the first maximum value is greater than or equal to the second maximum value.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the region where the cavity depth is the first maximum value is symmetrically arranged with the region where the cavity depth is the second maximum value.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the buffer cavity structure on the end plate plate body is square when cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and at the region where the cavity depth is the first maximum value.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the buffer cavity structure on the end plate plate body is square when cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and at the region where the cavity depth is the second maximum value.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the buffer cavity structure on the end plate plate body is rectangular when cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and at the region where the cavity depth is the minimum value.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the buffer cavity structure is integrally formed with the end plate plate body.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the gas inlet channel is a buffer cavity structure. As a preferred embodiment, the end plate plate body is arranged on the end surface of the fuel cell stack.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the gas inlet channel is a hydrogen gas inlet channel or an oxygen gas inlet channel.

[0015] The present application sets a buffer cavity structure in the end plate gas inlet channel and controls the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure, so that the gas with a faster flow rate is effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure, and the gas flow rate is effectively reduced before passing through the plurality of single cell structures, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of turbulent flow, so that the gas entering the plurality of single cell structures is more evenly distributed, and the voltage consistency of the plurality of single cell structures of the fuel cell stack is better, thereby ensuring the normal power generation of the fuel cell stack. The present application has a simple structure, a low preparation process cost, and is easy to mass produce.

[0016] The implementation, functional features and advantages of the present application will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 The cross section (along the gas inlet direction parallel to the gas inlet channel to the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel) structure diagram of the end plate structure of the fuel cell stack of an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 The cross section (along the gas inlet direction parallel to the gas inlet channel to the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel) structure diagram of the end plate structure of the fuel cell stack of an embodiment of the present application;Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another section of the fuel cell stack endplate structure (cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the air intake channel, and when the cavity depth is the second maximum value (or the first maximum value));

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another cross-section of the fuel cell stack endplate structure (cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the air intake channel, and when the cavity depth is at its minimum). Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0024] In addition, if the description of "first", "second" and the like is involved in the embodiments of the present application, the description of "first", "second" and the like is only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can be explicitly or implicitly included at least one of the features. In addition, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the realization of ordinary skilled in the art, when the combination of technical solutions appears contradictory or unachievable, it should be considered that the combination of technical solutions does not exist, nor within the protection scope required by the present application.

[0025] At present, when the gas passes through the existing end plate, the flow speed is relatively fast, so that when the gas passes through multiple single cell structures, turbulent flow is easily generated, which leads to uneven distribution of the gas entering the multiple single cell structures, and further affects the voltage of the single cell structure, so that the voltage consistency of the multiple single cell structures of the stack is poor, thereby affecting the normal power generation of the stack. Based on this, it is necessary to provide a fuel cell stack end plate structure to solve the above technical problems.

[0026] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 The present application provides a fuel cell stack end plate structure, which is suitable for a fuel cell stack and comprises an end plate body 10 and a gas inlet channel (not marked in the figure) arranged in the end plate body 10; a buffer cavity structure 20 is arranged in the gas inlet channel; in terms of the gas inlet direction A of the gas inlet channel to the gas outlet direction B of the gas inlet channel, the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure 20 increases from small to large to a first maximum value h1; in terms of the gas outlet direction B of the gas inlet channel to the gas inlet direction A of the gas inlet channel, the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure 20 increases from small to large to a second maximum value h2.

[0027] In the embodiments of the present application, the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure 20 refers to the vertical distance from the top to the bottom of the buffer cavity structure 20. By adjusting the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure 20, the flow speed of the gas can be effectively buffered, so that the distribution of the gas entering the single cell structure is more uniform.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment, the first maximum value h1 is greater than or equal to the second maximum value h2.

[0029] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the first maximum value h1 is equal to the second maximum value h2. In this way, the structure is symmetrical and beautiful, and at the same time, the gas with fast flow speed can be effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure 20, so that the distribution of the gas entering the multiple single cell structures is more uniform.

[0030] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first maximum value h1 can also be greater than the second maximum value h2. In this way, the gas with a faster flow rate is effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure 20, and the gas distribution into the plurality of single cell structures is more uniform.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, the region with the cavity depth being the first maximum value h1 is symmetrically arranged with the region with the cavity depth being the second maximum value h2. In this way, the entire buffer cavity structure 20 is symmetrically arranged, further effectively buffering the gas with a faster flow rate when passing through the buffer cavity structure, effectively reducing the gas flow rate before passing through the plurality of single cell structures, effectively reducing the occurrence of turbulence, making the gas distribution into the plurality of single cell structures more uniform, and further making the voltage consistency of the plurality of single cell structures of the fuel cell stack better. Moreover, the structure is simple, stable, and economical and practical.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 the cross section of the buffer cavity structure 20 on the end plate plate body 10 is a square when cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and at the cavity depth being the first maximum value h1. In this way, the gas with a faster flow rate is effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure 20, and the gas distribution into the plurality of single cell structures is more uniform.

[0033] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the cross section of the buffer cavity structure 20 on the end plate plate body 10 is a square when cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and at the cavity depth being the second maximum value h2. In this way, the gas with a faster flow rate is effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure, and the gas distribution into the plurality of single cell structures is more uniform.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 the cross section of the buffer cavity structure 20 on the end plate plate body 10 is a rectangle when cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and at the cavity depth being the minimum value. In this way, the gas with a faster flow rate can smoothly pass through the buffer cavity structure 20.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment, the buffer cavity structure 20 is integrally formed with the end plate plate body 10. In this way, the structure is simple, stable, and economical and practical.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, the gas inlet channel is a buffer cavity structure. In this way, the structure can be simplified, further simplifying the preparation process, while making the structure stable, economical, and practical.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, the end plate plate body 10 is arranged on the end face of the fuel cell stack. In this way, the structure can be simplified, and the stability of the structure is good, and it is economical and practical.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment, the gas inlet channel is a hydrogen gas inlet channel or an oxygen gas inlet channel.

[0039] The application solves the problem that the existing end plate gas flow is too fast, which can easily cause turbulent flow when the gas enters the single cell structure, leading to uneven distribution of gas between multiple single cells, affecting the voltage of the single cell, and making the voltage consistency of the multiple single cell structures of the stack poor, affecting the normal power generation of the stack. Through the structure of the application, the gas with high flow rate is effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure, and the gas flow rate is effectively reduced before passing through the multiple single cell structures, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of turbulent flow, make the gas distribution into the multiple single cell structures more uniform, and further make the voltage consistency of the multiple single cell structures of the fuel cell stack better, thereby ensuring the normal power generation of the fuel cell stack. The structure of the application is simple, the preparation process cost is low, and it is easy to mass produce or large-scale produce.

[0040] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the application, and does not limit the patent scope of the application. Any equivalent structural transformation, direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, or use of the application specification and drawings within the inventive concept of the application is included in the patent protection scope of the application.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack end plate structure, characterized by, The application relates to a fuel cell stack, comprising an end plate body and a gas inlet channel arranged in the end plate body; a buffer cavity structure is arranged in the gas inlet channel; the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to large to a first maximum value in the gas inlet direction of the gas inlet channel to the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel; the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to large to a second maximum value in the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel to the gas inlet direction of the gas inlet channel; the first maximum value is greater than or equal to the second maximum value; the region with the first maximum value of the cavity depth is symmetrically arranged with the region with the second maximum value of the cavity depth; the buffer cavity structure is integrally formed with the end plate body. The cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to large to a first maximum value in the gas inlet direction of the gas inlet channel to the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel; the cavity depth of the buffer cavity structure increases from small to large to a second maximum value in the gas outlet direction of the gas inlet channel to the gas inlet direction of the gas inlet channel; the first maximum value is greater than or equal to the second maximum value; the region with the first maximum value of the cavity depth is symmetrically arranged with the region with the second maximum value of the cavity depth; the buffer cavity structure is integrally formed with the end plate body. The cross section of the buffer cavity structure on the end plate body is a square when cutting along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and when the cavity depth is the first maximum value. The cross section of the buffer cavity structure on the end plate body is a square when cutting along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and when the cavity depth is the second maximum value.

2. The fuel cell stack end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized by The cross section of the buffer cavity structure on the end plate body is a rectangle when cutting along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the gas inlet channel and when the cavity depth is the minimum value.

3. The fuel cell stack end plate structure of claim 2, wherein The gas inlet channel is a buffer cavity structure.

4. The fuel cell stack end plate structure of claim 3, wherein The end plate body is arranged on the end surface of the fuel cell stack.

5. The fuel cell stack end plate structure of claim 1, wherein The gas inlet channel is a hydrogen gas inlet channel or an oxygen gas inlet channel.

6. The fuel cell stack end plate structure of claim 1, wherein ​ 7. The fuel cell stack end plate structure of claim 1, wherein ​

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