A fuel cell stack end plate structure

Abstract

The application provides a fuel cell stack end plate structure, which is suitable for a fuel cell stack and comprises an end plate body, a cooling liquid channel and an air inlet channel which are independently arranged in the end plate body; the air inlet channel is arranged in a trumpet shape; in terms of an air inlet direction of the air inlet channel to an air outlet direction of the air inlet channel, the depth of one end of the air inlet channel close to the air inlet direction is greater than the depth of one end of the air inlet channel close to the air outlet direction. The application controls the height and quantity of the protrusions by arranging the air inlet channel in a trumpet shape, so that the gas with a high flow rate is effectively buffered when passing through the buffer cavity structure, the occurrence of turbulent flow is effectively reduced, the gas distribution into the multiple single cell structures is more uniform, and the voltage consistency of the multiple single cell structures of the fuel cell stack is better. The application has a simple structure, a low preparation process cost and is easy to be mass-produced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a fuel cell stack endplate structure. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells generate electricity through the chemical conversion of fuel and oxygen. Their core component is the membrane electrode unit (MEU). The MEU is a combination of a proton-conducting membrane and electrodes (anode and cathode) positioned on either side of the membrane. Fuel cells typically consist of a large number of stacked MEU units, whose electrical power is superimposed.

[0003] Typically, a fuel cell consists of end plates and multiple individual cell structures. Each individual cell structure usually includes two opposing plates and a membrane electrode assembly positioned between them; both plates have flow channels for gas and water circulation. The end plates have inlet and outlet channels, through which gas enters the multiple individual cell structures for reaction.

[0004] However, the gas flows at a relatively high speed through the existing endplate, which makes it easy for turbulence to occur when the gas passes through multiple single-cell structures. The gas volume entering the first few single-cell structures through the gas inlet channel of the endplate is less, while the gas volume entering other single-cell structures is more. This results in a very uneven distribution of gas entering multiple single-cell structures, which in turn affects the voltage of the single-cell structures. This leads to poor voltage consistency among the multiple single-cell structures of the stack, thus affecting the normal power generation of the stack. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell stack endplate structure, aiming to solve the problems of excessively fast gas flow rates in existing endplates, which easily cause turbulence when the gas enters the single-cell structure, resulting in uneven gas distribution among multiple single cells and affecting the voltage of the single cells. This leads to poor voltage consistency among the multiple single-cell structures of the stack, thus affecting the normal power generation of the stack. This application, by setting a funnel-shaped air intake channel, can effectively reduce the occurrence of turbulence, making the gas distribution among the multiple single-cell structures more uniform, thereby ensuring voltage consistency among the multiple single-cell structures of the stack.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell stack endplate structure, applicable to fuel cell stacks, including an endplate body, a coolant channel and an air inlet channel independently disposed within the endplate body; the air inlet channel is flared; and the depth of the end of the air inlet channel near the air inlet direction is greater than the depth of the end of the air inlet channel near the air outlet direction, measured from the air inlet direction to the air outlet direction.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the air intake channel is cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction of the intake channel, and the cross-section of the intake channel on the end plate is trapezoidal.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the air intake channel is provided with at least one first protrusion protruding from the upper surface.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the first protrusion is less than half the depth of the air intake channel.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the lower surface of the air intake channel is provided with at least one second protrusion protruding from the lower surface.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the second protrusion is less than half the depth of the air intake channel.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the air intake channel is provided with at least one first protrusion protruding from the upper surface, and the lower surface of the air intake channel is provided with at least one second protrusion protruding from the lower surface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, when there are multiple first protrusions, the height of each first protrusion increases sequentially from the air intake direction of the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, when there are multiple second protrusions, the height of each second protrusion increases sequentially from the air intake direction of the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the air intake channel includes a first air intake channel and a second air intake channel that are independently configured, and the coolant channel is configured between the first air intake channel and the second air intake channel.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the coolant channel, the first air intake channel, the second air intake channel, and the end plate are integrally formed.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the end plate is disposed on the end face of the fuel cell stack.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first air intake channel is a hydrogen air intake channel, and the second air intake channel is an oxygen air intake channel.

[0019] Alternatively, the first air intake channel may be an oxygen air intake channel, and the second air intake channel may be a hydrogen air intake channel.

[0020] This application, by designing the air intake channel in a funnel shape and controlling the height and number of protrusions, effectively buffers the high-velocity gas as it passes through the buffer cavity structure. This effectively reduces the gas velocity before it passes through the multiple single-cell structures, thus minimizing turbulence and resulting in a more uniform gas distribution within the single-cell structures. Consequently, this leads to better voltage consistency across the multiple single-cell structures of the fuel cell stack, ensuring normal power generation. This application features a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and is easy to mass-produce.

[0021] The realization of the objective, functional characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end plate structure of a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention (along the air intake direction parallel to the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel).

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the fuel cell stack end plate structure according to another embodiment of the present invention (along the air intake direction parallel to the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel);

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the fuel cell stack endplate structure according to another embodiment of the present invention (along the air intake direction parallel to the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel). Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0030] Currently, the gas flows at a relatively high velocity through existing endplates. This makes turbulence easily occur when the gas passes through multiple individual cell structures, resulting in uneven gas distribution among them. This, in turn, affects the voltage of each individual cell, leading to poor voltage consistency across the stack and ultimately impacting normal power generation. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new fuel cell stack endplate structure to address these technical problems.

[0031] To achieve the above objectives, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a fuel cell stack endplate structure, applicable to fuel cell stacks, including an endplate body 10, a coolant channel 20 and an air intake channel 30 independently disposed within the endplate body 10; the air intake channel 30 is flared; taking the air intake direction A of the air intake channel 30 to the air outlet direction B of the air intake channel 30 as a measure, the depth h1 of the end of the air intake channel 30 near the air intake direction A is greater than the depth h2 of the end of the air intake channel 30 near the air outlet direction B.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the intake channel 30 is cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction, and the cross-section of the intake channel 30 on the end plate 10 is trapezoidal. This effectively buffers the gas flow rate, resulting in a more uniform gas distribution into the single-cell structure.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the air intake channel 30 is provided with at least one first protrusion 40 protruding from the upper surface. This further buffers the flow of faster-moving gas as it passes through the first protrusion, resulting in a more uniform distribution of gas entering the multiple single-cell structures.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the first protrusion 40 is less than half the depth of the air intake channel 30. The first protrusion 40 is integrally formed with the air intake channel 30.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, in another embodiment, the lower surface of the air intake channel 30 is provided with at least one second protrusion 50 protruding from the lower surface. This further buffers the flow of faster-moving gas as it passes through the second protrusion, resulting in a more uniform distribution of gas entering the multiple single-cell structures.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the second protrusion 50 is less than half the depth of the air intake channel 30. The second protrusion 50 is integrally formed with the air intake channel 30.

[0037] It is understood that in other embodiments, the upper surface of the air intake channel 30 is provided with at least one first protrusion 40 protruding from the upper surface, and the lower surface of the air intake channel 30 is provided with at least one second protrusion 50 protruding from the lower surface. This makes the entire air intake channel symmetrically arranged, further effectively buffering the faster-flowing gas as it passes through the air intake channel. The gas velocity is effectively reduced before passing through multiple single-cell structures, effectively reducing turbulence and resulting in a more uniform gas distribution into the multiple single-cell structures. This leads to better voltage consistency among the multiple single-cell structures of the fuel cell stack. Moreover, it results in a simple structure, good stability, and is economical and practical.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, when multiple first protrusions 40 are provided, the height of each first protrusion 40 increases sequentially from the air intake direction A to the air outlet direction B of the air intake channel 30. This better buffers the gas flow rate and further makes the gas distribution into the single-cell structure more uniform.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, when multiple second protrusions 50 are provided, the height of each second protrusion 50 increases sequentially from the air intake direction A to the air outlet direction B of the air intake channel 30. This better buffers the gas flow rate and further makes the gas distribution into the single-cell structure more uniform.

[0040] In this application, the shape and size of the first protrusion 40 and the second protrusion 50 can be set according to actual usage needs, and can be set as trapezoidal, conical, triangular, etc.; for example Figure 3 As shown, the first protrusion 40 is configured as a trapezoid.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the air intake channel 30 includes a first air intake channel 31 and a second air intake channel 32 that are independently provided, and the coolant channel 20 is provided between the first air intake channel 31 and the second air intake channel 32.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the coolant channel 20, the first air intake channel 31, the second air intake channel 32, and the end plate 10 are integrally formed. This results in a simple structure, good stability, and is economical and practical.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the end plate 10 is disposed on the end face of the fuel cell stack.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the first air intake channel 31 is a hydrogen air intake channel, and the second air intake channel 32 is an oxygen air intake channel.

[0045] Alternatively, the first air intake channel 31 may be an oxygen air intake channel, and the second air intake channel 32 may be a hydrogen air intake channel.

[0046] This application, by designing the air intake channel in a funnel shape and controlling the height and number of protrusions, effectively buffers the high-velocity gas as it passes through the buffer cavity structure. This effectively reduces the gas velocity before it passes through the multiple single-cell structures, thus minimizing turbulence and resulting in a more uniform gas distribution within the single-cell structures. Consequently, this leads to better voltage consistency across the multiple single-cell structures of the fuel cell stack, ensuring normal power generation. This application features a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and is easy to mass-produce.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack endplate structure, characterized in that, Applicable to fuel cell stacks, including an end plate, a coolant channel and an air inlet channel independently disposed within the end plate; the air inlet channel is flared; the depth of the end of the air inlet channel near the air inlet direction is greater than the depth of the end of the air inlet channel near the air outlet direction, measured from the air inlet direction to the air outlet direction. The air intake channel is cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction, and the cross-section of the air intake channel on the end plate is trapezoidal. The upper surface of the air intake channel is provided with at least one first protrusion protruding from the upper surface, and the lower surface of the air intake channel is provided with at least one second protrusion protruding from the lower surface. When there are multiple first protrusions, the height of each first protrusion increases sequentially from the air intake direction of the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel. When there are multiple second protrusions, the height of each second protrusion increases sequentially from the air intake direction of the air intake channel to the air outlet direction of the air intake channel.

2. The fuel cell stack endplate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the first protrusion is less than half the depth of the air intake channel.

3. The fuel cell stack endplate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the second protrusion is less than half the depth of the air intake channel.

4. The fuel cell stack endplate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake channel includes a first air intake channel and a second air intake channel that are set up independently, and the coolant channel is set between the first air intake channel and the second air intake channel; The coolant channel, the first air intake channel, the second air intake channel, and the end plate are integrally formed. The end plate is disposed on the end face of the fuel cell stack; The first intake channel is a hydrogen intake channel, and the second intake channel is an oxygen intake channel; Alternatively, the first air intake channel may be an oxygen air intake channel, and the second air intake channel may be a hydrogen air intake channel.

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