A four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate and fuel cell
By designing a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate, including hydrogen, air, cooling, and drainage channels, and utilizing a humidification structure to maintain the temperature and humidity of the proton exchange membrane, the problems of residual heat and flooding in fuel cells under high power density are solved, thereby improving battery performance and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI POLYTECHNIC UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing proton exchange membrane fuel cells are prone to generating residual heat and flooding at high power densities, affecting performance and operational safety. Furthermore, the bipolar plate structure affects the power density of the fuel cell stack.
A four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate is designed, including a hydrogen channel, an air channel, a cooling channel, and a dedicated drainage channel. Combined with a humidification structure, the temperature and humidity of the proton exchange membrane are maintained through a self-humidification mechanism to prevent flooding.
Effective removal of reaction water improves the performance and safety of fuel cells, enhances the structural strength of bipolar plates, and increases the power density and overall performance of fuel cells.
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Figure CN116314914B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate and a fuel cell. Background Technology
[0002] A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a type of fuel cell that, in principle, is the "reverse" device of water electrolysis. A single cell consists of an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Taking a hydrogen-fueled PEMFC as an example, the anode is where hydrogen fuel oxidation occurs, while the cathode is where the oxidant is reduced. Both electrodes contain catalysts that accelerate the electrochemical reactions at the electrodes. The proton exchange membrane, acting as a proton transfer medium, allows only protons to pass through, while electrons lost by the hydrogen pass through the external load and wires.
[0003] like Figure 2 As shown, a proton exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell consists of a current collector, a diffusion layer, a catalyst layer, and a proton exchange membrane. The bipolar plate, also known as a current collector, is made of graphite or alloy with a channeled structure and is used for gas distribution, coolant collection, and battery sealing. The diffusion layer is composed of carbon cloth and serves to conduct gases and water vapor, as well as conduct electricity and dissipate heat. The catalyst layer is a thin layer formed of Pt / C and is used to accelerate the electrochemical reaction. The proton exchange membrane is used to conduct protons and isolate electrons and reactant gases; it is generally composed of a fluorosulfonic acid membrane, a Nafion membrane, or a non-fluorinated polymer membrane.
[0004] Structurally, bipolar plates are a core component of fuel cells, primarily functioning to support the MEA (Mechanical Exchange Membrane), provide fluid channels for hydrogen, oxygen, and coolant, separate hydrogen and oxygen, collect electrons, and conduct heat. To put it simply, if the fuel cell stack is viewed as the human body, the bipolar plates are equivalent to the skeleton and blood vessels. The MEA mainly consists of components such as the proton exchange membrane, catalyst layer, and diffusion layer, typically with a thickness of 0.4–0.5 mm, lacking sufficient self-supporting stiffness and strength. In contrast, bipolar plates are usually made of rigid materials, with higher compressive strength than the MEA, thus providing support for it. In short, the bipolar plates are like the "skeleton" of the fuel cell stack, supporting the soft tissue, the MEA.
[0005] Proton exchange membrane fuel cells generate a large amount of waste heat and water when operating at high power density. If the waste heat and water are not removed in time, local overheating and flooding may occur. The function of the proton exchange membrane is greatly affected by temperature and humidity. When the temperature and humidity do not meet the standards, the proton exchange membrane will fail, thereby affecting the performance and operational safety of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. At the same time, the structure of the bipolar plate directly determines the area utilization rate of the bipolar plate components, thus directly affecting the power density of the fuel cell stack.
[0006] Therefore, how to provide a high-quality four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate and fuel cell is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate and fuel cell. Utilizing the unique structure of the bipolar plate, while having hydrogen, air, and cooling channels, a dedicated drainage channel is formed to prevent the fuel cell from being flooded. Furthermore, through an additional humidification structure, the water generated by the electrochemical reaction is reused to self-humidify the air and hydrogen, ensuring the operating temperature and humidity of the proton exchange membrane, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0009] The present invention provides a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate, comprising an anode plate and a cathode plate arranged opposite to each other;
[0010] The anode plate forms parallel and staggered protrusions of the first and second back ridges toward the cathode plate, and the first and second back ridges are in close contact with the cathode plate, and a first flow channel groove is formed between the first and second back ridges; the first and second back ridges form a second flow channel groove and a third flow channel groove on the other side of the cathode plate, respectively.
[0011] The cathode plate protrudes along the first ridge and in a direction that bulges towards the first ridge to form a first nozzle, and the inlet of the first nozzle is wider than the first ridge to communicate with the first flow channel groove; the cathode plate protrudes along the second ridge and in a direction that bulges towards the second ridge to form a second nozzle, and the inlet of the second nozzle is wider than the second ridge to communicate with the first flow channel groove; the first nozzle and the second nozzle are arranged in an alternating manner, and the cathode plate forms a fourth flow channel groove on the other side relative to the anode plate, sandwiched between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.
[0012] Preferably, the second and third flow channels are used to transport hydrogen and coolant, respectively, the first flow channel is used to circulate air, and the fourth flow channel is used to circulate reaction water.
[0013] Preferably, the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a hydrogen inlet chamber and a hydrogen inlet for connecting one side of the second flow channel, and a hydrogen collection chamber and a hydrogen outlet for connecting the other side of the second flow channel.
[0014] The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a coolant inlet chamber and a coolant inlet for connecting one side of the third flow channel, and a coolant collection chamber and a coolant outlet for connecting the other side of the third flow channel.
[0015] Preferably, the hydrogen inlet chamber and hydrogen inlet are located below the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell when it is in the working position, while the coolant inlet chamber and coolant inlet are located above the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell when it is in the working position.
[0016] Preferably, the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has an air inlet for introducing air into the first flow channel along the direction extending from the first or second back ridge, and an air outlet along the direction extending from the first or second back ridge.
[0017] Preferably, the hydrogen inlet, hydrogen outlet, coolant inlet, coolant outlet, air inlet, and air outlet are all disposed through the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate to connect to a common pipeline.
[0018] Preferably, the first nozzle and the second nozzle have seepage holes on their sides facing the direction of coolant introduction into the third flow channel, and the edges of the first nozzle and the second nozzle have a thickness that can fix the diffusion layer.
[0019] Preferably, the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a water collection channel inclined below the fourth flow channel groove, and a U-shaped water distribution pipe is provided at the end of the water collection channel, and the end of the U-shaped water distribution pipe is introduced into the hydrogen inlet cavity to wet the hydrogen.
[0020] The hydrogen inlet cavity has an inclined bottom surface. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a drain outlet at a low point on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet cavity that connects to the hydrogen inlet cavity. The drain outlet is connected to the hydrogen inlet cavity by a U-shaped drain pipe. The drain outlet passes through the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate to connect to a common pipeline. A water-blocking protrusion is also provided at a high point on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet cavity.
[0021] Preferably, the first and second back ridges are trapezoidal, and the first and second nozzles are frustum-shaped.
[0022] The present invention also provides a fuel cell comprising the aforementioned four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate, wherein bolt holes are provided at the corners of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate for pressing multiple sets of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates to assemble them into a fuel cell, and the contact surfaces of the multiple sets of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates are provided with sealing rings that conform to the contour of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0023] Compared with existing technologies, one or more of the above technical solutions have the following beneficial effects:
[0024] 1. In the bipolar plate of this invention, the first and second back ridges of the anode plate are respectively used for the flow of hydrogen and coolant. The first and second back ridges are closely attached to the surface of the cathode plate, which ensures the space utilization of the bipolar plate components while forming a first flow channel groove for air flow. The reaction water generated by the air participating in the electrochemical reaction can be discharged along the drainage channel between the first and second nozzles, thus cleverly forming a four-channel flow collection structure that integrates hydrogen flow channel, air flow channel, coolant flow channel and drainage channel. This design greatly optimizes the existing bipolar plate structure. While maintaining the small thickness of the existing bipolar plate, a dedicated drainage channel is added, which can significantly improve the performance of the bipolar plate and fuel cell.
[0025] Water in the drainage channel can enter the first and second nozzles to humidify the air. At the same time, water produced by the air participating in the electrochemical reaction can flow into the hydrogen flow channel after passing through the drainage channel and humidify the hydrogen. This achieves a bidirectional humidification effect of simultaneously humidifying the proton exchange membrane in both the anode and cathode directions, which is beneficial for maintaining the operating temperature of the proton exchange membrane and is particularly in line with the development needs of high-power hydrogen fuel cells.
[0026] Furthermore, since multiple bipolar plates need to be stacked and compressed before being assembled into a fuel cell, screws or straps are often used to ensure the clamping force between the bipolar plates. In this invention, the first and second back ridges are closely supported on the surface of the cathode plate, and the front edges of the first and second nozzles formed by the cathode plate have a certain thickness to fix and compress the diffusion layer. The first and second back ridges, the first and second nozzles, and the second nozzles not only complete the function of medium flow but also ensure that the bipolar plates have sufficient structural strength to meet the requirements of assembling into a fuel cell. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate according to the present invention.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of proton exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cells in existing technologies.
[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view of the anode plate of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a front view of the cathode plate of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0032] Figure 5yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction.
[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the BB direction.
[0034] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the flow channel structure of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage structure of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow path of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen and coolant flow paths of a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
[0038] In the picture:
[0039] 100. Anode plate; 101. First back ridge; 102. Second back ridge;
[0040] 110, First flow channel; 120, Second flow channel; 130, Third flow channel; 240, Fourth flow channel;
[0041] 111. Air inlet; 112. Air outlet;
[0042] 121. Hydrogen inlet chamber; 122. Hydrogen inlet; 123. Hydrogen collection chamber; 124. Hydrogen outlet.
[0043] 131. Coolant inlet chamber; 132. Coolant inlet; 133. Coolant manifold chamber; 134. Coolant outlet.
[0044] 241. Water collection channel; 242. U-shaped water distribution pipe; 243. Drain outlet; 244. Water-blocking protrusion; 245. U-shaped drain pipe; 246. Water distribution hole.
[0045] 200. Cathode plate; 201. First nozzle; 202. Second nozzle; 203. Water seepage hole;
[0046] 300. Sealing ring;
[0047] 400, Bolt hole. Implementation
[0048] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0049] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0050] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.
[0051] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0052] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," "linking," and "socketing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate shown includes an anode plate 100 and a cathode plate 200 arranged opposite to each other.
[0054] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the anode plate 100 forms parallel and staggered protruding first ridge 101 and second ridge 102 towards the cathode plate 200, and the first ridge 101 and second ridge 102 are in close contact with the cathode plate 200, and a first flow channel groove 110 is formed between the first ridge 101 and the second ridge 102; a second flow channel groove 120 and a third flow channel groove 130 are formed on the other side of the first ridge 101 and the second ridge 102 relative to the cathode plate 200, respectively.
[0055] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the cathode plate 200 protrudes along the first back ridge 101 and in the direction of bulging towards the first back ridge 101 to form a first nozzle 201, and the inlet of the first nozzle 201 is wider than the first back ridge 101 to communicate with the first flow channel groove 110.
[0056] The cathode plate 200 protrudes along the second back ridge 102 and in the direction of the ridge 102 to form a second nozzle 202, and the inlet of the second nozzle 202 is wider than the second back ridge 102 to communicate with the first flow channel groove 110; the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 are arranged in an alternating manner, and the cathode plate 200 forms a fourth flow channel groove 240 on the other side relative to the anode plate 100, sandwiched between the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the first back ridge 101 and the second back ridge 102 are trapezoidal, and the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 are frustum-shaped. On the one hand, this can provide appropriate support and ensure the structural strength of the bipolar plate.
[0058] On the other hand, combining Figure 9As shown, when air enters between the cathode plate 200 and the anode plate 100, facing the obstruction of the first back ridge 101, since the inlet of the first nozzle 201 has a round end face and the diameter is larger than the width of the first back ridge 101, the air will flow into the first nozzle 201 from the part not blocked by the first back ridge 101. Part of the air will be ejected from the first nozzle 201, and the other part will jump over the first back ridge 101 through the first nozzle 201 and enter the first flow channel 110. The air entering the first flow channel 110 will face the obstruction of the second back ridge 102 and will cross the second back ridge 102 in the same way to re-enter the first flow channel 110. Thus, the air can flow between the cathode plate 200 and the anode plate 100 in this invention and finally be discharged. The continuously flowing air will be continuously ejected through the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 to the diffusion layer for further diffusion and participation in the electrochemical reaction process.
[0059] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, since the bottom diameter of the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 is large and the outlet diameter is small, the airflow can form an accelerated jet at the outlet, which is conducive to the airflow entering the diffusion layer more fully and comprehensively for chemical reaction. The outer surfaces of the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 form circular slopes. In the drainage channel, when water falls on its outer surface, it can slide down quickly along the circular slope, which is conducive to the discharge of water.
[0060] based on Figure 2 The working principle of a conventional proton exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell is shown below. Hydrogen gas is introduced through the anode plate, and under the action of a catalyst, the hydrogen loses electrons and decomposes into positively charged protons (H+). + ) and negatively charged electrons (e - Protons pass through the proton exchange membrane and release heat during the decomposition process, while electrons flow along the external circuit through the load to the cathode. Therefore, in this invention, the second flow channel 120 and the third flow channel 130 formed by the first back ridge 101 and the second back ridge 102 are used to transport hydrogen and coolant, respectively.
[0061] Combination Figure 5 As shown, air is introduced into the anode plate, and the oxygen in the air reaches the surface of the cathode catalyst through diffusion. Under the action of the cathode catalyst, protons and oxygen undergo an oxygen reduction reaction to generate water. The first flow channel 110 is used to circulate air, and the fourth flow channel 240 is used to circulate the water generated by the reaction.
[0062] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10As shown, in order to better distribute hydrogen, coolant and air to the electrochemical reaction zone and achieve a higher area utilization rate, the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate is provided with a hydrogen inlet cavity 121 and a hydrogen inlet 122 for connecting one side port of the second flow channel 120, and a hydrogen collection cavity 123 and a hydrogen outlet 124 for connecting the other side port of the second flow channel 120.
[0063] The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a coolant inlet chamber 131 and a coolant inlet 132 for connecting one side port of the third flow channel 130, and a coolant collector chamber 133 and a coolant outlet 134 for connecting the other side port of the third flow channel 130.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen inlet chamber 121 and hydrogen inlet 122 are located below the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell when it is in the working position. Utilizing the low density and easy diffusion characteristics of hydrogen, it flows naturally from bottom to top through the electrochemical reaction zone, ensuring complete hydrogen reaction and allowing unreacted hydrogen to flow into the hydrogen collection chamber 123. The coolant inlet chamber 131 and coolant inlet 132 are located above the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell when it is in the working position, allowing the coolant to flow from top to bottom through the electrochemical reaction zone, completing the cyclic cooling process. Furthermore, the area of the coolant inlet 132 is larger than the area of the coolant outlet 134, which helps control the flow rate and velocity of the coolant in the cooling channel, ensuring sufficient heat exchange time and optimal heat dissipation. Based on the same principle, the area of the hydrogen inlet 122 is larger than the area of the hydrogen outlet 124 to ensure hydrogen flowability.
[0065] Since the upper and lower sides of the electrochemical reaction zone are used for the inflow and outflow of hydrogen and coolant, to achieve a higher area utilization rate, it is optimal to provide air inlets and air outlets on the left and right sides of the electrochemical reaction zone. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has an air inlet 111 for introducing air into the first flow channel 110 along the direction extending from the first back ridge 101 or the second back ridge 102, and an air outlet 112 is provided along the direction extending from the first back ridge 101 or the second back ridge 102. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the air inlet 111 is set from both sides of the manifold, and its area is obviously much larger than that of the air outlet 112. This setting can increase the air intake volume and accelerate the air flow speed.
[0066] like Figure 1As shown, in order to facilitate the assembly of bipolar plates into a fuel cell, the hydrogen inlet 122, hydrogen outlet 124, coolant inlet 132, coolant outlet 134, air inlet 111, and air outlet 112 are all connected through the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate to connect to a common pipeline, so as to facilitate the centralized input and output of the fuel cell medium.
[0067] Because proton exchange membranes have high requirements for temperature and humidity, in a preferred embodiment, the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 have seepage holes 203 on their sides facing the direction of coolant introduction in the third flow channel 240. This allows the reacted water generated in the drainage channel to enter the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 through the seepage holes 203, thus humidifying the air as it passes through them. Preferably, the seepage holes are arranged obliquely along the outlet of the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202, which facilitates water atomization under the action of airflow and allows the water to be carried away by the airflow, achieving a better air humidification effect. The seepage holes 203 are arranged in a certain number (five in this embodiment) along the upper half-circumference of the outer surface of the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202. Water droplets flow along the oblique circular surface of the outer surface of the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202, which facilitates entry into the seepage holes 203.
[0068] It is worth noting that the edges of the first nozzle 201 and the second nozzle 202 have a thickness that can fix the diffusion layer, thereby fixing the diffusion layer and simultaneously enabling electronic conduction.
[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, in order to collect the water generated by the electrochemical reaction in the fourth flow channel 240 (drainage channel), a water collection channel 241 is inclinedly arranged below the fourth flow channel 240 of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate. The water collection channel 241 has a water-blocking edge to ensure that water flows along the water collection channel 241. A U-shaped water distribution pipe 242 is provided at the end of the water collection channel, and the end of the U-shaped water distribution pipe 242 is introduced into the hydrogen inlet cavity to wet the hydrogen. The bottom surface of the water collection channel 241 has a slope, which is conducive to the flow of water into the U-shaped water distribution pipe 242.
[0070] Meanwhile, in order to humidify the hydrogen, the hydrogen inlet cavity 121 has an inclined bottom surface. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a drain port 243 at the lower part of the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet cavity 121, which is connected to the hydrogen inlet cavity 121. The drain port 243 is connected to the hydrogen inlet cavity 121 through a U-shaped drain pipe 245. The drain port 243 is arranged through the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate to connect to a common pipeline. A water-blocking protrusion 244 is also provided at the higher part of the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet cavity 121.
[0071] In an embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped water distribution pipe 242 is provided to isolate the hydrogen inlet chamber 121 from the water collection channel 241, and the U-shaped drain pipe 245 also isolates the hydrogen inlet chamber from the drain outlet 243, preventing hydrogen leakage. Furthermore, the water flowing down the U-shaped water distribution pipe 242 is atomized under the action of the hydrogen flow and carried away by the hydrogen flow, achieving a better hydrogen humidification effect. Further, the outlet of the U-shaped water distribution pipe 242 to the hydrogen inlet chamber 121 is configured as a porous nozzle-like structure, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the end of the U-shaped water distribution pipe 242 is provided with a certain number of arrayed water distribution holes 246 (12 in this embodiment), which is more conducive to the hydrogen gas flow atomizing the reaction water; while the water-blocking protrusion 244 can prevent the reaction water from flowing to the hydrogen inlet 122 and the hydrogen common pipeline. At the same time, the hydrogen inlet cavity 121 has an inclined bottom surface, which is more conducive to drainage.
[0072] In addition, the first back ridge 101 and the second back ridge 102 are preferably trapezoidal in shape, and the bottom edge of the second back ridge 102 is close to the battery membrane electrode, that is, the bottom edge of the third flow channel 130 is close to the battery membrane electrode, which can increase the contact area between the coolant and the membrane electrode and enhance the cooling effect; the bottom edge of the first back ridge 101 is close to the membrane electrode, which can increase the contact area between the second flow channel 120 and the membrane electrode, thereby enhancing the diffusion and penetration effect of hydrogen.
[0073] A fuel cell using the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates described in this invention includes multiple sets of the aforementioned four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates stacked together. Each four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has bolt holes 400 at its corners. These bolt holes 400 are used to press the multiple sets of four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates together to form a fuel cell. The contact surfaces of the multiple sets of four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates are provided with sealing rings 300 that conform to the contour of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates. This allows the multiple sets of bipolar plates to be stacked and pressed together to form a fuel cell. Under appropriate pressing force, the sealing rings 300 can provide a good sealing effect on the medium.
[0074] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate, comprising an anode plate and a cathode plate arranged opposite to each other, characterized in that: The anode plate forms parallel and staggered protrusions of the first and second back ridges toward the cathode plate, and the first and second back ridges are in close contact with the cathode plate, and a first flow channel groove is formed between the first and second back ridges; the first and second back ridges form a second flow channel groove and a third flow channel groove on the other side of the cathode plate, respectively. The cathode plate protrudes along the first ridge and in the direction of the ridge to form a first nozzle, and the inlet of the first nozzle is wider than the first ridge to connect to the first flow channel groove. The cathode plate protrudes along the second ridge and in the direction of the ridge to form a second nozzle, and the inlet of the second nozzle is wider than the second ridge to connect to the first flow channel groove; the first nozzle and the second nozzle are arranged in an alternating manner, and the cathode plate forms a fourth flow channel groove on the other side relative to the anode plate, sandwiched between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The second and third flow channels are used to transport hydrogen and coolant, respectively; the first flow channel is used to circulate air; and the fourth flow channel is used to circulate reaction water. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a hydrogen inlet chamber and a hydrogen inlet for connecting one side of the second flow channel, and a hydrogen collection chamber and a hydrogen outlet for connecting the other side of the second flow channel. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a coolant inlet chamber and a coolant inlet for connecting one side of the third flow channel, and a coolant collection chamber and a coolant outlet for connecting the other side of the third flow channel. The first nozzle and the second nozzle have seepage holes on their sides facing the direction of coolant introduction into the third channel, and the edges of the first nozzle and the second nozzle have a thickness that can fix the diffusion layer. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a water collection channel inclined below the fourth flow channel groove. A U-shaped water distribution pipe is provided at the end of the water collection channel, and the end of the U-shaped water distribution pipe is introduced into the hydrogen inlet cavity to wet the hydrogen. The hydrogen inlet cavity has an inclined bottom surface. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has a drain outlet at a low point on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet cavity that connects to the hydrogen inlet cavity. The drain outlet is connected to the hydrogen inlet cavity by a U-shaped drain pipe. The drain outlet passes through the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate to connect to a common pipeline. A water-blocking protrusion is also provided at a high point on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet cavity.
2. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen inlet chamber and hydrogen inlet are located below the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell when it is in the working position, while the coolant inlet chamber and coolant inlet are located above the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell when it is in the working position.
3. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate has an air inlet for introducing air into the first flow channel along the direction of the first ridge or the second ridge, and an air outlet along the direction of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.
4. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen inlet, hydrogen outlet, coolant inlet, coolant outlet, air inlet, and air outlet are all connected through the bipolar plate of the four-channel fuel cell to a common pipeline.
5. The four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second dorsal ridges are trapezoidal, and the first and second nozzles are frustum-shaped.
6. A fuel cell, characterized in that, The invention includes a four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein bolt holes are provided at the corners of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate, the bolt holes being used to press multiple sets of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates together to form a fuel cell, and the contact surfaces of the multiple sets of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plates are provided with sealing rings that conform to the contour of the four-channel fuel cell bipolar plate.