Stack assembly and fuel cell
By installing an elastic absorption component between the anode and cathode plates of the fuel cell, the problem of membrane electrode damage caused by thermal expansion of the plate flow channel is solved, thus protecting the membrane electrode and improving the stability of the fuel cell.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310629267.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-05-30
AI Technical Summary
In fuel cell stack assemblies, thermal expansion of the ridges of the electrode channels can cause damage to the membrane electrode assembly.
An elastic absorption component with a lower elastic modulus than the membrane electrode is installed between the anode and cathode plates of adjacent single cells to absorb deformation caused by thermal expansion and reduce pressure on the membrane electrode.
This effectively avoids damage to the membrane electrode caused by thermal expansion and deformation of the anode and cathode plates, thus improving the stability and lifespan of the fuel cell.
Smart Images

Figure CN116454344B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to a fuel cell stack assembly and a fuel cell. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in the fuel cell stack consists of a cathode plate and an anode plate on either side. A hydrogen flow field is formed between the anode plate and the MEA, while an oxygen flow field is formed between the cathode plate and the MEA. During the reaction, the hydrogen gas at the MEA on the anode plate side reacts to generate protons. These protons then pass through the MEA and react with the oxygen on the cathode plate side to generate water. Since a large amount of heat is generated during the reaction, a sealed cooling water flow field needs to be formed between adjacent cathode and anode plates through a sealing element to absorb the heat generated during the reaction.
[0003] In existing technologies, to ensure the uniformity of oxygen and hydrogen flow field distribution, uniformly arranged flow channels are typically formed on the side of the anode and cathode plates facing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This allows hydrogen and oxygen to be evenly distributed on the anode and cathode plates, thereby improving the reaction efficiency of the fuel cell. However, due to the large amount of heat generated during the reaction, the protruding portions (ridges) of the flow channels on the anode or cathode plates will expand, causing the MEA to be compressed by the ridges of the flow channels on the cathode and anode plates, resulting in damage to the MEA. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a stack assembly and a fuel cell, aiming to solve the technical problem of membrane electrode damage caused by thermal expansion of the ridge of the electrode channel.
[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a fuel cell stack assembly, comprising:
[0006] Multiple stacked individual cells, each individual cell including an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a membrane electrode assembly, with the membrane electrode assembly of the same individual cell located between the cathode plate and the anode plate;
[0007] In adjacent single cells, the anode plate of the previous single cell is electrically connected to the cathode plate of the next single cell.
[0008] The anode plate has multiple first ridges arranged side by side on the side away from the membrane electrode, and there are first valleys between adjacent first ridges;
[0009] The cathode plate has multiple second ridges arranged side by side on the side away from the film electrode, and there are second valleys between adjacent second ridges;
[0010] The first ridge and the second ridge are opposite each other, and there is an elastic absorption component between the first ridge and the second ridge. The elastic modulus of the elastic absorption component is less than the elastic modulus of the membrane electrode.
[0011] In some embodiments, the elastic absorbing component includes a first elastic deformation portion and a second elastic deformation portion;
[0012] The first elastic deformation part is located on the first ridge, and the second elastic deformation part is located on the second ridge. The first elastic deformation part and the second elastic deformation part are in contact with each other.
[0013] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the anode plate is greater than that of the cathode plate, and the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion is less than that of the second elastic deformation portion; or
[0014] The elastic modulus of the anode plate is less than that of the cathode plate, and the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion is greater than that of the second elastic deformation portion.
[0015] In some embodiments, a plurality of first elastically deformable portions are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first ridge; or
[0016] The first elastic deformation portion extends along the length of the first ridge.
[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of second elastically deformable portions are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second ridge; or
[0018] The second elastic deformation portion extends along the length of the second ridge.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first ridge has an integrally formed first arcuate protrusion, the first arcuate protrusion protruding in a direction away from the membrane electrode; and / or
[0020] The second ridge has an integrally formed second arc-shaped protrusion, which protrudes in the direction away from the membrane electrode.
[0021] In some embodiments, the elastic absorbing component includes a conductive elastic sheet;
[0022] One side of the conductive elastic sheet is in contact with the first ridge, and the other side is in contact with the second ridge.
[0023] In some embodiments, a conductive elastic plate is provided between the anode plate and the cathode plate;
[0024] The conductive elastic plate has multiple spaced elastic beams with through grooves between adjacent elastic beams, and the elastic absorption component includes multiple elastic beams.
[0025] The first and second convex ridges are opposite to the elastic beam, and the first and second concave valleys are connected by a through groove.
[0026] In some embodiments, the side of the anode plate facing away from the membrane electrode has a first sealing region, and the side of the anode plate facing away from the membrane electrode has a second sealing region, with the first sealing region and the second sealing region opposite to each other.
[0027] The conductive elastic plate also has a conductive sealing frame, with the elastic beam located inside the conductive sealing frame. One side of the conductive sealing frame is attached to the first sealing area, and the other side is attached to the second sealing area.
[0028] In a second aspect, this application provides a fuel cell, characterized in that it includes a stack assembly as described in the first aspect.
[0029] This application provides an elastic absorption component between the anode and cathode plates of adjacent single cells. Since the elastic absorption component is located between the first and second ridges, and its elastic modulus is smaller than that of the membrane electrode, when the fuel cell reaction releases heat, causing the anode and cathode plates to undergo thermal expansion and deformation, the elastic absorption component can be squeezed by the first and second ridges to generate a larger amount of elastic deformation. This reduces the pressure on the membrane electrode caused by the thermal expansion and deformation of the anode and cathode plates, ultimately achieving the goal of preventing membrane electrode damage. Attached Figure Description
[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of the anode plate facing away from the membrane electrode provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a cathode plate on the side away from the membrane electrode provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a structure provided in an embodiment of this application, showing the anode plate facing the membrane electrode side;
[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of the cathode plate facing the film electrode provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 6 This is another structural schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0037] Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of the anode plate facing away from the membrane electrode provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0038] Figure 8 This is another structural schematic diagram of the anode plate facing away from the membrane electrode provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0039] Figure 9 This is another structural schematic diagram of the cathode plate facing away from the membrane electrode provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0040] Figure 10 This is another structural schematic diagram of the cathode plate facing away from the membrane electrode provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0041] Figure 11 This is another structural schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0042] Figure 12 This is another structural schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0043] Figure 13 This is another structural schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive elastic plate provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0045] Among them, 100 are single cells, 10 are anode plates, 101 are first sealing areas, 11 are first ridges, 111 are first arc-shaped protrusions, 12 are first valleys, 13 are third ridges, 14 are third valleys, 20 are cathode plates, 201 are second sealing areas, 21 are second ridges, 211 are second arc-shaped protrusions, 22 are second valleys, 23 are fourth ridges, 24 are fourth valleys, 30 are membrane electrode plates, 200 are elastic absorption components, 210 are first elastic deformation parts, 220 are second elastic deformation parts, 230 are conductive elastic plates, 231 are elastic beams, 232 are through grooves, 233 are conductive sealing frames, 240 are conductive elastic sheets, and 30 are membrane electrodes. Detailed Implementation
[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this 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 invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0048] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes will not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.
[0049] This application provides a fuel cell stack assembly and a fuel cell, which will be described in detail below.
[0050] First, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This invention illustrates a schematic diagram of a fuel cell stack assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the fuel cell stack assembly includes:
[0051] Multiple stacked single cells 100, each single cell 100 includes an anode plate 10, a cathode plate 20 and a membrane electrode 30, with the membrane electrode 30 of the same single cell 100 located between the cathode plate 20 and the anode plate 10.
[0052] In adjacent single cells 100, the anode plate 10 of the previous single cell 100 is electrically connected to the cathode plate 20 of the next single cell 100.
[0053] The anode plate 10 has a plurality of first ridges 11 arranged side by side on the side opposite to the membrane electrode 30, and a first valley 12 is provided between adjacent first ridges 11.
[0054] The cathode plate 20 has a plurality of second ridges 21 arranged side by side on the side opposite to the film electrode 30, and a second valley 22 is provided between adjacent second ridges 21.
[0055] Among them, the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are opposite each other, and there is an elastic absorption component 200 between the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21. The elastic modulus of the elastic absorption component 200 is less than the elastic modulus of the membrane electrode 30.
[0056] Specifically, each individual cell 100 constitutes the smallest battery unit in the fuel cell stack assembly. The anode plate 10 can distribute hydrogen gas to one side of the membrane electrode 30, while the cathode plate 20 can distribute oxygen gas to the other side of the membrane electrode 30, thereby allowing hydrogen and oxygen gas to undergo an electrochemical reaction at the membrane electrode 30 and generate electrical energy. Simultaneously, since the anode plate 10 of one adjacent individual cell 100 is electrically connected to the cathode plate 20 of the next adjacent individual cell 100, multiple individual cells 100 can be connected in series to ultimately form a fuel cell stack assembly arranged in series.
[0057] The anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20 are made of conductive materials (such as metal or graphite). For the same single cell 100, the anode plate 10 forms a cooling water flow field on the side away from the membrane electrode 30 and a gas flow field on the side adjacent to the membrane electrode 30; while the cathode plate 20 forms a cooling water flow field on the side away from the membrane electrode 30 and a gas flow field on the side adjacent to the membrane electrode 30. For the cooling water flow field, cooling water can flow into the cooling water flow field of the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20 to cool the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20; for the gas flow field, after the side of the anode plate 10 adjacent to the cathode plate 20 is attached to the membrane electrode 30, or after the side of the cathode plate 20 adjacent to the anode plate 10 is attached to the membrane electrode 30, a flow field space is formed between the anode plate 10 (or cathode plate 20) and the membrane electrode 30. After the reacting gas (such as hydrogen or air) is introduced into the gas flow field, it is evenly distributed on one side of the membrane electrode 30, thereby making the electrochemical reaction of the membrane electrode 30 more complete. For example, the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 can be regular shapes such as rectangles or circles.
[0058] See Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 , Figure 2 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the anode plate 10 on the side opposite to the membrane electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3A schematic diagram of a cathode plate 20 facing away from the membrane electrode 30 is shown in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the first ridge 11 and the first valley 12 of the anode plate 10 form a cooling water flow field, and the second valley 22 and the second ridge 21 of the cathode plate 20 form a cooling water flow field. The first valley 12 is formed between adjacent first ridges 11, and the second valley 22 is formed between adjacent second ridges 21. That is, the adjacent first ridges 11 serve as the sidewalls of the cooling water flow channel of the anode plate 10, and the first valley 12 is the cooling water flow channel of the anode plate 10. The cooling water flow channel is defined by the adjacent first ridges 11. The adjacent second ridges 21 serve as the sidewalls of the cooling water flow channel of the cathode plate 20, and the second valley 22 is the cooling water flow channel of the cathode plate 20. The cooling water flow channel is defined by the adjacent second ridges 21.
[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a structure of the anode plate 10 facing the membrane electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application is shown. The anode plate 10 facing the membrane electrode 30 also has a third ridge 13, and there is a third valley 14 between adjacent third ridges 13. The third ridge 13 corresponds to the first valley 12, and the third valley 14 corresponds to the first ridge 11.
[0060] Specifically, since the third ridge 13 corresponds to the first valley 12 and the third valley 14 corresponds to the first ridge 11, when the first valley 12 is formed by stamping on the side of the anode plate 10 away from the membrane electrode 30, the third ridge 13 is formed on the side of the anode plate 10 adjacent to the membrane electrode 30. At the same time, after the first valley 12 is formed by stamping, the two sides of the first valley 12 are the first ridge 11, and the first ridge 11 on one side of the anode plate 10 corresponds to the third valley 14 on the other side. Therefore, the formation of the first valley 12, the first ridge 11, the third valley 14 and the third ridge 13 on the anode plate 10 only requires the formation of the first valley 12 by stamping. This not only simplifies the processing steps of the anode plate 10, but also reduces the thickness of the anode plate 10, which is beneficial to increasing the number of single cells 100 and the cell density per unit volume of the fuel cell stack.
[0061] It is understandable that the first concave valley 12 and the first convex ridge 11 can be formed on one side of the anode plate 10 by processing (e.g., milling), while the third concave valley 14 and the third convex ridge 13 can be formed on the other side by further processing.
[0062] Similarly, in some embodiments of this application, see also [reference needed]. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 , Figure 5The diagram shows a structural schematic of the cathode plate 20 facing the membrane electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application. The cathode plate 20 facing the membrane electrode 30 also has a fourth ridge 23, and there is a fourth valley 24 between adjacent fourth ridges 23. The fourth ridge 23 corresponds to the second valley 22, and the fourth valley 24 corresponds to the second ridge 21.
[0063] Specifically, since the fourth ridge 23 corresponds to the second valley 22 and the fourth valley 24 corresponds to the second ridge 21, when the second valley 22 is formed by stamping on the side of the cathode plate 20 away from the membrane electrode 30, the fourth ridge 23 is formed on the side of the cathode plate 20 adjacent to the membrane electrode 30. At the same time, after the second valley 22 is formed by stamping, the two sides of the second valley 22 are the second ridge 21, and the second ridge 21 on one side of the cathode plate 20 corresponds to the fourth valley 24 on the other side. Therefore, the formation of the second valley 22, the second ridge 21, the fourth valley 24 and the fourth ridge 23 on the cathode plate 20 only requires the second valley 22 to be formed by stamping. This not only simplifies the processing steps of the cathode plate 20, but also reduces the thickness of the cathode plate 20, which is beneficial to increasing the number of single cells 100 and the cell density per unit volume of the fuel cell stack.
[0064] It is understandable that the second concave valley 22 and the second convex ridge 21 can be formed on one side of the cathode plate 20 by machining (e.g., milling), while the fourth concave valley 24 and the fourth convex ridge 23 can be formed on the other side by machining.
[0065] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the "side of the anode plate 10 facing away from the membrane electrode 30" or "side of the cathode plate 20 facing away from the membrane electrode 30" in this application refers to the relative positional relationship between the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 and the membrane electrode 30 in a single cell 100, and not the positional relationship between any anode plate 10 and any membrane electrode 30 in a fuel cell. At the same time, the shapes of the first ridge 11, the second ridge 21, the first valley 12 and the second valley 22 mentioned above are only exemplary. In addition to making the first ridge 11, the second ridge 21, the first valley 12 and the second valley 22 straight to form a direct flow channel, the first ridge 11, the second ridge 21, the first valley 12 and the second valley 22 can also be serpentine or square-shaped to form a serpentine or square-shaped flow channel.
[0066] The elastic absorption component 200 is used to absorb the thermal expansion deformation of the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20 caused by heating during the reaction of the fuel cell assembly. Generally, the elastic absorption component 200 is not only elastic but also conductive, so as to allow the anode plate 10 of the previous cell 100 to be electrically connected to the cathode plate 20 of the next cell 100 in adjacent cells, thereby enabling multiple cells 100 to be connected in series. For example, the elastic absorption component 200 can be made of an elastic conductive material such as conductive silicone or conductive rubber.
[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic absorbing member 200 may be an elastic element located between the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, such as an elastic conductive rubber pad. In some embodiments of this application, the elastic absorbing member 200 may be a protrusion integrally formed with the first ridge 11 and capable of elastic deformation. In some embodiments of this application, the elastic absorbing member 200 may also be a protrusion integrally formed with the second ridge 21 and capable of elastic deformation.
[0068] Understandably, the elastic absorbing member 200 may also include a protrusion integrally formed with the first ridge 11 and capable of elastic deformation, and a protrusion integrally formed with the second ridge 21 and capable of elastic deformation.
[0069] In this embodiment, an elastic absorption component 200 is provided between the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 of adjacent single cells 100. Since the elastic absorption component 200 is located between the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, and the elastic modulus of the elastic absorption component 200 is less than that of the membrane electrode 30, when the fuel cell reaction releases heat and causes the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 to undergo thermal expansion and deformation, the elastic absorption component 200 can be squeezed by the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 to generate a larger amount of elastic deformation, thereby reducing the pressure on the membrane electrode 30 caused by the thermal expansion and deformation of the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20, and ultimately achieving the purpose of avoiding damage to the membrane electrode 30.
[0070] In some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 6 , Figure 6A schematic diagram of another structure of the fuel cell stack assembly in an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein the elastic absorption component 200 includes a first elastic deformation portion 210 and a second elastic deformation portion 220; the first elastic deformation portion 210 is located on the first ridge 11, and the second elastic deformation portion 220 is located on the second ridge 21, with the first elastic deformation portion 210 and the second elastic deformation portion 220 in contact with each other. Specifically, when the fuel cell stack assembly generates heat during operation, causing the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20 to expand and deform, the first elastic deformation portion 210 and the second elastic deformation portion 220 can respectively absorb the expansion and deformation pressure of the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20, thereby preventing the membrane electrode 30 from being damaged due to the increased pressure of the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20.
[0071] For example, the first elastic deformation portion 210 and the second elastic deformation portion 220 can be circular, square, or strip-shaped elastic pads. It is understood that a greater number of elastic deformation portions can also be provided between the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21.
[0072] In some embodiments of this application, such as embodiments where the elastic absorbing member 200 includes a first elastic deformation portion 210 and a second elastic deformation portion 220, please continue reading. Figure 6 In this case, the elastic modulus of the anode plate 10 is greater than that of the cathode plate 20, and the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion 210 is less than that of the second elastic deformation portion 220; or, the elastic modulus of the anode plate 10 is less than that of the cathode plate 20, and the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion 210 is greater than that of the second elastic deformation portion 220.
[0073] It should be noted that, because the cathode plate 20 is more prone to electrochemical reactions during the reaction process of the single cell 100, the cathode plate 20 in the single cell 100 has higher requirements for corrosion resistance. Therefore, cathode plates 20 and anode plates 10 of different materials are usually required. However, cathode plates 20 and anode plates 10 of different materials have different elastic moduli. Therefore, the deformation of cathode plates 20 and anode plates 10 at high temperatures is different. This can easily lead to the pressure of thermal expansion of anode plates 10 and cathode plates 20 being concentrated at the contact point between a certain plate and membrane electrode 30, resulting in the phenomenon of membrane electrode 30 being damaged.
[0074] In the above embodiment, when the elastic modulus of the anode plate 10 is greater than that of the cathode plate 20, the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion 210 is less than that of the second elastic deformation portion 220. When the cathode plate 20 and the anode plate 10, which are made of different materials, are thermally expanded and deformed, the deformation of the anode plate 10 is smaller, while the deformation of the first elastic deformation portion 210 on the first ridge 11 of the anode plate 10 is larger. Conversely, the deformation of the cathode plate 20 is larger, while the deformation of the second elastic deformation portion on the second ridge 21 of the cathode plate 20 is smaller. Therefore, the difference in elastic modulus between the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 is compensated by the first elastic deformation portion 210 and the second elastic deformation portion 220 with different elastic moduli, avoiding the phenomenon that the membrane electrode 30 will be damaged due to the large pressure generated by a single electrode plate after thermal expansion.
[0075] Similarly, when the elastic modulus of the anode plate 10 is less than that of the cathode plate 20, the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion 210 is greater than that of the second elastic deformation portion 220. In this way, the difference in elastic modulus between the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 is compensated by the first elastic deformation portion 210 and the second elastic deformation portion 220 with different elastic moduli, so as to avoid the phenomenon that the membrane electrode 30 is damaged due to the large pressure generated by a single electrode plate after thermal expansion.
[0076] In some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This illustration shows another structural diagram of the anode plate 10 on the side facing away from the membrane electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application, wherein a plurality of first elastic deformation portions 210 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first ridge 11. In some embodiments of this application, such as for embodiments where the first ridge 11 is arranged in a straight line side by side, the plurality of first elastic deformation portions 210 are arranged in a matrix on the side of the anode plate 10 facing away from the membrane electrode 30, so that the plurality of first elastic deformation portions 210 can uniformly absorb the pressure generated by the thermal expansion deformation of the entire anode plate 10.
[0077] In some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 8 , Figure 8 This illustration shows another structural diagram of the anode plate 10 on the side away from the membrane electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application. In this diagram, the first elastic deformation portion 210 extends along the length of the first ridge 11, and each first elastic deformation portion 210 corresponds to one of the first ridges 11. In some embodiments of this application, such as embodiments where the first ridges 11 are arranged in a straight line side-by-side, each strip-shaped first elastic deformation portion 210 can absorb the thermal expansion deformation of the corresponding strip-shaped first ridge 11, thereby comprehensively absorbing the pressure generated by the thermal expansion deformation of the entire anode plate 10.
[0078] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 9 , Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another structure of the cathode plate 20 facing away from the film electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein a plurality of second elastic deformation portions 220 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second ridge 21. Similarly, in the embodiment where the second ridge 21 is arranged in a straight line side by side, the plurality of second elastic deformation portions 220 are arranged in a matrix on the side of the cathode plate 20 facing away from the film electrode 30, so that the plurality of second elastic deformation portions 220 can uniformly absorb the pressure generated by the thermal expansion deformation of the entire cathode plate 20.
[0079] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 10 , Figure 10 This illustration shows another structural diagram of the cathode plate 20 facing away from the membrane electrode 30 in an embodiment of this application. In this diagram, the second elastic deformation portion 220 extends along the length of the second ridge 21, and each second elastic deformation portion 220 corresponds to one of the second ridges 21. In some embodiments of this application, such as embodiments where the second ridges 21 are arranged in a straight line side-by-side, each strip-shaped second elastic deformation portion 220 can absorb the thermal expansion deformation of the corresponding strip-shaped second ridge 21, thereby comprehensively absorbing the pressure generated by the thermal expansion deformation of the entire cathode plate 20.
[0080] Understandably, the first elastic deformation portion 210 and the second elastic deformation portion 220 may also have other arrangements, for example, the first elastic deformation portion 210 may be strip-shaped and span multiple first ridges 11, and the second elastic deformation portion 220 may be strip-shaped and span multiple second ridges 21.
[0081] In some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 11 , Figure 11 The diagram shows another structural schematic of the fuel cell assembly in an embodiment of this application, wherein the first ridge 11 has an integrally formed first arcuate protrusion 111, the first arcuate protrusion 111 protruding in a direction away from the membrane electrode 30; and / or, the second ridge 21 has an integrally formed second arcuate protrusion 211, the second arcuate protrusion 211 protruding in a direction away from the membrane electrode 30.
[0082] It should be noted that when the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20 undergo thermal expansion and deformation during the operation of the fuel cell assembly, the first arc-shaped protrusion 111 and / or the second arc-shaped protrusion 211 can contact the elastic absorption component 200 and undergo compressive deformation. The first arc-shaped protrusion 111 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 211 have a smaller contact area with the elastic absorption component 200, which makes the compression deformation of the elastic absorption component 200 easier, thereby better absorbing the pressure generated by the thermal expansion and deformation of the anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20, and thus achieving the purpose of reducing the pressure on the membrane electrode 30.
[0083] For example, the first arc-shaped protrusion 111 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 211 may be arranged in a spherical shape or in a stepped shape, so that the first arc-shaped protrusion 111 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 211 are more likely to undergo compressive deformation during the extrusion process.
[0084] In some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 12 , Figure 12 This illustration shows another structural diagram of the fuel cell stack assembly in an embodiment of this application, wherein the elastic absorption component 200 includes a conductive elastic sheet 240; one side of the conductive elastic sheet 240 contacts the first ridge 11, and the other side contacts the second ridge 21. Specifically, the conductive elastic sheet 240 can be made of conductive silicone or conductive rubber, or other materials with conductivity and elasticity, so that adjacent anode plates 10 and cathode plates 20 can be electrically connected through the conductive elastic sheet 240; at the same time, since the conductive elastic sheet 240 separates the cathode plate 20 and the anode plate 10, the first valley 12 and the second valley 22 are not connected, allowing for individual control of the cooling water flowing through the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20, thereby better controlling the temperature of the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20, ultimately enabling the conductive elastic sheet 240 to absorb thermal expansion deformation, separate cooling water flow channels, and conduct electricity.
[0085] Understandably, the elastic absorbing component 200 may also have multiple overlapping conductive elastic sheets 240, or metal sheets may be added between adjacent conductive elastic sheets 240.
[0086] In some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 , Figure 13 This illustration shows another structural schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack assembly in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 The diagram shows another structural schematic of the conductive elastic plate 230 in an embodiment of this application, wherein the conductive elastic plate 230 is provided between the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20, the conductive elastic plate 230 has a plurality of spaced elastic beams 231, and a through groove 232 is provided between adjacent elastic beams 231. The elastic absorption component 200 includes a plurality of elastic beams 231; the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are opposite to the elastic beams 231, and the first valley 12 and the second valley 22 are connected through the through groove 232.
[0087] In the above embodiment, the through groove 232 allows the first concave valley 12 and the second concave valley 22 to communicate with each other, so that the cooling water flowing in the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 in the first concave valley 12 and the second concave valley 22 can circulate with each other, avoiding the phenomenon that the anode plate 10 or the cathode plate 20 cannot dissipate heat due to blockage of the first concave valley 12 or the second concave valley 22. At the same time, since the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are opposite to the elastic beam 231, the strip-shaped elastic beam 231 can absorb the thermal expansion deformation of the corresponding strip-shaped first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21, reducing the squeezing force on the membrane electrode 30 after the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20 expand due to heat. In addition, since the conductive elastic plate 230 integrally forms multiple elastic beams 231, when installing the elastic absorption component 200, the conductive elastic plate 230 can be directly installed between the two single cells 100 (corresponding to the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 20), which helps to reduce the installation difficulty of the elastic absorption component 200.
[0088] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, see further reference. Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 The anode plate 10 has a first sealing region 101 on the side facing away from the membrane electrode 30, and a second sealing region 201 on the same side. The first sealing region 101 and the second sealing region 201 are opposite to each other. The conductive elastic plate 230 also has a conductive sealing frame 233, with an elastic beam 231 located inside the conductive sealing frame 233. One side of the conductive sealing frame 233 is attached to the first sealing region 101, and the other side is attached to the second sealing region 201. In other words, the conductive sealing frame 233 of the conductive elastic plate 230 can serve as a seal between two individual cells 100 (anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20), thereby preventing the leakage of cooling water between the two individual cells 100 (anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20).
[0089] It is worth noting that the above description of the fuel cell assembly is intended to clearly illustrate the implementation and verification process of this application. Those skilled in the art can also make equivalent design modifications under the guidance of this application. For example, the elastic absorption component 200 can be a component of the sealing ring between the two individual cells 100 (anode plate 10 and cathode plate 20).
[0090] Furthermore, to better implement the fuel cell stack assembly in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a fuel cell based on the fuel cell stack assembly, the fuel cell including the fuel cell stack assembly as described in any of the above embodiments. Since the fuel cell in the embodiments of this application possesses all the beneficial effects of the above-described fuel cell stack assembly due to the inclusion of the fuel cell stack assembly, these effects will not be elaborated further here.
[0091] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the detailed descriptions of other embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.
[0092] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.
[0093] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.
[0094] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the present application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.
[0095] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of scope in some embodiments of this application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values are set as precisely as feasible.
[0096] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents referenced in this application, the entire contents of that patent application are incorporated herein by reference, except for historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this application, and documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims of this application (currently or subsequently appended to this application). It should be noted that if there are any inconsistencies or conflicts between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials of this application and the content of this application, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this application shall prevail.
[0097] The above provides a detailed description of a fuel cell stack assembly and a fuel cell provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fuel cell stack assembly, characterized in that, include: Multiple stacked individual cells, each individual cell including an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a membrane electrode, wherein the membrane electrode of the same individual cell is located between the cathode plate and the anode plate; In adjacent single cells, the anode plate of the previous single cell is electrically connected to the cathode plate of the next single cell. The anode plate has a plurality of first ridges arranged side by side on the side opposite to the membrane electrode, and there is a first valley between adjacent first ridges; The cathode plate has a plurality of second ridges arranged side by side on the side opposite to the membrane electrode, and a second valley is formed between adjacent second ridges. The first ridge and the second ridge are opposite each other, and there is an elastic absorption component between the first ridge and the second ridge. The elastic modulus of the elastic absorption component is less than the elastic modulus of the membrane electrode. The cathode plate and the anode plate are made of different materials, and the elastic absorption component includes a first elastic deformation portion and a second elastic deformation portion; The first elastic deformation portion is located on the first ridge, the second elastic deformation portion is located on the second ridge, and the first elastic deformation portion and the second elastic deformation portion are in contact with each other. The elastic modulus of the anode plate is greater than that of the cathode plate, and the elastic modulus of the first elastically deformed portion is less than that of the second elastically deformed portion; or The elastic modulus of the anode plate is less than that of the cathode plate, and the elastic modulus of the first elastic deformation portion is greater than that of the second elastic deformation portion.
2. The fuel cell stack assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple first elastic deformation portions are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first ridge; or The first elastically deformable portion extends along the length direction of the first ridge.
3. The fuel cell stack assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple second elastic deformation portions are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second ridge; or The second elastic deformation portion extends along the length direction of the second ridge.
4. The fuel cell stack assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first ridge has an integrally formed first arc-shaped protrusion, which protrudes in a direction away from the membrane electrode. and / or The second ridge has an integrally formed second arc-shaped protrusion, which protrudes in a direction away from the membrane electrode.
5. A fuel cell, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell stack assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Fuel cell production method and fuel cell
CN105393391A
Electrode plate and single cell
CN218918962U