A battery stack structure with air outflow cavity

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air outflow chamber battery stack structure, in which the battery stack is formed by assembling a base plate and a multi-layer connector stacked on the base plate, wherein a first connector is fixedly mounted on an air flow distribution plate, a second connector is fixedly mounted on the base plate of the battery stack, and a metal fastener passes through the first connector and the second connector to fix the air flow distribution plate and the battery stack together, thereby tightly clamping a seal between the air flow distribution plate and the battery stack while conducting the air flow distribution plate and the battery stack to provide a sealing function. According to the air outflow chamber battery stack structure of the present invention, the fastening force required for the sealing between the base plate of the battery stack and the air flow distribution plate is provided by fixing the base plate and the air flow distribution plate with metal fasteners, and the application of this force does not have any negative impact on the connector, and at the same time, fixing the base plate and the air flow distribution plate with metal fasteners can play an electrical conduction role, ultimately solving the problem of difficult sealing of the air outflow chamber battery stack structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a module design of a solid oxide electrolytic cell, and more particularly to an air outflow cavity cell stack structure. Background Art

[0002] Solid oxide electrolyzers (SOECs) are advanced electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices with high energy conversion efficiency. When powered, they convert H₂O(g) and CO₂ into usable fuels such as hydrogen and syngas. The development of this technology not only reduces additional CO₂ emissions but also promotes resource recycling. SOEC cells primarily consist of an anode functional layer, an electrolyte, and a cathode functional layer.

[0003] The solid oxide electrolysis cell operates at a temperature between 600-1000℃. Under the action of electrical energy, gaseous H2O and CO2 can obtain electrons on the fuel side and be reduced to gases such as H2 and CO respectively, accompanied by O 2- The reaction is shown in formula (1) (2). 2- It diffuses to the air side through the electrolyte, and finally releases electrons on the air side and is oxidized to O2 as shown in formula (3). The overall reaction is shown in formula (4) (5).

[0004] Fuel electrode side reaction:

[0005] H2O + 2e - → H2 + O 2- (1)

[0006] CO2 + 2e - → CO + O 2- (2)

[0007] Air electrode side reaction:

[0008] O 2- → 1 / 2O2 + 2e – (3)

[0009] Overall reaction:

[0010] H2O → H2 + 1 / 2O2 (4)

[0011] CO2 → CO + 1 / 2O2 (5)

[0012] To expand the application of solid oxide electrolyzers, multiple single cells can be connected in series to form a stack, with a single stack capable of achieving kW-level electrolysis output. Module integration technology also allows multiple stacks to be connected in series and parallel for even higher power output. The development of module integration technology can further revolutionize energy production and consumption, build a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system, and promote the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy industry.

[0013] CN115295852A discloses a SOFC stack module and its operating method. The SOFC stacks are arranged in a pentagonal shape, with the SOFC system's thermal balance components placed within the pentagon. SOFC stacks on the same layer are kept at the same distance from the thermal balance components, and the SOFC stacks draw and discharge corresponding gases from the thermal balance components via pipelines. The stack module integrates a relatively mature air-inner-flow cavity stack design. The inner-flow cavity connector features air flow channels, with both air and hydrogen entering and exiting from the bottom. The two inlets share a sealing surface, creating a common air and hydrogen seal. This makes stack sealing relatively easy to resolve.

[0014] The stack structure with an air outflow cavity has no internal air flow channels. Air enters and exits from the sides through the gaps between the connectors (hydrogen enters and exits from the bottom). This can effectively reduce the production and processing costs of the stack because the plate material used in the connectors that provide air flow channels corresponding to the air in and out from the bottom can be reduced. However, since the air seal and hydrogen seal are not in the same sealing plane, this increases the difficulty of sealing the stack. Currently, no reports on the air outflow cavity stack structure have been found. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In order to solve the problem of difficult sealing of the air outflow cavity battery stack structure in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides an air outflow cavity battery stack structure.

[0016] According to the air outflow chamber battery stack structure of the present invention, it includes an airflow distribution plate, a battery stack, a fastening structure and a seal, wherein the battery stack is formed by assembling a base plate and a multi-layer connector stacked on the base plate, and the fastening structure includes a first connector, a second connector and a metal fastener, the first connector is fixedly mounted on the airflow distribution plate, the second connector is fixedly mounted on the base plate of the battery stack, and the metal fastener passes through the first connector and the second connector to fix the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack together, thereby tightly clamping the seal between the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack while conducting the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack to provide a sealing function.

[0017] Preferably, the first connecting member is a first threaded hole structure, the second connecting member is a second threaded hole structure, and the metal fastener is a metal bolt, which passes through the first threaded hole structure and the second threaded hole structure to fix the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack together.

[0018] Preferably, the first connecting member is welded and fixed on the airflow distribution plate, and the second connecting member is welded and fixed on the bottom plate of the fuel cell stack.

[0019] Preferably, the seal is a vermiculite seal or a mica seal or a glass seal.

[0020] Preferably, the air outflow chamber stack structure includes four fastening structures distributed at four corners.

[0021] Preferably, the air outflow chamber stack structure also includes a cover plate and an outer cover, wherein the outer edges of the cover plate and the airflow distribution plate respectively have a return groove, and the top and bottom of the outer cover respectively extend into the return groove to be assembled to provide a shell, and the stack is accommodated in the shell.

[0022] Preferably, the air outflow cavity stack structure further includes thermal insulation cotton that provides air resistance, which is filled between the cover plate and the stack, and between the outer cover and the stack.

[0023] Preferably, the air outflow chamber stack structure further includes two connecting rods, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the outer cover to connect the cover plate and the air flow distribution plate, so that the outer cover is firmly clamped between the cover plate and the air flow distribution plate.

[0024] Preferably, the air outflow chamber stack structure further includes a positive electrode lead block, the middle portion of the cover plate has a rectangular through hole, the positive electrode lead block is accommodated in the rectangular through hole and is placed above the stack.

[0025] Preferably, the air outflow chamber stack structure further includes a positive electrode lead-in column and a negative electrode lead-in column connected to the stack.

[0026] According to the air outflow cavity stack structure of the present invention, the fastening force required for sealing between the base plate of the stack and the airflow distribution plate is provided by fixing the base plate and the airflow distribution plate with metal fasteners. The application of this force does not have any negative impact on the connector. At the same time, the base plate and the airflow distribution plate are fixed with metal fasteners to achieve electrical conduction, ultimately solving the problem of difficult sealing of the air outflow cavity stack structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of the air outflow cavity stack structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Assembly diagram of the fastening structure.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and described in detail.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an air outflow cavity stack structure includes a cover plate 1, an air flow distribution plate 2, an outer cover 3 and a stack 4, wherein the outer edges of the cover plate 1 and the air flow distribution plate 2 respectively have a return groove, and the top and bottom of the outer cover 3 respectively extend into the return groove for assembly to provide a shell, and the stack 4 is accommodated in the shell, and air enters and exits through the opposite sides (for example, the left and right sides) of the outer cover 3, and hydrogen enters and exits through the air flow distribution plate 2, thereby providing an air outflow cavity stack structure.

[0032] The air outflow chamber stack structure also includes two connecting rods 5, which are located on opposite sides (such as the front and rear sides) of the outer cover 3 to connect the cover plate 1 and the air flow distribution plate 2, so that the outer cover 3 is firmly clamped between the cover plate 1 and the air flow distribution plate 2.

[0033] The air outflow chamber stack structure also includes a positive lead block 6. The center of the cover plate 1 has a rectangular through-hole. The positive lead block 6 is accommodated in the rectangular through-hole and is placed above the stack 4. In addition, the air outflow chamber stack structure also includes a positive lead column 7 and a negative lead column 8. The specific connection method between them and the stack 4 is similar to that of the prior art and will not be repeated here.

[0034] In particular, the air outflow cavity stack structure further includes a fastening structure 9, which fixedly connects the air distribution plate 2 and the stack 4. In this embodiment, the air outflow cavity stack structure includes four fastening structures 9 distributed at four corners.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the stack 4 is assembled from a base plate 41 and a multilayer interconnector 42 stacked on top of the base plate 41. The air outflow chamber stack structure also includes a seal 10, which is sandwiched between the base plate 41 and the air flow distribution plate 2 to provide a seal for hydrogen gas entering and exiting the bottom. In this embodiment, the seal 10 is a vermiculite seal. It should be understood that the seal 10 can also be made of mica or glass.

[0036] Combine Figure 3 The fastening structure 9 includes a first connecting member 91, a second connecting member 92 and a metal fastener 93, wherein the first connecting member 91 is fixedly mounted on the airflow distribution plate 2, the second connecting member 92 is fixedly mounted on the bottom plate 41 of the fuel cell stack 4, and the metal fastener 93 passes through the first connecting member 91 and the second connecting member 92 to fix the airflow distribution plate 2 and the fuel cell stack 4 together, thereby tightly clamping the seal 10 between the airflow distribution plate 2 and the fuel cell stack 4 to provide a sealing function.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first connecting member 91 is a first threaded hole structure, the second connecting member 92 is a second threaded hole structure, and the metal fastener 93 is a metal bolt, which passes through the first threaded hole structure and the second threaded hole structure to fix the airflow distribution plate 2 and the battery stack 4 together.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first connecting member 91 is welded and fixed to the air flow distribution plate 2 , and the second connecting member 92 is welded and fixed to the bottom plate 41 of the fuel cell stack 4 .

[0039] In this way, the metal material of the metal fastener 93 can conduct electricity between the airflow distribution plate 2 and the cell stack 4, leading the negative electrode to the outer cover 3, while also providing the tightening force required for the hydrogen seal achieved by the seal 10, broadening the options for the seal 10. In other words, the metal fastener 93 is locked downward, squeezing the cell stack 4 and the airflow distribution plate 2, and the compression force provided achieves a hydrogen seal between the cell stack 4 and the airflow distribution plate 2.

[0040] In particular, because the tightening force acts only on the airflow distribution plate 2 and the bottom plate 41 and has no effect on the multilayer connector 42 on the bottom plate 41, this avoids the problem of pressure applied downward from the top of the stack acting on the connector 42 and crushing it. In other words, the metal fasteners 93 apply pressure downward from the bottom plate 41 without negatively impacting the connector 42, thereby ensuring that the stack 4 is not damaged by the pressure seal.

[0041] The air outflow chamber stack structure also includes thermal insulation foam, which is filled between the cover plate 1 and the stack 4, and between the outer cover 3 and the stack 4, to provide air resistance. In this embodiment, the space between the cover plate 1 and the stack 4 is filled with circular thermal insulation foam to solve the stack sealing problem.

[0042] Obviously, the fastening force required for the seal between the bottom plate 41 of the battery stack 4 and the air distribution plate 2 is provided by fixing the bottom plate 41 and the air distribution plate 2 with the metal fasteners 93. The force can be increased infinitely (for example, up to 3000N). The application of the force does not have any negative impact on the connector 42. At the same time, the fixing of the bottom plate 41 and the air distribution plate 2 with the metal fasteners 93 can play an electrical conduction role, which can effectively conduct the negative electrode to the outer cover 3, broaden the selectivity of the seal 10, and ultimately solve the problem of the difficulty in sealing the battery stack structure with the air outflow cavity.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications are possible. In other words, any simple, equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the patent claims. Anything not fully described in this invention constitutes conventional technology.

Claims

1. An air outflow cavity stack structure, characterized in that: The air outflow chamber battery stack structure includes an airflow distribution plate, a battery stack, a fastening structure and a seal, wherein the battery stack is formed by assembling a base plate and a multi-layer connector stacked on the base plate, the fastening structure includes a first connector, a second connector and a metal fastener, the first connector is fixedly mounted on the airflow distribution plate, the second connector is fixedly mounted on the base plate of the battery stack, the metal fastener passes through the first connector and the second connector to fix the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack together, thereby tightly clamping the seal between the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack to provide a sealing function while electrically conducting the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack, the seal is a vermiculite seal or a mica seal or a glass seal, and the air outflow chamber battery stack structure also includes a positive electrode lead-in column and a negative electrode lead-in column connected to the battery stack.

2. The air outflow cavity stack structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting member is a first threaded hole structure, the second connecting member is a second threaded hole structure, and the metal fastener is a metal bolt. The metal bolt passes through the first threaded hole structure and the second threaded hole structure to fix the airflow distribution plate and the battery stack together.

3. The air outflow cavity stack structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting piece is welded and fixed on the air flow distribution plate, and the second connecting piece is welded and fixed on the bottom plate of the fuel cell stack.

4. The air outflow cavity stack structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outflow chamber stack structure includes four fastening structures distributed on four corners.

5. The air outflow cavity stack structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outflow chamber stack structure also includes a cover plate and an outer cover, wherein the outer edges of the cover plate and the airflow distribution plate respectively have a return groove, and the top and bottom of the outer cover respectively extend into the return groove to be assembled to provide a shell, and the stack is accommodated in the shell.

6. The air outflow cavity stack structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air outflow cavity stack structure also includes thermal insulation cotton that provides air resistance, which is filled between the cover plate and the stack, and between the outer cover and the stack.

7. The air outflow chamber stack structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air outflow chamber stack structure further includes two connecting rods, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the outer cover and connect the cover plate and the air flow distribution plate, so that the outer cover is firmly clamped between the cover plate and the air flow distribution plate.

8. The air outflow chamber stack structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The air outflow chamber stack structure also includes a positive lead block. The middle of the cover plate has a rectangular through hole. The positive lead block is accommodated in the rectangular through hole and is placed above the stack.

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