Fuel cell cooling structure, fuel cell, and automobile

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuel cell cooling structure, a fuel cell, and an automobile. The fuel cell cooling structure includes a fuel cell and a cooling assembly. The fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked single cells. The cooling assembly is disposed between two adjacent single cells and has cooling channels disposed therein. The cooling assembly is made of a polyimide-graphene composite material. The cooling assembly, made of the polyimide-graphene composite material in the fuel cell cooling structure of the present invention, exhibits high thermal and electrical conductivity, high strength, and a large heat storage capacity, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the fuel cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a fuel cell cooling structure, a fuel cell, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells, particularly proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), are widely used in transportation, stationary, auxiliary, and portable systems due to their clean and high energy conversion efficiency. Air and hydrogen react within PEMFCs to generate electricity and heat, with the heat accounting for over 50% of the converted chemical energy. Heat accumulation causes the membrane electrode temperature to rise continuously, leading to localized hot spots and thermal perforation. Therefore, fuel cells require a cooling system to remove the generated heat and maintain a suitable temperature range. However, due to the layout of the gas distribution and reaction zones, as well as the accumulation of liquid water within the gas distribution and reaction zones, the reactant gas concentration in the reaction zone near the oxidant gas inlet differs from that in the reaction zone far from the oxidant gas inlet, resulting in temperature discrepancies across the plate. This large temperature difference not only affects the battery's output performance, but also reduces the battery's lifespan and safety due to localized hot spots and thermal perforation.

[0003] The heat generated during the reaction process of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is removed primarily through three methods: thermal radiation, heat dissipation from water vaporization within the cell, and convection heat transfer from the coolant. Convection heat transfer from the coolant accounts for approximately 90% of the total heat dissipation. To ensure efficient and stable operation of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, its operating temperature needs to be properly controlled between 60°C and 80°C. The cooling efficiency of the cooling plate directly affects the heat and mass transfer processes within the fuel cell, ultimately having a significant impact on the fuel cell's fuel utilization efficiency and overall output performance. Therefore, convection heat transfer from the coolant plays a key role in maintaining the appropriate operating temperature and improving fuel cell performance.

[0004] Traditional parallel channels and serpentine channels are common fuel cell coolant flow channel structures. Parallel channels consist of inlet and outlet channels, as well as multiple branch channels, each of which is connected to the main channel. After entering the main channel, the coolant passes through the branches to absorb heat from the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, ultimately exiting the main channel outlet. However, the parallel channel design results in excessively high coolant flow rates, making it difficult to fully absorb the heat of reaction, resulting in increased fuel cell temperature and impacting overall performance. Serpentine channels, on the other hand, flow through multiple parallel inlet channels in a bow-shaped bend across the entire cooling plate, ultimately exiting in parallel. However, the right-angle bends in traditional serpentine channels result in excessive pressure loss, requiring additional pressure compensation, impacting overall economic efficiency. Furthermore, the long flow path results in large temperature differences, leading to uneven temperature distribution across the fuel cell, impacting output performance. For proton exchange membrane fuel cells, optimizing the cooling channel structure alone is difficult to avoid reduced heat dissipation efficiency due to temperature differences along the flow path, making it relatively difficult to achieve good heat dissipation performance, uniformity, and reliability in the fuel cell. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problem of insufficient heat dissipation efficiency of existing fuel cells, the present invention provides a fuel cell cooling structure, a fuel cell, and a vehicle.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fuel cell cooling structure, comprising a fuel cell and a cooling assembly, wherein the fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked single cells; the cooling assembly is arranged between two adjacent single cells, a cooling channel is arranged in the cooling assembly, and the cooling assembly is made of a polyimide-graphene composite material.

[0007] Optionally, the single cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate, wherein a gas distribution area and a gas reaction area are respectively provided on the anode plate and the cathode plate, wherein the gas distribution area is provided at both ends of the gas reaction area; the gas reaction area is provided with a plurality of spaced grooves, and a plurality of spaced protrusions are provided on the side of the anode plate and the cathode plate facing the cooling assembly, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of grooves;

[0008] The cooling assembly includes two polyimide-graphene composite films, the outer edges of the two polyimide-graphene composite films are sealed and connected, one polyimide-graphene composite film is bonded to the anode plate of the adjacent single cell, and the other polyimide-graphene composite film is bonded to the cathode plate of another adjacent single cell, and the multiple protrusions on the anode plate and the multiple protrusions on the cathode plate are abutted to form the cooling channel.

[0009] Optionally, a projection of the polyimide-graphene composite film in the direction of the anode plate or the cathode plate covers the gas distribution area and the gas reaction area.

[0010] Optionally, the anode plate and the cathode plate are respectively stamped and formed integrally.

[0011] Optionally, the polyimide-graphene composite film has a thickness of 50 to 100 μm.

[0012] Optionally, the single cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate; the cooling assembly includes a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate, the outer edges of the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate are sealed and connected, the first cooling plate is attached to the anode plate of an adjacent single cell, and the second cooling plate is attached to the cathode plate of another adjacent single cell;

[0013] The cooling channel is provided on a side of the first cooling plate facing away from the anode plate, and / or on a side of the second cooling plate facing away from the cathode plate.

[0014] Optionally, a gas distribution area and a gas reaction area are respectively provided on the anode plate and the cathode plate, and the gas distribution area is provided at both ends of the gas reaction area;

[0015] Projections of the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate in the direction of the anode plate or the cathode plate cover the gas distribution area and the gas reaction area.

[0016] Optionally, the surface of the first cooling plate that is in contact with the anode plate is a plane, and the surface of the second cooling plate that is in contact with the cathode plate is a plane.

[0017] Optionally, the cooling assembly further includes a sealing ring, which is arranged between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate.

[0018] Optionally, the single cell further includes a membrane electrode, and the membrane electrode is arranged on a side of the cathode plate or the anode plate facing away from the cooling assembly.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a fuel cell comprising the fuel cell cooling structure as described in any one of the above.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a car comprising the fuel cell.

[0021] In the present invention, the polyimide-graphene composite material is a material created by modifying the molecular chain structure of a polyimide film and implanting metal atoms within the graphite sheets. The polyimide-graphene composite material exhibits thermal conductivity mechanisms intermediate between those of metals and non-metals, exhibiting excellent longitudinal thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, high strength, and a large storage capacity for heat conduction. Cooling components made from this polyimide-graphene composite material eliminate the need for extensive optimization and modification of the cooling channel design. While saving development time and costs, it effectively improves the overall temperature uniformity of the fuel cell and the efficiency of the coolant's heat absorption, thereby enhancing the overall fuel cell output performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fuel cell cooling structure provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram from another angle of a fuel cell cooling structure provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a fuel cell cooling structure provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fuel cell cooling structure provided by another embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0026] The reference numerals in the drawings of the specification are as follows:

[0027] 1. Cooling assembly; 11. Cooling channel; 12. Polyimide-graphene composite film; 13. First cooling plate; 14. Second cooling plate;

[0028] 2. Anode plate; 21. Gas distribution area; 22. Gas reaction area; 221. Groove; 222. Protrusion;

[0029] 3. Cathode plate; 4. Membrane electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] In order to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, specific embodiments are provided below.

[0032] like Figures 1-4As shown, a fuel cell cooling structure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fuel cell and a cooling assembly 1. The fuel cell includes a plurality of stacked cells. The cooling assembly 1 is disposed between two adjacent cells and has a cooling channel 11 therein. The cooling assembly 1 is made of a polyimide-graphene composite material.

[0033] In this embodiment, the polyimide-graphene composite material is a material formed by modifying the molecular chain structure of a polyimide film and implanting metal atoms within the graphite sheets. The polyimide-graphene composite material exhibits a thermal conductivity mechanism intermediate between that of metals and non-metals, exhibiting excellent longitudinal thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, high strength, and high heat storage capacity. The cooling assembly 1, constructed from the polyimide-graphene composite material, achieves comprehensive coverage of the heat dissipation area of ​​a single cell, eliminating gaps and eliminating the need for extensive optimization research and modification of the cooling channel 11 design. This effectively improves the overall temperature uniformity of the fuel cell and the efficiency of the coolant in absorbing heat, while saving R&D time and costs. This improves the overall output performance of the fuel cell.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the single cell includes an anode plate 2 and a cathode plate 3, each of which is provided with a gas distribution area 21 and a gas reaction area 22. The gas distribution area 21 is provided at both ends of the gas reaction area 22. The gas reaction area 22 is provided with a plurality of spaced grooves 221. The sides of the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 facing the cooling assembly 1 are provided with a plurality of spaced protrusions 222. The plurality of protrusions 222 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of grooves 221. Specifically, the grooves 221 and the protrusions 222 both extend in a strip shape.

[0035] The cooling assembly 1 includes two polyimide-graphene composite films 12, the outer edges of which are sealed together. Specifically, the two polyimide-graphene composite films 12 are sealed together by adhesive bonding or heat-pressing. One polyimide-graphene composite film 12 is bonded to the anode plate 2 of an adjacent single cell, and the other polyimide-graphene composite film 12 is bonded to the cathode plate 3 of another adjacent single cell. The multiple protrusions 222 on the anode plate 2 and the multiple protrusions 222 on the cathode plate 3 abut against each other, forming the cooling channel 11. By bonding the polyimide-graphene composite films 12 to the cathode plate 3 and the anode plate 2, respectively, the heat dissipation area is fully covered without gaps. The cooling temperature is evenly distributed on the wall surfaces of the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 facing the cooling assembly 1, effectively and evenly transferring and dissipating the generated heat.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the projection of the polyimide-graphene composite membrane 12 in the direction of the anode plate 2 or the cathode plate 3 covers the gas distribution area 21 and the gas reaction area 22, ensuring that the cooling temperature of the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 is evenly distributed, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency and uniformity, ensure that the fuel cell maintains an appropriate temperature range during operation, and thus improve its overall output performance.

[0037] Specifically, the polyimide-graphene composite film 12 , the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 are in sheet form, and their cross sections are rectangular or square.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 are integrally stamped, allowing the cooling channel 11 to be naturally formed during the processing of the gas reaction zone 22. This saves time and cost in processing and designing the cooling channel 11, effectively reduces the design requirements for the channel, and eliminates the complexity of the traditional fuel cell channel structure. At the same time, the overall structure of the fuel cell is simplified, manufacturing efficiency is improved, and R&D costs are reduced.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the polyimide-graphene composite film 12 is 50-100 μm to ensure the safety of the fuel cell.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the single cell includes an anode plate 2 and a cathode plate 3. The cooling assembly 1 includes a first cooling plate 13 and a second cooling plate 14, the outer edges of the first cooling plate 13 and the second cooling plate 14 are sealed and connected, the first cooling plate 13 is attached to the anode plate 2 of the adjacent single cell, and the second cooling plate 14 is attached to the cathode plate 3 of another adjacent single cell. The anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 are prepared from a polyimide-graphene composite material. Specifically, the first cooling plate 13 and the second cooling plate 14 are in close contact with the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 respectively by press-fitting to form a whole, thereby improving the integration and facilitating the assembly of the fuel cell.

[0041] The cooling channels 11 are provided on the side of the first cooling plate 13 facing away from the anode plate 2 and / or the side of the second cooling plate 14 facing away from the cathode plate 3. Specifically, the cooling channels 11 can be parallel straight channels or serpentine channels.

[0042] Specifically, the first cooling plate 13 , the second cooling plate 14 , the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 are in sheet shape, and the cross section is rectangular or square.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, a gas distribution area 21 and a gas reaction area 22 are respectively provided on the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 , and the gas distribution area 21 is provided at both ends of the gas reaction area 22 .

[0044] The projections of the first cooling plate 13 and the second cooling plate 14 in the direction of the anode plate 2 or the cathode plate 3 cover the gas distribution area 21 and the gas reaction area 22. Ensuring uniform distribution of the cooling temperature of the anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 improves heat dissipation efficiency and uniformity, ensuring that the fuel cell maintains an appropriate temperature range during operation, thereby improving its overall output performance.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the surface where the first cooling plate 13 contacts the anode plate 2 is flat, and the surface where the second cooling plate 14 contacts the cathode plate 3 is flat. By setting the contact surface as a flat surface, the contact area for heat conduction is increased and contact gaps that affect heat dissipation are avoided.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cooling assembly 1 further includes a sealing ring (not shown in the figures), which is disposed between the first cooling plate 13 and the second cooling plate 14 .

[0047] Specifically, the first cooling plate 13 and the second cooling plate 14 can be in close contact with each other by means of sealant, sealing ring press-fitting or dispensing process bonding to ensure sealing reliability.

[0048] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the single cell further includes a membrane electrode 4, which is disposed on the side of the cathode plate 3 or the anode plate 2 facing away from the cooling assembly 1. The anode plate 2 and the cathode plate 3 are tightly fitted with the membrane electrode 4 by means of sealant and press-fitting to ensure the sealing reliability of the single cell.

[0049] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel cell, comprising the fuel cell cooling structure as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0050] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a car comprising the fuel cell described in the above embodiment.

[0051] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention and are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell cooling structure, characterized in that: The fuel cell comprises a fuel cell and a cooling assembly, wherein the fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked cells; the cooling assembly is disposed between two adjacent cells and has a cooling channel therein; the cooling assembly is made of a polyimide-graphene composite material, which is a material obtained by modifying the molecular chain structure of a polyimide film and implanting metal atoms in graphite sheets; The single cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate, wherein a gas distribution area and a gas reaction area are respectively provided on the anode plate and the cathode plate, wherein the gas distribution area is provided at both ends of the gas reaction area; the gas reaction area is provided with a plurality of spaced grooves, and a plurality of spaced protrusions are provided on the side of the anode plate and the cathode plate facing the cooling assembly, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of grooves; The cooling assembly includes two polyimide-graphene composite films, the outer edges of the two polyimide-graphene composite films are sealed and connected, one polyimide-graphene composite film is bonded to the anode plate of the adjacent single cell, and the other polyimide-graphene composite film is bonded to the cathode plate of another adjacent single cell, and the multiple protrusions on the anode plate and the multiple protrusions on the cathode plate are abutted to form the cooling channel.

2. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The projection of the polyimide-graphene composite film in the direction of the anode plate or the cathode plate covers the gas distribution area and the gas reaction area.

3. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode plate and the cathode plate are respectively stamped and formed integrally.

4. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the polyimide-graphene composite film is 50-100 μm.

5. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single cell further includes a membrane electrode, which is arranged on a side of the cathode plate or the anode plate facing away from the cooling assembly.

6. A fuel cell cooling structure, characterized in that: The fuel cell comprises a fuel cell and a cooling assembly, wherein the fuel cell comprises a plurality of stacked cells; the cooling assembly is disposed between two adjacent cells and has a cooling channel therein; the cooling assembly is made of a polyimide-graphene composite material, which is a material obtained by modifying the molecular chain structure of a polyimide film and implanting metal atoms in graphite sheets; The single cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate; the cooling assembly includes a first cooling plate and a second cooling plate, the outer edges of the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate are sealed and connected, the first cooling plate is attached to the anode plate of the adjacent single cell, and the second cooling plate is attached to the cathode plate of another adjacent single cell; The cooling channel is provided on a side of the first cooling plate facing away from the anode plate, and / or on a side of the second cooling plate facing away from the cathode plate.

7. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The anode plate and the cathode plate are respectively provided with a gas distribution area and a gas reaction area, and the gas distribution area is provided at both ends of the gas reaction area; Projections of the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate in the direction of the anode plate or the cathode plate cover the gas distribution area and the gas reaction area.

8. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The surface of the first cooling plate in contact with the anode plate is a plane, and the surface of the second cooling plate in contact with the cathode plate is a plane.

9. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cooling assembly further includes a sealing ring disposed between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate.

10. The fuel cell cooling structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The single cell further includes a membrane electrode, which is arranged on a side of the cathode plate or the anode plate facing away from the cooling assembly.

11. A fuel cell, characterized in that: The fuel cell cooling structure comprises the fuel cell cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the fuel cell cooling structure according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. An automobile, characterized in that: Comprising the fuel cell according to claim 11.

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