An intake structure of a SOC stack in a bonding station

Abstract

The present application discloses an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station, which relates to the technical field of high-temperature solid oxide batteries. An air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station includes a furnace bottom plate, a stack, and a gas housing. The stack is fixed on the furnace bottom plate. A plurality of hydrogen channels are provided on the furnace bottom plate, and the plurality of hydrogen channels are respectively connected to the hydrogen manifolds on the stack in a matching manner. The plurality of hydrogen channels are all communicated with the gas pipelines in the gas distribution cabinet. Two air holes are provided on the furnace bottom plate. An air hood is fixedly installed outside the stack, and the air hood is located on both sides of the two air holes. A sealed air flow channel is formed among the stack, the air hood, and the furnace bottom plate. Through the design of the air hood and the corresponding pipelines, the present application enables air to uniformly enter the air hood and finally uniformly flow into and out of the stack, thereby improving the uniform fluidity of air in each layer of flow channels of the stack and solving the problem of uneven gas flow distribution during air intake of an SOC stack with an open air manifold in the bonding station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of high-temperature solid oxide batteries, and particularly to an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station. Background Art

[0002] High-temperature solid oxide cells (SOCs) are the general term for high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and high-temperature solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOECs). An SOC stack is a battery pack formed by stacking multiple identical single-cell units. After the multiple repeating units of the SOC stack are stacked and assembled, they need to be sintered in a bonding station. When the sintering temperature reaches the softening temperature of the glass-ceramic seal, the solid glass-ceramic softens and tightly adheres to the metal interconnect. After the "bonding" is completed, the temperature is usually reduced to the operating temperature of the stack, and a certain amount of hydrogen is introduced to allow the stack to generate electricity and detect the voltage and current of the stack. This process is called the "initialization" of the stack. Both "bonding" and "initialization" need to be carried out in the "bonding station". During "initialization", hydrogen and air need to be introduced into the stack, and these gases need to be heated by an electric heater. Since the fuel gas of the SOC stack is flammable and explosive, a sealed manifold design is basically adopted. The air manifold of the SOC stack can be divided into two categories according to its air intake method: a closed air manifold and an open air manifold. The closed air manifold is arranged inside the interconnect and has no contact with the outside; the open air manifold is arranged outside the interconnect, and the air flow channels in the stack are directly communicated with the environment. Air flows into the stack from the environment, reacts, and then flows out of the stack and back into the environment again. For a stack with an open air manifold, how to make the air flow into and out of the stack evenly to ensure the air intake of the stack in the bonding station is a problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of this application is to provide an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station, aiming to solve the technical problem of uneven gas flow distribution during air intake of an existing SOC stack with an open air manifold in the bonding station.

[0004] To achieve the above object, this application proposes an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station, including a furnace bottom plate, a stack, and a gas housing. The stack is fixed on the furnace bottom plate. The furnace bottom plate is provided with a plurality of hydrogen channels, and the plurality of hydrogen channels are respectively connected in cooperation with the hydrogen manifolds on the stack. The plurality of hydrogen channels are all connected to the gas pipelines in the gas distribution cabinet. The furnace bottom plate is provided with two air holes. An air hood is fixedly installed outside the stack, and the air hood is located on both sides of the two air holes. A closed air flow channel is formed among the stack, the air hood, and the furnace bottom plate.

[0005] Optionally, two air pipes are provided between the air hood and the stack, and the two air pipes are respectively connected to the two air holes correspondingly.

[0006] Optionally, air dispersion holes are formed in both of the two air pipes.

[0007] Optionally, a boss is provided on the furnace bottom plate, the boss is matched with the bottom of the stack, and a plurality of hydrogen channels are formed in the boss, and the diameters of the plurality of hydrogen channels are all smaller than the pipe diameter of the hydrogen manifold.

[0008] Optionally, the air hood includes two gas hoods, and the two gas hoods are symmetrically installed outside the stack.

[0009] Optionally, the openings of the two gas hoods are respectively matched with the cathode sides of the stack.

[0010] Optionally, the two gas hoods are fixedly connected by a plurality of screw rods.

[0011] Optionally, the air hood is in a wedge-shaped structure with a pointed top end, and a cylindrical frame is installed on the top of the air hood.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom ends of the two gas hoods are fixedly connected to the boss by screws.

[0013] Optionally, a cushion block is provided on the stack, and the material of the cushion block is alumina.

[0014] The intake structure of the present application includes a furnace bottom plate, a stack and a gas hood. The stack is fixed on the furnace bottom plate. A plurality of hydrogen channels are formed in the furnace bottom plate. The sizes of the hydrogen channels are matched with the sizes of the hydrogen manifolds inside the stack, so that the plurality of hydrogen channels can be respectively connected with the hydrogen manifolds on the stack in a matching manner to prevent hydrogen from overflowing. The plurality of hydrogen channels are all communicated with the gas pipelines in the gas distribution cabinet, so that hydrogen can enter the furnace bottom plate, and further ensure that hydrogen can smoothly enter the stack, and thus flow between the furnace bottom plate and the stack. In order to enable air to flow into the stack evenly, two air holes are formed in the furnace bottom plate of the present application, and an air hood is fixedly installed outside the stack. The air hood is located on both sides of the two air holes. Through the air hood, an external manifold can be constructed to form a gas channel between the air holes and the cathode (air inlet) of the stack, thus forming a sealed air flow channel among the stack, the air hood and the furnace bottom plate. Through the air hood and the corresponding pipeline design, air can evenly enter the air hood and finally flow into the stack. Through this intake structure, it is ensured that air can evenly flow into and out of the stack, thereby solving the problem of uneven gas flow distribution during air intake of the SOC stack with an open air manifold in the bonding station. Description of the Drawings

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional SOC stack with a closed air manifold;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional SOC stack with an open air manifold;

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to the embodiment of the present application in the bonding station;

[0019] Figure 4 It is an exploded view of the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to the embodiment of the present application in the bonding station;

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of hydrogen in the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to the embodiment of the present application in the bonding station;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of air in the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to the embodiment of the present application in the bonding station;

[0022] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the air pipe in the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to the embodiment of the present application in the bonding station;

[0023] Figure 8 It is a simulation diagram of the fluid distribution in the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to Embodiment 1 of the present application in the bonding station;

[0024] Figure 9 It is a simulation diagram of the fluid distribution in the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to Embodiment 2 of the present application in the bonding station;

[0025] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of the air intake structure of the SOC stack according to Embodiment 5 of the present application in the bonding station.

[0026] Reference numerals:

[0027] 001 - Furnace bottom plate, 002 - Stack, 003 - Air hood, 004 - Screw, 005 - Spacer block, 101 - Air pipe, 201 - Cylindrical frame, 202 - Gas housing, 203 - Screw.

[0028] The realization, functional features, and advantages of the present application will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts belong to the scope protected by the present application.

[0030] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as left, right,...) in the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0031] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise clearly limited. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0032] Currently, the air manifolds of SOC stacks can be divided into two categories according to their air intake methods: closed air manifolds and open air manifolds. The closed air manifold, as Figure 1 shown, is to arrange the air manifold inside the connection body without contact with the outside world. For the closed manifold structure, the structure of the furnace is relatively simple. As long as the interfaces on the furnace bottom plate match the four-way manifolds (air inlet, air outlet, hydrogen inlet, hydrogen outlet) of the stack, and then the stack is pressed tightly on the bottom plate. For the open air manifold, as Figure 2 shown, is to arrange the air manifold outside the connection body. The air flow channels in the stack are directly connected to the environment. Air flows into the stack from the environment, and after reaction, it flows out of the stack again and enters the environment. For a stack with an open manifold, its fuel gas manifold is connected to the furnace bottom plate, and the structure of the furnace bottom plate is relatively complex, making it difficult to ensure that air enters the flow channels of each layer of the stack evenly during intake.

[0033] Next, the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0034] Embodiment 1

[0035] In view of the technical problems existing in the intake of the existing SOC stack, an embodiment of the present application provides an intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , it includes a furnace bottom plate 001, a stack 002 and a gas housing 003. The stack 002 is fixed on the furnace bottom plate 001. A plurality of hydrogen channels are provided on the furnace bottom plate 001. The plurality of hydrogen channels are respectively connected to the hydrogen manifolds on the stack 002 in a matching manner. The plurality of hydrogen channels are all communicated with the gas pipelines in the gas distribution cabinet. Two air holes are provided on the furnace bottom plate 001. An air hood 003 is fixedly installed outside the stack 002. The air hood 003 is located on both sides of the two air holes. A sealed air flow channel is formed among the stack 002, the air hood 003 and the furnace bottom plate 001.

[0036] In this embodiment, the intake structure includes a furnace bottom plate 001, a stack 002 and a gas housing 003. The stack 002 is fixed on the furnace bottom plate 001. A plurality of hydrogen channels are formed in the furnace bottom plate 001. The sizes of the hydrogen channels match the sizes of the hydrogen manifolds inside the stack 002, so that the plurality of hydrogen channels can be respectively connected to the hydrogen manifolds on the stack 002 in a matching manner, avoiding hydrogen leakage. The plurality of hydrogen channels are all communicated with the gas pipelines in the gas distribution cabinet, so that hydrogen can enter the furnace bottom plate 001, and further ensure that hydrogen can smoothly enter the stack 002, and thus flow between the furnace bottom plate 001 and the stack 002. In order to enable air to smoothly flow into the stack 002, two air holes are opened on the furnace bottom plate 001 in this embodiment, and an air hood 003 is fixedly installed outside the stack 002. The air hood 003 is located on both sides of the two air holes. Through the air hood 003, an external manifold can be constructed to form a gas channel between the air holes and the cathode (air inlet) of the stack 002, thus forming a sealed air flow channel among the stack 002, the air hood 003 and the furnace bottom plate 001. Through the air hood 003 and the corresponding pipeline design, air can evenly enter the air hood 003 and finally flow into the stack 002. Through this intake structure, it is ensured that air can evenly flow into and out of the stack 002, thus solving the problem of uneven gas flow distribution during intake in the bonding station of the SOC stack with an open air manifold.

[0037] During the specific implementation process, the flow of hydrogen in the stack 002 and the furnace bottom plate 001 is as shown in Figure 5As shown, hydrogen flows out of the gas distribution cabinet, enters the hydrogen channel in the furnace bottom plate 001 through the gas pipeline, then enters the fuel cell stack 002 through the hydrogen manifold, flows out of the other hydrogen manifold of the fuel cell stack 002, and flows out of the furnace bottom plate 001 through the hydrogen channel corresponding to this hydrogen manifold, so that hydrogen can smoothly enter the fuel cell stack 002.

[0038] In the specific implementation process, the flow of air in the fuel cell stack 002 and the furnace bottom plate 001 is as Figure 6 shown. Air enters the air hood 003 from one of the air holes in the furnace bottom plate 001, then evenly flows into the flow channels of each layer of the fuel cell stack 002, and then flows out from another air hole in the furnace bottom plate 001, so that air evenly enters the air hood 003 and finally flows into and out of the fuel cell stack 002, ensuring the uniform flow of air.

[0039] Embodiment 2

[0040] By performing fluid simulation on the intake structure in Embodiment 1 and analyzing the air distribution, it can be found that after air directly enters the air hood 003, two relatively large vortices will be generated, resulting in partial non-uniformity in the air distribution in the air hood 003, such that there is more air in some flow channels in the fuel cell stack 002 and less air in some other flow channels. The CFD simulation results are as Figure 8 shown.

[0041] Based on this, in order to further improve the uniformity of air distribution in the air hood 003, the embodiment of the present application provides an intake structure of an SOC fuel cell stack in a bonding station. Referring to Figure 7 , it is basically the same as the intake structure of the SOC fuel cell stack in the bonding station provided in Embodiment 1, and the main difference is that: two air pipes 101 are provided between the air hood 003 and the fuel cell stack 002, and the two air pipes 101 are respectively connected to the two air holes correspondingly.

[0042] In this embodiment, air dispersion holes are opened on both of the two air pipes 101. When opening the air dispersion holes, it is necessary to avoid facing the flow channels in the fuel cell stack 002 directly. Since the air flow rate in the flow channels facing the air dispersion holes will be much higher than that in other flow channels, in this embodiment, the air dispersion holes are set on the side of the air pipes 101 away from the flow channels in the fuel cell stack 002.

[0043] In the specific implementation process, air enters the air pipes 101 from the air holes in the furnace bottom plate 001, and the air is dispersed into the air hood 003 through the air dispersion holes on the air pipes 101, and finally flows into the flow channels of each layer in the fuel cell stack 002. By performing fluid simulation on the intake structure in this embodiment and analyzing the air distribution, the result is as Figure 9From the CFD simulation result diagram shown, it can be found that the fluid distribution is more uniform, improving the fluid distribution situation in Example 1 where two large vortices would be generated after the air directly flows into the air hood 003. This indicates that the air distribution in the air hood 003 in this embodiment is more uniform, thus determining the optimal air intake method so that the air can enter the flow channels of each layer in the stack 002 more evenly.

[0044] Example 3

[0045] Referring to Figure 4 , an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station provided by an embodiment of the present application is basically the same as the air intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station provided in Example 1. The main difference is that: a boss is provided on the furnace bottom plate 001, the boss is matched with the bottom of the stack 002, and a plurality of the hydrogen channels are all opened on the boss, and the diameters of the plurality of hydrogen channels are all smaller than the pipe diameter of the hydrogen manifold.

[0046] In this embodiment, a boss is provided on the furnace bottom plate 001, and the boss is matched with the bottom of the stack 002, so that the boss can be used to place and position the stack 002. For mating connection with the stack 002, the hydrogen channels are opened on the boss, and the diameters of the hydrogen channels are all smaller than the pipe diameter of the hydrogen manifold, so that a plurality of hydrogen channels can be respectively connected with the hydrogen manifold on the stack 002 to prevent hydrogen from overflowing.

[0047] Example 4

[0048] Referring to Figure 4 , an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station provided by an embodiment of the present application is basically the same as the air intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station provided in Example 3. The main difference is that: the air hood 003 includes two gas hood shells 202, and the two gas hood shells 202 are symmetrically installed outside the stack 002.

[0049] In this embodiment, the openings of the two gas hood shells 202 are respectively matched with the cathode sides of the stack 002. The two gas hood shells 202 are fixedly connected by a plurality of screws 004.

[0050] Specifically, the air hood 003 includes two gas hoods 202. By symmetrically installing the two gas hoods 202 outside the stack 002, and making the opening area of the gas hood 202 equal to the area of the cathode side of the stack 002, an external manifold can be constructed between the gas hood 202 and the stack 002, forming a gas channel for the air holes and the cathode of the stack 002. The two gas hoods 202 are fixedly connected by a plurality of screws 004. The screws 004 are preferably set to 4, with two provided on each side of the gas hood 202. The two gas hoods 202 can be fixed and tightly connected by the 4 screws 004, and the screws 004 are also convenient for disassembly, thus facilitating the installation and disassembly of the two gas hoods 202.

[0051] Embodiment 5

[0052] Refer to Figure 10 , the embodiment of the present application provides an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station, which is basically the same as the air intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station provided in Embodiment 4. The main difference is that: the air hood 003 is a wedge-shaped structure with a pointed top, and a cylindrical frame 201 is installed on the top of the air hood 003.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bottom ends of the two gas hoods 202 are fixedly connected to the boss by screws 203.

[0054] In the specific implementation process, in Embodiment 4, the two gas hoods 202 are tightly connected by screws 004. However, in the high-temperature working environment in the furnace, there is a risk of thread failure. After the thread fails, the screw 004 can only be destructively removed, which greatly increases the production cost. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air hood 003 is set as a wedge-shaped structure with a pointed top. It has a pointed structure at the top, and a cylindrical frame 201 is installed in the pointed area. By using the gravity of the cylindrical frame 201 itself, an inward force can be formed on the inclined side of the pointed corner, thereby fixing the gas hood 202. The bottom end of the gas hood 202 is fixedly connected to the boss by rotating the screw 203, so as to fixedly install the gas hood 202 on the furnace bottom plate 001. Moreover, the replacement of the screw 203 is simpler and more convenient than that of the screw 004, making the installation and disassembly of the gas hood 202 more convenient.

[0055] Embodiment 6

[0056] Refer to Figure 4 , the embodiment of the present application provides an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station, which is basically the same as the air intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station provided in Embodiment 1. The main difference is that: a spacer 005 is provided on the stack 002, and the material of the spacer 005 is alumina.

[0057] In this embodiment, when installing the stack 002 in the bonding station, a vertically downward pressing force needs to be applied to the stack 002. To avoid abrasion of the stack 002 by the pressing mechanism and make the pressing force more evenly distributed on the stack 002, a spacer 005 is installed between the pressing mechanism and the stack 002, so that the pressing force can be applied more evenly on the stack. The spacer 005 is made of alumina, has high insulation and wear resistance, stable chemical properties and is relatively inexpensive.

[0058] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides an air intake structure of an SOC stack in a bonding station, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0059] In the present application, the stack 002 is fixed on the furnace bottom plate 001. A plurality of hydrogen channels are provided in the furnace bottom plate 001, and the sizes of the hydrogen channels match the sizes of the hydrogen manifolds inside the stack 002, so that the plurality of hydrogen channels can be respectively connected to the hydrogen manifolds on the stack 002 to prevent hydrogen from overflowing. The plurality of hydrogen channels are all connected to the gas pipelines in the gas distribution cabinet, so that hydrogen can enter the furnace bottom plate 001, and then ensure that hydrogen can smoothly enter the stack 002, thereby flowing between the furnace bottom plate 001 and the stack 002. Two air holes are provided in the furnace bottom plate 001 to allow air to smoothly flow into the stack 002. An air hood 003 is fixedly installed outside the stack 002, and the air hood 003 is located on both sides of the two air holes. Through the air hood 003, an external manifold can be constructed to form a gas channel between the air holes and the cathode (air inlet) of the stack 002, thus forming a closed air flow channel among the stack 002, the air hood 003 and the furnace bottom plate 001. Through the air hood 003 and the corresponding pipeline design, air can evenly enter the air hood 003 and finally flow into the stack 002. Through this air intake structure, the uniformity of the air distribution in the air hood 003 is ensured, so that air can evenly flow into and out of the stack 002, thereby improving the uniform fluidity of air in each flow channel of the stack 002, and solving the problem of uneven gas flow distribution when the SOC stack with an open air manifold intakes air in the bonding station.

[0060] The above are only optional embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the patent scope of the present application accordingly. Any equivalent structural transformation made under the inventive concept of the present application by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present application, or any direct / indirect application in other related technical fields shall be included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An air intake structure of a SOC stack in a bonding station, characterized in that, It includes a furnace bottom plate, an electrolyzer stack, and a gas housing. The electrolyzer stack is fixed on the furnace bottom plate. Multiple hydrogen channels are provided on the furnace bottom plate. The multiple hydrogen channels are respectively connected to a hydrogen manifold on the electrolyzer stack in a matching manner. The multiple hydrogen channels are all connected to a gas pipeline in a gas distribution cabinet. Two air holes are provided on the furnace bottom plate. An air hood is fixedly installed outside the electrolyzer stack. The air hood is located on both sides of the two air holes. A sealed air flow channel is formed among the electrolyzer stack, the air hood, and the furnace bottom plate. The air hood includes two gas housings. The two gas housings are symmetrically installed outside the electrolyzer stack. Two air pipes are provided between the air hood and the electrolyzer stack. The two air pipes are respectively connected to the two air holes in a corresponding manner. Air dispersion holes are provided on both of the two air pipes. The air dispersion holes are arranged on the side of the air pipes far from the flow channels in the electrolyzer stack. A boss is provided on the furnace bottom plate. The boss is matched with the bottom of the electrolyzer stack. The multiple hydrogen channels are all provided on the boss. The diameters of the multiple hydrogen channels are all smaller than the pipe diameter of the hydrogen manifold.

2. The intake structure of the SOC stack according to claim 1 in the bonding station, characterized in that, The openings of the two gas housings are respectively matched with the cathode sides of the electrolyzer stack.

3. The intake structure of the SOC stack according to claim 1 in the bonding station, characterized in that, The two gas housings are fixedly connected by multiple screws.

4. The intake structure of the SOC stack according to claim 1 in the bonding station, characterized in that, The air hood is a wedge-shaped structure with a pointed top. A cylindrical frame is installed on the top of the air hood.

5. The intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottoms of the two gas housings are both fixedly connected to the boss by screws.

6. The intake structure of the SOC stack in the bonding station according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cushion block is provided on the electrolyzer stack. The material of the cushion block is alumina.

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