A metal bipolar plate suitable for high performance high power fuel cells

Abstract

The application provides a metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance high-power fuel cells, relates to the field of bipolar plates, and comprises two first bipolar plates, one end of each of the two first bipolar plates is provided with a turned-over second bipolar plate, and a turnable third bipolar plate is arranged between the two first bipolar plates, a plurality of first flow channels are formed in the first bipolar plate, and a plurality of third flow channels are formed in the third bipolar plate. Through the arrangement of the turnable second bipolar plate and the third bipolar plate, the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate and the third bipolar plate can form metal bipolar plates with straight flow channels, serpentine flow channels, straight point flow channels and serpentine point flow channels in different matching relationships, the adaptability is improved, and when the metal bipolar plates with different flow channels are formed, the heat generated by the metal bipolar plates changes, the heat dissipation capacity of the metal bipolar plates also changes correspondingly, and the adaptability is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bipolar plates, and in particular to a metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] Bipolar plates, also known as current collectors, are key components of fuel cells. They have the following functions and properties: they separate fuel and oxidant, preventing gas permeation; they collect and conduct current with high conductivity; they have well-designed and engineered flow channels that evenly distribute gas to the electrode reaction layers for reaction; they dissipate heat to maintain a uniform battery temperature; they are corrosion-resistant, shock-resistant, and vibration-resistant; they are thin and lightweight; and they are low-cost, easy to machine, and suitable for mass production.

[0003] At present, the flow channel shapes of most metal bipolar plates are usually determined during the production process. Different flow channels have different functions. For example, point flow channels, direct flow channels and serpentine flow channels all have different characteristics. However, different high-performance and high-power fuel cells require different metal bipolar plates in different usage scenarios. Therefore, metal bipolar plates that cannot change the flow channel style cannot adapt to high-performance and high-power fuel cells in different scenarios and have poor adaptability.

[0004] Therefore, we have made improvements to this and proposed a metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to address the problem that the current metal bipolar plates whose flow channel patterns cannot be changed cannot be adapted to high-performance and high-power fuel cells in different scenarios and have poor adaptability.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention provides a metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells to improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] The specific application is as follows:

[0008] It comprises two first bipolar plates, one end of each of the two first bipolar plates is provided with a flipped second bipolar plate, and a flippable third bipolar plate is provided between the two first bipolar plates;

[0009] The first bipolar plate is provided with a plurality of first flow channels, the third bipolar plate is provided with a plurality of third flow channels, and a second flow channel is provided on one side of the top of the second bipolar plate. By arranging a reversible second bipolar plate and a third bipolar plate, the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate and the third bipolar plate can form metal bipolar plates with direct flow channels, serpentine flow channels, direct flow point flow channels and serpentine point flow channels under different matching relationships, thereby improving adaptability. Moreover, when metal bipolar plates with different flow channels are formed, the heat generated by the metal bipolar plates changes, and the heat dissipation capacity of the metal bipolar plates also changes accordingly, thereby further improving adaptability.

[0010] As the preferred technical solution of this application, a plurality of arc flow channels used in conjunction with the first flow channels are opened on the top of the two second bipolar plates. By designing the arc flow channels, a serpentine flow channel metal bipolar plate can be formed in conjunction with the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a plurality of fourth flow channels are provided at the bottom of the second bipolar plate for use in conjunction with the first flow channels. By designing the fourth flow channels, when the fourth flow channels turn upward, they can cooperate with the first flow channels to form a metal bipolar plate with a direct flow channel. When they turn downward, they can cooperate with the fifth flow channels to form a heat dissipation channel for the circulation of coolant.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a plurality of columns are fixedly connected to the bottom of the third bipolar plate for use in conjunction with the first flow channel. By setting the columns, the third bipolar plate can be turned and cooperated with the first flow channel to form a metal bipolar plate with a direct current point flow channel or a serpentine point flow channel.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a plurality of arc-shaped grooves are provided on one side of the top of the first bipolar plate, the bottom end of the arc-shaped groove is fixedly connected to a limiting circular block, and the circumferential side of the limiting circular block is provided with a first connecting ring and a second connecting ring for limiting the flipping of the second bipolar plate.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a sliding groove is provided at the bottom of the first connecting ring and the second connecting ring, and a connecting rod is connected to the inside of the sliding groove through a spring, and the bottom ends of the two connecting rods are fixedly connected to the bottom ends of the arc groove and the inside of the arc flow channel respectively.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a plurality of semicircular grooves for inserting limiting round blocks are provided at the bottom end of the second bipolar plate.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a plurality of arc-shaped slots for inserting the second connecting ring are opened on one side of the bottom end of the first bipolar plate.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, a plurality of fifth flow channels are provided at the bottom of the first bipolar plate for use in conjunction with the fourth flow channel, the second flow channel and the column for heat dissipation. By setting the fifth flow channel, the fourth flow channel, the second flow channel and the column, the second bipolar plate and the third bipolar plate are rotated. When different flow channels are formed, the shape of the heat dissipation channel formed by the fifth flow channel, the fourth flow channel, the second flow channel and the column also changes accordingly. The heat dissipation effect is changed according to the characteristics of different flow channels, which is more targeted and adaptable.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, movable rods are inserted and connected on both sides of the third bipolar plate through springs, and one end of the movable rod passes through the middle of the first bipolar plate and is fixedly connected to one side of the second bipolar plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the separation structure of the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate and the third bipolar plate of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second bipolar plate structure of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting ring and the second connecting ring of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided by this application;

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the front and back structures of the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate, and the third bipolar plate in the first embodiment of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the front and back structures of the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate, and the third bipolar plate in the second embodiment of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the front and back structures of the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate, and the third bipolar plate in the third embodiment of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided by the present application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the front and back structures of the first bipolar plate, the second bipolar plate and the third bipolar plate in the fourth embodiment of the metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells provided in this application.

[0027] Indicated in the figure:

[0028] 1. First bipolar plate; 2. Second bipolar plate; 3. Third bipolar plate; 4. First flow channel; 5. Second flow channel; 6. Third flow channel; 7. Arc-shaped flow channel; 8. Fourth flow channel; 9. Column; 10. Arc-shaped groove; 11. Limiting circle; 12. First connecting ring; 13. Second connecting ring; 14. Slide; 15. Connecting rod; 16. Semicircular groove; 17. Arc-shaped slot; 18. Movable rod; 19. Fifth flow channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] As described in the background art, metal bipolar plates whose flow channel patterns cannot be changed cannot be adapted to high-performance, high-power fuel cells in different scenarios, and have a problem of poor adaptability.

[0031] In order to solve this technical problem, the present invention provides a metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells, which is applied in the field of bipolar plates.

[0032] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1-6 The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells specifically includes:

[0033] It comprises two first bipolar plates 1, one end of each of the two first bipolar plates 1 is provided with a flipped second bipolar plate 2, and a flippable third bipolar plate 3 is provided between the two first bipolar plates 1;

[0034] A plurality of first flow channels 4 are provided on the first bipolar plate 1, a plurality of third flow channels 6 are provided on the third bipolar plate 3, and a second flow channel 5 is provided on one side of the top of the second bipolar plate 2. By arranging the reversible second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3, the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 can form metal bipolar plates with direct flow channels, serpentine flow channels, direct flow point flow channels and serpentine point flow channels under different matching relationships, thereby improving adaptability. Moreover, when metal bipolar plates with different flow channels are formed, the heat generated by the metal bipolar plates changes, and the heat dissipation capacity of the metal bipolar plates also changes accordingly, thereby further improving adaptability.

[0035] A plurality of arcuate flow channels 7 for use with the first flow channels 4 are provided on the top of the two second bipolar plates 2. By designing the arcuate flow channels 7, a serpentine flow channel metal bipolar plate can be formed in conjunction with the first flow channels 4 and the second flow channels 5.

[0036] A plurality of fourth flow channels 8 for use with the first flow channels 4 are provided at the bottom of the second bipolar plate 2. By designing the fourth flow channels 8, when the fourth flow channels 8 turn upward, they cooperate with the first flow channels 4 to form a metal bipolar plate with a direct flow channel. When they turn downward, they can cooperate with the fifth flow channels 19 to form a heat dissipation channel for the circulation of coolant.

[0037] The bottom of the third bipolar plate 3 is fixedly connected to a plurality of columns 9 used in conjunction with the first flow channel 4. By setting the columns 9, the third bipolar plate 3 can be turned and cooperated with the first flow channel 4 to form a metal bipolar plate with a direct current point flow channel or a serpentine point flow channel.

[0038] A plurality of arcuate grooves 10 are provided on one side of the top of the first bipolar plate 1, and a limiting circular block 11 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the arcuate groove 10. A first connecting ring 12 and a second connecting ring 13 are provided on the circumferential side of the limiting circular block 11 for limiting the flipping of the second bipolar plate 2. By providing the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13, people can rotate the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13 so that the second bipolar plate 2 can be pulled out of the first bipolar plate 1 or cannot be separated from the first bipolar plate 1, thereby playing a role in limiting the second bipolar plate 2.

[0039] The bottom of the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13 are both provided with a slide groove 14, and the interior of the slide groove 14 is connected to a connecting rod 15 through a spring (the spring is not drawn in the figure). The bottom ends of the two connecting rods 15 are fixedly connected to the bottom ends of the arc groove 10 and the arc flow channel 7 respectively. By setting the slide groove 14 and the connecting rod 15, when the second bipolar plate 2 completes the rotation, the two first connecting rings 12 and the second connecting rings 13 can be merged together and screwed into the interior of the arc flow channel 7 and the arc groove 10 respectively to wrap the limiting round block 11, thereby limiting the movement and flipping of the second bipolar plate 2.

[0040] The bottom end of the second bipolar plate 2 is provided with a plurality of semicircular grooves 16 for inserting the limiting circular blocks 11. Through the semicircular grooves 16, the limiting circular blocks 11 will not restrict the second bipolar plate 2 after the second bipolar plate 2 is flipped over, and the first connecting ring 12 on the first bipolar plate 1 can be pushed into the arc-shaped groove 10, so that the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 can form a complete direct current flow channel metal bipolar plate.

[0041] One side of the bottom end of the first bipolar plate 1 is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped slots 17 for inserting the second connecting rings 13. By providing the arc-shaped slots 17, after the second bipolar plate 2 is flipped over, the second connecting rings 13 on the second bipolar plate 2 are inserted into the interior of the arc-shaped slots 17, thereby limiting the flipping and movement of the second bipolar plate 2.

[0042] A plurality of fifth flow channels 19 for use in conjunction with the fourth flow channels 8, the second flow channels 5 and the columns 9 for heat dissipation are provided at the bottom of the first bipolar plate 1. By providing the fifth flow channels 19, the fourth flow channels 8, the second flow channels 5 and the columns 9, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 are rotated. When different flow channels are formed, the shape of the heat dissipation channel formed by the fifth flow channels 19, the fourth flow channels 8, the second flow channels 5 and the columns 9 also changes accordingly. The heat dissipation effect is changed according to the characteristics of different flow channels, which is more targeted and adaptable.

[0043] Both sides of the inside of the third bipolar plate 3 are connected with movable rods 18 through springs. One end of the movable rod 18 passes through the middle of the first bipolar plate 1 and is fixedly connected to one side of the second bipolar plate 2. The adjacent sides of the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 are provided with anti-slip grooves. By providing the movable rod 18 and the spring, the third bipolar plate 3 and the second bipolar plate 2 can be rotated respectively, and under the action of the spring, the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 can also be spliced ​​into a complete metal bipolar plate.

[0044] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features and technical solutions therein may be combined with each other.

[0046] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0047] Example 1, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5The metal bipolar plate in this embodiment is a direct flow channel metal bipolar plate (it should be noted that the direct flow channel usually has a shorter flow channel length and fewer bends, resulting in a faster fluid flow speed and a shorter residence time of the fluid in the flow channel. In terms of heat generation, if the fluid flow speed is too fast, it is easy to cause insufficient diffusion of the reactants in the flow channel, thereby affecting the reaction efficiency and heat generation of the battery or equipment. In terms of heat dissipation, the structure of the direct flow channel may be conducive to the rapid transfer and dissipation of heat, because the fluid can flow more smoothly and take away heat. The serpentine flow channel has a longer flow channel length and multiple bends, which helps to increase the residence time of the fluid in the flow channel, so that the reactants can diffuse and react more fully, thereby potentially generating more heat. In addition, the design of the serpentine flow channel also helps to improve the heat conduction efficiency, because the fluid will continuously interact with the The flow channel walls contact and exchange heat, direct current point flow channels and serpentine point flow channels usually have point-distributed flow channels. This structure leads to uneven fluid distribution, and the fluid flow rate in local areas is too fast or too slow. In terms of heat generation, the point flow channels may affect the reaction efficiency and heat generation due to the uneven fluid distribution. At the same time, the heat dissipation effect of the point flow channels may also be affected by the fluid distribution and flow characteristics). The metal bipolar plate of the direct current flow channel has the fastest fluid speed and the smallest heat generation. Therefore, in order to avoid the loss of coolant and increase the absorption time of the coolant heat, the heat dissipation channel of the coolant adopts a combination of the second flow channel 5, the fifth flow channel 19, the column 9 and the arc flow channel 7, so that the coolant stays on the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 for a long time, so that the coolant can fully absorb the heat and discharge it without using too much coolant;

[0048] In terms of adjustment method, refer to Figure 1 , first rotate the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13, rotate 90 degrees, so that the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13 can be separated, pull the two second bipolar plates 2 to both sides, rotate 180 degrees, and loosen the two second bipolar plates 2. Figure 5 As shown, the semicircular groove 16 wraps around the limiting circular block 11, and the second connecting ring 13 on the second bipolar plate 2 is inserted into the arc-shaped slot 17, thereby forming a multi-channel direct current channel on the top of the metal bipolar plate and a serpentine point-shaped heat dissipation channel on the bottom.

[0049] Example 2, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6The metal bipolar plate in this embodiment is a serpentine flow channel metal bipolar plate. The heat generation of the serpentine flow channel is higher than that of the direct flow channel metal bipolar plate. In terms of heat dissipation, multiple direct current plus point-shaped heat dissipation channels are adopted. Due to the disordered characteristics of the point-shaped channels, the residence time of multiple streams of coolant on the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 is long, which allows the coolant to fully absorb heat, and the heat dissipation efficiency is higher than the heat dissipation method in Example 1. In terms of adjustment, Figure 1 For example, no adjustment is required.

[0050] Example 3, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 7 The metal bipolar plate in this embodiment is a direct current point flow channel metal bipolar plate. The heat generation of the direct current point flow channel metal bipolar plate is higher than that of the direct current flow channel metal bipolar plate, but lower than that of the serpentine flow channel metal bipolar plate. In terms of heat dissipation, a serpentine channel is adopted to allow the coolant to flow stably while increasing the residence time of the coolant on the first bipolar plate 1, the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3. The amount of coolant introduced is less than that of the serpentine flow channel metal bipolar plate. The heat dissipation efficiency is higher than that of the metal bipolar plate in Example 1 and lower than that of the metal bipolar plate in Example 2. In terms of adjustment, Figure 1 For reference, first rotate the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13 by 90 degrees to separate the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13, pull the two second bipolar plates 2 to both sides, rotate the second bipolar plate 2 and the third bipolar plate 3 by 180 degrees, and loosen the two second bipolar plates 2. Figure 7 As shown, the semicircular groove 16 wraps around the limiting circular block 11 , and the second connecting ring 13 on the second bipolar plate 2 is inserted into the arc-shaped slot 17 .

[0051] Example 4, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 8 The metal bipolar plate in this embodiment is a serpentine point flow channel metal bipolar plate. This bipolar plate is the tallest among the four bipolar plates. Therefore, a multi-channel DC heat dissipation channel is used in the heat dissipation method to increase the flow rate of the coolant and the efficiency of taking away heat. In terms of the adjustment method, Figure 1 For reference, first rotate the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13 by 90 degrees to separate the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13, pull the two second bipolar plates 2 to both sides, rotate the third bipolar plate 3 by 180 degrees, and loosen the two second bipolar plates 2. Figure 8 As shown, the first connecting ring 12 and the second connecting ring 13 are rotated 90 degrees to wrap the limiting circular block 11.

[0052] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0053] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are given in the accompanying drawings, but they do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the understanding of the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and comprehensive. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, for those skilled in the art, it is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned specific embodiments, or to make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. Any equivalent structure made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings, directly or indirectly used in other related technical fields, is also within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells, characterized in that: Comprising two first bipolar plates (1), one end of each of the two first bipolar plates (1) is provided with a flipped second bipolar plate (2), and a flippable third bipolar plate (3) is provided between the two first bipolar plates (1); The first bipolar plate (1) is provided with a plurality of first flow channels (4), the third bipolar plate (3) is provided with a plurality of third flow channels (6), and a second flow channel (5) is provided on one side of the top of the second bipolar plate (2).

2. A metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of arc-shaped flow channels (7) used in conjunction with the first flow channels (4) are provided on the tops of the two second bipolar plates (2).

3. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of fourth flow channels (8) used in conjunction with the first flow channels (4) are provided at the bottom of the second bipolar plate (2).

4. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of columns (9) used in conjunction with the first flow channel (4) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the third bipolar plate (3).

5. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of arcuate grooves (10) are provided on one side of the top end of the first bipolar plate (1), a limiting circular block (11) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the arcuate groove (10), and a first connecting ring (12) and a second connecting ring (13) for limiting the flipping of the second bipolar plate (2) are provided on the circumferential side of the limiting circular block (11).

6. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottoms of the first connecting ring (12) and the second connecting ring (13) are both provided with a sliding groove (14), the interior of the sliding groove (14) is connected to a connecting rod (15) via a spring, and the bottom ends of the two connecting rods (15) are fixedly connected to the bottom ends of the arc groove (10) and the arc flow channel (7) respectively.

7. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom end of the second bipolar plate (2) is provided with a plurality of semicircular grooves (16) for inserting the limiting circular blocks (11).

8. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 7, characterized in that: One side of the bottom end of the first bipolar plate (1) is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped slots (17) for inserting the second connecting ring (13).

9. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 8, characterized in that: A plurality of fifth flow channels (19) for use in conjunction with the fourth flow channels (8), the second flow channels (5) and the columns (9) and for heat dissipation are provided at the bottom of the first bipolar plate (1).

10. The metal bipolar plate suitable for high-performance and high-power fuel cells according to claim 9, characterized in that: Both sides of the interior of the third bipolar plate (3) are connected with movable rods (18) through springs, and one end of the movable rod (18) passes through the middle of the first bipolar plate (1) and is fixedly connected to one side of the second bipolar plate (2).

Images