Roll-shaped fuel cell, preparation method thereof and fuel cell stack

Abstract

The invention relates to a roll-shaped fuel cell, a preparation method thereof and a fuel cell stack. The roll-shaped fuel cell comprises a fixed core rod, an anode roll core, a cathode roll core, a proton exchange membrane and a gas supply pipeline, wherein catalyst layers are attached to the two sides of the proton exchange membrane; the anode roll core, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode roll core are sequentially stacked and wound on the fixed core rod; the anode roll core comprises an anode current collector and an anode gas diffusion layer, and the cathode roll core comprises a cathode current collector and a cathode gas diffusion layer; the gas supply pipeline comprises a hydrogen supply pipe and an oxygen supply pipe, the hydrogen supply pipe is communicated with the anode gas diffusion layer, and the oxygen supply pipe is communicated with the cathode gas diffusion layer. Compared with the prior art, the fuel cell stack has the advantages that the contact pressure uniformity of the gas diffusion layer and the proton exchange membrane in the stack is improved, the energy density and the power density of the fuel cell are improved, and the heat dissipation capability of the fuel cell stack is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and in particular to a rolled fuel cell, a preparation method thereof, and a fuel cell stack. Background Art

[0002] As a new energy conversion technology with significant development prospects, the core working principle of fuel cells is based on electrochemical principles. This device can achieve continuous power generation under the conditions of continuous supply of reactants and continuous removal of reaction products. In the specific application scenario where hydrogen is used as a reactant, the only byproduct produced by the reaction process is water, which shows the excellent performance of fuel cells in environmental protection. Compared with traditional energy systems that rely on fossil fuels, fuel cells provide a cleaner and more sustainable energy solution. This characteristic of fuel cells, especially when hydrogen is used as an energy carrier, not only reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, but also helps promote the green transformation of the energy industry. In addition, the high energy conversion efficiency and low operating noise of fuel cells make them show a wide range of application potential in many fields, including but not limited to transportation, fixed power generation and portable power systems. With the increasing global attention to reducing carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency, the development and application prospects of fuel cell technology are widely optimistic and are expected to play an important role in the future energy market.

[0003] However, the commercialization process of fuel cell technology is a complex and multidimensional challenge, which is jointly influenced by the "pull" of socio-economic needs and the "push" of technological innovation. The interaction of these two driving forces aims to achieve the optimal balance between performance and cost, while taking into account the sustainable development goals of society, economy and environment. In this context, the reduction of capital cost and operating cost of fuel cell power generation system is the key factor for its commercial success, which requires competitiveness with existing energy conversion technologies. To achieve this goal, one of the focuses of research and development of fuel cell technology is to optimize reactor design. Innovation in reactor design can reduce the use of materials, simplify the manufacturing process, and adapt to recycling, thereby reducing overall manufacturing and maintenance costs. The design of fuel cell systems needs to be optimized in terms of size, weight and complexity to adapt to diverse application scenarios and market needs. This includes the optimization of fuel cell stacks and improvements to the main subsystems that constitute the balance of plant, such as hydrogen supply system, air management system and thermal management system. The integration and optimization of these subsystems are crucial to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of the overall system. At present, the technical and economic challenges facing fuel cell technology are driving the rapid development of this field. Researchers and engineers are working to solve difficult problems in materials science, system integration, manufacturing processes and supply chain management. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, fuel cell technology is expected to realize its commercialization potential and contribute to global energy transformation and sustainable development.

[0004] Although traditional fuel cells have the advantages of high energy conversion rate, clean and environmental protection, no pollutants and greenhouse gases, good stability, good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, their high manufacturing and maintenance costs and low flexibility make it difficult to adapt to different complex scenarios. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously study and improve the reactor structure design of fuel cells. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rolled fuel cell and a preparation method thereof and a fuel cell stack, so as to improve the energy density and power density of the fuel cell.

[0006] The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solution: a rolled fuel cell, comprising a fixed core rod, an anode roll core, a cathode roll core, a proton exchange membrane with catalyst layers attached on both sides, and a gas supply pipeline;

[0007] The anode winding core, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode winding core are stacked in sequence and wound on a fixed core rod;

[0008] The anode winding core comprises an anode current collector and an anode gas diffusion layer, and the cathode winding core comprises a cathode current collector and a cathode gas diffusion layer;

[0009] The gas supply pipeline comprises a hydrogen gas supply pipe and an oxygen gas supply pipe. The hydrogen gas supply pipe is communicated with the anode gas diffusion layer, and the oxygen gas supply pipe is communicated with the cathode gas diffusion layer.

[0010] Preferably, the anode current collector is a polymer membrane with a metal conductive coating on one side (facing the anode gas diffusion layer), and the cathode current collector is a polymer membrane with a metal conductive coating on one side (facing the cathode gas diffusion layer);

[0011] The anode current collector, the anode gas diffusion layer, the proton exchange membrane, the cathode gas diffusion layer and the cathode current collector are arranged in sequence.

[0012] In the present invention, catalyst layers are attached to both sides of the proton exchange membrane and sandwiched between the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer.

[0013] Preferably, the anode gas diffusion layer is made of porous foam metal.

[0014] Preferably, the cathode gas diffusion layer is made of porous foam metal.

[0015] Preferably, the catalytic layer material attached to both sides of the proton exchange membrane is a carbon-supported platinum coating.

[0016] Preferably, the gas supply pipeline is arranged at the end of the winding structure formed by winding the anode winding core, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode winding core and is connected to the gas source.

[0017] Further preferably, the hydrogen supply pipe comprises a hydrogen supply coil and a hydrogen supply end pipe connected to each other, the hydrogen supply coil is in a coil shape matching the anode winding core, and is provided with a hydrogen through hole connected to the anode gas diffusion layer near the anode winding core;

[0018] The oxygen supply pipe comprises a connected oxygen supply coil and an oxygen supply end pipe. The oxygen supply coil is in a coil shape matching the cathode winding core and is provided with an oxygen through hole connected to the cathode gas diffusion layer near the cathode winding core.

[0019] More preferably, the hydrogen supply pipe is provided with a plurality of hydrogen through holes at intervals, and the oxygen supply pipe is provided with a plurality of oxygen through holes at intervals.

[0020] More preferably, an end cap is provided at the end of the winding structure, and a hydrogen interface and an oxygen interface are provided on the end cap.

[0021] Preferably, the hydrogen gas supply end pipe is communicated with the hydrogen interface, and the oxygen gas supply end pipe is communicated with the oxygen interface.

[0022] Preferably, the hydrogen interface is located at a side away from the winding structure, and the oxygen interface is located at a side close to the winding structure.

[0023] More preferably, the anode gas diffusion layer is provided with a sealing strip on the side close to the hydrogen through hole, and the cathode gas diffusion layer is provided with a sealing strip on the side close to the oxygen through hole.

[0024] Preferably, the rolled fuel cell further comprises an exhaust pipe, the exhaust pipe comprises a hydrogen exhaust pipe and an oxygen exhaust pipe, the hydrogen exhaust pipe is connected to the anode gas diffusion layer, and the oxygen exhaust pipe is connected to the cathode gas diffusion layer.

[0025] Further preferably, the hydrogen exhaust pipe and the hydrogen supply pipe are respectively arranged at two ends of a winding structure formed by winding the anode winding core, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode winding core.

[0026] Further preferably, the oxygen exhaust pipe and the oxygen supply pipe are respectively arranged at two ends of the winding structure formed by winding the anode core, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode core.

[0027] A method for preparing the above-mentioned rolled fuel cell comprises the following steps:

[0028] S1: stacking the anode core, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode core in sequence, and tightly winding them using a fixed core rod to obtain a winding structure;

[0029] S2: Install sealing strips at both ends of the winding structure;

[0030] S3: Install air supply pipes and exhaust pipes at both ends of the winding structure;

[0031] S4: Install end caps at both ends of the winding structure.

[0032] A fuel cell stack, comprising the above-mentioned rolled fuel cell, and also comprising a box wall and end plates arranged at the upper and lower ends of the box wall;

[0033] The plurality of rolled fuel cells are arranged on the inner side of the box wall and are connected to the end plates at both ends respectively. The end plates can separate adjacent rolled fuel cells. The upper and lower end plates are connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

[0034] Preferably, the gas inlet includes a hydrogen inlet and an air inlet.

[0035] Preferably, the gas outlet includes a hydrogen outlet and an air outlet.

[0036] Further preferably, a hydrogen distribution plate cavity and an air distribution plate cavity are formed in the end plate through a hydrogen distribution plate and an air distribution plate respectively;

[0037] The hydrogen distribution plate cavity is connected to the hydrogen supply pipe and the hydrogen inlet, or connected to the hydrogen exhaust pipe and the hydrogen outlet;

[0038] The air distribution plate cavity is communicated with the oxygen supply pipe and the air inlet, or is communicated with the oxygen exhaust pipe and the air outlet.

[0039] More preferably, the hydrogen distribution plate cavity is connected to the hydrogen supply pipe through a hydrogen interface.

[0040] More preferably, the air distribution plate cavity is connected to the oxygen supply pipe through an oxygen interface.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0042] 1. Compact and lightweight: The roll-shaped design allows the fuel cell to have a higher energy density within the same volume. This design can usually reduce the overall volume and weight of the fuel cell, making it more suitable for applications where space is limited or lightweight is required, such as portable devices, drones, and electric vehicles.

[0043] 2. Reduced manufacturing costs: Rolled fuel cells can use continuous production processes, such as roll-to-roll manufacturing technology. This technology can significantly reduce production costs and increase production efficiency, making the fuel cell manufacturing process more economical and efficient.

[0044] 3. Improved thermal management: The roll-up design helps improve the thermal management capabilities of the fuel cell. Due to its structural characteristics, the roll-up fuel cell is usually more uniform in internal heat distribution and heat dissipation than traditional flat fuel cells, which helps to extend the life of the fuel cell and improve its performance.

[0045] 4. Structural strength and durability: Rolled fuel cells generally have higher structural strength and are better able to resist mechanical stress and vibration. This feature makes them more reliable for use in harsh environments, such as in aerospace and military fields.

[0046] 5. Modular design: Roll-shaped fuel cell units are easy to design and expand in a modular way. The capacity and output of the fuel cell can be flexibly adjusted by adjusting the length and number of layers of the roll to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0047] 6. Higher power density: The roll-shaped design can optimize the contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and the power density of the fuel cell. This means that at the same volume, the roll-shaped fuel cell can output more power.

[0048] 7. Easy maintenance: The present invention has a simple structure, a light and reasonable design, and is convenient for maintenance and replacement of accessories.

[0049] 8. The rolled fuel cell of the present invention exhibits significant advantages in terms of compactness, cost-effectiveness, thermal management, structural strength, modular design and power density, making it a strong competitor to traditional fuel cells in many applications.

[0050] 9. The present invention can improve the uniformity of the contact pressure of the gas diffusion layer and the proton exchange membrane inside the fuel cell stack, and enhance the heat dissipation capacity of the fuel cell stack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the roll-shaped fuel cell of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a rolled fuel cell of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 is a winding schematic diagram of a rolled fuel cell of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the roll-shaped fuel cell of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of

[0056] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the upper end pipeline of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the lower end pipeline of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a fuel cell stack of the present invention;

[0059] Fig. 9 A front half-section view of a fuel cell stack of the present invention;

[0060] Fig.10 It is a partial enlarged view of the fuel cell stack of the present invention;

[0061] Fig.11 A top view of the fuel cell stack of the present invention (without the upper end cover plate and the gas distribution plate);

[0062] In the figure: 1-rolled fuel cell, 11-fixed core rod, 12-anode roll core, 121-anode current collector, 122-anode gas diffusion layer, 13-cathode roll core, 131-cathode current collector, 132-cathode gas diffusion layer, 14-proton exchange membrane, 15-gas supply pipeline, 151-hydrogen gas supply pipe, 1511-hydrogen gas supply coil, 1512-hydrogen gas supply end pipe, 152-oxygen gas supply pipe, 1521-oxygen gas supply coil, 1522-oxygen gas supply end pipe, 1 6-end cover, 17-sealing strip, 18-exhaust pipe, 181-hydrogen exhaust pipe, 1811-hydrogen exhaust pipe coil, 1812-hydrogen exhaust pipe end pipe, 182-oxygen exhaust pipe, 1821-oxygen exhaust pipe coil, 1822-oxygen exhaust pipe end pipe, 2-box wall, 3-end plate, 31-hydrogen distribution plate, 32-air distribution plate, 4-hydrogen inlet, 5-hydrogen outlet, 6-air inlet, 7-air outlet, 8-coolant inlet, 19-sealing strip at end cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provides a detailed implementation method and specific operation process, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] A roll-shaped fuel cell, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a fixed core rod 11, an anode winding core 12, a cathode winding core 13, a proton exchange membrane 14 and a gas supply pipe 15.

[0066] The anode core 12 includes an anode current collector 121 and an anode gas diffusion layer 122, and the cathode core 13 includes a cathode current collector 131 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 132. The anode core 12, the proton exchange membrane 14 and the cathode core 13 are stacked in sequence and wound on the fixed core rod 11 to form a winding structure. In the winding structure, the proton exchange membrane 14 with catalyst layers attached on both sides is sandwiched between the anode gas diffusion layer 122 and the cathode gas diffusion layer 132.

[0067] The gas supply pipe 15 is disposed at the end of the winding structure, and includes a hydrogen gas supply pipe 151 communicating with the anode gas diffusion layer 122 and an oxygen gas supply pipe 152 communicating with the cathode gas diffusion layer 132 .

[0068] Example 2

[0069] A rolled fuel cell, the gas supply pipeline 15 includes a hydrogen gas supply pipe 151 arranged at the upper end of the rolled structure and an oxygen gas supply pipe 152 arranged at the lower end of the rolled structure.

[0070] The rolled fuel cell further includes an exhaust pipe 18, including a hydrogen exhaust pipe 181 and an oxygen exhaust pipe 182. The hydrogen exhaust pipe 181 is disposed at the lower end of the rolled structure and communicates with the anode gas diffusion layer 122, and the oxygen exhaust pipe 182 is disposed at the upper end of the rolled structure and communicates with the cathode gas diffusion layer 132.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the hydrogen supply pipe 151 includes a hydrogen supply coil 1511 and a hydrogen supply end pipe 1512, and the oxygen exhaust pipe 182 includes an oxygen exhaust pipe coil 1821 and an oxygen exhaust pipe end pipe 1822. Figure 7 As shown, the oxygen supply pipe 152 includes an oxygen supply coil 1521 and an oxygen supply end pipe 1522 , and the hydrogen exhaust pipe 181 includes a hydrogen exhaust pipe coil 1811 and a hydrogen exhaust pipe end pipe 1812 .

[0072] Each coil is in the shape of a coil and has a through hole near the winding structure side, such as Figure 5 As shown, the gas diffusion layer is provided with a sealing strip 17 on the side close to the via hole.

[0073] And, if Figure 4 As shown, end caps 16 are provided at both ends of the winding structure, and hydrogen and oxygen interfaces are provided on the end caps 16. The hydrogen supply coil 1511 is connected to the hydrogen interface of the upper end cap through the hydrogen supply end pipe 1512, and the oxygen supply coil 1521 is connected to the oxygen interface of the lower end cap through the oxygen supply end pipe 1522, so that hydrogen is passed into the anode gas diffusion layer 122 from the upper end, and oxygen is passed into the cathode gas diffusion layer 132 from the lower end. The hydrogen exhaust pipe coil 1811 is connected to the hydrogen interface of the lower end cap through the hydrogen exhaust pipe end pipe 1812, and the oxygen exhaust pipe coil 1821 is connected to the oxygen interface of the upper end cap through the oxygen exhaust pipe end pipe 1822, so that the remaining hydrogen is discharged from the lower end of the anode gas diffusion layer 122, and the remaining oxygen is discharged from the upper end of the cathode gas diffusion layer 132.

[0074] The rest is the same as Example 1.

[0075] The working principle of the roll-shaped fuel cell in this embodiment is as follows:

[0076] Hydrogen passes through the upper end cover hydrogen interface, hydrogen supply end pipe 1512, hydrogen supply coil 1511 and hydrogen through hole into the anode gas diffusion layer 122, and then diffuses to the anode side of the proton exchange membrane. Under the action of the catalyst, hydrogen molecules undergo an oxidation reaction and are decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons. Hydrogen ions pass through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode side; electrons are collected by the anode current collector 121, conducted to the external circuit through the wire to do work, and then directed to flow to the cathode current collector 131 through the wire; unreacted hydrogen is discharged through the hydrogen through hole, hydrogen exhaust pipe coil 1811, hydrogen exhaust pipe end pipe 1812, and the lower end cover hydrogen interface. Oxygen is sequentially passed into the cathode gas diffusion layer 132 through the oxygen interface of the lower end cover, the oxygen supply end pipe 1522, the oxygen supply coil 1521 and the oxygen through hole, and then diffused to the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane, and reacted with the hydrogen ions passing through the proton exchange membrane and the electrons flowing through the external circuit through the catalyst to produce water. The unreacted oxygen and the generated water are sequentially discharged through the oxygen through hole, the oxygen exhaust pipe coil 1821, the oxygen exhaust pipe end pipe 1822 and the oxygen interface of the upper end cover.

[0077] Example 3

[0078] A fuel cell stack, such as Figures 8 to 11 As shown, it includes a plurality of rolled fuel cells 1 described in Embodiment 2, and also includes a box wall 2 and end plates 3 arranged at the upper and lower ends of the box wall 2.

[0079] Among them, a plurality of rolled fuel cells 1 are arranged on the inner side of the box wall 2, and the upper and lower ends are respectively connected to the end plate 3. The end plate 3 is provided with a hydrogen distribution plate 31, an air distribution plate 32 and a barrier structure, a hydrogen distribution plate cavity is formed by the hydrogen distribution plate 31, and an air distribution plate cavity is formed by the air distribution plate 32. The end caps 16 at both ends of the rolled fuel cell 1 are connected to the hydrogen distribution plate cavity and the air distribution plate cavity, and a barrier structure is provided between the winding structures of adjacent rolled fuel cells 1, so that the end plate 3 can separate adjacent rolled fuel cells 1, that is, the two ends of the rolled fuel cell 1 are connected but the middle is not connected.

[0080] Specifically, the box wall 2 is provided with a hydrogen inlet 4, a hydrogen outlet 5, an air inlet 6 and an air outlet 7. The hydrogen distribution plate cavity of the upper end plate 3 is communicated with the hydrogen inlet 4 and the hydrogen interface of the upper end cover, and the air distribution plate cavity is communicated with the air outlet 7 and the oxygen interface of the upper end cover. The hydrogen distribution plate cavity of the lower end plate 3 is communicated with the hydrogen outlet 5 and the hydrogen interface of the lower end cover, and the air distribution plate cavity is communicated with the air inlet 67 and the oxygen interface of the lower end cover.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] A fuel cell stack, a coolant inlet 8 is also provided on the box wall 2, and a coolant outlet is provided on the diagonal side of the coolant inlet 8. In this embodiment, perfluorohexanone insulating environmentally friendly coolant is used to flow in from the inlet and out of the outlet through the action of the pump body, and a tube-fin heat dissipation structure is used outside the stack to assist with heat dissipation with a fan to maintain good reaction temperature conditions inside the stack.

[0083] Alternatively, multiple rows of "S"-shaped cooling pipes are used inside the battery stack to surround the cylindrical battery cells, and the remaining space inside the battery stack is filled with solid heat dissipation medium. The outside also uses a tube-fin heat dissipation structure assisted by a fan to dissipate heat.

[0084] The rest is the same as Example 3.

[0085] Example 5

[0086] A fuel cell stack comprises a rolled fuel cell unit structure, a stack shell structure and a gas-liquid pipeline structure.

[0087] The rolled fuel cell unit structure includes:

[0088] Fixed core rod 11: located in the center of the unit and plays a supporting role.

[0089] Gas supply pipe 15: embedded in the gas diffusion layer, with uniform holes, used to transport hydrogen and air, and the embedding depth needs to be appropriate to completely cover the upper and lower end surfaces of the gas diffusion layer.

[0090] Anode winding core 12 and cathode winding core 13 are respectively arranged around fixed core rod 11 and include current collector and gas diffusion layer.

[0091] Proton exchange membrane 14: located between the anode and the cathode, conducts protons and isolates electrons, and has catalytic layers on both sides to accelerate the electrochemical reaction.

[0092] Sealing structure: including the gas supply pipeline sealing strip 17, the core end cover 16, the hydrogen and air connecting pipes and the side sealing strips (including the sealing strip 19 at the end cover) to ensure gas sealing.

[0093] The stack shell structure includes:

[0094] Upper and lower end plates 3: support and fix the stack structure.

[0095] Gas distribution plate cavity: separates the units and distributes hydrogen and air, including the hydrogen gas distribution plate cavity and the air gas distribution plate cavity.

[0096] Battery stack box wall 2: Wraps the entire battery stack to provide protection.

[0097] The gas and liquid pipeline structure includes:

[0098] Hydrogen and air supply pipes: Connect from end plate 3 to the anode and cathode of each unit to ensure uniform distribution of gas.

[0099] Coolant channel: It is set between the two air distribution plate cavities to effectively circulate the coolant and take away the heat generated by the reaction.

[0100] The working principle of the fuel cell stack in this embodiment is:

[0101] Hydrogen enters from the upper gas supply pipe, enters the anode gas diffusion layer through the small holes in the disc-shaped gas supply pipe, and is transmitted to the anode side catalyst layer for hydrogen oxidation reaction to generate protons and electrons. Protons pass through the proton exchange membrane to reach the cathode, and electrons are transmitted to the cathode through the external circuit. At the cathode, electrons combine with oxygen to undergo oxygen reduction reaction, generate water and release heat. At the same time, the coolant circulates inside the stack, taking away the heat generated by the reaction and maintaining a suitable operating temperature.

[0102] Example 6

[0103] A fuel cell stack comprises a rolled fuel cell unit structure, a stack shell structure and a gas-liquid pipeline structure.

[0104] 1. Rolled fuel cell unit structure:

[0105] (1) Fixed core rod design: The central fixed core rod is used to support the entire roll structure and ensure the stability of the battery unit.

[0106] (2) Gas supply pipeline optimization: The gas supply pipeline is set in the coil core of the anode and cathode and embedded in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) to make the gas supply uniform and reduce the impact of uneven gas distribution on reaction efficiency. Hydrogen and air enter through different gas supply pipelines, and gas supply pipeline sealing strips are designed to prevent gas leakage.

[0107] (3) MEA structure improvement: A high-performance proton exchange membrane (PEM) is used, sandwiched between two gas diffusion layers (GDL) to form a "sandwich" structure. The catalyst layer (CL) is located between the GDL and PEM and is the main site for electrochemical reactions. The proton exchange membrane and the catalyst layer ensure proton conduction efficiency and reaction rate.

[0108] (4) End cap and side seal design: The core end cap is used to seal both ends of the unit and provide connection interfaces for hydrogen and air; the side sealing strip is used to seal the side of the unit to ensure gas sealing and structural stability.

[0109] 2. Stack shell structure:

[0110] (1) End plate and gas distribution plate cavity design: The upper and lower end plates seal the upper and lower ends of the stack and provide support for the overall structure. The gas distribution plate cavity is used to separate the fuel cell units and provide a uniform distribution channel for hydrogen and air to ensure a stable gas supply to each unit.

[0111] (2) Box wall design: The stack box wall encloses the stack, providing mechanical support and protection to ensure that the internal units are neatly arranged. The gas supply side wall openings supply hydrogen and air to each unit through the gas supply pipe, and the coolant channel is designed to flow between the gas distribution plate cavities to ensure effective thermal management.

[0112] (3) Sealing system: High-performance sealing rings are used at the connections between the end plate, the gas distribution plate, and the gas supply pipeline to prevent gas leakage and ensure the air tightness and safety of the system.

[0113] 3. Gas and liquid pipeline structure

[0114] (1) Hydrogen and air supply pipes: The hydrogen supply pipe is connected from the end plate to the anode of each unit to ensure uniform distribution of hydrogen. The air supply pipe is connected from the end plate to the cathode of each unit to ensure uniform distribution of air.

[0115] (2) Coolant channel design: Located between the air distribution plate cavities, the coolant circulates effectively inside the fuel cell stack, removing the heat generated by the reaction and maintaining a suitable operating temperature.

[0116] This embodiment has the following technical effects:

[0117] (1) Improve power density: The rolled structure effectively reduces the unit volume and improves the overall power density.

[0118] (2) Optimizing reaction efficiency: Uniformly distributed gas supply pipes and catalyst layers improve gas transmission and reaction efficiency.

[0119] (3) Improved thermal management: An effective coolant circulation system ensures a stable operating temperature of the fuel cell stack.

[0120] Through the above design, this embodiment can significantly improve the energy density and power density of the rolled fuel cell, while enhancing its structural stability and reliability.

[0121] Example 7

[0122] A design and implementation of a rolled fuel cell stack, including a fixed core rod 11, a gas supply pipeline 15, an anode roll core 12, a cathode roll core 13, a proton exchange membrane 14, a gas supply pipeline sealing strip 17, a roll core end cover 16, hydrogen and air connecting pipes (hydrogen supply pipe 151, oxygen supply pipe 152, hydrogen exhaust pipe 181 and oxygen exhaust pipe 182) and a side sealing strip 17. Among them, the anode roll core 12 includes an anode current collector and an anode gas diffusion layer, and the cathode roll core 13 includes a cathode current collector and a cathode gas diffusion layer.

[0123] A method for manufacturing and assembling a rolled fuel cell is intended to improve the efficiency and stability of the fuel cell.

[0124] First, prepare the anode core 12 and the cathode core 13. The anode core 12 and the cathode core 13 are respectively composed of a gas diffusion layer and a current collector. Among them, the gas diffusion layer is used to transmit the reaction gas, and the current collector is used to collect the generated current. Next, prepare the proton exchange membrane 14 (PEM). PEM is a key component in the rolled fuel cell, which is used to conduct protons and block electrons and reaction gases. Catalytic layers are attached to both sides of the PEM, and the catalytic layers are used to accelerate the electrochemical reaction. The size of the PEM should match the anode core 12 and the cathode core 13. Then, the anode core 12, PEM and cathode core 13 are stacked in sequence and tightly wound using a fixed core rod 11. During the winding process, ensure that the layers are tightly fitted without bubbles or gaps. Next, install sealing assemblies at both ends of the winding structure to ensure the airtightness of the rolled fuel cell. The sealing assembly consists of a sealing strip 17 and an end cap 16, which are fixed to both ends of the winding structure by fasteners. In terms of the electrode gas supply system, the reaction gases (such as hydrogen and oxygen) are transported to the inside of the fuel cell by setting gas supply pipes 15 at the upper and lower ends of the anode core 12 and the cathode core 13. The gas supply pipe 15 is connected to an external gas source. In addition, in order to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell and prevent overheating, a cooling system needs to be set up. The cooling system usually includes a coolant pipe and a circulation pump. The coolant pipe is embedded inside or outside the winding structure, and the heat generated by the fuel cell is removed by circulating the coolant. Finally, the entire rolled fuel cell is subjected to performance testing and quality inspection. Its performance and stability are evaluated. At the same time, the sealing and structural integrity of the fuel cell are checked to ensure its safe and reliable operation.

[0125] The present invention optimizes the stack structure on the basis of the traditional end plate packaged stack, and designs a highly efficient and compact roll-shaped fuel cell stack structure by winding the single cell into a roll and performing modular design, changing the input mode of the reactants and coolant, so as to improve the energy density and power density of the fuel cell, while ensuring the economy and structural stability of its manufacturing process, and maximizing the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell. Compared with the traditional stacked fuel cell stack, the gas diffusion layer and membrane electrode of the roll-shaped fuel cell are more evenly compressed; unlike the traditional stacked fuel cell stack where the upper and lower plates are transmitted through grooves, the roll-shaped fuel cell structure design does not have the space loss caused by the groove structure, and more reactants can be passed in the same space; under the combined effect, the roll-shaped fuel cell structure can obtain a higher power density.

[0126] Compared with the traditional end plate packaged battery stack structure, the rolled fuel cell designed by the present invention has higher power density, a compact internal structure that enables more electrical energy to be generated per unit volume, a modular battery unit design that allows flexible assembly, making it more competitive in commercial applications, better heat dissipation performance, improved stability and reliability, and extended fuel cell service life.

[0127] The present invention adopts advanced manufacturing technology and optimized design to ensure the economical production process and product quality. This design not only improves the performance and durability of fuel cells, but also provides a basis for automated assembly and large-scale production, which helps to reduce production costs and maintenance expenses, and realize efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

[0128] The above description of the embodiments is to facilitate the understanding and use of the invention by those skilled in the art. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications to these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative work. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention should be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A roll-shaped fuel cell, It is characterized in that It comprises a fixed core rod (11), an anode winding core (12), a cathode winding core (13), a proton exchange membrane (14) with catalytic layers attached on both sides, and a gas supply pipeline (15); The anode winding core (12), the proton exchange membrane (14) and the cathode winding core (13) are stacked in sequence and wound on a fixed core rod (11); The anode winding core (12) comprises an anode current collector (121) and an anode gas diffusion layer (122), and the cathode winding core (13) comprises a cathode current collector (131) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (132); The gas supply pipeline (15) comprises a hydrogen gas supply pipe (151) and an oxygen gas supply pipe (152); the hydrogen gas supply pipe (151) is connected to the anode gas diffusion layer (122); and the oxygen gas supply pipe (152) is connected to the cathode gas diffusion layer (132).

2. The rolled fuel cell according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The anode current collector (121) is a high molecular polymer membrane with a metal conductive coating on the side facing the anode gas diffusion layer (122), and the cathode current collector (131) is a high molecular polymer membrane with a metal conductive coating on the side facing the cathode gas diffusion layer (132); The anode current collector (121), the anode gas diffusion layer (122), the proton exchange membrane (14), the cathode gas diffusion layer (132) and the cathode current collector (131) are arranged in sequence.

3. The rolled fuel cell according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The gas supply pipeline (15) is arranged at the end of the winding structure formed by winding the anode winding core (12), the proton exchange membrane (14) and the cathode winding core (13) and is connected to the gas source.

4. The rolled fuel cell according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The hydrogen supply pipe (151) comprises a hydrogen supply coil (1511) and a hydrogen supply end pipe (1512) which are connected to each other; the hydrogen supply coil (1511) is in the shape of a coil matching the anode winding core (12), and is provided with a hydrogen through hole connected to the anode gas diffusion layer (122) on the side close to the anode winding core (12); The oxygen supply pipe (152) comprises an oxygen supply coil (1521) and an oxygen supply end pipe (1522) which are connected to each other. The oxygen supply coil (1521) is in the shape of a coil matching the cathode winding core (13), and is provided with an oxygen through hole connected to the cathode gas diffusion layer (132) on the side close to the cathode winding core (13).

5. The rolled fuel cell according to claim 4, It is characterized in that An end cap (16) is provided at the end of the winding structure, and a hydrogen interface and an oxygen interface are provided on the end cap (16); the hydrogen supply end pipe (1512) is connected to the hydrogen interface, and the oxygen supply end pipe (1522) is connected to the oxygen interface.

6. The rolled fuel cell according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The anode gas diffusion layer (122) is provided with a sealing strip (17) on the side close to the hydrogen through hole, and the cathode gas diffusion layer (132) is provided with a sealing strip (17) on the side close to the oxygen through hole.

7. The rolled fuel cell according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The device also includes an exhaust pipe (18), wherein the exhaust pipe (18) includes a hydrogen exhaust pipe (181) and an oxygen exhaust pipe (182), wherein the hydrogen exhaust pipe (181) is in communication with the anode gas diffusion layer (122), and the oxygen exhaust pipe (182) is in communication with the cathode gas diffusion layer (132); The hydrogen exhaust pipe (181) and the hydrogen supply pipe (151) are respectively arranged at two ends of a winding structure formed by winding the anode winding core (12), the proton exchange membrane (14) and the cathode winding core (13); The oxygen exhaust pipe (182) and the oxygen supply pipe (152) are respectively arranged at two ends of a winding structure formed by winding the anode winding core (12), the proton exchange membrane (14) and the cathode winding core (13).

8. A method for preparing a rolled fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that The following steps are involved: S1: stacking the anode winding core (12), the proton exchange membrane (14) and the cathode winding core (13) in sequence, and tightly winding them using a fixed core rod (11) to obtain a winding structure; S2: Install sealing strips (17) at both ends of the winding structure; S3: Installing an air supply pipe (15) and an exhaust pipe (18) at both ends of the winding structure; S4: Install end caps (16) at both ends of the winding structure.

9. A fuel cell stack, It is characterized in that A rolled fuel cell (1) comprising any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a box wall (2) and end plates (3) arranged at the upper and lower ends of the box wall (2); A plurality of the rolled fuel cells (1) are arranged on the inner side of the box wall (2) and are connected to the end plates (3) at both ends. The end plates (3) can separate adjacent rolled fuel cells (1). The upper and lower end plates (3) are connected to the gas inlet and the gas outlet.

10. The fuel cell stack according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The end plate (3) is provided with a hydrogen distribution plate (31) and an air distribution plate (32) to form a hydrogen distribution plate cavity and an air distribution plate cavity respectively; The hydrogen distribution plate cavity is in communication with a hydrogen supply pipe (151) and a hydrogen inlet, or is in communication with a hydrogen exhaust pipe (181) and a hydrogen outlet; The air distribution plate cavity is in communication with the oxygen supply pipe (152) and the air inlet, or is in communication with the oxygen exhaust pipe (182) and the air outlet.

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