Structure and method for reducing water plugging risk of air-cooled fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure and a method for reducing the water plugging risk of an air-cooled fuel cell, hydrogen enters a fuel cell stack through a hydrogen supply system, and is subjected to oxidation reaction on an anode side (downward) of a bipolar plate to release electrons and protons. The electrons generate current through an external circuit, and the protons move to the cathode side (upward) through the membrane electrode. Air enters the fuel cell stack through an air supply system, providing oxygen at the cathode side (upward). Oxygen is combined with protons and electrons on the cathode side to generate water. Water is mainly generated on the cathode side, and a small part of water permeates to the anode side. Because the cathode side faces upwards, the generated water needs to overcome gravity to permeate to the anode side, which reduces the accumulation of water at the anode side. And water accumulation on the anode side is reduced by utilizing the natural action of gravity, so that the cost and the complexity are reduced. Especially for a head-to-tail single battery stacking mode, the performance of the single batteries is remarkably improved by optimizing a water discharge path, so that the performance of the single batteries is close to the overall average level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air-cooled fuel cells, and in particular to a structure and method for reducing the risk of water blockage in air-cooled fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] Air-cooled fuel cells are composed of bipolar plates, membrane electrodes, air supply systems, fuel supply systems, cooling systems, etc. The fuel cell stack is usually formed by stacking multiple membrane electrodes and bipolar plates together. The anode side of the bipolar plate is processed with a flow channel for hydrogen to pass through, and the cathode side is processed with multiple straight grooves. The air supply system is used to inhale air to provide air for the reaction and control the moisture and heat balance. Air-cooled fuel cells have high energy conversion efficiency. They directly convert fuel into electrical energy through redox reactions without the need for energy loss in the intermediate steps. Compared with liquid-cooled fuel cells, air-cooled fuel cells are light in weight, small in size, simple in control strategy, and easy to integrate into various application systems.

[0003] However, existing air-cooled fuel cells use a short-interval exhaust method, that is, exhausting gas once every tens of seconds. This exhaust method will cause the anode of the bipolar plate to be blocked by water, affecting the overall working performance, especially for the head-to-tail single cell stacking method, resulting in battery performance far below the average level. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure and method for reducing the risk of water blockage in an air-cooled fuel cell, so as to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell, comprising:

[0006] A first current collecting plate, a second current collecting plate and a fuel cell stack, wherein the first current collecting plate and the second current collecting plate are arranged at both end surfaces of the fuel cell stack, and a direction from the first current collecting plate to the second current collecting plate is arranged vertically upward;

[0007] The fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, a single membrane electrode is disposed between two adjacent bipolar plates, the cathode side of the bipolar plate is located on a side close to the second current collecting plate, the anode side of the bipolar plate is located on a side close to the first current collecting plate, and the cathode side of the bipolar plate is located on a side close to the second current collecting plate;

[0008] When generating electricity, water is generated on the cathode side of the bipolar plate to reduce water from penetrating vertically downward to the anode side of the bipolar plate.

[0009] In at least one embodiment of the present application, an air channel is provided on the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and both ends of the air channel are connected to the outside;

[0010] The structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell also includes:

[0011] An air extraction cooling member is provided at one side of the fuel cell stack and is located between the first current collecting plate and the second current collecting plate. An air extraction channel of the air extraction cooling member is communicated with the air channel.

[0012] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the structure for reducing the risk of water blocking of an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0013] A hydrogen adapter is provided on a side of the first current collecting plate away from the second current collecting plate and is communicated with the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen adapter is used to supply gas or exhaust gas to the fuel cell stack.

[0014] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the bipolar plate is provided with a connecting hole extending therethrough, the anode side of the bipolar plate is provided with a hydrogen inlet and outlet channel connected to the connecting hole, and the hydrogen inlet and outlet channel is connected to the hydrogen adapter through the connecting hole.

[0015] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the opening direction of the air channel is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the opening direction of the air channel is consistent with the air extraction direction of the air extraction cooling component.

[0016] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the membrane electrode comprises:

[0017] A proton membrane is located between two adjacent bipolar plates;

[0018] Anode carbon paper, arranged on one side of the proton membrane and attached to the anode side of the upper bipolar plate;

[0019] The cathode carbon paper is arranged on a side of the proton membrane away from the anode carbon paper and is bonded to the cathode side of the next layer of the bipolar plate.

[0020] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the structure for reducing the risk of water blocking of an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0021] The second sealing ring is located between the adjacent membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, and two sides of the second sealing ring are respectively in contact with the membrane electrode and the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and the second sealing ring is arranged around the connecting hole.

[0022] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the structure for reducing the risk of water blocking of an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0023] The first sealing ring is located between the adjacent membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, with one side abutting against the anode side of the bipolar plate and the other side abutting against the membrane electrode. The first sealing ring surrounds the connecting hole and the hydrogen inlet and outlet channels.

[0024] A method for reducing the risk of water blocking in an air-cooled fuel cell is applied to the structure for reducing the risk of water blocking in an air-cooled fuel cell as described above. The method for reducing the risk of water blocking in an air-cooled fuel cell comprises:

[0025] Cross-stacking a plurality of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to form a fuel cell stack;

[0026] The first current collecting plate is installed on the lower end surface of the fuel cell stack, and the second current collecting plate is installed on the upper end surface of the fuel cell stack, so that the cathode side of each bipolar plate is arranged toward the second current collecting plate, and the anode side of each bipolar plate is arranged toward the first current collecting plate.

[0027] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the method for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0028] The air extraction cooling member is installed on the side of the fuel cell stack, and the air extraction channel of the air extraction cooling member is aligned with the air channel on the cathode side of the bipolar plate.

[0029] Implementing the embodiments of the present invention will have the following beneficial effects:

[0030] In the structure and method of reducing the risk of water blockage in an air-cooled fuel cell in this embodiment, hydrogen enters the fuel cell stack through a hydrogen supply system, and an oxidation reaction occurs on the anode side (downward) of the bipolar plate to release electrons and protons.

[0031] The electrons pass through an external circuit to generate an electric current, and the protons move through the membrane electrode to the cathode side (facing upward).

[0032] Air enters the fuel cell stack through an air supply system, providing oxygen on the cathode side (facing upward).

[0033] The oxygen combines with the protons and electrons on the cathode side to form water.

[0034] Water is mainly generated on the cathode side, and a small amount permeates to the anode side.

[0035] Since the cathode side faces upward, the generated water needs to overcome gravity to penetrate to the anode side, which reduces the accumulation of water on the anode side.

[0036] Using the natural force of gravity reduces water accumulation on the anode side, reducing cost and complexity.

[0037] Especially for the head-to-tail single cell stacking method, the performance of these single cells is significantly improved by optimizing the water discharge path, making its performance close to the overall average level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell;

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a part of the structure (two bipolar plates and a membrane electrode combination) for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell;

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded diagram of

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The structural diagram of the bipolar plate in FIG.

[0044] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another angle structural diagram of the bipolar plate in FIG.

[0045] Figure 7 for Figure 4 The structural diagram of the membrane electrode in ;

[0046] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Another angle diagram of the membrane electrode structure.

[0047] Among them: 100. Structure to reduce the risk of water plugging in air-cooled fuel cells;

[0048] 110. a first current collecting plate;

[0049] 120, second collector plate;

[0050] 130. fuel cell stack; A. vertically upward; 131. bipolar plate; 132. membrane electrode; 131a. anode side; 131b. cathode side; 131c. air channel; 131d. connecting hole; 131e. hydrogen inlet and outlet channels; 1321. proton membrane; 1322. anode carbon paper; 1323. cathode carbon paper;

[0051] 140. Exhaust cooling parts;

[0052] 150. Hydrogen adapter;

[0053] 160, second sealing ring;

[0054] 170. First sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are given in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. 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.

[0056] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a structure 100 for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell is provided, comprising:

[0059] A first current collecting plate 110, a second current collecting plate 120 and a fuel cell stack 130, wherein the first current collecting plate 110 and the second current collecting plate 120 are disposed at both end surfaces of the fuel cell stack 130, and a direction from the first current collecting plate 110 to the second current collecting plate 120 is disposed vertically upward A;

[0060] The fuel cell stack 130 includes a plurality of bipolar plates 131 and membrane electrodes 132, a single membrane electrode 132 is disposed between two adjacent bipolar plates 131, a cathode side 131b of the bipolar plate 131 is located on a side close to the second current collecting plate 120, an anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131 is located on a side close to the first current collecting plate 110, and a cathode side 131b of the bipolar plate 131 is located on a side close to the second current collecting plate 120;

[0061] During power generation, the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 generates water to reduce water from penetrating vertically downward to the anode side 131 a of the bipolar plate 131 .

[0062] In this embodiment, hydrogen enters the fuel cell stack 130 through the hydrogen supply system, and undergoes an oxidation reaction on the anode side 131 a (facing downward) of the bipolar plate 131 to release electrons and protons.

[0063] The electrons pass through an external circuit to generate an electric current, and the protons move through the membrane electrode 132 to the cathode side 131 b (upward).

[0064] Air enters the fuel cell stack 130 through an air supply system, providing oxygen on the cathode side 131b (facing upward).

[0065] The oxygen combines with the protons and electrons on the cathode side 131b to generate water.

[0066] Water is mainly generated on the cathode side 131b, and a small portion permeates to the anode side 131a.

[0067] Since the cathode side 131b faces upward, the generated water needs to overcome gravity to penetrate to the anode side 131a, which reduces the accumulation of water on the anode side 131a.

[0068] Utilizing the natural force of gravity reduces water accumulation on the anode side 131a, reducing cost and complexity.

[0069] Especially for the head-to-tail single cell stacking method, the performance of these single cells is significantly improved by optimizing the water discharge path, making its performance close to the overall average level.

[0070] After being generated on the cathode side 131b, water needs to overcome gravity to penetrate to the anode side 131a, thereby effectively reducing the risk of water blockage on the anode side 131a.

[0071] In at least one embodiment of the present application, an air channel 131c is provided on the cathode side 131b of the bipolar plate 131, and both ends of the air channel 131c are connected to the outside;

[0072] The structure 100 for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0073] The air extraction cooling member 140 is disposed at one side of the fuel cell stack 130 and is located between the first current collecting plate 110 and the second current collecting plate 120 . The air extraction channel of the air extraction cooling member 140 is connected to the air channel 131 c .

[0074] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8In the present embodiment, air enters the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 through the air channel 131 c , which not only provides oxygen for the fuel cell reaction but also helps cool the fuel cell stack 130 .

[0075] Both ends of the air channel 131c are connected to the outside, ensuring the continuous flow of air.

[0076] The exhaust cooling member 140 is connected to the air passage 131c through an exhaust passage, and exhausts hot air and water vapor in the air passage 131c.

[0077] Since the draft cooling element 140 is located at one side of the fuel cell stack 130 , it helps to effectively discharge heat and moisture from the fuel cell stack 130 and prevent water from accumulating on the cathode side 131 b and the anode side 131 a .

[0078] Good ventilation of the cathode side 131b is ensured so that the oxygen required for the reaction can be adequately supplied.

[0079] The draft cooling element 140 not only cools the fuel cell stack 130 , but also helps to discharge water vapor, thereby keeping the reaction environment dry and at a suitable temperature.

[0080] It should be noted that the air extraction cooling element 140 is an exhaust fan.

[0081] The cathode side 131b of the bipolar plate 131 is open to the environment. During operation, the temperature is relatively high and there is strong air convection, which can easily cause the humidity of the cathode side 131b of the bipolar plate 131 to be insufficient. The structure 100 that reduces the risk of water blockage in the air-cooled fuel cell will have more generated water retained on the cathode side 131b of the membrane electrode 132, thereby improving the moisture and heat balance of the fuel cell stack and the overall performance and life of the fuel cell. The performance of the first and last single cells of the fuel cell is also close to the average value, and there is no need to add a dummy cell transition, which reduces material cost, volume and weight.

[0082] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the structure 100 for reducing the risk of water plugging of an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0083] The hydrogen adapter 150 is disposed on a side of the first current collecting plate 110 away from the second current collecting plate 120 and is in communication with the fuel cell stack 130 . The hydrogen adapter 150 is used to supply gas or exhaust gas to the fuel cell stack 130 .

[0084] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 In this embodiment, hydrogen enters the fuel cell stack 130 through the hydrogen adapter 150 .

[0085] The hydrogen undergoes an oxidation reaction on the anode side 131 a of the bipolar plate 131 to generate protons and electrons.

[0086] During the reaction process, unreacted hydrogen and by-products may be discharged through the hydrogen adapter 150 to maintain the pressure and gas balance within the fuel cell stack 130 .

[0087] This allows the fuel cell stack 130 to be vented when needed, ensuring that too much hydrogen will not accumulate in the reaction chamber, thereby avoiding excessive pressure.

[0088] Secondly, even if the reacted water penetrates into the anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131, since the hydrogen adapter 150 is vertically downward, the water accumulated on the anode can easily reach the hydrogen adapter 150, and the hydrogen exhaust can instantly drain the accumulated water more easily, reducing the risk of water blockage.

[0089] The hydrogen adapter 150 allows unreacted hydrogen and by-products to be discharged, maintains gas balance and appropriate pressure within the fuel cell stack 130, and prevents unstable operation or performance degradation caused by gas accumulation.

[0090] Unreacted hydrogen and byproducts are discharged through the hydrogen adapter 150, thereby reducing the accumulation of moisture and water vapor inside the fuel cell stack 130 and lowering the risk of water blockage.

[0091] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the bipolar plate 131 is provided with a penetrating connecting hole 131d, and the anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131 is provided with a hydrogen inlet and outlet channel 131e connected to the connecting hole 131d, and the hydrogen inlet and outlet channel 131e is connected to the hydrogen adapter 150 through the connecting hole 131d.

[0092] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the opening direction of the air channel 131 c is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the opening direction of the air channel 131 c is consistent with the air extraction direction of the air extraction cooling component 140 .

[0093] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 In this embodiment, hydrogen enters the connecting hole 131d through the hydrogen adapter 150 and enters the anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131 through the hydrogen inlet and outlet channels 131e.

[0094] On the anode side 131 a , the hydrogen undergoes an oxidation reaction to generate protons and electrons.

[0095] Unreacted hydrogen and byproducts (including water that permeates into the anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131) can be discharged through the hydrogen inlet and outlet channels 131e and the connecting holes 131d to ensure gas balance in the reaction chamber.

[0096] Air flows horizontally through the air channel 131 c and enters the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 to provide oxygen required for the reaction.

[0097] The exhaust cooling element 140 exhausts the hot air and water vapor in the air passage 131c horizontally through its exhaust direction, taking away the generated heat and moisture.

[0098] The exhaust design of unreacted hydrogen and by-products maintains the gas balance in the reaction chamber and prevents excessive pressure from affecting the reaction efficiency.

[0099] The air channel 131c is in the same direction as the exhaust cooling element 140, ensuring effective air flow and cooling, taking away the generated heat and moisture, preventing water from accumulating on the cathode side 131b, reducing the risk of water blockage, and maintaining efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell.

[0100] By setting the anode side 131a in the direction toward the first current collecting plate 110, it is difficult for water on the cathode side 131b to penetrate into the anode side 131a. Even if it penetrates into the anode side 131a, the penetrated water can be completely discharged during the exhaust process, avoiding the risk of water blockage on the anode side 131a.

[0101] Effective management of gases and moisture reduces water accumulation and overheating inside the fuel cell, lowering the risk of damage due to water blockage and overheating, thereby extending the service life of the fuel cell.

[0102] It should be noted that the communicating hole 131d is opened along the vertical direction.

[0103] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the membrane electrode 132 includes:

[0104] A proton membrane 1321 is located between two adjacent bipolar plates 131;

[0105] Anode carbon paper 1322 is provided on one side of the proton membrane 1321 and is attached to the anode side 131a of the upper bipolar plate 131;

[0106] The cathode carbon paper 1323 is disposed on a side of the proton membrane 1321 away from the anode carbon paper 1322 and is attached to the cathode side 131 b of the next layer of the bipolar plate 131 .

[0107] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 In this embodiment, hydrogen enters the anode side 131a through the hydrogen inlet and outlet channel 131e, and an oxidation reaction occurs at the anode carbon paper 1322.

[0108] Hydrogen molecules break down into protons (H+) and electrons (e-).

[0109] The electrons generate current through an external circuit, and the protons move to the cathode side 131 b through the proton membrane 1321 .

[0110] Oxygen enters the cathode side 131b through the air channel 131c, and a reduction reaction occurs at the cathode carbon paper 1323.

[0111] The oxygen molecules combine with the protons (H+) transferred from the anode side 131a through the proton membrane 1321 and the electrons (e-) transmitted from the external circuit to generate water.

[0112] Water is generated on the cathode side 131b and discharged through the cathode carbon paper 1323.

[0113] Through the effective exhaust and cooling of the ventilation cooling member 140 and the air passage 131 c, the generated water vapor and heat are taken away, preventing water from accumulating inside the battery.

[0114] The anode carbon paper 1322 and the cathode carbon paper 1323 are respectively attached to the two sides of the proton membrane 1321, which is conducive to the full reaction of hydrogen and oxygen.

[0115] Water is generated on the cathode side 131b and discharged through the cathode carbon paper 1323. The water vapor and heat are promptly taken away through the exhaust cooling member 140 and the air channel 131c to prevent water blockage.

[0116] This not only improves the battery's working efficiency, but also extends the battery's service life.

[0117] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the structure 100 for reducing the risk of water plugging of an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0118] The second sealing ring 160 is located between the adjacent membrane electrode 132 and the bipolar plate 131 , and the two sides of the second sealing ring 160 are respectively in contact with the membrane electrode 132 and the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 , and the second sealing ring 160 is arranged around the connecting hole 131 d.

[0119] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the structure 100 for reducing the risk of water plugging of an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0120] The first sealing ring 170 is located between the adjacent membrane electrode 132 and the bipolar plate 131, with one side abutting against the anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131 and the other side abutting against the membrane electrode 132. The first sealing ring 170 surrounds the connecting hole 131d and the hydrogen inlet and outlet channels 131e.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 In this embodiment, the second sealing ring 160 is located between the adjacent membrane electrode 132 and the bipolar plate 131 .

[0122] Both sides of the second sealing ring 160 are respectively in contact with the membrane electrode 132 and the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 to prevent gas or liquid leakage.

[0123] The first sealing ring 170 is also located between the adjacent membrane electrode 132 and the bipolar plate 131 .

[0124] One side of the first sealing ring 170 abuts against the anode side 131 a of the bipolar plate 131 , and the other side abuts against the membrane electrode 132 .

[0125] The first sealing ring 170 surrounds the communicating hole 131d and the hydrogen inlet and outlet passage 131e to ensure that hydrogen does not leak when entering and exiting.

[0126] During the operation of the fuel cell, hydrogen enters the connecting hole 131d through the hydrogen adapter 150, and then enters the anode side 131a of the bipolar plate 131 through the hydrogen inlet and outlet channels 131e for oxidation reaction.

[0127] Protons pass through the proton membrane 1321 to reach the cathode side 131b, electrons pass through the external circuit to generate current, and air enters the cathode side 131b through the air channel 131c to undergo a reduction reaction and generate water.

[0128] The second sealing ring 160 and the first sealing ring 170 ensure that gas and liquid will not leak during the entire process, thereby maintaining the normal working environment of the fuel cell.

[0129] By providing the second sealing ring 160 and the first sealing ring 170 , efficient utilization of hydrogen and air during the reaction process is ensured, gas leakage is prevented, and the working efficiency of the fuel cell is improved.

[0130] The second sealing ring 160 effectively prevents moisture from entering unnecessary areas through the connecting hole 131d, thereby reducing the risk of water blockage caused by moisture accumulation.

[0131] The first sealing ring 170 ensures the stable supply and discharge of hydrogen, prevents the cross-influence of moisture and hydrogen, and further reduces the risk of water blockage.

[0132] The second sealing ring 160 and the first sealing ring 170 are both annular in design and are made of sealing materials, such as rubber rings.

[0133] It should be noted that the proton membrane 1321 is also provided with a connecting hole 131 d . The connecting hole 131 d on the proton membrane 1321 is connected to and corresponds to the connecting hole 131 d on the bipolar plate 131 . The connecting hole 131 d is a through hole.

[0134] A method for reducing water blocking risk of an air-cooled fuel cell is applied to the structure 100 for reducing water blocking risk of an air-cooled fuel cell as described above. The method for reducing water blocking risk of an air-cooled fuel cell comprises:

[0135] A plurality of bipolar plates 131 and membrane electrodes 132 are cross-stacked to form a fuel cell stack 130;

[0136] The first current collecting plate 110 is installed on the lower end surface of the fuel cell stack 130, and the second current collecting plate 120 is installed on the upper end surface of the fuel cell stack 130, so that the cathode side 131b of each bipolar plate 131 is set toward the second current collecting plate 120, and the anode side 131a of each bipolar plate 131 is set toward the first current collecting plate 110.

[0137] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 In this embodiment, a plurality of bipolar plates 131 and membrane electrodes 132 are cross-stacked in an alternating manner to form a complete fuel cell stack 130 .

[0138] Ensure the sealing and connection stability between each bipolar plate 131 and the membrane electrode 132.

[0139] The first current collecting plate 110 is mounted on the lower end surface of the fuel cell stack 130 , with the anode side 131 a of each bipolar plate 131 facing the first current collecting plate 110 .

[0140] The second current collecting plate 120 is mounted on the upper end surface of the fuel cell stack 130 , with the cathode side 131 b of each bipolar plate 131 facing the second current collecting plate 120 .

[0141] Ensure that the cathode side 131b of each bipolar plate 131 faces the second current collecting plate 120 above, and ensure that the anode side 131a of each bipolar plate 131 faces the first current collecting plate 110 below, and hydrogen reacts on the anode side 131a to generate protons and electrons.

[0142] By alternately stacking bipolar plates 131 and membrane electrodes 132, a complete fuel cell stack 130 is formed, ensuring the effective operation of each component and improving the overall efficiency and stability of the fuel cell.

[0143] Since the cathode side 131 b of each bipolar plate 131 faces upward, the generated water needs to overcome the force of gravity to penetrate downward, thereby reducing the accumulation of water on the anode side 131 a.

[0144] This arrangement effectively reduces water blockage on the anode side 131a, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the fuel cell.

[0145] In at least one embodiment of the present application, the method for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell further includes:

[0146] The air extraction cooling member 140 is mounted on the side of the fuel cell stack 130 , and the air extraction passage of the air extraction cooling member 140 is aligned with the air passage 131 c of the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 .

[0147] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 8 In this embodiment, the air extraction cooling member 140 is installed on the side of the fuel cell stack 130 to ensure that its air extraction channel is aligned with the air channel 131c on the cathode side 131b of the bipolar plate 131.

[0148] Air flows in through the air channel 131 c on the cathode side 131 b of the bipolar plate 131 to provide oxygen required for the cathode reaction.

[0149] The exhaust cooling element 140 extracts the hot air and water vapor in the air channel 131c through its exhaust channel, forming a continuous airflow to take away the generated heat and moisture.

[0150] The moisture generated on the cathode side 131b is carried out by air flow and discharged out of the system through the exhaust cooling component 140, preventing water from accumulating on the cathode side 131b, ensuring that the moisture can be discharged in time and reducing the risk of water blockage.

[0151] The air circulation and cooling effect inside the fuel cell stack 130 are ensured. The effective cooling system takes away the heat generated during the reaction, prevents overheating, and improves the overall performance of the fuel cell. The water vapor and hot air in the air channel 131c are extracted through the exhaust cooling component 140, which effectively prevents the accumulation of moisture on the cathode side 131b, reduces the risk of water blockage, maintains a dry environment inside the fuel cell, and ensures the stable operation of the battery.

[0152] The exhaust fan of the exhaust cooling member 140 .

[0153] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell, characterized in that: include: A first current collecting plate, a second current collecting plate and a fuel cell stack, wherein the first current collecting plate and the second current collecting plate are arranged at both end surfaces of the fuel cell stack, and a direction from the first current collecting plate to the second current collecting plate is arranged vertically upward; The fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes, a single membrane electrode is disposed between two adjacent bipolar plates, the cathode side of the bipolar plate is located on a side close to the second current collecting plate, the anode side of the bipolar plate is located on a side close to the first current collecting plate, and the cathode side of the bipolar plate is located on a side close to the second current collecting plate; When generating electricity, water is generated on the cathode side of the bipolar plate to reduce water from penetrating vertically downward to the anode side of the bipolar plate.

2. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air channel is provided on the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and both ends of the air channel are connected to the outside; The structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell also includes: An air extraction cooling member is provided at one side of the fuel cell stack and is located between the first current collecting plate and the second current collecting plate. An air extraction channel of the air extraction cooling member is communicated with the air channel.

3. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell also includes: A hydrogen adapter is provided on a side of the first current collecting plate away from the second current collecting plate and is communicated with the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen adapter is used to supply gas or exhaust gas to the fuel cell stack.

4. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bipolar plate is provided with a connecting hole extending therethrough, and the anode side of the bipolar plate is provided with a hydrogen inlet and outlet channel connected to the connecting hole, and the hydrogen inlet and outlet channel is connected to the hydrogen adapter through the connecting hole.

5. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: The opening direction of the air channel is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the opening direction of the air channel is consistent with the air extraction direction of the air extraction cooling component.

6. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The membrane electrode comprises: A proton membrane is located between two adjacent bipolar plates; Anode carbon paper, arranged on one side of the proton membrane and attached to the anode side of the upper bipolar plate; The cathode carbon paper is arranged on a side of the proton membrane away from the anode carbon paper and is bonded to the cathode side of the next layer of the bipolar plate.

7. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: The structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell also includes: The second sealing ring is located between the adjacent membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, and two sides of the second sealing ring are respectively in contact with the membrane electrode and the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and the second sealing ring is arranged around the connecting hole.

8. The structure for reducing water blockage risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 7, characterized in that: The structure for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell also includes: The first sealing ring is located between the adjacent membrane electrode and the bipolar plate, with one side abutting against the anode side of the bipolar plate and the other side abutting against the membrane electrode. The first sealing ring surrounds the connecting hole and the hydrogen inlet and outlet channels.

9. A method for reducing water blocking risk of an air-cooled fuel cell, applied to the structure for reducing water blocking risk of an air-cooled fuel cell as described in claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The method for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell comprises: Cross-stacking a plurality of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes to form a fuel cell stack; The first current collecting plate is installed on the lower end surface of the fuel cell stack, and the second current collecting plate is installed on the upper end surface of the fuel cell stack, so that the cathode side of each bipolar plate is arranged toward the second current collecting plate, and the anode side of each bipolar plate is arranged toward the first current collecting plate.

10. The method for reducing water plugging risk of an air-cooled fuel cell according to claim 9, characterized in that: The method for reducing the risk of water plugging in an air-cooled fuel cell also includes: The air extraction cooling member is installed on the side of the fuel cell stack, and the air extraction channel of the air extraction cooling member is aligned with the air channel on the cathode side of the bipolar plate.

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