Bipolar plate and fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a bipolar plate and a fuel cell. The bipolar plate comprises a plate body; the gas flow channel is arranged on the surface of the plate body; the gas inlet channel is arranged on the surface of the plate body, and a gas distribution area is formed between the gas inlet channel and the gas flow channel; the supporting body is arranged in a gas distribution area on the surface of the plate body; and gas flows to the gas distribution area, is guided and shunted by the support body and then flows into the gas flow channel. The support body is arranged in the gas distribution area of the bipolar plate, so that the gas flow condition of the gas distribution area is effectively improved, gas can be uniformly and stably distributed into each gas flow channel, and the problem of membrane electrode deviation caused by gas pressure difference on two sides in the bipolar plate is solved; therefore, tight attachment between the membrane electrode frame and the bipolar plate is ensured, the problems of flow resistance increase and unsmooth airflow caused by uneven pressure are avoided, the stability and the overall performance of the bipolar plate are improved, and the service life of the bipolar plate is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to bipolar plates and fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] Bipolar plates, as current collectors widely known in the fuel cell industry, are an indispensable core component in fuel cell systems. Their importance is not only reflected in their role as a barrier between fuel and oxidant, but also in their multifunctionality: collecting and conducting current, evenly distributing reaction gases, effectively dissipating heat, and maintaining uniform temperature fields inside the battery. These functions together ensure the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell during operation, and the quality of their performance is directly related to the overall efficiency and service life of the fuel cell.

[0003] In the field of fuel cells, the design and manufacturing process of bipolar plates must strictly follow established industry standards and technical specifications. In order to ensure the stability and efficiency of bipolar plates in fuel cell systems, in-depth optimization is required from material selection, processing technology to structural design.

[0004] Among the many performance indicators of bipolar plates, fluid distribution performance is particularly critical, which is directly related to the service life and performance stability of fuel cells. Fuel cells will experience a variety of operating conditions during operation, including start / stop conditions, idling conditions, high load conditions and variable load conditions. Changes in these operating conditions may lead to insufficient supply of reaction gases, especially under start / stop conditions, which are more likely to cause high potential problems. When the stack is working, hydrogen and oxygen are introduced through the inlet, and after passing through the main gas channel of the stack, they are distributed to the bipolar plates of each single cell. The bipolar plates need to evenly guide these gases to the electrodes so that the gases contact the catalysts on the electrode supports and undergo electrochemical reactions.

[0005] However, when the bipolar plate is working, due to the gas pressure difference between the anode and cathode, the frame of the membrane electrode may shift from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side, causing the membrane electrode frame to be close to the area between the bipolar plate flow channel gas inlet and outlet and the flow channel gas distribution area, thereby increasing the flow resistance on the lower pressure side and causing poor airflow, which will not only reduce the performance of the battery stack, but may also have an adverse effect on the long-term use of the fuel cell.

[0006] In summary, the existing bipolar plates have problems with membrane electrode frame deviation due to gas pressure difference when air is introduced, as well as uneven and unsmooth gas flow and poor stability. Summary of the invention

[0007] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a bipolar plate and a fuel cell to address the problem of poor uniformity and instability of gas flow when the bipolar plate is intake.

[0008] A bipolar plate, comprising:

[0009] plate body;

[0010] A gas flow channel is arranged on the surface of the plate body;

[0011] An air inlet channel is arranged on the surface of the plate body and forms a gas distribution area between the air inlet channel and the gas flow channel;

[0012] A support body, arranged in a gas distribution area on the surface of the plate body;

[0013] The gas flows toward the gas distribution area, and then flows into the gas flow channel after being guided and divided by the support body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the gas flow channel includes a plurality of channels and a plurality of gas inlet ends that are interconnected, the plurality of channels are sequentially arranged on the surface of the plate, and the plurality of gas inlet ends are respectively located at one end of the plurality of channels close to the gas distribution area;

[0015] The airflow flowing out of the air inlet channel is guided and divided by a plurality of the support bodies arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate body in the gas distribution area, and then flows to a plurality of air inlet ends of the gas flow channel respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, a plurality of the channels are arranged and distributed along the width direction of the plate body;

[0017] The projections of the plurality of support bodies on one side of the channel are respectively located between the two side walls of the plurality of channels.

[0018] In one embodiment, a plurality of the channels are protruding and extending from the surface of the plate body;

[0019] The support body is protruded outwardly from the surface of the plate body and extends, and the extension height of the support body is consistent with the extension height of the channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the extension height of the support body is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm; the extension area of ​​the support body is between 3 mm² and 15 mm².

[0021] In one embodiment, the extended shape of the support body is cylindrical, and the distance between two adjacent support bodies is 2 mm-15 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, there are gaps between the two sides of the support body and the air inlet passage and the air inlet end respectively.

[0023] In one embodiment, the air inlet channel is arranged at one end of the plate body in the length direction, and includes a first air inlet and a first air outlet;

[0024] The first gas outlet is arranged at one end close to the gas flow channel, and the support body is arranged in the gas distribution area between the first gas outlet and the gas inlet end;

[0025] The gas flows from the first gas outlet to the gas distribution area, and then flows to the gas inlet end after being guided and divided by the support body.

[0026] In one embodiment, the bipolar plate further includes an air outlet channel, which is arranged at the other end of the plate body in the length direction and includes a second air inlet and a second air outlet;

[0027] The gas flow channel includes a gas outlet end, and the support body is arranged in a gas distribution area between the second gas inlet and the gas outlet end;

[0028] The gas flows from the gas outlet to the gas distribution area, and then flows to the second gas inlet after being guided and divided by the support body.

[0029] In the above-mentioned bipolar plate, a support body is arranged in the gas distribution area, which effectively improves the gas flow condition in the gas distribution area, so that the gas can be evenly and smoothly distributed to each gas flow channel, and solves the problem of membrane electrode offset caused by the pressure difference between the anode and cathode gases, thereby ensuring the close fit between the membrane electrode frame and the bipolar plate, avoiding the increase in flow resistance and poor airflow caused by uneven pressure, improving the stability and overall performance of the bipolar plate, and extending its service life.

[0030] According to another object of the present invention, there is also provided a fuel cell, comprising two bipolar plates as described above, wherein one bipolar plate is a first bipolar plate and the other bipolar plate is a second bipolar plate;

[0031] The fuel cell further includes a membrane electrode disposed between the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate.

[0032] The above-mentioned fuel cell, by adopting an improved bipolar plate design, effectively improves the gas distribution efficiency and discharge efficiency, and reduces the problems of gas retention and local pressure unevenness. The introduction of the support body not only enhances the structural strength of the bipolar plate, but also optimizes the gas flow path, promotes gas mixing and uniform distribution, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a bipolar plate.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a second structural schematic diagram of a bipolar plate.

[0035] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell.

[0036] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a fuel cell.

[0037] In the figure: 1, gas flow channel; 10, channel; 11, first gas flow channel; 12, second gas flow channel; 13, gas inlet end; 14, gas outlet end;

[0038] 2. air inlet channel; 21. first air inlet port; 22. first air outlet port; 23. first air inlet channel; 24. second air inlet channel;

[0039] 3. Gas distribution area;

[0040] 4. Support body; 41. First support body; 42. Second support body;

[0041] 5. air outlet channel; 51. second air inlet; 52. second air outlet; 53. first air outlet channel; 54. second air outlet channel;

[0042] 100. Plate body;

[0043] a, first bipolar plate; b, second bipolar plate; c, membrane electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0046] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0049] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If 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. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0050] Referring to FIG1 , FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. A bipolar plate provided in an embodiment of the present application includes: a plate body 100 , a gas flow channel 1 , an air inlet channel 2 and a support body 4 .

[0051] Specifically, the gas flow channel 1 is arranged on the surface of the plate body 100, and is used to guide the gas to flow in, so as to promote the occurrence of the electrochemical reaction. The gas inlet channel 2 is also arranged on the surface of the plate body 100, and is located on one side of the gas flow channel 1. A specific area, namely the gas distribution area 3, is formed between the gas inlet channel 2 and the gas flow channel 1. The gas distribution area 3 is arranged on the surface of the plate body 100, and its purpose is to evenly distribute the gas flowing into the area to the gas flow channel 1.

[0052] Furthermore, a series of supports 4 of suitable sizes are provided in the gas distribution area 3, and the supports 4 are arranged in a regular manner and firmly fixed in the gas distribution area 3. The main function of the supports 4 is to guide and divert the gas flowing into the gas distribution area 3, so as to ensure that the gas can be evenly and smoothly distributed into the gas flow channel 1.

[0053] As described above, a support body 4 is provided on the plate body of the bipolar plate, which effectively improves the gas flow condition in the gas distribution area 3, so that the gas can be evenly and smoothly distributed to each gas flow channel 1, avoiding the problem of membrane electrode c offset caused by the pressure difference between the anode and cathode gases in the bipolar plate, thereby ensuring a close fit between the frame of the membrane electrode c and the bipolar plate, avoiding the increase in flow resistance and poor airflow caused by uneven pressure, and being able to improve the overall performance of the battery stack using the above-mentioned bipolar plate and extend its service life.

[0054] In this embodiment, the air inlet channel 2 serves as the main channel for gas to enter the interior of the bipolar plate and needs to have a sufficient size to ensure smooth and unobstructed gas flow.

[0055] In this embodiment, the shape, size and arrangement of the support body 4 need to be adaptively adjusted according to the layout of the gas flow channel 1 and the gas flow requirement.

[0056] In this embodiment, the support body 4 can be a small column with a streamlined profile to reduce the obstruction to the gas flow and promote the uniform distribution of the gas. The support body 4 is installed by a specific fixing to ensure that the installation position is accurate, firm and reliable, and avoid the problem of uneven gas distribution caused by looseness or displacement.

[0057] In this embodiment, the support body 4 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant material to ensure that it can maintain stable performance during long-term use. At the same time, the selection of the material of the support body 4 also needs to consider its effect on the gas flow to ensure that the gas can smoothly pass through the support body 4 and be evenly distributed to each flow channel.

[0058] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the gas flow channel 1 includes a plurality of channels 10 and a plurality of gas inlet ports 13 that are interconnected.

[0059] Specifically, a plurality of channels 10 are arranged in sequence on the surface of the plate body 100 , so that the diverted gas can quickly enter the gas flow channel 1 through the plurality of channels 10 , which helps to improve the gas diversion efficiency.

[0060] The plurality of inlet ends 13 are respectively located at one end of the plurality of channels 10 close to the gas distribution area 3. The plurality of support bodies 4 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate body 100 in the gas distribution area 3, so that the gas flow out of the inlet channel 2 flows to the plurality of inlet ends 13 and into the plurality of channels 10 after being guided and diverted by the plurality of support bodies 4. By providing the plurality of support bodies 4 in coordination with the plurality of inlet ends 13 and the channels, the gas diversion efficiency is improved and the uniformity of the gas diversion is ensured.

[0061] In this embodiment, since the plurality of support bodies 4 are arranged along the width direction of the plate body 100, correspondingly, the plurality of channels 10 are arranged in sequence along the width direction of the plate body 100, so that the gas after being diverted by the support body 4 flows into the channels 10. The arrangement direction, arrangement method and number of the channels 10 can be adaptively adjusted according to specific usage requirements, which will not be described in detail here.

[0062] In one embodiment, a certain gap is left between the two sides of the support body 4 and the air inlet channel 2 and the air inlet end 13, so as to avoid excessive obstruction of the gas flow by the support body 4 and ensure that the gas can smoothly pass through the gas distribution area 3 to achieve efficient gas distribution. Specifically, the width of the gap is adjusted according to the nature and flow rate of the gas and the size of the distribution area.

[0063] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the channel 10 includes a side wall.

[0064] Specifically, the projections of the multiple supports 4 on one side of the channel 10 can be located between the two side walls of the multiple channels 10. Preferably, the projections of the supports 4 on one side of the channel 10 are located in the central area between the two side walls of the channel 10, so that the supports 4 guide the gas to flow along its surface, reduce the formation of turbulence and eddy currents, thereby improving the flow efficiency and uniformity of the gas and optimizing the gas flow path.

[0065] As described above, through the arrangement of the support body 4, the flow efficiency and uniformity of the gas in the gas distribution area 3 are significantly improved, and the gas flow characteristics are improved.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, a plurality of channels (10) are protruding and extending from the surface of the plate body (0).

[0067] Specifically, the channel 10 includes a side wall, and the side wall of the channel 10 protrudes outward from the surface of the plate body 100 to a certain height, so as to guide the gas to flow in the channel 10. The support body 4 is arranged on the surface of the plate body 100, and protrudes outward from the surface of the plate body 100 to a certain height, so that the support body 4 can guide the gas flow and improve the uniformity of gas distribution. In addition, the extension height of the support body 4 is consistent with the extension height of the side wall of the channel 10, so as to ensure that the support body 4 can effectively guide the gas flow.

[0068] In this embodiment, the extension height of the support body 4 is controlled between 0.2 mm and 2 mm. Preferably, the extension height of the support body 4 is 1 mm. The extension height within this range can ensure the functionality of the support body 4 while avoiding excessive obstruction to the gas flow. The extension height of the support body 4 described here can be adaptively adjusted according to specific usage requirements.

[0069] In this embodiment, the extension area of ​​the support body 4 refers to the projection area of ​​the protruding portion of the support body 4 on the plane of the gas distribution area 3. Specifically, the extension area of ​​the support body 4 is controlled between 3 mm² and 15 mm². The extension area within this range can provide sufficient support strength and ensure that the gas flows smoothly around the support body 4.

[0070] In this embodiment, the distance between two adjacent supports 4 is controlled within a range of 2 mm to 15 mm to ensure a balance between uniformity of gas flow and structural stability. Specifically, when the spacing between the supports 4 is too small, although the structural support can be enhanced, the resistance to gas flow may be increased; and when the spacing is too large, although it is conducive to gas flow, the stability of the structure and the uniform distribution of gas may be sacrificed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the extended shape of the support body 4 is designed to be circular, square or elliptical, the purpose of which is to optimize the flow path of the gas, reduce the flow resistance, and ensure that the support body 4 has sufficient strength and stability. The specific shape of the support body 4 can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario and gas flow requirements.

[0072] In this embodiment, the support body 4 may be made of high-performance materials such as stainless steel, titanium, copper, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), epoxy resin or PEEK (polyetheretherketone), etc. These materials have good mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and chemical stability.

[0073] In this embodiment, the support body 4 can be processed by high-precision processing techniques such as mechanical processing, chemical etching or cutting and forming. Mechanical processing is suitable for metal materials such as stainless steel and titanium, which can ensure the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the support body 4; chemical etching is suitable for polymer materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene and epoxy resin, which can achieve precise processing of complex shapes and microstructures; cutting and forming is suitable for rapid prototyping of various materials.

[0074] In this embodiment, the bipolar plate is made of metal, such as stainless steel, titanium, etc., or graphite or metal-graphite composite material. Among them, metal has good electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, graphite has excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature stability, and metal-graphite composite combines the advantages of metal and graphite and has higher comprehensive performance.

[0075] In this embodiment, the bipolar plate is formed by advanced manufacturing technologies such as machining, stamping, roll forming, hydraulic forming, soft mold forming or etching forming. Machining is suitable for the manufacture of bipolar plates with high precision requirements; stamping, roll forming and hydraulic forming are suitable for large-scale production, which can reduce costs and improve production efficiency; soft mold forming and etching forming are suitable for the manufacture of bipolar plates with complex shapes and microstructures.

[0076] In this embodiment, the support body 4 and the bipolar plate are assembled by reliable connection technologies such as glue bonding and laser welding. Glue bonding is suitable for the connection between the polymer material support body 4 and the bipolar plate, and has the advantages of simple operation and low cost; laser welding is suitable for the connection between the metal material support body 4 and the bipolar plate, and has the characteristics of high connection strength and good sealing performance.

[0077] As described above, by setting the shape, material and processing method of the support body 4, as well as the material selection and molding process of the bipolar plate, the gas flow characteristics can be effectively improved, and it has good conductivity, corrosion resistance and high temperature stability, which helps to improve the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell using the above-mentioned support body 4 and bipolar plate.

[0078] As shown in FIG2 , FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the air inlet channel 2 includes a first air inlet 21 and a first air outlet 22 .

[0079] Specifically, the first air inlet 21 is disposed at one end of the plate body 100 in the length direction to facilitate connection with an external gas supply system, and its shape and size are designed according to gas flow requirements to ensure that the gas can smoothly enter the interior of the bipolar plate.

[0080] The first gas outlet 22 is arranged at one end close to the gas flow channel 1, and a specific area is formed between the first gas outlet 22 and the gas inlet end 13 of the gas flow channel 1, namely, the gas distribution area 3. A plurality of spaced support bodies 4 are arranged in the gas distribution area 3. When the gas flows out from the first gas outlet 22, it is affected by the support bodies 4 through the gas distribution area 3 and evenly distributed to each gas inlet end 13.

[0081] As described above, by optimizing the structure of the air inlet channel 2 and providing the support body 4, the gas distribution efficiency and uniformity are significantly improved, which helps to improve the performance and stability of the fuel cell using the above-mentioned bipolar plate and also prolongs the service life of the fuel cell.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the bipolar plate further includes an outlet channel 5, which is arranged at the other end of the plate in the length direction and includes a second air inlet 51 and a second air outlet 52.

[0083] Specifically, the gas flow channel 1 includes a gas outlet end 14 , the gas outlet channel 5 is arranged on one side of the gas outlet end 14 , and the second gas inlet 51 is used to receive gas that has completed the electrochemical reaction or has not completely reacted.

[0084] A specific space, i.e., a gas distribution area 3, is formed between the second gas inlet 51 and the gas outlet 14. A plurality of spaced support bodies 4 are arranged in the gas distribution area 3. The support bodies 4 can guide and divert the gas, promote gas turbulence and mixing, and ensure that the gas can flow to the second gas inlet 51 more evenly.

[0085] As described above, by providing the support 4 in the gas distribution area 3 of the gas outlet channel 5, the gas discharge efficiency and uniformity are effectively improved, and the problems of gas retention and local pressure unevenness are reduced. The introduction of the support 4 not only enhances the structural strength of the bipolar plate, but also optimizes the gas flow path and promotes gas mixing and uniform distribution.

[0086] As shown in FIG3 , FIG3 is a fuel cell in one embodiment of the present application, comprising two bipolar plates as described above, wherein one bipolar plate is a first bipolar plate a, and the other bipolar plate is a second bipolar plate b. The fuel cell further comprises a membrane electrode c, and the membrane electrode c is disposed between the first bipolar plate a and the second bipolar plate b.

[0087] Specifically, the first bipolar plate a includes a first air inlet channel 23 and a first air outlet channel 53, which are respectively located on both sides of the surface of the plate body 100. The first air inlet channel 23 is used to introduce reaction gas, such as hydrogen or oxygen, and the first air outlet channel 53 is used to discharge the reacted gas.

[0088] Furthermore, the first gas flow channel 11 is located between the first gas inlet channel 23 and the first gas outlet channel 53, and is used to guide the gas to be evenly distributed to the membrane electrode C. A plurality of first support bodies 41 are arranged at intervals between the first gas inlet channel 23 and the first gas flow channel 11, and between the first gas outlet channel 53 and the first gas flow channel 11, respectively. The first support bodies 41 can play a role of structural support, and can also promote the uniform distribution of gas in the flow channel by adjusting and guiding the gas flow.

[0089] In one of the embodiments, two side surfaces (not shown in the figure) of the first bipolar plate a, i.e., the front and back surfaces of the first bipolar plate a, are respectively provided with a first air inlet channel 23, a first air outlet channel 53 and a first gas flow channel 11, and their structures and functions are consistent and will not be elaborated herein.

[0090] In one embodiment, the second bipolar plate b also includes a second inlet channel 24, a second outlet channel 54 and a second gas flow channel 12. Similarly, a plurality of second support bodies 42 are arranged between the second inlet channel 24 and the second gas flow channel 12, and between the second outlet channel 54 and the second gas flow channel 12, respectively, and their functions are the same as those of the first support bodies 41.

[0091] In one of the embodiments, two side surfaces (not shown in the figure) of the second bipolar plate b, i.e., the front and back surfaces of the second bipolar plate b, are respectively provided with a second air inlet channel 24, a second air outlet channel 54 and a second gas flow channel 12, and their structures and functions are consistent and will not be elaborated here.

[0092] Furthermore, the membrane electrode c is located between the first bipolar plate a and the second bipolar plate b, and is a core component of the fuel cell, including key components such as a catalyst layer, an electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer. Both sides of the membrane electrode c are in contact with the first support body 41 and the second support body 42, respectively, providing the necessary mechanical support for the membrane electrode c and facilitating the uniform distribution of gas in the membrane electrode c.

[0093] 3 and 4 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are respectively a schematic diagram of the structure and a schematic diagram of the principle of a fuel cell in an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] In some embodiments, during the operation of the fuel cell, one of the first air inlet channels 23 on the two sides of the first bipolar plate a introduces hydrogen or oxygen, and the other first air inlet channel 23 introduces oxygen or hydrogen. One of the second air inlet channels 24 on the two sides of the second bipolar plate b introduces oxygen or hydrogen, and the other second air inlet channel 24 introduces hydrogen or oxygen. After the two gases are guided and diverted by the first support 41 and the second support 42, they flow into the first gas flow channel 11 and the second gas flow channel 12 and are evenly distributed on both sides of the membrane electrode c. In the membrane electrode c, hydrogen decomposes under the action of the anode catalyst to produce protons and electrons. The protons migrate to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane and combine with the oxygen introduced from the cathode side under the action of the cathode catalyst to generate water, while releasing electrons. The electrons form a current through the external circuit to provide electrical energy for external devices.

[0095] The reacted gas, including the incompletely reacted gas and water vapor, is discharged through the first outlet channel 53 of the first bipolar plate a and the second outlet channel 54 of the second bipolar plate b. During the exhaust process, the first support 41 and the second support 42 adjust the airflow to ensure uniform distribution of the gas in the flow channel and avoid excessively high or low local pressure.

[0096] As described above, the fuel cell effectively improves the gas distribution efficiency and discharge efficiency by adopting an improved bipolar plate design, avoids the problem of the frame of the membrane electrode c shifting from the high pressure side to the low pressure side due to the gas pressure difference between the two sides of the anode and cathode plates, avoids the problem of the membrane electrode c frame sticking between the gas flow channel 1 and the gas distribution area 3 of the bipolar plate, resulting in increased flow resistance and poor air flow on the low pressure side, and improves the performance of the battery stack using the above bipolar plate. At the same time, the introduction of the support body 4 not only enhances the structural strength of the bipolar plate, but also optimizes the gas flow path, promotes the mixing and uniform distribution of the gas, and thus improves the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell.

[0097] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0098] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed 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 application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate, characterized in that: include: Plate(100); A gas flow channel (1) is arranged on the surface of the plate body (100); An air inlet channel (2) is arranged on the surface of the plate body (100) and forms a gas distribution area (3) between the air inlet channel and the gas flow channel (1); A support body (4) is arranged in the gas distribution area (3) on the surface of the plate body (100); The gas flows toward the gas distribution area (3), is guided and divided by the support body (4), and then flows into the gas flow channel (1).

2. The bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas flow channel (1) comprises a plurality of channels (10) and a plurality of gas inlet ends (13) which are interconnected, the plurality of channels (10) being arranged in sequence on the surface of the plate body (100), and the plurality of gas inlet ends (13) being respectively located at one end of the plurality of channels (10) close to the gas distribution area (3); The airflow flowing out of the air inlet channel (2) is guided and divided by a plurality of support bodies (4) arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate body (100) in the gas distribution area (3), and then flows to a plurality of air inlet ends (13) of the gas flow channel (1).

3. The bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The projections of the plurality of support bodies (4) on one side of the channel (10) are respectively located between the two side walls of the plurality of channels (10).

4. The bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of channels (10) are protruding and extending from the surface of the plate body (100); The support body (4) is arranged to protrude outward from the surface of the plate body (100), and the extension height of the support body (4) is consistent with the extension height of the channel.

5. The bipolar plate according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extension height of the support body (4) is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm; the extension area of ​​the support body (4) is between 3 mm² and 15 mm².

6. The bipolar plate according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extended shape of the support body (4) is cylindrical, and the distance between two adjacent support bodies (4) is 2 mm-15 mm.

7. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: There are gaps between the two sides of the support body (4) and the air intake passage (2) and the air intake end (13) respectively.

8. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The air inlet channel (2) is arranged at one end of the plate body (100) in the length direction, and comprises a first air inlet (21) and a first air outlet (22); The first gas outlet (22) is arranged at one end close to the gas flow channel (1), and the support body (4) is arranged in the gas distribution area (3) between the first gas outlet (22) and the gas inlet end (13); The gas flows from the first gas outlet (22) to the gas distribution area (3), and then flows to the gas inlet end (13) after being guided and divided by the support body (4).

9. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The bipolar plate further comprises an air outlet channel (5), wherein the air outlet channel (5) is arranged at the other end of the plate body (100) in the length direction and comprises a second air inlet (51) and a second air outlet (52); The gas flow channel (1) comprises a gas outlet end (14), and the support body (4) is arranged in a gas distribution area (3) between the second gas inlet (51) and the gas outlet end (14); The gas flows from the gas outlet (14) to the gas distribution area (3), and then flows to the second gas inlet (51) after being guided and divided by the support body (4).

10. A fuel cell, characterized in that: Comprising two bipolar plates according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one bipolar plate is a first bipolar plate (a) and the other bipolar plate is a second bipolar plate (b); The fuel cell further includes a membrane electrode (c) disposed between the first bipolar plate (a) and the second bipolar plate (b).

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