Metal bipolar plate distribution area structure of embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention provides an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell metal bipolar plate distribution area structure, and relates to the technical field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell metal bipolar plate distribution area structure comprises: an anode plate having an anode gas distribution area, the anode gas distribution area being provided with a plurality of dot matrix units; the cathode plate is provided with a cathode gas distribution area, and the cathode gas distribution area is sunken downwards to define a plurality of cathode gas flow channels which are distributed in a differential mode; and the cathode plate and the anode plate are in embedded connection. When the anode plate and the cathode plate are connected in an embedded mode, the bipolar plate is supported through the supporting pieces on the dot matrix units, and the overall structural strength and durability of the embedded bipolar plate are guaranteed. In addition, the dot matrix units can be arranged according to the specific positions of the differential cathode gas flow channels of the cathode plate, high flexibility is achieved, and the overall embedding function of the bipolar plate is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and in particular to a metal bipolar plate distribution area structure of an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) is usually composed of bipolar plates, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), sealing gaskets and end plates. Among these components, the bipolar plates have important functions in PEMFC, such as separating cathode and anode, distributing reaction gases and conducting electrons.

[0003] Currently, proton exchange membrane fuel cells are developing towards an overall embedded structure, which requires that multiple areas of the bipolar plate, such as the gas reaction area and the distribution area, can be embedded.

[0004] In view of this, how to provide a bipolar plate that can meet the requirements of proton exchange membrane fuel cell structure embedding is a problem that technical personnel in this field urgently need to solve. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a metal bipolar plate distribution area structure for an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell, improve the distribution area structure of the bipolar plate, realize the interlocking of the bipolar plate, and solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell metal bipolar plate distribution area structure, comprising:

[0007] An anode plate having an anode gas distribution area, wherein a plurality of lattice units are arranged on the anode gas distribution area;

[0008] A cathode plate having a cathode gas distribution area, wherein the cathode gas distribution area is recessed downward to form a plurality of cathode gas flow channels distributed in a differential manner;

[0009] The cathode plate and the anode plate are embedded and connected.

[0010] Furthermore, the dot matrix unit is composed of an integrally arranged arc portion and a straight portion, there are two arc portions, and the straight portion is located between the two arc portions; the cathode surface of the straight portion and / or the arc portion extends outward to form a support member, and when the cathode plate is engaged and connected with the anode plate, the support member is in contact with the cathode plate and the support member is spaced apart from the cathode gas flow channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the cathode gas distribution area has an air inlet and an air outlet, the width of the cathode gas distribution area near the air outlet is greater than the width near the air inlet, and the cathode gas flow channel is composed of a plurality of flow channel units connected in sequence, the plurality of flow channel units are distributed in a tree shape, and the flow channel units near the air outlet are more than the flow channel units near the air inlet.

[0012] The present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0013] 1. The cathode plate adopts a differential cathode gas flow channel, which has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. Uniform gas distribution: The differential cathode gas flow channel can promote the uniform distribution of hydrogen and oxygen on the surface of the bipolar plate, improve the reaction uniformity, and thus improve the efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0015] 2. Optimization of electron conduction: The differential cathode gas flow channel helps optimize the distribution and conduction of electrons on the bipolar plate surface. It can ensure the uniform distribution and transmission of electrons on the bipolar plate, improve the efficiency of electron conduction, and help improve the electrical performance of the battery.

[0016] 3. Moisture management: Differential cathode gas flow channels help better manage the distribution of moisture on the bipolar plate. Differential cathode gas flow channels can help effectively discharge the generated moisture, avoid moisture blockage and retention, and help maintain the normal operation of the fuel cell.

[0017] 4. Flow field distribution control: The differential cathode gas flow channel helps to optimize the flow field distribution of gas and moisture in the distribution area, effectively controlling the distribution of gas and moisture on the bipolar plates, thereby improving the stability and performance of the battery.

[0018] 2. The anode plate adopts a dot matrix unit, which has the following advantages:

[0019] 1. When the anode plate and the cathode plate are connected, the bipolar plate is supported by the support members on the lattice unit to ensure the overall structural strength and durability of the bipolar plate after the connection. In addition, the lattice unit can be set according to the specific position of the differential cathode gas flow channel of the cathode plate, which has a high degree of flexibility and realizes the overall embedding function of the bipolar plate.

[0020] 2. Uniform gas distribution: The lattice unit can promote the uniform distribution of hydrogen and oxygen on the surface of the bipolar plate. By designing a series of tiny lattice structures, the gas flow can be effectively driven, thereby achieving more uniform gas distribution, improving reaction uniformity, and thus increasing the efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0021] 3. Reduce flow resistance: The lattice unit can reduce the resistance of gas flow. Due to the design of the tiny lattice structure, the gas is easier to flow and distribute in the distribution area, which reduces the resistance and helps to improve the working efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0022] 4. Moisture management: The lattice unit also helps to better manage the distribution of water on the bipolar plate. Proper lattice structure design can help drain the generated water, avoid water blockage and retention, and help maintain the normal operation of the fuel cell.

[0023] 5. Increase the reaction interface: The lattice unit can increase the interface area of ​​the reaction, which is beneficial to improving the reaction efficiency of the fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] 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 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.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the cathode gas distribution area;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the anode gas distribution area;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anode surface of the support;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode surface of the support member;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the interlocking connection of bipolar plates;

[0030] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the interlocking connection of bipolar plates;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the points for the anode plate test;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the points for the cathode plate test;

[0033] Among them, 1. anode plate; 2. cathode plate; 3. lattice unit; 4. cathode gas flow channel; 5. support member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] An embodiment of the present invention provides a metal bipolar plate distribution area structure for an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising: an anode plate 1 having an anode gas distribution area, on which a plurality of lattice units 3 are arranged; a cathode plate 2 having a cathode gas distribution area, which is recessed downward to form a plurality of differentially distributed cathode gas flow channels 4; the cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 1 are connected in an interlocking manner. Specifically, the cathode plate 2 has a raised portion (tongue-shaped), and the anode plate 1 has a corresponding groove (groove-shaped). When the bipolar plates are combined, these portions interlock with each other to form a tight mechanical connection. This design ensures that the bipolar plates will not be displaced or misaligned during assembly, thereby achieving precise alignment and tight connection.

[0037] In this embodiment, the dot matrix unit 3 is composed of an arc portion and a straight portion that are integrally arranged, there are two arc portions, and the straight portion is located between the two arc portions; the cathode surface of the straight portion and / or the arc portion extends outward to form a support member 5, and when the cathode plate 2 is engaged and connected with the anode plate 1, the support member 5 is in contact with the cathode plate 2 and the support member 5 is spaced apart from the cathode gas flow channel 4.

[0038] In this embodiment, an anode gas flow channel is defined between the lattice units 3 , and the width of the anode gas flow channel is twice the width of the cathode gas flow channel 4 .

[0039] In this embodiment, the cathode gas distribution area has an air inlet and an air outlet, the width of the cathode gas distribution area near the air outlet is greater than the width near the air inlet, the cathode gas flow channel 4 is composed of a plurality of flow channel units connected in sequence, the plurality of flow channel units are distributed in a tree shape, and the number of flow channel units near the air outlet is greater than the number of flow channel units near the air inlet.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, the gas distribution uniformity test was performed on the anode plate 1, and the test results are as follows:

[0041] Anode Plate

[0042]

[0043] The data in the table are obtained from the CFD fluid simulation experiment in ANSYS FULENT. The 5 data in the second column of the table are the hydrogen molar concentrations of 5 points extracted by the equidistant division of line a in the figure (from left to right in the figure), and the 10 data in the fourth column of the table are the hydrogen molar concentrations of 10 points extracted by the equidistant division of line b in the figure (from left to right in the figure). From the data point of view, the data in the second column are close to the hydrogen inlet, so there is no obvious change in the data. The data in the fourth column corresponds to the area preparing to enter the reaction channel after passing through the anode gas distribution area. The hydrogen molar concentration of data point 10 farthest from the hydrogen inlet is the lowest, but it is not much different from other data points. Overall, the data of these 10 points are relatively uniform, which proves the uniformity of distribution in the dot matrix distribution area of ​​the anode plate.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, the cathode plate 2 is tested for gas distribution uniformity, and the test results are as follows:

[0045] Cathode Plate

[0046] Oxygen molar concentration of SN cathode plate (mol*m-3)Oxygen molar concentration of SN cathode plate (mol*m-3)

[0047]

[0048] The principle of taking points is to monitor the data when the flow channel is bent and divided into multi-channel units. The 5 data in the second column of the table are the oxygen molar concentrations of the 5 points extracted by the equidistant division of the c line in the figure (from left to right in the figure), and the 10 data in the fourth column of the table are the oxygen molar concentrations of the 10 points extracted by the equidistant division of the d line in the figure (from left to right in the figure). From the data point of view, the data in the second column are close to the oxygen inlet, so there is no obvious change in the data. The data in the fourth column corresponds to the area ready to enter the reaction flow channel after the cathode gas passes through the distribution area. The data point 10 farthest from the hydrogen inlet has the lowest hydrogen molar concentration, but it is actually not very different from other data points. The change is smaller than that of the hydrogen data because the range of the oxygen inlet is much larger than that of the hydrogen inlet. Overall, the data of these 10 points are relatively uniform, which proves the uniformity of distribution in the differential distribution area of ​​the cathode plate.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention, and do 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 should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0050] The embodiments described above are only descriptions of the preferred modes of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by ordinary technicians in this field should all fall within the protection scope determined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell metal bipolar plate distribution area structure, characterized in that: include: An anode plate (1) having an anode gas distribution area, wherein a plurality of lattice units (3) are arranged on the anode gas distribution area; A cathode plate (2) having a cathode gas distribution area, wherein the cathode gas distribution area is recessed downward to form a plurality of cathode gas flow channels (4) distributed in a differential manner; The cathode plate (2) and the anode plate (1) are connected in a chiming manner.

2. The metal bipolar plate distribution area structure of an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dot matrix unit (3) is composed of an arc-shaped portion and a straight portion which are integrally arranged, wherein there are two arc-shaped portions, and the straight portion is located between the two arc-shaped portions; the cathode surface of the straight portion and / or the arc-shaped portion extends outward to form a support member (5); when the cathode plate (2) is engaged with the anode plate (1), the support member (5) is in contact with the cathode plate (2) and the support member (5) is spaced apart from the cathode gas flow channel (4).

3. The metal bipolar plate distribution area structure of an embedded proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode gas distribution area has an air inlet and an air outlet, the width of the cathode gas distribution area near the air outlet is greater than the width near the air inlet, the cathode gas flow channel (4) is composed of a plurality of flow channel units connected in sequence, the plurality of flow channel units are distributed in a tree shape, and the number of flow channel units near the air outlet is greater than the number of flow channel units near the air inlet.

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