Integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation runner polar plate

Abstract

The invention relates to a spiral gas-liquid separation runner polar plate of an integrated regenerative fuel cell. The spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel polar plate comprises a spiral main flow channel, a spiral exhaust flow channel, a spiral liquid discharge flow channel, a first flow channel inlet, a first liquid discharge port, a first exhaust port, a first air blowing device, a second flow channel inlet, a second liquid discharge port, a second exhaust port, a second air blowing device, a control device, a bottom support and a partition plate. The control device is connected with the exhaust channel shell and the liquid drainage channel shell, and effective regulation and control of gas-liquid separation are achieved by controlling different opening degrees and combining the air blowing device. By utilizing the spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel polar plate designed by the invention, the gas-water management capability of the integrated regenerative fuel cell can be improved, the increase of transmission resistance caused by bubble aggregation during operation in an electrolyzed water mode and the occurrence of a water logging phenomenon in a fuel cell mode are avoided, and the performance of operation in a bidirectional mode of the integrated regenerative fuel cell is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology, and particularly relates to an integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate. Background Technology

[0002] An integrated regenerative fuel cell is a dual-function energy conversion device that integrates fuel cell and electrolyzer modes. This device can convert electrical energy into chemical energy (hydrogen and oxygen) for storage via water electrolysis, and simultaneously convert chemical energy into electrical energy for output via fuel cell mode. This integration of energy storage and power release overcomes the limitations of capacity and power coupling in traditional battery systems. Given its high energy density and bidirectional conversion characteristics, integrated regenerative fuel cells have significant application advantages in spacecraft, submersibles, drones, and distributed renewable energy storage systems.

[0003] In the operation of an integrated regenerative fuel cell, the generation, transport, and separation of the gas and liquid phases are key factors affecting battery performance and lifespan. In water electrolysis mode, a large number of oxygen (or hydrogen) bubbles are generated on the electrode surface. Especially under high current density, the aggregation of these bubbles hinders water transport. In fuel cell mode, the reaction produces water, and the accumulation of water can easily cause flooding, leading to obstructed gas transport. If the generated gas or liquid is not removed from the interface in a timely and effective manner, it will cover the catalytic active sites, causing a sharp decline in battery performance and even irreversible damage. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective gas and water management in integrated regenerative fuel cells. This requires achieving efficient and rapid gas and water management in bidirectional operation of the integrated regenerative fuel cell without significantly increasing system complexity and volume, thereby improving the overall performance and operational stability of the integrated regenerative fuel cell.

[0004] The shape and spatial arrangement of flow channels have a significant impact on gas-liquid two-phase transport. As a special type of fluid channel, the helical flow channel provides a continuous primary flow path, maintaining a relatively long contact interface between gas and liquid during transport. Simultaneously, the helical structure introduces a significant secondary flow effect during flow, which enhances fluid turbulence and facilitates gas-liquid separation. Coupled arrangement of the helical flow channel with a gas-liquid separator not only benefits gas-liquid transport management in bidirectional operation of the integrated regenerative fuel cell but also enables functional integration within a compact structure, which is of great significance for improving the performance and stability of the integrated regenerative fuel cell. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem of poor gas-liquid management in the bidirectional operation mode of existing integrated regenerative fuel cells, this invention proposes an integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate, aiming to further enhance the bidirectional gas-liquid transmission performance of the integrated regenerative fuel cell, thereby improving the battery's performance and operational stability.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate comprises a spiral main flow channel 1, a spiral exhaust flow channel 2, a spiral liquid discharge flow channel 3, a first flow channel inlet 4, a first liquid discharge port 5, a first exhaust port 6, a first air blowing device 7, a second liquid discharge port 8, a second exhaust port 9, a second flow channel inlet 10, a second air blowing device 11, a control device 12, a bottom support 13, and a partition 14. The spiral exhaust flow channel 2 and the spiral liquid discharge flow channel 3 are arranged inside the spiral main flow channel 1 and are connected to the spiral main flow channel 1 through the bottom support 13. The spiral exhaust flow channel 2 and the spiral liquid discharge flow channel 3 form a spiral flow channel with an elliptical cross section, and the two are separated by the partition 14.

[0007] Furthermore, the spiral main channel 1, the spiral exhaust channel 2, and the spiral liquid discharge channel 3 are all centered on the spiral line.

[0008] Furthermore, the spiral main channel 1 is provided with a first channel inlet 4 and a second channel inlet 10 at its beginning and end, respectively; the spiral exhaust channel 2 is provided with a first exhaust port 6 and a second exhaust port 9 at its beginning and end, respectively; and the spiral drain channel 3 is provided with a first drain port 5 and a second drain port 8 at its beginning and end, respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the first exhaust port 6 of the spiral exhaust channel 2 is connected to the first drain port 5 of the spiral drain channel 3, and the second exhaust port 9 of the spiral exhaust channel 2 is connected to the second drain port 8 of the spiral drain channel 3, and the exhaust and drainage speeds are controlled by manipulating the flow rates of the first and second air blowing devices.

[0010] Furthermore, the spiral exhaust channel 2 and the spiral main channel 1 are separated by an exhaust channel ridge 201, and a number of air-guiding and water-blocking membranes 202 are arranged inside the exhaust channel ridge 201. The spiral liquid discharge channel 3 and the spiral main channel 1 are separated by a liquid discharge channel ridge 301, and a number of water-guiding and air-blocking membranes 302 are arranged inside the liquid discharge channel ridge 301.

[0011] Furthermore, an exhaust channel housing 203 is arranged outside the exhaust channel ridge 201. The exhaust channel housing 203 is connected to the control device 12. The opening degree of the drain channel housing 203 can be controlled by the control device 12. A drain channel housing 303 is arranged outside the drain channel ridge 301. The drain channel housing 303 is connected to the control device 12. The opening degree of the drain channel housing 303 can be controlled by the control device 12.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall surface of the spiral drainage channel 3 is treated with a hydrophobic surface.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. This invention integrates the electrode plate channel with the gas-water separation device, solving the problem of poor gas-water management in the bidirectional operation mode of the integrated regenerative fuel cell. Through the independent design of the spiral exhaust channel and the spiral liquid discharge channel, as well as the integration of the gas-conducting water-blocking membrane and the water-conducting gas-blocking membrane, it effectively avoids the problems of water transmission obstruction caused by excessively large bubbles under high current density in the water electrolysis mode and water flooding that is prone to occur in the fuel cell mode.

[0014] 2. This invention adjusts the opening of the gas-water separator shell by a control device and works in conjunction with an air blowing device to control the liquid discharge flow and exhaust flow under different operating conditions, thereby improving the self-regulating capability of gas-water management in complex operating conditions of the integrated regenerative fuel cell.

[0015] 3. This invention, through the design of a spiral flow channel and the periodic switching function of the flow channel inlet and outlet, improves the long contact interface between gas and liquid during the transmission process. At the same time, the periodic switching of the flow channel inlet and outlet effectively overcomes the problems of premature deactivation of local catalysts and the generation of local hot spots caused by the non-uniform distribution of electrochemical reactions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 Diagram of the spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel electrode plate of an integrated regenerative fuel cell; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the gas-liquid separation channel; 1. Spiral main channel, 2. Spiral exhaust channel, 3. Spiral drain channel, 4. First channel inlet, 5. First drain port, 6. First exhaust port, 7. First air blowing device, 8. Second drain port, 9. Second exhaust port, 10. Second channel inlet, 11. Second air blowing device, 12. Control device, 13. Bottom support, 14. Partition, 201. Exhaust channel ridge, 202. Air guiding and water-proof membrane, 203. Exhaust channel shell, 301. Drain channel ridge, 302. Water guiding and air-proof membrane, 303. Drain channel shell. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This invention provides an integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate, which will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific implementation method one: Combination Figure 1 This embodiment describes an integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate, which includes a spiral main flow channel 1, a spiral exhaust flow channel 2, a spiral liquid discharge flow channel 3, a first flow channel inlet 4, a first liquid discharge port 5, a first exhaust port 6, a first air blowing device 7, a second liquid discharge port 8, a second exhaust port 9, a second flow channel inlet 10, and a second air blowing device 11.

[0019] When the integrated regenerative fuel cell operates in water electrolysis mode, water enters the spiral main flow channel 1 through the first flow channel inlet 4, flows through the electrode plate along the spiral flow channel, and exits the electrode plate through the second flow channel inlet 10. During this process, the gas generated by water electrolysis enters the spiral exhaust flow channel 2 along the spiral flow channel, and is discharged from the spiral flow channel through the second exhaust port 9 under the action of the first blowing device 7. After one cycle following the mode switch, when operating in the new water electrolysis mode, water enters the spiral main flow channel 1 through the second flow channel inlet 10, flows through the electrode plate along the spiral flow channel, and exits the electrode plate through the first flow channel inlet 4. During this process, the gas generated by water electrolysis enters the spiral exhaust flow channel 2 along the spiral flow channel, and is discharged from the spiral flow channel through the first exhaust port 6 under the action of the second blowing device 11. This process is repeated, and the switching of the inlet and outlet flow channels in water electrolysis mode is achieved through the electrode plate. Specific Implementation Method Two: Combination Figure 1 This embodiment describes an integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate, which includes a spiral main flow channel 1, a spiral exhaust flow channel 2, a spiral liquid discharge flow channel 3, a first flow channel inlet 4, a first liquid discharge port 5, a first exhaust port 6, a first air blowing device 7, a second liquid discharge port 8, a second exhaust port 9, a second flow channel inlet 10, and a second air blowing device 11.

[0021] When the integrated regenerative fuel cell operates in fuel cell mode, the reactant gas enters the spiral main flow channel 1 through the first flow channel inlet 4, flows through the electrode plate along the spiral flow channel, and exits the electrode plate through the second flow channel inlet 10. During this process, the water produced by the reaction enters the spiral drain channel 3 along the spiral flow channel, and is discharged from the spiral flow channel through the second drain port 8 under the action of the first blowing device 7. After one cycle following the mode switch, when operating in the new fuel cell mode, the reactant gas enters the spiral main flow channel 1 through the second flow channel inlet 10, flows through the electrode plate along the spiral flow channel, and exits the electrode plate through the first flow channel inlet 4. During this process, the water produced by the reaction enters the spiral drain channel 3 along the spiral flow channel, and is discharged from the spiral flow channel through the first drain port 5 under the action of the second blowing device 11. This process is repeated, and the inlet and outlet flow channels are switched in fuel cell mode through the electrode plate, thereby achieving uniform distribution of the electrochemical reaction in the integrated regenerative fuel cell and preventing local catalyst deactivation and hot spot generation. Specific implementation method three: Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 This embodiment describes an integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel plate, which includes a spiral main flow channel 1, a spiral exhaust flow channel 2, a spiral liquid discharge flow channel 3, a first flow channel inlet 4, a first liquid discharge port 5, a first exhaust port 6, a first air blowing device 7, a second liquid discharge port 8, a second exhaust port 9, a second flow channel inlet 10, a second air blowing device 11, a control device 12, a bottom support 13, a partition 14, an exhaust flow channel ridge 201, a gas-conducting water-proof membrane 202, an exhaust channel shell 203, a liquid discharge flow channel ridge 301, a water-conducting gas-proof membrane 302, and a liquid discharge channel shell 303.

[0023] When the integrated regenerative fuel cell is operating in water electrolysis mode, the control device 12 opens the exhaust port housing 203 and controls the opening degree of the housing according to different operating conditions. At this time, the drain port housing 303 is closed, and the gas generated by water electrolysis flows along the spiral channel, through the exhaust port housing 203, and enters the spiral exhaust channel 2 via the gas-conducting water-barrier membrane 202. Under the action of the air blowing device, it flows out of the spiral exhaust channel 2. When the integrated regenerative fuel cell is operating in fuel cell mode, the control device 12 opens the drain port housing 303 and controls the opening degree of the housing according to different operating conditions. At this time, the exhaust port housing 203 is closed, and the water generated by the fuel cell operation flows out. Along the spiral flow channel, through the drain channel housing 303, and through the water-guiding and air-barrier membrane 302, it enters the spiral drain channel 3 and flows out of the spiral drain channel 3 under the action of the air blowing device.

[0024] Example 1 Combination Figures 1-2 Explanation of this implementation method: In this embodiment, when the integrated regenerative fuel cell operates in water electrolysis mode, water enters the spiral main flow channel through the first flow channel inlet, flows along the spiral flow channel through the electrode plates, and exits the electrode plates through the second flow channel inlet. During this process, the control device opens the exhaust port shell and controls the opening degree of the shell according to the current density operating conditions. The drain port shell closes, and the gas generated by water electrolysis flows along the spiral flow channel, through the exhaust port shell, and enters the spiral exhaust flow channel via the gas-conducting water-proof membrane. Under the action of the first air blowing device, it flows out from the second exhaust port. After one cycle, it enters a new water electrolysis mode, where water enters the spiral main flow channel through the second flow channel inlet, flows along the spiral flow channel through the electrode plates, and exits the electrode plates through the first flow channel inlet. During this process, the control device opens the exhaust port shell and controls the opening degree of the shell according to the current density operating conditions. The drain port shell closes, and the gas generated by water electrolysis flows along the spiral flow channel, through the exhaust port shell, and enters the spiral exhaust flow channel via the gas-conducting water-proof membrane. Under the action of the second air blowing device, it flows out from the first exhaust port.

[0025] Example 2 Combination Figures 1-2 Explanation of this implementation method: In this embodiment, when the integrated regenerative fuel cell is running in fuel cell mode, the reactant gas enters the spiral main flow channel through the first flow channel inlet, flows through the electrode plate along the spiral flow channel, and exits the electrode plate through the second flow channel inlet. During this process, the control device opens the drain channel shell and controls the opening degree of the shell according to the fuel cell operating conditions. The exhaust channel shell is closed, and the water produced by the reaction flows along the spiral flow channel, through the drain channel shell, and enters the spiral drain channel through the water-conducting gas-barrier membrane. Under the action of the first air blowing device, it flows out from the second drain port. After one cycle, it enters a new fuel cell mode. The reactant gas enters the spiral main flow channel through the second flow channel inlet, flows through the electrode plate along the spiral flow channel, and exits the electrode plate through the first flow channel inlet. During this process, the control device opens the drain channel shell and controls the opening degree of the shell according to the fuel cell operating conditions. The exhaust channel shell is closed, and the water produced by the reaction flows along the spiral flow channel, through the drain channel shell, and enters the spiral drain channel through the water-conducting gas-barrier membrane. Under the action of the second air blowing device, it flows out from the first drain port.

Claims

1. An integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel electrode plate, characterized in that... The spiral gas-liquid separation channel plate comprises a spiral main channel (1), a spiral exhaust channel (2), a spiral liquid discharge channel (3), a first channel inlet (4), a first liquid discharge port (5), a first exhaust port (6), a first air blowing device (7), a second liquid discharge port (8), a second exhaust port (9), a second channel inlet (10), a second air blowing device (11), a control device (12), a bottom support (13), and a partition (14).

2. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The spiral main channel (1), spiral exhaust channel (2) and spiral liquid discharge channel (3) are all based on the spiral line as the center line of the pipeline. The spiral exhaust channel (2) and spiral liquid discharge channel (3) are arranged inside the spiral main channel (1). The spiral exhaust channel (2) and spiral liquid discharge channel (3) are connected to the spiral main channel (1) through the bottom support (13).

3. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The spiral main channel (1) has a first channel inlet (4) and a second channel inlet (10) arranged at its head and tail respectively. The spiral exhaust channel (2) has a first exhaust port (6) and a second exhaust port (9) arranged at its head and tail respectively. The spiral drain channel (3) has a first drain port (5) and a second drain port (8) arranged at its head and tail respectively.

4. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The first exhaust port (6) of the spiral exhaust channel (2) is connected to the first drain port (5) of the spiral drain channel (3) via a first air blowing device (7), and the second exhaust port (9) of the spiral exhaust channel (2) is connected to the second drain port (8) of the spiral drain channel (3) via a second air blowing device (11). The exhaust and drainage speeds are controlled by manipulating the flow rates of the first air blowing device (7) and the second air blowing device (11).

5. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The spiral exhaust channel (2) and the spiral liquid discharge channel (3) form a spiral channel with an elliptical cross section, and the two are separated by a partition (14).

6. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The spiral exhaust channel (2) is separated from the spiral main channel (1) by an exhaust channel ridge (201), and several air-guiding water-proof membranes (202) are arranged inside the exhaust channel ridge (201).

7. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... An exhaust duct shell (203) is arranged outside the exhaust duct ridge (201). The exhaust duct shell (203) is connected to the control device (12). The opening degree of the exhaust duct shell (203) can be controlled by the control device (12).

8. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The spiral drainage channel (3) is separated from the spiral main channel (1) by a drainage channel ridge (301), and several water-guiding and air-barrier membranes (302) are arranged inside the drainage channel ridge (301).

9. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation flow channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain channel ridge (301) is surrounded by a drain channel shell (303), which is connected to the control device (12). The opening degree of the drain channel shell (303) can be controlled by the control device (12).

10. The integrated regenerative fuel cell spiral gas-liquid separation channel electrode plate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The inner wall of the spiral drainage channel (3) is treated with a hydrophobic surface.

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