Bipolar plate, PEM electrolytic bath and new energy vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of new energy, and discloses a bipolar plate, a PEM electrolytic bath and a new energy vehicle. A water inlet area, a first reaction area and a water outlet area are sequentially arranged on the anode side of a polar plate body in the bipolar plate in the water flow direction, and a plurality of water flow reaction runners communicated with the water inlet area and the water outlet area are arranged in the first reaction area; in the water flow direction, the water flow reaction flow channel is in a wave shape, and the cross section area of the water flow reaction flow channel in the width direction of the water flow reaction flow channel is gradually increased. According to the application, the wavy water flow reaction runner is arranged, so that the water turbulence is enhanced, the mass transfer efficiency is improved, and meanwhile, the water distribution is optimized and the reaction uniformity is improved. Moreover, the inlet area of the water flow reaction runner is narrow, so that bubble adhesion can be inhibited at high flow speed, fluid shear force is enhanced, and bubble adhesion is destroyed; the outlet area is wide, the sectional area is increased, the flow speed is reduced, reactant retention time is prolonged, flow resistance is reduced, tail end concentration polarization is avoided, and blockage is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of new energy technology, specifically relating to a bipolar plate, a PEM electrolyzer, and a new energy vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As the global energy structure shifts towards renewable energy, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient secondary energy carrier, is increasingly being used in industries, transportation, and energy storage. Among these, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis for hydrogen production is becoming an important technological direction for future green hydrogen production due to its fast start-up speed, strong load regulation capability, and good adaptability to the fluctuations of renewable energy.

[0003] In PEM electrolyzers, the structural design of the bipolar plates directly affects the flow distribution of water and electrolysis products (H2, O2), bubble emission, mass transfer efficiency, heat dissipation, and overall system energy efficiency. Existing bipolar plate structures often employ straight or highly curved serpentine flow channels. However, both types of channels suffer from drawbacks such as uneven water flow distribution and low gas-liquid separation efficiency. Furthermore, prolonged operation may exacerbate channel blockage, affecting the stability of the electrolyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a bipolar plate, a PEM electrolyzer, and a new energy vehicle to solve the shortcomings of existing bipolar plates, such as uneven water flow distribution and low gas-liquid separation efficiency. Furthermore, under long-term operation, these shortcomings may exacerbate flow channel blockage and affect the stability of the electrolyzer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this application provides a bipolar plate, including a plate body, one side of which is an anode side and the other side is a cathode side. The anode side includes an inlet zone, a first reaction zone, and an outlet zone arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. The first reaction zone is provided with a plurality of water flow reaction channels connecting the inlet zone and the outlet zone. Along the direction of water flow, the water flow reaction channel has a wavy shape, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow reaction channel gradually increases in its width direction.

[0006] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: In some embodiments, the water flow reaction channel has a width, the width direction of which is consistent with the width direction of the electrode body, and the width of the water flow reaction channel gradually increases along the water flow direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inlet width of the water flow reaction channel near the inlet area is defined as d1, and the outlet width of the water flow reaction channel near the outlet area is defined as d2. Where d2 = k * d1, 2 ≤ k ≤ 3; and / or, d1 < d2, and the range of d1 is 1.0-1.5 mm; the range of d2 is 1.5-2.0 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water flow reaction channel has a depth, the depth direction of which is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode body, and the depth of the water flow reaction channel gradually increases along the water flow direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inlet depth of the water flow reaction channel near the inlet zone is defined as h1; the outlet depth of the water flow reaction channel near the outlet zone is defined as h2. Where h2 = k * h1, 2 ≤ k ≤ 3; and / or, h1 < h2, and the range of h1 is 0.5-1.0 mm; the range of h2 is 1.0-1.5 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water inlet area includes an inlet, an inlet channel, and an inlet diversion section arranged sequentially along the water flow direction; the inlet is connected to the inlet diversion section through the inlet channel, and the inlet diversion section is connected to the water flow reaction channel; along the width direction of the electrode body, the inlet diversion section is provided with a first inlet diversion sub-region, a second inlet diversion sub-region, and a third inlet diversion sub-region; the first inlet diversion sub-region and the second inlet diversion sub-region are arranged corresponding to the inlet channel, and the third inlet diversion sub-region and the first inlet diversion sub-region are located on both sides of the second inlet diversion sub-region; The first, second, and third inlet water sub-regions are respectively provided with a plurality of first protrusion structures, a plurality of second protrusion structures, and a plurality of third protrusion structures. Each of the first, second, and third protrusion structures has a sharp-angle guide portion on the side facing away from the water flow reaction channel, and the angle of the sharp-angle guide portion of the first, second, and third protrusion structures decreases sequentially.

[0011] In some embodiments, the center distance between each adjacent first protrusion structure, two second protrusion structures, and two third protrusion structures in the first inlet water diversion sub-region, the second inlet water diversion sub-region, and the third inlet water diversion sub-region is the same. in: The angle of the pointed guide portion of the first protrusion structure located in the first inlet water flow sub-region is 80° to 100°; And / or, the angle of the pointed guide portion of the second protrusion structure located in the second inlet sub-region is 50° to 70°; And / or, the angle of the pointed guide portion of the third protrusion structure located in the third inlet sub-region is 20° to 40°.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cathode side includes a second reaction zone and an outlet zone disposed on both sides of the second reaction zone; The second reaction zone is provided with several airflow reaction channels that connect the two air outlet zones. The airflow reaction channels are wavy in shape along their extension direction. The air outlet area includes an airflow gathering section, an exhaust channel and an air outlet arranged sequentially and connected along the air outlet direction. The airflow gathering section is provided with several fourth protrusion structures. The undulating shape of the airflow reaction channel conforms to a sinusoidal function distribution, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow reaction channel in its width direction remains unchanged along the outlet direction. A second aspect of this application provides a PEM electrolytic cell, including the bipolar plate described in the first aspect above.

[0013] A third aspect of this application provides a new energy vehicle, including a fuel cell, said fuel cell including the PEM electrolyzer described in the second aspect above.

[0014] This application provides a bipolar plate, a PEM electrolyzer, and a new energy vehicle, which have at least the following beneficial effects: The bipolar plate provided in this application has an inlet zone, a first reaction zone, and an outlet zone sequentially arranged along the water flow direction on the anode side of the plate body. The first reaction zone contains several water flow reaction channels connecting the inlet and outlet zones. The shape of these water flow reaction channels is wavy, and their cross-sectional area gradually increases in width. This wavy water flow reaction channel design enhances water turbulence, improves mass transfer efficiency, and optimizes water distribution and reaction uniformity. Furthermore, the narrow inlet area of ​​the water flow reaction channel allows for high flow velocity to suppress bubble adhesion, enhances fluid shear force, and disrupts bubble adhesion; the wide outlet area increases the cross-sectional area, reduces flow velocity, prolongs reactant residence time, reduces flow resistance, avoids end-concentration polarization, facilitates oxygen discharge, and prevents gas blockage. When applied to a PEM electrolyzer, this improves the stability of the electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of this application, but do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 An isometric view of a bipolar plate provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the anode side of the bipolar plate shown; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water flow reaction channel on the anode side of the bipolar plate shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram (a) and a schematic diagram (b) showing the width variation and depth variation of the anode-side water flow reaction channel provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the water inlet zone on the anode side of the bipolar plate shown. Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the protruding structure in the inlet diversion section of the inlet zone provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the first protrusion (a) in the first inlet diversion sub-region, the second protrusion (b) in the second inlet diversion sub-region, and the third protrusion (c) in the third inlet diversion sub-region, provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 8 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the water outlet zone on the anode side of the bipolar plate shown. Figure 9 for Figure 1 Front view of the cathode side of the bipolar plate shown.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10. Electrode body; 100. Anode side; 110. Inlet area; 111. Inlet; 112. Inlet channel; 113. Inlet diversion section; 1130. First inlet diversion sub-area; 1131. Second inlet diversion sub-area; 1132. Third inlet diversion sub-area; 120. First reaction zone; 121. Water flow reaction channel; 130. Outlet area; 131. Outlet confluence section; 1310. First outlet confluence sub-area; 1311. Second outlet confluence sub-area; 1312. Third outlet confluence sub-area; 132. Outlet channel; 133. Outlet; 140. Protruding structure; 140a. First protruding structure; 140b. Second protruding structure; 140c. Third protruding structure; 141. Sharp corner guide section; 142. Guide slope; 200, Cathode side; 210, Second reaction zone; 211, Gas flow reaction channel; 220, Gas outlet zone; 221, Gas flow convergence section; 222, Gas inlet channel; 223, Gas outlet; 230, Fourth protrusion structure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0018] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments.

[0019] Example Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a bipolar plate that can be applied to a PEM electrolytic cell and is arranged on the anode side 100 of the PEM electrolytic cell.

[0020] The bipolar plate provided in this embodiment includes a plate body 10, with one side of the plate body 10 being an anode side 100 and the other side being a cathode side 200. The anode side 100 of the plate body 10 includes an inlet zone 110, a first reaction zone 120, and an outlet zone 130 arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. The first reaction zone 120 is provided with a plurality of water flow reaction channels 121 connecting the inlet zone 110 and the outlet zone 130. The plurality of water flow reaction channels 121 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the plate body 10.

[0021] It is understood that "a plurality of water flow reaction channels 121" means that there are multiple water flow reaction channels 121, and the number of water flow reaction channels 121 is limited by the height of the electrode body 10 and the depth of the water flow reaction channels 121, so no specific limitation is made in this embodiment.

[0022] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 On the anode side 100 of the electrode body 10, water flows in from the inlet zone 110, then passes through the first reaction zone 120 to complete the electrolysis reaction, and finally exits from the outlet zone 130. Thus, in this embodiment, the direction from the inlet zone 110 to the outlet zone 130 is defined as the water flow direction (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (See arrow V1 direction). Along the water flow direction, the shape of the water flow reaction channel 121 is wavy, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow reaction channel 121 gradually increases in its width direction. That is to say, the cross-sectional area of ​​the water flow reaction channel 121 gradually increases along the water flow direction, so the inlet size of the water flow reaction channel 121 is larger than the outlet size.

[0023] This embodiment, by setting a wavy water flow reaction channel 121, is beneficial for enhancing water turbulence, improving mass transfer efficiency, and optimizing water distribution and reaction uniformity. Furthermore, the narrow inlet area of ​​the water flow reaction channel 121 allows for high flow velocity to suppress bubble adhesion, enhance fluid shear force, and disrupt bubble adhesion; the wide outlet area increases the cross-sectional area, reduces flow velocity, prolongs reactant residence time, and simultaneously reduces flow resistance, avoiding end-concentration polarization, facilitating smooth oxygen discharge, and preventing gas blockage. When applied to a PEM electrolyzer, this can improve the stability of the electrolyzer.

[0024] To more clearly describe the technical solution of this application, the bipolar plate provided in this embodiment is described in detail below: Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the water flow reaction channel 121 has a centerline, and the undulation pattern of the centerline conforms to the sinusoidal function distribution. Thus, the water flow reaction channel 121 has smooth undulations and low resistance compared to a large-bend structure. At the same time, it is more conducive to enhancing water turbulence, improving mass transfer efficiency, optimizing water distribution, and improving reaction uniformity.

[0025] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 The cross-section of the water flow reaction channel 121 along its width direction is rectangular, thus the water flow reaction channel 121 has a width and a depth (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown, d represents the width and h represents the depth). The width direction of the water flow reaction channel 121 is consistent with the width direction of the electrode body 10, and the depth direction of the water flow reaction channel 121 is consistent with the thickness direction of the electrode body 10.

[0026] In some embodiments, the inlet width of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the inlet zone 110 is defined as d1, and the outlet width of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the outlet zone 130 is defined as d2, satisfying the following variation rule: d2 = k * d1, 2 ≤ k ≤ 3. This design effectively prolongs the residence time of liquid water in the channel to improve water utilization, while providing a larger diffusion space for gas, facilitating the smooth discharge of oxygen and preventing air blockage.

[0027] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 In some embodiments, the inlet depth of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the water inlet area 110 is defined as h1; the outlet depth of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the water outlet area 130 is defined as h2, and the following variation rule is satisfied: h2=k*h1, 2≤k≤3. This design effectively prolongs the residence time of liquid water in the channel to improve water utilization, while providing a larger diffusion space for gas, which is conducive to the smooth discharge of oxygen and prevents gas blockage.

[0028] In this embodiment, the inlet width, inlet depth, outlet width, and outlet depth of the water flow reaction channel 121 can simultaneously satisfy: h2=k*h1, d2=k*d1, 2≤k≤3. This can more effectively prolong the residence time of liquid water in the channel to improve water utilization, while providing a larger diffusion space for gas, facilitating the smooth discharge of oxygen and preventing gas blockage.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inlet width of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the inlet area 110 is defined as d1, and the outlet area width of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the outlet area 130 is defined as d2, wherein d1 < d2, and the range of d1 is 1.0-1.5 mm; the range of d2 is 1.5-2.0 mm.

[0030] In some embodiments, the inlet depth of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the inlet zone 110 is defined as h1, and the outlet depth of the water flow reaction channel 121 near the outlet zone 130 is defined as h2, wherein h1 < h2, and the range of h1 is 0.5-1.0 mm; the range of h2 is 1.0-1.5 mm.

[0031] Understandably, the shallow and narrow inlet design of the water flow reaction channel 121 helps maintain a higher inlet pressure and increase the water flow rate, allowing pure water to enter quickly and be evenly distributed throughout the first reaction zone 120. In addition, it can prevent gas accumulation caused by low inlet flow rate. The wide and deep outlet of the water flow reaction channel 121 can reduce flow rate and flow resistance, prolong the residence time of liquid water in the channel to improve water utilization, and at the same time provide a larger diffusion space for gas, which is conducive to the smooth discharge of oxygen and prevents gas blockage.

[0032] Optionally, the inlet and outlet walls of the water flow reaction channel 121 are provided with chamfered portions to facilitate smooth water flow and reduce resistance.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The water inlet zone 110 includes an inlet 111, an inlet channel 112, and an inlet diversion section 113 arranged sequentially along the water flow direction. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the inlet 111 is arranged near the lower side of the electrode body 10. The inlet 111 is connected to the inlet diversion section 113 through the inlet flow channel 112. The inlet diversion section 113 extends along the height direction of the electrode body 10 to cover all the water flow reaction channels 121, ensuring that all the water flow reaction channels 121 can be connected to the side of the inlet diversion section 113 away from the inlet flow channel 112.

[0034] Along the width direction of the electrode body 10, the inlet water diversion section 113 is provided with a first inlet water diversion sub-region 1130, a second inlet water diversion sub-region 1131, and a third inlet water diversion sub-region 1132 in sequence. For example... Figure 5 From the perspective shown, the first inlet water sub-region 1130, the second inlet water sub-region 1131, and the third inlet water sub-region 1132 are arranged from bottom to top. That is to say, the first inlet water sub-region 1130 and the third inlet water sub-region 1132 are located on both sides of the second inlet water sub-region 1131. The first inlet water sub-region 1130, the second inlet water sub-region 1131, and the third inlet water sub-region 1132 are arranged in descending order of water flow resistance. This ensures that the incoming water flow can be diffused sequentially to the first inlet water sub-region 1130, the second inlet water sub-region 1131, and the third inlet water sub-region 1132, ensuring that the water flow enters each water flow reaction channel 121 evenly and improving the uniformity of distribution.

[0035] Furthermore, the inlet 111 is arranged corresponding to the first inlet diversion sub-region 1130 and the second inlet diversion sub-region 1131, and the third inlet diversion sub-region 1132 is used to receive the water flow diverted from the second inlet diversion sub-region 1131; the third inlet diversion sub-region 1132 is a non-inlet area (also known as the inlet blind zone). In this way, the water flow will preferentially enter the first inlet sub-region 1130 and the second inlet sub-region 1131. Since the resistance of the third inlet sub-region 1132 is small, some of the water entering the second inlet sub-region 1131 will be dispersed into the third inlet sub-region 1132, ensuring that the water flow can smoothly enter the water blind zone. Furthermore, the resistance of the second inlet sub-region 1131 is smaller than that of the first inlet sub-region 1130, so some of the water flow entering the first inlet sub-region 1130 can quickly enter the second inlet sub-region 1131 to supplement it. Finally, the water flow is evenly dispersed in the first inlet sub-region 1130, the second inlet sub-region 1131 and the third inlet sub-region 1132, thereby ensuring that the flow rate entering each water flow reaction channel 121 is uniform.

[0036] Optionally, the first inlet diversion sub-region 1130 and the second inlet diversion sub-region 1131 have the same coverage area. Of course, they can also be set to be different.

[0037] It should be noted that the division of the first inlet sub-region 1130, the second inlet sub-region 1131, and the third inlet sub-region 1132 does not have obvious boundaries or partitions; they are merely three virtual regions defined for ease of description.

[0038] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7In this embodiment, the first inlet water sub-region 1130, the second inlet water sub-region 1131, and the third inlet water sub-region 1132 are respectively provided with a plurality of protruding structures 140. In this embodiment, for the purpose of distinguishing description, the protruding structure 140 in the first inlet water sub-region 1130 is defined as the first protruding structure 140a, the protruding structure 140 in the second inlet water sub-region 1131 is defined as the second protruding structure 140b, and the protruding structure 140 in the third inlet water sub-region 1132 is defined as the third protruding structure 140c.

[0039] It is understandable that in the first inlet water sub-region 1130, the second inlet water sub-region 1131, and the third inlet water sub-region 1132, every two adjacent protrusions 140 (first protrusion 140a, second protrusion 140b, or third protrusion 140c) will form a gap. These gaps are interconnected, thus forming a crisscrossing micro-channel structure in the corresponding first inlet water sub-region 1130, second inlet water sub-region 1131, and third inlet water sub-region 1132. After the water flows in, it is dispersed and flows in these micro-channel structures, and then enters the various water flow reaction channels 121 on the first reaction zone 120 relatively evenly.

[0040] Among them, the first protrusion structure 140a, the second protrusion structure 140b and the third protrusion structure 140c are all provided with a sharp-angle guide part 141 on the side opposite to the water flow reaction channel 121. The surfaces on both sides of the sharp-angle guide part 141 are guide slopes 142. The guide slopes 142 provide a guide surface for the adhesion and flow of the separated fluid, which helps to improve the stability of the flow.

[0041] Optionally, the angles of the pointed guide portions 141 of the first protrusion structure 140a, the second protrusion structure 140b, and the third protrusion structure 140c gradually decrease, so that the resistance of the microchannel structure formed in the corresponding first inlet water sub-region 1130, second inlet water sub-region 1131, and third inlet water sub-region 1132 gradually decreases.

[0042] In some embodiments, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure 140a, the second protrusion structure 140b, and the third protrusion structure 140c accounts for 0.05 to 0.08 of the total area of ​​the inlet water diversion section 113. This is to form a crisscrossing microchannel structure in the inlet water diversion section 113 of the first protrusion structure 140a, the second protrusion structure 140b, and the third protrusion structure 140c.

[0043] Furthermore, the center distance between any two adjacent protrusions 140 (first protrusion 140a, second protrusion 140b, or third protrusion 140c) in the first inlet sub-region 1130, the second inlet sub-region 1131, and the third inlet sub-region 1132 is consistent.

[0044] In some embodiments, the center distance between any two adjacent protrusions 140 (first protrusion 140a, second protrusion 140b, or third protrusion 140c) may be selected as 5-10 mm. Optionally, the center distance may be specifically set to 5.1 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.8 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 6.9 mm, 7 mm, 7.1 mm, 7.5 mm, 7.7 mm, 8 mm, 8.4 mm, 8.6 mm, 8.8 mm, 9 mm, 9.6 mm, 9.85 mm, or 9.9 mm, etc. It should be understood that the above numerical description of the center distance between two adjacent protrusions 140 (first protrusion 140a, second protrusion 140b, or third protrusion 140c) is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] In order to ensure that the water resistance in the first inlet diverter region 1130 is greater than that in the second inlet diverter region 1131, and the water resistance in the second inlet diverter region 1131 is greater than that in the third inlet diverter region 1132, the area of ​​the microchannel structure formed by the first inlet diverter region 1130, the second inlet diverter region 1131 and the third inlet diverter region 1132 needs to be increased sequentially.

[0046] In some embodiments, the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the first protrusion structure 140a located in the first inlet water diversion sub-region 1130 is 80° to 100°.

[0047] Optionally, the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the first protrusion structure 140a located in the first inlet diversion sub-region 1130 can also be set to 81°, 82.6°, 84°, 86.1°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 92°, 94.4°, 96°, 97.8°, 98°, 98.4°, 99° or 99.7°, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the second protrusion structure 140b located in the second inlet sub-region 1131 is 50° to 70°.

[0049] Optionally, the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the second protrusion structure 140b located in the second inlet diverter region 1131 can also be set to 51°, 52.8°, 55°, 56.4°, 58°, 60.7°, 62°, 63.2°, 64.4°, 66°, 66.7°, 67°, 68.4°, 68.8° or 69.6°, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the third protrusion structure 140c located in the third inlet sub-region 1132 is 20° to 40°.

[0051] Optionally, the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the third protrusion structure 140c located in the second inlet sub-region 1131 can also be set to 20.1°, 22.5°, 24.5°, 26.4°, 29.7°, 30°, 31°, 33.2°, 34.7°, 35.8°, 36.5°, 37°, 38°, 38.5° or 39.9°, etc.

[0052] It should be understood that the above description of the angle of the pointed guide portion 141 of the protruding structure 140 (first protruding structure 140a, second protruding structure 140b or third protruding structure 140c) is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] Understandably, the water flow transitions from the first inlet diversion sub-region 1130, through the second inlet diversion sub-region 1131, to the non-inlet area (the third inlet diversion sub-region 1132). The third protruding structure 140c in the third inlet diversion sub-region 1132 employs a small apex angle design to enhance capillary effect and drive the water flow to penetrate into the blind area. Simultaneously, the flow area formed between the small apex angle third protruding structures 140c is larger than the flow area formed by the first protruding structures 140a and the second protruding structures 140b in the first and second inlet diversion sub-regions 1130 and 1131, thus making the flow resistance in the third inlet diversion sub-region 1132 less than that in the first and second inlet diversion sub-regions 1130 and 1131, thereby ensuring the water flow rate in the inlet blind area.

[0054] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the protruding structure 140 (first protruding structure 140a, second protruding structure 140b, or third protruding structure 140c) along its width direction is triangular or prismatic. This arrangement allows the water flow to be evenly distributed within the microchannel structure, avoiding flow separation and dead zones.

[0055] The length (along the water flow direction) of the guide surfaces on both sides of the pointed guide section 141 is 2-4 mm. The fixed points of the protruding structures 140 (first protruding structure 140a, second protruding structure 140b or third protruding structure 140c) can be set with a radius of R=0.1-0.2 mm.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first protrusion structure 140a, the second protrusion structure 140b, or the third protrusion structure 140c may be a triangular prism structure, a quadrangular prism structure, a pentagonal prism, or a hexagonal prism, etc., and when arranged, ensure that the sharp corner guide portion 141 faces the water inlet 111.

[0057] Please refer to 2. Figure 7 and Figure 8Furthermore, the outlet area 130 includes, along the water flow direction, an outlet confluence section 131, an outlet channel 132, and an outlet 133 connected in sequence. The structure of the outlet confluence section 131 is mirror-symmetrical to the structure of the inlet diversion section 113.

[0058] In other words, the water outlet manifold 131 includes a first water outlet manifold sub-region 1310, a second water outlet manifold sub-region 1311, and a third water outlet manifold sub-region 1312. These sub-regions are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and their resistance decreases sequentially. The protruding structures 140 in the flow sub-region 1311 and the third outflow flow sub-region 1312 can respectively adopt the first protruding structure 140a, the second protruding structure 140b and the third protruding structure 140c in the first inflow flow sub-region 1130, the second inflow flow sub-region 1131 and the third inflow flow sub-region 1132 and their arrangement, so as to reduce the processing cost, while ensuring that the resistance at both ends of the first reaction zone 120 is consistent and that the flow rate in each water flow reaction channel 121 is uniform.

[0059] The outlet 133 of the outlet zone 130 is located on the upper side of the electrode plate body 10 and corresponds to the first outlet confluence zone 1310 and the second branch zone. The number of outlets 133 is consistent with the number of inlets 111, thus ensuring that the resistance at both ends of the first reaction zone 120 is consistent and that the flow rate in each water flow reaction channel 121 is uniform.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 9 The cathode side 200 of the electrode body 10 includes a second reaction zone 210 and an outlet zone 220 disposed on both sides of the second reaction zone 210.

[0061] The second reaction zone 210 is provided with several airflow reaction channels 211 that connect the two air outlet zones 220. Along the extension direction of the airflow reaction channels 211, the shape of the airflow reaction channels 211 is wavy; the fluctuation law of the airflow reaction channels 211 conforms to the sinusoidal function distribution.

[0062] The outlet width and depth on both sides of the airflow reaction channel 211 are the same, with no undulations. The channel width is between 1.0-1.5 mm, and the depth is between 0.5-1.0 mm.

[0063] The air outlet zone 220 includes an airflow gathering section 221, an air inlet channel 222, and an air outlet 223, which are arranged sequentially and connected along the air outlet direction. The airflow gathering section 221 is provided with a plurality of fourth protrusion structures 230. The cross-section of the fourth protrusion structure 230 along its width direction can be triangular or rhomboid. The apex of the fourth protrusion structure 230 faces the air outlet 223.

[0064] In some embodiments, the apex angle of the fourth protrusion structure 230 is 50-70°.

[0065] Optionally, the angle of the apex of the fourth protrusion structure 230 can also be set to 50.1°, 51.8°, 55°, 56.7°, 59°, 60°, 62.5°, 63.7°, 64.3°, 65°, 65.8°, 66°, 67.7°, 68.8° or 69.6°, etc.

[0066] It should be understood that the above description of the apex angle of the fourth protrusion structure 230 is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0067] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 9 Furthermore, in order to seal the bipolar plates, corresponding groove structures are designed around the water inlet area 110, the first reaction area 120, and the water outlet area 130 on the anode side 100 of the electrode plate body 10 for sealing purposes. Similarly, corresponding groove structures are designed around the gas outlet area 220 and the second reaction area 210 on the cathode side 200 of the electrode plate body 10 for sealing purposes.

[0068] Please see Figures 1 to 9 This embodiment provides a PEM electrolyzer. The PEM electrolyzer can be applied in fuel cells. The PEM electrolyzer is an electrolysis device that uses electrical energy to decompose water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), wherein the core structure, the bipolar plate, has multiple functions such as electron conduction, fluid management, mechanical support, and gas isolation.

[0069] In this embodiment, the PEM electrolytic cell includes the bipolar plate provided in the above embodiments.

[0070] In a PEM electrolyzer, the oxidation reaction at the anode involves a four-electron transfer process, resulting in a complex reaction pathway, high kinetic barriers, and potential limitations on mass transfer due to the accumulation of O2 bubbles. Conversely, the reduction reaction at the cathode (200°C) has a relatively simple mechanism and a faster reaction rate. Considering the different electrochemical reactions on the anode and cathode sides, the bipolar plate structure described in the above embodiment is adopted in the PEM electrolyzer. This differentiated design on both sides improves the overall efficiency and lifespan of the PEM electrolyzer.

[0071] For the anode side 100, the focus is on optimizing the flow field design and efficiently removing bubbles to prevent gas from covering the electrode surface and causing local hot spots or blockage of reaction sites.

[0072] For the cathode side 200, ensure process uniformity to promote rapid gas removal; at the same time, coordinate the flow fields on both sides to balance gas discharge and liquid distribution.

[0073] Please see Figures 1 to 9 This embodiment also provides a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle includes a fuel cell. The fuel cell includes the PEM electrolyzer provided above.

[0074] It should be noted that, in this application, unless otherwise stated, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" used to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0075] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0076] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0077] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0078] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate, characterized by The plate body (10) has an anode side (100) and a cathode side (200), the anode side (100) comprises a water inlet area (110), a first reaction area (120) and a water outlet area (130) arranged in sequence along the water flow direction, and the first reaction area (120) is provided with a plurality of water flow reaction flow channels (121) communicating with the water inlet area (110) and the water outlet area (130); Wherein, along the water flow direction, the shape of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) is wave-shaped, and the cross-sectional area of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) in the width direction gradually increases.

2. The bipolar plate of claim 1, wherein The water flow reaction flow channel (121) has a width, the width direction of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) is consistent with the width direction of the plate body (10), and the width of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) gradually increases along the water flow direction.

3. The bipolar plate of claim 2, wherein The inlet width of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) close to the water inlet area (110) is defined as d1, and the outlet width of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) close to the water outlet area (130) is defined as d2; Wherein, d2=k*d1, 2≤k≤3; and / or, d1 4. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The water flow reaction flow channel (121) has a depth, the depth direction of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) is consistent with the thickness direction of the plate body (10), and the depth of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) gradually increases along the water flow direction.

5. The bipolar plate of claim 4, wherein The inlet depth of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) close to the water inlet area (110) is defined as h1, and the outlet depth of the water flow reaction flow channel (121) close to the water outlet area (130) is defined as h2; Wherein, h2=k*h1, 2≤k≤3; and / or, h1 6. The bipolar plate of claim 1, wherein The water inlet area (110) comprises a water inlet (111), an inlet flow channel (112) and a water inlet diversion part (113) arranged in sequence along the water flow direction; the water inlet (111) is communicated with the water inlet diversion part (113) through the inlet flow channel (112), the water inlet diversion part (113) is communicated with the water flow reaction flow channel (121), and along the width direction of the plate body (10), the water inlet diversion part (113) is provided with a first water inlet diversion sub-area (1130), a second water inlet diversion sub-area (1131) and a third water inlet diversion sub-area (1132), the first water inlet diversion sub-area (1130) and the second water inlet diversion sub-area (1131) are arranged corresponding to the inlet flow channel (112), and the third water inlet diversion sub-area (1132) and the first water inlet diversion sub-area (1130) are located on both sides of the second water inlet diversion sub-area (1131); The first water inlet sub-flow area (1130), the second water inlet sub-flow area (1131) and the third water inlet sub-flow area (1132) are respectively provided with a plurality of first protruding structures (140a), a plurality of second protruding structures (140b) and a plurality of third protruding structures (140c) correspondingly, the first protruding structures (140a), the second protruding structures (140b) and the third protruding structures (140c) are respectively provided with sharp corner flow guiding portions (141) on the side away from the water flow reaction channel (121), and the angles of the sharp corner flow guiding portions (141) of the first protruding structures (140a), the second protruding structures (140b) and the third protruding structures (140c) decrease in turn.

7. The bipolar plate of claim 6, wherein The center distance between every two adjacent first protruding structures (140a), two adjacent second protruding structures (140b) and two adjacent third protruding structures (140c) in the first water inlet sub-flow area (1130), the second water inlet sub-flow area (1131) and the third water inlet sub-flow area (1132) is consistent. Wherein: The angle of the sharp corner flow guiding portion (141) of the first protruding structure (140a) in the first water inlet sub-flow area (1130) is 80°-100°; And / or, the angle of the sharp corner flow guiding portion (141) of the second protruding structure (140b) in the second water inlet sub-flow area (1131) is 50°-70°; And / or, the angle of the sharp corner flow guiding portion (141) of the third protruding structure (140c) in the third water inlet sub-flow area (1132) is 20°-40°.

8. The bipolar plate of claim 1, wherein The cathode side (200) comprises a second reaction area (210) and gas outlet areas (220) arranged on both sides of the second reaction area (210); The second reaction area (210) is provided with a plurality of gas flow reaction channels (211) communicating with the gas outlet areas (220) on both sides, and the shape of the gas flow reaction channel (211) is wavy along the extension direction of the gas flow reaction channel (211); The gas outlet area (220) comprises a gas flow collecting portion (221), an exhaust flow channel and a gas outlet (223) arranged in turn and communicated along the gas outlet direction, and the gas flow collecting portion (221) is provided with a plurality of fourth protruding structures (230); Wherein, the fluctuation shape of the gas flow reaction channel (211) conforms to the sine function distribution, and the cross-sectional area of the gas flow reaction channel (211) in the self-width direction is constant along the gas outlet direction.

9. A PEM electrolyzer characterized in that, The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A new energy vehicle, characterized in that, The fuel cell comprises the PEM electrolytic cell according to claim 9.

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