Monocell and hydrogen fuel cell system with same

Abstract

The invention relates to an underwater fuel cell technology, in particular to a single cell and a hydrogen fuel cell system with the same. Comprising an anode plate, a proton exchange layer and a peroxide layer which are sequentially arranged from front to back, a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet are formed in the left side and the right side of the anode plate respectively, and gas inlet flow channels are formed in the front end face and the rear end face of the anode plate, so that the gas inlet flow channels are arranged in a double-face mode; two openings are formed in the exchange layer and are respectively communicated with the hydrogen inlet and the hydrogen outlet, and hydrogen firstly enters through the hydrogen inlet. And the power generation process depends on the oxygen selection effect of the PTFE oxygen permeation membrane and the proton conduction of the Nafion membrane, so that a sustainable development scheme without an oxygen bottle is realized, and the practicability of underwater application is remarkably improved. And particularly, the PTFE film is used, so that the system is suitable for energy supply of underwater platforms such as submersible and deep sea detection equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to underwater fuel cell technology, and more specifically to a single cell and a hydrogen fuel cell system having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Existing underwater hydrogen fuel cell multi-cell systems face several technical challenges in deep-sea applications. The modules are excessively heavy, requiring the transport of hydrogen and oxygen cylinders, increasing system weight and size and limiting the maneuverability and endurance of the underwater equipment. The cathode reaction relies on an external oxygen supply, resulting in low efficiency in the oxygen-scarce underwater environment. Uneven thermal management and gas distribution among multiple cells lead to localized overheating or reaction instability. Traditional air cooling is insufficient for high-density operation of multiple cells, making it difficult to improve the power-to-weight ratio. These issues make it difficult for existing technologies to meet the reliability and efficiency requirements of the high-pressure, high-humidity environments of the deep sea.

[0003] In existing technologies, underwater hydrogen fuel cell multi-cell systems are mainly based on proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) structures, relying on onboard hydrogen and oxygen cylinders for gas supply, suitable for terrestrial or shallow water scenarios. However, in deep-sea applications, the limited capacity of the oxygen cylinders restricts endurance, and heat accumulation and uneven gas distribution in the multi-cell modules lead to decreased efficiency. Some studies have attempted to extract dissolved oxygen from water using oxygen-permeable membranes, but these lack synergistic design with Nafion membranes and have not resolved the heat dissipation and insulation issues between multiple cells. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a single cell and a hydrogen fuel cell system thereon, the purpose of which is to achieve a sustainable development solution that does not require oxygen cylinders by relying on the oxygen selection function of the PTFE oxygen-permeable membrane and the proton conduction of the Nafion membrane, significantly improving the practicality of underwater applications.

[0005] The above objectives are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A single cell includes an anode plate, a proton exchange layer, and a peroxide layer arranged sequentially from front to back. Hydrogen inlets and outlets are respectively located on the left and right sides of the anode plate. Inlet channels are formed on both the front and rear end faces of the anode plate, making the inlet channels double-sided. Channels are provided on the anode plate to connect the inlet channels on both sides. The exchange layer has two openings, which are respectively connected to the hydrogen inlet and outlet. Hydrogen first enters through the hydrogen inlet, flows out through the inlet channel from the hydrogen outlet into the exchange layer, and the exchange layer is connected to the peroxide layer, enabling electrochemical reactions to occur at the anode and cathode.

[0007] The exchange layer is a MEA membrane electrode.

[0008] The oxygen permeation layer is an underwater polytetrafluoroethylene oxygen-permeable membrane.

[0009] It also includes a support layer with a three-dimensional breathable structure.

[0010] The support layer has longitudinally extending and meandering air passages on both the front and rear ends. The air passages on the front and rear sides are staggered in the left and right direction. The support layer has air passage openings evenly distributed on it. The openings of the air passages are oriented longitudinally. The air passage openings allow the left and right sides of any support layer air passage to be connected, which also allows the air passage openings to connect any two adjacent support layer air passages.

[0011] A hydrogen fuel cell system includes the above-mentioned single cell, the number of single cells is multiple, any two adjacent single cells are fixedly and sealed together, and the support layer of one single cell is attached to the anode plate of another single cell.

[0012] It also includes a housing, inside which a water flow channel is formed. Multiple batteries are placed inside the water flow channel. A motor and an impeller are fixed inside the housing. The motor drives the impeller to rotate, and the impeller introduces water into the multiple batteries from the water flow channel.

[0013] Two tabs are fixed to the outer shell, one of which serves as the cathode and the other as the anode, and are respectively connected to the anode plate and the peroxide layer;

[0014] The outer shell is provided with a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen inlet is connected to an external hydrogen source, and the front of the hydrogen inlet faces the support layer.

[0015] The hydrogen outlet in the casing can regulate the hydrogen supply and flow rate.

[0016] The lower layer of the outer shell has a columnar wall structure, forming a cylindrical water passage. The upper layer of the outer shell has a square wall structure, which is connected to the cylindrical water passage. The impeller is placed inside the cylindrical water passage.

[0017] The hydrogen inlet of the casing is connected to an external hydrogen cylinder through the first solenoid valve. Hydrogen enters the anode side of the multi-cell battery from the storage cylinder through the regulation of the first solenoid valve. The hydrogen outlet of the casing is fixed and connected to the second solenoid valve. The second solenoid valve is controlled to regulate the hydrogen flow and the flow rate to synchronize with the water flow.

[0018] A control board is fixed to the outer casing. The control board is connected to the two tabs via a waterproof cable to collect the current generated by the multiple batteries. The control board is also electrically connected to the motor to control the impeller speed.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the single cell and the hydrogen fuel cell system having the present invention are as follows:

[0020] This invention improves the efficiency of PTFE oxygen-permeable membranes in extracting oxygen from water by replacing an air compressor with an impeller to drive the water flow. The power generation process relies on the oxygen selection function of the PTFE membrane and the proton conduction of the Nafion membrane, achieving sustainable development without oxygen cylinders and significantly enhancing the practicality of underwater applications. In particular, the use of PTFE membranes makes it suitable for power supply to underwater platforms such as submersibles and deep-sea exploration equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a single cell with an external anode plate according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the middle structure;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anode plate structure;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the anode plate from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the proton exchange layer.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the peroxide layer structure;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the support layer structure;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the motor structure;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-cell structure;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen fuel cell system.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of a hydrogen fuel cell system from another perspective.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Anode plate; 1a. Hydrogen inlet; 1b. Hydrogen outlet; 1c. Inlet flow channel; 1d. Channel; 2. Proton exchange layer; 2a. Opening; 3. Peroxide layer; 4. Support layer; 4a. Support layer gas channel; 4b. Gas channel opening; 101. Columnar wall structure; 102. Square wall structure; 103. Tab; 104. Shell hydrogen inlet; 105. Shell hydrogen outlet; 201. Motor; 202. Impeller; 203. Circular flow channel; 301. Solenoid valve; 302. Control board; Detailed Implementation

[0034] A single battery, reference Figures 1 to 8 It includes an anode plate 1, a proton exchange layer 2, a peroxide layer 3, and a support layer 4 arranged sequentially from front to back. When two or more single cells are stacked, in adjacent single cells, the anode plate 1 of one single cell is stacked behind the support layer 4 of another single cell.

[0035] Hydrogen inlets 1a and outlets 1b are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the anode plate 1. Inlet channels 1c are formed on both the front and rear end faces of the anode plate 1, making the inlet channels 1c double-sided. Two channels 1d are provided on the anode plate 1, each channel 1d serving to connect the double-sided inlet channels 1c. The first channel 1d is located to the right of the hydrogen inlet 1a, and the second channel is located to the left of the inlet channel 1c. The inlet channel 1c, hydrogen inlet 1a, and hydrogen outlet 1b located on the front side are connected.

[0036] The exchange layer 2 is a MEA membrane electrode, which mainly includes a proton exchange membrane, a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The exchange layer 2 has two openings 2a, which are connected to the hydrogen inlet 1a and the hydrogen outlet 1b, respectively.

[0037] The peroxide layer 3 is an underwater polytetrafluoroethylene oxygen-permeable membrane, hereinafter referred to as PTFE oxygen-permeable membrane, which covers the back side of the exchange layer 2. Hydrogen first enters through the hydrogen inlet 1a and flows out through the inlet channel 1c from the hydrogen outlet 1b into the exchange layer 2. The exchange layer 2 and the peroxide layer 3 are connected, so that the anode and cathode can carry out electrochemical reactions.

[0038] The support layer 4, made of aluminum sheet, serves for heat dissipation and supporting electrode assembly. Both its front and rear ends have longitudinally extending and meandering support layer air channels 4a, with the front and rear air channels 4a staggered. Air channel openings 4b are evenly distributed on the support layer 4, with the openings oriented longitudinally. These openings allow for communication between the left and right sides of any support layer air channel 4a, and also enable communication between any two adjacent support layer air channels 4a. This forms a support structure with three-dimensional air permeability. One side of the exchange layer 2 corresponds to the anode side, and one side of the peroxide layer 3 corresponds to the cathode side.

[0039] In this process, the anode plate 1 is bonded to the proton exchange layer 2 for the anodic reaction, while the proton exchange layer 2 is bonded to the peroxide layer 3 for the cathodic reaction. (Reference) Figure 10 Multiple cells are formed by stacking individual cells, typically ranging from 40 to 100 cells, and assembled according to power requirements. The next group of individual cells is connected via a support layer 4. The anode plate 1, proton exchange layer 2, peroxide layer 3, and support layer 4 undergo quality inspection and pretreatment to ensure they are defect-free and meet electrochemical performance requirements. These layers are then sequentially bonded to form a single-cell unit. 40 to 100 individual cells are stacked sequentially, ensuring that the support layer 4 of each cell is bonded to the anode plate 1 of the next cell. Layer alignment is ensured, and sealing material is placed between cells to prevent gas leakage. During the stacking stage, 40 to 100 individual cells are arranged sequentially, ensuring that the support layer 4 of each cell is precisely bonded to the anode plate 1 of the next cell, while ensuring layer alignment to avoid localized stress concentration. Sealing material is placed between cells to isolate gases and ensure independent flow paths for hydrogen and air. The sealing method involves applying high-temperature and corrosion-resistant sealant to the outer edge of each anode plate 1, and then pressing the entire assembly under specified pressure using a press-fitting machine. This ensures the sealant fully fills the interface and forms a continuous sealing band. The stack is then externally secured with screws and bolts, ensuring uniform stress and reliable sealing during operation. This sealing method effectively prevents gas leakage and improves the stability and lifespan of the stack under high humidity and high temperature cycling conditions. End plates are installed at both ends of the stack to provide mechanical support. The stacked cells and end plates are placed in a press, and uniform pressure is applied to ensure tight interlayer contact, reduce contact resistance, and enhance sealing performance. Sensors monitor pressure distribution to prevent over- or under-pressure. The assembled battery stack undergoes electrical performance, sealing, and thermal management tests to ensure that output voltage, power, and operational stability meet design requirements.

[0040] A hydrogen fuel cell system, comprising the aforementioned multiple cells, further includes an insulating outer shell with an internally formed insulating flow channel. The outer shell is specifically designed using 3D printing. The lower layer of the outer shell is a columnar wall structure 101 forming a cylindrical water flow channel. The upper layer of the outer shell is a square wall structure 102 fixed to the columnar wall structure 101, with an internally formed square water flow channel. The cylindrical water flow channel and the square water flow channel are connected and interconnected.

[0041] Combination Figure 9 11 and 12, a motor 201 is fixedly connected inside the square wall structure 102. The output shaft of the motor 201 is set downward. An impeller 202 is fixed at the bottom of the output shaft of the motor 201. The impeller 202 is placed in the cylindrical water passage.

[0042] The multiple batteries are placed in a square flow channel, with the exchange layer 2 facing backward, thus ensuring that the anode side faces backward. The impeller 202 is rotated by the motor 201, and the impeller 202 draws water from the cylindrical water flow channel into the square water flow channel and then through the multiple batteries.

[0043] A tab 103 is fixed to each of the front and rear ends of the square wall structure 102. The tab 103 on the front side serves as the cathode, and the tab 103 on the rear side serves as the anode. This corresponds to the rear side being the anode side and the front side being the cathode side in a multi-cell structure. During assembly, one end of the tab 103 is attached to the anode plate 1, and the other end is attached to the peroxide layer 3. The entire single-cell unit is placed into a press-fitting machine, and a stable interlayer contact pressure is formed through overall press-fitting. This ensures that the connection interface between the tab 103 and the anode plate 1 meets the design requirements in terms of mechanical locking, conductivity reliability, and sealing consistency. External screws and bolts provide continuous preload after stacking, ensuring that the tab 103 maintains structural stability during long-term operation and will not experience micro-displacement or contact attenuation due to vibration, thermal cycling, or gas pressure fluctuations.

[0044] The bottom or rear side of the square wall structure 102 is provided with a housing hydrogen inlet 104 and a housing hydrogen outlet 105. The rear part of the housing hydrogen inlet 104 is fixedly connected to and connected to a first solenoid valve 301, which is connected to an external hydrogen cylinder. The front part of the housing hydrogen inlet 104 faces the support layer 4, and hydrogen enters the anode side from the storage cylinder through the regulation of the first solenoid valve 301.

[0045] The hydrogen outlet 105 of the casing is fixedly connected to and communicates with the second solenoid valve 301. The second solenoid valve 301 is controlled via a signal line to regulate the hydrogen flow and ensure synchronization with the water flow. The control board 302 is integrated into the right side of the square wall structure 102 and is bolted to it. The control board 302 is connected to the two tabs 103 via waterproof cables to collect the current generated by the multiple batteries. The control board 302 is also electrically connected to the motor 201 to control the speed of the impeller 202.

[0046] Operating Process: Starting with external water flow, impeller 202 drives water flow, ensuring a continuous supply of dissolved oxygen. Hydrogen is introduced from a storage tank to the anode side, while oxygen is extracted from the water to the cathode side, reacting to generate electricity, water, and heat. Control panel 302 monitors and adjusts parameters in real time to maintain efficient operation. The entire process eliminates the need for external oxygen cylinders, significantly reducing system load.

[0047] Impeller 202 drives external water into the square flow channel, guiding the water flow to the oxygen permeable layer 3, i.e., the surface of the PTFE oxygen-permeable membrane. The PTFE membrane has high selective oxygen permeability and hydrophobicity, allowing dissolved oxygen molecules in the water to pass through. It permeates to the cathode side while preventing water molecules and ions from entering the single cell. Oxygen is extracted from the underwater environment, avoiding the energy consumption and noise problems of traditional air compressors. The PTFE oxygen-permeable membrane enables oxygen flux while preventing short-circuit risks caused by water intrusion. Hydrogen gas enters the membrane electrode assembly exchange layer 2 on the anode side from the hydrogen inlet 104 in the shell via a hydrogen control valve. Under the action of the anode catalyst, hydrogen molecules... It is oxidized and decomposed into protons and electronics The reaction equation is: Electrons flow through the external circuit, forming an electric current output and providing electrical energy. Protons migrate through the proton exchange layer 2 to the cathode side. Oxygen permeating to the cathode side combines with the migrating protons and electrons, undergoing a reduction reaction under the action of the cathode catalyst to produce water. Wastewater and excess gas generated are discharged through the cathode oxygen gas outlet. The square wall structure 102 ensures the stability of the multi-cell stack.

[0048] To ensure the long-term stable operation of multiple batteries in an underwater environment, this system incorporates insulation measures in its structure and materials. The outer shell is 3D printed from insulating resin material, isolating the entire battery stack from the external water. At the multi-battery stack interface, a salt spray-resistant and compression-resistant insulating sealant is applied between the anode plate 1, support layer 4, and tab 103 contact area, forming a continuous insulating layer after press-fitting. The contact interface between tab 103 and the square wall structure 102 is isolated by insulating gaskets to prevent potential leakage from tab 103 to the outer shell structure. During press-fitting, a pressure equalizing plate controls the interlayer stress, preventing localized crushing of the insulating surface. Simultaneously, the minimum insulation distance between the internal water channels and the battery stack metal layers is controlled to ensure sufficient insulation margin even when the membrane absorbs water or the sealant ages. After system assembly, insulation resistance testing and withstand voltage verification are conducted to ensure that the insulation performance meets the requirements for underwater applications.

Claims

1. A single battery, characterized in that, The anode plate (1), proton exchange layer (2) and peroxide layer (3) are arranged sequentially from front to back. The left and right sides of the anode plate (1) are respectively provided with hydrogen inlet (1a) and hydrogen outlet (1b). The front and rear end surfaces of the anode plate (1) are both formed with inlet channels (1c), so that the inlet channels (1c) are arranged on both sides. The anode plate (1) is provided with a channel (1d), which connects the inlet channels (1c) on both sides. The exchange layer (2) is provided with two openings (2a), which are connected to the hydrogen inlet (1a) and hydrogen outlet (1b) respectively. Hydrogen first enters through the hydrogen inlet (1a) and flows out from the hydrogen outlet (1b) into the exchange layer (2) through the inlet channel (1c). The exchange layer (2) is connected to the peroxide layer (3).

2. The single battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exchange layer (2) is a MEA membrane electrode.

3. The single battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxygen permeation layer (3) is an underwater polytetrafluoroethylene oxygen-permeable membrane.

4. The single battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support layer (4) with a three-dimensional breathable structure.

5. As described in claim 4, characterized in that, The support layer (4) has longitudinally extending and meandering support layer air passages (4a) on both the front and rear ends. The support layer air passages (4a) on the front and rear sides are staggered in the left and right directions. The support layer (4) has air passage openings (4b) evenly distributed on it. The opening of the air passage openings (4b) is longitudinal. The air passage openings (4b) allow the left and right sides of any support layer air passage (4a) to be connected. This also allows the air passage openings (4b) to connect any two adjacent support layer air passages (4a).

6. A hydrogen fuel cell system, characterized in that, Includes the single battery as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein there are multiple single batteries, any two adjacent single batteries are fixedly and sealed together, and the support layer (4) of one single battery is attached to the anode plate (1) of the other single battery; It also includes a housing, inside which a water flow channel is formed, and multiple batteries are placed inside the water flow channel. A motor (201) is fixed inside the housing, and an impeller (202) is fixed therein. The motor (201) drives the impeller (202) to rotate, and the impeller (202) introduces water into the multiple batteries from the water flow channel. Two tabs (103) are fixed to the outer casing, one of which serves as the cathode and the other as the anode; The outer shell is provided with a hydrogen inlet (104) and a hydrogen outlet (105). The hydrogen inlet (104) is connected to an external hydrogen source, and the front of the hydrogen inlet (104) faces the support layer (4).

7. The hydrogen fuel cell system according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer casing... The lower layer is a columnar wall structure (101) forming a cylindrical water passage. The upper layer of the outer shell is a square wall structure (102). The square wall structure (102) is connected to the cylindrical water passage through the square water passage. The impeller (202) is placed inside the columnar water passage.

8. The hydrogen fuel cell system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hydrogen outlet (105) in the shell can regulate the hydrogen on / off state and flow rate.

9. The hydrogen fuel cell system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hydrogen inlet (104) of the casing is connected to an external hydrogen cylinder through the first solenoid valve (301). Hydrogen enters the anode side of the multi-cell from the storage cylinder through the regulation of the first solenoid valve (301). The hydrogen outlet (105) of the casing is fixed and connected to the second solenoid valve (301). The second solenoid valve (301) is controlled to regulate the hydrogen flow and flow rate to synchronize with the water flow.

10. The hydrogen fuel cell system according to claim 6, characterized in that, A control board (302) is fixedly attached to the outer casing. The control board (302) is connected to two tabs (103) via a waterproof cable to collect the current generated by the multiple batteries. The control board (302) is electrically connected to the motor (201) to control the speed of the impeller (202).

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