End plate member for fuel cell system and fuel cell system

Abstract

An end plate member for a fuel cell system includes an end plate body and a heat exchange structure located in the end plate body. The end plate member is configured to be shared by a first stack assembly and a second stack assembly of a fuel cell system and to dispense a first reaction fluid and a coolant to at least a first stack of the first stack assembly and a second stack of the second stack assembly. The end plate member is further configured such that the first reaction fluid exchanges heat with a portion of the coolant before being dispensed to the first stack and the second stack. Comprising the end plate component can significantly reduce the number of components and pipelines of the fuel cell system, reduce the complexity of the fuel cell system, improve the integration level of the fuel cell system and reduce the occupied space.

Description

End plate member for fuel cell system and fuel cell system Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more particularly to an end plate component for a fuel cell system and a fuel cell system including such an end plate component. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cell systems that generate electricity by electrochemical reactions between fuel and oxidant are increasingly being used to provide electricity, especially in the field of electric vehicles. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system is a widely used fuel cell system that uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as oxidant. The PEMFC system includes a stack assembly and a support system (BoP). The stack assembly converts the chemical energy in the fuel and oxidant into electrical energy, while the auxiliary system provides the stack assembly with the operating conditions required for the reaction. The auxiliary system typically includes a temperature regulating device to regulate the temperature of the fuel or oxidant supplied to the stack assembly. For example, the auxiliary system may include an intercooler that is configured to cool the air pressurized by the air compressor before it is supplied to the stack assembly.

[0003] With the increasing demand for high-power PEMFC systems, there is a desire to include more than one fuel cell stack in a single PEMFC system. In existing PEMFC systems, each of the multiple stacks is equipped with a separate temperature control device. For example, each stack assembly is equipped with a separate intercooler. This results in a large number of components and complex piping in the PEMFC system, resulting in low system integration and large space requirements. Therefore, improvements to existing fuel cell systems are needed.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an end plate component for a fuel cell system. The end plate component according to this application can overcome at least one of the above-mentioned defects in the prior art.

[0006] In one aspect, the present application proposes an end plate component for a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a first stack assembly and a second stack assembly, the first stack assembly including a first end plate and a first stack formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells, the first stack including a first reaction fluid inlet and a first coolant inlet at the first end, the second stack assembly including a second end plate and a second stack formed by stacking a plurality of second battery cells, the second stack including a second reaction fluid inlet and a second coolant inlet at the second end, the end plate component including an end plate body and a heat exchange structure located in the end plate body, the end plate body being configured to: cooperate with the first end plate to clamp the first stack between the end plate body and the first end plate, and cooperate with the second end plate to clamp the second stack between the end plate body and the first end plate Between the end plate body and the second end plate, the first end is adjacent to the end plate body and the second end is adjacent to the end plate body; receiving a first reaction fluid and guiding the first reaction fluid to flow through the heat exchange structure, dividing the first reaction fluid flowing through the heat exchange structure into a first flow and a second flow, and guiding the first flow into the first reaction fluid inlet, and guiding the second flow into the second reaction fluid inlet; and receiving a coolant and dividing the coolant into a first coolant flow, a second coolant flow and a third coolant flow, and guiding the first coolant flow into the first coolant inlet, guiding the second coolant flow into the second coolant inlet, and guiding the third coolant flow to flow through the heat exchange structure to exchange heat with the first reaction fluid.

[0007] In some embodiments, the end plate body is formed with a accommodating cavity, and the heat exchange structure is formed by a separate heat exchanger, which is arranged in the accommodating cavity and includes an inlet joint, an outlet joint, and a flow channel formed in the heat exchanger and extending between the inlet joint and the outlet joint. The end plate body is configured to guide the first reaction fluid into the accommodating cavity and flow through the heat exchanger outside the heat exchanger, and is configured to guide the third coolant flow from the inlet joint into the flow channel in the heat exchanger.

[0008] In some embodiments, the end plate body is further formed with: a first inlet channel, which is configured to receive the first reaction fluid and is connected to the accommodating chamber to guide the first reaction fluid into the accommodating chamber; a first distribution channel and a second distribution channel, which respectively connect the accommodating chamber with the first reaction fluid inlet and the second reaction fluid inlet to divide the first reaction fluid flowing through the heat exchanger into the first flow and the second flow; a second inlet channel configured to receive the coolant; and a third distribution channel, a fourth distribution channel and a fifth distribution channel, which respectively connect the second inlet channel with the first coolant inlet, the second coolant inlet and the inlet joint to divide the coolant into the first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end plate body includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a transverse direction, and the end plate body is arranged between the first end and the second end so that the first side faces the first end and the second side faces the second end, wherein: the first reaction fluid inlet and the second reaction fluid inlet are aligned with each other in the transverse direction, the end plate body is formed with a first channel extending through the end plate body along the transverse direction, the first channel is used to connect the first reaction fluid inlet with the second reaction fluid inlet, and defines at least a section of the first distribution channel and at least a section of the second distribution channel; and / or the first coolant inlet and the second coolant inlet are aligned with each other in the transverse direction, the end plate body is formed with a second channel extending through the end plate body along the transverse direction, the second channel is used to connect the first coolant inlet with the second coolant inlet, and defines at least a section of the third distribution channel and at least a section of the fourth distribution channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first stack body further includes a first reaction product outlet at the first end for discharging a first reaction product, and the second stack body further includes a second reaction product outlet at the second end for discharging a second reaction product, and the end plate body further forms a first outlet channel, a first collecting channel, and a second collecting channel, and the first collecting channel and the second collecting channel are respectively configured to connect the first reaction product outlet and the second reaction product outlet with the first outlet channel to guide the first reaction product and the second reaction product to be collected into the first outlet channel, and the first outlet channel is configured to discharge the collected first reaction product and the second reaction product from the end plate body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first reaction fluid is a cathode reaction fluid, the first reaction product is a cathode reaction product of the first stack, and the second reaction product is a cathode reaction product of the second stack, and the end plate component further includes a first valve arranged at the first inlet channel to control the on-off of the first inlet channel and / or a second valve arranged at the first outlet channel to control the on-off of the first outlet channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first stack body further includes a first coolant outlet at the first end for discharging the first coolant flow, and the second stack body further includes a second coolant outlet at the second end for discharging the second coolant flow, and the end plate body further forms a second outlet channel, a third collecting channel, a fourth collecting channel and a fifth collecting channel, and the third collecting channel, the fourth collecting channel and the fifth collecting channel are respectively configured to connect the first coolant outlet, the second coolant outlet and the outlet joint with the second outlet channel to guide the first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow to be collected into the second outlet channel, and the second outlet channel is configured to discharge the collected first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow out of the end plate body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first stack body further includes a third reaction fluid inlet at the first end, and the second stack body further includes a fourth reaction fluid inlet at the second end, and the end plate body is further formed with a third inlet channel, a sixth distribution channel, and a seventh distribution channel, the third inlet channel being configured to receive the second reaction fluid, the sixth distribution channel and the seventh distribution channel being configured to connect the third inlet channel with the third reaction fluid inlet and the fourth reaction fluid inlet, respectively, so as to divide the second reaction fluid into a third flow and a fourth flow, and guide the third flow and the fourth flow to enter the third reaction fluid inlet and the fourth reaction fluid inlet, respectively.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first stack body further includes a third reaction product outlet at the first end for discharging a third reaction product, and the second stack body further includes a fourth reaction product outlet at the second end for discharging a fourth reaction product, and the end plate body further forms a third outlet channel, a sixth collecting channel and a seventh collecting channel, and the sixth collecting channel and the seventh collecting channel are respectively configured to connect the third reaction product outlet and the fourth reaction product outlet with the third outlet channel to guide the third reaction product and the fourth reaction product to be collected into the third outlet channel, and the third outlet channel is configured to discharge the collected third reaction product and the fourth reaction product from the end plate body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the accommodating cavity is recessed into the end plate body along the lateral direction from at least one of the first side and the second side, and the end plate member further includes at least one cover plate, each of the at least one cover plate being arranged on a corresponding one of the first side and the second side to close the accommodating cavity and keep the heat exchanger in the accommodating cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fuel cell system further includes a first shell accommodating the first fuel cell stack assembly, and the first shell is fixed to the end plate body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fuel cell system further includes a second shell for accommodating the second fuel cell stack assembly, and the second shell is fixed to the end plate body.

[0018] In another aspect, the present application provides a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes: a first stack assembly, the first stack assembly including a first end plate and a first stack formed by stacking first battery cells, the first stack including a first reaction fluid inlet and a first coolant inlet at a first end; a second stack assembly, the second stack assembly including a second end plate and a second stack formed by stacking second battery cells, the second stack including a second reaction fluid inlet and a second coolant inlet at a second end; and the aforementioned end plate member, the end plate body cooperating with the first end plate to sandwich the first stack between the end plate body and the first end plate, and cooperating with the second end plate to sandwich the second stack between the end plate body and the second end plate, the first end being adjacent to the end plate body and the second end being adjacent to the end plate body. The end plate body is configured to: receive a first reaction fluid and direct it to flow through the heat exchange structure, divide the first reaction fluid flowing through the heat exchange structure into a first flow and a second flow, direct the first flow into the first reaction fluid inlet, and direct the second flow into the second reaction fluid inlet; and receive a coolant and direct it into a first coolant flow, a second coolant flow, and a third coolant flow, direct the first coolant flow into the first coolant inlet, direct the second coolant flow into the second coolant inlet, and direct the third coolant flow through the heat exchange structure to exchange heat with the first reaction fluid.

[0019] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination.The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not meant to be limiting.

[0020] According to the present application, the number of components and pipelines in a fuel cell system can be significantly reduced, reducing the complexity of the fuel cell system, improving the integration of the fuel cell system, and reducing the space occupied. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system is reduced, the risk of leakage can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell system. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines for distributing coolant is reduced, coolant contamination problems (for example, ion contamination) can be alleviated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other aspects of the present application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, for the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the fuel cell system, stack assembly and end plate member according to the present application are shown or marked in the drawings. It should be understood that the size, proportional relationship and number of components of each component or part in the drawings are not intended to limit the present application. In the drawings:

[0022] FIG1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell system according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0023] FIG2 is another perspective view of the fuel cell system of FIG1 , wherein the housing for accommodating the first and second fuel cell stack assemblies and the valve assembly of the end plate member of the fuel cell system are removed to show the first and second fuel cell stack assemblies and the end plate body of the end plate member;

[0024] FIG3A is a perspective view of a first stack of the first battery stack assembly of FIG2 ;

[0025] FIG3B is a perspective view of a second stack of the second battery stack assembly of FIG2 ;

[0026] FIG4A is an exploded view of the end plate member of FIG1 ;

[0027] FIG4B is a perspective view of the end plate member of FIG4A with the valve assembly of the end plate member removed;

[0028] FIG4C is another perspective view of the end plate member of FIG4B;

[0029] FIG5 is a perspective view similar to FIG4B , but with the cover of the end plate member further removed to show the heat exchanger located in the end plate body;

[0030] FIG6A is a perspective view similar to FIG4B , but with the heat exchanger further removed to show the receiving cavity of the end plate body;

[0031] FIG6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG6A ;

[0032] FIG6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG6A ;

[0033] FIG6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG6A ;

[0034] FIG7A is a perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG5 ;

[0035] FIG7B is another perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG7A ; and

[0036] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates flows of reaction fluids, reaction products, and coolant in the fuel cell system of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following describes in detail some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, for ease of description, end plate components according to the present application are described using end plate components for PEMFC systems as examples of end plate components for fuel cell systems. However, it should be understood that this example does not limit the present application in any way. Furthermore, the features of the various embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other, unless otherwise specified.

[0038] Figures 1 to 8 schematically illustrate a fuel cell system 1 and its end plate member 100 according to some embodiments of the present application. For example, the fuel cell system 1 can be a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system, which uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as an oxidant, and generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction between the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel cell system 1 can be used in a vehicle to provide electricity, thereby driving the vehicle motor to provide power or enable the vehicle system to perform various functions. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to this.

[0039] For clarity and simplicity of description, a transverse direction XX, a longitudinal direction YY, and a vertical direction ZZ are defined. The transverse direction XX, the longitudinal direction YY, and the vertical direction ZZ are mutually perpendicular. The transverse direction XX generally refers to the thickness direction of the end plate body 110 of the end plate member 100, the longitudinal direction YY generally refers to the length direction of the end plate body 110, and the vertical direction ZZ generally refers to the width direction of the end plate body 110.

[0040] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a fuel cell system 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fuel cell system 1 includes a first stack assembly 10, a second stack assembly 20, an end plate member 100 shared by the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20, a first housing 1a for accommodating the first stack assembly 10, and a second housing 1b for accommodating the second stack assembly 20. The first and second stack assemblies 10, 20 can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0041] The first battery stack assembly 10 includes a first end plate 11 and a first stack 12 formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells (not specifically depicted or labeled in the drawings). The plurality of first battery cells are stacked along a first stacking direction to form the first stack 12. The plurality of first battery cells can be connected in series. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2 , the first stacking direction can coincide with the transverse direction XX. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto.

[0042] Each first battery cell typically includes a cathode plate, an anode plate, a proton exchange membrane, a cathode diffusion layer and a cathode catalyst layer between the cathode plate and the proton exchange membrane, and an anode diffusion layer and an anode catalyst layer between the anode plate and the proton exchange membrane (none of which are specifically shown in the figure). The cathode diffusion layer, cathode catalyst layer, anode diffusion layer, anode catalyst layer and proton exchange membrane are typically made into one piece and are referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The cathode diffusion layer and the anode diffusion layer are used to support the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer, respectively, and to transport the reaction fluid and reaction products (hydrogen, oxygen / air, water, etc.). The MEA is arranged between the cathode plate and the anode plate to form a first battery cell. A cathode flow field and an anode flow field are formed on the cathode plate and the anode plate, respectively. The anode plate of one of the two adjacent first battery cells can be fixed together with the cathode plate of the other first battery cell in such a way that the anode flow field and the cathode flow field are back to back facing each other, so as to define a coolant flow field therebetween.

[0043] Electrochemical reactions occur in MEA, mainly involving hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and oxygen reduction (ORR). H2 and O2 are transported to the anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer through the anode diffusion layer and cathode diffusion layer respectively. H2 loses electrons under the action of the anode catalyst in the anode catalyst layer to form H + . H + The electrons are transferred through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode side, where they combine with O2 in the cathode catalyst layer under the action of the cathode catalyst to form H2O. The H2O is transferred through the cathode diffusion layer and the anode diffusion layer to the cathode flow field and the anode flow field. Electrons then flow to the cathode through an external circuit (not shown), forming an electric current.

[0044] An anode inlet manifold, an anode outlet manifold, a cathode inlet manifold, a cathode outlet manifold, a coolant inlet manifold, and a coolant outlet manifold may be formed in the first stack 12. The anode inlet manifold, anode outlet manifold, cathode inlet manifold, cathode outlet manifold, coolant inlet manifold, and coolant outlet manifold may extend along the first stacking direction.

[0045] The anode inlet manifold may be configured to receive an anode reaction fluid (hydrogen gas) and communicate with the inlet of the anode flow field of each first battery cell to distribute the anode reaction fluid to the anode flow field of each first battery cell. The anode outlet manifold may be configured to communicate with the outlet of the anode flow field of each first battery cell to collect anode reaction products from the anode flow field of each first battery cell and discharge the collected anode reaction products out of the first stack 12.

[0046] The cathode inlet manifold can be configured to receive cathode reaction fluid (typically air) and communicate with the inlet of the cathode flow field of each first battery cell to distribute the cathode reaction fluid to the cathode flow field of each first battery cell. The cathode outlet manifold can be configured to communicate with the outlet of the cathode flow field of each first battery cell to collect cathode reaction products from the cathode flow field of each first battery cell and discharge the collected cathode reaction products out of the first stack 12.

[0047] The coolant inlet manifold may be configured to receive coolant and communicate with the inlet of the coolant flow field of each first battery cell to distribute the coolant to the coolant flow field of each first battery cell. The coolant outlet manifold may be configured to communicate with the outlet of the coolant flow field of each first battery cell to collect the coolant flowing through the coolant flow field of each first battery cell and discharge the collected coolant out of the first battery stack 12.

[0048] FIG3A is a perspective view of the first stack 12 of the first stack assembly 10. The first stack 12 includes a first end 12a and a third end 12b opposite to each other in the transverse direction XX (i.e., the first stacking direction). As shown in FIG3A , the first stack 12 includes a first reaction fluid inlet 13, a first reaction product outlet 14, a third reaction fluid inlet 15, a third reaction product outlet 16, a first coolant inlet 17, and a first coolant outlet 18 at the first end 12a. The fuel cell system 1 according to the present application will be described below in conjunction with an example in which the first reaction fluid inlet 13 is a port of the cathode inlet manifold, the first reaction product outlet 14 is a port of the cathode outlet manifold, the third reaction fluid inlet 15 is a port of the anode inlet manifold, the third reaction product outlet 16 is a port of the anode outlet manifold, the first coolant inlet 17 is a port of the coolant inlet manifold, and the first coolant outlet 18 is a port of the coolant outlet manifold.

[0049] Please refer back to Figure 2. Similar to the first battery stack assembly 10, the second battery stack assembly 20 includes a second end plate 21 and a second stack 22 formed by stacking second battery cells (not specifically depicted and marked in the drawings). A plurality of second battery cells are stacked along a second stacking direction to form a second stack 22. A plurality of second battery cells can be connected in series. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the second stacking direction can coincide with the lateral direction XX. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to this.

[0050] It is contemplated that the configuration of the second stack 22 may be similar to that of the first stack 12. An anode inlet manifold, an anode outlet manifold, a cathode inlet manifold, a cathode outlet manifold, a coolant inlet manifold, and a coolant outlet manifold may also be formed in the second stack 22. The anode inlet manifold, anode outlet manifold, cathode inlet manifold, cathode outlet manifold, coolant inlet manifold, and coolant outlet manifold may each extend along the second stacking direction. These similar components are not further described herein.

[0051] 3B is a perspective view of the second stack 22 of the second stack assembly 20. The second stack 22 includes a second end 22a and a fourth end 22b opposite to each other in the transverse direction XX (i.e., the second stacking direction). As shown in FIG3B , the second stack 22 includes a second reaction fluid inlet 23, a second reaction product outlet 24, a fourth reaction fluid inlet 25, a fourth reaction product outlet 26, a second coolant inlet 27, and a second coolant outlet 28 at the second end 22a. The fuel cell system 1 according to the present application will be described below in conjunction with an example in which the second reaction fluid inlet 23 is a port of the cathode inlet manifold, the second reaction product outlet 24 is a port of the cathode outlet manifold, the fourth reaction fluid inlet 25 is a port of the anode inlet manifold and the fourth reaction product outlet 26 is a port of the anode outlet manifold, the second coolant inlet 27 is a port of the coolant inlet manifold, and the second coolant outlet 28 is a port of the coolant outlet manifold.

[0052] Although not shown in the drawings, it is conceivable that the auxiliary systems of the fuel cell system 1 may include a fuel subsystem, an air subsystem, a thermal management subsystem, a system controller, etc. Under the control of the system controller, the fuel subsystem, the air subsystem, and the thermal management subsystem may supply anode reaction fluid, cathode reaction fluid, and coolant to the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20, and receive anode reaction products, cathode reaction products, and heat-exchanged coolant from the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20.

[0053] 4A to 7B schematically illustrate an end plate member 100 of the fuel cell system 1, and FIG8 schematically illustrates the flow of reaction fluids, reaction products, and coolant in the fuel cell system 1. As shown in FIG4A to 4C , the end plate member 100 includes an end plate body 110, a heat exchanger 120 located in the end plate body 110, a cover plate 130 disposed on the end plate body 110, and a valve assembly 140 disposed on the end plate body 110. Referring back to FIG1 and FIG2 , the end plate member 100 is configured to be shared by the first fuel cell stack assembly 10 and the second fuel cell stack assembly 20.

[0054] Specifically, the end plate body 110 cooperates with the first end plate 11 of the first stack assembly 10 to sandwich the first stack 12 between the end plate body 110 and the first end plate 11, so that the first end 12a of the first stack 12 is adjacent to the end plate body 110, and the end plate body 110 cooperates with the second end plate 21 of the second stack assembly 20 to sandwich the second stack 22 between the end plate body 110 and the second end plate 21, so that the second end 22a of the second stack 22 is adjacent to the end plate body 110. In other words, the first stack 12 is retained by the assembly force applied by the end plate body 110 and the first end plate 11, and the second stack 22 is retained by the assembly force applied by the end plate body 110 and the second end plate 21. For example, the end plate body 110 and the first end plate 11 can be connected by a fixing member (not shown) such as a fastening bolt or a strapping band, thereby sandwiching the first stack 12 therebetween and applying the assembly force to the first stack 12. For another example, the end plate body 110 and the second end plate 21 may also be connected by fixing members (not shown) such as fastening bolts or strapping bands, thereby sandwiching the second stacked body 22 therebetween and applying an assembly force to the second stacked body 22 .

[0055] Referring further to FIG8 , the end plate body 110 receives the first reactant fluid 30 and directs it through the heat exchanger 120, dividing the first reactant fluid 30 flowing through the heat exchanger 120 into a first stream 31 and a second stream 32. The first stream 31 is directed into the first reactant fluid inlet 13 of the first stack 12 ( FIG3A ), while the second stream 32 is directed into the second reactant fluid inlet 23 of the second stack 22 ( FIG3B ). In other words, the first reactant fluid 30 is divided into the first stream 31 and the second stream 32 downstream of the heat exchanger 120. The first reactant fluid 30 is the cathode reactant fluid (typically air) and is supplied by the air subsystem of the auxiliary system. For example, the first reactant fluid 30 may be pressurized by an air compressor of the air subsystem and optionally humidified by a humidifier of the air subsystem before entering the end plate body 110.

[0056] 8 , the end plate body 110 also receives the coolant 40 and divides the coolant 40 into a first coolant stream 41, a second coolant stream 42, and a third coolant stream 43. The end plate body 110 directs the first coolant stream 41 into the first coolant inlet 17 of the first stack 12 ( FIG. 3A ), directs the second coolant stream 42 into the second coolant inlet 27 of the second stack 22 ( FIG. 3B ), and directs the third coolant stream 43 through the heat exchanger 120 to exchange heat with the first reaction fluid 30 (as schematically indicated by the bidirectional arrows 3 in FIG. 8 ). In other words, the coolant 40 is divided into the first coolant stream 41, the second coolant stream 42, and the third coolant stream 43 upstream of the heat exchanger 120, wherein the first coolant stream 41 and the second coolant stream 42 directly enter the first stack 12 and the second stack 22, respectively, without passing through the heat exchanger 120, and the third coolant stream 43 enters the heat exchanger 120 to exchange heat with the first reaction fluid 30. Coolant 40 may be supplied by a thermal management subsystem.

[0057] When the fuel cell system 1 is in operation, the first reaction fluid 30 from the air subsystem and the coolant 40 from the thermal management subsystem are first supplied to the end plate body 110 of the end plate member 100 shared by the first and second stack assemblies 10 and 20, and a portion of the coolant 40 (i.e., the third coolant flow 43) and the first reaction fluid 30 are directed to flow through the heat exchanger 120 of the end plate member 100 for heat exchange, thereby causing the first reaction fluid 30 to be heated (e.g., during a low-temperature cold start) or cooled (e.g., during normal operation of the fuel cell system 1) before being distributed into the first and second stacks 12 and 22. The first coolant flow 41 and the second coolant flow 42 of the coolant 40 then directly enter the first and second stacks 12 and 22, respectively.

[0058] That is, the end plate member 100 is capable of receiving the first reaction fluid 30 (here, the cathode reaction fluid) and the coolant 40 and distributing them to the first stack assembly 10 and the second stack assembly 20, and exchanging heat with a portion of the coolant 40 before distributing the first reaction fluid 30. With the help of this end plate member 100, the functions of distributing and regulating the temperature of the first reaction fluid 30 and distributing the coolant 40 can be integrated into the end plate member 100 shared by the first stack assembly 10 and the second stack assembly 20, and the first stack assembly 10 and the second stack assembly 20 share the same cathode reaction fluid and coolant distribution device and cathode reaction fluid temperature regulation device. This can significantly reduce the number of components and pipelines of the fuel cell system 1, reduce the complexity of the fuel cell system 1, improve the integration of the fuel cell system 1 and reduce the occupied space. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines of the fuel cell system 1 is reduced, the risk of leakage can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell system. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines for distributing the coolant is reduced, the contamination problem (for example, ion contamination problem) in the coolant 40 can be alleviated.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the end plate body 110 may include a first side 111 and a second side 112 opposite to each other in the transverse direction XX, a third side 113 and a fourth side 114 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction YY, and a fifth side 115 and a sixth side 116 opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The end plate body 110 may be formed with a receiving cavity 117. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the receiving cavity 117 is recessed into the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX from the first side 111. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to this. For example, the receiving cavity 117 may be recessed into the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX from the second side 112. For another example, the receiving cavity 117 may extend through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. That is, the receiving cavity 117 may be recessed into the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX from at least one of the first side 111 and the second side 112. Similarly, in other partial embodiments, the end plate body 110 can be recessed into the end plate body 110 along the longitudinal direction YY from at least one of the third side 113 and the fourth side 114, and / or recessed into the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ from at least one of the fifth side 115 and the sixth side 116.

[0060] The heat exchanger 120 is disposed within the housing cavity 117 of the end plate body 110. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4A and FIG7A-7B , the heat exchanger 120 may include an inlet connector 121, an outlet connector 122, and a flow channel (not shown) formed within the heat exchanger 120 and extending between the inlet connector 121 and the outlet connector 122. In other words, the flow channel formed within the heat exchanger 120 fluidically connects the inlet connector 121 with the outlet connector 122. The end plate body 110 is configured to guide the first reaction fluid 30 into the housing cavity 117 and flow through the heat exchanger 120 outside the heat exchanger 120. It is also configured to guide the third coolant flow 43 from the inlet connector 121 into the flow channel within the heat exchanger 120, thereby exchanging heat between the first reaction fluid 30 and the third coolant flow 43. The end plate member 100 includes the end plate body 110 and the separate heat exchanger 120 disposed in the end plate body 110 , which can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the end plate member 100 and reduce the production and maintenance costs of the end plate member 100 .

[0061] 6B and 6C , the accommodating cavity 117 may be formed with plug-in portions 117a and 117b to respectively connect with the inlet connector 121 and the outlet connector 122 of the heat exchanger 120. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto.

[0062] As shown in Figures 4A and 7A to 7B, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger 120 may be formed with a channel structure 123 that allows the first reaction fluid 30 to flow through the heat exchanger 120 externally, so as to facilitate heat exchange between the first reaction fluid 30 and the third coolant flow 43 flowing through the heat exchanger 120 internally. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to this. The heat exchanger 120 may be formed with any suitable structure that promotes heat exchange. For example, the heat exchanger 120 may have a fin structure, a heat pipe structure, etc. The heat exchanger 120 may be any suitable type of gas-liquid heat exchanger.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2 , the end plate body 110 is disposed between the first end 12a of the first stack 12 and the second end 22a of the second stack 22, such that the first side 111 faces the first end 12a, and the second side 112 faces the second end 22a. In other words, the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 are located on opposite sides of the end plate body 110 in the transverse direction XX. The channel configuration in the end plate body 110 will be described in detail below with reference to this embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a first inlet channel 151, a second inlet channel 152, a first distribution channel 161, a second distribution channel 162, a third distribution channel 163, a fourth distribution channel 164, and a fifth distribution channel 165. The first inlet channel 151 is configured to receive the first reactive fluid 30 from the air subsystem and communicates with the accommodating chamber 117 to guide the first reactive fluid 30 into the accommodating chamber 117. The first distribution channel 161 and the second distribution channel 162 respectively connect the accommodating chamber 117 to the first reactive fluid inlet 13 of the first stack 12 and the second reactive fluid inlet 23 of the second stack 22 to separate the first reactive fluid 30 flowing through the heat exchanger 120 into the first stream 31 and the second stream 32. The second inlet channel 152 is configured to receive the coolant 40 from the thermal management subsystem. The third distribution channel 163, the fourth distribution channel 164 and the fifth distribution channel 165 respectively connect the second inlet channel 152 with the first coolant inlet 17 of the first stack 12, the second coolant inlet 27 of the second stack 22 and the inlet joint 121 of the heat exchanger 120 to divide the coolant 40 into a first coolant flow 41, a second coolant flow 42 and a third coolant flow 43.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the first inlet channel 151 can extend from the fifth side 115 of the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ to the receiving chamber 117, thereby receiving the first reactive fluid 30 and directing the first reactive fluid 30 into the receiving chamber 117. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and the first inlet channel 151 can extend from any suitable position of the end plate body 110 along any suitable direction to the receiving chamber 117. For example, the first inlet channel 151 can extend from the sixth side 116 of the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ to the receiving chamber 117, from the third side 113 of the end plate body 110 along the longitudinal direction YY to the receiving chamber 117, or from the fourth side 114 of the end plate body 110 along the longitudinal direction YY to the receiving chamber 117.

[0066] As best shown in Figures 6B to 6D, the first distribution channel 161 and the second distribution channel 162 can extend from the accommodating chamber 117 to the first side 111 and the second side 112, respectively, to connect the accommodating chamber 117 with the first reaction fluid inlet 13 of the first stack body 12 and the second reaction fluid inlet 23 of the second stack body 22, respectively.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first reactive fluid inlet 13 of the first stack 12 and the second reactive fluid inlet 23 of the second stack 22 may be aligned with each other in the transverse direction XX. In this case, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a first channel 191 extending through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. The first channel 191 connects the first reactive fluid inlet 13 with the second reactive fluid inlet 23 and defines at least a portion of the first distribution channel 161 and at least a portion of the second distribution channel 162. This configuration can reduce the difficulty of machining the channels in the end plate body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the end plate member 100 and reducing production costs.

[0068] In one of these embodiments, as best shown in Figures 6B-6D , a common section of the first distribution channel 161 and the second distribution channel 162 may extend from the accommodating chamber 117 along the longitudinal direction YY to communicate with the first aperture 191. This allows the first reactive fluid 30 flowing out of the accommodating chamber 117 to enter the first aperture 191 via this common section and be divided by the first aperture 191 into a first stream 31 and a second stream 32, respectively entering the first reactive fluid inlet 13 of the first stack 12 and the second reactive fluid inlet 23 of the second stack 22. In this case, the first aperture 191 defines a portion of the first distribution channel 161 and a portion of the second distribution channel 162. In another of these embodiments, this common section may be omitted, and the accommodating chamber 117 may communicate directly with the first aperture 191. In this case, the first aperture 191 defines the entirety of the first distribution channel 161 and the entirety of the second distribution channel 162. In another of these embodiments, there may be no common section, but the first distribution channel 161 and the second distribution channel 162 are each connected to the accommodating chamber 117 through a separate section. In this case, the first channel 191 defines a section of the first distribution channel 161 and a section of the second distribution channel 162.

[0069] As shown in Figures 4C, 6B, and 6C, the second inlet channel 152 can extend from the fourth side 114 of the end plate body 110 along the longitudinal direction YY into the end plate body 110 to receive the coolant 40 from the thermal management subsystem. It should be understood that the present application is not limited in this regard, and the second inlet channel 152 can extend from any suitable location of the end plate body 110 along any suitable direction into the end plate body 110. For example, the second inlet channel 152 can extend from the third side 113 of the end plate body 110 along the longitudinal direction YY into the end plate body 110, from the fifth side 115 of the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ into the end plate body 110, or from the sixth side 116 of the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ into the end plate body 110.

[0070] 6B to 6D , the third distribution channel 163 may extend from the second inlet channel 152 along the transverse direction XX to the first side 111 of the end plate body 110 to communicate with the first coolant inlet 17 of the first stack 12. The fourth distribution channel 164 may extend from the second inlet channel 152 along the transverse direction XX to the second side 112 of the end plate body 110 to communicate with the second coolant inlet 27 of the second stack 22. The fifth distribution channel 165 may extend along the longitudinal direction YY to the plug portion 117 a in the accommodating cavity 117 to communicate with the inlet connector 121 of the heat exchanger 120 inserted into the plug portion 117 a. In this way, the third distribution channel 163, the fourth distribution channel 164 and the fifth distribution channel 165 can divide the coolant 40 received by the second inlet channel 152 into the first coolant flow 41, the second coolant flow 42 and the third coolant flow 43, and respectively guide the first coolant flow 41, the second coolant flow 42 and the third coolant flow 43 into the first coolant inlet 17, the second coolant inlet 27 and the inlet joint 121.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first coolant inlet 17 of the first stack 12 and the second coolant inlet 27 of the second stack 22 may be aligned with each other in the transverse direction XX. In this case, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a second channel 192 extending through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. The second channel 192 connects the first coolant inlet 17 with the second coolant inlet 27 and defines at least a portion of the third distribution channel 163 and at least a portion of the fourth distribution channel 164. This configuration can reduce the difficulty in machining the channels in the end plate body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the end plate member 100 and reducing the production cost of the end plate member 100.

[0072] In one of these embodiments, a common section of the third distribution channel 163 and the fourth distribution channel 164 may extend from the second inlet channel 152 along the longitudinal direction YY to communicate with the second aperture 192. This allows the coolant 40 flowing out of the second inlet channel 152 to enter the second aperture 192 via this common section and be divided by the second aperture 192 into a first coolant stream 41 and a second coolant stream 42, which then enter the first coolant inlet 17 of the first stack 12 and the second coolant inlet 27 of the second stack 22, respectively. In this case, the second aperture 192 defines a portion of the third distribution channel 163 and a portion of the fourth distribution channel 164. In another of these embodiments, as best shown in Figures 6B-6D, this common section may be omitted, and instead the second inlet channel 152 may communicate directly with the second aperture 192. In this case, the second aperture 192 defines all of the third distribution channel 163 and all of the fourth distribution channel 164. In another of these embodiments, there may be no common section, but the third distribution channel 163 and the fourth distribution channel 164 are each connected to the second inlet channel 152 through a separate section. In this case, the second channel 192 defines a section of the third distribution channel 163 and a section of the fourth distribution channel 164.

[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A, 4C, 6B, and 6C, the fifth distribution channel 165 can extend from the second channel 192 along the longitudinal direction YY to the plug portion 117a in the accommodating cavity 117, thereby connecting the inlet connector 121 of the heat exchanger 120, which is inserted into the plug portion 117a, with the second channel 192, thereby connecting the inlet connector 121 with the second inlet channel 152. In other embodiments, the fifth distribution channel 165 can connect the second inlet channel 152 with the plug portion 117a in any other suitable manner. For example, the fifth distribution channel 165 can extend directly from the second inlet channel 152 to the plug portion 117a.

[0074] In some embodiments, the end plate body 110 can be configured to collect the first reaction product 51 ( FIG. 8 ) of the first stack 12 and the second reaction product 52 ( FIG. 8 ) of the second stack 22, and discharge the collected first reaction product 51 and second reaction product 52 from the end plate body 110. The first reaction product 51 is the cathode reaction product of the first stack 12 and is discharged from the first reaction product outlet 14, and the second reaction product 52 is the cathode reaction product of the second stack 22 and is discharged from the second reaction product outlet 24. The first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52 can be discharged from the end plate body 110 to an exhaust line of the air subsystem.

[0075] As shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a first outlet channel 171, a first collecting channel 181, and a second collecting channel 182. The first collecting channel 181 and the second collecting channel 182 are respectively configured to connect the first reaction product outlet 14 and the second reaction product outlet 24 to the first outlet channel 171, so as to guide the first reaction product 51 (Figure 8) and the second reaction product 52 (Figure 8) to be collected and collected into the first outlet channel 171. The first outlet channel 171 is configured to discharge the collected first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52 out of the end plate body 110. In Figure 8, the arrow 50 indicates the first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52 collected by the first outlet channel 171.

[0076] With the aid of this end plate member 100, the function of collecting and discharging the first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52 can be integrated into the end plate member 100 shared by the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20, and the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20 share the same cathode reaction product collection and discharge device. This can further reduce the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system 1, reduce the complexity of the fuel cell system 1, improve the integration of the fuel cell system 1, and reduce the occupied space. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system 1 is reduced, the risk of leakage can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell system.

[0077] As best shown in FIG6C , the first outlet channel 171 can extend from the fifth side 115 of the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ into the end plate body 110. As shown in FIG6A and FIG6B , the first collecting channel 181 can extend from the first side 111 of the end plate body 110 along the lateral direction XX into the end plate body 110 to connect the first outlet channel 171 with the first reaction product outlet 14 of the first stack 12. As shown in FIG6C and FIG6D , the second collecting channel 182 can extend from the second side 112 of the end plate body 110 along the lateral direction XX into the end plate body 110 to connect the first outlet channel 171 with the second reaction product outlet 24 of the second stack 22. It should be understood that the present application is not limited in this regard, and each of the first outlet channel 171, the first collecting channel 181, and the second collecting channel 182 can extend from any suitable location on the end plate body 110 along any suitable direction.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first reaction product outlet 14 of the first stack 12 and the second reaction product outlet 24 of the second stack 22 may be aligned with each other in the transverse direction XX. In this case, as shown in Figures 4A and 4C, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a third channel 193 extending through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. Similar to the first channel 191, the third channel 193 can connect the first reaction product outlet 14 with the second reaction product outlet 24 and can define at least a portion of the first converging channel 181 and at least a portion of the second converging channel 182. This configuration can reduce the difficulty of machining the channels in the end plate body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the end plate member 100 and reducing production costs.

[0079] As described above, the first inlet channel 151 of the end plate body 110 is used to receive the cathode reaction fluid, and the first outlet channel 171 is used to collect and discharge the cathode reaction products of the first and second stack assemblies 10 and 20. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 4A, the end plate member 100 includes a valve assembly 140 disposed on the fifth side 115 of the end plate body 110. As best shown in Figure 4A, the valve assembly 140 may include a first valve 141 and a second valve 142, which are respectively mounted to the end plate body 110 via a mounting plate 140a disposed on the fifth side 115 of the end plate body 110. The first valve 141 can be disposed at the port of the first inlet channel 151 to control the opening and closing of the first inlet channel 151. The second valve 142 can be disposed at the port of the first outlet channel 171 to control the opening and closing of the first outlet channel 171. By controlling the first valve 41 and the second valve 42, the cathode circuits of the first and second stacks 12 and 22 can be closed. In some other embodiments, the mounting plate 140a may be omitted, and instead, the first valve 141 and the second valve 142 may be disposed in the first inlet passage 151 and the first outlet passage 171, respectively. The first valve 141 and the second valve 142 may be any suitable type of valve, such as an electric shut-off valve. In other embodiments, only one of the first valve 141 and the second valve 142 may be disposed.

[0080] During the shutdown process of the fuel cell system 1, it is necessary to seal the cathode circuit of the first stack 12 and the second stack 22, and allow the anode reaction fluid to flow through the anode circuit to consume as much oxygen as possible in the cathode circuit. This ensures a reducing environment within the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 when the system is shut down, thereby avoiding the presence of a hydrogen-oxygen interface that could cause degradation of the fuel cell system 1. By providing the first valve 141 at the first inlet channel 151 and / or the second valve 142 at the first outlet channel 171, the length of the cathode circuit that needs to be sealed can be shortened, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen required to be consumed during the shutdown process of the fuel cell system 1, thereby reducing the consumption of the anode reaction fluid and shortening the shutdown time.

[0081] In some embodiments, the end plate body 110 can be configured to collect the first coolant flow (indicated by "41'" in Figure 8) flowing through the first stack 12, the second coolant flow (indicated by "42'" in Figure 8) flowing through the second stack 22, and the third coolant flow (indicated by "43'" in Figure 8) flowing through the heat exchanger 120, and discharge the collected first coolant flow, second coolant flow, and third coolant flow out of the end plate body 110, for example, into the pipeline of the thermal management subsystem.

[0082] As shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a second outlet channel 172, a third collecting channel 183, a fourth collecting channel 184, and a fifth collecting channel 185. The third collecting channel 183, the fourth collecting channel 184, and the fifth collecting channel 185 are respectively configured to connect the first coolant outlet 18 of the first stack 12, the second coolant outlet 28 of the second stack 22, and the outlet connector 122 of the heat exchanger 120 to the second outlet channel 172, thereby guiding the first coolant flow flowing through the first stack 12, the second coolant flow flowing through the second stack 22, and the third coolant flow flowing through the heat exchanger 120 to be combined into the second outlet channel 172. The second outlet channel 172 is configured to discharge the combined first, second, and third coolant flows out of the end plate body 110. In Figure 8, arrows 40' indicate the first, second, and third coolant flows combined by the second outlet channel 172.

[0083] With the help of this end plate member 100, the functions of collecting and discharging the first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow can be integrated into the end plate member 100 shared by the first stack assembly 10 and the second stack assembly 20, and the first stack assembly 10 and the second stack assembly 20 share the same coolant collection and discharge device. This can further reduce the number of components and pipelines of the fuel cell system 1, reduce the complexity of the fuel cell system 1, improve the integration of the fuel cell system 1 and reduce the occupied space. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines of the fuel cell system 1 is reduced, the risk of leakage can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell system. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines for collecting and discharging coolant is reduced, the contamination problem in the coolant 40 (for example, ion contamination problem) can be alleviated.

[0084] As shown in Figures 6A to 6C , the second outlet channel 172 may extend from the third side 113 of the end plate body 110 along the longitudinal direction YY into the end plate body 110. As shown in Figures 5 to 6B , the third collecting channel 183 may extend from the first side 111 of the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX into the end plate body 110 to connect the second outlet channel 172 with the first coolant outlet 18 of the first stack 12. As shown in Figures 6C and 6D , the fourth collecting channel 184 may extend from the second side 112 of the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX into the end plate body 110 to connect the second outlet channel 172 with the second coolant outlet 28 of the second stack 22. The fifth collecting channel 185 may extend along the longitudinal direction YY to the plug portion 117b in the accommodating cavity 117 to connect with the outlet connector 122 of the heat exchanger 120 inserted into the plug portion 117b. In this manner, the third collecting channel 183, the fourth collecting channel 184, and the fifth collecting channel 185 collect the first coolant flow flowing through the first stack 12, the second coolant flow flowing through the second stack 22, and the third coolant flow flowing through the heat exchanger 120 into the second outlet channel 172. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and each of the second outlet channel 172, the third collecting channel 183, the fourth collecting channel 184, and the fifth collecting channel 185 can extend from any suitable position of the end plate body 110 in any suitable direction.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first coolant outlet 18 of the first stack 12 and the second coolant outlet 28 of the second stack 22 may be aligned with each other in the transverse direction XX. In this case, as shown in Figures 4A and 4C, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a fourth channel 194 extending through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. Similar to the second channel 192, the fourth channel 194 can connect the first coolant outlet 18 with the second coolant outlet 28 and define at least a portion of the third converging channel 183 and at least a portion of the fourth converging channel 184. This configuration can reduce the difficulty of machining the channels in the end plate body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency and reducing the production cost of the end plate member 100. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A, 4C, and 6C, the fifth converging channel 185 can extend from the fourth channel 194 along the longitudinal direction YY to the plug portion 117b in the accommodating cavity 117, thereby connecting the outlet connector 122 of the heat exchanger 120 inserted into the plug portion 117b with the fourth channel 194, thereby connecting the outlet connector 122 with the second outlet channel 172. In other embodiments, the fifth converging channel 185 can connect the second outlet channel 172 with the plug portion 117b in any other suitable manner. For example, the fifth converging channel 185 can extend directly from the second outlet channel 172 to the plug portion 117b.

[0086] In some embodiments, the end plate body 110 can be configured to receive a second reactive fluid 60 ( FIG. 8 ) and separate the second reactive fluid 60 into a third stream 61 and a fourth stream 62 ( FIG. 8 ), and direct the third stream 61 and the fourth stream 62, respectively, into the third reactive fluid inlet 15 of the first stack 12 and the fourth reactive fluid inlet 25 of the second stack 22. The second reactive fluid 60 is an anode reactive fluid (typically hydrogen) and is supplied by the fuel subsystem of the auxiliary system.

[0087] As shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a third inlet channel 153, a sixth distribution channel 166, and a seventh distribution channel 167. The third inlet channel 153 is configured to receive the second reaction fluid 60 from the fuel subsystem. The sixth distribution channel 166 and the seventh distribution channel 167 are configured to connect the third inlet channel 153 to the third reaction fluid inlet 15 and the fourth reaction fluid inlet 25, respectively, to divide the second reaction fluid 60 into a third stream 61 and a fourth stream 62, and guide the third stream 61 and the fourth stream 62 into the third reaction fluid inlet 15 and the fourth reaction fluid inlet 25, respectively.

[0088] With the aid of this end plate member 100, the function of distributing the second reaction fluid 60 can be integrated into the end plate member 100 shared by the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20, and the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20 share the same anode reaction fluid distribution device. This can further reduce the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system 1, reduce the complexity of the fuel cell system 1, improve the integration of the fuel cell system 1, and reduce the occupied space. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system 1 is reduced, the risk of leakage can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell system.

[0089] As best shown in FIG6D , the third inlet channel 153 can extend from the fifth side 115 of the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ into the end plate body 110. As shown in FIG6A-6C , the sixth distribution channel 166 can extend from the first side 111 of the end plate body 110 along the lateral direction XX into the end plate body 110 to connect the third inlet channel 153 with the third reactive fluid inlet 15 of the first stack 12. As shown in FIG6D , the seventh distribution channel 167 can extend from the second side 112 of the end plate body 110 along the lateral direction XX into the end plate body 110 to connect the third inlet channel 153 with the fourth reactive fluid inlet 25 of the second stack 22. It should be understood that the present application is not limited in this regard, and each of the third inlet channel 153, the sixth distribution channel 166, and the seventh distribution channel 167 can extend from any suitable location on the end plate body 110 along any suitable direction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the third reactive fluid inlet 15 of the first stack 12 and the fourth reactive fluid inlet 25 of the second stack 22 may be aligned with each other in the transverse direction XX. In this case, as shown in Figures 4A and 4C, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a fifth channel 195 extending through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. Similar to the first channel 191, the fifth channel 195 can connect the third reactive fluid inlet 15 with the fourth reactive fluid inlet 25 and can define at least a portion of the sixth distribution channel 166 and at least a portion of the seventh distribution channel 167. This configuration can reduce the difficulty of machining the channels in the end plate body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the end plate member 100 and reducing production costs.

[0091] In some embodiments, the end plate body 110 can be configured to collect the third reaction product 71 ( FIG. 8 ) of the first stack 12 and the fourth reaction product 72 ( FIG. 8 ) of the second stack 22, and discharge the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 from the end plate body 110. The third reaction product 71 is the anode reaction product of the first stack 12 and is discharged from the third reaction product outlet 16, and the fourth reaction product 72 is the anode reaction product of the second stack 22 and is discharged from the fourth reaction product outlet 26. The third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 can be discharged from the end plate body 110 into a recirculation loop of the fuel subsystem.

[0092] As shown in Figures 4A to 6D, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a third outlet channel 173, a sixth collecting channel 186, and a seventh collecting channel 187. The sixth collecting channel 186 and the seventh collecting channel 187 are respectively configured to connect the third reaction product outlet 16 and the fourth reaction product outlet 26 to the third outlet channel 173, so as to guide the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 to be collected into the third outlet channel 173. The third outlet channel 173 is configured to discharge the collected third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 out of the end plate body 110. As shown in Figure 8, the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 collected by the first outlet channel 171 are indicated by arrows 70.

[0093] With the aid of this end plate member 100, the functions of collecting and discharging the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 can be integrated into the end plate member 100 shared by the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20, and the first and second stack assemblies 10, 20 share the same anode product collection and discharge device. This can further reduce the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system 1, reduce the complexity of the fuel cell system 1, improve the integration of the fuel cell system 1, and reduce the occupied space. In addition, since the number of components and pipelines in the fuel cell system 1 is reduced, the risk of leakage can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell system.

[0094] As best shown in FIG6D , the third outlet channel 173 can extend from the sixth side 115 of the end plate body 110 into the end plate body 110 along the vertical direction ZZ. As shown in FIG5 through FIG6C , the sixth collecting channel 186 can extend from the first side 111 of the end plate body 110 into the end plate body 110 along the lateral direction XX to connect the third outlet channel 173 with the third reaction product outlet 16 of the first stack 12. As shown in FIG6C and FIG6D , the seventh collecting channel 187 can extend from the second side 112 of the end plate body 110 into the end plate body 110 along the lateral direction XX to connect the third outlet channel 173 with the fourth reaction product outlet 26 of the second stack 22. It should be understood that the present application is not limited in this regard, and each of the third outlet channel 173, the sixth collecting channel 186, and the seventh collecting channel 187 can extend from any suitable location on the end plate body 110 along any suitable direction.

[0095] In some embodiments, the third reaction product outlet 16 of the first stack 12 and the fourth reaction product outlet 26 of the second stack 22 may be aligned with each other in the transverse direction XX. In this case, as shown in Figures 4A and 4C, the end plate body 110 may be formed with a sixth channel 196 extending through the end plate body 110 along the transverse direction XX. Similar to the fifth channel 195, the sixth channel 196 may connect the third reaction product outlet 16 with the fourth reaction product outlet 26 and may define at least a portion of the sixth converging channel 186 and at least a portion of the seventh converging channel 187. This configuration can reduce the difficulty of machining the channels in the end plate body 110, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the end plate member 100 and reducing production costs.

[0096] In some embodiments, the third outlet channel 173, the sixth collecting channel 186, and the seventh collecting channel 187 can be disposed adjacent to the first inlet channel 151, the accommodating chamber 117, and the second outlet channel 172, so that the collected third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 can exchange heat with the first reactant fluid 30 and the collected first coolant flow, the second coolant flow, and the third coolant flow. During normal operation of the fuel cell system 1, this allows the collected third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 to be heated by the first reactant fluid 30 and the collected first coolant flow, the second coolant flow, and the third coolant flow, thereby reducing the possibility of water accumulation in the end plate body 110 due to the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the accommodating cavity 117 is recessed into the end plate body 110 from the first side 111 along the transverse direction XX. The end plate member 100 may include a cover plate 130. The cover plate 130 is arranged on the first side 111 to close the accommodating cavity 117 and retain the heat exchanger 120 in the accommodating cavity 117. For example, the cover plate 130 can be retained on the first side 111 by the assembly force applied by the end plate body 110 and the first end plate 11. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to this. The cover plate 130 can be retained on the first side 111 by any other suitable means. It should also be understood that the heat exchanger 120 can be retained in the accommodating cavity 117 by any other suitable means. For example, the heat exchanger 120 can be plugged or welded in the accommodating cavity 117.

[0098] 4A and 4B , the cover plate 130 may be formed with openings corresponding to the first hole 191, the second hole 192, the third hole 193, the fourth hole 194, the fifth hole 195, and the sixth hole 196. In other embodiments, the cover plate 130 may be formed only in the area where the enclosed accommodating cavity 117 is located on the first side 111, and may not extend to the areas where the first hole 191, the second hole 192, the third hole 193, the fourth hole 194, the fifth hole 195, and the sixth hole 196 are located.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, when the accommodating cavity 117 is recessed into the end plate body 110 from the second side 112 along the transverse direction XX, the end plate member 100 may include a cover plate arranged on the second side 112 to close the accommodating cavity 117 and retain the heat exchanger 120 in the accommodating cavity 117.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first housing 1a can be fixed to the end plate body 110 to surround and encapsulate the first fuel cell stack assembly 10. In some embodiments, the second housing 1b can be fixed to the end plate body 110 to surround and encapsulate the second fuel cell stack assembly 20. The end plate member 100 can act as a load-bearing plate to support the first fuel cell stack assembly 10 and its first housing 1a and / or the second fuel cell stack assembly 20 and its second housing 1b. This can further improve the integration of the fuel cell system 1 and reduce the occupied space.

[0101] In some embodiments, any one or more of the first distribution channel 161, the second distribution channel 162, the third distribution channel 163, the fourth distribution channel 164, the fifth distribution channel 165, the sixth distribution channel 166, and the seventh distribution channel 167 may have an adjustable flow capacity so that the fluid flow through the corresponding distribution channel can be adjusted. As used herein, "flow capacity" refers to the ability of a channel to allow a fluid to pass through it, which is generally characterized by the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the channel for circulating fluid. For example, the first distribution channel 161 can be configured to have an adjustable flow capacity so that the ratio of the portion of the cathode reaction fluid entering the first distribution channel 161 to the portion entering the second distribution channel 162 can be adjusted. As an example, an adjustment mechanism (not shown) such as a slider or a sliding baffle can be provided in the first distribution channel 161 and slide therein to adjust the flow capacity of the first distribution channel 161.

[0102] It should be understood that the flow directions of the reaction fluids, reaction products, and coolant of the fuel cell system 1 shown in FIG. 8 are merely illustrative and not restrictive.

[0103] It should be understood that the fuel cell system 1 can be arranged in any suitable orientation. For example, the fuel cell system 1 can be oriented so that the vertical direction ZZ or the lateral direction XX (the first stacking direction and the second stacking direction) is substantially aligned with the direction of gravity. For example, the downward direction in the vertical direction ZZ is substantially aligned with the direction of gravity G. As used herein, a direction substantially aligned with the direction of gravity means that the angle between the direction and the direction of gravity is in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

[0104] Although the configuration and function of the end plate member 100 are specifically described above in conjunction with an embodiment in which the end plate member 100 includes a separate heat exchanger 120, it should be understood that the end plate member 100 may include any other suitable type of heat exchange structure to achieve heat exchange between the first reaction fluid 30 and the third coolant flow 43, thereby allowing the first reaction fluid 30 to exchange heat with the third coolant flow 43 before entering the first stack 12 and the second stack 22. For example, the end plate body 110 may include an integrally formed heat exchange portion without the accommodating cavity 117 to achieve heat exchange between the first reaction fluid 30 and the third coolant flow 43. For another example, a heat exchanger of another suitable configuration may be provided in the end plate body 110 to achieve heat exchange between the first reaction fluid 30 and the third coolant flow 43.

[0105] Although the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 of the fuel cell system 1 are respectively disposed on the first side 111 and the second side 112 opposite to each other of the end plate body 110, it should be understood that the end plate member 100 can support the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 to be disposed on the end plate body 110 in any other suitable manner and provide the above-mentioned functions. For example, the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 can be respectively disposed on adjacent sides (such as the first side 111 and the fifth side 115) or on the same side of the end plate body 110. It should also be understood that the fuel cell system 1 can include more than two stacks, and the end plate body 110 can integrate the functions of distributing the reaction fluid and the coolant, regulating the temperature of the reaction fluid, and collecting and discharging the reaction products and the heat-exchanged coolant for more than two stacks.

[0106] Although the configuration and function of the end plate member 100 are specifically described above in conjunction with an embodiment in which the first reactive fluid 30 is a cathode reactive fluid, it should be understood that the first reactive fluid 30 may be an anode reactive fluid to exchange heat with the third coolant flow 43 before entering the first stack 12 and the second stack 22. Accordingly, the second reactive fluid 60 may be a cathode reactive fluid.

[0107] Although the configuration and function of the end plate member 100 are specifically described above with reference to the end plate member 100's integrated function of collecting and discharging the first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52 may be collected and discharged in other suitable ways rather than through the end plate member 100. For example, the first reaction product 51 and the second reaction product 52 may be discharged at the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12, respectively.

[0108] While the configuration and function of the end plate member 100 are specifically described above with reference to its integrated function of collecting and discharging the first, second, and third coolant flows, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first, second, and third coolant flows may be discharged via other suitable means. For example, the first and second coolant flows may be discharged at the first and second end plates 11 and 12, respectively, while only the third coolant flow is discharged through the end plate member 100. In another example, the first, second, and third coolant flows may all be discharged at the first or second end plate 11, 12, rather than being discharged through the end plate member 100.

[0109] Although the configuration and function of the end plate member 100 are specifically described above with reference to the end plate member 100 integrating the function of distributing the second reactive fluid 60, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the second reactive fluid 60 may be distributed to the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 in other suitable manners. For example, the second reactive fluid 60 may first be divided into two streams, and then the two streams enter the first stack 12 and the second stack 22 at the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12, respectively.

[0110] Although the configuration and function of the end plate member 100 are specifically described above with reference to the end plate member 100's integrated function of collecting and discharging the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 may be discharged through other suitable means rather than through the end plate member 100. For example, the third reaction product 71 and the fourth reaction product 72 may be discharged through the first end plate 11 and the second end plate 12, respectively.

[0111] It should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth" and "seventh" are only used to distinguish one element, component or part from another element, component or part, but these elements, components and parts should not be limited by such terms.

[0112] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. It is apparent that the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are to be understood as illustrative only and do not constitute limitations on the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or alterations to the present application without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An end plate member (100) for a fuel cell system (1), characterized in that: The fuel cell system comprises a first stack assembly (10) and a second stack assembly (20), wherein the first stack assembly comprises a first end plate (11) and a first stack body (12) formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells, wherein the first stack body comprises a first reaction fluid inlet (13) and a first coolant inlet (17) at a first end (12a), and the second stack assembly comprises a second end plate (21) and a second stack body (22) formed by stacking a plurality of second battery cells, wherein the second stack body comprises a second reaction fluid inlet (23) and a second coolant inlet (27) at a second end (22a), and the end plate component comprises an end plate body (110) and a heat exchange structure located in the end plate body, wherein the end plate body is configured to: Cooperating with the first end plate to sandwich the first stack between the end plate body and the first end plate, and cooperating with the second end plate to sandwich the second stack between the end plate body and the second end plate, the first end being adjacent to the end plate body and the second end being adjacent to the end plate body; receiving a first reaction fluid (30) and directing the first reaction fluid to flow through the heat exchange structure, dividing the first reaction fluid flowing through the heat exchange structure into a first stream (31) and a second stream (32), directing the first stream to enter the first reaction fluid inlet, and directing the second stream to enter the second reaction fluid inlet; as well as A coolant (40) is received and divided into a first coolant stream (41), a second coolant stream (42) and a third coolant stream (43), and the first coolant stream is directed to enter the first coolant inlet, the second coolant stream is directed to enter the second coolant inlet, and the third coolant stream is directed to flow through the heat exchange structure to exchange heat with the first reaction fluid.

2. The end plate member according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end plate body is formed with a receiving cavity (117); The heat exchange structure is formed by a separate heat exchanger (120), which is arranged in the accommodating cavity and comprises an inlet joint (121), an outlet joint (122), and a flow channel formed in the heat exchanger and extending between the inlet joint and the outlet joint; and The end plate body is configured to guide the first reaction fluid into the accommodating chamber and flow through the heat exchanger outside the heat exchanger, and is configured to guide the third coolant flow from the inlet joint into the flow channel in the heat exchanger.

3. The end plate member according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end plate body is also formed with: a first inlet channel (151), the first inlet channel being configured to receive the first reaction fluid and being in communication with the accommodating chamber to guide the first reaction fluid into the accommodating chamber; A first distribution channel (161) and a second distribution channel (162), wherein the first distribution channel and the second distribution channel respectively connect the accommodating chamber with the first reaction fluid inlet and the second reaction fluid inlet to transfer the fluid The first reaction fluid passing through the heat exchanger is divided into the first stream and the second stream; a second inlet passage (152) configured to receive the coolant; as well as A third distribution channel (163), a fourth distribution channel (164) and a fifth distribution channel (165), wherein the third distribution channel, the fourth distribution channel and the fifth distribution channel respectively connect the second inlet channel with the first coolant inlet, the second coolant inlet and the inlet joint to divide the coolant into the first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow.

4. The end plate member according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end plate body comprises a first side (111) and a second side (112) opposite to each other in a transverse direction, the end plate body being arranged between the first end and the second end such that the first side faces the first end and the second side faces the second end, wherein: The first reaction fluid inlet and the second reaction fluid inlet are aligned with each other in the transverse direction, the end plate body is formed with a first channel (191) extending through the end plate body along the transverse direction, the first channel is used to connect the first reaction fluid inlet with the second reaction fluid inlet, and define at least a section of the first distribution channel and at least a section of the second distribution channel; and / or The first coolant inlet and the second coolant inlet are aligned with each other in the transverse direction, and the end plate body is formed with a second channel (192) extending through the end plate body along the transverse direction, and the second channel is used to connect the first coolant inlet with the second coolant inlet, and define at least a section of the third distribution channel and at least a section of the fourth distribution channel.

5. The end plate member according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first stack further comprises a first reaction product outlet (14) at the first end for discharging a first reaction product (51), and the second stack further comprises a second reaction product outlet (24) at the second end for discharging a second reaction product (52); and The end plate body also forms a first outlet channel (171), a first collecting channel (181) and a second collecting channel (182), and the first collecting channel and the second collecting channel are respectively configured to connect the first reaction product outlet and the second reaction product outlet with the first outlet channel to guide the first reaction product and the second reaction product to be collected into the first outlet channel, and the first outlet channel is configured to discharge the collected first reaction product and the second reaction product out of the end plate body.

6. The end plate member according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first reaction fluid is a cathode reaction fluid, the first reaction product is a cathode reaction product of the first stack, and the second reaction product is a cathode reaction product of the second stack, and the end plate component also includes a first valve (141) arranged at the first inlet channel to control the opening and closing of the first inlet channel and / or a second valve (142) arranged at the first outlet channel to control the opening and closing of the first outlet channel.

7. The end plate member according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The first stack further comprises a first coolant outlet (18) at the first end for discharging the first coolant flow, and the second stack further comprises a second coolant outlet (28) at the second end for discharging the second coolant flow; and The end plate body also forms a second outlet channel (172), a third collecting channel (183), a fourth collecting channel (184) and a fifth collecting channel (185), and the third collecting channel, the fourth collecting channel and the fifth collecting channel are respectively configured to connect the first coolant outlet, the second coolant outlet and the outlet joint with the second outlet channel to guide the first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow to be collected into the second outlet channel, and the second outlet channel is configured to discharge the collected first coolant flow, the second coolant flow and the third coolant flow out of the end plate body.

8. The end plate member according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The first stack body further includes a third reaction fluid inlet (15) at the first end, and the second stack body further includes a fourth reaction fluid inlet (25) at the second end, the end plate body further includes a third inlet channel (153), a sixth distribution channel (166) and a seventh distribution channel (167), the third inlet channel is configured to receive a second reaction fluid (60), the sixth distribution channel and the seventh distribution channel are respectively configured to connect the third inlet channel with the third reaction fluid inlet and the fourth reaction fluid inlet, so as to divide the second reaction fluid into a third flow (61) and a fourth flow (62), and guide the third flow and the fourth flow to enter the third reaction fluid inlet and the fourth reaction fluid inlet respectively; and / or The first stack body also includes a third reaction product outlet (16) at the first end for discharging a third reaction product (71), and the second stack body also includes a fourth reaction product outlet (26) at the second end for discharging a fourth reaction product (72), and the end plate body also forms a third outlet channel (173), a sixth collecting channel (186) and a seventh collecting channel (187), and the sixth collecting channel and the seventh collecting channel are respectively configured to connect the third reaction product outlet and the fourth reaction product outlet with the third outlet channel to guide the third reaction product and the fourth reaction product to be collected into the third outlet channel, and the third outlet channel is configured to discharge the collected third reaction product and the fourth reaction product from the end plate body.

9. The end plate member according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The accommodating cavity is recessed into the end plate body along the transverse direction from at least one of the first side and the second side, and the end plate member further comprises at least one cover plate (130), each of the at least one cover plate being arranged on a corresponding one of the first side and the second side to close the accommodating cavity and retain the heat exchanger in the accommodating cavity; and / or The fuel cell system further comprises a first housing (1a) for accommodating the first fuel cell stack assembly. is fixed to the end plate body; and / or The fuel cell system further comprises a second shell (1b) for accommodating the second fuel cell stack assembly, wherein the second shell is fixed on the end plate body.

10. A fuel cell system (1), characterized in that: The fuel cell system comprises: A first battery stack assembly (10), the first battery stack assembly comprising a first end plate (11) and a first stack body (12) formed by stacking first battery cells, the first stack body comprising a first reaction fluid inlet (13) and a first coolant inlet (17) at a first end (12a); A second battery stack assembly (20), the second battery stack assembly comprising a second end plate (21) and a second stack body (22) formed by stacking second battery cells, the second stack body comprising a second reaction fluid inlet (23) and a second coolant inlet (27) at a second end (22a); and According to the end plate member (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the end plate body cooperates with the first end plate to clamp the first stacked body between the end plate body and the first end plate, and cooperates with the second end plate to clamp the second stacked body between the end plate body and the second end plate, the first end is adjacent to the end plate body and the second end is adjacent to the end plate body; and The end plate body is configured to: receiving a first reaction fluid (30) and directing the first reaction fluid to flow through the heat exchange structure, dividing the first reaction fluid flowing through the heat exchange structure into a first stream (31) and a second stream (32), directing the first stream to enter the first reaction fluid inlet, and directing the second stream to enter the second reaction fluid inlet; and A coolant (40) is received and divided into a first coolant stream (41), a second coolant stream (42) and a third coolant stream (43), and the first coolant stream is directed to enter the first coolant inlet, the second coolant stream is directed to enter the second coolant inlet, and the third coolant stream is directed to flow through the heat exchange structure to exchange heat with the first reaction fluid.

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