Reversible solid oxide cell stack, battery pack and stack

Abstract

This invention discloses a reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly, battery pack, and battery stack. The battery cell assembly includes a housing with a cavity inside. The cavity includes a hydrogen inlet cavity, a battery cavity, and a hydrogen outlet cavity connected sequentially from top to bottom. An inlet grid is provided between the hydrogen inlet cavity and the battery cavity, and an outlet grid is provided between the battery cavity and the hydrogen outlet cavity. The battery pack is located inside the battery cavity, and the battery pack includes multiple parallel individual cells. The top of the hydrogen electrode of each individual cell is connected to a corresponding inlet slot on the inlet grid through an upper flexible metal sleeve, and the bottom of the hydrogen electrode of each individual cell is connected to a corresponding outlet slot on the outlet grid through a lower flexible metal sleeve. In this invention, the individual cells are connected to the inlet grid and outlet grid respectively through the upper and lower flexible metal sleeves, which ensures airtightness and effectively absorbs deformation stress during thermal cycling, thereby improving battery life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of reversible fuel cell technology, and in particular to a reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly, battery pack, and stack. Background Technology

[0002] Reversible solid oxide batteries (RSOCs), as reversible electrochemical energy conversion devices, can achieve direct and efficient conversion between fuel chemical energy and electrical energy. They possess outstanding advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, environmental friendliness, low emissions of sulfides and nitrogen oxides, and no noise pollution, and are widely used in various fields to provide and store electrical energy effectively. A reversible solid oxide battery consists of a hydrogen electrode, an electrolyte, and an air electrode, and has two operating modes: power generation mode and electrolysis mode.

[0003] In the field of reversible solid oxide batteries, traditional battery cell structures generally adopt a rigid connection method of directly stacking plate-type single cells. This fixed integrated design is prone to accumulated stress under thermal cycling conditions due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients, leading to sealing failure and battery cracking, which seriously affects battery life. In addition, because the battery stack composed of traditional battery cell structures is a monolithic stack, power expansion requires the reconstruction of the entire stack, resulting in poor flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly, battery pack, and battery stack. Each cell is connected to an inlet grid and an outlet grid via an upper flexible metal sleeve and a lower flexible metal sleeve, respectively. This ensures airtightness and effectively absorbs deformation stress during thermal cycling, thereby improving battery life. The assembled battery pack and battery stack can achieve flexible power expansion.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly of the present invention includes a housing with a cavity inside. The cavity includes a hydrogen inlet chamber, a battery chamber, and a hydrogen outlet chamber connected sequentially from top to bottom. An inlet grid is provided between the hydrogen inlet chamber and the battery chamber, and an outlet grid is provided between the battery chamber and the hydrogen outlet chamber. A battery pack is provided inside the battery chamber, and the battery pack includes multiple single cells connected in parallel. The top of the hydrogen electrode of each single cell is connected to a corresponding inlet slot on the inlet grid through an upper flexible metal sleeve. The bottom is connected to the corresponding gas outlet strip hole on the gas outlet grid plate through the lower flexible metal sleeve. The hydrogen inlet at the top of the hydrogen electrode is located inside the upper flexible metal sleeve and communicates with the upper flexible metal sleeve. The hydrogen outlet at the bottom of the hydrogen electrode is located inside the lower flexible metal sleeve and communicates with the lower flexible metal sleeve. The top of the housing is provided with a hydrogen inlet connector communicating with the hydrogen inlet chamber. The bottom of the housing is provided with a hydrogen outlet connector communicating with the hydrogen outlet chamber. The front and rear sides of the housing are respectively provided with an air inlet structure and an air outlet structure communicating with the battery chamber.

[0006] In this design, the top and bottom of the hydrogen electrode of the single cell are connected to an upper flexible metal sleeve and a lower flexible metal sleeve, respectively. The top of the upper flexible metal sleeve is sealed to the corresponding air inlet slot on the air inlet grid, and the top of the lower flexible metal sleeve is also sealed to the corresponding air inlet slot on the air inlet grid. Hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrogen inlet chamber through the hydrogen inlet connector, and distributed to the hydrogen electrode of the single cell through the air inlet grid to react. Unreacted hydrogen gas and generated water vapor flow along the hydrogen electrode path, collect through the outlet grid to the hydrogen outlet chamber, and are finally discharged through the hydrogen outlet connector. Air is introduced into the battery chamber through the air inlet structure, participates in the reaction through the air electrode of the single cell, and the remaining air after the reaction is discharged through the air outlet structure.

[0007] Because the hydrogen inlet of the hydrogen electrode passage in a single cell is located inside the upper flexible metal sleeve, and the hydrogen outlet is located inside the lower flexible metal sleeve, airtightness is ensured. Both the hydrogen introduced through the hydrogen inlet connector and the air introduced through the air inlet structure are heated, and the upper and lower flexible metal sleeves effectively absorb deformation stress during thermal cycling.

[0008] Preferably, the housing includes a hydrogen inlet plate, a receiving shell, and a hydrogen outlet plate. The hydrogen inlet plate seals the top opening of the receiving shell, and the hydrogen outlet plate seals the bottom opening of the receiving shell. The hydrogen inlet chamber is located on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet plate. The inlet grille separates the hydrogen inlet chamber from the battery chamber. The battery chamber is located inside the receiving shell. The hydrogen outlet chamber is located on the top surface of the hydrogen outlet plate. The outlet grille separates the battery chamber from the hydrogen outlet chamber. The hydrogen inlet connector is located at the top of the hydrogen inlet plate, and the hydrogen outlet connector is located at the bottom of the hydrogen outlet plate.

[0009] The hydrogen inlet plate and inlet grid plate are integrally formed, as are the hydrogen outlet plate and outlet grid plate. Hydrogen can only enter the hydrogen electrode through the upper flexible metal sleeve and exit the hydrogen electrode through the lower flexible metal sleeve, and will not enter the battery cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the outer edge of the air intake grille is sealed to the bottom outer edge of the hydrogen intake chamber, and the outer edge of the air outlet grille is sealed to the top outer edge of the hydrogen outlet chamber.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of single batteries are arranged side by side from left to right, and the air intake grille is provided with a plurality of air intake strip holes arranged side by side from left to right. Each air intake strip hole corresponds to an upper flexible metal sleeve, and the top of the upper flexible metal sleeve is sealed to the corresponding air intake strip hole. The air outlet grille is provided with a plurality of air outlet strip holes arranged side by side from left to right, and each air outlet strip hole corresponds to a lower flexible metal sleeve, and the top of the lower flexible metal sleeve is sealed to the corresponding air outlet strip hole.

[0012] Preferably, the upper flexible metal sleeve and the lower flexible metal sleeve are made of 430 stainless steel.

[0013] Preferably, the hydrogen inlet plate, inlet grid plate, hydrogen outlet plate, and outlet grid plate are all made of metal. The battery pack has symmetrical current collector structures on its front and rear sides. Each current collector structure includes two symmetrically arranged current collector groups, each current collector group including two oppositely arranged current collectors. The battery pack has symmetrically arranged connecting plates on its left and right sides. The left and right ends of each current collector are connected to the corresponding connecting plate on one side. A current-guiding spring is provided between the air electrodes of adjacent single cells on opposite sides. A current-guiding spring is provided between the connecting plate and the air electrode of the single cell on its inner side. A current-guiding connecting plate is provided on the current-guiding spring at a position corresponding to the current collector, and the current-guiding connecting plate is connected to the corresponding current collector. Air electrode current-guiding pillar structures and support pillar structures are respectively provided on the outer sides of the two current collector structures. The air electrode current-guiding pillar structure includes two symmetrically arranged air electrode current-guiding pillar groups. The air electrode lead column assembly includes two vertically arranged air electrode lead columns. Each of the two air electrode lead column assemblies corresponds one-to-one with two current collector groups on the same side. The air electrode lead column is fixedly connected to two current collectors in its corresponding current collector group. The air electrode lead column in the upper air electrode lead column assembly passes upward through the intake grille and is insulated from it. The air electrode lead column in the lower air electrode lead column assembly passes downward through the exhaust grille and is insulated from it. The support column structure includes two symmetrically arranged support column assemblies. Each support column assembly includes two vertically arranged support columns. Each of the two support column assemblies corresponds one-to-one with two current collector groups on the same side. The support column is fixedly connected to two current collectors in its corresponding current collector group. The support column in the upper support column assembly is insulated from the intake grille, and the support column in the lower support column assembly is insulated from the exhaust grille.

[0014] The hydrogen inlet plate, inlet grille, hydrogen outlet plate, and outlet grille are all made of metal and are electrically conductive. The hydrogen inlet plate is electrically connected to the hydrogen electrode in sequence through the inlet grille and the upper flexible metal sleeve. The hydrogen outlet plate is electrically connected to the hydrogen electrode in sequence through the outlet grille and the lower flexible metal sleeve, so that the hydrogen inlet plate and hydrogen outlet plate can serve as the hydrogen electrode's electrical lead-in structure.

[0015] The lead-in spring is elastic, and two connecting pieces press the single cell between them together. The two connecting pieces are connected by a current collector. The lead-in spring is connected to the current collector. The air electrode lead-in post has the function of leading current to the air electrode, and also works with the support post to support the single cell.

[0016] Preferably, the air electrode leads in the upper air electrode lead column group are insulated from the intake grille via a ceramic connecting sleeve, and the air electrode leads in the lower air electrode lead column group are insulated from the exhaust grille via a ceramic connecting sleeve.

[0017] Preferably, the air intake structure includes a horizontally arranged air intake vent, which is located outside the housing. The air intake vent has an intake chamber inside, and an intake pipe communicating with the intake chamber is located at the top of the air intake vent. An air intake connector is located at the top of the intake pipe. Multiple vents are arranged side-by-side on the side of the air intake vent facing the housing. The housing has an air intake corresponding to the vent, communicating with the vent. The air intake is connected to the battery cavity. The air outlet structure includes a horizontally arranged air outlet vent, which is located outside the housing. An outlet chamber is located inside the air outlet vent. An outlet pipe communicating with the outlet chamber is located at the bottom of the air outlet vent. An air outlet connector is located at the bottom of the outlet pipe. A horizontally arranged strip-shaped through-hole is located on the side of the air outlet vent facing the housing. Multiple air outlets communicating with the strip-shaped through-hole are located on the housing. The air outlet is connected to the battery cavity.

[0018] A battery pack of the present invention includes an insulating shell, a battery rack inside the insulating shell, and a plurality of battery core groups as described above, which are connected in series. The battery core groups are connected to the battery rack through a high-temperature resistant mica plate. The top of the battery rack is provided with a hydrogen inlet pipe and an air inlet pipe. A hydrogen inlet connector is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe, and an air inlet connector is connected to the air inlet pipe. The bottom of the battery rack is provided with a hydrogen outlet pipe and an air outlet pipe. A hydrogen outlet connector is connected to the hydrogen outlet pipe, and an air outlet connector is connected to the air outlet pipe. The hydrogen inlet pipe is connected to a hydrogen inlet pipe extending to the outside of the insulating shell, the air inlet pipe is connected to an air inlet pipe extending to the outside of the insulating shell, the hydrogen outlet pipe is connected to a hydrogen outlet pipe extending to the outside of the insulating shell, and the air outlet pipe is connected to an air outlet pipe extending to the outside of the insulating shell.

[0019] The present invention provides a battery stack, including a battery stack cabinet, wherein the battery stack cabinet has two battery pack groups arranged side by side, and the battery pack groups include a plurality of the aforementioned battery packs arranged in a vertical direction.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) Each cell is connected to the air inlet grid and the air outlet grid through the upper flexible metal sleeve and the lower flexible metal sleeve respectively, which can ensure air tightness. The upper flexible metal sleeve and the lower flexible metal sleeve are flexible and can tolerate deformation during various temperature rise and fall processes, realize the heat resistance cycle of the battery pack, and improve the battery life. It is especially suitable for harsh application environments that require frequent start-stop and high power output. (2) Each cell is individually packaged with the upper flexible metal sleeve and the lower flexible metal sleeve, which is easy to mass-produce and can perform pre-batch air tightness testing to ensure the yield of subsequent processes. (3) The sleeve and the grid are connected by metal-metal and are achieved by laser welding. It has high reliability, is easy to mass-produce, and can perform air tightness and pressure resistance testing before stacking to improve the yield of stacking. (4) The assembled battery pack and stack can realize flexible power expansion. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell assembly. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery cell assembly; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery cell pack from another perspective; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a single cell. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric reed; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack structure; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the battery pack; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack structure; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the fuel cell stack.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Shell, 2. Hydrogen inlet chamber, 3. Battery chamber, 4. Hydrogen outlet chamber, 5. Inlet grille, 6. Outlet grille, 7. Single battery, 8. Upper flexible metal sleeve, 9. Inlet slot, 10. Lower flexible metal sleeve, 11. Outlet slot, 12. Hydrogen inlet connector, 13. Hydrogen outlet connector, 14. Air inlet structure, 15. Air outlet structure, 16. Hydrogen inlet plate, 17. Housing shell, 18. Hydrogen outlet plate, 19. Current collector, 20. Connecting piece, 21. Lead spring, 22. Lead connecting piece, 23. Air electrode lead post, 24. Support post, 25. Ceramic connecting sleeve, 26. Air inlet exhaust, 27. 28. Air inlet connector, 29. Strip-shaped through hole, 30. Air outlet, 31. Outlet pipe, 32. Air outlet connector, 33. Insulation shell, 34. Battery rack, 35. Battery cell assembly, 36. High-temperature resistant mica board, 37. Hydrogen inlet pipe, 38. Hydrogen outlet pipe, 39. Air inlet pipe, 40. Hydrogen inlet pipe, 41. Hydrogen outlet pipe, 42. Air inlet pipe, 43. Battery stack cabinet, 44. Battery pack, 45. Hydrogen inlet distributor, 46. Hydrogen outlet distributor, 47. Air inlet distributor, 48. Air outlet distributor, 49. Second heater, 50. Second plate heat exchanger, 51. Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Example: A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to this example, such as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the device includes a housing 1, which contains a cavity. The cavity includes a hydrogen inlet chamber 2, a battery chamber 3, and a hydrogen outlet chamber 4, connected sequentially from top to bottom. An inlet grille 5 is provided between the hydrogen inlet chamber 2 and the battery chamber 3, and an outlet grille 6 is provided between the battery chamber 3 and the hydrogen outlet chamber 4. A battery pack is housed within the battery chamber 3, comprising multiple parallel-connected individual cells 7. The top of the hydrogen electrode of each individual cell 7 is connected to the corresponding inlet slot 9 on the inlet grille 5 via an upper flexible metal sleeve 8, and the bottom of the hydrogen electrode of each individual cell 7 is connected to the corresponding inlet slot 9 on the inlet grille 5 via a lower flexible metal sleeve 10. The corresponding air outlet holes 11 on the air outlet grid plate 6 are connected. The hydrogen inlet at the top of the hydrogen electrode is located inside the upper flexible metal sleeve 8 and is connected to the upper flexible metal sleeve 8. The hydrogen outlet at the bottom of the hydrogen electrode is located inside the lower flexible metal sleeve 10 and is connected to the lower flexible metal sleeve 10. The top of the housing 1 is provided with a hydrogen inlet connector 12 connected to the hydrogen inlet chamber 2. The bottom of the housing 1 is provided with a hydrogen outlet connector 13 connected to the hydrogen outlet chamber 4. The front and rear sides of the housing 1 are respectively provided with an air inlet structure 14 and an air outlet structure 15 connected to the battery chamber 3.

[0025] The housing 1 includes a hydrogen inlet plate 16, a receiving shell 17, and a hydrogen outlet plate 18. The hydrogen inlet plate 16 seals the top opening of the receiving shell 17, and the hydrogen outlet plate 18 seals the bottom opening of the receiving shell 17. The hydrogen inlet chamber 2 is located on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet plate 16. An inlet grid plate 5 separates the hydrogen inlet chamber 2 from the battery chamber 3, which is located inside the receiving shell 17. The hydrogen outlet chamber 4 is located on the top surface of the hydrogen outlet plate 18, and an outlet grid plate 6 separates the battery chamber 3 from the hydrogen outlet chamber 4. A hydrogen inlet connector 12 is located on the top of the hydrogen inlet plate 16, and a hydrogen outlet connector 13 is located on the bottom of the hydrogen outlet plate 18. The outer edge of the inlet grid plate 5 is sealed to the bottom outer edge of the hydrogen inlet chamber 2, and the outer edge of the outlet grid plate 6 is sealed to the top outer edge of the hydrogen outlet chamber 4. The hydrogen inlet plate and the inlet grid plate are integrally formed, and the hydrogen outlet plate and the outlet grid plate are integrally formed.

[0026] Multiple single batteries 7 are arranged side by side from left to right. Multiple air intake holes 9 are arranged side by side from left to right on the air intake grille 5. Each air intake hole 9 corresponds to an upper flexible metal sleeve 8, and the top of the upper flexible metal sleeve 8 is sealed to the corresponding air intake hole 9. Multiple air outlet holes 11 are arranged side by side from left to right on the air outlet grille 6. Each air outlet hole 11 corresponds to a lower flexible metal sleeve 10, and the top of the lower flexible metal sleeve 10 is sealed to the corresponding air outlet hole 11. The upper flexible metal sleeve 8 and the lower flexible metal sleeve 10 are made of 430 stainless steel.

[0027] Since the inlet hole is connected to the hydrogen inlet at the top of the hydrogen electrode of the single cell only through the channel inside the upper flexible metal sleeve, and the outlet hole is connected to the hydrogen outlet at the bottom of the hydrogen electrode of the single cell only through the channel inside the lower flexible metal sleeve, hydrogen can only enter the hydrogen electrode through the upper flexible metal sleeve and leave the hydrogen electrode through the lower flexible metal sleeve, and will not enter the battery cavity.

[0028] The hydrogen inlet plate 16, inlet grid plate 5, hydrogen outlet plate 18, and outlet grid plate 6 are all made of metal. The battery pack has symmetrical current collector structures on its front and rear sides. Each current collector structure includes two symmetrically arranged current collector groups, each containing two oppositely arranged current collectors 19. Connecting plates 20 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the battery pack. The left and right ends of each current collector 19 are connected to the corresponding connecting plate 20. A current-guiding spring 21 is provided between the air electrodes of adjacent single cells 7 on opposite sides. A current-guiding spring 21 is also provided between the connecting plate 20 and the air electrode of the single cell 7 on its inner side. A current-guiding connecting plate 22 is provided on the current-guiding spring 21 at a position corresponding to the current collector 19, and the current-guiding connecting plate 22 is connected to the corresponding current collector 19. Air electrode current-guiding pillar structures and support pillar structures are respectively provided on the outer sides of the two current collector structures. The air electrode current-guiding pillar structure includes two symmetrically arranged air electrode current-guiding pillar groups. The system includes two vertically arranged air electrode lead-in columns 23. Each of the two air electrode lead-in column groups corresponds to one of the two current collector groups on the same side. The air electrode lead-in column 23 is fixedly connected to the two current collectors 19 in the corresponding current collector group. The air electrode lead-in column 23 in the upper air electrode lead-in column group passes upward through the intake grille 5 and is insulated from the intake grille 5. The air electrode lead-in column 23 in the lower air electrode lead-in column group passes downward through the exhaust grille 6 and is insulated from the exhaust grille 6. The support column structure includes two vertically arranged support column groups. Each support column group includes two vertically arranged support columns 24. Each of the two support column groups corresponds to one of the two current collector groups on the same side. The support column 24 is fixedly connected to the two current collectors 19 in the corresponding current collector group. The support column 24 in the upper support column group is insulated from the intake grille 5. The support column 24 in the lower support column group is insulated from the exhaust grille 6.

[0029] The air electrode lead column 23 in the upper air electrode lead column group is insulatedly connected to the intake grille plate 5 through the ceramic connecting sleeve 25, and the air electrode lead column 23 in the lower air electrode lead column group is insulatedly connected to the exhaust grille plate 6 through the ceramic connecting sleeve 25.

[0030] The hydrogen inlet plate, inlet grille, hydrogen outlet plate, and outlet grille are all made of metal and are electrically conductive. The hydrogen inlet plate is electrically connected to the hydrogen electrode in sequence through the inlet grille and the upper flexible metal sleeve. The hydrogen outlet plate is electrically connected to the hydrogen electrode in sequence through the outlet grille and the lower flexible metal sleeve, so that the hydrogen inlet plate and hydrogen outlet plate can serve as the hydrogen electrode's electrical lead-in structure.

[0031] The lead-in spring is elastic, and two connecting plates press the single cell between them together. The two connecting plates are connected by current collectors, and the lead-in spring is connected to the current collectors. The air electrode lead-in post has the function of leading current to the air electrode, and also works with the support post to support the single cell. The support post can be made of insulating material or metal material and is insulated from the grid plate through a ceramic connecting sleeve.

[0032] The air intake structure 14 includes a horizontally arranged air intake vent 26, which is located outside the housing 17. The air intake vent 26 has an intake chamber inside, and an intake pipe 27 communicating with the intake chamber is located at the top of the air intake vent 26. An air intake connector 28 is located at the top of the intake pipe 27. Multiple vent holes are arranged side-by-side on the side of the air intake vent 26 facing the housing 17. The housing 17 has corresponding air intake holes communicating with the vent holes. The air intake holes communicate with the battery cavity 3. The air outlet structure... 15 includes a horizontally arranged air outlet 30, which is located on the outside of the housing 17. The air outlet 30 has an air outlet chamber inside, and an air outlet pipe 31 communicating with the air outlet chamber is provided at the bottom of the air outlet 30. An air outlet connector 32 is provided at the bottom of the air outlet pipe 31. A horizontally arranged strip-shaped through hole 29 is provided on the side of the air outlet 30 facing the housing 17. The housing 17 has multiple air outlets communicating with the strip-shaped through hole 29 at corresponding positions. The air outlets are connected to the battery cavity 3.

[0033] In this design, the top and bottom of the hydrogen electrode of the single cell are respectively connected to an upper flexible metal sleeve and a lower flexible metal sleeve. The top of the upper flexible metal sleeve is connected and sealed to the corresponding air intake strip hole on the air intake grille, and the top of the lower flexible metal sleeve is connected and sealed to the corresponding air intake strip hole on the air intake grille.

[0034] Hydrogen pathway: Hydrogen is introduced into the hydrogen inlet chamber through the hydrogen inlet connector, and distributed into the hydrogen electrode of the single cell through the inlet grid plate to react. Unreacted hydrogen and generated water vapor flow along the hydrogen electrode pathway, and are collected in the hydrogen outlet chamber through the outlet grid plate, and finally discharged through the hydrogen outlet connector.

[0035] Air passage: Air is introduced through the air inlet connector, passes through the air inlet pipe and air inlet outlet in sequence into the battery chamber, participates in the reaction through the air electrode of the single cell, and the remaining air after the reaction is collected through the air outlet outlet and discharged through the air outlet pipe and air outlet connector in sequence.

[0036] Because the hydrogen inlet of the hydrogen electrode passage in a single cell is located inside the upper flexible metal sleeve, and the hydrogen outlet is located inside the lower flexible metal sleeve, airtightness is ensured. Both the hydrogen introduced through the hydrogen inlet connector and the air introduced through the air inlet connector are heated, and the upper and lower flexible metal sleeves effectively absorb deformation stress during thermal cycling.

[0037] In power generation mode, electrons released from the hydrogen electrode reaction of a single cell are conducted sequentially through the upper flexible metal casing and the air inlet grid to the hydrogen inlet plate. Electrons released from the hydrogen electrode reaction of a single cell are also conducted sequentially through the lower flexible metal casing and the air outlet grid to the hydrogen outlet plate. The hydrogen inlet plate and the hydrogen outlet plate serve as hydrogen electrode lead-in columns. After passing through the external load, the electrons released from the hydrogen electrode flow into the four current collectors through the air electrode lead-in columns. The current collectors spread the electrons on the surface of the air electrode of the single cell through the lead-in springs. The air electrode receives electrons and reacts to form a circuit.

[0038] In electrolysis mode, electrons from the external power supply are injected into the hydrogen inlet plate and hydrogen outlet plate. The electrons are conducted to the upper and lower flexible metal sleeves and flow into the hydrogen electrode of the single cell to complete the water reduction reaction, generating H2 and oxygen ions. The oxygen ions pass through the electrolyte and lose electrons on the surface of the air electrode to form oxygen. The electrons released by the air electrode are collected by the lead springs to the four current collectors and then led out from the lead post of the air electrode.

[0039] The upper and lower flexible metal sleeves of this invention ensure airtightness. Their flexibility allows them to withstand deformation during various temperature rises and falls, enabling the battery cell assembly to withstand thermal cycling and improving battery life. This is particularly suitable for harsh applications requiring frequent start-stop cycles and high power output. Each cell is individually packaged with its respective flexible metal sleeve, facilitating mass production and allowing for pre-processing airtightness testing to ensure high yield in subsequent processes. The sleeves and grids are connected metal-to-metal via laser welding, ensuring high reliability and ease of mass production. Airtightness and pressure resistance testing can be performed before stacking, further improving stacking yield.

[0040] One type of battery pack in this embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the device includes an insulation shell 33, inside which is a battery rack 34. The battery rack 34 has 16 battery cell groups 35 connected in series. The battery cell groups 35 are connected to the battery rack 34 via a high-temperature resistant mica plate 36. The top of the battery rack 34 has a hydrogen inlet pipe 37 and an air inlet pipe 39. A hydrogen inlet connector 12 connects to the hydrogen inlet pipe 37, and an air inlet connector 28 connects to the air inlet pipe 39. The bottom of the battery rack 34 has a hydrogen outlet. Pipeline 38, air outlet pipeline, hydrogen outlet connector 13 is connected to hydrogen outlet pipeline 38, air outlet connector 32 is connected to air outlet pipeline, hydrogen inlet pipeline 38 is connected to hydrogen inlet pipe 40 extending to the outside of insulation shell 33, air inlet pipeline 39 is connected to air inlet pipe 42 extending to the outside of insulation shell 33, hydrogen outlet pipeline 38 is connected to hydrogen outlet pipe 41 extending to the outside of insulation shell 33, and air outlet pipeline is connected to air outlet pipe extending to the outside of insulation shell 33.

[0041] In this design, 16 battery cells are arranged in a 4×4 close array. The battery cells are structurally connected by upper and lower connecting plates, with high-temperature resistant mica sheets serving as insulating buffer layers and securing them to the battery rack. Ceramic support columns are used for positioning and reinforcement along the four edges of the battery rack. The insulation shell provides thermal insulation, maintaining high-temperature operation and preventing heat loss.

[0042] The hydrogen inlet pipe is connected to the hydrogen inlet connector of each battery cell group through 4 branch pipes, the air inlet pipe is connected to the air inlet connector of each battery cell group through 4 branch pipes, the hydrogen outlet pipe is connected to the hydrogen outlet connector of each battery cell group through 4 branch pipes, and the air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet connector of each battery cell group through 4 branch pipes.

[0043] One type of fuel cell stack in this embodiment, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, it includes a battery stack cabinet 43, which contains two battery pack groups arranged side by side. Each battery pack group includes five battery packs 44 arranged in a straight line along the vertical direction.

[0044] In this design, ten battery packs constituting two battery pack groups are connected in series to form a battery array. The two battery packs are isolated by an insulating frame and the entire assembly is fixed by a steel truss to resist thermal stress deformation.

[0045] This invention adopts a progressive structural design of "single cell → battery cell group → battery pack → fuel cell stack". It achieves flexible power expansion through the free combination of standardized units, while optimizing the flow channel layout and thermal management to improve the operational stability of the fuel cell stack in both SOEC and SOFC modes.

[0046] The battery stack cabinet 43 also includes a hydrogen inlet distributor 45, a hydrogen outlet distributor 46, an air inlet distributor 47, an air outlet distributor 48, a water tank, a water-air mixing device, a first plate heat exchanger, a first heater, a second plate heat exchanger, and a second heater 49. The cold inlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger is used to introduce hydrogen from the external hydrogen supply system. The deionized water nozzle of the water tank and the cold outlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger are respectively connected to the first and second input ends of the water-air mixing device. The output end of the water-air mixing device is connected to the air inlet end of the first heater. The air outlet end of the first heater is connected to the air inlet end of the hydrogen inlet distributor 45. The hydrogen inlet pipe 40 of the battery pack 44 is connected to the corresponding air outlet end of the hydrogen inlet distributor 45. The hydrogen outlet pipe 41 of the battery pack 44 is connected to the hydrogen outlet distributor. The corresponding air inlet end of 46 is connected, the air outlet end of hydrogen outlet distributor 46 is connected to the hot inlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger, the hot outlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger is used to connect to the external exhaust gas treatment device, the cold inlet pipe of the second plate heat exchanger is used to introduce air input from the external air supply system, the cold outlet pipe of the second plate heat exchanger is connected to the air inlet end of the second heater 49, the air outlet end of the second heater 49 is connected to the air inlet end of the air inlet distributor 47, the air inlet pipe 42 of the battery pack 44 is connected to the corresponding air outlet end of the air inlet distributor 47, the air outlet pipe of the battery pack 44 is connected to the corresponding air inlet end of the air outlet distributor 48, the air outlet end of the air outlet distributor 48 is connected to the hot inlet pipe of the second plate heat exchanger 50, and the hot outlet pipe of the second plate heat exchanger 50 is used to connect to the external exhaust gas treatment device.

[0047] In power generation mode, the hydrogen supply system introduces hydrogen into the cold inlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger. After preheating, the hydrogen enters the first heater and, after being heated to the operating temperature, enters the hydrogen inlet distributor. The distributor then distributes the hydrogen to the hydrogen inlet pipes of each battery pack. The gases produced by the reaction and those not involved in the reaction are transported to the hydrogen outlet distributor via the hydrogen outlet pipes of the battery packs. After being collected in the hydrogen outlet distributor, the gases exchange heat with the hydrogen entering through the cold inlet pipe in the first plate heat exchanger. The gases after recovering waste heat then pass through... The hot air is discharged from the first plate heat exchanger; at the same time, ambient air in the air supply system is introduced into the cold inlet pipe of the second plate heat exchanger, and after being preheated, it enters the second heater. When the air temperature rises to the working temperature, it is distributed to the air inlet pipes of each battery pack through the air inlet distributor. The gas that has not participated in the reaction is transported to the air outlet distributor through the air outlet pipe of the battery pack. After being collected by the air outlet distributor, the gas enters the second plate heat exchanger to recover waste heat, exchanges heat with the air in the cold inlet pipe, and is discharged through the hot outlet pipe.

[0048] In electrolysis mode, ambient air from the air supply system enters the cold inlet pipe of the second plate heat exchanger, is preheated, and then enters the second heater. Once the air reaches the operating temperature, it is distributed to the air inlet pipes of each battery pack via an air inlet distributor. The gases produced in the reaction are transported to the air outlet distributor via air outlet pipes. After being collected by the air outlet distributor, the gases enter the second plate heat exchanger to recover waste heat, exchange heat with the air in the cold inlet pipe, and are then discharged through the hot outlet pipe. Simultaneously, deionized water vapor sprayed from the deionized water nozzles of the water storage tank reacts with the air from the... Hydrogen gas introduced into the cold inlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger is mixed and then enters the first heater. After the hydrogen gas and deionized water vapor are heated to the working temperature, they enter the hydrogen gas inlet distributor and are distributed to the hydrogen gas inlet pipes of each battery pack. The gas produced by the reaction and the gas that did not participate in the reaction are transported to the hydrogen gas outlet distributor through the hydrogen gas outlet pipe of the battery pack. After the gas is collected in the hydrogen gas outlet distributor, it exchanges heat with the hydrogen gas introduced into the cold inlet pipe through the first plate heat exchanger. The gas after recovering the waste heat is discharged through the hot outlet pipe of the first plate heat exchanger.

[0049] The bottom of each of the hydrogen inlet distributor, hydrogen outlet distributor, air inlet distributor, and air outlet distributor is connected to a drain pipe 51 to ensure that condensate is completely drained from the pipes when the machine is stopped.

Claims

1. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), which has a cavity. The cavity includes a hydrogen inlet chamber (2), a battery chamber (3), and a hydrogen outlet chamber (4) connected sequentially from top to bottom. An inlet grille (5) is provided between the hydrogen inlet chamber (2) and the battery chamber (3), and an outlet grille (6) is provided between the battery chamber (3) and the hydrogen outlet chamber (4). A battery pack is provided in the battery chamber (3), which includes multiple parallel single cells (7). The top of the hydrogen electrode of the single cell (7) is connected to the corresponding inlet slot (9) on the inlet grille (5) through an upper flexible metal sleeve (8), and the bottom of the hydrogen electrode of the single cell (7) is connected to the corresponding inlet slot (9) on the inlet grille (5) through a lower flexible metal sleeve (8). 10) Connected to the corresponding air outlet strip hole (11) on the air outlet grid plate (6), the hydrogen inlet at the top of the hydrogen electrode is located inside the upper flexible metal sleeve (8) and communicates with the upper flexible metal sleeve (8), the hydrogen outlet at the bottom of the hydrogen electrode is located inside the lower flexible metal sleeve (10) and communicates with the lower flexible metal sleeve (10), the top of the housing (1) is provided with a hydrogen inlet connector (12) communicating with the hydrogen inlet chamber (2), the bottom of the housing (1) is provided with a hydrogen outlet connector (13) communicating with the hydrogen outlet chamber (4), and the front and rear sides of the housing (1) are respectively provided with an air inlet structure (14) and an air outlet structure (15) communicating with the battery chamber (3).

2. The reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) includes a hydrogen inlet plate (16), a housing (17), and a hydrogen outlet plate (18). The hydrogen inlet plate (16) seals the top opening of the housing (17), and the hydrogen outlet plate (18) seals the bottom opening of the housing (17). The hydrogen inlet chamber (2) is located on the bottom surface of the hydrogen inlet plate (16). The inlet grid plate (5) separates the hydrogen inlet chamber (2) from the battery chamber (3). The battery chamber (3) is located inside the housing (17). The hydrogen outlet chamber (4) is located on the top surface of the hydrogen outlet plate (18). The outlet grid plate (6) separates the battery chamber (3) from the hydrogen outlet chamber (4). The hydrogen inlet connector (12) is located on the top of the hydrogen inlet plate (16), and the hydrogen outlet connector (13) is located on the bottom of the hydrogen outlet plate (18).

3. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer edge of the air intake grille (5) is sealed to the bottom outer edge of the hydrogen intake chamber (2), and the outer edge of the air outlet grille (6) is sealed to the top outer edge of the hydrogen outlet chamber (4).

4. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple single batteries (7) are arranged side by side from left to right. The air intake grille (5) is provided with multiple air intake strip holes (9) arranged side by side from left to right. The air intake strip holes (9) correspond one-to-one with the upper flexible metal sleeve (8). The top of the upper flexible metal sleeve (8) is sealed to the corresponding air intake strip hole (9). The air outlet grille (6) is provided with multiple air outlet strip holes (11) arranged side by side from left to right. The air outlet strip holes (11) correspond one-to-one with the lower flexible metal sleeve (10). The top of the lower flexible metal sleeve (10) is sealed to the corresponding air outlet strip hole (11).

5. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper flexible metal sleeve (8) and the lower flexible metal sleeve (10) are made of 430 stainless steel.

6. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrogen inlet plate (16), inlet grid plate (5), hydrogen outlet plate (18), and outlet grid plate (6) are all made of metal. The battery pack has symmetrical current collector structures on its front and rear sides. Each current collector structure includes two symmetrically arranged current collector groups, each current collector group including two oppositely arranged current collectors (19). The battery pack has symmetrically arranged connecting plates (20) on its left and right sides. The left and right ends of each current collector (19) are connected to the corresponding connecting plate (20). Adjacent single cells (7) on opposite sides... A lead-in spring (21) is provided between the air electrodes. A lead-in spring (21) is provided between the connecting piece (20) and the air electrode on the outside of the single cell (7) inside it. A lead-in connecting piece (22) is provided on the lead-in spring (21) at a position corresponding to the current collector (19). The lead-in connecting piece (22) is connected to the corresponding current collector (19). An air electrode lead-in column structure and a support column structure are respectively provided on the outside of the two current collector structures. The air electrode lead-in column structure includes two air electrode lead-in column groups arranged symmetrically above and below. The air electrode lead column group includes two vertically arranged air electrode lead columns (23). The two air electrode lead column groups correspond one-to-one with two current collector groups on the same side. The air electrode lead column (23) is fixedly connected to two current collectors (19) in the corresponding current collector group. The air electrode lead column (23) in the upper air electrode lead column group passes upward through the air intake grille (5) and is insulated from the air intake grille (5). The air electrode lead column (23) in the lower air electrode lead column group passes downward through the air outlet grille (5). 6) And it is insulated from the exhaust grille (6). The support column structure includes two support column groups arranged symmetrically at the top and bottom. The support column group includes two vertically arranged support columns (24). The two support column groups correspond one-to-one with the two collector plate groups on the same side. The support column (24) is fixedly connected to the two collector plates (19) in the corresponding collector plate group. The support column (24) in the upper support column group is insulated from the intake grille (5). The support column (24) in the lower support column group is insulated from the exhaust grille (6).

7. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air electrode lead column (23) in the upper air electrode lead column group is insulated from the intake grille (5) through a ceramic connecting sleeve (25), and the air electrode lead column (23) in the lower air electrode lead column group is insulated from the exhaust grille (6) through a ceramic connecting sleeve (25).

8. A reversible solid oxide battery cell assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air intake structure (14) includes a horizontally arranged air intake vent (26), which is located outside the housing (17). The air intake vent (26) has an intake chamber inside, and an intake pipe (27) communicating with the intake chamber is located at the top of the air intake vent (26). An air intake connector (28) is located at the top of the intake pipe (27). Multiple ventilation holes are arranged side-by-side on the side of the air intake vent (26) facing the housing (17). The housing (17) has an air intake hole corresponding to the ventilation hole, communicating with the ventilation hole. The air intake hole communicates with the battery cavity (3). The air outlet structure ( 15) Includes a horizontally arranged air outlet (30), the air outlet (30) is arranged outside the housing (17), the air outlet (30) is provided with an air outlet chamber, the bottom of the air outlet (30) is provided with an air outlet pipe (31) communicating with the air outlet chamber, the bottom of the air outlet pipe (31) is provided with an air outlet connector (32), the side of the air outlet (30) facing the housing (17) is provided with a horizontally arranged strip-shaped through hole (29), the housing (17) and the strip-shaped through hole (29) are provided with a plurality of air outlet holes communicating with the strip-shaped through hole (29) at the corresponding positions, and the air outlet holes are communicating with the battery cavity (3).

9. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery includes an insulation shell (33), inside which is a battery rack (34). The battery rack (34) has multiple battery core groups (35) as described in claim 8, connected in series. Each battery core group (35) is connected to the battery rack (34) via a high-temperature resistant mica plate (36). The top of the battery rack (34) has a hydrogen inlet pipe (37) and an air inlet pipe (39). A hydrogen inlet connector (12) is connected to the hydrogen inlet pipe (37), and an air inlet connector (28) is connected to the air inlet pipe (39). The bottom of the battery rack (34) has... Hydrogen outlet pipeline (38) and air outlet pipeline, wherein the hydrogen outlet connector (13) is connected to the hydrogen outlet pipeline (38) and the air outlet connector (32) is connected to the air outlet pipeline, the hydrogen inlet pipeline (38) is connected to a hydrogen inlet pipe (40) extending to the outside of the insulation shell (33), the air inlet pipeline (39) is connected to an air inlet pipe (42) extending to the outside of the insulation shell (33), the hydrogen outlet pipeline (38) is connected to a hydrogen outlet pipe (41) extending to the outside of the insulation shell (33), and the air outlet pipeline is connected to an air outlet pipe extending to the outside of the insulation shell (33).

10. A fuel cell stack, characterized in that, Includes a battery stack cabinet (43), which has two battery pack groups arranged side by side, and the battery pack groups include a plurality of battery packs (44) as described in claim 9 arranged in a vertical direction.

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