A solid oxide fuel cell bipolar plate flow channel design method based on topology optimization, a bipolar plate, an electronic device, and a storage medium

By constructing a three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model and using a gradient topology optimization algorithm to optimize the flow channel structure, the problems of low reaction efficiency and insufficient safety in the flow channel design of solid oxide fuel cells were solved, and the uniformity and safety of electrochemical output were improved.

CN122389698APending Publication Date: 2026-07-14XITAO ENERGY TECHNOLOGY (HEFEI) CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
XITAO ENERGY TECHNOLOGY (HEFEI) CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-04-13
Publication Date
2026-07-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing solid oxide fuel cell flow channel designs suffer from low reaction efficiency, uneven gas distribution, and a tendency to form dead zones and localized overheating. Furthermore, existing topology optimization techniques have failed to effectively improve safety.

Method used

A three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model is constructed using a topology optimization-based approach. By leveraging the interpolation function relationship between the pseudo-density field and the flow channel design domain, and combining it with a gradient topology optimization algorithm, the flow channel structure is optimized to improve the uniformity of electrochemical output. Multiple constraints are set to ensure safety and engineering feasibility.

Benefits of technology

It achieves improved uniformity and safety of the flow channel structure, more uniform electrochemical output, adaptability to multiple operating conditions, extended battery life and improved safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to the field of solid oxide fuel cell design and manufacturing, and particularly relates to a kind of solid oxide fuel cell bipolar plate flow channel design method based on topology optimization, method includes: the three-dimensional multi-physical field coupling model of solid oxide fuel cell is built;Pseudo-density field is defined as design variable, and interpolation function relationship between pseudo-density field and flow channel design domain material attribute is established;Topological optimization target is determined as improving the uniformity of solid oxide fuel cell electrochemical output;Gradient-based topology optimization algorithm is used, and the optimization target is iteratively solved under constraint condition, after obtaining optimal pseudo-density field, it is thresholding processing, and the three-dimensional entity model structure of bipolar plate flow channel is generated.The present application takes improving the uniformity of electrochemical output as optimization target, combines with the algorithm of topology optimization, and comprehensively covers the safety requirement of bipolar plate flow channel design, and the present application also considers multi-working condition operation, and is more in line with the actual situation of engineering operation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solid oxide fuel cell design and manufacturing, and particularly to a method for designing bipolar plate flow channels for solid oxide fuel cells based on topology optimization, a bipolar plate, electronic equipment, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The design of the bipolar plate flow channel in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) significantly impacts their performance and lifespan. Currently, technological development in this field faces limitations. SOFC flow channels are often empirically designed, widely employing regular flow channels such as parallel and serpentine patterns. While these designs are easy to manufacture, they suffer from drawbacks such as difficulty in improving reaction efficiency, uneven gas distribution, the formation of "dead zones," and concentrated current and heat leading to localized overheating and accelerated battery performance degradation. Parameter optimization methods based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) utilize fluid dynamics to optimize the dimensional parameters of traditional flow channels, such as width, depth, and fin spacing. While this method can locally improve performance, it essentially remains within a pre-defined, simple geometric configuration, unable to break through traditional topological limitations and failing to discover globally superior innovative structures.

[0003] Existing methods for solid oxide fuel cell (SOC) flow channel design have incorporated topology optimization, overcoming the shortcomings of empirical design and improving the performance of SOC bipolar plates. However, existing flow channel topology optimization techniques lack attention to the operational safety of SOC fuel cells. As ceramic-based electrochemical devices, the uneven reaction rate, heat generation rate, and product formation rate of SOC fuel cells are irreversible causes of early failure and significant lifespan degradation. The primary goal of flow channel topology optimization should be to avoid device failure. Therefore, a comprehensive SOC fuel cell flow channel design method is needed to meet the practical engineering requirements for safe and stable operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the limitations of existing technologies, this invention provides a bipolar plate flow channel design method for solid oxide fuel cells based on topology optimization. This design method can provide a bipolar plate flow channel structure with balanced and stable performance that adapts to multiple operating conditions, thereby improving the safety of solid oxide fuel cells during operation. The embodiments of this invention provide the following solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization, the method comprising the following steps: A three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model of a solid oxide fuel cell is constructed, the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model including the flow channel design domain; Within the flow channel design domain, a pseudo-density field is defined as a design variable, and an interpolation function relationship is established between the pseudo-density field and the material properties of the flow channel design domain. The topology optimization objective of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model is determined to be to improve the uniformity of the electrochemical output of the solid oxide fuel cell; A gradient-based topology optimization algorithm is used for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model to iteratively solve the optimization objective until convergence, thereby obtaining the optimal pseudo-density field of the flow channel design domain. The optimal pseudo-density field is thresholded to extract and generate a three-dimensional solid model structure of the bipolar plate flow channel.

[0006] Furthermore, the construction of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model for the solid oxide fuel cell includes a flow channel design domain, comprising: Establish a physical geometric model of a solid oxide fuel cell and determine the flow channel design domain; A multiphysics field is established based on the aforementioned physical geometry model; The multiphysics fields are coupled to form a three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model; Set boundary conditions for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model, including electrical boundary conditions.

[0007] Furthermore, the establishment of multiphysics based on the physical geometry model includes: Construct the flow field in the flow channel region and the porous electrode region; Construct a concentrated mass transfer field for a multi-component convection-diffusion process; Constructing an electrochemical field with secondary current distribution; A heat transfer field incorporating ohmic joule heat and electrochemical reaction heat is constructed.

[0008] Furthermore, the coupling of the multiphysics fields to form a three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model includes: The electrochemical field and the concentrated mass transport field are bidirectionally coupled. The electrochemical field and the heat transfer field are bidirectionally coupled; The heat transfer field and the flow field are bidirectionally coupled.

[0009] Furthermore, the electrical boundary conditions include: applying an operating potential adapted to the operating conditions at the cathode current collector boundary according to different operating conditions.

[0010] Furthermore, the objective of topology optimization of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model is determined to improve the uniformity of the electrochemical output of the solid oxide fuel cell, including: Calculate the current density of a solid oxide fuel cell under multiple operating conditions; Calculate the variance of current density in a solid oxide fuel cell under multiple operating conditions; The goal of topology optimization is to minimize the weighted sum of the variances of the current density of solid oxide fuel cells under multiple operating conditions. The specific formula is as follows:

[0011]

[0012]

[0013] in, In the first Local current density at each operating point; A is the active area of ​​the anode-electrolyte interface in the solid oxide fuel cell; Indicates the first The statistical variance of the current density values ​​on the entire active surface of the electrode under various operating conditions; These are the weighting coefficients for the corresponding operating conditions; It is the weighted sum of the statistical variances of the current density values ​​on the entire active surface of the electrode under multiple operating conditions.

[0014] Furthermore, the gradient-based topology optimization algorithm is used for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model to iteratively solve the optimization objective until convergence, obtaining the optimal pseudo-density field of the flow channel design domain, including: Step 1: Determine the algorithm system, including the material interpolation model, the physical field solution method, the sensitivity analysis method, and the optimization solver; Step 2: Determine the constraints and construct constraint functions based on the constraints; Step 3: For the currently given pseudo-density field The state variables, including velocity, concentration, current, and temperature, are obtained by solving the coupled multiphysics field based on the material interpolation model and the physical field solution method. Step 4: Calculate the objective function based on the state variables. and the values ​​of each constraint function; Step 5: Calculate the objective function and constraint functions for the design variables using the adjoint method sensitivity analysis. The gradient is used to update the pseudo-density variable. ; Step 6: Repeat steps 3 to 5 until the iteration termination condition is met to obtain the optimal pseudo-density field.

[0015] Furthermore, the constraints include: Total pressure drop between inlet and outlet Not exceeding the maximum allowed value ; The volume fraction of solid materials within the design domain shall not exceed the set upper limit. ; The highest local temperature of electrolyte and electrodes It must be below the long-term safe operating threshold of the material. ; Maximum temperature difference within the design domain Not exceeding the limit value .

[0016] In a second aspect, a solid oxide fuel cell bipolar plate is provided, the surface of which has a flow channel structure designed using the method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0017] Thirdly, an electronic device is provided, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program to perform the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0018] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being executed by a processor to perform the steps of the method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0019] This invention combines the optimization objective of "improving the electrochemical output uniformity of solid oxide fuel cells" with a topology optimization algorithm to obtain a high-safety bipolar plate flow channel structure with balanced and stable performance. Electrochemical output uniformity is a comprehensive reflection of the uniformity of reaction rate, heat generation rate, and product formation rate; therefore, improving electrochemical output uniformity is a comprehensive optimization of the safety of the bipolar plate flow channel.

[0020] When the optimization objective is specifically expressed as minimizing the weighted sum of the current density variances of solid oxide fuel cells under multiple operating conditions, the case of multiple operating conditions is also considered, so that the final optimization result can adapt to various operating scenarios and better meet the needs of actual engineering. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall flowchart of a topology optimization-based bipolar plate flow channel design method for solid oxide fuel cells; Figure 2 This is a plan view of the flow channel structure designed using the method provided by the present invention in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a comparison chart of the current density distribution results between a traditional parallel flow channel and the flow channel designed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a comparison chart of the temperature distribution results between a traditional parallel flow channel and the flow channel designed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a comparison chart of the oxygen concentration distribution results between a traditional parallel flow channel and the flow channel designed in this invention; Figure 6 This is a geometric diagram of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model of the bipolar plate flow channel in the embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic device in the embodiment; in: (a) is the flow channel designed for this invention; (b) is a conventional parallel flow channel; 1. Anode flow channel, 2. Anode diffusion layer, 3. Anode functional layer + electrolyte + cathode functional layer + cathode diffusion layer, 4. Cathode current collector layer, 5. Cathode flow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] To make the objectives, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Existing flow channel topology optimization techniques lack attention to the safety of solid oxide fuel cell operation. The purpose of this invention is to propose a flow channel design method for bipolar plates in solid oxide fuel cells based on topology optimization, which can meet the safety requirements of solid oxide fuel cell operation. By setting the goal of improving the uniformity of current density in solid oxide fuel cells as the topology optimization objective, the reaction rate, heat generation rate, and product formation rate of the entire flow channel are kept in balance, suppressing local over-reaction. At the same time, the optimization process sets multiple constraints to ensure fluid transport, thermal safety, and engineering feasibility, making the final optimization result feasible in practical applications.

[0025] For example, the topology-optimized bipolar plate flow channel design method for solid oxide fuel cells provided by this invention can be implemented using computer software tools. In some embodiments, COMSOL finite element software is used to construct a three-dimensional multiphysics coupled model of the solid oxide fuel cell and perform topology optimization calculations. COMSOL finite element software is a multiphysics simulation software that provides a series of functions such as modeling, physical field construction, mesh generation, topology solving, and post-processing, and supports pseudo-density as a design variable. Its core function is to simulate real physical phenomena based on the finite element method, and it can realize the coupling of multiple physical fields such as electromagnetic field, structural mechanics, fluid, heat transfer, acoustics, and chemical reaction in the same environment, matching the optimization design requirements of this invention. It should be noted that the above-mentioned computer software auxiliary tools are applied to some embodiments of this invention, but this does not mean that the implementation of the method described in this invention must be carried out using the auxiliary tools.

[0026] Next, a topology-optimized bipolar plate flow channel design method for solid oxide fuel cells will be introduced through specific embodiments.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention provides a method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Construct a three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model of a solid oxide fuel cell, which includes a flow channel design domain.

[0028] This step requires transforming the specific engineering problem into a computable abstract mathematical model, laying the foundation for subsequent design work. To realistically and comprehensively simulate complex engineering realities, this step, for example, accomplishes the following: establishing a physical geometric model of the solid oxide fuel cell and determining the flow channel design domain; establishing a multiphysics field based on the physical geometric model; coupling the multiphysics field to form a three-dimensional multiphysics coupled model; and setting boundary conditions for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupled model, including electrical boundary conditions.

[0029] In this embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 6As shown, the model geometry is specifically a 20mm × 20mm anode-supported planar solid oxide fuel cell. The model, from bottom to top, consists of: anode channel, anode diffusion layer, anode functional layer, electrolyte, cathode functional layer, cathode diffusion layer, cathode current collector layer, and cathode channel. The anode channel thickness is 500μm, the anode diffusion layer thickness is 500μm, the anode functional layer thickness is 10μm, the electrolyte thickness is 10μm, the cathode functional layer thickness is 10μm, the cathode diffusion layer thickness is 10μm, the cathode current collector layer thickness is 500μm, and the cathode channel thickness is 1000μm. The hydrogen flow direction in the anode channel is from left to right, and the air flow direction in the cathode channel is from right to left. The anode channel is a nickel mesh, and the cathode channel is the design domain of this embodiment.

[0030] Establishing multiphysics coupling relationships within the design domain, wherein establishing multiphysics includes: Construct the flow field within the flow channel and porous electrode; Construct a concentrated mass transfer field for a multi-component convection-diffusion process; Constructing an electrochemical field with secondary current distribution; A heat transfer field incorporating ohmic joule heat and electrochemical reaction heat is constructed.

[0031] In the multiphysics field construction process of this embodiment, the basic mathematical models of the flow field, mass transfer field, electrochemical field, and heat transfer field are all constructed using existing technologies in the field. Specifically, this includes: using the Brinkman equation to simulate the flow field in the channel region and the porous electrode region to describe the transport flow of gas in the channel and the porous electrode; using the Stefan-Maxwell equation to describe the concentrated mass transfer field of the multi-component convection-diffusion process, and adding transport equations for "hydrogen", "water vapor", "oxygen", and "nitrogen" respectively; using the Butler-Volmer kinetic equation to construct the secondary current distribution electrochemical field, defining the electrochemical reaction kinetic equations of the anode and cathode, as well as electrochemical boundary conditions such as potential and current density; and using the porous medium heat transfer equation to simulate the heat transfer field containing ohmic Joule heat and electrochemical reaction heat, respectively adapting the heat transfer control equations and effective heat conduction parameters for the pure fluid region of the channel and the porous electrode region.

[0032] There are no strict time restrictions on the execution of each step in establishing the physical field. They can be executed synchronously in parallel, cross-executed, or asynchronously in any reasonable order according to actual modeling needs, all without departing from the protection scope of this technical solution.

[0033] The coupling relationships between various physical fields include: reactive flow, where the electrochemical field and the mass transfer field are bidirectionally coupled through current density, component partial pressure, and reaction rate; electrochemical heat, where the electrochemical field and the heat transfer field are bidirectionally coupled through Joule heating, heat of reaction, temperature, and conductivity; and non-isothermal flow, where the heat transfer field and the flow field are bidirectionally coupled through temperature, viscosity, flow velocity, and convective heat transfer intensity. The bidirectional coupling relationships, physical quantity transfer methods, and numerical implementation forms among these multiple fields are mature and commonly used modeling methods in this field. Those skilled in the art can implement them based on physical principles without requiring creative effort.

[0034] Finally, boundary conditions are set for the model, including: fluid inlets including an anode inlet and a cathode inlet, both set as mass flow inlets, with an anode flow rate of 100 sccm and a cathode flow rate of 400 sccm; fluid outlets set as pressure outlets with a relative pressure of 0 Pa; electrical boundaries include: the anode current collector boundary set as grounded, and... According to different operating conditions, apply an operating potential adapted to the operating condition to the cathode current collector boundary; the thermal boundary is set to be an adiabatic boundary on all surfaces, and the inlet temperature of both cathode and anode is 750℃.

[0035] Step 2: Define a pseudo-density field as a design variable within the flow channel design domain, and establish an interpolation function relationship between the pseudo-density field and the material properties of the flow channel design domain.

[0036] To achieve iterative computation, design variables within the design domain must be defined. These design variables need to align with the final design objective to ensure that their values ​​can be translated into design results after iteration. Furthermore, the design variables must be correlated with certain variables in the 3D model so that changes in the design variables lead to changes in the optimization solution. In structural design, a pseudo-density field within the design domain is typically used as the design variable.

[0037] For example, design a pseudo-density interpolation function so that the pseudo-density The changes directly and non-linearly affect the material properties of the design region, such as fluid permeability, diffusion coefficient, and thermal conductivity, thereby affecting all physical fields and prompting the optimization solution to converge toward the preset optimization objective. In this embodiment, for the diffusion coefficient, thermal conductivity, and permeability of the porous phase, the solid isotropic material penalty (SIMP) method is used to determine the interpolation function. Its core is to suppress the property value corresponding to the intermediate pseudo-density by the penalty exponent, prompting the optimization result to converge toward the dual state of pure fluid / pure solid. The pseudo-density interpolation function is as follows:

[0038]

[0039]

[0040] in, For fluid permeability, Permeability at the unchanneled (solid phase) location. This represents the permeability of the fluid phase at the flow channel. The effective diffusion coefficient of the substance. The effective diffusion coefficient at the point without a flow channel. The effective diffusion coefficient at the flow channel; For effective thermal conductivity, The effective thermal conductivity at the flow channel-free section, The effective thermal conductivity at the flow channel; , , Penalty factors are set for different material properties, typically with a penalty factor greater than or equal to 3; in this embodiment, a penalty factor is set... ; , ; , ; , .

[0041] Step 3: The topology optimization objective of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model is determined to improve the uniformity of the electrochemical output of the solid oxide fuel cell.

[0042] To achieve iterative computation, an optimization objective must be set to drive changes in the design variables towards that objective, thus achieving the design goal. The optimization objective is crucial to the entire design, determining the performance tendency of the final design result in actual operation. To balance model performance, some studies define dual or even triple objectives. However, multi-objective models face problems such as computational complexity, unstable convergence, and difficulties in determining the weighting of importance among multiple objectives. Single-objective models have clear objectives and are computationally simple, but for complex models, single-objective models suffer from one-sided optimization, requiring the inclusion of other techniques to compensate.

[0043] This invention aims to improve the uniformity of electrochemical output in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) because this uniformity directly reflects the uniformity of gas mass transfer, the rationality of flow field distribution, the uniformity of thermal field, and the synchronicity of electrochemical reactions. It is a comprehensive manifestation of the uniformity of reaction rate, heat generation rate, and product formation rate. Therefore, improving electrochemical output uniformity is a comprehensive optimization of the flow channel safety of SOFCs. This invention combines this objective with a topology optimization algorithm, overcoming the dilemma in traditional design methods where computational complexity prevents the objective from being implemented. This invention constructs a mathematical relationship between the pseudo-density field, the material properties of the flow channel design domain, multiphysics, and the electrochemical output. Then, based on a reverse solution approach, through multiple iterations of the pseudo-density field, the electrochemical output gradually approaches the optimization objective, ultimately obtaining a pseudo-density field that satisfies the optimization objective. The selection of a topology optimization algorithm makes it possible to apply the optimization objective of improving electrochemical output uniformity to flow channel design.

[0044] For example, the design objective is specifically to minimize the weighted sum of the current density variances under multiple operating conditions. :

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] in, In the first The local current density at each operating point is determined by the multiphysics coupling control equations and the pseudo-density field. The controlled material properties and boundary conditions jointly determine A, where A is the active area of ​​the anode-electrolyte interface. Indicates the first The statistical variance of the current density values ​​on the entire active surface of the electrode under each operating condition is used to quantify the uniformity of the current distribution. The weighting coefficients for the corresponding operating conditions can be set according to the importance or probability of occurrence of the operating condition. It is the weighted sum of the statistical variances of the current density values ​​on the entire active surface of the electrode under multiple operating conditions.

[0048] This objective forces the optimization algorithm to seek a flow channel topology that can maintain a highly uniform electrochemical output under multiple preset operating conditions, thereby significantly improving the design's adaptability and robustness.

[0049] In this embodiment, different operating conditions are distinguished by changing the electrical boundary conditions of the model. Specifically, the cathode current collector boundary is set to different operating voltages, and three representative operating voltage points are selected as the optimized operating conditions: (Open circuit voltage) (Rated voltage) (High power voltage) For the above three operating conditions, weighting systems are set respectively. , , This is to emphasize the importance of rated operating conditions.

[0050] Step 4: Use a gradient-based topology optimization algorithm for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model to iteratively solve the optimization objective until convergence, and obtain the optimal pseudo-density field of the flow channel design domain.

[0051] For example, the above steps may specifically include: Step 1: Determine the algorithm system, including the material interpolation model, the physical field solution method, the sensitivity analysis method, and the optimization solver; Step 2: Determine the constraints and construct constraint functions based on the constraints; Step 3: For the currently given pseudo-density field The state variables, including velocity, concentration, current, and temperature, are obtained by solving the coupled multiphysics field based on the material interpolation model and the physical field solution method. Step 4: Calculate the objective function based on the state variables. and the values ​​of each constraint function; Step 5: Calculate the objective function and constraint functions for the design variables using the adjoint method sensitivity analysis. The gradient is used to update the pseudo-density variable. ; Step 6: Repeat steps 3 to 5 until the iteration termination condition is met, and the optimal pseudo-density field is obtained.

[0052] The algorithm system is defined, including the material interpolation model, physics field solution method, sensitivity analysis method, and optimization solver. The core function of the algorithm system is to drive the automatic iterative update of design variables according to the optimization objective and constraints based on the computational response of the three-dimensional multiphysics model. Its effectiveness determines the computational efficiency of the iterative process. In this implementation, the material existence, i.e., pseudo-density, at each point within the flow channel design domain is used. The design variables are defined as follows: a gradient-based topology optimization algorithm is employed; the moving asymptote method (MMA) is used as the optimization solver; a separate steady-state solver is used for physics field solving to reduce the computational memory required for multiphysics solutions; and the adjoint variable method is used to achieve efficient sensitivity analysis of the objective and constraints, calculating the objective function and the effect of each constraint on all design variables. The gradient.

[0053] Constraints are defined, and constraint functions are constructed based on these constraints. Defining constraints ensures that the optimization results not only meet the core objectives but also satisfy the physical limits of engineering usability and the requirements for safe operation, transforming the optimized solution of the mathematical model into a realistically manufacturable structure. Adding constraints can compensate for the inherent disadvantages of over-focusing on a single objective and neglecting fluid transport, thermal safety, and engineering feasibility, effectively defining the physically feasible domain and engineering boundaries of topology optimization, enabling the final topology to achieve a comprehensive balance between electrochemical performance, fluid properties, thermal safety, and manufacturing practicality.

[0054] In this embodiment, four constraints are set: pressure drop, volume, upper temperature limit, and temperature gradient. The specific constraint function is as follows: (1) Total pressure drop between inlet and outlet Not exceeding the maximum allowed value In some embodiments, the following settings are provided: : ; (2) The volume fraction of the flow channel phase in the design domain does not exceed the set upper limit. In some embodiments, the total volume of the flow channel material is set to not exceed 50% of the designed domain volume: ; (3) The highest local temperature of key battery components (such as electrolyte or electrodes) It must be below the long-term safe operating threshold of the material. In some embodiments, the threshold is set to 850°C. ; (4) Maximum temperature difference within the design area Not exceeding the limit value In some embodiments, the maximum temperature difference within the electrolyte layer is set not to exceed 30°C. : = .

[0055] The specific calculation process includes: in each iteration, for the currently given pseudo-density field... First, the coupled multiphysics field is solved to obtain state variables such as velocity, concentration, current, and temperature; then the objective function is calculated. And the values ​​of each constraint function; then, the objective function and constraint functions are calculated for the design variables using adjoint method sensitivity analysis. The gradient is calculated; finally, the gradient information is used to update the pseudo-density variable. This process is repeated until convergence. In this embodiment, optimization starts from a uniform initial guess ( The iteration begins at 0.5, and the termination condition is either to terminate after 100 iterations or to terminate after satisfying the convergence criterion, wherein the convergence criterion is that the relative change of the objective function is less than 1 × 10⁻⁵. 3 The optimal pseudo-density field is obtained after optimization is terminated.

[0056] Step 5: Threshold the optimal pseudo-density field to extract and generate a three-dimensional solid model structure of the bipolar plate flow channel.

[0057] The final optimal pseudo-density field distribution is the optimal flow channel topology; after thresholding, a clear 3D flow channel solid geometry can be extracted. In this embodiment, the pseudo-density field is extracted... All elements are used to generate a clear 3D flow channel solid surface model through the isosurface extraction algorithm.

[0058] The design results obtained in the above embodiments are analyzed as follows: The optimized flow channel structure is referenced. Figure 2 It exhibits significant unconventional characteristics: starting from the air inlet (right side), it rapidly branches into a multi-level tree-like or root-like flow channel network, covering the entire active area; the flow channels are relatively wide near the air inlet and in areas with lower reaction intensity; in the rear part of the battery where electrochemical reactions are strong, the flow channel network automatically becomes dense, forming a "microchannel region"; due to the combined effect of multi-physics coupling, the final topology exhibits reasonable asymmetry, rather than a simple symmetrical design.

[0059] To quantify the advantages of this invention, the optimized flow channel (denoted as "the flow channel of this invention") was compared with the traditional parallel flow channel. Performance simulations were performed on both flow channels under identical boundary conditions. Table 1 compares the current density variance of the two flow channels under three operating conditions, and Table 2 compares the thermal safety indicators of the two flow channels under rated operating conditions (0.8V). Table 1 shows that the flow channel of this invention exhibits superior current uniformity in all three operating conditions, especially under non-rated operating conditions (0.7V), where its performance improvement is more significant, with the variance reduced by approximately 21% compared to the traditional parallel flow channel. This fully demonstrates the effectiveness of the multi-condition robustness optimization objective. Table 2 shows that the flow channel of this invention controls the maximum temperature within the constraint limit of 850℃ under rated operating conditions, while controlling the maximum temperature difference to 10℃, which is superior to the traditional parallel flow channel.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen from the distribution pattern of the image and the range of the legend values ​​on the right side of the figure, the optimized flow channel layout has a more uniform current density distribution, better heat dissipation performance, and more uniform oxygen concentration.

[0061] Table 1: Variance of current density for the two flow channels under three operating conditions

[0062] Table 2: Thermal safety indicators of the two flow channels under rated operating conditions (0.8V)

[0063] Based on the same inventive concept as the design method, this embodiment of the invention also provides a solid oxide fuel cell bipolar plate, wherein the surface of the bipolar plate has a flow channel structure designed using any of the design methods.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 The flow channels exhibit significant unconventional characteristics: starting from the air inlet (right side), they gradually branch into a multi-level tree-like or root-like network, covering the entire active area; near the air inlet and in areas with lower reaction intensity, the flow channels are relatively wide, with the rib width similar to the flow channel width; in the middle of the battery, where electrochemical reactions are intense, the flow channel network becomes denser, the channels gradually branch, and the flow channel width narrows compared to the inlet, with the rib width matching and narrowing synchronously; in the rear of the battery, where electrochemical reactions are most intense, the flow channel network becomes even denser, forming a "microchannel network," with the channels further branching and the flow channel width further narrowing, while the rib width matches and narrows synchronously, until it connects with the outlet current collection area (left side). Due to the combined effect of multi-physics coupling, the final topology exhibits a reasonable asymmetry, rather than a simple artificial symmetry design.

[0065] Based on the same inventive concept as the design method, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device, with reference to... Figure 7 The electronic device includes a processor and a memory, the memory being coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to perform the steps of the method as described in the first embodiment.

[0066] Based on the same inventive concept as the design method, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as described in the first embodiment.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROMs) containing computer-usable program code. The form of a computer program product implemented on ROM, optical memory, etc.

[0068] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (modules, systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0069] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0070] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0071] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0072] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: A three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model of a solid oxide fuel cell is constructed, the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model including the flow channel design domain; Within the flow channel design domain, a pseudo-density field is defined as a design variable, and an interpolation function relationship is established between the pseudo-density field and the material properties of the flow channel design domain. The topology optimization objective of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model is determined to be to improve the uniformity of the electrochemical output of the solid oxide fuel cell; A gradient-based topology optimization algorithm is used for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model to iteratively solve the optimization objective until convergence, thereby obtaining the optimal pseudo-density field of the flow channel design domain. The optimal pseudo-density field is thresholded to extract and generate a three-dimensional solid model structure of the bipolar plate flow channel.

2. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model for constructing a solid oxide fuel cell includes a flow channel design domain, comprising: Establish a physical geometric model of a solid oxide fuel cell and determine the flow channel design domain; A multiphysics field is established based on the aforementioned physical geometric model; The multiphysics fields are coupled to form a three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model; Set boundary conditions for the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model, including electrical boundary conditions.

3. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The establishment of multiphysics based on the physical geometry model includes: Construct the flow field in the flow channel region and the porous electrode region; Construct a concentrated mass transfer field for a multi-component convection-diffusion process; Constructing an electrochemical field with secondary current distribution; A heat transfer field incorporating ohmic joule heat and electrochemical reaction heat is constructed.

4. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The coupling of the multiphysics fields to form a three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model includes: The electrochemical field and the concentrated mass transport field are bidirectionally coupled. The electrochemical field and the heat transfer field are bidirectionally coupled; The heat transfer field and the flow field are bidirectionally coupled.

5. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical boundary conditions include: applying an operating potential adapted to the operating conditions at the cathode current collector boundary according to different operating conditions.

6. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The topology optimization objective of the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model is determined to improve the uniformity of the electrochemical output of the solid oxide fuel cell, including: Calculate the current density of a solid oxide fuel cell under multiple operating conditions; Calculate the variance of current density in a solid oxide fuel cell under multiple operating conditions; The goal of topology optimization is to minimize the weighted sum of the variances of the current density of solid oxide fuel cells under multiple operating conditions. The specific formula is as follows: in, In the first Local current density at each operating point; A is the active area of ​​the anode-electrolyte interface in the solid oxide fuel cell; Indicates the first The statistical variance of the current density values ​​on the entire active surface of the electrode under various operating conditions; These are the weighting coefficients for the corresponding operating conditions; It is the weighted sum of the statistical variances of the current density values ​​on the entire active surface of the electrode under multiple operating conditions.

7. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gradient-based topology optimization algorithm is used in the three-dimensional multiphysics coupling model to iteratively solve the optimization objective until convergence, obtaining the optimal pseudo-density field of the flow channel design domain, including: Step 1: Determine the algorithm system, including the material interpolation model, the physical field solution method, the sensitivity analysis method, and the optimization solver; Step 2: Determine the constraints and construct constraint functions based on the constraints; Step 3: For the currently given pseudo-density field The state variables, including velocity, concentration, current, and temperature, are obtained by solving the coupled multiphysics field based on the material interpolation model and the physical field solution method. Step 4: Calculate the objective function based on the state variables. and the values ​​of each constraint function; Step 5: Calculate the objective function and constraint functions for the design variables using the adjoint method sensitivity analysis. The gradient is used to update the pseudo-density variable. ; Step 6: Repeat steps 3 to 5 until the iteration termination condition is met to obtain the optimal pseudo-density field.

8. The method for designing bipolar plate flow channels in a solid oxide fuel cell based on topology optimization as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The constraints include: Total pressure drop between inlet and outlet Not exceeding the maximum allowed value ; The volume fraction of solid materials within the design domain shall not exceed the set upper limit. ; The highest local temperature of electrolyte and electrodes It must be below the long-term safe operating threshold of the material. ; Maximum temperature difference within the design domain Not exceeding the limit value .

9. A solid oxide fuel cell bipolar plate, characterized in that, The surface of the bipolar plate has a flow channel structure designed using the method described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An electronic device comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements claim 1. The steps of any of the methods described in item 8.