Monopolar plates, bipolar plates and fuel cells

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a single-polar plate, a bipolar plate, and a fuel cell. The single-polar plate has reaction surfaces and a support surface opposite to each other, and includes a flow field region provided with a reactant flow field on the reaction surface and a coolant flow field on the support surface, and a duct region surrounding the flow field region, the duct region including two first sub-regions located on opposite sides of the flow field region in a first direction and two second sub-regions located on opposite sides of the flow field region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the two first sub-regions being respectively provided with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet extending through the single-polar plate and also respectively provided with an anode gas inlet and an anode gas outlet extending through the single-polar plate, and the two second sub-regions being respectively provided with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet extending through the single-polar plate and also respectively provided with a cathode gas inlet and a cathode gas outlet extending through the single-polar plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a monopole plate, a bipole plate for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell including the monopole plate and the bipole plate. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells have become one of the main power generation technologies due to their high power generation efficiency, low environmental pollution, and high specific energy. As a typical fuel cell, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a popular type of fuel cell used in vehicles. A PEMFC generally consists of a solid polymer electrolyte proton-conducting membrane, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane. The anode and cathode typically comprise finely divided catalyst particles, usually platinum (Pt), supported on carbon particles and mixed with ionomers. The catalyst mixture is deposited on opposite sides of the membrane. The combination of the anode catalyst mixture, the cathode catalyst mixture, and the membrane defines the catalyst coating (CCM), while the catalyst coating and the two gas diffusion layers on either side define the membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

[0003] A fuel cell comprises a series of bipolar plates positioned between several MEAs (Mechanical Absorbers) within a fuel cell stack, with the bipolar plates and MEAs located between two end plates. Each bipolar plate includes an anode plate and a cathode plate for adjacent individual cells within the stack. An anode gas flow field is positioned on the anode plate, allowing anode reactant gases to flow to their respective MEAs. A cathode gas flow field is positioned on the cathode plate, allowing cathode reactant gases to flow to their respective MEAs. Existing fuel cell bipolar plates are often rectangular, and the inlets and outlets for anode reactant gases, cathode reactant gases, and coolant are typically located on the two short sides of the bipolar plate. This means that at least three openings are required on one short side of the bipolar plate, which limits the size of each opening and further restricts the fuel cell's operating and cooling efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution that can reliably improve the working efficiency and cooling efficiency of fuel cells. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems in the prior art, this disclosure proposes an improved monopolar plate having opposing reaction surfaces and support surfaces, and including a flow field region and a conduit region surrounding the flow field region. The flow field region has a reactant flow field on the reaction surface for reactant flow and a coolant flow field on the support surface for coolant flow. The conduit region includes two first sub-regions located on opposite sides of the flow field region along a first direction and two second sub-regions located on opposite sides of the flow field region along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each first sub-region is provided with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet extending through the monopolar plate, and is also provided with an anode gas inlet and an anode gas outlet extending through the monopolar plate. Each of the two second sub-regions is provided with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet extending through the monopolar plate, and is also provided with a cathode gas inlet and a cathode gas outlet extending through the monopolar plate. The reactant flow field is connected to the anode gas inlet and the anode gas outlet or to the cathode gas inlet and the cathode gas outlet, and the coolant flow field is connected to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.

[0006] Similarly, to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes an improved bipolar plate, comprising: an anode plate, the anode plate being constructed from the monopolar plate described in this disclosure, and the reactant flow field of the anode plate being connected to its anode gas inlet and anode gas outlet; and a cathode plate, the cathode plate being constructed from the monopolar plate described in this disclosure, and the reactant flow field of the cathode plate being connected to its cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet, wherein the supporting surface of the anode plate is in contact with the supporting surface of the cathode plate, and the coolant inlet, coolant outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet, and cathode gas outlet of the anode plate are respectively aligned with the coolant inlet, coolant outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet, and cathode gas outlet of the cathode plate.

[0007] Similarly, to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes an improved fuel cell comprising a plurality of stacked single cells, wherein each single cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and an anode plate and a cathode plate located on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly, wherein the anode plate is composed of the single electrode plate described in this disclosure, and the reaction surface of the anode plate is in contact with the membrane electrode assembly and its reactant flow field is in communication with its anode gas inlet and anode gas outlet; and wherein the cathode plate is composed of the single electrode plate described in this disclosure, and the reaction surface of the cathode plate is in contact with the membrane electrode assembly and its reactant flow field is in communication with its cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet.

[0008] Similarly, in order to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes another improved fuel cell, which includes multiple membrane electrode assemblies and multiple bipolar plates as described in this disclosure, wherein the membrane electrode assemblies and the bipolar plates are arranged alternately.

[0009] This disclosure may be embodied in the illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are merely illustrative, and any variations contemplated under the teachings of this disclosure should be considered to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. These drawings should not be construed as necessarily limiting the scope of this disclosure, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of an anode plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate taken from line III-III in the diagram;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic rear view of the anode plate shown;

[0015] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate taken by line VV in the diagram;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of a cathode plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate taken by line VII-VII in the diagram;

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic rear view of the cathode plate shown;

[0019] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate taken by line IX-IX in the diagram;

[0020] Figure 10 This is a schematic front view of a bipolar plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate taken by line XI-XI in the diagram;

[0022] Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate taken by line XII-XII in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 13 It is along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate taken from line XIII-XIII; and

[0024] Figure 14 It is along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate taken by line XIV-XIV. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Further features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely to illustrate this disclosure and to convey the spirit and essence of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] This disclosure aims to provide an improved monopole plate for fuel cells such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) type fuel cells, a bipole plate composed of the monopole plate, and a fuel cell equipped with a monopole plate or bipole plate. The monopole plate according to this disclosure, due to its novel design, can significantly improve the operating efficiency and cooling efficiency of the fuel cell, and in particular, can reduce the risk of flooding at the cathode gas outlet, thereby reliably improving the reliability of the fuel cell. Furthermore, the novel design of the monopole plate according to this disclosure can significantly reduce the size of each opening in the cathode gas inlet, cathode gas outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, coolant inlet, and coolant outlet, which helps to further increase the area of ​​the active region, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the fuel cell. It is also worth mentioning that the novel design of the monopole plate according to this disclosure can significantly reduce the difficulty of distributing cathode gas, anode gas, and coolant, thereby enabling smoother distribution of cathode gas, anode gas, and coolant during fuel cell operation, thereby further improving the operating efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0027] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, alternative but non-limiting embodiments of the monopolar plate, bipolar plate, and fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0028] refer to Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell (also referred to as a stack) 10 includes a plurality of generally plate-shaped or sheet-shaped single cells 100 stacked together. Each single cell 100 includes a generally plate-shaped or sheet-shaped membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 200 stacked together, and an anode plate 300 and a cathode plate 400 located on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly 200. The anode plate 300 can deliver anode gas (e.g., hydrogen or other hydrogen-containing gas) from an anode gas source (e.g., a hydrogen storage tank) to one side of the membrane electrode assembly 200 (also referred to as the anode side), while the cathode plate 400 can deliver cathode gas (e.g., oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas) from a cathode gas source (e.g., the atmosphere) to the other side of the membrane electrode assembly 200 (also referred to as the cathode side). The anode gas and cathode gas delivered to both sides of the membrane electrode assembly 200 can undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate electrical energy. Specifically, the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400 can be collectively referred to as monopolar plates, and the anode plate 300 of each single cell 100 can be combined with the cathode plate 400 of an adjacent single cell to form a bipolar plate 500. That is, the anode plate 300 of each bipolar plate 500 is used to supply anode gas to the membrane electrode assembly 200 of one single cell 100, while the cathode plate 400 of the bipolar plate 500 is used to supply cathode gas to the membrane electrode assembly 200 of another single cell 100 adjacent to that single cell 100. In this case, the fuel cell 10 can also be considered as being formed by multiple bipolar plates 500 and multiple membrane electrode assemblies 200 stacked together in an alternating manner. Of course, the above-described method of forming the fuel cell 10 is merely exemplary. For a fuel cell 10 having a mono-cell form, the anode plates 300 and cathode plates 400 of two adjacent single cells 100 may not be combined.

[0029] During operation of the fuel cell 10, the anode gas input stream and cathode gas input stream flow through each cell 100. The anode gas in the anode gas input stream is transported by the anode plate 300 of each cell 100 to the anode side of its membrane electrode assembly 200, while the cathode gas in the cathode gas input stream is transported by the cathode plate 400 of each cell 100 to the cathode side of its membrane electrode assembly 200. This allows the anode and cathode gases to undergo an electrochemical reaction at the membrane electrode assembly 200. The anode and cathode gases that have completed the electrochemical reaction converge into the anode gas output stream and cathode gas output stream, respectively. These streams also flow through each cell 100 for discharge to the outside of the fuel cell 10. Specifically, regarding the electrochemical reaction, on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly 200, the anode gas is decomposed into protons and electrons under the action of the catalyst material at the anode catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly 200 (i.e., an oxidation reaction occurs: 2H₂ → 4H₂). + +4e - ), of which, proton (H + Electrons can pass through the proton exchange membrane of the membrane electrode assembly 200 from the anode side to the cathode side, but electrons (e) - Since it cannot pass through the proton exchange membrane and can only reach the cathode side through an external circuit, the cathode gas on the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly 200 will combine with protons and electrons under the action of the catalyst material at the cathode catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly 200 to generate water (i.e., a reduction reaction occurs: O2 + 4H+). + +4e - →2H2O). Through the above method, each single cell 100 can generate electrical energy through the redox reaction (also known as an electrochemical reaction) of the anode and cathode gases, thereby supplying power to the load on the external circuit. Simultaneously, water and heat are generated as byproducts. As mentioned earlier, water is mainly generated on the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly 200 and discharged with the cathode gas output stream. In addition, coolant input and output streams also flow through each single cell 100, so that the heat generated by each single cell 100 can be absorbed by the coolant and discharged with it.

[0030] refer to Figures 2-5 ,in, Figure 2 A schematic front view of an anode plate 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate 300 taken from line III-III in the diagram. Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A schematic rear view of the anode plate 300 shown, and Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate 300 cut by line VV in the diagram. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the anode plate 300 generally includes a flow field region (also referred to as a flow field portion) 310, a pipe region (also referred to as a pipe portion) 320 surrounding the flow field region 310, and a distribution region (also referred to as a distribution portion) 330 located between the flow field region 310 and the pipe region 320. In this configuration, the flow field region 310 is located in the central region of the anode plate 300, the distribution region 330 is adjacent to the flow field region 310 and surrounds the flow field region 310 from the outside, and the pipe region 320 is adjacent to the distribution region 330 and surrounds the distribution region 330 from the outside. It should be noted that although in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The flow field area 310, the pipe area 320, and the distribution area 330 are separated by a boundary line shown in dashed lines. However, this only indicates that the flow field area 310, the pipe area 320, and the distribution area 330 are different parts of the anode plate 300 configured for different functions, and does not mean that there is an actual boundary line on the anode plate 300 that physically separates the flow field area 310, the pipe area 320, and the distribution area 330.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the anode plate 300 has a reaction surface 301 intended to face the membrane electrode assembly 200 and a support surface 302 opposite to the reaction surface 301. The reaction surface 301 and the support surface 302 are spaced apart from each other along the thickness direction T of the anode plate 300. On one side of the reaction surface 301, the flow field region 310 is provided with a plurality of reactant flow channels (also referred to as anode gas flow channels) 311 recessed relative to the reaction surface 301. These anode gas flow channels 311 are configured to allow anode gas to flow therethrough, thereby forming the anode gas flow field (also collectively referred to as reactant flow field) of the anode plate 300. These anode gas flow channels 311 extend along a first direction X of the anode plate 300 and are arranged along a second direction Y that is transverse to or perpendicular to the first direction X. These anode gas flow channels 311 are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of reactant separation ribs (also referred to as anode gas separation ribs) 312. Specifically, an anode gas separating rib 312 is formed between any two adjacent anode gas channels 311, such that each anode gas separating rib 312 can space the two anode gas channels 311 on its two sides apart from each other, and thus can isolate the anode gases in the anode gas channels 311 on its two sides to prevent them from mixing. These anode gas separating ribs 312 also extend along the first direction X and are arranged or spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y. In short, the flow field region 310 has anode gas channels 311 and anode gas separating ribs 312 alternately arranged along the second direction Y on one side of the reaction surface 301.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, on one side of the support surface 302, the flow field region 310 is provided with a plurality of coolant flow channels 313 recessed relative to the support surface 302 (in Figure 2 (Shown in dashed lines) These coolant channels 313 are configured for coolant to flow through, thus forming the coolant flow field of the anode plate 300. Therefore, the coolant flow field and the anode gas flow field are located on opposite sides of the anode plate 300. These coolant channels 313 also extend along the first direction X of the anode plate 300 and are arranged along the second direction Y. These coolant channels 313 are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of coolant separating ribs 314. Specifically, a coolant separating rib 314 is formed between any two adjacent coolant channels 313, such that each coolant separating rib 314 can space the two coolant channels 313 on its two sides apart from each other, and thus can isolate the coolant in the coolant channels 313 on its two sides to prevent them from mixing. These coolant separating ribs 314 also extend along the first direction X and are arranged or spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y. In short, the flow field region 310 has coolant channels 313 and coolant separating ribs 314 arranged alternately along the second direction Y on one side of the support surface 302. It is worth mentioning that the plurality of anode gas channels 311 on one side of the reaction surface 301 can correspond to the plurality of coolant separation ribs 314 on one side of the support surface 302. That is, each coolant separation rib 314 can be formed on one side of the support surface 302 due to the corresponding anode gas channel 311 being recessed relative to the reaction surface 301. Furthermore, the plurality of anode gas separation ribs 312 on one side of the reaction surface 301 can correspond to the plurality of coolant channels 313 on one side of the support surface 302. In other words, each anode gas separation rib 312 can be formed on one side of the reaction surface 301 due to the corresponding coolant channel 313 being recessed relative to the support surface 302. In this case, the anode plate 300 can be stamped on one side of the reaction surface 301 to form each anode gas channel 311, thereby passively forming each anode gas separation rib 312 on one side of the reaction surface 301, and passively forming each coolant channel 313 and each coolant separation rib 314 on one side of the support surface 302. Of course, the anode plate 300 can also be stamped on one side of the support surface 302 to form each coolant channel 313, thereby passively forming each coolant separation rib 314 on one side of the support surface 302, and passively forming each anode gas channel 311 and each anode gas separation rib 312 on one side of the reaction surface 301.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the pipe region 320 includes two first sub-regions (also referred to as first sub-sections) 321 and two second sub-regions (also referred to as second sub-sections) 322. The two first sub-regions 321 are located on opposite sides of the flow field region 310 along the first direction X of the anode plate 300, while the two second sub-regions 322 are located on opposite sides of the flow field region 310 along the second direction Y of the anode plate 300. Furthermore, the second direction Y is perpendicular (or transverse to) the first direction X, and the thickness direction T is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Further, one of the two first sub-regions 321 has one or more (… Figure 2 The diagram shows one) coolant inlet 361, and the other of the two first sub-regions 321 is provided with one or more ( Figure 2 The diagram shows a coolant outlet 362, wherein each coolant inlet 361 and each coolant outlet 362 extends along the thickness direction T through the anode plate 300, that is, from the reaction surface 301 to the support surface 302, and in particular, the number of coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 in the two first sub-regions 321 is equal. Furthermore, one of the two first sub-regions 321 has one or more (… Figure 2 The diagram shows one anode gas inlet 341, and the other of the two first sub-regions 321 is provided with one or more ( Figure 2 The diagram shows an anode gas outlet 342, wherein each anode gas inlet 341 and each anode gas outlet 342 extends along the thickness direction T through the anode plate 300, that is, from the reaction surface 301 to the support surface 302, and in particular, the number of anode gas inlets 341 and anode gas outlets 342 in the two first sub-regions 321 is equal. Furthermore, one of the two second sub-regions 322 also has one or more (… Figure 2 Two coolant inlets 361 are shown, and another of the two second sub-regions 322 is also provided with one or more ( Figure 2 Two coolant outlets 362 are shown, wherein each coolant inlet 361 and each coolant outlet 362 extends along the thickness direction T through the anode plate 300, that is, from the reaction surface 301 to the support surface 302, and in particular, the number of coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 in the two second sub-regions 322 is equal. Furthermore, one of the two second sub-regions 322 is also provided with one or more (… Figure 2 The diagram shows two cathode gas inlets 351, and another of the two second sub-regions 322 is further provided with one or more (…). Figure 2The diagram shows two cathode gas outlets 352, wherein each cathode gas inlet 351 and each cathode gas outlet 352 extends through the anode plate 300 along the thickness direction T, that is, from the reaction surface 301 to the support surface 302, and in particular, the number of cathode gas inlets 351 and cathode gas outlets 352 in the two second sub-regions 322 is equal. In the above configuration, coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362, and anode gas inlets 341 and anode gas outlets 342 are provided on both sides of the anode plate 300, while coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362, and cathode gas inlets 351 and cathode gas outlets 352 are provided on the other two sides of the anode plate 300. Therefore, by arranging the openings on different sides of the anode plate 300, the size of each opening is less restricted, thereby allowing for increased flow rates of anode gas, cathode gas, and coolant. Furthermore, since the coolant inlet 361 and coolant outlet 362 extend through the anode plate 300, the coolant input flow and coolant output flow can flow through the anode plate 300. Similarly, since the anode gas inlet 341 and anode gas outlet 342 extend through the anode plate 300, the anode gas input flow and anode gas output flow can flow through the anode plate 300. Likewise, since the cathode gas inlet 351 and cathode gas outlet 352 extend through the anode plate 300, the cathode gas input flow and cathode gas output flow can flow through the anode plate 300. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that, in order to receive anode gas from the anode gas inlet 341 and discharge anode gas to the anode gas outlet 342, each anode gas flow channel 311 in the flow field region 310 is arranged such that one end is adjacent to a first sub-region 321, and the other end is adjacent to another first sub-region 321, extending between the two ends.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the distribution zone 330 has multiple sets of ( ) on one side of the reaction surface 301. Figure 2The diagram shows two sets of reactant distribution channels (also referred to as anolyte gas distribution channels). Each set of anolyte gas distribution channels includes multiple anolyte gas distribution channels 331 recessed relative to the reaction surface 301 and configured to fluidly communicate the anolyte gas inlet 341 or the anolyte gas outlet 342 with multiple anolyte gas channels 311 in the flow field region 310. That is, each anolyte gas inlet 341 and each anolyte gas outlet 342 corresponds to a set of anolyte gas distribution channels and is fluidly communicated with multiple anolyte gas channels 311 in the flow field region 310 through this set of anolyte gas distribution channels, such that each anolyte gas channel 311 is fluidly communicated at one end with an anolyte gas inlet 341 through an anolyte gas distribution channel 331 and at the other end with an anolyte gas outlet 342 through another anolyte gas distribution channel 331. These anolyte gas distribution channels 331 constitute the anolyte gas distribution flow field (also collectively referred to as the reactant distribution flow field). Therefore, the total number of anode gas inlets 341 and anode gas outlets 342 in the pipeline region 320 is equal to the number of groups of anode gas distribution channels in the distribution region 330, and the total number of anode gas distribution channels 331 in the distribution region 330 is twice the total number of anode gas channels 311 in the flow field region 310. In the above configuration, each anode gas channel 311 and the two anode gas distribution channels 331 at its two ends constitute a flow path that fluidly connects the anode gas inlet 341 and the anode gas outlet 342. With the help of this flow path, the anode gas in the anode gas input stream flowing through the anode gas inlet 341 can be transported to the anode gas channel 311 by the anode gas distribution channel 331. When flowing in the anode gas channel 311, the anode gas can be transported to the anode catalyst layer by the anode gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly 200 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The anode gas flowing through the anode gas channel 311 can be transported to the anode gas outlet 342 by the anode gas distribution channel 331, and then converges into the anode gas output stream flowing through the anode gas outlet 342. Of course, the above embodiments are merely exemplary. Each anode gas inlet 341 can be fluidly connected to multiple anode gas channels 311 through a single anode gas distribution channel 331, and each anode gas outlet 342 can also be fluidly connected to multiple anode gas channels 311 through a single anode gas distribution channel 331.

[0035] Similar to the anode gas distribution channel 331, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the distribution area 330 has a plurality of coolant distribution channels 332 recessed relative to the support surface 302 on one side of the support surface 302. Each coolant distribution channel 332 fluidly connects the coolant inlet 361 or coolant outlet 362 in the two first sub-areas 321 to one or more coolant channels 313, so that each coolant inlet 361 and each coolant outlet 362 in the two first sub-areas 321 are fluidly connected to each coolant channel 313 through one or more coolant distribution channels 332. In the above configuration, the coolant in the coolant input stream flowing through the coolant inlet 361 in the first sub-region 321 can be transported to each coolant channel 313 by the coolant distribution channel 332. When flowing in each coolant channel 313, the coolant can absorb the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction. The coolant flowing through each coolant channel 313 can be transported to the coolant outlet 362 by the coolant distribution channel 332, and then converge into the coolant output stream flowing through the coolant outlet 362. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the distribution region 330 does not have a coolant distribution channel 332 on the support surface 302 side that fluidly connects the coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 in the two second sub-regions 322 with the coolant channels 313. Therefore, the coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 in the two second sub-regions 322 are not used to allow coolant to enter and exit the coolant flow field on the anode plate 300, but are used to allow coolant to enter and exit the coolant flow field on the cathode plate 400. In this configuration, as described in detail below, a first coolant flow flowing along the first direction X can be generated in the coolant flow field of the anode plate 300, and a second coolant flow flowing along the second direction Y can be generated in the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400. Therefore, the second coolant flow can supplement the first coolant flow with low-temperature coolant in a direction transverse to the first coolant flow, thereby increasing the fluid pressure in the first coolant flow and reducing the temperature difference between the upstream and downstream of the first coolant flow, thereby significantly improving the cooling capacity of the anode plate 300.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, one of the two first sub-regions 321 is provided with one or more coolant inlets 361 and one or more anode gas outlets 342, while the other of the two first sub-regions 321 is provided with one or more coolant outlets 362 and one or more anode gas inlets 341. That is, the coolant inlets 361 and anode gas outlets 342 are located in the same first sub-region 321, and the coolant outlets 362 and anode gas inlets 341 are located in the same first sub-region 321. In this configuration, the anode gas in the anode gas flow field of the anode plate 300 and the coolant in the coolant flow field can flow in substantially opposite directions (i.e., in a convection manner), thereby improving the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, which helps to improve the reliability of the single cell 100. In particular, as Figure 2 As shown, the anode plate 300 has an imaginary first centerline CL1 extending along a first direction X and an imaginary second centerline CL2 extending along a second direction Y. The coolant inlet 361 and anode gas inlet 341 in the two first sub-regions 321 are arranged symmetrically about the second centerline CL2, and the coolant outlet 362 and anode gas outlet 342 in the two first sub-regions 321 are also arranged symmetrically about the second centerline CL2. This further improves the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thereby enhancing the reliability of the single cell 100. It should be noted that the "symmetry" used herein refers only to the symmetry of the positions of the two structures, not the symmetry of their external shape or form.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, one of the two second sub-regions 322 is provided with multiple coolant inlets 361, and the other of the two second sub-regions 322 is provided with multiple coolant outlets 362, specifically equal in number to the number of coolant inlets 361. In this configuration, by utilizing multiple coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 for coolant input and output flows, the size of each coolant inlet 361 and coolant outlet 362 can be reduced compared to the case of only a single coolant inlet and outlet. This allows for more space on the anode plate 300 to increase the area of ​​each flow field, and, as described below, reduces the difficulty of distributing coolant between the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400 and the coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362, thereby contributing to improved cooling capacity of the cathode plate 400. Furthermore, the multiple coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 also help to make the coolant flow rate in each coolant channel 413 of the cathode plate 400 more uniform, which contributes to a more uniform temperature distribution within the single cell 100.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, one of the two second sub-regions 322 is provided with multiple cathode gas inlets 351, and the other of the two second sub-regions 322 is provided with multiple cathode gas outlets 352, specifically equal in number to the cathode gas inlets 351. In this configuration, by utilizing multiple cathode gas inlets 351 for the cathode gas input flow and multiple cathode gas outlets 352 for the cathode gas output flow, compared to the case of only providing a single cathode gas inlet and outlet, the size of each cathode gas inlet 351 and cathode gas outlet 352 can be reduced. This allows more area on the anode plate 300 to be reserved for increasing the area of ​​each flow field, thereby contributing to improved efficiency of the electrochemical reaction. Furthermore, the multiple cathode gas inlets 351 and cathode gas outlets 352 also help to make the gas density in each cathode gas channel 411 in the cathode plate 400 described below more uniform. This allows the electrochemical reaction to occur more uniformly in the first direction X on each catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly 200, resulting in a more uniform current density on each catalyst layer and avoiding localized hot spots due to uneven current density. It is also worth mentioning that by setting multiple cathode gas outlets 352, as described below, the cathode plate 400 is allowed to discharge water generated by the electrochemical reaction through multiple cathode gas outlets 452. Compared with the scheme of draining water through a single cathode gas outlet, the risk of flooding of the cathode gas outlet 452 can be significantly reduced, thereby further improving the reliability of the single cell 100.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, one of the two second sub-regions 322 is provided with a plurality of coolant inlets 361 and a plurality of cathode gas outlets 352, and the other of the two second sub-regions 322 is provided with a plurality of coolant outlets 362, specifically equal in number to the number of coolant inlets 361, and a plurality of cathode gas inlets 351, specifically equal in number to the number of cathode gas outlets 352. That is, the coolant inlets 361 and cathode gas outlets 352 are located in the same second sub-region 322, and the coolant outlets 362 and cathode gas inlets 351 are located in the same second sub-region 322. Under this configuration, as described below, the cathode gas in the cathode gas flow field of the cathode plate 400 and the coolant in the coolant flow field can flow in substantially opposite directions (i.e., in a convection manner), thereby improving the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, which helps to improve the reliability of the single cell 100. Specifically, each coolant inlet 361 and each cathode gas outlet 352 are arranged alternately along a first direction X, and each coolant outlet 362 and each cathode gas inlet 351 are arranged alternately along the first direction X. This further improves the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thereby enhancing the reliability of the single cell 100. Specifically, each coolant inlet 361 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a cathode gas inlet 351 about a first centerline CL1, and each coolant outlet 362 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a cathode gas outlet 352 about the first centerline CL1. In this configuration, as described below, the flow directions of the cathode gas in the cathode gas flow field and the coolant in the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400 are not only substantially opposite but also intersect each other. This further improves the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thereby enhancing the reliability of the single cell 100.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the anode plate 300 is generally rectangular in shape, and its dimension (e.g., length) measured in the first direction X is greater than its dimension (e.g., width) measured in the second direction Y. That is, two first sub-regions 321 are located on the two short sides of the anode plate 300, while two second sub-regions 322 are located on the two long sides of the anode plate 300. In this configuration, the first coolant flow between the two first sub-regions 321 has a relatively long length, but is supplemented by the second coolant flow between the two second sub-regions 422 of the cathode plate 400 at a midpoint, thereby improving the cooling capacity of the anode plate 300. Furthermore, since the second coolant flow between the two second sub-regions 422 of the cathode plate 400 has a shorter length, the cathode plate 400 itself has a higher cooling capacity. Additionally, the cathode gas inlet 361 and cathode gas outlet 362 in the two second sub-regions 322 allow for a shorter length of the cathode gas flow channel of the cathode plate 400, which is more conducive to maintaining the cathode gas concentration in the cathode gas flow channel and thus improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction.

[0041] refer to Figures 6-9 ,in, Figure 6 A schematic front view of a cathode plate 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 It shows along Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate 400 taken from line VII-VII in the diagram. Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 A schematic rear view of the cathode plate 400 is shown, and Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate 400 taken from line IX-IX in the diagram. (See attached image.) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cathode plate 400 generally includes a flow field region (also referred to as a flow field portion) 410, a pipe region (also referred to as a pipe portion) 420 surrounding the flow field region 410, and a distribution region (also referred to as a distribution portion) 430 located between the flow field region 410 and the pipe region 420. In this configuration, the flow field region 410 is located in the central region of the cathode plate 400, the distribution region 430 is adjacent to the flow field region 410 and surrounds the flow field region 410 on its outer side, and the pipe region 420 is adjacent to the distribution region 430 and surrounds the distribution region 430 on its outer side. It should be noted that although in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flow field area 410, the pipe area 420, and the distribution area 430 are separated by a boundary line shown in dashed lines. However, this only indicates that the flow field area 410, the pipe area 420, and the distribution area 430 are different parts of the cathode plate 400 configured for different functions, and does not mean that there is an actual boundary line on the cathode plate 400 that physically separates the flow field area 410, the pipe area 420, and the distribution area 430.

[0042] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the cathode plate 400 has a reaction surface 401 intended to face the membrane electrode assembly 200 and a support surface 402 opposite to the reaction surface 401, the reaction surface 401 and the support surface 402 being spaced apart from each other along the thickness direction T of the cathode plate 400. On one side of the reaction surface 401, the flow field region 410 is provided with a plurality of reactant flow channels (also referred to as cathode gas flow channels) 411 recessed relative to the reaction surface 401. These cathode gas flow channels 411 are configured to allow cathode gas to flow therethrough, thereby forming the cathode gas flow field (also collectively referred to as the reactant flow field) of the cathode plate 400. These cathode gas flow channels 411 are arranged along a first direction X of the cathode plate 400 and extend along a second direction Y that is transverse to or perpendicular to the first direction X. These cathode gas flow channels 411 are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of reactant separation ribs (also referred to as cathode gas separation ribs) 412. Specifically, a cathode gas separating rib 412 is formed between any two adjacent cathode gas flow channels 411, such that each cathode gas separating rib 412 can space the two cathode gas flow channels 411 on its two sides apart, and thus can isolate the cathode gases in the cathode gas flow channels 411 on its two sides to prevent them from mixing. These cathode gas separating ribs 412 also extend along the second direction Y and are arranged or spaced apart along the first direction X. In short, the flow field region 410 has cathode gas flow channels 411 and cathode gas separating ribs 412 alternately arranged along the first direction X on one side of the reaction surface 401.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, on one side of the support surface 402, the flow field region 410 is provided with a plurality of coolant flow channels 413 recessed relative to the support surface 402 (in Figure 6(Shown in dashed lines) These coolant channels 413 are configured for coolant to flow through, thus forming the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400. Therefore, the coolant flow field and the cathode gas flow field are located on opposite sides of the cathode plate 400. These coolant channels 413 also extend along the second direction Y of the cathode plate 400 and are arranged along the first direction X. These coolant channels 413 are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of coolant separating ribs 414. Specifically, a coolant separating rib 414 is formed between any two adjacent coolant channels 413, such that each coolant separating rib 414 can space the two coolant channels 413 on its two sides apart from each other, and thus can isolate the coolant in the coolant channels 413 on its two sides to prevent them from mixing. These coolant separating ribs 414 also extend along the second direction Y and are arranged or spaced apart from each other along the first direction X. In short, the flow field region 410 has coolant channels 413 and coolant separating ribs 414 arranged alternately along the first direction X on one side of the support surface 402. It is worth mentioning that the plurality of cathode gas channels 411 on one side of the reaction surface 401 can correspond to the plurality of coolant separation ribs 414 on one side of the support surface 402. That is, each coolant separation rib 414 can be formed on one side of the support surface 402 due to the corresponding cathode gas channel 411 being recessed relative to the reaction surface 401. Furthermore, the plurality of cathode gas separation ribs 412 on one side of the reaction surface 401 can correspond to the plurality of coolant channels 413 on one side of the support surface 402. That is, each cathode gas separation rib 412 can be formed on one side of the reaction surface 401 due to the corresponding coolant channel 413 being recessed relative to the support surface 402. In this case, the cathode plate 400 can be stamped on one side of the reaction surface 401 to form each cathode gas channel 411, thereby passively forming each cathode gas separation rib 412 on one side of the reaction surface 401, and passively forming each coolant channel 413 and each coolant separation rib 414 on one side of the support surface 402. Of course, the cathode plate 400 can also be stamped on one side of the support surface 402 to form each coolant channel 413, thereby passively forming each coolant separation rib 414 on one side of the support surface 402, and passively forming each cathode gas channel 411 and each cathode gas separation rib 412 on one side of the reaction surface 401.

[0044] like Figure 6As shown, the pipe region 420 includes two first sub-regions (also referred to as first sub-sections) 421 and two second sub-regions (also referred to as second sub-sections) 422. The two first sub-regions 421 are located on opposite sides of the flow field region 410 along the first direction X of the cathode plate 400, while the two second sub-regions 422 are located on opposite sides of the flow field region 410 along the second direction Y of the cathode plate 400. Furthermore, the second direction Y is perpendicular (or transverse to) the first direction X, and the thickness direction T is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Further, one of the two first sub-regions 421 has one or more (… Figure 6 The diagram shows one coolant inlet 461, and the other of the two first sub-regions 421 is provided with one or more ( Figure 6 The diagram shows a coolant outlet 462, wherein each coolant inlet 461 and each coolant outlet 462 extends along the thickness direction T through the cathode plate 400, that is, from the reaction surface 401 to the support surface 402, and in particular, the number of coolant inlets 461 and coolant outlets 462 in the two first sub-regions 421 is equal. Furthermore, one of the two first sub-regions 421 has one or more (… Figure 6 The diagram shows one anode gas inlet 441, and the other of the two first sub-regions 321 is provided with one or more ( Figure 6 The diagram shows an anode gas outlet 442, wherein each anode gas inlet 441 and each anode gas outlet 442 extends along the thickness direction T through the cathode plate 400, that is, from the reaction surface 401 to the support surface 402, and in particular, the number of anode gas inlets 441 and anode gas outlets 442 in the two first sub-regions 421 is equal. Furthermore, one of the two second sub-regions 422 also has one or more (… Figure 6 Two coolant inlets 461 are shown, and another of the two second sub-regions 422 is also provided with one or more ( Figure 6 Two coolant outlets 462 are shown, wherein each coolant inlet 461 and each coolant outlet 462 extends along the thickness direction T through the anode plate 300, that is, from the reaction surface 401 to the support surface 402, and in particular, the number of coolant inlets 461 and coolant outlets 462 in the two second sub-regions 422 is equal. Furthermore, one of the two second sub-regions 422 is also provided with one or more (… Figure 6 The diagram shows two cathode gas inlets 451, and another of the two second sub-regions 422 is further provided with one or more (…). Figure 6Two cathode gas outlets 452 are shown, wherein each cathode gas inlet 451 and each cathode gas outlet 452 extends through the cathode plate 400 along the thickness direction T, that is, from the reaction surface 401 to the support surface 402, and in particular, the number of cathode gas inlets 451 and cathode gas outlets 452 in the two second sub-regions 422 is equal. In the above configuration, coolant inlets 461 and coolant outlets 462 and anode gas inlets 441 and anode gas outlets 442 are provided on both sides of the cathode plate 400, while coolant inlets 461 and coolant outlets 462 and cathode gas inlets 451 and cathode gas outlets 452 are provided on the other two sides of the cathode plate 400. Therefore, by providing the openings on different sides of the anode plate 300, the size of each opening is less restricted, thereby allowing for increased flow rates of anode gas, cathode gas, and coolant. Furthermore, since the coolant inlet 461 and coolant outlet 462 extend through the cathode plate 400, the coolant input flow and coolant output flow can flow through the cathode plate 400. Similarly, since the anode gas inlet 441 and anode gas outlet 442 extend through the cathode plate 400, the anode gas input flow and anode gas output flow can flow through the cathode plate 400. Likewise, since the cathode gas inlet 451 and cathode gas outlet 452 extend through the cathode plate 400, the cathode gas input flow and cathode gas output flow can flow through the cathode plate 400. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that, in order to receive cathode gas from the cathode gas inlet 451 and discharge cathode gas to the cathode gas outlet 452, each cathode gas flow channel 411 in the flow field region 410 is arranged such that one end is adjacent to a second sub-region 422, and the other end is adjacent to another second sub-region 422, extending between the two ends.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the distribution zone 430 has multiple sets of ( ) on one side of the reaction surface 401. Figure 6The diagram shows four sets of reactant distribution channels (also referred to as cathode gas distribution channels). Each set of cathode gas distribution channels includes multiple cathode gas distribution channels 431 recessed relative to the reaction surface 401 and configured to fluidly communicate cathode gas inlet 451 or cathode gas outlet 452 with some of the cathode gas channels 411 in the flow field region 410. That is, each cathode gas inlet 451 and each cathode gas outlet 452 corresponds to a set of cathode gas distribution channels and is fluidly communicated with some of the cathode gas channels 411 in the flow field region 410 through this set of cathode gas distribution channels, such that each cathode gas channel 411 is fluidly communicated at one end with a cathode gas inlet 451 through a cathode gas distribution channel 431 and at the other end with a cathode gas outlet 452 through another cathode gas distribution channel 431. These cathode gas distribution channels 431 constitute the cathode gas distribution flow field (also collectively referred to as the reactant distribution flow field). Therefore, the total number of cathode gas inlets 451 and cathode gas outlets 452 in the pipeline region 420 is equal to the number of groups of cathode gas distribution channels in the distribution region 430, and the total number of cathode gas distribution channels 431 in the distribution region 430 is twice the total number of cathode gas channels 411 in the flow field region 410. In the above configuration, each cathode gas flow channel 411 and the two cathode gas distribution channels 431 at its two ends constitute a flow path that fluidly connects the cathode gas inlet 451 and the cathode gas outlet 452. With the help of this flow path, the cathode gas in the cathode gas input flow flowing through the cathode gas inlet 451 can be transported to the cathode gas flow channel 411 by the cathode gas distribution channel 431. When flowing in the cathode gas flow channel 411, the cathode gas can be transported to the cathode catalyst layer by the cathode gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly 200 to participate in the electrochemical reaction. The cathode gas flowing through the cathode gas flow channel 411 can be transported to the cathode gas outlet 452 by the cathode gas distribution channel 431, and then converges into the cathode gas output flow flowing through the cathode gas outlet 452. Of course, the above embodiments are merely exemplary. Each cathode gas inlet 451 can be fluidly connected to multiple cathode gas channels 411 through a single cathode gas distribution channel 431, and each cathode gas outlet 452 can also be fluidly connected to multiple cathode gas channels 411 through a single cathode gas distribution channel 431.

[0046] Similar to the cathode gas distribution channel 431, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the distribution area 430 has a plurality of coolant distribution channels 432 recessed relative to the support surface 402 on one side of the support surface 402. Each coolant distribution channel 432 fluidly connects the coolant inlet 461 or coolant outlet 462 in the two second sub-areas 422 with one or more coolant channels 413, so that each coolant inlet 461 and each coolant outlet 462 in the two second sub-areas 422 are fluidly connected to one or more coolant channels 413 through one or more coolant distribution channels 432, and these coolant distribution channels 432 constitute a coolant distribution flow field. In the above configuration, the coolant in the coolant input stream flowing through the coolant inlet 461 in the second sub-region 422 can be transported to each coolant channel 413 by the coolant distribution channel 432. When flowing in each coolant channel 413, the coolant can absorb the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction. The coolant flowing through each coolant channel 413 can be transported to the coolant outlet 462 by the coolant distribution channel 432, and then converge into the coolant output stream flowing through the coolant outlet 462. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the distribution area 430 does not have a coolant distribution channel 432 on the support surface 302 side that fluidly connects the coolant inlet 461 and coolant outlet 462 in the two first sub-regions 421 with the coolant channel 413. Therefore, the coolant inlet 461 and coolant outlet 462 in the two first sub-regions 421 are not used to allow coolant to enter and exit the coolant flow field on the cathode plate 400, but are used to allow coolant to enter and exit the coolant flow field on the anode plate 300. In this configuration, a first coolant flow flowing along the first direction X can be generated in the coolant flow field of the anode plate 300, and a second coolant flow flowing along the second direction Y can be generated in the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400. Therefore, the second coolant flow can supplement the first coolant flow with low-temperature coolant in a direction transverse to the first coolant flow, thereby increasing the fluid pressure in the first coolant flow and reducing the temperature difference between the upstream and downstream of the first coolant flow, which can significantly improve the cooling capacity of the anode plate 300.

[0047] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, one of the two first sub-regions 421 is provided with one or more coolant inlets 461 and one or more anode gas outlets 442, while the other of the two first sub-regions 421 is provided with one or more coolant outlets 462 and one or more anode gas inlets 441. That is, the coolant inlets 461 and anode gas outlets 442 are located in the same first sub-region 421, and the coolant outlets 462 and anode gas inlets 441 are located in the same first sub-region 421. In this configuration, the anode gas in the anode gas flow field of the anode plate 300 matched with the cathode plate 400 and the coolant in the coolant flow field can flow in substantially opposite directions (i.e., in a convection manner), thereby improving the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thus contributing to the improvement of the reliability of the single cell 100. In particular, as Figure 6 As shown, the cathode plate 400 has an imaginary first centerline CL1 extending along a first direction X and an imaginary second centerline CL2 extending along a second direction Y. The coolant inlet 461 and the anode gas inlet 441 in the two first sub-regions 421 are arranged symmetrically about the second centerline CL2, and the coolant outlet 462 and the anode gas outlet 442 in the two first sub-regions 421 are also arranged symmetrically about the second centerline CL2. This can further improve the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thereby improving the reliability of the single cell 100.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, one of the two second sub-regions 422 is provided with a plurality of coolant inlets 461, and the other of the two second sub-regions 422 is provided with a plurality of coolant outlets 462, specifically equal in number to the number of coolant inlets 461. In this configuration, by utilizing multiple coolant inlets 461 and coolant outlets 462 for the coolant input and output flows, the size of each coolant inlet 461 and coolant outlet 462 can be reduced compared to the case of only providing a single coolant inlet and coolant outlet. This allows more area on the cathode plate 400 to be reserved for increasing the area of ​​each flow field, and reduces the difficulty of distributing coolant between the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400 and the coolant inlets 361 and coolant outlets 362 in the two second sub-regions 422, thereby helping to improve the cooling capacity of the cathode plate 400. In addition, the multiple coolant inlets 461 and coolant outlets 462 help to make the coolant flow rate in each coolant channel 413 of the cathode plate 400 more uniform, which helps to make the temperature distribution within the single cell 100 more uniform.

[0049] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, one of the two second sub-regions 422 is provided with a plurality of cathode gas inlets 451, and the other of the two second sub-regions 422 is provided with a plurality of cathode gas outlets 452, specifically equal in number to the cathode gas inlets 451. In this configuration, by supplying cathode gas to the cathode gas flow field using the plurality of cathode gas inlets 451 and receiving cathode gas from the cathode gas flow field using the plurality of cathode gas outlets 452, the size of each cathode gas inlet 451 and cathode gas outlet 452 can be reduced compared to the case of only providing a single cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet. This allows for more space on the cathode plate 400 to increase the area of ​​each flow field and reduces the difficulty of distributing cathode gas between the cathode gas flow field and the cathode gas inlets 451 and cathode gas outlets 452, thereby contributing to improved efficiency of the electrochemical reaction. Furthermore, multiple cathode gas inlets 451 and cathode gas outlets 452 help to make the gas density in each cathode gas channel 411 more uniform. This allows the electrochemical reaction to occur more uniformly in the first direction X on each catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly 200, resulting in a more uniform current density on each catalyst layer and avoiding local hot spots caused by uneven current density. It is also worth mentioning that by providing multiple cathode gas outlets 452, the cathode plate 400 can discharge water generated by the electrochemical reaction through multiple cathode gas outlets 452. Compared with a scheme that drains water through a single cathode gas outlet, this significantly reduces the risk of flooding at the cathode gas outlet 452, thereby further improving the reliability of the single cell 100.

[0050] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, one of the two second sub-regions 422 is provided with a plurality of coolant inlets 461 and a plurality of cathode gas outlets 452, and the other of the two second sub-regions 422 is provided with a plurality of coolant outlets 462, specifically equal in number to the number of coolant inlets 461, and a plurality of cathode gas inlets 451, specifically equal in number to the number of cathode gas outlets 452. That is, the coolant inlets 461 and cathode gas outlets 452 are located in the same second sub-region 422, and the coolant outlets 462 and cathode gas inlets 451 are located in the same second sub-region 422. With this configuration, the cathode gas in the cathode gas flow field of the cathode plate 400 and the coolant in the coolant flow field can flow in substantially opposite directions (i.e., in a convection manner), thereby improving the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, which helps to improve the reliability of the single cell 100. Specifically, each coolant inlet 461 and each cathode gas outlet 452 are arranged alternately along a first direction X, and each coolant outlet 462 and each cathode gas inlet 451 are arranged alternately along the first direction X. This further improves the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thereby enhancing the reliability of the single cell 100. Specifically, each coolant inlet 461 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a cathode gas inlet 451 about a first centerline CL1, and each coolant outlet 462 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a cathode gas outlet 452 about the first centerline CL1. In this configuration, the flow directions of the cathode gas in the cathode gas flow field and the coolant in the coolant flow field of the cathode plate 400 are not only substantially opposite but also intersect each other, thereby further improving the uniformity of the internal temperature of the single cell 100, thereby enhancing the reliability of the single cell 100.

[0051] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the cathode plate 400 is generally rectangular in shape, and its dimension (e.g., length) measured in the first direction X is greater than its dimension (e.g., width) measured in the second direction Y. That is, two first sub-regions 421 are located on the two short sides of the cathode plate 400, while two second sub-regions 422 are located on the two long sides of the cathode plate 400. In this configuration, the first coolant flow between the two first sub-regions 321 of the anode plate 300, which matches the cathode plate 400, has a relatively long length, but is supplemented by a second coolant flow between the two second sub-regions 422 of the cathode plate 400 at a midpoint. This improves the cooling capacity of the anode plate 300, and because the second coolant flow between the two second sub-regions 422 of the cathode plate 400 has a shorter length, the cathode plate 400 itself has a higher cooling capacity. Furthermore, the cathode gas flow channel 411 of the cathode plate 400 is relatively short, which is more conducive to maintaining the cathode gas concentration in the cathode gas flow channel 411, thereby improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction.

[0052] The preceding text uses Figures 2-5 and Figures 6-9 Alternative, but non-limiting, embodiments of the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400 according to this disclosure are described respectively. As can be seen from the foregoing, except that the reactant flow field and coolant flow field in the flow field region are fluidly connected to different reactant inlets and outlets, and coolant inlets and outlets in the pipe region, through reactant distribution channels and coolant distribution channels in the distribution region, the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400 have substantially the same configuration; therefore, the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400 can be joined together (e.g., by welding) to form a bipolar plate 500. Reference Figures 10-14 ,in, Figure 10 A schematic front view of a bipolar plate 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, with the bipolar plate 500 shown with its anode plate 300 facing the reader.

[0053] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate 500 taken from line XI-XI.

[0054] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate 500 taken from line XII-XII in the diagram. Figure 13 It shows along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of bipolar plate 500 taken from line XIII-XIII in the diagram, and Figure 14 It shows along Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate 500 cut by line XIV-XIV. (See diagram below.) Figures 10-14 As shown, the bipolar plate 500 includes an anode plate 300 and a cathode plate 400 joined together, wherein the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400 are stacked together along the thickness direction T, so the thickness direction T can also be referred to as the stacking direction. Additionally, as... Figures 11-14 As shown, the stacking arrangement of the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400 is such that the reaction surface 301 of the anode plate 300 and the reaction surface 401 of the cathode plate 400 face opposite directions; in other words, the support surface 302 of the anode plate 300 and the support surface 402 of the cathode plate 400 face each other (specifically, they are in contact or abutting each other). Figure 10As shown, the stacking arrangement of the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400 further aligns the coolant inlet 361, coolant outlet 362, anode gas inlet 341, and anode gas outlet 342 in the two first sub-regions 321 of the pipe region 320 of the anode plate 300 with the coolant inlet 461, coolant outlet 462, anode gas inlet 441, and anode gas outlet 442 in the two first sub-regions 421 of the pipe region 420 of the cathode plate 400, respectively, so that the coolant input flow, coolant output flow, anode gas input flow, and anode gas output flow can... The coolant inlet 361, coolant outlet 362, cathode gas inlet 351, and cathode gas outlet 352 in the two second sub-regions 322 of the conduit region 320 of the anode plate 300 are respectively aligned with the coolant inlet 461, coolant outlet 462, cathode gas inlet 451, and cathode gas outlet 452 in the two second sub-regions 422 of the conduit region 420 of the cathode plate 400, so that the coolant input flow, coolant output flow, cathode gas input flow, and cathode gas output flow can flow through the bipolar plate 500. In this configuration, the anode gas flow field provided by the anode plate 300 and the cathode gas flow field provided by the cathode plate 400 are located on opposite sides of the bipolar plate 500, while the coolant flow field provided by the anode plate 300 and the coolant flow field provided by the cathode plate 400 are located in the middle of the bipolar plate 500. Therefore, the anode gas in the anode gas input flow can be transported to the anode gas flow field on one side of the bipolar plate 500 (i.e., the side of the reaction surface 301) and then transported to the anode gas output flow after flowing through the anode gas flow field. Similarly, the cathode gas in the cathode gas input flow can be transported to the cathode gas flow field on the other side of the bipolar plate 500 (i.e., the side of the reaction surface 401) and then transported to the cathode gas output flow after flowing through the cathode gas flow field. Furthermore, the coolant in the coolant input flow can be transported to the two coolant flow fields in the middle of the bipolar plate 500 and then transported to the coolant output flow after flowing through the two coolant flow fields. Therefore, the bipolar plate 500 with the above configuration can supply anode gas to the membrane electrode assembly 200 of one single cell 100 on one side and cathode gas to the membrane electrode assembly 200 of another single cell 100 on the other side, while absorbing the heat generated by the two single cells 100 in the middle through a coolant.

[0055] like Figure 10 As shown, the coolant flow channel 313 of the anode plate 300 is indicated by dashed lines, and the coolant flow channel 413 of the cathode plate 400 is indicated by dotted lines. Figure 11 and Figure 14As can be seen, each coolant channel 313 extends along the first direction X and has a particularly straight path, each coolant channel 413 extends along the second direction Y and also has a particularly straight path, and each coolant channel 313 is in fluid communication with all coolant channels 413, and each coolant channel 413 is in fluid communication with all coolant channels 313. In this configuration, each coolant channel 313 can be in fluid communication with each other by means of each coolant channel 413, and each coolant channel 413 can be in fluid communication with each other by means of each coolant channel 313. Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, when viewed along the thickness direction T, the above configuration allows the coolant flow field provided by the anode plate 300 and the coolant flow field provided by the cathode plate 400 to be combined into a mesh-like overall coolant flow field, which can absorb the heat generated by the two single cells 100 on both sides through the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, each coolant partition rib 314 extends along a first direction X and has a straight path, each coolant partition rib 414 extends along a second direction Y and also has a straight path, and each coolant partition rib 314 contacts all coolant partition ribs 414, while each coolant partition rib 414 contacts all coolant partition ribs 314. In this configuration, as... Figure 10 As shown, each coolant separation rib 314 and each coolant separation rib 414 are in contact at multiple locations distributed in a matrix. This contact can increase the contact area between the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400, thereby reducing their contact resistance, and can also provide sufficient mechanical support for them in the flow field region, so that the bipolar plate 500 can withstand greater assembly force in the fuel cell 10, thereby achieving a more reliable seal.

[0057] It should be noted that the straight paths of the coolant channels and coolant partition ribs along the first direction X or the second direction Y described above are merely exemplary. In embodiments not shown, the coolant channels 313, 413 and the coolant partition ribs 314, 414 may also follow straight paths inclined relative to both the first direction X and the second direction Y, or they may follow curved or S-shaped paths. These inclined straight or curved paths can also allow the coolant channels 313, 413 to achieve fluid communication with each other as described above and allow the coolant partition ribs 314, 414 to achieve mutual contact as described above. Therefore, the specific paths and directions followed by the coolant channels 313, 413 and the coolant partition ribs 314, 414 do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0058] The foregoing has described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, alternative but non-limiting embodiments of the monopolar plate, bipolar plate, and fuel cell according to this disclosure. Modifications and additions to the technology and structure, as well as recombinations of features in the various embodiments, should be considered within the scope of this disclosure without departing from its spirit and essence. Therefore, such modifications and additions conceivable under the teachings of this disclosure should be considered part of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure includes equivalent technologies known at the filing date of this disclosure and equivalent technologies not yet foreseen.

Claims

1. A monopolar plate having opposing reaction surfaces (301, 401) and support surfaces (302, 402), and including flow field regions (310, 410) and conduit regions (320, 420) surrounding said flow field regions. in, The flow field region is provided with a reactant flow field on the reaction surface for the flow of reactants, and a coolant flow field on the support surface for the flow of coolant. The pipeline region includes two first sub-regions (321, 421) located on opposite sides of the flow field region along a first direction (X), and two second sub-regions (322, 422) located on opposite sides of the flow field region along a second direction (Y), the second direction (Y) being perpendicular to the first direction (X). Each of the two first sub-regions has a coolant inlet (361, 461) and a coolant outlet (362, 462) extending through the monopolar plate, and also has an anode gas inlet (341, 441) and an anode gas outlet (342, 442) extending through the monopolar plate. Similarly, each of the two second sub-regions has a coolant inlet (361, 461) and a coolant outlet (362, 462) extending through the monopolar plate, and also has a cathode gas inlet (351, 451) and a cathode gas outlet (352, 452) extending through the monopolar plate. The reactant flow field is connected to the anode gas inlet and the anode gas outlet or to the cathode gas inlet and the cathode gas outlet, and the coolant flow field is connected to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.

2. The monopolar plate according to claim 1, wherein, The monopolar plate further includes a distribution area (330, 430) located between the flow field area (310, 410) and the pipe area (320, 420). The distribution area is provided on the reaction surface with a reactant distribution flow field that connects the reactant flow field to the anode gas inlet and the anode gas outlet or to the cathode gas inlet and the cathode gas outlet, and on the support surface with a coolant distribution flow field that connects the coolant flow field to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.

3. The monopolar plate according to claim 1, wherein, One of the two first sub-regions (321, 421) is provided with a coolant inlet (361, 461) and an anode gas outlet (342, 442), and the other of the two first sub-regions (321, 421) is provided with a coolant outlet (362, 462) and an anode gas inlet (341, 441).

4. The monopolar plate according to claim 3, wherein, In the two first sub-regions (321, 421), the coolant inlet (361, 461) and the anode gas inlet (341, 441) are arranged symmetrically about a second centerline (CL2) extending along the second direction (Y), and the coolant outlet (362, 462) and the anode gas outlet (342, 442) are arranged symmetrically about the second centerline (CL2).

5. The monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The two second sub-regions (322, 422) are each provided with multiple coolant inlets (361, 461) and multiple coolant outlets (362, 462).

6. The monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The two second sub-regions (322, 422) are respectively provided with multiple cathode gas inlets (351, 451) and multiple cathode gas outlets (352, 452).

7. The monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, One of the two second sub-regions (322, 422) is provided with multiple coolant inlets (361, 461) and multiple cathode gas outlets (352, 452), and the other of the two second sub-regions (322, 422) is provided with multiple coolant outlets (362, 462) and multiple cathode gas inlets (351, 451).

8. The monopolar plate according to claim 7, wherein, In the two second sub-regions (322, 422), the coolant inlet (361, 461) and the cathode gas outlet (352, 452) are arranged alternately along the first direction (X), and the coolant outlet (362, 462) and the cathode gas inlet (351, 451) are arranged alternately along the first direction (X).

9. The monopolar plate according to claim 7, wherein, In the two second sub-regions (322, 422), the coolant inlets (361, 461) and the cathode gas inlets (351, 451) are arranged symmetrically about a first centerline (CL1) extending along the first direction (X), and the coolant outlets (362, 462) and the cathode gas outlets (352, 452) are arranged symmetrically about the first centerline (CL1).

10. The monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The dimension of the monopole plate measured along the first direction (X) is greater than the dimension measured along the second direction (Y).

11. The monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The reactant flow field is connected to the anode gas inlet (341, 441) and the anode gas outlet (342, 442), and the coolant flow field is connected to the coolant inlet (361, 461) and the coolant outlet (362, 462) in the two first sub-regions (321, 421).

12. The monopolar plate according to claim 11, wherein, The reactive flow field is composed of a plurality of reactive flow channels (311, 411) that are recessed relative to the reactive surface and extend along the first direction (X), and the coolant flow field is composed of a plurality of coolant flow channels (313, 413) that are recessed relative to the support surface and extend along the first direction (X).

13. The monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The reactive flow field is connected to the cathode gas inlet (351, 451) and the cathode gas outlet (352, 452), and the coolant flow field is connected to the coolant inlet (361, 461) and coolant outlet (362, 462) in the two second sub-regions (322, 422).

14. The monopolar plate according to claim 13, wherein, The reactive flow field is composed of a plurality of reactive flow channels (311, 411) that are recessed relative to the reactive surface and extend along the second direction (Y), and the coolant flow field is composed of a plurality of coolant flow channels (313, 413) that are recessed relative to the support surface and extend along the second direction (Y).

15. A bipolar plate comprising: An anode plate (300), said anode plate (300) being constructed of a single-electrode plate according to any one of claims 1-12, and said anode plate (300) having a reactant flow field in communication with its anode gas inlet and anode gas outlet; and A cathode plate (400) is constructed of a single-electrode plate according to any one of claims 1-10 and 13-14, and the reactive material field of the cathode plate (400) is connected to its cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet. The supporting surface of the anode plate (300) is in contact with the supporting surface of the cathode plate (400), and the coolant inlet, coolant outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet of the anode plate (300) are respectively aligned with the coolant inlet, coolant outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet of the cathode plate (400).

16. The bipolar plate according to claim 15, wherein, The coolant flow field of the anode plate (300) is composed of a plurality of coolant channels recessed relative to its supporting surface, and the coolant flow field of the cathode plate (400) is composed of a plurality of coolant channels recessed relative to its supporting surface. Each coolant channel of the anode plate (300) is connected to all the coolant channels of the cathode plate (400), and each coolant channel of the cathode plate (400) is connected to all the coolant channels of the anode plate (300).

17. The bipolar plate according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The anode plate (300) is provided with a plurality of coolant separation ribs that separate its coolant channels from each other, and the cathode plate (400) is provided with a plurality of coolant separation ribs that separate its coolant channels from each other. Each coolant separation rib of the anode plate (300) is in contact with all the coolant separation ribs of the cathode plate (400), and each coolant separation rib of the cathode plate (400) is in contact with all the coolant separation ribs of the anode plate (300).

18. A fuel cell comprising a plurality of single cells (100) stacked together, in, Each single cell (100) includes a membrane electrode assembly (200) and an anode plate (300) and a cathode plate (400) located on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly (200). The anode plate (300) is composed of a monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1-12, and the reaction surface of the anode plate (300) is in contact with the membrane electrode assembly (200) and its reactive flow field is connected to its anode gas inlet and anode gas outlet; and The cathode plate (400) is composed of a single electrode plate according to any one of claims 1-10 and 13-14, and the reaction surface of the cathode plate (400) is in contact with the membrane electrode assembly (200) and its reaction flow field is connected to its cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet.

19. The fuel cell according to claim 18, wherein, The coolant inlet, coolant outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet, and cathode gas outlet of the anode plate (300) are respectively aligned with the coolant inlet, coolant outlet, anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet, and cathode gas outlet of the cathode plate (400).

20. A fuel cell comprising a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (200) and a plurality of bipolar plates according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The membrane electrode assembly (200) and the bipolar plate are arranged alternately.

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