Bipolar plates, single cells and stacks

CN122968329APending Publication Date: 2026-10-23ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510523147.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-23
Publication Date
2026-10-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

然而,在现有的燃料电池中,需要在电堆中对一系列MEA和双极板施加较大的夹紧力来防止阳极气体、阴极气体和冷却剂的泄漏,而这会导致气体扩散层侵入构成阳极气体流场的阳极气体流道和构成阴极气体流场的阴极气体流道中,阳极气体流道和阴极气体流道将因此堵塞从而导致反应物流体压力下降,而这会降低电化学反应的效率以及单电池的功率

Benefits of technology

[0005]为了解决上述现有技术中的问题,本公开提出了一种改进的用于燃料电池的单电池,其包括膜电极组件以及沿着堆叠方向堆叠在所述膜电极组件两侧的阳极板和阴极板,其中,所述阳极板包括用于将构成阳极气体流场的多个阳极气体流道彼此分开的多个阳极气体分隔肋,每个阳极气体分隔肋的顶面抵靠所述膜电极组件,其中,所述阴极板包括用于将构成阴极气体流场的多个阴极气体流道彼此分开的多个阴极气体分隔肋,每个阴极气体分隔肋的顶面抵靠所述膜电极组件,并且其中,每个阳极气体分隔肋的顶面的沿着其整个长度延伸的至少一部分沿着所述堆叠方向与相应阴极气体分隔肋的顶面的沿着其整个长度延伸的至少一部分对准。

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Abstract

The present disclosure proposes bipolar plates, single cells, and stacks, the single cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly and an anode plate and a cathode plate stacked along a stacking direction on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly, wherein the anode plate comprises a plurality of anode gas separation ribs for separating a plurality of anode gas flow channels constituting an anode gas flow field from each other, a top surface of each anode gas separation rib abutting against the membrane electrode assembly, wherein the cathode plate comprises a plurality of cathode gas separation ribs for separating a plurality of cathode gas flow channels constituting a cathode gas flow field from each other, a top surface of each cathode gas separation rib abutting against the membrane electrode assembly, and wherein at least a portion of the top surface of each anode gas separation rib extending along its entire length is aligned along the stacking direction with at least a portion of the top surface of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib extending along its entire length.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a bipolar plate, a single cell, and a stack for a fuel cell. 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 includes a series of bipolar plates positioned between several MEAs (Mechanical Absorbers) within a 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. However, in existing fuel cells, significant clamping forces are required on the series of MEAs and bipolar plates within the stack to prevent leakage of anode gas, cathode gas, and coolant. This causes a gas diffusion layer to intrude into the anode gas channels constituting the anode gas flow field and the cathode gas channels constituting the cathode gas flow field. This blockage of the anode and cathode gas channels leads to a drop in reactant gas pressure, which reduces the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and the power output of each individual cell.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution that can reliably prevent the anode gas flow channel and cathode gas flow channel from being blocked by the gas diffusion layer, thereby maintaining the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and the power of the single cell. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure proposes an improved single cell for a fuel cell, comprising a membrane electrode assembly and an anode plate and a cathode plate stacked on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly along a stacking direction. The anode plate includes a plurality of anode gas separation ribs for separating a plurality of anode gas channels constituting an anode gas flow field from each other, with the top surface of each anode gas separation rib abutting the membrane electrode assembly. The cathode plate includes a plurality of cathode gas separation ribs for separating a plurality of cathode gas channels constituting a cathode gas flow field from each other, with the top surface of each cathode gas separation rib abutting the membrane electrode assembly. Furthermore, at least a portion of the top surface of each anode gas separation rib extending along its entire length is aligned along the stacking direction with at least a portion of the top surface of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib extending along its entire length.

[0006] Similarly, in order to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes an improved fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of single cells as described in this disclosure stacked together along a stacking direction.

[0007] Similarly, to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes an improved bipolar plate for a fuel cell, comprising an anode plate and a cathode plate stacked together along a stacking direction, wherein the anode plate includes a plurality of anode coolant separation ribs for separating a plurality of anode coolant channels constituting a coolant flow field from each other, wherein the cathode plate includes a plurality of cathode coolant separation ribs for separating a plurality of cathode coolant channels constituting a coolant flow field from each other, and wherein the top surface of each anode coolant separation rib contacts the top surface of the corresponding cathode coolant separation rib in an overlapping region extending along their entire length.

[0008] Similarly, in order to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes another improved fuel cell stack, which includes a plurality of bipolar plates as described in this disclosure and a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies stacked together along a stacking direction, wherein the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode assemblies are arranged alternately along the stacking direction.

[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 stack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic assembly cross-section of the fuel cell stack, taken from line II-II in the diagram;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of an anode plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate taken by line IV-IV in the diagram;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic rear view of the anode plate shown;

[0016] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate taken by line VI-VI in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view of a cathode plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate taken by line VIII-VIII in the diagram;

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic rear view of the cathode plate shown;

[0020] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate taken by line XX in the diagram;

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic front view of an anode plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 12 This is a schematic front view of a cathode plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of each anode gas separator rib and each cathode gas separator rib when viewed along the stacking direction. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] This disclosure aims to provide an improved bipolar plate, single cell, and stack consisting of a bipolar plate and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) or a single cell for a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell type fuel cell. The single cell according to this disclosure, due to its novel design of the cathode and anode plates, effectively suppresses MEA intrusion into the reactant flow channels, thereby reliably maintaining the flow area of ​​the reactant flow channels and thus maintaining the fluid pressure within the reactant flow channels. This contributes to improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction, thereby increasing the power of the single cell. The bipolar plate according to this disclosure, due to its novel design of the cathode and anode plates, effectively reduces the contact resistance between the cathode and anode plates. This not only reliably increases the power density of the stack consisting of the bipolar plate and MEA, but also helps reduce the heat generated by the stack, thereby reducing the heat dissipation pressure of the stack and making the temperature distribution more uniform. In particular, the novel design of the cathode and anode plates of the bipolar plate and single cell according to this disclosure also helps maintain the humidity of the MEA and improve the distribution of reactants within the MEA, which can further improve the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction, thereby increasing the power of the single cell.

[0026] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various alternative but non-limiting embodiments of bipolar plates, single cells, and stacks for fuel cells according to this disclosure.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell stack 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell stack (also known as a fuel cell stack) 10 includes multiple ( ) stacked together along the stacking direction SS'. Figure 1The diagram shows three generally plate-shaped or sheet-shaped single cells 100. Each single cell 100 includes a generally plate-shaped or sheet-shaped membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 200 stacked together along the stacking direction SS', 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, and 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 stack 10 can also be considered to consist of 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 stack 10 is merely exemplary. For a stack 10 having a single cell (mono-cell) form, the anode plates 300 and cathode plates 400 of two adjacent single cells 100 may not be combined.

[0028] refer to Figure 2 , which shows along Figure 1 A schematic assembly cross-sectional view of the fuel cell stack 10, taken from line II-II. (See diagram below.) Figure 2As shown, the membrane electrode assembly 200 of each single cell 100 includes a proton exchange membrane 210, an anode catalyst layer 220, a cathode catalyst layer 230, an anode gas diffusion layer 240, and a cathode gas diffusion layer 250 stacked together along the stacking direction SS'. The anode catalyst layer 220 and the cathode catalyst layer 230 are located on opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane 210, the anode gas diffusion layer 240 is located on the side of the anode catalyst layer 220 opposite to the proton exchange membrane 210, and the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 is located on the side of the cathode catalyst layer 230 opposite to the proton exchange membrane 210. In addition, the anode plate 300 of each single cell 100 abuts against the anode gas diffusion layer 240, and a plurality of anode gas channels 311 for anode gas flow (that is, for guiding the anode gas flow) are provided on the surface facing the anode gas diffusion layer 240 (hereinafter referred to as the reaction surface). These anode gas channels 311 extend in a direction transverse to the stacking direction SS' and open toward the anode gas diffusion layer 240 in the stacking direction SS', so that the anode gas can flow in each anode gas channel 311 in a direction transverse to the stacking direction SS', and can enter the anode gas diffusion layer 240 and then be transported by the anode gas diffusion layer 240 to the anode catalyst layer 220. Similar to the anode plate 300, the cathode plate 400 of each single cell 100 abuts against the cathode gas diffusion layer 250, and has a plurality of cathode gas channels 411 for cathode gas flow (that is, for guiding cathode gas flow) on the surface facing the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 (hereinafter referred to as the reaction surface). These cathode gas channels 411 extend in a direction transverse to the stacking direction SS' and open toward the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 in the stacking direction SS', so that cathode gas can flow in each cathode gas channel 411 in a direction transverse to the stacking direction SS', and can enter the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 and then be transported by the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 to the cathode catalyst layer 230.

[0029] The anolyte gas delivered to the anode catalyst layer 220 will undergo an electrochemical reaction with the cathode gas delivered to the cathode catalyst layer 230 to generate electrical energy. Specifically, during the operation of the fuel cell stack 10, the anode gas input stream and the anode gas output stream will flow along the stacking direction SS' through each single cell 100. The anode gas in the anode gas input stream will be guided to the anode gas output stream by the anode gas channel 311 of the anode plate 300, and during this process, it will be delivered to the anode catalyst layer 220 by the anode gas diffusion layer 240. Simultaneously, the cathode gas input stream and the cathode gas output stream will also flow along the stacking direction SS' through each single cell 100. The cathode gas in the cathode gas input stream will be guided to the cathode gas output stream by the cathode gas channel 411 of the cathode plate 400, and during this process, it will be delivered to the cathode catalyst layer 230 by the cathode gas diffusion layer 250. At the anode catalyst layer 220, the anode gas will decompose into protons and electrons under the action of the catalyst material (i.e., an oxidation reaction occurs: 2H₂ → 4H₂). + +4e - ), of which, proton (H + Electrons can travel from the anode catalyst layer 220 through the proton exchange membrane 210 to the cathode catalyst layer 230, while electrons (e - Since it cannot pass through the proton exchange membrane 210 and can only reach the cathode catalyst layer 230 through an external circuit, it can supply power to the electrical load on the external circuit; while at the cathode catalyst layer 230, the cathode gas will react with protons (H) under the action of the catalyst material. + ) and electrons (e - The O₂ and H₂ combine to form water (i.e., a reduction reaction occurs: O₂ + 4H₂) + +4e - →2H2O). In this way, each single cell 100 can generate electricity through the redox reaction of the anode and cathode gases (i.e., the electrochemical reaction mentioned herein) to power electrical loads on an external circuit. Of course, water and heat will be generated as byproducts along with the electrical energy.

[0030] refer to Figures 3-6 ,in, Figure 3 A schematic front view of an anode plate 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate 300 taken from line IV-IV in the diagram. Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A schematic rear view of the anode plate 300 shown, and Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the anode plate 300 taken from line VI-VI. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the anode plate 300 generally includes or can be divided into a flow field region (also called a flow field section) 310, two pipe regions (also called pipe sections) located on both sides of the flow field region 310 in the first direction X1, and two distribution regions (also called distribution sections) 330 located between the flow field region 310 and the two pipe regions 320. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the flow field region 310 is located in the central region of the anode plate 300. Two distribution regions 330 are adjacent to the flow field region 310 and located on opposite sides of the flow field region 310 along the first direction X1. Two pipe regions 320 are adjacent to the two distribution regions 330, and each pipe region 320 is located on the opposite side of the adjacent distribution region 330 from the flow field region 310, such that each distribution region 330 is located between the flow field region 310 and one pipe region 320. It should be noted that, although in Figure 3 The flow field area 310, the pipe area 320, and the distribution area 330 are separated by a boundary line represented by a dotted line. 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 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the anode plate 300 has a reaction surface 301 intended to face the anode gas diffusion layer 240 of 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, which is in the same direction as the stacking direction SS'. 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 channels) 311 recessed relative to the reaction surface 301. These anode gas channels 311 are configured to guide the flow of anode gas, thereby forming the anode gas flow field (also collectively referred to as the reactant flow field) of the anode plate 300. These anode gas channels 311 extend along a first direction X1 and are arranged along a second direction X2 that is transverse to or perpendicular to the first direction X1, wherein both the first direction X1 and the second direction X2 are transverse to or perpendicular to the thickness direction T, and the first direction X1 may also be referred to as the flow direction, and the second direction X2 may also be referred to as the arrangement direction. These anolyte gas channels 311 are separated from each other by multiple reactant separation ribs (also called anolyte gas separation ribs) 312. Specifically, an anolyte gas separation rib 312 is formed between any two adjacent anolyte gas channels 311, such as... Figure 2As shown, the top surface 312a of these anode gas separating ribs 312 is designed to abut against the anode gas diffusion layer 240 so that each anode gas separating rib 312 can isolate the two anode gas channels 311 on its two sides from each other. These anode gas separating ribs 312 also extend along the first direction X1 and are arranged along the second direction X2 so that they can be spaced apart from each other by multiple anode gas channels 311. In short, the flow field region 310 has anode gas channels 311 and anode gas separating ribs 312 arranged alternately along the second direction X2 on one side of the reaction surface 301.

[0032] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, on one side of the support surface 302, the flow field region 310 is provided with a plurality of anode coolant channels 313 recessed relative to the support surface 302. These anode coolant channels 313 are configured to guide coolant flow, thereby 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 anode coolant channels 313 extend along a first direction X1 and are arranged along a second direction X2. These anode coolant channels 313 are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of anode coolant separating ribs 314. Specifically, an anode coolant separating rib 314 is formed between any two adjacent anode coolant channels 313, such as... Figure 2As shown, the top surface 314a of these anode coolant separating ribs 314 is designed to abut against the cathode plate 400 of another single cell 100, so that each anode coolant separating rib 314 can isolate the two anode coolant channels 313 on its two sides from each other, and these anode coolant separating ribs 314 also extend along the first direction X1 and are arranged along the second direction X2, so that these anode coolant separating ribs 314 can be spaced apart from each other by a plurality of anode coolant channels 313. In short, the flow field region 310 has anode coolant channels 313 and anode coolant separating ribs 314 arranged alternately along the second direction X2 on one side of the support surface 302. Specifically, the plurality of anode gas channels 311 on one side of the reaction surface 301 can correspond to the plurality of anode coolant separation ribs 314 on one side of the support surface 302. That is, each anode 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 anode coolant channels 313 on one side of the support surface 302. That is, each anode gas separation rib 312 can be formed on one side of the reaction surface 301 due to the corresponding anode 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 anode coolant channel 313 and each anode coolant separation rib 314 on one side of the support surface 302. Of course, the anode plate 300 can also be stamped on the side of the support surface 302 to form each anode coolant channel 313, thereby passively forming each anode coolant separation rib 314 on the side of the support surface 302, and passively forming each anode gas channel 311 and each anode gas separation rib 312 on the side of the reaction surface 301.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, one of the two pipe sections 320 is provided with an anode gas inlet 341, a cathode gas outlet 352, and a coolant inlet 361 extending along the thickness direction T through the anode plate 300, and the other of the two pipe sections 320 is provided with an anode gas outlet 342, a cathode gas inlet 351, and a coolant outlet 362, also extending along the thickness direction T through the anode plate 300. In this configuration, the anode gas inlet 341 allows the anode gas input flow to pass through the anode plate 300, the anode gas outlet 342 allows the anode gas output flow to pass through the anode plate 300, the cathode gas inlet 351 allows the cathode gas input flow to pass through the anode plate 300, the cathode gas outlet 352 allows the cathode gas output flow to pass through the anode plate 300, the coolant inlet 361 allows the coolant input flow to pass through the anode plate 300, and the coolant outlet 362 allows the coolant output flow to pass through the anode plate 300.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the two distribution zones 330 are respectively provided on one side of the reaction surface 301 with an anode gas distribution flow field 331 that fluidly connects the anode gas inlet 341 with the anode gas flow field (i.e., each anode gas flow channel 311) and an anode gas collection flow field 332 that fluidly connects the anode gas outlet 342 with the anode gas flow field (i.e., each anode gas flow channel 311), so that each anode gas flow channel 311 is fluidly connected to the anode gas inlet 341 at one end through the anode gas distribution flow field 331 and to the anode gas outlet 342 at the other end through the anode gas collection flow field 332. In this configuration, the anolyte gas in the anolyte gas input stream flowing through the anolyte gas inlet 341 can be transported to each anolyte gas channel 311 by the anolyte gas distribution flow field 331; while flowing in the anolyte gas channel 311, the anolyte gas can be transported to the anolyte catalyst layer 220 by the anolyte gas diffusion layer 240 to participate in the electrochemical reaction as described above; and the anolyte gas flowing through the anolyte gas channel 311 can be transported to the anolyte gas outlet 342 by the anolyte gas collection flow field 332, and then converged into the anolyte gas output stream flowing through the anolyte gas outlet 342. Specifically, the anolyte gas distribution flow field 331 can be composed of multiple anolyte gas distribution channels recessed relative to the reaction surface 301, and the anolyte gas collection flow field 332 can be composed of multiple anolyte gas collection channels recessed relative to the reaction surface 301. Additionally, as... Figure 5As shown, the two distribution areas 330 are respectively provided on one side of the support surface 302 with a coolant distribution flow field 333 that fluidly connects the coolant inlet 361 with the coolant flow field (i.e., each anode coolant channel 313) and a coolant collection flow field 334 that fluidly connects the coolant outlet 362 with the coolant flow field (i.e., each anode coolant channel 313), so that each anode coolant channel 313 is fluidly connected to the coolant inlet 361 at one end through the coolant distribution flow field 333 and to the coolant outlet 362 at the other end through the coolant collection flow field 334. In this configuration, the coolant in the coolant input stream flowing through the coolant inlet 361 can be delivered to each anode coolant channel 313 by the coolant distribution flow field 333. While flowing in the anode coolant channel 313, the coolant can absorb the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction to help dissipate heat from the single cell 100. The coolant flowing through the anode coolant channel 313 can be delivered to the coolant outlet 362 by the coolant collection flow field 334, and then converge into the coolant output stream flowing through the coolant outlet 362. Specifically, the coolant distribution flow field 333 can be composed of multiple coolant distribution channels recessed relative to the support surface 302, and the coolant collection flow field 334 can be composed of multiple coolant collection channels recessed relative to the support surface 302.

[0035] refer to Figures 7-10 ,in, Figure 7 A schematic front view of a cathode plate 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate 400 taken from line VIII-VIII in the diagram. Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 A schematic rear view of the cathode plate 400 is shown, and Figure 10 It shows along Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the cathode plate 400 taken from line XX. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cathode plate 400 generally includes or can be divided into a flow field region (also called a flow field section) 410, two pipe regions (also called pipe sections) located on both sides of the flow field region 410 in the first direction X1, and two distribution regions (also called distribution sections) 430 located between the flow field region 410 and the two pipe regions 420. Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the flow field region 410 is located in the central region of the cathode plate 400. Two distribution regions 430 are adjacent to the flow field region 410 and located on opposite sides of the flow field region 410 along the first direction X1. Two pipe regions 420 are adjacent to the two distribution regions 430, and each pipe region 420 is located on the opposite side of the adjacent distribution region 430 from the flow field region 410, such that each distribution region 430 is located between the flow field region 410 and one pipe region 420. It should be noted that, although in Figure 7 The flow field area 410, the pipe area 420, and the distribution area 430 are separated by a boundary line represented by a dotted line. 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.

[0036] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cathode plate 400 has a reaction surface 401 intended to face the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 of 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 are spaced apart from each other along the thickness direction T of the cathode plate 400, which is in the same direction as the stacking direction SS'. 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 guide the flow of cathode gas, 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 extend along a first direction X1 and are arranged along a second direction X2 that is transverse to or perpendicular to the first direction X1, wherein both the first direction X1 and the second direction X2 are transverse to or perpendicular to the thickness direction T. 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 separation rib 412 is formed between any two adjacent cathode gas flow channels 411, such as Figure 2 As shown, the top surface 412a of these cathode gas separating ribs 412 is designed to abut against the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 so that each cathode gas separating rib 412 can isolate the two cathode gas channels 411 on its two sides from each other. These cathode gas separating ribs 412 also extend along the first direction X1 and are arranged along the second direction X2 so that they can be spaced apart from each other by multiple cathode gas channels 411. In short, the flow field region 410 has cathode gas channels 411 and cathode gas separating ribs 412 arranged alternately along the second direction X2 on one side of the reaction surface 401.

[0037] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, on one side of the support surface 402, the flow field region 410 is provided with a plurality of cathode coolant channels 413 recessed relative to the support surface 402. These cathode coolant channels 413 are configured to guide the flow of coolant, thereby 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 cathode coolant channels 413 extend along a first direction X1 and are arranged along a second direction X2. These cathode coolant channels 413 are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of cathode coolant separating ribs 414. Specifically, a cathode coolant separating rib 414 is formed between any two adjacent cathode coolant channels 413, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the top surface 414a of these cathode coolant separating ribs 414 is designed to abut against the anode plate 300 of another single cell 100, so that each cathode coolant separating rib 414 can isolate the two cathode coolant channels 413 on its two sides from each other, and these cathode coolant separating ribs 414 also extend along the first direction X1 and are arranged along the second direction X2, so that these cathode coolant separating ribs 414 can be spaced apart from each other by a plurality of cathode coolant channels 413. In short, the flow field region 410 has cathode coolant channels 413 and cathode coolant separating ribs 414 arranged alternately along the second direction X2 on one side of the support surface 402. Specifically, the plurality of cathode gas channels 411 on one side of the reaction surface 401 can correspond to the plurality of cathode coolant separation ribs 414 on one side of the support surface 402. That is, each cathode 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 cathode 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 cathode 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 the respective cathode gas channels 411, thereby passively forming the respective cathode gas separation ribs 412 on one side of the reaction surface 401, and passively forming the respective cathode coolant channels 413 and the respective cathode coolant separation ribs 414 on one side of the support surface 402. Of course, the cathode plate 400 can also be stamped on the side of the support surface 402 to form each cathode coolant channel 413, thereby passively forming each cathode coolant separation rib 414 on the side of the support surface 402, and passively forming each cathode gas channel 411 and each cathode gas separation rib 412 on the side of the reaction surface 401.

[0038] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, one of the two pipe sections 420 is provided with an anode gas inlet 441, a cathode gas outlet 452, and a coolant inlet 461 extending along the thickness direction T through the cathode plate 400, and the other of the two pipe sections 420 is provided with an anode gas outlet 442, a cathode gas inlet 451, and a coolant outlet 462, also extending along the thickness direction T through the cathode plate 400. In this configuration, the anode gas inlet 441 allows the anode gas input flow to pass through the cathode plate 400, the anode gas outlet 442 allows the anode gas output flow to pass through the cathode plate 400, the cathode gas inlet 451 allows the cathode gas input flow to pass through the cathode plate 400, the cathode gas outlet 452 allows the cathode gas output flow to pass through the cathode plate 400, the coolant inlet 461 allows the coolant input flow to pass through the cathode plate 400, and the coolant outlet 462 allows the coolant output flow to pass through the cathode plate 400.

[0039] like Figure 7 As shown, the two distribution zones 430 are respectively provided on one side of the reaction surface 401 with a cathode gas distribution flow field 431 that fluidly connects the cathode gas inlet 451 with the cathode gas flow field (i.e., each cathode gas flow channel 411) and a cathode gas collection flow field 432 that fluidly connects the cathode gas outlet 452 with the cathode gas flow field (i.e., each cathode gas flow channel 411), so that each cathode gas flow channel 411 is fluidly connected to the cathode gas inlet 451 at one end through the cathode gas distribution flow field 431 and to the cathode gas outlet 452 at the other end through the cathode gas collection flow field 432. In this configuration, the cathode gas in the cathode gas input stream flowing through the cathode gas inlet 451 can be transported to each cathode gas channel 411 by the cathode gas distribution flow field 431; while flowing in the cathode gas channel 411, the cathode gas can be transported to the cathode catalyst layer 230 by the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 to participate in the electrochemical reaction as described above; and the cathode gas flowing through the cathode gas channel 411 can be transported to the cathode gas outlet 452 by the cathode gas collection flow field 432, and then converged into the cathode gas output stream flowing through the cathode gas outlet 452. Specifically, the cathode gas distribution flow field 431 can be composed of multiple cathode gas distribution channels recessed relative to the reaction surface 401, and the cathode gas collection flow field 432 can be composed of multiple cathode gas collection channels recessed relative to the reaction surface 401. Additionally, as... Figure 9As shown, the two distribution areas 430 are respectively provided on one side of the support surface 402 with a coolant distribution flow field 433 that fluidly connects the coolant inlet 461 with the coolant flow field (i.e., each cathode coolant flow channel 413) and a coolant collection flow field 434 that fluidly connects the coolant outlet 462 with the coolant flow field (i.e., each cathode coolant flow channel 413), so that each cathode coolant flow channel 413 is fluidly connected to the coolant inlet 461 at one end through the coolant distribution flow field 433 and to the coolant outlet 462 at the other end through the coolant collection flow field 434. In this configuration, the coolant in the coolant input stream flowing through the coolant inlet 461 can be delivered to each cathode coolant channel 413 by the coolant distribution flow field 433. While flowing in the cathode coolant channel 413, the coolant can absorb the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction to help dissipate heat from the single cell 100. The coolant flowing through the cathode coolant channel 413 can be delivered to the coolant outlet 462 by the coolant collection flow field 434, and then converge into the coolant output stream flowing through the coolant outlet 462. Specifically, the coolant distribution flow field 433 can be composed of multiple coolant distribution channels recessed relative to the support surface 402, and the coolant collection flow field 434 can be composed of multiple coolant collection channels recessed relative to the support surface 402.

[0040] like Figures 3-10 As shown, the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400 are largely the same, the only difference being that the anode gas flow field of the anode plate 300 is fluidly connected to the anode gas inlet 341 and the anode gas outlet 342 through the anode gas distribution flow field 331 and the anode gas collection flow field 332, respectively, while the cathode gas flow field of the cathode plate 400 is fluidly connected to the cathode gas inlet 451 and the cathode gas outlet 452 through the cathode gas distribution flow field 431 and the cathode gas collection flow field 432, respectively. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the reaction surfaces 301 and 401 of the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400 face each other (in... In the case of a single cell 100 or when the supporting surfaces 302 and 402 face each other (in the case of bipolar plate 500), the anode gas inlet and outlet, cathode gas inlet and outlet, and coolant inlet and outlet of the anode plate 300 can be aligned with the anode gas inlet and outlet, cathode gas inlet and outlet, and coolant inlet and outlet of the cathode plate 400, respectively. The arrangement of the anode gas inlet and outlet, cathode gas inlet and outlet, and coolant inlet and outlet in the anode plate 300 is symmetrical with respect to its arrangement in the cathode plate 400 about the geometric center line CL extending along the second direction X2.

[0041] In addition, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, each anode gas separation rib 312 and each anode coolant separation rib 314 of the anode plate 300 extends along a straight path, but this is not limiting. (Reference) Figure 11 A schematic front view of an anode plate 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The difference between the anode plate 300 shown is that... Figure 11 Each anode gas separation rib 312 and each anode coolant separation rib 314 of the anode plate 300 shown extends along a wavy path, such that each anode gas flow channel 311 defined on both sides of each anode gas separation rib 312 and each anode coolant flow channel 313 defined on both sides of each anode coolant separation rib 314 also extends along a wavy path. In particular, each anode gas separation rib 312 and each anode coolant separation rib 314 are configured to be symmetrical about the geometric center line CL extending along the second direction X2 of the anode plate 300, so that the geometric center line CL will pass through a crest or trough of the wavy path, which also makes each anode gas flow channel 311 and each anode coolant flow channel 313 similarly symmetrical about the geometric center line CL.

[0042] In addition, such as Figures 7-10 As shown, each cathode gas separation rib 412 and each cathode coolant separation rib 414 of the cathode plate 400 extends along a straight path, but this is not limiting. (Reference) Figure 12 The diagram shows a schematic front view of a cathode plate 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to... Figure 11 The anode plate 300 in the middle, and Figure 7 The cathode plate 400 in the middle is different from the cathode plate 400. Figure 12 Each cathode gas separation rib 412 and each cathode coolant separation rib 414 of the cathode plate 400 shown extends along a wavy path, such that each cathode gas flow channel 411 defined on both sides of each cathode gas separation rib 412 and each cathode coolant flow channel 413 defined on both sides of each cathode coolant separation rib 414 also extends along a wavy path. In particular, each cathode gas separation rib 412 and each cathode coolant separation rib 414 are configured to be symmetrical about the geometric center line CL extending along the second direction X2 of the cathode plate 400, so that the geometric center line CL will pass through a crest or trough of the wavy path, which also makes each cathode gas flow channel 411 and each cathode coolant flow channel 413 similarly symmetrical about the geometric center line CL.

[0043] In the above configuration, compared to the anode gas flow channel 311 and cathode gas flow channel 411 with straight paths, the anode gas flow channel 311 and cathode gas flow channel 411 with wavy paths can, on the one hand, prevent the anode gas and cathode gas from flowing through too quickly, thereby ensuring that the anode gas and cathode gas can fully carry out electrochemical reactions, which helps to improve the power of the single cell 100. On the other hand, it can generate a velocity component of the anode gas and cathode gas along the second direction X2, thereby promoting the diffusion of the anode gas and cathode gas into the entire anode gas diffusion layer 240 and cathode gas diffusion layer 250, which can further promote electrochemical reactions and thus improve the power of the single cell 100. In addition, the cathode gas flow channel 411 with wavy paths can also prevent excessive moisture from being discharged from the membrane electrode assembly 200, which helps to maintain the humidity of the membrane electrode assembly 200, so as to reduce ohmic losses and improve the power of the single cell 100.

[0044] With the help of the above Figures 3-12 Based on the description of the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400, with reference to Figure 2Continuing with the description of a single cell 100 including an anode plate 300 and a cathode plate 400, in the single cell 100, the reaction surface 301 of the anode plate 300 faces the anode gas diffusion layer 240 of the membrane electrode assembly 200, and the top surface 312a of each anode gas separation rib 312 of the anode plate 300 abuts against the anode gas diffusion layer 240, while the reaction surface 401 of the cathode plate 400 faces the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 of the membrane electrode assembly 200, and the top surface 412a of each cathode gas separation rib 412 of the cathode plate 400 abuts against the cathode gas diffusion layer 250. Specifically, the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400 are arranged such that each anode gas separation rib 312 of the anode plate 300 is at least partially aligned with the corresponding cathode gas separation rib 412 of the cathode plate 400 in the stacking direction SS'. That is, for each anode gas separation rib 312, there is a cathode gas separation rib 412 at least partially aligned with it in the stacking direction SS', and for each cathode gas separation rib 412, there is an anode gas separation rib 312 at least partially aligned with it in the stacking direction SS'. The alignment is such that at least a portion of the top surface 312a of each anode gas separation rib 312 can be projected along the stacking direction SS' onto the top surface 412a of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib 412 to form a projection area on the top surface 412a of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib 412. This at least portion extends along the entire length of the anode gas separation rib 312, and the projection area constitutes at least a portion of the top surface of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib 412 extending along its entire length. In this configuration, when viewed along the stacking direction SS', the top surface 312a of each anode gas separator 312 at least partially overlaps with the top surface 412a of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412, and this overlap occurs over the entire length of the anode gas separator 312 and the cathode gas separator 412 (though it may not necessarily occur over the entire width). This configuration allows the pressure exerted by each anode gas separator 312 on the anode gas diffusion layer 240 to cancel out the pressure exerted by the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 on the cathode gas diffusion layer 250, thereby preventing... The anode gas diffusion layer 240 is pressed into the anode gas flow channel 311, preventing the cathode gas diffusion layer 250 from being pressed into the cathode gas flow channel 411. This prevents the flow area of ​​the anode gas flow channel 311 from decreasing due to the intrusion of the anode gas diffusion layer 240, and also prevents the flow area of ​​the cathode gas flow channel 411 from decreasing due to the intrusion of the cathode gas diffusion layer 250. This maintains the fluid pressure in both the anode and cathode gas flow channels 311, which helps maintain and improve the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction, thereby increasing the power of the single cell 100. Specifically, in the single cell 100 including... Figure 11 The anode plate 300 shown and Figure 12In the case of the cathode plate 400 shown, the crest of each anode gas separator 312 is aligned with the crest of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 along the stacking direction SS', and the trough of each anode gas separator 312 is aligned with the trough of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 along the stacking direction SS'. It is worth noting that each anode gas separator 312 is located near two pipe regions 320 at both ends, so the length of each anode gas separator 312 can be the dimension measured along its path between its two ends. Similarly, each cathode gas separator 412 is located near two pipe regions 420 at both ends, so the length of each cathode gas separator 412 can be the dimension measured along its path between its two ends.

[0045] In particular, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, each anode gas separation rib 312 of the anode plate 300 has two sidewalls 312b located on both sides of its top surface 312a, and each cathode gas separation rib 412 of the cathode plate 400 has two sidewalls 412b located on both sides of its top surface 412a. Figure 2 As shown, in the single cell 100, the two sidewalls 312b of each anode gas separation rib 312 of the anode plate 300 are aligned with the two sidewalls 412b of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib 412 of the cathode plate 400 along the stacking direction SS'. In this configuration, when viewed along the stacking direction SS', the top surface 312a of each anode gas separation rib 312 completely overlaps with the top surface 412a of the corresponding cathode gas separation rib 412. This more reliably prevents the flow area of ​​the anode gas channel 311 from decreasing due to the intrusion of the anode gas diffusion layer 240, and more reliably prevents the flow area of ​​the cathode gas channel 411 from decreasing due to the intrusion of the cathode gas diffusion layer 250. This allows for more reliable maintenance of the fluid pressure in the anode gas channel 311 and the cathode gas channel 411, thereby maintaining and improving the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and increasing the power of the single cell 100.

[0046] Specifically, in a single battery 100 including Figure 11 The anode plate 300 shown and Figure 12 In the case of the cathode plate 400 shown, refer to Figure 13 The diagram shows a schematic representation of each anode gas separator rib 312 and each cathode gas separator rib 412 when viewed along the stacking direction SS', wherein the two sidewalls 312b of each anode gas separator rib 312 are shown in solid lines, the two sidewalls 412b of each cathode gas separator rib 412 are shown in dashed lines, and the projected area is shown in shaded lines. Figure 13As shown, as previously described, the portion generating the projection area extends along the entire length of the anode gas separator 312, and the projection area extends along the entire length of the cathode gas separator 412. However, unlike previously described, the two sidewalls 312b of each anode gas separator 312 are not perfectly aligned with the two sidewalls 412b of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 along the stacking direction SS'. This is because the period length of each anode gas separator 312 (e.g., the distance between two adjacent peaks or two adjacent troughs of sidewall 312b) is the same as the period length of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 (e.g., the distance between two adjacent peaks or two adjacent troughs of sidewall 412b), but the amplitude height of the separator 312 (e.g., the distance between adjacent peaks and troughs of sidewall 312b) is greater than the amplitude height of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 (e.g., the distance between adjacent peaks and troughs of sidewall 412b). Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, since the period length of each anode gas separator 312 is the same as the period length of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412, the crest of each anode gas separator 312 can be aligned with the crest of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 along the stacking direction SS'. Alternatively, the trough of each anode gas separator 312 can be aligned with the trough of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412 along the stacking direction SS'. Of course, the above configuration is not limiting; in a more general embodiment, the ratio of the amplitude height to the period length of each anode gas separator 312 is greater than the ratio of the amplitude height to the period length of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412. Under the above configuration, it can be intuitively seen that the wavy path of each anode gas separator 312 is steeper than the wavy path of the corresponding cathode gas separator 412. This results in relatively greater resistance to the flow of anode gas through anode gas channel 311, while relatively less resistance to the flow of cathode gas through cathode gas channel 411. This ensures, on the one hand, that the more expensive anode gas participates more fully in the electrochemical reaction, thereby reducing the cost of power generation. On the other hand, it allows for a higher flow rate of lower-cost cathode gas to ensure the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction. Moreover, the high flow rate of cathode gas can also promote the drainage of the single cell 100 to prevent flooding inside the single cell 100.

[0047] With the help of the above Figures 3-12 Based on the description of the anode plate 300 and cathode plate 400, with reference to Figure 2Continuing with the description of the bipolar plate 500, which includes an anode plate 300 and a cathode plate 400, the support surface 302 of the anode plate 300 and the support surface 402 of the cathode plate 400 face each other. The anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400 are arranged such that the top surface 314a of each anode coolant separation rib 314 of the anode plate 300 contacts the top surface 414a of the corresponding cathode coolant separation rib 414 of the cathode plate 400. That is, for each anode coolant separation rib 314, there is a cathode coolant separation rib 414 in contact with it, and for each cathode coolant separation rib 414, there is an anode coolant separation rib 314 in contact with it. The contact causes the top surface 314a of each anode coolant separation rib 314 and the top surface 414a of the corresponding cathode coolant separation rib 414 to form an overlapping area that extends along the entire length of the anode coolant separation rib 314 and the cathode coolant separation rib 414. In this configuration, the top surface 314a of each anode coolant separator 314 contacts the top surface 414a of the corresponding cathode coolant separator 414 in an overlapping area extending along their entire length (though possibly not necessarily along their entire width). This configuration significantly increases the contact area between the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400. This not only increases the resistance of the bipolar plate 500 to assembly forces applied in the stacking direction SS', allowing for the use of greater assembly forces to assemble the fuel cell stack 10 and improve its reliability, but also reduces the contact resistance between the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400, thereby reducing the ohmic losses of the fuel cell stack 10, increasing its power, and reducing the heat generated by the fuel cell stack 10. Specifically, in the bipolar plate 500 including… Figure 11 The anode plate 300 shown and Figure 12 In the case of the cathode plate 400 shown, the crest of each anode coolant partition rib 314 is aligned with the crest of the corresponding cathode coolant partition rib 414 along the stacking direction SS', and the trough of each anode coolant partition rib 314 is aligned with the trough of the corresponding cathode coolant partition rib 414 along the stacking direction SS'. It is worth noting that each anode coolant partition rib 314 is located near two pipe regions 320 at both ends, so the length of each anode coolant partition rib 314 can be the dimension measured along its path between its ends. Similarly, each cathode coolant partition rib 414 is located near two pipe regions 420 at both ends, so the length of each cathode coolant partition rib 414 can be the dimension measured along its path between its ends.

[0048] In particular, such as Figure 6 and Figure 10As shown, each anode coolant separation rib 314 of the anode plate 300 has two sidewalls 314b located on both sides of its top surface 314a, and each cathode coolant separation rib 414 of the cathode plate 400 has two sidewalls 414b located on both sides of its top surface 414a. Figure 2 As shown, in the bipolar plate 500, the two sidewalls 314b of each anode coolant separation rib 314 of the anode plate 300 are aligned along the stacking direction SS' with the two sidewalls 414b of the corresponding cathode coolant separation rib 414 of the cathode plate 400. In this configuration, the top surface 314a of each anode coolant separation rib 314 not only contacts the top surface 414a of the corresponding cathode coolant separation rib 414 but also completely overlaps with it, thereby maximizing the contact area between the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400, further increasing the resistance of the bipolar plate 500 to assembly forces, and further reducing the contact resistance between the anode plate 300 and the cathode plate 400.

[0049] The foregoing has described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, alternative but non-limiting embodiments of the bipolar plate, single cell, and fuel cell stack 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 single cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly (200) and an anode plate (300) and a cathode plate (400) stacked on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly (200) along a stacking direction (SS'). in, The anode plate (300) includes a plurality of anode gas separation ribs (312) for separating the plurality of anode gas channels (311) constituting the anode gas flow field from each other, the top surface of each anode gas separation rib (312) abutting against the membrane electrode assembly (200). The cathode plate (400) includes a plurality of cathode gas separation ribs (412) for separating the plurality of cathode gas channels (411) constituting the cathode gas flow field from each other. The top surface of each cathode gas separation rib (412) abuts against the membrane electrode assembly (200), and In this arrangement, at least a portion of the top surface of each anode gas separator rib (312) extending along its entire length is aligned along the stacking direction (SS') with at least a portion of the top surface of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412) extending along its entire length.

2. The single battery according to claim 1, wherein, Each anode gas separator rib (312) has two sidewalls on both sides of its top surface, and each cathode gas separator rib (412) has two sidewalls on both sides of its top surface, and the two sidewalls of each anode gas separator rib (312) are aligned with the two sidewalls of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412) along the stacking direction (SS').

3. The single battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each anode gas separator rib (312) and each cathode gas separator rib (412) extends along a wavy path, and the crests and troughs of each anode gas separator rib (312) are aligned with the crests and troughs of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412) along the stacking direction (SS').

4. The single battery according to claim 1, wherein, Each anode gas separator rib (312) and each cathode gas separator rib (412) extends along a wavy path, and the ratio of the amplitude height to the period length of each anode gas separator rib (312) is greater than the ratio of the amplitude height to the period length of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412).

5. The single battery according to claim 4, wherein, The period length of each anode gas separator rib (312) is the same as the period length of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412), and the peak of each anode gas separator rib (312) is aligned with the peak of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412) along the stacking direction (SS'), or the trough of each anode gas separator rib (312) is aligned with the trough of the corresponding cathode gas separator rib (412) along the stacking direction (SS').

6. The single cell according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The plurality of anode gas separation ribs (312) are separated from each other along the arrangement direction (X2), and each anode gas separation rib (312) is configured to be symmetrical about a geometric center line (CL) extending along the arrangement direction (X2) of the anode plate (300); and / or, the plurality of cathode gas separation ribs (412) are separated from each other along the arrangement direction (X2), and each cathode gas separation rib (412) is configured to be symmetrical about a geometric center line (CL) extending along the arrangement direction (X2) of the cathode plate (400).

7. A battery stack comprising a plurality of single cells according to any one of claims 1-6 stacked together along a stacking direction (SS').

8. The fuel cell stack according to claim 7, wherein, The anode plate (300) of each single cell (100) and the cathode plate (400) of the adjacent single cell (100) form a bipolar plate (500). The anode plate (300) includes, on the side opposite to the plurality of anode gas separation ribs (312), a plurality of anode coolant separation ribs (314) for separating the plurality of anode coolant channels (313) constituting the coolant flow field from each other. The cathode plate (400) includes, on the side opposite to the plurality of cathode gas separation ribs (412), a plurality of cathode coolant separation ribs (414) for separating the plurality of cathode coolant channels (413) constituting the coolant flow field from each other, and In each bipolar plate (500), the top surface of each anode coolant separation rib (314) of the anode plate (300) is in contact with the top surface of the corresponding cathode coolant separation rib (414) of the cathode plate (400) in an overlapping area extending along their entire length.

9. The fuel cell stack according to claim 8, wherein, Each anode coolant separator rib (314) has two sidewalls on both sides of its top surface, each cathode coolant separator rib (414) has two sidewalls on both sides of its top surface, and in each bipolar plate (500), the two sidewalls of each anode coolant separator rib (314) are aligned with the two sidewalls of the corresponding cathode coolant separator rib (414) along the stacking direction (SS').

10. The fuel cell stack according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, Each anode coolant separator rib (314) and each cathode coolant separator rib (414) extends along a wavy path, and in each bipolar plate (500), the crests and troughs of each anode coolant separator rib (314) are aligned with the crests and troughs of the corresponding cathode coolant separator rib (414) along the stacking direction (SS').

11. The fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein, The plurality of anode coolant partition ribs (314) are separated from each other along the arrangement direction (X2), and each anode coolant partition rib (314) is configured to be symmetrical about a geometric center line (CL) extending along the arrangement direction (X2) of the anode plate (300); and / or, the plurality of cathode coolant partition ribs (414) are separated from each other along the arrangement direction (X2), and each cathode coolant partition rib (414) is configured to be symmetrical about a geometric center line (CL) extending along the arrangement direction (X2) of the cathode plate (400).

12. A bipolar plate comprising an anode plate (300) and a cathode plate (400) stacked together along a stacking direction (SS'), in, The anode plate (300) includes a plurality of anode coolant separation ribs (314) for separating the plurality of anode coolant channels (313) constituting the coolant flow field from each other. The cathode plate (400) includes a plurality of cathode coolant separating ribs (414) for separating the plurality of cathode coolant channels (413) constituting the coolant flow field from each other, and The top surface of each anode coolant separator rib (314) is in contact with the top surface of the corresponding cathode coolant separator rib (414) in an overlapping area extending along their entire length.

13. The bipolar plate according to claim 12, wherein, Each anode coolant separator rib (314) has two sidewalls on both sides of its top surface, each cathode coolant separator rib (414) has two sidewalls on both sides of its top surface, and the two sidewalls of each anode coolant separator rib (314) are aligned with the two sidewalls of the corresponding cathode coolant separator rib (414) along the stacking direction (SS').

14. The bipolar plate according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, Each anode coolant separator rib (314) and each cathode coolant separator rib (414) extends along a wavy path, and the crests and troughs of each anode coolant separator rib (314) are aligned with the crests and troughs of the corresponding cathode coolant separator rib (414) along the stacking direction (SS').

15. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein, The plurality of anode coolant partition ribs (314) are separated from each other along the arrangement direction (X2), and each anode coolant partition rib (314) is configured to be symmetrical about a geometric center line (CL) extending along the arrangement direction (X2) of the anode plate (300); and / or, the plurality of cathode coolant partition ribs (414) are separated from each other along the arrangement direction (X2), and each cathode coolant partition rib (414) is configured to be symmetrical about a geometric center line (CL) extending along the arrangement direction (X2) of the cathode plate (400).

16. An electrode stack comprising a plurality of bipolar plates according to any one of claims 12-15 and a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (200) stacked together along a stacking direction (SS'), wherein, The bipolar plates and the membrane electrode assembly (200) are arranged alternately along the stacking direction (SS').