Vertical interval contraction sine function wave type fuel cell flow field structure
By designing a vertically spaced shrinking sinusoidal function wave flow field in the fuel cell flow field structure, and using the flow arc to change the flow rate and pressure to form turbulence, the problem that the existing fuel cell flow channel structure cannot effectively discharge water, and the conversion efficiency and reaction efficiency of the fuel cell are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421008555.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-10
AI Technical Summary
The flow channel structure of the existing fuel cells is linear, resulting in a relatively stable gas flow rate and the inability to effectively and quickly discharge the generated water, affecting the efficiency of the fuel cell.
A vertically spaced shrinking sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure is designed, and a gas flow channel is formed by setting multiple uniformly distributed shrinkage flow arcs on the flow channel ridge, and the flow arc is used to change the flow rate and pressure in the fluid channel to form turbulence to promote gas mixing.
By changing the flow rate and pressure in the fluid channel, the mixing of the consumed layer gas and the rich layer gas is promoted, the transfer efficiency of the reaction medium is improved, and the generated water is effectively discharged, the conversion efficiency of the fuel cell is improved, the reaction efficiency is improved, and the stack life is extended.
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Figure CN222562704U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the field of fuel cells, in particular to a vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave-type fuel cell flow field structure. Background Art
[0002] A fuel cell is a chemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy. It is also called an electrochemical generator. It is the fourth power generation technology after hydroelectric power generation, thermal power generation, and atomic power generation. Since fuel cells convert part of the Gibbs free energy in the chemical energy of the fuel into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions, they are not limited by the Carnot cycle effect and therefore have high efficiency. In addition, fuel cells use fuel and oxygen as raw materials and have no mechanical transmission parts, so they emit very little harmful gas and have a long service life.
[0003] A fuel cell is a power generation device that converts the chemical energy of fuel and oxidant directly into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. In theory, fuel cells can operate at a thermal efficiency close to 100%, which is very economical. Due to the limitations of various technical factors and the energy consumption of the entire device system, the total conversion efficiency of various fuel cells currently in operation is mostly in the range of 45% to 60%. If heat exhaust utilization is taken into account, it can reach more than 80%. In addition, fuel cell devices contain no or very few moving parts, work reliably, require less maintenance, and are quieter than traditional generator sets. In addition, isothermal electrochemical methods directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy without going through a thermal engine process, and are not restricted by the Carnot cycle. Therefore, the energy conversion efficiency is high, and the reaction is clean and complete, with very few harmful substances produced. It is becoming an ideal way to utilize energy. The structure of existing fuel cells generally includes:
[0004] Electrolyte diaphragm: Hydrogen oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction occur on both sides respectively, electrons perform work through the external circuit, and the reaction product is water.
[0005] Fuel supply subsystem: responsible for supplying fuel, such as hydrogen, to the battery.
[0006] Oxidant supply subsystem: usually supplies oxygen or air.
[0007] Water and heat management subsystem: responsible for managing the water and heat in the battery to keep the battery in optimal working condition.
[0008] Power management and control subsystem: responsible for battery power output and control.
[0009] Fuel cell stack: It is composed of multiple single fuel cells connected in series to provide the required voltage and current.
[0010] Membrane electrode assembly (MEA): It is the core component of the fuel cell, including membrane, catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer is closely attached to both sides of the proton exchange membrane, hydrogen is oxidized in the anode catalyst layer, and oxygen is reduced in the cathode catalyst layer.
[0011] Bipolar plates: conduct electrons, distribute reaction gases and assist in the discharge of generated water. The material is required to be a good conductor of electricity and heat, with a certain strength and gas density.
[0012] Gas diffusion layers (GDLs): Usually in direct contact with the flow channels on the bipolar plates, they provide mechanical support, electron conduction, reaction gas diffusion, and drainage.
[0013] Seal: Used to seal the battery pack to prevent gas leakage.
[0014] At present, the flow channel structure of fuel cells is mostly a linear structure, the gas flow rate is relatively stable, and there is no obvious gas flow rate change rate. The water generated by the fuel cell cannot be discharged effectively and quickly, which also affects the efficiency of the fuel cell and has certain defects. Utility Model Content
[0015] The utility model aims to provide a vertical interval contraction sinusoidal function wave type fuel cell flow field structure to change the change of fuel cell gas flow rate, thereby improving the conversion efficiency of the fuel cell.
[0016] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a vertical interval contraction sinusoidal function wave type fuel cell flow field structure, including a polar plate, a flow channel ridge and a gas flow channel;
[0017] The flow channel ridges are provided with a plurality of them, and the plurality of the flow channel ridges are evenly distributed on the electrode plate, and the flow channel ridges are provided with contraction-shaped flow arcs along a direction perpendicular to the length thereof;
[0018] The gas flow channel is formed between two adjacent flow channel ridges, and the flow arc is used to connect the two adjacent gas flow channels.
[0019] Furthermore, the flow channel ridges are arranged in a wave shape, and a plurality of the flow channel ridges are arranged in parallel.
[0020] Furthermore, the flow channel ridge is arranged in a sinusoidal function waveform.
[0021] Furthermore, a plurality of flow arcs are provided, and the flow arcs are evenly distributed on the flow channel ridge.
[0022] Furthermore, the flow arc is arranged at a peak or a trough position of the sinusoidal function waveform.
[0023] Furthermore, the height of the circulation arc is smaller than the depth of the gas flow channel.
[0024] Furthermore, the height of the circulation arc is less than four fifths of the depth of the gas flow channel.
[0025] Furthermore, the height of the circulation arc is half of the depth of the gas flow channel.
[0026] Furthermore, a gas inlet is provided on the electrode plate, and the gas inlet is connected to the end of the gas flow channel.
[0027] Furthermore, an electrode is provided at the end of the electrode plate, and the electrode is used to transmit the electricity generated by the electrode plate.
[0028] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0029] The utility model can change the fluid flow rate and pressure of each position point in the fluid channel by arranging flow arcs between the gas flow channels, and can form a rough surface inside the flow channel to generate turbulence to promote the mixing of the depleted layer gas and the enriched layer gas, so as to more effectively transfer the reaction medium and more effectively discharge the generated water, which has the advantages of improving the performance of the battery stack, improving the reaction efficiency, and extending the life of the battery stack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the vertically spaced contracted sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure of the utility model;
[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the flow arc cross-section structure of the vertically spaced contracted sine function wave-type fuel cell flow field structure of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The vertically spaced contracted sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure of the utility model will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the schematic diagram, wherein the preferred embodiment of the utility model is shown, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the utility model described herein and still achieve the beneficial effects of the utility model. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being widely known to those skilled in the art, and not as a limitation to the utility model.
[0033] The present invention is described in more detail in the following paragraphs by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are in very simplified form and in non-precise proportions, and are only used to conveniently and clearly assist in explaining the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the embodiment of the utility model proposes a vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave-type fuel cell flow field structure, including a polar plate 1, a flow channel ridge 2 and a gas flow channel 3.
[0035] Specifically, the flow channel ridges 2 are provided in plurality, and the plurality of flow channel ridges 2 are evenly distributed on the electrode plate, and the flow channel ridges 2 are provided with contraction-shaped flow arcs 4 along a direction perpendicular to the length thereof.
[0036] The gas flow channel 3 is formed between two adjacent flow channel ridges 2 , and the flow arc 4 is used to connect the two adjacent gas flow channels 3 .
[0037] The flow field structure of a fuel cell is a key part of its design. It directly affects the distribution of the reaction gas, water management, and thermal management, which in turn affects the performance and life of the battery. Common flow field designs include straight flow channels, serpentine flow channels, and AC-DC flow channels. These designs have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a serpentine flow field helps improve the uniformity of gas distribution, but may result in a higher pressure drop.
[0038] In this embodiment, the flow field structure of the fuel cell is provided with a flow arc 4 between the gas flow channels 3. During the flow of the fuel cell gas, the flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell gas change when the fuel cell gas passes through the flow arc 4. During the operation of the fuel cell, the flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell gas change continuously, and a rough surface can be formed inside the flow channel to generate turbulence to promote the mixing of the consumption layer gas and the enrichment layer gas, more effectively transfer the reaction medium and more effectively discharge the generated water, thereby improving the conversion efficiency of the fuel cell.
[0039] Furthermore, the flow channel ridges 2 are arranged in a wave shape, and a plurality of the flow channel ridges 2 are arranged in parallel.
[0040] Specifically, the flow channel ridge 2 is arranged to be a sinusoidal function waveform, a plurality of the flow arcs 4 are arranged, and the flow arcs 4 are evenly distributed on the flow channel ridge 2, and the flow arcs 4 are arranged at the peak or trough position of the sinusoidal function waveform.
[0041] In this embodiment, the flow arcs 4 are periodically distributed on the flow channel ridges 2, and the flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell gas can be periodically adjusted. During the operation of the fuel cell, the flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell gas change continuously, and a rough surface can be formed inside the flow channel to generate turbulence to promote the mixing of the consumption layer gas and the enrichment layer gas, more effectively transfer the reaction medium and more effectively discharge the generated water, thereby improving the conversion efficiency of the fuel cell.
[0042] Further, such as Figure 2As shown, the height of the circulation arc 4 is less than the depth of the gas flow channel 3 , and the height of the circulation arc 4 is less than four fifths of the depth of the gas flow channel 3 .
[0043] Specifically, the height H of the flow arc 4 is smaller than the depth D of the gas flow channel 3, so that the flow channel ridge 2 is uninterrupted. While ensuring a secure connection between the two parallel plates 1, the flow rate and pressure of the fuel cell gas can be periodically changed, thereby improving the conversion efficiency of the fuel cell.
[0044] In a specific embodiment, the height of the flow arc 4 is half of the depth of the gas flow channel 3 .
[0045] Furthermore, a gas inlet 5 is provided on the electrode plate 1 , and the gas inlet 5 is connected to the end of the gas flow channel 3 .
[0046] Specifically, a fuel cell generally generates electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen and oxygen enter the gas flow channel 3 from the gas inlet 5, and finally react to generate electricity and generate water and discharge it, completing the power generation process of the fuel cell.
[0047] In a specific embodiment, an electrode 6 is provided at the end of the plate 1, and the electrode 6 is used to transmit the electricity generated by the plate 1. After the fuel cell generates electricity through chemical reaction, the electric energy is transmitted through the electrode 6, which is convenient for collecting the electric energy.
[0048] In addition, when the fuel cell needs to output a higher voltage, the single fuel cell boards can be connected in series, and the final output voltage is the output voltage of the single fuel cell multiplied by the number of fuel cells.
[0049] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0050] The utility model can change the fluid flow rate and pressure of each position point in the fluid channel by arranging flow arcs between the gas flow channels, and can form a rough surface inside the flow channel to generate turbulence to promote the mixing of the depleted layer gas and the enriched layer gas, so as to more effectively transfer the reaction medium and more effectively discharge the generated water, which has the advantages of improving the performance of the battery stack, improving the reaction efficiency, and extending the life of the battery stack.
[0051] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure, characterized in that: including a plate, a flow channel ridge, and a gas flow channel; The flow channel ridges are provided with a plurality of them, and the plurality of the flow channel ridges are evenly distributed on the electrode plate, and the flow channel ridges are provided with contraction-shaped flow arcs along a direction perpendicular to the length thereof; The gas flow channel is formed between two adjacent flow channel ridges, and the flow arc is used to connect the two adjacent gas flow channels.
2. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow channel ridges are arranged in a wave shape, and a plurality of the flow channel ridges are arranged in parallel.
3. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow channel ridge is arranged in a sinusoidal function waveform.
4. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of flow arcs are provided, and the flow arcs are evenly distributed on the flow channel ridge.
5. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flow arc is arranged at a peak or a trough position of the sinusoidal function waveform.
6. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The height of the circulation arc is smaller than the depth of the gas flow channel.
7. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The height of the circulation arc is less than four fifths of the depth of the gas flow channel.
8. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The height of the circulation arc is half of the depth of the gas flow channel.
9. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gas inlet is provided on the electrode plate, and the gas inlet is communicated with the end of the gas flow channel.
10. The vertically spaced contraction sinusoidal function wave fuel cell flow field structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Electrodes are disposed at the ends of the electrode plates, and the electrodes are used to transmit electricity generated by the electrode plates.