Fuel cell composite bipolar plate runner structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a fuel cell composite bipolar plate runner structure, which relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and comprises a graphite cathode plate, two ends of the graphite cathode plate are respectively provided with a support plate in a matching way, a ventilation plate is arranged between the two groups of support plates in a matching way, and a graphite anode plate is arranged above the support plates in a matching way. According to the design scheme, through the design that the ventilation plate is installed between the graphite cathode plate and the graphite anode plate in a matched mode, the supporting plates are installed on the two sides of the ventilation plate in a matched mode, the supporting plates play a supporting role, the ventilation plate is prevented from being extruded and deformed in the press-fitting process, and the machining cost is reduced compared with the machining cost of carving a runner groove in a graphite plate. The processing cost of the ventilation plate is lower, the processing cost of the composite bipolar plate can be effectively reduced, and the depth of the runner groove is not limited by the thickness of the graphite plate, so that the processing of the high-depth runner groove can be realized, the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell can be improved, and the performance of the fuel cell can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to a flow channel structure of a fuel cell composite bipolar plate. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells have the advantages of low operating temperature, high specific power, rapid startup, etc., and have become one of the research hotspots in the new energy field. The key components of fuel cells are membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and bipolar plates. The bipolar plate assembly includes an anode flow field plate and a cathode flow field plate, which are combined together and properly sealed between the cathode and anode plates to form a sealed cooling flow field, so it is commonly used in this field. Various transition channels, ports, pipes, and other features involving all three operating fluids (such as fuel, oxidant, and coolant) may also appear on the non-active side of these plates. Under a certain pressure of the operating fluid, all features inside the plates must be properly sealed to prevent leakage between the fluid and the external environment. Another requirement of the bipolar plate assembly is good electrical conductivity between the two plates. This is because a large amount of current generated by the fuel cell stack must pass between the two plates.

[0003] Generally, large fuel cells are basically used as water-cooled reactors in automobiles and ships. Small fuel cells used in drones and portable batteries are generally air-cooled reactors. As Figure 1 shown, currently, the air-cooled reactors on the market are generally graphite engraved plates 1'. By engraving flow channel grooves on the graphite plates, cold air circulates in the flow channel grooves to cool the fuel cell. Currently, the production cost of the engraved plates is relatively high, and due to the thickness limitation of the graphite plates, the processing of high-depth flow channel grooves cannot be achieved, which results in a limited cross-sectional area of the flow channel grooves, thereby limiting the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell and affecting the performance of the fuel cell. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art, the utility model provides a flow channel structure of a fuel cell composite bipolar plate.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its technical problems is: a flow channel structure of a fuel cell composite bipolar plate, including a graphite cathode plate, support plates are respectively and cooperatively installed at both ends of the graphite cathode plate, a ventilation plate is cooperatively installed between the two groups of support plates, and a graphite anode plate is cooperatively installed above the support plates.

[0006] Further, a plurality of groups of flow channel grooves are opened on the ventilation plate, the plurality of groups of flow channel grooves are horizontally arranged in an array on the ventilation plate, and clamping portions are respectively arranged at both ends of the ventilation plate for its function.

[0007] Further, a clamping groove matching the clamping portion is formed at the bottom of one end of the support plate close to the ventilation plate. Hydrogen gas flow ports and oxygen gas flow ports are formed in the support plate. First glue grooves are respectively formed on the upper and lower side walls of the ventilation plate, and the first glue grooves surround the hydrogen gas flow ports and the oxygen gas flow ports. An adhesive glue is filled in the first glue grooves.

[0008] Further, an oxygen gas circulation cavity is formed on the side of the graphite cathode plate away from the ventilation plate. Oxygen gas flow ports are arranged on both sides of the oxygen gas circulation cavity. A hydrogen gas flow port is arranged on the side of the oxygen gas flow port. A second glue groove is arranged around the oxygen gas circulation cavity and the hydrogen gas flow ports. An air path glue is filled in the second glue groove.

[0009] Further, a hydrogen gas circulation cavity is formed on the side of the graphite anode plate away from the ventilation plate. Hydrogen gas flow ports are arranged on both sides of the hydrogen gas circulation cavity. An oxygen gas flow port is arranged on the side of the hydrogen gas flow port. A third glue groove is arranged around the hydrogen gas circulation cavity and the oxygen gas flow ports. An air path glue is filled in the third glue groove.

[0010] The beneficial effect of the present utility model is that, through the design of installing a ventilation plate between the graphite cathode plate and the graphite anode plate in the design scheme of the present utility model, support plates are installed on both sides of the ventilation plate, and the support plates play a supporting role to prevent the ventilation plate from being extruded and deformed during the press-fitting process. Compared with the processing cost of engraving flow channel grooves on the graphite plate, the processing cost of the ventilation plate is lower because it can effectively reduce the processing cost of the composite bipolar plate, and the depth of the flow channel grooves can be unrestricted by the thickness of the graphite plate, so that high-depth flow channel groove processing can be achieved, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell and effectively improving the performance of the fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a graphite engraving plate in the prior art;

[0013] Figure 2 It is a schematic overall structural diagram of the present utility model;

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the graphite cathode plate of the present utility model;

[0015] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the graphite anode plate of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the ventilation plate of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the support plate of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 7 is the front view of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 8 is the exploded view in the front view direction of the present utility model.

[0020] In the figure: 1'. graphite engraving plate, 1. graphite cathode plate, 11. second glue tank, 12. oxygen circulation chamber, 2. support plate, 21. clamping groove, 22. first glue tank, 3. ventilation plate, 31. flow channel groove, 32. clamping part, 4. graphite anode plate, 41. third glue tank, 42. hydrogen circulation chamber, 5. bonding glue, 6. gas path glue, 7. hydrogen gas flow port, 8. oxygen gas flow port. Specific embodiments

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present utility model, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only one embodiment of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other embodiments obtained based on this drawing and embodiment all fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0022] According to Figure 1-8 as shown, a fuel cell composite bipolar plate flow channel structure includes a graphite cathode plate 1, and support plates 2 are respectively and cooperatively installed at both ends of the graphite cathode plate 1. A ventilation plate 3 is cooperatively installed between the two groups of support plates 2, and a graphite anode plate 4 is cooperatively installed above the support plate 2.

[0023] In this embodiment, a plurality of groups of flow channel grooves 31 are formed on the ventilation plate 3. The plurality of groups of flow channel grooves 31 are horizontally arranged in an array on the ventilation plate 3. The ventilation plate 3 is formed by stamping. A cooling flow field is formed between the flow channel grooves 31, and cold air circulates in the flow channel grooves 31, thereby cooling the graphite cathode plate 1 and the graphite anode plate 4. Clamping parts 32 are respectively arranged at both ends of the ventilation plate 3. The clamping parts 32 are convex platforms bent upward. The ventilation plate 3 is cooperatively installed together through the support plates 2 on both sides of the clamping parts 32.

[0024] In this embodiment, a clamping groove 21 matching the clamping portion 32 is formed at the bottom of one end of the support plate 2 close to the ventilation plate 3. When assembling the composite bipolar plate, the clamping portion 32 of the ventilation plate 3 is aligned with the clamping groove 21, and the clamping portion 32 is inserted into the clamping groove 21, so as to assemble the support plate 2 and the ventilation plate 3 together. The thickness of the ventilation plate 3 is consistent with that of the support plate 2. Hydrogen gas flow ports 7 and oxygen gas flow ports 8 are formed in the support plate 2. First glue grooves 22 are respectively formed on the upper and lower side walls of the ventilation plate 3. The first glue grooves 22 surround the hydrogen gas flow ports 7 and the oxygen gas flow ports 8. An adhesive glue 5 is filled in the first glue grooves 22. The support plate 2 is bonded to the graphite cathode plate 1 and the graphite anode plate 4 through the adhesive glue 5. At the same time, the periphery of the hydrogen gas flow ports 7 and the oxygen gas flow ports 8 is sealed by the adhesive glue 5, so as to prevent the operating fluid in the flow ports from leaking out through the gap between the support plate 2 and the graphite plate.

[0025] In this embodiment, an oxygen circulation cavity 12 is formed on the side of the graphite cathode plate 1 away from the ventilation plate 3. Oxygen flow ports 8 are arranged on both sides of the oxygen circulation cavity 12. Oxygen enters the oxygen circulation cavity 12 through one oxygen flow port 8 and then flows out from the oxygen passage port on the other side, so as to realize the circulating flow of oxygen. A hydrogen gas flow port 7 is arranged on the side of the oxygen flow port 8. A second glue groove 11 is arranged around the oxygen circulation cavity 12 and the hydrogen gas flow port 7. An air path glue 6 is filled in the second glue groove 11. A membrane electrode (not shown in the figure) is installed in a matching manner at the bottom of the graphite cathode plate 1. The gap between the graphite cathode plate 1 and the membrane electrode is sealed by the air path glue 6 to prevent the operating fluid from leaking out.

[0026] In this embodiment, a hydrogen gas circulation cavity 42 is formed on the side of the graphite anode plate 4 away from the ventilation plate 3. Hydrogen gas flow ports 7 are arranged on both sides of the hydrogen gas circulation cavity 42. An oxygen gas flow port 8 is arranged on the side of the hydrogen gas flow port 7. A third glue groove 41 is arranged around the hydrogen gas circulation cavity 42 and the oxygen gas flow port 8. An air path glue 6 is filled in the third glue groove 41. Multiple groups of composite bipolar plates are stacked and installed together. A membrane electrode is clamped between the composite bipolar plates. Oxygen and hydrogen flow through the upper and lower sides of the membrane electrode respectively, and oxygen and hydrogen react with the membrane electrode to generate electricity.

[0027] When the utility model is in use, the ventilation plate 3 is cold-pressed and formed by a stamping die. Then, the support plates 2 are installed on both sides of the ventilation plate 3, and the adhesive 5 is filled in the first glue groove 21 of the support plate 2. Then, the graphite anode plate 4 and the graphite cathode plate 1 are respectively bonded to the upper and lower sides of the support plate 2, and the gas path glue 6 is applied to the graphite anode plate 4 and the graphite cathode plate 1, thus completing the assembly of a group of composite double plates. Then, multiple groups of composite bipolar plates are stacked and installed together, and a membrane electrode is clamped between each group of composite bipolar plates. When the fuel cell works, cold air circulates in the flow channel groove 31 of the ventilation plate 3, thereby cooling the graphite cathode plate 1 and the graphite anode plate 4. Since the ventilation plate 3 is used to replace the engraving of the flow channel groove 31 on the graphite plate, compared with the processing cost of engraving the flow channel groove on the graphite plate, the processing cost of the ventilation plate 3 is lower, because it can effectively reduce the processing cost of the composite bipolar plate, and the depth of the flow channel groove 31 can be unrestricted by the thickness of the graphite plate, so that the processing of high-depth flow channel grooves can be realized, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the fuel cell and effectively improving the performance of the fuel cell.

[0028] The above embodiments are only exemplary embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. The protection scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent replacements to the present utility model within the essence and protection scope of the present utility model, and such modifications or equivalent replacements should also be regarded as falling within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel cell composite bipolar plate flow channel structure, comprising a graphite cathode plate (1), characterized in that: Support plates (2) are respectively installed at both ends of the graphite cathode plate (1), a ventilation plate (3) is installed between the two groups of support plates (2), and a graphite anode plate (4) is installed above the support plate (2).

2. A fuel cell composite bipolar plate flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ventilation plate (3) is provided with a plurality of groups of flow channel grooves (31), which are arranged in a horizontal array on the ventilation plate (3), and the active ends of the ventilation plate (3) are respectively provided with clamping parts (32).

3. A fuel cell composite bipolar plate flow channel structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: A clamping groove (21) matching with the clamping portion (32) is provided at the bottom of one end of the support plate (2) close to the ventilation plate (3); a hydrogen flow passage opening (7) and an oxygen flow passage opening (8) are provided on the support plate (2); first glue grooves (22) are provided on the upper and lower side walls of the ventilation plate (3); the first glue grooves (22) surround the periphery of the hydrogen flow passage opening (7) and the oxygen flow passage opening (8); and the first glue grooves (22) are filled with adhesive glue (5).

4. A fuel cell composite bipolar plate flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An oxygen flow cavity (12) is provided on a side of the graphite cathode plate (1) away from the ventilation plate (3), oxygen flow passage openings (8) are provided on both sides of the oxygen flow passage opening (12), a hydrogen flow passage opening (7) is provided on the side of the oxygen flow passage opening (8), a second glue groove (11) is provided around the oxygen flow passage opening (12) and the hydrogen flow passage opening (7), and the second glue groove (11) is filled with gas path glue (6).

5. A fuel cell composite bipolar plate flow channel structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A hydrogen flow cavity (42) is provided on one side of the graphite anode plate (4) away from the ventilation plate (3), hydrogen flow passage openings (7) are provided on both sides of the hydrogen flow passage opening (42), oxygen flow passage openings (8) are provided on the sides of the hydrogen flow passage openings (7), a third glue groove (41) is provided around the hydrogen flow cavity (42) and the oxygen flow passage openings (8), and the third glue groove (41) is filled with gas path glue (6).

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