Manifold assembly, stack end plate and double-stack fuel cell system

Abstract

A manifold assembly for a dual stack fuel cell system includes a first manifold structure for delivery of one of an oxidant and a coolant, the first manifold structure including a first branch channel and a first main branch channel in fluid communication with the first branch channel and extending at least partially overlying the first branch channel, wherein the first branch channel is open on a side facing away from the first main branch channel to sealingly connect to a surface of the stack end plate such that one of the oxidant and the coolant is guided therein along the surface of the stack end plate; and a second manifold structure for delivery of the other of the oxidant and coolant, the two end plate interfaces are configured to be connected to the galvanic pile end plate in a manner of being vertical to the surface of the galvanic pile end plate; the second branch channel is in fluid connection with the two end plate interfaces; and the second main branch channel is in fluid communication with the second branch channel and extends in a manner of being at least partially overlapped on the second branch channel. The utility model also provides a stack end plate and a double-stack fuel cell system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to the technical field of fuel cells, and more particularly to a manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system, a stack end plate used in conjunction with the manifold assembly, and a dual-stack fuel cell system using the manifold assembly as an inlet distribution flow channel structure and / or an outlet convergence flow channel structure for an oxidant and a coolant. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation technology with increasingly wide applications. It directly converts the chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction of the fuel and an oxidant. Compared with traditional combustion power generation technologies, it has the advantages of high conversion efficiency, low pollutant emissions, and quiet and reliable operation.

[0003] In currently widely used proton exchange membrane fuel cells, a solid-state proton exchange membrane is used as an electrolyte for conducting protons. Correspondingly, in the use of fuel cells with similar solid-state electrolytes, in addition to supplying the fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and oxidant (e.g., air) necessary to achieve the electrochemical reaction, a coolant (e.g., water) also needs to be supplied so that the coolant circulates through the fuel cell to absorb the reaction heat, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the fuel cell. Thus, in the configuration of a fuel cell stack (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "stack") formed by stacking a plurality of single fuel cells in series, there are six (6) ports for the input and output of three different working media. These six ports can be directly or indirectly connected to a variety of different BOP devices to achieve the utilization and management of these three different working media (i.e., fuel, oxidant, and coolant) (e.g., supply, circulation, filtration, control of physical and / or chemical characteristics such as flow direction, flow rate, pressure, temperature, etc.).

[0004] In a specific application, to meet the specified requirements for electric power, voltage, and / or current, two or more stacks can be connected together in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel. Correspondingly, in the case of a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system, a manifold can be used to distribute the working media among multiple stacks, and a manifold can also be used to receive and collect the corresponding working media output from the outlet ports of multiple stacks. Thus, for the corresponding input and output of three different working media, the use of six manifolds may be involved. In the limited layout space for a fuel cell stack system, when an increasing number of fuel cell stacks themselves already occupy most of the space, how to reasonably plan the distribution and configuration of the six manifolds to make full use of the space and avoid waste of the use space (e.g., reduce the formation of inaccessible or unusable gap spaces) is an urgent problem in the field. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The present application proposes a design concept of a nested manifold assembly, aiming to solve the problems existing in the prior art, such as the chaotic arrangement of the manifold assembly, large space occupation, and difficult utilization of the formed gap space.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system, the manifold assembly comprising: a first manifold structure for delivering one of an oxidant and a coolant, the first manifold structure including a first branch channel and a first main flow channel that is in fluid communication with the first branch channel and extends at least partially overlapping the first branch channel, wherein the first branch channel is open on a side facing away from the first main flow channel to be sealingly connected to the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate such that one of the oxidant and the coolant is guided therein along the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate; and a second manifold structure for delivering the other of the oxidant and the coolant, the second manifold structure including two end plate interfaces configured to be connected to the fuel cell stack end plate perpendicular to the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate, a second branch channel fluidly connecting the two end plate interfaces, and a second main flow channel that is in fluid communication with the second branch channel and extends at least partially overlapping the second branch channel.

[0007] Optionally, the first manifold structure and the second manifold structure are each integrally formed and connected together in a detachable manner.

[0008] Optionally, the first branch channel of the first manifold structure is formed to have a generally straight middle flow channel section and two end flow channel sections extending generally perpendicular to the middle flow channel section from opposite ends of the middle flow channel section, and the first main flow channel is fluidly connected to the first branch channel at an intermediate position of the middle flow channel section.

[0009] Optionally, the two end plate interfaces of the second manifold structure are respectively disposed adjacent to the corresponding one of the two end flow channel sections such that one of the two end plate interfaces is between the two end flow channel sections and one of the two end flow channel sections is between the two end plate interfaces.

[0010] Optionally, the two end plate interfaces are arranged in alignment with the two end flow channel sections, and the end plate interface between the two end flow channel sections is adjacent to the middle flow channel section.

[0011] Optionally, the first main flow channel is formed to have a first main flow channel section one extending perpendicular to the middle flow channel section of the first branch channel and a first main flow channel section two extending parallel to the middle flow channel section from the first main flow channel section one, and the second main flow channel is formed to have a second main flow channel section one extending perpendicular to the second branch channel and a second main flow channel section two extending parallel to the second branch channel from the second main flow channel section one.

[0012] Optionally, the first branch channel, the second branch channel, the first second main manifold channel section, and the second second main manifold channel section are arranged in an interleaved manner in sequence, and / or the first second main manifold channel section is connected to the second branch channel at equal distances from the two end plate interfaces.

[0013] Optionally, the manifold assembly further includes at least one of the following: a flat flange extending outward from the edge of the channel opening of the first branch channel, the flange being configured to abut against the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate and including a plurality of through holes through which a third branch channel passes; arcuate orifices formed near each of the two end channel sections of the first branch channel for receiving the end plate interfaces, and annular flanges formed on each of the two end plate interfaces for controlling the insertion of the end plate interfaces into the arcuate orifices; a sensor interface opened in the first main manifold channel of the first manifold structure for detecting the physical and / or chemical characteristics of one of the oxidant and the coolant, and threads provided around and / or inside the sensor interface; a sensor interface opened in the second main manifold channel of the second manifold structure for detecting the physical and / or chemical characteristics of the other of the oxidant and the coolant, and threads provided around the sensor interface; one or more wire harness fixing threaded holes integrated into the first main manifold channel of the first manifold structure for mounting a wire harness appliance; a mounting flange formed at the other end of the first second main manifold channel section of the first manifold structure opposite to the end connected to the first first main manifold channel section for mating with a device arranged upstream or downstream of the first manifold structure, and mounting screw holes provided in the mounting flange; a mounting flange formed at the other end of the first second main manifold channel section of the second manifold structure opposite to the end connected to the second branch channel for mating with a device arranged upstream or downstream of the second manifold structure, and mounting screw holes provided in the mounting flange; a plurality of medium bypass branches extending parallel and / or perpendicular to the second second main manifold channel section; and the first manifold structure and the second manifold structure are assembled together by means of bolt connection, and the bolt connection at least includes a bushing structure formed on the first manifold structure for the bolt to pass through and a mating screw hole formed on the second manifold structure and aligned with the bushing structure.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a fuel cell stack end plate for a dual-stack fuel cell system used in conjunction with the manifold assembly as described above, wherein end interfaces for the input and output of the oxidant and the coolant of the first and second fuel cell stacks of the dual-stack fuel cell system are formed in the fuel cell stack end plate, wherein the end interfaces for the input of the oxidant and the coolant of the first and second fuel cell stacks are aligned and arranged on one side of the fuel cell stack end plate, and the end interfaces for the output of the oxidant and the coolant of the first and second fuel cell stacks are aligned and arranged on the other side of the fuel cell stack end plate opposite to the one side.

[0015] According to still another aspect of the present application, a dual-stack fuel cell system is provided. The dual-stack fuel cell system includes a first and a second stack arranged side by side, a stack end plate as described above for encapsulating the first and second stacks, a manifold assembly as described above for sealingly connecting to the oxidant and coolant input end interfaces of the stack end plate, and a manifold assembly as described above for sealingly connecting to the oxidant and coolant output end interfaces of the stack end plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to make the disclosure of the present application complete and sufficient, and to convey the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art in an intuitive manner. However, the drawings are only examples and are not intended to be restrictive. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust, modify, and / or replace the specific implementations of the features illustrated in the drawings as appropriate.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a stack end plate of an embodiment of a dual-stack fuel cell system that can employ a nested manifold assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, illustrating the arrangement structure of the input and output ports on the stack end plate for the delivery of three different working media;

[0018] Figure 2A is a right rear perspective view of an embodiment of a nested manifold assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, which can be used as the oxidant and coolant inlet manifold assembly of the dual-stack fuel cell system as shown in Figure 1 to distribute the oxidant and coolant from the main delivery channels to the two stacks of the dual-stack fuel cell system;

[0019] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a left front perspective view of the nested manifold assembly, and Figure 2C is Figure 2A a bottom elevation view of the nested manifold assembly;

[0020] Figure 3A is a right rear perspective view of another embodiment of a nested manifold assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, which can be used as the oxidant and coolant outlet manifold assembly of the dual-stack fuel cell system as shown in Figure 1 to collect the oxidant and coolant received from the two stacks of the dual-stack fuel cell system into the corresponding main delivery channels respectively;

[0021] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a left front perspective view of the nested manifold assembly, and Figure 3C is Figure 3ABottom elevation view of a nested manifold assembly; and

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 3B A sectional view of region A in, showing details of a sensor mounting interface. Detailed implementation

[0023] Although the principles of the present disclosure are mainly described below in connection with a dual-stack fuel cell system having two fuel cell stacks, the nested manifold assembly according to the principles of the present application is not limited thereby. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the concept of the nested manifold assembly disclosed in the present application can also be applied to other multi-stack fuel cell systems. After reading the present disclosure, those skilled in the art are capable of making corresponding modifications, substitutions, and / or adjustments according to the specific circumstances, and the inventors also intend that the principles disclosed herein be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein.

[0024] For ease of description, terms such as "fluid connection" and "fluid communication" are used herein to describe a way in which an element or feature forms a flow path with another element or feature, either directly (e.g., in contact with each other, butting) or indirectly (e.g., via intermediate elements or features such as channels, pipelines, chambers, etc.), allowing fluid to flow from the one element or feature to the other element or feature or from the other element or feature to the one element or feature. The use of terms such as "first" and "second" is intended to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element, without implying the number and / or arrangement relationship of the features or elements. In addition, the use of words such as "substantially", "about", "approximately" indicates that the defined feature may deviate from the theoretical concept in practice due to factors such as manufacturing tolerances, measurement accuracy, and / or rounding errors, without affecting the effects expected to be achieved by the corresponding defined feature.

[0025] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a working medium end interface arrangement structure of a stack end plate 1 for a dual-stack fuel cell system, the dual-stack fuel cell system including a first stack and a second stack arranged side by side along a lateral direction L. For ease of identification, Figure 1 In, different graphical symbols are used to indicate the end interfaces for the same working medium. Specifically, a rectangle indicates an end interface for fuel, a circle indicates an end interface for an oxidant, and a triangle indicates an end interface for a coolant. However, it is understood that this is only used as an illustrative graphical symbol and is not intended to be limiting. On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the working medium end interface that can be used for the stack end plate may include, but is not limited to, the geometric shapes shown in the figure. In addition, other ways different from shape differentiation can also be used to distinguish the end interfaces of different working media.

[0026] InFigure 1 In the example of , the working medium end interface for the first stack is provided in the first side portion 1-1 of the stack end plate 1 for encapsulating the first stack, and includes a first working medium input end interface 10-1 and a first working medium output end interface 19-1 vertically separated along the gravity direction G. The first working medium input end interface 10-1 includes a first oxidant input port 13-1 and a first coolant input port 15-1 arranged substantially flush along the lateral direction L, and a first fuel input port 11-1 arranged below the first oxidant input port 13-1 and the first coolant input port 15-1 along the gravity direction G. The first working medium output end interface 19-1 is arranged at a position below the first working medium input end interface 10-1 along the gravity direction G and includes a first oxidant output port 14-1 and a first coolant output port 16-1 arranged adjacent to each other laterally and substantially flush at a first vertical height, and a first fuel output port 12-1 arranged separately from the first oxidant output port 14-1 and the first coolant output port 16-1 at a second vertical height. Along the gravity direction G, the second vertical height is higher than the first vertical height, so that the first fuel output port 12-1 is arranged closer to the first fuel input port 11-1 than the first oxidant output port 14-1 and the first coolant output port 16-1. Thus, along the vertical direction, the first fuel input port 11-1 and the first fuel output port 12-1 for fuel delivery are arranged between the first oxidant input port 13-1 and the first coolant input port 15-1 for inputting oxidant and coolant and the first oxidant output port 14-1 and the first coolant output port 16-1 for outputting oxidant and coolant.

[0027] Similarly, the working medium end interfaces for the second stack are provided in the second side portion 1-2 of the stack end plate 1 for encapsulating the second stack, and include a second working medium input end interface 20-1 and a second working medium output end interface 29-1 vertically separated along the gravity direction G. The second working medium input end interface 20-1 includes a second oxidant input port 13-2 and a second coolant input port 15-2 arranged substantially flush along the lateral direction L, and a second fuel input port 11-2 arranged below the second oxidant input port 13-2 and the second coolant input port 15-2 along the gravity direction G. The second working medium output end interface 29-1 is arranged at a position lower than the second working medium input end interface 20-1 along the gravity direction G and includes a second oxidant output port 14-2 and a second coolant output port 16-2 arranged adjacent to each other laterally and substantially flush at a first vertical height, and a second fuel output port 12-2 arranged separately from the second oxidant output port 14-2 and the second coolant output port 16-2 at a second vertical height. Along the gravity direction G, the second vertical height is higher than the first vertical height, such that the second fuel output port 12-2 is arranged closer to the second fuel input port 11-2 than the second oxidant output port 14-2 and the second coolant output port 16-2. Thus, the second fuel input port 11-2 and the second fuel output port 12-2 for fuel delivery are vertically arranged between the second oxidant input port 13-2 and the second coolant input port 15-2 for inputting oxidant and coolant and the second oxidant output port 14-2 and the second coolant output port 16-2 for outputting oxidant and coolant.

[0028] Thus, the end interfaces for fuel delivery (i.e., the first fuel input port 11-1, the second fuel input port 11-2, the first fuel output port 12-1, and the second fuel output port 12-2) are centrally arranged in the vertical middle of the stack end plate 1 and can be fluidly connected to an integrated flow channel module dedicated to fuel delivery to form the anode subsystem of the fuel cell system. For example, an example of an integrated flow channel module for the anode side of a dual-stack fuel cell system is disclosed in the Chinese Patent Application No. 202420565665.6 of the present applicant, and the content of this Chinese invention patent application number is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] In addition, the end interfaces for the delivery of oxidant and coolant are separately arranged near the vertical top and bottom of the stack end plate 1. Specifically, Figure 1In the example, the first oxidant input port 13-1, the first coolant input port 15-1, the second oxidant input port 13-2, and the second coolant input port 15-2 for the inputs of the oxidant and the coolant are arranged in sequence along the top edge at a certain distance from the top edge of the stack end plate 1, and the first oxidant output port 14-1, the first coolant output port 16-1, the second oxidant output port 14-2, and the second coolant output port 16-2 for the outputs of the oxidant and the coolant are arranged in sequence along the bottom edge at a certain distance from the bottom edge of the stack end plate 1. Accordingly, a nested manifold assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure can be utilized to connect the end interfaces for the inputs of the oxidant and the coolant arranged along the top edge, and a nested manifold assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure can be utilized to connect the end interfaces for the outputs of the oxidant and the coolant arranged along the bottom edge.

[0030] Figures 2A - 2C FIG. illustrates an embodiment of a nested manifold assembly 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure that can be used as an oxidant and coolant inlet manifold assembly for a stack. As Figures 2A - 2C shown, the nested manifold assembly 100 includes a first manifold structure 110 configured to deliver the oxidant to the first oxidant input port 13-1 and the second oxidant input port 13-2 respectively, and a second manifold structure 120 independent of the first manifold structure 110 and configured to deliver the coolant to the first coolant input port 15-1 and the second coolant input port 15-2 respectively.

[0031] As Figure 2A best seen in, the first manifold structure 110 includes a first main flow channel 110-1 that extends generally straight along a first direction, a second main flow channel 110-2 that extends generally straight along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from the end of the first main flow channel 110-1, and a third branch flow channel 110-3 that extends in a plane perpendicular to the second direction and parallel to the first direction from the other end of the second main flow channel 110-2 opposite to the end connected to the first main flow channel 110-1. The first main flow channel 110-1, the second main flow channel 110-2, and the third branch flow channel 110-3 are in fluid communication so as to be able to deliver the working medium (in this example, the oxidant) configured to be delivered by the first manifold structure 110 from the inlet opening 110-11 of the first manifold structure 110 configured to dock with an upstream BOP device (e.g., a control valve) and located at the other end of the first main flow channel 110-1 opposite to the end connected to the second main flow channel 110-2 to the first first manifold end plate interfaces 110-31 and the second first manifold end plate interfaces 110-32 respectively formed at the two ends of the third branch flow channel 110-3 and configured to dock with the first oxidant input port 13-1 and the second oxidant input port 13-2.

[0032] SeeFigure 2C and Figure 2A , the third branch flow channel 110-3 is formed as a channel that is open on a side facing away from the first main branch flow channel 110-1 and the second main branch flow channel 110-2, so as to allow the oxidant from the upstream BOP device to be distributed to the first oxidant input port 13-1 and the second oxidant input port 13-2 along the docking surface of the stack end plate 1 to which the open side of the channel is connected. Accordingly, a groove 110-4 and a flange 110-5 are formed along the edge of the third branch flow channel 110-3. The groove 110-4 tightly surrounds the third branch flow channel 110-3 and is configured to dispose a seal so that the working medium delivered via the third branch flow channel 110-3 is restricted within the third branch flow channel and guided therein. Correlatively, the flange 110-5 extends outwardly away from the third branch flow channel 110-3 in a direction perpendicular to the second direction from the channel side wall that defines the third branch flow channel 110-3, and is configured to be mounted against the docking surface of the stack end plate 1 so as to sealingly connect the third branch flow channel 110-3 of the nested manifold assembly 100 and especially the first manifold structure 110 to the stack end plate 1, thereby forming a complete working medium distribution channel together with the docking surface of the stack end plate 1 and the third branch flow channel 110-3. Preferably, the nested manifold assembly 100 is fastened to the stack end plate 1 by bolts, and a plurality of through holes 110-6 for passing the bolts are provided around the third branch flow channel 110-3 in the flange 110-5.

[0033] Continuing to refer to Figure 2C and Figure 2A , the third branch flow channel 110-3 has a C-shaped-like shape and includes a generally straight middle flow channel section 110-33 extending along the first direction, a first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 and a second first manifold end plate interface 110-32 spaced apart from the middle flow channel section 110-33 in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and two transition flow channel sections 110-34 that connect the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 and the second first manifold end plate interface 110-32 in parallel along the third direction to the middle flow channel section 110-31. The transition flow channel sections 110-34 are formed as rounded or arcuate to smoothly transition from the middle flow channel section 110-33 to the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 and the second first manifold end plate interface 110-32 and allow the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 (described below) of the second manifold structure 120 to be adjacent to the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 of the first manifold structure 110 and be disposed close to the middle flow channel section 110-31, as Figure 2CBest shown in. Preferably, the transition flow channel section 110-34 is configured to direct a fluid flow deflection of approximately 90°. The second main flow channel 110-2 is connected to the third branch flow channel 110-3 at an intermediate position of the middle flow channel section 110-33, such that the flow path from the connection point of the third branch flow channel 110-3 and the second main flow channel 110-2 to the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 and to the second first manifold end plate interface 110-32 is substantially the same and / or experiences substantially the same flow resistance coefficient, thereby allowing the corresponding working medium to be substantially evenly distributed to the first and second stacks. In addition, as can be seen from Figure 2A and Figure 2B As can be seen, the first main flow channel 110-1 partially overlaps with a part of the middle flow channel section 110-33 and the transition flow channel section 110-34 and partially overlaps with the flange 110-5, such that the first manifold structure 110 has a compact layout structure and enhanced overall structural strength.

[0034] In Figures 2A - 2C In the embodiment of, the main body of the first manifold structure 110 is integrally formed by injection molding from a plastic (e.g., PPS+GF40%). In addition to the features related to the transfer of the working medium as described above, the first manifold structure 110 also includes some auxiliary functional features. For example, a mounting flange 110-12 is formed around the inflow opening 110-11 of the first manifold structure 110, and the mounting flange is configured for mating of the first manifold structure 110 with an upstream BOP device; a sensor interface 110-13 is formed at the other end of the first main flow channel 110-1 opposite to the inflow opening 110-11 along the first direction for docking with a sensor for detecting physical and / or chemical characteristics (such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc.) of the working medium flowing into the first manifold structure. The sensor can be attached to the first manifold structure by using mounting holes (e.g., mounting screw holes 110-131 provided around the sensor interface 110-13) to be supported by the first manifold structure. In addition, a plurality of wire harness fixing threaded holes 110-14, 110-15, 110-16 are scattered on the exposed or accessible areas (e.g., the side facing away from the second manifold structure 120) of the first and second main flow channels. The wire harness fixing threaded holes can be used to install wire harness appliances for storing, routing, and managing the cables of the sensors attached to the nested manifold assembly 100 and the cables of the BOP devices arranged around the nested manifold assembly 100. Integrating these auxiliary functional features in the local space of the nested manifold assembly 100 can not only compress the space volume of the overall fuel cell system, but also help reduce the number of bulk spare parts, thereby reducing production costs. In addition, as can be seen from Figures 2A - 2CAs can be clearly seen, the first manifold structure 110 and the second manifold structure 120 adopt a flow channel configuration with reinforcing structures such as reinforcing ribs, reinforcing ridges, H-shaped support portions, grid structures, etc. simply attached to the outer wall, thereby allowing the weight of the manifold assembly to be reduced while meeting the structural strength requirements and at the same time improving the cost-effectiveness of the material.

[0035] The second manifold structure 120 nested with the first manifold structure 110 is detachably connected to the first manifold structure 110 for separate replacement. In Figures 2A - 2C the embodiment, the first manifold structure 110 and the second manifold structure 120 are fixed to each other by means of a threaded connection. Specifically, as best seen in Figure 2A in the first manifold structure 110, a plurality of bushing structures 110-7 (e.g., formed by an injection-molded metal bushing process) are formed along the top of the first main flow channel 110-1 and the side of the second main flow channel 110-2, and mating screw holes 120-7 (e.g., formed by an injection-molded thread insert process) are formed at positions corresponding to the bushing structures 110-7 of the first manifold structure 110 in the second manifold structure 120, such that the screw rod of a bolt can be inserted into the mating screw hole 120-7 through the bushing structure 110-7 for screwing connection therewith, thereby fixing the first manifold structure 110 and the second manifold structure 120 together. Although in Figure 2A it is shown that the first manifold structure has four bushing structures and the second manifold structure has four mating screw holes, the number of bushing structures and mating screw holes can also be more or less, and the distribution of the bushing structures and screw holes is not limited to Figure 2A the positions shown in as long as they can be accessed for disassembly and installation operations.

[0036] See Figure 2BThe second manifold structure 120 includes a first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 and a second second manifold end plate interface 120-32 extending in a direction parallel to the second direction and configured to dock with the first coolant input port 15-1 and the second coolant input port 15-2 of the stack end plate 1, a branch third flow channel 120-3 extending along the first direction to connect the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 to the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32, and a branch third flow channel 120-3 extending from the branch third flow channel 120-3 to the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31. The position between the tube end plate interface 120-31 and the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32 (preferably, a position equidistant from the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 and the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32) extends along the second direction to the main branch second flow channel 120-2 away from the branch third flow channel 120-3, and the main branch first flow channel 120-1 extends in the first direction from the other end of the main branch second flow channel 120-2 opposite to the end connected to the branch third flow channel 120-3. The main branch first flow channel 120-1, the main branch second flow channel 120-2, the branch third flow channel 120-3, and the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 and the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32 are fluidically connected, thereby allowing the working medium (in this embodiment, the coolant) to pass from the main inlet opening 120-11 of the main branch first flow channel 120-1 through the main branch first flow channel 120-1 and the main branch second flow channel 120-2 and through the branch third flow channel 120-3 to the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 and the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32 to supply the first and second stacks respectively. Figures 2A - 2C In the example of FIG. 1 , the medium bypass branches 120-12, 120-13, and 120-14 are connected to the main branch first flow channel 120-1 near the main inlet opening 120-11. However, it is also considered that the medium bypass branch can also be connected to the main branch second flow channel 120-2 of the second manifold structure 120, so that the working medium from the main supply source and the auxiliary supply source is collected before reaching the branch third flow channel 120-3, as described below with respect to Figures 3A - 3C In addition, although Figure 2B It is shown that the medium bypass branches 120-12 and 120-13 extend along the third direction and the medium bypass branch 120-14 extends from the medium bypass branch 120-12 in parallel with the first direction, but the medium bypass branch may also be different from Figure 2B The orientation shown in FIG. 1 is to accommodate the specific arrangement of the associated BOP device in a particular application.

[0037] Similar to the first manifold structure 110, the main body of the second manifold structure 120 is also formed integrally of plastic (e.g., PPS+GF40%) using an injection molding process. The process interfaces 120-4 and 120-5 formed by the injection molding process will be blocked in subsequent processes, and the blocking can be achieved, for example, by screwing with screw holes 120-40 and 120-50 formed around the corresponding process interfaces 120-4 and 120-5. In addition, a sensor interface 120-6 for docking sensors is formed at the joint of the main branch first flow channel 120-1 and the main branch second flow channel 120-2 of the second manifold structure 120, together with screw holes 120-60 provided around the sensor interface 120-6 for sensor installation. A harness bayonet 120-7 is formed adjacent to the sensor interface 120-6 on the top of the main branch first flow channel 120-1 to be used for bundling cables of sensors docked to the sensor interface 120-6 and other cables. As mentioned above, the integration of these auxiliary functional features can help achieve a compact and intensive arrangement structure.

[0038] The second manifold structure 120 is nested with the first manifold structure 110. Figure 2C As best seen in FIG. 1 , when assembled, the first first manifold end plate interface 110 - 31 is disposed proximate to the first second manifold end plate interface 120 - 31 , and the second first manifold end plate interface 110 - 32 is disposed proximate to the second second manifold end plate interface 120 - 32 . In this regard, further, the portion of the flange 110-5 adjacent to the first and second manifold end plate interfaces 120-31 and the second and second manifold end plate interfaces 120-32 is formed to define an arc-shaped orifice, which can extend circumferentially around the first and second manifold end plate interfaces and the second and second manifold end plate interfaces by at least 90° and preferably at least 180°, and corresponding annular flanges 120-311, 120-321 are formed on the circumferential portions of the first and second manifold end plate interfaces 120-31 and the second and second manifold end plate interfaces 120-32, so that when the first and second manifold structures are assembled, the annular flanges are at least partially seated on the flange 110-5, thereby allowing the first and second manifold structures 100 and 120 to be conveniently nested. Specifically, the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 and the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32 can be first inserted into the arc-shaped orifices near the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 and the second first manifold end plate interface 110-32 until the annular flanges 120-311, 120-321 abut against the flange 110-5 of the first manifold structure 110, thereby preliminarily nesting and fixing the first and second manifold structures; and then, the bolts are inserted into the matching screw holes through the bushing structure and tightened to fasten the first and second manifold structures together, thereby completing the assembly of the nested manifold assembly.

[0039] Accordingly, after assembly, as can be observed from Figure 2A and Figure 2B the flow channels of the first and second manifold structures are arranged in an interleaved manner. Specifically, for the flow channels extending along the first direction, as can be easily observed in conjunction with Figure 2A and Figure 2B taking the flange 110-5 to be attached to the end face of the stack end plate 1 as a reference, the third branch flow channel 110-3 of the first manifold structure 110 extends within a first height range from the flange 110-5, then the branch third flow channel 120-3 of the second manifold structure 120 extends within a second height range from the flange 110-5 that is higher than the first height range, then the first main flow channel 110-1 of the first manifold structure 110 extends within a third height range from the flange 110-5 that is higher than the second height range, and then the main first flow channel 120-1 of the second manifold structure 120 and the dielectric bypass branches 120-12, 120-13, 120-14 extend within a fourth height range from the flange 110-5 that is further higher than the third height range. In addition, for the flow channels extending along the second direction, as can be easily observed in conjunction with Figures 2A to 2C the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31 and the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32 are respectively arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31 and the second first manifold end plate interface 110-32 in the first direction, and accordingly, the main second flow channel 120-2 located between the first first manifold end plate interface and the second first manifold end plate interface is arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the second main flow channel 110-2 located between the first second manifold end plate interface and the second second manifold end plate interface. Thus, although the first and second manifold structures are connected together in a detachable manner, the nested manifold assembly 100 has a volume comparable to that of a manifold assembly when the first and second manifold structures are integrally formed. Optionally, the first and second manifold structures may also be integrally formed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figures 3A - 3C Another embodiment of a nested manifold assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure that can be used as an oxidant and coolant outlet stack manifold assembly is shown. The nested manifold assembly 200 is the same as that described above in connection with Figures 2A - 2CThe described nested manifold assembly 100 is substantially the same. Correspondingly, the above descriptions of the inlet opening 110-11 of the first manifold structure 110 of the nested manifold assembly 100, the mounting flange 110-12 around the inlet opening 110-11, the first main flow channel 110-1, the second main flow channel 110-2, the third branch flow channel 110-3, the first first manifold end plate interface 110-31, the second first manifold end plate interface 110-32, the groove 110-4, the flange 110-5, the through hole 110-6, and the bushing structure 110-7 are equally applicable to the outlet opening 210-11 of the first manifold structure 210 of the nested manifold assembly 200, the mounting flange 210-12 around the outlet opening 210-11, the first main flow channel 210-1, the second main flow channel 210-2, the third branch flow channel 210-3, the first first manifold end plate interface 210-31, the second first manifold end plate interface 210-32, the groove 210-4, the flange 210-5, the through hole 210-6, and the bushing structure 210-7. Also, the above descriptions of the first second manifold end plate interface 120-31, the second second manifold end plate interface 120-32, the annular flanges 120-311, 120-321, the branch third flow channel 120-3, the main second flow channel 120-2, the main first flow channel 120-1, the process interface 120-5, the screw hole 120-50 in the process interface, the sensor interface 120-6, and the screw hole 120-60 provided near the sensor interface of the nested manifold assembly 100 are equally applicable to the first second manifold end plate interface 220-31, the second second manifold end plate interface 220-32, the annular flanges 220-311, 220-321, the branch third flow channel 220-3, the main second flow channel 220-2, the main first flow channel 220-1, the process interface 220-5, the screw hole 220-50 in the process interface, the sensor interface 220-6, and the screw hole 220-60 provided near the sensor interface of the nested manifold assembly 200. For the sake of brevity, the relevant content will not be elaborated here.

[0041] In the nested manifold assembly 200 used as a stack discharge manifold assembly, the main branch first flow channel 220-1 of the second manifold structure 220 extends in a direction parallel to but opposite to the first main branch flow channel 210-1 of the first manifold structure 210. At the same time, the medium bypass branches 220-12, 220-13, and 220-14 of the second manifold structure 220 are connected to the main branch second flow channel 220-2, and extend from the main branch second flow channel 120-2 in a direction parallel to but opposite to the main branch first flow channel 220-2 (medium bypass branches 220-12, 220-13) and a perpendicular direction (medium bypass branch 220-14). Accordingly, the other end of the main branch second flow passage 220-2 opposite to the end connected to the branch third flow passage 220-3 is open and configured as a BOP connection interface 220-21, which is used to dock with the downstream BOP device so as to guide the working medium flow between the main branch first flow passage 220-1 and the medium bypass branches 220-12, 220-13, and 220-14. A plurality of mounting screw holes 220-22 are arranged around the BOP connection interface 220-21 for the downstream BOP device to be mounted to the nested manifold assembly 200 and thus arranged close to the manifold assembly.

[0042] The sensor interfaces 210-13 and 210-9 for detecting the physical and / or chemical characteristics of the working medium flowing in the first manifold structure 210 are provided approximately in the middle of the first main branch channel 210-1, so that the sensor for detecting the physical and / or chemical characteristics of the working medium flowing in the second manifold structure 220 can be installed on the other side of the second main branch channel 210-2 opposite to the first main branch channel 210-1. Screw holes 210-131 are formed around the sensor interface 210-13, so that the sensor docked with the sensor interface 210-13 can be fastened to the sensor interface 210-13 in a screwed manner. Different from the sensor interface 210-13, the sensor interface 210-9 forms a threaded connection with the corresponding sensor by means of a metal threaded insert 210-91 embedded therein. For details, see Figure 4 The metal threaded insert 210-91 is overmolded in the plastic body of the sensor interface 210-9 and forms a channel section that is narrower than the opening 210-92 of the sensor interface 210-9 (for example, this can be formed by utilizing the different thermal expansion coefficients of the plastic and the metal). Thus, a seal can be installed on the metal threaded insert 210-91 to form a radial seal between the sensor inserted into the sensor interface 210-9 and the sensor interface 210-9.

[0043] Return to reference Figures 3A - 3C ,exist Figures 3A - 3C In the illustrated embodiment of the nested manifold assembly 200, only one harness fixing threaded hole 210-14 is provided. Figure 3AAs shown, the wire harness fixing threaded holes 210-14 are arranged adjacent to the sensor interface 210-9, and the sensor interface 210-9 is in turn arranged adjacent to the sensor interface 210-13 on the opposite side, so that the cables of the sensors docked with the sensor interfaces 210-13 and 210-9 can be conveniently centrally managed by using the wire harness appliance inserted into the wire harness fixing threaded hole 210-14.

[0044] In addition, in addition to using the bushing structure and the mating threaded holes as described above for Figures 2A - 2C connecting the first and second manifold structures, the second manifold structure 220 of the nested manifold assembly 200 is also fastened to the first manifold structure 210 and then fastened to the stack end plate 1 by bolts passing through the through holes 220-41, 220-42 of the extensions of the annular flanges 220-311, 220-312 passing through the second manifold structure 220 and aligned with the through holes 210-6 on the flange 210-5.

[0045] Figures 3A - 3C The differences between the nested manifold assembly 200 of Figures 2A - 2C and the nested manifold assembly 100 of

[0046] are related to the differences in the positions where they are installed, the BOP devices or BOP device interfaces they are connected to, the orientations relative to the same BOP device, and the layout structures of the surrounding BOP devices. Accordingly, the differences between the two should be understood in a broad sense as modifications made by the nested manifold assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure to adapt to different application requirements. Accordingly, although the principles of the nested manifold assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments known to the inventors, based on the disclosure and teachings given herein, those skilled in the art are capable of making additional modifications, substitutions, and / or variations to the embodiments disclosed herein for specific situations. For example, contrary to the specific example described above, the first manifold structure can be used as the coolant delivery channel, and the second manifold structure can be used as the oxidant delivery channel. Thus, it is understood that such modifications, substitutions, and / or variations are also considered to be included within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and teachings of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system, characterized in that Comprising: A first manifold structure for delivering one of an oxidant and a coolant, the first manifold structure including a first branch channel and a first main flow channel that is in fluid communication with the first branch channel and extends at least partially overlapping the first branch channel, wherein the first branch channel is open on a side facing away from the first main flow channel to be sealingly connected to a surface of a fuel cell stack end plate such that one of the oxidant and the coolant is guided therealong on the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate; and A second manifold structure for delivering the other of the oxidant and the coolant, the second manifold structure including two end plate interfaces configured to be connected to the fuel cell stack end plate perpendicular to the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate, a second branch channel fluidly connecting the two end plate interfaces, and a second main flow channel that is in fluid communication with the second branch channel and extends at least partially overlapping the second branch channel.

2. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein, The first manifold structure and the second manifold structure are each integrally formed and connected together in a detachable manner.

3. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first branch channel of the first manifold structure is formed to have a generally straight middle flow channel section and two end flow channel sections extending generally perpendicular to the middle flow channel section from opposite ends of the middle flow channel section, and the first main flow channel is fluidly connected to the first branch channel at an intermediate position of the middle flow channel section.

4. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two end plate interfaces of the second manifold structure are respectively disposed adjacent to corresponding ones of the two end flow channel sections such that one of the two end plate interfaces is between the two end flow channel sections and one of the two end flow channel sections is between the two end plate interfaces.

5. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two end plate interfaces are arranged in alignment with the two end flow channel sections, and the end plate interface between the two end flow channel sections is adjacent to the middle flow channel section.

6. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 5, wherein, The first main flow channel is formed to have a first main flow channel section one extending perpendicular to the middle flow channel section of the first branch channel and a first main flow channel section two extending parallel to the middle flow channel section from the first main flow channel section one, and the second main flow channel is formed to have a second main flow channel section one extending perpendicular to the second branch channel and a second main flow channel section two extending parallel to the second branch channel from the second main flow channel section one.

7. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first branch channel, the second branch channel, the first main flow channel section two, and the second main flow channel section two are arranged in an interleaved manner in sequence, and / or the second main flow channel section one is connected to the second branch channel at an equal distance from the two end plate interfaces.

8. The manifold assembly for a dual-stack fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein, The manifold assembly further includes at least one of the following: A flat flange extending outward from an edge of the channel opening of the first branch channel, the flange being configured to abut against the surface of the fuel cell stack end plate and including a plurality of through holes through which a third branch channel passes; Arc-shaped orifices formed near each of the two end flow channel sections of the first branch channel for receiving the end plate interfaces, and annular flanges formed on each of the two end plate interfaces for controlling the insertion of the end plate interfaces into the arc-shaped orifices; A sensor interface for detecting the physical and / or chemical characteristics of one of the oxidant and the coolant, which is opened in the first main flow channel of the first manifold structure, and a thread provided around and / or inside the sensor interface; A sensor interface for detecting the physical and / or chemical characteristics of the other of the oxidant and the coolant, which is opened in the second main flow channel of the second manifold structure, and a thread provided around the sensor interface; One or more wire harness fixing threaded holes integrated into the first main flow channel of the first manifold structure for installing a wire harness appliance; An installation flange formed at the other end of the first main flow channel section two of the first manifold structure, which is opposite to the end connected to the first main flow channel section one, for mating with a device arranged upstream or downstream of the first manifold structure, and installation screw holes provided in the installation flange; An installation flange formed at the other end of the second main flow channel section one of the second manifold structure, which is opposite to the end connected to the second branch channel, for mating with a device arranged upstream or downstream of the second manifold structure, and installation screw holes provided in the installation flange; A plurality of medium bypass branches extending parallel and / or perpendicular to the second main flow channel section two; And The first manifold structure and the second manifold structure are assembled together by means of a bolt connection, and the bolt connection at least includes a bushing structure formed on the first manifold structure for the bolt to pass through and a mating screw hole formed on the second manifold structure and aligned with the bushing structure.

9. A stack end plate for a dual-stack fuel cell system for use with a manifold assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, End interfaces for the input and output of the oxidant and the coolant of the first and second stacks of the dual-stack fuel cell system are formed in the stack end plate. Among them, the end interfaces for the input of the oxidant and the coolant of the first and second stacks are arranged in an aligned manner on one side of the stack end plate, and the end interfaces for the output of the oxidant and the coolant of the first and second stacks are arranged in an aligned manner on the other side of the stack end plate opposite to the one side.

10. A dual-stack fuel cell system, characterized in that, The dual-stack fuel cell system includes the first and second stacks arranged side by side, the stack end plate as claimed in claim 9 for encapsulating the first and second stacks, a manifold assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1-8 sealingly connected to the oxidant and coolant input end interfaces of the stack end plate, and a manifold assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1-8 sealingly connected to the oxidant and coolant output end interfaces of the stack end plate.

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