Bipolar plate and fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to a bipolar plate and a fuel cell. The bipolar plate comprises a plate body; the gas flow channel is arranged on the surface of the plate body; the gas inlet channel is arranged on the surface of the plate body, and a gas distribution area is formed between the gas inlet channel and the gas flow channel; the supporting body is arranged in a gas distribution area on the surface of the plate body; and gas flows to the gas distribution area, is guided and shunted by the support body and then flows into the gas flow channel. The support body is arranged in the gas distribution area of the bipolar plate, so that the gas flow condition of the gas distribution area is effectively improved, gas can be uniformly and stably distributed into each gas flow channel, and the problem of membrane electrode deviation caused by gas pressure difference on two sides in the bipolar plate is solved; therefore, tight attachment between the membrane electrode frame and the bipolar plate is ensured, the problems of flow resistance increase and unsmooth airflow caused by uneven pressure are avoided, the stability and the overall performance of the bipolar plate are improved, and the service life of the bipolar plate is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to bipolar plates and fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] Bipolar plates, widely known in the fuel cell industry as current collectors, are essential core components in fuel cell systems. Their importance lies not only in their role as a barrier between the fuel and oxidant, but also in their multifunctionality: collecting and conducting electrical current, evenly distributing reactant gases, effectively dissipating heat, and maintaining a uniform temperature field within the cell. These functions collectively ensure the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell, and their performance is directly linked to the overall efficiency and service life of the fuel cell.

[0003] In the fuel cell field, the design and manufacturing process of bipolar plates must strictly adhere to established industry standards and technical specifications. To ensure the stability and efficiency of bipolar plates in fuel cell systems, in-depth optimization is required in multiple aspects, from material selection and processing technology to structural design.

[0004] Among the many performance indicators of bipolar plates, fluid distribution performance is particularly critical, which is directly related to the service life and performance stability of fuel cells. Fuel cells will experience a variety of operating conditions during operation, including start / stop conditions, idling conditions, high load conditions and variable load conditions. Changes in these operating conditions may lead to insufficient supply of reaction gases, especially under start / stop conditions, which are more likely to cause high potential problems. When the stack is working, hydrogen and oxygen are introduced through the inlet, and after passing through the main gas channels of the stack, they are distributed to the bipolar plates of each single cell. The bipolar plates need to evenly guide these gases to the electrodes so that the gases can contact the catalysts on the electrode supports and undergo electrochemical reactions.

[0005] However, when the bipolar plate is working, due to the gas pressure difference between the anode and cathode, the frame of the membrane electrode may shift from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side, causing the membrane electrode frame to be close to the area between the bipolar plate flow channel gas inlet and outlet and the flow channel gas distribution area, thereby increasing the flow resistance on the lower pressure side and causing poor airflow, which will not only reduce the performance of the fuel cell stack, but may also have an adverse effect on the long-term use of the fuel cell.

[0006] In summary, the existing bipolar plates have problems with membrane electrode frame deviation due to gas pressure difference when air is introduced, as well as uneven and unsmooth gas flow and poor stability. Utility Model Content

[0007] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a bipolar plate and a fuel cell to address the problem of poor uniformity and instability of gas flow when the bipolar plate is intaken.

[0008] A bipolar plate comprising:

[0009] plate body;

[0010] A gas flow channel is provided on the surface of the plate;

[0011] an air inlet channel, arranged on the surface of the plate body, and forming a gas distribution area between the air inlet channel and the gas flow channel;

[0012] a support body, arranged in the gas distribution area on the surface of the plate body;

[0013] The gas flows toward the gas distribution area, is guided and diverted by the support body, and then flows into the gas flow channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the gas flow channel includes a plurality of channels and a plurality of gas inlet ends that are interconnected, the plurality of channels are sequentially arranged on the surface of the plate, and the plurality of gas inlet ends are respectively located at one end of the plurality of channels close to the gas distribution area;

[0015] The airflow flowing out of the air inlet channel is guided and divided by the plurality of support bodies arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate body in the gas distribution area, and then flows to the plurality of air inlet ends of the gas flow channel respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of channels are arranged and distributed along the width direction of the plate;

[0017] The projections of the multiple supporting bodies on one side of the channel are respectively located between the two side walls of the multiple channels.

[0018] In one embodiment, a plurality of the channels are protruding and extending from the surface of the plate;

[0019] The support body is protruded and extended outward from the surface of the plate body, and the extension height of the support body is consistent with the extension height of the channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the extension height of the support body is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm; the extension area of ​​the support body is between 3 mm² and 15 mm².

[0021] In one embodiment, the extended shape of the support body is cylindrical, and the distance between two adjacent support bodies is 2 mm-15 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, there are gaps between the two sides of the support body and the air inlet channel and the air inlet end respectively.

[0023] In one embodiment, the air inlet channel is provided at one end of the plate in the length direction, and includes a first air inlet and a first air outlet;

[0024] The first gas outlet is provided at one end close to the gas flow channel, and the support body is provided in the gas distribution area between the first gas outlet and the gas inlet end;

[0025] The gas flows from the first gas outlet to the gas distribution area, and then flows to the gas inlet end after being guided and divided by the support body.

[0026] In one embodiment, the bipolar plate further includes an air outlet channel, which is provided at the other end of the plate in the length direction and includes a second air inlet and a second air outlet;

[0027] The gas flow channel includes a gas outlet end, and the support body is arranged in a gas distribution area between the second gas inlet and the gas outlet end;

[0028] The gas flows from the gas outlet to the gas distribution area, and then flows to the second gas inlet after being guided and divided by the support body.

[0029] In the above-mentioned bipolar plate, a support body is provided in the gas distribution area, which effectively improves the gas flow condition in the gas distribution area, so that the gas can be evenly and smoothly distributed to each gas flow channel, and solves the membrane electrode offset problem caused by the pressure difference between the anode and cathode gases, thereby ensuring a close fit between the membrane electrode frame and the bipolar plate, avoiding the increase in flow resistance and poor airflow caused by uneven pressure, improving the stability and overall performance of the bipolar plate, and extending its service life.

[0030] According to another object of the present invention, a fuel cell is provided, comprising two bipolar plates as described above, wherein one bipolar plate is a first bipolar plate and the other bipolar plate is a second bipolar plate;

[0031] The fuel cell further includes a membrane electrode disposed between the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate.

[0032] The aforementioned fuel cell, through its improved bipolar plate design, effectively improves gas distribution and discharge efficiency, reducing gas stagnation and localized pressure unevenness. The inclusion of the support not only enhances the structural strength of the bipolar plate but also optimizes the gas flow path, promoting gas mixing and uniform distribution, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the bipolar plate structure Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the bipolar plate structure Figure 2 .

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell.

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the fuel cell principle.

[0037] In the figure: 1, gas flow channel; 10, channel; 11, first gas flow channel; 12, second gas flow channel; 13, gas inlet end; 14, gas outlet end;

[0038] 2. Air inlet channel; 21. First air inlet; 22. First air outlet; 23. First air inlet channel; 24. Second air inlet channel;

[0039] 3. Gas distribution area;

[0040] 4. Support body; 41. First support body; 42. Second support body;

[0041] 5. Air outlet channel; 51. Second air inlet; 52. Second air outlet; 53. First air outlet channel; 54. Second air outlet channel;

[0042] 100. Plate body;

[0043] a. First bipolar plate; b. Second bipolar plate; c. Membrane electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0046] In addition, if there are these terms "first", "second", these terms are only for the purpose of description, and can not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can be explicitly or implicitly included at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, if there are terms "a plurality of", the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0047] In the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, if there are terms "installation", "connection", "connection", "fixing" and the like, these terms should be broadly understood. For example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise expressly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, if there are similar descriptions of the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature, the meaning can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "above" and "above" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0049] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "provided to" another element, it can be directly on another element or there can be a middle element. If an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element or there can be a middle element. If there is, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in the present application are only for the purpose of description, and do not represent the only implementation.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 The structure of the bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application is shown in the figure. The bipolar plate provided by an embodiment of the present application comprises a plate body 100, a gas flow channel 1, a gas inlet channel 2 and a support body 4.

[0051] Specifically, the gas flow channel 1 is provided on the surface of the plate 100 to guide the flow of gas and promote the occurrence of the electrochemical reaction. The gas inlet channel 2 is also provided on the surface of the plate 100, located to one side of the gas flow channel 1. A specific area, namely the gas distribution area 3, is formed between the gas inlet channel 2 and the gas flow channel 1. The gas distribution area 3 is provided on the surface of the plate 100 to evenly distribute the gas flowing into this area to the gas flow channel 1.

[0052] Furthermore, a series of supports 4 of appropriate size are provided in the gas distribution area 3. The supports 4 are arranged in a regular pattern and are firmly fixed in the gas distribution area 3. The main function of the supports 4 is to guide and divert the gas flowing into the gas distribution area 3, ensuring that the gas can be evenly and smoothly distributed into the gas flow channel 1.

[0053] As described above, a support body 4 is provided on the plate body of the bipolar plate, which effectively improves the gas flow condition in the gas distribution area 3, so that the gas can be evenly and smoothly distributed to each gas flow channel 1, avoiding the problem of membrane electrode c offset caused by the pressure difference between the anode and cathode gases in the bipolar plate, thereby ensuring a close fit between the membrane electrode c frame and the bipolar plate, avoiding the increase in flow resistance and poor airflow caused by uneven pressure, and can improve the overall performance of the battery stack using the above-mentioned bipolar plate and extend its service life.

[0054] In this embodiment, the air inlet channel 2 serves as the main channel for gas to enter the interior of the bipolar plate and needs to have a sufficient size to ensure smooth and unobstructed gas flow.

[0055] In this embodiment, the shape, size and arrangement of the support body 4 need to be adaptively adjusted according to the layout of the gas flow channel 1 and the gas flow requirement.

[0056] In this embodiment, the support body 4 can be a small cylinder with a streamlined profile to reduce obstruction to gas flow and promote uniform gas distribution. The support body 4 is installed using specific fixings to ensure accurate, firm and reliable installation position, avoiding uneven gas distribution caused by looseness or displacement.

[0057] In this embodiment, the support body 4 is made of a high-strength, corrosion-resistant material to ensure that it can maintain stable performance during long-term use. At the same time, the selection of the material of the support body 4 must also consider its effect on gas flow to ensure that the gas can smoothly pass through the support body 4 and be evenly distributed to each flow channel.

[0058] Combine Figures 1-2 As shown, Figure 1 、 Figure 2Schematic diagram of the structure of the bipolar plate in one embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the gas flow channel 1 includes a plurality of channels 10 and a plurality of gas inlet ports 13 that are interconnected.

[0059] Specifically, the plurality of channels 10 are sequentially arranged on the surface of the plate body 100 , so that the diverted gas can quickly enter the gas flow channel 1 through the plurality of channels 10 , which helps to improve the gas diversion efficiency.

[0060] The multiple air inlet ports 13 are located at one end of the multiple channels 10 near the gas distribution area 3. The multiple support bodies 4 are spaced apart within the gas distribution area 3 along the width of the plate 100, so that the airflow from the air inlet channels 2 is directed and diverted by the multiple support bodies 4 before flowing toward the multiple air inlet ports 13 and into the multiple channels 10. The multiple support bodies 4, in conjunction with the multiple air inlet ports 13 and the channels, improve the efficiency of gas diversion and ensure uniform gas diversion.

[0061] In this embodiment, since the multiple supports 4 are arranged along the width direction of the plate 100, the multiple channels 10 are correspondingly arranged in sequence along the width direction of the plate 100, so that the gas diverted by the supports 4 can flow into the channels 10. The arrangement direction, arrangement method, and number of the channels 10 can be adaptively adjusted according to specific usage requirements and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] In one embodiment, a certain gap is left between the two sides of the support body 4 and the air inlet channel 2 and the air inlet end 13. This prevents the support body 4 from excessively obstructing the gas flow while ensuring that the gas can smoothly pass through the gas distribution area 3, achieving efficient gas distribution. Specifically, the width of the gap is adjusted according to the properties and flow rate of the gas, as well as the size of the distribution area.

[0063] Combine Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the channel 10 includes a sidewall.

[0064] Specifically, the projections of the multiple supports 4 on one side of the channel 10 can be located between the two side walls of the multiple channels 10. Preferably, the projections of the supports 4 on one side of the channel 10 are located in the central area between the two side walls of the channel 10, so that the supports 4 can guide the gas to flow along their surfaces, reducing the formation of turbulence and eddies, thereby improving the flow efficiency and uniformity of the gas and optimizing the gas flow path.

[0065] As described above, the arrangement of the support body 4 significantly improves the flow efficiency and uniformity of the gas in the gas distribution area 3 and improves the gas flow characteristics.

[0066] Combine Figure 1As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, a plurality of channels (10) are protruding and extending from the surface of the plate body (0).

[0067] Specifically, the channel 10 includes sidewalls that protrude outward from the surface of the plate 100 to a certain height, thereby guiding the flow of gas within the channel 10. The support body 4 is disposed on the surface of the plate 100 and protrudes outward from the surface of the plate 100 to a certain height, thereby enabling the support body 4 to guide the flow of gas and improve the uniformity of gas distribution. Furthermore, the extension height of the support body 4 is consistent with the extension height of the channel 10 sidewalls, ensuring that the support body 4 can effectively guide the flow of gas.

[0068] In this embodiment, the extended height of the support body 4 is controlled between 0.2 mm and 2 mm. Preferably, the extended height of the support body 4 is 1 mm. This extended height ensures the functionality of the support body 4 while avoiding excessive obstruction to gas flow. The extended height of the support body 4 can be adjusted adaptively based on specific usage requirements.

[0069] In this embodiment, the extended area of ​​the support body 4 refers to the projected area of ​​the protruding portion of the support body 4 on the plane of the gas distribution area 3. Specifically, the extended area of ​​the support body 4 is controlled between 3 mm² and 15 mm². This extended area within this range provides sufficient support strength while ensuring smooth gas flow around the support body 4.

[0070] In this embodiment, the distance between two adjacent supports 4 is controlled within a range of 2 mm to 15 mm to ensure a balance between gas flow uniformity and structural stability. Specifically, if the spacing between supports 4 is too small, while it can enhance structural support, it may increase gas flow resistance. On the other hand, if the spacing is too large, while it can facilitate gas flow, it may sacrifice structural stability and uniform gas distribution.

[0071] In this embodiment, the extended shape of the support body 4 is designed to be circular, square, or oval. The purpose is to optimize the gas flow path, reduce flow resistance, and ensure sufficient strength and stability of the support body 4. The specific shape of the support body 4 can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario and gas flow requirements.

[0072] In this embodiment, the support body 4 may be made of high-performance materials such as stainless steel, titanium, copper, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), epoxy resin, or PEEK (polyetheretherketone), etc. These materials have good mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and chemical stability.

[0073] In this embodiment, the support body 4 can be processed using high-precision processing techniques such as mechanical processing, chemical etching, or cutting and forming. Mechanical processing is suitable for metal materials such as stainless steel and titanium, ensuring the dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the support body 4; chemical etching is suitable for polymer materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene and epoxy resin, enabling precise processing of complex shapes and microstructures; and cutting and forming is suitable for rapid prototyping of various materials.

[0074] In this embodiment, the bipolar plates are made of metal, such as stainless steel or titanium, or graphite or a metal-graphite composite. Metals offer excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, while graphite offers excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability. Metal-graphite composites combine the advantages of both metals and graphite, offering higher overall performance.

[0075] In this embodiment, the bipolar plates are formed using advanced manufacturing technologies such as machining, stamping, roll forming, hydroforming, soft molding, or etching. Machining is suitable for manufacturing bipolar plates requiring high precision; stamping, roll forming, and hydroforming are suitable for large-scale production, reducing costs and improving production efficiency; and soft molding and etching are suitable for manufacturing bipolar plates with complex shapes and microstructures.

[0076] In this embodiment, the support body 4 and the bipolar plates are assembled using reliable connection techniques such as gluing and laser welding. Gluing is suitable for connecting polymer support bodies 4 and bipolar plates, offering the advantages of simple operation and low cost. Laser welding is suitable for connecting metal support bodies 4 and bipolar plates, offering high connection strength and good sealing performance.

[0077] As described above, by setting the shape, material and processing method of the support body 4, as well as the material selection and molding process of the bipolar plate, the gas flow characteristics can be effectively improved, and good conductivity, corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability can be achieved, which helps to improve the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell using the above-mentioned support body 4 and bipolar plate.

[0078] Combine Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the bipolar plate in one embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the air inlet channel 2 includes a first air inlet 21 and a first air outlet 22 .

[0079] Specifically, the first air inlet 21 is provided at one end of the plate body 100 in the length direction, so as to facilitate connection with an external gas supply system. Its shape and size are designed according to the gas flow requirements to ensure that the gas can smoothly enter the interior of the bipolar plate.

[0080] The first gas outlet 22 is located near one end of the gas flow channel 1, forming a specific area between the first gas outlet 22 and the gas inlet end 13 of the gas flow channel 1, namely the gas distribution area 3. A plurality of spaced supports 4 are arranged within the gas distribution area 3. When the gas flows out of the first gas outlet 22, it passes through the gas distribution area 3 and is affected by the supports 4 and evenly distributed to each gas inlet end 13.

[0081] As described above, by optimizing the structure of the air inlet channel 2 and providing the support body 4, the gas distribution efficiency and uniformity are significantly improved, which helps to improve the performance and stability of the fuel cell using the above-mentioned bipolar plate and also extends the service life of the fuel cell.

[0082] Combine Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the bipolar plate further includes an outlet channel 5 , which is disposed at the other end of the plate in the longitudinal direction and includes a second air inlet 51 and a second air outlet 52 .

[0083] Specifically, the gas flow channel 1 includes a gas outlet end 14 , the gas outlet channel 5 is provided on one side of the gas outlet end 14 , and the second gas inlet 51 is used to receive gas that has completed electrochemical reaction or incomplete reaction.

[0084] A specific space, namely, a gas distribution area 3, is formed between the second gas inlet 51 and the gas outlet 14. Within the gas distribution area 3, a plurality of spaced supports 4 are provided. The supports 4 guide and divert the gas flow, promoting gas turbulence and mixing, and ensuring a more uniform gas flow toward the second gas inlet 51.

[0085] As described above, the provision of support 4 in the gas distribution region 3 of the gas outlet channel 5 effectively improves gas discharge efficiency and uniformity, reducing gas stagnation and localized pressure unevenness. The introduction of support 4 not only enhances the structural strength of the bipolar plate but also optimizes the gas flow path, promoting gas mixing and uniform distribution.

[0086] Combine Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present application, a fuel cell includes two bipolar plates as described above, one of which is a first bipolar plate a and the other is a second bipolar plate b. The fuel cell also includes a membrane electrode c disposed between the first bipolar plate a and the second bipolar plate b.

[0087] Specifically, the first bipolar plate a includes a first inlet channel 23 and a first outlet channel 53, which are respectively located on both sides of the surface of the plate body 100. The first inlet channel 23 is used to introduce reactant gas, such as hydrogen or oxygen, and the first outlet channel 53 is used to discharge the reacted gas.

[0088] Furthermore, the first gas flow channel 11 is located between the first gas inlet channel 23 and the first gas outlet channel 53, and is used to guide the gas to be evenly distributed to the membrane electrode C. A plurality of first support bodies 41 are spaced apart between the first gas inlet channel 23 and the first gas flow channel 11, and between the first gas outlet channel 53 and the first gas flow channel 11. The first support bodies 41 provide structural support and promote uniform gas distribution within the flow channel by regulating and guiding the gas flow.

[0089] In one embodiment, the two side surfaces of the first bipolar plate a (not shown in the figure), i.e., the front and back surfaces of the first bipolar plate a, are respectively provided with a first air inlet channel 23, a first air outlet channel 53 and a first gas flow channel 11, whose structures and functions are consistent and will not be elaborated here.

[0090] In one embodiment, the second bipolar plate b also includes a second gas inlet channel 24, a second gas outlet channel 54, and a second gas flow channel 12. Similarly, a plurality of second support bodies 42 are spaced apart between the second gas inlet channel 24 and the second gas flow channel 12, and between the second gas outlet channel 54 and the second gas flow channel 12, respectively. Their functions are the same as those of the first support bodies 41.

[0091] In one embodiment, the two side surfaces of the second bipolar plate b (not shown in the figure), that is, the front and back surfaces of the second bipolar plate b, are respectively provided with a second air inlet channel 24, a second air outlet channel 54 and a second gas flow channel 12, whose structures and functions are consistent and will not be elaborated here.

[0092] Furthermore, the membrane electrode (MEL) c, located between the first bipolar plate (a) and the second bipolar plate (b), is a core component of the fuel cell, comprising key components such as the catalyst layer, electrolyte membrane, and gas diffusion layer. The sides of the MEL c are in contact with the first support (41) and the second support (42), respectively, providing the necessary mechanical support for the MEL c and facilitating uniform gas distribution within the MEL c.

[0093] Combine Figures 3-4 As shown, Figure 3 、 Figure 4 They are respectively a structural schematic diagram and a principle schematic diagram of a fuel cell in an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] In some embodiments, during fuel cell operation, one of the first gas inlet channels 23 on the two sides of the first bipolar plate a introduces hydrogen or oxygen, while the other first gas inlet channel 23 introduces oxygen or hydrogen. One of the second gas inlet channels 24 on the two sides of the second bipolar plate b introduces oxygen or hydrogen, while the other second gas inlet channel 24 introduces hydrogen or oxygen. These two gases are directed and divided by the first support 41 and the second support 42, respectively, before flowing into the first gas flow channel 11 and the second gas flow channel 12 and evenly distributed on both sides of the membrane electrode c. Within the membrane electrode c, hydrogen decomposes under the action of the anode catalyst to produce protons and electrons. The protons migrate through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen introduced from the cathode side under the action of the cathode catalyst to form water, while simultaneously releasing electrons. These electrons flow through an external circuit to form an electric current, providing power to external devices.

[0095] The reacted gases, including unreacted gases and water vapor, are discharged through the first outlet channel 53 of the first bipolar plate a and the second outlet channel 54 of the second bipolar plate b, respectively. During the exhaust process, the first support 41 and the second support 42 regulate the airflow to ensure uniform distribution of the gas within the flow channel, thereby preventing localized excessive pressure.

[0096] As described above, the fuel cell effectively improves the gas distribution and discharge efficiency by adopting an improved bipolar plate design, avoiding the problem of the frame of the membrane electrode C shifting from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side due to the gas pressure difference between the anode and cathode plates. It also avoids the problem of the membrane electrode C frame sticking between the gas flow channel 1 and the gas distribution area 3 of the bipolar plate, resulting in increased flow resistance and poor airflow on the low-pressure side, thereby improving the performance of the fuel cell stack using the above-mentioned bipolar plate. At the same time, the introduction of the support body 4 not only enhances the structural strength of the bipolar plate, but also optimizes the gas flow path, promotes gas mixing and uniform distribution, and thus improves the overall performance and reliability of the fuel cell.

[0097] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0098] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate, characterized in that: include: Plate(100); A gas flow channel (1) is provided on the surface of the plate (100); An air inlet channel (2) is provided on the surface of the plate body (100) and forms a gas distribution area (3) between the air inlet channel and the gas flow channel (1); A support body (4) is arranged in the gas distribution area (3) on the surface of the plate body (100); The gas flows toward the gas distribution area (3), is guided and diverted by the support body (4), and then flows into the gas flow channel (1).

2. The bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas flow channel (1) comprises a plurality of channels (10) and a plurality of gas inlet ends (13) that are interconnected. The plurality of channels (10) are sequentially arranged on the surface of the plate (100), and the plurality of gas inlet ends (13) are respectively located at one end of the plurality of channels (10) close to the gas distribution area (3). The airflow flowing out of the air inlet channel (2) is guided and divided by a plurality of support bodies (4) arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate body (100) in the gas distribution area (3), and then flows to the plurality of air inlet ends (13) of the gas flow channel (1).

3. The bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The projections of the plurality of support bodies (4) on one side of the channel (10) are respectively located between the two side walls of the plurality of channels (10).

4. The bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of channels (10) are protruding and extending from the surface of the plate body (100); The support body (4) is provided to protrude outward from the surface of the plate body (100), and the extension height of the support body (4) is consistent with the extension height of the channel.

5. The bipolar plate according to claim 4, characterized in that: The extension height of the support body (4) is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm; the extension area of ​​the support body (4) is between 3 mm² and 15 mm².

6. The bipolar plate according to claim 4, characterized in that The extended shape of the support body (4) is cylindrical, and the distance between two adjacent support bodies (4) is 2 mm to 15 mm.

7. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: There are gaps between the two sides of the support body (4) and the air inlet channel (2) and the air inlet end (13).

8. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The air inlet channel (2) is arranged at one end of the plate body (100) in the length direction, and includes a first air inlet (21) and a first air outlet (22); The first gas outlet (22) is arranged at one end close to the gas flow channel (1), and the support body (4) is arranged in the gas distribution area (3) between the first gas outlet (22) and the gas inlet end (13); The gas flows from the first gas outlet (22) to the gas distribution area (3), is guided and divided by the support body (4), and then flows to the gas inlet end (13).

9. The bipolar plate according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The bipolar plate further comprises an air outlet channel (5), the air outlet channel (5) being arranged at the other end in the length direction of the plate body (100) and comprising a second air inlet (51) and a second air outlet (52); The gas flow channel (1) includes a gas outlet end (14), and the support body (4) is arranged in a gas distribution area (3) between the second gas inlet (51) and the gas outlet end (14); The gas flows from the gas outlet (14) to the gas distribution area (3), is guided and diverted by the support body (4), and then flows to the second gas inlet (51).

10. A fuel cell, characterized in that: Comprising two bipolar plates according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one bipolar plate is a first bipolar plate (a) and the other bipolar plate is a second bipolar plate (b); The fuel cell further includes a membrane electrode (c) disposed between the first bipolar plate (a) and the second bipolar plate (b).

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