Novel electric pile easy to dissipate heat
By incorporating a single plate and a thermally conductive coating into the fuel cell stack, a double-layer heat dissipation channel is formed, enhancing structural stability and solving the heat dissipation and structural stability problems of the fuel cell stack, thereby improving battery performance and lifespan.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422639940.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-30
AI Technical Summary
Fuel cell stacks face significant heat dissipation issues at high power densities, which are difficult to resolve effectively with existing technologies, affecting the conductivity of the current collector and the overall structural stability.
A novel fuel cell stack structure is designed, which includes a single plate placed above the lower current collector, a double-layer heat dissipation channel formed by bonding three thin flow field plates, a thermally conductive coating on the surface of the single plate, an additional reinforcing plate and a butterfly gasket, and fastening the outer side with straps to improve heat dissipation performance and structural stability.
It improves the heat dissipation performance of fuel cells, reduces operating temperature, enhances structural stability and overall rigidity, and extends battery life.
Smart Images

Figure CN223501901U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and specifically to a novel fuel cell stack that is easy to dissipate heat. Background Technology
[0002] As a clean and efficient energy conversion device, fuel cells have been widely used in electric vehicles, mobile power supplies, and stationary power stations in recent years. However, with the continuous development of fuel cell technology and the expansion of its application scope, the power density of fuel cell stacks is constantly increasing, and the heat generated inside them is also increasing significantly, making heat dissipation a growing concern.
[0003] To address the heat dissipation problem of fuel cell stacks, a solution that is both efficient and economical is needed. To this end, this invention proposes a novel fuel cell stack that is easy to dissipate heat. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to propose a novel fuel cell stack that is easy to dissipate heat, which can improve heat dissipation and reduce the impact of high temperature on the conductivity of the current collector.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation includes an upper end plate, an upper current collector, a bipolar plate, a membrane electrode, a lower current collector, and a lower end plate arranged from top to bottom; wherein, multiple sets of bipolar plates and membrane electrodes are provided, and the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes are stacked crosswise with their edges aligned;
[0007] A monopolar plate is disposed above the lower current collector and between the lower current collector and the bottommost membrane electrode. The monopolar plate is made of three thin flow field plates bonded together. Water channels are provided between adjacent thin flow field plates, and the monopolar plate as a whole forms a double-layer heat dissipation channel.
[0008] The bipolar plate, the monopolar plate, and the upper plate are all provided with hydrogen inlet, oxygen inlet, and cooling water inlet, and the bipolar plate is provided with a serpentine flow channel.
[0009] Preferably, a reinforcing plate is provided at the bottom of the lower end plate, and a plurality of butterfly washers are provided between the lower end plate and the reinforcing plate.
[0010] Preferably, a strap is provided on the outside of the fuel cell stack, and the strap is provided on the outside of the upper end plate and the reinforcing plate.
[0011] Preferably, the top of the upper end plate and the front and rear side walls are provided with limiting grooves that are adapted to the strap.
[0012] Preferably, the bottom and front and rear side walls of the reinforcing plate are provided with limiting grooves that are adapted to the straps, and the top of the reinforcing plate is provided with a circular groove that is adapted to the butterfly washer.
[0013] Preferably, four straps are provided.
[0014] Preferably, sealing rings are provided around the hydrogen inlet, oxygen inlet, and cooling water inlet.
[0015] Preferably, the surface of the monopolar plate is coated with a thermally conductive coating.
[0016] Preferably, an insulating plate is provided between the lower collector plate and the lower end plate.
[0017] Preferably, the lower end plate and the lower collector plate are provided with matching ear plates on the same side, and each ear plate is provided with a threaded hole. The lower end plate and the lower collector plate are fastened by bolts passing through the threaded holes.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0019] This invention proposes a novel fuel cell stack with improved heat dissipation. The stack features a single-pole plate above the lower current collector. The single-pole plate is formed by bonding three thin flow field plates together, with water channels between adjacent plates. The single-pole plate internally forms a double-layer heat dissipation channel, and its proximity to the lower current collector reduces the impact of high temperatures on the current collector's conductivity. Compared to traditional fuel cell stacks, this invention offers superior heat dissipation performance. Furthermore, coating the surface of the single-pole plate with a thermally conductive coating further enhances heat dissipation, effectively reducing the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack and improving its performance and lifespan. The stack is secured to the outside with straps, enhancing structural stability. The addition of reinforcing plates and butterfly gaskets increases the overall structural strength and rigidity while effectively reducing the impact of vibration. This invention features a simple and easily implemented structure with significant heat dissipation benefits, making it a promising candidate for future applications. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fuel cell stack of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of the monopolar plate of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the monopolar plate of this utility model;
[0023] Among them, 11-upper end plate, 12-lower end plate; 21-upper current collector, 22-lower current collector, 222-ear plate; 3-bipolar plate; 4-membrane electrode; 5-unipolar plate; 6-insulating plate; 7-reinforcing plate; 71-circular groove; 8-butterfly gasket; 9-binding strap; 101-sealing ring.
[0024] a- Hydrogen inlet, b- Cooling water inlet, c- Oxygen inlet. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0027] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model proposes a novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation, mainly comprising structural components arranged from top to bottom, including an upper end plate 11, an upper current collector 21, a bipolar plate 3, a membrane electrode 4, a lower current collector 22, and a lower end plate 12. Multiple sets of bipolar plates 3 and membrane electrodes 4 are provided, and the bipolar plates 3 and membrane electrodes 4 are arranged in a cross-stacked configuration, with their edges aligned. This novel fuel cell stack can improve heat dissipation, reduce the impact of high temperatures on the conductivity of the current collector, and ensure the normal operation of the fuel cell stack.
[0028] Combination Figure 1 As shown, a monopolar plate 5 is disposed above the lower current collector 22 and between the lower current collector 22 and the bottommost membrane electrode 4. Combined with... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the monopole plate 5 is composed of three thin flow field plates bonded together. A set of water channels is provided between adjacent thin flow field plates to allow cooling water to pass through. The monopole plate 5 as a whole forms a double-layer heat dissipation channel. Compared with a single set of bipolar plates and a single water channel inside them, the double-layer heat dissipation channel formed by the two water channels can achieve better heat dissipation. Furthermore, the monopole plate 5 is adjacent to the lower current collector 22, which can reduce the impact of high temperature on the conductivity of the lower current collector 22 and ensure the normal operation of the fuel cell stack. At the same time, in order to further improve the heat dissipation effect, the surface of the monopole plate 5 is specially treated and coated with a thermally conductive coating to further improve its heat dissipation performance.
[0029] This novel fuel cell stack features a single-pole plate 5 located near the lower end plate 12 and adjacent to the lower current collector 22. The double-layer heat dissipation channel formed within the single-pole plate 5 reduces the impact of high temperatures on the conductivity of the current collector. Compared to traditional fuel cell stacks, this invention's fuel cell stack exhibits superior heat dissipation performance. In practical applications, it effectively reduces the stack's operating temperature, thereby improving fuel cell performance and lifespan.
[0030] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, hydrogen inlet a, oxygen inlet c, and cooling water inlet b are provided on the bipolar plate 3, the monopolar plate 5, and the upper end plate 11, respectively, to introduce hydrogen, oxygen, and cooling water. Sealing rings 101 are provided around each of the hydrogen inlet a, oxygen inlet c, and cooling water inlet b to improve the sealing performance of the inlets. The sealing rings 101 are made of corrosion-resistant and high-temperature-resistant materials, which can effectively prevent gas leakage and ensure the stable operation of the fuel cell stack.
[0031] Among them, the bipolar plate 3, as one of the core components of the fuel cell stack, is responsible for providing channels for fuel and oxidant, as well as cooling water flow, and also for collecting current. The bipolar plate 3 is equipped with serpentine flow channels and corrugated flow channels to promote heat and mass transfer.
[0032] Combination Figure 1 As shown, a reinforcing plate 7 is provided at the bottom of the lower end plate 12. The reinforcing plate 7 can strengthen the fuel cell stack structure and increase the overall structural strength and rigidity of the stack. Multiple butterfly-shaped washers 8 are provided between the lower end plate 12 and the reinforcing plate 7. The butterfly-shaped washers 8 can buffer the lower end plate 12 when subjected to external impact, thereby effectively reducing the impact of vibration on the fuel cell stack. The reinforcing plate 7 is provided with circular grooves 71 that match the butterfly-shaped washers 8 to ensure the stability and reliability of the butterfly-shaped washers 8.
[0033] Combination Figure 1As shown, four straps 9 are provided on the outside of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack passes through the interior of the straps 9 in sequence. The straps 9 are located on the outside of the upper end plate 11 and the reinforcing plate 7 and are connected to the upper end plate 11 and the reinforcing plate 7. The introduction of the straps 9 enhances the structural stability of the fuel cell stack and prevents the stack from loosening or deforming during operation.
[0034] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the top and front and rear side walls of the upper end plate 11 are provided with limiting grooves that are adapted to the binding strap 9, and the bottom and front and rear side walls of the reinforcing plate 7 are also provided with limiting grooves that are adapted to the binding strap 9. That is, the width of the limiting grooves is consistent with the width of the binding strap 9. By providing limiting grooves on the upper end plate 11 at the top of the fuel cell stack and the reinforcing plate 7 at the bottom, it is convenient to assemble and fix them with the binding strap 9, thereby further improving the structural stability of the fuel cell stack.
[0035] The membrane electrode 4 (MEA4) is responsible for the electrochemical reaction and is the core of the fuel cell stack; its performance directly determines the performance of the fuel cell. The current collectors, including the upper current collector 21 and the lower current collector 22, are used to collect current.
[0036] Combination Figure 1 As shown, an insulating plate 6 is provided between the lower current collector 22 and the lower end plate 12. The insulating plate 6 can play an insulating role, effectively preventing current leakage and short circuit, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the fuel cell stack.
[0037] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in terms of the connection structure, the lower end plate 12 and the lower current collector plate 22 are both provided with matching ear plates 222 on the same side. The ear plates 222 are provided with threaded holes. The lower end plate 12 and the lower current collector plate 22 are fastened by bolts passing through the threaded holes, which makes the connection between the two more secure and reliable, and facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the fuel cell stack.
[0038] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention proposes a novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation. This novel stack features a single-pole plate 5 above the lower current collector 22. The single-pole plate 5 is composed of three thin flow field plates bonded together, forming a double-layer heat dissipation channel within it. This design reduces the impact of high temperatures on the conductivity of the current collector, resulting in better heat dissipation performance compared to traditional fuel cell stacks. Furthermore, coating the surface of the single-pole plate 5 with a thermally conductive coating further enhances heat dissipation, effectively reducing the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack and improving its performance and lifespan in practical applications. The stack is secured to the outside with straps 9, enhancing structural stability. The addition of reinforcing plates 7 and butterfly gaskets 8 increases the overall structural strength and rigidity of the stack while effectively reducing the impact of vibration. This novel fuel cell stack has a simple structure, is easy to implement, and exhibits significant heat dissipation, making it a promising candidate for future applications.
[0039] Of course, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model and should be protected by the present utility model.
Claims
1. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation, characterized in that, It includes an upper end plate, an upper current collector, a bipolar plate, a membrane electrode, a lower current collector, and a lower end plate arranged from top to bottom; The bipolar plates and membrane electrodes are arranged in multiple sets, and the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes are stacked in a cross manner with their edges aligned. A monopolar plate is disposed above the lower current collector and between the lower current collector and the bottommost membrane electrode. The monopolar plate is made of three thin flow field plates bonded together. Water channels are provided between adjacent thin flow field plates, and the monopolar plate as a whole forms a double-layer heat dissipation channel. The bipolar plate, the monopolar plate, and the upper plate are all provided with hydrogen inlet, oxygen inlet, and cooling water inlet, and the bipolar plate is provided with a serpentine flow channel.
2. The novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reinforcing plate is provided at the bottom of the lower end plate, and multiple butterfly washers are provided between the lower end plate and the reinforcing plate.
3. The novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fuel cell stack is provided with straps on the outside, which are located on the outside of the upper end plate and the reinforcing plate.
4. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the upper end plate and the front and rear side walls are provided with limiting grooves that are adapted to the straps.
5. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom and front and rear side walls of the reinforcing plate are provided with limiting grooves that are adapted to the straps, and the top of the reinforcing plate is provided with a circular groove that is adapted to the butterfly washer.
6. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The straps are provided in four places.
7. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sealing rings are provided around the hydrogen inlet, oxygen inlet, and cooling water inlet.
8. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the monopolar plate is coated with a thermally conductive coating.
9. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating plate is provided between the lower collector plate and the lower end plate.
10. A novel fuel cell stack with easy heat dissipation according to claim 9, characterized in that, The lower end plate and the lower collector plate are both provided with matching ear plates on the same side. Each ear plate has a threaded hole. The lower end plate and the lower collector plate are fastened together by bolts passing through the threaded holes.