Multi-snakelike flow channel of proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-snakelike flow channel of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The multi-snakelike flow channel comprises a plurality of gas flow channels and streaming elements arranged in the gas flow channels, any gas flow channel at least comprises three sections of first flow channels arranged in parallel in the first direction and at least two sections of second flow channels arranged in parallel in the second direction, and any second flow channel is connected with the adjacent first flow channels; the second flow channel is communicated with the first flow channel which is arranged in parallel to form a channel for the circulation of a liquid-gas mixture, and a streaming element is arranged at the joint of at least one first flow channel and the second flow channel. According to the utility model, the streaming element is arranged at the joint of the first flow channel and the second flow channel to form local turbulence or disturbance, so that water drops accumulated on the surface of the flow channel or the gas diffusion layer are more easily brought out of the flow channel due to disturbance, thereby avoiding the water blockage phenomenon and ensuring the smoothness of the gas channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology, and specifically designs a multi-serpentine flow channel for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a device that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Its working principle is based on the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The core components of a PEMFC include the anode, cathode, and proton exchange membrane.

[0003] Traditional multi-serpentine flow channels refer to flow channels distributed in a serpentine, repeatedly tortuous pattern in a planar or three-dimensional space. As the fluid flows through these channels, it undergoes multiple turns and redistributions. The channels present a continuous "S" shape or multiple tortuous paths, often using equidistant bends or connecting straight segments. The cross-section of the channels is usually consistent, and the fluid flows along a single path. The design of multi-serpentine flow channels extends the fluid's contact path, significantly increasing the contact area with the channel walls and improving heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the eddies and disturbances generated by the bends disrupt the fluid boundary layer, further enhancing the heat transfer rate. The long and tortuous fluid path in multi-serpentine flow channels, through continuous turns and flow obstruction along the channel, increases the contact between the gas and the channel walls. This ensures uniform gas distribution and continuous supply, leading to more complete reactions.

[0004] However, the frequent bends in multi-serpentine flow channels generate additional flow resistance at each turn, resulting in a higher overall system pressure drop. The significant pressure drop during gas flow increases system energy loss, especially in high-power fuel cells where higher input gas pressures are required. Traditional multi-serpentine flow channels are prone to liquid accumulation or insufficient gas-liquid separation when handling conditions containing liquid water or gas-liquid mixtures. In fuel cell scenarios, liquid accumulation can lead to channel blockage, affecting gas distribution and reaction efficiency; in cooling systems, it reduces cooling effectiveness. Because gas flows along a single path within the channel, liquid must pass through multiple bends, increasing drainage paths and resistance. This can lead to insufficient gas supply at the rear of the channel, resulting in weakened or dried-out local reactions and impacting the overall performance of the fuel cell. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a multi-serpentine flow channel for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which aims to solve the problems that are easily caused by liquid accumulation and blockage in traditional multi-serpentine flow channels in current fuel cell applications, which increases the drainage path and resistance, and the gas supply at the rear end of the flow channel is prone to be insufficient, resulting in local reaction weakening or drying, and affecting the overall performance of the fuel cell.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels, wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels includes several gas flow channels and flow-around elements disposed in the gas flow channels;

[0007] The gas flow channel includes at least three first flow channels arranged parallel to a first direction and at least two second flow channels arranged parallel to a second direction, wherein any second flow channel is connected to an adjacent first flow channel.

[0008] The second flow channel is connected to the first flow channel arranged in parallel to form a channel for the flow of liquid-gas mixture, and at least one connection between the first flow channel and the second flow channel is provided with a flow-around element.

[0009] In summary, the multi-serpentine flow design for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell proposed in this invention, by setting a flow-around element at the connection between the first and second flow channels, creates local turbulence or disturbance. This disturbance makes it easier for water droplets accumulated on the surface of the flow channel or gas diffusion layer to be carried out of the flow channel, thereby avoiding water blockage and ensuring the smooth flow of the gas passage. Specifically, the gas flow channel includes at least three first flow channels arranged parallel to a first direction and at least two second flow channels arranged parallel to a second direction. Any second flow channel connects to an adjacent first flow channel. The second flow channels connect with the parallel first flow channels to form a channel for the flow of liquid-gas mixtures. At least one connection between the first and second flow channels is provided with a flow-around element.

[0010] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0011] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the width and depth of both the first flow channel and the second flow channel are 4mm.

[0012] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the number of gas channels is 5, and the spacing between the 5 gas channels is equal.

[0013] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the flow-around element is arranged perpendicular to the flow channel ground, and the distance between it and the first flow channel sidewall is equal to the distance between it and the second flow channel sidewall.

[0014] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the flow-driving element is a sphere with a diameter of 2mm.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-serpentine flow channel structure of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Component symbol explanation in the attached diagram:

[0019] Gas flow channel 100, first flow channel 110, second flow channel 120, flow-around element 200. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of this utility model more thorough and complete.

[0021] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0023] Please see Figures 1-2 The image shows a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a multi-serpentine flow channel according to an embodiment of the present invention. This multi-serpentine flow channel includes several gas flow channels 100 and flow-around elements 200 disposed within the gas flow channels 100, wherein:

[0024] In fuel cells, serpentine flow channels enable more uniform delivery of reactant gases such as hydrogen and oxygen to the catalyst layer surface. Compared to simple straight channels, the serpentine design increases the contact and interaction between the gas and the channel walls, guiding the gas to disperse more evenly and ensuring that each region of the catalyst layer receives sufficient reactant gases, thus improving reaction consistency and efficiency. The tortuous shape of the flow channels causes the gas to constantly change direction and velocity during flow, generating turbulence and enhancing the mixing between gas molecules. This facilitates more thorough contact and mixing between different gases, creating more favorable conditions for electrochemical reactions, especially in situations requiring precise control of gas ratios, enabling better achievement of ideal reaction proportions.

[0025] Each gas flow channel 100 includes at least three first flow channels 110 arranged parallel to each other along a first direction, and at least two second flow channels 120 arranged parallel to each other along a second direction. Each second flow channel 120 connects to an adjacent first flow channel 110. Correspondingly, it can be seen that the parallel first flow channels 110 are connected in series with the second flow channels 120, or vice versa. In this embodiment, there are five gas flow channels 100, with equal distances between adjacent gas flow channels 100, and the length of the first flow channel 110 is greater than the length of the second flow channel 120. In other embodiments, there may be more.

[0026] Furthermore, the first flow channel 110 and the second flow channel 120 are arranged perpendicularly to each other, with an included angle of 90°, and the width and depth of the first flow channel 110 and the second flow channel 120 are both 4mm.

[0027] It is worth noting that, in this embodiment, the number of first flow channels 110 is three segments and the number of second flow channels 120 is two segments. Taking this as an example, a flow-around element is provided at the connection between the first flow channel 110 and the second flow channel 120 near the gas-liquid mixture inlet of any gas flow channel 100. This flow-around element is arranged perpendicular to the flow channel ground, and its distance from the sidewall of the first flow channel 110 is equal to its distance from the sidewall of the second flow channel 120. In addition, the flow-around element 200 is a sphere with a diameter of 2 mm.

[0028] In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the flow-around element 200 introduced into the flow channel improves water drainage characteristics. The flow-around element 200 creates localized turbulence or disturbance in the flow channel, making it easier for water droplets accumulated on the surface of the flow channel or gas diffusion layer to be carried out, thus preventing water blockage. This design reduces water accumulation and ensures unobstructed gas passages. The flow-around element 200 guides water from localized areas to other locations, preventing excessive water accumulation and flooding. It contributes to uniform water distribution, ensuring humidity balance throughout the cell and promoting stable operation. The flow-around element 200 not only effectively drains water but also enhances gas flow on the electrode surface, allowing gas to penetrate more easily into the catalyst layer and improving the cell's reaction efficiency. By reducing water retention, reactant gases can better reach the active area, improving overall performance. The flow-around element 200 not only improves the drainage performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell but also enhances gas transport and distribution, resulting in improved cell efficiency, stability, and lifespan.

[0029] It is worth emphasizing that, since the gas flow channel 100 in this embodiment is relatively short, the flow-around element 200 is only provided at the first connection near the inlet of the gas-liquid mixture. In other embodiments, if the length of the gas flow channel 100 is greater, the flow-around element 200 can be provided at the connection of multiple first flow channels 110 and second flow channels 120 to reduce water retention and improve the reaction efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0030] In summary, the multi-serpentine flow design for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell proposed in this invention, by setting a flow-around element at the connection between the first and second flow channels, creates local turbulence or disturbance. This disturbance makes it easier for water droplets accumulated on the surface of the flow channel or gas diffusion layer to be carried out of the flow channel, thereby avoiding water blockage and ensuring the smooth flow of the gas passage. Specifically, the gas flow channel includes at least three first flow channels arranged parallel to a first direction and at least two second flow channels arranged parallel to a second direction. Any second flow channel connects to an adjacent first flow channel. The second flow channels connect with the parallel first flow channels to form a channel for the flow of liquid-gas mixtures. At least one connection between the first and second flow channels is provided with a flow-around element.

[0031] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels, characterized in that, The proton exchange membrane fuel cell multi-serpentine flow channel includes several gas flow channels and flow-around elements disposed in the gas flow channels; The gas flow channel includes at least three first flow channels arranged parallel to a first direction and at least two second flow channels arranged parallel to a second direction, wherein any second flow channel is connected to an adjacent first flow channel. The second flow channel is connected to the first flow channel arranged in parallel to form a channel for the flow of liquid-gas mixture, and at least one connection between the first flow channel and the second flow channel is provided with a flow-around element.

2. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel and the second flow channel are arranged perpendicular to each other.

3. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width and depth of both the first and second flow channels are 4 mm.

4. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of gas channels is 5, and the spacing between the 5 gas channels is equal.

5. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-around element is arranged perpendicular to the flow channel ground, and the distance between it and the first flow channel sidewall is equal to the distance between it and the second flow channel sidewall.

6. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell with multiple serpentine flow channels according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow-through element is a sphere with a diameter of 2 mm.

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