Electric pile gas distribution module for fuel cell

Abstract

The utility model provides an electric pile gas distribution module for a fuel cell, which comprises a gas distribution module body, an air distribution channel and a cooling liquid channel are arranged on the gas distribution module body, and the gas distribution module body is made of plastics. The air distribution module body is further provided with detection holes, and the detection holes comprise a first pressure detection hole and a first temperature detection hole which are communicated with the air distribution channel, and a second pressure detection hole and a second temperature detection hole which are communicated with the cooling liquid channel. An embedded screw sleeve is arranged in each detection hole, and the embedded screw sleeve is provided with an internal thread. The gas distribution module body is integrated with a plurality of temperature sensors and pressure sensors, so that the integration level of a fuel cell system is improved. And through the design of the pre-embedded thread sleeve, the device is suitable for a machining scheme and an injection molding scheme, and can be flexibly designed according to requirements. The utility model is simple and beautiful in design, shortens the whole flow channel distance, reduces the flow resistance, and improves the whole performance of the fuel cell system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to a fuel cell stack gas distribution module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the fuel cell industry, the materials used for the gas distribution module of the stack are primarily metal or plastic. Metal materials, such as aluminum alloys or stainless steel, have high conductivity, and as the conductivity of the coolant increases, leakage is likely to occur. Plastic materials, due to their brittleness, have low integration. Because sensor disassembly and reassembly are common during maintenance, after more than three disassembly and reassembly operations, the base thread is easily damaged, leading to the scrapping of the entire gas distribution module. Gas distribution modules using plastic materials and high integration typically require complex pre-embedded threaded sleeves. These sleeves cannot be directly pre-embedded and are unsuitable for machining; high-pressure injection molding is required. This involves mold making, which is expensive and unsuitable for products with immature technology or no existing orders. For example, utility model patent CN220569718U discloses a fuel cell stack gas distribution module, including a hydrogen inlet flange mounting surface for connection to an ejector assembly, an air outlet for connection to a back pressure valve, a first sensor mounting hole for mounting a hydrogen low-pressure temperature sensor, a second sensor mounting hole for mounting a cooling water circuit temperature and pressure integrated sensor, and a third sensor mounting hole for mounting an air pressure sensor for detecting air pressure at the air outlet. A hydrogen inlet is provided on the hydrogen inlet flange mounting surface. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module is made of non-metallic materials and manufactured using injection molding. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems in the existing technology, this utility model provides a fuel cell stack gas distribution module that is suitable for both machining and injection molding solutions, thus solving the problem of low integration in the fuel cell engine gas distribution system.

[0004] This utility model provides a fuel cell stack gas distribution module, including a gas distribution module body. The gas distribution module body has an air distribution channel and a coolant channel. One side of the gas distribution module body serves as a mounting surface for fitting and mounting to the end face of the fuel cell stack. The air distribution channel has an air outlet on the mounting surface for introducing air into the fuel cell stack, and the coolant channel has a coolant outlet on the mounting surface for introducing coolant into the fuel cell stack. The gas distribution module body is made of plastic, such as PPS+40%GF material. The gas distribution module body also has detection holes, including a first pressure detection hole and a first temperature detection hole connected to the air distribution channel, and a second pressure detection hole and a second temperature detection hole connected to the coolant channel. Each detection hole has a pre-embedded threaded sleeve with internal threads. The pre-embedded threaded sleeves in the first and second pressure detection holes are used to install pressure sensors, and the pre-embedded threaded sleeves in the first and second temperature detection holes are used to install temperature sensors.

[0005] Furthermore, the gas distribution module body is manufactured by machining, each detection hole has an internal thread, the pre-embedded threaded sleeve has an external thread, and the pre-embedded threaded sleeve is installed in the detection hole through threaded engagement.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer surface of the gas distribution module body is provided with a sealing groove around the outer periphery of the detection hole, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove. The pre-embedded screw sleeve has a sealing ring extending outward, and the sealing ring presses against the sealing ring, which can prevent fluid from leaking from the detection hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer surface of the gas distribution module body has a recessed groove around the detection hole, the sealing groove is located on the bottom surface of the recessed groove, and the sealing ring is located inside the recessed groove and its surface does not protrude from the outer surface of the gas distribution module body.

[0008] Furthermore, the valve distribution module body is manufactured by injection molding. During injection molding, a pre-fabricated embedded threaded sleeve is placed into the mold, thereby integrally forming the embedded threaded sleeve with the valve distribution module body. During injection molding, a combination of steel mold and sand core mold can be used; that is, a steel mold is used for the outer side of the valve distribution module, and a sand core mold is used for the inner runner. This mold-making scheme facilitates demolding, avoids draft angles, and prevents the molding effect from being affected by rapid cooling, resulting in better density and production yield. Moreover, the mold-making and machining manufacturing schemes can share a single product design scheme, reducing design costs.

[0009] Furthermore, the embedded threaded sleeve is made of stainless steel. The embedded threaded sleeve can be made of 316L stainless steel to protect the base thread of the gas distribution module body, increase the torque arm, and increase the contact area to meet the sensor's locking requirements. The sensor locking torque is uniformly set to 5–10 N·m. The setting of the embedded threaded sleeve and sensor torque solves the risk of stripping of the base thread after repeated sensor disassembly and assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the air distribution channel has an air inlet on the side of the air distribution module body opposite to or adjacent to the detection hole, and the coolant channel has a coolant inlet on the side of the air distribution module body opposite to or adjacent to the detection hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the air distribution channel and the coolant channel have a guiding structure at the point of reversal, which can reduce the large vortex generated by the fluid reversal.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0013] The gas distribution module of this invention is made of plastic and integrates multiple temperature and pressure sensors, improving the integration of the fuel cell system. The pre-embedded threaded sleeve design allows for both machined and injection-molded solutions, enabling flexible design based on specific requirements. This invention features a simple and aesthetically pleasing design, shortens the overall flow channel distance, reduces flow resistance, and improves the overall performance of the fuel cell system. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gas distribution module body in this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gas distribution module for the fuel cell stack of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a side view of the gas distribution module of the fuel cell stack according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of the gas distribution module for the fuel cell stack of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of section D.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the gas distribution module body from another perspective in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fuel cell stack gas distribution module of this utility model when temperature and pressure sensors are installed.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Air distribution module body; 2. First temperature detection hole; 3. First pressure detection hole; 4. Second temperature detection hole; 5. Second pressure detection hole; 6. Sealing ring; 7. Embedded threaded sleeve; 8. Sealing ring; 9. Sinking groove; 10. Sealing groove; 11. Air distribution channel; 12. Coolant channel; 13. Guide structure; 14. Mounting surface; 15. Air outlet; 16. Coolant outlet; 17. Coolant inlet; 18. Air inlet; 19. Flange mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0024] like Figures 1-9 As shown, this utility model provides a gas distribution module for a fuel cell stack, including a gas distribution module body 1. The gas distribution module body 1 is made of plastic, which can be PPS+40%GF material. One side of the gas distribution module body 1 serves as a mounting surface 14 for fitting and assembling with the end face of the fuel cell stack.

[0025] The air distribution module body 1 is provided with an air distribution channel 11 and a coolant channel 12. The air distribution channel 11 has an air outlet 15 on its mounting surface 14 for introducing air into the fuel cell stack, and the coolant channel 12 has a coolant outlet 16 on its mounting surface 14 for introducing coolant into the fuel cell stack. The air distribution channel 11 and the coolant channel 12 have a guide structure 13 at the point of change of direction, which can reduce large vortices generated by fluid reversal. Figure 6 As shown. This design method can also integrate hydrogen flow channels, allowing for flexible design based on specific requirements.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the air distribution module body 1 is also provided with detection holes, including a first pressure detection hole 3 and a first temperature detection hole 2 connected to the air distribution channel 11, and a second pressure detection hole 5 and a second temperature detection hole 4 connected to the coolant channel 12. Figure 2 As shown, each detection hole is equipped with a pre-embedded threaded sleeve 7, which has an internal thread. Specifically, the pre-embedded threaded sleeve 7 in the first pressure detection hole 3 and the second pressure detection hole 5 is used to install a pressure sensor, and the pre-embedded threaded sleeve 7 in the first temperature detection hole 2 and the second temperature detection hole 4 is used to install a temperature sensor. Figure 9 As shown, each detection hole is equipped with a corresponding sensor.

[0027] The embedded threaded sleeve 7 is made of stainless steel, specifically 316L stainless steel. This is to protect the base thread of the gas distribution module body 1, increase the torque arm, and increase the contact area to meet the sensor's locking requirements. The sensor locking torque is uniformly set to 5–10 N·m. The designation of the embedded threaded sleeve 7 and the sensor torque addresses the risk of stripping of the base thread after repeated sensor disassembly and reassembly.

[0028] The air distribution channel 11 has an air inlet 18 on the side of the air distribution module body 1 opposite to or adjacent to the detection hole, and the coolant channel 12 has a coolant inlet 17 on the side of the air distribution module body 1 opposite to or adjacent to the detection hole. Figure 8 As shown, the air inlet 18 and the coolant inlet 17 can be located on the side of the air distribution module body 1 opposite to the first temperature detection hole 2 and the second temperature detection hole 4.

[0029] The gas distribution module body 1 is provided with multiple flange mounting holes 19. Each flange mounting hole 19 is fitted with a shoulder bushing. The shoulder bushing is made of stainless steel 304. The purpose is to prevent the bolts from rubbing against the gas distribution module body 1 when tightening, and to avoid the bolts from loosening.

[0030] When the gas distribution module body 1 is machined, each detection hole has an internal thread, and the pre-embedded threaded sleeve 7 has an external thread. The pre-embedded threaded sleeve 7 is installed in the detection hole through threaded engagement. A sealing groove 10 is provided around the outer periphery of the detection hole on the outer surface of the gas distribution module body 1. A sealing ring 8 is provided within the sealing groove 10. A sealing ring 6 extends outwardly from the pre-embedded threaded sleeve 7, pressing against the sealing ring 8 to prevent fluid leakage from the detection hole. A recessed groove 9 is provided around the outer periphery of the detection hole on the outer surface of the gas distribution module body 1. The sealing groove 10 is located at the bottom surface of the recessed groove 9, and the sealing ring 6 is located within the recessed groove 9 with its surface not protruding from the outer surface of the gas distribution module body 1. Figure 7 As shown.

[0031] When the valve distribution module body 1 is manufactured by injection molding, the pre-fabricated embedded threaded sleeve 7 is placed into the mold during injection molding, thereby making the embedded threaded sleeve 7 integrally formed with the valve distribution module body 1, eliminating the need for the aforementioned sealing structure. During injection molding, a combination of steel mold and sand core mold can be used, that is, the outer side of the valve distribution module uses a steel mold, and the inner runner uses a sand core mold. This mold opening scheme is beneficial for demolding, does not produce draft angles, and does not affect the molding effect due to rapid cooling, resulting in better density and production yield. Furthermore, the mold opening manufacturing scheme and the machining manufacturing scheme can share a single product design scheme, reducing design costs.

[0032] When the fuel cell stack gas distribution module is in operation, air enters the air inlet 18 of the gas distribution module from the humidifier outlet, passes through the air distribution channel 11, and then directly enters the fuel cell stack from the air outlet 15. Coolant enters the coolant inlet 17 of the gas distribution module from the water pump outlet, flows through the coolant channel 12, and directly enters the fuel cell stack from the coolant outlet 16. Pressure and temperature sensors installed on the first pressure detection port 3 and the first temperature detection port 2 monitor the pressure and temperature of the air in the air distribution channel 11; pressure and temperature sensors installed on the second pressure detection port 5 and the second temperature detection port 4 monitor the pressure and temperature of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel 12.

Claims

1. A gas distribution module for a fuel cell stack, comprising a gas distribution module body, wherein the gas distribution module body is provided with an air distribution channel and a coolant channel, one side of the gas distribution module body serves as a mounting surface for fitting and mounting to the end face of the fuel cell stack, the air distribution channel is provided with an air outlet for introducing air into the fuel cell stack on the mounting surface, and the coolant channel is provided with a coolant outlet for introducing coolant into the fuel cell stack on the mounting surface, wherein the gas distribution module body is made of plastic, characterized in that... The air distribution module body is also provided with detection holes, including a first pressure detection hole and a first temperature detection hole connected to the air distribution channel, and a second pressure detection hole and a second temperature detection hole connected to the coolant channel. Each detection hole is equipped with a pre-embedded threaded sleeve, which has an internal thread. The pre-embedded threaded sleeves in the first pressure detection hole and the second pressure detection hole are used to install pressure sensors, and the pre-embedded threaded sleeves in the first temperature detection hole and the second temperature detection hole are used to install temperature sensors.

2. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas distribution module body is manufactured by machining, each detection hole has an internal thread, and the pre-embedded screw sleeve has an external thread. The pre-embedded screw sleeve is installed in the detection hole through threaded engagement.

3. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the gas distribution module body is provided with a sealing groove around the detection hole. A sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove. The pre-embedded screw sleeve has a sealing ring extending outward, and the sealing ring presses against the sealing ring.

4. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer surface of the gas distribution module body has a recessed groove around the detection hole. The sealing groove is located on the bottom surface of the recessed groove. The sealing ring is located inside the recessed groove and its surface does not protrude from the outer surface of the gas distribution module body.

5. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas distribution module body is manufactured by injection molding. During injection molding, a pre-made embedded screw sleeve is placed into the mold, thereby making the embedded screw sleeve and the gas distribution module body integrally formed.

6. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded threaded sleeve is made of stainless steel.

7. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air distribution channel has an air inlet on the side of the air distribution module body opposite to or adjacent to the detection hole, and the coolant channel has a coolant inlet on the side of the air distribution module body opposite to or adjacent to the detection hole.

8. The fuel cell stack gas distribution module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air distribution channel and the coolant channel have a guiding structure at the point of reversal.

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