Electric pile assembly structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric pile assembling structure which comprises a fuel side end plate, an air side end plate and an electric pile repeating unit, and one or more groups of electric pile repeating units are assembled between the fuel side end plate and the air side end plate in a stacking manner; each electric pile repeating unit comprises a first stacking layer, a second stacking layer and a third stacking layer, and connecting bodies are arranged among the multiple groups of electric pile repeating units. According to the utility model, one or more groups of stack repeating units are stacked and assembled between the fuel side end plate and the air side end plate, and the connectors are arranged among the plurality of groups of stack repeating units, so that the whole assembly structure can realize the sealing of a single cell or a plurality of cells without a metal frame, thereby effectively reducing the thickness of a current collecting net matched with the thickness of the frame; the assembly cost is effectively reduced, and the overall stability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly efficient energy conversion devices that use solid oxide electrolytes (typically ceramic materials such as zirconium oxide or cerium oxide) to generate electricity. Their working principle involves reacting hydrogen or other fuels with oxygen to produce electricity, water, and carbon dioxide. Compared to traditional fuel cells, SOFCs can operate at higher temperatures (600℃-1000℃), have high energy conversion efficiency, long service life, and lower emissions, and are widely used in distributed energy, backup power, and certain high-efficiency power plants.

[0003] Current fuel cell products on the market are mainly limited by their sealing structure: when using open-cell batteries to assemble a stack, the sealing structure is simple, but it sacrifices some effective area. Furthermore, when cutting the battery, the ceramic properties may cause cracks or breakage, resulting in a low yield and poor power supply performance. On the other hand, when using complete cells to assemble a stack, the sealing structure is complex. An intermediate component needs to be added between the battery and the connector. In order to match the battery thickness, the connector frame is relatively thin (usually less than 1mm). Steps or groove-shaped recesses need to be machined, which increases the processing cost. In addition, the extra longitudinal thickness increases the path length of current, resulting in higher heat generation, which can lead to connector frame deformation and single-cell short circuits. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a fuel cell stack assembly structure in order to solve the above problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model specifically adopts the following technical solution, including:

[0006] Fuel-side endplate, air-side endplate, and stack repeating unit, with one or more sets of the stack repeating unit stacked and assembled between the fuel-side endplate and the air-side endplate;

[0007] The fuel cell stack repeating unit includes a first stacking layer, a second stacking layer, and a third stacking layer, and a connecting body is provided between multiple sets of fuel cell stack repeating units.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution, the second stacked layer is assembled on the first stacked layer, and the third stacked layer is assembled on the second stacked layer.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution, the first stack layer includes a first seal and a fuel-side manifold, wherein the fuel-side manifold is assembled in the middle of the first seal.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, the second stacked layer includes a second seal and a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell is assembled in the middle of the second seal.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, the third stacked layer includes a third seal.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, an air-side manifold is assembled in the middle of the third sealing element.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are symmetrically provided with flow ports.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution, the thickness of the connector is greater than 1 mm.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] In this invention, one or more sets of repetitive stack units are stacked and assembled between the fuel-side end plate and the air-side end plate, and a connector is provided between the multiple sets of repetitive stack units. The overall assembly structure can achieve sealing of single or multiple pools without the need for a metal frame, effectively reducing the thickness of the current collection network that matches the frame thickness, effectively reducing assembly costs and improving overall stability.

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the structural features and functions of this utility model, the following detailed description of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the fuel cell stack assembly structure of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 2 This is the main view of the fuel cell stack assembly structure of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the fuel cell stack assembly structure of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 4 This is the main view of the fuel cell stack assembly structure of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the fuel side end plate;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing element;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second seal;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the third sealing element;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connecting body.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Fuel-side endplate; 2. Stack repeating unit; 21. First stack layer; 211. First seal; 212. Fuel-side manifold; 22. Second stack layer; 221. Second seal; 222. Fuel cell; 23. Third stack layer; 231. Third seal; 232. Air-side manifold; 3. Air-side endplate; 4. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] When using complete batteries to assemble a stack, the effective area of ​​the battery can be utilized to the maximum extent. However, a metal connecting frame needs to be added between the battery and the connector as an intermediate component. In order to match the battery thickness, the connecting frame is relatively thin (usually less than 1mm) and needs to be machined with a stepped or grooved recessed structure. Some connecting frames have stepped or grooved structures, so there is a thickness difference with other components, which increases the difficulty of matching the thickness through the current collector or current collector layer. In addition, the extra longitudinal thickness will also increase the path length of the current, resulting in additional heat generation.

[0031] Existing connecting frames are typically made of high-temperature resistant ferritic stainless steel, often using 400 series stainless steel with a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the sealant, including but not limited to 430 stainless steel (AISI 430 or S43000), 441 stainless steel (AISI 441 or S44100), and S44537 (with the same composition). 22APU) At high temperatures of 750-850℃, the mechanical strength of this type of material will decrease significantly compared to room temperature (for example, the tensile strength is usually higher than 300MPa at room temperature, but only 30MPa at 800℃). Therefore, deformation will occur during sealing. If it comes into contact with the connectors on the upper and lower sides at the same time, it will also cause a single short circuit, affecting the performance of the entire fuel cell stack.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1-2 and Figures 5-9 As shown, in one embodiment, a fuel cell stack assembly structure includes: a fuel-side endplate, an air-side endplate, and stack repeating units. During the assembly process, multiple stack repeating units are stacked and assembled between the fuel-side endplate and the air-side endplate in a certain order to form a complete fuel cell stack.

[0034] Each fuel cell stack repeating unit consists of three stacked layers: a first stacked layer, a second stacked layer, and a third stacked layer. Specifically, the second stacked layer is mounted on top of the first stacked layer, and the third stacked layer is mounted on top of the second stacked layer.

[0035] To ensure the stability and sealing between the repetitive units of the fuel cell stack, connectors made of metal or composite materials with a thickness greater than 1 mm are installed between multiple repetitive units. These connectors not only serve as mechanical connections but also provide necessary electrical connections, ensuring the overall sealing of the fuel cell stack, the uniformity of gas flow, and the mechanical strength of the fuel cell stack.

[0036] Please continue reading. Figures 1-2 and Figures 5-9 In this embodiment, the first stack layer 21 consists of a first seal 211 and a fuel-side current collector 212. The fuel-side current collector 212 is assembled in the middle of the first seal 211 and works in conjunction with other components to provide a hydrogen flow path, while effectively collecting and distributing fuel gas to the electrode surface of the fuel cell 222. The first seal 211 not only ensures the sealing of hydrogen flow, but also avoids gas leakage problems, providing a stable working environment for the entire stack.

[0037] Furthermore, the second stacked layer 22 consists of a second seal 221 and a fuel cell 222. The fuel cell 222 is precisely assembled in the middle of the second seal 221 to form a core region for electrochemical reaction. The electrolyte membrane and electrodes inside the fuel cell 222 convert hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through electrochemical reaction, while the second seal 221 ensures that the gas inside the battery does not leak and that the electrochemical reaction can proceed smoothly.

[0038] The third stack layer 23 consists of a third seal 231, which is mainly responsible for providing additional mechanical strength and sealing function in the fuel cell stack. The third seal 231 ensures the overall gas isolation of the fuel cell stack, prevents any gas leakage, and also enhances the stability of the fuel cell stack structure, enabling each stack unit to operate reliably and withstand temperature and pressure changes during operation.

[0039] The first stack layer 21 includes a first seal 211 and a fuel-side manifold 212, with the fuel-side manifold 212 assembled in the middle of the first seal 211; the second stack layer 22 includes a second seal 221 and a fuel cell 222, with the fuel cell 222 assembled in the middle of the second seal 221; the third stack layer 23 includes a third seal 231.

[0040] Specifically, the first seal 211 and the second seal 221 are symmetrically provided with flow ports, and the shapes of the first seal 211 and the second seal 221 can be adjusted according to the specific fuel cell stack scheme (including single solid oxide fuel cells, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells-SOFC and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells-SOEC, etc.), and can be the same or different shapes.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] Please continue reading. Figures 3-8 In this embodiment, the middle part of the third seal 231 may be fitted with an air-side current collector 232, which is used to guide air (mainly oxygen) to flow through the air-side electrode of the battery and distribute oxygen through the current collector to support the electrochemical reaction of the battery. Unlike the fuel-side current collector 212, the air-side current collector 232 is mainly used to ensure that oxygen can be evenly distributed on the electrode surface of the battery, thereby improving the reaction efficiency and power output of the battery.

[0043] Through the above technical solution, one or more sets of stack repeating units 2 are stacked and assembled between the fuel side end plate 1 and the air side end plate 3, and a connector 4 is provided between the multiple sets of stack repeating units 2. The overall assembly structure can achieve sealing of single or multiple pools without the need for a metal frame, effectively reducing the thickness of the current collection network that matches the thickness of the frame, effectively reducing the assembly cost and improving the overall stability.

[0044] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack assembly structure, characterized in that, The application relates to a fuel cell stack, comprising: a fuel side end plate (1), an air side end plate (3) and a stack repeating unit (2), one or more groups of the stack repeating units (2) being stacked and assembled between the fuel side end plate (1) and the air side end plate (3); the stack repeating unit (2) comprises a first stack layer (21), a second stack layer (22) and a third stack layer (23), and a connecting body (4) is arranged between a plurality of groups of the stack repeating units (2).

2. The stack assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein The second stack layer (22) is assembled on the first stack layer (21), and the third stack layer (23) is assembled on the second stack layer (22).

3. The stack assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein The first stack layer (21) comprises a first sealing member (211) and a fuel side current collecting grid (212), and the fuel side current collecting grid (212) is assembled in the middle of the first sealing member (211).

4. The stack assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein The second stack layer (22) comprises a second sealing member (221) and a fuel cell (222), and the fuel cell (222) is assembled in the middle of the second sealing member (221).

5. The stack assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein The third stack layer (23) comprises a third sealing member (231).

6. The stack assembly structure according to claim 5, wherein An air side current collecting grid (232) is assembled in the middle of the third sealing member (231).

7. The stack assembly structure according to claim 3, wherein The first sealing member (211) and the second sealing member (221) are symmetrically provided with flow-through openings.

8. The stack assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the connecting body (4) is greater than 1 mm.

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