Novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel metal bipolar plate of a hydrogen fuel cell. The novel metal bipolar plate comprises a bipolar plate main body, a clamping groove is formed in the bipolar plate main body, a plurality of convex ridges are fixedly mounted in the bipolar plate main body, a flow channel is formed between every two convex ridges, a circulation inlet and a circulation outlet are respectively formed in two sides of the flow channel, and a shunting groove is formed in one side of the circulation inlet; according to the utility model, gas enters through the circulation inlet, the gas firstly flows into the shunting groove, the convex blocks arranged in the shunting groove in a staggered manner can be used for shunting the gas, so that the gas is prevented from advancing along one direction at a flow speed, and the gas flows back into the flow channel after being shunted by the convex blocks; reaction water and residual gas generated after the gas in the flow channel reacts with the exchange membrane can enter the confluence groove along with the flowing of gas flow and are discharged from the circulation outlet, and as one end, close to the circulation outlet, of the flow channel is lower, when the bipolar plate main body is vertically mounted, the reaction water can more easily flow to the confluence groove, so that the bipolar plate main body is more stable. Therefore, water can still be discharged under the condition of lower gas flow, and the reaction effect is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, specifically to a novel metal bipolar plate for hydrogen fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] Bipolar plates are key components in electrochemical devices, particularly widely used in fuel cells and electrolyzers. Their main functions include current conduction, cell isolation, fluid flow guidance, and heat dissipation. The main material types for bipolar plates include graphite bipolar plates, metallic bipolar plates, and composite material bipolar plates. Graphite bipolar plates possess excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, but are relatively heavy and complex to machine. Metallic bipolar plates, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys, offer high strength, light weight, and good electrical and thermal conductivity, but are prone to electrochemical corrosion and require surface modification. Composite material bipolar plates, composed of two or more materials, combine the high conductivity of graphite with the high toughness of polymer materials, and are currently a hot topic in research and development.

[0003] A novel metal bipolar plate for hydrogen fuel cells, with announcement number CN215299306U, relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cells. It includes a plate body with several flow grooves on the plate body. The bottom wall of the flow grooves is a gradually downward sloping bottom wall, which has the effect of maintaining the performance of the fuel cell.

[0004] The aforementioned device uses a gradually downward-sloping bottom wall for the flow channel, but the flow channels are several that are spliced ​​together in a meandering manner. The bipolar plates are generally installed vertically, and the spliced ​​flow channels are high at both ends and low in the middle. When the hydrogen fuel gas content is insufficient, the gas flow rate decreases, which causes the produced reaction water to deposit in the low-lying area between the flow channels and cannot be carried out by the flowing gas. This results in the fuel cell being prone to performance degradation under low gas volume. Therefore, a new type of hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate is needed to meet people's needs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel metal bipolar plate for hydrogen fuel cells to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate, comprising a bipolar plate body; a slot is formed on the bipolar plate body, and a plurality of ridges are fixedly installed inside the bipolar plate body, a flow channel is formed between two ridges, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet are formed on both sides of the flow channel, a flow divider groove is formed on one side of the flow inlet, and a flow merger groove is formed on one side of the flow outlet;

[0007] The side of the flow channel near the flow inlet is higher than the side of the flow channel near the flow outlet, and the side of the ridge near the flow inlet is higher than the side of the ridge near the flow outlet.

[0008] Preferably, the two ends of the flow channel are connected to the diversion channel and the confluence channel, respectively, and the flow inlet and flow outlet penetrate the bipolar plate body.

[0009] Preferably, several rows of protrusions are fixedly installed vertically inside the diversion channel, with each row of protrusions being staggered.

[0010] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the card slot is an inverted trapezoid, and the bottom opening size of the card slot is smaller than the top opening size.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0012] (1) In this utility model, gas is introduced through the flow inlet and flows into the diversion groove first. The staggered protrusions in the diversion groove can divert the gas and prevent it from moving in one direction at a certain flow rate. After the gas is diverted by the protrusions, it flows back into the flow channel. The reaction water and residual gas generated after the gas in the flow channel reacts with the exchange membrane will enter the confluence groove with the flow of the gas and be discharged from the flow outlet. Since the end of the flow channel near the flow outlet is lower, when the bipolar plate body is installed vertically, the reaction water can flow more easily to the confluence groove, so that the water can still be discharged at a lower gas volume, ensuring the reaction effect.

[0013] (2) The bipolar plate body is provided with an inverted trapezoidal slot. Correspondingly, the diffusion layer that is installed and attached to it during production has a trapezoidal protrusion with the same outline. By inserting the protruding trapezoidal block on the diffusion layer into the slot, a better sealing effect is achieved, which can prevent gas from escaping. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate proposed in this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the bipolar plate body and slot of a novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate proposed in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Bipolar plate body; 2. Slot; 3. Flow inlet; 4. Diverter slot; 5. Protrusion; 6. Flow outlet; 7. Merging slot; 8. Flow channel; 9. Ridge. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not 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 a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0022] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: a novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate, including a bipolar plate body 1; in order to enable the reaction water to be easily discharged even at low gas volume, a slot 2 is opened on the bipolar plate body 1, and a number of ridges 9 are fixedly installed inside the bipolar plate body 1. A flow channel 8 is opened between two ridges 9, and a flow inlet 3 and a flow outlet 6 are opened on both sides of the flow channel 8 respectively. A diversion groove 4 is opened on one side of the flow inlet 3, and a confluence groove 7 is opened on one side of the flow outlet 6.

[0023] The side of flow channel 8 near the flow inlet 3 is higher than the side of flow channel 8 near the flow outlet 6, and the side of ridge 9 near the flow inlet 3 is higher than the side of ridge 9 near the flow outlet 6.

[0024] To achieve good drainage and flow, the two ends of the flow channel 8 are connected to the diversion channel 4 and the collection channel 7, respectively. The flow inlet 3 and the flow outlet 6 penetrate the bipolar plate body 1. Several rows of protrusions 5 are fixedly installed vertically in the diversion channel 4, with each row of protrusions 5 staggered. In use, gas enters through the flow inlet 3 and flows into the diversion channel 4 first. The staggered protrusions 5 in the diversion channel 4 can divert the gas, preventing it from flowing in one direction at a certain velocity. After being diverted by the protrusions 5, the gas flows back into the flow channel 8. The reaction water and residual gas generated after the gas in the flow channel 8 reacts with the exchange membrane will enter the collection channel 7 with the airflow and be discharged from the flow outlet 6. When installed vertically, since the end of the flow channel 8 near the flow outlet 6 is lower, the reaction water can flow more easily to the collection channel 7 along the inclined inner wall, so that water can still be discharged even at a lower gas volume, avoiding water accumulation in the electrode plate and ensuring the reaction effect.

[0025] Example 2: Figure 3-4 To enhance sealing, the slot 2 has an inverted trapezoidal cross-section, with the bottom opening smaller than the top opening. To facilitate installation and improve sealing, the bipolar plate body 1 has an inverted trapezoidal slot 2. Correspondingly, the diffusion layer, which is attached to the slot during production, has trapezoidal protrusions with the same contour. By inserting these protruding trapezoidal blocks into the slot 2, a better sealing effect is achieved, preventing gas from escaping. This also serves as a positioning feature, making installation and alignment more convenient and accurate. The remaining features are the same as in Example 1.

[0026] The working principle is as follows: During use, gas enters through the flow inlet 3 and first flows into the diversion channel 4. The diversion channel 4 is staggered with protrusions 5 to divert the gas, preventing it from flowing in one direction at a certain speed. After being diverted by the protrusions 5, the gas flows back into the flow channel 8. The reaction water and residual gas generated after the gas in the flow channel 8 reacts with the exchange membrane will enter the collection channel 7 with the airflow and be discharged from the flow outlet 6. When installed vertically, since the end of the flow channel 8 near the flow outlet 6 is lower, the reaction water can flow more easily along the inclined inner wall to the collection channel 7, so that water can still be discharged even at a lower gas volume, avoiding water accumulation in the electrode plate and ensuring the reaction effect. In order to facilitate installation and increase sealing, the bipolar plate body 1 is provided with an inverted trapezoidal slot 2. Correspondingly, the diffusion layer that is installed and attached to it during production has trapezoidal protrusions with the same contour. By inserting the protruding trapezoidal blocks on the diffusion layer into the slot 2, a better sealing effect is achieved, reducing the possibility of gas escape. At the same time, it can also be used for positioning, making the installation alignment more convenient and accurate.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A novel metallic bipolar plate for hydrogen fuel cells, comprising a bipolar plate body (1); characterized in that: The bipolar plate body (1) has a slot (2) and several ridges (9) are fixedly installed inside the bipolar plate body (1). A flow channel (8) is provided between two ridges (9). A flow inlet (3) and a flow outlet (6) are provided on both sides of the flow channel (8). A flow divider (4) is provided on one side of the flow inlet (3) and a flow combiner (7) is provided on one side of the flow outlet (6). The side of the flow channel (8) near the flow inlet (3) is higher than the side of the flow channel (8) near the flow outlet (6), and the side of the ridge (9) near the flow inlet (3) is higher than the side of the ridge (9) near the flow outlet (6).

2. The novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the flow channel (8) are connected to the flow divider (4) and the flow collector (7) respectively, and the flow inlet (3) and flow outlet (6) penetrate the bipolar plate body (1).

3. The novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several rows of protrusions (5) are fixedly installed vertically inside the diversion channel (4), and the protrusions (5) in each row are staggered.

4. The novel hydrogen fuel cell metal bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the slot (2) is an inverted trapezoid, and the bottom opening size of the slot (2) is smaller than the top opening size.

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