Fuel cell stack module

Abstract

The utility model provides a fuel cell stack module, which relates to the technical field of fuel cells and comprises a first stack, a second stack and a gas distribution plate, the first electric pile and the second electric pile are welded above the gas distribution plate side by side; the upper end surface of the gas distribution plate is connected with the first electric pile and the second electric pile; the gas distribution plate is provided with a first air inlet, a first air outlet, a first fuel gas inlet, a second fuel gas inlet, a first fuel gas outlet and a second fuel gas outlet. Through the series-parallel connection arrangement structure design of the air side of the electric pile, high-temperature air recycling is directly achieved, limitation of a high-temperature power device is avoided, heat in cathode air of the electric pile is fully utilized, heat management of the system is improved, the optimal heat management of the system is achieved by adjusting the fuel utilization rate of the system and the temperature of a combustor, and the power generation efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a fuel cell stack module. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information relating to this disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Currently, most fuel cells are single-stack packaged, and there is a lack of multi-stack packaged solutions. Existing multi-stack solutions mostly use manifold gas supply, as shown in the utility model patent announcement number CN117790862A, "A fuel cell stack and multi-stack module control method". The manifold gas supply method has low space utilization and high cost.

[0004] Furthermore, existing technologies focus on the research of anode-supported stack battery cells and single stacks, with limited research on stack modules. This is because single stacks are insufficient to meet the power requirements of high-power SOFC power generation systems, and high-power single stacks suffer from low yield, high processing costs, and poor reliability. Existing technologies also focus on the recycling of fuel on the anode side, with limited research on the air side (cathode exhaust gas). This is because the cathode exhaust gas has a high temperature, and direct emission would cause heat loss, resulting in low system energy utilization efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a fuel cell stack module. Through a series-parallel arrangement structure on the air side of the stack, it directly realizes the reuse of high-temperature air, avoids the limitations of high-temperature power devices, fully utilizes the heat in the cathode air of the stack, improves the thermal management of the system, and achieves optimal system thermal management by adjusting the system fuel utilization rate and burner temperature, thereby significantly improving power generation efficiency and solving one or more technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A fuel cell stack module includes: a first stack, a second stack, and a gas distribution plate; the first stack and the second stack are welded side by side above the gas distribution plate;

[0008] The upper end face of the gas distribution plate is connected to the first and second fuel cell stacks;

[0009] The gas distribution plate is provided with a first air inlet, a first air outlet, a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, a first gas outlet, and a second gas outlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the first air inlet is connected to the first air outlet to form an air channel;

[0011] The first gas inlet is connected to the first gas outlet to form a first gas passage;

[0012] The second gas inlet is connected to the second gas outlet to form a second gas passage.

[0013] Furthermore, both the first and second fuel cell stacks include: a bottom gas distribution plate, battery cells, and connectors.

[0014] Furthermore, the connector includes a gas side at the top and an air side at the bottom.

[0015] Furthermore, the gas side includes: a third gas inlet, a fourth gas inlet, a fifth gas inlet, a first exhaust gas outlet, a second exhaust gas outlet, and a third exhaust gas outlet;

[0016] The third gas inlet is connected to the first exhaust gas outlet to form a third gas passage;

[0017] The fourth gas inlet is connected to the second exhaust gas outlet to form a fourth gas passage;

[0018] The fifth gas inlet is connected to the third exhaust gas outlet to form a fifth gas passage.

[0019] Furthermore, the third, fourth, and fifth gas passages are equipped with gas inlet baffles and gas outlet baffles, and the gas inlet baffles and gas outlet baffles are provided with multiple protrusions.

[0020] Furthermore, the battery cell includes an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a module shell with a cuboid frame structure; the module shell covers the periphery of the first and second fuel cells.

[0022] Furthermore, the module housing has an air baffle on its side and a tab on its top.

[0023] Furthermore, the first and second fuel cell stacks also include: an insulating plate with a rectangular flat plate structure, the insulating plate being disposed between the bottom gas distribution plate and the connector and between the module housing and the fuel cell stack.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] 1. The fuel cell stack module provided by this utility model adopts a dual-cathode gas series configuration. The bottom gas distribution plate includes one air inlet, one air outlet, two gas inlets, and two gas outlets, which directly realizes the reuse of high-temperature air, avoids the limitations of high-temperature power devices, makes full use of the heat in the cathode air of the stack, improves the thermal management of the system, and achieves optimal system thermal management by adjusting the system fuel utilization rate and burner temperature, thereby significantly improving power generation efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0026] 2. The gas passage and air passage of this utility model, together with the multiple small protrusions of the gas inlet baffle and gas outlet baffle, realize the secondary and tertiary distribution of gas, improve the utilization efficiency of gas, and ensure the stable operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0027] 3. The structural design of the first and second fuel cell stacks of this utility model includes a connector, battery cells, and a bottom gas distribution plate, which reduces the size of a single stack, improves the yield and reliability of a single stack, reduces the processing cost of the fuel cell stack, and also enhances the reliability and durability of the fuel cell stack, making it easier to maintain and replace.

[0028] 4. The insulating plate of this utility model ensures electrical isolation between the fuel cell stack and the outer casing, and between the bottom gas distribution plate and the connector, thereby improving the safety of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model. The illustrative embodiments of this utility model and their descriptions are used to explain this utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the bottom gas distribution plate provided by this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bottom gas distribution plate cover provided by this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the bottom insulating pad provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sealing and insulating plate provided by this utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the air side of the connector provided by this utility model;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gas side of the connector provided by this utility model;

[0036] Figure 7 Enlarged view of the air side corner of the connector provided by this utility model;

[0037] Figure 8 Enlarged view of the gas side corner of the connector provided by this utility model;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a single pile provided by this utility model;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the fuel cell stack casing provided by this utility model;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a top view of the gas-fired connecting body provided by this utility model;

[0041] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the battery cell and the connector provided by this utility model;

[0042] In the diagram, 1 is the first air inlet; 2 is the first air outlet; 3 is the first gas inlet; 4 is the first gas outlet; 5 is the second gas inlet; 6 is the second gas outlet; 7 is the bottom gas distribution plate; 8 is the fuel cell stack unit; 9 is the tab; 10 is the fuel cell stack casing; 11 is the battery cell; and 12 is the connector. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0044] It should be noted that the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0045] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] In one typical embodiment of this application, a fuel cell stack module is provided, such as... Figure 1-12As shown, this fuel cell stack module consists of a bottom gas distribution plate, the fuel cell stack, insulating plates, and a fuel cell stack module shell. The bottom gas distribution plate is responsible for evenly distributing the gas flowing in from the gas inlet and air inlet to each fuel cell stack gas inlet, while collecting the exhaust gas and then discharging it from the exhaust gas outlet. The connector is responsible for separating the gas from the air, while also playing a role in evenly distributing the gas and conducting electricity. There are many insulating plates in the fuel cell stack, including at the bottom, top, and between the shell and the fuel cell stack. The insulating plates provide insulation while sealing, to ensure the normal operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the fuel cell stack module provided by this utility model includes: a first stack, a second stack, and a gas distribution plate; the first stack and the second stack are welded side by side above the gas distribution plate;

[0050] The upper end face of the gas distribution plate is connected to the first and second fuel cell stacks;

[0051] The gas distribution plate is provided with a first air inlet, a first air outlet, a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, a first gas outlet, and a second gas outlet.

[0052] The first air inlet is connected to the first air outlet to form an air channel, which is used to provide air to the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack.

[0053] The first gas inlet is connected to the first gas outlet to form a first gas passage, which is used to provide gas to the first fuel cell stack.

[0054] The second gas inlet is connected to the second gas outlet to form a second gas passage, which is used to provide gas to the second fuel cell stack.

[0055] See Figure 9 , 10 and 11, Figure 10 The battery pack casing is fitted over the two battery packs. The left side wall of the battery pack casing and the left side of the first battery pack form a first cavity; the right side of the first battery pack, the left side of the second battery pack, the front side wall of the battery pack casing, and the rear side wall of the battery pack casing form a second cavity; and the right side of the second battery pack and the right side wall of the battery pack casing form a third cavity.

[0056] The air passage includes: a first air inlet of the bottom gas distribution plate, a first cavity, an air-side groove of the first fuel cell connector, a second cavity, an air-side groove of the second fuel cell connector, a third cavity, and a first air outlet of the bottom gas distribution plate.

[0057] The first gas passage includes: a first gas inlet, a third gas inlet, a fourth gas inlet, a fifth gas inlet on the bottom gas distribution plate, a gas-side groove on the first fuel cell connector, a first exhaust gas outlet, a second exhaust gas outlet, a third exhaust gas outlet, and a first gas outlet on the bottom gas distribution plate.

[0058] The second gas passage has the same spatial structure as the first gas passage, the difference being that the second gas passage is used to supply gas to the second fuel cell stack. Those skilled in the art, based on the attached... Figure 11 The specific structure of the second gas passage can be accurately understood, and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, this utility model's fuel cell stack module adopts a dual-cathode gas series configuration. The bottom gas distribution plate includes one air inlet, one air outlet, two gas inlets, and two gas outlets. Through the series-parallel arrangement of the fuel cell stack's air side, high-temperature air reuse is directly achieved, circumventing the limitations of high-temperature power units. This fully utilizes the heat in the fuel cell stack's cathode air, improving system thermal management. Optimal system thermal management is achieved by adjusting the system's fuel utilization rate and burner temperature, significantly improving power generation efficiency. The proposed fuel cell stack module technology reduces the size of a single stack, increases the yield and reliability of single stacks, and lowers fuel cell stack processing costs.

[0060] The gas passage is equipped with a gas inlet baffle and a gas outlet baffle, with the baffles shaped like small protrusions, forming a secondary and tertiary gas distribution zone. The gas distribution zone performs secondary distribution of the gas from the gas inlet before it enters the effective working area. This secondary distribution is achieved using the gas inlet baffle, ensuring the gas flows evenly into each channel. After reacting in the effective working area, the gas undergoes tertiary distribution in the gas outlet distribution zone, using the gas outlet baffle, before being discharged through the gas outlet. This invention, with its gas and air passages, along with the multiple small protrusions on the gas inlet and outlet baffles, achieves secondary and tertiary gas distribution, improving gas utilization efficiency and ensuring stable operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0061] like Figure 4-10 As shown, both the first and second fuel cell stacks include: a bottom gas distribution plate, battery cells, and connectors.

[0062] The first and second fuel cell stacks are parallel stack units, each comprising a bottom gas distribution plate, connectors, and battery cells. Air enters the module through the first air inlet of the bottom gas distribution plate, forming a cavity, and simultaneously passes through the first fuel cell stack. The air then enters the second fuel cell stack, passes through it, and finally exits through the first air outlet of the bottom gas distribution plate. Gas fuel enters through the first gas inlet of the bottom gas distribution plate, passes through the first fuel cell stack, and exits through the first gas outlet of the bottom gas distribution plate; it also enters through the second gas inlet of the bottom gas distribution plate, passes through the second fuel cell stack, and exits through the second gas outlet of the bottom gas distribution plate.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown, the dual-stack single-unit structure provided by this utility model reduces the size of a single stack, improves the yield and reliability of a single stack, reduces the processing cost of the stack, and also enhances the reliability and durability of the stack, making it easier to maintain and replace.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the connector includes a gas side at the top and an air side at the bottom.

[0065] The gas side includes: a third gas inlet, a fourth gas inlet, a fifth gas inlet, a first exhaust gas outlet, a second exhaust gas outlet, and a third exhaust gas outlet;

[0066] The third gas inlet is connected to the first exhaust gas outlet to form a third gas passage;

[0067] The fourth gas inlet is connected to the second exhaust gas outlet to form a fourth gas passage;

[0068] The fifth gas inlet is connected to the third exhaust gas outlet to form a fifth gas passage.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 7 , 8 As shown in Figure 11, the third, fourth, and fifth gas passages are equipped with gas inlet baffles and gas outlet baffles, and the gas inlet baffles and gas outlet baffles are provided with multiple protrusions. That is, the connecting body includes three gas inlets, three exhaust gas outlets, a gas distribution area, and air is managed externally by the fuel cell stack. At the same time, the connecting body uses sealing materials to isolate the gas and air and prevent the two gases from mixing.

[0070] like Figure 12 As shown, the battery cell includes an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode. In other words, the battery cell is a power generation unit composed of an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode. The upper surface of the battery cell is in close contact with the air side at the bottom of the connector, and the lower surface of the battery cell is in close contact with the gas side at the top of the connector.

[0071] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , 10 As shown, it also includes a rectangular frame structure module shell; the module shell covers the periphery of the first and second fuel cells.

[0072] The module housing has an air baffle on its side and a tab on its top.

[0073] Specifically, the fuel cell stack casing includes four air baffles and four tabs; the air baffles prevent air from flowing along the sides of the fuel cell stack casing, and the tabs allow the internal current of the fuel cell stack to flow out; at the same time, the fuel cell stack casing also serves to isolate the fuel cell stack core from direct contact with the external environment, thus protecting the fuel cell stack core.

[0074] The first and second fuel cell stacks further include: rectangular flat insulating plates disposed between the bottom gas distribution plate and the connector, and between the module housing and the fuel cell stack. The insulating plates ensure electrical isolation between the fuel cell stack and the housing, and between the bottom gas distribution plate and the connector, thereby improving system safety.

[0075] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0076] During operation, gas is introduced through both the gas inlet and air inlet. The gas and air then enter the bottom gas distribution area. The distributed air enters the module, first flowing into the first fuel cell stack, then exiting and entering the second fuel cell stack. After reaction in the second stack, the air is discharged through the air outlet on the bottom plate. The distributed gas enters two separate fuel cells, and after reaction, it is discharged through the gas outlet. The generated current is then collected at the electrode tabs.

[0077] Specifically, air enters through the first air inlet of the bottom gas distribution plate, reaches the first cavity, flows through the air-side grooves of each layer of connector in the first fuel cell stack, enters the second cavity, flows from the second cavity into the air-side grooves of each layer of connector in the second fuel cell stack, enters the third cavity, and finally flows out through the first air outlet of the bottom gas distribution plate.

[0078] The gas flow direction is the same for the first and second fuel cell stacks. Taking the first fuel cell stack as an example, the gas enters through the first gas inlet of the bottom gas distribution plate and reaches the gas-side groove of each connecting body of the first fuel cell stack. At this time, based on Figure 11It can be seen that the gas will be diverted to three gas inlets, namely the third gas inlet, the fourth gas inlet, and the fifth gas inlet from left to right. Among them, the gas entering the first fuel cell stack through the third gas inlet will be discharged through the first exhaust gas outlet, the gas entering the first fuel cell stack through the fourth gas inlet will be discharged through the second exhaust gas outlet, and the gas entering the first fuel cell stack through the fifth gas inlet will be discharged through the third exhaust gas outlet. The gas discharged through the first, second, and third exhaust gas outlets will finally flow back to the first gas outlet of the bottom gas distribution plate for discharge.

[0079] In the description of this specification, the terms "connection", "installation", "fixing", "setting", etc. are interpreted in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate component without affecting the relationship between components and the technical effect. It can also be an integral connection or a partial connection. In such cases, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model or utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack module, characterized in that, include: A first fuel cell stack, a second fuel cell stack, and a gas distribution plate; the first and second fuel cell stacks are welded side by side above the gas distribution plate; The upper end face of the gas distribution plate is connected to the first and second fuel cell stacks; The gas distribution plate is provided with a first air inlet, a first air outlet, a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, a first gas outlet, and a second gas outlet.

2. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first air inlet is connected to the first air outlet, forming an air passage; The first gas inlet is connected to the first gas outlet to form a first gas passage; The second gas inlet is connected to the second gas outlet to form a second gas passage.

3. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second fuel cell stacks include: a bottom gas distribution plate, battery cells, and connectors.

4. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The connector includes a gas side at the top and an air side at the bottom.

5. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The gas side includes: a third gas inlet, a fourth gas inlet, a fifth gas inlet, a first exhaust gas outlet, a second exhaust gas outlet, and a third exhaust gas outlet; The third gas inlet is connected to the first exhaust gas outlet to form a third gas passage; The fourth gas inlet is connected to the second exhaust gas outlet to form a fourth gas passage; The fifth gas inlet is connected to the third exhaust gas outlet to form a fifth gas passage.

6. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The third, fourth, and fifth gas passages are equipped with gas inlet baffles and gas outlet baffles, and the gas inlet baffles and gas outlet baffles are provided with multiple protrusions.

7. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The battery cell includes an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode.

8. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a module housing with a cuboid frame structure; the module housing covers the periphery of the first and second fuel cells.

9. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The module housing has an air baffle on its side and a tab on its top.

10. The fuel cell stack module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first and second fuel cell stacks further include: an insulating plate with a rectangular flat plate structure, wherein the insulating plate is disposed between the bottom gas distribution plate and the connector and between the module housing and the fuel cell stack.

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