A fuel cell stack gas distribution structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a gas distribution structure for a fuel cell stack, relating to the field of fuel cell technology. It includes a stack core and a shell. The bottom of the stack core has a bottom gas distributor and a bottom air distributor, and the top of the stack core has a top gas distributor. The bottom gas distributor and the bottom air distributor are respectively provided with a gas inlet and an air inlet, and the top gas distributor is provided with a gas outlet and an air outlet. An inner cavity and an outer cavity are formed between the stack core and the shell, with the inner cavity communicating with the air outlet. Gas enters through the gas inlet, flows into the stack core through the bottom gas distributor, and then flows out through the gas outlet. Air enters the stack core through the outer cavity, reacts, and then flows out through the air outlet. This utility model improves the gas distribution method, eliminates the need for a gas manifold, reduces the stack volume, and increases the volumetric power density of the fuel cell stack.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Today, clean energy is gaining increasing popularity. Among them, fuel cells, consisting of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte that allows ionic charges to flow between the anode and cathode, are chemical power generation devices that efficiently and environmentally convert the chemical energy stored in fuel into electrical energy directly at high temperatures.

[0003] Fuel cell stacks require hydrogen, air or oxygen, and coolant for cooling the stack during operation. They also need to discharge exhaust gases (including unused hydrogen, excess air or oxygen) and coolant after cooling is complete.

[0004] Currently, most single and multi-stack fuel cells use gas and air manifolds to supply gas to the stack and exhaust exhaust gases. However, this gas distribution method is not suitable for battery cells with multiple fuel inlets. Furthermore, using manifolds for gas distribution occupies a large volume, resulting in a lower power density for the entire stack. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a gas distribution structure for a fuel cell stack, which can effectively improve the fuel utilization rate and power density of a single cell; by using a gas distribution plate instead of a gas manifold, the stack volume is reduced and the volumetric power density of the fuel cell stack is improved.

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

[0007] A fuel cell stack gas distribution structure includes a stack core and a shell. The stack core is annular, with a bottom gas distribution component and a bottom air distribution component at the bottom and a top gas distribution component at the top.

[0008] The bottom gas distributor and the bottom air distributor are respectively provided with a gas inlet and an air inlet, and the top gas distributor is provided with a gas outlet and an air outlet; the gas enters from the gas inlet, flows into the fuel cell core from the bottom gas distributor, and then flows out from the gas outlet;

[0009] The outer casing is located around the bottom air distribution unit and the top gas distribution unit and has a gap between it and the fuel cell core. An inner cavity and an outer cavity are formed between the fuel cell core and the outer casing. The inner cavity is connected to the air outlet. Air enters from the bottom air inlet, enters the fuel cell core through the outer cavity, and flows out through the inner cavity and the air outlet after the reaction.

[0010] As a further implementation, the bottom gas distribution component and the bottom air distribution component are arranged concentrically, the bottom gas distribution component is located at the bottom of the bottom air distribution component, and a second gas passage is provided on the bottom air distribution component to facilitate the flow of gas into the fuel cell core through the bottom air distribution component.

[0011] As a further implementation, the bottom gas distribution component is annular, the gas inlet is located at the bottom of the bottom gas distribution component near the center and communicates with the inner cavity, and several first gas channels are opened at the top of the bottom gas distribution component, the inner cavity between the gas inlet and the first gas channels is the bottom gas distribution area.

[0012] As a further implementation, the bottom gas distribution area is concentrically arranged with several distribution layers from the inside out. Each distribution layer is composed of several discontinuous arc baffles. Gas inlets are formed between adjacent arc baffles, and annular gas flow channels are formed between adjacent distribution layers. The bottom gas distribution area allows the gas entering the gas inlet to be redistributed through multiple distribution layers and reach each first gas channel, so that the gas can flow out evenly and enter the fuel cell core through the bottom air distribution component.

[0013] As a further implementation, several first gas passages are evenly arranged within the outermost annular gas flow channel.

[0014] As a further implementation, two gas inlets are symmetrically arranged in the innermost annular gas flow channel, eight first gas channels are evenly arranged in the outermost annular gas flow channel, and three concentric distribution layers are provided in the bottom gas distribution area.

[0015] As a further implementation, the air inlet is located at the bottom center of the bottom air distribution component and communicates with the inner cavity. The air inlet extends downward through the bottom gas distribution component. The top edge of the bottom air distribution component is provided with several arc-shaped air distribution outlets. The inner cavity between the air inlet and the air distribution outlets is an air distribution area. Several radially arranged air baffles are provided in the air distribution area. Fan-shaped air flow channels are formed between adjacent air baffles. The second gas passage is located on the air baffles and corresponds to the position of the first gas flow channel.

[0016] As a further implementation, several of the air distribution outlets are located outside the fan-shaped air flow channel and connected to the fan-shaped air flow channel. Air entering from the air inlet is distributed by the air distribution area and can enter the outer cavity through each air distribution outlet, and then enter the fuel cell core.

[0017] As a further implementation, the top gas distribution component includes a distribution base plate and a distribution top plate, with an annular cavity formed between the distribution base plate and the distribution top plate; the air outlet and the gas outlet are disposed on the distribution top plate, the distribution base plate is disposed on the top of the fuel cell core, and the distribution base plate is provided with a gas exhaust inlet; the gas exhaust inlet and the gas outlet are respectively connected to the annular cavity;

[0018] The distribution base plate is located on the top of the fuel cell core. The gas produced after the reaction in the fuel cell core enters the top gas distribution unit through the gas exhaust inlet and flows out from the gas outlet.

[0019] As a further implementation, the annular cavity is concentrically provided with several exhaust gas distribution layers to form a gas top distribution area. Each exhaust gas distribution layer is composed of several discontinuous arc baffles. An annular exhaust gas flow channel is formed between adjacent exhaust gas distribution layers. The gas exhaust gas inlet is located in the outermost annular exhaust gas flow channel, and the gas outlet is connected to the innermost annular exhaust gas flow channel.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] 1. This utility model provides a top and bottom gas distribution structure for the fuel cell stack core. The bottom gas enters the fuel cell stack core sequentially through the bottom gas distributor and the bottom air distributor. The exhaust gas after the reaction can be discharged from the gas outlet through the top gas distributor. The bottom air enters the fuel cell stack core through the outer cavity from the bottom air distributor and is discharged through the air outlet through the inner cavity after the reaction. This improves the gas distribution method, eliminates the need for a gas manifold, effectively reduces the stack volume, and increases the volumetric power density of the fuel cell stack.

[0022] 2. This utility model can evenly distribute two gas streams to multiple first gas channels through the bottom gas distribution component, ensuring that the gas flows into the fuel cell stack evenly; and can evenly distribute one air stream to multiple air distribution outlets through the bottom air distribution component, ensuring that the air flows into the outer cavity of the fuel cell stack evenly. On the one hand, it can be well applied to battery cells with multiple fuel inlets, and on the other hand, it can effectively improve the fuel utilization rate and power density of a single cell. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the bottom gas distribution component structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom gas distribution component structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom air distribution component structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom air distribution component structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the top gas distribution component structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution top plate structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Bottom gas distribution unit; 2. Bottom air distribution unit; 3. Top gas distribution unit; 4. Fuel cell core; 5. Outer shell; 6. Outer cavity; 7. Inner cavity;

[0032] 101. Gas inlet; 102. Bottom gas distribution area; 103. First gas passage; 104. Distribution layer; 105. Annular gas flow channel;

[0033] 201. Air inlet; 202. Air distribution area; 203. Air distribution outlet; 204. Air baffle; 205. Fan-shaped airflow channel; 206. Second gas passage;

[0034] 301. Distribution base plate; 302. Distribution top plate; 303. Gas exhaust inlet; 304. Air outlet; 305. Gas outlet; 306. Gas top distribution area; 307. Exhaust gas distribution layer; 308. Annular exhaust gas flow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] In one typical embodiment of this application, a fuel cell stack gas distribution structure is provided, such as... Figure 1-7 As shown, it includes a fuel cell stack core 4 and a casing 5. The bottom of the fuel cell stack core 4 is provided with a bottom gas distribution component 1 and a bottom air distribution component 2, and the top of the fuel cell stack core 4 is provided with a top gas distribution component; 3

[0041] The bottom gas distribution component 1 and the bottom air distribution component 2 are respectively provided with a gas inlet 101 and an air inlet 201, and the top gas distribution component 3 is provided with a gas outlet 305 and an air outlet 304; the gas enters from the gas inlet 101, flows into the fuel cell core 4 from the bottom gas distribution component 1, and then flows out from the gas outlet 205.

[0042] The outer casing 5 is located on the outer periphery of the bottom air distribution component 2 and the top gas distribution component 3 and has a gap between it and the fuel cell core 4. An inner cavity 6 and an outer cavity 7 are formed between the fuel cell core 4 and the outer casing 5. The inner cavity 6 is connected to the air outlet 304. Air enters from the air inlet 201, enters the fuel cell core 4 through the outer cavity 6, and flows out through the inner cavity 7 and the air outlet 304 after the reaction.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell stack gas distribution structure of this embodiment includes an outer shell 5, a stack core 4, a bottom gas distributor 1, a bottom air distributor 2, and a top gas distributor 3. The stack core 4 is annular, with a gap between it and the outer shell 5, forming an outer cavity 6 at the outer ring and an inner cavity 7 at the inner ring. The outer cavity 6 is the inlet for air to enter each layer of the stack core, and the inner cavity 7 is the outlet for air to exit the stack after the reaction. The bottom gas distributor 1 and the bottom air distributor 2 are concentrically arranged. The bottom gas distributor 1 is annular and located at the bottom of the bottom air distributor 2, with the air inlet of the bottom air distributor 2 passing downwards through the bottom gas distributor 1.

[0044] The above structure enables gas distribution in the fuel cell stack without the need for a gas manifold, effectively reducing the stack volume and thus increasing the volumetric power density of the fuel cell stack.

[0045] Specifically, in combination Figures 2-3 As shown, the bottom gas distribution component 1 is composed of plates, forming a circular shape with an internal cavity. The bottom gas distribution component 1 is provided with two gas inlets 101, a bottom gas distribution area 102, and eight first gas channels 103. The gas inlets 101 are located on the bottom plate of the bottom gas distribution component 1, the first gas channels 103 are located on the top plate of the bottom gas distribution component 1, and the bottom gas distribution area 102 is located within the cavity.

[0046] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, three concentric distribution layers 104 are arranged from the inside out within the bottom gas distribution area 102. Each distribution layer consists of several discontinuous arc-shaped baffles, which are fixedly mounted on the bottom plate of the bottom gas distribution component, dividing the inner cavity into several areas to distribute the gas entering from the gas inlet. A gas outlet is formed between every two adjacent arc-shaped baffles, and an annular gas flow channel 105 is formed between every two adjacent distribution layers. The number of gas outlets on adjacent distribution layers 104 is inconsistent; therefore, the arc-shaped baffles and gas outlets on adjacent distribution layers are staggered. Two gas inlets 101 are symmetrically arranged on the innermost annular gas flow channel 105, and eight first gas channels 103 are evenly arranged on the outermost annular gas flow channel 105.

[0047] In this embodiment, three concentric distribution layers 104 are respectively arranged with two, four, and eight arc baffles. By adding arc baffles layer by layer, the two incoming gas flows are split into two parts into four parts and four parts into eight parts, and then flow into the outermost annular gas flow channel 105, and then flow out evenly from each of the first gas channels 103. This method can be used for battery cells with multiple fuel inlets, especially annular battery cells, and can effectively improve the fuel utilization rate and power density of a single cell.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of gas inlets, first gas passages, distribution layers, and arc-shaped baffles can be set according to actual conditions, and are not limited to the number in this embodiment. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0049] Specifically, in combination Figures 4-5As shown, the bottom air distribution component 2 consists of two plates, upper and lower, with an internal cavity. The bottom air distribution component 2 has one air inlet 201, an air distribution area 202, and eight air distribution outlets 203. The air inlet 201 is located on the bottom plate of the bottom air distribution component 2 and communicates with the interior of the cavity. In the entire gas distribution structure, the air inlet 201 extends downwards through the inner ring of the bottom gas distribution component 1. The air distribution outlets 203 are arc-shaped, and the eight air distribution outlets 203 are evenly distributed on the top plate of the bottom air distribution component 1. The air distribution area 202 is located within the cavity, and both the air inlet 201 and the air distribution outlets 203 communicate with the air distribution area 202.

[0050] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, in the air distribution area 202, there are 8 air baffles 204 arranged radially and evenly outside the air inlet. Each air baffle 204 is arranged radially and contacts the air inlet 201. A fan-shaped air flow channel 205 is formed between each two adjacent air baffles 204. The air entering from the air inlet can reach each air distribution outlet along each fan-shaped air flow channel to achieve uniform outflow.

[0051] In this embodiment, combined with Figures 4-5 As shown, eight air distribution outlets 203 are located on the top plate of the bottom air distribution component 2, outside the second gas passage 206, and connected to the fan-shaped air flow channel 205. The air entering from the air inlet 201 is distributed by the air distribution area 202 and can enter the outer cavity 6 through each air distribution outlet 203, and then enter the fuel cell core 4.

[0052] Each air baffle 204 has a second gas passage 206 extending vertically through it at the end furthest from the air inlet. The position of the second gas passage 206 corresponds to the position of the first gas passage 103 on the bottom gas distribution plate, ensuring that the gas evenly distributed at the bottom can pass through the bottom air distribution plate and flow upward into the fuel cell core. In this embodiment, the air baffle 204 is an irregular rib. The side of the air baffle near the air inlet, located on the inner side of the ring, is narrower, which increases the airflow area and reduces air pressure loss. The side of the air baffle furthest from the air inlet is wider, ensuring that the second gas passage can pass smoothly through the bottom air distribution plate.

[0053] In this embodiment, the gas entering through the air inlet 201 is further distributed in the air distribution area 202. The secondary distribution is set up using air baffles 204. Eight air baffles 204 divide the gas entering through the air inlet into eight equal parts, and the gas after being evenly distributed flows out through eight air distribution outlets 203.

[0054] In this embodiment, the number of air distribution outlets, air baffles, and air channels corresponds to the number in the bottom gas distribution component. This is intended to be illustrative and does not limit the number.

[0055] Specifically, in combination Figures 6-7 As shown, the top gas distribution component 3 includes a distribution base plate 301 and a distribution top plate 302. Both the distribution base plate 301 and the distribution top plate 302 are annular plates. The distribution base plate 301 is located on top of the fuel cell core 4, forming an annular cavity between the distribution base plate 301 and the distribution top plate 302. A fuel gas exhaust inlet 303 is located at the center of the distribution base plate 301, through which the reacted fuel gas and air enter the annular cavity. The distribution top plate 302 has one air outlet 304 and two fuel gas outlets 305. The air outlet 304 is located at the center of the distribution top plate 302 and extends upwards. The air outlet 304 is coaxially connected to the fuel gas exhaust inlet 303, and both the fuel gas exhaust inlet 303 and the fuel gas outlets 305 are connected to the interior of the annular cavity. Simultaneously, combined with... Figure 1 As shown, the air outlet 304 and the exhaust gas inlet 303 are connected to the inner cavity 7 of the fuel cell core, so that the air after the reaction is discharged directly upwards.

[0056] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 7 As shown, the annular cavity contains a gas top distribution area 306. The structure of the gas top distribution area is similar to that of the gas bottom distribution area, consisting of two concentric exhaust gas distribution layers 307. Each exhaust gas distribution layer 307 is composed of several discontinuous arc-shaped baffles. Specifically, the outer exhaust gas distribution layer 307 includes four arc-shaped baffles, and the inner exhaust gas distribution layer consists of eight arc-shaped baffles. An air inlet is formed between every two adjacent arc-shaped baffles, and an annular exhaust gas flow channel 308 is formed between every two adjacent exhaust gas distribution layers. Two gas outlets 305 are symmetrically arranged within the outer annular exhaust gas flow channel 308. The gas top distribution area 306, by adding arc-shaped baffles, combines the eight streams of gas flowing into the inner layer into the outermost annular exhaust gas flow channel, and then discharges through the two gas outlets 305.

[0057] In this embodiment, fuel gas enters the bottom fuel gas distributor through two bottom fuel gas inlets. After distribution, the fuel gas flows into the fuel cell core through the second fuel gas passage in the bottom air distributor. Fuel exhaust gas after the fuel cell reaction is collected and distributed by the top gas distributor and then discharged through the fuel outlet. Air flows into the bottom air distributor through the bottom air inlet. After distribution, the air flows into the outer cavity of the fuel cell core through the air distribution outlet of the bottom air distributor. Gas after the fuel cell reaction is discharged through the top air outlet.

[0058] This invention utilizes a bottom gas distributor to evenly distribute two gas streams to each of the first gas channels, ensuring uniform gas flow into each gas inlet of the fuel cell stack. A bottom air distributor evenly distributes one air stream to each air outlet, ensuring uniform air flow into the outer cavity of the fuel cell stack. By improving the uniformity of gas and air distribution, the fuel utilization rate and power density of a single cell are effectively increased. Furthermore, in this application, the bottom gas distributor, bottom air distributor, and top gas distributor all adopt the form of gas distribution plates, replacing gas manifolds, reducing the stack volume, and effectively improving the volumetric power density of the fuel cell stack.

[0059] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A gas distribution structure for a fuel cell stack, characterized in that, It includes a fuel cell stack core and an outer shell. The fuel cell stack core is annular, and a bottom gas distribution component and a bottom air distribution component are provided at the bottom of the fuel cell stack core. A top gas distribution component is provided at the top of the fuel cell stack core. The bottom gas distributor and the bottom air distributor are respectively provided with a gas inlet and an air inlet, and the top gas distributor is provided with a gas outlet and an air outlet; Gas enters through the gas inlet, flows into the fuel cell core through the bottom gas distribution unit, and then flows out through the gas outlet. The outer casing is located around the bottom air distribution unit and the top gas distribution unit and has a gap between it and the fuel cell core. An inner cavity and an outer cavity are formed between the fuel cell core and the outer casing. The inner cavity is connected to the air outlet. Air enters from the bottom air inlet, enters the fuel cell core through the outer cavity, and flows out through the inner cavity and the air outlet after the reaction.

2. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom gas distributor and the bottom air distributor are concentrically arranged. The bottom gas distributor is located at the bottom of the bottom air distributor, and a second gas passage is provided on the bottom air distributor.

3. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom gas distribution component is circular in shape. The gas inlet is located at the bottom of the bottom gas distribution component near the center and communicates with the inner cavity. Several first gas channels are opened at the top of the bottom gas distribution component. The inner cavity between the gas inlet and the first gas channels is the bottom gas distribution area.

4. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Within the bottom gas distribution area, several distribution layers are concentrically arranged from the inside out. Each distribution layer consists of several discontinuous arc baffles. Gas inlets are formed between adjacent arc baffles, and annular gas flow channels are formed between adjacent distribution layers.

5. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Several first gas passages are evenly arranged in the outermost annular gas flow channel.

6. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Two gas inlets are symmetrically arranged in the innermost annular gas flow channel, and eight first gas channels are evenly arranged in the outermost annular gas flow channel.

7. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet is located at the bottom center of the bottom air distributor and communicates with the inner cavity. The air inlet extends downward through the bottom gas distributor. The top edge of the top air distributor has several arc-shaped air distribution outlets. The inner cavity between the air inlet and the air distribution outlet is the air distribution area. The air distribution area has several radially arranged air baffles, and fan-shaped air flow channels are formed between adjacent air baffles.

8. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Several of the aforementioned air distribution outlets are located outside the fan-shaped airflow channel and are connected to the fan-shaped airflow channel.

9. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top gas distribution component includes a distribution base plate and a distribution top plate, with an annular cavity formed between the distribution base plate and the distribution top plate; the air outlet and the gas outlet are disposed on the distribution top plate, the distribution base plate is disposed on the top of the fuel cell core, and the distribution base plate is provided with a gas exhaust inlet; the gas exhaust inlet and the gas outlet are respectively connected to the annular cavity; The distribution base plate is located on the top of the fuel cell core. The gas produced after the reaction in the fuel cell core enters the top gas distribution unit through the gas exhaust inlet and flows out from the gas outlet.

10. The gas distribution structure of a fuel cell stack as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The annular cavity is concentrically provided with several exhaust gas distribution layers to form a gas top distribution area. Each exhaust gas distribution layer is composed of several discontinuous arc baffles. An annular exhaust gas flow channel is formed between adjacent exhaust gas distribution layers. The gas exhaust gas inlet is located in the outermost annular exhaust gas flow channel, and the gas outlet is connected to the innermost annular exhaust gas flow channel.

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