Proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicle based on animal-plant coupling bionics

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, specifically a biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling. It includes an anode plate, an anode diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer, a proton exchange membrane, a cathode catalyst layer, a cathode diffusion layer, and a cathode plate. Its key feature is that the cathode plate has a gas input channel formed by branched channels, a central channel, and a bird's head channel; and a gas output channel formed by lattice channels, parallel channels, and branched channels. The gas input and output channels are separated by ribs, making them relatively isolated. For gas to enter the output channel from the input channel, it can only move vertically into the gas isolation layer under the continuous positive pressure of the input gas, reacting with the catalyst layer. The reacted gas then crosses the ribs and enters the gas output channel, finally exiting through the outlet. This technical solution makes the gas flow conform to natural laws, resulting in uniform flow distribution, lower pressure drop, better flow performance, and improved reaction efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology, specifically to a vehicle proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on biomimetic coupling of plants and animals. Background Technology

[0002] A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a device that directly converts the chemical energy of fuel (usually hydrogen) and oxidant (oxygen or air) into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. It features high efficiency, low noise, and zero carbon emissions, and is widely used in electric vehicles, drones, portable power supplies, and other fields.

[0003] Its core structure includes: anode plates (fuel side) on both sides, cathode plates (oxidant side), and a proton exchange membrane in the middle. Catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers are arranged on both sides of the proton exchange membrane to accelerate the electrochemical reaction.

[0004] The principle is as follows: Hydrogen gas is introduced at the anode and diffuses through the porous structure to the catalyst layer. Hydrogen molecules decompose into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻). Protons migrate to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, while electrons cannot pass through the proton exchange membrane and can only flow to the cathode through an external circuit (such as a wire), forming an electric current (electrical energy output). Oxygen or air is introduced at the cathode and diffuses through the porous structure to the catalyst layer. Under the action of the cathode catalyst, oxygen combines with electrons flowing in from the external circuit and protons migrating through the proton exchange membrane to produce water (O₂ + 4H⁺). + + 4e − →catalyst→ 2H2O), and the water produced is eventually discharged from the battery in liquid or gaseous form.

[0005] In existing technologies, the anode and cathode plates are covered with flow channels, which are key structures for normal battery operation, directly affecting the transport efficiency of reactant gases, water management capabilities, and battery performance. These channels are typically serpentine (a meandering single channel) or parallel (multiple parallel straight channels with multiple inlets and outlets). While serpentine channels, being single-channel, offer good drainage, they suffer from high pressure drop, high energy consumption, and poor gas distribution uniformity. Parallel channels, being multi-channel, offer more uniform gas distribution but have poor drainage capacity and are prone to water accumulation at the ends. Although some biomimetic flow channels have emerged in existing technologies, such as the biomimetic flow channel structure for a hydrogen fuel cell disclosed in Chinese patent application number 202410578236.7, which uses a spiderweb-like flow channel to improve gas uniformity and reduce pressure drop to some extent, the channel size remains fundamentally unchanged. The pressure at the channel inlet inevitably exceeds the internal pressure, meaning its pressure drop reduction effect is poor, gas uniformity is poor, and reaction efficiency is also poor, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-performance batteries. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling. This technology improves the uniformity of the reactant gas distribution entering the flow field, better reduces pressure drop, increases reaction efficiency, and effectively avoids flooding. The specific solution is as follows.

[0007] A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling comprises, from anode to cathode, an anode plate, an anode diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer, a proton exchange membrane, a cathode catalyst layer, a cathode diffusion layer, and a cathode plate. Its characteristic is that...

[0008] A flow channel inlet is provided at the middle of one end of the cathode plate. A turbulence column is provided at the inlet. Centered on the turbulence column, the flow channel is radiating outwards in the shape of a palm leaf and forms a central vein flow channel and a lattice flow channel with intervals. The front end of the central vein flow channel is connected to the inlet, and the rear end of the central vein flow channel is connected to a bird head flow channel. Several baffles are arranged in the bird head flow channel, and the end of the bird head flow channel is connected to the central vein flow channel at the outlet.

[0009] The other end of the cathode plate has a flow channel outlet in the middle, and a turbulence column is provided at the outlet. Centered on the turbulence column, the flow channel is radiating outward in the shape of a palm leaf and forms a central vein flow channel and a lattice flow channel with intervals. The rear end of the lattice flow channel is connected to the outlet, and the front end of the lattice flow channel is connected to the parallel flow channel. The parallel flow channels are distributed between the bird head flow channels, and the front end of the parallel flow channels is connected to the lattice flow channel at the inlet.

[0010] The flow channels are separated by ribs.

[0011] The aforementioned turbulence-disrupting columns are elliptical, teardrop-shaped, fish-shaped, or other streamlined shapes that reduce airflow.

[0012] The aforementioned turbulence columns include a first turbulence column and multiple second turbulence columns. The diameter of the first turbulence column is larger than that of the second turbulence columns. The second turbulence columns are distributed in a fan shape with the first turbulence column as the center, and branch flow channels are formed between the turbulence columns.

[0013] The aforementioned block is shaped like a bird's head. The front of the block is a primary block in the shape of a pointed arch (bird's beak), and a secondary block in the shape of an arc (bird's head) is connected to the rear of the primary block. The height of the secondary block is greater than that of the primary block. The sides of the secondary block are side guide surfaces, the rear is a terminal turbulence surface, and the top of the secondary block is a support surface.

[0014] The aforementioned blocks are arranged in an alternating staggered pattern, front-back, left-right.

[0015] The lattice flow channel is triangular (or fan-shaped), narrower at the end near the outlet (or inlet) and wider at the end away from the outlet (or inlet). Support columns are provided within the lattice flow channel. The support columns are multi-stage, consisting of a first-stage support column, a second-stage support column, a third-stage support column, and a fourth-stage support column, from the tip to the width of the lattice flow channel, with the diameter of the support columns in the order of first-stage support column < second-stage support column < third-stage support column < fourth-stage support column.

[0016] The branch flow channels and the central flow channel have their inlets and outlets staggered.

[0017] The directional terms used in this solution refer to the direction of gas inflow as "front" and the direction of gas outflow as "back." These directional terms are only for the purpose of understanding this technical solution.

[0018] In summary, compared with the prior art, this technical solution has a fan-shaped turbulence column, a biomimetic flow channel with the midrib of a palm leaf diverging outwards, and a kingfisher head-shaped block, etc.: (1) It makes the flow of gas (liquid) conform to the natural law, with uniform flow distribution, smaller pressure drop, and better flow performance; (2) The interaction of these structures makes the gas move in the horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions, promotes forced convection, promotes electrochemical reaction, and improves reaction efficiency; (3) It prevents the liquid generated after the reaction from being blocked in the flow channel and unable to be discharged, avoids flooding, and indirectly improves service life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cathode plate of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode plate flow channel distribution structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure distribution of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the modular structure of this utility model, wherein 4A is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the modular structure, 4B is a schematic diagram of the top view of the modular structure, 4C is a schematic diagram of the front view of the modular structure, and 4D is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the modular structure.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the bird's head flow channel of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of this utility model.

[0025] The attached diagrams are labeled with the full names of the components in parentheses. For ease of description and to avoid confusion, the following component abbreviations are used in this technical solution: 1. Anode plate; 2. Anode diffusion layer (anode gas diffusion layer); 3. Anode catalyst layer; 4. Proton exchange membrane; 5. Cathode catalyst layer; 6. Cathode diffusion layer (cathode gas diffusion layer); 7. Cathode plate; 7-1. Inlet (cathode inlet); 7-2. First turbulence column; 7-3. Second turbulence column; 7-4. Support column (lattice support column); 7-41. Primary support column; 7-42. Secondary support column; 7-43. Tertiary support column; 7-44. Quaternary support column; 7-5. Block (kingfisher head block); 7-51. Primary block (kingfisher head block). 7-52 Primary resistance block, 7-53 Secondary resistance block (Kingfisher head secondary resistance block), 7-54 Support surface (Kingfisher head top support surface), 7-55 Side guide surface (Kingfisher head resistance block side guide surface), 7-56 End turbulence surface (Kingfisher head resistance block end turbulence surface), 7-7 Outlet (Cathode outlet), 7-7 Gas inlet channel, 7-71 Branch channel (Fan-shaped branch channel), 7-72 ​​Central vein channel (Flamingo leaf central vein channel), 7-73 Bird head channel (Kingfisher head lattice channel), 7-8 Gas outlet channel, 7-81 Lattice channel (Cathode gas outlet lattice channel), 7-82 Parallel channel (Cathode gas outlet parallel channel) Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the technical solution is further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0027] Example 1, see appendix Figure 1-5 A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling comprises, from anode to cathode, an anode plate 1, an anode diffusion layer 2 (anode gas diffusion layer), an anode catalyst layer 3, a proton exchange membrane 4, a cathode catalyst layer 5, a cathode diffusion layer 6 (cathode gas diffusion layer), and a cathode plate 7. Its characteristic is that...

[0028] A flow channel inlet 7-1 (cathode inlet) is provided in the middle of one end of the cathode plate. A turbulence column is provided at the inlet. Centered on the turbulence column, the flow channel is radiating outward in the shape of a palm leaf and forms a central vein flow channel 7-72 ​​(palm leaf central vein flow channel) and a lattice flow channel 7-81 (cathode gas outlet lattice flow channel) with intervals. The front end of the central vein flow channel is connected to the inlet, and the rear end of the central vein flow channel is connected to a bird head flow channel 7-73 (kingfisher head lattice flow channel). Several baffles 7-5 (kingfisher head baffles) are arranged in the bird head flow channel. The end of the bird head flow channel is connected to the central vein flow channel at the outlet.

[0029] The other end of the cathode plate is provided with a flow channel outlet 7-6 (cathode outlet). A turbulence column is provided at the outlet. Centered on the turbulence column, the flow channel is radiating outwards in the shape of a palm leaf and forms a central vein flow channel and a lattice flow channel with intervals. The rear end of the lattice flow channel is connected to the outlet, and the front end of the lattice flow channel is connected to the parallel flow channel 7-82 (cathode gas outlet parallel flow channel). The parallel flow channels are distributed at intervals between the bird head flow channels, and the front end of the parallel flow channels are connected to the lattice flow channel at the inlet respectively.

[0030] The flow channels are separated by ribs.

[0031] The aforementioned turbulence-disrupting columns are elliptical, teardrop-shaped, fish-shaped, or other streamlined shapes that reduce airflow.

[0032] The aforementioned turbulence columns include a first turbulence column 7-2 and multiple second turbulence columns 7-3. The diameter of the first turbulence column is larger than that of the second turbulence column. The second turbulence columns are distributed in a fan shape with the first turbulence column as the center, and branch channels 7-71 (fan-shaped branch channels) are formed between the turbulence columns.

[0033] The aforementioned block 7-5 is shaped like a bird's head. The front of the block is a primary block 7-51 with a pointed arch (bird's beak) shape. Behind the primary block is a secondary block 7-52 with an arc shape (bird's head) shape. The secondary block is taller than the primary block. The sides of the secondary block are side guide surfaces 7-54, the rear is a terminal turbulence surface 7-55, and the top of the secondary block is a support surface 7-53.

[0034] The aforementioned blocks are arranged in an alternating staggered pattern, front-back, left-right.

[0035] The lattice flow channel is triangular (or fan-shaped), narrower at the end near the outlet (or inlet) and wider at the end away from the outlet (or inlet). Support columns 7-4 are provided within the lattice flow channel. The support columns are multi-stage, consisting of a primary support column 7-41, a secondary support column 7-42, a tertiary support column 7-43, and a quaternary support column 7-44 from the tip to the width of the lattice flow channel, with the diameter of the support columns in the order of primary support column < secondary support column < tertiary support column < quaternary support column.

[0036] The branch flow channels and the central flow channel have their inlets and outlets staggered.

[0037] The principle of this technical solution:

[0038] As attached Figure 1 , 2 As shown, in this technical solution, the branch channel (inlet) 7-71, the central channel 7-72, and the bird head channel 7-73 constitute the gas input channel 7-7; the lattice channel 7-81, the parallel channel 7-82, and the branch channel (outlet) constitute the gas output channel.

[0039] In this design, branch channels are provided at both the inlet and outlet. However, the branch channel at the inlet is a gas input channel, while the branch channel at the outlet is a gas output channel. The gas input channel and the gas output channel are separated by ribs and are relatively isolated. If gas wants to enter the output channel from the input channel, it can only move vertically into the gas isolation layer under the action of continuous positive pressure and react with the catalyst layer. The reacted gas then enters the gas output channel and is discharged through the outlet.

[0040] As attached Figure 2 , 6 As shown, the input gas can pass through the gas isolation layer and cross the rib to enter the gas output channel at any position in the gas input channel (middle pulse channel, bird head channel, etc.).

[0041] It should be noted that although this embodiment provides a flow channel arrangement scheme for the cathode plate, this flow channel arrangement method is also applicable to the anode plate, as detailed below:

[0042] 1. Application in the anode plate: Hydrogen gas is input through the inlet → Hydrogen gas is dispersed through the turbulence column → Hydrogen gas enters the inlet-side central pulse channel (part of the hydrogen gas reacts with the anode catalyst layer through the positive gas diffusion layer and decomposes into protons and electrons; protons migrate to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, and electrons enter the lattice channel) → The remaining hydrogen gas enters the bird's head channel (part of the hydrogen gas reacts again and decomposes into protons and electrons; protons migrate to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, and electrons enter the parallel channel) → The remaining hydrogen gas enters the outlet-side central pulse channel (the remaining hydrogen gas reacts again and decomposes into protons and electrons; protons migrate to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, and electrons enter the lattice channel) → Protons migrate to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, and electrons are discharged from the outlet and flow to the cathode through the external circuit (such as wires), forming current (electrical energy output);

[0043] 2. Application in cathode plates: Oxygen (or air) is input through the inlet → Oxygen is dispersed through the turbulence column → Oxygen enters the inlet-side central pulse channel (part of the oxygen reacts with the cathode catalyst in the anion gas diffusion layer to generate water and enters the lattice channel) → The remaining oxygen enters the bird's head channel (part of the oxygen also reacts to generate water and enters the parallel channel) → The remaining oxygen enters the outlet-side central pulse channel (the remaining oxygen reacts again to generate water and enters the lattice channel) → The generated gas and water are discharged from the outlet together.

[0044] Further explanation of the technical effects of this technical solution:

[0045] 1. The elliptical first turbulence column at the inlet effectively diverts and turbules the flow, preventing large amounts of gas from entering the central vein channel instead of the side vein channels. Several second turbulence columns, fan-shaped around the first turbulence column, further divert and turbulent the flow, ensuring even gas distribution. The branch channels and the inlet / outlet of the palm leaf vein channel are staggered, resulting in three stages of diversion and turbulence. This triple diversion and turbulence significantly enhances the uniformity of gas distribution, resulting in minimal pressure differences within each channel.

[0046] 2. The flow channel in this design utilizes a biomimetic flow channel inspired by the radiating midribs of a palm leaf. This highly efficient drainage system helps plants better transport water and nutrients across the entire leaf surface and transfer organic nutrients produced by photosynthesis to the roots and stems. Similarly, the radiating midrib flow channel at the inlet effectively transports reactant gases across the entire plate surface, while the radiating dot matrix flow channel at the outlet efficiently discharges water and gases. This reduces the resistance to reactant transport, making the flow channel more efficient and less prone to clogging.

[0047] 3. The block in this design is streamlined in the shape of a kingfisher's head, which can reduce the resistance to reactant transport. (See attached image) Figure 5 As shown, when oncoming gas impacts the baffle blocks, the primary baffle block acts as a primary flow disruptor and diverter, while the secondary baffle block serves as a secondary flow disruptor and diverter. The baffle surface at the end of the kingfisher-head baffle block is arc-shaped to prevent eddy currents, thus avoiding interference with transport efficiency and preventing localized overheating and flooding. The front of the kingfisher-head baffle block is parabolic, creating radial, vertical, and lateral flow disruptions as the reacting gas passes through it, promoting forced gas transport and improving reaction efficiency. The beak-shaped primary baffle block and the head-shaped secondary baffle block work together to disperse, redirect, and disrupt the flow, allowing some gas to enter the gas diffusion layer vertically and obliquely to react with the catalytic layer. (Appendix) Figure 5 The reacting gas in the middle is affected by the block. After reacting with the diffusion layer and the catalyst layer, some of the gas crosses the rib and enters the gas output channel (parallel channel) on the side.

[0048] The baffles in the bird's head flow channel are arranged in an alternating staggered pattern, further disturbing the reactant gas laterally. This promotes lateral and vertical flow of the reactant gas, allowing it to pass through the gas diffusion layer and reach the catalytic layer to undergo electrochemical reactions, thus further enhancing reaction efficiency. Simultaneously, the baffles also serve as connectors and supports, preventing collapse and making the structure more stable.

[0049] 4. The lattice flow channel is equipped with four levels of lattice support columns, and the diameter of the support columns is in the order of fourth level > third level > second level > first level. On the one hand, the support columns provide sufficient support surface for the gas diffusion layer, preventing local collapse of the gas diffusion layer and playing the role of structural stability; on the other hand, the multi-level support column structure has a good diversion effect and can improve drainage capacity.

[0050] In summary, compared with the prior art, this technical solution has a fan-shaped turbulence column, a biomimetic flow channel with the midrib of a palm leaf diverging outwards, and a kingfisher head-shaped block, etc.: (1) It makes the flow of gas (liquid) conform to the natural law, with uniform flow distribution, smaller pressure drop, and better flow performance; (2) The interaction of these structures makes the gas move in the horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions, promotes forced convection, promotes electrochemical reaction, and improves reaction efficiency; (3) It prevents the liquid generated after the reaction from being blocked in the flow channel and unable to be discharged, avoids flooding, and indirectly improves service life.

Claims

1. A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling, comprising, from anode to cathode, an anode plate (1), an anode diffusion layer (2), an anode catalyst layer (3), a proton exchange membrane (4), a cathode catalyst layer (5), a cathode diffusion layer (6), and a cathode plate (7), characterized in that, A flow channel inlet (7-1) is provided at the middle of one end of the cathode plate. A turbulence column is provided at the inlet. Centered on the turbulence column, the flow channel is radiating outwards in the shape of a palm leaf and forms a central vein flow channel (7-72) and a lattice flow channel (7-81) with intervals. The front end of the central vein flow channel is connected to the inlet, and the rear end of the central vein flow channel is connected to a bird head flow channel (7-73). Several baffles (7-5) are arranged in the bird head flow channel. The end of the bird head flow channel is connected to the central vein flow channel at the outlet. The other end of the cathode plate is provided with a flow channel outlet (7-6) in the middle. A turbulence column is provided at the outlet. Centered on the turbulence column, the flow channel is radiating outwards in the shape of a palm leaf and forms a central vein flow channel and a lattice flow channel with intervals. The rear end of the lattice flow channel is connected to the outlet, and the front end of the lattice flow channel is connected to the parallel flow channel (7-82). The parallel flow channels are distributed at intervals between the bird head flow channels, and the front end of the parallel flow channels is connected to the lattice flow channel at the inlet. The flow channels are separated by ribs.

2. The automotive proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on biomimetic coupling of plants and animals as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned turbulence column is elliptical, teardrop-shaped, or fish-shaped.

3. A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned turbulence columns include a first turbulence column (7-2) and multiple second turbulence columns (7-3). The diameter of the first turbulence column is larger than that of the second turbulence column. The second turbulence columns are distributed in a fan shape with the first turbulence column as the center, and branch channels (7-71) are formed between the turbulence columns.

4. A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The branch flow channels and the central flow channel have their inlets and outlets staggered.

5. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on biomimetic coupling of plants and animals as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned block (7-5) is shaped like a kingfisher's head.

6. A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The front of the block is a pointed arch-shaped primary block (7-51), and the rear of the primary block is connected to an arc-shaped secondary block (7-52). The two sides of the secondary block are side guide surfaces (7-54), the rear is an end turbulence surface (7-55), and the top of the secondary block is a support surface (7-53).

7. A biomimetic proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on plant-animal coupling as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned blocks are arranged in an alternating staggered pattern, front-back, left-right.

8. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on biomimetic coupling of plants and animals as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dot matrix flow channel is provided with support columns (7-4).

9. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell for vehicles based on biomimetic coupling of plants and animals as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The support columns are multi-level, consisting of a first-level support column (7-41), a second-level support column (7-42), a third-level support column (7-43), and a fourth-level support column (7-44) from the tip to the width of the dot matrix flow channel. The diameter of the support columns is in the order of first-level support column < second-level support column < third-level support column < fourth-level support column.

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