Proton exchange membrane fuel cell
By introducing hydrophilic conductive sheets into proton exchange membrane fuel cells, water distribution is optimized, solving the problem of water distribution imbalance, improving the working efficiency and service life of fuel cells, and reducing the occurrence of flooding.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN224342284U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of industrialization, various vehicles and machinery are rapidly using and consuming traditional petroleum energy. Since petroleum is a non-renewable resource and also causes considerable pollution, the use of new energy sources to replace traditional energy is desirable.
[0003] As a clean energy source, hydrogen is often used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). It reacts with oxygen in the air to produce water, a byproduct that is pollution-free. Hydrogen is introduced through the anode inlet and air through the cathode inlet. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen undergo a chemical reaction to produce water, generating electricity in the process. However, in practical use, water imbalances frequently occur in these PEMFCs. For example, excessively low humidity may occur at the anode and / or cathode inlets, and / or flooding may occur at the anode and / or cathode outlets. This water imbalance negatively impacts the PEMFC, such as reduced efficiency and accelerated aging, potentially leading to undesirable increases in economic and time costs.
[0004] In view of, but not limited to, the above-mentioned situations, it is desirable to provide a novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell to solve or at least alleviate the above-mentioned problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] This application aims to provide a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that is advantageous over the prior art in at least one respect.
[0006] To this end, this application provides a proton exchange membrane fuel cell in one aspect, comprising: a catalyst-coated membrane, the catalyst-coated membrane including a proton exchange membrane and a cathode catalyst layer and an anode catalyst layer respectively coated on opposite surfaces of the proton exchange membrane; a gas diffusion layer positioned on the outer surface of the catalyst-coated membrane; an electrode plate positioned on the outer surface of the gas diffusion layer; and a hydrophilic conductive sheet capable of being disposed on the surface of the gas diffusion layer.
[0007] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, the electrode plate includes: a cathode electrode plate and an anode electrode plate arranged opposite to each other, wherein the cathode electrode plate has a cathode inlet located on a first side of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and a cathode outlet located on a second side opposite to the first side; correspondingly, the anode electrode plate has an anode inlet located on the second side and an anode outlet located on the first side; and wherein the hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged adjacent to the cathode inlet and / or the anode inlet.
[0008] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, the gas diffusion layer includes: a cathode gas diffusion layer positioned on the outer surface of the cathode catalyst layer and an anode gas diffusion layer positioned on the outer surface of the anode catalyst layer; wherein, the cathode plate is positioned on the outer surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer and the anode plate is positioned on the outer surface of the anode gas diffusion layer.
[0009] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, a hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the first side of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and located between the cathode gas diffusion layer and the cathode plate.
[0010] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, a hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the first side of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and is located between the cathode gas diffusion layer and the cathode catalyst layer.
[0011] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, a hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged near the second side and between the anode gas diffusion layer and the anode plate.
[0012] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, a hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the second side and located between the anode gas diffusion layer and the anode catalyst layer.
[0013] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, the hydrophilic conductive sheet includes a first hydrophilic conductive sheet and a second hydrophilic conductive sheet, wherein the first hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to a first side and located between a cathode catalyst layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer; and wherein the second hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to a second side and located between an anode gas diffusion layer and an anode plate.
[0014] According to a feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, the hydrophilic conductive sheet includes a first hydrophilic conductive sheet and a second hydrophilic conductive sheet, wherein the first hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to a first side and located between a cathode catalyst layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer; and wherein the second hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to a second side and located between an anode gas diffusion layer and an anode plate.
[0015] According to one feasible exemplary embodiment of this application, the anode plate and / or cathode plate are provided with positioning grooves corresponding to the thickness, size and shape of the hydrophilic conductive sheet.
[0016] The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to this application can rebalance its internal water distribution, enabling the fuel cell to maintain high operating efficiency for a longer period of time and extend its service life, among other advantages. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 A proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to one embodiment of this application is shown.
[0018] Figure 2 A proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to another embodiment of this application is shown.
[0019] Figure 3 A proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to yet another embodiment of this application is shown.
[0020] Figure 4 A proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to another embodiment of this application is shown.
[0021] Figure 5 A proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to another embodiment of this application is shown.
[0022] Figure 6 A proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to yet another embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0023] Some feasible embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale. Some details may be enlarged for clarity, while some details that are not necessary to show have been omitted.
[0024] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to various embodiments of the present application is illustrated.
[0025] The proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The MEA includes a catalyst-coated membrane 101 and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst-coated membrane 101 includes a proton exchange membrane (PEM) 101a and cathode catalyst layers 101b1 and anode catalyst layers 101b2 on both sides. The gas diffusion layer includes a cathode gas diffusion layer 102a and an anode gas diffusion layer 102b.
[0026] The proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 also includes two electrode plates positioned on opposite surfaces of the gas diffusion layer, specifically: a cathode electrode plate 103a positioned on the outer surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a and an anode electrode plate 103b positioned on the outer surface of the anode gas diffusion layer 102b.
[0027] The cathode plate 103a has a cathode inlet 104 located on a first side (left side) 100a of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100, and a cathode outlet 105 located on a second side (right side) 100b opposite to the first side.
[0028] Accordingly, the anode plate 103b has an anode inlet 106 located on the second side of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 and an anode outlet 107 located on the first side of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100.
[0029] During use, oxygen-containing air is fed into the cathode plate 103a from the cathode inlet 104. The air flows from the first side 100a toward the second side 100b through the fluid channel (not shown) in the cathode plate 103a. The oxygen in the air reaches the surface of the cathode catalyst layer 101b1 through the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a from the fluid channel in the cathode plate 103a.
[0030] On the other hand, hydrogen is fed into the anode plate 103b from the anode inlet 106. The fluid channel (not shown) in the anode plate 103b flows from the second side 100b toward the first side 100a. The hydrogen reaches the surface of the anode catalyst layer 101b2 from the fluid channel in the anode plate 103b through the anode gas diffusion layer 102b.
[0031] Hydrogen gas at the anode catalyst layer 101b2 loses electrons to form hydrogen ions. These hydrogen ions can pass through the proton exchange membrane 101a to reach the cathode catalyst layer 101b1. Electrons are blocked by the proton exchange membrane and are transported to the cathode side via an external circuit, thus forming an electric current and generating electrical energy. At the cathode catalyst layer 101b1, oxygen gas receives electrons from the circuit, forming oxygen ions. These oxygen ions combine with hydrogen ions that have passed through the proton exchange membrane to form water molecules. The water molecules are emitted from the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 through the cathode outlet 105.
[0032] The proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 further includes a hydrophilic conductive sheet 110. The hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 can be disposed on the surface of the gas diffusion layer. This advantageously enhances the transmembrane (catalyst-coated membrane) transport of water. In particular, the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 is disposed adjacent to the inlets (cathode inlet 104 and / or anode inlet 106). This advantageously enhances the humidity at the respective inlets.
[0033] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates one embodiment of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In this embodiment, a hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 is arranged near the cathode inlet (i.e., close to the first side 100a of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell) and on the outer surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a (i.e., between the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a and the cathode electrode 103a). This arrangement facilitates the transmembrane transport of water molecules from the anode gas diffusion layer 102b and through the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a towards the cathode electrode 103a, and more advantageously, towards the cathode inlet 104. This results in a more balanced distribution of water molecules. For example, it can increase the humidity at the cathode inlet 104 and reduce or even prevent flooding at the anode outlet 107.
[0034] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates another embodiment of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to this application. In this embodiment, a hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 is disposed near the cathode inlet (i.e., close to the first side 100a) and on the inner surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a (i.e., between the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a and the cathode catalyst layer 101b1). This arrangement facilitates the transmembrane transport of water molecules from the anode catalyst layer 101b2 and through the cathode catalyst layer 101b1 towards the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a. This also improves the balance of water distribution, including but not limited to increasing the humidity at the cathode inlet 104 and / or reducing or even preventing flooding at the anode outlet 107.
[0035] It is conceivable that, although not shown, this application may also include a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, wherein hydrophilic conductive sheets are arranged on opposite sides of the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a. That is, hydrophilic conductive sheets are arranged between the cathode catalyst layer 101b1 and the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a, and between the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a and the cathode electrode 103a. In this way, water molecules generated during transmembrane transport in the anode catalyst layer 101b2 and then through the cathode catalyst layer 101b1 can be more easily transported through the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a to the flow channel of the cathode electrode 103a.
[0036] like Figure 3The image shows a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to another embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, a hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 is arranged near the anode inlet 106 (i.e., close to the second side 100b) and on the outer surface of the anode gas diffusion layer 102b (i.e., between the anode gas diffusion layer 102b and the anode plate 103b). In this way, water molecules can be facilitated to move across the membrane from the cathode catalyst layer 101b1 and then through the anode gas diffusion layer 102b toward the anode plate 103b, thereby maintaining the moisture balance inside the fuel cell.
[0037] like Figure 4 The image shows a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to another embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, a hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 is arranged near the anode inlet 106 (i.e., close to the second side 100b) and on the inner surface of the anode gas diffusion layer 102b (i.e., between the anode gas diffusion layer 102b and the anode catalyst layer 101b2). This arrangement facilitates the passage of water molecules through the proton exchange membrane 101a into the anode gas diffusion layer 102b. This optimizes the redistribution of moisture. For example, it reduces the occurrence of flooding due to excess water at the cathode outlet 105. Furthermore, it increases the humidity at the anode inlet 106, which is beneficial for the proper conduction of the chemical reaction.
[0038] Similarly, it is conceivable that this application may also include a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, wherein hydrophilic conductive sheets are arranged on opposite sides of the anode gas diffusion layer 102b. In other words, hydrophilic conductive sheets 110 are provided between the anode catalyst layer 101b2 and the anode gas diffusion layer 102b, and between the anode gas diffusion layer 102b and the anode plate 103b. In this way, water molecules can be continuously and more conveniently passed from the proton exchange membrane through the anode gas diffusion layer 102b to the anode plate 103b. This can alleviate or even avoid flooding caused by excessive water at and / or near the cathode outlet 105. Additionally, it can also alleviate or even avoid the situation of low humidity or even dryness due to lack of moisture at and / or near the anode inlet 106.
[0039] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows two embodiments of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to this application. In one embodiment, two hydrophilic conductive sheets 110 are shown: a first hydrophilic conductive sheet and a second hydrophilic conductive sheet.
[0040] like Figure 5As shown, a first hydrophilic conductive sheet is disposed adjacent to the cathode inlet 104 (first side), the cathode catalyst layer 101b1, and the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a. Correspondingly, a second hydrophilic conductive sheet is disposed adjacent to the cathode outlet 105 (second side), the anode catalyst layer 101b2, and the anode gas diffusion layer 102b.
[0041] Similarly, such as Figure 6 As shown, a first hydrophilic conductive sheet is disposed between the cathode inlet 104 (first side), the cathode gas diffusion layer 102a and the cathode plate 103a; and correspondingly, a second hydrophilic conductive sheet is disposed between the cathode outlet 105 (second side), the anode gas diffusion layer 102b and the anode plate 103b.
[0042] Although not shown, it is understood that this application may also include other suitable proton exchange membrane fuel cells with hydrophilic conductive sheets.
[0043] The material constituting the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 can be a carbonized film containing metal additives. Alternatively, the material constituting the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 can be a polymeric material (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene) film containing carbon additives.
[0044] The thickness of the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 can be substantially 10-20 micrometers, for example 10 micrometers, 15 micrometers, and / or 20 micrometers.
[0045] The thickness of the gas diffusion membrane (anode and / or cathode) in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell can be on the order of 100 micrometers.
[0046] The thickness of the catalyst layer (anode and / or cathode) positioned on the proton exchange membrane can be substantially 10-20 micrometers, for example 10 micrometers, 15 micrometers, and / or 20 micrometers.
[0047] Positioning grooves corresponding to the thickness, size, and / or shape of the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 can be provided on the anode plate and / or cathode plate. This advantageously compensates for the space occupied by the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110. For example, for the hydrophilic conductive sheet 110 positioned on the surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer, a corresponding positioning groove can be provided on the cathode plate, while for the hydrophilic conductive sheet positioned on the surface of the anode gas diffusion layer, a corresponding positioning groove can be provided on the anode plate.
[0048] One possibility is that the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 does not include a humidifier. Alternatively, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell 100 does not need to be equipped with a humidifier. The humidifier may be used, for example, to humidify the cathode inlet 104 (or even the anode inlet 106).
[0049] As used herein, the term "comprising" is open-ended and includes one or more of the stated features, elements, components, or functions, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, functions, or combinations thereof.
[0050] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives listed in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and figures, in particular their individual features, may be carried out independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be carried out in any manner and / or in combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to accordingly amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim, including modifying any originally filed claim to dependent on and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, even if not originally claimed in this way.
[0051] While this application has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the scope of this application is not limited to the details shown. Various modifications may be made to these details without departing from the basic principles of this application.
Claims
1. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (100), characterized in that, include: A catalyst-coated membrane (101) includes a proton exchange membrane (101a) and a cathode catalyst layer (101b1) and an anode catalyst layer (101b2) respectively coated on opposite surfaces of the proton exchange membrane (101a). A gas diffusion layer positioned on the outer surface of the catalyst coating film (101); An electrode plate positioned on the outer surface of the gas diffusion layer; and A hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) is provided, which can be disposed on the surface of the gas diffusion layer.
2. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode plates include a cathode electrode plate (103a) and an anode electrode plate (103b) arranged opposite to each other, wherein the cathode electrode plate (103a) has a cathode inlet (104) located on a first side (100a) of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (100) and a cathode outlet (105) located on a second side (100b) opposite to the first side; correspondingly, the anode electrode plate (103b) has an anode inlet (106) located on the second side and an anode outlet (107) located on the first side; Furthermore, the hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) is arranged adjacent to the cathode inlet (104) and / or the anode inlet (106).
3. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas diffusion layer includes: a cathode gas diffusion layer (102a) positioned on the outer surface of the cathode catalyst layer (101b1) and an anode gas diffusion layer (102b) positioned on the outer surface of the anode catalyst layer (101b2); wherein, a cathode plate (103a) is positioned on the outer surface of the cathode gas diffusion layer (102a) and an anode plate (103b) is positioned on the outer surface of the anode gas diffusion layer (102b).
4. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, A hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) is arranged close to the first side (100a) of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and is located between the cathode gas diffusion layer (102a) and the cathode plate (103a).
5. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, A hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) is arranged close to the first side (100a) of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell and is located between the cathode gas diffusion layer (102a) and the cathode catalyst layer (101b1).
6. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, A hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) is disposed near the second side (100b) and between the anode gas diffusion layer (102b) and the anode plate (103b).
7. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, A hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) is arranged close to the second side (100b) and between the anode gas diffusion layer (102b) and the anode catalyst layer (101b2).
8. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) includes a first hydrophilic conductive sheet and a second hydrophilic conductive sheet, wherein the first hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the first side (100a) and located between the cathode catalyst layer (101b1) and the cathode gas diffusion layer (102a); and wherein the second hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the second side (100b) and located between the anode gas diffusion layer (102b) and the anode plate (103b).
9. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrophilic conductive sheet (110) includes a first hydrophilic conductive sheet and a second hydrophilic conductive sheet, wherein the first hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the first side (100a) and located between the cathode catalyst layer (101b1) and the cathode gas diffusion layer (102a); and wherein the second hydrophilic conductive sheet is arranged close to the second side (100b) and located between the anode gas diffusion layer (102b) and the anode plate (103b).
10. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The anode plate (103b) and / or the cathode plate (103a) are provided with positioning grooves corresponding to the thickness, size and shape of the hydrophilic conductive sheet (110).