A metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate

Abstract

This application discloses a metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate, including a flow channel formed in the middle of the graphite bipolar plate body for the flow of fuel gas or electrolyte; an adhesive channel surrounding the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate body for filling with sealant; and a metal reinforcing sheet disposed within the adhesive channel and on the corresponding graphite bipolar plate surface layer. This design ensures reliable protection of the most vulnerable outer periphery during handling, handling, and assembly, significantly reducing the risk of damage and minimizing production delays and cost increases due to bipolar plate damage. During installation and use, the higher reliability and stability reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement, thus lowering operating costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of graphite bipolar plates, and particularly relates to a metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate. Background Technology

[0002] Graphite bipolar plates, as a core component of fuel cells, are widely used due to their unique performance advantages. Their most prominent feature is high electrical conductivity. Simultaneously, graphite's chemical stability allows it to maintain structural integrity even under extreme environments such as strong acids and alkalis, ensuring long-term stable operation of fuel cells or electrolyzers. Due to their moderate cost and mature manufacturing processes, graphite bipolar plates dominate the market for medium-to-large-scale fuel cell stacks and industrial-grade electrolyzers, showing promising market prospects.

[0003] However, graphite is a brittle material with extremely weak impact and bending resistance. Especially during installation, handling, or assembly with metal end plates, even slight mishandling (such as collisions, compression, or uneven stress) can easily lead to edge chipping, surface scratches, or even complete breakage. The damage rate during on-site installation is also high; damaged bipolar plates are difficult to repair and often require complete scrapping, exacerbating resource waste. Therefore, developing a bipolar plate structure that combines the strength advantages of graphite materials is crucial, highlighting the need for further improvement and enhancement of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate to solve the problem of damage caused by material brittleness in the actual process of installation, handling and assembly with metal end plates of graphite bipolar plates.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate, comprising:

[0007] The flow channel is located in the middle of the graphite bipolar plate body and is used for the flow of fuel gas or electrolyte.

[0008] The sealant channel is arranged around the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate body and is used for filling with sealant.

[0009] Metal reinforcing sheets are placed inside the adhesive channel and on the surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate corresponding to the adhesive channel to improve the impact resistance, bending resistance and structural integrity of the bipolar plate.

[0010] The metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate of this application comprises a metal reinforcing sheet disposed within the glue channel and on the corresponding surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate, forming an integral structure with the graphite bipolar plate. The metal reinforcing sheet surrounds the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate, without affecting the smooth flow of electrolyte in the internal channels. Moreover, the addition of the metal reinforcing sheet provides the graphite bipolar plate with strong bending resistance, which helps to improve the flatness of the graphite bipolar plate. In the actual application scenarios of fuel cells, handling, handling, and installation are unavoidable processes. During these operations, the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate is often the most vulnerable part to collision and damage. The placement of the metal reinforcing sheet within the glue channel and on the corresponding surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate ensures reliable protection of the most vulnerable outer periphery during handling, handling, and installation, greatly reducing the risk of damage and minimizing production delays and cost increases caused by bipolar plate damage. During installation and use, higher reliability and stability reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement, thus lowering operating costs.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive channel has a first cavity, the surface of the graphite bipolar plate body corresponding to the adhesive channel has a second cavity and communicates with the first cavity, and the metal reinforcing sheet is disposed in the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive channel includes a main adhesive channel integrally formed with the graphite bipolar plate and a connecting adhesive channel that can be detachably connected to the main adhesive channel and the graphite bipolar plate. A first cavity is formed in the main adhesive channel, which includes a horizontal section and a vertical section. The connecting adhesive channel is located at the connection position between the horizontal section and the vertical section.

[0013] The main adhesive channel, as the core component, is integrally formed with the graphite bipolar plate. A first cavity is formed in the main adhesive channel, which communicates with a second cavity on the surface of the corresponding graphite bipolar plate, creating a continuous installation space. This provides the foundation for the precise installation of the metal reinforcement sheet. The connecting adhesive channel uses a detachable connection method and is installed at the junction of the horizontal and vertical sections of the main adhesive channel. After installation, the connecting adhesive channel tightly seals the junction of the horizontal and vertical sections, providing a sealing effect.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the side of the horizontal / vertical segment that contacts the connecting adhesive channel has an opening that connects the first cavity and the second cavity, and the metal reinforcing sheet is installed into the first cavity and the second cavity through the opening.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the graphite bipolar plate corresponding to the connecting adhesive channel is provided with a sink groove, the sink groove is connected to the opening and the surface of the sink groove facing the opening is a slope.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the metal reinforcing sheet is made of titanium alloy or stainless steel.

[0017] In a preferred implementation, the total depth D of the first cavity and the second cavity satisfies 0.5mm≤D≤1mm.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting adhesive channel is connected to the main adhesive channel and the graphite bipolar plate body using waterproof adhesive.

[0019] The waterproof adhesive has excellent adhesion and waterproof properties, and can form a stable and sealed connection layer between the connecting adhesive channel and the main adhesive channel and the graphite bipolar plate body. It effectively resists the erosion and scouring of the electrolyte, ensuring that the connection parts always remain tightly bonded, and provides a strong guarantee for the stable and safe operation of the flow battery.

[0020] In a preferred implementation, two connecting channels are provided and located diagonally opposite the graphite bipolar plate. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of one embodiment of the metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate of this application is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an assembly structure of one embodiment of the connection adhesive channel assembly in the graphite bipolar plate body of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This application is illustrated. Figure 2 An enlarged structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of part A in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of a schematic embodiment of the metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate of this application is shown.

[0026] Label Explanation:

[0027] 1. Graphite bipolar plate; 10. Flow channel; 11. Adhesive channel; 110. Main adhesive channel; 1100. Horizontal section; 1101. Vertical section; 111. Connecting adhesive channel; 112. Opening; 113. First cavity; 114. Second cavity; 12. Settling tank; 2. Metal reinforcing plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature being "upper" or "lower" than the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral unit; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. However, specifying a direct connection indicates that the two main bodies at the connection point are not connected by an intermediate structure, but are simply connected to form a whole through a connecting structure. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0032] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The specific solution adopted is as follows:

[0034] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate, comprising:

[0035] The flow channel 10 is located in the middle of the graphite bipolar plate 1 body and is used for the flow of fuel gas or electrolyte.

[0036] The sealant channel 11 is arranged around the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate 1 body and is used for filling with sealant.

[0037] Metal reinforcing sheet 2 is disposed in the adhesive channel 11 and on the surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate 1 corresponding to the adhesive channel 11 to improve the impact resistance, bending resistance and structural integrity of the bipolar plate.

[0038] In the graphite bipolar plate 1 structure of this application, a metal reinforcing sheet is disposed within the glue channel and on the surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate corresponding to the glue channel, forming an integral structure with the graphite bipolar plate. The metal reinforcing sheet surrounds the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate, without affecting the smooth flow of electrolyte in the internal flow channel. Moreover, the addition of the metal reinforcing sheet provides the graphite bipolar plate with strong bending resistance, which helps to improve the flatness of the graphite bipolar plate. In the actual application scenarios of fuel cells, handling, handling, and installation are unavoidable. During these operations, the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate is often the most vulnerable part to collision and damage. The placement of the metal reinforcing sheet within the glue channel and on the surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate corresponding to the glue channel ensures reliable protection of the most vulnerable outer periphery during handling, handling, and installation, greatly reducing the risk of damage and minimizing production delays and cost increases caused by bipolar plate damage. During installation and use, higher reliability and stability reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement, thus lowering operating costs.

[0039] See Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment of this application, the adhesive channel 11 has a first cavity 113, and the surface of the graphite bipolar plate 1 corresponding to the adhesive channel 11 has a second cavity 114 communicating with the first cavity 113. A metal reinforcing sheet 2 is disposed within the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114. Specifically, during the molding of the graphite plate, mold components adapted to the cavity shape are placed at corresponding positions in the mold. When the powder fills the mold, the positions of the mold components cannot be filled by the powder. After the bipolar plate has cured and been demolded, these mold components can be removed to form the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114. A portion of the metal reinforcing sheet 2 is embedded in the first cavity 113 within the adhesive channel 11, and another portion is in the cavity on the surface of the graphite bipolar plate 1, i.e., the second cavity 114. This installation and fitting method achieves simultaneous reinforcement of the adhesive channel 11 and the graphite bipolar plate 1. The presence of the metal reinforcing sheet 2 significantly improves the strength and stability of the adhesive channel 11. To prevent damage to the sealant channel 11 and ensure stable filling of the sealant, the sealing performance of the fuel cell is guaranteed. For the graphite bipolar plate 1 body, the metal reinforcing sheet 2 improves the impact and bending resistance of the bipolar plate, making the bipolar plate more robust and durable during handling, installation and use.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the adhesive channel 11 includes a main adhesive channel 110 integrally formed with the graphite bipolar plate 1 and a connecting adhesive channel 111 detachably connecting the main adhesive channel 110 and the graphite bipolar plate 1. A first cavity 113 is formed in the main adhesive channel 110. The main adhesive channel 110 includes a horizontal section 1100 and a vertical section 1101. The connecting adhesive channel 111 is disposed at the connection position between the horizontal section 1100 and the vertical section 1101.

[0041] The main adhesive channel 110, as the core part of the adhesive channel 11, is integrally formed with the graphite bipolar plate 1. A first cavity 113 is formed on the main adhesive channel 110, which communicates with a second cavity 114 on the surface of the graphite bipolar plate 1 corresponding to the adhesive channel 11, forming a continuous installation space. This provides the foundation for the precise installation of the metal reinforcing sheet 2. The connecting adhesive channel 111 is detachably connected and installed at the connection point between the horizontal section 1100 and the vertical section 1101 of the main adhesive channel 110. After installation, the connecting adhesive channel 111 tightly seals the connection point between the horizontal section 1100 and the vertical section 1101, providing a sealing effect.

[0042] When installing the metal reinforcing plate 2, due to the interconnected design of the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114, the metal reinforcing plate 2 only needs to be accurately installed in the first cavity 113 of the main adhesive channel 110, and the metal reinforcing plate 2 will naturally be in the second cavity 114 at the same time, thus achieving simultaneous reinforcement of the adhesive channel 11 and the graphite bipolar plate 1, making the installation simple and efficient.

[0043] The connecting adhesive channel 111 is located at the junction of the horizontal segment 1100 and the vertical segment 1101, facilitating the installation of the metal reinforcing plate 2. After installation, the connecting adhesive channel 111 can quickly restore a sealed state. Furthermore, the connecting adhesive channel 111 is connected to the main adhesive channel 110 and the graphite bipolar plate 1 body using waterproof adhesive. Since the electrolyte continuously circulates inside the flow battery during operation, loosening or detachment of the connection points can easily lead to electrolyte leakage, severely impacting the battery's performance and safety. Using waterproof adhesive provides excellent adhesion and water resistance, forming a stable and sealed connection layer between the connecting adhesive channel 111, the main adhesive channel 110, and the graphite bipolar plate 1 body. This effectively resists the erosion and scouring of the electrolyte, ensuring a tight bond at all times and providing strong protection for the stable and safe operation of the flow battery.

[0044] See Figure 3The horizontal segment 1100 / vertical segment 1101 has an opening 112 on the side that contacts the connecting adhesive channel 111, which connects the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114. The metal reinforcing plate 2 is installed into the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114 through the opening 112. Furthermore, the graphite bipolar plate 1 corresponding to the connecting adhesive channel 111 has a groove 12. The groove 12 connects to the opening 112 and the surface of the groove 12 facing the opening 112 is sloping. The bottom of the slope is flush with the bottom surface of the second cavity 114. The metal reinforcing plate 2 enters the opening 112 through the slope of this groove 12 and then gradually enters the cavity to achieve installation. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the metal reinforcing sheet 2 is made of titanium alloy or stainless steel, both of which have good electrical conductivity to meet the requirements for current conduction. Titanium alloy has high strength, effectively resisting external forces and preventing structural deformation, and also has good toughness, resisting bending and impact without brittle fracture; stainless steel has considerable strength, providing reliable support for the structure, while also possessing a certain degree of toughness, maintaining structural integrity under complex stress, and ensuring the long-term stable reinforcement of the metal reinforcing sheet 2.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the total depth D of the first cavity 113 and the second cavity 114 satisfies 0.5mm≤D≤1mm. When the total depth D is less than 0.5mm, the thickness of the metal reinforcing sheet 2 will be smaller. When the graphite bipolar plate 1 is subjected to external forces, such as compression during installation, vibration or impact during use, the reinforcing capacity of the metal reinforcing sheet 2 may be insufficient, and it cannot effectively enhance the structural strength of the graphite bipolar plate 1. If the total depth D is greater than 1mm, the thickness of the metal reinforcing sheet 2 is sufficient. Although it can increase the reinforcing capacity of the metal reinforcing sheet 2 for the graphite bipolar plate 1, the deep cavity will weaken the local strength of the graphite bipolar plate 1 in the cavity area, affecting the performance of the graphite bipolar plate 1. A total cavity depth of 0.5mm≤D≤1mm can satisfy the reinforcement effect while avoiding damage to the graphite bipolar plate 1.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of this application, two connecting channels 111 are provided and located at opposite corners of the graphite bipolar plate 1. The diagonally arranged connecting channels 111 allow the metal reinforcing sheet 2 to cover the entire channel 11, meaning that the metal reinforcing sheet 2 can be installed on both the two horizontal sections 1100 and the two vertical sections 1101. Only two connecting channels 111 can be detached after installation, avoiding the creation of more connection points and ensuring a seal.

[0048] For any parts not mentioned in this utility model, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0049] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate, characterized in that, include: The flow channel is located in the middle of the graphite bipolar plate body and is used for the flow of fuel gas or electrolyte. The sealant channel is arranged around the outer periphery of the graphite bipolar plate body and is used for filling with sealant. Metal reinforcing sheets are placed inside the adhesive channel and on the surface layer of the graphite bipolar plate corresponding to the adhesive channel to improve the impact resistance, bending resistance and structural integrity of the bipolar plate.

2. The metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive channel has a first cavity, and the surface of the graphite bipolar plate body corresponding to the adhesive channel has a second cavity that communicates with the first cavity. The metal reinforcing sheet is disposed in the first cavity and the second cavity.

3. The metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adhesive channel includes a main adhesive channel integrally formed with the graphite bipolar plate and a connecting adhesive channel that can be detachably connected to the main adhesive channel and the graphite bipolar plate. A first cavity is formed in the main adhesive channel, which includes a horizontal section and a vertical section. The connecting adhesive channel is located at the connection position between the horizontal section and the vertical section.

4. The metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side of the horizontal / vertical section that contacts the connecting adhesive channel has an opening that connects the first cavity and the second cavity. The metal reinforcing plate is installed into the first cavity and the second cavity through the opening.

5. The metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The graphite bipolar plate surface corresponding to the connecting adhesive channel is provided with a sink groove, the sink groove is connected to the opening and the sink groove faces the opening surface as a slope.

6. The metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal reinforcing sheet is made of titanium alloy or stainless steel.

7. A metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The total depth D of the first cavity and the second cavity satisfies 0.5mm≤D≤1mm.

8. A metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting adhesive channel is connected to the main adhesive channel and the graphite bipolar plate body using waterproof adhesive.

9. A metal-reinforced graphite bipolar plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two connecting channels are provided and located diagonally opposite the graphite bipolar plate.

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