Fuel channel freely designable anode support structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channels, comprising: a connector and a support; multiple flow channel grooves are spaced apart on one end face of the support; each flow channel groove extends along the length direction of the support, and both ends of each flow channel groove are open; one end face of the connector is fitted to the end face of the support with the flow channel grooves, and the connector covers the flow path of all flow channel grooves. This utility model solves the technical problem that the shape of the straight flow channel inside the existing anode support is difficult to adjust flexibly, achieving the technical effect of flexibly designing the shape of the flow channel grooves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of anode support technology, specifically to an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channels. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), the anode support operates by providing structural support while promoting the flow and diffusion of fuel gases (such as hydrogen or hydrocarbons), facilitating electrochemical reactions on the electrode surface.

[0003] During use, fuel gas diffuses through the honeycomb-like pores inside the support and is transported to the anode layer through the flow channels inside the support. It undergoes an oxidation reaction with the electrolyte interface, generating electrons and ions, thereby generating an electric current. This process requires the flow channel design to optimize the uniformity of gas distribution to ensure reaction efficiency and battery performance stability.

[0004] In existing technologies, anode supports are typically made of ceramic-based materials and are usually manufactured using an extrusion process to form anode supports with straight channels. This results in gas channels being located inside the anode support and their shape being difficult to adjust. It is impossible to adjust the channel shape according to the requirements of gas flow field uniformity, which will affect the uniformity of fuel distribution and the overall efficiency of the battery.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to design an anode support whose flow channel shape can be flexibly adjusted. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channels to solve the technical problem that the shape of the straight flow channel inside the existing anode support is difficult to adjust flexibly.

[0007] This application provides an anode support structure with freely designable fuel passage, comprising: a connector and a support; a plurality of flow channel grooves are spaced apart on one end face of the support; each flow channel groove extends along the length direction of the support, and both ends of each flow channel groove are open; one end face of the connector is fitted to the end face of the support with the flow channel grooves, and the connector covers the flow path of all flow channel grooves.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the flow channel groove with two openings on the end face of the support serves as a gas flow channel. This means that the fuel channel is no longer confined inside the anode support and has a fixed shape as in the traditional extrusion process. Various shapes of flow channel grooves can be flexibly designed and processed on the support according to the actual gas flow and distribution requirements. This effectively solves the problem of poor fuel distribution uniformity caused by the single shape of the flow channel and the difficulty in adjusting it in the existing technology, and provides a foundation for improving battery efficiency and performance stability.

[0009] Preferably, the plurality of flow channels include a straight group and two curved groups. The straight group includes at least one straight flow channel, and the plurality of straight flow channels are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the support. The two curved groups each include at least one curved flow channel, and the two curved groups are located on both sides of the straight group.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a straight flow channel is set in the middle of the support body while a curved flow channel is set on both sides. The synergistic effect of this combined design significantly improves the uniformity of gas distribution throughout the support body and overcomes the shortcomings of traditional single straight flow channels in terms of fuel distribution uniformity.

[0011] Preferably, each flow channel is a curved flow channel, and multiple curved flow channels are spaced apart along the width direction of the support.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the curved flow channel grooves arranged at intervals are better able to meet the requirements of the gas flow field than the traditional straight flow channel grooves, improving the uniformity of gas distribution throughout the support body and overcoming the shortcomings of the traditional straight flow channel in terms of fuel distribution uniformity.

[0013] Preferably, each curved flow channel includes two straight sections and one curved section. The two straight sections are connected to both ends of the curved section, and the two straight sections are coaxially arranged.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the curved flow channel adopts a structure in which straight sections at both ends connect to the curved section in the middle. The straight sections at both ends are located on the same straight line, which ensures that the flow direction of the gas is stable and smooth when entering and leaving, so that the gas can transition to the curved section more evenly, and optimizes the overall flow efficiency and mixing effect of the curved flow channel.

[0015] Preferably, the curved groove includes a first arc segment, a second arc segment, and a third arc segment connected in sequence. With the coaxial axis of the two straight grooves as the reference line, the concave surfaces of the first and third arc segments are both set away from the reference line, while the concave surface of the second arc segment is set towards the reference line.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the curved channel adopts a three-section design, in which the first and third arc sections bend outwards, and the middle second arc section is concave inwards. This alternating curved channel better meets the uniformity requirements of the gas flow field and ensures that the gas components diffuse evenly in the channel.

[0017] Preferably, the concave surface of the second arc-shaped segment of each curved flow channel is oriented toward the longitudinal centerline of the support.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the second arc segment of the first and second curved grooves in each group is concave towards the longitudinal centerline of the support, so that the vortices generated by the curved grooves on both sides are directed towards the central straight flow channel. This centripetal disturbance design can more effectively converge the mixed gas on both sides to the central mainstream area, promote the full mixing of gas between different flow channels through the pores in the support, eliminate the concentration gradient to the greatest extent, thereby achieving a highly uniform fuel gas distribution and improving the reaction efficiency and operational stability of the solid oxide fuel cell.

[0019] Preferably, the first, second, and third arc segments are all circular arcs with the same radius, and the two ends of the second arc segment are smoothly connected to the first and third arc segments, respectively.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the first arc segment, the second arc segment, and the third arc segment have the same radius and are smoothly connected to each other, which ensures the continuous and gradual change of the curvature of the inner wall of the curved groove. The smooth transition of the geometric structure effectively avoids stress concentration, reduces the local pressure loss caused by the rapid change of fuel gas flow direction, and improves the uniformity of fuel gas distribution in the anode layer.

[0021] Preferably, each straight groove extends along the length of the support body, with the extension direction of the straight groove as the longitudinal direction, and each curved groove is mirror-symmetrical about the transverse centerline of the support body.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper and lower symmetrical arrangement of the curved channel makes the flow channel design more in line with the requirements of fluid dynamics symmetry, ensuring that the gas flow characteristics on both sides are consistent, avoiding uneven local flow of fuel gas caused by asymmetrical design. At the same time, the symmetrical design simplifies the manufacturing of the mold and is conducive to large-scale production.

[0023] Preferably, multiple curved flow channels are symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal centerline of the support.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the curved flow channel is symmetrically arranged on the support body on both sides. The symmetrical arrangement on both sides can efficiently disturb the gas on both sides of the mainstream and promote its exchange, thereby achieving an optimized balance between stable flow and active mixing of the gas, and further ensuring the uniform distribution of fuel gas.

[0025] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0026] 1. By machining flow channel grooves with openings at both ends on the end face of the support, the limitations imposed by the traditional extrusion process on the shape of the internal flow channel of the anode support are optimized. This allows the flow channel to be freely designed and optimized according to the specific requirements of fuel gas distribution uniformity, laying the foundation for improving battery performance.

[0027] 2. By arranging straight and curved flow channels with specific structures in an alternating manner, strong turbulent disturbances, lateral mixing and vortex effects can be actively induced to ensure that the fuel gas is highly uniformly distributed in the flow channel and on the entire anode support.

[0028] 3. The straight sections at both ends of the curved flow channel ensure the smoothness of gas entering and exiting the disturbance zone; the symmetrical design of the curved channel not only conforms to the principles of fluid mechanics, but also simplifies the manufacturing of the mold; the modular grouping design achieves efficient mixing while providing structural regularity and stability, which is conducive to large-scale production and ensures the consistency of performance, ultimately improving the reaction efficiency and operational stability of the solid oxide fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 An isometric view of the support structure for a freely designable anode support structure for a fuel channel provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 2 A top view of the support structure of an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channel provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 3 An isometric view of the connection body and support body of a freely designable anode support structure for a fuel channel provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 4 A top view of a straight line group and two curved line groups of an anode support structure with freely designable fuel passage provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 5 The flow channel grooves of the anode support structure with freely designable fuel passage provided in this application are all top views of curved flow channel grooves;

[0035] Figure 6 An isometric view of a battery stack comprising a freely designable anode support structure for a fuel channel, as provided in this application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Connector; 2. Support; 3. Straight flow channel; 4. Curved flow channel; 41. First curved channel; 42. Second curved channel; 43. Straight channel; 44. Curved channel; 441. First arc segment; 442. Second arc segment; 443. Third arc segment; 5. Cathode connector. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This application provides an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channels to solve the technical problem that the shape of the straight flow channel inside the existing anode support is difficult to adjust flexibly in the prior art.

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0039] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3The embodiment shown in this application provides an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channels, comprising: a support 2 made of ceramic clay through molding and sintering, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 The support 2 shown has a straight flow channel 3 that is centered and extends longitudinally on its end face. Two curved flow channel channels 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the straight flow channel channel 3. The cross-sections of the straight flow channel channel 3 and the curved flow channel channels 4 are semi-circles with the same diameter. The left side of the straight flow channel channel 3 is the first curved channel 41, and the right side is the second curved channel 42.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the straight flow channel 3, the first curved channel 41, and the second curved channel 42 are all open at both ends. The curved flow channel 4 is composed of a straight channel 43, a curved channel 44, and a straight channel 43 connected in sequence. Figure 2 As shown, each curved groove is composed of a first arc segment 441, a second arc segment 442, and a third arc segment 443 connected sequentially from bottom to top. The lower end of the second arc segment 442 is smoothly connected to the first arc segment 441, and the upper end of the second arc segment 442 is smoothly connected to the third arc segment 443. That is, the sidewall is a smooth, integral curved surface without any uneven steps. Both the first curved groove 41 and the second curved groove 42 are symmetrical about the transverse central axis of the support body 2. The two straight grooves 43 of the first curved groove 41 are coaxially arranged. With the coaxial axis of groove 43 as a reference, the concave surface of the first arc segment 441 of the first curved groove 41 faces downward to the left, the concave surface of the second arc segment 442 of the first curved groove 41 faces to the right, and the concave surface of the third arc segment 443 of the first curved groove 41 faces upward to the left; with the line connecting the two straight grooves 43 of the second curved groove 42 as a reference, the concave surface of the first arc segment 441 of the second curved groove 42 faces downward to the right, the concave surface of the second arc segment 442 of the second curved groove 42 faces to the left, and the concave surface of the third arc segment 443 of the second curved groove 42 faces upward to the right.

[0046] Among them, the first arc segment 441, the second arc segment 442 and the third arc segment 443 are all circular arcs with the same radius.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the connector 1 is in the shape of a cuboid plate. The larger end face of the connector 1 is the same size as the end face of the support 2 with the flow channel groove. The connector 1 covers the end face of the support 2 with the flow channel groove and fits snugly.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, when fuel gas is input from bottom to top, the straight groove at the center maintains the straight flow of fuel gas, and the first curved groove 41 and the second curved groove 42 on both sides generate vortices with complementary directions: the first curved groove 41 on the left generates a clockwise swirling flow that pushes the gas toward the center, and the second curved groove 42 on the right forms a counterclockwise swirling flow that diffuses toward the center synchronously.

[0049] In the actual installation and application of the anode support, such as Figure 6 As shown, the connector 1 is fixed to the lower end face of the support body 2 to form the anode. The cathode connector 5 is set on the upper end face of the support body 2. Multiple air flow grooves are provided on the surface of the cathode connector 5 that is in contact with the support body 2. The multiple air flow grooves pass through the cathode connector 5 laterally and are distributed at intervals in the longitudinal direction to form a basic unit. Multiple basic units are stacked one on top of the other to form a battery stack.

[0050] In this embodiment, by machining flow channel grooves with openings at both ends on the end face of the support, the limitations imposed by the traditional extrusion process on the shape of the internal flow channel of the anode support 2 are optimized. This allows the flow channel to be freely designed and optimized according to the specific requirements of fuel gas distribution uniformity, laying the foundation for improving battery performance.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides an anode support structure with freely designable fuel passage. The end face of the support 2 is provided with a straight line group and two curved groups. The straight line group includes four straight flow channel grooves 3, and each curved group includes three curved flow channel grooves 4. The four straight flow channel grooves 3 are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal center line of the support. The two curved groups are located on both sides of the four straight flow channel grooves 3, and the three curved flow channel grooves 4 on the left and the three curved flow channel grooves 4 on the right are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal center line of the support. The flow channel grooves in the two curved groups are each composed of two straight grooves 43 and a curved groove 44. The curved grooves 44 are each composed of a first arc segment 441, a second arc segment 442 and a third arc segment 443 connected smoothly in sequence.

[0053] In this embodiment, by setting a straight flow channel 3 in the middle of the support body 2 and setting curved flow channel 4 on both sides, the synergistic effect of this combined design significantly improves the uniformity of gas distribution throughout the support body, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional single straight flow channels in terms of fuel utilization efficiency caused by the decrease in fuel distribution due to the temperature zone boundary effect.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, the embodiments of this application provide an anode support structure with freely designable fuel channels. The end face of the support 2 is provided with two sets of curves. Each set of curves includes three curved flow channel grooves 4. With the longitudinal center line of the support as the reference, the three curved flow channel grooves 4 on the left and the three curved flow channel grooves 4 on the right are symmetrically arranged. The flow channel grooves in the two sets of curves are composed of two straight grooves 43 and a curved groove 44. The curved grooves 44 are all composed of a first arc segment 441, a second arc segment 442 and a third arc segment 443 connected smoothly in sequence.

[0056] In this embodiment, the curved flow channel 4, which is spaced apart on the support body 2, is better suited to the requirements of the gas flow field than the traditional straight flow channel, thus improving the uniformity of gas distribution throughout the support body and overcoming the shortcomings of the traditional straight flow channel in terms of fuel utilization efficiency uniformity.

[0057] It should be noted that the order of the embodiments described above is merely for descriptive purposes and does not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. Furthermore, specific embodiments have been described above. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps described in the claims can be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and still achieve the desired result. Additionally, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

[0059] This specification and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of this application and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Therefore, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of this application and its equivalents, this application intends to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A fuel channel freely designable anode support structure, characterized by: It includes a connector (1) and a support (2); a plurality of flow channel grooves are provided at intervals on one end face of the support (2); each flow channel groove extends along the length direction of the support (2), and both ends of each flow channel groove are open; one end face of the connector (1) is fitted to the end face of the support (2) where the flow channel grooves are provided, and the connector (1) covers the flow path of all flow channel grooves.

2. A fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple flow channels are spaced apart along the width direction of the support (2). The multiple flow channels include a straight group and two curved groups. The straight group includes at least one straight flow channel (3), and the straight flow channel (3) in the straight group is symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the support (2). The two curved groups each include at least one curved flow channel (4), and the two curved groups are located on both sides of the straight group.

3. The fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the flow channels is a curved flow channel (4), and multiple curved flow channels (4) are spaced apart along the width direction of the support (2).

4. A fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Each of the curved flow channel grooves (4) includes two straight grooves (43) and one curved groove (44). The two straight grooves (43) are connected to the two ends of the curved groove (44) respectively, and the two straight grooves (43) are coaxially arranged.

5. The anode support structure with freely designable fuel channel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The curved groove (44) includes a first arc segment (441), a second arc segment (442), and a third arc segment (443) connected in sequence. The coaxial axis of the two straight grooves (43) is used as the reference line. The concave surface of the first arc segment (441) and the concave surface of the third arc segment (443) are both set away from the reference line, while the concave surface of the second arc segment (442) is set towards the reference line.

6. A fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The concave surface of the second arc segment (442) of each of the curved flow channels (4) is set toward the longitudinal centerline of the support (2).

7. A fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 6, characterized in that The two ends of the second arc segment (442) are smoothly connected to the first arc segment (441) and the third arc segment (443), respectively.

8. The fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 5, characterized by Each of the straight grooves (43) extends along the length of the support (2). With the extension direction of the straight grooves (43) as the longitudinal direction, each of the curved grooves (44) is mirror-symmetrical about the transverse center line of the support (2).

9. A fuel channel freely designable anode support structure according to claim 8, characterized in that Multiple curved flow channels (4) are symmetrically arranged relative to the longitudinal centerline of the support body (2).

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