Fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure
By setting a frustum structure in the flow channel to generate vortices, the problems of water blockage and poor heat dissipation of PEMFC plates are solved, thereby improving the performance and enhancing the stability of fuel cells.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN SENERGY FUEL CELL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing PEMFC plate flow channel structures are prone to water blockage, affecting the energy consumption, performance, and stability of the battery system, and have poor heat dissipation performance.
A frustum structure is installed inside the flow channel to generate vortices in the fluid, disrupting the laminar flow, preventing water stagnation, and improving heat transfer capacity and contact with the gas diffusion layer.
It effectively reduces water blockage problems, improves the performance and heat dissipation capacity of fuel cells, enhances the contact of the gas diffusion layer, and improves battery performance and stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224595502U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a fuel cell electrode plate flow channel structure. Background Technology
[0002] Fuel cells are an ideal power source due to their high efficiency, high specific energy, and low pollution. A fuel cell stack consists of multiple individual cells connected in series. Each individual cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and bipolar plates. Typically, grooves, or flow channels, are formed on the surface of the bipolar plates using molding / stamping techniques. The flow of hydrogen, air, and water inside the cell is confined within these grooves, creating the internal flow field. The performance of the fuel cell largely depends on the flow field of the bipolar plates. Specific influencing factors include: the flow regime of the fluid within the flow field; the contact between the fluid and the gas diffusion layer; heat dissipation performance; and water blockage issues.
[0003] Since the electrode plates serve the functions of gas supply and drainage, the flow channel structure on them directly affects not only the diffusion and mass transfer of reactant gases into the gas diffusion layer and the discharge of generated water, but also indirectly influences the heat transfer and distribution processes generated by the electrochemical reaction. The performance of a fuel cell depends on the reactants and its hydrothermal management performance. Therefore, designing and improving the flow channel structure on the electrode plates to enhance internal mass and heat transfer processes is a key consideration for improving fuel cell performance. Existing PEMFC electrode plate flow channel structures often experience water blockage, which affects the energy consumption, performance, operational stability, and safety of the entire battery system. Furthermore, their poor heat dissipation performance makes them difficult to meet practical application requirements. Utility Model Content
[0004] Based on this, the present invention provides a fuel cell electrode plate flow channel structure, which aims to solve the problems that existing PEMFC electrode plate flow channel structures often experience water blockage, affecting the energy consumption, performance, operational stability and safety of the entire battery system.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: a fuel cell electrode plate flow channel structure, applicable to electrode plates, comprising a flow channel inlet, a first transition zone, several flow channels, a second transition zone, and a flow channel outlet; the flow channel inlet, the first transition zone, the flow channels, the second transition zone, and the flow channel outlet are sequentially connected; each flow channel contains several frustums.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the frustum is the same as the depth of the flow channel.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the frustum is less than half the width of the flow channel.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the frustum is disposed at the center of the flow channel, and the frustum and the flow channel are integrally formed.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, several frustums are arranged at equal intervals within the same flow channel; in adjacent flow channels, the frustums are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, several flow channels are arranged in parallel to each other; the flow channels are either straight or wavy.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, when the flow channel is a wavy flow channel, several of the truncated cones are disposed at the crests and troughs of the wavy flow channel.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the frustum is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the wave crest; the frustum is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the wave trough.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the flow channel inlet is located at one end of the electrode plate, the flow channel outlet is located at the other end of the electrode plate, and the flow channel inlet and the flow channel outlet extend in opposite directions.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the flow channel inlet, the first transition zone, the flow channel, the second transition zone, and the flow channel outlet are all integrally formed.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the electrode plate is a PEMFC electrode plate.
[0016] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: By setting a frustum structure within the flow channel, the fluid, upon entering the flow channel, generates vortices behind the frustum due to the structure. This disrupts the laminar flow portion of the fluid domain at the electrode plate, thereby preventing the retention of reaction-produced water and other substances in the flow channel, effectively reducing the problem of water blockage in the fuel cell. Simultaneously, the vortex increases the fluid's heat transfer capacity, enabling better heat dissipation. Furthermore, the vortex allows for better contact between the fluid and the gas diffusion layer, effectively improving fuel cell performance. This structure overcomes the issue of low battery performance caused by existing flow channel structures. The structure is simple, easy to arrange, readily implementable, low-cost, and highly stable, effectively meeting the needs of practical applications. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fuel cell electrode plate flow channel structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the flow channel structure of the fuel cell electrode plate;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fuel cell electrode plate flow channel structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the flow channel structure of the fuel cell electrode plate.
[0022] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0024] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly 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 part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0026] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.
[0027] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0028] The existing fuel cell electrode channel design is unreasonable, resulting in poor stack performance, reduced reactant diffusion and mass transfer capacity, water blockage, and decreased battery performance. This is due to the defects in the structure itself.
[0029] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: a fuel cell electrode plate flow channel structure, applicable to electrode plates, including a flow channel inlet 10, a first transition zone 20, several flow channels 30, a second transition zone 40, and a flow channel outlet 50; the flow channel inlet 10, the first transition zone 20, the flow channels 30, the second transition zone 40, and the flow channel outlet 50 are sequentially connected; each flow channel 30 is provided with several frustums 31.
[0030] The structure described in this application can effectively enhance the ability of gas to enter the gas diffusion layer, thereby effectively improving the gas purging ability, reducing the possibility of water blockage, and effectively improving the heat dissipation performance of the fuel cell stack, thus improving the performance of the fuel cell stack.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the frustum 31 is the same as the depth of the flow channel 30. This arrangement ensures that the frustum reduces the flow area of the flow channel, thereby increasing the fluid velocity and allowing the fluid to transition from laminar to turbulent flow, without affecting the installation and setup of the electrode plates and battery.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the frustum 31 is less than half the width of the flow channel 30. This configuration allows for a faster fluid flow rate, enabling the fluid to transition from laminar to turbulent flow, without clogging the flow channel and affecting the installation and setup of the electrode plates and battery.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the frustum 31 is disposed at the center of the flow channel 30, and the frustum 31 is integrally formed with the flow channel 30. Specifically, in this embodiment, the frustum 31 is a frustum with a quasi-cylindrical structure.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, several frustums 31 are arranged at equal intervals within the same flow channel 30; in adjacent flow channels 30, the frustums 31 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0035] Within the same flow channel, several frustums are spaced at equal intervals, causing them to appear periodically. As fluid passes through these frustums, the reduced flow area increases the fluid velocity, transitioning the flow from laminar to turbulent. The passage of fluid through the frustums also generates vortex structures, similar to a Karman vortex street. These vortex structures disrupt the laminar flow between the fluid domain and the electrode plates, preventing fluid stagnation at the walls and accelerating water purging to prevent blockage. Simultaneously, the generated turbulence, compared to laminar flow, is more conducive to heat dissipation from the electrode plates, effectively improving their heat dissipation capacity and preventing overheating. Furthermore, turbulence facilitates better contact between the gas and the gas diffusion layer, promoting reaction formation and effectively improving fuel cell performance.
[0036] In adjacent flow channels, the frustums are set in a one-to-one correspondence, meaning that the frustums in each flow channel are set in the same position. This can effectively ensure the consistency of the flow channels, and thus ensure the consistency of fuel cell performance.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, several flow channels 30 are arranged in parallel to each other; the flow channels 30 are straight channels or wavy channels.
[0038] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, when the flow channel 30 is a wavy flow channel, several truncated cones 31 are disposed at the crests and troughs of the wavy flow channel. Distributing truncated cones at the crests and troughs of the wavy flow channel can increase the flow velocity of the fluid, thereby enabling the fluid to transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the frustum 31 is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the wave crest; the frustum 31 is also arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the wave trough. This arrangement can maximize the flow velocity of the fluid within the wave-shaped flow channel, thereby allowing the fluid to transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow as much as possible.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the flow channel inlet 10 is disposed at one end of the electrode plate, the flow channel outlet 50 is disposed at the other end of the electrode plate, and the flow channel inlet 10 and the flow channel outlet 50 extend in opposite directions.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the flow channel inlet 10, the first transition zone 20, the flow channel 30, the second transition zone 40, and the flow channel outlet 50 are all integrally formed.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the electrode plate is a PEMFC electrode plate.
[0043] This application incorporates a frustum structure within the flow channel, creating vortices behind the frustum upon fluid entry. This disrupts the laminar flow portion of the fluid domain at the electrode plates, preventing the retention of reaction-produced water and other pollutants within the flow channel, effectively reducing fuel cell water blockage. Simultaneously, the vortex increases the fluid's heat transfer capacity, improving heat dissipation. Furthermore, the vortex allows for better contact between the fluid and the gas diffusion layer, significantly enhancing fuel cell performance. This structure overcomes the performance degradation caused by existing flow channel structures. The structure is simple, easy to arrange, readily implement, low-cost, and exhibits good stability, effectively meeting the needs of practical applications.
[0044] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.
[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure, characterized by, Suitable for electrode plates, including a flow channel inlet, a first transition zone, several flow channels, a second transition zone, and a flow channel outlet; the flow channel inlet, the first transition zone, the flow channels, the second transition zone, and the flow channel outlet are sequentially connected; each flow channel is provided with several frustums.
2. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1, wherein, The height of the frustum is the same as the depth of the flow channel.
3. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1 wherein, The width of the frustum is less than half the width of the flow channel.
4. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1 wherein, The frustum is located at the center of the flow channel, and the frustum and the flow channel are integrally formed.
5. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1 wherein, Within the same flow channel, several frustums are arranged at equal intervals; in adjacent flow channels, the frustums are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.
6. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1 wherein, Several flow channels are arranged in parallel to each other; the flow channels are either straight or wavy.
7. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 6 wherein, When the flow channel is a wavy flow channel, several of the truncated cones are arranged at the crests and troughs of the wavy flow channel.
8. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 7 wherein, The truncated cones are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the wave crests; the truncated cones are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the wave troughs.
9. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1 wherein, The flow channel inlet is located at one end of the electrode plate, and the flow channel outlet is located at the other end of the electrode plate, with the flow channel inlet and the flow channel outlet extending in opposite directions.
10. The fuel cell polar plate flow channel structure of claim 1 wherein, The flow channel inlet, the first transition zone, the flow channel, the second transition zone, and the flow channel outlet are all integrally formed. The electrode plate is a PEMFC electrode plate.