Hydrogen fuel cell cover end with uniform heat distribution

By employing inclined radial heat-conducting strips and a high-strength composite material structure in the end cap of the hydrogen fuel cell, combined with a cross-shaped grip and a high-temperature resistant silicone layer, the problem of uneven heat conduction is solved, achieving stable operation and long lifespan of the fuel cell stack, and enhancing sealing and safety.

CN224683111UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-25NINGBO TIANGE AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522039566.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-23
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Estimated Expiration
2035-09-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing end cap structure of hydrogen fuel cells prevents heat from being conducted quickly and evenly from the reactive central region to the periphery, resulting in a large temperature gradient that affects the output performance and stability of the fuel cell stack.

Method used

The heat-conducting strips are arranged in a radial circular array centered on the center of the mounting slot, and are set at an angle. Combined with a high-strength composite material cover plate and a metal frame structure, along with a cross handle and a high-temperature resistant silicone layer, an efficient heat distribution path is formed. The entire structure is then sealed together by laser welding or sealant bonding.

Benefits of technology

This achieves uniform heat distribution, slows down catalyst decay and proton exchange membrane aging, improves the operational stability and service life of the fuel cell stack, and enhances sealing and safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a hydrogen fuel cell cover end of even heat distribution relates to hydrogen fuel cell cover end technical field, including the cover plate, one side fixed connection of cover plate has the connecting cover, the recessed formation has the accommodation groove to the one side of connecting cover to the cover plate, is used for accommodating and positioning the sealing assembly of fuel cell stack, still be provided with the thread groove for connecting with the outside pipeline or structure on the connecting cover, a plurality of heat conduction strips are arranged on the radial of connecting cover, the heat conduction strip is with the center of accommodation groove as the center and presents the radial circumference array distribution, and its installation angle is the inclined setting. The utility model discloses a hydrogen fuel cell cover end of even heat distribution, and the structure of this even heat distribution, heat distribution can not cause local hot spot, and can slow down catalyst attenuation and proton exchange membrane's aging, avoid the influence to the output performance of electric pile, make the whole structure stable operation, improve the service life, and simple structure, and the practicality is stronger.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen fuel cell cover technology, and in particular to a hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient and clean power generation devices that directly convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. Their operation does not involve combustion, and the final product is only water. Therefore, they have outstanding advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, low noise, and environmental friendliness. They are widely regarded as one of the most promising technologies for future new energy vehicles, stationary power stations, and portable power supplies.

[0003] As the core of a fuel cell system, the performance and reliability of the fuel cell stack directly determine the overall system efficiency. Currently, the end cap structure of hydrogen fuel cell stacks mainly serves to provide mechanical pressure, ensure the sealing of the reaction gas, and integrate fluid interfaces.

[0004] Existing end cap designs have a certain degree of thermal conductivity, but their structures are mostly flat, which prevents heat from being conducted quickly and evenly from the reactive central area to the periphery. This leads to a large temperature gradient inside the fuel cell stack, which seriously affects the stack's output performance, operational stability, and service life. To address these issues, we have developed a hydrogen fuel cell end cap with uniform heat distribution. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model discloses a hydrogen fuel cell cover end with uniform heat distribution, aiming to solve the technical problem of heat conduction in hydrogen fuel cells.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution includes a cover plate, a connecting cover fixedly connected to one side of the cover plate, and a recessed mounting groove formed on the side of the connecting cover facing the cover plate for accommodating and positioning the sealing components of the fuel cell stack. The connecting cover also has a threaded groove for connecting to external pipelines or structures. Multiple heat-conducting strips are arranged radially on the connecting cover. The heat-conducting strips are arranged in a radial circumferential array with the center of the mounting groove as the center, and their installation angle is inclined to form an efficient heat conduction path from the center to the edge. The edges of the mounting groove are all chamfered to form rounded edges to avoid scratching the seals during assembly.

[0007] In this structure with uniform heat distribution, the heat distribution will not cause local hot spots, and it can slow down catalyst decay and proton exchange membrane aging, avoiding the impact on the output performance of the fuel cell stack. This makes the overall structure stable in operation, improves service life, and has a simple structure with strong practicality.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the cover plate has a boss slot inside, and the cover plate has fixing holes arranged in a circumferential array inside and outside the boss slot for installation and fixation. The main body of the cover plate is made of high-strength composite material, and a metal skeleton is embedded inside to enhance structural stability. The cover plate has a boss slot, and the end of the heat-conducting strip is fixedly connected to the outside of the connecting cover by interference fit or brazing. The outer edge of the cover plate also has multiple through fixing holes arranged in a circumferential array for fastening the entire cover end to the fuel cell stack with bolts.

[0009] The cover plate employs a high-strength composite material structure with an internal metal skeleton. While ensuring a lightweight overall structure and sufficient mechanical strength, the internal metal skeleton enhances structural stability and provides auxiliary heat conduction channels. The heat-conducting strips are fixed to the connecting cover via interference fit or brazing, ensuring reliable connection and high heat transfer efficiency. Multiple fixing holes facilitate the secure fastening of the cover end to the fuel cell stack with bolts, guaranteeing overall structural rigidity and airtightness.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a cross grip is fixedly connected to the center of the outer surface of the cover plate away from the connecting cover. The cross grip is made of metal and connected to the metal skeleton inside the cover plate, serving as an auxiliary heat dissipation structure. Each grip arm of the cross grip is covered with a layer of silicone pad, and the surface of the silicone pad has anti-slip texture to improve the operator's grip comfort and safety.

[0011] The cross-shaped grip is connected to the metal frame inside the cover plate, allowing it to not only provide a convenient grip but also serve as an effective auxiliary heat dissipation structure, further helping to dissipate heat conducted from the inside. The silicone pad with anti-slip texture covering the surface of the cross-shaped grip greatly improves the operator's grip comfort and operational safety during handling and assembly, reflecting a user-friendly design.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the heat-conducting strip is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, preferably copper or aluminum alloy, and its surface is plated with a nickel-based protective layer to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion. The tilt angle of the heat-conducting strip is optimized by thermal simulation to ensure that heat can be quickly conducted from the reaction core area to the heat dissipation area at the edge of the cap.

[0013] The heat-conducting strip is made of copper or aluminum alloy with high thermal conductivity, ensuring excellent basic thermal conductivity. Its surface is plated with a nickel-based protective layer that effectively prevents hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion in a hydrogen environment, extending the service life of critical components and improving reliability. The tilt angle of the heat-conducting strip has been optimized through thermal simulation, making its heat conduction path more scientific and ensuring that heat is transferred from the reaction core area to the heat dissipation area at the edge of the cap with maximum efficiency, achieving uniform heat distribution.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting cover and the cover plate are fixedly connected by laser welding or sealant bonding to form a sealed integral structure, ensuring the sealing of the placement groove. The threaded groove is a blind hole structure, and a safety wall thickness is maintained between its bottom and the placement groove.

[0015] The connecting cover and the cover plate are joined together by laser welding or sealant bonding to form a sealed whole, ensuring extremely high sealing performance in the placement slot area, preventing the leakage of reactive gases, and ensuring the safe operation of the battery stack. The threaded groove adopts a blind hole structure and a safety wall thickness design between it and the placement slot, effectively avoiding the risk of drilling through the sealed area when tightening external pipe joints, greatly improving the safety and reliability of the product.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting slot is further lined with a layer of high-temperature resistant and hydrogen-resistant silicone to improve the sealing effect between the end cap and the fuel cell stack.

[0017] A layer of high-temperature and hydrogen-resistant silicone is added inside the mounting slot. This silicone layer, together with the original sealing components in the mounting slot, forms a double sealing barrier, which greatly improves the sealing effect between the end cap and the fuel cell stack. It can effectively cope with the harsh chemical environment inside the fuel cell and the creep of the sealing material caused by long-term use, prevent gas and liquid leakage, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0018] The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution provided by this utility model has the following advantages: Firstly, this uniformly distributed heat structure prevents localized hot spots and slows down catalyst decay and proton exchange membrane aging, thus avoiding impact on the stack's output performance. This results in stable overall operation, extended service life, simple structure, and strong practicality.

[0019] Secondly, the cross-shaped grip is connected to the metal frame inside the cover plate, allowing it to not only provide a convenient grip but also serve as an effective auxiliary heat dissipation structure, further helping to dissipate heat conducted from the inside. The cross-shaped grip is covered with a textured silicone pad, greatly improving the operator's grip comfort and operational safety during handling and assembly, reflecting a user-friendly design. The heat-conducting strip is made of high thermal conductivity copper or aluminum alloy, ensuring excellent basic thermal conductivity. Its nickel-based protective layer effectively prevents hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion in a hydrogen environment, extending the service life and reliability of key components. The tilt angle of the heat-conducting strip has been optimized through thermal simulation, making its heat conduction path more scientific and ensuring that heat is conducted from the reaction core area to the heat dissipation area at the edge of the cover with the highest efficiency, achieving uniform heat distribution. The connecting cover and the cover plate are formed into a sealed whole through laser welding or sealant bonding, ensuring extremely high sealing of the placement slot area, preventing reaction gas leakage, and ensuring the safe operation of the battery stack. The threaded groove employs a blind hole structure and a safety wall thickness design between it and the mounting slot, effectively avoiding the risk of drilling through the sealing area when tightening external pipe joints, greatly improving the product's safety and reliability. A high-temperature, hydrogen-resistant silicone layer is added inside the mounting slot. This silicone layer, together with the original sealing components within the mounting slot, forms a double sealing barrier, significantly enhancing the sealing effect between the end cap and the fuel cell stack. It effectively copes with the harsh chemical environment inside the fuel cell and the creep of the sealing material due to long-term use, preventing gas and liquid leakage and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the fuel cell stack. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover end of a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution proposed in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover end of a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution proposed in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cover end of a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution proposed in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of the cover end of a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution proposed in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the cover end of a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution proposed in this utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the cover end of a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution proposed in this utility model.

[0026] In the attached diagram: 1. Cover plate; 2. Connecting cover; 3. Mounting slot; 4. Fixing hole; 5. Boss slot; 6. Heat-conducting strip; 7. Threaded groove; 8. Rounded edge; 9. Cross grip; 10. Silicone pad. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and marked in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution disclosed in this utility model is mainly used in the scenario of hydrogen fuel cell cover.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 6 A hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution includes a cover plate 1. A connecting cover 2 is fixedly connected to one side of the cover plate 1. The connecting cover 2 has a recessed groove 3 on the side facing the cover plate 1 for accommodating and positioning the sealing components of the fuel cell stack. The connecting cover 2 also has a threaded groove 7 for connecting with external pipelines or structures. Multiple heat-conducting strips 6 are arranged radially on the connecting cover 2. The heat-conducting strips 6 are arranged in a radial circumferential array with the center of the groove 3 as the center, and their installation angle is inclined to form an efficient heat conduction path from the center to the edge. The edges of the groove opening of the groove 3 are all chamfered to form an arc edge 8 to avoid scratching the seal during assembly. The cover plate 1 has a boss slot 5 inside. The cover plate 1 has fixing holes 4 arranged in a circumferential array inside and outside the boss slot 5 for installation and fixing. The main body of the cover plate 1 is made of high-strength composite material and has a metal skeleton embedded inside to enhance structural stability. The cover plate 1 has a boss slot 5. The end of the heat conduction strip 6 is fixedly connected to the outside of the connecting cover 2 by interference fit or brazing. The outer edge of the cover plate 1 also has multiple through fixing holes 4 arranged in a circumferential array for fastening the entire cover end to the fuel cell stack with bolts.

[0030] In this embodiment, the heat generated by the electrochemical reaction of the hydrogen fuel cell stack is first transferred to the central area of ​​the connecting cover 2. Multiple heat-conducting strips 6, distributed in an inclined radial pattern, rapidly conduct heat from the higher-temperature central area along their axis to the lower-temperature outer edge of the cover end due to their excellent thermal conductivity. This greatly improves the radial heat transfer efficiency, thereby effectively eliminating the excessive temperature difference between the center and the edge, making the overall temperature field distribution of the fuel cell stack more uniform. In this uniformly distributed heat structure, the heat distribution will not cause local hot spots, and it can slow down catalyst decay and proton exchange membrane aging, avoiding the impact on the output performance of the fuel cell stack. This makes the overall structure operate stably, improves service life, and has a simple structure with strong practicality.

[0031] In the above technical solution, considering the heat conduction problem of hydrogen fuel cells, the specific operation is as follows to solve this problem: Reference Figure 1 - Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, a cross-shaped grip 9 is fixedly connected to the center of the outer surface of the cover plate 1 away from the connecting cover 2. The cross-shaped grip 9 is made of metal and connected to the metal skeleton inside the cover plate 1, serving as an auxiliary heat dissipation structure. Each grip arm of the cross-shaped grip 9 is covered with a layer of silicone pad 10, and the surface of the silicone pad 10 has anti-slip texture to improve the operator's grip comfort and safety. The heat-conducting strip 6 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, preferably copper or aluminum alloy, and its surface is plated with a nickel-based protective layer to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion. The tilt angle of the heat-conducting strip 6 has been optimized by thermal simulation to ensure that heat can be quickly conducted from the reaction core area to the heat dissipation area at the edge of the cover. The connecting cover 2 and the cover plate 1 are fixedly connected by laser welding or sealant bonding to form a sealed integral structure to ensure the sealing of the placement groove 3. The threaded groove 7 is a blind hole structure, and a safety wall thickness is maintained between its bottom and the placement groove 3. The placement slot 3 is also lined with a layer of high-temperature and hydrogen-resistant silicone to improve the sealing effect between the end cap and the fuel cell stack.

[0032] In this embodiment, the cross-shaped grip 9 is connected to the metal frame inside the cover plate 1, allowing the cross-shaped grip 9 to not only provide convenient grip but also serve as an effective auxiliary heat dissipation structure, further helping to dissipate heat conducted from the inside. The silicone pad 10 with anti-slip texture covering the surface of the cross-shaped grip 9 greatly improves the grip comfort and operational safety of operators during handling and assembly, reflecting a human-centered design. The heat-conducting strip 6 is made of copper or aluminum alloy with high thermal conductivity, ensuring excellent basic thermal conductivity. Its surface-plated nickel-based protective layer effectively prevents hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion in a hydrogen environment, extending the service life and reliability of key components. The tilt angle of the heat-conducting strip 6 has been optimized through thermal simulation, making its heat conduction path more scientific, ensuring that heat is conducted from the reaction core area to the heat dissipation area at the edge of the cover with the highest efficiency, achieving uniform heat distribution. The connecting cover 2 and the cover plate 1 are formed into a sealed whole by laser welding or sealant bonding, ensuring extremely high sealing of the placement slot 3 area, preventing reaction gas leakage, and ensuring the safe operation of the battery stack. The threaded groove 7 employs a blind hole structure and a safety wall thickness design between it and the mounting slot 3, effectively avoiding the risk of drilling through the sealing area when tightening external pipe joints, greatly improving the safety and reliability of the product. A high-temperature resistant and hydrogen-resistant silicone layer is added inside the mounting slot 3. This silicone layer, together with the original sealing components within the mounting slot 3, forms a double sealing barrier, significantly improving the sealing effect between the end cap and the fuel cell stack. It effectively copes with the harsh chemical environment inside the fuel cell and the creep of the sealing material caused by long-term use, preventing gas and liquid leakage and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0033] Working Principle: The heat generated by the electrochemical reaction in the hydrogen fuel cell stack is first transferred to the central area of ​​the connecting cover 2. Multiple inclined, radially distributed heat-conducting strips 6, with their excellent thermal conductivity, rapidly conduct heat from the higher-temperature central area along their axis to the lower-temperature outer edge of the cover end, greatly improving the radial heat transfer efficiency and effectively eliminating excessive temperature differences between the center and the edge, resulting in a more uniform temperature field distribution across the entire fuel cell stack. Simultaneously, some heat is conducted through the metal frame within the cover plate 1 to the cross-shaped handle 9, which also serves as a heat sink, for convection cooling. The cover plate 1 and the connecting cover 2 are welded or bonded to form a sealed unit, working together with the silicone gasket 10 within the mounting slot 3 to ensure a reliable seal of the fuel cell stack's reactive gases.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. The substitutions may be replacements of some structures, devices, or method steps, or they may be complete technical solutions. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this utility model should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cover end for a hydrogen fuel cell with uniform heat distribution, comprising a cover plate (1), characterized in that: A connecting cover (2) is fixedly connected to one side of the cover plate (1). The connecting cover (2) is recessed on the side facing the cover plate (1) to form a placement groove (3) for accommodating and positioning the sealing components of the fuel cell stack. The connecting cover (2) is also provided with a threaded groove (7) for connecting with external pipelines or structures. Multiple heat-conducting strips (6) are arranged radially on the connecting cover (2). The heat-conducting strips (6) are arranged in a radial circumferential array with the center of the placement groove (3) as the center, and their installation angle is inclined to form an efficient heat conduction path from the center to the edge. The groove edges of the placement groove (3) are all chamfered to form an arc edge (8) to avoid scratching the seal during assembly.

2. The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plate (1) has a boss slot (5) inside. The cover plate (1) has fixing holes (4) arranged in a circular array inside and outside the boss slot (5) for installation and fixing. The main body of the cover plate (1) is made of high-strength composite material and has a metal skeleton embedded inside to enhance structural stability. The cover plate (1) has a boss slot (5). The end of the heat-conducting strip (6) is fixedly connected to the outside of the connecting cover (2) by interference fit or brazing. The outer edge of the cover plate (1) also has multiple through fixing holes (4) arranged in a circular array for fastening the entire cover end to the fuel cell stack with bolts.

3. The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cross grip (9) is fixedly connected to the center of the outer surface of the cover plate (1) away from the connecting cover (2). The cross grip (9) is made of metal and connected to the metal skeleton inside the cover plate (1), and also serves as an auxiliary heat dissipation structure. Each grip arm of the cross grip (9) is covered with a layer of silicone pad (10). The surface of the silicone pad (10) is provided with anti-slip texture to improve the grip comfort and safety of the operator.

4. The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat-conducting strip (6) is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum alloy, and its surface is plated with a nickel-based protective layer to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion. The tilt angle of the heat-conducting strip (6) has been optimized by thermal simulation to ensure that heat can be quickly conducted from the reaction core area to the heat dissipation area at the edge of the cap.

5. The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting cover (2) and the cover plate (1) are fixedly connected by laser welding or sealant bonding to form a sealed whole structure, ensuring the sealing of the placement groove (3). The threaded groove (7) is a blind hole structure, and a safety wall thickness is maintained between its bottom and the placement groove (3).

6. The hydrogen fuel cell cover with uniform heat distribution according to claim 1, characterized in that: The placement groove (3) is also lined with a layer of high-temperature resistant and hydrogen-resistant silicone to improve the sealing effect between the end cap and the fuel cell stack.