Hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device

Abstract

The utility model discloses hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device, it includes: base, it installs the limit shell, bipolar unit, the number is provided with a plurality of, a plurality of bipolar unit sets up in limit shell with linear arrangement mode, every bipolar unit all is equipped with the air gas channel of intercommunication and the hydrogen gas channel of intercommunication, and limit shell is equipped with the air inlet unit of through air gas channel and the hydrogen gas inlet unit of through hydrogen gas channel, every bipolar unit all is equipped with a plurality of heat dissipation holes, heat dissipation unit, it is installed in base, and heat dissipation unit is located below limit shell, and heat dissipation unit has the heat dissipation airflow of towards bipolar unit. The utility model can provide stable support for bipolar unit in addition, can provide good heat dissipation for bipolar unit, and the heat dissipation airflow generated by heat dissipation unit can take away the heat generated in the electrochemical reaction process after passing through a plurality of heat dissipation holes, to ensure that bipolar unit will not be affected by overheating and use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen energy, and in particular to a support device for electrode plates of hydrogen fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] The core component of a hydrogen fuel cell is the fuel cell stack, which consists of multiple individual cells connected in series or parallel. Each individual cell mainly includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. During operation, hydrogen gas undergoes an oxidation reaction under the action of a catalyst at the anode, producing hydrogen ions and electrons. Electrons flow to the cathode through an external circuit, forming an electric current to provide power to electrical appliances. On the other hand, hydrogen ions pass through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, where they undergo a reduction reaction with oxygen to produce water. The electrode plates, as the site of electrochemical reactions, play a crucial role in the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell. They must not only provide sufficient reaction area for the electrochemical reactions but also ensure good transport of reactants and products, as well as efficient conduction of electrons and ions.

[0003] In traditional technologies, hydrogen fuel cells are mostly constructed using metallic materials. However, in the actual operating environment of fuel cells, metallic materials are highly susceptible to corrosion from both the electrolyte and reactant gases. This corrosion not only leads to a gradual decline in fuel cell performance but can also cause short circuits in severe cases, posing safety hazards. In contrast, composite materials exhibit superior strength, providing sufficient structural support while effectively reducing the overall weight of the hydrogen fuel cell. This weight reduction not only helps improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle but also significantly increases its driving range, thus better meeting users' travel needs.

[0004] However, existing composite materials typically have low electrical conductivity, a limitation that restricts their application in fuel cells. To improve this, conductive fillers are usually added to enhance conductivity, which undoubtedly increases production costs and process complexity. Although the thermal conductivity of composite materials can be partially improved by adding thermally conductive media, overall, their thermal conductivity still cannot compare with that of metallic materials. This is especially true in high-power fuel cell systems, where heat dissipation issues may become more pronounced, directly impacting the stable operation and performance of the fuel cell and failing to meet user requirements. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device to alleviate the technical problem of insufficient heat dissipation.

[0006] According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device includes:

[0007] The base has a limiting housing installed on it;

[0008] The device includes multiple bipolar units arranged linearly within the limiting housing. Each bipolar unit has interconnected air passages and interconnected hydrogen passages. The limiting housing has an air intake unit that passes through the air passages and a hydrogen intake unit that passes through the hydrogen passages. Each bipolar unit also has multiple heat dissipation holes.

[0009] A heat dissipation unit is mounted on the base, located below the limiting housing, and has a heat dissipation airflow toward the bipolar unit.

[0010] The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, in addition to providing stable support for the bipolar unit and preventing deformation and damage during operation, the present invention can also provide good heat dissipation for the bipolar unit. The heat dissipation airflow generated by the heat dissipation unit can carry away the heat generated during the electrochemical reaction after passing through multiple heat dissipation holes, so as to ensure that the bipolar unit will not be affected by overheating, thereby improving safety performance.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bipolar unit includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a membrane electrode, wherein the membrane electrode is sandwiched between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes on their front and rear narrow sides; the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are provided with air passages and hydrogen passages.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat dissipation unit includes a heat dissipation motor, a synchronous transmission mechanism and two fan blades. The synchronous transmission mechanism is provided with a driving shaft and a driven shaft that operate synchronously. The heat dissipation motor drives the driving shaft. The two fan blades are respectively connected to the driving shaft and the driven shaft. The two fan blades are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the bipolar unit.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the base is provided with a shaped groove for accommodating the heat dissipation unit, and the shaped groove is provided with two air outlets on the surface of the base, each of the air outlets being covered with a mesh.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting shell includes a limiting frame and a bearing frame, and there are multiple limiting frames, with the limiting frame fixedly connected to both the upper and lower ends of each bipolar unit.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are two carrier frames. Each bipolar unit and the corresponding two limiting frames together constitute a bipolar module. Multiple bipolar modules are arranged linearly between the two carrier frames. One carrier frame is provided with the air intake unit, and the other carrier frame is provided with the hydrogen intake unit.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer walls of the two bearing frames are connected together by a fixed frame strip, which spans all bipolar units.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air intake unit includes a volute, an impeller, and an intake motor. The volute is provided with a front air inlet and a rear air inlet. The rear air inlet is connected to the air duct. The impeller is disposed inside the volute. The intake motor is used to drive the impeller to rotate. When the impeller rotates, it generates a pressurized airflow from the front air inlet to the rear air inlet.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hydrogen inlet unit includes a hydrogen pipe and a gate valve. The hydrogen pipe passes through the hydrogen gas passage, and the gate valve is disposed on the flow path of the hydrogen pipe. The gate valve is used to open or close the hydrogen pipe.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device shown.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the bipolar module provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the air intake unit provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the heat dissipation unit provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] In the attached diagram: 1-First electrode plate, 2-Heat dissipation unit, 201-Irregular groove, 202-Heat dissipation motor, 203-Drive shaft, 204-Fan blade, 205-Gear belt, 206-Driven shaft, 207-Synchronous transmission mechanism, 208-Grid, 3-Membrane electrode, 4-Second electrode plate, 5-Exhaust channel, 6-Air duct, 7-Hydrogen duct, 8-Heat dissipation hole, 9-Limiting frame, 10-Bearing frame, 11-Hydrogen inlet unit, 12-Air inlet... 13-Gas unit, 14-Base, 15-Fixed bracket, 16-Vortex, 17-Front air outlet, 18-Dustproof box, 19-Intake motor, 20-T-shaped cylinder, 21-Impeller, 22-Support frame, 23-Gate valve, 24-Round cover, 25-Fixing frame strip, 901-Limit housing, 101-Bipolar unit, 131-Positioning groove, 102-Drainage channel, 111-Hydrogen pipe, 121-Rear air outlet, 209-Air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a base 13, a limiting shell 901, and a bipolar unit 101. The limiting shell 901 is mounted on the surface of the base 13 and is vertically mounted on the surface of the limiting shell 901. Since the base 13 needs to be fixed in the engine compartment of the vehicle by other accessories, positioning grooves 131 are provided at the four corners of the surface of the base 13. Each positioning groove 131 is recessed towards the bottom surface of the base 13. The positioning grooves 131 are used to provide positioning for other accessories, thereby fixing the base 13 in the engine compartment of the vehicle.

[0033] Specifically, the bipolar unit 101 includes a first electrode plate 1, a second electrode plate 4, and a membrane electrode 3. The membrane electrode 3 is sandwiched between the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4. At this time, the first electrode plate 1, the membrane electrode 3, and the second electrode plate 4 are sequentially and closely connected to form a complete electrochemical reaction unit. The first electrode plate 1 is the anode electrode plate, which is responsible for uniformly distributing hydrogen gas to the anode catalyst layer and collecting electrons, while discharging the heat and water generated by the reaction. The second electrode plate 4 is the cathode electrode plate, which is responsible for uniformly distributing oxygen gas to the cathode catalyst layer, while collecting electrons and discharging the product water. The membrane electrode 3 is composed of a proton exchange membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer, and is the site where hydrogen and oxygen undergo an electrochemical reaction.

[0034] Both the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4 are provided with air channels 6 and hydrogen channels 7 at their tops. The air channels 6 of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the hydrogen channels 7 of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4 are also arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The air channels 6 are used to guide airflow and ensure the supply of oxygen required for the reaction, allowing outside air to enter the reaction chamber through the air channels 6; the hydrogen channels 7 are used to guide hydrogenflow and ensure the supply of hydrogen required for the reaction, allowing outside hydrogen to enter the reaction chamber through the hydrogen channels 7.

[0035] In addition, multiple exhaust channels 5 are provided in the middle of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4. The exhaust channels 5 are used to discharge unreacted gases and prevent them from accumulating in the flow channel. Furthermore, drainage channels 102 are provided at the bottom of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4. The drainage channels 102 are used to discharge the reaction products to the outside.

[0036] To maintain the integrity of the bipolar unit 101, each bipolar unit 101 is fixedly connected to its upper and lower ends with limiting frames 9. The function of the limiting frames 9 is to maintain the stability of the bipolar unit 101's position and prevent it from shifting during operation. At this time, each bipolar unit 101 and its corresponding two limiting frames 9 together constitute a bipolar module. The bipolar module is a pre-assembled component, which is assembled in the upstream process. Since the power of the hydrogen fuel cell is determined based on the number of bipolar modules, the downstream process needs to select the number of bipolar modules according to the design parameters. Multiple bipolar modules are connected in series in a linear arrangement. The structure after series connection has a common air passage 6, hydrogen passage 7, and drainage passage 102.

[0037] To improve the heat dissipation of the bipolar unit 101, multiple heat dissipation holes 8 are provided on the front and rear narrow sides of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 4. The multiple heat dissipation holes 8 are densely arranged on the two electrode plates, and the heat inside the electrode plates is diffused outward through the heat dissipation holes 8, which helps to improve the heat dissipation effect and reduce the risk of affecting the reaction rate and reaction stability due to overheating.

[0038] On the other side, the limiting housing 901 includes two support frames 10 and multiple limiting frames 9. The two support frames 10 are mounted on the base 13 at intervals in the left-right direction. Multiple bipolar modules are arranged linearly between the two support frames 10. One support frame 10 is provided with an air intake unit 12 that penetrates the air passage 6, and the other support frame 10 is provided with a hydrogen intake unit 11 that penetrates the hydrogen passage 7. Of course, the limiting housing 901 is also provided with a drainage structure that communicates with the drainage channel 102. Since the drainage structure is not an improvement of this utility model, its structure can follow the existing technology, and this utility model does not limit its specific structure.

[0039] To enhance the stability and load-bearing capacity of the support frame 10 and ensure the safety and reliability of the entire equipment during operation, multiple fixed frame strips 25 are fixedly installed on the outer walls of the two support frames 10 through a robust connection. Each fixed frame strip 25 is wrapped around the two support frames 10, so that the fixed frame strip 25 can span all bipolar units 101, so that the two support frames 10 and multiple bipolar modules can form a whole.

[0040] During installation, the two carrier frames 10 are not installed on the base 13 immediately. Instead, multiple bipolar modules are first installed between the two carrier frames 10. Then, multiple fixing frame strips 25 are used to limit the relative position between the two carrier frames 10 to further limit the position of all bipolar modules. Finally, the two carrier frames 10 are installed on the base 13.

[0041] Specifically, the hydrogen intake unit 11 includes a hydrogen pipe 111 and a gate valve 22. The hydrogen pipe 111 is used to introduce external hydrogen and runs through the hydrogen passage 7. The gate valve 22 is installed in the flow path of the hydrogen pipe 111. The gate valve 22 can be a ball valve, and it has a valve switch 23 on the hydrogen pipe 111. The valve switch 23 is used to manually control the opening and closing state of the gate valve 22, so that the hydrogen pipe 111 is in a conducting state or a cut-off state. When it is necessary to introduce external hydrogen, the gate valve 22 is opened by the valve switch 23, and the external hydrogen enters the hydrogen passage 7 through the hydrogen pipe 111. When it is not necessary to introduce external hydrogen, the gate valve 22 is closed by the valve switch 23, and the passage between the external hydrogen and the hydrogen passage 7 is cut off by the gate valve 22.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the oxygen intake unit includes a volute 15, an impeller 20, and an intake motor 18. The volute 15 has a front air inlet 16 and a rear air inlet 121. The front air inlet 16 is used to introduce external air, and the rear air inlet 121 is connected to the air duct 6. The impeller 20 is disposed inside the volute 15. The main shaft of the intake motor 18 passes through the volute 15 and drives the impeller 20 to rotate through a T-shaped cylinder 19. When the impeller 20 rotates, it generates a pressurized airflow from the front air inlet 16 to the rear air inlet 121 to achieve gas flow and pressurization functions.

[0043] Furthermore, the intake motor 18 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the volute 15. A mounting bracket 14 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the volute 15. The main function of the mounting bracket 14 is to provide structural support. A dustproof box 17 is fixedly connected to the end of the mounting bracket 14, covering the intake motor 18 to prevent dust from entering the interior of the intake motor 18. A support frame 21 is securely connected to the bottom of the volute 15. The support frame 21 is mainly used to support and stabilize the operation of the volute 15.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, a heat dissipation unit 2 is provided inside the base 13. The base 13 is provided with a shaped groove 201 for accommodating the heat dissipation unit 2. The shaped groove 201 has two air outlets 209 on the surface of the base 13. The two air outlets 209 are located on the front and rear sides of the bipolar unit 101, respectively, and each air outlet 209 is covered with a grid 208.

[0045] Specifically, the heat dissipation unit 2 includes a heat dissipation motor 202, a synchronous transmission mechanism 207, and two fan blades 204. The synchronous transmission mechanism 207 includes a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and a toothed belt 205. The driving wheel and the driven wheel are synchronously transmitted over a long distance via the toothed belt 205. The heat dissipation motor 202 drives the driving wheel to rotate, and when the driving wheel rotates, it drives the driven wheel to rotate synchronously via the toothed belt 205, thereby realizing that the heat dissipation motor 202 simultaneously drives the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The driving wheel and the driven wheel are respectively provided with a driving shaft 203 and a driven shaft 206. The driving shaft 203 and the driven shaft 206 are each connected to a fan blade 204. The two fan blades 204 are respectively located in two air outlets 209.

[0046] In other words, when the cooling motor 202 starts, the two fan blades 204 rotate synchronously, causing the two air outlets 209 to output cooling airflow. The two cooling airflows flow through the cooling holes 8 located on the front and rear sides of the bipolar unit 101, respectively. The cooling airflow can dissipate heat from the bipolar unit 101 through the cooling holes 8, carrying away the heat generated during the electrochemical reaction, so as to ensure that the bipolar unit 101 will not be affected by overheating, thereby improving safety performance.

[0047] Since each air outlet 209 is covered with a mesh 208, the mesh 208 not only helps to distribute the airflow evenly, but also plays a certain role in dust protection.

[0048] Furthermore, a round cover 24 is tightly fixed to the bottom of the cooling motor 202. The round cover 24 is used to protect the internal components of the cooling motor 202 and prevent dust from entering.

[0049] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus, characterized by, include: The base (13) is fitted with a limiting housing (901); Multiple bipolar units (101) are arranged linearly in the limiting shell (901). Each bipolar unit (101) has an interconnected air passage (6) and an interconnected hydrogen passage (7). The limiting shell (901) has an air intake unit (12) that passes through the air passage (6) and a hydrogen intake unit (11) that passes through the hydrogen passage (7). Each bipolar unit (101) has multiple heat dissipation holes (8). A heat dissipation unit (2) is mounted on the base (13) and is located below the limiting housing (901). The heat dissipation unit (2) has a heat dissipation airflow toward the bipolar unit (101).

2. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The bipolar unit (101) includes a first electrode plate (1), a second electrode plate (4), and a membrane electrode (3), wherein the membrane electrode (3) is sandwiched between the first electrode plate (1) and the second electrode plate (4).

3. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The first electrode plate (1) and the second electrode plate (4) are provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes (8) on their front and rear narrow sides; the first electrode plate (1) and the second electrode plate (4) are provided with an air passage (6) and a hydrogen passage (7).

4. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat dissipation unit (2) includes a heat dissipation motor (202), a synchronous transmission mechanism (207), and two fan blades (204). The synchronous transmission mechanism (207) is provided with a synchronously operating drive shaft (203) and a driven shaft (206). The heat dissipation motor (202) drives the drive shaft (203). The two fan blades (204) are respectively connected to the drive shaft (203) and the driven shaft (206). The two fan blades (204) are located on the front and rear sides of the bipolar unit (101).

5. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The base (13) is provided with a shaped groove (201) for accommodating the heat dissipation unit (2). The shaped groove (201) has two air outlets (209) on the surface of the base (13), and each air outlet (209) is covered with a mesh (208).

6. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The limiting shell (901) includes a limiting frame (9) and a bearing frame (10). There are multiple limiting frames (9), and the upper and lower ends of each bipolar unit (101) are fixedly connected to the limiting frame (9).

7. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 6 wherein: There are two carrier frames (10). Each bipolar unit (101) and the corresponding two limiting frames (9) together constitute a bipolar module. Multiple bipolar modules are arranged linearly between the two carrier frames (10). One carrier frame (10) is provided with the air intake unit (12), and the other carrier frame (10) is provided with the hydrogen intake unit (11).

8. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 7, wherein: The outer walls of the two support frames (10) are connected by a fixed frame strip (25), which spans all bipolar units (101).

9. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The air intake unit (12) includes a volute (15), an impeller (20), and an intake motor (18). The volute (15) is provided with a front air inlet (16) and a rear air inlet (121). The rear air inlet (121) is connected to the air duct (6). The impeller (20) is disposed inside the volute (15). The intake motor (18) is used to drive the impeller (20) to rotate. When the impeller (20) rotates, it generates a pressurized airflow from the front air inlet (16) to the rear air inlet (121).

10. The hydrogen fuel cell electrode plate support apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The hydrogen inlet unit (11) includes a hydrogen pipe (111) and a gate valve (22). The hydrogen pipe (111) passes through the hydrogen gas passage (7). The gate valve (22) is located on the flow path of the hydrogen pipe (111). The gate valve (22) is used to open or close the hydrogen pipe (111).

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