Anode media block for dual or multi-stack fuel cell systems

Abstract

The application provides an anode medium block for a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system, which comprises a base plate and a carrier. The base plate is integrally formed by a plastic material and has a load side configured to support at least one module related to a supply of a fuel medium of the fuel cell system, a flow channel side opposite to the load side, and an edge side connecting the load side and the flow channel side and configured to receive a medium shut-off valve module. At least one of the load side and the flow channel side is provided with a reinforcing rib integrally formed therewith. The carrier is configured on the load side of the base plate to support a relatively heavy first module of the at least one module. With the above-mentioned anode medium block of the application, the requirements of light weight, low manufacturing cost and desired strength given by the industry to the medium block can be met, thereby laying a foundation for the modularization and integration design of the medium block so as to better meet the requirements of engineering applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an accessory used in the field of fuel cells, and more particularly to an anode medium block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems. Background Technology

[0002] In a conventional fuel cell system, there are typically three paths: a hydrogen supply circuit, an air circuit, and a cooling circuit. In a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell engine consisting of at least two stacks (modules) connected in series, the media block connecting the anode of the stack plays a crucial role in connecting system components on one side and transmitting the medium used by the stack on the other side.

[0003] With increasing industrialization, the requirements for the modularity and integration of the dielectric blocks in fuel cell systems are becoming increasingly stringent. In practical applications, metals (e.g., aluminum alloys) are typically used to manufacture the dielectric blocks. Specifically, a single piece of aluminum alloy is machined to obtain the desired dielectric block structure. These metal dielectric blocks are usually heavy, which is not conducive to engineering implementation, and the manufacturing process is complex and therefore costly, failing to meet the requirements of hydrogen fuel cell engines for lightweight design and low cost.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand in the industry for a lightweight, low-cost anode dielectric block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems that meets the expected strength requirements, in order to better meet the requirements of engineering applications. Utility Model Content

[0005] To meet the above requirements and achieve the above objectives, this application provides an anode dielectric block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems.

[0006] The anode medium block includes a base plate and a support member, wherein: the base plate is integrally formed of a plastic material and has: a load side configured to support at least one module related to the supply of fuel medium to the fuel cell system; a flow channel side opposite to the load side, on which a plurality of flow channels for transmitting the fuel medium are provided; and a side connecting the load side and the flow channel side, the side being configured to receive a medium shut-off valve module configured to control the opening or shut-off of the supply of fuel medium to the fuel cell system; wherein at least one of the load side and the flow channel side is provided with an integrally formed reinforcing rib; and the support member is disposed on the load side of the base plate for supporting a relatively heavy first module among the at least one module.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the reinforcing rib is in the shape of a rib extending outward from a corresponding side of the load side and the flow channel side of the base plate and away from the base plate. Further, the reinforcing rib is configured as ribs arranged parallel to or intersecting each other.

[0008] Alternatively, from a view facing the load side of the base plate, the reinforcing ribs are configured to present a honeycomb structure composed of multiple honeycomb cells, each of which is a shape selected from the group consisting of crisscross, polygons, and circles. Further, from a view facing the load side of the base plate, each of the multiple honeycomb cells in the honeycomb structure is hexagonal.

[0009] According to another embodiment of this application, when the reinforcing ribs are provided on each of the load side and the flow channel side: the reinforcing ribs on the load side and the flow channel side are configured to have the same configuration; and / or the reinforcing ribs on either the load side or the flow channel side are configured to have different configurations in different regions on the same side.

[0010] According to another embodiment of this application, the support member is a solid plastic part fixed relative to the load side of the base plate. Further, the support member is a component manufactured separately relative to the base plate; or the support member is an injection-molded part integrally formed with the base plate.

[0011] According to another embodiment of this application, the carrier is a metal part fixed relative to the load side. Further, the carrier is a metal part overlaid and formed on the load side.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the fuel medium is hydrogen; the medium shut-off valve module is a hydrogen shut-off valve module; and the at least one module includes a hydrogen ejector module and a hydrogen supply module, wherein the hydrogen supply module is the first module.

[0013] The anode dielectric block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems using the present application can meet the industry's requirements for lightweight, low-manufacturing-cost, and expected-strength dielectric blocks, thus laying the foundation for modular and integrated design of dielectric blocks to better meet the requirements of engineering applications. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples illustrating the relevant schematic structures of the technical solutions according to this application. The embodiments shown in the drawings are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the implementation of the subject matter of this application to these embodiments. In the drawings, similar or identical reference numerals are used to refer to similar or identical elements or components. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 An anode medium block for a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system, according to the prior art, is shown, on which a hydrogen shut-off valve module, a hydrogen ejector module, and a hydrogen supply module are mounted.

[0016] Figure 1A-1C They are respectively Figure 1 The diagram shows a top perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of the anode dielectric block, wherein the hydrogen shut-off valve module, the hydrogen ejector module, and the hydrogen supply module have been removed for clarity.

[0017] Figure 2 An anode medium block for a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system according to this application is shown, on which a hydrogen shut-off valve module, a hydrogen ejector module and a hydrogen supply module are mounted.

[0018] Figure 2A-2C They are respectively Figure 2 The diagram shows a top perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of the anode dielectric block, wherein the hydrogen shut-off valve module, the hydrogen ejector module, and the hydrogen supply module have been removed for clarity. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The anode dielectric block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, for the sake of brevity and clarity in the description, components or structures not covered in this application (e.g., the specific structures of the hydrogen shut-off valve module, hydrogen ejector module, and hydrogen supply module) will not be described in detail below. The specifics of these components or structures are all known in the art.

[0020] The anode medium block placed on the anode side of the fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system mainly serves the following functions: connecting the anodes of two adjacent fuel cell stacks and providing hydrogen fuel entry and exit paths between them, distributing fuel (medium), and providing support for corresponding modules (e.g., hydrogen shut-off valve module, hydrogen ejector module, and hydrogen supply module).

[0021] Figure 1 An anode medium block for a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system according to the prior art is shown, on which multiple modules are carried, such as hydrogen shut-off valve module A, hydrogen ejector module B, and hydrogen supply module C. Figure 1A-1C They are respectively Figure 1 The diagram shows a top perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of the anode dielectric block, where elements have been removed for clarity. Figure 1 The hydrogen shut-off valve module A, hydrogen ejector module B, and hydrogen supply module C are shown in the diagram.

[0022] The following section provides a detailed explanation using these views.

[0023] According to existing technology, the anode dielectric block 8 for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems is a single piece machined from a single metal material (e.g., aluminum alloy). This anode dielectric block 8 has side 81 ( Figure 1A (best shown in the middle), load side 82 ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B (best shown in the middle) and the flow channel side 83 opposite to the load side 82 ( Figure 1C (as best shown in the diagram), wherein side 81 connects load side 82 and flow channel side 83.

[0024] See Figure 1A Side 81 is configured to mount a hydrogen shut-off valve module A, which is configured to be in fluid communication with a hydrogen ejector module B, thereby allowing hydrogen from a hydrogen source to enter the hydrogen ejector module B and subsequently the fuel cell stack (not shown in the figure). In other words, the hydrogen shut-off valve module A controls the opening and closing of the hydrogen supply to the hydrogen ejector module B.

[0025] See further Figure 1A and Figure 1B Three support portions 821, 822, and 823 are provided on the load side 82. These support portions are all in the form of protrusions extending outward from the base surface 820 of the load side 82, away from the base surface 820. Each of these support portions has support surfaces 821S, 822S, and 823S (indicated in...) that are substantially parallel to the base surface 820 of the load side 82. Figure 1B (In the middle). Among them, the support parts 821 and 822 are configured such that their respective support surfaces 821S and 822S are substantially coplanar, so as to cooperate with each other to support the hydrogen ejection module B. The support part 823 is configured to be arranged in a generally U-shape on the load side 82 and is used to support the hydrogen supply module C on its support surface 823S.

[0026] See Figure 1C The diagram shows the flow channel side 83 of the anode medium block 8. The flow channel side 83 is provided with an inlet hydrogen flow channel P1 configured to fluidly connect the hydrogen ejector module B to the stack anode side of the fuel cell system, an outlet hydrogen flow channel P2 fluidly connecting the stack anode side to the hydrogen supply module C, and a hydrogen recovery flow channel P3 fluidly connecting the hydrogen supply module C to the hydrogen ejector module B.

[0027] We will describe the details of each structural component involved in more detail below, in conjunction with the improvements made in this application.

[0028] See Figure 2The illustration shows an anode medium block 1 for a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system according to this application, on which a hydrogen shut-off valve module A, a hydrogen ejector module B, and a hydrogen supply module C are carried. The hydrogen shut-off valve module A, hydrogen ejector module B, and hydrogen supply module C mentioned herein are exactly the same as the corresponding modules that cooperate with the medium blocks in the prior art. Figure 2A-2C They are respectively Figure 2 The diagram shows a top perspective view, a top view view, and a bottom view view of the anode dielectric block.

[0029] See Figure 2A-2C The anode dielectric block 1 for a dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell system according to this application mainly includes a base plate 10, a first support portion 20, and a second support portion 30. The base plate 10 has side 11 ( Figure 2A (best shown in the middle), load side 12 ( Figure 2A and Figure 2B (best shown in the middle) and the flow channel side 13 opposite to the load side 12 ( Figure 2C (Best shown in the diagram), wherein side 11 connects load side 12 to flow channel side 13 and is configured for mounting hydrogen shut-off valve module A to supply and shut off hydrogen from a hydrogen source (not shown) to hydrogen ejector module B. This mounting of hydrogen shut-off valve module A can be achieved using a threaded fastener connection. This fastener is, for example, a bolt. Figure 2A The image shows six bolt holes used in conjunction with this. However, this application does not limit the fastening method or the number of fasteners used.

[0030] The base plate 10 is integrally formed, for example, using engineering plastics (e.g., PPS+GF40) through an injection molding (overmolding) process. It should be noted that metal bushings can be provided in all through holes and blind holes on the base plate 10 made of engineering plastic for connection purposes to help strengthen and ensure the connection strength (of the fasteners). The location of the through holes and blind holes can be designed by those skilled in the art based on actual needs. The metal bushings can be integrally formed into the base plate 10 through an overmolding process. These processes and design details are not elaborated upon in this application.

[0031] To further ensure that the strength of the base plate 10 meets the requirements of specific applications, reinforcing ribs SR are typically provided on both the load-bearing side 12 and the flow channel side 13 of the base plate 10. The position and dimensions of the reinforcing ribs SR can be changed according to specific application requirements. This change can be reflected in the mold used in the molding process, thereby achieving this in the process. In other words, although... Figure 2-2CThe reinforcing rib SR is shown as a honeycomb structure generally composed of hexagonal honeycomb units, but this application is not limited to this. The configuration of the reinforcing rib SR can be one or more sets of ribs arranged parallel or intersecting each other, for example, a set of ribs with a wavy cross-section taken on a plane perpendicular to the base surface of the base plate 10 (i.e., the surface of the base plate 10 with the largest footprint, from which the reinforcing rib SR extends). Alternatively, the reinforcing rib SR can be a honeycomb structure composed of honeycomb units with a cross-section in the shape of a grid, circle, polygon, etc., taken on a plane parallel to the base surface (or in a view facing the load side 12 of the base plate 10). Alternatively, the configurations of the reinforcing ribs on the load side 12 and the flow channel side 13 can be the same or different, and the configurations of the reinforcing ribs on the same side can also differ in different regions. For example, Figure 2A-2C This illustrates a situation where the configuration of the stiffeners on the same side differs in different regions (the region supporting the module and the region not supporting the module).

[0032] The addition of reinforcing ribs helps to achieve the requirement of lightweight media blocks while ensuring strength. Furthermore, the placement of reinforcing ribs is not limited to the methods disclosed herein; other applicable methods conceived by those skilled in the art are possible. For example, where permissible, reinforcing ribs may be provided only on one of the load side 12 and the flow channel side 13. Of course, providing reinforcing ribs on both sides simultaneously is the preferred option.

[0033] See Figure 2A and Figure 2B Support portions B1 and B2 are integrally formed on the load side 12 of the base plate 10. Both support portions B1 and B2 are protrusions extending outward from and away from the base surface of the base plate 10, and are provided with support surfaces B1S and B2S (marked in...) parallel to the base surface of the base plate 10 (the surface from which the support portion extends or provides support to the support portion, not shown in the figure). Figure 2B In the middle, the two support surfaces B1S and B2S are coplanar and cooperate with each other to support the hydrogen ejector module B. As an example, the hydrogen ejector module B can be supported by fasteners ( Figure 2 The diagram shows six bolts threaded onto these supports B1 and B2. Similarly, this application makes no limitation on the number and type of fasteners used.

[0034] The first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 are also disposed on the load side 12 of the base plate 10. The first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 are configured to be separate from each other, each having a support surface 20S and 30S parallel to the base surface of the base plate 10. For the sake of support strength, the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 can be solid plastic parts. In this case, provided the manufacturing process allows, the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 can be configured to be integrally formed with the base plate 10 by injection molding. Alternatively, the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 can be manufactured separately using the aforementioned engineering plastic (e.g., PPS+GF40) by, for example, injection molding, and then the two support portions are respectively fixed to appropriate positions on the load side 12 of the base plate 10. As an example, this fixing can be achieved by using fasteners ( Figure 2B The figure shows three screw holes for fixing the first support part 20 and two screw holes for fixing the second support part 30 (not shown in the figure) to achieve threaded connection.

[0035] Preferably, the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 are solid metal parts made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. They can then be bonded to the load-bearing side 12 of the base plate 10 during the overmolding process of manufacturing the base plate 10. The purpose of combining the metal support portions with the engineering plastic base plate 10 is to increase the strength of the dielectric block itself and prevent it from failing under vibration (especially due to the significant weight of the hydrogen supply module C). This metallization design is a more ideal solution for improving the strength of the dielectric block.

[0036] although Figure 2-2C The first support portion 20 and the second support portion 30 are shown in a specific shape and size and in a specific position, but this application is not limited thereto. As long as they can meet the weight requirements of supporting the hydrogen ejector module B and the hydrogen supply module C, the arrangement of these two supports in the anode dielectric block of this application can be changed in many ways.

[0037] See Figure 2A and Figure 2B The load side 12 of the base plate 10 also has an integrally formed support C1 located away from the support B1 (i.e., near the side opposite to the side where the hydrogen shut-off valve module A is installed). This support C1 has a support surface C1S parallel to the base surface of the load side 12 of the base plate 10. This support surface C1S is coplanar with and cooperates with the support surfaces 20S of the first support 20 and 30S of the second support 30 to jointly support the hydrogen supply module C. For example, Figure 2BThe diagram shows the use of nine bolts to connect the hydrogen supply module C to the base plate 10. This demonstrates that the weight of the hydrogen supply module C is distributed across the first support 20, the second support 30, and the support C1, without placing pressure on other locations on the load side 12 (especially the reinforcing rib SR located below the hydrogen supply module C), thus facilitating a lightweight design for the medium block.

[0038] In one embodiment, the support surfaces of the support portions B1 and B2 for supporting the hydrogen ejector module B and the first support portion 20, the second support portion 30 and the support portion C1 for supporting the hydrogen supply module C can be configured such that the assembled hydrogen ejector module B is substantially flush with the exposed surface of the back-facing base plate 10 of the hydrogen supply module C.

[0039] See Figure 2C The diagram shows the flow channel side 13 of the base plate 10. On this flow channel side 13 are respectively provided a hydrogen inlet flow channel P1 configured to fluidly connect the hydrogen ejector module B to the anode side of the fuel cell system stack, a hydrogen outlet flow channel P2 fluidly connecting the anode side of the stack to the hydrogen supply module C, and a hydrogen recovery flow channel P3 fluidly connecting the hydrogen supply module C to the hydrogen ejector module B. Corresponding sealing grooves are provided around the outer periphery of these flow channels to achieve an airtight seal. These sealing grooves can be formed simultaneously during the injection molding process. The design of these flow channels is similar to that in prior art media blocks; only their connection relationships are briefly described below.

[0040] See Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The hydrogen shut-off valve module A is fixed to the side 11 (indicated by bolts) of the base plate 10 of the medium block 1 by fasteners such as bolts. Figure 2A When the valve is opened, hydrogen gas enters the hydrogen ejector module B through the hydrogen shut-off valve module A via the flow channel (not shown in the figure) located in the support part B1.

[0041] The hydrogen ejector module B is mounted on supports B1 and B2, and is fixed to its support surfaces B1S and B2S by fasteners, thereby securing it to the dielectric block 1. The two lower interfaces of the hydrogen ejector module B are in fluid communication with the main hydrogen inlet 101 and the branch inlet 302. Hydrogen gas enters the main hydrogen inlet 101 through the hydrogen ejector module B, then flows through the stack inlet hydrogen channel P1 to the branch inlets 102 and 103, and finally enters the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system.

[0042] The bottom interface of the hydrogen supply module C is in fluid communication with branch port 301 and main hydrogen outlet 201. Hydrogen exiting the reactor flows through branch ports 202 and 203, then through hydrogen outlet channel P2 to the main hydrogen outlet 201, thus entering the hydrogen supply module C. There, it passes through a gas-liquid separator to remove moisture. Subsequently, the gas-liquid separated hydrogen flows through branch port 301 through hydrogen recovery channel P3 to branch port 302, and finally enters the hydrogen ejector module B.

[0043] Furthermore, it is conceivable to place temperature and pressure sensors at appropriate locations to detect media data at different positions on the media block. This is similar to the design of existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0044] The anode dielectric block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems of this application can reduce the weight of hydrogen fuel cell engines, thereby meeting the requirements for lightweighting; the dielectric block made by injection molding (or plastic coating) can significantly reduce manufacturing costs; the entire manufacturing process can eliminate the requirement for machining steps and rely solely on injection molding, thereby improving production efficiency and facilitating engineering development.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the dielectric block is made of non-metallic material and uses a hexagonal honeycomb structure to provide reinforcing ribs, which can meet the requirements of lightweighting while ensuring strength. Embedding metal supports at the support points can significantly improve the strength of the dielectric block and also realize multiple functions, namely, dielectric distribution, connection to the fuel cell stack, and support for the hydrogen supply module.

[0046] Although the connection between the module and the base plate (or its support portion) is described as a threaded connection in the foregoing description, this application is not limited thereto. Where applicable, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various suitable alternatives.

[0047] It should be noted that although ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, etc.) are used in the description in this article, the expression is only used to distinguish related structures or components and is not intended to order them.

[0048] Furthermore, although several embodiments of this application have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims. The above embodiments are provided merely as examples to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. A feature or element described in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment unless it contradicts an existing feature or element in another embodiment. Moreover, the specific wording of features and the possible use of reference numerals in the appended claims are not intended to limit the scope of protection claimed.

Claims

1. An anode dielectric block for dual-stack or multi-stack fuel cell systems, characterized in that, The anode dielectric block includes a base plate (10) and support members (20, 30), wherein: The base plate is integrally formed of plastic material and has the following characteristics: The load side (12) is configured to support at least one module in relation to the supply of fuel medium for the fuel cell system. On the flow channel side (13), opposite to the load side, a plurality of flow channels (P1, P2, P3) for transmitting the fuel medium are provided; and A side (11) connecting the load side and the flow channel side is configured to receive a medium shut-off valve module (A), which is configured to control the opening or shut-off of the fuel medium supply to the fuel cell system. Wherein, at least one of the load side and the flow channel side is provided with an integrally formed reinforcing rib (SR); and The load-bearing member is disposed on the load side of the base plate for supporting the relatively heavy first module among the at least one module.

2. The anode dielectric block according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing ribs are in the shape of ribs extending outward from the corresponding side of the load side and the flow channel side of the base plate and away from the base plate.

3. The anode dielectric block according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reinforcing ribs are configured as ribs arranged parallel to or intersecting each other.

4. The anode dielectric block according to claim 2, characterized in that, From a view facing the load side of the base plate, the reinforcing ribs are configured to present a honeycomb structure composed of multiple honeycomb cells, each of which is a shape selected from the group consisting of grid, polygon and circle.

5. The anode dielectric block according to claim 4, characterized in that, From a view facing the load side of the base plate, each of the plurality of cell units in the honeycomb structure is hexagonal.

6. The anode dielectric block according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, When the reinforcing ribs are provided on each of the load side and the flow channel side, The reinforcing ribs on the load side and the flow channel side are configured to have the same configuration. and / or The reinforcing ribs on either the load side or the flow channel side are configured to have different configurations in different regions on the same side.

7. The anode dielectric block according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The load-bearing component is a solid plastic part fixed to the load side relative to the base plate.

8. The anode dielectric block according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support member is a component manufactured separately relative to the base plate; or The support component is an injection-molded part integrally formed with the base plate.

9. The anode dielectric block according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The support member is a metal component that is fixed relative to the load side.

10. The anode dielectric block according to claim 9, characterized in that, The load-bearing component is a metal part that is covered and molded on the load side.

11. The anode dielectric block according to any one of claims 1-5, 8 and 10, characterized in that, The fuel medium is hydrogen; The medium shut-off valve module is a hydrogen shut-off valve module; and The at least one module includes a hydrogen ejection module (B) and a hydrogen supply module (C), and the hydrogen supply module is the first module.

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