A low-power high-temperature reactor fuel cell bipolar plate

Abstract

The utility model relates to bipolar plate structure field especially relates to a kind of low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell bipolar plate, including anode plate and cathode plate, the anode plate and cathode plate are bonded to form bipolar plate body, cooling gas import and cooling gas export are set in the bipolar plate body in opposite sides, cooling gas flow channel is provided in the bonding surface of the anode plate and cathode plate, the cooling gas flow channel is respectively with cooling gas import, cooling gas export intercommunication and forms cooling gas circuit.The design of the cooling gas flow channel makes cooling gas be able to flow evenly between anode plate and cathode plate, effectively carries away the heat generated in the working process of fuel cell, improves the heat dissipation performance of fuel cell.In addition, the setting of cooling gas import and cooling gas export, the introduction and discharge of cooling gas are facilitated, the circulation flow of cooling gas in bipolar plate is guaranteed, and the heat dissipation effect is further enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bipolar plate structures, and more particularly to a bipolar plate for a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fuel cells generate a large amount of heat during the reaction process. If heat is not dissipated in time, the cell temperature will rise, affecting its performance and lifespan. This heat management issue is crucial for the commercial application and long-term development of fuel cell technology.

[0003] The heat dissipation requirements of fuel cells stem from their high-efficiency energy conversion process. During the reaction, chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of heat. Inadequate heat dissipation can cause the battery temperature to rise rapidly, reducing battery efficiency and accelerating the aging of internal materials, thus shortening its lifespan. Therefore, an efficient heat dissipation system is an indispensable part of fuel cell technology.

[0004] To address this issue, researchers are working on developing advanced heat dissipation technologies. These include optimizing battery structure design, employing high thermal conductivity materials, and introducing intelligent temperature control systems, all aimed at improving heat dissipation efficiency, reducing battery operating temperature, and ensuring stable battery performance. Meanwhile, research into novel heat dissipation materials and technologies, such as heat pipes and phase change materials, is also providing new solutions for fuel cell heat dissipation.

[0005] However, using the above technology in low-power fuel cells would result in extremely high costs, so there is an urgent need for a bipolar plate for use in low-power high-temperature fuel cell stacks. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a bipolar plate for a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell, thereby solving the problem of poor heat dissipation performance of low-power high-temperature stack fuel cells.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A bipolar plate for a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate. The anode plate and the cathode plate are bonded together to form a bipolar plate body. Cooling gas inlet and cooling gas outlet are opened on opposite sides of the bipolar plate body. Cooling gas flow channels are provided on the bonding surface of the anode plate and the cathode plate. The cooling gas flow channels are respectively connected to the cooling gas inlet and the cooling gas outlet to form a cooling gas path.

[0008] Furthermore, the anode plate and the cathode plate have adhesive grooves on their bonding surfaces, and the adhesive grooves surround the cooling gas inlet, cooling gas outlet and cooling gas flow channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the cooling gas flow channel consists of multiple parallel DC channels.

[0010] Furthermore, the cooling gas flow channel is a serpentine path.

[0011] Furthermore, the cooling gas flow channel is a U-shaped passage.

[0012] Furthermore, an anode flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the anode plate, and a cathode flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the cathode plate. A hydrogen-rich gas inlet, an air inlet, a hydrogen-rich gas outlet, and an air outlet are formed on the bipolar plate body. A first flow channel is formed at the hydrogen-rich gas inlet and outlet of the anode plate. The hydrogen-rich gas inlet and outlet form a ventilation path through the first flow channel and the anode flow channel. A second flow channel is formed at the air inlet and outlet of the cathode plate. The air inlet and outlet form a ventilation path through the second flow channel and the cathode flow channel.

[0013] Furthermore, a sealing groove is provided on the outer surface of both the anode plate and the cathode plate, and the sealing groove isolates the anode flow channel from the hydrogen-rich gas inlet, air inlet, hydrogen-rich gas outlet, air outlet, cooling gas inlet and cooling gas outlet.

[0014] This invention provides a bipolar plate for a low-power high-temperature fuel cell stack, comprising an anode plate and a cathode plate bonded together to form a bipolar plate body. The bipolar plate body has cooling gas inlets and outlets on opposite sides. Cooling gas channels are formed on the bonding surfaces of the anode and cathode plates, respectively connecting to the cooling gas inlets and outlets to form cooling gas paths. This design allows the cooling gas to flow uniformly between the anode and cathode plates, effectively removing heat generated during fuel cell operation and improving heat dissipation performance. Furthermore, the cooling gas inlet and outlet facilitate the introduction and discharge of cooling gas, ensuring its circulation within the bipolar plate and further enhancing heat dissipation. This bipolar plate structure is simple, has low manufacturing cost, and is particularly suitable for low-power high-temperature fuel cells, significantly improving their operational stability and service life. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the bonding side of the bipolar plate anode plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer surface of the anode plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the bipolar plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to this utility model.

[0018] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0019] 1. Anode plate, 2. Cathode plate, 3. Cooling gas inlet, 4. Cooling gas outlet, 5. Cooling gas flow channel, 6. Adhesive tank, 7. Anode flow channel, 8. Hydrogen-rich gas inlet, 9. Air inlet, 10. Hydrogen-rich gas outlet, 11. Air outlet, 12. First flow channel, 13. Sealing tank. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "center", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation 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.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] like Figures 1-3As shown, this utility model provides a bipolar plate for a low-power high-temperature fuel cell stack, including an anode plate 1 and a cathode plate 2. The anode plate 1 and cathode plate 2 are bonded together to form a bipolar plate body. Cooling gas inlets 3 and cooling gas outlets 4 are provided on opposite sides of the bipolar plate body. Cooling gas channels 5 are provided on the bonding surface of the anode plate 1 and cathode plate 2, and the cooling gas channels 5 are respectively connected to the cooling gas inlets 3 and cooling gas outlets 4 to form cooling gas paths. The design of the cooling gas channels 5 allows the cooling gas to flow uniformly between the anode plate 1 and cathode plate 2, effectively removing the heat generated by the fuel cell during operation and improving the heat dissipation performance of the fuel cell. Furthermore, the cooling gas inlets 3 and cooling gas outlets 4 facilitate the introduction and discharge of cooling gas, ensuring the circulation of cooling gas within the bipolar plate and further enhancing the heat dissipation effect. This bipolar plate structure is simple, has low manufacturing cost, and is particularly suitable for low-power high-temperature fuel cells, significantly improving their operational stability and service life.

[0024] The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stacked fuel cell of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, based on the previously described technical solution, another option is to have an adhesive groove 6 formed on the bonding surface of the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2. The adhesive groove 6 surrounds the cooling gas inlet 3, the cooling gas outlet 4, and the cooling gas flow channel 5. The design of the adhesive groove 6 not only ensures a strong bond between the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2 but also effectively prevents cooling gas leakage from the bonding gaps, further improving the sealing performance and overall structural stability of the bipolar plate. The filling of the adhesive groove 6 allows for more uniform bonding, enhancing the durability and impact resistance of the bipolar plate. Furthermore, the adhesive groove 6 simplifies the manufacturing process, improves production efficiency, and makes the bipolar plate more suitable for industrial production.

[0025] The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stacked fuel cell of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, based on the previously described technical solution, the cooling gas flow channel 5 can also be configured as multiple parallel DC paths. This design makes the flow of cooling gas within the bipolar plate more uniform, improving cooling efficiency and ensuring the temperature stability of the fuel cell during operation. Simultaneously, the DC path configuration reduces the flow resistance of the cooling gas, lowering energy consumption. Furthermore, the multiple parallel DC paths enhance the heat dissipation capacity of the bipolar plate, enabling the fuel cell to maintain stable operation even in high-temperature environments. This innovative design not only improves the performance of the bipolar plate but also further extends the lifespan of the fuel cell, providing strong support for the widespread application of small-power, high-temperature fuel cell stacks.

[0026] The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stacked fuel cell of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3As shown, based on the previously described technical solution, the cooling gas flow channel 5 can also be a serpentine path. This serpentine path design further optimizes the flow path of the cooling gas, making the distribution of the cooling gas within the bipolar plate more uniform and effectively avoiding local overheating or insufficient cooling. Compared to a direct current path, the serpentine path can utilize the space of the bipolar plate more effectively, improving cooling efficiency and enhancing the thermal conductivity of the bipolar plate. Furthermore, the serpentine path design increases the contact area between the cooling gas and the inner wall of the bipolar plate, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and further ensuring the temperature stability of the fuel cell during operation. This innovative design not only improves the heat dissipation performance of the bipolar plate but also provides a more reliable guarantee for the stable operation of the fuel cell in high-temperature environments.

[0027] The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stacked fuel cell of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, based on the previously described technical solution, the cooling gas flow channel 5 can also be a U-shaped passage. This U-shaped passage design further enhances the uniformity of cooling gas flow within the bipolar plate. Compared to a serpentine passage, the U-shaped passage is more compact in structure and better suited to the needs of miniaturized fuel cells. It ensures that the cooling gas can cover every corner of the bipolar plate, effectively eliminating cooling blind spots, thereby further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the bipolar plate. Furthermore, the U-shaped passage design simplifies the complexity of the cooling system and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs. This innovative design not only optimizes the heat dissipation performance of the bipolar plate but also provides new ideas and technical support for the development of miniaturized, high-efficiency fuel cells.

[0028] The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stacked fuel cell of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3As shown, based on the previously described technical solution, it can also be: an anode flow channel 7 is formed on the outer surface of the anode plate 1, a cathode flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the cathode plate 2, and a hydrogen-rich gas inlet 8, an air inlet 9, a hydrogen-rich gas outlet 10, and an air outlet 11 are formed on the bipolar plate body. A first flow channel 12 is formed at the positions of the hydrogen-rich gas inlet 8 and the hydrogen-rich gas outlet 10, and the hydrogen-rich gas inlet 8 and the hydrogen-rich gas outlet 10 form a ventilation path through the first flow channel 12 and the anode flow channel 7. A second flow channel is formed at the positions of the air inlet 9 and the air outlet 11, and the air inlet 9 and the air outlet 11 form a ventilation path through the second flow channel and the cathode flow channel. This allows hydrogen and air to flow smoothly in the anode flow channel 7 and the cathode flow channel respectively, improving the utilization rate of the reactant gases and thus enhancing the output power and efficiency of the fuel cell. Meanwhile, the optimized arrangement of the first and second flow channels 12 ensures uniform distribution of the reactant gases on the bipolar plate surface, preventing localized over- or under-reaction and extending the fuel cell's lifespan. Furthermore, the rational layout of the hydrogen-rich gas inlet 8, air inlet 9, hydrogen-rich gas outlet 10, and air outlet 11 facilitates connection to external gas supply and exhaust systems, improving the overall integration and reliability of the fuel cell system. This design innovation not only enhances fuel cell performance but also provides a new solution for the development of miniaturized, high-efficiency fuel cell systems.

[0029] The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stacked fuel cell of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, based on the previously described technical solution, another option is to provide sealing grooves 13 on the outer surfaces of both the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2. These sealing grooves 13 isolate the anode flow channel 7 from the hydrogen-rich gas inlet 8, air inlet 9, hydrogen-rich gas outlet 10, air outlet 11, cooling gas inlet 3, and cooling gas outlet 4. This effectively prevents leakage of reactant and cooling gases, ensuring the airtightness of the fuel cell's internal environment. The sealing grooves 13 not only improve the sealing performance between the bipolar plates but also enhance the overall structural strength of the fuel cell. Furthermore, the introduction of the sealing grooves 13 makes the bipolar plates easier to install and maintain, reducing operational difficulty. This innovative design further improves the safety and reliability of low-power high-temperature fuel cell stacks, laying a solid foundation for the widespread application of fuel cells.

[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate for a low-power high-temperature fuel cell stack, characterized in that: The bipolar plate includes an anode plate (1) and a cathode plate (2), which are bonded together to form a bipolar plate body. The bipolar plate body has a cooling gas inlet (3) and a cooling gas outlet (4) on opposite sides. The anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2) are provided with cooling gas channels (5) on the bonding surface. The cooling gas channels (5) are connected to the cooling gas inlet (3) and the cooling gas outlet (4) to form a cooling gas path.

2. The bipolar plate of the low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2) have adhesive grooves (6) on their bonding surfaces. The adhesive grooves (6) surround the cooling gas inlet (3), the cooling gas outlet (4) and the cooling gas flow channel (5).

3. The bipolar plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling gas flow channel (5) consists of multiple parallel DC channels.

4. The bipolar plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling gas flow channel (5) is a serpentine passage.

5. The bipolar plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling gas flow channel (5) is a U-shaped passage.

6. The bipolar plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: An anode channel (7) is provided on the outer surface of the anode plate (1), and a cathode channel is provided on the outer surface of the cathode plate (2). A hydrogen-rich gas inlet (8), an air inlet (9), a hydrogen-rich gas outlet (10), and an air outlet (11) are provided on the bipolar plate body. A first channel (12) is provided at the hydrogen-rich gas inlet (8) and the hydrogen-rich gas outlet (10). The hydrogen-rich gas inlet (8) and the hydrogen-rich gas outlet (10) form a ventilation path through the first channel (12) and the anode channel (7). A second channel is provided at the air inlet (9) and the air outlet (11). The air inlet (9) and the air outlet (11) form a ventilation path through the second channel and the cathode channel.

7. The bipolar plate of a low-power high-temperature stack fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both the anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (2) have sealing grooves (13) on their outer surfaces. The sealing grooves (13) isolate the anode flow channel (7) from the hydrogen-rich gas inlet (8), air inlet (9), hydrogen-rich gas outlet (10), air outlet (11), cooling gas inlet (3), and cooling gas outlet (4).

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