WO2024256528A1 - Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique - Google Patents

Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024256528A1
WO2024256528A1 PCT/EP2024/066344 EP2024066344W WO2024256528A1 WO 2024256528 A1 WO2024256528 A1 WO 2024256528A1 EP 2024066344 W EP2024066344 W EP 2024066344W WO 2024256528 A1 WO2024256528 A1 WO 2024256528A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
section
channel
channels
plate
separator plate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2024/066344
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Bernadette GRÜNWALD
Rainer Glück
Thomas STÖHR
Arnold Gente
Stefan Schoenbauer
Stefan Schuerg
Udo Riegler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Reinz Dichtungs GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Reinz Dichtungs GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH, Reinz Dichtungs GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority to DE112024002527.7T priority Critical patent/DE112024002527A5/de
Priority to CN202480039514.XA priority patent/CN121359267A/zh
Publication of WO2024256528A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024256528A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0206—Metals or alloys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0247—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form
    • H01M8/0254—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the form corrugated or undulated
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0258—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant
    • H01M8/026—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors characterised by the configuration of channels, e.g. by the flow field of the reactant or coolant characterised by grooves, e.g. their pitch or depth
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0267—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors having heating or cooling means, e.g. heaters or coolant flow channels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/24—Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2465—Details of groupings of fuel cells
    • H01M8/2483—Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a separator plate for an electrochemical system.
  • the electrochemical system can in particular be a fuel cell system, an electrochemical compressor, an electrolyzer or a redox flow battery.
  • An electrochemical system with a plurality of such separator plates is also disclosed.
  • Known electrochemical systems of the type mentioned normally comprise a stack of electrochemical cells, each of which is separated from one another by separator plates.
  • the separator plates are also referred to as bipolar plates.
  • the separator plates can serve, for example, to electrically contact the electrodes of the individual electrochemical cells (e.g. fuel cells) and/or to electrically connect adjacent cells (series connection of the cells).
  • the separator plates are typically formed from two individual plates, in particular joined together.
  • the individual plates can be joined together in a materially bonded manner, e.g. by one or more welded joints, in particular by one or more laser welded joints.
  • the separator plates or the individual plates can each have or form structures which are designed, for example, to supply the electrochemical cells arranged between adjacent separator plates with one or more media and/or to transport away reaction products.
  • these structures can be used to guide a cooling fluid through a gap between the individual plates of a separator plate.
  • the structures can, for example, comprise sequences of webs and channels.
  • the media can therefore be fuels (e.g. hydrogen or methanol), reaction gases (e.g. air or oxygen) or coolants.
  • the terms medium and fluid can be used synonymously.
  • the separator plates usually each have at least one through-opening through which the media can be fed to the electrochemical cells or membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) arranged between adjacent separator plates of the stack or from these can be led away.
  • MEAs membrane electrode assemblies
  • a respective fluid is guided by means of the structures described above into a respective first distribution area and from there into a flow field opposite the active area of the cell or MEA. After flowing through the active area, the fluid is fed back to an outlet through-opening via a second distribution area, also called a collection area.
  • a second distribution area also called a collection area.
  • a first fluid e.g. a fuel
  • a second fluid e.g. a reaction gas
  • a cooling fluid is usually guided in an interior space delimited by the inner sides of the individual plates.
  • the media are usually guided through the system by means of external pumping.
  • the fluid-conducting structures on the respective outer sides of the individual plates form complementary structures on their inner sides, which guide the cooling fluid.
  • the cooling fluid guidance is sometimes only possible under increased flow resistance. This places higher demands on the external pumping power. This reduces the cooling capacity of the separator plate accordingly and can consequently lead to limitations in the overall performance of the electrochemical system.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to improve the cooling capacity of a separator plate and thus a total performance of an electrochemical system with a plurality of such separator plates.
  • a separator plate for an electrochemical system comprising a first individual plate and a second individual plate, the inner sides of which face each other and together define a cooling fluid distribution structure, wherein the separator plate has at least one first through-opening for passing a cooling fluid through the separator plate and the cooling fluid distribution structure has at least one distribution region and a flow field, wherein the flow field is in fluid communication with the through-opening via the distribution region, wherein the inside of the first individual plate, in particular a cathode plate, has a plurality of webs and first channels formed therebetween, wherein the first channels each define at least one continuous fluid connection from the distribution region into the flow field and/or through the distribution region into the flow field and each have a curved section, wherein the distribution region comprises a first section which comprises first segments of the first channels, wherein the first segments define a fluid connection between the through-opening and the curved section of a respective first channel, wherein the distribution region comprises a second section which comprises second segments of the first channels, where
  • the invention provides for the flow to be deliberately slowed down by means of the widening of the cross-section in the curved section, in which a certain degree of turbulence within the coolant flow cannot be avoided due to the change in direction that takes place there.
  • the effect of limiting pressure loss is particularly pronounced when, as provided in embodiments, additional fluid channels open into the curved section.
  • these fluid channels can be formed, for example, on the inside of the second individual plate and exchange cooling fluid with the curved section.
  • Such a fluid exchange additionally increases the local turbulence of the cooling fluid flow in the curved section. Consequently, in this case, the targeted slowing down of the flow by widening the flow cross-section is particularly effective in avoiding pressure losses.
  • the first channels can extend at least in sections in the distribution area. For example, they can extend, in particular completely, in the distribution area and be connected to the flow field in a fluid-conducting manner.
  • the channels can optionally be continued in the flow field and/or connect to channels in the flow field and/or merge into channels in the flow field.
  • the curved section can generally serve to effect a change in direction of a respective first channel when it runs from a region near the passage opening in the direction of the flow field.
  • the through-opening and the flow field of the separator plate are generally dimensioned differently and/or the through-opening is offset relative to a center of the flow field when viewed in a width direction of the separator plate.
  • the width direction of the separator plate can extend parallel to a flat surface plane of the individual plates and orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the individual plates and/or orthogonal to a flow direction through the flow field. In order to guide a plurality of channels from the through-opening to the flow field, these cannot always run in a straight line within the distribution area due to the described different dimensions and/or positioning.
  • the curved section which according to one embodiment is the only curved section of the first channels, enables a targeted change in direction of the first channels in order to be able to connect any starting positions of the first channels near the through-opening with any end positions of the first channels near the flow field.
  • the first channels it is also possible for the first channels to have at least one further curved section, for example in their course between the through-opening and the curved section mentioned here.
  • each first channel can each directly adjoin one another and/or directly merge into one another.
  • the first channels optionally have no further segments and sections within the distribution area, apart from the first and second segments and the curved section disclosed here.
  • the second segments in particular end sections thereof remote from the curvature region, can each run parallel to a main flow direction of the cooling fluid through the flow field and/or in channel sections in the flow field which have such a parallel extension,
  • the main flow direction can run in a longitudinal direction of the separator plate and/or be straight, preferably completely straight.
  • the first segment of each first channel can run at an angle to the main flow direction.
  • the first and second individual plates can each also have a distribution area and a flow field for fluid guidance on their outer sides.
  • the first individual plate can form a cathode plate and/or can carry oxygen or air as a first fluid on its outer side.
  • the second individual plate can form an anode plate and/or can carry hydrogen as a second fluid on its outer side.
  • the curved section of the first channel has a flow cross-section that is at least 1.5 times as large and in particular at least twice as large as the flow cross-section of the first segment of the first channel.
  • the flow cross-section can be at least 1.8 times or at least 2.2 times or between 2 and 2.5 times as large as the flow cross-section of the first segment. It has been shown that by means of such widening of the flow cross-section in the curved area, the above-explained effect according to the invention can be achieved particularly reliably.
  • the curved section of a respective first channel has a flow cross-section that is larger than the flow cross-section of the second segment of the first channel.
  • the curved section of the first channel can have a flow cross-section that is at least twice as large, preferably at least three times as large, as the flow cross-section of the second segment of the first channel.
  • the flow cross-section of the curved section can be at least 2.5 times or at least 3.5 times as large, in particular between 3 and 4 times as large, as the flow cross-section of the second segment.
  • the flow cross-section can shrink again after widening in the curved section.
  • the curved section can thus form a locally and in particular locally limited widened area of each first channel with respect to the flow cross-section. This means that the targeted reduction in the flow velocity also only takes place in a correspondingly locally limited manner.
  • the flow cross-section of the first and second segments can in principle be similar, but can also be different from one another.
  • the flow cross-section of the second segment can be larger than the flow cross-section of the first segment. This enables a fluid-conducting connection of the second segment to a channel of the flow field that has a similar or similarly enlarged flow cross-section compared to the first segment.
  • a further embodiment provides that the flow cross-section of the curved section is at least twice as large, at least two and a half times as large or at least three times as large, in particular between three and three and a half times as large, compared to a channel of the flow field to which the first channel is fluidically connected (and/or into which the first channel merges or in whose form the first channel is continued as a channel of the flow field).
  • This also underlines that the expansion of the flow cross-section can take place in a locally limited manner in the curved section.
  • At least regions of the curved section in particular regions of the curved section facing the flow field, as well as the second segments of the first channels, can have a lower height compared to both the first segments of the first channels and the channels of the flow field. This can be advantageous with regard to the space required by the MEA, MEA reinforcement edge and GDL.
  • a step can be provided in the region of the curved section, for example. If such a step is present in a first channel, the larger flow cross section of the curved section of a respective first channel is present at least in the regions of the curved section of the respective first channel that extends in the curved section between the step and the first segment of the first channel.
  • the first segment and the second segment of each first channel are inclined relative to one another by a maximum of 80° and in particular by a maximum of 70°.
  • the smallest possible cutting angle that can be entered can be considered.
  • the smallest possible cutting angle that can be entered between the, for example, extended longitudinal axes of the first and second segments can be considered.
  • a corresponding limitation of the relative angle of the first and second segments to a maximum of 80° limits the extent of the change in direction through the curved section and, accordingly, the associated flow resistance.
  • the first and second segments of each first channel can be inclined by at least 20° and in particular at least 40° relative to one another. This enables a sufficiently large change in direction through the curved section to enable a fluid-conducting connection of the first channels to different positions of the flow field.
  • the first and second segments are substantially or completely straight.
  • a substantially straight extension can be understood to mean extensions with a slight curvature and/or only partial curvature.
  • this possible curvature is preferably significantly smaller than a curvature of the curved section. For example, it is not more than 20% of the curvature of the curved section.
  • the curved section may be continuously curved or, in other words, may not have any rectilinearly extending partial section.
  • the curvature of the curved section may be constant or may vary along the length of the curved section.
  • the flow cross-section of the curved section may vary continuously along its length.
  • any section of the curved section with a constant flow cross-section may be shorter (e.g., at most half as long) than one or more sections with a varying flow cross-section.
  • the flow cross-section in the curved section increases or decreases continuously.
  • the first segment is at least four times or at least ten times as long as the curved portion.
  • This portion or, in other words, this group of first channels may extend away from outer side edges of the distribution region and/or the flow field, for example when viewed in a width direction explained above. Instead, this portion of the first channels may extend in a central region within the distribution region, again preferably when viewed in the width direction, and/or may encompass this central region.
  • a further development provides that the flow cross-section of the curved section is increased compared to the flow cross-section of the first segment (and optionally also of the second segment) by increasing a width dimension of the first channel.
  • the width dimension preferably runs in or parallel to a plane surface the separator plate and/or along or in a width direction explained above.
  • an increase in the width dimension may exceed any increase in the height of the first channel within the curved portion (for example, be at least twice as large) and/or the height of the first channel may be substantially constant.
  • the height may be measured orthogonal to the planar surface plane and/or in a direction pointing toward the corresponding opposing single plate.
  • the plane of the flat surface of a respective individual plate can be defined, for example, by an edge of the individual plate or by those flat areas of the individual plate that are not deformed as a result of an embossing or deep-drawing process to form the web-channel structures or beads described here.
  • the plane of the flat surface can run in the neutral fibers of the corresponding sections of the plates, on the other hand, it is also possible to consider the surfaces of the relevant sections of the plates as plane of the flat surface. With the latter approach, however, it must be ensured that when considering distances or the like, the material thickness of only one of the two plates considered is taken into account.
  • the inside of the second individual plate has a plurality of webs and second channels formed between them, wherein at least some of the second channels extend in sections in the flow field and open into the curved section of one of the first channels.
  • the second channels can be connected to the curved section in a fluid-conducting manner as a result of the opening.
  • the second channels can be fed with cooling fluid from or through the curved section or, depending on the flow direction, feed the curved section with cooling fluid. Consequently, at least part of the cooling fluid from the curved section can be distributed to the second channels or received and collected by the curved section from the second channels.
  • connection of the second channels to the curved section enables a branching of the cooling fluid distribution structure.
  • This can, for example, be a guide allow the cooling fluid to be distributed in the distribution area with a first number of channels and the cooling fluid to be guided in the flow field with a second, larger number of channels, the larger number being formed at least partially as a result of the branching described.
  • the fluid-conducting connection of first and second channels in the area of the curved section is also accompanied by turbulence, which would be significantly more pronounced if the flow cross-section were not expanded and/or if the flow speeds were high and could cause significantly greater pressure losses in the cooling fluid. This risk is effectively limited by the disclosed expansion of the flow cross-section in the curved section.
  • the respective opening of a second channel into the curved section of one of the first channels can comprise that an open end of the second channel, which faces a contact plane between the first and second individual plates, is opposite the curved section of the first channel.
  • the second channels can each open into only one bend section and/or only one first channel. This means a limited number of feed points into or out of the second channels, which can reduce flow resistance.
  • the second channels are each located in sections opposite a web formed on the inside of the first plates.
  • the second channels (and more precisely a section thereof) can cross a web formed on the inside of the first plates. This corresponds to an at least temporary change of level of the cooling fluid guide when the cooling fluid is guided, for example, from the curved section into the second channels and from these, flowing over the opposite web, further in the direction of the flow field.
  • a reverse flow direction from the flow field into the distribution area is also possible.
  • a change of level of the cooling fluid guide can be understood as a change of flow levels of the cooling fluid distribution structure in such a way that that a change is made from a region in which a flow cross-section of the cooling fluid distribution structure extends significantly in a flow space for the cooling fluid spanned by the first individual plate to a region in which a flow cross-section of the cooling fluid distribution structure extends significantly in a flow space for the cooling fluid spanned by the second individual plate, or vice versa.
  • the second channels each have a first section which opens into a curved section of one of the first channels, a second section which lies opposite a web formed on the inside of the first plate, and a third section which runs in the flow field, wherein the second section connects the first and third sections in a fluid-conducting manner.
  • a further development provides that at least some of the other second channels, which are formed on the inside of the second individual plate, extend in the flow field and are each located opposite one of the first channels, which are formed on the inside of the first individual plate.
  • these second channels can each be located opposite a second segment of a first channel of the type described above and/or a continuation of a first channel into the flow field.
  • the cooling fluid can be guided not only as a result of the above-described opening of the second channels into the curved section on the inside of the second individual plate, but also by the corresponding direct opposition of at least a portion of the second and first channels. This increases the achievable cooling of the second individual plates.
  • each first channel and a second channel opening into it a second channel closest to the first segment of the first channel, for example from a possible plurality of second channels opening into the first channel, and the first channel span a first transfer angle which is less than 80°, in particular less than 70°, in particular less than 60°.
  • the smallest spanned angle that can be entered is considered.
  • each first channel and a plurality of second channels opening into it a second channel located further away from the first segment of the first channel and the first channel span a second transfer angle that is smaller than the first transfer angle, in particular by at least 5°, preferably by at least 10° smaller.
  • the smallest spanned angle that can be entered is considered.
  • the transfer angles enable a spatially compact fluid-conducting connection of the second channels to a respective first channel. At the same time, flow resistances are limited due to the at least partial change in flow direction when fluid passes between the channels.
  • the invention also relates to an electrochemical system having a plurality of separator plates according to any aspect described herein.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrochemical system with a plurality of stacked separator plates with membrane electrode units arranged between them.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of two separator plates of a system similar to Figure 1 with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) arranged between the separator plates.
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective partial view of the separator plate of the first embodiment in the region of a distribution region of a first individual plate, in particular cathode plate, of the separator plate.
  • Figure 3a is an enlarged detail view of a section of Figure 3.
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective partial view of a separator plate according to a first embodiment in the region of a distribution region of a second individual plate, in particular anode plate, of the separator plate.
  • Figure 5 shows a schematically highly simplified view of a part of a cooling fluid distribution structure in the interior of the separator plate according to the first embodiment.
  • Figure 6 shows an orthogonal projection of the structural features of a part of the separator plate into a common plane.
  • FIG 1 shows an electrochemical system 1 of the type proposed here with a plurality of identical metallic separator plates 2 (or bipolar plates). These are arranged in a stack 6 and stacked along a z-direction 7. The separator plates 2 of the stack 6 are clamped between two end plates 3, 4. The z-direction 7 is also called the stack direction.
  • the system 1 is a fuel cell stack. Two adjacent separator plates 2 of the stack 6 enclose an electrochemical cell between them, which serves, for example, to convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
  • a membrane electrode unit (MEA) 10 is arranged between adjacent separator plates 2 of the stack 6 (see Figure 2 below).
  • the MEAs typically each contain at least one membrane, e.g. an electrolyte membrane.
  • a gas diffusion layer (GDL) can be arranged on one or both surfaces of the MEA.
  • GDL gas diffusion layer
  • the system 1 can also be designed as an electrolyzer, compressor or redox flow battery.
  • Separator plates can also be used in these electrochemical systems.
  • the structure of these separator plates can correspond to the structure of the separator plates 2 explained in more detail here, even if the media guided on or through the separator plates in an electrolyzer, an electrochemical compressor or a redox flow battery can differ from the media used for a fuel cell system.
  • the separator plates 2 each define a plate plane, whereby the plate planes of the separator plates 2 are each aligned parallel to the xy plane and thus perpendicular to the stacking direction (z axis 7).
  • the end plate 4 has a plurality of media connections 5 through which media can be fed into the system 1 and through which media can be removed from the system 1.
  • These media that can be fed into the system 1 and removed from the system 1 can include, for example, fuels such as molecular hydrogen or methanol, reaction gases such as air or oxygen, reaction products such as water vapor or depleted fuels or a cooling fluid such as water and/or glycol.
  • fuels such as molecular hydrogen or methanol
  • reaction gases such as air or oxygen
  • reaction products such as water vapor or depleted fuels
  • a cooling fluid such as water and/or glycol.
  • Figure 2 shows in perspective two adjacent separator plates 2 or bipolar plates, which can be included in an electrochemical system of the type of system 1 from Figure 1.
  • the separator plates 2 correspond to an example from the prior art. However, the properties and features explained below in relation to this can also apply to the separator plates 2 according to the invention disclosed here or can be provided for them, unless otherwise mentioned or apparent.
  • Fig. 2 also shows a known membrane electrode unit (MEA) 10 arranged between these adjacent separator plates 2, wherein the MEA 10 in Fig. 2 is largely covered by the separator plate 2 facing the viewer.
  • the separator plate 2 is formed from two materially joined individual plates 2a, 2b, of which in Fig. 2 only the individual plate 2a facing the viewer is visible, which covers the other individual plate 2b.
  • the individual plates 2a, 2b can each be made from a metal sheet, e.g. from a stainless steel sheet.
  • the individual plates 2a, 2b can, for example, be welded to one another, e.g. by laser welding connections or only be connected when the stack is stacked.
  • the design of fluid-conducting structures on the outside of the individual plate 2a facing the viewer can differ in Fig. 2 from the structures according to the invention in the other figures below.
  • the individual plates 2a, 2b have through-openings which are aligned with one another and which form through-openings 11a-c of the separator plate 2.
  • the through-openings 11a-c form lines which extend through the stack 6 in the stacking direction 7 (see Figure 1).
  • each of the lines formed by the through-openings 11a-c is in fluid communication with one of the ports 5 in the end plate 4 of the system 1.
  • a cooling fluid can be introduced into the stack 6 or discharged from the stack 6 via the lines formed by the through-openings 11a.
  • the cooling fluids formed by the through-openings 11a-c can, however, be designed to supply the electrochemical cells of the fuel cell stack of the system 1 with fuel and with reaction gas and to discharge the reaction products from the stack 6.
  • the individual plate 2a facing the viewer has sealing arrangements in the form of sealing beads 12a-c. These are arranged around the through openings 11a-c and completely enclose the through openings 11a-c.
  • the second individual plate 2b also has corresponding sealing beads 12a-c on the rear side of the separator plate 2 facing away from the viewer in Figure 2 for sealing the through openings 11a-c (not shown).
  • Alternative sealing systems such as elastomer seals, can also be used.
  • the individual plate 2a facing the viewer Adjacent to the electrochemically active region 18 of the MEA, the individual plate 2a facing the viewer has a flow field 17a with structures for guiding a reaction medium along the outside of the individual plate 2a on its outside facing the viewer. These structures are designed in Figure 2 in the form of a large number of webs and channels running between the webs and delimited by the webs. On the outside of the separator plate 2 facing the viewer, the individual plate 2a facing the viewer also has two distribution regions 20.
  • the distribution areas 20 each comprise structures that are designed to distribute a medium introduced from a first of the two through openings 11b into one of the distribution areas 20 via the active area 18 by means of the flow field 17a or to collect or bundle a medium flowing from the active area 18 or from the flow field 17a to the second of the through openings 11b.
  • the collecting distribution area 20 can also be referred to as a collecting area.
  • the fluid-conducting structures of the distribution areas 20 are also provided in Figure 2 by webs and channels running between the webs and delimited by the webs.
  • a cooling fluid distribution structure 19 formed and/or enclosed between the individual plates 2a, 2b also has distribution areas which overlap with the distribution areas 20 of the individual plates 2a, 2b.
  • This cooling fluid distribution structure also has a flow field 17c which overlaps with the flow fields 17a, b the outer sides of the individual plates 2a, 2b overlaps or is enclosed between them.
  • the web-channel structures on the outer sides of the individual plates 2a, 2b form complementary shaped web-channel structures on the corresponding inner sides and thus complementary shaped web-channel structures of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19.
  • the two through-openings 11b or the lines formed by the through-openings 11b through the plate stack of the system 1 are each in fluid communication with one another via passages 13b in sealing beads 12b, via the distribution structures of the distribution areas 20 and via the flow field 17a of the individual plate 2a facing the viewer of Figure 2.
  • This individual plate 2a is a second individual plate 2a in the sense of this disclosure.
  • a fluid guided along the outside of this individual plate 2a is preferably hydrogen, so that the through-openings 11b are preferably hydrogen through-openings 11b. This results in particular from the smallest cross-section of the hydrogen through-openings 11b compared to the other through-openings 11a, 11c.
  • the two through-openings 11c or the lines formed by the through-openings 11c through the plate stack of the system 1 are each in fluid communication with one another via corresponding bead feedthroughs 13c, via corresponding distribution structures and via a corresponding flow field on an outer side of the individual plate 2b facing away from the viewer of Figure 2.
  • This individual plate 2b is a first individual plate 2b in the sense of this disclosure.
  • a fluid guided along the outer side of this individual plate 2b is preferably air or oxygen, so that the through-openings 11c are preferably air or oxygen through-openings 11c. This results in particular from the largest cross-section of the air or oxygen through-openings 11c compared to the other through-openings 11a, 11b.
  • the through-openings 11a are each in fluid communication with one another via a cavity enclosed or surrounded by the individual plates 2a, 2b, which forms the cooling fluid distribution structure 19. This is done, for example, again by means of feedthroughs 13a.
  • This cavity or this cooling fluid distribution structure 19 serves to guide a cooling fluid through the separator plate 2, in particular for cooling the electrochemically active region 18 of the MEA.
  • the through-openings 11a are therefore cooling fluid through-openings, which is also evident in particular from whose average cross-sectional size is close in comparison to the other through openings 11b, 11c.
  • Figure 3 shows a section of the outside of the bipolar plate 2 according to an embodiment with a view of the first individual plate 2b facing away from the viewer in Figure 2, in particular a cathode plate, in the dashed area of Figure 2.
  • the viewing angle is rotated compared to Figure 2, as can be seen from the displayed position of the through-opening 11c in Figure 3. Only a cut-off part of both the distribution area 20b and the flow field 17b is shown.
  • a fluid is guided from the through-opening 11c via a first distribution area 20b and through a web-channel structure 46b on the outside of the first individual plate 2b.
  • the web-channel structure 46b has several outwardly projecting webs 27b and channels 29b enclosed between them, only selected ones of which are provided with a corresponding reference symbol.
  • the deepest areas of the channels 29b run in the plane of the first individual plate 2b.
  • the web-channel structure 46b forms complementary shaped webs and channels of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19, see Figures 5 and 6 discussed below. More precisely, the webs 27b of the web-channel structure 46b form cooling fluid-carrying channels of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19, whereas the channels 29b of the web-channel structure 46b form webs of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19.
  • the distribution area 20b comprises a first section 20bl, a curved section 52 and a second section 20b2.
  • the webs 27b of the web-channel structure 46b have a first segment 50.
  • the webs 27b have a second segment 54, see the enlarged detailed view from Fig. 3a.
  • the segments 50, 54 and the curved section 52 follow one another directly and merge directly into one another.
  • the corresponding segments of a complementarily shaped channel 27c of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 can carry cooling fluid.
  • the sections 20bl, 20b2 are present on the inside as analogous sections 20bl, 20b2 of the distribution area 20c of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19.
  • the first segment 50 extends from an edge of the distribution area 20b near the through-opening 11c to the bend section 52.
  • the bend section 52 is generally closer to the flow field 17b than to the through-opening 11c.
  • the second segment 54 extends from the curved section 52 to the flow field 17b. At least one end section of the second segment 52 pointing away from the curved section 52 can run parallel to a main flow direction (not shown) that is vertical in Fig. 3 through the flow field 17b.
  • the second segment 52 merges directly into a web 27b of the flow field 17b or is continued as such.
  • the flow field 17b can be characterized, for example, in that all of the webs 27b and channels 29b included therein are straight and run parallel to one another and parallel to the main flow direction.
  • the webs 27b and channels 29b could also be wave-shaped and run next to one another and along the main flow direction with a similar wave shape.
  • the webs 27b and channels 29b in the flow field 17b have a constant flow cross-section and/or a substantially constant height. In the distribution area 20b, not all of these requirements can be met.
  • the flow field 17b can be characterized in that it lies within an MEA reinforcement edge and in particular is surrounded and/or framed by it at least in sections. However, the flow field 17b itself is not opposite the MEA reinforcement edge, but rather the actually active area of the MEA, in particular in the form of its electrolyte membrane.
  • the first segment 50 is significantly longer than the curved section 52.
  • the first segment 50 and also the second segment 52 are also each straight.
  • the curved section 52 does not have a completely straight section or a section with a constant flow cross-section.
  • each first web 27b temporarily increases within the respective curved section 52.
  • each web 27b therefore has a smaller flow cross-section compared to the curved section 52.
  • Fig. 3a is an enlarged detailed view of a section outlined in dashed lines in Fig. 3.
  • the curved section 52 and its enlarged dimensions compared to the partially visible first segment 50 and second segment 54 can again be seen.
  • a step 53 is only optionally shown in Fig. 3a, which is also indicated in Fig. 3.
  • the areas of the curved section 52 facing the flow field 17c (on the inside), as well as the second segments 54 of the first channels 27c, can have a lower height both compared to the first segments 50 of the first channels 27c and compared to the channels of the flow field 17b.
  • the corresponding webs 27b on the side of the step 53 facing the flow field 17b are designed to be lower. This can be advantageous in terms of the space requirements of MEA, MEA reinforcement edge and GDL.
  • Fig. 3a also shows that additional webs 28b extend in the flow field 17b opposite the distribution region 20b. This is equivalent to a channel 29b on the outside of the first individual plate 2b branching into further channels 31b in the transition between the distribution region 20b and the flow field 17b.
  • Figure 4 shows a section of the bipolar plate 2 with a view of the outside of the second individual plate 2a, preferably an anode plate, in the area outlined in dashed lines in Figure 2.
  • the viewing angle is rotated compared to Figure 2, as can be seen from the indicated position of the through-opening 11b in Figure 4. Only a cut-off part of the distribution area 20a and the flow field 17a are shown.
  • a fluid is guided from the through-opening 11b over the distribution area 20a and through a web-channel structure 46a on the outside of the second individual plate 2a.
  • the web-channel structure 46a has several outwardly projecting webs 27a and channels 29a enclosed between them, selected ones of which are each provided with a corresponding reference symbol.
  • the deepest areas of the channels 29a run in the plane of the second individual plate 2a.
  • the webs 27a are optionally interrupted in sections along their longitudinal extension within the distribution region 20a, but can also extend continuously in the direction of the flow field 17a.
  • the webs 27a are optionally interrupted near their transition to the flow field 17a, but can also extend continuously into the flow field 17a. The webs 27a are therefore not guided continuously into the flow field 17a with a change of direction as in Fig. 3.
  • the number of webs 27a is greater in the flow field 17a than in the distribution area 20a.
  • additional webs 28b are provided in the flow field 17a, which would not merge into these webs 27a even in the case of an alternative continuous extension of the webs 27a of the distribution area 20a.
  • Figure 4 also shows, by way of example, that some of the webs 27a, 28a have enlarged end sections 33 in a transition region between the distribution region 20a and the flow field 17a. This is explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 5 shows a highly simplified schematic of a channel 27c of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 formed between the individual plates 2a, b.
  • the separator plate 2 which is only shown in part, is rotated by 90° compared to Figures 3 and 4, which corresponds to an orientation analogous to Figure 2.
  • the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 in turn has a distribution area 20c and a flow field 17c.
  • the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 actually comprises a plurality of channels 27c, which is not shown in the highly simplified schematic of Fig. 5.
  • the channel 27c is essentially limited by the inside of one of the webs 27b of the first individual plate 2b (see Fig. 3) or, in other words, is shaped complementarily to such a web 27b. Accordingly, the channel 27c has first and second segments 50, 54 and a curved section 52, which are each designed as recesses on the inside of the first individual plate 2b that are complementary to the segments 50, 54 and the curved section 52 of the webs 27b. Each of the webs 27b from Fig. 3 forms a corresponding channel 27c of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 or is shaped complementarily thereto.
  • the channel 27c preferably has a substantially or completely constant height, which runs, for example, orthogonal to the planes of the flat surfaces of the individual plates 2a, 2b.
  • the width of the channel 27c varies along its course. In view of the preferably constant height, this variation in width is equivalent to a variation in a flow cross-section available to the cooling fluid in the channel 27c.
  • Fig. 5 shows that the first segment 50 has a width bl.
  • the curved section 52 has a significantly larger width b2, whereby in particular a maximum and/or an average width of the curved section 52 can be considered.
  • a width b3 of the second segment 54 lies between the widths bl and b2 of the first segment 50 or the curved section 52.
  • first and second segments 50, 54 extend at an angle W1 relative to one another.
  • This angle W1 is defined as the smallest intersection angle of the extended longitudinal axes La, Lb of the first and second segments 50, 54.
  • the widened curved section 52 consequently defines an area of a change in direction of the first channel 27c and enables the cooling fluid to be diverted from the first segment 50 into the second segment 54, which is angled relative thereto.
  • Fig. 5 also shows an optional cooling fluid feed from (or into) the curved section 52 into (or from) second channels 30c shown in dashed lines.
  • the second channels 30c are essentially limited by the inside of a portion of the webs 27a, 28a of the second individual plate 2a (see Fig. 4). In other words, the second channels 30c are formed complementarily to a portion of the webs 27a, 28a. This particularly relates to a portion of the webs 27a, 28a in or near the flow field 17a of the second individual plate 2a.
  • the second channels 30c optionally have enlarged end sections 33 analogous to those in Fig. 4. These end sections 33 are not shown significantly enlarged in Fig. 5 due to the schematic representation. It can be seen that these end sections 33 on the inside of the second individual plate 2a are opposite the curved section 52 on the inside of the first individual plate 2b. An open end of each second channel 30c faces the curved section 52 and establishes a fluid-conducting connection between the first channel 27c and a respective second channel 30c.
  • Fig. 6 shows an orthogonal projection of a section of the separator plate 2, which is oriented analogously to Fig. 5, in a plane parallel to the planes of the individual plates 2a, 2b.
  • the view corresponds to a view through the corresponding section of the separator plate 2.
  • the section shown corresponds approximately to an area that has the schematically shown structures from Fig. 5. Positions of the distribution areas 20a-c and flow fields 17a-c on the outer and inner sides of the first and second individual plates 2a, b are entered. These overlap at least in sections.
  • Three channels 27c of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 are shown, each of which is shaped complementarily to webs 27b on the outside of the first individual plate 2b.
  • the widened curved region 52 is shown hatched, with the hatched lines marking areas that are below half the channel height by way of example.
  • the fluid-conducting connection of the curved region 52 of each channel 27c to two channels 30c on the inside of the second individual plate 2a can be seen. Not all of the second channels 30c are marked with a corresponding reference symbol in Figure 6.
  • Figure 6 also shows further channels 28c on the inside of the first individual plate 2b. These are part of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 and are shaped complementarily to the webs 28b on the outside of this first individual plate 2b, see Figure 3a.
  • the channels 28c are located opposite sections of the second channels 30c.
  • the second channels 30c each comprise a first section 30cl, which opens into one of the curved sections 52, and a third section 30c3, which is opposite a corresponding channel 28c.
  • the first and third sections 30cl, 30c3 are connected by a second section 30c2. This is not located at least in sections on any channel on the inner side of the first individual plate 2b, but rather a web 29c formed there.
  • the cooling fluid guided along the second channels 30c thus flows over a section of a web 29c on the inside of the first individual plate 2b, so that a flow cross-section for the cooling fluid in this area is provided exclusively in the second individual plate 2a.
  • Figure 6 shows that the second segment 54 of each channel 27c is led into the flow field 17c of the cooling fluid distribution structure 19 and is continued there as a channel.
  • This is opposite a channel 31c on the inside of the second individual plate 2a, which is shaped complementarily to one of the webs 28a on the outside of this second individual plate 2a (see Figure 4).
  • the channel 31c is an example of a different type of second channel on the inside of the second individual plate 2a from the second channels 30c mentioned.
  • Figure 6 also shows two transfer angles W2, W3 between a channel 27c or its curved section 52 and one of the second channels 30c.
  • the first transfer angle W2 is enclosed by a longitudinal axis LI of the curved section 52 and a longitudinal axis L2 of the second channel 30c and in particular by its end region 33.
  • the longitudinal axes LI, L2 preferably run centrally in the width direction through the sections or regions mentioned.
  • the second channel 30c that is positioned closer to the first segment 50 (not shown in Figure 6 in the case of the uppermost channel 27c) is considered.
  • the smallest achievable intersection angle between the longitudinal axes LI, L2 is considered.
  • the second transfer angle W3 is spanned between the longitudinal axis LI' of the curved section 52 and the longitudinal axis L2' of the other second channel 30c and in particular by its end region 33.
  • the second channel 30c is considered which is positioned further away from the first segment 50, which is not shown in the case of the uppermost channel 27c.
  • the longitudinal axis L2' considered is slightly different from the longitudinal axis L2 of the first transfer angle W2.
  • a longitudinal axis LI of a local area of the curved section 52 is therefore always used, which is intersected by the longitudinal axis L2 of the correspondingly considered second channel 30c.
  • the first transfer angle W2 is larger than the second transfer angle W3.
  • Both transfer angles W2, W3 are smaller than 80°, but preferably larger than 40°.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une plaque séparatrice pour un système électrochimique. Le système électrochimique peut en particulier être un système de pile à combustible, un compresseur électrochimique, un électrolyseur ou une batterie à flux redox. L'invention concerne également un système électrochimique comprenant de multiples plaques séparatrices de ce type.
PCT/EP2024/066344 2023-06-13 2024-06-13 Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique Ceased WO2024256528A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE112024002527.7T DE112024002527A5 (de) 2023-06-13 2024-06-13 Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
CN202480039514.XA CN121359267A (zh) 2023-06-13 2024-06-13 用于电化学系统的分隔器板

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202023103256.7 2023-06-13
DE202023103256.7U DE202023103256U1 (de) 2023-06-13 2023-06-13 Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024256528A1 true WO2024256528A1 (fr) 2024-12-19

Family

ID=91580894

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2024/066344 Ceased WO2024256528A1 (fr) 2023-06-13 2024-06-13 Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN121359267A (fr)
DE (2) DE202023103256U1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024256528A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016212785A1 (de) * 2015-09-23 2017-03-23 Hyundai Motor Company Brennstoffzellenstapel
DE202016107302U1 (de) 2016-12-22 2018-03-27 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202020106459U1 (de) 2020-11-11 2022-02-16 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Anordnung für ein elektrochemisches System, Stapel sowie elektrochemisches System

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20190078917A (ko) * 2017-12-27 2019-07-05 현대자동차주식회사 연료전지 스택

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102016212785A1 (de) * 2015-09-23 2017-03-23 Hyundai Motor Company Brennstoffzellenstapel
DE202016107302U1 (de) 2016-12-22 2018-03-27 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
US11430999B2 (en) * 2016-12-22 2022-08-30 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Separator plate for an electrochemical system
DE202020106459U1 (de) 2020-11-11 2022-02-16 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Anordnung für ein elektrochemisches System, Stapel sowie elektrochemisches System

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE112024002527A5 (de) 2026-04-30
CN121359267A (zh) 2026-01-16
DE202023103256U1 (de) 2024-09-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3631884B1 (fr) Plaque de séparation pour un système électrochimique
EP3350864B1 (fr) Plaque de séparation pour système électrochimique
WO2018114819A1 (fr) Plaque de séparation pour systeme électrochimique
WO2019229138A1 (fr) Plaque de séparation pour un système électrochimique
DE102019200084A1 (de) Stromerzeugungszelle
DE202019101145U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE102023207433A1 (de) Separatorplatte mit ineinander verschachtelten Einzelplatten
WO2024256514A1 (fr) Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique
WO2024256508A1 (fr) Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique
DE102022203540A1 (de) Separatorplatte mit homogenisierter sickenkraft im portbereich
WO2024256528A1 (fr) Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique
WO2024256510A1 (fr) Plaque séparatrice pour système électrochimique
DE202023105024U1 (de) Bipolarplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE102023204882A1 (de) Bipolarplatte für ein elektrochemisches System und Anordnung derartiger Bipolarplatten
DE202023103247U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202023103245U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202023103253U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202023103257U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202024104718U1 (de) Separatorplatte und Bipolarplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202023105025U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE202024100481U1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
EP1791201A1 (fr) Plaque bipolaire
DE102024133207A1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System sowie zugehöriges elektrochemisches System umfassend eine Vielzahl von Separatorplatten
DE202023105027U1 (de) Bipolarplatte für ein elektrochemisches System
DE102024133202A1 (de) Separatorplatte für ein elektrochemisches System sowie zugehöriges elektrochemisches System umfassend eine Vielzahl von Separatorplatten

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24733145

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 112024002527

Country of ref document: DE