CN214956962U

CN214956962U - Cathode plate assembly and heat sink for air-cooled PEM fuel cell

Info

Publication number: CN214956962U
Application number: CN202023127938.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李骁
Original assignee: Wuhan Troowin Power System Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Wuhan Troowin Power System Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-21
Filing date: 2020-12-21
Publication date: 2021-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-21

Abstract

The utility model provides a negative plate subassembly and heat abstractor for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell, wherein this negative plate subassembly includes negative plate and heat abstractor, and wherein this negative plate has an inboard and an outside, and this heat abstractor is supported to be pressed in this outside of this negative plate by the setting, and wherein this heat abstractor forms a set of first heat dissipation channel.

Description

Cathode plate assembly and heat sink for air-cooled PEM fuel cell

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a fuel cell technical field especially relates to a cathode plate subassembly for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell.

The utility model discloses still further relate to a heat abstractor for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell.

Background

Fuel cells can convert chemical energy from a fuel into electrical energy through a chemical reaction of an active material, such as an electrochemical reaction involving oxygen or other oxidants. When fuel cell active materials, such as hydrogen from a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, react with oxygen, most of the chemical energy is converted into electrical energy, and a portion of the chemical energy is converted into heat, resulting in an increase in the internal temperature of the fuel cell. The excessive internal temperature of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell not only directly affects the performance of the fuel cell, but also may cause water loss in the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) of the fuel cell, and even rupture of the PEM and reduction of the lifetime of the PEM fuel cell.

The invention patent with application number CN201610250337.7 discloses a PEM fuel cell stack and a flow field plate group thereof, wherein an anode flow field plate 21 'of the flow field plate group 20 of the PEM fuel cell stack disclosed in the invention provides fuel to a membrane electrode assembly 10 through a fuel flow channel 213' formed on the inner side thereof, and a cathode flow field plate 21 of the flow field plate group 20 provides oxidant (air or oxygen) to the membrane electrode assembly 10 through a fluid channel 213 formed on the inner side thereof. In addition, the outer side of the cathode flow field plate 21 of the flow field plate set 20 is further provided with cooling channels 217 communicated with the fluid channels 213, so as to enhance the cooling of the cathode flow field plate 21. However, the flow field plate set 20 of the PEM fuel cell stack disclosed in this patent also has drawbacks: first, the cathode flow field plates 21 of the flow field plate group 20 are provided with fluid channels 213 on the inner side, and cooling channels 217 communicating with the fluid channels 213 on the outer side. In other words, the inside of the cathode flow field plates 21 of the flow field plate group 20 forms the oxidant supply mechanism, and the outside forms the heat dissipation mechanism integrated with the oxidant supply mechanism. This results in high process accuracy requirements and difficulty in manufacturing the cathode flow field plates 21 of the flow field plate assembly 20. In particular, when the material of the cathode flow field plates 21 of the flow field plate group 20 is a graphite material, special processing equipment is required. Secondly, after the cathode flow field plate 21 of the flow field plate group 20 is machined and molded, the width of the cooling channel 217 of the cathode flow field plate 21 of the flow field plate group 20 is fixed, and the universality is low and cannot be further adjusted according to the actual heat dissipation requirement of the PEM fuel cell stack. Once the cathode flow field plates 21 of the flow field plate group 20 are designed and molded, the manufacturing equipment thereof is also standardized, the corresponding manufacturing equipment is difficult to be used for processing cathode flow field plates with other cooling channels 217 with different widths, and the manufacturing equipment of the cathode flow field plates 21 of the flow field plate group 20 is special equipment, so that the manufacturing equipment is expensive and the replacement cost is high.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model has the main advantage of providing a negative plate subassembly for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell, wherein the utility model discloses a negative plate subassembly for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell includes a negative plate and a heat abstractor, and wherein this heat abstractor is set up in the outside of this negative plate, and wherein this heat abstractor forms a set of heat dissipation channel to dispel the heat to this negative plate. Preferably, the heat sink is an element or component separate from the cathode plate. More preferably, the heat sink is arranged to press against the outside of the cathode plate.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, wherein the utility model discloses a cathode plate for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell's cathode plate assembly is closed cathode plate, and its inboard oxidant runner that forms, this heat abstractor is set up to press in the outside of this cathode plate. Further, the inside of the cathode plate further forms a continuous plane, and the continuous plane is disposed around the oxidant flow channel of the cathode plate.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, wherein the heat sink of the cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell of the present invention comprises a set of heat dissipating elements and a set of first spacers, wherein the first spacers are respectively disposed between two adjacent heat dissipating elements, thereby allowing each adjacent two heat dissipating elements to form a first heat dissipating channel therebetween. It will be appreciated that the first heat dissipation channel is configured to allow free flow of fluid therein so that a heat dissipation medium, such as air, can flow smoothly through and dissipate heat from the cathode plate. Preferably, each heat dissipation element of the heat dissipation device forms a second heat dissipation channel to enhance the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation device.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, wherein the present invention provides a discontinuous upper support surface for the heat dissipation element of the heat dissipation device of the cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, and a discontinuous lower support surface for the first spacer, wherein the upper support surface and the lower support surface are flat surfaces, thereby enabling the heat dissipation device to provide stable support for the cathode plate. In addition, the planar structure of the upper and lower support surfaces of the heat sink also facilitates enhanced heat transfer between the cathode plate and the heat sink.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide another cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, optionally, the present invention provides a set of fluid passages formed in the cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, wherein the heat sink forms a set of heat dissipation channels, and wherein each first heat dissipation channel of the heat sink is aligned with at least one fluid passage of the cathode plate, thereby enabling each first heat dissipation channel of the heat sink to form a corresponding penetrating channel with the fluid passage of the cathode plate, and enabling the first heat dissipation channel to provide an oxidant to the cathode plate while dissipating heat from the cathode plate. Preferably, the heat sink is a separate element or component.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cathode plate for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell wherein the fluid channel of the cathode plate for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell extends from the outside of the cathode plate to the inside of the cathode plate so that oxidant can be supplied to the membrane electrode assembly of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell between the inside of its anode plate and the inside of the cathode plate. Preferably, the inside of the cathode plate forms a continuous plane and the continuous plane is arranged around the flow channel of the cathode plate.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

Accordingly, the utility model discloses a negative plate subassembly for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell includes:

a cathode plate, wherein the cathode plate has an inside and an outside; and

and the heat dissipation device is arranged to be pressed against the outer side of the cathode plate, wherein the heat dissipation device forms a group of first heat dissipation channels.

Further, the heat sink is a separate component.

Further, the heat dissipation device comprises a group of heat dissipation elements and a group of first spacers, wherein every two adjacent heat dissipation elements form a first heat dissipation channel between the two adjacent heat dissipation elements, and the first spacers are respectively arranged between every two adjacent heat dissipation elements.

Further, the heat dissipation element forms a discontinuous upper supporting surface, the first spacing piece forms a discontinuous lower supporting surface, wherein the upper supporting surface and the lower supporting surface are both flat surfaces, and the upper supporting surface is arranged to be capable of pressing against the cathode plate, so as to provide stable support for the cathode plate.

Further, the heat sink comprises two flow guides, wherein each flow guide has a first through hole and a second through hole, wherein the first through hole is adapted to communicate with the fuel through hole of the cathode plate, and the second through hole is adapted to communicate with the oxidant through hole of the cathode plate.

Further, each heat dissipation element of the heat dissipation device forms a second heat dissipation channel.

Further, the first heat dissipation channel is surrounded by two adjacent heat dissipation elements and the first spacer.

Further, the heat dissipation element includes a first support, a second support, and a second spacer, wherein the second spacer is disposed between the first support and the second support, wherein the second heat dissipation channel of the heat dissipation element is surrounded by the first support, the second support, and the second spacer.

Further, the first support of the heat dissipating element has a high end and a low end extending downward from the high end, and the second support has a high end and a low end extending downward from the high end, wherein the second spacer is supported by the high end of the first support and the high end of the second support.

Furthermore, the first supporting member, the second spacer and the first spacer of the heat dissipation element are all plate-shaped, the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the second spacer are integrally formed, and two ends of the first spacer are respectively integrally formed with two corresponding adjacent heat dissipation elements.

Optionally, each first heat dissipation channel of the heat dissipation device is aligned with at least one fluid channel of the cathode plate, so that each first heat dissipation channel of the heat dissipation device can form a corresponding penetration type channel with the fluid channel of the cathode plate, and the first heat dissipation channel can provide oxidant to the cathode plate while dissipating heat from the cathode plate, so that the oxidant flows to the fluid channel through the heat dissipation channel and is provided to the membrane electrode assembly through the fluid channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention still further provides a heat dissipation device for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, comprising:

a set of heat dissipation elements; and

and the first spacers are respectively arranged between every two adjacent radiating elements. It will be appreciated that the heat sink is arranged to be pressed against the outside of the cathode plate and that the first heat sink channel of the heat sink allows a heat sink fluid to flow freely therethrough and dissipate heat from the cathode plate.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

The above and other advantages and features of the invention will be more fully apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and claims of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1A shows an exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is an exploded view of an exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention as described above.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the cathode plate described above employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is another perspective view of the cathode plate described above employing the cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows the heat sink element and first spacer of the heat sink assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

Figure 5 shows the heat sink element and first spacer of the heat sink assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

Figure 6 shows the heat sink element and first spacer of the heat sink assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat sink assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of another exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an assembly view of an exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention as described above.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention as described above.

Fig. 11A is a perspective view of a heat sink assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention as described above.

Fig. 11B is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat sink assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the cathode plate described above employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12B is another perspective view of the cathode plate described above employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other obvious substitutions, modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that, unless specifically indicated herein, the terms "a" and "an" should be interpreted as meaning that "at least one" or "one or more" may mean that, in one embodiment, one element may be present in one number, and in another embodiment, the element may be present in multiple numbers.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and the like are used in the orientations and positions illustrated in the drawings for convenience in describing the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements involved must have a particular orientation or position. Accordingly, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Fig. 1-7 of the drawings illustrate exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell units 1 employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein each air-cooled PEM fuel cell unit 1 comprises an anode plate 10, a membrane electrode assembly 20 and a cathode plate assembly 30, wherein the cathode plate assembly 30 comprises a cathode plate 31 and a heat sink 32, wherein the cathode plate 31 has an inner side 311 and an outer side 312, wherein the membrane electrode assembly 20 is disposed between the inner side 311 of the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 31, and the heat sink 32 is disposed against the outer side 312 of the cathode plate 31. Accordingly, the heat sink 32 is disposed between two adjacent air-cooled PEM fuel cell units 1, and the heat sink 32 is disposed supported between the cathode plate 31 of the upper air-cooled PEM fuel cell unit 1 and the anode plate 10 of the next air-cooled PEM fuel cell unit 1. In other words, the heat sink 32 is arranged against the outer side 312 of the cathode plate 31 of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1. Further, the cathode plate 31 of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1 is a closed cathode plate, the inside of which forms an oxidant flow channel 310.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7 of the drawings, the heat dissipating device 32 for an air-cooled cathode plate assembly of a PEM fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of heat dissipating elements 321 and a plurality of first spacers 322, wherein the first heat dissipating channels 320 are respectively formed between every two adjacent heat dissipating elements 321, and the first spacers 322 are respectively disposed between every two adjacent heat dissipating elements 321. Accordingly, each adjacent two of the heat dissipation elements 321 form at least one first heat dissipation channel 320 therebetween. Preferably, the first heat dissipation channel 320 is surrounded by the respective adjacent two heat dissipation elements 321 and the first spacer 322. It will be appreciated that the first heat dissipation channel 320 is configured to allow a fluid to freely flow therein so that a heat dissipation medium, such as air, can smoothly flow therethrough and dissipate heat from the cathode plate 31. Preferably, each heat dissipating element 321 of the heat dissipating device 32 forms a second heat dissipating channel 3210. It will be appreciated that the second heat sink channels 3210 are configured to allow fluid to flow freely therein so that a heat sink medium, such as air, can flow smoothly therethrough and dissipate heat from the cathode plate 31. More preferably, both ends of the first spacer 322 are integrally formed with the two adjacent heat dissipation elements 321, respectively.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7 of the drawings, the heat dissipating element 321 of the heat dissipating device 32 for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first support 3211, a second support 3212 and a second spacer 3213, wherein the second spacer 3213 is disposed between the first support 3211 and the second support 3212, and the second heat dissipating channel 3210 of the heat dissipating element 321 is surrounded by the first support 3211, the second support 3212 and the second spacer 3213. Preferably, the first and

second supports

3211 and 3212 are both vertically disposed, and the first and

second spacers

322 and 3213 are both horizontally disposed. Preferably, the first support 3211, the second support 3212, the second spacer 3213, and the first spacer 322 of the heat sink 32 are all made of a rigid material, so that the first support 3211, the second support 3212, the second spacer 3213, and the first spacer 322 provide support for the fuel cell 1 of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell while forming the first and second

heat dissipation channels

320 and 3210. Accordingly, the heat dissipation element 321 and the first spacer 322 are both rigid structures.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7 of the drawings, the first support 3211 of the heat dissipating element 321 of the heat dissipating device 32 for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a high end 32111 and a low end 32112 extending downward from the high end 32111, and the second support 3212 has a high end 32121 and a low end 32122 extending downward from the high end 32121, wherein the second spacer 3213 is supported by the high end 32111 of the first support 3211 and the high end 32121 of the second support 3212. Preferably, both ends of the second spacer 3213 are integrally formed with the high end 32111 of the first supporter 3211 and the high end 32121 of the second supporter 3212, respectively. More preferably, the second spacer 3213 of the heat-dissipating element 321 is arranged to press against the outside of the cathode plate 31. Optionally, each first heat dissipation channel 320 forms an opening 3201 toward the outer side 312 of the cathode plate 31 to dissipate heat from the cathode plate 31 while also providing oxidant (or air) to the cathode plate 31, if desired.

It is noteworthy that the heat sink channels of most existing air-cooled PEM fuel cells are located on the cathode plate of the fuel cell. Superficially, the construction of the cathode plate with heat sink channels makes the construction of an air-cooled PEM fuel cell simpler. However, in practice, the cathode plate structure with heat dissipation channels not only increases the difficulty of processing the cathode plate, but also makes it inconvenient for the user or manufacturer to adjust the width and height of the heat dissipation channels according to the heat dissipation requirements of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell. Particularly, when the cathode plate of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell is made of graphite materials, the processing difficulty of the cathode plate structure with the heat dissipation channel is high, the yield is low, and special equipment is needed when the width and the height of the heat dissipation channel are changed. The utility model discloses this heat abstractor 32 for forced air cooling PEM fuel cell is independent part, this first support 3211, this second support 3212, this second spacer 3213 and this first spacer 322 of this radiating element 321 of this heat abstractor 32 can be platelike, and the both ends of this first spacer 322 can be respectively with two corresponding adjacent radiating element 321 looks integrated into one piece to make this radiating element 321 of this heat abstractor 32 and this first spacer 322 can regard as a whole, make through stamping process. In particular, the heat dissipating member 321 and the first spacer 322 of the heat dissipating device 32 can be formed as a single body by stamping a single metal plate, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the stamping equipment used for manufacturing the heat dissipation element 321 and the first spacer 322 of the heat dissipation device 32 by using the stamping process is low in price, and the widths and heights of the first heat dissipation channel 320 and the second heat dissipation channel 3210 can be conveniently adjusted according to the actual needs of the fuel cell in the stamping process, so that the manufacturing cost of the cathode plate assembly for the air-cooled PEM fuel cell is reduced and the universality of the cathode plate assembly is improved. Meanwhile, the widths and heights of the first heat dissipation channel 320 and the second heat dissipation channel 3210 can be adjusted as required by using a stamping process, so that the same stamping equipment can be used when manufacturing the heat dissipation device 32 having the first heat dissipation channel 320 and the second heat dissipation channel 3210 with different widths and heights, and special manufacturing equipment does not need to be purchased.

As shown in fig. 4 to 7 of the drawings, the first spacer 322 of the heat dissipating device 32 for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention is disposed between two adjacent heat dissipating elements 321, wherein both ends of the first spacer 322 are respectively connected to the lower end 32122 of the second supporting member 3212 of the previous heat dissipating element 321 and the lower end 32112 of the first supporting member 3211 of the next heat dissipating element 321. Preferably, both ends of the first spacer 322 are integrally formed with the lower end portion 32122 of the second support 3212 of the previous heat dissipating element 321 and the lower end 32112 of the first support 3211 of the subsequent heat dissipating element 321, respectively.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7 of the drawings, the second spacer 3213 of the heat dissipating element 321 of the heat dissipating device 32 for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention forms a discontinuous upper supporting surface 32130, and the first spacer 322 forms a discontinuous lower supporting surface 3220, wherein the upper supporting surface 32130 and the lower supporting surface 3220 are both flat, so that the heat dissipating device 32 can provide stable support for the cathode plate 31.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7 of the drawings, a first fuel through hole 3101 and a first oxidant through hole 3101 'are respectively formed at both ends of the cathode plate 31 of the fuel cell 1 for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a second fuel through hole 3102 and a second oxidant through hole 3102' are formed at both ends of the anode plate 10 of the fuel cell 1. Accordingly, when the fuel cell cells 1 for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell of the present invention are stacked together, the first fuel through hole 3101 of one end of the cathode plate 31 and the second fuel through hole 3102 of the corresponding end of the anode plate 10 communicate to allow fuel to flow therethrough, and the first oxidant through hole 3101 'of one end of the cathode plate 31 and the second oxidant through hole 3102' of the corresponding end of the anode plate 10 communicate to allow oxidant to flow therethrough.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7 of the drawings, the heat sink 32 for an air-cooled cathode plate assembly of a PEM fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes two flow guides 323, wherein each flow guide 323 has a first through hole 3231 and a second through hole 3232, wherein the first through hole 3231 is adapted to communicate with a first fuel through hole 3101 at one end of the cathode plate 31 of the last fuel cell 1 and a second fuel through hole 3102 at the corresponding end of the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1 of two adjacent fuel cells 1 of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell respectively, the second through holes 3232 are adapted to communicate with the first oxidant through hole 3101 'of the end of the cathode plate 31 of the last fuel cell 1 and the second oxidant through hole 3102' of the corresponding end of the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1, respectively, of two adjacent fuel cells 1 of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell. In other words, the first through hole 3231 of the flow guide 323 can be regarded as a part of the fuel flow channel of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell, and the second through hole 3232 can be regarded as a part of the oxidant flow channel of the fuel cell 1. Accordingly, the flow guide members 323 are respectively disposed between the cathode plate 31 of the last fuel cell 1 and the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1 of the two adjacent fuel cells 1. Preferably, the flow guide 323 of the heat sink 32 is supported by a flexible material, such as a rubber material, so that when the flow guide 323 is pressed against the cathode plate 31 of the fuel cell unit 1, a seal between the flow guide 323 and the cathode plate 31 can be achieved. Further, when the flow guide 323 is supported between the cathode plate 31 of the last fuel cell 1 of the two adjacent fuel cells 1 and the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1, sealing may be achieved between the flow guide 323 and the cathode plate 31 of the last fuel cell 1 of the two adjacent fuel cells 1, and between the flow guide 323 and the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1.

Fig. 8-11 of the drawings show an exemplary air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A employing a cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A comprises an anode plate 10, a membrane electrode assembly 20 and a cathode plate assembly 30A, wherein the cathode plate assembly 30A comprises a cathode plate 31A and a heat sink 32A, wherein the cathode plate 31A has an inner side 311A and an outer side 312A, wherein the membrane electrode assembly 20 is disposed between the inner side 311A of the anode plate 10 and the cathode plate 31A, and the heat sink 32A is disposed against the outer side 312A of the cathode plate 31A. Illustratively, the cathode plate 31A of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A is an open cathode plate, wherein the heat sink 32A is disposed between two adjacent air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A, and the heat sink 32A is disposed supported between the cathode plate 31A of a previous air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A and the anode plate 10A of a next air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A. In other words, the heat sink 32A is arranged against the outer side 312A of the cathode plate 31A of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell 1A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11 of the drawings, the heat dissipation device 32A for air-cooling a cathode plate assembly of a PEM fuel cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of heat dissipation elements 321A and a plurality of first spacers 322A, wherein each first spacer 322A is disposed between two adjacent heat dissipation elements 321A, so that each two adjacent heat dissipation elements 321A can form a first heat dissipation channel 320A therebetween. Further, each first heat dissipation channel 320A forms an opening 3201A toward the outer side 312A of the cathode plate 31A to dissipate heat from the cathode plate 31A while also providing oxidant (or air) to the cathode plate 31A. Accordingly, the cathode plate 31A of the present invention for air-cooling a cathode plate assembly of a PEM fuel cell forms a set of fluid channels 310A, the opening 3201A of each first heat dissipation channel 320A of the heat sink 32A is aligned with at least one fluid channel 310A of the cathode plate 31A, so that each first heat dissipation channel 320A of the heat sink 32A can form a corresponding through-type channel with at least one fluid channel 310A of the cathode plate 31A, and the first heat dissipation channel 320A can provide an oxidant to the cathode plate 31A while dissipating heat from the cathode plate 31A, so that the oxidant flows to the fluid channels 310A through the first heat dissipation channels 320A and is provided to the membrane electrode assembly 20 through the fluid channels 310A. Preferably, the inner side 311A of the cathode plate 31A forms a continuous plane, and the continuous plane is disposed around the fluid channel 310A of the cathode plate 31A. Further, the outer side 312A of the cathode plate 31A also forms a continuous plane around the fluid channel 310A of the cathode plate 31A. It will be appreciated that the first heat dissipation channel 320A is configured to allow a fluid to freely flow therein so that a heat dissipation medium, such as air, can smoothly flow therethrough and dissipate heat from the cathode plate 31A. Preferably, each heat dissipating element 321A of the heat dissipating device 32A forms a second heat dissipating channel 3210A. It will be appreciated that the second heat sink passages 3210A are configured to allow fluid to flow freely therein so that a heat sink medium, such as air, can flow smoothly therethrough and dissipate heat from the cathode plate 31A. More preferably, the first spacer 322A is integrally formed with the heat dissipating element 321A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11 of the drawings, the heat dissipating element 321A of the heat dissipating device 32A for air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention further forms a set of oxidant through holes 3214A, wherein the oxidant through holes 3214A are respectively communicated with the second heat dissipating channels 3210A, and the oxidant through holes 3214A are communicated with at least one fluid channel 310A of the cathode plate 31A, so that an oxidant, for example, air, can be supplied to the mea 20 through the second heat dissipating channels 3210A, the oxidant through holes 3214A and the fluid channel 310A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11 of the drawings, the heat dissipating element 321A of the heat dissipating device 32A for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first support 3211A, a second support 3212 and a second spacer 3213, wherein the second spacer 3213 is disposed between the first support 3211A and the second support 3212, wherein the second heat dissipating channel 3210A of the heat dissipating element 321A is surrounded by the first support 3211A, the second support 3212 and the second spacer 3213. Preferably, the first support 3211A, the second support 3212, the second spacer 3213, and the first spacer 322A of the heat sink 32A are made of a rigid material, such that the first support 3211A, the second support 3212, the second spacer 3213, and the first spacer 322A provide support for the fuel cell 1A of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell while forming the first and second

heat dissipating channels

320A and 3210A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11 of the drawings, the first support 3211A of the heat dissipating element 321A of the heat dissipating device 32A for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a high end 32111A and a low end 32112A extending downward from the high end 32111A, the second support 3212A has a high end 32121A and a low end 32122A extending downward from the high end 32121A, wherein the second spacer 3213A is supported by the high end 32111A of the first support 3211A and the high end 32121A of the second support 3212A. Preferably, both ends of the second spacer 3213A are integrally formed with the high end 32111A of the first supporter 3211A and the high end 32121A of the second supporter 3212A, respectively. More preferably, the second spacer 3213A of the heat dissipating element 321A is arranged to press against the outside of the cathode plate 31A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11 of the drawings, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are respectively formed at two ends of the first heat dissipation channel 320A of the heat dissipation device 32A of the cathode plate assembly 30A of the air-cooled PEM fuel cell unit 1A using the cathode plate assembly for air-cooled PEM fuel cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention, so that fluid can freely flow in the first heat dissipation channel 320A, for example, flow in from the fluid inlet and flow out from the fluid outlet, and flow to the fluid channel 310A through the first heat dissipation channel 320A during the free flow in the first heat dissipation channel 320A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 11 of the drawings, the heat dissipation device 32A for air-cooled PEM fuel cell cathode plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes two flow guiding members 323A, wherein the flow guiding member 323A has a first through hole 3231A, wherein the first through hole 3231A is adapted to be respectively communicated with a first fuel through hole 3101A at one end of the cathode plate 31A of the previous fuel cell 1A of two adjacent fuel cells 1A and a second fuel through hole 3102 at the corresponding end of the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1A. In other words, the first through hole 3231A of the flow guide 323A can be regarded as a part of the fuel flow channel of the fuel cell 1A. Accordingly, the flow guide members 323A are respectively disposed between the cathode plate 31A of the last fuel cell 1A and the anode plate 10 of the next fuel cell 1A of the two adjacent fuel cells 1A.

It is worth noting that the first and/or second herein is only used for naming and differentiating between the different parts (or elements) of the invention, which do not have a meaning of how many orders or numbers per se.

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. All equivalent implementations, modifications and improvements that are within the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cathode plate assembly for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell comprising:

a cathode plate, wherein the cathode plate has an inside and an outside; and

2. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heat discharging means comprises a set of heat discharging elements and a set of first spacers, wherein the first heat discharging passages are respectively formed between every adjacent two heat discharging elements, and the first spacers are respectively disposed between every adjacent two heat discharging elements.

3. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first heat dissipation channel is surrounded by the respective adjacent two heat dissipation elements and the first spacer.

4. The cathode plate assembly according to claim 3, wherein each heat dissipation member of the heat dissipation device forms one second heat dissipation channel.

5. The cathode plate assembly according to claim 4, wherein both ends of the first spacer are integrally formed with the respective two adjacent heat dissipation members.

6. The cathode plate assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heat dissipation member includes a first support, a second support, and a second spacer, wherein the second spacer is disposed between the first support and the second support, and the second heat dissipation channel of the heat dissipation member is surrounded by the first support, the second support, and the second spacer.

7. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and second spacers are both horizontally disposed.

8. The cathode plate assembly of claim 7, wherein the second spacer of the heat dissipation member forms a discontinuous upper support surface and the first spacer forms a discontinuous lower support surface, wherein the upper support surface and the lower support surface are both planar.

9. The cathode plate assembly of claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the heat sink further comprises two flow directing members, wherein each flow directing member has a first through hole and a second through hole, wherein the first through hole is adapted to communicate with a first fuel through hole at one end of the cathode plate and the second through hole is adapted to communicate with a first oxidant through hole at the end of the cathode plate.

10. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 6 wherein the first support member of the heat spreading element has a high end and a low end extending downwardly from the high end, the second support member has a high end and a low end extending downwardly from the high end, and wherein the second spacer is supported by the high end of the first support member and the high end of the second support member.

11. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 or 10, characterized in that each first heat dissipation channel forms an opening towards the outside of the cathode plate, the cathode plate forming a set of fluid channels, wherein the opening of each first heat dissipation channel of the heat dissipation means is aligned with at least one fluid channel of the cathode plate.

12. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 11 wherein each heat sink element of the heat sink defines a second heat sink channel and a set of oxidant through holes, wherein the oxidant through holes are in communication with the second heat sink channel respectively and the oxidant through holes are in communication with at least one fluid channel of the cathode plate.

13. A cathode plate assembly according to claim 11 wherein the heat sink further comprises two flow guides, wherein the flow guides have a first through hole, wherein the first through hole is adapted to communicate with a first fuel through hole at one end of the cathode plate.

14. A heat sink for an air-cooled PEM fuel cell, comprising:

a set of heat dissipation elements; and

and the first spacers are respectively arranged between every two adjacent radiating elements.

15. The heat dissipating device of claim 14, wherein the first heat dissipating channel is surrounded by the two adjacent heat dissipating elements and the first spacer, respectively.

16. The heat dissipating device of claim 15, wherein each heat dissipating element of the heat dissipating device forms a second heat dissipating channel.

17. The heat dissipating device of claim 16, wherein the first spacer has two ends integrally formed with two adjacent heat dissipating elements.

18. The heat dissipating device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the heat dissipating element comprises a first support, a second support, and a second spacer, wherein the second spacer is disposed between the first support and the second support, and the second heat dissipating channel of the heat dissipating element is surrounded by the first support, the second support, and the second spacer.

19. The heat dissipating device of claim 18, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are horizontally disposed.

20. The heat dissipating device of claim 19, wherein the second spacer of the heat dissipating element forms a discontinuous upper support surface and the first spacer forms a discontinuous lower support surface, wherein the upper support surface and the lower support surface are both planar.

21. The heat dissipating device of claim 14, 15, 16 or 17, further comprising two flow guides, wherein each flow guide has a first through hole and a second through hole.

22. The heat dissipating device of claim 18, wherein the first supporting member of the heat dissipating element has a high end and a low end extending downward from the high end, the second supporting member has a high end and a low end extending downward from the high end, and wherein the second spacer is supported by the high end of the first supporting member and the high end of the second supporting member.

23. A heat sink according to claim 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 or 20, wherein each first heat dissipation channel forms an opening to the outside of the cathode plate, the cathode plate forming a set of fluid channels, wherein the opening of each first heat dissipation channel of the heat sink is aligned with at least one fluid channel of the cathode plate.

24. The heat dissipating device of claim 23, wherein each heat dissipating element of the heat dissipating device defines a second heat dissipating channel and a set of oxidizer through holes, wherein the oxidizer through holes are respectively in communication with the second heat dissipating channel.

25. The heat dissipating device of claim 23, further comprising two flow guides, wherein the flow guides have a first through hole.

26. The heat dissipating device of claim 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 24 or 25, wherein the heat dissipating element and the first spacer are each rigid structures.