WO2002013287A2 - Electrochemical cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane - Google Patents
Electrochemical cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane Download PDFInfo
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- WO2002013287A2 WO2002013287A2 PCT/DE2001/002923 DE0102923W WO0213287A2 WO 2002013287 A2 WO2002013287 A2 WO 2002013287A2 DE 0102923 W DE0102923 W DE 0102923W WO 0213287 A2 WO0213287 A2 WO 0213287A2
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- gas
- diffusion electrode
- gas diffusion
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- 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
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- 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
- H01M8/1007—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
- H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
- H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
- H01M2300/0082—Organic polymers
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- 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 an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell according to the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.
- Such electrochemical cells are used in particular as fuel cells, but also as electrolysis cells. They have a polymer electrolyte membrane that is gas-tight but ion-permeable. Gas diffusion electrodes are arranged on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane
- Membrane are provided with a suitable metal, such as platinum, as a catalyst.
- the gas diffusion electrodes are usually mats made of graphitized fabric that are electrically conductive and gas-permeable. These gas diffusion electrodes are closed on their side facing away from the membrane by a bipolar plate or an end plate, via which the
- the bipolar plate or the end plate has a generally branched channel system, through which the gas in the fuel cell is guided along the gas diffusion electrode.
- This channel is designed as an open groove and delimited on one side by the gas diffusion electrode, so that the gas can penetrate the gas diffusion electrode over a large area. It is customary to run the reaction gas in excess so that the electrode is always adequately supplied.
- electrochemical cells are arranged in a plurality on top of one another and connected in series.
- the object of the invention is to design an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell, of the type described at the outset in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively and in particular that even gas distribution in the gas diffusion electrode takes place in fuel cell operation.
- the basic idea of the present invention is to provide the channel arrangement in such a way that the gas to be supplied to the gas diffusion electrode is not only guided along this electrode, but rather through this electrode.
- gas supply and gas discharge takes place via separate channels that have no direct channel connection to each other, that
- the channels for the gas supply and gas discharge which are formed by corresponding grooves in the bipolar plate or the end plate, are advantageously arranged in such a way that a supply channel is adjacent to a discharge channel. If the channel system is then formed such that it is finely distributed over the entire available area, then an intensive flow through the gas diffusion electrode is achieved in the entire effective electrode area.
- the channels according to the invention can have a substantially smaller cross section than channels according to the prior art, since the flow Resistance add up the cross sections of the individual channels and not, as in the prior art, where a meandering channel guidance takes place, the flow resistance is essentially determined by the smallest channel cross section. This has the further significant advantage that the ratio of the surface area to the channel area - in plan view of the bipolar plate or end plate from the
- Electrode seen - can be significantly enlarged. While in the prior art this ratio is approximately 1: 1, the contact surface with which the bipolar plate or the end plate is in direct contact with the gas diffusion electrode can be 75% (preferably between 70 and 80%) due to the design according to the invention. of the total area or even more can be increased without reducing the gas supply or removal to or from the gas diffusion electrode. Due to the fact that this contact area can be significantly enlarged, the gas diffusion electrode can be made softer and more elastic, whereby the manufacturing costs are considerably reduced. In the case of fuel cells according to the prior art, it is customary, for example, to design the gas diffusion electrode in two layers, a softer, elastic layer lying against the membrane being provided, which is covered by a harder layer lying against the bipolar plate or the end plate.
- the latter which is more expensive to produce, can be completely dispensed with by the present invention, since hard support is no longer required.
- a comparatively soft and elastic material can be used for the gas diffusion electrode, which material is available inexpensively as roll goods. As a result, the manufacturing costs, particularly in series and mass production, can be reduced considerably.
- a multiplicity of gas supply and gas discharge channels are preferably arranged next to one another, so that a distribution which is broader and more favorable in terms of the flow cross section is produced.
- This microchannel structure enables the gas to be introduced over a large area and uniformly into the gas diffusion electrode or, when used as an electrolyzer, to be discharged from this electrode.
- Fig. 1 shows an end plate of a fuel cell according to the invention in
- FIG. 1 is an end view of the plate of FIG. 1,
- Fig. 3 shows a section along the section line i ⁇ -ILT in Fig. 2 and
- FIG. 4 shows an enlarged representation of a section along the section line rV-rV in FIG. 1.
- the structure of the fuel cell which is not shown in detail here, corresponds to that described, for example, from DE 195 44 323 A1.
- An electroconductive but gas-tight end plate 1 lies flat against a gas diffusion electrode 2, which consists of a carbonized carbon fiber fleece, is also electrically conductive and catalytically coats the side facing away from the end plate 1, i. H. is provided with platinum particles.
- This gas diffusion electrode 2 rests on a polymer electrolyte membrane 3 which is gas-tight but permeable to ions.
- To the other side of the Polymerelek ⁇ Olytmembran 3 is the other side of the Polymerelek ⁇ Olytmembran 3
- the structure is corresponding, with two end plates of adjacent cells lying against one another or being designed as a common plate in the form of a bipolar plate.
- Such an end plate 1 is shown with reference to the figures. 1 shows the side of the end plate 1 facing the gas diffusion electrode 2. As can be seen from FIG. 1, numerous rows 4, 5 of microchannels 6 arranged alternately and interlocking are provided in the side of the end plate 1 facing the electrode 2. These microchannels 6 have an essentially square cross section and are formed by corresponding groove-like recesses in the surface of the end plate 1. They are delimited on their free side by the adjacent gas diffusion electrode 2.
- Each microchannel 6 is connected via a centrally arranged and perpendicular bore-like channel 7 to a main channel 8 or 9 located behind it and running in the direction of the respective row 4 or 5.
- the rows 4 and 5 of microchannels are each connected via main channels 8, 9 arranged next to one another, the main channels 8 of the rows 4 on the end face 10 visible in FIG. 2 and that of the rows 5 on the other (in
- Fig. 2 not visible) end face 11.
- the rows 4 of microchannels 6 are connected to one another via the main channels 8 opening into the end face 10 and the rows 5 of microchannels 6, which are accessible via the end face 11, via the main channels 9.
- the arrangement of the microchannels of adjacent rows 4 and 5 is interdigitated, so that adjacent microchannels 6 always have different channel systems. are ordered.
- the main channels 8 and 9 are also arranged alternately, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 3.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a fuel cell that operates with a polymer electrolyte membrane (3), on which gas diffusion electrodes (2) are arranged on both sides and are covered by an end plate (1) or a bipolar plate. The end plate or bipolar plate (1) is provided with a gas supplying network of channels and with a gas evacuating network of channels (6), said networks being delimited and separated from one another by the gas diffusion electrode (2). The supplied gas must therefore travel through the gas diffusion electrode (2), in order to reach the evacuating channel system from the supply channel system.
Description
Elektrochemische Zelle Electrochemical cell
Die Erfindung betrifft eine elektrochemische Zelle, insbesondere eine Brenn- stoffzelle gemäß den im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 angegebenen Merkmalen.The invention relates to an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell according to the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.
Derartige elektrochemische Zellen werden insbesondere als Brennstoffzellen, aber auch als Elektrolysezellen eingesetzt. Sie weisen eine Polymerelektrolytmembran auf, die gasdicht, aber ionendurchlässig ist. Zu beiden Seiten der Polymerelektrolytmembran sind Gasdiffusionselektroden angeordnet, die zurSuch electrochemical cells are used in particular as fuel cells, but also as electrolysis cells. They have a polymer electrolyte membrane that is gas-tight but ion-permeable. Gas diffusion electrodes are arranged on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane
Membran hin mit einem geeigneten Metall, beispielsweise Platin, als Katalysator versehen sind. Die Gasdiffusionselektroden sind üblicherweise Matten aus grafitisiertem Gewebe, die elektrisch leitend und gasdurchlässig sind. Diese Gasdiffusionselektroden werden auf ihrer der Membran abgewandten Seite durch eine bipolare Platte oder eine Endplatte abgeschlossen, über welche dasMembrane are provided with a suitable metal, such as platinum, as a catalyst. The gas diffusion electrodes are usually mats made of graphitized fabric that are electrically conductive and gas-permeable. These gas diffusion electrodes are closed on their side facing away from the membrane by a bipolar plate or an end plate, via which the
Gas, das in der Brennstoffzelle katalytisch oxidiert wird bzw. im Elektrolyseur entsteht, geführt wird. Hierzu weist die bipolare Platte bzw. die Endplatte ein in der Regel verzweigtes Kanalsystem auf, durch welches bei der Brennstoffzelle das Gas entlang der Gasdiffusionselektrode geführt wird. Dieser Kanal ist als offene Nut ausgebildet und an einer Seite durch die Gasdiffusionselektrode begrenzt, so dass das Gas über eine große Fläche in die Gasdiffusionselektrode eindringen kann. Dabei ist es üblich, das Reaktionsgas im Überschuss zu fuhren, damit die Elektrode stets ausreichend versorgt ist. Solche elektrochemischen Zellen werden zu einer Vielzahl aufeinander angeordnet und in Reihe geschaltet.
Vor diesem Hintergrund liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine elektrochemische Zelle, insbesondere Brennstoffzelle, der eingangs beschriebenen Art so auszubilden, dass sie kostengünstig herstellbar ist und dass insbesondere auch eine gleichmäßige Gasverteilung in der Gasdiffusionselektrode im Brennstoffzellenbetrieb erfolgt.Gas that is catalytically oxidized in the fuel cell or generated in the electrolyzer is guided. For this purpose, the bipolar plate or the end plate has a generally branched channel system, through which the gas in the fuel cell is guided along the gas diffusion electrode. This channel is designed as an open groove and delimited on one side by the gas diffusion electrode, so that the gas can penetrate the gas diffusion electrode over a large area. It is customary to run the reaction gas in excess so that the electrode is always adequately supplied. Such electrochemical cells are arranged in a plurality on top of one another and connected in series. Against this background, the object of the invention is to design an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell, of the type described at the outset in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively and in particular that even gas distribution in the gas diffusion electrode takes place in fuel cell operation.
Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung durch die in Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmale gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen sowie der nachfolgenden Beschreibung angegeben.This object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and in the description below.
Grundgedanke der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, die Kanalanordnung so vorzusehen, dass das der Gasdiffusionselektrode zuzuführende Gas nicht ausschließlich längs dieser Elektrode, sondern durch diese Elektrode hindurch zwangsgeführt wird. Dadurch, dass Gaszufuhr und Gasabfuhr über gesonderte Kanäle erfolgt, die keine direkte Kanalverbindung zueinander haben, wird dasThe basic idea of the present invention is to provide the channel arrangement in such a way that the gas to be supplied to the gas diffusion electrode is not only guided along this electrode, but rather through this electrode. The fact that gas supply and gas discharge takes place via separate channels that have no direct channel connection to each other, that
Gas durch die Gasdiffusionselektrode zwangsgeführt. Hierdurch wird das Reaktionsgas wesentlich intensiver in den Bereich der katalytisch wirkenden Metalle auf der Gasdiffusionselektrode gebracht, wodurch die katalytische Verbrennung intensiviert wird und bei geeigneter Druckbeaufschlagung der Zelle mit wesentlich weniger Gasüberschuss gearbeitet werden kann als beiGas forced through the gas diffusion electrode. As a result, the reaction gas is brought much more intensively into the area of the catalytically active metals on the gas diffusion electrode, as a result of which the catalytic combustion is intensified and, with suitable pressurization of the cell, it is possible to work with much less excess gas than in the case of
Zellen nach dem Stand der Technik.State of the art cells.
Vorteilhaft werden die Kanäle für die Gaszufuhr und die Gasabfuhr, die durch entsprechende Nuten in der bipolaren Platte bzw. der Endplatte gebildet sind, so angeordnet, dass jeweils ein zuführender Kanal benachbart zu einem abführenden Kanal liegt. Wenn dann das Kanalsystem fein verteilt über die gesamte zur Verfügung stehende Fläche in dieser Weise ausgebildet wird, dann wird eine intensive Durchströmung der Gasdiffusionselektrode in dem gesamten wirksamen Elektrodenbereich erreicht. Die Kanäle gemäß der Erfindung (Mikroka- näle) können im Vergleich zu Kanälen nach dem Stand der Technik einen wesentlich kleineren Querschnitt aufweisen, da sich hinsichtlich des Strömungs-
Widerstandes die Querschnitte der Einzelkanäle addieren und nicht wie beim Stand der Technik, wo eine mäanderförmige Kanalführung erfolgt, der Strömungswiderstand durch den kleinsten Kanalquerschnitt wesentlich bestimmt ist. Dies hat den weiteren wesentlichen Vorteil, dass das Verhältnis von Aufiageflä- ehe zu Kanalfläche - in Draufsicht auf die bipolare Platte bzw. Endplatte von derThe channels for the gas supply and gas discharge, which are formed by corresponding grooves in the bipolar plate or the end plate, are advantageously arranged in such a way that a supply channel is adjacent to a discharge channel. If the channel system is then formed such that it is finely distributed over the entire available area, then an intensive flow through the gas diffusion electrode is achieved in the entire effective electrode area. The channels according to the invention (microchannels) can have a substantially smaller cross section than channels according to the prior art, since the flow Resistance add up the cross sections of the individual channels and not, as in the prior art, where a meandering channel guidance takes place, the flow resistance is essentially determined by the smallest channel cross section. This has the further significant advantage that the ratio of the surface area to the channel area - in plan view of the bipolar plate or end plate from the
Elektrode aus gesehen - wesentlich vergrößert werden kann. Während beim Stand der Technik dieses Verhältnis bei etwa 1:1 liegt, kann durch die erfin- dungsgemäße Ausgestaltung die Auflagefläche, mit der die bipolare Platte bzw. die Endplatte an der Gasdiffusionselektrode unmittelbar anliegt, auf 75 % (bevorzugt zwischen 70 und 80 %) der Gesamtfläche oder auch noch mehr gesteigert werden, ohne die Gaszu- bzw. -abfuhr zur bzw. aus der Gasdiffusionselektrode zu verringern. Dadurch, dass diese Auflagefläche wesentlich vergrößert werden kann, kann die Gasdiffusionselektrode weicher und elastischer ausgestaltet werden, wodurch die Herstellungskosten erheblich verringert werden. Bei Brennstoffzellen nach dem Stand der Technik ist es beispielsweise üblich, die Gasdiffusionselektrode zweischichtig auszubilden, wobei eine an der Membran anliegende weichere, elastische Schicht vorgesehen ist, die von einer härteren, an der Bipolarplatte bzw. der Endplatte anliegenden Schicht abgedeckt wird. Letztere, in der Herstellung teurere Schicht kann durch die vorliegende Erfindung völlig entfallen, da keine harte Abstützung mehr erforderlich ist. Es kann für die Gasdiffusionselektrode ein vergleichsweise weicher und elastischer Werkstoff verwendet werden, der kostengünstig als Rollenware verfügbar ist. Hierdurch können die Herstellungskosten insbesondere in der Serien- und Massenproduktion ganz erheblich gesenkt werden.Electrode seen - can be significantly enlarged. While in the prior art this ratio is approximately 1: 1, the contact surface with which the bipolar plate or the end plate is in direct contact with the gas diffusion electrode can be 75% (preferably between 70 and 80%) due to the design according to the invention. of the total area or even more can be increased without reducing the gas supply or removal to or from the gas diffusion electrode. Due to the fact that this contact area can be significantly enlarged, the gas diffusion electrode can be made softer and more elastic, whereby the manufacturing costs are considerably reduced. In the case of fuel cells according to the prior art, it is customary, for example, to design the gas diffusion electrode in two layers, a softer, elastic layer lying against the membrane being provided, which is covered by a harder layer lying against the bipolar plate or the end plate. The latter, which is more expensive to produce, can be completely dispensed with by the present invention, since hard support is no longer required. A comparatively soft and elastic material can be used for the gas diffusion electrode, which material is available inexpensively as roll goods. As a result, the manufacturing costs, particularly in series and mass production, can be reduced considerably.
Bevorzugt wird eine Vielzahl von Gaszufuhr- und Gasabfuhrkanälen nebeneinander angeordnet, so dass eine breitfacherige und vom Strömungsquerschnitt günstigere Verteilung entsteht. Diese Mikrokanalstxuktur ermöglicht eine großflächige und gleichmäßige Einleitung des Gases in die Gasdiffusionselek- trode bzw. beim Einsatz als Elektrolyseur zur Abfuhr aus dieser Elektrode.A multiplicity of gas supply and gas discharge channels are preferably arranged next to one another, so that a distribution which is broader and more favorable in terms of the flow cross section is produced. This microchannel structure enables the gas to be introduced over a large area and uniformly into the gas diffusion electrode or, when used as an electrolyzer, to be discharged from this electrode.
Insbesondere beim Brennstoffzellenbetrieb kann dadurch, dass nur noch eine
vergleichsweise kleine Überschussmenge an Gas durchgesetzt wird, dem Austrocknen der Membran auf der Sauerstoffseite weiter entgegengewirkt werden.In particular in fuel cell operation, only one comparatively small excess amount of gas is enforced, the drying out of the membrane on the oxygen side can be further counteracted.
Dabei kann es vorteilhaft sein, die Kanäle zur Gasdiffusionselektrode hin aufgeweitet auszubilden, so dass sich beispielsweise ein trapezförmiger Kanalquerschnitt ergibt. Darüber hinaus wird eine intensive Einleitung in die Gasdiffusionselektrode durch eine entsprechend fein verästelte Kanalführung gewährleistet.It can be advantageous to design the channels widened toward the gas diffusion electrode, so that, for example, a trapezoidal channel cross section results. In addition, an intensive introduction into the gas diffusion electrode is ensured by a correspondingly finely branched duct.
Die Erfindung ist nachfolgend anhand eines in der Figur dargestellten Ausfuhrungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Es zeigen:The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the figure. Show it:
Fig. 1 eine Endplatte einer Brennstoffzelle gemäß der Erfindung inFig. 1 shows an end plate of a fuel cell according to the invention in
Draufsicht,Top view,
Fig. 2 eine Stirnansicht der Platte gemäß Fig. 1,2 is an end view of the plate of FIG. 1,
Fig. 3 einen Schnitt längs der Schnittlinie iπ-ILT in Fig. 2 undFig. 3 shows a section along the section line iπ-ILT in Fig. 2 and
Fig. 4 in vergrößerter Darstellung einen Schnitt längs der Schnittlinie rV-rV in Fig. 1.4 shows an enlarged representation of a section along the section line rV-rV in FIG. 1.
Die hier nicht im Einzelnen dargestellte Brennstoffzelle entspricht in ihrem Aufbau dem beispielsweise aus DE 195 44 323 AI beschriebenen. Eine elek- frisch leitende, jedoch gasdichte Endplatte 1 liegt flächig an einer Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 an, die aus einem karbonisierten Kohlefaservlies besteht, ebenfalls elektrisch leitend ist und die auf der der Endplatte 1 abgewandten Seite kataly- tisch beschichtet, d. h. mit Platinpartikeln versehen ist. Diese Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 liegt an einer Polymerelektrolytmembran 3 an, die gasdicht, jedoch ionendurchlässig ist. Zur anderen Seite der PolymerelekπOlytmembran 3 ist derThe structure of the fuel cell, which is not shown in detail here, corresponds to that described, for example, from DE 195 44 323 A1. An electroconductive but gas-tight end plate 1 lies flat against a gas diffusion electrode 2, which consists of a carbonized carbon fiber fleece, is also electrically conductive and catalytically coats the side facing away from the end plate 1, i. H. is provided with platinum particles. This gas diffusion electrode 2 rests on a polymer electrolyte membrane 3 which is gas-tight but permeable to ions. To the other side of the PolymerelekπOlytmembran 3 is the
Aufbau entsprechend, wobei im Brennstoffzellenbetrieb seitlich durch die
Endplatte 1 bzw. die zur anderen Seite der Polymerelektrolytmembran 3 angeordnete Endplatte Wasserstoff bzw. Sauerstoff zugeführt werden, die kataly- tisch zu Wasser oxidiert werden, wobei elektrische Energie frei wird, die an den Endplatten abgegriffen wird.Structure accordingly, with the fuel cell operation laterally through the End plate 1 or the end plate arranged on the other side of the polymer electrolyte membrane 3 are supplied with hydrogen or oxygen, which are catalytically oxidized to water, whereby electrical energy is released, which is tapped off at the end plates.
Wenn mehrere solcher Zellen zu einem Stack zusammengesetzt werden, dann ist der Aufbau entsprechend, wobei zwei Endplatten benachbarter Zellen aneinander liegen oder in Form einer Bipolarplatte als gemeinsame Platte ausgebildet sind.If several such cells are put together to form a stack, the structure is corresponding, with two end plates of adjacent cells lying against one another or being designed as a common plate in the form of a bipolar plate.
Eine solche Endplatte 1 ist anhand der Figuren dargestellt. Die Fig. 1 zeigt dabei die zur Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 weisende Seite der Endplatte 1. Wie sich aus Fig. 1 ergibt, sind in der zur Elektrode 2 gerichteten Seite der Endplatte 1 zahlreiche alternierend und ineinandergreifend angeordnete Reihen 4, 5 von Mikrokanälen 6 vorgesehen. Diese Mikrokanäle 6 haben einen im Wesentlichen quadratischen Querschnitt und sind durch entsprechende nutartige Ausnehmungen in der Oberfläche der Endplatte 1 gebildet. Sie werden auf ihrer freien Seite durch die angrenzende Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 begrenzt.Such an end plate 1 is shown with reference to the figures. 1 shows the side of the end plate 1 facing the gas diffusion electrode 2. As can be seen from FIG. 1, numerous rows 4, 5 of microchannels 6 arranged alternately and interlocking are provided in the side of the end plate 1 facing the electrode 2. These microchannels 6 have an essentially square cross section and are formed by corresponding groove-like recesses in the surface of the end plate 1. They are delimited on their free side by the adjacent gas diffusion electrode 2.
Jeder Mikrokanal 6 ist über einen mittig angeordneten und senkrecht dazu verlaufenden bohrungsartigen Kanal 7 mit einem dahinter liegenden, in Richtung der jeweiligen Reihe 4 oder 5 verlaufenden Hauptkanal 8 bzw. 9 verbunden. Die Reihen 4 und 5 von Mikrokanälen sind jeweils über nebeneinander angeordnete Hauptkanäle 8, 9 verbunden, wobei die Hauptkanäle 8 der Reihen 4 an der in Fig. 2 sichtbaren Stirnseite 10 und die der Reihen 5 an der anderen (inEach microchannel 6 is connected via a centrally arranged and perpendicular bore-like channel 7 to a main channel 8 or 9 located behind it and running in the direction of the respective row 4 or 5. The rows 4 and 5 of microchannels are each connected via main channels 8, 9 arranged next to one another, the main channels 8 of the rows 4 on the end face 10 visible in FIG. 2 and that of the rows 5 on the other (in
Fig. 2 nicht sichtbaren) Stirnseite 11 münden. Es sind also über die in der Stirnseite 10 mündenden Hauptkanäle 8 die Reihen 4 von Mikrokanälen 6 miteinander verbunden und über die Hauptkanäle 9 die Reihen 5 von Mikrokanälen 6, die über die Stirnseite 11 zugänglich sind. Dabei ist die Anordnung der Mikrokanäle benachbarter Reihen 4 und 5 kammartig ineinandergreifend, so dass benachbarte Mikrokanäle 6 stets unterschiedlichen Kanalsystemen zu-
geordnet sind. Dabei sind auch die Hauptkanäle 8 und 9 alternierend angeordnet, wie sich dies insbesondere aus Fig. 3 ergibt.Fig. 2 not visible) end face 11. The rows 4 of microchannels 6 are connected to one another via the main channels 8 opening into the end face 10 and the rows 5 of microchannels 6, which are accessible via the end face 11, via the main channels 9. The arrangement of the microchannels of adjacent rows 4 and 5 is interdigitated, so that adjacent microchannels 6 always have different channel systems. are ordered. The main channels 8 and 9 are also arranged alternately, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 3.
Es sind also in der Endplatte 1 zwei durch die Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 bzw. die Endplatte selbst voneinander getrennte, jedoch in sich miteinander leitungs- verbundene Kanalsysteme vorhanden, von denen eins zur Gaszufuhr und das andere zur Gasabfuhr dient. Da die Endplatte 1 gasdicht ist, kann das Gas von einem zum anderen Kanalsystem nur über die Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 gelangen, wodurch sichergestellt ist, dass das Gas nicht nur, wie beim Stand der Technik üblich, an der Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 vorbeiströmt, sondern durch diese hindurchströmen muss. Dies verdeutlicht am besten Fig. 4, wo die Strömungsrichtung anhand von Pfeildarstellungen erkennbar ist. Die mit A gekennzeichneten Pfeile kennzeichnen dabei Mikrokanäle des zuführenden Kanalsystems und die mit B gekennzeichneten solche des abführenden Gassystems. Es wird also deutlich, dass, um von A nach B zu gelangen, die Gasdiffusionselektrode 2 durchdrungen werden muss, so wie das durch die Pfeile 12 in Fig. 4 kenntlich gemacht ist.
There are therefore two channel systems in the end plate 1 which are separated from one another by the gas diffusion electrode 2 or the end plate itself, but which are connected to one another in terms of lines, one of which is used for gas supply and the other for gas discharge. Since the end plate 1 is gas-tight, the gas can only pass from one to the other channel system via the gas diffusion electrode 2, which ensures that the gas not only flows past the gas diffusion electrode 2, as is customary in the prior art, but must flow through it , This is best illustrated in FIG. 4, where the direction of flow can be seen from arrow representations. The arrows marked A indicate microchannels of the supplying channel system and those marked B of the discharging gas system. It is therefore clear that in order to get from A to B, the gas diffusion electrode 2 must be penetrated, as is indicated by the arrows 12 in FIG. 4.
BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
1 Endplatte1 end plate
2 Gasdiffusionselektrode2 gas diffusion electrode
3 Polymerelektrolytmembran3 polymer electrolyte membrane
4 Reihe4 rows
5 Reihe5 rows
6 Mikrokanäle6 micro channels
7 bohrungsartige Kanäle7 bore-like channels
8 Hauptkanäle zur Reihe 48 main channels to row 4
9 Hauptkanäle zur Reihe 59 main channels to row 5
10 Stirnseite10 end face
11 Stirnseite11 end face
12 Pfeil in Fig. 4
12 arrow in Fig. 4
Claims
1. Elektrochemische Zelle, insbesondere Brennstoffzelle, mit Polymerelektrolytmembran (3), mit mindestens einer dazu benachbart angeordneten Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) und mit mindestens einem gasführenden Kanal (6), der zu einer Seite von der Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) begrenzt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein Kanal (6) für die Gaszufuhr (A) und ein weiterer Kanal (6) für die Gasabfuhr (B) vorgesehen sind, welche durch die Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) begrenzt und voneinander getrennt sind.1. An electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell, with a polymer electrolyte membrane (3), with at least one gas diffusion electrode (2) arranged adjacent thereto and with at least one gas-conducting channel (6) which is delimited on one side by the gas diffusion electrode (2), characterized in that that at least one channel (6) for the gas supply (A) and a further channel (6) for the gas discharge (B) are provided, which are delimited by the gas diffusion electrode (2) and separated from one another.
2. Elektrochemische Zelle nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zahlreiche Kanäle (6) für die Gaszufuhr (A) und für die Gasabfuhr (B) gebildet sind, die flächig über die Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) verteilt und an diese angrenzend so angeordnet sind, dass ein Gas zuführender Kanal (6) benachbart zu einem Gas abführenden Kanal (6) liegt.2. Electrochemical cell according to claim 1, characterized in that numerous channels (6) for the gas supply (A) and for the gas discharge (B) are formed, which are distributed over the gas diffusion electrode (2) and are arranged adjacent to it, that a gas supply channel (6) is adjacent to a gas discharge channel (6).
3. Elektrochemische Zelle nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kanäle (6) in einer gasdichten Endplatte (1) oder Bipolarplatte angeordnet sind, wobei die zur Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) offenen Kanäle in Reihen (4, 5) nebeneinander angeordnet und mit längs der Reihen (4, 5) verlaufenden Kanälen (8, 9) leitungsverbunden sind, die zu einer3. Electrochemical cell according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (6) are arranged in a gas-tight end plate (1) or bipolar plate, the channels open to the gas diffusion electrode (2) being arranged in rows (4, 5) next to one another and with lines (8, 9) running along the rows (4, 5) which are connected to a
Seite (10 oder 11) der End- oder Bipolarplatte (1) geführt sind.Side (10 or 11) of the end or bipolar plate (1) are guided.
4. Elektrochemische Zelle nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kanäle (6) zur Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) hin aufgeweitet ausgebildet sind. 4. Electrochemical cell according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (6) to the gas diffusion electrode (2) are designed to be widened.
5. Elektrochemische Zelle nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zur Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) hin angrenzende Fläche der Kanäle (6) 20 % bis 30 % der zur Gasdiffusionselektrode (2) hin wirksamen Fläche der Endplatte (1) oder Bipolarplatte bildet. 5. Electrochemical cell according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area of the channels (6) adjacent to the gas diffusion electrode (2) forms 20% to 30% of the area of the end plate (1) or bipolar plate effective towards the gas diffusion electrode (2) ,
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2001289551A AU2001289551A1 (en) | 2000-08-08 | 2001-08-06 | Electrochemical cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE10038589.3 | 2000-08-08 | ||
| DE10038589A DE10038589A1 (en) | 2000-08-08 | 2000-08-08 | Electrochemical cell |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2002013287A2 true WO2002013287A2 (en) | 2002-02-14 |
| WO2002013287A3 WO2002013287A3 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
Family
ID=7651664
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DE2001/002923 WO2002013287A2 (en) | 2000-08-08 | 2001-08-06 | Electrochemical cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2001289551A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE10038589A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002013287A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1447869A1 (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-08-18 | Haldor Topsoe A/S | Interconnect device, fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7067213B2 (en) | 2001-02-12 | 2006-06-27 | The Morgan Crucible Company Plc | Flow field plate geometries |
| GB2387476B (en) | 2002-06-24 | 2004-03-17 | Morgan Crucible Co | Flow field plate geometries |
| CN100397692C (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2008-06-25 | 摩根坩埚有限公司 | Flow field plate geometries |
| JP4682511B2 (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2011-05-11 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Solid oxide fuel cell |
| DE102007062033A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 | 2009-06-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Electro-chemical fuel cell, has current flow plate with micro-reaction chamber arranged in external surface and at flow channel, and catalyst arranged in part of chamber such that catalyst contacts with membrane element and reactant |
| DE102012221802A1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2014-05-28 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel cell e.g. polymer electrolyte fuel cell for driving hybrid motor car, has anode-cathode stack with fluid inlet ports arranged such that flow resistance of fluids flowing into ports along basic flow direction is made to increase |
| DE102015211893A1 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Flow field of a fuel cell |
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| WO1994011912A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-26 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Fuel cell fluid flow field plate with discontinuous fluid flow channels |
| WO1995008851A1 (en) * | 1993-09-24 | 1995-03-30 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Method and apparatus for oxidizing carbon monoxide in the reactant stream of an electrochemical fuel cell |
| US5846668A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1998-12-08 | Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K. K. | Fuel cell, electrolytic cell and process of cooling and/or dehumidifying same |
| WO2000017952A1 (en) * | 1998-09-18 | 2000-03-30 | Energy Partners, L.C. | Self-humidifying fuel cell |
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| JPS60227361A (en) * | 1984-04-25 | 1985-11-12 | Fuji Electric Corp Res & Dev Ltd | Internal structure of fuel cell for supply and exhaust of reaction gas |
| JPS61128470A (en) * | 1984-11-28 | 1986-06-16 | Hitachi Ltd | Fuel cell separator |
| JPH0729579A (en) * | 1993-03-25 | 1995-01-31 | Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo Kk | Separator for fuel cell and cell stack for fuel cell |
| JPH1116591A (en) * | 1997-06-26 | 1999-01-22 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Solid polymer type fuel cell, solid polymer type fuel cell system, and electrical machinery and apparatus |
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- 2000-08-08 DE DE10038589A patent/DE10038589A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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2001
- 2001-08-06 AU AU2001289551A patent/AU2001289551A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-08-06 WO PCT/DE2001/002923 patent/WO2002013287A2/en active Application Filing
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1994011912A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-26 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Fuel cell fluid flow field plate with discontinuous fluid flow channels |
| WO1995008851A1 (en) * | 1993-09-24 | 1995-03-30 | Ballard Power Systems Inc. | Method and apparatus for oxidizing carbon monoxide in the reactant stream of an electrochemical fuel cell |
| US5846668A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1998-12-08 | Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K. K. | Fuel cell, electrolytic cell and process of cooling and/or dehumidifying same |
| WO2000017952A1 (en) * | 1998-09-18 | 2000-03-30 | Energy Partners, L.C. | Self-humidifying fuel cell |
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Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1447869A1 (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-08-18 | Haldor Topsoe A/S | Interconnect device, fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
| JP2004247305A (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2004-09-02 | Haldor Topsoe As | Ventilation device, fuel cell, and fuel cell stack |
| CN1316657C (en) * | 2003-02-15 | 2007-05-16 | 赫多特普索化工设备公司 | Interconnect device, fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
| US7297425B1 (en) | 2003-02-15 | 2007-11-20 | Topsoe Fuel Cell A/S | Interconnect device, fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2002013287A3 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
| DE10038589A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
| AU2001289551A1 (en) | 2002-02-18 |
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