Background technology
Fuel cell has high efficiency, low noise, free of contamination advantage, is the energy technology that meets epoch trend.Fuel cell is divided into polytype, common is proton exchange model fuel cell (protonexchange membrane fuel cell, PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cell (direct methanolfuel cell, DMFC).With the direct methanol fuel cell is example, and the fuel cell module of direct methanol fuel cell comprises proton exchange membrane (proton exchange membrane) and is arranged at the negative electrode (cathode) and anode (anode) of proton exchange membrane both sides.
Direct methanol fuel cell is to use methanol aqueous solution to act as a fuel, and the reaction equation of direct methanol fuel cell is as follows:
Anode: CH
3OH+H
2O → CO
2+ 6H
++ 6e
-
Negative electrode: 3/2O
2+ 6H
++ 6e
-→ 3H
2O
Overall reaction: CH
3OH+H
2O+3/2O
2→ CO
2+ 3H
2O
Please refer to Fig. 1, known a kind of fuel-cell device 100 comprises two fuel cell modules (fuel cellmodule), 110 and one cathode runner plate 120, and wherein cathode runner plate 120, shown in Fig. 2 A, is to be arranged between this two fuel cell module 110.Cathode runner plate 120 is in order to carry the required gas of cathode reaction.In known technology, can gas be flowed in cathode runner plate 120 by fan (illustrating).
Each fuel cell module 110 comprises that (wherein anode flow channel plate 114 is to be disposed between this two mea 112 to two mea for membrane electrode assembly, MEA) 112 and one anode flow channel plate 114.Anode flow channel plate 114 shown in Fig. 2 B, is in order to carry the required fuel of anode reaction.In addition, each mea 112 comprises proton exchange membrane 112a and is arranged at the anode 112b and the negative electrode 112c of proton exchange membrane 112a both sides, and the anode 112b of each mea 112 is contiguous anode flow channel plates 114.The side of each anode 112b is provided with anode collector plate 116, and the side of each negative electrode 112c is provided with cathode collector plate 118.
In known technology, the manufacture method of anode flow channel plate 114 and cathode runner plate 120 comprises two kinds of plastic rubber ejaculate molding and plastic cement die casting.With plastic rubber ejaculate molding, the thickness D1 of the thinnest part of anode flow channel plate 114 and cathode runner plate 120 is about about 0.8 millimeter (mm).With plastic cement die casting, the thickness D1 of the thinnest part of anode flow channel plate 114 and cathode runner plate 120 is about 0.25 millimeter.In addition, utilize the intensity of anode flow channel plate 114 that plastic cement die casting makes and cathode runner plate 120 to be lower than to utilize the intensity of anode flow channel plate 114 that plastic rubber ejaculate molding makes and cathode runner plate 120.
Because mea 112 needs under suitable decrement (being generally 30%), its reaction efficiency is preferred, so must bestow suitable pressure to mea 112.Also therefore, anode flow channel plate 114 must reach by force with the intensity of cathode runner plate 116, to avoid damage.In view of this, in known technology, anode flow channel plate 114 normally utilizes the method for plastic rubber ejaculate molding to be made with cathode runner plate 120.
Yet the design of fuel-cell device 100 is the trend developments towards slimming, so integral thickness D2, the D3 of cathode runner plate 120 and anode flow channel plate 114 also must dwindle.With the fuel-cell device 100 of the CD-ROM device slot that is applied to notebook computer (notebook PC), because the thickness of CD-ROM device slot is about 12.7 millimeters, so the integral thickness D2 of cathode runner plate 120 only allows in 1.4 millimeter.If cathode runner plate 120 is to be made with plastic rubber ejaculate molding, then since its thickness D1 of thin part be 0.8 millimeter, so the maximum height H of runner only is 0.6 millimeter.This will cause bigger resistance for gas flow, cause the reaction efficiency variation of fuel-cell device 100.In addition, if promote the reaction efficiency of fuel-cell device 100, and use the big and higher fan of power of size instead, then can take bigger space and expend the more energy.
In like manner, if anode flow channel plate 114 is to be made with plastic rubber ejaculate molding, it also can cause the reaction efficiency variation of fuel-cell device 100.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of known a kind of fuel-cell device.
Fig. 2 A is the stereogram of cathode runner plate among Fig. 1.
Fig. 2 B is the schematic diagram of anode runner plate among Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram that the runner plate of one embodiment of the invention is applied to fuel-cell device.
Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram of runner plate among Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram of the runner plate of another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram of the runner plate of another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 A to Fig. 7 C is the present invention's schematic diagram of the runner plate of three embodiment in addition.
Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of the runner plate of another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is the schematic diagram of the runner plate of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is the schematic diagram of the runner plate of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is the schematic diagram of the separation membrane of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 A is the schematic diagram of the runner plate of another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 B is the vertical view along the runner plate of Figure 12 A.
Figure 13 A is the schematic diagram of the channel size of known anode flow channel plate.
Figure 13 B is the schematic diagram of channel size of the runner plate of Figure 12 A.
Description of reference numerals
100,300: fuel-cell device
110,310: fuel cell module
112,312: mea
112a, 312a: proton exchange membrane
112b, 312b: anode
112c, 312c: negative electrode
114,314: the anode flow channel plate
116,316: the anode collector plate
118,318: cathode collector plate
120: cathode runner plate
200,200a~200e, 400: runner plate
210,210a, 410: separation membrane
212,214: the surface
216: lug boss
217: runner
220,220e: strip strutting piece
230,230d: housing
232,240: grab
412: first surface
414: second surface
420: the first strutting pieces
422: the first bottoms
424: the first branches
430: the second strutting pieces
432: the second bottoms
434: the second branches
440: the formula runner wriggles
D1, D2, D3: thickness
H: highly
Embodiment
The explanation of following each embodiment is graphic with reference to what add, can be in order to the specific embodiment of implementing in order to illustration the present invention.The direction term that the present invention mentioned, for example " on ", D score, " preceding ", " back ", " left side ", " right side " etc., only be direction with reference to additional illustration.Therefore, the direction term of use is to be used for explanation, but not is used for limiting the present invention.
Please refer to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the runner plate 200 of one embodiment of the invention is arranged between two assemblies of fuel-cell device 300.This runner plate 200 can be used as cathode runner plate or anode flow channel plate, and will be that example describes hereinafter with the cathode runner plate.
When as cathode runner plate, two above-mentioned assemblies are two fuel cell modules 310 of fuel-cell device 300.That is runner plate 200 is to be arranged between this two fuel cell module 310.In more detail, each fuel cell module 310 can comprise two mea 312 and an anode flow channel plate 314, and wherein anode flow channel plate 314 is to be disposed between this two mea 312, to carry the required fuel of anode reaction.In addition, each mea 312 comprises proton exchange membrane 312a and is arranged at the anode 312b and the negative electrode 312c of proton exchange membrane 312a both sides, and the anode 312b of each mea 312 is contiguous anode flow channel plates 314.The side of each anode 312b is provided with anode collector plate 316, and the side of each negative electrode 312c is provided with cathode collector plate 318.
Above-mentioned runner plate 200 for example is to be arranged between two cathode collector plates 318 of two fuel cell modules 310.In addition, runner plate 200 comprises separation membrane 210 and a plurality of strip strutting piece 220.Separation membrane 210 is to be disposed between two fuel cell modules 310, and strip strutting piece 220 is against separation membrane 210 and fuel cell module 310, to keep the spacing between fuel two battery modules 310.Particularly, strip strutting piece 220 for example is the strip pillar, and strip strutting piece 220 is two surfaces 212,214 that are arranged at separation membrane 210.
Hold above-mentionedly, the thickness of separation membrane 210 for example is the thickness less than strip strutting piece 220, and the thickness of separation membrane 210 for example is less than 0.25 millimeter.In addition, the hardness of strip strutting piece 220 for example is the hardness greater than separation membrane 210.Separation membrane 210 can be plastic film or is sheet metal.As implementing separation membrane 210 in the sheet metal mode, sheet metal can be via for example being to go out high and low external form with crimpings such as bending machines; The material of sheet metal can be stainless steel, and the surface of sheet metal can plate one deck resistant material, for example is carbon tetrafluoride etc.
Compared to the known cathode runner plate that utilizes ejection formation to make, the thinner thickness of the separation membrane 210 of the runner plate 200 of present embodiment, and the thickness of separation membrane 210 even can be lower than for example be 0.25 millimeter.Therefore, the fluid circulation space in the runner plate 200 of present embodiment is bigger, and the resistance of convection cell is less, so can use the less and lower-powered electric fan of size, the required gas of cathode reaction is flowed in runner plate 200.So, can reduce the overall volume of fuel-cell device 300, and improve its power output.
On the other hand, compared to the cathode runner plate of known plastic cement die casting, the strip strutting piece 220 of present embodiment can increase the intensity of runner plate 200, damages because of being subjected to force compresses to avoid runner plate 200.
What deserves to be mentioned is, because the product of cathode reaction is a water, so the material of separation membrane 210 can comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).Polytetrafluoroethylene has repellency, is easier to along with outside the gas discharge currents guidance tape 200 that flows in runner plate 200 so be dropped in the water of separation membrane 210.In addition, if the material of separation membrane 210 does not comprise polytetrafluoroethylene, then the surface of separation membrane 210 can be provided with and scold water layer (not illustrating), is easier to along with outside the gas discharge currents guidance tape 200 that flows in runner plate 200 so that be dropped in the water of separation membrane 210.This scolds the material of water layer to comprise for example is titanium dioxide.
The separation membrane 210 of runner plate 200 of the present invention is not defined as the plane formula separation membrane.Below will enumerate other embodiment of runner plate of the present invention, its advantage is similar to the advantage of runner plate 200, thus below only describe at structural difference place.In addition, following graphic in identical label represent components identical.
Please refer to Fig. 5, the separation membrane 210a of the runner plate 200a of another embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of lug bosses 216, so that form a plurality of runners 217 between separation membrane 210a and each fuel cell module (not illustrating).Strip strutting piece 220 is to be disposed to small part runner 217, and the bearing of trend of strip strutting piece 220 bearing of trend of parallel fluid channels 217 in fact.In addition, each strip strutting piece 220 is to be resisted against fuel cell module one of them and separation membrane 210a.
Please refer to Fig. 6, it is the sidewalls that are connected in to small part runner 217 that the difference of runner plate 200b of another embodiment of the present invention and the runner plate 200a of Fig. 5 is in the strip strutting piece 220 of runner plate 200b.In addition, present embodiment does not limit the shape of the protuberance 216 of separation membrane 210a, and the shape of the protuberance 216 of separation membrane 210a can also be the shape that Fig. 7 A to Fig. 7 C is illustrated, but not as limit.
Please refer to Fig. 8, compared to the runner plate 200a of Fig. 5, the runner plate 200c of another embodiment of the present invention also comprises housing 230, and strip strutting piece 220 is to be connected in housing 230.Strip strutting piece 220 can be one-body molded with housing 230.
Please refer to Fig. 9, compared to the runner plate 200c of Fig. 8, the housing 230d of the runner plate 200d of another embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of grabs 232.So, when mix flow guidance tape 200d and fuel cell module 310, will be more easy.
Please refer to Figure 10, the runner plate 200e of another embodiment of the present invention is similar to the runner plate 200c of Fig. 8, and it is Support Level that its difference is in the strip strutting piece 220e of runner plate 200e.Strip strutting piece 220e is resisted against separation membrane 210a, and the two ends of each strip strutting piece 220e are to be fixed in housing 230.In addition, strip Support Level 220e can be iron wire, but not as limit.
Please refer to Figure 11, another embodiment of the present invention is set up a plurality of grabs 240 in the edge of separation membrane 210a, and the appropriate location in fuel-cell device sets up location hole, so that grab 240 can snap in location hole.Because the material of separation membrane 210a can be the soft plastic film, so separation membrane 210a can elastic telescopic, so after grab 240 snapped in location hole, the shape of separation membrane 210a also can become required shape.
Please refer to Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B, the runner plate 400 of another embodiment of the present invention is arranged between two assemblies of a fuel-cell device.This runner plate 400 can be used as cathode runner plate or anode flow channel plate, and will be that example describes with the anode flow channel plate hereinafter.
When as the anode flow channel plate, the position that runner plate 400 is provided with is identical with the anode flow channel plate 314 of Fig. 3, promptly is arranged between the two anode collector plates 316 of fuel cell module 310 of Fig. 3.In other words, above-mentioned assembly is an anode collector plate 316.This runner plate 400 comprises separation membrane 410, first strutting piece 420 and second strutting piece 430.Separation membrane 410 has first surface 412 and second surface 414.First strutting piece 420 comprises first bottom 422 and a plurality of first branches 424 that are connected first bottom 422.First branch 424 is disposed at first surface 412, and first bottom 422 and separation membrane 410 distance of being separated by.Second strutting piece 430 comprises second bottom 432 and a plurality of second branches 434 that are connected second bottom 432.Second branch 434 is disposed at second surface 414, and second bottom 432 is relative with first bottom 422 and with separation membrane 410 distance of being separated by.First branch 424 and second branch 434 alternately arrange, second branch 434 and first bottom 422 distance of being separated by, first branch 424 and second bottom 432 distance of being separated by.First branch 424 and second branch 434 are positioned at same plane haply, so that form a sinuous formula runner 440 between separation membrane 410 and each the anode collector plate 316.
In the above-mentioned runner plate 400, the hardness of first strutting piece 420 and second strutting piece 430 for example is the hardness greater than separation membrane 410.In addition, the thickness of first strutting piece 420 and second strutting piece 430 for example is the thickness greater than separation membrane 410, and wherein the thickness of separation membrane 410 for example is less than 0.25 millimeter.In addition, separation membrane 210 can be plastic film or is sheet metal.The material of first strutting piece 420 and second strutting piece 430 can be the preferred circuit board materials of endurance such as FR4 or FR5.
Compared to the known anode flow channel plate that utilizes ejection formation to make, the thinner thickness of the separation membrane 410 of the runner plate 400 of present embodiment, and the thickness of separation membrane 410 even can be lower than 0.25 millimeter.Therefore, the fluid circulation space in the runner plate of present embodiment 400 is bigger, and the resistance of convection cell is less, so can use the less and lower-powered group Pu of size to make the required fuel of anode reaction mobile runner plate 400 in.So, can reduce the overall volume of fuel cell module, and improve its power output.
On the other hand, compared to the anode flow channel plate of known plastic cement die casting, first strutting piece 420 of present embodiment and second strutting piece 430 can increase the intensity of runner plate 400, damage because of being subjected to force compresses to avoid runner plate 400.
Figure 13 A is the schematic diagram of the channel size of known anode flow channel plate, and Figure 13 B is the schematic diagram of channel size of the runner plate of Figure 12 A.Please refer to Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B, if the width of the runner of the width of known runner and present embodiment is all 3 millimeters, the height of known runner is 0.6 millimeter, and the height of the runner of present embodiment is 1.2 millimeters, and then the cross section of known runner is identical with the sectional area of the runner of present embodiment.When the length of this two runner is all 100 millimeters, and the discharge of per minute is when being 100 milliliters, and the flow resistance of known runner is 3155 handkerchiefs (pa), and the flow resistance of the runner of present embodiment is 1241 handkerchiefs.In other words, the flow resistance of the runner of present embodiment only is known about 39%.
Therefore, under the flow resistance of the known runner situation identical with the flow resistance of the runner of present embodiment, the height of the runner of present embodiment will be far below the height of known runner, and this helps to reduce the integral thickness of fuel-cell device.In addition, compared to known technology, adopt the fuel cell module of the runner plate 400 of present embodiment to have higher volume energy density (Wh/L).
In sum, the runner plate of the embodiment of the invention has following one or part or all of advantage:
1. compared to known technology, the thinner thickness of the separation membrane that the embodiment of the invention adopts, thus can effectively increase fluid circulation space in the runner plate, and then promote the reaction efficiency of fuel-cell device.
2. strutting piece can prevent that runner plate from damaging because of being subjected to force compresses.
3. under the situation of identical flow resistance, the thickness of the runner plate of the embodiment of the invention is than the thin thickness of known flow guidance tape.
Though the present invention discloses as above with preferred embodiment; right its is not in order to limit the present invention; those skilled in the art under any in the technical field; without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention; when can doing a little change and retouching, so protection scope of the present invention is as the criterion when looking appended the claim person of defining.Arbitrary embodiment of the present invention in addition or claim must not reached the disclosed whole purposes of the present invention or advantage or characteristics.In addition, summary part and title only are the usefulness that is used for assisting the patent document search, are not to be used for limiting interest field of the present invention.