CN111916805B

CN111916805B - Proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer and sealing device thereof

Info

Publication number: CN111916805B
Application number: CN201910374533.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赵锋; 江浩; 李骁
Original assignee: Wuhan Troowin Power System Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Wuhan Troowin Power System Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-07
Filing date: 2019-05-07
Publication date: 2025-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-07
Also published as: CN111916805A

Abstract

The present invention provides a PEM fuel cell monomer, which includes a cathode plate, a membrane electrode assembly, an anode plate and an anode seal, wherein the membrane electrode assembly is arranged between the cathode plate and the anode plate, and the anode seal is arranged between the membrane electrode assembly and the anode plate, wherein the anode plate forms at least one first through hole and at least one fuel diffusion channel, the cathode plate forms at least one second through hole, and the anode seal forms at least one anode through hole, wherein the first through hole of the anode plate is arranged to be connected to the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate, and the anode through hole of the anode seal is arranged to be connected to the second through hole of the cathode plate and the first through hole of the anode plate respectively.

Description

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell unit and sealing device thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more particularly, to a sealing device for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Background

A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that converts chemical energy in fuel into electric energy in the form of oxidation-reduction reaction. The types of fuel cells are numerous, such as hydrogen fuel cells, methanol fuel cells, and the like. The hydrogen fuel cell is a fuel cell capable of converting chemical energy of hydrogen into electric energy by electrochemical reaction with hydrogen as fuel, and an electrochemical reaction product thereof is water without causing pollution to the environment throughout the reaction process. The most representative of hydrogen fuel cells is the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Typically, a hydrogen fuel cell includes a plurality of PEM fuel cell units, each PEM fuel cell unit including at least an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. A plurality of fuel cell units are stacked to form one fuel cell unit. In a fuel cell, an oxidant, such as oxygen, and a fuel, such as hydrogen, need to be separated prior to the electrochemical reaction to avoid direct contact. In addition, in order to ensure the efficiency and performance of the electrochemical reaction, the oxygen supply path and/or the hydrogen supply path should be kept airtight to prevent leakage of hydrogen and oxygen.

Figure 1A of the accompanying drawings shows a prior art PEM fuel cell and its sealing arrangement. The fuel cell (or fuel cell stack) includes a plurality of fuel cell cells stacked, wherein each fuel cell includes a cathode plate 1P, a membrane electrode assembly 3P, an anode plate 5P, a cathode seal 2P, an anode seal 4P, and a seal ring 6P provided between the anode plate 5P of one fuel cell and the cathode plate 1P of the other fuel cell of the adjacent two fuel cell cells. In particular, in the fuel cell unit of the fuel cell, the anode seal 4P thereof is provided on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly 3P for preventing leakage of hydrogen gas on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly 3P, the cathode seal 2P is provided on the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly 3P for preventing leakage of hydrogen gas on the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly 3P, and the seal ring 4P is provided for preventing leakage of hydrogen gas and streaming of oxygen (or air). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the seal between the anode and cathode plates of the prior art fuel cell shown in fig. 1A is achieved by the pressure between the anode and cathode plates. However, the connection of the hydrogen supply passage and the fuel passage of the anode plate 5P is a convex-concave structure 7P formed by a plurality of grooves. Thus, contact between the anode plate 5P and the anode seal 4P and support of the anode seal 4P are discontinuous. When the pressure between the cathode and anode plates of the fuel cell unit is excessively large, the anode seal 4P may be deformed and pressed into the groove at the joint, affecting the flow and supply of fuel. Moreover, uneven stress of the anode seal member 4P also affects the sealing of the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly 3P.

The fuel cell shown in fig. 1B of the accompanying drawings is an improvement to the fuel cell shown in fig. 1A in that the fuel cell further comprises a support sheet (or support plate) 8P, wherein the support sheet 8P is disposed between the anode seal 4P and the anode plate 5P, wherein the support sheet 8P is disposed opposite the convex-concave structure 7P of the anode plate 5P to prevent deformation of the anode seal 4P and influence the fuel supply. However, in order to meet the sealing requirement, the thickness of the support sheet 8P must be sufficiently small, and the rigidity of the support sheet 8P must be sufficiently large. In addition, in the fuel cell assembly, the support sheet 8P also needs to be positioned accurately. In practical applications, the supporting sheet 8P itself may cause more complicated manufacturing processes and increase in manufacturing costs of the fuel cell, and the effect is not ideal.

Disclosure of Invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide a PEM fuel cell unit wherein the sealing means of the PEM fuel cell unit is adapted to be arranged between the anode and cathode plates of the fuel cell unit and the sealing means is uniformly stressed so as to better prevent leakage of fuel in the fuel cell unit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a PEM fuel cell unit wherein the sealing means of the PEM fuel cell unit is disposed between the anode and cathode plates of the fuel cell to prevent leakage of fuel, such as hydrogen, and to prevent cross-flow between fuel and oxidant, such as oxygen (or air).

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a PEM fuel cell unit wherein the sealing means of the PEM fuel cell unit provides better gas tightness and is capable of withstanding higher operating pressures, thereby enabling the fuel cell to provide greater output power.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a PEM fuel cell unit wherein the sealing means of the PEM fuel cell unit is provided with two flat sealing surfaces capable of being uniformly stressed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a PEM fuel cell unit wherein the contact surface of the anode seal member of the sealing device of the PEM fuel cell unit and the anode plate of the PEM fuel cell unit are uniformly stressed to avoid deformation of a portion of the structure of the anode seal member due to uneven stress and to affect fuel flow.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a PEM fuel cell unit wherein the sealing means of the PEM fuel cell unit does not require elaborate components and complex structures, and wherein the manufacturing process is simple and cost effective.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sealing device for a PEM fuel cell wherein the sealing device is adapted to be disposed between the anode and cathode plates of the fuel cell and wherein the sealing device is uniformly stressed so as to better prevent leakage of fuel in the fuel cell.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, and may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the PEM fuel cell unit of the present invention which achieves the foregoing and other objects and advantages, comprises:

a cathode plate;

A membrane electrode assembly;

An anode plate, and

An anode seal, wherein the membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the cathode plate and the anode plate, the anode seal is disposed between the membrane electrode assembly and the anode plate, wherein the anode plate forms at least one first through-hole and at least one fuel diffusion channel, the cathode plate forms at least one second through-hole, the anode seal forms at least one anode through-hole, wherein the first through-hole of the anode plate is disposed in communication with the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate, the anode through-hole of the anode seal is disposed in communication with the second through-hole of the cathode plate and the first through-hole of the anode plate, respectively, such that the anode through-hole of the anode seal, the second through-hole of the cathode plate, and the first through-hole of the anode plate can form a fuel flow channel for supplying fuel to the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a PEM fuel cell unit comprising:

a cathode plate;

A membrane electrode assembly;

An anode plate, and

An anode seal, wherein the membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the cathode plate and the anode plate, the anode seal is disposed between the membrane electrode assembly and the anode plate, wherein the cathode plate forms at least one second through-hole, the anode plate forms at least one first through-hole, and at least one fuel diffusion channel, the anode seal forms at least one anode through-hole and a first cavity, wherein the first through-hole of the anode plate is in communication with the fuel diffusion channel, the anode through-hole of the anode seal is disposed to be in communication with the second through-hole of the cathode plate and the first through-hole of the anode plate, respectively, such that the second through-hole of the cathode plate, the anode through-hole of the anode seal, and the first through-hole of the anode plate form a fuel flow path for supplying fuel to the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a sealing device for a PEM fuel cell unit comprising:

An anode seal, and

A cathode seal, wherein the anode seal forms at least one anode through hole and a first cavity, the cathode seal forms a cathode through hole and a second cavity, wherein the cathode through hole of the cathode seal is disposed opposite the anode through hole of the anode seal, the second cavity is disposed opposite the first cavity of the anode seal, wherein the anode through hole and the first cavity are disposed spaced apart, and the cathode through hole and the second cavity are disposed spaced apart.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an anode plate for a PEM fuel cell comprising:

an anode plate body, and

A sealing edge extending outwardly from the anode plate body, wherein the anode plate body comprises a fuel diffusion portion and at least one pass-through portion extending outwardly from the fuel diffusion portion, wherein the anode plate has a first through-hole, a pass-through channel, and at least one fuel diffusion channel, wherein the first through-hole and the pass-through channel of the anode plate are formed in the pass-through portion of the anode plate body, and the fuel diffusion channel is formed in the fuel diffusion portion.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become fully apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1A shows a conventional fuel cell unit.

Fig. 1B shows another prior art fuel cell unit.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a fuel cell unit according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a partially enlarged view of the above-described fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2C is an assembly view of the above-described fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2D is a schematic structural diagram of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the cathode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cathode plate of the fuel cell unit is stacked with the anode plate of the adjacent fuel cell unit.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cathode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cathode seal of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the anode seal member of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention described above.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the anode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a bottom view of the anode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7C is another cross-sectional view of the anode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative implementation of the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell unit according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a fuel cell unit according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9B is a partially enlarged view of the above-described fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9C is an assembly view of the above-described fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9D is a schematic structural view of the above-mentioned fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the cathode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the cathode seal of the fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the anode seal member of the fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention described above.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the anode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15A and 15B show an alternative implementation of the cathode plate of the fuel cell unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention described above.

Detailed Description

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The preferred embodiments in the following description are by way of example only and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description may be applied to other embodiments, variations, modifications, equivalents, and other technical solutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the present disclosure, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," etc. refer to an orientation or positional relationship based on that shown in the drawings, which is merely for convenience of description and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore the above terms should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

It will be understood that the terms "a" and "an" should be interpreted as referring to "at least one" or "one or more," i.e., in one embodiment, the number of elements may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of elements may be plural, and the term "a" should not be interpreted as limiting the number.

Referring to fig. 2A-7C of the drawings of the present specification, a PEM fuel cell 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein the PEM fuel cell 10 may be stacked and used to form a PEM fuel cell stack wherein the PEM fuel cell 10 of the present invention comprises a cathode plate 11, an anode plate 12, A membrane electrode assembly 13 and an anode seal 14, wherein the membrane electrode assembly 13 is disposed between the anode plate 12 and the cathode plate 11, the anode seal 14 is disposed between the membrane electrode assembly 13 and the anode plate 12, wherein the anode plate 12 forms at least one first through hole 1201 and at least one fuel diffusion channel 1202, the cathode plate 11 forms at least one second through hole 1101, the anode seal 14 forms at least one anode through hole 1401, wherein the first through hole 1201 is disposed in communication with the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12, wherein the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal 14 is disposed capable of communicating with the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11 and the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12, respectively, such that the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal 14, the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11 and the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 can form a fuel flow passage 101 for supplying fuel to the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12. it will be appreciated that the fuel flow channels 101 of the PEM fuel cell stack 10 of the present invention are in communication with the fuel diffusion channels 1202 such that hydrogen gas may be provided (or supplied) through the fuel flow channels 101. Preferably, the anode seal 14 is disposed between the membrane electrode assembly 13 and the anode plate 12 to ensure airtightness between the membrane electrode assembly 13 and the anode plate 12. Accordingly, the anode seal 14 of the PEM fuel cell 10 of the present invention is disposed between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 to form a seal (structure) that prevents leakage of fuel, such as hydrogen. As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, more preferably, the cathode plate 11 forms two second through holes 1101, the anode plate 12 forms two first through holes 1201 and at least one fuel diffusion channel 1202, the anode seal 14 forms two anode through holes 1401, wherein the second through holes 1101 of the cathode plate 11 are respectively disposed at both ends of the cathode plate 11, the first through holes 1201 of the anode plate 12 are respectively disposed at both ends of the anode plate 12, and the first through holes 1201 are respectively communicated with the fuel diffusion channel 1202, the anode through holes 1401 of the anode seal 14 are respectively disposed at both ends of the anode seal 14, and the anode through holes 1401 of the anode seal 14, The second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11 and the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 form two fuel flow passages 101 respectively communicating with the fuel diffusion channels 1202 of the anode plate 12, so that hydrogen gas is supplied (or supplied) through the fuel flow passages 101.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has a first side 111 facing the membrane electrode assembly 13 and a second side 112 facing opposite to the first side 111, the anode plate 12 having a channel side 123 facing the membrane electrode assembly 13 and a back side 124 facing opposite to the channel side 123. In other words, the membrane electrode assembly 13 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 is disposed toward the channel side 123 of the anode plate 12 and the first side 111 of the cathode plate 11, respectively.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the anode plate 12 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an anode plate body 121 and a sealing edge 122 extending outwardly from the anode plate body 121, the anode seal 14 comprises a first sealing portion 141, wherein the first sealing portion 141 of the anode seal 14 is disposed between the sealing edge 122 of the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the first sealing portion 141 of the anode seal 14 preferably has a continuous annular structure, thereby forming a continuous sealing mechanism between the sealing edge 122 of the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 to ensure that hydrogen gas does not leak between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. More preferably, the sealing edge 122 of the anode plate 12 forms a flat and continuous sealing surface 1220 to ensure that the first seal 141 forms a good seal between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the anode plate body 121 of the anode plate 12 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention forms at least one through channel 1203, wherein the through channel 1203 is respectively communicated with the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 and the fuel diffusion channel 1202, so that the hydrogen gas flowing through the fuel flow channel 101 can be provided through the through channel 1203 and the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the anode plate body 121 of the anode plate 12 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a fuel diffusion portion 1211 and at least one through-hole 1212 extending outwardly from the fuel diffusion portion 1211, the anode seal 14 further includes at least one second seal 142 extending inwardly from the first seal 141, wherein the first through-hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 and the through-hole 1203 are formed at the through-hole 1212 of the anode plate body 121, the fuel diffusion channel 1202 is formed at the fuel diffusion portion 1211, and the anode through-hole 1401 of the anode seal 14 is formed at the second seal 142. Preferably, the anode plate body 121 includes a fuel diffusion portion 1211 and two conductive portions 1212 extending outwardly from the fuel diffusion portion 1211, respectively, and the anode seal 14 includes the first sealing portion 141 and two second sealing portions 142 extending inwardly from the first sealing portion 141, respectively, wherein the conductive portions 1212 of the anode plate body 121 are disposed to correspond to the second sealing portions 142 of the anode seal 14, respectively.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the anode seal member 14 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further has a first cavity 1402, wherein the first cavity 1402 is formed at the first sealing portion 141 of the anode seal member 14, and the anode through-hole 1401 of the anode seal member 14 and the first cavity 1402 are formed at the anode seal member 14 separately. In other words, a space 1421 exists between the anode through-hole 1401 and the first chamber 1402 of the anode seal member 14, so that the anode seal member 14 can seal the anode plate 12 and the portion of the membrane electrode assembly 13 facing the anode through-hole 1401 and the first chamber 1402 in a partitioned manner, thereby improving the sealing performance between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. Preferably, the first chamber 1402 of the anode seal 14 is disposed opposite the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12 such that a fuel diffusion space 102 is formed between the membrane electrode assembly 13 and the anode plate 12 opposite the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12, wherein the fuel diffusion space 102 can be used to contain a fuel, such as hydrogen. More preferably, the anode seal 14 is made of a flexible sealing material. Accordingly, when the anode seal 14 is provided with an appropriate thickness, a good seal can be formed between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 to prevent leakage of hydrogen gas between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. Most preferably, the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 is disposed at the first end 1213 of the conducting portion 1212, and the conducting channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 is disposed to extend from the first through hole 1201 to the second end 1214 of the conducting portion 1212 and from the second end 1214 to the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12, such that the first end 1213 and the second end 1214 of the conducting portion 1212 of the anode plate 12 are both distributed with channels (the first through hole 1201 or the conducting channel 1203).

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises at least one cathode seal 15, wherein the cathode seal 15 is disposed between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 to form a seal between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 and to prevent leakage of hydrogen gas between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, further, the cathode seal 15 forms a cathode through hole 1501, and the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15 is disposed to be able to communicate with the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11 and the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal 14, respectively, so that the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11, the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15, the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal 14, and the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 are able to form a fuel flow passage 101 for providing fuel to the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the cathode seal 15 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a cathode seal ring 151 and at least one cathode seal portion 152 extending from the cathode seal ring 151, wherein the cathode seal ring 151 of the cathode seal 15 forms a second cavity 1502. As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, preferably, the second cavity 1502 of the cathode seal 15 is disposed opposite to the first cavity 1402 of the anode seal 14, wherein the second cavity 1502 of the cathode seal 15 is shaped and sized according to the first cavity 1402 of the anode seal 14, so that the second cavity 1502 of the cathode seal 15 can be opposite to the first cavity 1402 of the anode seal 14, thereby avoiding deformation and compression of the cathode seal 15 to the membrane electrode assembly 13 when the cathode seal 15 is disposed between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 and pressed, so that the cathode seal 15 adheres to the membrane electrode assembly 13 and causes the electrochemical reaction area of the cathode plate 11 to be reduced. More preferably, the second cavity 1502 of the cathode seal 15 is disposed at the cathode seal 15 spaced apart from the cathode through hole 1501. In other words, a sealing structure exists between the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15 and the second chamber 1502 to enhance the gas tightness between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. Accordingly, the cathode seal 15 is preferably made of a flexible sealing material, and when the cathode seal 15 has an appropriate thickness, a good seal can be formed between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 to prevent leakage of hydrogen gas between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. Preferably, the cathode seal 15 includes a cathode seal 151 and two cathode seal portions 152 extending from the cathode seal 151, wherein the cathode seal 151 of the cathode seal 15 is disposed opposite the first seal portion 141 of the anode seal 14, and the cathode seal portions 152 are disposed opposite the second seal portions 142, respectively.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a gasket 16, the cathode plate 11 further having a sealing groove 1102, wherein the sealing groove 1102 is provided at the second side 112 of the cathode plate 11, wherein the sealing groove 1102 is provided around the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11, the gasket 16 being provided at the sealing groove 1102 such that between the second side 112 of the cathode plate 11 and the anode plate 12 'of another PEM fuel cell unit 10' is sealed by the gasket 16 and leakage of fuel from between the second side 112 of the cathode plate 11 and the anode plate 12 'of another PEM fuel cell unit 10'. In other words, the gasket 16 forms a seal between the second side 112 of the cathode plate 11 and the anode plate 12 'of another PEM fuel cell 10'. It will be appreciated that the gasket 16 is made of a sealing material, such as rubber, and that the gasket 16 has a suitable thickness. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the thickness of the gasket 16 should be slightly greater than the depth of the seal groove 1102.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the PEM fuel cell 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention achieves sealing between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 of the PEM fuel cell 10 by the cathode seal 15, sealing between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 by the anode seal 14, and sealing between the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell 10 and the anode plate 12 'of another adjacent PEM fuel cell 10' by the gasket 16 (and the seal groove 1102 of the corresponding cathode plate 11).

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention forms a spacer 113, wherein the spacer 113 is disposed between the seal groove 1102 and the second through hole 1101 such that when the PEM fuel cell 10 and the PEM fuel cell 10 'adjacent thereto are stacked and formed into a fuel cell stack, the gasket 16 disposed in the seal groove 1102 of the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell 10 is not easily excessively deformed under compression so as to block the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11 and/or the first through hole 1201' of the anode plate 12 'of the PEM fuel cell 10'. In addition, the spacer 113 of the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 also prevents the gasket 16 from being excessively deformed under compression in the direction of the second through-hole 1101, resulting in an inability to form an effective seal between the cathode plate 11 and the anode plate 12 'of the PEM fuel cell unit 10'. It will be appreciated that the adjacent PEM fuel cell stack 10' includes a cathode plate 11', an anode plate 12', a membrane electrode assembly 13', a cathode seal 14', a cathode seal 15', and a gasket 16'.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention forms a first side 114 and a second side 115 opposite thereto, wherein the seal groove 1102 extends from the first side 114 to the second side 115, such that the cathode plate 11 of the PEM fuel cell 10 and the anode plate 12 'of the PEM fuel cell 10' adjacent thereto are uniformly stressed when the gasket 16 is disposed within the seal groove 1102. Preferably, the width D2 of the seal groove 1102 is not less than two-thirds of the width D1 of the cathode plate 11.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the through-channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has a first through-channel 1204 and a second through-channel 1205 in communication with the first through-channel 1204, wherein the first through-channel 1204 is formed at the back side 124 of the anode plate 12, the second through-channel 1205 is formed at the channel side 123 of the anode plate 12, wherein the first through-channel 1204 extends from the first through-hole 1201, the second through-channel 1205 extends from the fuel diffusion channel 1202, such that the second through-channel 1205 and the first through-hole 1201 can be formed at the channel side 123 of the anode plate 12 at a distance from each other, and such that the first through-hole 1201 of the anode plate 12, the second through-channel 1205 of the through-channel 1203, the fuel diffusion channel 1202, the first through-channel 1204 form a fuel supply passage sealed at both sides of the anode plate 12 through the channel side 123 and the back side 124 of the anode plate 12, respectively. In this way, the fuel supply passage formed by the first through hole 1201, the through passage 1203, and the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12 can be better sealed. In particular, when the first and second through-channels 1204 and 1205 of the through-channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 are formed at different sides of the anode plate 12, respectively, the anode through-hole 1401 and the first chamber 1402 of the anode seal 14 may be disposed apart from each other without affecting the conduction between the first through-hole 1201 and the fuel diffusion channel 1202 of the anode plate 12 and the flow of fuel from the first through-hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 to the fuel diffusion channel 1202. In other words, the above-described conduction manner between the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 and the fuel diffusion channel 1202 allows the anode through hole 1401 and the first chamber 1402 of the anode seal 14 to be disposed apart, thereby improving the sealability of the anode seal 14 between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. When the through-channel 1203 of the anode plate 12, the first through-hole 1201 and the fuel diffusion channel 1202 are formed on the channel side 123 of the anode plate 12, in order to prevent the anode seal 14 from blocking the through-channel 1203 after being deformed, the anode seal 14 would have to be provided with a continuous groove opposite to the through-channel 1203, which would make it easier for the anode seal 14 to be deformed and break the seal between the anode seal 14 and the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the conducting channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further forms a first conducting through hole 1206, wherein the first conducting through hole 1206 is disposed between the first conducting groove 1204 and the second conducting groove 1205 of the conducting channel 1203, thereby communicating the first conducting groove 1204 and the second conducting groove 1205 of the conducting channel 1203. In other words, the first conductive via 1206 of the conductive channel 1203 is disposed in communication with the first conductive groove 1204 and the second conductive groove 1205, respectively, so that the first conductive groove 1204 and the second conductive groove 1205 of the conductive channel 1203 are in communication with each other.

It is noted that the first conducting groove 1204 of the conducting channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 is disposed opposite to the partition 113 of the cathode plate 11, so that the first conducting groove 1204 of the conducting channel 1203 can be sealed by the partition 113. Further, since the first conduction groove 1204 of the conduction channel 1203 is disposed opposite to the partition 113 of the cathode plate 11, the first conduction groove 1204 of the conduction channel 1203 can be sealed by the gasket 16 of an adjacent fuel cell unit. As shown in fig. 2D and 2E of the drawings, since the first conduction groove 1204' of the conduction channel of the anode plate 12' of the fuel cell 10' is disposed opposite to the partition of the cathode plate 11', the first conduction groove 1204' of the conduction channel of the anode plate 12' of the fuel cell 10' is sealed between the anode plate 12' of the fuel cell 10' and the cathode plate 11 of the fuel cell 10 by the gasket 16 of the adjacent fuel cell 10.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the membrane electrode assembly 13 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has at least one membrane through hole 1301, wherein the membrane through hole 1301 communicates with the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15 (or the second through hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11) and the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal 14 (or the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12), respectively. Alternatively, the membrane through hole 1301 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has a size much larger than the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal member 14 and the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal member 15, or as shown in fig. 8 of the drawings, the membrane electrode unit 13A has at least one notch 1301A facing the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal member 14 and the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal member 15, so that the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal member 14 and the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal member 15 are directly connected.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the present invention further provides a sealing device for a PEM fuel cell according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sealing device comprises at least one anode seal 14, wherein the anode seal 14 is adapted to be disposed between a membrane electrode assembly and an anode plate of the PEM fuel cell, wherein the anode seal 14 forms at least one anode throughbore 1401. Further, the anode seal member 14 includes at least one second seal portion 142 extending inwardly from the first seal portion 141, wherein the first seal portion 141 of the anode seal member 14 forms a first cavity 1402, wherein the first cavity 1402 is disposed (or formed) at the anode seal member 14 spaced apart from the anode through hole 1401.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the sealing device for PEM fuel cell cells of the present invention further comprises a cathode seal 15, wherein the cathode seal 15 is disposed between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13, wherein the cathode seal 15 forms at least one cathode through-hole 1501, and the cathode through-hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15 is disposed to be capable of communicating with the second through-hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11 and the anode through-hole 1401 of the anode seal 14, respectively, such that the second through-hole 1101 of the cathode plate 11, the cathode through-hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15, the anode through-hole 1401 of the anode seal 14, and the first through-hole 1201 of the anode plate 12 form the fuel flow path 101.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the anode seal member 14 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further has an anode flow guide groove 1403, wherein the anode flow guide groove 1403 is formed at the second sealing portion 142, wherein the anode flow guide groove 1403 is in communication with the first cavity 1402, and the anode flow guide groove 1403 and the first cavity 1402 are formed at the anode seal member 14 separately from the anode through hole 1401, respectively. In other words, a space 1421 exists between the anode through hole 1401 and the first chamber 1402 of the anode seal member 14 and between the anode through hole 1401 and the anode flow guide groove 1403 to separately seal the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 from the anode through hole 1401, the anode flow guide groove 1403 and the first chamber 1402, respectively, thereby improving the seal between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13. Preferably, the anode guide groove 1403 of the anode seal 14 is disposed opposite to the second guide groove 1205 of the guide channel 1203 of the anode plate 12, and the anode guide groove 1403 is shaped and sized according to the second guide groove 1205 of the guide channel 1203 of the anode plate 12, so that the anode guide groove 1403 is matched with the second guide groove 1205 of the guide channel 1203, thereby avoiding the anode seal 14 from being deformed and blocking the second guide groove 1205 of the guide channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 when the anode seal 14 is disposed between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13 and pressed.

As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the cathode seal 15 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further has a cathode flow guide groove 1503, wherein the cathode flow guide groove 1503 is formed at the cathode seal portion 152, wherein the cathode flow guide groove 1503 is in communication with the second cavity 1502. Preferably, the shape and size of the cathode flow guide groove 1503 of the cathode seal 15 are formed according to the anode flow guide groove 1403 of the anode seal 14 so that the cathode flow guide groove 1503 of the cathode seal 15 can be disposed opposite to the anode flow guide groove 1403 of the anode seal 14, thereby avoiding deformation of the cathode seal 15 and compression of the membrane electrode assembly 13 when the cathode seal 15 is disposed between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13, so that the cathode seal 15 adheres to the membrane electrode assembly 13 and causes the electrochemical reaction area of the cathode plate 11 to become small. In addition, the cathode guide groove 1503 of the cathode seal 15 also prevents the membrane electrode assembly 13 from being pressed and attached to the anode plate 12, resulting in the conduction channel 1203 of the anode plate 12 being blocked and the supply of fuel being affected. More preferably, the cathode flow guide groove 1503 and the second cavity 1502 of the cathode seal 15 are both disposed on the cathode seal 15 spaced apart from the cathode through hole 1501. In other words, a sealing structure exists between the cathode through hole 1501 of the cathode seal 15 and the second chamber 1502, and between the cathode through hole 1501 and the cathode flow guide groove 1503, so as to enhance the air tightness between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13.

Thus, the anode seal 14 of the sealing device for a PEM fuel cell of the present invention forms an annular continuous seal structure between the membrane electrode assembly 13 of the PEM fuel cell and the anode plate 12 around the fuel diffusion channel 1202 and the second pass-through slot 1205 of the anode plate 12, and further forms an annular continuous seal structure around the first through hole 1201 of the anode plate 12, the cathode seal 15 forms an annular continuous seal structure between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13, and the gasket 16 forms an annular continuous seal structure between the second side 112 of the cathode plate 11 and the anode plate 12 'of another adjacent PEM fuel cell 10' around the first through hole 1201 and the first pass-through slot 1204 of the anode plate 12, thereby ensuring good sealing between the cathode plate 11 and the membrane electrode assembly 13, between the anode plate 12 and the membrane electrode assembly 13, and between the anode plate and cathode plate of two adjacent PEM fuel cells 10 of the exemplary PEM fuel cell. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the shape and arrangement of the fuel diffusion channels 1202 of the anode plates 12, and the oxidant (e.g., oxygen or air) supply channels of the cathode plates 11 are not affected by the sealing arrangement of the present invention for PEM fuel cells.

Referring to fig. 9A-14 of the drawings accompanying the description of the present invention, a PEM fuel cell 10A according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein the PEM fuel cell 10A may be stacked and used to form a PEM fuel cell stack wherein the PEM fuel cell 10A of the present invention comprises a cathode plate 11A, an anode plate 12A, a membrane electrode assembly 13A and an anode seal 14A wherein the membrane electrode assembly 13A is disposed between the anode plate 12A and the cathode plate 11A, the anode seal 14A is disposed between the membrane electrode assembly 13A and the anode plate 12A, wherein the anode plate 12A forms at least one first through-hole 1201A, At least one fuel diffusion channel 1202A and at least one first through-hole 1203A, the cathode plate 11A forms at least one second through-hole 1101A, the anode seal 14A forms at least one anode through-hole 1401A and a first cavity 1402A, wherein the first through-hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A communicates with the fuel diffusion channel 1202A, wherein the anode through-hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A is arranged to be capable of communicating with the second through-hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A and the first through-hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, respectively, such that the second through-hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A, the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A and the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A can form a fuel flow passage 101A for supplying fuel to the fuel diffusion channel 1202A of the anode plate 12A. Accordingly, fuel, such as hydrogen, flowing through the fuel flow channel 101A can flow from the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A to the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A and then to the fuel diffusion channel 1202A of the anode plate 12A. It is understood that the anode seal 14A is provided between the membrane electrode assembly 13A and the anode plate 12A to ensure airtightness between the membrane electrode assembly 13A and the anode plate 12A. Accordingly, the anode seal 14A of the PEM fuel cell 10A of the present invention is disposed between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A to form a seal (structure) that prevents leakage of fuel, such as hydrogen. As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, more preferably, the cathode plate 11A forms two second through holes 1101A, and the anode plate 12A forms two first through holes 1201A, Two first through holes 1203A and at least one fuel diffusion channel 1202A, the anode seal 14A forms two anode through holes 1401A, wherein the second through holes 1101A of the cathode plate 11A are respectively disposed at two ends of the cathode plate 11A, the first through holes 1201A of the anode plate 12A are respectively disposed at two ends of the anode plate 12A, and the first through holes 1201A are respectively communicated with the fuel diffusion channel 1202A, the anode through holes 1401A of the anode seal 14A are respectively disposed at two ends of the anode seal 14A, and the anode through holes 1401A of the anode seal 14A, The second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A and the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A form two fuel flow passages 101A respectively communicating with the fuel diffusion passages 1202A of the anode plate 12A, so that hydrogen gas is supplied (or supplied) through the fuel flow passages 101A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the cathode plate 11A of the PEM fuel cell 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention has a first side 111A facing the membrane electrode assembly 13A and a second side 112A facing opposite to the first side 111A, and the anode plate 12A has a channel side 123A facing the membrane electrode assembly 13A and a back side 124A facing opposite to the channel side 123A. In other words, the membrane electrode assembly 13A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A is disposed toward the anode plate 12A and the cathode plate 11A, respectively.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the first through hole 1201A and the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A of the PEM fuel cell 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention are formed at the anode plate 12A, and the anode through hole 1401A and the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A are formed at the anode seal 14A, spaced apart. In other words, a space 1421A exists between the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A and the first chamber 1402A to partition and seal the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A, the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, and the first through hole 1203A, respectively. Accordingly, by the above-described partition sealing manner, the fuel supply structure portion (or the portion where the fuel flow passage 101A is located) and the fuel diffusion structure portion (or the portion where the fuel diffusion passage 1202A is located) of the anode plate 12A are sealed, respectively, thereby improving the air tightness between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A. In addition, the partition sealing manner can make the anode plate 12A and the cathode plate 11A of the fuel cell unit 10A of the present invention more uniformly stressed.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, according to the PEM fuel cell 10A of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A is disposed opposite to the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A and the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, respectively, and the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A is disposed opposite to the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A and the fuel diffusion channel 1202A, respectively, so as to prevent the anode seal 14A from being deformed by being pressed to block the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A, the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, and the first through hole 1203A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the cathode plate 11A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a flow guide groove 1102A, wherein the flow guide groove 1102A of the cathode plate 11A is communicated with the second through hole 1101A, and the flow guide groove 1102A of the cathode plate 11A is provided to be capable of being respectively communicated with the first through hole 1201A 'and the first through hole 1203A' of the anode plate 12A 'of another PEM fuel cell unit 10A', so that the hydrogen gas flowing through the fuel flow passage 101A can flow from the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A to the flow guide groove 1102A of the cathode plate 11A, and from the flow guide groove 1102A to the first through hole 1203A 'and the first through hole 1201A' of the anode plate 12A 'of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A', respectively, and then to the fuel diffusion channel 1202A 'of the anode plate 12A'. In other words, the diversion trench 1102A of the cathode plate 11A is communicated with the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A, and the diversion trench 1102A of the cathode plate 11A is disposed opposite to the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A.

As shown in fig. 8 to 14 of the drawings, the anode plate 12A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an anode plate body 121A and a sealing edge 122A extending outwardly from the anode plate body 121A, the anode seal 14A comprises a first sealing portion 141A, wherein the first sealing portion 141A of the anode seal 14A is disposed between the sealing edge 122A of the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A. As shown in fig. 2A to 7C of the drawings, the first sealing portion 141A of the anode seal 14A preferably has a continuous annular structure, thereby forming a continuous sealing mechanism between the sealing edge 122A of the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A to ensure that hydrogen gas does not leak between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A. More preferably, the sealing edge 122A of the anode plate 12A forms a flat and continuous sealing surface to ensure that the first seal 141A forms a good seal between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the anode plate body 121A of the anode plate 12A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a fuel diffusion portion 1211A and at least one through portion 1212A extending outwardly from the fuel diffusion portion 1211A, the anode seal 14A further includes at least one second seal portion 142A extending inwardly from the first seal portion 141A, wherein the first through hole 1201A and the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A are formed at the through portion 1212A of the anode plate body 121A, the fuel diffusion channel 1202A is formed at the fuel diffusion portion 1211A, and the anode through hole 1401A and the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A are formed at the second seal portion 142A. Preferably, the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A and the fuel diffusion channel 1202A are disposed opposite the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A such that a fuel diffusion space 102 is formed between the membrane electrode assembly 13A and the anode plate 12A opposite the fuel diffusion channel 1202A of the anode plate 12A, wherein the fuel diffusion space 102 can be used to contain fuel, such as hydrogen. More preferably, the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A is disposed opposite to the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, and the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A is shaped and sized according to the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, so that the anode through hole 1401 of the anode seal 14A matches the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, thereby avoiding deformation of the anode seal 14A and clogging of the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A when the anode seal 14A is disposed between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A and pressed. Most preferably, the anode seal 14A is made of a flexible sealing material. Accordingly, when the anode seal 14A is provided with an appropriate thickness, a good seal can be formed between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A to prevent leakage of hydrogen gas between the anode plate 12A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the first through hole 1201A and the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A of the PEM fuel cell 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention are respectively disposed at both ends of the through portion 1212A of the anode plate 12A. Accordingly, the anode throughhole 1401A and the first chamber 1402A of the anode seal 14A are disposed at both ends of the second seal portion 142A of the anode seal 14A, respectively, so that the force between the cathode plate 11A and the anode plate 12A of the PEM fuel cell 10A is more uniform and a better seal is formed. Preferably, the distance between the first through hole 1201A and the first through hole 1203A of the anode plate 12A is not less than one third of the width of the through portion 1212A of the anode plate 12A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises at least one cathode seal 15A, wherein the cathode seal 15A is disposed between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A to form a seal between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A and to prevent leakage of hydrogen gas between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A. As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, further, the cathode seal 15A forms a cathode through hole 1501A, and the cathode through hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A is provided to be capable of communicating with the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A and the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A, respectively, so that the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A, the cathode through hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A, the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A, and the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A can form a fuel flow passage 101A for supplying fuel to the fuel diffusion passage 1202A of the anode plate 12A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the cathode seal 15A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further forms a second cavity 1502A, wherein the second cavity 1502A of the cathode seal 15A is disposed opposite to the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A, the cathode through-hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A is disposed opposite to the anode through-hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A, wherein the second cavity 1502A of the cathode seal 15A is shaped and sized to be formed according to the first cavity 1402 of the anode seal 14A, the cathode through-hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A is shaped and sized to be formed according to the anode through-hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A, such that the second cavity 1502A of the cathode seal 15A can be disposed opposite to the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A, the cathode through-hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A can be disposed opposite to the anode through-hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A, thereby avoiding deformation of the cathode seal 15A and the cathode plate 13A when the cathode seal 15A is disposed between the cathode seal 15A and the cathode plate 13A, which can be deformed when the cathode seal 15A is disposed between the cathode seal and the cathode plate 13A and the cathode plate assembly. In addition, the second cavity 1502A of the cathode seal 15A also prevents the mea 13A from being pressed and attached to the anode plate 12A, resulting in the first through-hole 1203A and/or the fuel diffusion channel 1202A of the anode plate 12A being blocked and the supply of fuel being affected. More preferably, the cathode through hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A and the second cavity 1502A are disposed at the cathode seal 15A in spaced apart relation. In other words, a sealing structure exists between the cathode through hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A and the second chamber 1502A to enhance the gas tightness between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A. Accordingly, the cathode seal 15A is preferably made of a flexible sealing material, and when the cathode seal 15A has an appropriate thickness, a good seal can be formed between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A to prevent leakage of hydrogen gas between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a gasket 16A, wherein the gasket 16A is disposed at the flow-guide groove 1102A of the cathode plate 11A, and the gasket 16A is disposed around the second through-hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A, such that between the second side 112A of the cathode plate 11A and the anode plate 12A 'of another PEM fuel cell unit 10A' is sealed by the gasket 16A and fuel leakage from between the second side 112A of the cathode plate 11A and the anode plate 12A 'of another PEM fuel cell unit 10A'. In other words, the gasket 16A forms a seal between the second side 112A of the cathode plate 11A and the anode plate 12A 'of another PEM fuel cell 10A'. It will be appreciated that the gasket 16A is made of a sealing material, such as rubber, and that the gasket 16A has a suitable thickness. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the thickness of the gasket 16A should be slightly greater than the depth of the channel 1102A.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the cathode plate 11A of the PEM fuel cell 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention forms a first side 114A and a second side 115A opposite thereto, wherein the flow-guide groove 1102A extends from the first side 114A to the second side 115A, such that the cathode plate 11A of the PEM fuel cell 10A and the anode plate 12A 'of the PEM fuel cell 10A' adjacent thereto are uniformly stressed when the gasket 16A is disposed in the flow-guide groove 1102A. Preferably, the width D2 of the flow guide groove 1102A is not less than two-thirds of the width D1 of the cathode plate 11A. It will be appreciated that the adjacent PEM fuel cell stack 10A ' includes a cathode plate 11A ', an anode plate 12A ', a membrane electrode assembly 13A ', a cathode seal 14A ', a cathode seal 15A ' and a gasket 16A '.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, the membrane electrode assembly 13A of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention has at least one notch 1301A facing the anode through-hole 1401A of the anode seal member 14A and the cathode through-hole 1501A of the cathode seal member 15A, so that the anode through-hole 1401A of the anode seal member 14A and the cathode through-hole 1501A of the cathode seal member 15A are directly connected. As shown in fig. 5 of the drawings, optionally, the membrane electrode assembly 13 of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention has a membrane through hole 1301, wherein the membrane through hole 1301 communicates with the cathode through hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A (or the second through hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A) and the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A (or the first through hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A), respectively.

Fig. 15A and 15B illustrate an alternative implementation of the cathode plate 11A of the PEM fuel cell 10A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the cathode plate 11B has a second through-hole 1101B, a flow guide groove 1102B, a sealing groove 1103B and a spacer 113B, wherein the sealing groove 1103B is disposed around the flow guide groove 1102B of the cathode plate 11B, the spacer 113B is disposed between the flow guide groove 1102B and the sealing groove 1103B, such that the gasket 16A disposed within the sealing groove 1103B of the cathode plate 11B is not susceptible to excessive deformation under compression so as to block the second through-hole 1101B of the cathode plate 11B and/or block the first through-hole 1201A 'of the anode plate 12A' of the PEM fuel cell 10A 'when the PEM fuel cell 10A and the PEM fuel cell 10A' adjacent thereto are stacked and formed into a fuel cell stack. In addition, the spacer 113B of the cathode plate 11B prevents the gasket 16A from being excessively deformed into the flow guide groove 1102B under compression, so that an effective seal cannot be formed between the cathode plate 11B and the anode plate 12A 'of the PEM fuel cell unit 10A'.

As shown in fig. 9A to 14 of the drawings, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further provides a sealing device for PEM fuel cell cells, wherein the sealing device comprises the anode seal 14A and the cathode seal 15A, wherein the anode seal 14A forms at least one anode through hole 1401A and a first cavity 1402A, the cathode seal 15A forms a cathode through hole 1501A and a second cavity 1502A, wherein the second cavity 1502A of the cathode seal 15A is disposed opposite the first cavity 1402A of the anode seal 14A, the cathode through hole 1501A of the cathode seal 15A is disposed opposite the anode through hole 1401A of the anode seal 14A.

Thus, the anode seal 14A of the sealing apparatus for a PEM fuel cell of the present invention forms an annular continuous seal structure around the fuel diffusion channel 1202A of the anode plate 12A and the first through-hole 1203A between the membrane electrode assembly 13A of the PEM fuel cell and the anode plate 12A, and further forms an annular continuous seal structure around the first through-hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A, the cathode seal 15A forms an annular continuous seal structure around the second through-hole 1101A of the cathode plate 11A between the cathode plate 11A and the membrane electrode assembly 13A, the gasket 16A forms an annular continuous seal structure around the first through-hole 1201A of the anode plate 12A and the flow-through groove 1102A between the second side 112A of the cathode plate 11A and the anode plate 12A 'of another adjacent PEM fuel cell 10A', thereby ensuring good sealing between the anode plate 11A of the exemplary PEM fuel cell and the membrane electrode assembly 13A, and between the anode plate 12A and the two adjacent PEM fuel cells 10A, and between the cathode plate 11A and the adjacent cathode plate 11A. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape and arrangement of the fuel diffusion channels 1202A of the anode plate 12A, and the oxidant (e.g., oxygen or air) supply channels of the cathode plate 11A are not affected by the sealing arrangement of the present invention for PEM fuel cell cells.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention described above and shown in the drawings are by way of example only and are not limiting.

The objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been shown and described in the examples and embodiments of the invention may be modified or practiced without departing from the principles described.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer, characterized in that it comprises:

a gasket;

a cathode plate;

a membrane electrode assembly;

an anode plate;

a cathode seal; and

An anode seal, wherein the membrane electrode assembly is arranged between the cathode plate and the anode plate, the anode seal is arranged between the membrane electrode assembly and the anode plate, wherein the anode plate forms at least one first through hole, at least one fuel diffusion channel and at least one conduction channel, the cathode plate forms at least one second through hole, the anode seal forms at least one anode through hole and a first cavity, wherein the anode through hole and the first cavity of the anode seal are formed separately on the anode seal, the first through hole of the anode plate is arranged to be connected to the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate, the conduction channel is respectively connected to the first through hole and the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate, the conduction channel has a first conduction groove and a second conduction groove connected to the first conduction groove, the first conduction groove is formed on the anode The anode plate is provided at the back side of the plate, the second conduction groove is formed on the channel side of the anode plate, the first cavity of the anode seal is arranged to face the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate, and the anode through hole of the anode seal is arranged to be connected with the second through hole of the cathode plate and the first through hole of the anode plate respectively, so that the anode through hole of the anode seal, the second through hole of the cathode plate and the first through hole of the anode plate can form a fuel flow channel for supplying fuel to the fuel diffusion channel of the anode plate, wherein the cathode seal is arranged between the cathode plate and the membrane electrode assembly, wherein the cathode seal forms at least one cathode through hole and a second cavity, the cathode through hole and the second cavity of the cathode seal are separated and formed on the cathode seal, and the cathode through hole of the cathode seal is arranged to be connected with the cathode through hole of the cathode seal respectively. The second through hole of the plate is connected with the anode through hole of the anode seal, so that the second through hole of the cathode plate, the cathode through hole of the cathode seal, the anode through hole of the anode seal and the first through hole of the anode plate form the fuel flow channel, the second cavity of the cathode seal is arranged opposite to the first cavity of the anode seal, and the shape and size of the second cavity of the cathode seal are formed according to the first cavity of the anode seal, wherein the anode seal has an anode guide groove, and the anode guide groove is arranged opposite to the second conduction groove of the conduction channel, the cathode seal has a cathode guide groove, and the cathode guide groove is arranged opposite to the anode guide groove, and the shape and size of the cathode guide groove are formed according to the anode guide groove, wherein the cathode plate has a first side facing the membrane electrode assembly and a first side facing the membrane electrode assembly. The first side faces the opposite second side, and the cathode plate further has a sealing groove, wherein the sealing groove is arranged on the second side of the cathode plate, wherein the sealing groove is arranged to surround the second through hole of the cathode plate, and the sealing gasket is arranged in the sealing groove, wherein there is a gap between the anode through hole of the anode seal and the first cavity, and between the anode through hole and the anode guide groove, so as to respectively perform partition sealing on the anode plate and the membrane electrode assembly facing the anode through hole, the anode guide groove and the first cavity, and the shape and size of the anode guide groove are formed according to the second conduction groove of the conduction channel of the anode plate, wherein the cathode guide groove is connected to the second cavity, and there is a sealing structure between the cathode through hole of the cathode seal and the second cavity, and between the cathode through hole and the cathode guide groove.

2. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer according to claim 1 is characterized in that the anode plate includes an anode plate body and a sealing edge extending outward from the anode plate body, and the anode seal includes a first sealing portion and at least one second sealing portion extending inward from the first sealing portion, wherein the first sealing portion of the anode seal is arranged between the sealing edge of the anode plate and the membrane electrode assembly.

3 . The proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer according to claim 2 , wherein the conduction channel is formed on the anode plate body of the anode plate. 4 .

4. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer according to claim 3 is characterized in that the anode plate body includes a fuel diffusion portion and at least one conductive portion extending outward from the fuel diffusion portion, wherein the first through hole and the conductive channel of the anode plate are formed in the conductive portion of the anode plate body, the fuel diffusion channel is formed in the fuel diffusion portion, and the anode through hole of the anode seal is formed in the second sealing portion.

5 . The proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer according to claim 2 , wherein the first cavity is formed in the first sealing portion of the anode seal.

6 . The proton exchange membrane fuel cell monomer according to claim 1 , wherein the membrane electrode assembly has at least one membrane through hole, wherein the membrane through hole is respectively connected to the cathode through hole of the cathode seal and the anode through hole of the anode seal.