Distribution arrangement

Abstract

A distribution arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 123a, 125a, 127a) is provided that is configured to be positioned between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5). The distribution arrangement (69a, 69b) includes a base (71) including a plate (73) having opposing front and rear surfaces (79, 81). The front surface (89) and the rear surface (93) of the base (71) include at least a portion of the front surface (79) and the rear surface (81) of the plate (73), respectively. The base (71) is provided with a through secondary hole (85) extending through the front and rear surfaces (89, 93) of the base (71) so as to form a direct secondary flow path (DS) through the base (71), a non-through first secondary cavity (97) extending through the front surface (89) of the base (71), and at least one first secondary channel (101) extending inside the plate (73). The at least one first secondary channel (101) connects the secondary bore (85) and the first secondary cavity (97) to form a first transfer secondary flow path (TS1) through the base (71).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution arrangement configured to be positioned between two corrugated heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plates and the distribution arrangement may be included in a device for a heat generating process such as electrolysis. Background Art

[0002] Electrolysis is a well-known process that uses electrical energy to chemically decompose an electrolyte. For example, electrolysis can be used to decompose water in an electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen. Heat may be generated during electrolysis, and in order to maintain the electrolysis efficiency, this heat must be transferred away.

[0003] EP 4012070 discloses a heat exchanger including stacked heat transfer plates. The heat exchanger is adapted to be connected to an electrolysis device such that a fluid circulating in the electrolysis device passes through the heat exchanger to adjust its temperature. Typically, the temperature of the fluid gradually increases inside the electrolysis device. Thus, the heat exchanger receives a relatively high temperature fluid from the electrolysis device and delivers a relatively low temperature fluid to the electrolysis device, which means that there will be a temperature difference across the electrolysis device. This may result in a non-uniform and undesirable electrolysis process inside the electrolysis device. The heat exchanger in EP 4012070 is a so-called plate-shell heat exchanger. There are several other types of heat exchangers, such as so-called plate heat exchangers. A plate heat exchanger typically includes a plurality of corrugated heat transfer plates aligned in a stacked or arranged form. Seals between the heat transfer plates define parallel flow channels, with one flow channel between each pair of adjacent heat transfer plates. Two fluids with different initial temperatures can be alternately supplied through every other flow channel in order to transfer heat from one fluid to the other. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution arrangement for positioning between two corrugated heat transfer plates so as to enable a reliable and mechanically uncomplicated device that includes the heat transfer plates as part of a stack of corrugated heat transfer plates, the corrugated heat transfer plates forming alternately arranged first and second plate gaps, the device being usable for a heat generating process such as electrolysis, and the device being able to cool a fluid (such as an electrolyte) and products formed therefrom more uniformly and more effectively so as to enable maintaining a high process efficiency. The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a distribution arrangement that can be arranged in a first gap dedicated to cooling such that a heat generating process can be effectively maintained in a second gap, the distribution arrangement allowing the use of the first gap to supply fluid to and from the second gap. Thus, the basic concept of the present invention is to provide a distribution arrangement that implements a device for performing a heat generating process such as electrolysis while the device can act as a conventional heat exchanger so as to effect cooling "integrated" in the heat generating process.

[0005] This distribution arrangement can be used in a device for producing hydrogen.

[0006] Since the distribution arrangement according to the present invention is not arranged to be used alone, but as a component of the device described above, the advantages of the different features and embodiments of the distribution arrangement become apparent first when the distribution arrangement is installed in the device.

[0007] As described above, this distribution arrangement can be used in a device of the type described above to supply a fluid (here the second fluid) through a first gap into and out of a second gap. Unless otherwise specified, the distribution arrangement for supplying the second fluid into the second gap is described in the remainder of this "Overview". Then, the distribution arrangement is arranged in an advantageous manner for fluid diversion, as will be further described below. The distribution arrangement for supplying the second fluid out of the second gap is then arranged in a corresponding advantageous manner for fluid collection, which will be further discussed in the "Detailed Description".

[0008] The distribution arrangement according to the present invention is for positioning between two corrugated heat transfer plates, which may be of the same type or different types. The distribution arrangement includes a base, which includes a plate having opposite front and rear surfaces, the front and rear surfaces being arranged to face a respective one of the heat transfer plates. The intermediate extension plane of the plate extends between the front and rear surfaces of the plate. The front and rear surfaces of the base respectively include at least a part of the front and rear surfaces of the plate. The base includes through secondary holes, which extend through the front and rear surfaces of the base to form a direct secondary flow path through the base. The base also includes non-through first secondary cavities, which extend through the front surface of the base. In addition, the base also includes at least one first secondary channel, which extends inside the plate. The at least one first secondary channel connects the secondary holes and the first secondary cavities to form a first transfer secondary flow path through the base. An annular secondary sub-surface of the front surface of the base surrounds the secondary holes.

[0009] It should be emphasized that "annular" and "ring" herein are not necessarily circular, but can be any "closed" shape, such as oval, polygon or any combination thereof.

[0010] When the distribution arrangement is properly arranged between the heat transfer plates, the intermediate extension plane of the plate can extend substantially parallel to the heat transfer plates.

[0011] The intermediate extension plane of the plate can extend substantially parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the plate. This intermediate extension plane can extend in the middle between the front and rear surfaces of the plate, or can not extend in the middle.

[0012] The at least one first secondary channel extending inside the plate can extend substantially parallel to the intermediate extension plane of the plate, or can extend non-substantially parallel to the intermediate extension plane of the plate.

[0013] Since the first secondary cavity is non-through, it will only partially extend through the base, i.e., not through the rear surface of the base.

[0014] Therefore, there is a direct secondary flow path defined by the secondary holes, and a first transfer secondary flow path defined by the secondary holes, the first secondary channels, and the first secondary cavities for allowing a second fluid to pass through the base. This enables the distribution arrangement to separate the first secondary sub-flow from the second secondary fluid flow. Thus, if the distribution arrangement is disposed in the first gap of the device as described above, it can convey the first secondary sub-flow of the second fluid via the first gap into an adjacent second gap, as will be further described below.

[0015] The distribution arrangement can be made of one or more materials. For example, the base of the distribution arrangement, in particular the front and rear surfaces of the base, can be made of one or more insulating materials. Thereby, the base can prevent a short circuit from occurring within a device for performing a heat-generating process such as electrolysis, which may cause the device to malfunction.

[0016] The distribution arrangement can also include a secondary hole gasket. The secondary hole gasket can surround the secondary holes and seal against a secondary sub-surface of the front surface of the base. The secondary hole gasket can achieve a tight seal between the secondary sub-surface and another surface, which can be included in another distribution arrangement according to the present invention. Additionally / alternatively, the distribution arrangement can include a first secondary cavity gasket. The first secondary cavity gasket can surround the first secondary cavity and seal against the front surface of the base. The first secondary cavity gasket can achieve a tight seal between the front surface of the base and another surface, which can be included in the heat transfer plate.

[0017] The distribution arrangement can be designed such that the secondary sub-surface is raised relative to the rest of the front surface of the base. Thereby, the base has an increased thickness around the secondary holes. This design can enable the distribution arrangement to protrude through the heat transfer plate to prevent a short circuit from occurring within a device for performing a heat-generating process such as electrolysis.

[0018] The base can also include a through primary hole. The primary hole can extend through the front and rear surfaces of the base to form a direct primary flow path through the base. The base can also include a non-through first primary cavity through the rear surface of the base, and at least one first primary channel extending inside the plate. The at least one first primary channel can connect the primary hole and the first primary cavity to form a first transfer primary flow path through the base. An annular primary sub-surface of the front surface of the base can surround the primary hole.

[0019] The at least one first primary channel extending inside the slab may extend substantially parallel to the intermediate extension plane of the slab, or may not extend substantially parallel to the intermediate extension plane of the slab.

[0020] Since the first primary cavity is non-through, it will only partially extend through the base, i.e., not through the front surface of the base.

[0021] Accordingly, there is a direct primary flow path defined by the primary hole, and a first transfer primary flow path defined by the primary hole, the first primary channel, and the first primary cavity for passing the second fluid through the base. This enables the distribution arrangement to separate the first primary sub-flow from the second primary fluid flow. Thus, if the distribution arrangement is disposed in the first gap of the device as described above, it can convey the first primary sub-flow of the second fluid via the first gap to an adjacent second gap, as will be further described below.

[0022] The distribution arrangement may further include a primary hole gasket. The primary hole gasket may surround the primary hole and seal against the primary sub-surface of the front surface of the base. The primary hole gasket may achieve a tight seal between the primary sub-surface and another surface, which may be included in another distribution arrangement according to the present invention. Additionally / alternatively, the distribution arrangement may include a first primary cavity gasket. The first primary cavity gasket may surround the first primary cavity and seal against the rear surface of the base. The first primary cavity gasket may achieve a tight seal between the rear surface of the base and another surface, which may be included in the heat transfer plate.

[0023] The distribution arrangement may be designed such that the primary sub-surface is raised relative to the remainder of the front surface of the base. Thereby, the base will have an increased thickness around the primary hole.

[0024] The distribution arrangement may be such that the first secondary cavity is aligned with the first primary cavity. In this way, the normal axis extending perpendicular to the intermediate extension plane of the slab may extend through both the first secondary cavity and the first primary cavity. This configuration may be advantageous because it enables the at least one first secondary channel and the at least one first primary channel to cross each other.

[0025] Alternatively, the distribution arrangement may be such that the first secondary cavity is displaced relative to the first primary cavity. In this way, the normal axis perpendicular to the intermediate extension plane of the slab may not extend through both the first secondary cavity and the first primary cavity. This configuration may be advantageous because it enables the at least one first secondary channel and the at least one first primary channel to extend at any height between the front and rear surfaces of the slab.

[0026] The distribution arrangement may be designed such that the at least one first secondary channel extends between the front surface of the slab and the intermediate extension plane of the slab. Additionally, the at least one first primary channel may extend between the rear surface of the slab and the intermediate extension plane of the slab. Such a configuration may be advantageous as it enables the at least one first secondary channel and the at least one first primary channel to cross each other.

[0027] The base of the distribution arrangement may include a non-through second secondary cavity extending through the front surface of the base, and at least one second secondary channel extending inside the slab. The at least one second secondary channel may connect the secondary hole and the second secondary cavity to form a second transfer secondary flow path through the base. Additionally / alternatively, the base may include a non-through second primary cavity extending through the rear surface of the base, and at least one second primary channel extending inside the slab. The at least one second primary channel may connect the primary hole and the second primary cavity to form a second transfer primary flow path through the base.

[0028] The at least one second secondary channel and / or the at least one second primary channel extending inside the slab may extend substantially parallel to the intermediate extension plane of the slab, or may not extend substantially parallel to the intermediate extension plane of the slab.

[0029] Since the second secondary cavity is non-through, it will only partially extend through the base, i.e., not through the rear surface of the base.

[0030] Since the second primary cavity is non-through, it will only partially extend through the base, i.e., not through the front surface of the base.

[0031] Thus, in addition to the direct secondary flow path and the first transfer secondary flow path, there may also be a second transfer secondary flow path defined by the secondary hole, the second secondary channel, and the second secondary cavity for enabling a second fluid to pass through the base. This enables the distribution arrangement to separate the second secondary sub-flow from the second secondary fluid flow. Thus, if the distribution arrangement is disposed in the first gap of the device as described above, the second secondary sub-flow of the second fluid may be conveyed via the first gap to an adjacent second gap. The first and second secondary sub-flows may be conveyed to the second gap at different positions, which may improve the distribution of the second fluid in the second gap.

[0032] In addition, in addition to the direct primary flow path and the first transfer primary flow path, there may also be a second transfer primary flow path defined by a primary hole, a second primary channel, and a second primary cavity for allowing a second fluid to pass through the base. This enables the dispensing arrangement to separate the second primary sub-flow from the second primary fluid flow. Thus, if the dispensing arrangement is disposed in the first gap of the device as described above, the second primary sub-flow of the second fluid can be conveyed through the first gap into an adjacent second gap. The first and second primary sub-flows can be conveyed into the second gap at different positions, which can improve the distribution of the second fluid in the second gap.

[0033] The dispensing arrangement can be designed such that the first secondary cavity and the second secondary cavity are respectively aligned with the second primary cavity and the first primary cavity. Such a configuration can be advantageous because it enables the at least one first secondary channel and the at least one second primary channel to cross each other, and enables the at least one second secondary channel and the at least one first primary channel to cross each other.

[0034] Alternatively, the dispensing arrangement can be designed such that the first secondary cavity and the second secondary cavity are displaced relative to the second primary cavity and the first primary cavity. Such a configuration can be advantageous because it enables the at least one first secondary channel, the at least one second secondary channel, the at least one first primary channel, and the at least one second primary channel to extend at any height between the front and rear surfaces of the slab.

[0035] The dispensing arrangement can be such that the at least one first secondary channel and the at least one second secondary channel extend between the front surface of the slab and the intermediate extension plane of the slab. In addition, the at least one first primary channel and the at least one second primary channel can extend between the rear surface of the slab and the intermediate extension plane of the slab. Such a configuration can be advantageous because it enables the at least one first secondary channel and the at least one second secondary channel to cross each other, and enables the at least one second secondary channel and the at least one first primary channel to cross each other.

[0036] The distribution arrangement can be designed such that the plate includes an inner wall that encloses (i.e., defines) a secondary hole. The inner wall can include a first half and a second half that extend on opposite sides of a hole center plane that divides the secondary hole into two halves, and the hole center plane extends perpendicular to the intermediate extension plane of the plate. The first half of the inner wall of the plate can be arranged further away from the first secondary cavity than the second half of the inner wall of the plate. The at least one first secondary channel can extend from an opening in the first half of the inner wall of the plate. This design can be advantageous when the distribution arrangement is arranged for use in an orientation where the first half of the inner wall is above the second half of the inner wall. This design can then facilitate the separation of the gas and liquid phases of the second fluid in the secondary hole, as will be further described below. The primary hole of the distribution arrangement can have a similar structure.

[0037] The plate of the distribution arrangement can be provided with a rod engagement recess. As the name implies, the rod engagement recess can be arranged to engage with a rod of the device as described above, and the rod is arranged to support the heat transfer plate of the device. Thus, the rod engagement recess can be used to fix the distribution arrangement and any heat transfer plate engaged therewith in the device. The rod engagement recess can be formed as a hole, cavity, or chamber through the plate, which is defined by an annular inner wall of the plate. As another example, the rod engagement recess can extend from the outer edge of the plate, for example, from the central portion of the outer edge. The rod engagement recess (which can be insulated) and the first secondary cavity can be arranged on opposite sides of the secondary hole. The recess can have any suitable shape.

[0038] The distribution arrangement can further include a snap - fit device that projects from the front surface of the plate around the annular secondary sub - surface of the front surface of the base and possibly also around the annular primary sub - surface. The snap - fit device can be arranged to engage with a locking device in one of the heat transfer plates to attach the distribution arrangement to the one of the heat transfer plates. Such a snap - fit device can enable simple and stable assembly of the device including the distribution arrangement and the heat transfer plate.

[0039] Additional other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0040] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which

[0041] Figure 1a and Figure 1b are substantially similar perspective views schematically showing a part of the device in a disassembled state and different fluid paths through the device, the device including a plurality of distribution arrangements according to the present invention,

[0042] Figure 2 is Figure 1a a schematic plan view of the heat transfer plate of the device in

[0043] Figure 3 is Figure 1a a schematic plan view of a part of the device in

[0044] Figure 4a is Figure 1a a schematic front plan view of the upper distribution arrangement of the device in

[0045] Figure 4b is Figure 4a a schematic rear plan view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0046] Figure 4c is Figure 4a a schematic partial perspective view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0047] Figure 4d is Figure 4a a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0048] Figure 4e-4h schematically shows the different flow paths through the Figure 4a upper distribution arrangement in

[0049] Figure 5a is Figure 4a a schematic perspective view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0050] Figure 5b schematically shows in part an electrolytic cell including the Figure 5a upper distribution arrangement shown in

[0051] Figure 6 schematically shows the junction between multiple electrolytic cells according to Figure 5b

[0052] Figure 7a is a schematic front plan view of the upper distribution arrangement according to an alternative embodiment,

[0053] Figure 7b is Figure 7a a schematic rear plan view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0054] Figure 7c is Figure 7a a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0055] Figure 7d is Figure 7a another schematic cross-sectional view of the upper distribution arrangement in

[0056] Figure 8a and Figure 8b ​Are substantially similar perspective views schematically showing a part of the device in a disassembled state and different fluid paths through the device, which device includes a plurality of dispensing arrangements according to another embodiment of the present invention,

[0057] Figure 9 is Figure 8a a schematic plan view of the heat transfer plate of the device in

[0058] Figure 10 is Figure 8a a schematic plan view of a part of the device in

[0059] Figure 11a is Figure 8a a schematic front plan view of the upper dispensing arrangement of the device in

[0060] Figure 11b is Figure 11a a schematic rear plan view of the upper dispensing arrangement in

[0061] Figure 12a is a schematic front plan view of the upper dispensing arrangement according to an alternative embodiment,

[0062] Figure 12b is Figure 12a a schematic rear plan view of the upper dispensing arrangement in

[0063] Figure 12c is Figure 12a a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper dispensing arrangement in

[0064] Figure 13a is a schematic front plan view of the upper dispensing arrangement according to another alternative embodiment, and

[0065] Figure 13b is Figure 13a a schematic rear plan view of the upper dispensing arrangement in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1a Shows a part of a device 1 for hydrogen production by electrolysis (here alkaline water electrolysis). The device 1 includes similar heat transfer plates 5 forming a stack 3 (only partially shown), each heat transfer plate 5 having a front surface 7 and an opposite rear surface 9. In the stack 3, the heat transfer plates 5 are flipped with respect to each other, i.e., arranged with front surface 7 against front surface 7 and rear surface 9 against rear surface 9, where every other heat transfer plate 5 is flipped up and down with respect to the remaining heat transfer plates 5. This means that every other heat transfer plate 5 is rotated 180 degrees about the corresponding heat transfer plate longitudinal central axis L and then rotated 180 degrees about the corresponding heat transfer plate normal axis N ( Figure 2 ).) with respect to the remaining heat transfer plates 5.

[0067] One of the heat transfer plates 5 is Figure 2 shown separately in and is described in more detail below. The heat transfer plate has a first end portion 11, a central portion 13, and a second end portion 15 arranged in sequence along a longitudinal central axis L of the heat transfer plate 5, and the longitudinal central axis L extends perpendicular to a transverse central axis T of the heat transfer plate 5. The first end portion 11 includes a first port hole 17, a third port hole 19, a fifth port hole 21, a seventh port hole 23, and a first transfer hole 25, while the second end portion 15 includes a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, a sixth port hole 31, an eighth port hole 33, and a second transfer hole 35.

[0068] Similar to the heat transfer plate in general, the heat transfer plate 5 is pressed with a corrugated pattern of ridges and valleys with respect to a corresponding central extension plane of the heat transfer plate 5, and the central extension plane is parallel to Figure 2 the plane of. The corrugated patterns in different regions of the heat transfer plate 5 are different. For example, the central portion 13 is pressed with a so-called herringbone corrugated pattern. As another example, the edge portion 37 of the heat transfer plate 5 is pressed with alternately arranged ridges and valleys extending from the outer edge 39 of the heat transfer plate 5.

[0069] Referring again to Figure 1a , the heat transfer plates 5 forming the stack 3 are arranged between two frame plates F, only one of which is shown in the figure. The heat transfer plates 5 in the stack 3 are arranged in pairs, where the heat transfer plates 5b and 5c form one of these pairs, and the heat transfer plate 5d forms another adjacent heat transfer plate of these pairs. Each pair of heat transfer plates forms a first gap I1 therebetween. In addition, a second gap I2 is formed between every two adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5. An outer heat transfer plate 5x similar to the heat transfer plate 5 but lacking the first and second transfer holes 25 and 35 is arranged between the stack 3 and Figure 1a the visible frame plate F to form an additional first gap I1 (labeled I1X) and a plate pair together with the heat transfer plate 5a. Thus, an additional second gap I2, labeled I2X, is formed between the heat transfer plate 5a and the heat transfer plate 5b. An outer heat transfer plate without any holes can be arranged between the stack 3 and Figure 1a another frame plate not visible in. In addition, gaskets (not shown) can be arranged on the inner side of the frame plate F.

[0070] The annular field gasket member 41 of rubber is disposed within each first gap I1 to define a first flow passage C1 therein. Also disposed within each first gap I1 are an upper distribution arrangement 69a and a lower distribution arrangement 69b. The annular field seal member 43 is disposed within each second gap I2 to define a second flow passage C2 therein. The isolation device that encloses the field seal region surrounded by the field seal member 43 includes a hydroxide ion permeable membrane 45. The membrane 45 extends within the field seal member 43 and is substantially parallel to the heat transfer plate 5 so as to divide the corresponding second flow passage C2 into a second primary sub-channel C2P and a second secondary sub-channel C2S, which sub-channels are parallel and extend on opposite sides of the membrane 45. The field seal member 43 and the isolation device including the membrane 45 are part of a rubber seal arrangement S (except for the membrane), and the seal arrangement S further includes four annular ring seal members 47 integrally formed with the field seal member 43 and an insulating rubber sheet (not shown herein). The rubber sheet extends outside the field seal member 43 and the ring seal members 47 and is arranged to prevent contact between the heat transfer plates disposed on opposite sides of the rubber sheet.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 , the field gasket member 41 encloses a field gasket region A1 having a transverse central axis T1 and a longitudinal central axis L1. The field gasket member 41 includes first and second long side portions ls1 and ls2 that extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis L1 of the field gasket region A1, and first and second short side portions ss1 and ss2. The first short side portion ss1 connects the long side portions ls1 and ls2 at a first end E1 of the field gasket member 41, while the second short side portion ss2 connects the long side portions ls1 and ls2 at a second end E2 of the field gasket member 41. The first and second short side portions ss1 and ss2 protrude towards each other so as to form a first recess R1 outside the first short side portion ss1 and a second recess R2 outside the second short side portion ss2. The upper distribution arrangement 69a is partially disposed within the recess R1 of the field gasket member 41, and the lower distribution arrangement 69b is partially disposed within the recess R2 of the field gasket member 41.

[0072] The upper distribution arrangement 69a is shown separately in Figure 4a-4d and includes a base 71 made of an insulating material such as a polymer. The base 71 consists of a sheet, plate or disc 73 and two similar protrusions in the form of thick-walled cylinders 75 and 77. The sheet 73 has opposite front surface 79 and rear surface 81, where the front surface 79 is visible in Figure 4a and 4c and the rear surface 81 is visible in Figure 4bas can be seen. Two holes h extend through the plate 73 on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis L1 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a. Cylinders 75 and 77 project from the front surface 79 of the plate 73 and surround a respective one of the holes h through the plate 73 so as to define a primary hole 83 and a secondary hole 85 through the base 71, respectively. As Figure 4b shown, the plate 73 includes two inner walls 84 which surround a respective one of the primary hole 83 and the secondary hole 85. Each of these inner walls 84 includes a first half 86 and a second half 88 which extend on opposite sides of the hole center plane CP which divides the primary hole 83 and the secondary hole 85 into two halves. As Figure 4a and 4c shown, the free end face of the cylinder 75 forms a raised annular primary sub-surface 87 of the front surface 89 of the base 71. The free end face of the cylinder 77 forms a raised annular secondary sub-surface 91 of the front surface 89 of the base 71. Thus, the front surface 89 of the base 71 includes this primary sub-surface 87 and this secondary sub-surface 91 and the portion of the front surface 79 of the plate 73 which extends outside the cylinders 75 and 77. The rear surface 93 of the base 71 includes the rear surface 81 of the plate 73.

[0073] In addition, the base 71 includes a non-through first primary cavity 95 which extends through the rear surface 93 of the base 71, and a non-through first secondary cavity 97 which extends through the front surface 89 of the base 71. As can be clearly seen from Figure 4a-4d the first primary cavity 95 and the first secondary cavity 97 are displaced relative to each other, i.e. they are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis L1 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a. Figure 4d shows a cross-section through the upper distribution arrangement 69a at the intermediate extension plane IP of the plate 73, which plane coincides with Figure 4d the drawing plane and extends in the middle between the front and rear surfaces 79 and 81 of the plate 73. In addition, the intermediate extension plane IP extends perpendicular to the hole center plane CP of the plate 73 ( Figure 4b ). Referring to Figure 4d , the base 71 also includes a plurality of first primary channels 99 and a plurality of first secondary channels 101. Both the first primary channels 99 and the first secondary channels 101 extend in the intermediate extension plane IP. Each first primary channel 99 connects the primary hole 83 and the first primary cavity 95. Each first secondary channel 101 connects the secondary hole 85 and the first secondary cavity 97. Also referring to Figure 4b , each first primary channel 99 extends from a respective opening 100 in the first half 86 of the inner wall 84 which includes the primary hole 83. Similarly, each first secondary channel 101 extends from a respective opening 102 in the first half 86 of the inner wall 84 which surrounds the secondary hole 85.

[0074] Now also referring to Figure 4e-4h, there are multiple different flow paths through the base 71 and the upper distribution arrangement 69a. More specifically, the primary holes 83 define a direct primary flow path DP, while each first primary channel 99, in conjunction with the primary hole 83 and the first primary cavity 95, defines a corresponding first transfer primary flow path TP1. Additionally, the secondary holes 85 define a direct secondary flow path DS, while each first secondary channel 101, in conjunction with the secondary hole 85 and the first secondary cavity 97, defines a corresponding first transfer secondary flow path TS1.

[0075] Referring again to Figure 4a-4c , the distribution arrangement 69a further includes an annular primary hole gasket 103 that extends around the primary hole 83 and seals against the primary sub-surface 87; and an annular secondary hole gasket 105 that extends around the secondary hole 85 and seals against the secondary sub-surface 91 of the front surface 89 of the base 71. Additionally, the distribution arrangement 69a further includes an annular first primary cavity gasket 107 that extends around the first primary cavity 95 and seals against the rear surface 93 of the base 71; and an annular first secondary cavity gasket 109 that extends around the first secondary cavity 97 and seals against the front surface 89 of the base 71.

[0076] Referring to Figure 4a and 4b , a rod engaging recess 111 is provided in the plate 73 of the distribution arrangement 69a. The rod engaging recess 111 extends from the outer edge 113 of the plate 73 and is arranged to receive a rod of the heat transfer plates 5x, 5 for the support device 1, which is not shown herein.

[0077] As Figure 5a and 5b shown in Figure 1a , 2And 5b, the snap - fit device 115 and the cylinders 75 and 77 are arranged to project through two of the third, fifth, fourth, and sixth port holes 19, 21, 29, and 31 of two adjacent heat transfer plates 5 of the device 1, so as to form a second gap I2 therebetween. In addition, the front surface 79 of the plate 73 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a is arranged to face the inner heat transfer plate 5' of two adjacent heat transfer plates 5, and the first secondary cavity gasket 109 is arranged to abut against the inner heat transfer plate 5' around one of its first and second transfer holes 25 and 35. The heat transfer plate 5 is provided with locking devices 119, which are equidistantly positioned around the third, fifth, fourth, and sixth port holes 19, 21, 29, and 31. The snap - fit device 115 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a is arranged to interlock with a corresponding locking device 119 of the outer heat transfer plate 5” of two adjacent heat transfer plates 5, so as to connect the two adjacent heat transfer plates 5', 5” and the sealing arrangement S disposed therebetween, and form an electrolytic cell EC.

[0078] The lower distribution arrangement 69b is similar to the upper distribution arrangement 69b, except for the extension of the first primary channel 99 and the first secondary channel 101. Refer Figure 4b and 4d , for the lower distribution arrangement 69b, each first primary channel 99 extends from a corresponding opening (not shown) in the second half 88 of the inner wall 84 surrounding the primary hole 83. Similarly, each first secondary channel 101 extends from a corresponding opening (not shown) in the second half 88 of the inner wall 84 surrounding the secondary hole 85. In an alternative embodiment, the upper and lower distribution arrangements can be made the same, resulting in a device that includes only one type of distribution arrangement.

[0079] Refer Figure 1a , in the device 1, each heat transfer plate 5 engages with the field gasket member 41 on the rear surface 9, the upper distribution arrangement 69a, and the lower distribution arrangement 69b, and engages with the sealing arrangement S on the front surface 7. The field gasket member 41 and the sealing arrangement S are at least partially disposed in grooves of the heat transfer plate 5, which are not shown or further described herein. Also refer Figure 2 , four annular ring seal members 47 of the sealing arrangement S surround a corresponding one of the first, second, seventh, and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23, and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5. In addition, also refer Figure 3 , the field gasket member 41 surrounds the first, second, seventh, and eighth port holes 17, 27, 23, and 33 of the heat transfer plate 5. In addition, also refer Figure 4a and 4bIn this case, the rear surface 81 of each of the plates 73 in the upper and lower distribution arrangements 69a and 69b faces the heat transfer plate 5, and the primary holes 83 and secondary holes 85 of the upper and lower distribution arrangements 69a and 69b are aligned with a corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 29, 21, and 31 of the heat transfer plate 5, and the first primary cavity gasket 107 abuts against the heat transfer plate 5 around a corresponding one of the first and second transfer holes 25 and 35 of the heat transfer plate 5. In addition, in accordance with the above description, the cylinders 75 and 77 of the upper and lower distribution arrangements 69a and 69b project through two adjacent heat transfer plates 5 arranged on the front surface 79 of the plate 73 so as to abut against the rear surface 93 of the base 71 of the adjacent upper and lower distribution arrangements 69a and 69b.

[0080] Figure 6 In a highly simplified manner, the situation when a plurality (here four) of electrolytic cells EC are properly joined to each other in the device 1 is shown. Also referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the primary hole gasket 103 and the secondary hole gasket 105 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a' are sealed against the rear surface 93 of the base 71 around the hole h of another upper distribution arrangement 69a'', and the primary hole gasket 103 and the secondary hole gasket 105 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a'' are sealed against the rear surface 93 of the base 71 around the hole h of another upper distribution arrangement 69a''', and so on. Thus, the upper distribution arrangement 69a, like the lower distribution arrangement 69b, and more specifically its cylinders 75 and 77, form two insulating tunnels or ports p ( Figure 6 only one of which is shown in the figure) through the device 1, more specifically the second primary inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second primary outlet port 59p, and the second secondary outlet port 59s, which will be further discussed below.

[0081] When the device 1 is ready for use, the heat transfer plates 5 and 5x and the central field gasket member 41 and the sealing arrangement S are compressed between the frame plates F so as to form the first and second flow channels C1 and C2 and the port means for conveying the first and second fluids through the device 1. After being compressed in this way, each pair of heat transfer plates 5 (such as the heat transfer plates 5b and 5c) abut against each other in the contact area, while the contact between adjacent pairs of heat transfer plates 5 (such as the heat transfer plates 5c and 5d) is prevented by the presence of the sealing arrangement S between the plate pairs. This separation or insulation between the plate pairs is necessary for the normal operation of the device 1 for electrolysis, which will be further discussed below. The compression is achieved by some tightening means (such as bolts and nuts), which are not shown or further described in this text. Referring to shows the heat transfer plate 5 of the device 1 (only one of which is visible) Figure 3, the port device includes a first inlet port device 53 and a first outlet port device 55 for the first fluid, and a second inlet port device 57 and a second outlet port device 59 for the second fluid. Subsequently, the first inlet port device 53 includes a first primary inlet port 53p and a first secondary inlet port 53s, the first outlet port device 55 includes a first primary outlet port 55p and a first secondary outlet port 55s, the second inlet port device 57 includes a second primary inlet port 57p and a second secondary inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port device 59 includes a second primary outlet port 59p and a second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0082] Reference Figure 1a , the first fluid, which is a cooling fluid, such as deionized water, is supplied to the device 1 via the first inlet device 61 and is supplied out of the device 1 via the first outlet device 63. The first inlet device 61 includes a first primary inlet 61p and a first secondary inlet 61s, while the first outlet device 63 includes a first primary outlet 63p and a first secondary outlet 63s. Reference Figure 1b , the second fluid, which is an electrolyte, such as a mixture of water and an alkaline agent (such as potassium hydroxide), is supplied to the device 1 via the second inlet device 65 and is supplied out of the device 1 via the second outlet device 67. The second inlet device 65 includes a second primary inlet 65p and a second secondary inlet 65s, while the second outlet device 67 includes a second primary outlet 67p and a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0083] The first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through the device 1 includes a first primary fluid path P1p and a first secondary fluid path P1s. Reference Figure 1a and Figure 3 and a dashed line, the first primary fluid path P1p extends from the first primary inlet 61p into the first primary inlet port 53p, passes through the first flow channel C1, enters the first primary outlet port 55p, and reaches the first primary outlet 63p. The first secondary fluid path P1s extends from the first secondary inlet 61s into the first secondary inlet port 53s, passes through the first flow channel C1, enters the first secondary outlet port 55s, and reaches the first secondary outlet 63s. The second fluid path P2 for conveying the second fluid through the device 1 includes: a second primary fluid path P2p, which includes a direct primary flow path DP and a first transfer primary flow path TP1 ( Figure 4e and 4f ) through each of the upper and lower distribution arrangements 69a and 69b, and a second secondary fluid path P2s, which includes a direct secondary flow path DS and a first transfer secondary flow path TS1 ( Figure 4g and 4h ). Reference Figure 1b and3 and a dashed line, a second primary fluid path P2p extends from a second primary inlet 65p, through a second primary inlet port 57p, i.e., along a direct primary flow path DP through a lower distribution arrangement 69b, through the lower distribution arrangement 69b and along a first transfer primary flow path TP1 into a first gap I1 outside a first flow channel C1, through corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c,...), into a second primary sub-channel C2P, through the second primary sub-channel C2P, through corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c,...), into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, along the first transfer primary flow path TP1 through an upper distribution arrangement 69a, along the direct primary flow path DP through the upper distribution arrangement 69a, i.e., through a second primary outlet port 59p, and reaches a second primary outlet 67p. A second secondary fluid path P2s extends from a second secondary inlet 65s, through a second secondary inlet port 57s, i.e., along a direct secondary flow path DS through the lower distribution arrangement 69b, through the lower distribution arrangement 69b and along a first transfer secondary flow path TS1 into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through corresponding second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d,...) into a second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through corresponding first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d,...) into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, along the first transfer secondary flow path TS1 through the upper distribution arrangement 69a, along the direct secondary flow path DS through the upper distribution arrangement 69a, i.e., through a second secondary outlet port 59s, and reaches a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0084] Referring again to Figure 3 , a first fluid (i.e., a cooling fluid) is conveyed through the device 1 at ports 53s, 53p, 55s and 55p, while a second fluid (i.e., an electrolytic solution) is conveyed through the device 1 at ports 57p, 57s, 59p and 59s. The ports 53s, 53p, 55s and 55p are arranged at a greater distance from a longitudinal central plane P of the device 1 compared to the ports 57p, 57s, 59p and 59s. This means that the cooling fluid conveyance is outside the electrolytic solution.

[0085] Accordingly, a method for electrolysis is carried out by means of device 1. The method comprises the steps of applying an electric current to device 1 such that every other heat transfer plate of device 1 (including heat transfer plates 5a and 5c) becomes an anode and the remaining heat transfer plates of device 1 (including heat transfer plates 5b and 5d) become cathodes. As mentioned above, a sealing arrangement S for insulating between the heat transfer plates 5 is arranged in the second gap I2 of device 1 (i.e., between heat transfer plates 5a and 5b and between heat transfer plates 5c and 5d, etc.), and divides the second flow channel C2 into a second primary sub-channel C2P and a second secondary sub-channel C2S. Thereby, electrolysis can be carried out within the second flow channel C2 of device 1. Also as explained above, the ports 57p, 57s, 59p and 59s for the second fluid (i.e., the electrolyte) are "lined" with plastic, which minimizes the risk of a short circuit occurring between the heat transfer plates 5, which could cause device 1 to malfunction.

[0086] As described above, for the second fluid (i.e., the electrolyte solution), there are two fluid paths through device 1. Accordingly, the method comprises the steps of supplying a first portion of the second fluid into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and entering the second primary sub-channel C2P through the first transfer holes 25 of the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc.; and supplying a second portion of the second fluid into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1 and entering the second secondary sub-channel C2S through the second transfer holes 35 of the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc. In addition, the method further comprises the step of supplying the first portion and the second portion of the second fluid through the second flow channel C2, whereby the water in the electrolyte solution is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen, and a primary component is formed in the second primary sub-channel C2P and a secondary component is formed in the second secondary sub-channel C2S, the primary component containing more oxygen and less hydrogen than the second component. The primary component of the second fluid is supplied through the second transfer holes 35 of the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc. into the first void I1 outside the first flow channel C1, while the secondary component of the second fluid is supplied through the first transfer holes 25 of the heat transfer plates 5b, 5d, etc. into the first void I1 outside the first flow channel C1. The primary component and the secondary component are separately discharged from device 1 via the second primary outlet 67p and the second secondary outlet 67s, respectively. Heat is generated during electrolysis in the second flow channel C2. The method comprises the step of supplying a first fluid (i.e., deionized water) through the first flow channel C1 (i.e., on both sides of the electrolysis channel C2) to effectively and uniformly dissipate the heat generated by electrolysis from device 1.

[0087] The primary and secondary components will typically comprise a mixture of liquid and gas. By connecting the first primary channel 99 and the first secondary channel 101 from above to the primary hole 83 and the secondary hole 85 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a, the gas can be separated from the liquid that is already inside the second primary outlet port 59p and the second secondary outlet port 59s, which can improve the final gas-liquid separation of the primary and secondary components.

[0088] It should be emphasized that the second fluid is referred to as the second fluid even if the characteristics of the second fluid change as it is supplied through the device, and both the primary and secondary components of the second fluid are referred to as the second fluid even if the individual compositions of the primary and secondary components of the second fluid change and are different from each other and from the original second fluid.

[0089] It should be emphasized that all the components required for the normal operation of the device, such as power supply, connections, lines, control units, valves, pumps, gaskets, sensors, pipes, metering devices, etc., are not described herein or shown in the drawings. In addition, the characteristics of the different components of the device that are not relevant to the present invention are not described or shown herein.

[0090] Figure 7a-7d An upper distribution arrangement 121a according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The upper distribution arrangements 69a and 121a are very similar. The main differences between them are as follows. The first primary chamber 95 and the first secondary chamber 97 of the upper distribution arrangement 121a are aligned with each other, that is, they are arranged directly opposite each other in the rear surface 93 and the front surface 89 of the base 71. The first primary channel 99 extends between the rear surface 81 of the plate 73 and the intermediate extension plane IP, while the first secondary channel 101 extends between the front surface 79 of the plate 73 and the intermediate extension plane IP, which allows them to cross each other, as Figure 7d shown.

[0091] Figure 8a A part of another device 2 for hydrogen production by electrolysis is shown. There are many similarities between device 1 and device 2, and the above description also applies to device 2 to a large extent. Therefore, the following will focus on the differences between device 2 and device 1. Device 2 includes first and second types of heat transfer plates 5 that are stacked 3 (only partially shown), one of which is shown Figure 9 separately. The first end 11 of the heat transfer plate 5 includes a first port hole 17, a third port hole 19, a fifth port hole 21, and a first transfer hole 25, while the second end 15 of the heat transfer plate 5 includes a second port hole 27, a fourth port hole 29, a sixth port hole 31, and a second transfer hole 35. Every other heat transfer plate 5 in the stack 3 is Figure 9a first type as shown in, and the remaining heat transfer plates 5 in stack 3 are of a second type, which is similar to the first type except that it has the first transfer holes 25 and the second transfer holes 35 arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis L.

[0092] Referring again to Figure 8a , as in apparatus 1, the heat transfer plates 5 of apparatus 2 define a first gap I1 and a second gap I2. An annular field gasket member 41 is disposed within each first gap I1 to define a first flow passage C1 therein. Also disposed within each first gap I1 are two upper distribution arrangements 123a and two lower distribution arrangements 123b that are all similar. An annular field seal member 43 is disposed within each second gap I2 to define a second flow passage C2 therein. A membrane 45 within each second gap I2 divides the second flow passage C2 into a second primary sub-channel C2P and a second secondary sub-channel C2S. The field seal member 43 and the isolation device including the membrane 45 are part of a sealing arrangement S that also includes two annular ring seal members 47 integrally formed with the field seal member 43 and an insulating rubber sheet (not shown herein). The rubber sheet extends outside the field seal member 43 and the ring seal members 47 and is arranged to prevent contact between the heat transfer plates disposed on opposite sides of the rubber sheet.

[0093] Referring to Figure 10 , the field gasket member 41 includes a first long side portion ls1 and a second long side portion ls2, and a first short side portion ss1 and a second short side portion ss2 that connect the first long side portion ls1 and the second long side portion ls2 at a first end E1 and a second end E2 of the field gasket member 41, respectively. At the first end E1, the field gasket member 41, or more specifically its first short side portion ss1, is bent to extend between the two upper distribution arrangements 123a. At the second end E2, the field gasket member 41, or more specifically its second short side portion ss2, is bent to extend between the lower distribution arrangements 123b.

[0094] Figure 11a and 11b One of the upper distribution arrangements 123a is shown separately in. It includes a base 71 composed of a plate 73 and a cylinder 77. A hole h extends through the plate 73, and the cylinder 77 projects from the front surface 79 of the plate 73 and surrounds the hole h to define a secondary hole 85 through the base 71. The free end surface of the cylinder 77 forms a raised annular secondary sub-surface 91 on the front surface 89 of the base 71.

[0095] In addition, the base 71 includes a non-through first secondary cavity 97 that extends through the front surface 89 of the base 71. The base 71 also includes a plurality of first secondary channels 101 (one of which is schematically shown in dashed lines), which extend in an intermediate extension plane intermediate between the front surface 79 and the rear surface 81 of the slab 73. Each first secondary channel 101 connects the secondary hole 85 and the first secondary cavity 97. There are a plurality of different flow paths through the upper distribution arrangement 123a; a direct secondary flow path DS defined by the secondary hole 85, and a first transfer secondary flow path TS1 defined by each first secondary channel and the secondary hole 85 and the first secondary cavity 97 together.

[0096] The distribution arrangement 123a also includes an annular secondary hole gasket 105 that extends around the secondary hole 85 and seals against the secondary sub-surface 91, and an annular first secondary cavity gasket 109 that extends around the first secondary cavity 97 and seals against the front surface 89 of the base 71.

[0097] Reference Figure 8a 、 9 and 10, in the device 2, two annular ring seal members 47 and field gasket members 41 of the seal arrangement S surround the first port hole 17 and the second port hole 27 of each heat transfer plate 5 on opposite sides of each heat transfer plate 5. In addition, also reference Figure 11a and 11b , the upper distribution arrangement 123a, like the lower distribution arrangement, is arranged such that, one of them has the rear surface 81 of the slab 73 facing the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc., and the other has the front surface 79 of the slab 73 facing the heat transfer plates 5a, 5c, etc. The secondary holes 85 of the upper and lower distribution arrangements 123a and 123b are aligned with a corresponding one of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth port holes 19, 21, 29, and 31. In addition, the first secondary cavity 97 of one of the upper and lower distribution arrangements 123a and 123b is aligned with a corresponding one of the first and second transfer holes 25 and 35, and the corresponding first secondary cavity gasket 109 surrounds the corresponding one. In addition, each of the upper and lower distribution arrangements 123a and 123b protrudes (with the cylinder 77 and the gasket 105) through the heat transfer plate 5 facing the front surface 79 of the slab 73 and the next heat transfer plate 5, so as to abut against the next upper and lower distribution arrangements 123a and 123b, and form a total of four insulated ports through the device 2, more specifically, the second primary inlet port 57p, the second secondary inlet port 57s, the second primary outlet port 59p, and the second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0098] The device 2 includes port devices for conveying the first and second fluids through the device 2. Reference Figure 10, the port device includes a first inlet port device 53 and a first outlet port device 55 for a first fluid, and a second inlet port device 57 and a second outlet port device 59 for a second fluid. Among them, the first inlet port device 53 does not include a first primary inlet port and a first secondary inlet port, but only includes a single inlet port. Similarly, the first outlet port device 55 does not include a first primary outlet port and a first secondary outlet port, but only includes a single outlet port. However, the second inlet port device 57 includes a second primary inlet port 57p and a second secondary inlet port 57s, and the second outlet port device 59 includes a second primary outlet port 59p and a second secondary outlet port 59s.

[0099] Reference Figure 8a , the first fluid is supplied to the device 2 via the first inlet device 61 and is supplied out of the device 2 via the first outlet device 63. Here, the first inlet device 61 does not include a first primary inlet and a first secondary inlet, but only includes a single inlet. Similarly, here, the first outlet device 63 also does not include a first primary outlet and a first secondary outlet, but only includes a single outlet. Reference Figure 8b , the second fluid is supplied to the device 2 via the second inlet device 65 and is supplied out of the device 1 via the second outlet device 67. The second inlet device 65 includes a second primary inlet 65p and a second secondary inlet 65s, and the second outlet device 67 includes a second primary outlet 67p and a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0100] There is a single first fluid path P1 for conveying the first fluid through the device 2. Reference Figure 8a and Figure 10 and a dashed line, the first fluid path P1 extends from the first inlet 61 into the first inlet port 53, passes through the first flow channel C1, enters the first outlet port 55, and reaches the first outlet 63. The second fluid path P2 for conveying the second fluid through the device 1 includes a second primary fluid path P2p and a second secondary fluid path P2s. The second fluid path P2 for conveying the second fluid through the device 2 includes: a second primary fluid path P2p, which, when viewed from the frame plate F, includes a direct secondary flow path DS and a first transfer secondary flow path TS1 through each of the upper right distribution arrangement 123a and the lower right distribution arrangement 123b; and a second secondary fluid path P2s, which, when viewed from the frame plate F, includes a direct secondary flow path DS and a first transfer secondary flow path TS1 through each of the upper left distribution arrangement 123a and the lower left distribution arrangement 123b. Reference Figure 8b and 10and dashed lines, a second primary fluid path P2p extends from a second primary inlet 65p, through a second primary inlet port 57p, i.e., along a direct secondary flow path DS through a lower right distribution arrangement 123b, through the lower right distribution arrangement 123b and along a first transfer secondary flow path TS1 into a first gap I1 outside a first flow channel C1, through respective first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c,...) into a second primary sub-channel C2P, through the second primary sub-channel C2P, through respective second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5a, 5c,...) into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, along the first transfer secondary flow path TS1 through an upper right distribution arrangement 123a, along the direct primary flow path DS through the upper right distribution arrangement 123a, i.e., through a second primary outlet port 59p, and reaches a second primary outlet 67p. A second secondary fluid path P2s extends from a second secondary inlet 65s, through a second secondary inlet port 57s, i.e., along the direct secondary flow path DS through a lower left distribution arrangement 123b, through the lower left distribution arrangement 123b and along the first transfer secondary flow path TS1 into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, through respective second transfer holes 35 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d,...) into a second secondary sub-channel C2S, through the second secondary sub-channel C2S, through respective first transfer holes 25 of every other heat transfer plate (i.e., plates 5b, 5d,...) into the first gap I1 outside the first flow channel C1, along the first transfer secondary flow path TS1 through an upper left distribution arrangement 123a, along the direct secondary flow path DS through the upper left distribution arrangement 123a, i.e., through a second secondary outlet port 59s, and reaches a second secondary outlet 67s.

[0101] Referring again to Figure 10 , a first fluid is conveyed through the device 2 at ports 53 and 55, while a second fluid is conveyed through the device 2 at ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s. The ports 57p, 57s, 59p, and 59s are arranged at a greater distance from a longitudinal center plane P of the device 2 than the ports 53 and 55. This means that the second fluid is conveyed outside the first fluid.

[0102] Figure 12a and 12b respectively schematically show an upper distribution arrangement 125a of an alternative embodiment according to the present invention from the front and the rear, and the upper distribution arrangement 125a can be combined with that according to Figure 9for use in conjunction with the heat transfer plate 5. Similar to the upper distribution arrangement 69a, the upper distribution arrangement 125a includes a plastic base 71 having primary holes 83, secondary holes 85, a first primary cavity 95, a first secondary cavity 97, a first primary channel 99 (one of which is schematically shown in dashed lines) and a first secondary channel 101 (one of which is schematically shown in dashed lines). In addition, the upper distribution arrangement 125a includes a non-through second primary cavity 96 extending through the rear surface 93 of the base 71, and a non-through second secondary cavity 98 extending through the front surface 89 of the base 71. A plurality of second primary channels 104 (one of which is schematically shown in dashed lines) connect the primary holes 83 and the second primary cavity 96 to form a corresponding second transfer primary flow path TP2 through the upper distribution arrangement 125a. A plurality of second secondary channels 106 (one of which is schematically shown in dashed lines) connect the secondary holes 85 and the second secondary cavity 98 to form a corresponding second transfer secondary flow path TS2 through the upper distribution arrangement 125a. All of the first primary channels 99, second primary channels 104, first secondary channels 101 and second secondary channels 106 extend in an intermediate plane that is intermediate between the front and rear surfaces 79 and 81 of the plate 73 of the base 71. Also refer to Figure 12c , the first primary channels 99 and the second primary channels 104 extend on one side of the partition wall W, while the first secondary channels 101 and the second secondary channels 106 extend on the other side of the partition wall W. As can be clearly seen from Figure 12b , the first and second primary cavities 95 and 96 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis L1 of the upper distribution arrangement 125a so as to enable the second fluid to be evenly distributed in the second primary sub-channel C2P of a device similar to the device 2. Similarly, as can be clearly seen from Figure 12a , the first and second secondary cavities 97 and 98 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal central axis L1 of the upper distribution arrangement 125a so as to enable the second fluid to be evenly distributed in the second secondary sub-channel C2S of a device similar to the device 2.

[0103] Figure 13a and 13bThe upper distribution arrangement 127a according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown from the front and the rear, respectively. The upper distribution arrangements 125a and 127a are very similar. The main differences between them are as follows. The first primary chamber 95 and the second secondary chamber 98 of the upper distribution arrangement 127a are aligned with each other, that is, they are arranged directly opposite each other on the rear surface 93 and the front surface 89 of the base 71. In addition, the second primary chamber 96 and the first secondary chamber 97 of the upper distribution arrangement 127a are aligned with each other. The first primary channel 99 and the second primary channel 104 extend between the rear surface 81 of the plate 73 and the intermediate extension plane, while the first secondary channel 101 and the second secondary channel 106 extend between the front surface 79 of the plate 73 and the intermediate extension plane.

[0104] Of course, the upper distribution arrangements 125a and 127a also include gaskets and the like necessary for their normal operation, even if not shown or further discussed herein.

[0105] The above-described embodiments of the present invention should be regarded as examples only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments discussed can be varied in many ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0106] As an example, the cylinders 75 and 77 of the upper distribution arrangement 69a have a sufficient height such that the cylinders 75 and 77 can project through the two heat transfer plates 5. The upper distribution arrangement 69a can also be constructed such that the height of the two cylinders 75 and 77 is half of that, and two additional cylinders of the same height aligned with the corresponding one of the cylinders 75 and 77 project from the rear surface 81 of the plate 73. These four cylinders can be arranged to project through the heat transfer plates 5 arranged on opposite sides of the upper distribution arrangement 69a in pairs.

[0107] The secondary holes and / or primary holes of the distribution arrangement do not need to be circular, but can be of any suitable shape, such as oval or polygonal. The chamber or chambers of the distribution arrangement do not need to be elongated, but can be of any suitable shape, such as circular.

[0108] The distribution arrangement can be included in a device for another type of electrolysis other than alkaline water electrolysis, such as chlor-alkali electrolysis. In addition, the distribution arrangement can be included in a device for other applications other than electrolysis, such as a device in the form of a fuel cell. It should be emphasized that the attributes first, second, third,..., primary, secondary, upper, lower, and A, B, C,... etc. used herein are only used to distinguish different types and do not represent any type of mutual order between the types, nor do they endow the types with any special characteristics. Thus, as is clear from the above, the distribution arrangement according to the present invention can include secondary holes and a first secondary chamber, but not primary holes and a first primary chamber, etc.

[0109] It should be emphasized that "receiving", "supplying", "communicating", etc. respectively mean "directly or indirectly receiving", "directly or indirectly supplying", and "directly or indirectly communicating" throughout the text.

[0110] It should be emphasized that all axes and planes mentioned in this document are imaginary.

[0111] It should be emphasized that descriptions of details not directly relevant to the present invention have been omitted, and the drawings are only schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be said that some drawings are more simplified than others. Therefore, some components may be shown in one drawing but omitted in another.

Claims

1. A distribution arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 123a, 125a, 127a) configured to be positioned between two corrugated heat transfer plates (5), the distribution arrangement (69a, 69b) including a base (71), the base (71) including a plate (73) having opposite front (79) and rear (81) surfaces arranged to face a respective one of the heat transfer plates (5), an intermediate extension plane (IP) of the plate (73) extending between the front (79) and rear (81) surfaces of the plate (73), front (89) and rear (93) surfaces of the base (71) respectively including at least a portion of the front (79) and rear (81) surfaces of the plate (73), the base (71) being provided with through secondary holes (85), non-through first secondary cavities (97), and at least one first secondary channel (101), the through secondary holes (85) extending through the front (89) and rear (93) surfaces of the base (71) so as to form a direct secondary flow path (DS) through the base (71), the non-through first secondary cavities (97) extending through the front (89) surface of the base (71), the at least one first secondary channel (101) extending inside the plate (73), the at least one first secondary channel (101) connecting the secondary holes (85) and the first secondary cavities (97) to form a first transfer secondary flow path (TS1) through the base (71), an annular secondary sub-surface (91) of the front (89) surface of the base (71) surrounding the secondary holes (85).

2. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 123a, 125a, 127a) according to claim 1, wherein, The base (71) is at least partially made of at least one insulating material.

3. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 123a) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A secondary hole gasket (105) surrounding the secondary holes (85) and sealing against a secondary sub-surface (91) of the front (89) surface of the base (71); and a first secondary cavity gasket (109) surrounding the first secondary cavities (97) and sealing against the front (89) surface of the base (71).

4. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 123a) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The secondary sub-surface (91) is elevated relative to the remainder of the front (89) surface of the base (71).

5. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a, 125a, 127a) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The base (71) is provided with a through primary hole (83), a non-through first primary cavity (95), and at least one first primary channel (99). The through primary hole (83) extends through the front surface (89) and the rear surface (93) of the base (71) so as to form a direct primary flow path (DP) through the base (71). The non-through first primary cavity (95) extends through the rear surface (93) of the base (71). The at least one first primary channel (99) extends inside the plate (73). The at least one first primary channel (99) connects the primary hole (83) and the first primary cavity (95) to form a first transfer primary flow path (TP1) through the base (71). An annular primary sub-surface (87) of the front surface (89) of the base (71) surrounds the primary hole (83).

6. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a) according to claim 5, further comprising: A primary hole gasket (103) that surrounds the primary hole (83) and seals against the primary sub-surface (87) of the front surface (89) of the base (71); and a first primary cavity gasket (107) that surrounds the first primary cavity (95) and seals against the rear surface (93) of the base (71).

7. The dispensing arrangement (121a) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein, The first secondary cavity (97) is aligned with the first primary cavity (95).

8. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 125a, 127a) according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein The first secondary cavity (97) is displaced relative to the first primary cavity (95).

9. The dispensing arrangement (121a, 127a) according to any one of claims 5 - 8, wherein The at least one first secondary channel (101) extends between the front surface (79) of the plate (73) and the intermediate extension plane (IP) of the plate (73), and the at least one first primary channel (99) extends between the rear surface (81) of the plate (73) and the intermediate extension plane (IP) of the plate (73).

10. The dispensing arrangement (125a, 127a) according to any one of claims 5 - 9, wherein, The base (71) is provided with a non-through second secondary cavity (98) that extends through the front surface (89) of the base (71) and at least one second secondary channel (106) that extends inside the plate (73). The at least one second secondary channel (106) connects the secondary hole (85) and the second secondary cavity (98) to form a second transfer secondary flow path (TS2) through the base (71), and wherein The base (71) is provided with a non-through second primary cavity (96) that extends through the rear surface (93) of the base (71) and at least one second primary channel (104) that extends inside the plate (73). The at least one second primary channel (104) connects the primary hole (83) and the second primary cavity (96) to form a second transfer primary flow path (TP2) through the base (71).

11. The dispensing arrangement (127a) according to claim 10, wherein, The first secondary cavity (97) and the second secondary cavity (98) are respectively aligned with the second primary cavity (96) and the first primary cavity (95).

12. The dispensing arrangement (127a) according to any one of claims 10 - 11, wherein, The at least one first secondary channel (101) and the at least one second secondary channel (106) extend between the front surface (79) of the slab (73) and the intermediate extension plane (IP) of the slab (73), and the at least one first primary channel (99) and the at least one second primary channel (104) extend between the rear surface (81) of the slab (73) and the intermediate extension plane (IP) of the slab (73).

13. The dispensing arrangement (69a) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The slab (73) includes an inner wall (84) surrounding the secondary hole (85), the inner wall (84) includes a first half (86) and a second half (88), the first half (86) and the second half (88) extend on opposite sides of a hole center plane (CP) that divides the secondary hole (85) into two halves, the hole center plane (CP) extends perpendicular to the intermediate extension plane (IP) of the slab (73), the first half (86) of the inner wall (84) of the slab (73) is arranged to be further away from the first secondary cavity (97) than the second half (88) of the inner wall (84) of the slab (73), and wherein the at least one first secondary channel (101) extends from an opening (100) in the first half (86) of the inner wall (84) of the slab (73).

14. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b, 121a) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The slab (73) includes a rod engaging recess (111).

15. The dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a snap-fit device (115) that projects from the front surface (79) of the slab (73) around the annular secondary sub-surface (91) of the front surface (89) of the base (71), the snap-fit device (115) being arranged to engage a locking device (119) in one of the heat transfer plates (5) to connect the dispensing arrangement (69a, 69b) to the one of the heat transfer plates (5).

Images