Basic frame and electrochemical energy module

Abstract

A basic frame (3) for an electrochemical energy module, the basic frame being sheet shaped and being clamped between two bipolar plates (2), wherein the basic frame (3) comprises a first frame portion (31) and a second frame portion (32), the second frame portion (32) being configured for having a reaction layer of the electrochemical energy module placed thereon, and the first frame portion (31) being sealingly sleeved on the outside of the second frame portion (32); and the first frame portion (31) is made of an elastic material, the second frame portion (32) is made of a rigid material, and the thickness of the first frame portion (31) is greater than the thickness of the second frame portion (32).

Description

Basic framework and electrochemical energy module Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical energy module for new energy, mainly referring to a water electrolysis hydrogen production device (PEMWE) or a fuel cell device (PEMFC), and more specifically, to a basic framework of the electrochemical energy module. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen production by water electrolysis (PEMWE) or fuel cell devices (PEMFC) are widely used in various fields, including automobiles, aircraft, and mobile communication antennas. Especially in the automotive field, fuel cells are considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen through catalysis to generate electricity, while also producing water as a by-product. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis devices, on the other hand, use the exact opposite process to produce hydrogen and oxygen through water electrolysis. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis devices and fuel cell devices usually consist of hundreds of individual energy modules connected in series.

[0003] A single energy module has a multi-layer structure, which includes a bipolar plate (BPP), a base frame, a gas diffusion layer (GDL), a microporous layer (MPL) and a catalyst coating membrane (CCM) that form a laminate together. The layers are sealed together by gaskets arranged between the interfaces of the layers around their periphery. The gasket prevents gas from leaking out of the central pressurized area of ​​the energy module where the catalytic reaction occurs. When the energy module is assembled, the layers are compressed together to maximize the electrical contact between the layers, minimize the total thickness of the energy module, and increase the sealing of the gasket on the energy module. Taking a water electrolysis hydrogen production device as an example, water after electrolysis in the CCM will produce hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side. The base frame is a very important component. The material of the base frame can be plastic, such as PEEK and other plastics. In addition to plastic, metal can also be used. Metal materials have better manufacturing performance, but require insulating coating, which is very expensive and poses safety risks.

[0004] Patent document US 20190393534 A1 discloses a fuel cell having a support frame that can be made of a conductive material. For example, a conductive material containing carbon can be used. Specifically, examples include a conductive resin composed of graphite and an organic polymer compound, a conductive resin in which a portion of the graphite is replaced with at least one of carbon black and diamond-like carbon, and a molding material obtained by mixing carbon and resin. Among these, a molding material obtained by mixing carbon and resin is preferably used.

[0005] As can be seen, in existing technologies, base frames are typically made of rigid materials, but these materials often have poor sealing properties. To reduce costs while improving sealing properties, rubber materials can also be considered for base frames. However, when the entire energy module assembly is compressed, the seals are easily deformed and unstable due to the greater compression set and poor creep properties of rubber materials.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved basic frame, which not only has higher sealing performance but also can reduce material costs.

[0008] To address the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a base frame for an electrochemical energy module, which has a sheet-like shape and is clamped between bipolar plates on both sides. The base frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The second frame portion is used to accommodate the reaction layers of the electrochemical energy module that participate in the electrochemical reaction, such as layered reaction materials such as steel mesh, carbon paper, catalyst coating film (CCM), titanium felt, and titanium mesh. The first frame portion is sealingly attached to the outside of the second frame portion, wherein the first frame portion is made of an elastic material and the second frame portion is made of a rigid material, and the thickness of the first frame portion is greater than that of the second frame portion. The base frame can be modified based on the performance of the components. The solution according to the present invention is to manufacture the base frame into two parts that can be used in combination. In this solution, the second frame portion serves as a support and is still made of a rigid material, while the first frame portion is made of an elastic material and has a greater thickness to improve sealing performance, thereby reducing the cathode and anode gaskets. It also saves material or coatings that are required for a pure plastic base frame or a metal base frame, further reducing material costs.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first frame portion is made of a rubber material and the second frame portion is made of a metal material. Different frame portions made of different materials perform different functions, which improves the sealing performance while reducing the material cost. It is also preferred that the first frame portion has a protrusion on both sides facing the bipolar plate. The protrusion preferably has a wavy shape, which can have a better sealing effect than the anode gasket and the cathode gasket. It is further preferred that the first frame portion and / or the second frame portion have a lateral protrusion. The sealing performance between the first frame portion and the second frame portion can be improved by the lateral protrusion. It is still further preferred that the first frame portion has a lateral protrusion and the second frame portion has a sealing recess that matches the lateral protrusion, or the second frame portion has a lateral protrusion and the first frame portion has a sealing recess that matches the lateral protrusion, thereby forming a labyrinth seal between the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second frame portion has a groove for accommodating an internal seal. Because the second frame portion is made of a rigid material, it can effectively support the O-ring serving as the internal seal. Furthermore, preferably, the internal seal is integrated into the groove. In other words, an integrated seal replaces the sealing ring used in conventional technology. This integrated installation makes the seal more stable and less likely to move or fall off, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first frame portion has multiple through-flow openings between the bipolar plates for guiding water and / or gas. Because the first frame portion is made of an elastic material, drilling holes in the first frame portion is relatively cost-effective. Furthermore, preferably, the first frame portion has a flow opening at each of its four corners. The first and second opposing flow openings have first and second channels on the side facing the bipolar plates, directing the reaction layer. The third and fourth opposing flow openings have third and fourth channels on the other side facing the bipolar plates, directing the reaction layer. In a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, the first channel directs water for the reaction to the reaction zone. After the reaction is complete, the second channel directs the water and gas to the second flow opening for outflow. The third and fourth channels are then used on the other side to discharge the gas. Placing opposing channels for guiding fluid on both sides facilitates more efficient fluid flow through the reaction zone and faster gas discharge. For a fuel cell, the reverse process occurs. Therefore, this design ensures that the first frame portion can transport reactants while ensuring a seal.

[0012] In addition, the technical problem of the present invention can also be solved by an electrochemical energy module, wherein the electrochemical energy module is a fuel cell device or a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which has a basic framework with the above-mentioned features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a base frame designed according to the prior art;

[0015] FIG2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a base frame designed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram and a partially enlarged view of the first frame portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In this preferred embodiment, the electrochemical energy module uses a water electrolysis hydrogen production device as an example, and the fuel cell device has substantially the same structural features, particularly having substantially the same basic frame. The energy module designed according to the present invention includes multiple stacked single modules 1. Each single module 1 includes a base frame 3 and bipolar plates 2 adjacent to each other. Figure 1 shows a single module 1 in the prior art. The single module 1 includes a stacked bipolar plate 2, a base frame 3, a steel mesh 4, carbon paper 6, a catalyst coating film (CCM) 5, a seal 7, a titanium felt 8, and a titanium mesh 11. A cathode side gasket 9 and an anode side gasket 10 are also provided on the upper and lower sides of the base frame 3, respectively. The base frame 3 is made of plastic, such as PEEK or other plastics. In addition to plastic, metal can also be used. Metal materials have better manufacturing performance, but require an insulating coating, are very expensive, and pose safety risks. If the base frame 3 is made of a low-cost rubber material, the seal will easily deform and become unstable when the entire module is compressed because rubber materials have greater compression set and poor creep properties.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a single module 1 improved according to the present invention. This single module also includes a base frame 3 and a bipolar plate 2 adjacent to each other. The base frame 3 according to the present invention has a first frame portion 31 and a second frame portion 32 made of different materials: the first frame portion 31 is made of an elastic material, while the second frame portion 32 is made of a rigid material. In this embodiment, the first frame portion 31 is made of rubber, while the second frame portion 32 is made of metal. The reaction layers for the electrochemical reaction, namely, the steel mesh 4, carbon paper 6, catalyst coating film (CCM) 5, titanium felt 8, and titanium mesh 11, are mounted on the second frame portion 32. The thickness of the first frame portion 31 is greater than that of the second frame portion 31. When the bipolar plate 2 compresses the base frame 3, the first frame portion 31 is compressed until the second frame portion 32 supports the bipolar plate 2. Wave-shaped protrusions 311 are provided on both sides of the first frame portion 31 facing the bipolar plate 2 to provide a better seal at these locations. The protrusions 311 can be used to replace the cathode gasket 9 and the anode gasket 10. The connection between the first frame portion 31 and the second frame portion 32 is also provided with lateral protrusions 312 and / or 322. The lateral protrusions 312 can be provided on the first frame portion 31, and the lateral protrusions 322 can also be provided on the second frame portion 32, thereby forming a good seal between the first frame portion 31 and the second frame portion 31. The second frame portion 32 has a groove 321 for accommodating an internal seal. Preferably, the internal seal is integrated into the groove 321, making the internal seal more stable and improving the sealing effect.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a top view and a partially enlarged view of the first frame portion 31. A first flow opening 314, a second flow opening 315, a third flow opening 316, and a fourth flow opening 317 are provided at the four corners of the first frame portion 31. Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged view, the first frame portion 31 has a first channel 318 connecting the first flow opening 314 to the reaction area, and a second channel 319 connecting the second flow opening 315 to the reaction area on the side facing the bipolar plate 2, such as the cathode side. On the other side facing the bipolar plate 2, such as the anode side, a third channel is also provided connecting the third flow opening 316 to the reaction area, and a fourth channel connecting the fourth flow opening 317 to the reaction area. The first channel 318 and the second channel 319 are arranged diagonally, and the third channel and the fourth channel are arranged diagonally to facilitate more efficient fluid flow through the reaction area and more rapid removal of gases generated in the reaction area. Taking the water electrolysis hydrogen production process as an example, the first channel 316 can be used to guide the water used for the reaction to the reaction area. After the reaction is completed, the second channel 317 is used to guide the water and gas to the second flow channel 315. On the other side, the third channel and the fourth channel are used to guide the gas to the third flow channel 316 and the fourth flow channel 317 respectively, so that the gas can be quickly discharged.

[0020] While the above description describes possible embodiments by way of example, it should be understood that numerous variations exist, including combinations of known and readily conceivable technical features and implementations, such as the manner in which the connectors are connected and the materials that may be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, application, or configuration of the present invention in any way. The foregoing description is intended primarily to provide technical guidance for adapting at least one exemplary embodiment to the present invention. Various modifications, particularly those regarding the functionality and structure of the components described, may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0021] Reference Signs List

[0022] 1 Energy Module

[0023] 2 Bipolar plates

[0024] 3 Basic Framework

[0025] 4 Steel mesh

[0026] 5 Catalyst coating

[0027] 6 Carbon paper

[0028] 7 Seals

[0029] 8 Titanium Felt

[0030] 9 Cathode gasket

[0031] 10 Anode gasket

[0032] 11 Titanium Mesh

[0033] 31 First frame section

[0034] 32 Second frame

[0035] 311 raised part

[0036] 312 lateral protrusion

[0037] 314 First Flow Passage

[0038] 315 Second flow channel

[0039] 316 Third flow channel

[0040] 317 Fourth flow channel

[0041] 318 First Channel

[0042] 319 Second Channel

[0043] 322 lateral protrusion

[0044] 321 groove

Claims

1. A basic frame (3) for an electrochemical energy module, which has a sheet-like shape, wherein: The basic frame (3) comprises a first frame portion (31) and a second frame portion (32), wherein the second frame portion (32) is used to place the reaction layer (4, 5, 6, 8, 11) of the electrochemical energy module, and the first frame portion (31) is sealedly sleeved on the outside of the second frame portion (32), wherein the first frame portion (31) is made of elastic material, and the second frame portion (32) is made of rigid material, and the thickness of the first frame portion (31) is greater than the thickness of the second frame portion (32).

2. The basic frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frame portion (31) is made of rubber, and the second frame portion (32) is made of metal.

3. The basic frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frame portion (31) has protrusions (311) on both sides facing the bipolar plate (2).

4. The basic frame (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first frame part (31) and / or the second frame part (32) have lateral protrusions (312, 322).

5. The basic frame (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first frame portion (31) has the lateral protrusion (312), and the second frame portion (32) has a sealing recess that matches the lateral protrusion (312), or the second frame portion (32) has the lateral protrusion (322), and the first frame portion (31) has a sealing recess that matches the lateral protrusion (322).

6. The basic frame (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The second frame portion (32) has a groove (321) for accommodating an inner seal.

7. The basic frame (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner seal is integrated on the groove (321).

8. The basic frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frame portion (31) has a plurality of flow passage openings (314, 315, 316, 317) extending through the thickness direction.

9. The basic frame (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first frame portion (31) is provided with a flow channel opening at each of the four corners, wherein the first flow channel opening (314) and the second flow channel opening (315) arranged opposite to each other have a first channel (318) and a second channel (319) leading to the reaction layer on one side, and the third flow channel opening (316) and the fourth flow channel opening (31) arranged opposite to each other have a third channel and a fourth channel leading to the reaction layer on the other side.

10. An electrochemical energy module, wherein: The electrochemical energy module is a fuel cell device or a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, characterized in that the electrochemical energy module has a basic frame (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and two bipolar plates for clamping the basic frame.

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