A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and its use

Abstract

The application provides a proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell and application thereof, and the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell comprises an anode bipolar plate, the surface of the anode bipolar plate is provided with at least one parallel flow field channel, and at least one flow barrier is arranged in the at least one flow field channel. The flow field channel of the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell provided by the application is provided with the flow barrier, the redistribution of oxygen in the flow field channel can be realized, the oxygen content near the porous medium layer in the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell is reduced, and the rapid removal of oxygen is accelerated; the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell effectively improves the gas-liquid transmission capacity in the electrolytic cell during electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, and avoids the mass transfer deterioration problem caused by insufficient oxygen removal under high current density.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, and relates to a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and more particularly to a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and its applications. Background Technology

[0002] Converting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power into electricity for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen has enormous development potential, significantly reducing environmental pollution and achieving carbon-free emissions—a completely green technological route. Proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMWEs) possess advantages such as high electrolysis efficiency, short response time, high gas purity, and ease of handling, and are widely considered an effective way to produce oxygen and hydrogen from renewable energy sources. However, they still suffer from high costs (PEMWE stacks account for 37% of the total cost of the electrolysis system) and low electrolysis efficiency. Regarding cost, it is generally recognized that increasing the operating current density is an effective technical means to reduce costs. However, as the current density increases, the system's gas production gradually increases, making it impossible to effectively remove oxygen from the porous anode medium layer, resulting in a significant decrease in the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer. The specific reasons mainly include the following three aspects: (a) oxygen hinders the diffusion of reactant water to the catalyst layer; (b) oxygen covers the catalytic active sites, reducing the reactive surface area; (c) oxygen has poor thermal conductivity, causing local hot spots in the catalyst layer and accelerating membrane degradation.

[0003] CN211556049U discloses a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and a hydrogen production module. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer includes a proton exchange layer, with a diffusion layer, bipolar plate, electrode, and end plate disposed on both sides of the proton exchange layer. The diffusion layer, bipolar plate, electrode, and end plate are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. It also includes a gas flow channel, with a first end located between the two end plates and a second end extending beyond the end plates. The gas flow channel between the two end plates is at least partially curved. This proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and hydrogen production module can increase the gas pressure in the gas pipeline and also facilitates cooling. However, this proton exchange membrane electrolyzer suffers from the problem of ineffective oxygen removal, resulting in a significant decrease in electrolysis efficiency.

[0004] CN217009240U discloses a novel bipolar plate flow field structure for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. It designs a first spiral flow channel that spirals counterclockwise from the edge of the bipolar plate towards its center, and a second spiral flow channel that spirals clockwise from the center of the bipolar plate towards its edge. The outlet of the first spiral flow channel is connected to the inlet of the second spiral flow channel, and the portions of the first and second spiral flow channels that surround each other share a common channel wall. Pure water flows in from the inlet of the first spiral flow channel and then flows out from the outlet of the second spiral flow channel. Because the portions of the first and second spiral flow channels that surround each other share a common channel wall, the newly entering pure water exchanges heat with the previously entering pure water through the channel wall, thereby achieving comprehensive heat exchange on the electrodes, avoiding the problem of excessively high local temperatures in the motor, and ensuring effective cooling of the electrodes. Similarly, the novel bipolar plate flow field structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer suffers from the problem that oxygen cannot be effectively removed, resulting in a significant decrease in the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer. In addition, the novel bipolar plate flow field structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is complex and has increased manufacturing costs.

[0005] Currently available proton exchange membrane electrolyzers all have certain drawbacks. For example, oxygen in the porous anode medium layer cannot be effectively removed during water electrolysis for hydrogen production, and the electrolysis efficiency of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer decreases significantly as water electrolysis progresses. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find a novel proton exchange membrane electrolyzer that can accelerate the removal of oxygen from the anode at high current densities. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and its application. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided by the present invention has baffles installed in the flow field channel, which enables the redistribution of oxygen within the flow field channel. This reduces the oxygen content near the porous medium layer in the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, thereby accelerating the rapid removal of oxygen. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer effectively improves the gas-liquid transport capacity inside the electrolyzer during water electrolysis for hydrogen production, avoiding the mass transfer deterioration problem caused by insufficient oxygen removal under high current densities.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer including an anode bipolar plate, the surface of the anode bipolar plate being provided with at least one parallel flow field channel, and at least one baffle plate being provided in the at least one flow field channel.

[0009] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided by this invention has a baffle plate in the flow field channel, which can realize the redistribution of oxygen in the flow field channel, thereby reducing the oxygen content near the porous medium layer in the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and accelerating the rapid removal of oxygen. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer effectively improves the gas-liquid transport capacity inside the electrolyzer during water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, and avoids the mass transfer deterioration problem caused by insufficient oxygen removal under high current density.

[0010] Preferably, the anode bipolar plate is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the inlet ends of all the flow field channels provided on the anode bipolar plate converge and are connected to the fluid inlet, and the outlet ends of all the flow field channels provided on the anode bipolar plate converge and are connected to the fluid outlet.

[0011] Preferably, the distance between all the baffles installed in the flow field channel and the inlet end is 40% to 60% of the length of the flow field channel, for example, it can be 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, 50%, 52%, 54%, 56%, 58% or 60%, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within this range are also applicable.

[0012] Preferably, the baffle plate includes a first structural plate and a second structural plate, and the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a first porous dielectric layer. The first porous dielectric layer is attached to the flow field channel of the anode bipolar plate. One end of the first structural plate is in contact with the first porous dielectric layer. The first structural plate is connected to the side wall of the flow field channel and is inclinedly disposed in the flow field channel. The other end of the first structural plate is connected to one end of the second structural plate. The second structural plate is parallel to the bottom of the flow field channel.

[0013] Preferably, the angle between the first structural plate and the central axis of the flow field channel is 15 to 75 degrees.

[0014] Preferably, along the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel, the width of the first structural plate is 40% to 60% of the width of the flow field channel, for example, it can be 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, 50%, 52%, 54%, 56%, 58%, or 60%, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within this range are also applicable.

[0015] Preferably, along the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel, the width of the second structural plate is 40% to 60% of the width of the flow field channel, for example, it can be 40%, 42%, 44%, 46%, 48%, 50%, 52%, 54%, 56%, 58%, or 60%, but is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within this range are also applicable.

[0016] Preferably, the materials of the first structural plate and the second structural plate are independently titanium, copper, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0017] Preferably, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a first end plate and a second end plate disposed opposite to each other. Between the first end plate and the second end plate, there are also a first insulating plate and a second insulating plate disposed opposite to each other. Between the first insulating plate and the second insulating plate, there is the anode bipolar plate and a cathode bipolar plate disposed opposite to the surface of the anode bipolar plate. Between the anode bipolar plate and the cathode bipolar plate, there is a first porous dielectric layer and a second porous dielectric layer disposed opposite to the surface of the first porous dielectric layer. Between the first porous dielectric layer and the second porous dielectric layer, there is also a proton exchange membrane assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the first end plate is provided with at least one fluid inlet, which is in communication with the fluid inlet.

[0019] Preferably, the first end plate is provided with at least one first screw hole, and the anode bipolar plate is provided with at least one second screw hole corresponding to the position of the first screw hole. After the bolt passes through the first screw hole and enters the second screw hole, the first end plate and the anode bipolar plate are fixed together.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an application of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer described in the first aspect, wherein the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is used for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided by this invention has a baffle plate in the flow field channel, which can realize the redistribution of oxygen in the flow field channel, thereby reducing the oxygen content near the porous medium layer in the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and accelerating the rapid removal of oxygen. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer effectively improves the gas-liquid transport capacity inside the electrolyzer during water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, and avoids the mass transfer deterioration problem caused by insufficient oxygen removal under high current density. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an anode bipolar plate provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of an anode bipolar plate provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4This is an exploded view of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a simulated gas content distribution diagram at different heights and structures of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a simulated gas content distribution diagram at different heights and structures of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Wherein, 1-anode bipolar plate; 2-flow field channel; 3-baffle plate; 4-fluid inlet; 5-fluid outlet; 6-first end plate; 7-second end plate; 8-first insulating plate; 9-second insulating plate; 10-cathode bipolar plate; 11-first porous dielectric layer; 12-second porous dielectric layer; 13-proton exchange membrane assembly; 14-fluid inlet; 15-second screw hole; 16-bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0030] It should be understood that in the description of this invention, the terms "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used solely for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0031] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the present invention provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer including an anode bipolar plate 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the surface of the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with at least one parallel flow field channel 2, and at least one baffle plate 3 is provided in the at least one flow field channel 2.

[0034] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided by this invention has a baffle plate 3 in the flow field channel 2, which can realize the redistribution of oxygen in the flow field channel 2, thereby reducing the oxygen content near the porous medium layer in the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and accelerating the rapid removal of oxygen. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer effectively improves the gas-liquid transport capacity inside the electrolyzer during water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, and avoids the mass transfer deterioration problem caused by insufficient oxygen removal under high current density.

[0035] Furthermore, the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 4 and a fluid outlet 5. The inlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid inlet 4. The outlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid outlet 5.

[0036] Furthermore, the distance between all the baffles 3 installed in the flow field channel 2 and the inlet end is 40 to 60% of the length of the flow field channel 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the baffle plate 3 includes a first structural plate and a second structural plate, and the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer also includes a first porous dielectric layer 11. The first porous dielectric layer 11 is attached to the flow field channel 2 of the anode bipolar plate 1. One end of the first structural plate is in contact with the first porous dielectric layer 11. The first structural plate is connected to the side wall of the flow field channel 2 and is inclinedly disposed in the flow field channel 2. The other end of the first structural plate is connected to one end of the second structural plate. The second structural plate is parallel to the bottom of the flow field channel 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the angle between the first structural plate and the central axis of the flow field channel 2 is 15 to 75 degrees.

[0039] Furthermore, along the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel 2, the width of the first structural plate is 40 to 60% of the width of the flow field channel 2.

[0040] Furthermore, along the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel 2, the width of the second structural plate is 40 to 60% of the width of the flow field channel 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the materials of the first structural plate and the second structural plate independently include titanium, copper, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer also includes a first end plate 6 and a second end plate 7 with their surfaces opposite each other. Between the first end plate 6 and the second end plate 7, there are also a first insulating plate 8 and a second insulating plate 9 with their surfaces opposite each other. Between the first insulating plate 8 and the second insulating plate 9, there is the anode bipolar plate 1 and a cathode bipolar plate 10 with its surface opposite to the anode bipolar plate 1. Between the anode bipolar plate 1 and the cathode bipolar plate 10, there is a first porous dielectric layer 11 and a second porous dielectric layer 12 with its surface opposite to the first porous dielectric layer 11. Between the first porous dielectric layer 11 and the second porous dielectric layer 12, there is also a proton exchange membrane assembly 13.

[0043] Furthermore, at least one fluid inlet 14 is provided on the first end plate 6, and the fluid inlet 14 is connected to the fluid inlet 4.

[0044] Furthermore, the first end plate 6 is provided with at least one first screw hole, and the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with at least one second screw hole 15 corresponding to the position of the first screw hole. After the bolt 16 passes through the first screw hole and enters the second screw hole 15, it fixes the first end plate 6 and the anode bipolar plate 1.

[0045] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides an application of the above-mentioned proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which is used for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] This embodiment provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which includes a first end plate 6 and a second end plate 7 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first end plate 6 and the second end plate 7, there are also a first insulating plate 8 and a second insulating plate 9 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first insulating plate 8 and the second insulating plate 9, there are also an anode bipolar plate 1 and a cathode bipolar plate 10 disposed opposite to each other. Between the anode bipolar plate 1 and the cathode bipolar plate 10, there are also a first porous dielectric layer 11 and a second porous dielectric layer 12 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first porous dielectric layer 11 and the second porous dielectric layer 12, there is also a PEM membrane.

[0048] The anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 4 and a fluid outlet 5. The inlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid inlet 4. The outlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid outlet 5.

[0049] The surface of the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with eleven parallel flow field channels 2, and each flow field channel 2 is provided with a baffle plate 3; the distance between all the baffle plates 3 in the flow field channel 2 and the inlet end does not exceed 50% of the length of the flow field channel 2.

[0050] The baffle plate 3 includes a first titanium structural plate and a second titanium structural plate. The first porous dielectric layer 11 is attached to the flow field channel 2 of the anode bipolar plate 1. One end of the first titanium structural plate is in contact with the first porous dielectric layer 11. The first titanium structural plate is connected to the side wall of the flow field channel 2 and is inclinedly disposed within the flow field channel 2. The other end of the first titanium structural plate is connected to one end of the second titanium structural plate. The second titanium structural plate is parallel to the bottom of the flow field channel 2. The angle between the first titanium structural plate and the central axis of the flow field channel 2 is 45 degrees. In the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel 2, the width of the first titanium structural plate is 50% of the width of the flow field channel 2, and the width of the second titanium structural plate is 50% of the width of the flow field channel 2.

[0051] The first end plate 6 is provided with eight first screw holes, and the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with eight second screw holes 15 corresponding to the positions of the first screw holes. After the bolt 16 passes through the first screw hole and enters the second screw hole 15, it fixes the first end plate 6 and the anode bipolar plate 1.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] This embodiment provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which includes a first end plate 6 and a second end plate 7 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first end plate 6 and the second end plate 7, there are also a first insulating plate 8 and a second insulating plate 9 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first insulating plate 8 and the second insulating plate 9, there are also an anode bipolar plate 1 and a cathode bipolar plate 10 disposed opposite to each other. Between the anode bipolar plate 1 and the cathode bipolar plate 10, there are also a first porous dielectric layer 11 and a second porous dielectric layer 12 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first porous dielectric layer 11 and the second porous dielectric layer 12, there is also a PEM membrane.

[0054] The anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 4 and a fluid outlet 5. The inlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid inlet 4. The outlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid outlet 5.

[0055] The surface of the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with four parallel flow field channels 2, three of which are provided with two baffles 3 and one flow field channel 2 is provided with one baffle 3; the distance between all the baffles 3 in the flow field channel 2 and the inlet end does not exceed 40% of the length of the flow field channel 2.

[0056] The baffle plate 3 includes a first copper structural plate and a second copper structural plate. The first porous dielectric layer 11 is attached to the flow field channel 2 of the anode bipolar plate 1. One end of the first copper structural plate is in contact with the first porous dielectric layer 11. The first copper structural plate is connected to the side wall of the flow field channel 2 and is inclinedly disposed within the flow field channel 2. The other end of the first copper structural plate is connected to one end of the second copper structural plate. The second copper structural plate is parallel to the bottom of the flow field channel 2. The angle between the first copper structural plate and the central axis of the flow field channel 2 is 15 degrees. In the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel 2, the width of the first copper structural plate is 60% of the width of the flow field channel 2, and the width of the second copper structural plate is 40% of the width of the flow field channel 2.

[0057] The first end plate 6 is provided with four first screw holes, and the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with four second screw holes 15 corresponding to the positions of the first screw holes. After the bolt 16 passes through the first screw hole and enters the second screw hole 15, it fixes the first end plate 6 and the anode bipolar plate 1.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] This embodiment provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which includes a first end plate 6 and a second end plate 7 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first end plate 6 and the second end plate 7, there are also a first insulating plate 8 and a second insulating plate 9 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first insulating plate 8 and the second insulating plate 9, there are also an anode bipolar plate 1 and a cathode bipolar plate 10 disposed opposite to each other. Between the anode bipolar plate 1 and the cathode bipolar plate 10, there are also a first porous dielectric layer 11 and a second porous dielectric layer 12 disposed opposite to each other. Between the first porous dielectric layer 11 and the second porous dielectric layer 12, there is also a PEM membrane.

[0060] The anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 4 and a fluid outlet 5. The inlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid inlet 4. The outlet ends of all the flow field channels 2 provided on the anode bipolar plate 1 converge and are connected to the fluid outlet 5.

[0061] The surface of the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with thirty parallel flow field channels 2, of which twenty of the flow field channels 2 are provided with three baffles 3, and ten of the flow field channels 2 are provided with one baffle 3; the distance between all the baffles 3 provided in the flow field channels 2 and the inlet end does not exceed 60% of the length of the flow field channel 2.

[0062] The baffle plate 3 includes a first stainless steel structural plate and a second stainless steel structural plate. The first porous dielectric layer 11 is attached to the flow field channel 2 of the anode bipolar plate 1. One end of the first stainless steel structural plate is in contact with the first porous dielectric layer 11. The first stainless steel structural plate is connected to the side wall of the flow field channel 2 and is inclinedly disposed within the flow field channel 2. The other end of the first stainless steel structural plate is connected to one end of the second stainless steel structural plate. The second stainless steel structural plate is parallel to the bottom of the flow field channel 2. The angle between the first stainless steel structural plate and the central axis of the flow field channel 2 is 75 degrees. In the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel 2, the width of the first stainless steel structural plate is 40% of the width of the flow field channel 2, and the width of the second stainless steel structural plate is 60% of the width of the flow field channel 2.

[0063] The first end plate 6 is provided with ten first screw holes, and the anode bipolar plate 1 is provided with ten second screw holes 15 corresponding to the positions of the first screw holes. After the bolt 16 passes through the first screw hole and enters the second screw hole 15, it fixes the first end plate 6 and the anode bipolar plate 1.

[0064] Comparative Example 1

[0065] This comparative example provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which is the same as that in Example 1 except that the baffles 3 provided in each of the flow field channels 2 are omitted.

[0066] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzers in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were used at 2 A / cm 2 The test was conducted under operating conditions, and the result was 2A / cm. 2 The simulated gas holdup distribution lines at different heights and structures of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in Example 1 under operating conditions are shown in the figure below. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the simulated gas holdup distribution lines at different heights and structures of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in Comparative Example 1 are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, by Figure 5 and Figure 6As can be seen from the data, in Comparative Example 1, the downstream section 0.6 times the length of the flow channel from the inlet has a high gas holdup. There is a reverse gas holdup gradient at the interface between the flow channel and the porous medium layer, which prevents the gas from being effectively removed, causing oxygen accumulation and deteriorating the electrolysis performance. In contrast, the presence of the baffle in Example 1 changes the natural accumulation path of oxygen along the flow direction, effectively dispersing the gas holdup in the pipe and significantly reducing the overall gas holdup of the system. By calculating the hydrogen production energy consumption of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzers in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 under high current density, it was found that the system energy consumption of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer in Example 1 is reduced by more than 1%. In addition, the addition of the baffle 3 reduces the system gas holdup, which can increase the critical current density for the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and broaden its operating range.

[0067] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention fall within the protection and disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, characterized in that, The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer includes an anode bipolar plate, and the surface of the anode bipolar plate is provided with at least one parallel flow field channel, and at least one baffle is provided in the at least one flow field channel; The baffle plate includes a first structural plate and a second structural plate. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer also includes a first porous dielectric layer. The first porous dielectric layer is attached to the flow field channel of the anode bipolar plate. One end of the first structural plate is in contact with the first porous dielectric layer. The first structural plate is connected to the side wall of the flow field channel and is inclinedly disposed in the flow field channel. The other end of the first structural plate is connected to one end of the second structural plate. The second structural plate is parallel to the bottom of the flow field channel.

2. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode bipolar plate is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The inlet ends of all the flow field channels provided on the anode bipolar plate converge and are connected to the fluid inlet. The outlet ends of all the flow field channels provided on the anode bipolar plate converge and are connected to the fluid outlet.

3. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between all the baffles installed in the flow field channel and the inlet end is 40 to 60% of the length of the flow field channel.

4. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first structural plate and the central axis of the flow field channel is 15 to 75 degrees.

5. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel, the width of the first structural plate is 40 to 60% of the width of the flow field channel.

6. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction perpendicular to the flow field channel, the width of the second structural plate is 40 to 60% of the width of the flow field channel.

7. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The materials of the first structural plate and the second structural plate are independently titanium, copper, aluminum or stainless steel.

8. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a first end plate and a second end plate disposed opposite to each other. Between the first end plate and the second end plate, there are also a first insulating plate and a second insulating plate disposed opposite to each other. Between the first insulating plate and the second insulating plate, there is the anode bipolar plate and a cathode bipolar plate disposed opposite to the surface of the anode bipolar plate. Between the anode bipolar plate and the cathode bipolar plate, there is a first porous dielectric layer and a second porous dielectric layer disposed opposite to the surface of the first porous dielectric layer. Between the first porous dielectric layer and the second porous dielectric layer, there is also a proton exchange membrane assembly.

9. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first end plate is provided with at least one first screw hole, and the anode bipolar plate is provided with at least one second screw hole corresponding to the position of the first screw hole. After the bolt passes through the first screw hole and enters the second screw hole, it fixes the first end plate and the anode bipolar plate.

10. An application of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is used for hydrogen production by electrolyzing water.

Images