Electrolysis water flow field plate structure

Abstract

The application discloses an electrolytic water flow field plate structure, which comprises a polar plate and a flow field plate located in the middle of the polar plate, a plurality of densely distributed mesh grooves are formed in the flow field plate, flow field inlets and flow field outlets are arranged on opposite ends of the polar plate and are communicated with the mesh grooves on the flow field plate, the size of the mesh groove near the flow field inlet on the flow field plate is smaller than that of the mesh groove in other regions of the flow field plate, and the distribution of the mesh groove near the flow field inlet is denser than that of the mesh groove near the flow field outlet. In this way, in view of the problem that the electrolyte flow near the flow field inlet in the existing polar column is not sufficient, the mesh groove with smaller size and denser distribution is arranged near the flow field inlet to accelerate the flow speed of the electrolyte near the flow field inlet, so that the sufficient flow of the electrolyte is ensured, the uniformity of the flow of the electrolyte in the middle and downstream is avoided, the uniformity of the flow of the electrolyte in the whole flow field of the flow field plate is realized, and then the performance of the electrolytic cell can be improved and the service life of the electrolytic cell can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic cell flow field plate structure technology, specifically to an electrolytic water flow field plate structure. Background Technology

[0002] The electrochemical reaction in water electrolysis occurs in the electrolysis chamber of the electrolyzer. The main structure of the electrolysis chamber includes cathode and anode electrodes, membranes, and flow plates. The flow plates are responsible for achieving good flow distribution within the electrochemical reaction zone, ensuring electrolyte supply and promptly removing product gases and reaction heat. The more uniform the electrolyte flow throughout the reaction zone, the more uniform the current and temperature distribution within the surface, which is beneficial for efficient electrolysis and improves the durability of the electrodes and membranes. Therefore, a well-designed flow plate structure is a key factor in ensuring the performance and lifespan of the electrolyzer.

[0003] Currently, commercially available electrolyzers primarily use three types of flow field plates: embossed plates, expanded metal mesh, and machined flow channels. The first two are mostly used in alkaline electrolyzers, machined flow channels are mostly used in PEM electrolyzers, and expanded metal mesh is also used in small-scale PEMs. Among these, expanded metal mesh is increasingly used in alkaline and PEM electrolyzers due to its lower cost, good flow distribution performance, and certain elasticity, which makes it more effective in reducing internal impedance.

[0004] Because the flow incident angle at the electrolyte inlet of the electrolysis chamber is small, in order to achieve the uniformity of the electrolyte in the overall flow channel of the flow field plate, the machined flow channel is often made by specially machining a denser distribution channel at the inlet. However, since the metal expanded mesh is cut from a uniform plate mesh, the distribution of the flow channel near the electrolyte inlet is not sufficient, which in turn affects the uniformity of electrolyte flow in the middle and downstream positions of the flow field plate, and the performance and service life of the electrolytic cell are also reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the insufficient distribution of the flow channel near the inlet in the metal expansion mesh flow field plate in the prior art leads to poor uniformity of electrolyte flow in the downstream position of the flow field plate, thereby providing an electrolytic water flow field plate structure.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] An electrolytic water flow field plate structure includes an electrode plate and a flow field plate located in the middle of the electrode plate. The flow field plate has a plurality of densely distributed mesh grooves. At opposite ends of the electrode plate, there are flow field inlets and flow field outlets that communicate with the mesh grooves on the flow field plate. The mesh grooves on the flow field plate near the flow field inlet are smaller than the mesh grooves in other areas of the flow field plate, and the mesh grooves at the flow field inlet are more densely distributed than the mesh grooves at the flow field outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, an inlet distribution section is provided at one end of the flow field plate near the flow field inlet, and the mesh groove size of the inlet distribution section is smaller than the mesh groove size of other areas on the flow field plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the ratio of the mesh groove size of the inlet distribution section to the mesh groove size of other areas on the flow field plate is 1:2.

[0010] Furthermore, the size of the mesh groove in the inlet distribution section gradually decreases towards the flow field inlet.

[0011] Furthermore, the flow field plate is provided with a plurality of inlet distribution sections at one end near the flow field inlet, and the size of the mesh grooves on the plurality of inlet distribution sections gradually decreases in a stepped manner towards the flow field inlet.

[0012] Furthermore, the size of the mesh groove on the flow field plate gradually decreases from the flow field outlet to the flow field inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, both the flow field inlet and the flow field outlet are provided in twos.

[0014] Furthermore, an inlet channel connects the flow field inlet to the flow field plate, and an outlet channel connects the flow field outlet to the flow field plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the flow field plate is made of metal.

[0016] Furthermore, the flow field plate is made of any one of the following materials: 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and nickel.

[0017] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0018] The electrolytic water flow field plate structure provided by this invention includes an electrode plate and a flow field plate located in the middle of the electrode plate. The flow field plate has several densely distributed mesh grooves. At opposite ends of the electrode plate are flow field inlets and outlets communicating with the mesh grooves on the flow field plate. The mesh grooves near the flow field inlet are smaller than those in other areas of the flow field plate, and the mesh groove distribution at the flow field inlet is denser than that at the flow field outlet. This design addresses the problem of insufficient electrolyte flow near the flow field plate inlet in existing electrode columns. By setting smaller, more densely distributed mesh grooves at the flow field inlet, the electrolyte flow rate near the inlet is accelerated, ensuring sufficient electrolyte flow at this location and avoiding affecting the uniformity of electrolyte flow downstream. This achieves uniform electrolyte flow throughout the entire flow field of the flow field plate, thereby improving the performance of the electrolyzer and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrolytic water flow field plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow rate parameters of the electrolyte on the flow field plate of the present invention and the flow field plate in the prior art;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the flow field plate provided for an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic water flow field plate structure in the prior art.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in existing technology: 01, electrode plate; 02, flow field plate; 03, mesh groove; 04, flow field inlet; 05, flow field outlet.

[0025] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of this application are as follows: 1. Electrode plate; 2. Flow field plate; 3. Mesh trough; 4. Flow field inlet; 5. Flow field outlet; 6. Inlet distribution section; 7. Inlet channel; 8. Outlet channel. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only 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," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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.

[0029] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0030] like Figure 4 The conventional electrolytic water flow field plate structure shown includes an electrode plate 01 and a flow field plate 02 located in the middle of the electrode plate 01. The flow field plate 02 has several densely distributed mesh grooves 03. At opposite ends of the electrode plate 01 are flow field inlets 04 and flow field outlets 05, which communicate with the mesh grooves 03 on the flow field plate 02. The mesh grooves 03 on the flow field plate 02 are of uniform size. According to... Figure 2 It can be seen that the flow field plate 02 with this mesh trough 3 structure has large fluctuations and uneven electrolyte flow rate. This uneven electrolyte flow rate will affect the performance and service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0031] like Figure 1-3 The electrolytic water flow field plate structure shown includes an electrode plate 1 and a flow field plate 2 located in the middle of the electrode plate 1. The flow field plate 2 has a number of densely distributed mesh grooves 3. The electrode plate 1 has flow field inlets 4 and flow field outlets 5 that are connected to the mesh grooves 3 of the flow field plate 2 at opposite ends. The mesh grooves 3 near the flow field inlet 4 on the flow field plate 2 are smaller than the mesh grooves 3 in other areas of the flow field plate 2. The mesh grooves 3 at the flow field inlet 4 are more densely distributed than the mesh grooves 3 at the flow field outlet 5.

[0032] This electrolytic water flow field plate structure addresses the problem of insufficient electrolyte flow near the inlet of the flow field plate 2 in existing electrode columns. By setting smaller and more densely distributed mesh grooves 3 at the flow field inlet 4, the flow velocity of the electrolyte near the inlet 4 is accelerated, ensuring sufficient electrolyte flow at this location and avoiding affecting the uniformity of electrolyte flow in the middle and downstream areas. This achieves uniform electrolyte flow throughout the entire flow field of the flow field plate 2, thereby improving the performance of the electrolytic cell and extending its service life.

[0033] In this embodiment, an inlet distribution section 6 is provided at one end of the flow field plate 2 near the flow field inlet 4. The size of the mesh groove 3 of the inlet distribution section 6 is smaller than the size of the mesh groove 3 in other areas of the flow field plate 2. Specifically, the ratio of the size of the mesh groove 3 of the inlet distribution section 6 to the size of the mesh groove 3 in other areas of the flow field plate 2 is 1:2.

[0034] In this embodiment, there are two flow field inlets 4 and two flow field outlets 5. Specifically, an inlet channel 7 connects the flow field inlet 4 to the flow field plate 2, and an outlet channel 8 connects the flow field outlet 5 to the flow field plate 2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the flow field plate 2 is a metal expanded mesh or plate mesh made of metal material. The flow field plate 2 is a metal expanded mesh or plate mesh structure formed by processing thin sheets of 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, or nickel or alloys through means such as punching, stamping, and molding.

[0036] In this application, the structural parameters of the flow field plate 2 are specifically designed for different regions based on local flow velocity, pressure, current, heat generation, and other characteristics to form a flow field with structural gradients. Specifically, flow field plate 2 regions with different mesh groove 3 sizes can be integrally formed by changing the punching tool during processing, or the flow field plate 2 can be formed by welding or splicing flow field plates 2 of different shapes before assembling the electrolytic cell.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the size of the mesh groove 3 of the inlet distribution section 6 gradually decreases towards the flow field inlet 4.

[0038] In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flow field plate 2 is provided with multiple inlet distribution sections 6 at one end near the flow field inlet 4, and the size of the mesh grooves 3 on the multiple inlet distribution sections 6 gradually decreases in a stepped manner towards the flow field inlet 4.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the size of the mesh groove 3 on the flow field plate 2 gradually decreases from the flow field outlet 5 to the flow field inlet 4.

[0040] In summary, this electrolytic water flow field plate structure addresses the problem of insufficient electrolyte flow near the inlet of the flow field plate 2 in existing electrode columns. By setting smaller and more densely distributed mesh grooves 3 at the flow field inlet 4, the flow velocity of the electrolyte near the inlet 4 is accelerated, ensuring sufficient electrolyte flow at this location and avoiding affecting the uniformity of electrolyte flow in the middle and downstream areas. This achieves uniform electrolyte flow throughout the entire flow field of the flow field plate 2, thereby improving the performance of the electrolytic cell and extending its service life.

[0041] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A water electrolysis flow field plate structure, characterized in that, The device includes an electrode plate (1) and a flow field plate (2) located in the middle of the electrode plate (1). The flow field plate (2) has several densely distributed mesh grooves (3). The electrode plate (1) has flow field inlets (4) and flow field outlets (5) that communicate with the mesh grooves (3) on the flow field plate (2). The mesh grooves (3) near the flow field inlet (4) on the flow field plate (2) are smaller than the mesh grooves (3) in other areas of the flow field plate (2). The mesh grooves (3) at the flow field inlet (4) are more densely distributed than the mesh grooves (3) at the flow field outlet (5).

2. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, An inlet distribution section (6) is provided at one end of the flow field plate (2) near the flow field inlet (4). The size of the mesh groove (3) of the inlet distribution section (6) is smaller than the size of the mesh groove (3) in other areas of the flow field plate (2).

3. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The size of the mesh groove (3) of the inlet distribution section (6) is in a ratio of 1:2 to the size of the mesh groove (3) of other areas on the flow field plate (2).

4. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The size of the mesh groove (3) of the inlet distribution section (6) gradually decreases towards the flow field inlet (4).

5. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow field plate (2) is provided with a plurality of inlet distribution sections (6) at one end near the flow field inlet (4), and the size of the mesh grooves (3) on the plurality of inlet distribution sections (6) gradually decreases in a stepped manner towards the flow field inlet (4).

6. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the mesh groove (3) on the flow field plate (2) gradually decreases from the flow field outlet (5) to the flow field inlet (4).

7. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the flow field inlet (4) and the flow field outlet (5) are provided in twos.

8. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow field inlet (4) is connected to the flow field plate (2) by an inlet channel (7), and the flow field outlet (5) is connected to the flow field plate (2) by an outlet channel (8).

9. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow field plate (2) is made of metal.

10. The electrolytic water flow field plate structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flow field plate (2) is made of any one of the following materials: 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and nickel.

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