Proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath device

Abstract

The invention provides a proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath device. The proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell device comprises a membrane electrode, an anode side assembly and a cathode side assembly. The membrane electrode is provided with an anode side and a cathode side which are oppositely arranged; the anode side assembly at least comprises a non-metal flow field plate and an anode diffusion layer which are arranged in an attached mode, an anode flow channel is formed in the non-metal flow field plate, the side, back on to the non-metal flow field plate, of the anode diffusion layer is attached to the membrane electrode, and an anode tab structure is connected to the anode diffusion layer. The cathode side assembly is arranged on the cathode side of the membrane electrode and at least comprises a cathode flow field plate and a cathode diffusion layer which are arranged in an attached mode. According to the proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath device, ohmic impedance of the flow field plate and the electrolytic bath in the prior art is decoupled, and through the nonmetal flow field plate, a two-phase flow observation experiment of the proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath device and research on the influence of different flow channel types on the electrochemical performance of the proton exchange membrane electrolytic bath device are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water electrolysis, and in particular to a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen is considered the most ideal energy carrier due to its clean, pollution-free, high efficiency, storability and transportability. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis is currently the simplest way to obtain pure hydrogen. If it is combined with renewable resource power generation technology, water electrolysis can be used as a large-scale hydrogen production technology with low pollution to the environment, low greenhouse gas emissions, good economy and good application prospects.

[0003] However, it is still necessary to point out that the current cost of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers is still relatively high, which limits the large-scale application of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. In proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, flow field plates play an important role in conducting electricity and distributing water vapor. In conventional designs, the anode side flow field plate contains gas-liquid two-phase flow, and the cathode side flow field plate, as a hydrogen outlet, contains only a small amount of pure water transmitted across the membrane. At present, the flow field plates of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers are all made of metal materials. The ohmic impedance of the flow field plate itself is coupled with the ohmic impedance of the electrolyzer as a whole, resulting in many contradictions in the research on the flow field plate channel type, which will affect the research results, and the above-mentioned metal flow field plates are difficult to manufacture and have high manufacturing costs. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above technical problems existing in the prior art, the present application provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device, which can solve the problem in the prior art that the ohmic impedance of the flow field plate itself and the ohmic impedance of the entire electrolyzer are coupled to affect the research results.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device, comprising:

[0006] A membrane electrode having an anode side and a cathode side disposed oppositely;

[0007] an anode side assembly, which is arranged on the anode side of the membrane electrode, the anode side assembly at least comprising a non-metallic flow field plate and an anode diffusion layer arranged in contact with each other, an anode flow channel being formed on the non-metallic flow field plate, a side of the anode diffusion layer facing away from the non-metallic flow field plate being in contact with the membrane electrode, and an anode ear structure being connected to the anode diffusion layer;

[0008] The cathode side component is arranged on the cathode side of the membrane electrode, and the cathode side component at least comprises a cathode flow field plate and a cathode diffusion layer which are arranged in contact with each other, and the cathode diffusion layer is in contact with the membrane electrode on the side facing away from the cathode flow field plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are a plurality of non-metallic flow field plates, the plurality of non-metallic flow field plates are used alternately, and different anode flow channels are formed on at least two of the plurality of metal flow field plates.

[0010] In some embodiments, the anode flow channel formed on the non-metallic flow field plate has a flow channel type of at least one of the following: a parallel flow channel, a serpentine single flow channel, and a serpentine double flow channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the non-metallic flow field plate is made of transparent material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the anode side assembly further includes an anode end plate, which is disposed on a side of the non-metallic flow field plate facing away from the anode diffusion layer, and is provided with a water inlet and a first discharge port respectively connected to the anode flow channel, wherein the first discharge port is at least used to discharge oxygen.

[0013] In some embodiments, a visible window is provided on the anode end plate, and the visible window corresponds to the anode flow channel setting of the non-metallic flow field plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the anode side component also includes a mounting frame, which is disposed between the non-metallic flow field plate and the membrane electrode, and is used to mount the anode diffusion layer. A slot is formed on the mounting frame and passes through one side thereof, and the anode tab structure passes through the mounting frame through the slot.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cathode side component further includes a cathode tab structure, and the cathode tab structure is connected to the cathode flow field plate; wherein the cathode flow field plate is made of metal material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cathode side component also includes a cathode end plate, which is arranged on the side of the cathode flow field plate facing away from the cathode diffusion layer, and the cathode end plate is provided with a second discharge port connected to the cathode flow channel of the cathode flow field plate, and the second discharge port is at least used to discharge hydrogen.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cathode side assembly further includes an insulating pad disposed between the cathode end plate and the cathode flow field plate.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application are as follows: the present application provides an anode side component including a non-metallic flow field plate on the anode side of the membrane electrode, and an anode flow channel is formed on the non-metallic flow field plate, and an anode ear structure for connecting to a power supply is provided on the anode diffusion layer of the anode side component, thereby achieving decoupling of the ohmic impedance of the flow field plate and the electrolytic cell in the prior art. The non-metallic flow field plate is convenient for conducting two-phase flow observation experiments of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device, as well as research on the effects of different flow channel types on its electrochemical performance. The manufacturing cost of the non-metallic flow field plate is low, and the processing difficulty is also reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the same reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. The drawings generally illustrate various embodiments by way of example and not limitation, and together with the description and claims, serve to illustrate the disclosed embodiments. When appropriate, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Such embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive embodiments of the present apparatus or method.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 An exploded view of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-metallic flow field plate of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the flow channel type of the anode flow channel shown in the figure is a parallel flow channel;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-metallic flow field plate of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the flow channel type of the anode flow channel shown in the figure is a serpentine single flow channel;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-metallic flow field plate of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flow channel type of the anode flow channel shown in the figure is a serpentine double flow channel.

[0025] The components indicated by the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0026] 1-membrane electrode; 2-non-metallic flow field plate; 201-anode flow channel; 3-anode diffusion layer; 4-anode ear structure; 5-cathode flow field plate; 6-cathode diffusion layer; 7-anode end plate; 701-water inlet; 702-first discharge port; 703-visible window; 8-mounting frame; 801-slot; 9-cathode ear structure; 10-cathode end plate; 101-second discharge port; 11-insulating pad; 12-cathode diffusion layer frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation examples. The embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation examples, but are not intended to limit the present application.

[0028] The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different parts. The words "include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements before the word include the elements listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of including other elements. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0029] In the present application, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intermediate device between the specific device and the first device or the second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other device without an intermediate device, or may not be directly connected to the other device but have an intermediate device.

[0030] All terms (including technical terms or scientific terms) used in this application have the same meaning as those understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which this application belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0031] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0032] The embodiment of the present invention provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device includes a membrane electrode 1, an anode side component and a cathode side component. The membrane electrode 1 has an anode side and a cathode side arranged opposite to each other. The anode side component is arranged on the anode side of the membrane electrode 1, and the anode side component at least includes a non-metallic flow field plate 2 and an anode diffusion layer 3 arranged in contact with each other. An anode flow channel 201 is formed on the non-metallic flow field plate 2, and the side of the anode diffusion layer 3 facing away from the non-metallic flow field plate 2 is in contact with the membrane electrode 1, and an anode ear structure 4 is connected to the anode diffusion layer 3. The cathode side component is arranged on the cathode side of the membrane electrode 1, and the cathode side component at least includes a cathode flow field plate 5 and a cathode diffusion layer 6 arranged in contact with each other, and the side of the cathode diffusion layer 6 facing away from the cathode flow field plate 5 is in contact with the membrane electrode 1.

[0033] Specifically, the membrane electrode 1, the anode side assembly and the cathode side assembly can all be constructed in a plate shape, and the plate-shaped anode side assembly, the membrane electrode 1 and the cathode side assembly are sequentially stacked to form the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device.

[0034] Specifically, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 can play a role in distributing water vapor, and can also be used to implement a two-phase flow observation experiment, that is, to observe the flow field configuration of gas and liquid phase substances in the non-metallic flow field plate 2. The non-metallic flow field plate 2 can be specifically made of acrylic material, and the anode flow channel 201 thereon can be formed by engraving.

[0035] Specifically, the width of the anode channel 201 may range from 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Preferably, the width of the anode channel 201 is 1 mm.

[0036] Specifically, the anode diffusion layer 3 may be a porous structure and may be made of metal material. The anode diffusion layer 3 is connected to the membrane electrode 1 to provide a guiding function for conducting electricity and distributing water vapor.

[0037] Specifically, the anode tab structure 4 can be used to connect to a DC power source to perform a conductive function. The anode diffusion layer 3 can be integrally formed with the anode tab structure 4 .

[0038] Specifically, the type of the cathode flow channel on the cathode flow field plate 5 may be the same as or different from the type of the anode flow channel 201 on the non-metallic flow field plate 2, and this application does not specifically limit this. The cathode flow field plate 5 is used to conduct electricity and collect hydrogen.

[0039] Specifically, the anode side assembly, membrane electrode 1 and cathode side assembly can be connected by a connector, which can be sequentially inserted into the anode side assembly, membrane electrode 1 and cathode side assembly to provide an axial compression force so that the anode side assembly, membrane electrode 1 and cathode side assembly are stably connected. The connector can be specifically a fastening bolt, a nut or other connector, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0040] The present application disposes an anode side component including a non-metallic flow field plate 2 on the anode side of the membrane electrode 1, and an anode flow channel 201 is formed on the non-metallic flow field plate 2, and disposes an anode ear structure 4 for connecting to a power source on the anode diffusion layer 3 of the anode side component, thereby achieving decoupling of the ohmic impedance of the flow field plate and the electrolytic cell in the prior art. The non-metallic flow field plate 2 is useful for conducting two-phase flow observation experiments of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device, as well as research on the effects of different flow channel types on its electrochemical properties. The non-metallic flow field plate 2 has a low manufacturing cost and reduced processing difficulty.

[0041] In some embodiments, Figures 1 to 5 As shown, there are multiple non-metallic flow field plates 2, and the multiple non-metallic flow field plates 2 are used alternately, and at least two of the multiple metal flow field plates are formed with different anode flow channels 201. By alternately using non-metallic flow field plates 2 formed with different anode flow channels 201, it is convenient to conduct two-phase flow observation experiments under different flow channel types, determine the flow channel type with better performance, and facilitate research on the influence of different flow channel types on electrochemical performance.

[0042] Specifically, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 may be provided with a first opening for water inlet and a second opening for exhaust and drainage, and both ends of the anode flow channel 201 may be connected to the first opening and the second opening respectively.

[0043] Specifically, the first opening and the second opening can be arranged far apart on the non-metallic flow field plate 2. Exemplarily, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 is rectangular, and the first opening and the second opening are arranged near two diagonals corresponding to the diagonal lines of the rectangular non-metallic flow field plate 2, respectively.

[0044] Specifically, the anode flow channel 201 may be formed in the middle of the non-metallic flow field plate 2 .

[0045] In some embodiments, Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the anode flow channel 201 formed on the non-metallic flow field plate 2 has a flow channel type of at least one of the following: a parallel flow channel, a serpentine single flow channel, and a serpentine double flow channel.

[0046] Figure 3 The flow channel type of the anode flow channel 201 shown in FIG. 1 is a parallel flow channel. Figure 4The flow channel type of the anode flow channel 201 shown in FIG. 2 is a serpentine single flow channel. Figure 5 The channel type of the anode channel 201 shown in FIG. 2 is a serpentine double channel.

[0047] Specifically, the flow channel type of the cathode flow channel on the cathode flow field plate 5 may also be one of the following: a parallel flow channel, a serpentine single flow channel, and a serpentine double flow channel.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 is made of a transparent material, which can achieve a visual effect, so that the user can intuitively see the configuration law of the two-phase flow in the non-metallic flow field plate 2.

[0049] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the anode side assembly also includes an anode end plate 7, which is arranged on the side of the non-metallic flow field plate 2 facing away from the anode diffusion layer 3, and the anode end plate 7 is provided with a water inlet 701 and a first discharge port 702 respectively connected to the anode flow channel 201, and the first discharge port 702 is used to discharge at least oxygen. By covering the anode end plate 7 on the non-metallic flow field plate 2, the deformation of the non-metallic flow field plate 2 at high temperature can be avoided, the support force of the non-metallic flow field plate 2 is improved, and the error of the two-phase flow observation experiment can be reduced.

[0050] Specifically, the water inlet 701 may be connected to a water outlet of a water pump, and the water pump is used to pump pure water into the anode channel 201 through the water inlet 701 .

[0051] Specifically, the first opening and the water inlet 701 are correspondingly arranged, and the second opening and the first discharge port 702 are correspondingly arranged, so as to facilitate the flow of water and gas.

[0052] Specifically, the anode end plate 7 can be made of metal material, specifically titanium or stainless steel.

[0053] Specifically, a pipe thread structure may be formed on the inner wall of the water inlet 701 to be connected to a connector. A pipe thread structure may also be formed on the inner wall of the first discharge port 702 to be connected to a connector.

[0054] Specifically, the first drain port 702 may also be used to drain excess water.

[0055] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a visual window 703 is provided on the anode end plate 7 , and the visual window 703 is arranged corresponding to the anode flow channel 201 of the non-metallic flow field plate 2 , so as to facilitate two-phase flow observation experiments under different flow channel types through the visual window 703 .

[0056] Specifically, the visible window 703 is opened in the middle of the anode end plate 7, and the shape of the visible window 703 can be one of the following: rectangular, circular.

[0057] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the anode side assembly further includes a mounting frame 8, which is disposed between the non-metallic flow field plate 2 and the membrane electrode 1 and is used to mount the anode diffusion layer 3, and a notch 801 penetrating to one side thereof is formed on the mounting frame 8, and the anode tab structure 4 passes through the mounting frame 8 through the notch 801. The mounting frame 8 can support the anode diffusion layer 3, so that the anode diffusion layer 3 can be stably mounted between the non-metallic flow field plate 2 and the membrane electrode 1.

[0058] Specifically, the installation frame 8 can be understood as a non-completely closed frame, on which a slot body for installing the anode diffusion layer 3 is opened, and one side of the slot body extends outward to form the notch 801 .

[0059] Specifically, the above-mentioned slot body can be interference-fitted with the anode diffusion layer 3 , that is, the slot wall of the slot body is pressed against the outer contour of the anode diffusion layer 3 .

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cathode side assembly further includes a cathode tab structure 9, and the cathode tab structure 9 is connected to the cathode flow field plate 5; wherein the cathode flow field plate 5 is made of metal material. The above structure is reasonably designed and compactly laid out.

[0061] Specifically, the cathode tab structure 9 is used to be connected to an electrochemical power source to perform a conductive function.

[0062] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the cathode side assembly further includes a cathode end plate 10, which is disposed on the side of the cathode flow field plate 5 facing away from the cathode diffusion layer 6, and the cathode end plate 10 is provided with a second discharge port 101 connected to the cathode flow channel of the cathode flow field plate 5, and the second discharge port 101 is at least used to discharge hydrogen. By covering the cathode end plate 10 on the cathode flow field plate 5, the cathode flow field plate 5 can be prevented from deforming at high temperature, the support force of the cathode flow field plate 5 is improved, and the error of the two-phase flow observation experiment can be reduced.

[0063] Specifically, the cathode end plate 10 can be made of metal material, specifically titanium or stainless steel.

[0064] Specifically, a pipe thread structure may be formed on the inner wall of the second discharge port 101 to be connected with a connector.

[0065] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the cathode side assembly further includes an insulating pad 11, and the insulating pad 11 is disposed between the cathode end plate 10 and the cathode flow field plate 5. The insulating pad 11 is used to insulate and separate the cathode flow field plate 5 and the cathode end plate 10.

[0066] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the cathode side component further includes a cathode diffusion layer frame 12 , and the cathode diffusion layer frame 12 is installed between the membrane electrode 1 and the cathode flow field plate 5 , and is used to install the cathode diffusion layer 6 .

[0067] The following is a brief description of the hydrogen production principle of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device of the present application: first, water is supplied to the water inlet 701 of the anode end plate 7 through a water pump, and the water is decomposed into oxygen, protons and electrons under the action of the anode side component. Protons enter the cathode side component through the membrane electrode 1. Electrons flow from the anode side component to the cathode side component, and the protons and electrons recombine in the cathode side component to produce hydrogen.

[0068] In addition, although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments based on the present application with equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., various embodiments intersecting schemes), adaptations or changes. The elements in the claims will be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and are not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the practice of the application, and the examples will be interpreted as non-exclusive.

[0069] The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more of them) can be used in combination with each other. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art can use other embodiments when reading the above description. In addition, in the above-mentioned specific embodiments, various features can be grouped together to simplify the application. This should not be interpreted as an intention that a disclosed feature that does not require protection is necessary for any claim. On the contrary, the subject matter of the present application may be less than all the features of a specific disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the specific embodiments as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim is independently used as a separate embodiment, and it is considered that these embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the present application should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full scope of equivalent forms granted by these claims.

[0070] The above embodiments are only exemplary embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. The protection scope of the present application is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present application within the essence and protection scope of the present application, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions shall also be deemed to fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device, characterized in that: include: A membrane electrode having an anode side and a cathode side disposed oppositely; an anode side assembly, which is arranged on the anode side of the membrane electrode, the anode side assembly at least comprising a non-metallic flow field plate and an anode diffusion layer arranged in contact with each other, an anode flow channel being formed on the non-metallic flow field plate, a side of the anode diffusion layer facing away from the non-metallic flow field plate being in contact with the membrane electrode, and an anode ear structure being connected to the anode diffusion layer; The cathode side component is arranged on the cathode side of the membrane electrode, and the cathode side component at least comprises a cathode flow field plate and a cathode diffusion layer which are arranged in contact with each other, and the cathode diffusion layer is in contact with the membrane electrode on the side facing away from the cathode flow field plate.

2. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are a plurality of non-metallic flow field plates, which are used alternately, and at least two of the plurality of metal flow field plates are formed with different anode flow channels.

3. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The anode flow channel formed on the non-metallic flow field plate has at least one of the following flow channel types: parallel flow channels, serpentine single flow channels, and serpentine double flow channels.

4. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-metallic flow field plate is made of transparent material.

5. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode side assembly also includes an anode end plate, which is arranged on the side of the non-metallic flow field plate facing away from the anode diffusion layer, and is provided with a water inlet and a first discharge port respectively connected to the anode flow channel, and the first discharge port is at least used to discharge oxygen.

6. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The anode end plate is provided with a visible window, and the visible window is arranged corresponding to the anode flow channel of the non-metallic flow field plate.

7. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode side component also includes a mounting frame, which is arranged between the non-metallic flow field plate and the membrane electrode and is used to mount the anode diffusion layer. A notch is formed on the mounting frame and passes through one side thereof. The anode tab structure passes through the mounting frame through the notch.

8. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode side component also includes a cathode tab structure, and the cathode tab structure is connected to the cathode flow field plate; wherein the cathode flow field plate is made of metal material.

9. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode side component also includes a cathode end plate, which is arranged on the side of the cathode flow field plate facing away from the cathode diffusion layer, and is provided with a second discharge port connected to the cathode flow channel of the cathode flow field plate, and the second discharge port is at least used to discharge hydrogen.

10. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cathode side assembly further includes an insulating pad, which is disposed between the cathode end plate and the cathode flow field plate.

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