A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device comprises a membrane electrode, an anode side assembly and a cathode side assembly. The membrane electrode has an anode side and a cathode side arranged oppositely. The anode side assembly comprises at least an anode flow field plate and an anode diffusion layer arranged oppositely. The anode flow channel is formed on the anode flow field plate. The anode diffusion layer is attached to the membrane electrode on the side opposite to the anode flow field plate. The anode diffusion layer is connected with an anode tab structure. The cathode side assembly is arranged on the cathode side of the membrane electrode. The cathode side assembly comprises at least a cathode flow field plate and a cathode diffusion layer arranged oppositely. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device decouples the ohmic resistance of the flow field plate and the electrolyzer in the prior art. The non-metallic flow field plate is beneficial to the two-phase flow observation experiment of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device and the research on the influence of different flow channel types on the electrochemical performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water electrolysis technology, and in particular to a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, with its advantages of being clean and pollution-free, highly efficient, and storable and transportable, is considered the most ideal energy carrier. Electrolysis of water is currently the simplest method to obtain pure hydrogen. If combined with renewable energy power generation technology, water electrolysis can serve as a large-scale hydrogen production technology with low environmental pollution, low greenhouse gas emissions, and good economic viability, showing promising application prospects.

[0003] However, it must be pointed out that the current cost of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers remains high, limiting their large-scale application. In a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the flow field plate plays a crucial role in conductivity and water-gas distribution. In conventional designs, the anode-side flow field plate contains a two-phase gas-liquid flow, while the cathode-side flow field plate, serving as the hydrogen outlet, contains only a small amount of pure water transported across the membrane. Currently, the flow field plates in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers are all made of metal. The ohmic impedance of this flow field plate is coupled with the overall ohmic impedance of the electrolyzer, leading to numerous contradictions in the study of flow field plate channel types, which can affect research results. Furthermore, these metal flow field plates are difficult and expensive to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art, this application provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device that can solve the problem of the influence of the coupling between the ohmic impedance of the flow field plate itself and the ohmic impedance of the electrolyzer as a whole on the research results in the prior art.

[0005] This invention provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus, comprising:

[0006] A membrane electrode having an anode side and a cathode side disposed opposite to each other;

[0007] An anode-side assembly is disposed on the anode side of the membrane electrode. The anode-side assembly includes at least a non-metallic flow field plate and an anode diffusion layer disposed in contact with each other. An anode flow channel is formed on the non-metallic flow field plate. The side of the anode diffusion layer facing away from the non-metallic flow field plate is attached to the membrane electrode, and an anode tab structure is connected to the anode diffusion layer.

[0008] A cathode-side assembly is disposed on the cathode side of the membrane electrode. The cathode-side assembly includes at least a cathode flow field plate and a cathode diffusion layer disposed in contact with each other. The side of the cathode diffusion layer facing away from the cathode flow field plate is in contact with the membrane electrode.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are multiple non-metallic flow field plates, which are used alternately, and at least two of the multiple non-metallic flow field plates have different anode flow channels formed thereon.

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

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

[0012] In some embodiments, the anode-side assembly further includes an anode end plate disposed on the side of the non-metallic flow field plate opposite to the anode diffusion layer, and the anode end plate is provided with an inlet and a first outlet respectively communicating with the anode flow channel, the first outlet being used at least for discharging oxygen.

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

[0014] In some embodiments, the anode-side assembly further includes a mounting frame disposed between the non-metallic flow field plate and the membrane electrode for mounting the anode diffusion layer, and the mounting frame has a slot extending to one side thereof, through which the anode tab structure protrudes from the mounting frame.

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

[0016] In some embodiments, the cathode-side assembly further includes a cathode end plate disposed on the side of the cathode flow field plate opposite to the cathode diffusion layer, and the cathode end plate is provided with a second discharge port communicating with the cathode flow channel of the cathode flow field plate, the second discharge port being used at least for discharging 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 this application are as follows: This application provides an anode-side assembly 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. An anode tab structure for connecting to the power supply is provided on the anode diffusion layer of the anode-side assembly. This decouples the ohmic impedance between the flow field plate and the electrolyzer in the prior art. The non-metallic flow field plate facilitates the two-phase flow observation experiment of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device and the study of the influence of different flow channel types on its electrochemical performance. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of the non-metallic flow field plate is lower and the processing difficulty is also reduced. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-metallic flow field plate of the 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 parallel flow channel.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-metallic flow field plate of the 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 single flow channel.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-metallic flow field plate of the 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 dual flow channel.

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

[0026] 1-Membrane electrode; 2-Non-metallic flow field plate; 201-Anode flow channel; 3-Anode diffusion layer; 4-Anode tab structure; 5-Cathode flow field plate; 6-Cathode diffusion layer; 7-Anode end plate; 701-Inlet; 702-First discharge port; 703-Viewing window; 8-Mounting frame; 801-Slot; 9-Cathode tab structure; 10-Cathode end plate; 101-Second discharge port; 11-Insulating pad; 12-Cathode diffusion layer frame. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples, but these are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as "above," "below," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, this relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

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

[0030] All terms used in this application (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains, 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 art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0031] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

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

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

[0034] Specifically, the aforementioned non-metallic flow field plate 2 can serve to distribute water vapor and can also be used to conduct two-phase flow observation experiments, that is, to observe the flow field configuration of gaseous and liquid phase substances in the non-metallic flow field plate 2. The aforementioned non-metallic flow field plate 2 can be made of acrylic material, and the anode flow channel 201 on it can be formed by engraving.

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

[0036] Specifically, the aforementioned anode diffusion layer 3 can have a porous structure and can be made of a metallic material. The aforementioned anode diffusion layer 3 is connected to the membrane electrode 1 and serves to provide conductivity and guide the distribution of water vapor.

[0037] Specifically, the anode tab structure 4 can be used to connect to a DC power supply to provide electrical conductivity. The anode diffusion layer 3 can be integrally formed with the anode tab structure 4.

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

[0039] Specifically, the anode-side assembly, membrane electrode 1, and cathode-side assembly can be connected using a connector. This connector can be sequentially inserted into the anode-side assembly, membrane electrode 1, and cathode-side assembly to provide axial clamping force, thereby stably connecting the three components. The connector can be a fastening bolt, nut, or similar fastener; this application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0040] This application provides an anode-side assembly including a non-metallic flow field plate 2 on the anode side of the membrane electrode 1, with an anode flow channel 201 formed on the non-metallic flow field plate 2. An anode tab structure 4 for connecting to a power source is provided on the anode diffusion layer 3 of the anode-side assembly. This decouples the ohmic impedance between the flow field plate and the electrolyzer in the prior art. The non-metallic flow field plate 2 facilitates two-phase flow observation experiments of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device and studies the influence of different flow channel types on its electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 has a lower manufacturing cost and reduced processing difficulty.

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

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

[0043] Specifically, the first and second openings are disposed on the non-metallic flow field plate 2 at a distance from each other. For example, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 is rectangular, and the first and second openings are respectively disposed near two opposite corners of the rectangular non-metallic flow field plate 2.

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

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

[0046] Figure 3 The anode flow channel 201 shown is a parallel flow channel. Figure 4The anode flow channel 201 shown is a serpentine single-channel flow channel. Figure 5 The flow channel type of the anode flow channel 201 shown is a serpentine dual flow channel.

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

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-metallic flow field plate 2 is made of a transparent material. The use of a transparent material in the non-metallic flow field plate 2 allows for visualization, enabling users to intuitively observe the configuration of the two-phase flow within it.

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

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

[0051] Specifically, the first inlet and the water inlet 701 are respectively provided, and the second inlet and the first outlet 702 are respectively provided, so as to facilitate the flow of water and gas.

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

[0053] Specifically, a pipe thread structure may be formed on the inner wall of the aforementioned inlet 701 for connection with the connector. A pipe thread structure may also be formed on the inner wall of the aforementioned first outlet 702 for connection with the connector.

[0054] Specifically, the aforementioned first discharge port 702 can also be used to discharge excess water.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the anode plate 7 is provided with a viewing window 703, which is set in accordance with the anode flow channel 201 of the non-metallic flow field plate 2, so as to facilitate the observation experiments of two-phase flow under different flow channel types through the viewing window 703.

[0056] Specifically, the aforementioned viewing window 703 is located in the middle of the positive end plate 7, and the shape of the viewing window 703 can be one of the following: rectangular or circular.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as 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 for mounting the anode diffusion layer 3. A slot 801 extending to one side of the mounting frame 8 is formed thereon, through which the anode tab structure 4 protrudes from the mounting frame 8. The mounting frame 8 provides support for the anode diffusion layer 3, ensuring its stable mounting between the non-metallic flow field plate 2 and the membrane electrode 1.

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

[0059] Specifically, the aforementioned tank can be press-fitted with the anode diffusion layer 3, that is, the tank wall is pressed against the outer contour of the anode diffusion layer 3.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cathode-side assembly further includes a cathode tab structure 9, which is connected to the cathode flow field plate 5; wherein the cathode flow field plate 5 is made of metal. The above structure is reasonably designed and has a compact layout.

[0061] Specifically, the cathode tab structure 9 described above is used to connect to an electrochemical power source to achieve conductivity.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cathode-side assembly also 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. The cathode end plate 10 has a second discharge port 101 communicating with the cathode flow channel of the cathode flow field plate 5. The second discharge port 101 is used at least to discharge hydrogen gas. By covering the cathode flow field plate 5 with the cathode end plate 10, deformation of the cathode flow field plate 5 at high temperatures can be avoided, improving the support force on the cathode flow field plate 5 and reducing errors in two-phase flow observation experiments.

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

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

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cathode-side assembly also includes an insulating pad 11, which 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, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cathode-side assembly also includes a cathode diffusion layer frame 12, which 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 hydrogen production principle of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer device of this application is briefly explained below: First, water is supplied to the inlet 701 of the anode end plate 7 by a water pump. Under the action of the anode-side component, the water is decomposed into oxygen, protons, and electrons. Protons enter the cathode-side component through the membrane electrode 1. Electrons flow from the anode-side component to the cathode-side component, where protons and electrons recombine to produce hydrogen gas.

[0068] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, their scope includes any and all embodiments based on this application that have equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., schemes involving intersections of various embodiments), adaptations, or alterations. 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 implementation of this application, and such examples will be interpreted as non-exclusive.

[0069] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more of them) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used by those skilled in the art when reading the above description. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, various features may be grouped together to simplify the application. This should not be construed as an intention that a disclosed feature not claimed is necessary for any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the application may be less than all the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated herein by reference as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim is an independent, separate embodiment, and these embodiments are contemplated to be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of this application should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0070] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application within its substance and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus, characterized in that, include: A membrane electrode having an anode side and a cathode side disposed opposite to each other; An anode-side assembly is disposed on the anode side of the membrane electrode. The anode-side assembly includes at least a non-metallic flow field plate and an anode diffusion layer that are attached to each other. The non-metallic flow field plate is made of acrylic material and has an anode flow channel formed thereon. The side of the anode diffusion layer facing away from the non-metallic flow field plate is attached to the membrane electrode, and an anode tab structure is connected to the anode diffusion layer. The anode tab structure is used to connect to a power source to conduct electricity, and the anode diffusion layer and the anode tab structure are integrally formed. A cathode-side assembly is disposed on the cathode side of the membrane electrode. The cathode-side assembly includes at least a cathode flow field plate and a cathode diffusion layer disposed in contact with each other. The side of the cathode diffusion layer facing away from the cathode flow field plate is attached to the membrane electrode. The cathode-side assembly further includes a cathode tab structure connected to the cathode flow field plate; wherein the cathode flow field plate is made of a metal material.

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

3. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus 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 channel, serpentine single flow channel, and serpentine double flow channel.

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

5. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode-side assembly further includes an anode end plate, which is disposed on the side of the non-metallic flow field plate opposite to the anode diffusion layer. The anode end plate is provided with an inlet and a first outlet that are respectively connected to the anode flow channel. The first outlet is used to discharge oxygen.

6. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The anode end plate is provided with a viewing window, which is configured to correspond to the anode flow channel of the non-metallic flow field plate.

7. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode-side assembly further includes a mounting frame disposed between the non-metallic flow field plate and the membrane electrode for mounting the anode diffusion layer. A slot is formed on the mounting frame extending to one side therethrough, and the anode tab structure extends out of the mounting frame through the slot.

8. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode-side assembly further includes a cathode end plate, which is disposed on the side of the cathode flow field plate opposite to the cathode diffusion layer, and the cathode end plate is provided with a second discharge port communicating with the cathode flow channel of the cathode flow field plate, the second discharge port being used at least for discharging hydrogen.

9. The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cathode-side assembly also includes an insulating pad disposed between the cathode end plate and the cathode flow field plate.

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