Component structure of proton exchange membrane electrolytic tank

Abstract

The invention provides a part structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell, which comprises a bipolar plate body, runner regions formed on the bipolar plate body, and an inlet and an outlet respectively communicated with the runner regions, the runner regions comprise a central runner region, semi-circular runner regions and transition runner regions, the semi-circular runner regions are distributed on two sides of the central runner region, and the transition runner regions are distributed on two sides of the central runner region. The transition flow channel region is communicated with the inlet and the outlet respectively, and is also communicated with the semi-ring flow channel region and the central flow channel region respectively; the bipolar plate body further comprises a plurality of rib ridges which are arranged in the semi-ring flow channel area at intervals, and the plurality of shunting columns are located in the central flow channel area and are arranged according to a preset geometric array. Wherein one part of the water vapor fluid is distributed to the gas diffusion layer through ribs located in the semi-annular flow channel area, and the other part of the water vapor fluid is distributed to the gas diffusion layer through a flow dividing column located in the central flow channel area, so that uniform diffusion and transmission of the water vapor fluid in the flow channel areas are guaranteed, balanced distribution of heat and substances is improved, and the heat and mass transfer efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers, and specifically provides a component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. Background Art

[0002] Water electrolysis is a technology that converts clean electricity into hydrogen and oxygen. The resulting products can be used not only as energy storage fuel but also as chemical raw materials, providing impetus for the development of a green, low-carbon economy. Compared to other water electrolysis devices, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) has attracted widespread attention due to its high efficiency, fast startup and shutdown, high-purity hydrogen production, compact system, and advanced technological maturity.

[0003] The PEMWE stack consists of bipolar plates and single cells stacked in sequence, sealed with a sealing material in the middle, and finally encapsulated with a stack of current collectors and end plates. The primary function of the bipolar plates is to ensure uniform distribution of reactant gases within the porous gas transport layer and the timely and effective discharge of gaseous / liquid products from the catalytic electrode. Furthermore, the bipolar plates are responsible for electron transport, heat transfer, mechanical support, and gas sealing within the stack.

[0004] To meet the mechanical and electrical performance requirements of bipolar plates, existing bipolar plate flow channel designs include serpentine, parallel, parallel serpentine, spiral, grid, interdigital, and biomimetic flow channels to meet heat and mass transfer requirements. These channel designs still suffer from parasitic energy losses and obstructed mass transfer between channels, affecting the uniformity of gas diffusion and the effectiveness of gas exhaust, thereby reducing the heat and mass transfer performance of the bipolar plate and resulting in low production efficiency of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers.

[0005] Accordingly, the art requires a new component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem of poor heat and mass transfer performance of bipolar plates in existing proton exchange membrane electrolysis cells.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to adopt the following technical solutions to achieve:

[0008] The present invention provides a component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, including a bipolar plate body and a flow channel area formed on the bipolar plate body and an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the flow channel area, wherein the flow channel area includes: a central flow channel area; a semi-annular flow channel area, which is distributed on both sides of the central flow channel area; and a transition flow channel area, which is respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet, and the transition flow channel area is also respectively connected to the semi-annular flow channel area and the central flow channel area; the bipolar plate body also includes a plurality of diverter columns and a plurality of ribs, and the plurality of ribs are located in the semi-annular flow channel area and are arranged at intervals, and the water vapor fluid in the semi-annular flow channel area flows along the length direction of the ribs; a plurality of the diverter columns are located in the central flow channel area and are arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the water vapor fluid in the central flow channel area, and the plurality of the diverter columns are arranged according to a preset geometric array.

[0009] Preferably, in the radial direction of the bipolar plate body, each rib is provided with a notch to form a diversion area, and the diversion area is connected to the central flow channel area.

[0010] Preferably, the angle θ formed between the center of the diversion area, the center of the bipolar plate body and the transition flow channel area is in the range of 30°-90°.

[0011] Preferably, the preset geometric array includes one of a rectangular array, a polygonal array, a concentric circle array, and an irregular random arrangement.

[0012] Preferably, in the preset geometric array, the spacing distance between two adjacent diverter columns is 1 mm-10 mm, and the spacing distance between the edge of the central flow channel area and the adjacent diverter column is 1 mm-5 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the cross-section of the diversion column includes one of a circle, an ellipse, an isosceles triangle, a rectangle, a teardrop or a diamond.

[0014] Preferably, the outlet, the inlet and the flow channel area are all circular structures.

[0015] Preferably, the radius of the flow channel area is in the range of 50 mm to 250 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the radius of the central flow channel area is 1 / 3-2 / 3 of the radius of the flow channel area.

[0017] Preferably, the radii of the outlet and the inlet are 1 / 10-1 / 5 of the radius of the flow channel area.

[0018] Preferably, the distance from the center of the outlet and the inlet to the edge of the flow channel area is 7 mm-50 mm.

[0019] Preferably, the heights of the diverter column and the rib ridge are both smaller than the vertical height between the bottom of the flow channel area of ​​the bipolar plate body and the surface of the bipolar plate body, and the diverter column and the rib ridge are the same height.

[0020] Preferably, the vertical height between the bottom of the flow channel area and the surface of the bipolar plate body is 0.5 mm-1.2 mm.

[0021] Preferably, the spacing distance between two adjacent rib ridges is 0.5 mm-4 mm, and the width of the rib ridges is in the range of 0.5 mm-2 mm.

[0022] Preferably, the vertical distance between the top surface of the rib or the diverter column and the surface of the bipolar plate body is 0.15-0.25 mm.

[0023] Preferably, the cross-section of the diverter column comprises a circle, and the radius of the circle ranges from 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0024] Preferably, the cross-section of the diverter column comprises a first isosceles triangle, the base length of the first isosceles triangle ranges from 0.6 mm to 3 mm, and the altitude length of the first isosceles triangle ranges from 0.3 mm to 4 mm.

[0025] Preferably, the cross-section of the diverter column comprises a rectangle, and the side length of the rectangle ranges from 0.6 mm to 3 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the cross-section of the diverter column includes a teardrop shape, and the teardrop shape is formed by combining a semicircle and a second isosceles triangle.

[0027] Preferably, the radius of the semicircle is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and the height of the second isosceles triangle is in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0028] Preferably, the cross-section of the diverter column comprises a rhombus, the side length of the rhombus ranges from 0.3 mm to 3 mm, and the internal acute angle of the rhombus ranges from 15° to 75°.

[0029] Preferably, the diverter column includes one of an elliptical column, an isosceles triangular column, a rectangular column, a teardrop-shaped column or a diamond column, and each of the diverter columns is arranged to rotate at a preset angle about its own central axis so that the shape of each of the diverter columns at different positions in the central flow channel area conforms to the movement direction of the fluid in the central flow channel area.

[0030] Preferably, the bipolar plate body includes a circular structure or a rectangular structure.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] The present invention provides a component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which includes a bipolar plate body and a flow channel area formed on the bipolar plate body, and an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the flow channel area. The flow channel area includes a central flow channel area, a semi-annular flow channel area and a transition flow channel area. The semi-annular flow channel area is distributed on both sides of the central flow channel area. The transition flow channel area is respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet. The transition flow channel area is also respectively connected to the semi-annular flow channel area and the central flow channel area; the bipolar plate body also includes multiple diverter columns and multiple ribs. The multiple ribs are located in the semi-annular flow channel area and are arranged at intervals. The water vapor fluid in the semi-annular flow channel area flows along the length direction of the ribs; multiple diverter columns are located in the central flow channel area and are arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the water vapor fluid in the central flow channel area. The multiple diverter columns are arranged according to a preset geometric array. Part of the water vapor flow is distributed to the gas diffusion layer through the ribs in the semi-annular flow channel, while the other part is distributed to the gas diffusion layer through the diverter column in the central flow channel. This ensures uniform diffusion and transmission of the fluid within the flow channel, improves the balanced distribution of heat and materials, and enhances heat and mass transfer efficiency. It also maintains an appropriate pressure drop between the inlet and outlet to reduce parasitic energy losses, improve product discharge efficiency, and significantly enhance the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrolyzer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 1 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 2 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 3 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 4 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 5 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 6 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of Example 7 of the component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the bipolar plate body of Comparative Example 1;

[0041] Figure 9Schematic diagram of the bipolar plate body of Comparative Example 2;

[0042] Figure 10 A comparison diagram of the fluid pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the bipolar plate body in the embodiment of the present invention and the comparative embodiment;

[0043] Figure 11 A comparison diagram of the flow velocity distribution curves of the fluid in the bipolar plate body flow channel in the embodiment of the present invention and the comparative embodiment;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a comparison diagram of flow velocity distribution curves under different pressure differences of Example 6 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the bipolar plate body of Example 6 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure markings: 11-inlet; 12-outlet; 2-central flow channel area; 31-first semi-annular flow channel area; 311, first diversion area; 32-second semi-annular flow channel area; 321-second diversion area; 41-first transition flow channel area; 42-second transition flow channel area; 5a-circular column; 5b-elliptical column; 5c-isosceles triangle column; 5d-rectangular column; 5e-teardrop-shaped column; 5f-diamond column; 61-first semi-annular rib; 611-first semi-annular sub-flow channel; 62-second semi-annular rib; 621-second semi-annular sub-flow channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may adjust these embodiments as needed to suit specific applications.

[0048] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0049] The researchers found that existing flow channel designs have the following defects: For example, serpentine flow channels can increase the fluid coverage area and optimize gas distribution, and high flow rates help to more effectively discharge the reaction gas. However, overly long flow channels increase fluid resistance, resulting in a large pressure drop, which in turn increases parasitic energy loss. For example, while parallel flow channels can reduce pressure drop and parasitic energy loss, mass transfer between adjacent flow channels is hindered, resulting in uneven gas distribution, affecting the uniformity of gas diffusion and the effectiveness of gas discharge. Therefore, the present invention provides a component structure for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to solve the above problems.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides a component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, which includes a bipolar plate body, a flow channel region formed on the bipolar plate body, and an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 respectively connected to the flow channel region. The inlet 11 is located above the flow channel region, and the outlet 12 is located below the flow channel region.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the flow channel region on the bipolar plate body of the present invention includes a central flow channel region 2, a semi-annular flow channel region, and a transition flow channel region. The transition flow channel region is a rectangular structure, and its length is the same as its width. The semi-annular flow channel region includes a first semi-annular flow channel region 31 and a second semi-annular flow channel region 32. The first semi-annular flow channel region 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel region 32 are spaced apart and symmetrically distributed on either side of the central flow channel region 2. The transition flow channel area includes a first transition flow channel area 41 and a second transition flow channel area 42. The first transition flow channel area 41 is located between the upper ends of the first semi-annular flow channel area 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel area 32 relative to each other, and the second transition flow channel area 42 is located between the lower ends of the first semi-annular flow channel area 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel area 32 relative to each other. The upper ends of the first semi-annular flow channel area 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel area 32 and the inlet 11 of the bipolar plate body are all connected to the first transition flow channel area 41, and the lower ends of the first semi-annular flow channel area 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel area 32 and the outlet 12 of the bipolar plate body are all connected to the second transition flow channel area 42.

[0052] The bipolar plate body also includes multiple diverter columns and multiple ribs. The multiple ribs are arranged in parallel at intervals in the semi-annular flow channel area. The multiple diverter columns are located in the central flow channel area 2 and are arranged perpendicular to the water vapor fluid flow direction of the central flow channel area 2. The multiple diverter columns are arranged according to a preset geometric array.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the ribs include a plurality of first semi-annular ribs 61 and second semi-annular ribs 62. The plurality of first semi-annular ribs 61 located within the first semi-annular flow channel region 31 are arranged radially and parallel to each other, with a first semi-annular sub-flow channel 611 formed between two adjacent first semi-annular ribs 61. The plurality of second semi-annular ribs 62 located within the second semi-annular flow channel region 32 are arranged radially and parallel to each other, with a second semi-annular sub-flow channel 621 formed between two adjacent second semi-annular ribs 62. The ends of the first semi-annular sub-flow channel 611 and the second semi-annular sub-flow channel 621 are connected to the first transition flow channel region 41 and the second transition flow channel region 42, respectively.

[0054] In the preset geometric array, the spacing between two adjacent diverter posts is 1mm-10mm, and the spacing between the edge of the central flow channel region 2 and an adjacent diverter post is 1mm-5mm. The spacing between two adjacent ribs is 0.5mm-4mm, and the width of the ribs ranges from 0.5mm to 2mm. The vertical height between the bottom of the flow channel region and the surface of the bipolar plate body is 0.5mm-1.2mm, and the height of the diverter posts and ribs is less than the vertical height between the bottom of the flow channel region of the bipolar plate body and the surface of the bipolar plate body.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the preset geometric array includes one of a rectangular array, a polygonal array, a concentric circle array, and an irregular random arrangement. The cross section of the diverter column includes one of a circle, an ellipse, an isosceles triangle, a rectangle, a teardrop shape, or a diamond shape.

[0056] The outlet 12, inlet 11 and flow channel area of ​​the bipolar plate body of the present invention are all circular structures. The radial dimensions of the outlet 12 and inlet 11 are the same as the width of the transition flow channel area. The radius of the central flow channel area 2 is 1 / 3-2 / 3 of the overall radius of the flow channel area, and the radius of the outlet 12 and inlet 11 is 1 / 10-1 / 5 of the radius of the flow channel area. The radius of the flow channel area is 50mm-100mm, and its area can reach 2000cm 2 The distance between the center of the outlet 12 and the inlet 11 and the edge of the flow channel area ranges from 7 mm to 20 mm.

[0057] In addition, those skilled in the art can set the bipolar plate body of the present invention to a circular structure or a rectangular structure according to actual applications, so as to adapt it to proton exchange membrane electrolyzers with different structures.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, when the bipolar plate body of the present invention is in the working state of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, when water vapor fluid enters the flow channel area through the inlet 11 of the bipolar plate body, a portion of the water vapor fluid enters the first transition flow channel area 41 from the inlet 11 and is divided into the first semi-annular flow channel area 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel area 32. The water vapor fluid is evenly distributed to the gas diffusion layer by means of a plurality of spaced parallel rib ridge structures. Another portion of the water vapor fluid directly enters the central flow channel area 2 through the first transition flow channel area 41. The water vapor fluid is evenly distributed to the gas diffusion layer by means of a plurality of diversion columns distributed in a geometric array. Finally, the water vapor fluid is further transmitted to the catalyst layer through the gas diffusion layer. The gas generated by the reaction in the catalyst layer diffuses in the opposite direction to the first semi-annular flow channel area 31, the second semi-annular flow channel area 32 and the central flow channel area 2. The water vapor fluid then converges in the second transition flow channel area 42 along the fluid flow direction. Finally, the water vapor fluid is discharged through the outlet 12 of the bipolar plate body below. In this way, part of the water vapor fluid is distributed to the gas diffusion layer through the ribs in the semi-annular flow channel area, while the other part is distributed to the gas diffusion layer through the diverter column located in the central flow channel area 2. This ensures uniform diffusion and transmission of the fluid within the flow channel area, improves the balanced distribution of heat and materials, and enhances the heat and mass transfer efficiency. At the same time, it also achieves a reasonable pressure drop to reduce parasitic energy loss, improves the discharge efficiency of products, and significantly enhances the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrolyzer.

[0059] It should be noted that when the diverter column of the bipolar plate body of the present invention adopts one of the elliptical column 5b, the isosceles triangle column 5c, the rectangular column 5d, the teardrop-shaped column 5e or the diamond column 5f, each diverter column is arranged to rotate at a preset angle around its own central axis so that the shape of each diverter column at different positions in the central flow channel area 2 is consistent with the movement direction of the fluid in the central flow channel area 2, so that the water vapor fluid can be more evenly distributed in the gas diffusion layer in the central flow channel area 2.

[0060] The following embodiment provides a specific schematic introduction to the bipolar plate body of the present invention through several sets of data. However, the data in this embodiment are only exemplary and not complete data. In actual applications, those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the specific values ​​or value ranges of the embodiment according to the specific usage environment to meet actual needs.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] like Figure 1As shown, the cross-sections of the outlet 12, inlet 11, bipolar plate body, central flow channel region 2, and diverter column of the bipolar plate body of the embodiment of the present invention are all circular structures. The radius of the outlet 12 and inlet 11 are both 5 mm, the distance between the center of the outlet 12 and inlet 11 and the outer edge of the flow channel region is 8 mm, the radius of the flow channel region is 52 mm, and the width of the semi-annular flow channel is 15 mm. The transition flow channel region is a rectangular structure with a width of 10 mm and a length of 15 mm. The vertical distance between the top surface of the ribs and diverter column and the surface of the bipolar plate body is 0.2 mm, the spacing between adjacent ribs is 2 mm, and the width of the ribs is 1 mm.

[0063] The diverter posts in this embodiment are circular posts 5a, with a cross-sectional radius of 1 mm. The spacing between adjacent diverter posts is 4 mm, and the distance between a diverter post and the innermost rib is 1 mm. One diverter post is located at the center of the bipolar plate. With the center of the bipolar plate as the coordinate origin, the Y axis of the rectangular array is parallel to the line connecting the centers of outlet 12 and inlet 11. Multiple diverter posts are arranged in a rectangular array along the X and Y axes with this coordinate origin.

[0064] It should be noted that, according to practical applications, those skilled in the art may select the size of the circular radius of the diverter column within the range of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that, with the center of the bipolar plate as the coordinate origin, multiple diverter posts in this embodiment are arranged in a circular array in the central flow channel region 2. Specifically, the multiple diverter posts are arranged in a concentric ring array at equal angles, with the center-to-center spacing between adjacent diverter posts being 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0067] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the diverter column in this embodiment adopts an elliptical column 5b. The cross section of the diverter column is elliptical, the minor axis length of the ellipse is 1 mm, and the major axis length is 2 mm.

[0070] The center of the bipolar plate is taken as the coordinate origin, the center line of the outlet 12 and the inlet 11 is taken as the Y axis, and the major axis of the ellipse in the cross section of each diverter column is set parallel to the Y axis.

[0071] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0072] It should be noted that, according to actual applications, those skilled in the art may select the size of the short semi-axis of the diverter column within the range of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and the size of the long semi-axis of the diverter column within the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0073] Example 4

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that the center of the bipolar plate is used as the coordinate origin, and the X axis is perpendicular to the Y axis and passes through the coordinate origin. The X axis and the Y axis divide the central flow channel area 2 into four quadrants.

[0075] The major axes of the elliptical cross-sections of the diverter columns located on the X and Y axes are parallel to the Y axis. The major axes of the elliptical cross-sections of the diverter columns located in the first and third quadrants are rotated counterclockwise to form a 10° angle with the Y axis. The major axes of the elliptical cross-sections of the diverter columns located in the second and fourth quadrants are rotated clockwise to form a 10° angle with the Y axis. This ensures that each diverter column aligns with the direction of fluid flow within the central flow channel region 2.

[0076] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 3, so they will not be described again here.

[0077] It should be noted that, according to practical applications, those skilled in the art rotate the central axis of each diverter column to a preset angle so that the shape of each diverter column at different positions in the central flow channel area 2 conforms to the movement direction of the fluid in the central flow channel area 2, and the range of the preset angle is 0-90°.

[0078] Example 5

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the bipolar plate body of this embodiment has a square structure. Specifically, the bipolar plate body of this embodiment has a square structure, where the side length of the square is 104 mm. Accordingly, the first semi-annular flow channel region 31 and the second semi-annular flow channel region 32 are both square semi-circular. The fillet radius of each square corner can be freely adjusted.

[0080] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0081] Example 6

[0082] like Figure 6 and Figure 13 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in the radial direction of the bipolar plate body, each rib on the bipolar plate body of this embodiment is provided with a notch to form a diversion area, and the diversion area is connected to the central flow channel area 2.

[0083] The included angle θ formed between the diversion area, the center of the bipolar plate body and the transition flow channel area is in the range of 30°-90°.

[0084] That is, the center of the bipolar plate body and the center of the diversion area are the first straight line, and the center line passing through the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 is the second straight line, ie, the Y axis. The angle θ between the first straight line and the second straight line ranges from 30° to 90°.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, two symmetrically distributed diversion zones are provided within each of the first and second semi-annular flow channel regions 31 and 32. With the center of the bipolar plate as the coordinate origin, and the X-axis perpendicular to the Y-axis and passing through the coordinate origin, the first semi-annular flow channel region 31 has two first diversion zones 311 symmetrically distributed about the X-axis. Taking the first diversion zone 311 located in the third quadrant as an example, the first straight line of the centerline of the first diversion zone 311 forms an angle θ with the Y-axis, which is set at 45°. The width of the first diversion zone 311 is 4 mm.

[0086] Correspondingly, two second diversion areas 321 are provided in the second semi-annular flow channel area 32 , and the two second diversion areas 321 are symmetrical with the two first diversion areas 311 in the first semi-annular flow channel area 31 about the Y axis.

[0087] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0088] Example 7

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and embodiment 4 is that the diverter column of this embodiment adopts an isosceles triangle column 5c, the cross-section of the diverter column is a first isosceles triangle, the base length of the first isosceles triangle ranges from 0.6mm to 3mm, and the altitude length of the first isosceles triangle ranges from 0.3mm to 4mm.

[0090] The altitude of each first isosceles triangle in this embodiment is consistent with the long axis direction of each corresponding ellipse in Example 4, and the top of each first isosceles triangle is set toward the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0091] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 4, so they will not be described again here.

[0092] Example 8

[0093] like Figure 7As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and Example 4 is that the diverter column in this embodiment adopts a teardrop-shaped column 5e. The cross-section of the diverter column is a teardrop-shaped column, which is formed by combining a semicircle and a second isosceles triangle. The radius of the semicircle ranges from 0.3mm to 1.5mm, and the height of the second isosceles triangle ranges from 0.5mm to 3mm.

[0094] The central axis of each teardrop shape in this embodiment is consistent with the long axis direction of each corresponding ellipse in Example 4, and the semicircular head of each teardrop shape is arranged toward the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0095] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 4, so they will not be described again here.

[0096] Example 9

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and embodiment 4 is that the diverter column of this embodiment adopts a diamond column 5f, the cross-section of the diverter column is a diamond, the side length of the diamond is in the range of 0.3mm-3mm, and the internal acute angle of the diamond is in the range of 15°-75°.

[0098] The major axis of each rhombus in this embodiment is arranged in the same direction as the major axis of each corresponding ellipse in Example 4.

[0099] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 4, so they will not be described again here.

[0100] Example 10

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the structural difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the diverter column of this embodiment adopts a rectangular column 5d, the cross-section of the diverter column is rectangular, and the side length of the rectangle ranges from 0.6 mm to 3 mm.

[0102] The long side of the rectangle is arranged parallel to the Y axis.

[0103] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0104] Comparative Example 1

[0105] like Figure 8 As shown, the main difference between this comparative embodiment and Example 1 is that the bipolar plate body of this comparative embodiment only uses symmetrical semi-annular flow channels, that is, the flow channel area only includes a plurality of symmetrically arranged first semi-annular ribs 61 and second semi-annular ribs 62.

[0106] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0107] Comparative Example 2

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the main difference between this comparative embodiment and embodiment 1 is that only a plurality of circular diverter columns are used in the bipolar plate body of this comparative embodiment.

[0109] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in embodiment 1, so they will not be described again here.

[0110] Test results

[0111] Examples 1-10 of the present invention and Comparative Examples 1-2 were tested using finite element simulation. The key test conditions included an inlet temperature of 70°C, an inlet flow rate of 500 SCCM, an outlet static pressure of 0 Pa, an oxygen mass fraction of 0.23, and only convection was considered for fluid transport, ignoring two-phase flow.

[0112] The difference between Comparative Example 1-2 and Example 1-10 is that the flow channel area of ​​Comparative Example 1 is only provided with a single annular flow channel structure, and the flow channel area of ​​Comparative Example 2 is only provided with a single circular diversion column structure.

[0113] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 1 is a comparison diagram of the fluid pressure difference between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 of the bipolar plate body in the embodiment of the present invention and the comparative embodiment. The fluid pressure difference is the fluid pressure difference ΔP (Pa) between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 of the bipolar plate body.

[0114] Comparison shows that the fluid pressure difference ΔP between the inlet 11 and outlet of the bipolar plate body in Examples 1-10, which added an annular flow channel structure, decreased to varying degrees compared to Example 2. Specifically, the fluid pressure difference ΔP in Examples 2 and 7 decreased by 11.70% and 12.90%, respectively, compared to Comparative Example 2. The decreases in Examples 4, 8, and 9 were 22.82%, 21.22%, and 24.36%, respectively, representing significant reductions.

[0115] Compared with Example 1, the fluid pressure difference ΔP between the inlet 11 and the outlet of the bipolar plate body in Examples 1-10, which have a splitter column structure, changes differently. The reduction in Examples 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10 is more obvious.

[0116] It can be understood that the annular flow channel transmission can improve the edge fluid distribution, while the diverter column area improves the fluid condition in the central area, that is, the diverter column can enhance the fluid transmission performance of the flow channel, improve the gas distribution condition, and thereby reduce the fluid pressure difference on the bipolar plate body as a whole to reduce the parasitic energy loss of the fluid in the flow channel.

[0117] In particular, in Example 6 of the present invention, a diversion area is introduced by providing a notch on the rib ridge, thereby making the fluid pressure difference measured in Example 6 smaller than the fluid pressure difference in Example 1.

[0118] Continue reading Figure 11 , Figure 11 The flow velocity distribution curves of the fluid in the bipolar plate body flow channel of the embodiment of the present invention and the comparative embodiment are compared. Among them, Example 1 and Example 6 are selected as typical representatives. Figure 11 The position expressed by the X-axis in the coordinates is a radial ray starting from the center of the bipolar plate as the coordinate origin and passing through the center line of the diversion area in Example 6. Among them, Example 1, Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 all use the radial ray position as the benchmark test position.

[0119] According to the test results, the flow velocity distribution of Comparative Example 1 increases from the inside to the outside, while the flow velocity distribution of Comparative Example 2 decreases from the inside to the outside and the pressure difference is relatively large. Through comparison, it can be seen that the uniformity of the flow velocity distribution in the flow channel of Example 1 of the present invention is significantly improved compared with Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2.

[0120] Furthermore, in Example 6, a diversion area is introduced by setting a notch on the rib ridge, which reduces the pressure difference between the semi-annular flow channel area and the central flow channel area 2, significantly reduces the flow velocity of the fluid in the semi-annular flow channel area, balances the flow velocity difference between the semi-annular flow channel area and the central flow channel area 2, and further improves the distribution uniformity of the fluid in the flow channel area.

[0121] Continue reading Figure 12 , Figure 12 The flow velocity distribution curve comparison diagram of Example 6 under different pressure differences shows that as the flow velocity increases, the flow velocity distribution of the fluid in the semi-annular flow channel area in Example 6 is uniform, while the flow velocity distribution of the fluid in the central flow channel area 2 tends to increase from the outside to the inside. Therefore, the overall structural design of Example 6 can effectively improve the uniformity of the fluid distribution in the flow channel.

[0122] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included in the scope of the claims of the present invention to be approved.

Claims

1. A component structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, comprising a bipolar plate body, a flow channel area formed on the bipolar plate body, and an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) respectively connected to the flow channel area, characterized in that: The flow channel area includes: Central flow channel area (2); Semi-annular flow channel areas, which are distributed on both sides of the central flow channel area (2); and A transitional flow channel area, which is respectively connected to the inlet (11) and the outlet (12), and the transitional flow channel area is also respectively connected to the semi-annular flow channel area and the central flow channel area (2); The bipolar plate body also includes a plurality of flow dividing columns and a plurality of ribs; A plurality of ribs are located in the semi-annular flow channel area and are arranged at intervals, and the water vapor fluid in the semi-annular flow channel area flows along the length direction of the ribs; The plurality of diverter columns are located in the central flow channel area (2) and are arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the water vapor fluid in the central flow channel area (2). The plurality of diverter columns are arranged in a preset geometric array.

2. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the radial direction of the bipolar plate body, each rib is provided with a notch to form a flow diversion area, and the flow diversion area is connected to the central flow channel area (2).

3. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The included angle θ formed between the flow splitting area, the center of the bipolar plate body and the transition flow channel area is in the range of 30°-90°.

4. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset geometric array includes one of a rectangular array, a polygonal array, a concentric circle array, and an irregular random arrangement.

5. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the preset geometric array, the spacing distance between two adjacent diverter columns is 1 mm-10 mm, and the spacing distance between the edge of the central flow channel area (2) and the adjacent diverter column is 1 mm-5 mm.

6. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the diversion column includes one of a circle, an ellipse, an isosceles triangle, a rectangle, a teardrop or a rhombus.

7. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radius of the flow channel area ranges from 50mm to 250mm.

8. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The radius of the central flow channel area (2) is 1 / 3-2 / 3 of the radius of the flow channel area.

9. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The radii of the outlet (12) and the inlet (11) are 1 / 10-1 / 5 of the radius of the flow channel area.

10. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heights of the flow dividing column and the rib ridge are both smaller than the vertical height between the bottom of the flow channel area of ​​the bipolar plate body and the surface of the bipolar plate body, and the flow dividing column has the same height as the rib ridge.

11. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical height between the bottom of the flow channel area and the surface of the bipolar plate body is 0.5 mm-1.2 mm.

12. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet (12), the inlet (11) and the flow channel area are all circular structures.

13. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing distance between two adjacent rib ridges is 0.5mm-4mm, and the width of the rib ridges is in the range of 0.5mm-2mm.

14. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diverter column comprises one of an elliptical column (5b), an isosceles triangle column (5c), a rectangular column (5d), a teardrop-shaped column (5e) or a diamond-shaped column (5b), and each of the diverter columns is arranged to rotate at a preset angle with respect to its central axis so that the shape of each of the diverter columns at different positions in the central flow channel area (2) conforms to the movement direction of the fluid in the central flow channel area (2).

15. The component structure of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bipolar plate body includes a circular structure or a rectangular structure.

Images