Core, electrolytic stack, clamp for electrolytic stack, and method for zoned loading

Abstract

A kind of stack core of electrolytic stack, the stack core includes cathode flow field plate, cathode transport layer, membrane electrode, anode transport layer and anode flow field plate in turn stacked along vertical direction, membrane electrode includes reaction part and the peripheral part around reaction part, cathode transport layer, reaction part of membrane electrode and anode transport layer constitute reaction zone, the projection of cathode flow field plate and reaction zone in vertical direction coincides.This application also relates to electrolytic stack comprising the stack core, clamp for electrolytic stack and partition loading method using the clamp.By this application, partition loading to reaction zone and non-reaction zone is realized, quantitative measurement load applied in reaction zone, so as to give accurate control when pressing, master the corresponding relationship of reaction zone packaging force and performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, and in particular to reactor cores, electrolytic reactors, electrolytic reactor fixtures, and partition loading methods. Background Technology

[0002] Electrolytic reactors used for hydrogen production through water electrolysis, such as PEM reactors, have a core consisting of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), a transport layer, and flow field plates to provide a reaction site for the water electrolysis reaction. To ensure efficient water electrolysis, the core is typically encapsulated with high-rigidity end plates. The stable and effective loading of the encapsulation force is crucial to the electrolysis effect; insufficient encapsulation force in the reaction zone leads to poor core contact, high contact resistance, and reduced reaction efficiency. Therefore, ensuring uniform and effective loading of the reactor reaction zone is one of the key design considerations for electrolytic reactors.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent application CN114457353A discloses an electrolyzer for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water, which includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and an encapsulation shell.

[0004] Current electrolytic reactor encapsulation force application typically involves a ring of evenly distributed bolts around the endplate. After tightening, the endplate deforms under stress, potentially causing voids in the center. This fails to ensure effective application of encapsulation force to the reaction zone or results in uneven stress distribution within the reaction zone. While some compensation can be provided for the stress at the endplate center, it's impossible to quantitatively determine the encapsulation force in the reaction zone, let alone implement precise control. Therefore, existing encapsulation methods cannot quantitatively assess the relationship between electrolytic performance and the stress in the reaction zone.

[0005] Existing technologies also use the form of compensating press-fitting the central area of ​​the end plate to overcome the impact of end plate deformation. However, the sealing force is still applied to both the reaction zone and the surrounding area at the same time, making it impossible to quantitatively understand the stress situation in the reaction zone. This is not conducive to conducting research on the relationship between sealing force and performance.

[0006] For example, Chinese patent application CN115287685A discloses adding a pressure plate to the end plate, with a buffer layer between the end plate and the pressure plate, aiming to compensate for end plate deformation. Chinese patent CN219731079U discloses adding a pressure equalizing plate between each layer of electrolytic cells, hoping to solve the problems of uneven force distribution and interlayer gaps in the electrolytic cells; however, neither of these patent documents can quantitatively grasp the stress situation in the reaction zone, nor can they precisely control the encapsulation force in the reaction zone. Chinese patent application CN117187847A discloses adding bolt holes in the center of the reaction zone in an attempt to improve core bonding; however, this patent document cannot precisely monitor and control the encapsulation force in the reaction zone, and it also divides the reaction zone into four areas, increasing the difficulty and risk of membrane electrode fabrication and reducing the reaction area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on the structural design requirements of electrolytic reactors and considering the shortcomings of current structural solutions in the industry, the technical solution of this invention enables the encapsulation force to be applied in zones. That is, part of the loading is applied only to the reaction zone, namely the area where the cathode, anode, and proton exchange membrane between the cathode and anode of the electrolytic cell are located, and not to the non-reaction zone (the surrounding area); while another part of the loading is applied only to the encapsulation area where detachable connecting devices (such as bolts) and sealing elements are located.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a core of an electrolytic reactor is provided, the core comprising a cathode flow field plate, a cathode transport layer, a membrane electrode, an anode transport layer, and an anode flow field plate stacked sequentially in a vertical direction, the membrane electrode comprising a reaction portion and a surrounding portion, the cathode transport layer, the reaction portion of the membrane electrode, and the anode transport layer constituting a reaction zone, and the projection of the cathode flow field plate onto the reaction zone in the vertical direction coincides with the projection of the reaction zone.

[0009] Furthermore, the cathode flow field plate includes a hydrogen passage and a hydrogen outlet, the hydrogen passage including horizontal and vertical channels that are interconnected.

[0010] Furthermore, the anode flow field plate includes a water inlet, a water-oxygen passage, and a water-oxygen outlet.

[0011] Furthermore, the membrane electrode is fixed at the periphery.

[0012] Furthermore, the projection of the cathode flow field plate in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the anode flow field plate.

[0013] Furthermore, a membrane electrode sealing gasket is provided between the membrane electrode and the anode flow field plate.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic reactor comprising the above-described core is provided, characterized in that the cathode flow field plate and the cathode end plate of the core are separate components.

[0015] Furthermore, the cathode end plate includes a cathode outer end plate separated from each other and a cathode inner end plate fixed on the cathode outer end plate, both of which are configured to surround the cathode flow field plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrolytic reactor also includes: a cathode insulating plate stacked on the upper surface of the cathode flow field plate, a cathode current collector fixed on the cathode flow field plate, an anode current collector disposed below the anode flow field plate, and an anode end plate disposed below the anode current collector. The cathode outer end plate, anode flow field plate, anode current collector, and anode end plate are fixed together at their respective peripheries, and an anode insulating plate is disposed between the anode current collector and the anode end plate.

[0017] Furthermore, a cathode end plate sealing gasket is provided between the inner end plate of the cathode and the outer end plate of the cathode.

[0018] Furthermore, a membrane electrode sealing gasket is also provided between the outer end plate of the cathode and the membrane electrode.

[0019] Furthermore, a groove is provided at the lower part of the cathode flow field plate to install the cathode flow field plate sealing ring; in the horizontal direction, the cathode flow field plate sealing ring is disposed between the cathode flow field plate and the cathode inner end plate.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a clamp for the above-mentioned electrolytic reactor is provided, the clamp comprising a frame, and a force measuring shaft, a force sensing element, and a load source disposed on the frame;

[0021] The force measuring shaft and load source are respectively set at both ends of the vertical direction of the electrolytic reactor. The force sensing element is connected to the force measuring shaft to monitor the force state of the reactor core reaction zone.

[0022] Furthermore, the frame includes a base plate, a top plate, and columns connecting the base plate and the top plate.

[0023] Furthermore, the force measuring shaft is configured to penetrate the top plate, with its lower end contacting the upper surface of the cathode insulating plate. The force measuring shaft is connected to a force sensing element at its upper end, which is located on the upper surface of the top plate. The load source is configured to have its upper end in contact with the lower surface of the anode end plate, and its lower end located on the upper surface of the bottom plate.

[0024] Furthermore, the upper end of the force measuring shaft contacts the lower surface of the anode end plate, the lower end of the force measuring shaft is connected to the force sensing element, the force sensing element is set on the base plate, and the load source is set so that the lower end contacts the upper surface of the cathode insulating plate and is set on the top plate.

[0025] Furthermore, both the load source and the force measuring shaft are mounted on the top plate or the bottom plate; or the load source is mounted on the top plate and the force measuring shaft is mounted on the bottom plate; or the load source is mounted on the bottom plate and the force measuring shaft is mounted on the top plate.

[0026] Furthermore, the load source and the force measuring shaft are designed as a single unit.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a partitioned loading method is provided for loading an electrolytic reactor using the above-described fixture, wherein the load source applies the load only to the reaction zone through a cathode flow field plate.

[0028] Furthermore, the force-measuring shaft of the fixture is brought into contact with the electrolytic reactor, the load source is driven to slowly load the reaction zone, and the bolts on the non-reaction zone of the electrolytic reactor are tightened.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, it can be seen that the present invention has beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0030] Existing methods of applying encapsulation force can lead to deformation of the end plate, reducing the loading efficiency of the reaction zone and affecting electrolytic performance. Furthermore, they cannot quantitatively determine the accurate stress situation in the reaction zone, which is not conducive to calculation and analysis.

[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, the encapsulation load in the reaction zone and non-reaction zone of the electrolytic reactor can be applied independently. In the fixture used for the electrolytic reactor, the cathode end plate is divided into a separate inner cathode end plate and an outer cathode end plate, and the cathode flow field plate is separated from the cathode end plate, thereby enabling the encapsulation load to be applied independently to the reaction zone. Furthermore, the load is applied separately to the electrolytic reactor reaction zone through the cathode flow field plate, and the value of the encapsulation force is monitored in real time. By testing the electrolytic performance of the electrolytic reactor under conditions where the force on the reaction zone can be quantitatively controlled, the correlation between the encapsulation force and performance in the reaction zone can be determined.

[0032] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. Other advantages of this application can be realized and obtained by means of the solutions described in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solutions of this application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this application.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrolytic reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the reactor core is mainly shown and the water-oxygen pathway in the anode flow field plate is not shown;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrolytic reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture for an electrolytic reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 111. Inner cathode end plate; 112. Cathode end plate sealing gasket; 113. Outer cathode end plate; 12. Cathode current collector; 131. Cathode flow field plate; 132. Cathode flow field plate sealing ring; 133. Cathode insulating plate; 14. Membrane electrode sealing gasket; 151. Membrane electrode; 152. Cathode transport layer; 153. Anode transport layer; 16. Anode flow field plate; 17. Anode current collector; 181. Anode end plate; 182. Anode insulating plate; 19. Bolt; 20. Frame; 21. Base plate; 22. Top plate; 23. Column; 24. Force measuring shaft; 25. Force sensing element; 26. Load source; 1311. Hydrogen passage. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the implementation methods can be carried out in many different forms. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the methods and content can be varied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the content described in the following embodiments. Without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0043] In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0047] According to embodiments of the present invention, an electrolytic reactor for hydrogen production and a fixture for loading the reaction zone of the electrolytic reactor are provided. The present invention employs the following technical solution.

[0048] The core of an electrolytic reactor is the main component where the hydrogen production reaction takes place. For example... Figure 1As shown, the core of the electrolytic reactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cathode flow field plate 131, a cathode transport layer 152, a membrane electrode 151, an anode transport layer 153, and an anode flow field plate 16 stacked vertically (from top to bottom in this embodiment). The membrane electrode 151 mainly includes a proton exchange membrane and a catalyst coated on it, and is the site where the hydrogen production reaction occurs. The membrane electrode 151 includes a reaction part and a surrounding part. The membrane electrode 151 is fixed by the surrounding part. The cathode transport layer 152, the reaction part of the membrane electrode 151, and the anode transport layer 153 constitute the reaction zone. The cathode transport layer 152 is used to facilitate the timely removal of generated hydrogen bubbles, thereby increasing the reaction rate. The anode transport layer 153 is used to provide sufficient reaction water and facilitate the timely removal of generated oxygen bubbles, thereby increasing the reaction rate. The cathode flow field plate 131 provides a pathway for hydrogen transport.

[0049] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, an encapsulation force is applied to the reaction zone of the electrolytic reactor via the cathode flow field plate 131. The projections of the cathode flow field plate 131, the cathode transport layer 152, and the anode transport layer 153 in the vertical direction largely coincide. More specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, the area of ​​the lower surface of the cathode flow field plate 131 is equal to and coincides with the area of ​​the reaction zone in the vertical direction, so as to transfer the encapsulation force to the reaction zone. As is known in the art, the encapsulation force in the non-reaction zone is applied by bolts. The encapsulation force in the reaction zone is applied to the anode flow field plate 16 by a load source 26 fixed to the frame 20. The force state of the reaction zone can be monitored by a force sensing element 25, which will be described in detail below. The anode flow field plate 16 is used to allow the reaction medium (water) to flow along the water-oxygen pathway within the anode flow field plate 16, ensuring reaction uniformity and discharging oxygen and water. Preferably, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the cathode flow field plate 131 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the anode flow field plate 16. The vertical projection of the cathode flow field plate 131 is approximately located at the center of the vertical projection of the anode flow field plate 16.

[0050] According to embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cathode flow field plate 131 has a hydrogen outlet and a hydrogen passage 1311, so that the generated hydrogen flows within the hydrogen passage 1311 and exits from the hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen passage 1311 includes a vertical channel and a horizontal channel that are interconnected within the cathode flow field plate 131. Preferably, the cathode flow field plate 131 is a frustum or a cylinder. When the cathode flow field plate 131 is a frustum, the upper dimension of the cathode flow field plate 131 is smaller than the lower dimension. The hydrogen outlet is located at the upper part of the cathode flow field plate 131.

[0051] The anode flow field plate 16 is provided with a water-oxygen passage (not shown) and an oxygen outlet (not shown) to allow the reaction medium to flow to the membrane electrode 151 and to discharge oxygen and water.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrolytic reactor also includes other components at both ends of the core along the vertical direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrolytic reactor includes a cathode insulating plate 133, an inner cathode end plate 111, an outer cathode end plate 113, a cathode current collector 12, a core, an anode current collector 17, an anode insulating plate 182, an anode end plate 181, etc. The cathode flow field plate 131 of the core is a separate component from the cathode end plate. Preferably, the cathode flow field plate 131 extends vertically beyond or below the cathode end plate of the electrolytic reactor, or is flush with the cathode end plate of the electrolytic reactor. The cathode end plate includes a separate outer cathode end plate 113 and an inner cathode end plate 111 fixed to the outer cathode end plate 113. Both the inner cathode end plate 111 and the outer cathode end plate 113 are configured to surround the cathode flow field plate 131. Preferably, the projection of the inner cathode plate 111 in the vertical direction is smaller than the projection of the outer cathode plate 113 in the vertical direction, or the projection of the inner cathode plate 111 in the vertical direction is equal to or greater than the projection of the outer cathode plate 113 in the vertical direction.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, a cathode insulating plate 133 is stacked on the upper surface of a cathode flow field plate 131. A cathode current collector 12 is fixed to the cathode flow field plate 131 (preferably, it is disposed on the side wall of the cathode flow field plate 131; alternatively, it can also be disposed on the end face of the cathode flow field plate 131). An anode current collector 17 is disposed below an anode flow field plate 16, and an anode end plate 181 is disposed below an anode current collector 17. The cathode outer end plate 113, the anode flow field plate 16, the anode current collector 17, and the anode end plate 181 are fixed together at their respective peripheral portions. An anode insulating plate 182 is disposed between the anode current collector 17 and the anode end plate 181. The cathode current collector 12 is electrically connected to the cathode of the electrolysis power supply. The anode current collector 17 is electrically connected to the anode of the electrolysis power supply. The cathode insulating plate 133 isolates the cathode flow field plate 131 from the fixtures used in the electrolytic reactor, so that current can be conducted to the cathode flow field plate. The load source 26 of the fixture applies loads to the electrolytic reactor, particularly the reaction zone, through the cathode flow field plate 131 and / or the anode end plate 181.

[0054] A groove is provided at the lower part of the cathode flow field plate 131 to install the cathode flow field plate sealing ring 132. Horizontally, the cathode flow field plate sealing ring 132 is positioned between the cathode flow field plate 131 and the inner cathode end plate 111. The cathode flow field plate sealing ring 132 prevents hydrogen gas from leaking through the gap between the cathode flow field plate 131 and the inner cathode end plate 111. Preferably, a cathode end plate sealing gasket 112 is provided between the inner cathode end plate 111 and the outer cathode end plate 113. The cathode flow field plate 131 and the cathode end plate have radial and axial seals, ensuring the airtightness of the gas chamber while satisfying the zoned loading function. The cathode end plate sealing gasket 112 prevents hydrogen gas from leaking through the end face gap between the inner cathode end plate 111 and the outer cathode end plate 113. Preferably, the cathode end plate sealing gasket 112 is also pressed onto the outer cathode end plate 113 by bolts on the periphery of the inner cathode end plate 111. Preferably, the cathode outer end plate 113 is configured to cover the entire anode flow field plate 16. The generated hydrogen gas flows upward from the vertical gap between the cathode transport layer 152 and the cathode outer end plate 113 to the horizontal channel at the bottom of the cathode flow field plate 131, and then flows along the vertical channel communicating with the horizontal channel to the top of the cathode flow field plate 131, and finally exits from the hydrogen gas outlet at the top of the cathode flow field plate 131.

[0055] Furthermore, using detachable connecting devices (e.g., bolts 19), the cathode outer end plate 113, membrane electrode 151, anode flow field plate 16, anode current collector 17, and anode end plate 181 are fixed together from top to bottom at their respective peripheral portions. Bolts 19 are located on the peripheral portions of each of the aforementioned components. Preferably, a membrane electrode sealing gasket 14 is provided between the cathode outer end plate 113 and the membrane electrode 151; a membrane electrode sealing gasket 14 is also provided between the membrane electrode 151 and the anode flow field plate 16. The cathode outer end plate 113 presses the membrane electrode sealing gasket 14 at its peripheral portion, for example, by means of bolts 19. The membrane electrode sealing gasket 14 seals the reaction medium and products within the reaction zone. Furthermore, preferably, an anode insulating plate 182 is provided between the anode current collector 17 and the anode end plate 181. The anode insulating plate 182 prevents current from being conducted through the anode end plate 181. Threaded connections are a method of applying load only to the non-reaction zone (peripheral portion), and refer to common loading methods in the art.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the clamp for the electrolytic reactor includes a frame 20, and a force-measuring shaft 24, a force-sensing element 25, and a load source 26 disposed on the frame 20. The force-measuring shaft 24 and the load source 26 are respectively disposed at both ends in the vertical direction of the electrolytic reactor, and the electrolytic reactor is clamped by the force-measuring shaft 24 and the load source 26. The force-sensing element 25 is connected to the force-measuring shaft 24 to monitor the force state of the reaction zone of the reactor core.

[0057] like Figure 3As shown, the frame 20 includes a base plate 21, a top plate 22, and columns 23 connecting the base plate 21 and the top plate 22. Preferably, there are multiple columns 23. In this embodiment, the force-measuring shaft 24 is configured to penetrate the top plate 22, with its lower end contacting the upper surface of the cathode insulating plate 133. The upper end of the force-measuring shaft 24 is connected to a force-sensing element 25, which is disposed on the upper surface of the top plate 22. The load source 26 is configured such that its upper end contacts the lower surface of the anode end plate 181, and its lower end is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 21.

[0058] The shape and arrangement of the frame 20 in the embodiment do not limit the scope of protection, and the frame 20 can take many forms.

[0059] Alternatively, the setup can be as follows: The upper end of the force-measuring shaft 24 contacts the lower surface of the anode end plate 181, and the lower end of the force-measuring shaft 24 is connected to the force-sensing element 25, which is mounted on the base plate 21. The load source 26 is positioned so that its lower end contacts the upper surface of the cathode insulating plate 133, and is mounted on the top plate 22. The encapsulation force of the reaction zone is applied by the load source 26 fixed to the frame 20. The load can be applied slowly and has a position-holding function. The load source 26 can be hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, etc.; in addition, it can be manually or automatically controlled.

[0060] Alternatively, the load source 26 and the force measuring shaft 24 can be designed on opposite sides, on the same side, or integrated together to load and monitor force changes in the form of a press. Specifically, both the load source 26 and the force measuring shaft 24 are mounted on the top plate 22 or the bottom plate 21; or the load source 26 is mounted on the top plate 22 and the force measuring shaft 24 is mounted on the bottom plate 21; or the load source 26 is mounted on the bottom plate 21 and the force measuring shaft 24 is mounted on the top plate 22. The load source 26 and the force measuring shaft 24 can be configured as a single unit.

[0061] The present invention also provides a partitioned loading method for loading an electrolytic reactor using the aforementioned clamp. The load source 26 applies the load only to the reaction zone via the cathode flow field plate 131. The force-measuring shaft 24 of the clamp is brought into contact with the electrolytic reactor, and the load source 26 is driven to slowly load the reaction zone while tightening the bolts 19 on the non-reaction zones of the electrolytic reactor. Preferably, loading and tightening of the bolts 19 are performed alternately, for example, by tightening the bolts 19 during the intermittent loading by driving the load source 26.

[0062] Specifically, the process is as follows: The electrolytic reactor is stacked layer by layer and then installed onto the load source 26 within the frame 20. The threaded force-measuring shaft 24 is tightened to make it contact the electrolytic reactor, driving the load source 26 to slowly load the reaction zone. During the intervals between loading steps, the peripheral screws are tightened. Preferably, loading of the reaction zone and non-reaction zones can be alternated to complete the press-fitting of the electrolytic reactor. The cathode current collector 12 is installed on the side wall of the cathode flow field plate 131 through threaded holes. DC power is supplied to the electrolytic reactor through the cathode current collector 12 and the anode current collector 17 for performance testing.

[0063] This invention addresses the problem of existing bolt-loaded encapsulation methods in electrolytic reactors, which do not distinguish between reactive and non-reactive zones, i.e., loading is applied to both reactive and non-reactive zones simultaneously. This makes it impossible to accurately and quantitatively assess the stress on the reactive zone and determine the relationship between electrolytic performance and encapsulation load. To solve this problem, this application proposes a partitioned loading tooling fixture structure. This partitioned loading tooling fixture structure can quantitatively measure the load applied to the reactive zone, thereby providing precise control during press-fitting.

[0064] According to embodiments of the present invention, a PEM electrolytic reactor test fixture is provided, for example. This fixture features a zoned encapsulation force loading function, applying encapsulation force individually to the reaction zone of the electrolytic reactor through a zoned combination design of the cathode flow channel plate and end plates. The encapsulation force in the reaction zone can be monitored in real time and precisely controlled by force sensing elements.

[0065] The scope of protection of this application is not limited to PEM electrolysis test fixtures or PEM electrolysis stacks, but also includes similar stacked structures such as fuel cells.

[0066] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific 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 should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic reactor, wherein the reactor core comprises a cathode flow field plate, a cathode transport layer, a membrane electrode, an anode transport layer, and an anode flow field plate stacked sequentially in a vertical direction; the membrane electrode comprises a reaction portion and a surrounding portion; the cathode transport layer, the reaction portion of the membrane electrode, and the anode transport layer constitute a reaction zone; the cathode flow field plate and the reaction zone are projected in the vertical direction to coincide; and the cathode flow field plate and the cathode electrode plate of the reactor core are separate components. in, The cathode end plate includes a cathode outer end plate separated from each other and a cathode inner end plate fixed on the cathode outer end plate. Both the cathode inner end plate and the cathode outer end plate are configured to surround the cathode flow field plate.

2. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode flow field plate includes a hydrogen passage and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen passage includes horizontal and vertical channels that are interconnected.

3. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The anode flow field plate includes a water inlet, a water-oxygen passage, and a water-oxygen outlet.

4. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane electrode is fixed at the periphery.

5. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The projection of the cathode flow field plate in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the anode flow field plate.

6. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A membrane electrode sealing gasket is provided between the membrane electrode and the anode flow field plate.

7. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic reactor also includes: a cathode insulating plate stacked on the upper surface of the cathode flow field plate, a cathode current collector fixed on the cathode flow field plate, an anode current collector disposed below the anode flow field plate, and an anode end plate disposed below the anode current collector. The cathode outer end plate, anode flow field plate, anode current collector and anode end plate are fixed together in their respective peripheral parts, and an anode insulating plate is provided between the anode current collector and the anode end plate.

8. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A cathode end plate sealing gasket is provided between the inner end plate and the outer end plate of the cathode.

9. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A membrane electrode sealing gasket is also provided between the outer end plate of the cathode and the membrane electrode.

10. The electrolytic reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the cathode flow field plate is provided with a groove for installing the cathode flow field plate sealing ring; In the horizontal direction, the cathode flow field plate sealing ring is disposed between the cathode flow field plate and the cathode inner end plate.

Images