Jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyser

Abstract

The invention discloses a jet hole bipolar plate for a water electrolyser, which comprises a main polar plate, the two ends of the main polar plate are respectively provided with an electrolyte inlet and outlet part, the inner side of the electrolyte inlet and outlet part is provided with a shunting area, and the electrolyte inlet and outlet part is communicated with a runner area in the middle of the main polar plate through the shunting area; the cathode plate and the anode plate are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the main polar plate respectively, the cathode plate and the anode plate and the corresponding runner areas form an overflowing cavity, a plurality of jet flow holes are formed in the cathode plate and the anode plate, and the jet flow holes are communicated with the overflowing cavity; after being guided in through the electrolyte inlet and outlet part, electrolyte flows into the overflowing cavity through the shunting area, and uniformly flows out through the jet flow holes in the flowing process in the overflowing cavity. According to the invention, the runner region is optimized, and the array jet holes are formed in the bipolar plate, so that the electrolyte entering the electrochemical reaction region is distributed more uniformly, the problem of incomplete reaction or low efficiency caused by insufficient fluid on the surface of the electrode is avoided, and the utilization rate of the electrode and the electrolytic efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of hydrogen production by water electrolysis, and in particular to a jet hole bipolar plate for a water electrolyzer. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen production by water electrolysis is a process that uses direct current to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of a catalyst. Since this process does not produce carbon emissions or other harmful substances, it is widely considered to be an ideal technology for the production of "green hydrogen". At present, water electrolysis technology is mainly divided into three categories: alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis and anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis.

[0003] In a water electrolyzer, the plates are located at both ends of the chamber as carriers of electron conduction. The electrolyzer uses a diaphragm to divide the electrolysis chamber into the cathode electrolyte and the anode electrolyte regions, thereby achieving the separation of hydrogen and oxygen. In the currently common bipolar filter press electrolyzer, multiple identical electrolysis chambers are combined in series. Under the action of the electric field, one side of the plate is negatively charged and the other side is positively charged, serving as the cathode and anode of the two adjacent electrolysis chambers, respectively, forming a "bipolar plate".

[0004] The bipolar plate is provided with hydrogen gas channel holes, oxygen gas channel holes and electrolyte flow channel holes. The electrolyte enters from the flow channel holes and reacts at the electrodes to generate hydrogen and oxygen. In the above process, the dynamic characteristics of the gas-liquid phase flow directly affect the flow properties of the electrolyte, and then affect the performance of the electrolyzer.

[0005] However, in the existing bipolar plate structure, the distribution of electrolyte on the electrode surface is often uneven. Especially under high current density operating conditions, problems such as uneven electrolyte distribution and bubble aggregation are more prominent, resulting in reduced electrolysis efficiency and may even cause safety hazards such as local overheating.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the overall performance of the electrolyzer by optimizing the flow field structure, improving the distribution of the electrolyte on the electrode surface, and enhancing the dynamic characteristics of the two-phase fluid. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a bipolar plate with jet holes for a water electrolyzer, which can improve the distribution of electrolyte on the electrode surface through reasonable design while ensuring gas separation and electron conduction, thereby effectively improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[0008] The above technical objectives of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] A jet hole bipolar plate for a water electrolyzer, comprising

[0010] A main electrode plate, wherein both ends of the main electrode plate are respectively provided with electrolyte inlet and outlet parts, a shunt area is provided inside the electrolyte inlet and outlet parts, and the electrolyte inlet and outlet parts are connected with the flow channel area located in the middle of the main electrode plate through the shunt area;

[0011] The cathode plate and the anode plate are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the main electrode plate, and form a flow cavity with the corresponding flow channel area. A plurality of jet holes are opened on the cathode plate and the anode plate, and the jet holes are connected to the flow cavity;

[0012] After the electrolyte is introduced through the electrolyte inlet and outlet, it flows into the flow cavity through the diversion area, and in the process of flowing in the flow cavity, it flows out evenly through the jet hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the electrolyte inlet and outlet part includes

[0014] An anode electrolyte inlet is provided at one end of the main electrode plate;

[0015] The anolyte outlet is arranged at the other end of the main electrode plate and is diagonally distributed with respect to the anolyte inlet;

[0016] A cathode electrolyte inlet is provided at one end of the main electrode plate;

[0017] The cathode electrolyte outlet is arranged at the other end of the main electrode plate and is diagonally distributed with respect to the cathode electrolyte inlet.

[0018] Furthermore, a plurality of diverter columns distributed in an array are provided in the diverter area, and the electrolyte introduced from the anode electrolyte inlet or the cathode electrolyte inlet flows into the flow channel area uniformly under the action of the diverter columns.

[0019] Furthermore, a plurality of flow diversion blocks are provided in the flow channel area, the flow diversion blocks include long flow diversion blocks and short flow diversion blocks, a plurality of rows of staggered long flow diversion blocks and short flow diversion blocks divide the flow channel area into a plurality of sub-flow channels, and a flow port for transversely connecting the sub-flow channels is provided between the long flow diversion blocks and the short flow diversion blocks;

[0020] The electrolyte that flows uniformly from the shunt area into the flow channel area flows uniformly through the flow cavity along the sub-flow channel under the action of the shunt block.

[0021] Furthermore, the jet holes are distributed in an array, and the electrolyte flows out of the flow cavity through the jet holes during the flow in the flow channel area.

[0022] Furthermore, a limiting structure is provided along the edge of the flow channel area, the bottom surface of the limiting structure is flush with the top surface of the shunt block, the cathode plate and the anode plate are arranged at the end surface of the flow channel area through the limiting structure, the inner side surfaces of the cathode plate and the anode plate are tightly attached to the top surface of the shunt block, and a bipolar plate is formed with the main electrode plate through vacuum diffusion or laser welding process.

[0023] Furthermore, a plurality of the bipolar plates are stacked and assembled to form an electrolytic cell, a sealing groove is provided along the outer edge of the bipolar plate, and adjacent bipolar plates form an electrolytic chamber, and the electrolyte is introduced from the anode electrolyte inlet or cathode electrolyte inlet at one end of the bipolar plate, flows through the diversion area and the flow channel area in sequence, and flows out from the jet hole into the electrolytic chamber, and forms a uniform fluid distribution on the electrode surface;

[0024] The electrolyte is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of the electric field. The hydrogen flows out through the hydrogen airway holes, and the oxygen is discharged through the oxygen airway holes. After the electrochemical reaction, the electrolyte reaches the outlet end of the electrolysis chamber. The outlet end of the electrolysis chamber is provided with an outlet connected to the diversion area at the other end of the bipolar plate.

[0025] The electrolyte entering the flow divider at the other end of the bipolar plate flows out through the anode electrolyte outlet or the cathode electrolyte outlet.

[0026] Furthermore, the thickness of the main electrode plate is 2.6 mm, the thickness of the cathode plate and the anode plate is 0.2 mm, and the surfaces of the main electrode plate, the cathode plate and the anode plate are sandblasted and brushed, and then nickel-plated or gold-plated according to the environment of the electrolyte.

[0027] Furthermore, the width of the sub-channel is 1.2 mm, the width of the diverter block is 1 mm, the depth of the sub-channel is 0.8 mm, and the inclination angle of the sub-channel is 30°; the diameter of the jet hole is 1 mm, and the inclination angle of the jet hole is 60°.

[0028] Furthermore, the flow rate of the electrolyte is 1 m / s, and the flow direction of the electrolyte is the same as the inclination direction of the sub-channel and the jet hole.

[0029] In summary, the present invention optimizes the flow channel area and provides an array of jet holes on the bipolar plate, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. By optimizing the way the electrolyte enters the electrochemical reaction area, the electrolyte can be distributed more evenly, avoiding incomplete or inefficient reactions caused by insufficient fluid on the electrode surface, thereby improving electrode utilization and electrolysis efficiency.

[0031] 2. Through the synergistic effect of the jet holes, the mass transfer in the electrolytic cell (including the transfer of heat, mass and momentum) is significantly enhanced, the extreme difference in local flow velocity is effectively reduced, the turbulent intensity of the fluid is enhanced, the diffusion of ions and molecules is promoted, and the electrolysis reaction process is further accelerated.

[0032] 3. This design can effectively reduce the retention and accumulation of bubbles on the electrode surface, ensure the rapid detachment of bubbles, avoid overheating caused by bubble accumulation, and improve the safety of the electrolyzer.

[0033] 4. The bipolar plate of the present invention can not only maintain good performance under extreme conditions such as high current density, but also be applicable to a variety of water electrolysis modes, and has strong adaptability and broad application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the jet hole bipolar plate for the water electrolyzer according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of the jet hole bipolar plate for the water electrolyzer described in the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the main pole plate of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of position A.

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of position B.

[0039] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the diversion area of ​​the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the jet hole of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the flow direction of the electrolyte described in the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of position A.

[0043] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of position B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects achieved by the present invention easy to understand, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with illustrations and specific embodiments.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the present invention provides a jet hole bipolar plate for a water electrolyzer, comprising

[0046] A main electrode plate 1, wherein both ends of the main electrode plate 1 are respectively provided with electrolyte inlet and outlet portions 11, a shunt area 16 is provided inside the electrolyte inlet and outlet portions 11, and the electrolyte inlet and outlet portions 11 are connected to a flow channel area 17 located in the middle of the main electrode plate 1 through the shunt area 16;

[0047] The cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 3 are respectively arranged at the front and rear sides of the main electrode plate 1, and form a flow cavity with the corresponding flow channel area 17. A plurality of jet holes 21 are opened on the cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 3, and the jet holes 21 are connected to the flow cavity;

[0048] After being introduced through the electrolyte inlet and outlet 11 , the electrolyte flows into the flow cavity through the diversion area 16 , and flows out uniformly through the jet holes 21 during the flow process in the flow cavity.

[0049] The electrolyte inlet and outlet portion 11 includes

[0050] An anode electrolyte inlet 12 is provided at one end of the main electrode plate 1;

[0051] The anolyte outlet 13 is arranged at the other end of the main electrode plate 1 and is diagonally distributed with respect to the anolyte inlet 12;

[0052] The cathode electrolyte inlet 14 is arranged at one end of the main electrode plate 1;

[0053] The cathode electrolyte outlet 15 is disposed at the other end of the main electrode plate 1 and is diagonally distributed with respect to the cathode electrolyte inlet 14 .

[0054] In this embodiment, the anolyte inlet 12 and the anolyte outlet 13, as well as the catholyte inlet 14 and the catholyte outlet 15 are arranged in a diagonal direction to ensure symmetry and uniformity of the electrolyte flow.

[0055] The diverter area 16 is provided with a plurality of diverter columns 161 distributed in an array. The electrolyte introduced from the anode electrolyte inlet 12 or the cathode electrolyte inlet 14 flows evenly into the flow channel area 17 under the action of the diverter columns 161 .

[0056] The flow channel area 17 is provided with a plurality of flow dividing blocks 18, the flow dividing blocks 18 include long flow dividing blocks and short flow dividing blocks, and a plurality of rows of staggered long flow dividing blocks and short flow dividing blocks divide the flow channel area 17 into a plurality of sub-flow channels, and a flow port 19 for horizontally connecting the sub-flow channels is provided between the long flow dividing blocks and the short flow dividing blocks;

[0057] The electrolyte that flows uniformly from the flow dividing area 16 into the flow channel area 17 flows uniformly through the flow cavity along the sub-flow channel under the action of the flow dividing block 18 .

[0058] The jet holes 21 are distributed in an array, and the electrolyte flows out of the flow cavity through the jet holes 21 during the flow in the flow channel area 17 .

[0059] A limiting structure 171 is provided along the edge of the flow channel area 17, and the bottom surface of the limiting structure 171 is flush with the top surface of the shunt block 18. The cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 3 are arranged at the end surface of the flow channel area 17 through the limiting structure 171. The inner side surfaces of the cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 3 are tightly attached to the top surface of the shunt block 18, and a bipolar plate is formed with the main pole plate 1 through vacuum diffusion or laser welding process, thereby ensuring the sealing and mechanical strength of each part.

[0060] A plurality of the bipolar plates are stacked and assembled to form an electrolytic cell. A sealing groove 22 is provided along the outer edge of the bipolar plate. The sealing groove 22 is used to ensure that the electrolyte does not leak and to ensure that the working environment in the electrolytic cell is in a closed state, thereby improving the safety of the system. Adjacent bipolar plates form an electrolytic chamber. After the electrolyte is introduced from the anode electrolyte inlet 12 or the cathode electrolyte inlet 14 at one end of the bipolar plate, it flows through the diversion area 16 and the flow channel area 17 in sequence, and flows out from the jet hole 21 into the electrolytic chamber, and forms a uniform fluid distribution on the electrode surface;

[0061] The electrolyte is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of the electric field. The hydrogen flows out through the hydrogen gas channel hole, and the oxygen is discharged through the oxygen gas channel hole. After the electrochemical reaction, the electrolyte reaches the outlet end of the electrolysis chamber. The outlet end of the electrolysis chamber is provided with an outlet 23 connected to the diversion area 16 at the other end of the bipolar plate.

[0062] The electrolyte entering the diversion area 16 at the other end of the bipolar plate flows out through the anolyte outlet 13 or the cathode electrolyte outlet 15 .

[0063] Example 1

[0064] In this embodiment, the thickness of the main plate 1 is 2.6 mm, the thickness of the cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 3 is 0.2 mm, and the surfaces of the main plate 1, the cathode plate 2 and the anode plate 3 are treated by sandblasting and wire drawing, and then nickel or gold plating is performed according to the environment of the electrolyte. The width of the sub-channel is 1.2 mm, the width of the shunt block 18 is 1 mm, the depth of the sub-channel is 0.8 mm, and the inclination angle of the sub-channel is 30°; the diameter of the jet hole 21 is 1 mm, and the inclination angle of the jet hole 21 is 60°. The flow rate of the electrolyte is 1 m / s, and the flow direction of the electrolyte is the same as the inclination direction of the sub-channel and the jet hole 21.

[0065] Through long-term experimental tests, the bipolar plate design of the present invention exhibits excellent performance under high current density conditions. 2 Under high current density conditions, the electrolyzer can still operate stably, and the electrolyte is evenly distributed on the electrode surface, without local insufficient reaction or electrode overheating.

[0066] In this document, the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "vertical", and "horizontal" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the clarity of expressing the technical solutions and the convenience of description, and therefore should not be understood as limitations of the present invention.

[0067] In this document, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion of elements other than those listed and may also include additional elements not expressly listed.

[0068] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be subject to various changes and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. These changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate with jet holes for a water electrolyzer, characterized in that: include A main electrode plate (1), wherein both ends of the main electrode plate (1) are respectively provided with electrolyte inlet and outlet portions (11), a shunt area (16) is provided inside the electrolyte inlet and outlet portions (11), and the electrolyte inlet and outlet portions (11) are connected to a flow channel area (17) located in the middle of the main electrode plate (1) through the shunt area (16); A cathode plate (2) and an anode plate (3) are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the main electrode plate (1) and form a flow cavity with the corresponding flow channel area (17); a plurality of jet holes (21) are opened on the cathode plate (2) and the anode plate (3), and the jet holes (21) are connected to the flow cavity; After being introduced through the electrolyte inlet and outlet portion (11), the electrolyte flows into the flow chamber via the diversion area (16), and during the flow process in the flow chamber, flows out evenly through the jet hole (21).

2. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte inlet and outlet portion (11) comprises An anode electrolyte inlet (12) is arranged at one end of the main electrode plate (1); An anolyte outlet (13) is arranged at the other end of the main electrode plate (1) and is diagonally distributed with respect to the anolyte inlet (12); A cathode electrolyte inlet (14) is arranged at one end of the main electrode plate (1); The cathode electrolyte outlet (15) is arranged at the other end of the main electrode plate (1) and is diagonally distributed with respect to the cathode electrolyte inlet (14).

3. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diverter area (16) is provided with a plurality of diverter columns (161) distributed in an array, and the electrolyte introduced from the anode electrolyte inlet (12) and the cathode electrolyte inlet (14) flows evenly into the flow channel area (17) under the action of the diverter columns (161).

4. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow channel area (17) is provided with a plurality of flow diverter blocks (18), the flow diverter blocks (18) comprising long flow diverter blocks and short flow diverter blocks, a plurality of rows of staggered long flow diverter blocks and short flow diverter blocks divide the flow channel area (17) into a plurality of sub-flow channels, and a flow port (19) for transversely connecting the sub-flow channels is provided between the long flow diverter blocks and the short flow diverter blocks; The electrolyte that flows uniformly from the flow diversion area (16) into the flow channel area (17) flows uniformly through the flow cavity along the sub-flow channel under the action of the flow diversion block (18).

5. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The jet holes (21) are distributed in an array, and during the flow of the electrolyte in the flow channel area (17), the electrolyte flows out of the flow cavity through the jet holes (21).

6. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that: A limiting structure (171) is provided along the edge of the flow channel area (17), the bottom surface of the limiting structure (171) is flush with the top surface of the shunt block (18), the cathode plate (2) and the anode plate (3) are arranged at the end surface of the flow channel area (17) through the limiting structure (171), the inner side surfaces of the cathode plate (2) and the anode plate (3) are tightly attached to the top surface of the shunt block (18), and a bipolar plate is formed with the main electrode plate (1) through a vacuum diffusion or laser welding process.

7. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of the bipolar plates are stacked and assembled to form an electrolytic cell, a sealing groove (22) is provided along the outer edge of the bipolar plate, and adjacent bipolar plates form an electrolytic chamber. After the electrolyte is introduced through the anode electrolyte inlet (12) and the cathode electrolyte inlet (14) at one end of the bipolar plate, it flows through the diversion area (16) and the flow channel area (17) in sequence, and flows out from the jet hole (21) into the electrolytic chamber, and forms a uniform fluid distribution on the electrode surface; The electrolyte is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of the electric field, the hydrogen flows out through the hydrogen gas channel hole, and the oxygen is discharged through the oxygen gas channel hole. After the electrochemical reaction, the electrolyte reaches the outlet end of the electrolysis chamber. The outlet end of the electrolysis chamber is provided with an outlet (23) connected to the diversion area (16) at the other end of the bipolar plate; The electrolyte entering the diversion area (16) at the other end of the bipolar plate flows out through the anode electrolyte outlet (13) or the cathode electrolyte outlet (15).

8. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the main pole plate (1) is 2.6 mm, and the thickness of the cathode plate (2) and the anode plate (3) is 0.2 mm. The surfaces of the main pole plate (1), the cathode plate (2) and the anode plate (3) are subjected to sandblasting and wire drawing treatments, and then nickel-plated or gold-plated according to the environment of the electrolyte.

9. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The width of the sub-channel is 1.2 mm, the width of the diverter block (18) is 1 mm, the depth of the sub-channel is 0.8 mm, and the inclination angle of the sub-channel is 30°; the diameter of the jet hole (21) is 1 mm, and the inclination angle of the jet hole (21) is 60°.

10. The jet hole bipolar plate for water electrolyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flow rate of the electrolyte is 1 m / s, and the flow direction of the electrolyte is the same as the inclination direction of the sub-flow channel and the jet hole (21).

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