Method for electrolyzing water through proton exchange membrane and electrodeless frame type electrolytic cell

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electrolysis processes and equipment, and discloses a method for electrolyzing water through a proton exchange membrane and an electrodeless frame type electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell comprises a cathode end pressing plate, a cathode insulation spacer, a cathode plate, a cathode sealing frame, a cathode flow channel, a cathode gas diffusion layer, a membrane electrode, an anode gas diffusion layer, an anode flow channel, an anode sealing frame, an anode plate, an anode insulation spacer and an anode end pressing plate which are sequentially arranged from left to right, a plate adopts a flat plate type titanium plate, and the flow channel adopts a titanium mesh type flow channel; the sealing frame is made of soft materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or reinforced composite materials thereof, and integrated sealing convex rings can be arranged on the two side faces of the sealing frame. The sealing convex ring is optimized through a topological structure, the sealing effect is ensured, the sealing reliability is improved, and the top edge structure of the sealing convex ring is checked to adapt to elastic deformation of the electrolytic cell under the high-voltage working condition; the flow paths of the water path and the gas path are optimized, and the electrolysis efficiency and the gas separation effect are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electrolysis technology and equipment, and in particular to a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis method and an electrodeless frame electrolyzer. Background Art

[0002] PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) water electrolyzer is a highly efficient water splitting technology used to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. This technology uses a proton exchange membrane as an electrolyte and realizes the electrolysis reaction of water through the action of electric current. The working principle of PEM water electrolyzer is based on the electrolysis reaction of water. When electric current passes through the electrolyzer, water molecules decompose into hydrogen and oxygen on the surface of the electrode. The specific process is as follows: At the anode (positive electrode), water molecules undergo oxidation reaction to generate oxygen, protons ( ) and electronics ( ): , At the cathode (negative electrode), protons ( ) move through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode and combine with electrons to generate hydrogen: , The proton exchange membrane (PEM) plays a key role in this process. It only allows protons to pass through while blocking the penetration of electrons and gases. Therefore, the PEM plays an important role in maintaining the efficiency and purity of the electrolysis process.

[0003] The core structure of the PEM water electrolyzer includes the following parts: 1. Proton exchange membrane (PEM): usually uses perfluorosulfonic acid membrane, which has good proton conductivity and can efficiently conduct protons generated during electrolysis. It also has good chemical stability and is suitable for working under high current density; 2. Electrodes: Catalyst layers are set on the anode and cathode to promote the oxidation and reduction reactions of water. Commonly used catalysts include precious metals such as platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir), which can increase the reaction rate and efficiency; 3. Flow field design: The flow field design of the electrolytic cell is crucial to the distribution of water flow, gas separation and reaction efficiency. The flow field plate improves the reaction efficiency and gas separation effect in the cell by optimizing the paths of water flow and air flow; 4. Current collector: The current collector is used to collect electrons from the electrode and transfer them to the external circuit, and is also used to support the electrode.

[0004] PEM water electrolyzers are widely used in hydrogen health, hydrogen medical, hydrogen energy, hydrogen agriculture, hydrogen smelting, hydrogen chemical industry and other industries. Specific applications include: 1. Hydrogen production: PEM water electrolyzer is an important way to produce green hydrogen, especially when using renewable energy (such as solar energy and wind energy), it can achieve low-carbon green hydrogen production; 2. Energy storage system: PEM water electrolyzers can be combined with renewable energy power generation systems (such as photovoltaic and wind power) to provide energy storage solutions. When there is excess power generation, the excess electricity is converted into hydrogen storage and then converted back into electricity during peak demand; 3. Fuel cell application: The hydrogen produced by PEM water electrolyzer can be used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, drones and other means of transportation as a clean energy source.

[0005] The sealing technology of PEM (proton exchange membrane) water electrolyzer is a key part to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the electrolyzer. Since PEM electrolyzers work in high temperature, high pressure and strong corrosive environment, the sealing system must have excellent sealing performance, durability and chemical stability. The existing PEM sealing technology is mainly optimized around the following aspects: selection of sealing materials, sealing structure design, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and mechanical properties, etc.

[0006] In order to improve the efficiency of electrolysis, it is usually necessary to increase the internal pressure. The existing technology usually adopts a stacking method of three parts: thin sealing gasket + hard pole frame + thin sealing gasket to solve the sealing problem of the electrolytic cell. This arrangement has at least four sealing surfaces, and the thin sealing gasket is usually made of softer materials. The elastic deformation during operation is large, and micro-motion wear is prone to occur, which in turn causes gas and liquid leakage. Furthermore, some existing technologies set a sealing structure with a raised sealing ring on the sealing structure or pole frame, or even multiple layers of concentric sealing rings. This structure can achieve a certain sealing effect. However, after the inner sealing ring is worn, it cannot effectively isolate the worn area, causing the subsequent sealing layer to be compressed as a whole. Once a single point of wear occurs, it means that this layer of sealing ring has failed. The fault resistance of this existing technology is insufficient. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate, a cathode insulating gasket, a cathode plate, a cathode sealing frame, a cathode flow channel, a cathode gas diffusion layer, a membrane electrode, an anode gas diffusion layer, an anode flow channel, an anode sealing frame, an anode plate, an anode insulating gasket, and an anode terminal pressure plate. A bipolar plate is also provided between the anode sealing frame and the anode plate, and another group of cathode sealing frames, cathode flow channels, cathode gas diffusion layers, membrane electrodes, anode gas diffusion layers, anode flow channels, and anode sealing frames are provided between the bipolar plate and the anode plate, and the cathode sealing frame, The cathode flow channel, the cathode gas diffusion layer, the membrane electrode, the anode gas diffusion layer, the anode flow channel, the anode sealing frame and the pole plates on both sides constitute a complete electrolysis chamber, the pole plates on both sides are the cathode plates or the bipolar plates or the anode plates, and so on, there are multiple electrolysis chambers, wherein the cathode plates, the anode plates and the bipolar plates are flat-plate pole plates made of titanium plates or other anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation conductive materials; the cathode flow channel and the anode flow channel are titanium mesh flow channels, or other anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation conductive material mesh flow channels; while ensuring performance, the fluid uniformity is guaranteed, the pressure drop is reduced, and the cost is also reduced.

[0008] The cathode sealing frame and the anode sealing frame simultaneously have the functions of a pole frame and a sealing gasket, that is, they simultaneously have the functions of forming an electrolytic chamber space and sealing.

[0009] The cathode sealing frame and the anode sealing frame are made of soft materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or its reinforced composite; integrated sealing convex rings between the bolt mounting holes and the center groove are arranged on the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame or the anode sealing frame, wherein the bolt mounting holes are located in the frames of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame and / or the anode sealing frame, and the center groove is located at the center of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame and / or the anode sealing frame.

[0010] The sealing convex ring contacts the cathode sealing frame or the anode sealing frame surface to form an inner bottom edge and an outer bottom edge; the sealing convex ring has a linear top edge; the top edge and the side surfaces on both sides thereof form a top angle with a preset angle.

[0011] The projections of the top edge of the sealing convex ring and the outer edge of the central groove on a plane parallel to the sealing frame meet the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame and the anode sealing frame: T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge of the sealing bead, there is at least one loop , making the loop The projection of the outer edge of the central groove forms a topological biconnection; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge of the sealing bead, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

[0012] Furthermore, the top edge of the sealing convex ring forms a square grid pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the top edge of the sealing convex ring forms an oblique grid pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the top edge of the sealing convex ring forms a fish scale pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the material and geometric dimensions of the sealing bead satisfy the following verification formula: , in, , and Respectively represent the working preload force, minimum residual preload force and number of bolts on the anode terminal plate and cathode terminal plate; Indicates the preset maximum internal pressure of the electrolytic cell when it is working. It indicates the area of ​​the central groove on the sealing frame that withstands the internal pressure, Indicates the internal pressure safety factor; Indicates the number of overlapping layers of the electrodeless frame electrolytic cell; Indicates the absolute value of the maximum flatness error corresponding to the tolerance grade of the sealing frame; An angle representing the top angle of the cross section of the sealing bead; The length of the line projected from the top edge of the sealing convex ring to the sealing frame; Indicates the Young's modulus of elasticity of polytetrafluoroethylene used in the sealing frame.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing frame also includes a flow channel frame, which is embedded in the inner recess of the sealing frame. After the flow channel frame is installed in conjunction with the sealing frame, the outer contour of the center groove becomes a rectangle, which is used to prevent the flow channel groove from collapsing due to suspension, affecting the sealing of the oxygen side and hydrogen side of the membrane electrode, thereby causing internal leakage.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a quick-twist straight-through joint, which has a threaded head. The anode terminal pressure plate and the cathode terminal pressure plate are provided with threaded holes. The threaded head of the quick-twist straight-through joint is screwed into the threaded holes on the anode terminal pressure plate and the cathode terminal pressure plate to achieve quick installation and disassembly.

[0018] Furthermore, sealing ring gaskets are applied between the cathode insulating pad and the quick-twist straight-through joint, and between the anode insulating pad and the quick-twist straight-through joint to avoid wrinkling and damage of the cathode insulating pad and the anode insulating pad during the tightening process, thereby ensuring insulation and sealing.

[0019] Furthermore, when the sealing pressure requirement is lower than 4MPa, the sealing frame is made of soft materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or its reinforced composite, and an integrated sealing convex ring may not be provided on both side surfaces of the sealing frame between the bolt mounting hole and the center groove.

[0020] Furthermore, hexagonal flange-faced toothed bolts are used to fix the end pressure plate of the electrolytic cell to prevent the bolts from slipping and rotating during the tightening and disassembly process, saving tooling, allowing installation and disassembly by a single person, and reducing costs.

[0021] Furthermore, the membrane electrode edge sealing adopts a full-coverage form: the membrane electrode edge sealing adopts a full-coverage form, which is easy to position and install, reduces membrane electrode swelling and wrinkles, improves sealing, prevents internal leakage of the electrolyzer, improves installation efficiency, and reduces overall costs.

[0022] The present invention also provides a method for electrolyzing water by proton exchange membrane, which is implemented based on the described non-polar frame electrolyzer, and the water path of the method is as follows: deionized water flows through a water inlet pipe from one side, and then flows in from the bottom of the anode side of each small chamber respectively, flows out from the upper part of the anode side of each small chamber, and merges into a water outlet pipe on the other side, and the O2 produced on the anode side flows out together with water and enters the oxygen gas-liquid separator of the system. The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are arranged on both sides of the electrolyzer, and the path length of the water flow on the anode side of each small chamber is equal. When the number of electrolytic chambers is relatively small, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe can also be on the same side.

[0023] Furthermore, the gas path of the method is as follows: the hydrogen ions generated on the anode side and water form hydrated hydrogen ions, which, under the action of the electric field force and the concentration difference force, pass through the proton exchange membrane and enter the cathode side, and the hydrogen ions obtain electrons and become hydrogen, which flows out together with a small amount of water and enters the hydrogen gas-liquid separator of the system; the hydrogen gas path is a left and right double outlet or a single outlet.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The electrode plate of the present invention adopts a flat plate, and the material is a conductive, corrosion-resistant and anti-oxidation material such as a titanium plate. The flow channel adopts a mesh flow channel, and the material is a conductive, corrosion-resistant and anti-oxidation material such as a titanium mesh. While ensuring the performance, the uniformity of the fluid is ensured, the pressure drop is reduced, and the cost is also reduced; the sealing structure adopted by the present invention is: a sealing frame is used to replace the three parts of a thin sealing gasket + a hard electrode frame + a thin sealing gasket; the assembly cost is reduced, the sealing surface is reduced, and the risk of leakage is reduced; 2. Compared with the multi-layer ring-type sealing structure in the prior art, the present invention optimizes the topological structure of the sealing structure. First, it forms a topological double connection with the central groove. The topological double connection structure means that there is at least one hole in the outer ring loop. The hole in the present invention refers to the outer edge of the central groove. In this way, the emission line between any two points of the central groove will be sealed by the sealing structure, and comprehensive sealing can be achieved; 3. The present invention also sets the top edge into multiple areas, specifically by setting any two points of any sealing structure into a single-connected loop. Single connectivity in topology means that there are no "holes" between the loops. In this way, the loop constitutes a closed area. When any part of the loop is worn, the gas-liquid medium will only fill into the loop and will not spread to other areas, thereby effectively preventing the gas-liquid medium from escaping. 4. The present invention also provides a calibration formula based on trigonometric functions and material elastic modulus, so that when the electrolytic cell is subjected to internal pressure, the sealing convex ring on the sealing frame can be effectively elastically deformed to compensate for the high and low misalignment areas that cannot be caused by flatness, thereby achieving a seal that effectively utilizes the elastic deformation of a harder polytetrafluoroethylene material or its reinforced composite material, and avoiding micro-motion wear caused by using a softer sealing material; 5. The flow channel frame of the present invention is used to prevent the flow channel groove from collapsing due to suspension, thereby affecting the sealing of the oxygen side and the hydrogen side of the membrane electrode, and then causing internal leakage; the membrane electrode of the present invention adopts a sealed edge form, which is convenient for positioning and installation, reduces the swelling and wrinkling of the membrane electrode, improves the sealing, prevents the electrolytic cell from internal leakage, improves the installation efficiency, and reduces the overall cost; the present invention uses a sealing ring gasket between the cathode insulation pad and the quick-tightening straight-through joint, and between the anode insulation pad and the quick-tightening straight-through joint, to avoid wrinkling and damage of the cathode insulation pad and the anode insulation pad during the tightening process, and ensure insulation and sealing; 6. The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe of the present invention are arranged on both sides of the electrolytic cell, and the path length of the water flow on the anode side of each chamber is equal. When the number of electrolytic chambers is relatively small, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe can also be on the same side; this ensures that the resistance of each electrolytic chamber is basically equal, which is conducive to improving the electrolysis efficiency; 7. The sealing frame of the present invention adopts soft materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or its reinforced composite when the sealing pressure requirement is lower than 4MPa. On both side surfaces of the sealing frame, between the bolt mounting hole and the center groove, an integrated sealing convex ring may not be provided, thereby reducing costs and improving assembly efficiency. The cathode sealing frame and the anode sealing frame have the functions of both the pole frame and the sealing gasket, that is, they have the functions of forming the electrolytic chamber space and sealing at the same time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a three-piece pole frame sealing structure in the prior art.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional exploded view of the electrodeless frame electrolytic cell of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a side view of the electrodeless frame electrolytic cell of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the integrated sealing convex ring on the sealing frame of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the top angle of the sealing convex ring of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 The figure is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the projection of the top edge of the sealing bead of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the projection of the top edge of the sealing bead of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the projection of the top edge of the sealing bead of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 9 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the quick-tightening straight joint of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.10 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flow channel frame of the present invention.

[0035] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the waterway of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.12 It is a gas path schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the edge sealing form adopted for the membrane electrode edge sealing of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to deepen the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with examples. The examples are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] It should be noted that, in the present application, "electrolyzer" and "polarized frame electrolyzer" have the same meaning.

[0040] Embodiment 1

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the prior art generally adopts a stacking arrangement of three parts, namely, a thin sealing gasket + a hard pole frame + a thin sealing gasket, to solve the sealing problem of the electrolytic cell.

[0042] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1, a cathode insulating gasket 1.2, a cathode plate 1.3, a cathode sealing frame 1.4, a cathode flow channel 1.5, a cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, a membrane electrode 2, an anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, an anode flow channel 3.5, an anode sealing frame 3.4, an anode plate 3.3, an anode insulating gasket 3.2, and an anode terminal pressure plate 3.1.

[0043] There is also a bipolar plate 8 between the anode sealing frame 3.4 and the anode plate 3.3, and there can also be another group of cathode sealing frame 1.4, cathode flow channel 1.5, cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, membrane electrode 2, anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, anode flow channel 3.5, anode sealing frame 3.4 arranged from left to right between the bipolar plate 8 and the anode plate 3.3, and the cathode sealing frame 1.4, cathode flow channel 1.5, cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, membrane electrode 2, anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, anode flow channel 3.5, anode sealing frame 3.4 plus the polar plates on both sides constitute a complete electrolysis chamber, and the polar plates on both sides are the cathode plate 1.3 or the bipolar plate 8 or the anode plate 3.3, and so on, there are multiple electrolysis chambers.

[0044] The cathode plate 1.3, the anode plate 3.3 and the bipolar plate 8 are flat plates made of conductive, corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials such as titanium plates. The cathode flow channel 1.5 and the anode flow channel 3.5 are titanium mesh flow channels made of conductive, corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials such as titanium mesh. While ensuring performance, the fluid uniformity is guaranteed, the pressure drop is reduced, and the cost is reduced.

[0045] The cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4 simultaneously have the functions of a pole frame and a sealing gasket, that is, they simultaneously have the functions of forming the electrolysis chamber space and sealing. Fig.13 The membrane electrode 2 may include a cathode catalyst layer, a proton membrane and an anode catalyst layer.

[0046] Embodiment 2

[0047] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1, a cathode insulating gasket 1.2, a cathode plate 1.3, a cathode sealing frame 1.4, a cathode flow channel 1.5, a cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, a membrane electrode 2, an anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, an anode flow channel 3.5, an anode sealing frame 3.4, an anode plate 3.3, an anode insulating gasket 3.2, and an anode terminal pressure plate 3.1.

[0048] like Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or a soft material such as a reinforced composite thereof. On both sides of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4, between the bolt mounting hole 10 and the center groove 13, an integrated sealing convex ring 11 is provided; the sealing convex ring 11 is in surface contact with the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4, forming an inner bottom edge 14 and an outer bottom edge 16; the sealing convex ring 11 has a linear top edge 15, wherein the bolt mounting hole 10 is located in the frame of the two sides of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, and the center groove 13 is located at the center of the two sides of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, for specific reference Figure 4 .

[0049] The projections of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 and the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 on a plane parallel to the sealing frame satisfy the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4: T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically double connected with the projection of the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

[0050] The material and geometric dimensions of the sealing bead 11 satisfy the following verification formula: , in, , and Respectively represent the working preload force, the minimum residual preload force and the number of bolts on the anode terminal pressure plate 3.1 and the cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1; Indicates the preset maximum internal pressure of the electrolytic cell when it is working. represents the area of ​​the central groove 13 on the sealing frame that withstands the internal pressure, Indicates the internal pressure safety factor; Indicates the number of overlapping layers of the electrolytic cell; Indicates the absolute value of the maximum flatness error corresponding to the tolerance grade of the sealing frame; Angle representing the vertex angle of the cross section of the sealing bead 11; The length of the line projected from the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 to the sealing frame; Indicates the Young's modulus of elasticity of polytetrafluoroethylene used in the sealing frame.

[0051] Embodiment 3

[0052] like Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1, a cathode insulating gasket 1.2, a cathode plate 1.3, a cathode sealing frame 1.4, a cathode flow channel 1.5, a cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, a membrane electrode 2, an anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, an anode flow channel 3.5, an anode sealing frame 3.4, an anode plate 3.3, an anode insulating gasket 3.2, and an anode terminal pressure plate 3.1.

[0053] The cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other soft materials such as reinforced composites thereof. An integrated sealing convex ring 11 is provided on both side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 between the bolt mounting hole 10 and the center groove 13; the sealing convex ring 11 is in surface contact with the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 to form an inner bottom edge 14 and an outer bottom edge 16; the sealing convex ring 11 has a linear top edge 15, wherein the bolt mounting hole 10 is located in the frame of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, and the center groove 13 is located at the center of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, for specific reference Figure 4 .

[0054] The projections of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 and the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 on a plane parallel to the sealing frame satisfy the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4: T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically double connected with the projection of the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 forms a square grid pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

[0056] Embodiment 4

[0057] like Figure 2-Figure 5As shown, this embodiment provides an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1, a cathode insulating gasket 1.2, a cathode plate 1.3, a cathode sealing frame 1.4, a cathode flow channel 1.5, a cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, a membrane electrode 2, an anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, an anode flow channel 3.5, an anode sealing frame 3.4, an anode plate 3.3, an anode insulating gasket 3.2, and an anode terminal pressure plate 3.1.

[0058] The cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other soft materials such as reinforced composites thereof. An integrated sealing convex ring 11 is provided on both side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 between the bolt mounting hole 10 and the center groove 13; the sealing convex ring 11 is in surface contact with the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 to form an inner bottom edge 14 and an outer bottom edge 16; the sealing convex ring 11 has a linear top edge 15, wherein the bolt mounting hole 10 is located in the frame of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, and the center groove 13 is located at the center of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, for specific reference Figure 4 .

[0059] The projections of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 and the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 on a plane parallel to the sealing frame satisfy the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4: T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop The projection of the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 forms a topological double connection; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 forms a fish scale pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

[0061] Embodiment 5

[0062] like Figure 2-Figure 5As shown, this embodiment provides an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1, a cathode insulating gasket 1.2, a cathode plate 1.3, a cathode sealing frame 1.4, a cathode flow channel 1.5, a cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, a membrane electrode 2, an anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, an anode flow channel 3.5, an anode sealing frame 3.4, an anode plate 3.3, an anode insulating gasket 3.2, and an anode terminal pressure plate 3.1.

[0063] The cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other soft materials such as reinforced composites thereof. An integrated sealing convex ring 11 is provided on both side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 between the bolt mounting hole 10 and the center groove 13; the sealing convex ring 11 is in surface contact with the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 to form an inner bottom edge 14 and an outer bottom edge 16; the sealing convex ring 11 has a linear top edge 15, wherein the bolt mounting hole 10 is located in the frame of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, and the center groove 13 is located at the center of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, for specific reference Figure 4 .

[0064] The projections of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 and the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 on a plane parallel to the sealing frame satisfy the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4: T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop The projection of the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 forms a topological double connection; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

[0065] like Figure 8 As shown, the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 forms a diagonal grid pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

[0066] Embodiment 6

[0067] like Fig. 9As shown, this embodiment provides an electrodeless frame electrolyzer, which includes, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1, a cathode insulating gasket 1.2, a cathode plate 1.3, a cathode sealing frame 1.4, a cathode flow channel 1.5, a cathode gas diffusion layer 1.6, a membrane electrode 2, an anode gas diffusion layer 3.6, an anode flow channel 3.5, an anode sealing frame 3.4, an anode plate 3.3, an anode insulating gasket 3.2, and an anode terminal pressure plate 3.1.

[0068] The cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4 are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or other soft materials such as reinforced composites thereof. An integrated sealing convex ring 11 is provided on both side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 between the bolt mounting hole 10 and the center groove 13; the sealing convex ring 11 is in surface contact with the cathode sealing frame 1.4 or the anode sealing frame 3.4 to form an inner bottom edge 14 and an outer bottom edge 16; the sealing convex ring 11 has a linear top edge 15, wherein the bolt mounting hole 10 is located in the frame of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, and the center groove 13 is located at the center of the two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and / or the anode sealing frame 3.4, for specific reference Figure 4 .

[0069] The projections of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 and the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 on a plane parallel to the sealing frame satisfy the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame 1.4 and the anode sealing frame 3.4: T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop The projection of the outer edge 12 of the central groove 13 forms a topological double connection; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11, there is at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

[0070] The material and geometric dimensions of the sealing bead 11 satisfy the following verification formula: , in, , and Respectively represent the working preload force, the minimum residual preload force and the number of bolts on the anode terminal pressure plate 3.1 and the cathode terminal pressure plate 1.1; Indicates the preset maximum internal pressure of the electrolytic cell when it is working. represents the area of ​​the central groove 13 on the sealing frame that withstands the internal pressure, Indicates the internal pressure safety factor; Indicates the number of overlapping layers of the electrolytic cell; Indicates the absolute value of the maximum flatness error corresponding to the tolerance grade of the sealing frame; Angle representing the vertex angle of the cross section of the sealing bead 11; The length of the line projected from the top edge 15 of the sealing bead 11 to the sealing frame; Indicates the Young's modulus of elasticity of polytetrafluoroethylene used in the sealing frame.

[0071] The electrodeless frame electrolyzer also includes a quick-twist straight-through joint, which has a threaded head. The anode terminal plate 3.1 and the cathode terminal plate 1.1 are provided with threaded holes, and the threaded heads of the quick-twist straight-through joint are screwed into the threaded holes on the anode terminal plate 3.1 and the cathode terminal plate 1.1 to achieve rapid installation and removal. A sealing ring gasket is applied between the cathode insulating pad 1.2 and the quick-twist straight-through joint, and between the anode insulating pad 3.2 and the quick-twist straight-through joint to avoid wrinkling and damage of the cathode insulating pad 1.2 and the anode insulating pad 3.2 during the tightening process, thereby ensuring insulation and sealing.

[0072] Embodiment 7

[0073] like Fig.10 As shown, the sealing frame also includes a flow channel frame 4, which is embedded in the inner recess of the sealing frame. After the flow channel frame 4 is installed in conjunction with the sealing frame, the outer contour of the center groove 13 becomes a rectangle; the flow channel frame 4 is used to prevent the flow channel groove from collapsing due to suspension, affecting the sealing of the oxygen side and hydrogen side of the membrane electrode 2, thereby causing internal leakage.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the sealing pressure requirement is lower than 4 MPa, the sealing frame is made of soft materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or its reinforced composite, and no integrated sealing convex ring 11 between the bolt mounting hole 10 and the center groove 13 is provided on the two sides of the sealing frame.

[0075] Embodiment 8 like Fig.11 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for electrolyzing water by proton exchange membrane, which is implemented based on the described non-polar frame electrolyzer, and the water path of the method is as follows: deionized water flows through the water inlet pipe from one side, and then flows in from the bottom of the anode side of each small chamber, flows out from the upper part of the anode side of each small chamber, and merges into the water outlet pipe on the other side, and the O2 produced on the anode side flows out together with the water and enters the oxygen gas-liquid separator of the system; the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are arranged on both sides of the electrolyzer, and the path length of the water flow on the anode side of each small chamber is equal. When the number of electrolytic chambers is relatively small, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe can also be on the same side.

[0076] Embodiment 9

[0077] like Fig.12 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for electrolyzing water using a proton exchange membrane, and the gas path of the method is as follows: the hydrogen ions generated on the anode side and water form hydrated hydrogen ions, which, under the action of the electric field force and the concentration difference, pass through the proton exchange membrane and enter the cathode side, and the hydrogen ions obtain electrons and become hydrogen, which flows out together with a small amount of water and enters the hydrogen gas-liquid separator of the system; the hydrogen gas path is a left and right double outlet or a single outlet.

[0078] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art 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. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, which 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. An electrodeless frame electrolyzer, the electrodeless frame electrolyzer comprising, from left to right, a cathode terminal pressure plate (1.1), a cathode insulating gasket (1.2), a cathode plate (1.3), a cathode sealing frame (1.4), a cathode flow channel (1.5), a cathode gas diffusion layer (1.6), a membrane electrode (2), an anode gas diffusion layer (3.6), an anode flow channel (3.5), an anode sealing frame (3.4), an anode plate (3.3), an anode insulating gasket (3.2), and an anode terminal pressure plate (3.1); A bipolar plate (8) is also provided between the anode sealing frame (3.4) and the anode plate (3.3). Features: The cathode plate (1.3), the anode plate (3.3) and the bipolar plate (8) are flat-plate plates made of anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation conductive materials including titanium plate materials, and the cathode flow channel (1.5) and the anode flow channel (3.5) are mesh-type flow channels made of anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation conductive materials including titanium mesh-type flow channels. Wherein, the cathode sealing frame (1.4) and the anode sealing frame (3.4) are made of polytetrafluoroethylene or a reinforced composite soft material thereof; An integrated sealing convex ring (11) is provided on two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame (1.4) or the anode sealing frame (3.4) between a bolt mounting hole (10) and a central groove (13), wherein the bolt mounting hole (10) is located in the frame of two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame (1.4) or the anode sealing frame (3.4), and the central groove (13) is located at the center of two side surfaces of the cathode sealing frame (1.4) or the anode sealing frame (3.4); The sealing convex ring (11) is in surface contact with the cathode sealing frame (1.4) or the anode sealing frame (3.4) to form a contact surface surrounded by an inner bottom edge (14) and an outer bottom edge (16); the sealing convex ring (11) has a linear top edge (15), and the top edge (15) and two side surfaces of the sealing convex ring (11) form a top angle with a preset angle; The projections of the top edge (15) of the sealing convex ring (11) and the outer edge (12) of the central groove (13) on a plane parallel to the sealing frame satisfy the following topological conditions, and the sealing frame is one of the cathode sealing frame (1.4) and the anode sealing frame (3.4): T1: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge (15) of the sealing bead (11), there exists at least one loop , making the loop A projection of the outer edge (12) of the central groove (13) forms a topological biconnection; T2: For any two points A and B on the projection of the top edge (15) of the sealing bead (11), there exists at least one loop , making the loop It is topologically simply connected.

2. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode sealing frame (1.4) and the anode sealing frame (3.4) have the functions of a pole frame and a sealing gasket.

3. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top edge (15) of the sealing convex ring (11) forms a square grid pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

4. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top edge (15) of the sealing convex ring (11) forms a diagonal grid pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

5. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top edge (15) of the sealing convex ring (11) forms a fish scale pattern in a projection plane parallel to the sealing frame.

6. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material and geometric dimensions of the sealing bead (11) satisfy the following verification formula: ， in, , and Respectively represent the working preload force, the minimum residual preload force and the number of bolts on the anode terminal plate (3.1) and the cathode terminal plate (1.1); represents the preset maximum internal pressure of the stepless frame electrolyzer when it is working, represents the area of ​​the central groove (13) on the sealing frame that withstands the internal pressure, Indicates the internal pressure safety factor; Indicates the number of overlapping layers of the electrodeless frame electrolytic cell; Indicates the absolute value of the maximum flatness error corresponding to the tolerance grade of the sealing frame; An angle representing the top angle of the cross section of the sealing bead (11); Indicates the length of a line projected from the top edge (15) of the sealing bead (11) to the sealing frame; It represents the Young's modulus of elasticity of polytetrafluoroethylene used for the sealing frame.

7. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the sealing pressure requirement is lower than 4 MPa, the two side surfaces of the sealing frame are not provided with an integrated sealing convex ring (11) between the bolt mounting hole (10) and the central groove (13).

8. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode sealing frame (1.4) and the anode sealing frame (3.4) further include a flow channel frame (4); The flow channel frame (4) is embedded in the inner recess of the sealing frame. After the flow channel frame (4) is installed in conjunction with the sealing frame, the outer contour of the central groove (13) becomes a rectangle. The flow channel frame (4) is used to prevent the flow channel groove from collapsing due to suspension, thereby affecting the sealing of the oxygen side and the hydrogen side of the membrane electrode (2), thereby causing internal leakage.

9. The stepless frame electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a quick-screw straight-through connector, the quick-screw straight-through connector having a threaded head; The anode terminal pressure plate (3.1) and the cathode terminal pressure plate (1.1) are provided with threaded holes, and the threaded heads of the quick-twist straight-through connectors are screwed into the threaded holes on the anode terminal pressure plate (3.1) and the cathode terminal pressure plate (1.1) to achieve quick installation and removal; A sealing ring gasket is applied between the cathode insulating gasket (1.2) and the quick-twist straight-through joint, and between the anode insulating gasket (3.2) and the quick-twist straight-through joint, to avoid wrinkling and damage of the cathode insulating gasket (1.2) and the anode insulating gasket (3.2) during the tightening process, thereby ensuring insulation and sealing.

10. A method for electrolyzing water using a proton exchange membrane, wherein the method is implemented based on the electrodeless frame electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The water path of the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis method is as follows: deionized water flows through an inlet pipe from one side, then flows in from the bottom of the anode side of each chamber respectively, flows out from the upper part of the anode side of each chamber, and merges into an outlet pipe on the other side; the O2 produced on the anode side flows out together with water and enters the oxygen gas-liquid separator of the system; the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are arranged on both sides of the electrodeless frame electrolytic cell, and the path length of the water flow on the anode side of each chamber is equal; when the number of electrolysis chambers is less than a preset number, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are on the same side.

11. The method for electrolyzing water using a proton exchange membrane according to claim 10, characterized in that: The gas path of the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis method is as follows: the hydrogen ions generated on the anode side and water form hydronium ions, which pass through the proton exchange membrane and enter the cathode side under the action of the electric field force and the concentration difference. The hydrogen ions obtain electrons and become hydrogen gas, and then flow out together with a small amount of water and enter the hydrogen gas-liquid separator of the system; the hydrogen gas path is a left and right double outlet or a single outlet.

12. The method for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis according to claim 10, characterized in that: The membrane electrode (2) is in the form of edge sealing.

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