A stamped bipolar plate and PEM electrolyzer for hydrogen production via water electrolysis

Abstract

This application provides a PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate, comprising a plate body with a first water inlet at one end and a second water inlet at the other end; the first and second water inlets are diagonally arranged; a first bridging region, a second bridging region, a first distribution region, a second distribution region, and a first reaction region are arranged on one side surface of the plate body; the first bridging region is connected to the first water inlet, and the first distribution region is located between the first bridging region and the first reaction region; the second bridging region is connected to the second water inlet, and the second distribution region is located between the second bridging region and the first reaction region; both the first and second distribution regions include several alternately arranged first protrusions and first recesses. This application also provides a PEM electrolyzer. This application has good mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, uniform flow field distribution, good sealing effect, improved gas transmission efficiency, and improved overall electrolysis efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate and a PEM electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) water electrolysis technology uses a polymer electrolyte membrane to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering advantages such as high efficiency, compact design, and rapid response. With the development of renewable energy, this technology is considered key to green hydrogen production. In recent years, through material and system optimization, costs have been continuously reduced and economic efficiency improved, demonstrating broad application prospects.

[0003] PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyte) bipolar plates are a crucial component of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, supporting current transfer and the electrolysis of water. They are typically made of titanium alloys or other corrosion-resistant metals, possessing good electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. The design of metal bipolar plates must balance catalytic activity, corrosion resistance, and weight reduction to improve the overall efficiency and durability of the system. Currently, existing technologies optimize the structure and coating of bipolar plates to reduce costs and improve electrolysis performance; stamped bipolar plates represent one important development direction.

[0004] PEM (Polymer Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production) requires operation under high pressure, placing higher demands on the mechanical strength and sealing performance of stamped bipolar plates. While current technology has achieved the fabrication of 0.5mm thick stamped bipolar plates, reducing raw material costs and increasing weight, the active area remains relatively small. Furthermore, the manufacture of large-scale stamped bipolar plates for water electrolysis relies on large stamping equipment, resulting in high costs, which is one of the factors restricting the development of stamped bipolar plates. On the other hand, the design of a single stamped bipolar plate requires a reasonable structural design, involving comprehensive analysis of plate strength, fluid dynamics, and electrochemical performance. For plate designs with two fields per plate, the forming process of the stamped bipolar plate and the complex high-pressure sealing structure design must also be considered. This results in existing stamped bipolar plates exhibiting problems such as insufficient mechanical strength, uneven flow field distribution, poor sealing performance, and low electrolysis efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the present invention provides a PEM electrolysis water hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate and a PEM electrolyzer, aiming to solve the problems of insufficient mechanical strength, uneven flow field distribution, poor sealing effect, and low electrolysis efficiency of the existing technology.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in one respect, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: a PEM electrolysis water hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate, comprising a plate body, wherein a first water inlet is provided at one end of the plate body and a second water inlet is provided at the other end; the first water inlet and the second water inlet are arranged diagonally. The plate body has a first bridging area, a second bridging area, a first distribution area, a second distribution area, and a first reaction area on one side surface; the first bridging area is connected to the first water inlet, and the first distribution area is located between the first bridging area and the first reaction area; the second bridging area is connected to the second water inlet, and the second distribution area is located between the second bridging area and the first reaction area; Both the first allocation area and the second allocation area include several alternating first protrusions and first recesses.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, several first protrusions and first recesses are arranged in a row from the first distribution area to the second distribution area; in the same row, the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged alternately, and the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged at equal intervals.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, several first protrusions and first recesses are arranged in a row from one side of the plate to the other; in the same row, the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged alternately, and the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged at equal intervals.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first boss has a draft angle, which ranges from 25° to 45°; the distance between adjacent first bosses and first recesses is from half a first boss to one first boss.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first boss is a circular boss, and the first recess is a circular recess; the height of the first boss is equal to the depth of the first recess, and the width of the first boss is the same as the width of the first recess.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, both the first bridge area and the second bridge area include several first protrusions arranged in parallel with each other; the several first protrusions are arranged at equal intervals; and a first groove is provided between two adjacent first protrusions.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first protrusion has a draft angle, the draft angle being in the range of 25° to 45°; the width ratio of the first groove to the first protrusion is 1:2 to 2:1.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first reaction zone includes alternating first S-shaped protrusions and first S-shaped grooves; the first S-shaped protrusions and the first S-shaped grooves are equally spaced.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first S-shaped protrusion has a draft angle; the draft angle is in the range of 25° to 45°; the width ratio of the first S-shaped groove to the first S-shaped protrusion is 1:2 to 2:1; and the angle of the first S-shaped groove is 15° to 30°.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a first sealing groove is provided circumferentially on the edge of one side; the first bridging area, the second bridging area, the first distribution area, the second distribution area and the first reaction area are all located inside the first sealing groove; a first sealing strip is laid inside the first sealing groove, and the first sealing strip is laid on the outer periphery of both the first sprue and the second sprue.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the first water inlet is a water inlet and the second water inlet is a water outlet; or, the first water inlet is a water outlet and the second water inlet is a water inlet.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the plate is provided with a first hydrogen outlet adjacent to the first water inlet, and the other end is provided with a second hydrogen outlet adjacent to the second water inlet; the first hydrogen outlet and the second hydrogen outlet are arranged diagonally.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a third bridge area, a fourth bridge area, a third distribution area, a fourth distribution area, and a second reaction area are provided on the other side of the plate; the third bridge area is connected to the first hydrogen outlet, and the third distribution area is located between the third bridge area and the second reaction area; the fourth bridge area is connected to the second hydrogen outlet, and the fourth distribution area is located between the fourth bridge area and the second reaction area; Both the third and fourth distribution areas include several alternately arranged second protrusions and second recesses; the second protrusions overlap with the first recesses, and the second recesses overlap with the first protrusions.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the third bridge area is disposed adjacent to the back side of the first bridge area; the fourth bridge area is disposed adjacent to the back side of the second bridge area. Both the third and fourth bridge areas include several parallel second protrusions; the several second protrusions are equally spaced; and a second groove is provided between two adjacent second protrusions.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the second reaction zone includes alternately arranged second S-shaped protrusions and second S-shaped grooves; the second S-shaped protrusions and the second S-shaped grooves are arranged at equal intervals.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a second sealing groove is provided circumferentially on the edge of the other side; the third bridging area, the fourth bridging area, the third distribution area, the fourth distribution area and the second reaction area are all located inside the second sealing groove; a second sealing strip is laid inside the second sealing groove, and the second sealing strip is laid on the outer periphery of both the first hydrogen outlet and the second hydrogen outlet.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the plate is prepared from one or at least two of pure titanium, titanium alloy and nickel-based alloy, preferably a titanium alloy plate or a nickel-based alloy plate.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the titanium alloy plate contains the following components by mass percentage: 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium; The nickel-based alloy plate contains the following components by mass percentage: ≥58% nickel, 20%–25% chromium, 8%–12% molybdenum and 3%–5% niobium.

[0024] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide a PEM electrolyzer, the PEM electrolyzer including the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the PEM electrolyzer includes several stacked PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates and several membrane electrodes, with the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates and membrane electrodes arranged alternately; adjacent PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates are assembled by rotation, after assembling one PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate, it needs to be rotated 180 degrees around the normal central axis before assembling the other PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate.

[0026] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows: The PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate of this application possesses excellent mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. Its flow field distribution is uniform, and its sealing effect is good, effectively improving gas transmission efficiency and reducing resistance damage. This significantly enhances the overall electrolysis efficiency and solves problems such as insufficient mechanical strength, uneven flow field distribution, poor sealing effect, and low electrolysis efficiency. Electrolyzers made from the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate of this application maintain good sealing performance, effectively preventing gas leakage, exhibiting strong adaptability and high electrolysis efficiency. The structure of this application is simple, easy to assemble and disassemble, convenient to maintain, has good stability, and is economical, safe, and practical, thus well meeting the needs of actual use. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one side (anode side) of a PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the sealing structure of one side (anode side) of the PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen stamping bipolar plate; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the other side (cathode side) of the PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen stamping bipolar plate; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the other side (cathode side) of the PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen stamping bipolar plate; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode stacking structure of a PEM electrolyzer under rotary assembly, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 To adopt Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the performance curves of the PEM electrolyzer for water electrolysis (water temperature 80℃, equipped with 12 membrane electrodes); Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the dynamic loading performance curves of each membrane electrode reaction (12 in total) in a PEM electrolyzer.

[0029] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to 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.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0035] The electrolytic water-to-hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate of this application has the following advantages: (1) Cost-effectiveness: The electrolytic water hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate of this application can be mass-produced, reducing production costs and making the electrolytic water technology more economical.

[0036] (2) High production efficiency: The electrolytic hydrogen production stamping bipolar plate of this application can be produced quickly and efficiently, and the specifications are uniform, the quality is stable, and the production efficiency is high.

[0037] (3) High precision: The electrolytic hydrogen production bipolar plate of this application has high precision, which can ensure the quality and stability of the product.

[0038] (4) Flexible design: The electrolytic hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate of this application can be designed with different shapes and sizes of electrolytic water plates according to requirements to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one aspect, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: a PEM electrolysis water hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate, comprising a plate body 10, wherein a first water inlet 11 is provided at one end of the plate body 10 and a second water inlet 12 is provided at the other end; the first water inlet 11 and the second water inlet 12 are arranged diagonally. The plate 10 has a first bridge zone A, a second bridge zone B, a first distribution zone C, a second distribution zone D, and a first reaction zone E on one side (anode side, i.e., water flow transmission surface); the first bridge zone A is connected to the first water inlet 11, and the first distribution zone C is located between the first bridge zone A and the first reaction zone E; the second bridge zone B is connected to the second water inlet 12, and the second distribution zone D is located between the second bridge zone B and the first reaction zone E; Both the first allocation area C and the second allocation area D include several alternately arranged first protrusions 13 and first recesses 14.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of first protrusions 13 and first recesses 14 are arranged in a row from the first distribution area C to the second distribution area D; in the same row, the first protrusions 13 and the first recesses 14 are arranged alternately, and the first protrusions 13 and the first recesses 14 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, several first protrusions 13 and first recesses 14 are arranged in a row from one side to the other of the plate 10; in the same row, the first protrusions 13 and the first recesses 14 are arranged alternately, and the first protrusions 13 and the first recesses 14 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the first boss 13 has a draft angle, which ranges from 25° to 45°; the distance between adjacent first bosses 13 and first recesses 14 is from half a first boss to one first boss.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the first boss 13 is a circular boss, and the first recess 14 is a circular recess; the height of the first boss 13 is equal to the depth of the first recess 14, and the width of the first boss 13 is the same as the width of the first recess 14.

[0044] In this application, both the first distribution area and the second distribution area are structures with alternating convex and concave frustums, forming a water flow distribution channel, which can effectively improve the uniformity of water vapor distribution and transmission efficiency.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, both the first bridge area A and the second bridge area B include several first protrusions 15 arranged parallel to each other; the several first protrusions 15 are equally spaced; and a first groove 16 is provided between two adjacent first protrusions 15. In this application, the bridge area is composed of at least two first protrusions to form a water flow channel.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the first protrusion 15 has a draft angle, the draft angle being in the range of 25° to 45°; the width ratio of the first groove 16 to the width of the first protrusion 15 is 1:2 to 2:1.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the first reaction zone E includes alternating first S-shaped protrusions 17 and first S-shaped grooves 18; the first S-shaped protrusions 17 and the first S-shaped grooves 18 are equally spaced.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the first S-shaped protrusion 17 has a stamping draft angle; the stamping draft angle is in the range of 25° to 45°; the width ratio of the first S-shaped groove 18 to the first S-shaped protrusion 17 is 1:2 to 2:1; the angle of the first S-shaped groove 18 is 15° to 30°.

[0049] The first reaction zone has an alternating distribution of first S-shaped protrusions and first S-shaped grooves, forming a stable water flow transmission channel. The water flow speed and pressure distribution are uniform, which can effectively promote the stable operation of the electrolysis reaction.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, a first sealing groove 19 is provided circumferentially on the edge of one side; the first bridging area A, the second bridging area B, the first distribution area C, the second distribution area D and the first reaction area E are all located inside the first sealing groove 19; a first sealing strip 20 is laid inside the first sealing groove 19, and the first sealing strip 20 is laid on the outer periphery of the first sprue 11 and the second sprue 12.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the first water inlet 11 is a water inlet and the second water inlet 12 is a water outlet; or, the first water inlet 11 is a water outlet and the second water inlet 12 is a water inlet.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the plate 10 is provided with a first hydrogen outlet 21 adjacent to the first water inlet 11, and the other end is provided with a second hydrogen outlet 22 adjacent to the second water inlet 12; the first hydrogen outlet 21 and the second hydrogen outlet 22 are arranged diagonally.

[0053] The PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate of this application has a thickness of ≤0.5mm, exhibiting good strength and rigidity. Both the first and second water inlets are configured with two large openings, while both the first and second hydrogen outlets are configured with two small openings. This design makes the water inlet and outlet larger than the hydrogen outlet, facilitating water transport.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, a third bridge region F, a fourth bridge region G, a third distribution region H, a fourth distribution region I, and a second reaction region J are provided on the other side (cathode surface, i.e., hydrogen transmission surface) of the plate 10; the third bridge region F is connected to the first hydrogen outlet 21, the third distribution region H is located between the third bridge region F and the second reaction region J; the fourth bridge region G is connected to the second hydrogen outlet 22, and the fourth distribution region I is located between the fourth bridge region G and the second reaction region J; Both the third distribution area H and the fourth distribution area I include several alternately arranged second protrusions 23 and second recesses 24; the second protrusions 23 are superimposed on the first recesses 14, and the second recesses 24 are superimposed on the first protrusions 13.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, overlapping arrangement refers to the fact that at the same position on the plate, the concave platform on one side overlaps with the protrusion on the other side, or the protrusion on one side overlaps with the concave platform on the other side.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the third bridging region F (protruding structure) is disposed adjacent to the back side (recessed structure) of the first bridging region A; the fourth bridging region G (protruding structure) is disposed adjacent to the back side (recessed structure) of the second bridging region B. Both the third bridge area F and the fourth bridge area G include several parallel second protrusions 25; the several second protrusions 25 are equally spaced; and a second groove 26 is provided between two adjacent second protrusions 25.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the second reaction zone J includes alternately arranged second S-shaped protrusions 27 and second S-shaped grooves 28; the second S-shaped protrusions 27 and the second S-shaped grooves 28 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0058] Due to the forming characteristics of the stamped bipolar plate, the bridge area at the hydrogen outlet has a raised structure, forming a hydrogen flow channel. Similarly, there are at least two raised structures at the hydrogen outlet. Likewise, the cathode distribution area also has an alternating structure of raised and recessed frustums, forming a hydrogen distribution channel. The reaction zone has an alternating structure of raised and recessed second S-shaped protrusions and second S-shaped grooves, forming a stable hydrogen transport channel.

[0059] In this application, by setting an alternating protrusion and concavity structure, fluid cavities can be formed on both sides of the anode and cathode of a single electrode plate, facilitating the flow of reaction water and hydrogen.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, a second sealing groove 29 is provided circumferentially on the edge of the other side; the third bridging area F, the fourth bridging area G, the third distribution area H, the fourth distribution area I and the second reaction area J are all located inside the second sealing groove 29; a second sealing strip 30 is laid inside the second sealing groove 29, and the second sealing strip 30 is laid on the outer periphery of both the first hydrogen outlet 21 and the second hydrogen outlet 22.

[0061] The higher anode potential, higher liquid water pressure, and greater assembly force of PEM electrolyzers pose greater challenges to their sealing methods. The structure described in this application achieves a stable sealing effect through the cooperation of a first sealing strip (anode sealing strip) and a second sealing strip (cathode sealing strip). The types of sealing strips used primarily include silicone rubber, fluororubber, EPDM rubber, PTFE, and corresponding modified gaskets. In the assembly mode of this application, when the stacking force reaches the design value, the flow channel ridge of the electrode plate is in complete contact with the membrane electrode, and the top surface of the protruding structure in the bridging area is on the same plane as the top surface of the sealing strip after compression. This multi-layer stacked structure thus forms a stable sealing effect. Under high-pressure operating conditions, stable support can also be formed between the electrode plate and the membrane electrode, allowing the entire electrolysis reaction to proceed continuously and efficiently.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the plate 10 is a plate made of one or at least two of pure titanium, titanium alloy and nickel-based alloy, preferably a titanium alloy plate or a nickel-based alloy plate.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the titanium alloy plate contains the following components by mass percentage: 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium; The nickel-based alloy plate contains the following components by mass percentage: ≥58% nickel, 20%–25% chromium, 8%–12% molybdenum and 3%–5% niobium.

[0064] The plate of this application possesses excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring stable operation during the electrolysis process. In the titanium alloy plate, titanium accounts for 90%, providing a basic foundation for corrosion resistance and processing performance; aluminum content is 6%, which improves the alloy's strength and thermal stability, and also forms an alumina protective film to enhance corrosion resistance; vanadium content is 4%, which improves the plate's plasticity and processing performance, refines the grains, and increases strength and toughness.

[0065] In nickel-based alloy plates, the nickel content is above 58%, which provides good corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability; the chromium content is 20% to 25%, which can form a dense chromium oxide protective film on the alloy surface, enhancing the alloy's corrosion resistance in oxidizing media; the molybdenum content is 8% to 12%, which can improve the alloy's corrosion resistance in reducing media and enhance its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion; the niobium content is 3% to 5%, which can form stable carbides with carbon, reducing the tendency for intergranular corrosion, while improving the alloy's strength and toughness.

[0066] Before preparing the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen bipolar plate of this application, the raw material sheet needs to be surface-treated to remove oxide layers, oil stains, and other impurities to ensure the quality of subsequent molding processes. The stamping process of the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen bipolar plate is as follows: ① Blanking: The treated sheet is cut to the required size to obtain a blank of appropriate size; ② Stamping: The blank is placed in a stamping die, and pressure is applied by a press to cause plastic deformation of the sheet to obtain the required shape. Preferably, the thickness of the stamped bipolar plate of this application is larger than that of the fuel cell electrode plate, and the press tonnage needs to be above 1000 tons. During the stamping process, parameters such as stamping speed, pressure, and die closing height need to be controlled to ensure the forming quality of the stamped plate. At least one pre-pressing forming process is required, followed by final forming. ③ After stamping, punching and edge punching processes are completed to remove excess scrap material and ensure that the dimensions meet the design requirements. This process includes, but is not limited to, die punching and laser cutting.

[0067] Before assembling into an electrolytic cell, the electrode plates need to undergo heat treatment to eliminate internal stress and improve the material's plasticity and toughness. Common heat treatment processes include annealing, which involves heating the stamped plate to a certain temperature, holding it at that temperature for a period of time, and then slowly cooling it. A coating treatment is then applied to improve the stamped plate's corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. Typically, a catalytically active coating is applied to its surface to reduce overpotential during electrolysis and improve electrolysis efficiency.

[0068] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a PEM electrolyzer, which includes the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate 100.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the PEM electrolyzer includes several stacked PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates 100 and several membrane electrodes 200, with the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates 100 and the membrane electrodes 200 arranged alternately. Adjacent PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates 100 are assembled by rotation. After assembling one PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate 100, it needs to be rotated 180 degrees around the normal central axis before assembling the other PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate 100.

[0070] The rotary assembly method ensures stable support between the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes during the electrolyzer assembly process. Specifically, after assembling one bipolar plate and one membrane electrode, the next bipolar plate must be rotated 180 degrees around its normal axis (the normal axis of the previous bipolar plate) before assembly. This ensures stable contact between the top surface of the raised frustum structure in the anode distribution area of ​​the first PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate and the top surface of the raised frustum structure in the cathode distribution area of ​​the next PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate. Simultaneously, as... Figure 5 As shown, the S-shaped flow channels in the reaction zone of the first PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate are interleaved with those in the reaction zone of the next PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate. This ensures stable and reliable electrical contact in each small flow channel segment, reducing resistance loss and thus improving overall electrolysis efficiency. In this assembly mode, the structural strength of the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate is guaranteed, resulting in higher mechanical strength and better stability for the entire electrolyzer.

[0071] exist Figure 5 The performance of a PEM electrolyzer was tested using the electrode stack structure shown. Pure water was introduced into the electrolyzer through the inlet manifold, and an electric current was applied to the positive and negative electrodes to induce the water electrolysis reaction. Hydrogen gas was collected through the hydrogen manifold. During the experiment, the performance parameters of the electrolyzer were recorded by setting conditions such as water flow rate and water temperature. Figure 6 The figure shows the performance curves of a 12-film electrode assembly at a water temperature of 80℃; from Figure 6 It can be seen that as the current density increases from 0.1 A / cm², 2 Loaded to 2A / cm 2 Each level increases by 0.1 A / cm 2 At 1A / cm 2 At current density, the voltage is 1.58V; at 2A / cm 2 At the current density, the voltage is 1.69V. Figure 7 The dynamic loading performance curves for each membrane electrode (12 in total) show that as the current density increases from 0.1 A / cm², the performance decreases. 2 Loaded to 2A / cm 2 Each level increases by 0.1 A / cm2 The voltage responds rapidly to changes and stabilizes within a short time, demonstrating strong adaptability. As shown in Table 1, at 1 A / cm... 2 At the current density, the total voltage is 18.93V, with an average voltage of 1.5775V per chip, a minimum of 1.57V, a maximum of 1.58V, and a range of approximately 10mV; at 2A / cm 2 At the current density, the total voltage is 20.27V, the average voltage of a single chip is 1.6892V, the minimum voltage is 1.68V, the maximum voltage is 1.69V, the range is about 10mV, the performance difference between each reaction is small, and the stability is good.

[0072] Table 1 Summary of Performance Test Results for 12-Piece Film Electrode 1.0 Opaque 18.93 1.5775 0.00143 1.57 1.58 0.01 2.0 Opaque 20.27 1.6892 0.00281 1.68 1.69 0.01 The PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate of this application possesses excellent mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. Its uniform flow field distribution and good sealing effect effectively improve gas transmission efficiency and reduce resistance damage, thereby significantly increasing overall electrolysis efficiency. This addresses issues such as insufficient mechanical strength, uneven flow field distribution, poor sealing, and low electrolysis efficiency. Electrolyzers made from the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate of this application maintain good sealing performance, effectively preventing gas leakage, exhibiting strong adaptability and high electrolysis efficiency. The structure of this application is simple, easy to assemble and disassemble, convenient to maintain, has good stability, and is economical, safe, and practical, effectively meeting the needs of actual use.

[0073] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," 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 the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0075] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate, characterized in that, The device includes a plate body, one end of which is provided with a first water inlet and the other end of which is provided with a second water inlet; the first water inlet and the second water inlet are arranged diagonally. The plate body has a first bridging area, a second bridging area, a first distribution area, a second distribution area, and a first reaction area on one side surface; the first bridging area is connected to the first water inlet, and the first distribution area is located between the first bridging area and the first reaction area; the second bridging area is connected to the second water inlet, and the second distribution area is located between the second bridging area and the first reaction area; Both the first allocation area and the second allocation area include several alternately arranged first protrusions and first recesses; From the first distribution area to the second distribution area, several first protrusions and first recesses are arranged in a row; in the same row, the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged alternately, and the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged at equal intervals. From one side of the plate to the other, several first protrusions and first recesses are arranged in a row; in the same row, the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged alternately, and the first protrusions and first recesses are arranged at equal intervals. The first boss has a draft angle, which ranges from 25° to 45°; the distance between adjacent first bosses and first recesses is from half a first boss to one first boss. The first reaction zone includes alternating first S-shaped protrusions and first S-shaped grooves; the first S-shaped protrusions and the first S-shaped grooves are equally spaced; the first S-shaped protrusions have a draft angle; the draft angle ranges from 25° to 45°; the angle of the first S-shaped groove is from 15° to 30°. The thickness of the PEM electrolysis hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate is ≤0.5mm.

2. The PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first bridge area and the second bridge area include several first protrusions arranged parallel to each other; the several first protrusions are arranged at equal intervals; a first groove is provided between two adjacent first protrusions; The first protrusion has a draft angle, which ranges from 25° to 45°; the width ratio of the first groove to the first protrusion is 1:2 to 2:

1.

3. The PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width ratio of the first S-shaped groove to the first S-shaped protrusion is 1:2 to 2:

1.

4. The PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first sealing groove is provided circumferentially on the edge of one side; the first bridging area, the second bridging area, the first distribution area, the second distribution area and the first reaction area are all located inside the first sealing groove; a first sealing strip is laid inside the first sealing groove, and the first sealing strip is laid on the outer periphery of the first water inlet and the second water inlet; The first water inlet is a water inlet, and the second water inlet is a water outlet; or, the first water inlet is a water outlet, and the second water inlet is a water inlet.

5. The PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the plate is provided with a first hydrogen outlet adjacent to the first water inlet, and the other end is provided with a second hydrogen outlet adjacent to the second water inlet; the first hydrogen outlet and the second hydrogen outlet are arranged diagonally. The other side of the plate is provided with a third bridge area, a fourth bridge area, a third distribution area, a fourth distribution area, and a second reaction area; the third bridge area is connected to the first hydrogen outlet, and the third distribution area is located between the third bridge area and the second reaction area; the fourth bridge area is connected to the second hydrogen outlet, and the fourth distribution area is located between the fourth bridge area and the second reaction area. Both the third and fourth distribution areas include several alternately arranged second protrusions and second recesses; the second protrusions overlap with the first recesses, and the second recesses overlap with the first protrusions.

6. The PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third bridge area is arranged adjacent to the back side of the first bridge area; the fourth bridge area is arranged adjacent to the back side of the second bridge area. Both the third and fourth bridge areas include several parallel second protrusions; the several second protrusions are equally spaced; and a second groove is provided between two adjacent second protrusions. The second reaction zone includes alternately arranged second S-shaped protrusions and second S-shaped grooves; the second S-shaped protrusions and the second S-shaped grooves are arranged at equal intervals; A second sealing groove is provided circumferentially on the edge of the other side; the third bridging area, the fourth bridging area, the third distribution area, the fourth distribution area and the second reaction area are all located inside the second sealing groove; a second sealing strip is laid inside the second sealing groove, and the second sealing strip is laid on the outer periphery of both the first hydrogen outlet and the second hydrogen outlet.

7. The PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate is prepared from one or at least two of pure titanium, titanium alloy and nickel-based alloy.

8. The PEM electrolysis water production hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plate is a titanium alloy plate or a nickel-based alloy plate; The titanium alloy plate contains the following components by mass percentage: 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium; The nickel-based alloy plate contains the following components by mass percentage: ≥58% nickel, 20%–25% chromium, 8%–12% molybdenum and 3%–5% niobium.

9. A PEM electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The PEM electrolyzer includes the PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen production stamped bipolar plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The PEM electrolytic cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The PEM electrolyzer includes several stacked PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates and several membrane electrodes. The PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates and the membrane electrodes are arranged alternately. Adjacent PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plates are assembled by rotation. After assembling one PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate, it needs to be rotated 180 degrees around the normal central axis before assembling the other PEM electrolysis water-to-hydrogen stamped bipolar plate.

Images