Megawatt-level large-breadth AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate

Abstract

The megawatt-level large-breadth AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate comprises a base plate, an anode inlet, a first anode outlet and a second anode outlet are formed in the center of the base plate, and the first anode outlet, the first anode inlet and the second anode outlet are sequentially and linearly arranged; a linear array formed by the first anode outlet, the first anode inlet and the second anode outlet is located in the center of the base plate and divides the base plate into a left base plate and a right base plate, and the left base plate and the right base plate are provided with four partitions in total. According to the megawatt large-breadth AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate four-partition structure, a large-breadth flow field is divided, the distribution uniformity of reactants can be effectively improved, the utilization rate of an active area is increased, the situation of local overheating is reduced, meanwhile, by dividing the large-breadth flow field into four partitions, the area of a single flow field is greatly reduced, and the flow field efficiency is improved. The problem of large voltage drop of the electrolytic bath is effectively solved, the device is suitable for a pump body with relatively small power, and energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of AEM flow field plate equipment technology, specifically a megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate. Background Technology

[0002] An AEM electrolyzer comprises multiple hydrogen production units, each mainly consisting of an ion exchange membrane, electrodes, a diffusion layer, plates, a sealed electrode frame, and sealing material. The electrodes, as the core components of the reaction, consist of a catalyst and a supporting substrate (PTL, also known as a porous diffusion layer). The electrode that generates oxygen is the anode electrode, and the electrode that generates hydrogen is the cathode electrode, separated by an anion exchange membrane. During operation, pure water or alkaline solution is introduced into the anode chamber. Water molecules pass through the anion exchange membrane separating the anode and cathode electrodes into the cathode chamber, where they combine with electrons on the catalyst and react to decompose into hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Hydrogen is discharged from the electrolyzer through the flow field within the cathode chamber; hydroxide ions, driven by voltage, pass through the anion exchange membrane and return to the anode chamber. Hydroxide ions in the water are converted into oxygen, electrons, and water molecules on the catalyst at the anode electrode, and finally, the oxygen and water molecules are discharged from the electrolyzer through the flow field within the anode chamber.

[0003] Existing flow fields in AEM electrolyzers mainly include parallel flow fields, serpentine flow fields, interdigitated flow fields, and porous flow fields. When these traditional flow field layouts are directly applied to the large-area plates required for megawatt-level electrolyzers, the following insurmountable technical problems are exposed: 1. With a large reaction area, the fluid and current distribution is severely uneven, resulting in low utilization of the active area and local overheating. At the same time, the larger the reaction area, the more difficult it is to manage the distribution of the reaction liquid, and the more likely dead zones will appear; 2. The large size leads to a large pressure drop in the electrolyzer, requiring a high-power pump, resulting in high energy consumption.

[0004] This case arose in order to resolve the aforementioned issues. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a megawatt-scale large-format AEM electrolyzer flow field plate, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate, comprising a substrate, wherein an anode inlet, an anode outlet one, and an anode outlet two are provided at the center of the substrate, the anode outlet one, the anode inlet, and the anode outlet two are arranged in a straight line, and the straight line array formed by the anode outlet one, the anode inlet, and the anode outlet two is located at the center of the substrate, and the straight line array formed by the anode outlet one, the anode inlet, and the anode outlet two divides the substrate into a left substrate and a right substrate.

[0009] Preferably, the left substrate includes a first partition and a second partition. The first partition has a flow channel, and the two ends of the flow channel are respectively connected to an anode inlet and an anode outlet. The second partition has a flow channel, and the two ends of the flow channel are respectively connected to the other end of the anode inlet and an anode outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the left substrate and the right substrate are arranged in a mirror image. The right substrate includes partition three and partition four. Partition three has a flow channel three inside. The two ends of the flow channel three are respectively connected to one end of the anode inlet and one end of the anode outlet. Partition four has a flow channel four inside. The two ends of the flow channel four are respectively connected to the other end of the anode inlet and the second end of the anode outlet.

[0011] Preferably, partition one, partition two, partition three and partition four operate independently.

[0012] Preferably, the flow channel one is located within partition one and the flow channel one is composed of a branch flow channel one, a circulation flow channel one and a convergence flow channel one connected in sequence. The branch flow channel one is connected to the anode inlet, the convergence flow channel one is connected to the anode outlet one, and the circulation flow channel one and the convergence flow channel one are both distributed along the edge of the left substrate.

[0013] Preferably, partition one is located below partition two, and partition two is provided with flow channel two. Flow channel two is composed of a branch flow channel two, a circulation flow channel two, and a convergence flow channel two connected in sequence. The branch flow channel two is connected to the anode inlet, and the convergence flow channel two is connected to the anode outlet two. Both the circulation flow channel two and the convergence flow channel two are distributed along the edge of the left substrate.

[0014] Preferably, partition three is provided on the right side of partition one, and flow channel three is provided in partition three. Flow channel three is composed of a branch flow channel three, a circulation flow channel three, and a convergence flow channel three connected in sequence. The branch flow channel three is connected to the anode inlet, and the convergence flow channel three is connected to the anode outlet one. Both the circulation flow channel three and the convergence flow channel three are distributed along the edge of the right substrate.

[0015] Preferably, a fourth partition is provided below the third partition, and a fourth flow channel is provided in the fourth partition. The fourth flow channel is composed of a fourth branch flow channel, a fourth circulation flow channel, and a fourth convergence flow channel connected in sequence. The fourth branch flow channel is connected to the anode inlet, and the fourth convergence flow channel is connected to the second anode outlet. The fourth circulation flow channel and the fourth convergence flow channel are both distributed along the edge of the right substrate.

[0016] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] 1. The present invention provides a megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate, which adopts a four-partition structure of partition one, partition two, partition three and partition four to divide the large-format flow field, effectively improving the uniformity of reactant distribution, increasing the utilization rate of active area, and reducing local overheating. At the same time, by dividing it into four partitions, the area of ​​a single flow field is greatly reduced, effectively solving the problem of large voltage drop in the electrolytic cell. It can be used with relatively low-power pumps, reducing energy consumption.

[0019] 2. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate provided by the present invention, through heat exchange with the environment, balances and reduces the temperature that gradually increases with the direction of alkaline solution flow due to electrochemical reaction. The higher temperature part in the flow channel is distributed around the entire electrolytic cell, making the temperature distribution of the entire plate surface more uniform, effectively solving the problem of large inlet and outlet temperatures, and reducing the impact of temperature difference on performance. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An exploded view of an electrolytic cell structure in which the flow field plate of the present invention is applied;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the flow field plate of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a front view of the flow field plate of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first partition of the flow field plate of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second partition of the flow field plate of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow field plate partition three of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flow field plate partition four of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a flow path diagram of the reaction stream in the first partition of the flow field plate of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the "one-to-three" structure in the flow field plate partition of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. End plate one; 2. Insulating plate one; 3. Cathode plate; 4. Anion membrane one; 5. Bipolar plate; 6. Anion membrane two; 7. Anode plate; 8. Insulating plate two; 9. End plate two; 10. Seal; 11. Substrate; 12. Anode inlet; 13. Anode outlet one; 14. Anode outlet two; 15. Left substrate; 16. Right substrate; 17. Section one; 18. Section two; 19. Section three; 20. Section four; 21. Flow... 1. Channel 1; 22. Flow branch channel 1; 23. Circulation channel 1; 24. Converging channel 1; 25. Channel 2; 26. Flow branch channel 2; 27. Circulation channel 2; 28. Converging channel 2; 29. ​​Channel 3; 30. Flow branch channel 3; 31. Circulation channel 3; 32. Converging channel 3; 33. Channel 4; 34. Flow branch channel 4; 35. Circulation channel 4; 36. Converging channel 4; 37. Collector plate 1; 38. Collector plate 2. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] like Figure 1-9 The diagram shows a megawatt-scale large-format AEM electrolyzer flow field plate, comprising a substrate 11. An anode inlet 12, an anode outlet 13, and an anode outlet 14 are located at the center of the substrate 11. The anode outlet 13, anode inlet 12, and anode outlet 14 are arranged in a straight line, forming a linear array at the center of the substrate 11, with the anode inlet 12 located at the center of the substrate 11. The anode outlets 13, 12, and 14 evenly divide the substrate 11 into a left substrate 15 and a right substrate 16. The anode inlet 12, positioned in the middle of the substrate 11, reduces bubble accumulation at the tail end, effectively improving the gas-liquid two-phase problem and enhancing performance. Simultaneously, each small area employs a "one-to-three" forced distribution flow channel structure, effectively controlling and improving the uniformity of alkali distribution. The flow channel from the distribution channel to the circulation channel uses a "one-to-three" flow channel structure, while the flow channel from the circulation channel to the convergence channel reverts to a single flow channel structure. (Reference) Figure 9 .

[0032] The AEM electrolyzer contains multiple hydrogen production units, each mainly composed of an ion exchange membrane, electrodes, a diffusion layer, plates, a sealed electrode frame, and sealing material. The electrodes, as the core components of the reaction, consist of a catalyst and a supporting substrate (PTL, also known as a porous diffusion layer). The electrode that generates oxygen is the anode electrode, and the electrode that generates hydrogen is the cathode electrode, separated by an anion exchange membrane. During operation, pure water or alkaline solution is introduced into the anode chamber. Water molecules pass through the anion exchange membrane separating the anode and cathode electrodes into the cathode chamber, where they combine with electrons on the catalyst and react to decompose into hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Hydrogen gas exits the electrolyzer through the flow field within the cathode chamber; hydroxide ions, driven by voltage, pass through the anion exchange membrane and return to the anode chamber. The left substrate 15 includes partition 17 and partition 2 18, and the right substrate 16 includes partition 3 19 and partition 4 20. Partition 17, partition 2 18, partition 3 19, and partition 4 20 are located below partition 17, partition 2 18 is located to the right of partition 17, and partition 3 19 is located below partition 3 19. Each of the four partitions operates independently. The four-partition structure can divide the large-area flow field, thereby effectively improving the uniformity of reactant distribution, increasing the utilization rate of active area, and reducing local overheating. At the same time, by dividing it into four partitions, the area of ​​a single flow field is greatly reduced, effectively solving the problem of large pressure drop in the electrolyzer. It can be used with relatively low-power pumps, reducing energy consumption. The reduction of the area of ​​a single flow field is equivalent to reducing the area of ​​a single reaction without affecting the overall reaction area. Therefore, the distribution of the reaction liquid is easier to manage, avoiding the occurrence of flow dead zones.

[0033] Hydroxide ions in the water are converted into oxygen, electrons, and water molecules on the catalyst of the anode electrode. Finally, the oxygen and water molecules are discharged from the electrolyzer through the flow field in the anode chamber. The interior of partition 17 is provided with flow channel 21. The two ends of flow channel 21 are connected to anode inlet 12 and anode outlet 13, respectively. Flow channel 21 is divided into a branch flow channel 22, a circulation flow channel 23, and a convergence flow channel 24 connected in sequence. Branch flow channel 22 is connected to anode inlet 12, and convergence flow channel 24 is connected to anode outlet 13. Circulation flow channel 23 and convergence flow channel 24 are both distributed along the edge of the left substrate 15. The interior of partition 2 18 is provided with flow channel 2 25. The two ends of flow channel 2 25 are connected to anode inlet 12 and anode outlet 2 14 respectively. Flow channel 2 25 is divided into a branch flow channel 2 26, a circulation flow channel 2 27 and a convergence flow channel 2 28 connected in sequence. The branch flow channel 2 26 is connected to anode inlet 12 and the convergence flow channel 2 26 is connected to anode outlet 2 14. The circulation flow channel 2 27 and the convergence flow channel 2 28 are distributed along the edge of the left substrate 15. Partition 1 17 and partition 2 18 are arranged vertically to each other.

[0034] Section 3 19 has a flow channel 3 29 inside, with its two ends connected to the anode inlet 12 and the anode outlet 13, respectively. Flow channel 3 29 is divided into a branch flow channel 3 30, a circulation flow channel 3 31, and a converging flow channel 3 32 connected in sequence. Branch flow channel 3 31 is connected to the anode inlet 12, and converging flow channel 3 32 is connected to the anode outlet 13. Circulation flow channel 3 31 and converging flow channel 3 32 are both distributed along the edge of the right substrate 16. Section 4 20 has a flow channel 4 33 inside, with its two ends connected to the anode inlet 12 and the anode outlet 14, respectively. Flow channel 4 33 is divided into a branch flow channel 4 34, a circulation flow channel 4 35, and a converging flow channel 4 36 connected in sequence. Branch flow channel 4 34 is connected to the anode inlet 12, and converging flow channel 4 36 is connected to the anode outlet 14. The circulation channel 4 35 and the convergence channel 4 36 are both distributed along the edge of the right substrate 16, and the partition 3 19 and partition 4 20 are also distributed vertically.

[0035] Dividing the large electrolytic cell into four zones significantly reduces the individual reaction area, thereby improving the evenness of fluid and current distribution. This effectively reduces bubble aggregation at the tail end and addresses the gas-liquid two-phase problem, improving performance. The four smaller zones transform the large-area decompression tank into four smaller zones. While maintaining the same total reaction area, the large surface area effectively mitigates the previous issues of high voltage drop, requiring high-power pumps and high energy consumption. Furthermore, the four-zone layout distributes the higher temperatures around the perimeter of the electrolytic cell, facilitating environmental heat exchange and resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution across the entire surface. This effectively solves the problem of large inlet and outlet temperatures, significantly reducing the impact of temperature differences on performance and improving overall performance.

[0036] The working principle of this application is as follows: The reactant alkaline solution is introduced into the flow field through anode inlet 12. Subsequently, the reactant alkaline solution is diverted to zones 1-17, 1-18, 1-19, and 2-20, and finally concentrated at anode outlets 1-13 and 1-14 for discharge. Circulation channels 1-23, 2-24, 2-27, 2-28, 3-31, 3-32, 3-35, and 3-36 all belong to the later stages of the reaction in the flow channels, where the heat generation is greater than in other areas. Circulation channel 1 (23), convergence channel 1 (24), circulation channel 2 (27), and convergence channel 2 (28) are all distributed along the edge of the left substrate 15, while circulation channel 3 (31), convergence channel 3 (32), circulation channel 4 (35), and convergence channel 4 (36) are all distributed along the edge of the right substrate 16. Thanks to this design, the higher temperature areas are precisely distributed around the perimeter of the electrolytic cell. By exchanging heat with the environment, the electrolytic cell achieves a more uniform temperature distribution across the entire plate surface, effectively solving the problem of large inlet and outlet temperatures and reducing the impact of temperature differences on performance.

[0037] The above-described embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification; its protection scope must be determined according to the claims.

Claims

1. A megawatt-scale large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate, comprising a substrate (11), characterized in that: The substrate (11) has an anode inlet (12), an anode outlet one (13), and an anode outlet two (14) at its center. The anode outlet one (13), the anode inlet (12), and the anode outlet two (14) are arranged in a straight line. The straight line array formed by the anode outlet one (13), the anode inlet (12), and the anode outlet two (14) is located at the center of the substrate (11). The straight line array formed by the anode outlet one (13), the anode inlet (12), and the anode outlet two (14) divides the substrate (11) into a left substrate (15) and a right substrate (16).

2. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left substrate (15) includes partition one (17) and partition two (18). Partition one (17) has a flow channel one (21) inside. The two ends of the flow channel one (21) are respectively connected to one end of the anode inlet (12) and the anode outlet one (13). Partition two (18) has a flow channel two (25) inside. The two ends of the flow channel two (25) are respectively connected to the other end of the anode inlet (12) and the anode outlet two (14).

3. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left substrate (15) and the right substrate (16) are arranged in a mirror image. The right substrate (16) includes a third partition (19) and a fourth partition (20). The third partition (19) has a third flow channel (29) inside. The two ends of the third flow channel (29) are respectively connected to one end of the anode inlet (12) and the anode outlet (13). The fourth partition (20) has a fourth flow channel (33) inside. The two ends of the fourth flow channel (33) are respectively connected to the other end of the anode inlet (12) and the anode outlet (14).

4. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first partition (17), the second partition (18), the third partition (19), and the fourth partition (20) each operate independently.

5. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow channel 1 (21) is located within partition 1 (17) and the flow channel 1 (21) is composed of a branch flow channel 1 (22), a circulation flow channel 1 (23) and a convergence flow channel 1 (24) connected in sequence. The branch flow channel 1 (22) is connected to the anode inlet (12), and the convergence flow channel 1 (24) is connected to the anode outlet 1 (13). The circulation flow channel 1 (23) and the convergence flow channel 1 (24) are both distributed along the edge of the left substrate (15).

6. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 5, characterized in that: Below partition one (17) is partition two (18), and partition two (18) is provided with flow channel two (25). Flow channel two (25) is composed of a second branch flow channel two (26), a second circulation flow channel two (27) and a second convergence flow channel two (28) connected in sequence. The second branch flow channel two (26) is connected to the anode inlet (12), and the second convergence flow channel two (28) is connected to the anode outlet two (14). The second circulation flow channel two (27) and the second convergence flow channel two (28) are both distributed along the edge of the left substrate (15).

7. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 6, characterized in that: The right side of partition 1 (17) is provided with partition 3 (19), and partition 3 (19) is provided with flow channel 3 (29). The flow channel 3 (29) is composed of a branch flow channel 3 (30), a circulation flow channel 3 (31) and a convergence flow channel 3 (32) connected in sequence. The branch flow channel 3 (30) is connected to the anode inlet (12), and the convergence flow channel 3 (32) is connected to the anode outlet 1 (13). The circulation flow channel 3 (31) and the convergence flow channel 3 (32) are both distributed along the edge of the right substrate.

8. The megawatt-level large-format AEM electrolytic cell flow field plate according to claim 7, characterized in that: Below partition three (19) is partition four (20), and partition four (20) is provided with flow channel four (33). Flow channel four (33) is composed of a branch flow channel four (34), a circulation flow channel four (35) and a convergence flow channel four (36) connected in sequence. The branch flow channel four (34) is connected to the anode inlet (12), and the convergence flow channel four (36) is connected to the anode outlet two (14). The circulation flow channel four (35) and the convergence flow channel four (36) are both distributed along the edge of the right substrate (16).

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