Multi-electrode package for a hydrogen electrolyte cell frame, electrolyte cell comprising such an electrolyte cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell frame (100) configured to be integrated in an electrolytic cell. The frame forms a closed shape with an inner contour (InnCnt) defining an opening (Op) extending in an extension plane (ExtP1). The inner contour has at least two steps (St1, St2, St3, St4, St5, St6), each step comprising a first surface (S1) perpendicular to the extension plane and a second surface (S2) parallel to the extension plane. The respective second surfaces of two of the steps (St1, St3, St5) are configured to support two respective bipolar plates (BP-1, BP-21, BP-22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention is an apparatus designed to perform alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen, and more specifically, an apparatus designed to hold electrodes in an electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen (H2) is an energy carrier that is gaining widespread attention due to its potential to be produced in an environmentally friendly manner and to support the emergence of low-carbon industrial processes and modes of transportation.

[0003] For hydrogen production, electrochemical water splitting is a well-known sustainable and pollution-free method.

[0004] This method can be achieved through alkaline water electrolysis, where the electrolysis of water (H₂O) occurs by the flow of direct current electrons (e) between the anode (An) and the cathode (Ca) immersed in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Figure 1 As shown, it illustrates the working principle of a conventional electrolytic cell containing these elements in a cell Tnk.

[0005] At the cathode, electrons supplied by direct current react with water to produce hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions according to the following reaction:

[0006]

[0007] At the anode, hydroxide ions release their excess electrons to produce water and oxygen through the following reaction:

[0008]

[0009] These electrodes are separated by a thin, porous foil (commonly called a diaphragm D), which is a non-conductive separator that separates the product gas and releases hydroxide ions (OH-). - It is transferred from the cathode side to the anode side.

[0010] The ionic conductivity is provided by an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, typically an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH). For example... Figure 1 As shown, in a conventional implementation of alkaline hydrolysis, two fluid circuits separated by a diaphragm D are used, one including an anode An and the other including a cathode Ca. The electrolyte impregnating the anode is called the "anolyte" (A-lyte in the figure), and the electrolyte impregnating the cathode is called the "cathode electrolyte" (C-lyte in the figure). To maintain the purity of the product gases O2 and H2 as much as possible, mixing between the anolyte and the catholyte is preferably avoided.

[0011] A mixture containing the anolyte (A-lyte) and the generated oxygen (O2) is pumped from the electrolytic cell and passed through the first gas-liquid separator, Sep-O2, where the oxygen (O2) is separated from the anolyte (A-lyte). The oxygen is then recovered separately, and the anolyte is fed into the anolyte tank A-Tnk, and then recirculated through the tank Tnk of the electrolytic cell.

[0012] Symmetrically, a mixture containing the cathode electrolyte C-lyte and the generated hydrogen H2 is pumped out of the electrolytic cell and passed through a second gas-liquid separator Sep-H2, where the hydrogen H2 is separated from the cathode electrolyte C-lyte. The hydrogen is then recovered separately, and the cathode electrolyte is fed into the cathode electrolyte tank C-Tnk, and then recirculated through the tank Tnk of the electrolytic cell.

[0013] To produce hydrogen on an industrial scale, a stacked Stck, which can be made from hundreds of electrolytic cells, is used. Its working principle is similar to... Figure 1 similar. Figure 2 At (A), such a stack of electrolytic cells ECells is shown, each cell including an anode An, a cathode Ca, a diaphragm D, and a bipolar plate BP. The anode and cathode can be formed from a catalyst layer in direct contact with the diaphragm. The bipolar plates are conductive and physically separate two adjacent electrolytic cells while providing electrical continuity between them by transferring electrons from one electrolytic cell to the next.

[0014] Figure 2 A known electrolytic cell, ECell, is shown at (B), comprising a porous transport layer (PTL) inserted between the bipolar plates and the adjacent anode and cathode of the stacked Stck. The functions of this porous transport layer include enhancing: (1) the utilization of the catalyst layer, (2) the transport of reactant water to the anode and cathode, (3) the removal of generated oxygen and hydrogen, and (4) electron conduction. However, this porous layer is optional and may only be present on one of the cathode and anode. For example, the porous transport layer may be present on the cathode but not on the anode.

[0015] Patent document WO 21006 / 112919 A2 describes an electrode assembly and emphasizes the necessity of simplifying the installation of such an assembly, which involves multiple individual components such as bolts or other fasteners, washers, electrodes, and diaphragms. Patent document WO 21006 / 112919 A2 proposes a technical solution comprising a frame and a pair of supports that hold the anode, bipolar plate, and cathode stacked and joined together in this order.

[0016] However, a more complete technical solution is still needed to further reduce the cost and size of the laminates.

[0017] Purpose of the invention

[0018] In view of the above problems, the applicant considers optimizing the assembly of the components forming the stack in order to facilitate the assembly of the stack, reduce its size and the amount of material involved in its manufacture, while maintaining or even improving the overall reliability of hydrogen production.

[0019] To this end, the applicant proposes a single electrolytic cell frame configured to house elements forming multiple electrolytic cells, referred to herein as a multi-electrode package-electrolytic cell frame. Each electrolytic cell includes elements necessary for water splitting and hydrogen production when repeated in a stack: at least a diaphragm, anode, cathode, and bipolar plate. Other well-known components necessary to improve water splitting efficiency may also be included, such as catalyst layers for the anode and cathode, and porous transport layers.

[0020] Figure 2 The diagram of the stacked structure of the electrolytic cell ECell at (A) outlines the requirements for the framework housing this stack: each ECell comprises a bipolar plate BP, an anode An, a diaphragm D, and a cathode Ca, which must be maintained in their respective positions while allowing the anolyte A-lyte and the catholyte C-lyte to impregnate the anode and cathode, respectively. Mixing of the anolyte and catholyte, as well as the mixing of the generated hydrogen and oxygen, must be prevented. Summary of the Invention

[0021] A first aspect of the invention relates to an electrolytic cell frame configured for integration in an electrolytic cell, the frame forming a closed shape having an inner contour defining an opening extending in an extending plane, the inner contour presenting at least two steps, each step including a first surface perpendicular to the extending plane and a second surface parallel to the extending plane, the respective second surfaces of two steps being configured to support two respective bipolar plates.

[0022] The main advantage of this device is that it minimizes the number of fixed accessories required to maintain the components that ensure the electrochemical function of the electrolytic cell.

[0023] Another advantage is that when multiple sets of electrolytic cells are integrated into a package P or electrolytic cell group encapsulated in a multi-electrode package electrolytic cell frame, the installation of the entire electrolytic cell stack is much easier.

[0024] Furthermore, installing multiple electrolytic cells in a single frame allows for easier fine-tuning of the overall structure and reduces the amount of material used to form the frame itself, thereby lowering the system cost.

[0025] Additional non-imitative features of the first aspect of the invention, either alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0026] - The second surface of the third step of the at least two steps is configured to support a diaphragm inserted between the two respective bipolar plates;

[0027] - Each of the second surfaces of the at least two steps has a groove for a sealing member;

[0028] -The electrolytic cell frame is formed of an electrically insulating material;

[0029] - The electrolytic cell frame is an integral electrolytic cell frame.

[0030] -The electrolytic cell frame also includes:

[0031] ○ A plurality of main bodies, said plurality of main bodies extending through the entire thickness of the electrolytic cell frame along a direction perpendicular to said extending plane, and

[0032] ○ Distribution channel, which extends substantially parallel to the extension plane from a corresponding main channel in the main channel to a corresponding first surface in the first surface, so as to fluidly connect the main channel to the inner contour;

[0033] - The first channel in the distribution channel is formed at a corresponding first depth along the thickness of the electrolytic cell frame, and the second channel in the distribution channel is formed at a corresponding second depth along the thickness of the electrolytic cell frame, with the first channel alternating with the second channel in depth;

[0034] - When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the extending plane, the distribution channels do not overlap each other;

[0035] - The closed shape is circular, and the first surface defines the corresponding inner radius of the inner contour;

[0036] - The at least two steps include two steps having corresponding second surfaces oriented in the same direction, and a first internal width defined by a first surface of one of the steps is wider than a second internal width defined by a first surface of the other step;

[0037] - The at least two steps include two steps having second surfaces oriented in two opposite directions and first surfaces defining the same internal width.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a package comprising an electrolytic cell frame as defined above, and further comprising at least two bipolar plates and two diaphragms mounted on the electrolytic cell frame.

[0039] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an electrolytic cell comprising a stack of multiple packages.

[0040] Finally, according to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrolytic cell according to a third aspect, the method comprising the following steps:

[0041] - Assemble a plurality of encapsulation components according to the second aspect of the invention; and

[0042] - Stack multiple assembled packages to form a stack. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Many other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and upon reading the following detailed description, in which the drawings are shown:

[0044] -[ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A conventional water-splitting electrolyzer equipped with electrolyte recirculation is shown;

[0045] -[ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 The principle of stacked electrolytic cells is shown;

[0046] -[ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 The electrolytic cell frame according to the present invention is shown in plan view;

[0047] -[ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It shows the basis Figure 3 The electrolytic cell frame is part of the electrolytic cell package, which is equipped with elements that form multiple electrolytic cells, as shown in the cross-section.

[0048] -[ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Detailed perspective view of the area of ​​the electrolytic cell frame;

[0049] -[ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the anolyte circulation channel and the cathode electrolyte circulation channel in the region of the electrolytic cell frame;

[0050] -[ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An exploded view of the electrolytic cell framework;

[0051] -[ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It shows the combination of Figure 4 The electrolytic cell for the packaged components; and

[0052] -[ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The manufacturing process of the electrolytic cell. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following uses Figures 3 to 8 The present invention is described herein. For readability of the drawings, some elements are shown only in a portion of the drawings.

[0054] Figure 3 The overall structure of a multi-electrode package-electrolyte frame 100 according to the present invention is shown. The frame 100 forms a circular closed shape with an inner contour InnCont, which defines a circular opening Op extending in an extending plane ExtPl. The frame 100 is preferably a monolithic frame, i.e., formed as a single piece of material, and preferably formed from a single piece of electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the frame may be made of a conductive material, electrically isolated from other frames in the stack.

[0055] The inner contour presents an interlaced geometric shape, St-G, comprising multiple steps. Figure 4 The example shown includes six steps labeled St1 to St6, each step including a first surface S1 perpendicular to the extension plane and a second surface S2 parallel to the extension plane. Figure 7 This geometry of the stepped St4 is shown. The interlaced geometry extends continuously to completely surround the opening.

[0056] The first surface S1 defines the corresponding inner width of the inner contour of the closed shape. When the closed shape is a circle, the inner width is the inner radius of the inner contour, as shown in this document.

[0057] The function of the second surface S2 is to receive the bipolar plate BP or diaphragm D occupying the opening Op within the frame 100. Figure 4 In the example, the second surfaces of the steps St1 to St6 receive bipolar plate BP-1, diaphragm D1, bipolar plate BP-21, diaphragm D2, bipolar plate BP-22, and diaphragm D3, respectively. The bipolar plates and diaphragms are arranged alternately to form an electrolytic cell, each electrolytic cell represented by ECell and made of one of the bipolar plates and an adjacent diaphragm.

[0058] Although the anode and cathode (or their catalyst) are not shown in the accompanying drawings for clarity, it should be understood that, as is conventionally known, each bipolar plate is connected to and inserted between the anode and cathode. The bipolar plates are made of a conductive material, typically a metal such as stainless steel, to transfer electrons between the anode and cathode. As is conventionally known and as... Figure 2 As shown in (B), a porous transport layer can be added between adjacent electrodes.

[0059] therefore, Figure 4 The bipolar plates and diaphragms are understood to form an electrolytic cell ECell. Each electrolytic cell includes a diaphragm and an anode and a cathode connected to the bipolar plates: bipolar plate BP-1 and diaphragm D1 form the first electrolytic cell ECell, bipolar plate BP-21 and diaphragm D2 form the second electrolytic cell ECell, and bipolar plate BP-22 and diaphragm D3 form the third electrolytic cell ECell. Figure 4 Examples include three electrolytic cells ECell, but the electrolytic cell frame 100 can be designed to accommodate any number of electrolytic cells, preferably two or more, and five or fewer.

[0060] The staggered geometry allows for the continuous positioning of elements—bipolar plates and diaphragms—during the installation of the actual device, while ensuring proper mechanical support for these elements.

[0061] The second surface can be oriented in either of two opposite directions, Dir1 and Dir2, perpendicular to the extending plane ExtPl. Figure 4 In the middle, the surface S2 of steps St1, St2 and St3 is oriented towards direction Dir1, while the surface S2 of steps St4, St5 and St6 is oriented towards direction Dir2.

[0062] The use of this opposite staggered direction allows two elements (bipolar plates or diaphragms) of the same size to be used directly on the frame 100, such as bipolar plates BP-21 and BP-22 with the same radius Rad3, which corresponds to the inner radius defined by the surface S1 of the steps St3 and St5, thus facilitating the overall manufacturing and maintenance process by reducing the number of elements with different properties.

[0063] Conversely, the bipolar plate BP-1, supported by a surface S2 oriented in the same direction as the surface S2 supporting the bipolar plate BP-21, has a radius Rad1 wider than that of the bipolar plate BP-21, which is defined by the first surface S1 of the step St1.

[0064] In some implementations, it may be preferred to orient all the stepped surfaces S2 toward a single direction, for example, to facilitate the assembly of bipolar plates and diaphragms onto a frame in an industrial environment.

[0065] When the bipolar plates and diaphragm are positioned within the frame, rings R1 to R6, whose shapes are complementary to the shape of frame 100, abut against the bipolar plates and diaphragm and serve to complete the assembly and hold the bipolar plates and diaphragm in place. The inner radius of the rings is equal to the minimum inner radius Rad0 of frame 100. The outer radii of the rings vary, with each ring having an outer radius corresponding to its inner radius, which corresponds to the step on which the ring will be positioned. For example, as... Figure 7As shown, the outer radius of ring R3 is equal to the radius defined by the surface S1 of the step St4 to be positioned, optionally maintaining some dimensional margin for mounting onto frame 100.

[0066] The ring can be considered both a fixing element and a spacer element, maintaining the distance between the diaphragm and the bipolar plates. Screws (SCRW) that secure the outermost elements of the encapsulated electrolyzer (bipolar plates, diaphragm, or ring) to the frame ensure tight contact between adjacent elements. Figure 3 In the example frame shown, the uppermost ring (ring R5) and the lowermost bipolar plate (bipolar plate BP-1) are secured by screws SCRW screwed into the frame 100.

[0067] The electrodes and porous transport layer are circular, with a radius substantially equal to the minimum inner radius Rad0 of frame 100, so that they can be pushed into the opening Op by force and held in place by the inner contour InnCont. Once the screws SCRW are in place, their installation is complete. However, they can also be secured by additional screws, clamps, or other fastening devices.

[0068] Figure 7 An exploded view illustrates an O-ring, which is placed into a groove Gr formed in the frame 100 to ensure a seal between adjacent fluid loops in which the anolyte (A-lyte) and catholyte (C-lyte) electrolytes circulate. More specifically, the groove Gr is formed on the surface S2 of each of the steps St1, St2, St3, St5, and St6, and on the top surface TS of the frame 100. The last groove is to ensure a seal at the joint between the two frames 100 in the stack. These O-rings respectively enclose the opening Op.

[0069] Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The design of the circulation channel in which the anolyte and catholyte circulate is shown.

[0070] Figure 3 Four openings through the thickness T of the frame 100 are shown, forming main channels extending along a direction perpendicular to the extending plane ExtPl, which is the stacking direction when multiple frames 100 are stacked. The frames are intended to be stacked such that the corresponding through openings face each other. The openings include two main channel inlets, In-MC1 and In-MC2, dedicated to the anolyte and catholyte, respectively. Similarly, the openings include two main channel outlets, Out-MC1 and Out-MC2, dedicated to the anolyte and catholyte, respectively.

[0071] Figure 5The inlet area In-R is shown in perspective, such that the inlets of distribution channels Dist1, Dist3, and Dist5 are visible in the main inlet channel In-MC1, and the inlets of distribution channels Dist2, Dist4, and Dist6 are visible in the main inlet channel In-MC2. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the extension plane ExtPl, the distribution channels do not overlap, which has the advantage of preventing mechanical weaknesses from concentrating within the structure of frame 100.

[0072] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view extending to the opening Op shows the regions In-MC1-R and In-MC2-R, which respectively include the main channels In-MC1 and In-MC2.

[0073] Figure 6 At B), it is shown that the distribution channels Dist1 and Dist5 extend within the rings R1 and R4, respectively. The distribution channels Dist1, Dist3 and Dist5 lead to the opening Op through the inner contour of the frame 100, and more specifically to the anode side A of the diaphragms D1 to D3—although the anode is not shown, it should be understood that they are located on the side of the bipolar plate indicated by “A”.

[0074] On the contrary, Figure 6 At A), distribution channels Dist2, Dist4, and Dist6 are shown extending within rings R2, R3, and R5, respectively. These channels open through the inner contour of frame 100 to opening Op and more specifically to the cathode side C of diaphragms D1 to D3—although the anode is not shown, it should be understood that they are located on the side of the bipolar plate indicated by “C”.

[0075] The distribution channels connected to the two main channel outlets Out-MC1 and Out-MC2 exhibit characteristics symmetrical to the distribution channels Dist1 to Dist6 described above.

[0076] As seen in the preceding paragraphs, the main inlet channels In-MC1 and In-MC2 are dedicated to the anolyte (A-lyte) and catholyte (C-lyte), respectively. Similarly, the main outlet channels Out-MC1 and Out-MC2 are dedicated to the anolyte (A-lyte) and catholyte (C-lyte), respectively. Furthermore, the ring must be designed to include a through opening configured to extend the distribution channels.

[0077] The openings of the main channels In-MC1, In-MC2, Out-MC1, and Out-MC2 are surrounded by corresponding grooves Gr, which are configured to receive O-rings to ensure a seal of the main channels at the joint between two consecutive frames 100 in such a frame stack. These O-rings respectively enclose the openings of the main channels.

[0078] The frame 100 and each of the rings R1 to R6 are preferably made of an electrically insulating material such as a polymer to limit the risk of electrode short circuits and to maintain low cost compared to metal-based frames and rings. In any case, the materials used are preferably resistant to the pressure, temperature, and chemical environment of the hydrogen electrolysis process. Therefore, preferably, the frame and rings are resistant to pressures up to 120 bar, temperatures up to 120°C, and alkaline environments, with the electrolyte typically being an alkaline KOH or NaOH-based solution.

[0079] Suitable materials are polysulfone and polyphenylene sulfide. These polymers may contain glass fibers, for example, to a glass fiber content of 10% to 30% by weight, preferably 15% to 25% by weight. The frame 100 and rings R1 to R6 can be formed by injection molding and CNC (computer numerical control) milling. The sealing surface of the groove Gr can also be finished by polishing.

[0080] In this example, an O-ring is used as the sealing element to be installed in the groove, but the invention is not limited to this technical solution, and a seal can be ensured by any other means that the practitioner deems appropriate, such as overmolding seals.

[0081] Figure 8 An electrolytic cell 200 is shown, which integrates a stack of stacked units (P) formed by multiple encapsulations (P), each encapsulation being formed by multiple electrolytic cells (ECells). These encapsulations are stacked such that their respective inlets and outlets coincide, and are clamped by two end plates (End_Pl) secured by multiple bolts (B) mounted to a threaded rod (ROD). Anode electrolyte A-lyte and cathode electrolyte C-lyte are fed into the main inlet channels (In-MC1, In-MC2), respectively, while the main outlet channel (Out-MC1) outputs anolyte A-lyte and oxygen (O2), and the main outlet channel (Out-MC2) outputs cathode electrolyte C-lyte and hydrogen (H2). Although not shown in... Figure 8 As shown, however, the negative current collector and the positive current collector can be placed on the corresponding sides of the stacked Stck to electrically connect the stack to the outside.

[0082] In Figure 8 In example A, on one side of the stacked Stck, at the level of the first end plate End_pl, the anolyte and catholyte are introduced. On the opposite side of the stacked Stck, at the level of the opposite second end plate End_pl, the anolyte A-lyte and oxygen O2, and the catholyte C-lyte and hydrogen H are discharged. Figure 8In a variant of the electrolyzer 200 shown, the anolyte and catholyte can be introduced and discharged on the same side of the stack, for example, at the level of the first end plate End_pl. In this configuration, the second end plate or any insertion device is configured to fluidly connect the inlet main channels In-MC1, In-MC2 of the last electrolyzer ECell to the outlet main channels Out-MC1, Out-MC2 of that electrolyzer. In this configuration, the end plate is electrically grounded.

[0083] Figure 9 This indicates installation. Figure 8 A diagram showing the process in an electrolytic cell 200.

[0084] The first step S10 includes assembling the package P by mounting elements (where applicable) on each side of the frame 100 from the inside to the outside, including at least two electrolytic cells ECell: a diaphragm, a bipolar plate, an anode and a cathode, and a porous transport layer (where applicable).

[0085] for Figure 7 The package P shown can be installed on the top side of the electrolytic cell frame 100 in the following order: diaphragm D2, ring R3, cathode, porous transport layer, O-ring, bipolar plate BP-22, ring R4, porous transport layer, anode, O-ring, diaphragm D3, ring R5, cathode, and porous transport layer. On the other side, it can be installed in the following order: anode, porous transport layer, O-ring, bipolar plate BP-21, ring R2, porous transport layer, cathode, diaphragm D1, O-ring, ring R1, anode, porous transport layer, O-ring, and bipolar plate BP-1.

[0086] The second step S20 includes placing the first package P against the first end plate End_Pl.

[0087] The third step S30 includes placing an O-ring on the top surface of the first package P to ensure a seal around the inlet main channel and the outlet main channel, as well as around the opening Op.

[0088] The fourth step S40 includes positioning the second package P against the first package P, wherein an O-ring is placed between the two.

[0089] Repeat steps three and four until the desired number of packages P are stacked.

[0090] The fifth step S50 includes placing the second end plate End_Pl against the last positioned package P.

[0091] Step S60 includes securing the stack with screws and bolts and applying pressure thereon to ensure a tight seal between each package P and with the ends.

[0092] The advantage of the electrolytic cell frame 100 lies in its ease of installation of the stacked stack: only a reduced number of packages P need to be manipulated, without individually manipulating the components of each electrolytic cell or each electrolytic cell section of the stack. The packages can be assembled individually and in parallel, thereby performing multiple steps S10 simultaneously, and not necessarily at the location of the electrolytic cell.

[0093] In addition, each package can be pre-installed and tested individually before being integrated into the stack, thereby enhancing the reliability of the installation operation and limiting the need for, for example, disassembling the stack to repair leaks.

[0094] The description and figures discussed above are based on an example in which the bipolar plates are located on steps St1, St3, and St5, and the diaphragm is located on step St4 with the rings located on steps St5 and St3. However, the positions of the bipolar plates and the diaphragm can be interchanged, provided that the diaphragm and bipolar plates are placed alternately and a proper seal is ensured between the two consecutive electrolytic cells.

[0095] Furthermore, the diaphragms are referred to herein as having the same dimensions. However, they may have different dimensions from each other, for example, to simplify installation on the electrolytic cell frame or for sealing purposes.

[0096] Although the electrolytic cell frame used in the example is circular, this does create a limitation, as the electrolytic cell frame according to the invention can be any feasible shape, such as a square or rectangular shape.

[0097] Furthermore, the principles of this invention can also be applied to any type of electrolysis requiring stacked ECell electrolytic cells, such as pressurized electrolysis or atmospheric pressure electrolysis, e.g. Figure 2 As shown in A. Each feature mentioned in this document can be freely combined within the technical limitations understood by those skilled in the art.

[0098] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed examples when practicing the claimed invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell frame (100) configured for integration into an electrolytic cell, the frame forming a closed shape having an inner contour (InnCont) defining an opening (Op) extending in an extension plane (ExtPl), the inner contour presenting at least two steps (St1, St2, St3, St4, St5, St6), each step including a first surface (S1) perpendicular to the extension plane and a second surface (S2) parallel to the extension plane, the respective second surfaces of two steps (St1, St3, St5) being configured to support two respective bipolar plates (BP-1, BP-21, BP-22).

2. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second surface of the third step of the at least two steps is configured to support a diaphragm (D2) inserted between the two respective bipolar plates (BP-21, BP-22).

3. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second surface (S2) of each of the at least two steps (St1, St3, St5) has a groove (Gr) for sealing member (ORing).

4. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrolytic cell frame is formed of an electrically insulating material.

5. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrolytic cell frame is an integral electrolytic cell frame.

6. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: - Multiple main channels (In-MC1, In-MC2, Out-MC1, Out-MC2) extending through the entire thickness (T) of the electrolytic cell frame in a direction perpendicular to the extension plane, and - distribution channels (Dist1, Dist2, Dist3, Dist4, Dist5, Dist6) extending substantially parallel to the extension plane from the respective main channels (In-MC1, In-MC2) to the respective first surfaces (S1) of the first surfaces, so as to fluidly connect the main channels to the inner contour (InnCont).

7. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The first channel (Dist1, Dist3, Dist5) in the distribution channel is formed at a corresponding first depth along the thickness (T) of the electrolytic cell frame (100), and the second channel (Dist2, Dist4, Dist6) in the distribution channel is formed at a corresponding second depth along the thickness (T) of the electrolytic cell frame (100). The first channel (Dist1, Dist3, Dist5) alternates with the second channel (Dist2, Dist4, Dist6) in depth.

8. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the extended plane (ExtPl), the distribution channels (Dist1, Dist2, Dist3, Dist4, Dist5, Dist6) do not overlap with each other.

9. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closed shape is circular and the first surface (S1) defines the corresponding inner radii (Rad1, Rad3) of the inner contour.

10. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least two steps (St1, St3) include two steps having corresponding second surfaces (S2) oriented in the same direction (Dir1), and a first inner width (Rad1) defined by a first surface (S1) of one of the steps is wider than a second inner width (Rad3) defined by a first surface (S1) of the other step (St3).

11. The electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least two steps include two steps (St3, St5) having a second surface (S2) oriented in two opposite directions (Dir1, Dir2) and a first surface (S1) defining the same internal width (Rad3).

12. A package (P) comprising an electrolytic cell frame (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and further comprising at least two bipolar plates (BP-1, BP-21, BP-22) and two diaphragms (D1, D2, D3) mounted on the electrolytic cell frame (100).

13. An electrolytic cell (200) comprising a stack of multiple packages (P) according to claim 12.

14. A method (300) for manufacturing an electrolytic cell (200) according to claim 13, the method comprising the following steps: - Assemble (S10) a plurality of packages (P) as described in claim 12; as well as - Stack (S40) the assembled plurality of packages (P) to form a stack (Stck) according to claim 13.

Images