Electrolytic tank bipolar plate structure and manufacturing method of electrode frame and diaphragm of electrolytic tank bipolar plate structure

Abstract

The invention discloses an electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure and a manufacturing method of a pole frame and a diaphragm thereof. The electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure comprises an injection molding pole frame, a diaphragm in fusion sealing connection with the injection molding pole frame, two pole plates, two electrodes and two sealing assemblies which abut against the two pole plates and the two sides of the injection molding pole frame respectively. The diaphragm, the injection molding electrode frame and the polar plate form a cathode chamber and an anode chamber, the two electrodes are respectively located in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, and the injection molding electrode frame is provided with a first liquid inlet and a hydrogen liquid outlet which are communicated with the cathode chamber and a second liquid inlet and an oxygen liquid outlet which are communicated with the anode chamber. The invention has the advantages that the pole frame is subjected to injection molding, and the pole frame and the diaphragm are fused and connected, so that the connection between the diaphragm and the injection molding pole frame is firm, and a gap between the diaphragm and the plunger pole frame caused by damage of the diaphragm in an electrolysis process is avoided, so that the mutual channeling of hydrogen generated by a cathode chamber and oxygen generated by an anode chamber is overcome; and the safety in the electrolysis process is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic cells, specifically to a bipolar plate structure for an electrolytic cell and a method for manufacturing its electrode frame and diaphragm. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the core component of mainstream alkaline water electrolysis square electrolytic cells—the bipolar plates—is generally made of metal (such as nickel-based or stainless steel) sheets. These sheets are stamped, machined, and then welded (using methods such as laser welding or TIG welding) to assemble multiple independent parts, including the flow field plate, diaphragm frame, and sealing groove. This traditional metal sheet metal welding structure has the following inherent defects: 1. Numerous parts and complex structure: such as Figure 6 As shown, it includes multiple independent components such as electrode plates, flow field plates, frames, and sealing grooves, requiring high assembly precision.

[0003] 2. High processing difficulty and high cost: It relies on precision stamping, machining and high-quality welding processes. The production process is long, the yield rate is difficult to control, and the manufacturing cost is high.

[0004] 3. Large weight and volume: such as Figure 6 As shown, in order to ensure structural strength and prevent corrosion, the metal plate needs to maintain a certain thickness, resulting in a large weight and volume of a single tank.

[0005] 4. Multiple interfaces, high risk of leakage: such as Figure 7 As shown, weld seams and contact surfaces between parts are potential leakage points, posing a challenge to the sealing reliability during long-term operation.

[0006] 5. The assembly with the diaphragm is cumbersome: such as... Figure 6 As shown, asbestos cloth or composite diaphragms need to be installed separately, and additional clamping force and sealing structures are required, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Figure 8 As shown, there is a risk of diaphragm displacement and wrinkling.

[0007] 6. Corrosion and pollution risks: such as Figure 9 As shown, under strong alkaline and high-temperature environments, metallic materials are at risk of long-term corrosion, which may generate metal ions that contaminate the electrolyte.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method for manufacturing a bipolar plate structure for an electrolytic cell, as well as its electrode frame and diaphragm. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a bipolar plate structure for an electrolytic cell and a method for manufacturing its electrode frame and diaphragm, which effectively solves the problems of poor safety, low reliability and high cost in the connection of existing metal electrode frames and diaphragms.

[0010] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: an electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure, including an injection-molded electrode frame, a diaphragm fused and sealed to the injection-molded electrode frame, two electrode plates, two electrodes, and two sealing components that abut against the two electrode plates and both sides of the injection-molded electrode frame respectively. The diaphragm, injection-molded electrode frame, and electrode plates form a cathode chamber and an anode chamber. The two electrodes are located in the anode chamber and cathode chamber respectively. The injection-molded electrode frame is provided with a first liquid inlet and a hydrogen liquid outlet that are connected to the cathode chamber, and a second liquid inlet and an oxygen liquid outlet that are connected to the anode chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, mounting holes are provided on both sides of the injection-molded pole frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing component is an annular rubber strip.

[0013] Furthermore, the two end faces of the annular rubber strip that abut against the electrode plate and the injection-molded electrode frame are both flat surfaces, and the outer side of the annular rubber strip does not protrude beyond the outer side of the injection-molded electrode frame.

[0014] Furthermore, both the cathode chamber and the anode chamber include several support components, which support the electrodes so that the electrodes abut against the diaphragm.

[0015] Furthermore, the support component consists of several metal strips, which are welded to the electrode plate.

[0016] A manufacturing method for manufacturing the diaphragm and injection-molded pole frame, wherein the injection-molded pole frame and diaphragm are fused and sealed together.

[0017] Furthermore, the injection-molded pole frame and the diaphragm are fused and sealed together by injection molding the diaphragm and the injection-molded pole frame as a single unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the injection-molded pole frame and the diaphragm are fused and sealed by welding.

[0019] Furthermore, when welding the diaphragm to the injection-molded electrode frame, the diaphragm and the injection-molded electrode frame are welded together using welding rods.

[0020] Beneficial effects of the invention: 1. By injection molding the electrode frame and fusing it with the diaphragm, the connection between the diaphragm and the injection-molded electrode frame is strengthened, preventing damage to the diaphragm during electrolysis that could cause gaps between the diaphragm and the plunger electrode frame. This overcomes the cross-contamination between hydrogen generated in the cathode chamber and oxygen generated in the anode chamber, thus improving the safety of the electrolysis process.

[0021] 2. The liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet (hydrogen liquid outlet and oxygen liquid outlet) of the injection-molded electrode frame are formed during the electrode frame injection molding process. Compared with the existing structure where the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet are formed after the electrode frame and electrode plate are assembled, the structure of this application can better achieve the sealing of the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet, thereby ensuring the safety of the electrolysis process.

[0022] 3. Injection molding of the electrode frame integrates multiple independent metal components that originally constituted the frame into a single injection-molded part, simplifying both the production process and the product structure. Furthermore, injection molding allows the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet to be directly formed onto the electrode frame, resulting in a seamless and integrated seal for both components.

[0023] 4. Significantly reduces costs: Injection molding is suitable for large-scale mass production, with short production cycles per unit, high material utilization, and extremely low marginal costs. The initial investment in molds can be quickly amortized through large-scale production. It also ensures product consistency in mass production: the injection molding process guarantees that each bipolar plate has nearly identical geometric dimensions and surface characteristics, greatly improving product consistency and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of an electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 An exploded view of an electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a bipolar plate structure for an electrolytic cell provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an injection-molded electrode frame and diaphragm for an electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 5 An exploded view of the injection-molded electrode frame and diaphragm of an electrolytic cell bipolar plate structure provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an existing bipolar plate structure assembled into an electrolytic cell.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the problem of alkali leakage caused by poor sealing between bipolar plates during electrolysis in the existing bipolar plate structure.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the damage to the diaphragm and gaskets in an existing bipolar plate mechanism during electrolysis.

[0032] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram showing the corrosion of the channels on the pole frame of an existing bipolar plate mechanism.

[0033] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Injection-molded electrode frame; 2. Diaphragm; 3. Electrode plate; 4. Sealing assembly; 5. Support assembly; 101. No. 1 liquid inlet; 102. No. 2 liquid inlet; 103. Hydrogen liquid outlet; 104. Oxygen liquid outlet; 105. Mounting hole; 6. Welding rod. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first embodiment provided in this application is a bipolar plate structure for an electrolytic cell, including an injection-molded electrode frame 1, a diaphragm 2 fused and sealed to the injection-molded electrode frame 1, two electrode plates 3, two electrodes, and two sealing components 4 respectively abutting against the two electrode plates 3 and both sides of the injection-molded electrode frame 1. The diaphragm 2, the injection-molded electrode frame 1, and the electrode plates 3 form a cathode chamber and an anode chamber, respectively. The two electrodes are located in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, respectively. The injection-molded electrode frame 1 is provided with a first liquid inlet 101 and a hydrogen liquid outlet 103 communicating with the cathode chamber, and a second liquid inlet 102 and an oxygen liquid outlet 104 communicating with the anode chamber. The injection-molded electrode frame 1 is made of PPS material.

[0036] When the bipolar plate 3 structure of the electrolytic cell of this application is applied in the electrolytic cell for electrolysis, the electrolyte enters the cathode chamber through the first inlet 101 and enters the anode chamber through the second inlet 102. The electrolyte and hydrogen generated after electrolysis in the cathode chamber flow out of the cathode chamber through the hydrogen outlet 103, and the electrolyte and oxygen generated after electrolysis in the anode chamber flow out of the anode chamber through the oxygen outlet 104.

[0037] In the above design, by injection molding the electrode frame and fusing it with the diaphragm 2, the connection between the diaphragm 2 and the injection-molded electrode frame 1 is strengthened, preventing damage to the diaphragm 2 during electrolysis that could cause gaps between the diaphragm 2 and the plunger electrode frame. This overcomes the cross-contamination between hydrogen generated in the cathode chamber and oxygen generated in the anode chamber, improving safety during electrolysis. Furthermore, the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet (hydrogen outlet 103 and oxygen outlet 104) of the injection-molded electrode frame 1 are formed during the electrode frame injection molding process. Compared to the existing structure where the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet are formed after the electrode frame and electrode plate 3 are assembled, the structure of this application achieves better sealing of the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet, thus ensuring safety during electrolysis.

[0038] Specifically: such as Figure 4As shown, mounting holes 105 are also provided on both sides of the injection-molded pole frame 1.

[0039] In actual use, the injection-molded pole frame 1 needs to be fixed to external equipment according to the working conditions. This can be achieved by connecting bolts to the mounting holes 105.

[0040] In the above design, mounting holes 105 are directly provided on both sides of the injection molded pole frame 1 to facilitate the fixing of the injection molded pole frame 1.

[0041] Specifically, the sealing component 4 is an annular rubber strip.

[0042] In practical use, the structure of this application is assembled in an electrolytic cell, and the annular rubber strip is pressed together by the electrode plate 3 and the electrode frame, so that the chambers (cathode chamber and anode chamber) are located inside the center of the annular rubber strip. The deformation of the annular rubber strip fills the height difference between the electrode plate 3 and the electrode frame.

[0043] In the above design, the sealing component 4 is a ring-shaped rubber strip structure and specific implementation method to facilitate the sealing of the electrode frame and electrode plate 3, and prevent leakage during electrolysis.

[0044] Specifically: such as Figure 2 As shown, the two end faces of the annular rubber strip that abut against the electrode plate 3 and the injection-molded electrode frame 1 are both flat surfaces, and the outer side of the annular rubber strip does not protrude beyond the outer side of the injection-molded electrode frame 1.

[0045] In the above design, the structural design and specific implementation of the annular rubber strip can maximize the contact area with the pole frame and pole plate 3, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0046] Specifically: such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, both the cathode chamber and the anode chamber include several support components 5, which support the electrode against the diaphragm 2.

[0047] During actual electrolysis, the electrodes are supported by the support assembly 5 to ensure that the electrodes are in contact with the diaphragm 2.

[0048] In the above design, the support component 5 can effectively support the electrode.

[0049] Specifically: such as Figure 2 As shown, the support component 5 consists of several metal strips, which are welded to the electrode plate 3. The surface of the metal strips is nickel-plated.

[0050] In actual use, the electrodes in the two chambers are supported by metal strips on the corresponding electrode plates 3.

[0051] In the above design, the structural design and specific implementation of the support component 5 facilitate the support of the electrodes.

[0052] The second embodiment provided in this application is a manufacturing method for manufacturing the diaphragm 2 and the injection-molded pole frame 1 described herein, wherein the injection-molded pole frame 1 and the diaphragm 2 are fused and sealed together.

[0053] In the above design, injection molding of the electrode frame integrates multiple independent metal components that originally constituted the frame into a single injection-molded part, simplifying both the production process and the product structure. Simultaneously, injection molding allows the liquid inlet and gas-liquid outlet to be directly formed onto the electrode frame, resulting in a seamless overall seal. Furthermore, it significantly reduces costs; injection molding is suitable for large-scale mass production, with short production cycles per unit, high material utilization, and extremely low marginal costs. The initial investment in the mold can be quickly amortized through large-scale production. It also ensures product consistency in mass production: the injection molding process guarantees that each bipolar plate 3 has nearly identical geometric dimensions and surface characteristics, greatly improving product consistency and reliability.

[0054] Specifically: the injection-molded pole frame 1 and the diaphragm 2 are fused and sealed together by the diaphragm 2 and the injection-molded pole frame 1 being integrally injection molded.

[0055] In the above design, the direct one-piece injection molding method can eliminate production processes and improve production efficiency.

[0056] Specifically, the injection-molded pole frame 1 and the diaphragm 2 are fused and sealed by welding.

[0057] In the above design, the pole frame is welded to the diaphragm 2, which is less likely to damage the diaphragm 2 compared to direct injection molding.

[0058] Specifically: when welding the diaphragm 2 to the injection-molded pole frame 1, the diaphragm 2 and the injection-molded pole frame 1 are welded together using welding rod 6.

[0059] In the above design, welding the electrode frame and the diaphragm 2 with welding rod 6 can further enhance the firmness between the diaphragm 2 and the injection-molded electrode frame 1.

[0060] In further detail, it should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate structure for an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: The device includes an injection-molded electrode frame (1), a diaphragm (2) fused and sealed to the injection-molded electrode frame (1), two electrode plates (3), two electrodes, and two sealing components (4) respectively abutting against the two electrode plates (3) and the two sides of the injection-molded electrode frame (1). The diaphragm (2), the injection-molded electrode frame (1), and the electrode plates (3) form a cathode chamber and an anode chamber. The two electrodes are located in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber respectively. The injection-molded electrode frame (1) is provided with a first liquid inlet (101) and a hydrogen liquid outlet (103) connected to the cathode chamber, and a second liquid inlet (102) and an oxygen liquid outlet (104) connected to the anode chamber.

2. The bipolar plate structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The injection-molded pole frame (1) is also provided with mounting holes (105) on both sides.

3. The bipolar plate structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing component (4) is an annular rubber strip.

4. The bipolar plate structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that: The two end faces of the annular rubber strip that abut against the electrode plate (3) and the injection-molded electrode frame (1) are both flat surfaces, and the outer side of the annular rubber strip does not protrude beyond the outer side of the injection-molded electrode frame (1).

5. The bipolar plate structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the cathode chamber and the anode chamber include several support components (5), which support the electrodes so that the electrodes abut against the diaphragm (2).

6. The bipolar plate structure of the electrolytic cell according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support component (5) consists of several metal strips, which are welded to the electrode plate (3).

7. A manufacturing method for manufacturing the diaphragm (2) and injection-molded pole frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The injection-molded pole frame (1) is fused and sealed with the diaphragm (2).

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The injection-molded pole frame (1) and the diaphragm (2) are fused and sealed together, forming an integral injection-molded diaphragm (2) and injection-molded pole frame (1).

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The injection-molded pole frame (1) and the diaphragm (2) are welded together in a sealed connection manner.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: When welding the diaphragm (2) to the injection-molded pole frame (1), the diaphragm (2) and the injection-molded pole frame (1) are welded together using welding rods (6).

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