Water electrolyser structure and manufacturing method thereof
By coordinating the design and welding connection of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate, the contact resistance dependence of the water electrolyzer is reduced, the high cost problem in the existing technology is solved, and the economic efficiency of the water electrolysis hydrogen production technology is improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INNER MONGOLIA JIE HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
The high cost of existing water electrolyzers is mainly due to the need for thick coatings on the diffusion layer and flow field plate surfaces to maintain low contact resistance, resulting in high material costs and limiting the economic improvement of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
By adopting a collaborative design of the structural form and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate, and by welding the second ridge of the stretched mesh to the first ridge of the flow field plate, the dependence on the coating is reduced, achieving efficient conduction and reducing the coating thickness.
This reduces the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, lowers the cost of electrolyzer components, and improves the economics of water electrolysis for hydrogen production.
Smart Images
Figure CN122013211A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of water electrolyzers, and in particular to a water electrolyzer structure and its manufacturing method. Background Technology
[0002] A water electrolyzer is an electrochemical device that uses electrical energy to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. Different voltages are applied to the cathode and anode plates to create an electric field. Between the cathode and anode plates, in sequence, are a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA).
[0003] The three core layers are the MEA (Medium-Oxide-Anodic Diffusion) layer and the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL). These three core layers are the core reaction and mass transfer regions for water electrolysis, and each layer is closely bonded together.
[0004] When excess deionized water or electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyzer, the generated hydrogen or oxygen is discharged from the electrolyzer in a two-phase flow along with the remaining deionized water or electrolyte. Current water electrolyzers are costly, severely limiting the economic viability of water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a water electrolyzer structure and a method for manufacturing the water electrolyzer structure, which reduces the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, reduces the cost of the electrolyzer components, and improves the economics of water electrolysis for hydrogen production.
[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a water electrolysis cell structure, the structure comprising: A first flow field plate has a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure including a first ridge and a first flow channel between the first ridge; the first ridge extends along a first direction; A stretched mesh having a mesh core and regular holes surrounded by the mesh core; the stretched mesh and the flow field plate are fitted together, and the mesh core includes second ridges arranged along a first direction, the second ridges and the first ridges being welded together.
[0007] In some possible implementations, the regular holes are hexagonal holes, and the second ridge is the opposite side of the mesh.
[0008] In some possible implementations, the regular holes are flat hexagonal holes, and the second ridge is a long-sided mesh strand in the mesh strand.
[0009] In some possible implementations, the extension direction of the second ridge is perpendicular to the first direction, and the midpoint of the second ridge is located on the centerline of the first ridge along the first direction.
[0010] In some possible implementations, the ratio between the period of the first ridge and the period of the second ridge in the second direction is m / n, where m and n are positive integers and range from [1, 3]. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and also perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh.
[0011] In some possible implementations, the welding position of the first ridge is on the center line of the first ridge along the first direction.
[0012] In some possible implementations, the period of the first ridge is 2 mm, the width of the first ridge in the second direction is 1 mm, the period of the second ridge in the first direction is 2 mm, and the period in the second direction is 1 mm.
[0013] In some possible implementations, the structure further includes: A porous layer is disposed on the side of the stretched mesh away from the flow field plate and has through holes. The side of the porous layer away from the stretched mesh is used to set a membrane electrode.
[0014] In some possible implementations, the structure further includes: The second flow field plate has a second flow field structure, which includes a third ridge and a second flow channel between the third ridge; the first flow field plate and the second flow field plate are welded together, and the first ridge and the third ridge are arranged opposite to each other.
[0015] In some possible implementations, the surface of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate has a coating with a thickness ranging from 0 to 100 nm.
[0016] In some possible implementations, the flow field plate is a stamped plate with a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 1 mm.
[0017] In some possible implementations, the thickness of the stretched mesh ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm.
[0018] In some possible implementations, the structure further includes: A membrane electrode, a diffusion layer, and a third flow field plate are stacked sequentially on the side of the stretched mesh opposite to the first flow field plate.
[0019] In some possible implementations, the first flow field plate is an anode plate, and the third flow field plate is a cathode plate.
[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a water electrolysis cell structure, the method comprising: Positioning a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh; the first flow field plate has a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure including a first ridge and a first flow channel between the first ridge; the first ridge extends along a first direction; the stretched mesh has a mesh core and regular holes surrounded by the mesh core; the stretched mesh and the flow field plate are fitted together, and the mesh core includes second ridges arranged along the first direction; The second ridge and the first ridge are welded together.
[0021] In one possible implementation, the welding position of the first ridge is on the center line of the first ridge along the first direction.
[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: Position the first flow field plate and the second flow field plate; the second flow field plate has a second flow field structure, the second flow field structure including a third ridge and a second flow channel between the third ridge; The first flow field plate and the second flow field plate are welded together, with the first ridge and the third ridge arranged opposite to each other.
[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: A coating is formed on the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh, the thickness of which ranges from 0 to 100 nm.
[0024] This application provides a water electrolyzer structure and a method for manufacturing the water electrolyzer structure. The water electrolyzer structure includes a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh. The first flow field plate has a first flow field structure, which includes a first ridge and a first flow channel between the first ridges. The first ridge extends along a first direction. The stretched mesh has mesh strands and regular holes surrounded by the mesh strands. The stretched mesh and the flow field plate are attached together, and the mesh strands include second ridges arranged along the first direction. The second ridges and the first ridges are welded together. In this way, the second ridge of the stretched mesh and the first ridge of the first flow field plate extend in the same direction, which is equivalent to the coordinated design of the structural shape and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate. This is beneficial for regular alignment. Furthermore, due to the attached arrangement of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate, the first ridge and the second ridge can achieve a large area of attachment, which is conducive to achieving high-quality welding between the second ridge and the first ridge, realizing ridge-to-ridge welding between the stretched mesh and the first flow field plate. The welding process enables efficient conductivity between the stretched mesh and the flow field plate, reducing the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, thereby reducing the cost of the electrolytic cell components and improving the economics of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a side view of a water electrolysis cell structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic top view of a first flow field structure of a first flow field plate provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A schematic top view of a stretched mesh structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic top view of a water electrolysis cell structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the dimensions of a first flow field plate provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the anode side structure of a water electrolysis cell provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a side view of a water electrolysis cell structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating a water electrolysis cell structure provided in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0029] Secondly, this application provides a detailed description in conjunction with schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of this application, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not adhering to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this application. In addition, actual fabrication should include three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.
[0030] As described in the background section, a water electrolyzer is an electrochemical device that uses electrical energy to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. Different voltages are applied to the cathode and anode plates to create an electric field. Between the cathode and anode plates are three core layers: a cathode diffusion layer (GDL), a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and an anode diffusion layer (GDL). These three core layers are the core reaction and mass transfer regions for water electrolysis, and each layer is tightly bonded together.
[0031] When excess deionized water or electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyzer, the generated hydrogen or oxygen is discharged from the electrolyzer in a two-phase flow along with the remaining deionized water or electrolyte. Current water electrolyzers are costly, severely limiting the economic viability of water electrolysis for hydrogen production.
[0032] However, the industrial application of existing PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) water electrolysis hydrogen production technology is limited by high costs. One key reason is that the diffusion layer and the flow field plate (bipolar plate) surface need to be coated. In order to ensure that the contact resistance between the diffusion layer and the flow field plate is maintained at a low resistance level throughout the entire life cycle of the electrolysis device, the thickness of the coating usually needs to reach more than 100 nanometers. This significantly increases the material cost of the electrolysis cell components and severely limits the economic improvement of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
[0033] Based on the above technical problems, this application provides a water electrolyzer structure and method. The water electrolyzer structure includes a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh. The first flow field plate has a first flow field structure, which includes a first ridge and a first flow channel between the first ridges. The first ridge extends along a first direction. The stretched mesh has a mesh stem and regular holes surrounded by the mesh stem. The stretched mesh and the flow field plate are fitted together, and the mesh stem includes second ridges arranged along the first direction. The second ridge and the first ridge are welded together. In this way, the second ridge of the stretched mesh and the first ridge of the first flow field plate extend in the same direction, which is equivalent to the coordinated design of the structural shape and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate. This is beneficial for regular alignment. Furthermore, due to the fitted arrangement of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate, the first ridge and the second ridge can achieve a large area of fit, which is conducive to achieving high-quality welding between the second ridge and the first ridge, realizing ridge-to-ridge welding between the stretched mesh and the first flow field plate. The welding process enables efficient conductivity between the stretched mesh and the flow field plate, reducing the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, thereby reducing the cost of the electrolytic cell components and improving the economics of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
[0034] For ease of understanding, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provides an embodiment of a water electrolysis cell structure and a method for manufacturing the water electrolysis cell structure provided in this application.
[0035] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shown is a side view of a water electrolyzer structure according to an embodiment of this application. The water electrolyzer structure may include a first flow field plate 102 and a stretched mesh 101, both of which are part of an electrolyzer assembly. The first flow field plate 102 includes first ridges 10 and first flow channels 20 between the first ridges 10. The first flow field plate 102 also includes a main structure 30 for connecting the respective first ridges 10 and the first flow channels 20.
[0036] In this embodiment, the first flow field plate 102 is a conductive plate with a specific structure and good conductivity, and its material can be titanium (Ti).
[0037] The first flow field plate 102 has a first flow field structure, which includes a first ridge 10 and a first flow channel 20 between the first ridges 10. The first flow field structure can be of various types, depending on the structure of the first ridges 10. Examples include a parallel flow field generated by parallel first ridges 10 and a serpentine flow field generated by serpentine first ridges 10. (Reference) Figure 2 The diagram shown is a side view of a first flow field structure of a first flow field plate provided in an embodiment of this application. It includes a first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate, a first flow channel 20, and a main structure 30 connecting each of the first ridges 10 and 20.
[0038] The first flow field plate with the first flow field structure can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, maintain an effective mass transfer channel in the reaction region, transport deionized water and efficiently discharge reaction products.
[0039] Specifically, the first ridge 10 in the first flow field structure can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, preventing it from deforming under pressure. It can also be used for efficient current conduction, and can be used to separate flow channels and guide the orderly flow of fluids, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the protruding portion is the first ridge 10. Furthermore, the first ridge 10 extends along a first direction, which is the direction in which the first flow channel 20 extends and also the direction in which deionized water flows.
[0040] The first flow channel 20 in the first flow field structure is located between the first ridges 10 and 10. It can be used to transport reactants to the electrochemical reaction zone driven by the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the external liquid supply system, and can also be used to discharge reaction products. The first flow channel 20, located between the first ridges 10 and 10, cooperates with the first ridges 10 to form the first flow field structure, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the recessed portions that are distributed alternately with the first ridge 10 are the first flow channels 20.
[0041] In this embodiment, the first flow field plate 102 can be used as an anode plate or a cathode plate.
[0042] In one possible implementation, when the first flow field plate 102 serves as the anode plate, it can be used to collect electrons generated by the oxygen evolution reaction and conduct them in a directional manner, providing an electron transfer path for the continued electrochemical reaction. It can also discharge the reaction product (oxygen) generated by the oxygen evolution reaction along with the remaining deionized water through the first flow channel 20 of the first flow field plate 102. Furthermore, it can be used to transport deionized water to the electrochemical reaction region. Specifically, driven by the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the external liquid supply system, the deionized water flows from the high-pressure inlet to the low-pressure outlet, circulates in the first flow channel 20, and then wets the electrochemical reaction region.
[0043] In another possible implementation, when the first flow field plate 102 is a cathode plate, the first flow field plate 102 can be used to receive directionally conducted electrons and transfer them to the electrochemical reaction region to provide the electrons required for the hydrogen evolution reaction, and can also be used to quickly remove the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen evolution reaction.
[0044] In this embodiment, the stretched mesh is a thin-layer material with porous structure, high conductivity, and corrosion resistance. It can be a metal stretched mesh, such as titanium stretched mesh or nickel stretched mesh. The stretched mesh can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, preventing deformation under pressure and ensuring a smooth reaction interface. It can also be used for efficient conductivity and to guide deionized water into the electrochemical reaction region for subsequent oxygen evolution reactions. (Reference) Figure 3 The diagram shown is a top view of a stretched mesh structure provided in an embodiment of this application. The stretched mesh 101 includes a mesh core 60 and holes 70.
[0045] The mesh strands 60 of the stretched mesh can be used to provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, preventing it from deforming under pressure. Specifically, the mesh strands 60 include second ridges arranged along a first direction, i.e., along the direction of the flow channel extension or the direction of deionized water flow, which can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region and prevent it from deforming under pressure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the mesh stalk 40 is the second ridge. The mesh stalk 60 of the stretched mesh can also be used for conductivity. The mesh stalk 60 is the main pathway for current to pass through, which can efficiently conduct current and directly affect the normal occurrence of electrochemical reactions. At the same time, the height of the mesh stalk also determines the speed and smoothness of deionized water passage.
[0046] The holes 70 of the stretched mesh are formed by the mesh strands 60. They can be regular holes, such as hexagonal holes or rhomboid holes. The holes 70 can be used to uniformly deliver deionized water to the electrochemical reaction area, avoiding local overheating or local water shortage in the electrochemical reaction area. They can also be used to discharge gas products. At the same time, the shape of the holes will affect the effect of gas product discharge.
[0047] In this embodiment, the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are bonded together. Specifically, the second ridges 40 of the stretched mesh 101 are arranged along a first direction, and the first ridges 10 of the first flow field structure extend along the first direction. That is, the direction in which the second ridges 40 of the stretched mesh are arranged is the same as the direction in which the first ridges 10 of the first flow field structure extend. This means that the structural form and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are designed in a coordinated manner, which is conducive to regular alignment. Furthermore, since the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are bonded together, the first ridges 10 and the second ridges 40 can achieve a large area of bonding, which is beneficial to achieving a ridge-to-ridge structural arrangement between the first ridges 10 and the second ridges 40. (Reference) Figure 4 The diagram shown is a top view of a water electrolysis cell structure provided in this embodiment of the application, wherein the direction of the dashed arrow is the first direction.
[0048] In this embodiment of the application, the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10 are welded together. Based on the ridge-to-ridge structure between the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40, ridge-to-ridge welding between the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can be realized.
[0049] Through the stretched mesh, liquid from the first flow channel 20 of the first flow field plate 102 can uniformly penetrate into the electrochemical reaction region. Furthermore, the stretched mesh 101 allows current to be uniformly transmitted to the electrochemical reaction region, thereby achieving hydrogen production through water electrolysis. Simultaneously, the stretched mesh 101 also provides rigid support to the electrochemical reaction region. Thus, the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 extend in the same direction, and the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the flow field plate 102 are arranged in a ridge-to-ridge fit, which is equivalent to a coordinated design of the structural shape and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102. This facilitates regular alignment. Due to the fit between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can achieve a large area of fit, which is beneficial for high-quality welding of the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10, achieving ridge-to-ridge welding between the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102. The welding process achieves efficient conductivity between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, reduces the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, reduces the cost of the electrolytic cell components, and improves the economics of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
[0050] In this embodiment, the regular holes surrounded by the mesh strands are hexagonal holes, and the second ridge is the opposite side mesh strand in the mesh strand. When the holes of the stretched mesh 101 are hexagonal holes, refer to... Figure 3 As shown, 40 is the opposite side mesh strand of the stretched mesh, and 50 is the diagonal mesh strand of the stretched mesh. The opposite side mesh strand 40 and the diagonal mesh strand 50 together constitute the mesh strand 60 of the stretched mesh.
[0051] The opposite side of the stretched net 101, the wire 40, is the second ridge, for example... Figure 3 The opposite side mesh 40 shown is the second ridge, which is arranged along the first direction, that is, along the flow channel direction or the fluid direction.
[0052] In this embodiment, the hexagonal holes provide uniform rigid support in a planar manner, which allows the force on the mesh strands to be distributed in six directions instead of the four directions of a rhombus. The support stability is better than that of rhombus holes, and there is no risk of stress accumulation and cracking during stretching. During operation, it can effectively disperse the high voltage of the electrolytic cell and avoid deformation of the holes themselves and damage to the mesh structure.
[0053] Specifically, the hexagonal holes can adopt a regular hexagonal structure, with the mesh strands surrounding the holes being of equal length and all having an interior angle of 120°, which is a honeycomb structure. Under the working pressure of the water electrolysis cell, the corresponding mesh strands can achieve uniform planar support for the electrochemical reaction area, reduce local stress concentration, and prevent local deformation of the electrochemical reaction area.
[0054] Hexagonal holes can also adopt a flat hexagonal structure. The flat hexagonal hole is a stretched deformation of the regular hexagonal hole. Its three sets of parallel mesh strands are of equal length, with alternating obtuse and acute interior angles, belonging to a honeycomb-like structure. The hole shape has obvious differences in length direction. Specifically, the dimension is longer along the stretching direction (i.e., the major axis direction, which is the direction in which the stretched mesh is elongated), and shorter along the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction (i.e., the minor axis direction). The flow channel along the stretching direction is wider, the flow resistance is lower, and the flow is smoother, while the flow channel in the perpendicular direction is more compact, which generates a stronger disturbance and mixing effect when the fluid passes through. This mixing effect can stir and homogenize fluids with different flow velocities, thereby avoiding excessive local flow velocity differences, making the overall fluid distribution more uniform, and improving the efficiency of material transport.
[0055] When the holes of the stretched mesh 101 are flat hexagonal holes, the second ridge 40 is a long opposite-side mesh strand in the mesh strand, that is, an opposite-side mesh strand that extends along the long axis. Then, when the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 is subsequently welded ridge to ridge, the long opposite-side mesh strand is used for welding, which increases the contact area with the first ridge 10 and makes the welding more solid.
[0056] In this embodiment of the application, the extension direction of the second ridge 40 of the water electrolysis cell structure is perpendicular to the first direction, and the midpoint of the second ridge 40 is located on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction.
[0057] Specifically, the direction in which the second ridge 40 extends is the direction in which the stretched mesh 101 is stretched. It is perpendicular to the direction of the first flow channel or the direction of fluid flow. The midpoint of the second ridge 40 is located on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction, so that the arrangement direction of the second ridge 40 is perfectly aligned with the extension direction of the first ridge 10, which is conducive to regular alignment. Furthermore, due to the close fit between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can achieve a large area of fit, which is conducive to achieving a ridge-to-ridge structure and making the overall structure more stable.
[0058] Of course, the midpoint of the second ridge 40 may not be located on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. The specific setting can be made according to the actual operation requirements.
[0059] In this embodiment, the ratio between the period of the first ridge 10 and the period of the second ridge 40 in the second direction is m / n, where m and n are positive integers and range from [1, 3]. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first flow field plate 102 and the stretched mesh 101.
[0060] Specifically, the period L of the first ridge 10 b The distance between the centerlines of the first ridge 10 along the first direction and the centerlines of the first ridge along the first direction, that is, the distance between the geometric centerlines of two adjacent ridges, can also be referred to as the transverse period. (See reference...) Figure 5 The diagram shown is a dimensional schematic of a first flow field plate 102 provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein L b It is the first 10th cycle, L t It is the groove width of the first flow field plate, L r It is the ridge width of the first flow field plate, and the dashed line is the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction.
[0061] The second direction is the direction in which the stretched mesh 101 is stretched, that is, the direction in which the second ridge 40 extends. It is perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, the direction in which the second ridge 40 extends is perpendicular to the direction in which the first ridge 10 extends, and is also perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first flow field plate 102 and the stretched mesh 101.
[0062] The period L of the second ridge 40 in the first direction w The minimum distance that allows the second ridge to completely overlap with the original structure after translation along the second direction, referenced. Figure 6 As shown, L w This refers to the period of the stretched mesh in the first direction.
[0063] The first vertebral 10 cycle L b The period L of the second ridge 40 in the second direction w The ratio between them is m / n, that is, L b / L w =m / n, where m and n are positive integers in the range [1, 3]. That is, L b / L w It can be 1 / 1, 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 2 / 1, 2 / 3, 3 / 1, or 3 / 2. Among them, 2 / 2 and 3 / 3 are the same as 1 / 1.
[0064] Specifically, when m / n = 1 / 2, it means that the period of the first ridge 10 is half the period of the second ridge 40 in the second direction. For example... Figure 7The diagram shows a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh provided in an embodiment of this application. The stretched mesh 101 is laid flat on the first flow field plate 102. The dotted line is the center line of the second ridge 40 along the first direction, which is also the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. At this time, the length of the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 can be the same as the length of the first ridge of the first flow field plate. This is a matching of the first ridge and the second ridge. Each second ridge 40 is attached to the second ridge 40, which can achieve a perfect ridge-to-ridge fitting structure.
[0065] When m / n = 1, it indicates that the period of the first ridge 10 and the period of the second ridge 40 are the same in the second direction. (Reference) Figure 8 The diagram shows a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh provided in the application embodiment. The stretched mesh 101 is laid flat on the first flow field plate 102. The dotted line is the center line of the second ridge 40 along the first direction, which is also the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. At this time, the aperture size of the stretched mesh 101 is more conducive to the transport of deionized water and the removal of reaction products.
[0066] When m / n = 2, it means that the period of the first ridge 10 is twice the period of the second ridge 40 in the second direction. (Reference) Figure 9 The diagram shows a stacking method of a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh provided in an embodiment of this application. The stretched mesh 101 is laid flat on the first flow field plate 102. The dotted line is the center line of the stretched mesh 101 along the first direction, which is also the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. Since the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 is twice the size of the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101, the stretched mesh 101 has higher structural strength and structural stability compared to the large aperture structure.
[0067] In this way, by setting the period of the first ridge 10 and the period of the second ridge 40 in the second direction according to the actual operation requirements, the gas-liquid transmission path can be optimized, the stability of the structure can be guaranteed, and the occurrence of local overheating or local water shortage can be avoided, ensuring that the reaction interface is always in full contact with deionized water.
[0068] In this embodiment of the application, the welding position of the first ridge 10 is on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction.
[0069] Specifically, the welding position of the first ridge 10 can be determined on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. For example, the welding position can be determined on the center line according to a certain period, that is, the welding position is presented in the form of a point.
[0070] In this embodiment, the welding position may not be on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. For example, it may be along the S-line or the broken line. The specific situation can be determined according to the actual operation requirements. For example, it can be determined according to the shape of the stretched mesh 101 and the shape of the first flow field plate 102.
[0071] This personalized welding approach, tailored to specific operational needs, improves the success rate of welding operations and enhances structural adaptability.
[0072] In this embodiment of the application, the period of the first ridge 10 is 2 mm, the width of the first ridge 10 in the second direction is 1 mm, and the period of the second ridge 40 in the first direction is 2 mm and the period in the second direction is 1 mm.
[0073] Specifically, the second direction is the direction perpendicular to the first direction, and it is also the direction in which the first ridge 10 is arranged on the first flow field plate 102.
[0074] The first vertebral 10 cycle L b This is the distance between the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction and the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction, which can also be called the transverse period.
[0075] In one possible implementation, the ridge width of the first flow field plate 101 is L. r =1mm, that is, the width of the first ridge 10 is 1mm, and the groove width of the first flow field plate 102 is L. t =1mm, Lateral period L b =2mm, that is, the period of the first ridge 10 in the second direction is 2mm.
[0076] The period of the second ridge 40 in the second direction is also the major axis period L of the stretched mesh 101. w L is the period of the stretch mesh 101 arranged along its long axis. w =2mm; the period of the second ridge 40 in the first direction is also the minor axis period H of the stretched mesh 101. w ,refer to Figure 6 As shown, H w That is, the period of the stretched mesh in the first direction, H w =1mm.
[0077] In other words, the transverse period of the first flow field plate 102 is the same as the major axis period of the stretched mesh 101, meaning the period ratio satisfies 1:1. (This can be referenced.) Figure 8 As shown, after the edges of the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are positioned, the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 are aligned ridge to ridge. At this time, the aperture size of the stretched mesh 101 is more conducive to the transport of deionized water and the removal of reaction products.
[0078] In this embodiment, the water electrolyzer structure further includes a porous layer, which is part of the electrolyzer assembly. The porous layer is disposed on the side of the stretched mesh away from the flow field plate and has through holes. The side of the porous layer away from the stretched mesh is used to house membrane electrodes. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the composition of the anode side of a water electrolyzer provided in an embodiment of this application. The side away from the stretched mesh includes a porous layer 104 and a membrane electrode 105 in sequence.
[0079] The porous layer 104 is disposed on the side of the stretched mesh 101 away from the flow field plate. It may include straight through holes or tortuous through holes, mainly used to isolate the stretched mesh from the electrochemical reaction area and prevent the stretched mesh from causing physical damage to the electrochemical reaction area.
[0080] The porous layer 104 and the stretched mesh 101 together constitute the diffusion layer in this embodiment, which realizes the uniform distribution of the reactant deionized water in the electrochemical reaction region and the rapid discharge of the reaction gas. At the same time, the structural design combined with the synergistic design with the first flow field plate further realizes the stable support for the electrochemical reaction region.
[0081] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 10 As shown, the water electrolysis cell structure also includes a second flow field plate 103, which has a second flow field structure, including a third ridge 90 and a second flow channel 80 between the third ridge; the first flow field plate 102 and the second flow field plate 103 are welded together, and the first ridge 10 and the third ridge 90 are arranged opposite to each other.
[0082] Similar to the flow field structure of the first flow field plate, the second flow field plate 103 can be either an anode plate or a cathode plate. Together with the first flow field plate, they form a bipolar plate. The stability of the bipolar plate structure is ensured by welding, which guarantees the continuous, efficient and stable electrochemical reaction.
[0083] In this embodiment, the surfaces of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate may have a coating, the thickness of which ranges from 0 to 100 nm.
[0084] The coating is used to reduce the contact resistance between the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102. Because the coating has excellent electrical conductivity and stable chemical properties, it can be a noble metal coating or a non-metallic coating, such as a platinum coating, a gold coating, a carbon coating, etc., thus improving interface stability (oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance).
[0085] Since the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are connected by welding, the thickness of the coating can be in the range of [0-100nm], for example, it can be 20nm. In this way, compared with the coating thickness that usually needs to reach more than 100nm, the coating cost is significantly reduced.
[0086] In this embodiment of the application, the material of the flow field plate can be a stamped plate with a thickness range of [0.05-1mm].
[0087] Specifically, the material of the flow field plate can be either a stamped plate or an etched plate. A stamped plate is formed by applying pressure to a metal sheet using a stamping die, causing the sheet to undergo plastic deformation and thus creating a plate structure with flow field grooves on the surface. An etched plate, on the other hand, is formed by selectively removing material from the surface of a metal sheet using methods such as chemical etching or laser etching, creating a plate structure with fine flow field grooves.
[0088] Compared to etched plates, stamped plates are thinner, with a thickness range of [0.05-1mm], for example, 0.1mm. This makes it easier to control the energy level when welding the stretched mesh and flow field plate, thus avoiding welding through the stretched mesh 101 during the welding process.
[0089] In this embodiment of the application, the thickness of the stretched mesh 101 can be in the range of [0.1-0.5mm], for example, it can be 0.3mm. Based on the thickness setting, the smooth flow of gas and liquid can be ensured, while ensuring that the stretched mesh 101 has high structural strength and structural stability, is not easy to deform, and has a better supporting effect on the membrane electrode.
[0090] In this embodiment, the water electrolyzer structure further includes a membrane electrode 105, a diffusion layer 106, and a third flow field plate 107 stacked sequentially on the side of the stretched mesh 101 facing away from the first flow field plate 102. These are all part of the electrolyzer assembly. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The image shown is a schematic side view of a water electrolysis cell structure provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0091] Specifically, the membrane electrode 105 is the core region for electrochemical reactions. Along the direction away from the stretched mesh 101, it includes an anode catalyst layer (for oxygen evolution reaction), a proton exchange membrane (for selective permeability to protons and blocking the mixing of reaction gases between the cathode and anode to ensure the stable conduct of the electrochemical reaction), and a cathode catalyst layer (for hydrogen evolution reaction).
[0092] The diffusion layer 106 can be used to achieve rigid support for the membrane electrode 105, and it can be carbon cloth, carbon paper or carbon felt.
[0093] The third flow field plate 107 has a similar flow field structure to the first flow field plate 102 and the same structure as the second flow field plate 103. It includes a fourth ridge 301, a third flow channel 302, and a main structure 300 connecting each fourth ridge 301. The third flow field plate 107 can be an anode plate or a cathode plate to ensure that the electrochemical reaction is continuous, efficient and stable.
[0094] In this way, based on the above structural design, the normal and efficient execution of the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction in the electrochemical reaction zone is guaranteed, thereby ensuring the long-term stable operation of the water electrolyzer.
[0095] In this embodiment, the first flow field plate 102 is an anode plate, and the third flow field plate is a cathode plate.
[0096] The first flow field plate 102 can be used to collect electrons generated by the oxygen evolution reaction and conduct electrons in a directional manner, providing an electron transfer path for the continuous electrochemical reaction. It can also discharge the reaction product (oxygen) generated by the oxygen evolution reaction along with the remaining deionized water through the first flow channel 20 of the first flow field plate 102. It can also be used to transport deionized water to the electrochemical reaction area. Specifically, driven by the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the external liquid supply system, deionized water flows from the high-pressure inlet to the low-pressure outlet, flows through the first flow channel 20, and then wets the electrochemical reaction area.
[0097] The third flow field plate 107 can be used to receive directionally conducted electrons and transfer them to the electrochemical reaction region. The third flow field plate 107 is a stamped plate used to provide the electrons required for the hydrogen evolution reaction and can also be used to quickly remove the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen evolution reaction.
[0098] In this way, based on the above structural design, the normal and efficient execution of the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction in the electrochemical reaction zone is guaranteed, thereby ensuring the long-term stable operation of the water electrolyzer.
[0099] This application provides a water electrolyzer structure, including a first flow field plate 102 and a stretched mesh 101; the first flow field plate 102 has a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure includes a first ridge 10 and a first flow channel 20 between the first ridge 10; the first ridge 10 extends along a first direction; the stretched mesh 101 has a mesh strand 60 and regular holes 70 surrounded by the mesh strand; the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102 are attached together, the mesh strand 60 includes second ridges 40 arranged along the first direction, and the second ridges 40 and the first ridge 10 are welded together. In this way, the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 extend in the same direction, which is equivalent to the coordinated design of the structural shape and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102. This facilitates regular alignment, and due to the close fit between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can achieve a large-area fit, which is conducive to achieving high-quality welding between the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10, realizing ridge-to-ridge welding between the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102. The welding process achieves efficient conductivity between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, reduces the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, reduces the cost of the electrolytic cell assembly, and improves the economics of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
[0100] Based on the above water electrolysis cell structure, this application embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing the water electrolysis cell structure, see reference. Figure 12 The flowchart shown is a method for manufacturing a water electrolysis cell structure according to an embodiment of this application, which may include the following steps: S1001, Position the first flow field plate 102 and the stretched mesh 101; the first flow field plate 102 has a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure includes a first ridge 10 and a first flow channel 20 between the first ridge 10; the first ridge 10 extends along a first direction; the stretched mesh 101 has a mesh strand 60 and regular holes 70 surrounded by the mesh strand; the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102 are fitted together, and the mesh strand 60 includes second ridges 40 arranged along the first direction.
[0101] In this embodiment, the first flow field plate 102 is a conductive plate with a specific flow channel structure and good conductivity. Its material can be titanium (Ti).
[0102] The first flow field plate 102 can serve as either an anode plate or a cathode plate. When the first flow field plate 102 serves as an anode plate, it can collect electrons and then conduct them to an external power source to form a continuous and stable electron flow. It can also be used to transport deionized water, and the reaction products generated in the catalyst layer will mix with the remaining deionized water to form a gas-liquid two-phase flow, which will be discharged from the electrolyzer through the first flow channel 20 of the first flow field plate 102.
[0103] The first flow field plate 102 has a first flow field structure, which is a fluid transport structure. The first flow field structure includes a first ridge 10 and a first flow channel 20 between the first ridges 10. The first flow field structure can be of various types, such as a parallel flow field or a serpentine flow field. (Reference) Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic side view of a first flow field structure of a first flow field plate provided in an embodiment of this application, which includes a first ridge 10, a first flow channel 20, and a main structure 30 connecting each first ridge 10.
[0104] The first flow field plate with the first flow field structure can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, maintain the effective mass transfer channel and reaction interface morphology of the reaction region, transport of deionized water and efficient discharge of reaction products.
[0105] Specifically, the first ridge 10 in the first flow field structure can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region to prevent deformation under pressure, can also be used for efficient current conduction, and can also be used to separate flow channels and guide the orderly flow of fluid, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the protruding portion is the first ridge 10. Furthermore, the first ridge 10 extends along a first direction, which is the direction in which the first flow channel 20 extends and also the direction in which deionized water flows.
[0106] The first flow channel 20 in the first flow field structure is located between the first ridges 10 and 10. It can be used to transport reactants to the electrochemical reaction region of the membrane electrode under the pressure difference driven by the inlet and outlet of the external liquid supply system, and can also be used for the discharge of reaction products. The first flow channel 20, located between the first ridges 10 and 10, cooperates with the first ridges 10 to form the first flow field structure, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the recessed portions that are distributed alternately with the first ridge 10 are the first flow channels 20.
[0107] In this embodiment, the first flow field plate 102 can be used as an anode plate or a cathode plate.
[0108] In one possible implementation, when the first flow field plate 102 serves as the anode plate, it can be used to collect electrons generated by the oxygen evolution reaction and conduct them in a directional manner, providing an electron transfer path for the continued electrochemical reaction. It can also discharge the reaction product (oxygen) generated by the oxygen evolution reaction along with the remaining deionized water through the first flow channel 20 of the first flow field plate 102. Furthermore, it can be used to transport deionized water to the electrochemical reaction region. Specifically, driven by the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the external liquid supply system, the deionized water flows from the high-pressure inlet to the low-pressure outlet, circulates in the first flow channel 20, and then wets the electrochemical reaction region.
[0109] In another possible implementation, when the first flow field plate 102 is a cathode plate, the first flow field plate 102 can be used to receive directionally conducted electrons and transfer them to the electrochemical reaction region to provide the electrons required for the hydrogen evolution reaction, and can also be used to quickly remove the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen evolution reaction.
[0110] In this embodiment, the stretched mesh is a thin-film material with porous structure, high conductivity, and corrosion resistance. It can be a metal stretched mesh, such as titanium stretched mesh or nickel stretched mesh. The stretched mesh can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, preventing deformation under pressure and ensuring a smooth reaction interface. It can also be used for efficient conductivity and to guide deionized water to the surface electrochemical reaction region of the membrane electrode for subsequent oxygen evolution electrolysis. (Reference) Figure 3 The diagram shown is a top view of a stretched mesh structure provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein 40 is the opposite side mesh strand of the stretched mesh, 50 is the diagonal mesh strand of the stretched mesh, and the opposite side mesh strand 40 and the diagonal mesh strand 50 together constitute the mesh strand 60 of the stretched mesh.
[0111] The mesh strands 60 of the stretched mesh can be used to provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region, preventing it from deforming under pressure. Specifically, the mesh strands 60 include second ridges arranged along a first direction, i.e., along the direction of the flow channel extension or the direction of deionized water flow, which can provide rigid support for the electrochemical reaction region and prevent it from deforming under pressure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cross-section 40 is the second ridge. The cross-section 60 of the stretched mesh can also be used for conductivity. The cross-section 60 is the main pathway for current to pass through, which can efficiently conduct current and directly affect the normal occurrence of subsequent electrochemical reactions. At the same time, the height of the cross-section also determines the speed and smoothness of deionized water passage.
[0112] The holes 70 of the stretched mesh are formed by the mesh strands 60. They can be regular holes, such as hexagonal holes or rhomboid holes. The holes 70 can be used to uniformly deliver deionized water to the electrochemical reaction area, avoiding local overheating or local water shortage in the electrochemical reaction area. They can also be used to discharge gas products. At the same time, the shape of the holes will affect the effect of gas product discharge.
[0113] In this embodiment, the mesh 60 includes second ridges arranged along a first direction, i.e., along the direction of the flow channel or the direction of deionized water flow. These ridges primarily support the membrane electrode and prevent deformation under pressure. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the second ridge is the side net ridge 40.
[0114] The holes 70 of the stretched mesh are formed by the mesh strands 60. They can be regular holes, such as hexagonal holes or rhomboid holes. The holes 70 can be used to transport deionized water, making it more evenly distributed on the surface of the membrane electrode, avoiding local overheating or local water shortage of the membrane electrode. They can also be used to discharge gas products. At the same time, the shape of the holes will affect the effect of gas product discharge.
[0115] Through the stretching mesh, the liquid from the first channel 20 of the first flow field plate 102 can be uniformly penetrated into the anode catalyst layer in the membrane electrode electrochemical reaction region assembly. The stretching mesh 101 can also uniformly transmit the current to the electrochemical reaction region, thereby realizing the electrolysis of water to produce oxygen. At the same time, the stretching mesh 101 can also provide a certain rigid support for the membrane electrode in the electrochemical reaction region.
[0116] Positioning the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh means accurately placing them at designated locations. In one possible implementation, the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are fitted together. Specifically, the second ridges 40 of the stretched mesh 101 are arranged along a first direction, and the first ridges 10 of the first flow field structure extend along the first direction. That is, the direction in which the second ridges 40 of the stretched mesh are arranged is the same as the direction in which the first ridges 10 of the first flow field structure extend. This means that the structural form and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are designed in a coordinated manner, which facilitates regular alignment. Furthermore, since the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are fitted together, the first ridges 10 and the second ridges 40 can achieve a large area of contact, which is beneficial for achieving a ridge-to-ridge structural arrangement between the first ridges 10 and the second ridges 40. (Reference) Figure 4 The diagram shown is a top view of a water electrolysis cell structure provided in this embodiment of the application, wherein the direction of the dashed arrow is the first direction.
[0117] S1002, the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10 are welded together.
[0118] In this embodiment of the application, the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10 are welded together. Based on the ridge-to-ridge structure between the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40, ridge-to-ridge welding between the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can be realized.
[0119] In one possible implementation, after the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh are attached and positioned, a laser beam can be applied. The laser penetrates the first flow field plate and irradiates the contact area between the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh. The laser energy melts the stretched mesh at the contact interface and forms a molten pool. After the molten pool cools and solidifies, the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh are welded together in the welding area.
[0120] In this way, the first flow field plate 102 and the stretched mesh 101 are positioned such that the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 extend in the same direction, and the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the flow field plate 102 are set in a ridge-to-ridge bonding structure. This is equivalent to a coordinated design of the structural shape and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, which is conducive to regular alignment. Due to the bonding setting of the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can achieve a large area of bonding, which is conducive to achieving high-quality welding between the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10, realizing ridge-to-ridge welding between the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102. The welding process achieves efficient conductivity between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, reduces the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, reduces the cost of the electrolysis cell assembly, and improves the economics of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
[0121] In this embodiment of the application, the welding position of the first ridge 10 is on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction.
[0122] Specifically, the welding position of the first ridge 10 can be determined on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. For example, the welding position can be determined on the center line according to a certain period, that is, the welding position is presented in the form of a point.
[0123] In this embodiment, the welding position may not be on the center line of the first ridge 10 along the first direction. For example, it may be along the S-line or the broken line. The specific situation can be determined according to the actual operation requirements. For example, it can be determined according to the shape of the stretched mesh 101 and the shape of the first flow field plate 102.
[0124] This personalized welding approach, tailored to specific operational needs, improves the success rate of welding operations and enhances structural adaptability.
[0125] In this embodiment of the application, a first flow field plate 102 and a second flow field plate 103 are positioned; the second flow field plate 103 has a second flow field structure, the second flow field structure includes a third ridge 90 and a second flow channel 80 between the third ridge 90; the first flow field plate 102 and the second flow field plate 103 are welded together, and the first ridge 10 and the third ridge 90 are arranged opposite to each other.
[0126] Similar to the flow field structure of the first flow field plate 102, the second flow field plate 103 can be either an anode plate or a cathode plate. Together with the first flow field plate 102, they form a bipolar plate. The stability of the bipolar plate structure is ensured by welding, which guarantees the continuous, efficient and stable electrochemical reaction.
[0127] In this embodiment of the application, a coating is applied to the first flow field plate 102 and the stretched mesh 101, and the thickness of the coating ranges from [0-100nm].
[0128] The coating is used to reduce the contact resistance between the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102. Because the coating has excellent electrical conductivity and stable chemical properties, it can be a noble metal coating, such as a platinum coating or a gold coating, thus improving interface stability (oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance).
[0129] Since the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102 are connected by welding, the thickness of the coating can be in the range of [0-100nm], for example, it can be 20nm. In this way, compared with the coating thickness that usually needs to reach more than 100nm, the coating cost is significantly reduced.
[0130] This application provides a method for manufacturing a water electrolysis cell structure, comprising positioning a first flow field plate 102 and a stretched mesh 101; the first flow field plate 102 has a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure including a first ridge 10 and a first flow channel 20 between the first ridge 10; the first ridge 10 extends along a first direction; the stretched mesh 101 has a mesh strand 60 and regular holes 70 surrounded by the mesh strand; the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102 are fitted together, the mesh strand 60 includes second ridges 40 arranged along the first direction; the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10 are welded together. In this way, the second ridge 40 of the stretched mesh 101 and the first ridge 10 of the first flow field plate 102 extend in the same direction, which is equivalent to the coordinated design of the structural shape and dimensional parameters of the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102. This facilitates regular alignment, and due to the close fit between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, the first ridge 10 and the second ridge 40 can achieve a large-area fit, which is conducive to achieving high-quality welding between the second ridge 40 and the first ridge 10, realizing ridge-to-ridge welding between the stretched mesh 101 and the first flow field plate 102. The welding process achieves efficient conductivity between the stretched mesh 101 and the flow field plate 102, reduces the dependence of contact resistance on the coating, reduces the cost of the electrolytic cell assembly, and improves the economics of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.
[0131] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments. In particular, the storage device embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so they are described more simply; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.
[0132] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application. Although this application has disclosed preferred embodiments above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of this application using the methods and techniques disclosed above, or modify them into equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of this application. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solutions of this application shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of this application.
Claims
1. A water electrolysis cell structure, characterized in that, include: A first flow field plate, the first flow field plate having a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure including a first ridge and a first flow channel between the first ridge; The first ridge extends along a first direction; A stretched mesh having a mesh core and regular holes surrounded by the mesh core; the stretched mesh and the flow field plate are fitted together, and the mesh core includes second ridges arranged along a first direction, the second ridges and the first ridges being welded together.
2. The water electrolysis cell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regular holes are hexagonal holes, and the second ridge is the opposite side of the mesh.
3. The water electrolysis cell structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The regular holes are flat hexagonal holes, and the second ridge is the long opposite side mesh of the mesh.
4. The water electrolysis cell structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second ridge extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the midpoint of the second ridge is located on the centerline of the first ridge along the first direction.
5. The water electrolysis cell structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ratio between the period of the first ridge and the period of the second ridge in the second direction is m / n, where m and n are positive integers and range from [1, 3]. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh.
6. The water electrolysis cell structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The welding position of the first ridge is on the center line of the first ridge along the first direction.
7. The water electrolysis cell structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A porous layer is disposed on the side of the stretched mesh away from the flow field plate and has through holes. The side of the porous layer away from the stretched mesh is used to set a membrane electrode.
8. The water electrolysis cell structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: A second flow field plate, the second flow field plate having a second flow field structure, the second flow field structure including a third ridge and a second flow channel between the third ridge; The first flow field plate and the second flow field plate are welded together, and the first ridge and the third ridge are arranged opposite to each other.
9. The water electrolysis cell structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The surface of the stretched mesh and the flow field plate has a coating, the thickness of which ranges from 0 to 100 nm.
10. The water electrolysis cell structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The flow field plate is a stamped plate, and the thickness of the stamped plate is in the range of [0.05-1mm].
11. The water electrolysis cell structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The thickness of the stretched mesh ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm.
12. The water electrolysis cell structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Also includes: A membrane electrode, a diffusion layer, and a third flow field plate are stacked sequentially on the side of the stretched mesh opposite to the first flow field plate.
13. The water electrolysis cell according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first flow field plate is an anode plate, and the third flow field plate is a cathode plate.
14. A method for manufacturing a water electrolysis cell structure, characterized in that, The method includes: Positioning a first flow field plate and a stretched mesh; the first flow field plate has a first flow field structure, the first flow field structure including a first ridge and a first flow channel between the first ridge; the first ridge extends along a first direction; the stretched mesh has a mesh core and regular holes surrounded by the mesh core; the stretched mesh and the flow field plate are fitted together, and the mesh core includes second ridges arranged along the first direction; The second ridge and the first ridge are welded together.
15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The welding position of the first ridge is on the center line of the first ridge along the first direction.
16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Position the first flow field plate and the second flow field plate; the second flow field plate has a second flow field structure, the second flow field structure including a third ridge and a second flow channel between the third ridge; The first flow field plate and the second flow field plate are welded together, with the first ridge and the third ridge arranged opposite to each other.
17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: A coating is formed on the first flow field plate and the stretched mesh, the thickness of which ranges from 0 to 100 nm.