A kind of hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure of non-uniform alkaline electrolytic water

Abstract

The application relates to a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure and relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technical equipment, which comprises a main plate, one side of the main plate is provided with a water inlet part, the side, away from the water inlet part, of the main plate is provided with a water outlet part, a plurality of papillae are arranged on the main plate, and the density of the plurality of papillae is reduced along from the center of the main plate to the outer side of the main plate. The application has the advantages that the distribution of the flow field of the alkaline electrolysis cell plate is improved, the shortest path in the middle of the fluid is improved, the fluid is more uniformly dispersed to the periphery, and the electrolysis efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen production technology and equipment through water electrolysis, and in particular to a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure. Background Technology

[0002] An alkaline electrolyzer is a common electrochemical device, typically consisting of multiple electrolysis chambers. Each chamber includes a diaphragm, electrodes, and plates. These chambers are designed as independent electrolysis modules to achieve an efficient electrolysis process. In an alkaline electrolyzer, hydrogen is produced at the cathode, while oxygen is produced at the anode, and the diaphragm effectively separates the two gases, preventing them from mixing.

[0003] Electrode plates are a crucial component of the electrolytic cell, and their structural design plays a vital role in the efficiency and stability of the electrolysis process. The main electrode plate typically has protrusions stamped on it; these protrusions serve to fix the nickel mesh and form electron transport channels. Simultaneously, the spaces between the protrusions and the diaphragm create spaces for electrolyte flow, ensuring that the electrolyte can fully contact the electrode surface, thereby achieving a more efficient electrolytic reaction.

[0004] This helps optimize the electrolysis process, improve electrolysis efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. Through a well-designed electrode plate, the electrolyte can flow uniformly within the electrolytic cell, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the electrolysis reaction while also reducing energy loss.

[0005] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe that the existing papillae on the papillary plates are uniformly and symmetrically distributed and have the same size. This structure leads to non-uniformity of electrolyte flow on the surface of the papillary plates. The flow velocity in the central region of the papillary plates is relatively high, while the flow velocity in the left and right regions of the papillary plates is lower. In the low-flow-velocity regions, bubbles are more likely to accumulate, thus reducing the electrolysis efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to improve the flow field distribution of the electrode plates in alkaline electrolyzers, improve the shortest path in the middle of the fluid, make the fluid more evenly dispersed in all directions, and improve the electrolysis efficiency, this application provides a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure.

[0007] This application provides a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure includes a main plate, a water inlet on one side of the main plate, a water outlet on the side of the main plate opposite to the water inlet, and multiple protrusions on the main plate, the density of the multiple protrusions decreasing from the center of the main plate to the outer side of the main plate.

[0009] Optionally, the papillae include flow portions on both sides, and platform portions are fixedly connected to the flow portions. The platform portions include a first platform portion near the center of the main electrode plate and a second platform portion near the edge of the main electrode plate, with a protrusion between the first platform portion and the second platform portion.

[0010] Optionally, in the same papilla, the width of the first platform portion is smaller than the width of the second platform portion. Among the plurality of papillae arranged along the radial direction of the main electrode plate, two adjacent papillae along the path from the center side of the main electrode plate to the edge side of the main electrode plate are respectively an inner papilla and an outer papilla. The inner papilla is located on the side of the outer papilla closer to the center of the main electrode plate, and the width of the second platform portion of the inner papilla is smaller than the width of the first platform portion of the outer papilla.

[0011] Optionally, the distance between adjacent papillae extending outward from the interior of the main electrode plate is An, where An satisfies the following formula:

[0012] An+1>An

[0013] Where A is the distance between the outer extensions of adjacent mastoid processes; n is the order of the mastoid processes from the center outwards.

[0014] Optionally, the main electrode plate includes a dense portion near the center and a dispersed portion near the edge. The shape of the dense portion is the same as that of the main electrode plate, and the extensional spacing between two adjacent papillae on the dense portion is smaller than the extensional spacing between two adjacent papillae on the dispersed portion.

[0015] Optionally, the diameter of the dense portion is equal to the radius of the main electrode plate, and the dense portion is concentrically arranged with the main electrode plate.

[0016] Optionally, a transition portion is provided between the dense portion and the dispersed portion, wherein the extensional distance between two adjacent papillae on the transition portion is greater than the extensional distance between two adjacent papillae on the dense portion, and the extensional distance between two adjacent papillae on the transition portion is less than the extensional distance between two adjacent papillae on the dispersed portion.

[0017] Optionally, the transition portion is provided in multiple layers, the multiple transition portions are arranged concentrically, and the distance between the extensions of two mastoids on the inner layer of the transition portion is smaller than the distance between the extensions of two adjacent mastoids on the outer layer of the transition portion.

[0018] Optionally, the outer shape of the transition portion is the same as the outer shape of the main electrode plate.

[0019] Optionally, the water inlet and the water outlet are arranged symmetrically about the center of the main electrode plate.

[0020] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] By incorporating a non-uniform papilla structure, the flow field distribution on the electrode plates of a circular alkaline electrolyzer is improved. The papilla density in the central circular region is higher than in the surrounding areas, which improves the shortest path for the fluid in the center, allowing for more uniform fluid dispersion and increasing electrolysis efficiency. The circular distribution is consistent with the shape of the main electrode plate, exhibiting isotropy and ensuring similar resistance along all paths from inlet to outlet. Separate electrolyte inlets and outlets for the anode and cathode, corresponding to the gas-liquid outlets of the anode and cathode, prevent flow deviation effects. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the papilla structure of a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transition section of a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of multiple transition sections of a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Main electrode plate; 11. Concentrated section; 12. Dispersed section; 13. Transition section; 2. Electrode frame; 21. Water inlet section; 22. Water outlet section; 3. Papillary protrusion; 31. Flow section; 32. First platform section; 33. Second platform section; 34. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0028] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] An alkaline electrolyzer is a common electrochemical device, typically consisting of multiple electrolysis chambers. Each chamber includes a diaphragm, electrodes, and plates. These chambers are designed as independent electrolysis modules to achieve an efficient electrolysis process. In an alkaline electrolyzer, hydrogen is produced at the cathode, while oxygen is produced at the anode, and the diaphragm effectively separates the two gases, preventing them from mixing.

[0030] Electrode plates are a crucial component of the electrolytic cell, and their structural design plays a vital role in the efficiency and stability of the electrolysis process. The main electrode plate typically has protrusions stamped on it; these protrusions serve to fix the nickel mesh and form electron transport channels. Simultaneously, the spaces between the protrusions and the diaphragm create spaces for electrolyte flow, ensuring that the electrolyte can fully contact the electrode surface, thereby achieving a more efficient electrolytic reaction.

[0031] This helps optimize the electrolysis process, improve electrolysis efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. Through a well-designed electrode plate, the electrolyte can flow uniformly within the electrolytic cell, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the electrolysis reaction while also reducing energy loss.

[0032] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe that the existing papillae on the papillary plates are uniformly and symmetrically distributed and have the same size. This structure leads to non-uniformity of electrolyte flow on the surface of the papillary plates. The flow velocity in the central region of the papillary plates is relatively high, while the flow velocity in the left and right regions of the papillary plates is lower. In the low-flow-velocity regions, bubbles are more likely to accumulate, thus reducing the electrolysis efficiency.

[0033] In order to improve the flow field distribution of the electrode plates in alkaline electrolyzers, improve the shortest path in the middle of the fluid, make the fluid more evenly dispersed in all directions, and improve the electrolysis efficiency, this application provides a non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure.

[0034] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0035] This application discloses a bipolar plate flow field structure for non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 A non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure includes a main plate 1, an electrode frame 2 fixedly connected to the outer wall of the main plate 1, the main plate 1 and the electrode frame 2 are fixedly connected, and the main plate 1 is a circular structure, and the electrode frame 2 is a ring structure concentrically arranged with the main plate 1.

[0036] A water inlet 21 is provided on the electrode frame 2, which injects external media into the conveying channel formed between the two opposing main electrode plates 1. A water outlet 22 is also provided on the electrode frame 2, which is connected to the conveying channel formed between the two opposing main electrode plates 1. The water inlet 21 and the water outlet 22 are centrally symmetrically arranged around the center point of the main electrode plates 1 to avoid flow deviation.

[0037] A nipple 3 is provided on the main electrode plate 1. The nipple 3 includes a flow portion 31 on both sides. The flow portion 31 is recessed on the back side of the main electrode plate 1. A first platform portion 32 and a second platform portion 33 are provided between the two opposite flow portions 31. The first platform portion 32 and the second platform portion 33 are fixedly connected to the flow portion 31 respectively. The first platform portion 32 is located on the side of the second platform portion 33 closer to the center of the main electrode plate 1. The first platform portion 32 and the second platform portion 33 have the same height.

[0038] A protrusion 34 is fixedly connected between the first platform portion 32 and the second platform portion 33. One end of the protrusion 34 is fixedly connected to the first platform portion 32, and the other end of the protrusion 34 is fixedly connected to the second platform portion 33. The protrusion direction of the protrusion 34 is set to the side opposite to the concave direction of the flow portion 31, and the protrusion height of the protrusion 34 is the same as the concave depth of the flow portion 31.

[0039] Multiple papillae 3 are provided, and the papillae 3 are arranged in a circular ring concentric with the main electrode plate 1. The multiple papillae 3 are arranged in a circular ring extending from the side near the center of the main electrode plate 1 to the side near the edge of the main electrode plate 1. The ring structure formed by the multiple papillae 3 is arranged concentrically.

[0040] In some embodiments, in any one of the papillae 3, the width of the first platform portion 32 on the side near the center of the main electrode plate 1 is greater than the width of the second platform portion 33 on the side near the edge of the main electrode plate 1, so that at the same location of the papillae 3, the flow channel on the inner side can be smaller than the flow channel on the outer side, which facilitates the uniform flow of the medium throughout the entire area.

[0041] Multiple nipples 3 are arranged at relative intervals along the radial direction of the main electrode plate 1. Two adjacent nipples 3 along the radial direction are respectively the inner nipple 3 located near the center of the main electrode plate 1 and the outer nipple 3 located near the outer side of the main electrode plate 1. A distance A is left between the inner nipple 3 and the outer nipple 3. The distance between adjacent nipples 3 extending from the inside of the main electrode plate 1 to the outside of the main electrode plate 1 satisfies the following formula:

[0042] An+1>An

[0043] Where A is the distance between the outer extensions of adjacent mastoid processes 3; n is the order of the mastoid processes 3 outward from the center.

[0044] In two adjacent mastoids 3 along the radial direction, the width of the second platform portion 33 of the inner mastoid 3 is smaller than the width of the first platform portion 32 of the outer mastoid 3, such that in two adjacent mastoids 3 along the radial direction, the gap between the outer mastoids 3 is larger than the spacing between the inner mastoids 3.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 In some other embodiments, the main electrode plate 1 includes a centrally located dense portion 11, which is concentrically arranged with the main electrode plate 1 and has the same structure as the outer side of the main electrode plate 1. A dispersive portion 12 is provided on the outer wall of the dense portion 11. The dispersive portion 12 has the same annular structure as the outer side of the main electrode plate 1, and is concentrically arranged with the dense portion 11, and is fixedly connected to it. The diameter of the dense portion 11 is equal to the radius of the main electrode plate 1.

[0046] The spacing between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward inside the dense portion 11 is the same, and the spacing between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward inside the dispersed portion 12 is also the same.

[0047] The distance between two adjacent papillae 3 located in the dense portion 11 extending radially outward is smaller than the distance between two adjacent papillae 3 located in the dispersed portion 12 extending radially outward.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 In some other embodiments, a transition section 13 is provided between the dense section 11 and the dispersed section 12. The transition section 13 has an annular structure and is concentrically arranged with the dense section 11. One side of the transition section 13 is connected to the dense section 11, and the other side of the transition section 13 is connected to the dispersed section 12.

[0049] The distance between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward in the transition section 13 is greater than the distance between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward in the dense section 11, and the distance between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward in the transition section 13 is less than the distance between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward in the dispersed section 12.

[0050] In other embodiments, the transition portion 13 is provided in multiple layers between the dense portion 11 and the dispersed portion 12. All multiple transition portions 13 are arranged in a ring shape, and the multiple transition portions are concentrically arranged with the dense portion 11. The distance between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward in the inner layer of the transition portion 13 is smaller than the distance between two adjacent papillae 3 extending radially outward in the outer layer of the transition portion 13.

[0051] In this application, the term "multiple" refers to at least two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "installed," "connected," "linked," and "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "linked" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure, characterized in that: It includes a main electrode plate (1), on which an electrode frame (2) is fixedly connected. A water inlet (21) is provided on one side of the electrode frame (2), and a water outlet (22) is provided on the side of the electrode frame (2) away from the water inlet (21). Multiple nipples (3) are provided on the main electrode plate (1), and the density of the multiple nipples (3) decreases from the center of the main electrode plate (1) to the outer side of the main electrode plate (1).

2. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The papilla (3) includes a flow portion (31) located on both sides. A platform portion is fixedly connected to the flow portion (31). The platform portion includes a first platform portion (32) near the center of the main electrode plate (1) and a second platform portion (33) near the edge of the main electrode plate (1). A protrusion (34) is provided between the first platform portion (32) and the second platform portion (33).

3. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the same mastoid (3), the width of the first platform portion (32) is smaller than the width of the second platform portion (33). Among the multiple mastoids (3) arranged along the radial direction of the main electrode plate (1), two adjacent mastoids (3) along the path from the center side of the main electrode plate (1) to the edge side of the main electrode plate (1) are respectively the inner mastoid (3) and the outer mastoid (3). The inner mastoid (3) is located on the side of the outer mastoid (3) closer to the center of the main electrode plate (1). The width of the second platform portion (33) of the inner mastoid (3) is smaller than the width of the first platform portion (32) of the outer mastoid (3).

4. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between adjacent papillae (3) extending outward from the interior of the main electrode plate (1) is An, and An satisfies the following formula: An+1>An Where A is the distance between the outer extensions of adjacent mastoids (3); n is the order of the mastoids (3) from the center outwards.

5. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main electrode plate (1) includes a dense portion (11) near the center and a dispersed portion (12) near the edge. The shape of the dense portion (11) is the same as that of the main electrode plate (1). The extensional distance between two adjacent papillae (3) on the dense portion (11) is smaller than the extensional distance between two adjacent papillae (3) on the dispersed portion (12).

6. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The diameter of the dense section (11) is equal to the radius of the main electrode plate (1), and the dense section (11) is concentrically arranged with the main electrode plate (1).

7. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A transition section (13) is provided between the dense section (11) and the dispersed section (12). The distance between two adjacent papillae (3) on the transition section (13) is greater than the distance between two adjacent papillae (3) on the dense section (11), and the distance between two adjacent papillae (3) on the transition section (13) is less than the distance between two adjacent papillae (3) on the dispersed section (12).

8. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transition portion (13) is provided in multiple layers, and the multiple transition portions (13) are arranged concentrically. The distance between the two papillae (3) on the inner layer of the transition portion (13) is smaller than the distance between the two adjacent papillae (3) on the outer layer of the transition portion (13).

9. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer shape of the transition section (13) is the same as the outer shape of the main electrode plate (1).

10. The non-uniform alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production bipolar plate flow field structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The water inlet (21) and the water outlet (22) are arranged symmetrically about the center of the main electrode plate (1).

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