Electrochemical cell frame and electrochemical device

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrochemical unit frame and an electrochemical device. The electrochemical unit frame comprises a frame and an insulating layer. The inner circumferential side of the frame forms a containing space. The insulating layer covers the entire surface of the frame. In the electrochemical unit frame, by covering the entire surface of the frame with the insulating layer, the electrochemical unit frame can be insulated, and the insulating layer can also integrally form a seal, can have better sealing performance, and the integral formation can save the installation process, easy to manufacture, and lower cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealing technology for electrochemical devices. Specifically, this invention relates to an electrochemical unit frame and an electrochemical device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochemical devices can include, but are not limited to, batteries, such as proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMWE) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). These devices comprise electrochemical unit groups, which in turn include multiple electrochemical units stacked together. Each electrochemical unit includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and an electrochemical unit frame. For example, in a water electrolyzer, ultrapure water is introduced as the initial material at the anode side of the MEA, and the ultrapure water is dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen within the proton exchange membrane (PEM). Specifically, the ultrapure water is dissociated into oxygen at the anode, and protons recombine to form hydrogen at the cathode side after passing through the PEM. The electrochemical unit frame is positioned around the periphery of the MEA for assembling, fixing, and sealing the MEA.

[0003] The insulation performance of electrochemical units is crucial. For example, in PEMWE, electrical energy should be transferred to the effective area as much as possible, and the resistance of the electrochemical unit frame should be as high as possible to avoid energy waste. Therefore, insulating materials, such as plastics like polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or other materials with high resistance, are typically chosen for the electrochemical unit frame. However, the manufacturing performance of materials like PEEK and PPS is inferior to that of metals. The tolerances of plastic electrochemical unit frames are larger than those of metal electrochemical unit frames, and manufacturing deformation is also greater. Furthermore, plastic materials are not competitive in terms of price and cost. Therefore, these issues need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above technical problems, the present invention provides an electrochemical unit framework and an electrochemical device, wherein the electrochemical device may be, but is not limited to, PEMWE and PEMFC.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an electrochemical unit frame, including a frame and an insulating layer. An accommodating space is formed on the inner periphery of the frame. The insulating layer covers the entire surface of the frame.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes a manifold opening and a flow channel; the manifold opening extends through the frame along its thickness direction; the flow channel is disposed on one side of the frame along its thickness direction and connects the receiving space and the manifold opening. The insulating layer also covers the surfaces of the manifold opening and the flow channel.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the insulating layer includes a first seal disposed at the edge of the manifold opening and disposed in the thickness direction.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the insulating layer further includes a second seal disposed between the frame and the receiving space.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the first seal and / or the second seal are wavy with varying heights.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the first seal and the second seal are integrally formed with the insulating layer covering other portions of the surface of the frame.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the frame is made of a metal material and the insulating layer is made of a rubber material.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the insulating layer is formed on the entire surface of the frame by a vulcanization process.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electrochemical device, comprising: an electrochemical unit group and two end plates. The electrochemical unit group includes a plurality of stacked electrochemical units, each of the electrochemical units including an electrochemical unit frame as described in any of the above embodiments and a membrane electrode disposed in the accommodating space. The two end plates are respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the insulating layer includes a first seal and a second seal; a plurality of stacked electrochemical units are sealed together by the first seal. The membrane electrode is sealed to the frame by the second seal.

[0015] In the electrochemical unit frame, the frame is insulated by covering the entire surface of the frame with an insulating layer. Furthermore, the insulating layer can be integrally formed into a seal, resulting in better sealing performance. This integral forming eliminates the need for installation steps, making it easier to manufacture and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 An explosion diagram of the electrochemical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of an electrochemical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the electrochemical unit framework according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0020] Figure 4 A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electrochemical unit framework from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this invention are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] Figure 1 An explosion diagram of the electrochemical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an electrochemical unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electrochemical device can be a battery, such as a fuel cell, a water electrolysis battery, or other types of batteries, and is not limited thereto. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, for example in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMWE) and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the electrochemical device includes an electrochemical unit group 1000 and two end plates 2000 respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group 1000. The electrochemical unit group 1000 can be called an electrolyzer in PEMWE and a stack in PEMFC.

[0023] The electrochemical unit group 1000 includes a plurality of stacked electrochemical units 100. Each electrochemical unit 100 includes an electrochemical unit frame 10 and a membrane electrode 20 disposed in a receiving space within the electrochemical unit frame 10. The membrane electrode 20 includes a porous transport layer (PTL) 201 and a proton exchange layer (PEM) stacked together, wherein the membrane assembly after coating the PEM with a catalyst forms a catalyst coated membrane (CCM). The electrochemical unit frame 10 is used to mount and fix the membrane electrode 20. The electrochemical unit frame 10 is provided with manifold openings 11 and flow channels 12 communicating between the manifold openings 11 and the receiving space inside the electrochemical unit frame 10. When the plurality of electrochemical units 100 are stacked, the plurality of manifold openings 11 of the plurality of electrochemical units 100 communicate in the thickness direction to form a manifold. The flow channels 12 are more specifically connected between the manifold and the PTL 201 of the membrane electrode 20 within the receiving space. The manifold opening 11 has sealing structures on its inner and outer circumferences to prevent leakage from the manifold. Furthermore, sealing structures are also provided between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the membrane electrode 20, particularly between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the PTL 201, to prevent hydrogen and oxygen from leaking into other layers of the membrane electrode 20. This invention provides an electrochemical unit frame 10 and an electrochemical device with improved insulation and sealing performance.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, an electrochemical unit framework 10 is provided, which is applied in an electrochemical device, such as in PEMWE and PEMFC.

[0025] Figure 3 A perspective view of an electrochemical unit framework 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0026] Figure 4 A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electrochemical unit framework 10 from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. See also Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the electrochemical unit frame 10 includes a frame 1 and an insulating layer 2. An accommodating space is formed on the inner periphery of the frame 1. The insulating layer 2 covers the entire surface of the frame 1.

[0027] In the electrochemical unit frame 10, the electrochemical unit frame 10 can be insulated by covering the entire surface of the frame 1 with the insulating layer 2. Furthermore, the insulating layer 2 can be integrally formed into a sealed structure, which can have better sealing performance, and the integral formation can eliminate the installation process, making it easier to manufacture and lower in cost.

[0028] Further, see Figures 2 to 4As shown, the frame 1 includes a manifold opening 11 and a flow channel 12; the manifold opening 11 extends through the thickness direction of the frame; the flow channel 12 is disposed on one side of the thickness direction of the frame 1 and connects the accommodating space and the manifold opening 11. The insulating layer 2 also covers the surfaces of the manifold opening 11 and the flow channel 12.

[0029] In this embodiment, the frame 1 includes a manifold opening 11 and a flow channel 12. The insulating layer 2 covering the entire surface of the frame 1 means that the exposed surfaces of the manifold opening 11 and the flow channel 12 of the frame 1 are also covered by the insulating layer 2, so that the frame 1 is also insulated at the manifold opening 11 and the flow channel 12.

[0030] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the insulating layer 2 includes a first sealing member 21, which is disposed at the edge of the manifold opening 11 and is disposed in the thickness direction.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the first sealing element 21 can be disposed on the inner and outer peripheral sides of the manifold opening 11, and the first sealing element 21 can be disposed on both sides in the thickness direction, so that the manifold opening 11 has better sealing performance.

[0032] Furthermore, the insulating layer 2 can be made of an elastic insulating material, such as rubber. The first sealing element 21 can be integrally formed with the insulating layer 2. That is, the insulating layer 2 can be formed on the entire surface of the frame 1 through a vulcanization process. During the vulcanization process, the first sealing element 21 can be integrally formed on the inner and outer circumferential sides of the manifold opening 11 using a mold. In this way, the insulating layer 2 can simultaneously achieve the insulation and sealing properties of the electrochemical unit frame 10, and eliminates the step of separately manufacturing the sealing structure. The process is simple, easy to manufacture, and has a lower cost.

[0033] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the insulating layer 2 further includes a second sealing member 22, which is disposed between the frame 1 and the membrane electrode 20, that is, the second sealing member 22 is disposed on the surface of the frame 1 facing the receiving space. The second sealing member 22 is used to achieve a seal between the frame 1 and the membrane electrode 20.

[0034] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the frame 1 includes a support platform 13 extending toward the inner periphery, and the outer periphery portion of the membrane electrode 20 is disposed on the support platform 13. The second sealing member 22 is disposed between the support platform 13 and the outer periphery portion of the membrane electrode 20.

[0035] Similar to the first seal 21, the second seal 22 can be integrally formed with the insulating layer 2. The insulating layer 2 can be integrally formed onto the support platform 13 using a mold during the vulcanization process. In this way, the insulating layer 2 can simultaneously achieve both insulation and sealing of the electrochemical unit frame 10, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing of the sealing structure. This process is simple, easy to manufacture, and lower in cost.

[0036] Furthermore, since the insulating layer 2 covers the entire outer surface of the frame 1, it also covers the inner peripheral surface of the support platform 13. This portion of the insulating layer 2 on the inner peripheral surface of the support platform 13 can also be used to provide a seal between the inner peripheral side surface of the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the membrane electrode 20, particularly with the outer peripheral side surface of the PTL 201.

[0037] Furthermore, since the insulating layer 2 has a certain elastic deformation property, when the membrane electrode 20 is placed in the accommodating space within the electrochemical unit frame 10, this portion of the insulating layer 2 on the inner peripheral surface of the support platform 13 can be pressed and fixed with the membrane electrode 20, especially with the outer peripheral surface of the PTL 201, and the PTL 201 can have a certain tolerance, and the PTL 201 can be installed and fixed more easily.

[0038] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the surfaces of the first seal 21 and / or the second seal 22 are wavy with varying heights.

[0039] By designing the surface of the first seal 21 and / or the second seal 22 as wavy, the first seal 21 and / or the second seal 22 are made resistant to high pressure and achieve a self-sealing function. That is, the greater the pressure in the thickness direction, the more the wavy surface is squeezed and deformed, and the better the sealing effect of the first seal 21 and / or the second seal 22 will be.

[0040] According to some optional embodiments, the frame 1 is made of a metal material, and the insulating layer 2 is made of a rubber material. In this way, the metal frame 1 ensures that the electrochemical unit frame 10 has sufficient strength and rigidity, while the elastic and insulating rubber insulating layer 2 provides insulation and sealing properties for the electrochemical unit frame 10.

[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, an electrochemical device is also provided. See also Figure 1As shown, the electrochemical device includes an electrochemical unit group 1000 and two end plates 2000. The electrochemical unit group 1000 includes a plurality of electrochemical units 100 stacked together, each of the electrochemical units 100 including an electrochemical unit frame 10 as described in any of the above embodiments and a membrane electrode 20 disposed in the accommodating space. The two end plates 2000 are respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group 1000.

[0042] According to some optional embodiments, the insulating layer 2 includes a first seal 21 and a second seal 22. For example, in some embodiments, the first seal 21 may be disposed at the edge of the manifold opening 11 and oriented towards the thickness direction; the second seal 22 may be disposed between the frame 1 and the receiving space. A plurality of stacked electrochemical units 100 are sealed together by the first seal 21. The membrane electrode 20 is sealed to the frame 1 by the second seal 22.

[0043] Furthermore, the membrane electrode 20 includes a porous transport layer 201 and a proton exchange layer stacked together, and the porous transport layer 201 is sealed to the frame 1 by a second sealing member 22.

[0044] According to the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the electrochemical device in the above embodiments, the electrochemical unit frame 10 can be insulated by covering the entire surface of the frame 1 with the insulating layer 2. Furthermore, the insulating layer 2 can be integrally formed into a seal, providing better sealing performance. This integral forming eliminates the need for installation steps, making it easier to manufacture and reducing costs.

[0045] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of the invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrochemical unit framework, characterized in that, include: The border (1) has an inner periphery that forms a receiving space; as well as An insulating layer (2) is provided on the entire surface of the frame (1).

2. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) includes a manifold opening (11) and a flow channel (12); the manifold opening (11) extends through the thickness direction of the frame; the flow channel (12) is disposed on one side of the thickness direction of the frame and connects the accommodating space and the manifold opening (11); The insulating layer (2) also covers the surfaces of the manifold opening (11) and the flow channel (12).

3. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating layer (2) includes a first seal (21) disposed at the edge of the manifold opening (11) and oriented toward the thickness direction.

4. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 3, characterized in that, The insulating layer (2) further includes a second seal (22) disposed between the frame (1) and the receiving space.

5. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surfaces of the first seal (21) and / or the second seal (22) are wavy with varying heights.

6. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first seal (21) and the second seal (22) are integrally formed with the insulating layer (2) covering the other parts of the surface of the frame (1).

7. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) is made of metal and the insulating layer (2) is made of rubber.

8. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating layer (2) is formed on the entire surface of the frame (1) by a vulcanization process.

9. An electrochemical device, characterized in that, include: An electrochemical unit group (1000) comprising a plurality of stacked electrochemical units (100), each of the electrochemical units (100) comprising an electrochemical unit frame (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 and a membrane electrode (20) disposed in the receiving space; and Two end plates (2000) are respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group (1000).

10. The electrochemical device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The insulating layer (2) includes a first seal (21) and a second seal (22); The multiple electrochemical units (100) stacked together are sealed together by the first seal (21); The membrane electrode (20) is sealed to the frame (1) by the second seal (22).

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