Bipolar plate structure and electrolytic reactor device having it
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-14
AI Technical Summary
[0004]本发明的主要目的在于提供一种双极板结构以及具有其的电解堆装置,以解决相关技术中的电解效率不佳的问题
[0015]应用本发明的技术方案,双极板结构包括基板、第一极板以及第二极板。第二极板朝向基板的第一表面设有导流槽,导流槽的槽口与基板密封配合,且两端分别与基板的进口和出口连通,确保了流体在槽内顺畅流动,导流槽的槽底和槽侧壁以及基板形成了四面的槽结构。此外,第二极板还设置有通孔,通孔的第一端与导流槽连通,第二端则开口于第二表面,这样设计使得流体在被导流槽分配的同时,能通过通孔进一步扩散至双极板的第二表面。双极板结构、扩散层结构、催化层结构以及交换膜结构依次叠置设置,由于通孔的第二端设置在第二表面上,第二表面会与扩散层结构进行直接接触,相较于相关技术中槽状结构直接与扩散层结构对应,本申请中,通孔的存在使得第二极板与扩散层结构接触面积更大,可进一步提升扩散层结构与催化层结构的有效接触面积,如此一来,能够增加电化学活性面积,此外,也可提升催化层结构与交换膜结构的有效接触面积,第一,接触更充分可使与交换膜结构受力更均匀、使交换膜结构的平均厚度更薄且贴合更紧密,进一步减小接触电阻,提升整体导电性能;第二,接触面积增大,有效导电接触点数量增多,电流通路更充分,直接降低界面接触电阻。此种设置兼顾了接触面积的极大化和流体流动的顺畅性。因此,本申请的技术方案能够有效地解决相关技术中的电解效率不佳的问题。
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Figure CN122564593A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy technology, and more specifically, to a bipolar plate structure and an electrolytic reactor device having the same. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, an electrolytic reactor consists of a cathode end plate, a cathode insulating plate, a cathode current collector plate, an electrochemical reaction unit, an anode current collector plate, an anode insulating plate, and an anode end plate. The electrochemical reaction unit is composed of an anode plate, an anode diffusion layer, a membrane electrode, a cathode diffusion layer, and a cathode plate connected in series.
[0003] The bipolar plate design of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers typically integrates conductivity, current conduction, and support functions to achieve high-efficiency energy conversion. These bipolar plates guide the flow of reactants (such as pure water) and products (such as hydrogen and oxygen gases) through grooved ridge structures on their surfaces, while simultaneously dissipating heat. Specifically, the grooved ridge structure aims to uniformly distribute pure water to the catalyst layer, promote the simultaneous conduction of hydrogen and oxygen gases, and effectively dissipate heat, thereby reducing ohmic losses. However, the grooves of the grooved ridge structure directly correspond to the diffusion layer, resulting in a relatively small contact area with the bipolar plate, which in turn affects the contact area between the diffusion layer and the catalyst layer. This design limits the improvement of electrolysis efficiency, thus affecting the overall energy conversion efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a bipolar plate structure and an electrolytic reactor having the same, in order to solve the problem of poor electrolysis efficiency in related technologies.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a bipolar plate structure is provided, comprising: a substrate having an inlet and an outlet; a first electrode plate disposed on a first side of the substrate; and a second electrode plate disposed on a second side of the substrate. The second electrode plate has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being disposed facing the substrate and the second surface being disposed away from the substrate. A flow guide groove is disposed on the first surface, the opening of the flow guide groove being sealed to the substrate, and the two ends of the flow guide groove being connected to the inlet and the outlet, respectively. The second electrode plate also has a through hole, the first end of which is connected to the flow guide groove, and the second end of which is disposed on the second surface.
[0006] Furthermore, the first end of the through hole is connected to the bottom of the guide channel.
[0007] Furthermore, there are multiple through holes, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the guide groove.
[0008] Furthermore, the axis of the through hole is a straight line; and / or, the cross-section of the through hole is a first rectangular structure, a circular structure, a semi-circular structure, or a triangular structure.
[0009] Furthermore, the second electrode plate has a second rectangular structure, and there are multiple guide channels arranged along the width or length direction of the second electrode plate.
[0010] Furthermore, the guide channel includes a first channel segment, a second channel segment, and a third channel segment connected in sequence. The first channel segment is connected to the inlet or outlet. The first channel segment and the second channel segment have a first preset angle, and the second channel segment and the third channel segment have a second preset angle.
[0011] Furthermore, the second electrode plate also includes a partition rib, which is disposed in the third groove segment and extends along the extension direction of the third groove segment. The partition rib divides the third groove segment into a first sub-groove segment and a second sub-groove segment.
[0012] Furthermore, the ends of the separator ribs are provided with buffer slopes; and / or, the depth of the guide channel is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.7 mm.
[0013] Furthermore, the second electrode plate is detachably connected to the substrate; and / or, the thickness of the substrate is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic reactor apparatus is provided, including a bipolar plate structure, wherein the bipolar plate structure is the bipolar plate structure described above.
[0015] According to the technical solution of this invention, the bipolar plate structure includes a substrate, a first electrode plate, and a second electrode plate. A flow guide groove is provided on the first surface of the second electrode plate facing the substrate. The opening of the flow guide groove is sealed to the substrate, and its two ends are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the substrate, ensuring smooth fluid flow within the groove. The bottom and sidewalls of the flow guide groove, along with the substrate, form a four-sided groove structure. Furthermore, the second electrode plate is also provided with a through hole. The first end of the through hole is connected to the flow guide groove, and the second end opens onto the second surface. This design allows the fluid to be further diffused to the second surface of the bipolar plate through the through hole while being distributed by the flow guide groove. A bipolar plate structure, a diffusion layer structure, a catalyst layer structure, and an exchange membrane structure are stacked sequentially. Since the second end of the through-hole is located on the second surface, the second surface directly contacts the diffusion layer structure. Compared to the grooved structure in related technologies that directly corresponds to the diffusion layer structure, in this application, the presence of the through-hole allows for a larger contact area between the second electrode and the diffusion layer structure, further increasing the effective contact area between the diffusion layer and the catalyst layer. This increases the electrochemically active area and also improves the effective contact area between the catalyst layer and the exchange membrane structure. First, more thorough contact results in more uniform stress on the exchange membrane structure, a thinner average thickness of the exchange membrane, and a tighter fit, further reducing contact resistance and improving overall conductivity. Second, the increased contact area leads to a greater number of effective conductive contact points, resulting in a more sufficient current path and directly reducing interfacial contact resistance. This arrangement balances maximizing the contact area with smooth fluid flow. Therefore, the technical solution of this application effectively solves the problem of poor electrolysis efficiency in related technologies. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:
[0017] Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the bipolar plate structure according to the present invention is shown;
[0018] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A rear view schematic diagram of the bipolar plate structure;
[0019] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A rear view schematic diagram of the second electrode plate of the bipolar plate structure;
[0020] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A on the second electrode plate;
[0021] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1A front view schematic diagram of the second electrode plate of the bipolar plate structure;
[0022] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second electrode plate in a bipolar plate structure;
[0023] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of point B on the second electrode plate;
[0024] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second plate of the bipolar plate structure from another angle;
[0025] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second electrode plate in a bipolar plate structure;
[0026] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of another part of the second plate of the bipolar plate structure.
[0027] The above figures include the following reference numerals:
[0028] 10. Substrate;
[0029] 20. First electrode plate;
[0030] 30. Second electrode plate; 31. First surface; 311. Guide channel; 312. First channel segment; 313. Second channel segment; 314. Third channel segment; 3141. First sub-channel segment; 3142. Second sub-channel segment; 315. Separating rib; 3151. Buffer slope; 32. Second surface; 321. Through hole. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0033] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.
[0034] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this application provides a bipolar plate structure. An embodiment of the bipolar plate structure of this application includes: a substrate 10, a first electrode 20, and a second electrode 30; the substrate 10 has an inlet and an outlet; the first electrode 20 is disposed on a first side of the substrate 10; the second electrode 30 is disposed on a second side of the substrate 10, the second electrode 30 has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32, the first surface 31 is disposed facing the substrate 10, and the second surface 32 is disposed away from the substrate 10; a guide groove 311 is disposed on the first surface 31, the opening of the guide groove 311 is sealed with the substrate 10, and the two ends of the guide groove 311 are respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet; the second electrode 30 also has a through hole 321, the first end of the through hole 321 is connected to the guide groove 311, and the second end of the through hole 321 is disposed on the second surface 32.
[0035] Using the technical solution of this embodiment, the bipolar plate structure includes a substrate 10, a first electrode plate 20, and a second electrode plate 30. The second electrode plate 30 has a flow guide groove 311 on its first surface 31 facing the substrate. The opening of the flow guide groove 311 is sealed to the substrate 10, and its two ends are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the substrate 10, ensuring smooth flow of fluid in the groove. The bottom and sidewalls of the flow guide groove 311 and the substrate 10 form a four-sided groove structure. Furthermore, the second electrode plate 30 is also provided with a through hole 321. The first end of the through hole 321 is connected to the guide groove 311, and the second end opens onto the second surface 32. This design allows the fluid to be distributed by the guide groove 311 and further diffused to the second surface 32 of the bipolar plate through the through hole 321. The bipolar plate structure, diffusion layer structure, catalyst layer structure, and exchange membrane structure are stacked sequentially. Since the second end of the through hole 321 is located on the second surface 32, the second surface 32 will be in direct contact with the diffusion layer structure. Compared with the groove structure directly corresponding to the diffusion layer structure in related technologies, in this embodiment... The presence of the through-hole 321 increases the contact area between the second electrode plate 30 and the diffusion layer structure, further enhancing the effective contact area between the diffusion layer and the catalyst layer structure. This increases the electrochemically active area and also improves the effective contact area between the catalyst layer and the exchange membrane structure. First, more thorough contact allows for more uniform stress on the exchange membrane structure, resulting in a thinner average thickness and tighter adhesion, further reducing contact resistance and improving overall conductivity. Second, the increased contact area leads to a greater number of effective conductive contact points, providing a more efficient current path and directly reducing interfacial contact resistance. This design balances maximizing the contact area with smooth fluid flow. Therefore, the technical solution of this embodiment effectively solves the problem of poor electrolysis efficiency in related technologies.
[0036] It should be noted that the structure of the first electrode plate 20 is similar to that of the second electrode plate 30. This article mainly focuses on the specific structure of the second electrode plate 30. The inlet and outlet of the substrate 10 are through holes on the substrate 10. The inlet and outlet are connected and communicated with the end of the guide groove 311 through a guide member (e.g., a pipe).
[0037] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the first end of the through hole 321 is connected to the bottom of the guide groove 311.
[0038] In this embodiment, the first end of the through-hole 321 is connected to the bottom of the guide channel 311. This structural design allows water or other electrolytes to flow directly into the through-hole 321 from the bottom of the guide channel 311, and then be evenly distributed onto the second surface 32 of the second electrode plate 30. By adding this connection in the flow path, not only is smooth fluid flow ensured, but the hole wall of the through-hole 321 also increases the contact interface with the electrolyte, promoting the full progress of the electrolysis reaction. In addition, this connection method does not cause additional resistance in fluid dynamics, ensuring the high efficiency of fluid transport during electrolysis, while also reducing energy consumption and improving the overall operating economy of the electrolysis reactor.
[0039] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, there are multiple through holes 321, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the guide groove 311.
[0040] In this embodiment, there are multiple through holes 321, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the guide groove 311. This design enhances the uniformity of water distribution and electrolysis efficiency. The arrangement of multiple through holes 321 ensures that water can penetrate more fully into the reaction area during electrolysis. At the same time, the spaced distribution along the extension direction of the guide groove 311 avoids the problem of excessively fast or slow local water flow, optimizes the distribution of water flow, and ensures the stability and efficiency of the entire electrolysis reactor. It should be noted that the second electrode plate 30 can be a one-piece structure or a layered split structure formed by stacking, where one layer is provided with through holes 321 and the other layer is provided with guide grooves 311. In addition, in this paper, the structures of the first electrode plate 20 and the second electrode plate 30 are similar.
[0041] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the axis of the through hole 321 is a straight line; the cross-section of the through hole 321 is a first rectangular structure, a circular structure, a semi-circular structure, or a triangular structure.
[0042] In this embodiment, the axis of the through-hole 321 is designed as a straight line. This structure simplifies the processing and improves manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, compared to curved holes, straight holes obstruct fluid flow less. Simultaneously, the cross-sectional shape of the through-hole 321 can be selected as a first rectangular structure, a circular structure, a semi-circular structure, or a triangular structure, each shape having its specific advantages. By selecting a suitable cross-sectional shape, effective control of water and gas flow can be achieved, while ensuring sufficient contact area to promote the electrolysis reaction, thereby significantly improving the overall performance of the electrolytic reactor without hindering fluid flow. Of course, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the axis of the through-hole can also be designed as a curve, which can guide fluid distribution and enhance reaction uniformity. The cross-sectional shape of the through-hole can be designed as a more complex polygon, ellipse, or other curved shape according to actual needs to achieve more refined fluid control and performance optimization. In practical applications, these design variations can better adapt to the specific requirements of different electrolytic reactor devices, improving their operating efficiency and stability.
[0043] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the second electrode plate 30 has a second rectangular structure, and there are multiple guide grooves 311 arranged along the width direction of the second electrode plate 30.
[0044] In this embodiment, the second electrode plate 30 adopts a second rectangular structure design and is equipped with multiple flow guide channels 311, which are uniformly distributed along the width direction of the second electrode plate 30. By setting multiple flow guide channels 311 on the second electrode plate 30, uniform distribution and efficient flow of fluid in the electrolytic reactor device can be ensured, effectively improving electrolysis efficiency. The rectangular structure of the second electrode plate 30 and the layout of the flow guide channels 311 along the width direction ensure that the fluid can circulate in a more stable and uniform manner during the operation of the electrolytic reactor device. This not only enhances the controllability of the electrolysis process but also effectively avoids the occurrence of local overheating or other non-uniform phenomena, ensuring the overall performance and reliability of the electrolytic reactor device. In addition, in other embodiments, the multiple flow guide channels can also be arranged along the length direction of the second electrode plate.
[0045] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the flow guide trough 311 includes a first trough section 312, a second trough section 313 and a third trough section 314 connected in sequence. The first trough section 312 is connected to the inlet or outlet. The first trough section 312 and the second trough section 313 have a first preset angle, and the second trough section 313 and the third trough section 314 have a second preset angle.
[0046] In this embodiment, the guide channel 311 is designed to include a first channel segment 312, a second channel segment 313, and a third channel segment 314 connected in sequence, wherein the first channel segment 312 is connected to an inlet or outlet. This design allows fluid (such as pure water) to flow along a predetermined path when entering the guide channel 311, guided by the first channel segment 312. A first preset angle is formed between the first channel segment 312 and the second channel segment 313, while a second preset angle is formed between the second channel segment 313 and the third channel segment 314, forming an S-shaped flow channel. This arrangement allows the flow direction of the fluid within the channel to change, helping to further disperse the fluid and thus optimize electrolysis efficiency. It is worth noting that by adjusting the angles of the first and second preset angles, the smoothness of the fluid's turning direction between different channel segments can be controlled, thereby affecting the fluid distribution effect and the thermal management capability during electrolysis. In other embodiments, the different channel segments of the guide channel 311 can also adopt a smooth transition, or more channel segments can be set to refine the fluid distribution path, achieving better electrolysis performance.
[0047] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the second electrode plate 30 also includes a partition rib 315, which is disposed in the third groove segment 314 and extends along the extension direction of the third groove segment 314. The partition rib 315 divides the third groove segment 314 into a first sub-groove segment 3141 and a second sub-groove segment 3142.
[0048] In this embodiment, this design effectively increases the fluid distribution path inside the guide channel 311. Guided by the partition ribs 315, water and gas during electrolysis can be more evenly distributed within the guide channel 311, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency and reaction uniformity of the electrolytic reactor. The first sub-channel segment 3141 and the second sub-channel segment 3142 formed after partitioning can guide the fluid to flow more finely, avoiding excessively fast or slow local flow velocities, reducing cavitation phenomena that may occur during electrolysis, and enhancing the stability and reliability of the electrolytic reactor. Of course, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the number and arrangement of the partition ribs 315 can be adjusted to adapt to the needs of different electrolytic reactors, further optimizing fluid distribution and improving electrolysis efficiency. In other embodiments not shown in the figures, the partition ribs 315 can also be designed as curved shapes with specific curvatures to optimize the guidance effect on the fluid and improve the performance of the electrolytic reactor.
[0049] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, the end of the partition rib 315 is provided with a buffer slope 3151. In this embodiment, the buffer slope 3151 at the end of the partition rib 315 effectively reduces the sudden resistance when the fluid encounters the partition rib 315 in the flow guide channel 311, making the fluid flow more smoothly in the channel and reducing energy loss during the flow process. At the same time, the buffer slope 3151 can also prevent the fluid from forming turbulence, improve the uniform distribution of the fluid in the flow guide channel 311, thereby enhancing the efficiency and stability of the electrolysis process.
[0050] It should be noted that in this embodiment, two spaced-apart partition ribs 315 are provided within a portion of the third sub-segment 314 to divide the third sub-segment 314 into a first sub-segment 3141 (left side), a second sub-segment 3142 (middle), and a third sub-segment (right side), thus forming three sub-segments. Buffer ramps 3151 are provided at the inlet of both the first and second sub-segments 3141 and 3142, with these two buffer ramps 3151 facing opposite directions. No buffer ramp 3151 is provided at the inlet of the third sub-segment. Based on the above configuration, simulation experiments show that the fluid velocity in the first sub-segment 3141 is 0.96612291 m / s, the fluid velocity in the second sub-segment 3142 is 0.94676935 m / s, and the fluid velocity in the third sub-segment is 1.0361932 m / s.
[0051] As a comparative example 1, no buffer ramps 3151 were set at the inlet of the first sub-slot 3141, the inlet of the second sub-slot 3142, and the inlet of the third sub-slot. After simulation experiments, it was found that the fluid velocity in the first sub-slot 3141 was 0.73361341 m / s, the fluid velocity in the second sub-slot 3142 was 1.2369881 m / s, and the fluid velocity in the third sub-slot was 1.0222269 m / s. As a comparative example 2, buffer ramps 3151 are provided at the inlet of both the first sub-segment 3141 and the inlet of the second sub-segment 3142, with these two buffer ramps 3151 facing opposite directions. A buffer ramp 3151 is also provided at the inlet of the third sub-segment, with its direction consistent with that of the buffer ramp 3151 at the inlet of the second sub-segment 3142. Simulation results show that the fluid velocity in the first sub-segment 3141 is 1.0020137 m / s, the fluid velocity in the second sub-segment 3142 is 0.90630945 m / s, and the fluid velocity in the third sub-segment is 1.0457547 m / s. Based on the simulation results of the above comparative examples and this embodiment, it can be seen that the design of this embodiment makes the flow velocities in the first sub-segment 3141 (left side), the second sub-segment 3142 (middle), and the third sub-segment (right side) more uniform and consistent, with smaller velocity differences.
[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the depth of the guide channel 311 is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.7 mm. This size range ensures appropriate pressure distribution of the fluid within the channel, avoiding both insufficient structural strength of the electrode plates due to excessive channel depth and excessive fluid resistance due to insufficient channel depth. By controlling the channel depth, the fluid flow path and velocity can be optimized, further improving electrolysis efficiency and effectively enhancing the smoothness of fluid flow, while ensuring the high efficiency and reliability of the electrolytic reactor during operation. The depth of the guide channel 311 can be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, or 0.7 mm.
[0053] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the second electrode plate 30 is detachably connected to the substrate 10. The thickness of the substrate 10 is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
[0054] In this embodiment, the second electrode plate 30 and the substrate 10 are connected in a detachable manner 3, which makes the maintenance and upgrading of the bipolar plate structure more convenient. The detachable connection design allows for the replacement or adjustment of individual components without damaging the overall structure, thereby effectively extending the service life of the electrolytic reactor and reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the thickness of the substrate 10 is limited to the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm. This design takes into account the balance between material strength and conductivity, ensuring that the substrate 10 has sufficient structural stability to support the entire bipolar plate structure, while also taking into account the current conduction efficiency during the electrolysis process. This avoids the increased ohmic losses caused by an excessively thick substrate, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the electrolytic reactor.
[0055] By employing a detachable connection and optimizing the substrate thickness, the bipolar plate structure of this embodiment not only improves the maintainability of the electrolysis reactor but also further optimizes its electrolysis performance, providing an efficient, stable, and easy-to-maintain solution for hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The thickness of the substrate 10 can be 0.1 mm, 1.8 mm, 5 mm, 8.8 mm, or 10 mm.
[0056] This application also provides an electrolytic reactor apparatus, which includes a bipolar plate structure, wherein the bipolar plate structure is the aforementioned bipolar plate structure. The aforementioned bipolar plate structure can effectively solve the problem of poor electrolysis efficiency in related technologies, and the electrolytic reactor apparatus having the aforementioned bipolar plate structure also has the aforementioned advantages.
[0057] The electrolytic reactor device in this embodiment employs the aforementioned optimized bipolar plate structure. By implementing this bipolar plate structure, the electrolytic reactor device achieves more efficient energy conversion and electrolysis. Specifically, the improved bipolar plate structure results in a more uniform distribution of water and gas within the electrolytic reactor, enhancing contact with the catalyst layer and accelerating the electrochemical reaction rate. Simultaneously, the through-hole design effectively discharges the generated hydrogen and oxygen gases and heat, without obstructing fluid flow, reducing ohmic losses, increasing the electrochemical active area, and improving overall electrolysis efficiency. Therefore, the electrolytic reactor device of this application significantly improves electrolysis efficiency and optimizes energy conversion performance while ensuring smooth fluid flow.
[0058] In the bipolar plate structure of this application, its working or usage process is as follows: When the electrolytic reactor is started, fluid (such as pure water) enters through the inlet on the substrate 10 and flows along the flow channel formed between the first electrode plate 20 and the second electrode plate 30. The guide groove 311 serves as a guiding path for the fluid on the second electrode plate 30. The fluid flows along the bottom and wall of the guide groove 311. Due to the sealed fit between the guide groove 311 and the substrate 10, the fluid is effectively distributed within the groove and does not overflow into the non-reactive area. Guided by the guide groove 311, the fluid flows from one end of the groove to the other end, diffuses through multiple through holes 321 to the second surface 32 of the second electrode plate 30 (the second surface 32 is correspondingly provided with a diffusion layer). Similarly, other fluids, such as hydrogen and oxygen, can also be guided by the guide groove 311. The design of the through-hole 321 makes the fluid distribution on the second surface 32 more uniform, increasing the effective contact area between the bipolar plate structure and the diffusion layer structure, catalyst layer structure, and exchange membrane structure, thus promoting the full progress of the electrolysis reaction. When the fluid comes into contact with the bipolar plate, the electrochemical reaction starts, and the generated hydrogen and oxygen gas, as well as heat, are effectively guided to the outlet through the through-hole 321 and the guide groove 311, completing one electrolysis cycle. During this process, the setting of the partition rib 315 further refines the fluid distribution path, avoiding excessively fast or slow local flow velocities and enhancing the stability and reliability of the electrolysis reactor. The addition of the buffer slope 3151 makes the fluid flow smoother when encountering the partition rib 315, reducing turbulence and improving the uniform distribution of the fluid. Overall, the bipolar plate structure of this application significantly improves the electrolysis efficiency through precise fluid guidance and distribution, as well as effective heat and product conduction, ensuring the high efficiency and stability of the electrolysis reactor during operation. During the assembly of the electrolytic reactor, the detachable connection between the second electrode plate 30 and the substrate 10 makes maintenance or component replacement more convenient without damaging the overall structure, effectively extending the service life of the device and reducing maintenance complexity and cost. The thickness of the substrate 10 is designed to be within the range of 0.1mm to 10mm, balancing material strength and current conduction efficiency, ensuring that the bipolar plate structure has sufficient structural stability and high-efficiency energy conversion during the electrolysis process.
[0059] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that "a plurality of" means two or more. Directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right," "horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal," and "top, bottom" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner or outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.
[0060] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.
[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.
[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A bipolar plate structure, characterized in that, include: Substrate (10) has an inlet and an outlet; A first electrode plate (20) is disposed on the first side of the substrate (10); A second electrode plate (30) is disposed on the second side of the substrate (10). The second electrode plate (30) has a first surface (31) and a second surface (32). The first surface (31) is disposed facing the substrate (10), and the second surface (32) is disposed away from the substrate (10). A flow guide groove (311) is disposed on the first surface (31). The groove opening of the flow guide groove (311) is sealed to the substrate (10). The two ends of the flow guide groove (311) are respectively connected to the inlet and the outlet. The second electrode plate (30) also has a through hole (321). The first end of the through hole (321) is connected to the flow guide groove (311), and the second end of the through hole (321) is disposed on the second surface (32).
2. The bipolar plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the through hole (321) is connected to the bottom of the guide groove (311).
3. The bipolar plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are multiple through holes (321), and the multiple through holes (321) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the guide groove (311).
4. The bipolar plate structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of the through hole (321) is a straight line; and / or, The cross-section of the through hole (321) is a first rectangular structure, a circular structure, a semi-circular structure, or a triangular structure.
5. The bipolar plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second electrode plate (30) has a second rectangular structure, and there are multiple guide grooves (311). The multiple guide grooves (311) are arranged along the width or length direction of the second electrode plate (30).
6. The bipolar plate structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow guide channel (311) includes a first channel segment (312), a second channel segment (313), and a third channel segment (314) connected in sequence. The first channel segment (312) is connected to the inlet or the outlet. The first channel segment (312) and the second channel segment (313) have a first preset angle, and the second channel segment (313) and the third channel segment (314) have a second preset angle.
7. The bipolar plate structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second electrode plate (30) further includes a partition rib (315), which is disposed in the third groove segment (314) and extends along the extension direction of the third groove segment (314). The partition rib (315) divides the third groove segment (314) into a first sub-groove segment (3141) and a second sub-groove segment (3142).
8. The bipolar plate structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the partition rib (315) is provided with a buffer slope (3151); and / or, The depth of the guide groove (311) is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.7 mm.
9. The bipolar plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second electrode plate (30) is detachably connected to the substrate (10); and / or, The thickness of the substrate (10) is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.
10. An electrolytic reactor apparatus, comprising a bipolar plate structure, characterized in that, The bipolar plate structure is the bipolar plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.