Battery layer for electrochemical assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a cell layer (100) for an electrochemical cell stack (10, 60), in particular a fuel cell stack (10) or an electrolysis cell stack (60), comprising at least a cell frame (120) for fluidically sealing an electrochemically active area in the cell stack (10, 60) in a radial direction (Rr) and a membrane (131) for an electrochemical function of the cell stack (10, 60) arranged within the cell frame (120), and the membrane (131) is configured as a membrane seal arrangement (130), wherein the membrane (131) is an integral part of the membrane seal arrangement (130) and the membrane (131) has a membrane seal (132) on / in a radially outer circumferential section (133) of the membrane, which completely surrounds in a circumferential direction (Ur) of the cell layer (100), which membrane seal (132) is fluidically sealably arranged or is fluidically sealably arranged with respect to the cell frame (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery layer for use in electrochemical battery stacks, particularly fuel cell stacks or electrolyzer stacks. Furthermore, this invention relates to an electrochemical battery stack, an electrochemical assembly, and an electrochemical system. Background Technology

[0002] In an electrolysis unit (stationary or mobile) of an electrolysis assembly, such as an electrolysis device or an electrolysis system, water is electrochemically converted into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy while generating heat. In a cryogenic polymer electrolyte fuel cell (mobile or stationary) of a fuel cell assembly, such as a fuel cell system or a fuel cell vehicle, two reactants of two operating media are electrochemically converted into electrical energy and heat.

[0003] In this context, the associated assembly may include at least one membrane electrode device having, for example, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having a PEM (proton exchange membrane) or an AEM (anion exchange membrane). Instead of an MEA, at least one electrode of the membrane electrode device may be disposed remotely to and directly opposite the membrane on the fluid transport structure of the membrane electrode device. The assembly may be constructed with a large number of membrane electrode devices or the like arranged in a stack and bipolar plates arranged therebetween, the bipolar plates forming an electrochemical cell stack (pile) having multiple single cells.

[0004] Propose a task The focus is on improving electrolysis device assemblies and fuel cell assemblies, and on designing them at low cost in terms of materials, manufacturing costs, and / or maintenance costs. The objective of this invention is to provide an improved, and particularly low-cost, stack layer for electrochemical cell stacks, especially electrolyzer stacks or fuel cell stacks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved by means of a battery layer for an electrochemical battery stack, by means of an electrochemical battery stack, by means of an electrochemical assembly, and by means of an electrochemical system. - Advantageous further extensions, additional features, and / or advantages of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] In the prior art, the CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) or MEA of an electrochemical single cell used in an electrochemical battery stack is secured to the single cell within a two-piece battery frame via a sub-sealing system specifically constructed for this purpose. Here, the sub-sealing system for each single cell includes at least two seals (annular seals, sealing strips, raised seals, etc.) inserted into annular recesses in the two sub-cell frames of the battery frame that are opposite each other relative to the CCM or MEA. In the assembled state of the battery frame, the sub-cell frames accommodate the membrane between their seals and secure the membrane within the battery frame, thereby creating a radial liquid seal within the battery frame.

[0007] Within the framework of this specification, one or all of the radial directions (especially as a combination of the width and lateral directions of the battery stack) are perpendicular to the axial direction of the battery stack (axial or height direction), and the battery frame of the battery stack surrounds the axial direction in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, within the framework of this specification, fluid should be understood as a liquid and / or a gas, and where necessary, as a two-phase mixture, wherein a fluid-tight connection is of course understood as a connection that can have tolerable leakage through the connection portion (e.g., joint, mating part, etc.).

[0008] The battery layer according to the invention includes a battery frame for radially fluid-sealing electrochemically active regions in a battery stack and a membrane disposed within the battery frame for the electrochemical function of the battery stack, wherein the membrane is a component of a membrane sealing device, wherein the membrane has a membrane seal on / in its radially outer circumferential section that completely surrounds the circumferential direction of the battery layer, the membrane seal being configured or has been configured to fluidly seal relative to the battery frame. The fuel cell stack can be constructed, for example, as a PEM fuel cell stack or an AEM fuel cell stack, and the electrolyzer stack can be constructed, for example, as a PEM electrolyzer stack, an AEM electrolyzer stack, an AEL (alkaline electrolysis) electrolyzer stack, or a CO2 electrolyzer stack.

[0009] In this configuration, the membrane seal can be fluid-tightly disposed on / inside the battery frame relative to the battery frame in the radial direction and, if necessary, in the axial direction. In this configuration, the membrane seal device can take the form of a disc (membrane) with an external bulge (membrane seal), except for the radially outer edge section of the membrane, which may be present at all times. In this case, the "external bulge disc" can, of course, be constructed in a substantially regular manner as polygonal, rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, etc.; similarly, it can be applied to the battery frame and / or battery layers. Other forms may also be used if necessary.

[0010] Fluid transport structures for or belonging to the battery layer can be arranged or are arranged within the battery frame such that, by means of the fluid transport structures, the membrane seals of the membrane sealing device can be or have been applied with a sealing force relative to the battery frame (see...). Figure 3 (See the small arrow in the image). For this purpose, the fluid transport structure is pressed axially against the membrane seal. The membrane seal can either seal the main radially internal area of ​​the membrane for fluid or essentially seal the entire membrane radially to the external fluid.

[0011] The membrane seal can be radially disposed inside the radially outer circumferential section of the membrane or radially disposed from the outside on the radially outer circumferential section of the membrane. The membrane seal can be integrally connected to the membrane material (see similar content below), wherein the membrane seal is preferably fixedly connected to the membrane via this connection. The membrane seal is, of course, preferably constructed integrally (see again similar content below). Furthermore, the membrane seal can be connected to the membrane by mechanical bonding, by thermomechanical bonding, and / or by vulcanization.

[0012] The membrane can be fixed substantially axially centered and / or coaxially to / in the membrane seal. Furthermore, the membrane seal can have a regular cross-section and / or plan view in a state free from mechanical load. The cross-section or plan view can be, in particular, elliptical, circular, polygonal, rectangular, or square. The membrane seal can have a sealing lip that completely surrounds the membrane in the circumferential direction on at least one side. The membrane seal preferably rests against the inner flange of the battery frame (see below) on this circumferential side.

[0013] Membrane seals can be made of sealing plastics, elastomers, silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), and / or rubber. Membrane seals made of such elastic materials, especially thermoplastic elastomers, terpolymers, or synthetic rubbers, meet high requirements for environmental characteristics (temperature requirements, sealing performance, etc.), durability, and / or mechanical properties. Other materials may also be used for membrane seals when necessary.

[0014] The battery frame may have a radially extending outer segment and a stepped inner flange projecting inward from that outer segment. In this case, the radially extending inner flange is preferably integrally connected to the outer segment (see similar description below). In this case, only the inner circumferential surface of the outer segment, away from the inner flange, constitutes the radial sealing surface for a single electrode chamber of the battery layer. Furthermore, in this case, only the inner circumferential surface of the inner flange constitutes the radial sealing surface for a single electrode chamber of the battery layer. Additionally, a membrane seal may abut against the axially inner side of the inner flange and be fixedly or easily detachably connected to the battery frame.

[0015] One or the axially inner side of the inner flange may have a substantially flat surface or a sealing groove that completely surrounds the circumferential direction. The membrane seal of the membrane sealing device may be at least partially disposed in the sealing groove on the axially inner side of the inner flange. In this case, an interference fit or a press fit is applied under mechanical load on the membrane seal. The inner flange may have a step radially away from the sealing groove to compensate for the thickness of the membrane.

[0016] In the membrane sealing device, a fluid transport structure can be or has been disposed within the battery frame, opposite to the sealing groove. Here, the fluid transport structure can be specifically configured as a porous transport layer (PTL). Other forms of the fluid transport structure (see below) are of course also applicable. - In the battery layer, for example, mounted or mechanically clamped in an electrochemical battery stack, the membrane seal abuts against the axially inner side of a radially inner flange or against the sealing groove such that substantially no fluid can pass through radially between the membrane seal and the inner flange. In this case, and certainly in other embodiments, the fluid transport structure presses the membrane seal into its sealing groove.

[0017] The membrane sealing device may or may not have a radial outer edge segment, which is substantially located in the plane of the membrane (a membrane seal biased radially inward). The membrane sealing device may be configured as a stand-alone membrane sealing device or as a membrane electrode unit (with a single, unique catalyst layer if necessary). The membrane of the membrane sealing device may be configured as a catalyst-coated membrane (again, with a single, unique catalyst layer if necessary). The battery frame may be configured as an integral, monolithic, one-piece, two-piece, or multi-piece battery frame.

[0018] A one-piece construction is understood as a battery frame structure in which the components of the battery frame are fixed to each other by force-locking and / or shape-locking, and the battery frame is preferably separable from its components again using tools if necessary without damage. A material-integrated (adhesive) construction is understood as a battery frame structure in which the various components of the battery frame are material-locked to each other (adhesive, lamination, etc.), and the battery frame is preferably not separable from its individual components without damage. Here, the battery frame can also be joined by force-locking and / or shape-locking (not applicable in the case of a one-piece construction).

[0019] The overall construction is understood as follows: in this construction, there exists only one unique component that can only be separated if it is broken. The battery frame is made from a single initial workpiece and / or a single initial material (plastic melt), which itself must be monolithic. Internal bonding is achieved (only) by means of adhesion and / or cohesion. - The battery frame may additionally have lamination, coating, monolithic deposition, etc., in all embodiments.

[0020] The battery layer may have a fluid transport structure (see also below) radially within the radial direction of the battery frame on at least one large-area side of the membrane. In this case, one or the (first) fluid transport structure may radially overlap with the membrane seal. Furthermore, a (second) fluid transport structure may not radially overlap with the membrane seal (this fluid transport structure is radially housed within the circumferential side of the inner flange). The fluid transport structure may be configured as a porous transport layer or a gas diffusion layer. In this case, the battery layer may, in particular, have a porous transport layer on one side and a gas diffusion layer on the other. - In particular, the battery layer may be pre-assembled completely and subsequently stacked with (bi)plates to form a battery stack.

[0021] The electrochemical battery stack according to the invention comprises a plurality of electrochemical single cells, wherein the battery layers of the stack are constructed according to the invention. In the battery stack, one or more of the fluid transport structures, particularly the porous transport layer, can be pressed against the membrane seal in the region of the radial inner flange. Furthermore, one or more of the fluid transport structures, particularly the porous transport layer, can press the membrane seal into a sealing groove. This can also be used for battery layers. For this purpose, the corresponding mechanical force is proportionally derived from the clamping force of the battery stack. Thus, in the assembled battery stack, the membrane seal of the membrane sealing device can be permanently pressed into the sealing groove of the battery frame or pressed against the radial inner flange. Furthermore, except at the stack ends, every two bipolar plates can clamp a battery layer consisting of the battery frame, the membrane sealing device, and fluid transport structures disposed on both sides of the membrane sealing device.

[0022] The electrochemical assembly or electrochemical system according to the invention comprises at least one electrochemical battery stack and a controller for operating and / or regulating the operation of the battery stack, wherein the battery layers and / or battery stack are constructed according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying illustrative and non-to-scale drawings, based on embodiments. In this invention, features can be configured affirmatively (i.e., present) or negatively (i.e., absent). In this specification, negative features are not explicitly described as features unless their absence is emphasized according to the invention. This means that what is actually done and not constituted by the prior art is to omit the feature. The absence of a feature (negative feature) in the embodiments indicates that the feature may (to those skilled in the art) be optional. - As shown in the merely exemplary and illustrative figures (Fig.) of the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A simplified block diagram illustrates an embodiment of a fuel cell assembly having an electrochemical fuel cell stack for a fuel cell system used in a fuel cell vehicle. Figure 2 A simplified block circuit diagram illustrates an embodiment of an electrolysis apparatus assembly having an electrochemical electrolysis cell stack for an electrolysis apparatus system, such as an electrolysis apparatus device, and Figure 3 A two-dimensional, schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the invention for use in an electrochemical assembly ( Figure 1 or Figure 2 The battery layer of an electrochemical battery stack. Detailed Implementation

[0024] According to the electrochemical cell stacks 10 and 60 used in electrochemical assemblies 1 and 51, the electrochemical cell layer 100 (see...) Figure 3 This further explains the invention. In this case, assemblies 1 and 51 can be configured as fuel cell assembly 1 for mobile or stationary fuel cell systems (see [link]). Figure 1 ), or may be configured as a stationary or mobile electrolysis unit assembly 51 for use in an electrolysis unit system (see Figure 2 ).

[0025] The accompanying drawings show only those sections of the fuel cell system or electrolysis device system necessary for understanding the invention. While the invention has been further described and illustrated in detail through preferred embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations can be derived therefrom without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Electrochemical assemblies 1 and 51 according to a general embodiment are shown respectively. Figure 1 Fuel cell assembly 1, Figure 2 Electrolysis device assembly 51), the electrochemical assembly having at least one, in particular multiple, bundled into electrochemical cell stacks 10, 60 or stacks 10, 60 ( Figure 1 : Fuel cell stack 10, Figure 2 Electrochemical single cells 11 and 61 (electrolytic cell stack 60) Figure 1 Single fuel cell 11, Figure 2 (61) The electrochemical single cell is housed in a preferably fluid-sealed stacked housing 16, 66.

[0027] Each single cell 11, 61 includes electrode chambers 12, 62 configured as anode chambers 12, 62 and electrode chambers 13, 63 configured as cathode chambers 13, 63, which are spatially and electrically separated from each other by a membrane 131 or a membrane 131 of an MEA or CCM. A conductive fluid transport structure 140 is provided in each electrode chamber 12, 13; 62, 63, which is in fluid communication with the bipolar plate 110 (see below). Alternatively, or additionally to an MEA or CCM having only one electrode, at least one electrode may be provided on at least one fluid transport structure 140, away from the membrane 131.

[0028] The membrane electrode assemblies 15 and 65 of the battery stacks 10 and 60 have a membrane 131 or a MEA or CCM membrane 131, and a fluid transport structure 140 on the large-area side of the membrane (see also). Figure 3 A single fluid transport structure 140 may include a transport layer, a transport layer, a PTL142 (Porous Transport Layer), a GDL144 (Gas Diffusion Layer), sintered metal elements, sintered metal paper, fiber elements, carbon layers, carbon paper, flow structures, and / or flow fields, etc. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fluid transport structure 140, which is not explicitly shown, is disposed in the anode chamber 12 and cathode chamber 13 of the battery stacks 10 and 60.

[0029] A bipolar plate 110 is arranged between two directly adjacent membrane electrode assemblies 15, 15; 65, 65 (including the associated anode chambers 12, 62 and corresponding cathode chambers 13, 63). This bipolar plate is further used to introduce / export media 3 / 4, 5 / 6, 7 / 8; 53 / 54, 56 for the anode chambers 12, 62 of the first single cell 11, 61 or the cathode chambers 13, 63 of the second single cell 11, 61 directly adjacent to the first single cell, and further enables conductive connections between these single cells 11, 11; 61, 61. The cathode chambers 13, 63, and their common inflow area or actual electrodes, where necessary, form cathodes 39, 89; the anode chambers 12, 62, and their common inflow area or actual electrodes, where necessary, form anodes 29, 79 of the battery stack 10, 60.

[0030] In principle, the membranes of the fuel cell stacks 10 and 60 can be PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) or AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane). Preferably, PEM is used in the fuel cell stack 10 and AEM or PEM is used in the electrolyzer stack 60. The fuel cell system or electrolysis device system, in addition to the fuel cell assembly 1 or the electrolysis device assembly 51, includes peripheral system components such as a controller, which itself can be part of the fuel cell system or electrolysis device system.

[0031] The following implementation schemes only involve, for example, according to Figure 1 The electrochemical assembly 1 is a fuel cell assembly 1. - In order to supply the actual operating medium 3 (anode operating medium, actual fuel) and 5 (cathode operating medium, mostly air) to the electrochemical cell stack 10, which is a fuel cell stack 10, the fuel cell assembly 1 has an anode supply section 20 and a cathode supply section 30.

[0032] The anode supply unit 20 preferably includes: a fuel storage 23 for the (inflowing) anode operating medium 3; an anode supply path 21 (medium path 21) having a pressure reducer, a shut-off valve and / or (exemplary) a metering valve 27 and an injection pump 24 (jet pump 24, injector 24); an anode exhaust gas path 22 (medium path 22) for the anode exhaust gas medium 4 (most of which flows out into the environment 2); a fuel recirculation path 25, in which a fluid delivery device 26 is located; and, if necessary, a water separator preferably having a water container.

[0033] The cathode supply unit 30 preferably includes: a cathode supply path 31 (medium path 31) for the cathode operating medium 5 (mostly flowing in from the environment 2), the cathode supply path having a fluid conveying device 33; a cathode exhaust gas path 32 (medium path 32) for the cathode exhaust gas medium 6 (mostly flowing out to the environment 2), preferably having a turbine 34, especially for the fluid conveying device 33; a humidity transmitter 36, especially a gas-to-gas humidifier 36; a stacked bypass 35 (exhaust gas bypass 35) on the cathode side between the cathode supply path 31 and the cathode exhaust gas path 32, having a bypass valve 37 if necessary; and a water separator preferably having a water container if necessary.

[0034] The fuel cell assembly 1 further includes, in particular, a cooling medium supply section 40 for a thermal system. Through this cooling medium supply section, the fuel cell stack 10, preferably via its bipolar plates 110 (cooling medium path 43), can be connected to the cooling circuit in a heat-transfer manner for temperature regulation. The cooling medium supply section 40 includes a cooling medium inlet path 41 and a cooling medium outlet path 42. The delivery of the cooling medium 7 (inflow) and 8 (outflow) circulating in the cooling medium supply section 40 is preferably carried out by means of at least one cooling medium delivery device 44.

[0035] The following implementation methods only relate to, for example, according to Figure 2 The electrochemical assembly 51 is an electrolysis device assembly 51. To supply the electrochemical cell stack 60, which serves as the electrolytic cell stack 60, with water 53 (possibly weakly alkaline) as the supply medium 53, the electrolysis device assembly 51 has a medium supply section 70. Furthermore, to remove the media 54 and 56 from the cell stack 60, the electrolysis device assembly 51 has a medium removal section 80.

[0036] The media supply unit 70 preferably includes: a media reservoir 73 for the (inflowing) supply media 53, a supply path 71 (media path 71), and a conveying device 76 on / in the supply path 71. The media extraction unit 80 has at least one discharge path 81 (media path 81) for discharging media 54 or oxygen-containing discharge media 54, which returns to the media reservoir 73, which may have a gas separator for oxygen, and / or is discharged into the environment 2 in other directions (shown by dashed lines).

[0037] The product medium 56 of the electrolysis unit assembly 51, that is, the produced hydrogen gas 56, is transported away through the product medium path 82 of the medium extraction section 80. In this case, a gas-liquid separator 83 with a valve 84 can be used in the product medium path 82 to separate the discharge medium 54 in the product medium path 82. The discharge medium 54 separated in the gas-liquid separator 83 can be gravity-fed back to the medium storage tank 73 or transported in other directions, for example, to the environment 2, if necessary. The produced hydrogen gas 56 can be stored, for example, in a hydrogen storage tank 90, into which the product medium path 82 can be directly introduced. Other types of transport of hydrogen gas 56 are of course possible.

[0038] Depending on the embodiment of the electrolysis unit assembly 51, the dielectric guidance in the battery stack 60 can be configured differently. In this case, it is possible to set temperature regulation, especially water cooling, that is different from the electrochemical function of the battery stack 60, or to achieve temperature regulation together with the electrochemical function of the battery stack 60.

[0039] In the membrane electrode assembly 65 with AEM, it is possible that, in addition to the supply to the anode side and the cathode side, the supply medium 53 may be supplied only on the anode side (shown as a dotted arrow at the anode 79) if necessary, and this supply medium may also serve as a cooling medium if necessary. Furthermore, in the membrane electrode assembly 65 with PEM, in addition to the supply to the anode side only, it is possible that, if necessary, the supply medium 53 may be supplied only on the cathode side 89, and this supply medium may also serve as a cooling medium if necessary (shown as a dotted arrow at the cathode 89).

[0040] For example, Figure 3 The clamping force of the battery stacks 10, 60 stacked in the axial direction Ar (see vertical, mutually pointing block arrows) illustrates a battery layer 100 clamped between two (bi)plates 110. This battery layer has a single battery frame 120, a single membrane 131, and two (for battery layer 100) optional fluid transport structures 140 (see below), located on either side of the membrane 131 within the battery frame 120 in the axial direction Ar and radial direction Rr. Preferably, the integral, and if necessary, two-piece or multi-piece battery frame 120 is preferably constructed to completely surround the battery layer 100 in the circumferential direction Ur, wherein the substantially surface-extending membrane 131 is disposed in the inner (frame) opening of the battery frame 120.

[0041] Here, the electrodes for the electrochemical functions of the battery layer 100 can be disposed on the membrane 131 or on a fluid transport structure 140 directly adjacent to the membrane 131. A hybrid configuration is possible in this case, where the electrode is located on the membrane 131 and also on the fluid transport structure 140, which is positioned opposite the first electrode relative to the membrane 131. That is, the membrane 131 can be configured as a standalone membrane (without electrodes), or as an MEA 131 or CCM 131 with one electrode coated on one side or electrodes coated on both sides.

[0042] Currently, membrane 131 is integrated into membrane sealing device 130. Membrane sealing device 130 preferably has only membrane 131 in its internal region, and has a membrane seal 132 that completely surrounds the membrane in the circumferential direction Ur on / in the radially outer circumferential section of membrane 131. Here, membrane seal 132 can be disposed on / in the outermost periphery of membrane 131 on / in membrane sealing device 130 or in the periphery (in the radially outer circumferential section), wherein membrane 131 is disposed on / in membrane seal 132, particularly centered or centrally and / or coaxially in the axial direction Ar, or vice versa.

[0043] The battery frame 120 is used to fluidly seal the electrochemically active regions of the associated individual cells 15, 65 in the battery stacks 10, 60 in the radial direction Rr. Furthermore, the battery frame 120 is particularly used to hold or tension the membrane sealing device 130 within the battery frame 120 by means of an inner flange 121 disposed therein in the radial direction Rr (e.g., via a fluid transport structure 140, see below), wherein or thereby the membrane sealing device 130 is held fixed or can be fixed to / in the battery frame 120.

[0044] In the battery layer 100, the membrane seal 132 of the membrane sealing device 130 can be fluid-tightly disposed or disposed relative to the battery frame 120. The connection for this fluid seal, such as the sealing force for pressing or clamping the membrane seal 132 against / into / into the battery frame 120, preferably comes from a fluid transport structure 140 that can be disposed or disposed within the battery frame 120. That is, the fluid transport structure 140 applies mechanical force to the membrane seal 132, for example, based on the clamping force of the battery stacks 10, 60, such that the membrane seal elastically deforms, thereby preventing fluid from flowing between the membrane seal 132 and the battery frame 120.

[0045] In one implementation, see Figure 3 The battery frame 120 has a shape that is preferably substantially rectangular or square in its cross-section (Rr-Ar). Figure 3The outer segment 125 (not shown in the diagram), radially Rr, and an inner flange 121 integrally connected to the outer segment define the axial Ar height of the battery layer 100. The inner flange 121 protrudes inwardly in the radial Rr from the outer segment 125 in a stepped manner, wherein one of the outer sides of the two axial Ar sides of the inner flange 121 forms a substantially flat surface with the outer side of the axial Ar side of the outer segment 125 (in the diagram). Figure 3 (Middle part, lower part).

[0046] The outer section 125 of the battery frame 120 in the radial direction Rr preferably has a sealing groove 128 extending from the outside of its two axial directions Ar, which preferably completely surrounds the battery layer 100 in the circumferential direction Ur. This sealing groove, in addition to its radial extension Rr, is also configured to enter the outer section 125 in the axial direction Ax. In the respective sealing groove 128, at least one seal (not shown) is provided in the battery layer 100 assembled in the battery stacks 10, 60. This seal seals the electrode chambers 12 / 13, 62 / 63 on the anode side or cathode side of the battery stacks 10, 60 outwards in the radial direction Rr relative to the (bi)plate 110.

[0047] The inner flange 121 is located on the outer side of the aforementioned axial Ar in the axial direction Ar of the inner flange 121 (in Figure 3 The inner side 123 of the axial Ar opposite to the lower part is located at approximately half the height of the axial Ar of the outer section 125. This inner side 123 (stepped surface) of the inner flange 121 extends inward in the radial direction Rr into the battery frame 120, wherein the membrane sealing device 130 together with its membrane seal 132 can be fluid-tightly disposed or fluid-tightly disposed on the inner side 123.

[0048] In the axial direction Ar, the radial Ra outer circumferential section 133 of the membrane sealing device 130 or the membrane 131 is located on or abuts the inner flange 121 or on the inner side 123 of the inner flange in the axial direction Ar, wherein the fluid transport structure 140 presses the radial Ra outer circumferential section 133 onto the inner flange 121 and holds the circumferential section in position. In this case, the membrane seal 132 of the membrane sealing device 130 is preferably received in a sealing groove 122, which is provided in the inner side 123 of the inner flange 121 in the axial direction Ar.

[0049] The fluid transport structure 140, for example, presses the membrane seal 132 into the bottom of the sealing groove 122 based on the clamping force of the battery stacks 10, 60. This causes the membrane seal 132 to deform, creating a fluid-tight connection between the membrane seal 132 and the bottom of the sealing groove 122 or the inner side 123 of the axial Ar direction. Therefore, fluid present in the associated electrode chambers 12 / 13, 63 / 62 of the battery layer 100 cannot bypass the membrane 131.

[0050] One or two fluid transport structures 140 may be associated with the battery layer 100, wherein the associated fluid transport structures 140 are disposed in the electrode chambers 12 / 13, 62 / 63 on the anode side or cathode side of the battery layer 100 in the battery stack 10, 60, and thus form anode-side or cathode-side fluid transport structures 140 accordingly. In this case, the associated fluid transport structures 140 are disposed on a large area side of the membrane 131 within the battery frame 120.

[0051] One of the two fluid transport structures 140, (142) presses the membrane seal 132 onto the inner flange 121 of the radial Rr, and is accommodated only within the inner circumferential surface of the outer segment 125 of the radial Rr. The other fluid transport structure 140, (144) is accommodated only within the inner circumferential surface of the inner flange 121 of the radial Rr. The former fluid transport structures 140, 142 can be configured as a porous transport layer 142, and the latter fluid transport structures 140, 144 can be configured as a gas diffusion layer 144. Other fluid transport structures 140 (see above) can of course be applied separately.

[0052] The battery frame 120 has a (vertical / horizontal) through-hole recess 109 that passes through the battery frame. Furthermore, the battery frame 120 may have a (horizontal / vertical) through-hole channel 129 extending from the through-hole recess 109 into associated electrode chambers 12 / 13, 62 / 63, which are bounded by the battery frame 120 in the circumferential direction Ur. That is, the associated electrode chambers 12 / 13, 62 / 63 are in fluid communication with at least one through-hole recess 109. In this case, the through-hole channel 129 may, for example, be a groove 129 in the battery frame 120.

[0053] The medium through recess 109 and medium channel 129 are used to supply and discharge medium 3 / 5, 53 / 54 to electrode chambers 12 / 13, 62 / 63. -Additionally, the battery layer 100 may include at least one electrode plate 110, wherein the associated electrode plate 110 may be configured as a bipolar plate 110 or as a monopolar plate 110 (not shown).

Claims

1. A battery layer (100) for use in electrochemical battery stacks (10, 60), particularly fuel cell stacks (10) or electrolyzer stacks (60), said battery layer comprising at least: A battery frame (120) for fluidly sealing the electrochemically active regions in the battery stack (10, 60) in the radial direction (Rr) and a membrane (131) disposed within the battery frame (120) for the electrochemical function of the battery stack (10, 60), characterized in that, The membrane (131) is a component of the membrane sealing device (130), wherein the membrane (131) has a membrane seal (132) on / in the radial (Ra) outer circumferential section (133) of the membrane that is completely surrounded in the circumferential direction (Ur) of the battery layer (100), the membrane seal being configured or having been configured to be fluidly sealed relative to the battery frame (120).

2. The battery layer (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, Fluid transport structures (140, 142) for or belonging to the battery layer (100) can be arranged or disposed within the battery frame (120) in such a way that With the aid of the fluid transport structures (140, 142), at least the membrane seal (132) of the membrane sealing device (130) can be loaded or has been loaded with a sealing force relative to the battery frame (120).

3. The battery layer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The membrane seal (132) fluid-seals the main radial (Rr) interior region of the membrane (131), or substantially the entire radial (Rr) external fluid region of the membrane (131). The membrane seal (132) is disposed radially (Ra) inside the radially (Ra) outer circumferential section (133) of the membrane (131), or radially (Ra) externally on the radially (Ra) outer circumferential section (133) of the membrane. The membrane seal (132) is integrally connected to the membrane (131) material, and the membrane seal (132) is fixedly connected to the membrane (131) through the connection, and / or The membrane seal (132) is connected to the membrane (131) by mechanical bonding, thermomechanical bonding and / or vulcanization.

4. The battery layer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The membrane (131) is fixed substantially axially (Ar) centered and / or coaxially to the membrane seal (132). The membrane seal (132) has a regular cross-section (Rr-Ar) and / or plan view in a state without mechanical load. The membrane seal (132) has a sealing lip on at least one side that is completely circumferential in the circumferential direction (Ur), and / or The membrane seal (132) has a sealing plastic, elastomer, silicone, EPDM and / or rubber.

5. The battery layer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The battery frame (120) has an outer section (125) in the radial direction (Rr) and an inner flange (121) in the radial direction (Rr) projecting inward from the outer section, which is preferably: Only the inner peripheral surface of the outer section (125) away from the inner flange (121) constitutes the radial (Rr) sealing surface for a single electrode chamber (12 / 13, 63 / 62) of the battery layer (100). Only the inner circumferential surface of the inner flange (121) constitutes the radial (Rr) sealing surface for a single electrode chamber (12 / 13, 63 / 62) of the battery layer (100), and / or The membrane seal (132) abuts against the inner side (123) of the inner flange (121) in the axial direction (Ar) and is fixedly or easily detachably connected to the battery frame (120).

6. The battery layer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One of the inner flanges (121) / the inner side (123) of the axial (Ar) direction has a substantially flat surface or a sealing groove (122) that is completely surrounded in the circumferential direction (Ur). The membrane seal (132) of the membrane sealing device (130) is at least partially disposed in the sealing groove (122) on the inner side (123) of the inner flange (121) in the axial (Ar) direction, and / or On the membrane sealing device (130), opposite to the sealing groove (122), the fluid transport structure (140, 142) can be provided or has been provided within the battery frame (120).

7. The battery layer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The membrane sealing device (130) may or may not have a radial (Rr) outer edge section, which is substantially located in the plane of the membrane (131). The membrane sealing device (130) is configured as a separately provided membrane sealing device (130) or as a membrane electrode unit, and / or The membrane (131) of the membrane sealing device (130) is constructed as a catalyst-coated membrane (131).

8. The battery layer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The battery layer (100) has a fluid transport structure (140) in the radial direction (Rr) within the battery frame (120) on at least one large-area side of the membrane (131), wherein, preferably, One of the fluid transport structures (140, 142) overlaps the membrane seal (132) in the radial direction (Rr). The fluid transport structures (140, 144) do not overlap with the membrane seal (132) in the radial direction (Rr), and / or The fluid transport structure (140) is constructed as a porous transport layer (140, 142) or a gas diffusion layer (140, 144).

9. An electrochemical cell stack (10, 60), especially a fuel cell stack (10) or an electrolysis cell stack (60), for use in an electrochemical assembly (1, 51), particularly a fuel cell assembly (1) or an electrolysis device assembly (51), said electrochemical cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical single cells (11, 51). Its features are, The battery layer (100) of the battery stack (10, 60) is constructed according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The electrochemical battery stack (10, 60) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, In the battery stacks (10, 60): The fluid transport structure (140), especially the porous transport layers (140, 142), is pressed against the membrane seal (132) in the region of the radial (Rr) inner flange (121). The fluid transport structure (140), especially the porous transport layers (140, 142), presses the membrane seal (132) into the sealing groove (122), and / or Each pair of bipolar plates (110) clamps a battery layer (100), which is composed of a battery frame (120), a membrane sealing device (130) and fluid transport structures (140, 140; 141, 142) disposed on both sides of the membrane sealing device.

11. An electrochemical assembly (1, 51), particularly a fuel cell assembly (1) or an electrolysis device assembly (51), or an electrochemical system, particularly a fuel cell system or an electrolysis device system, wherein the electrochemical assembly or the electrochemical system has: At least one electrochemical battery stack (10, 60) and a controller, the controller being used to operate and / or regulate the operation of the battery stack (10, 60), characterized in that, The battery layer (100) of the battery stack (10, 60) and / or the battery stack (10, 60) are constructed in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

Images