End plate for megawatt PEM electrolytic cell and megawatt PEM electrolytic cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to an end plate for a megawatt-level PEM electrolytic bath and the megawatt-level PEM electrolytic bath, and belongs to the technical field of hydrogen production by electrolyzing water. The utility model provides an end plate for a megawatt PEM electrolytic cell. The end plate comprises an inner end plate and an outer end plate, the inner end plate and the outer end plate are both of a cylindrical structure. The side, facing the outer end plate, of the inner end plate sinks inwards to form a first groove, the side, facing the inner end plate, of the outer end plate sinks inwards to form a second groove, and the first groove and the second groove are combined to form a screw hole used for containing an electrolytic cell fixing screw; the side, facing the outer end plate, of the inner end plate protrudes outwards to form connecting blocks, the side, facing the inner end plate, of the outer end plate sinks inwards to form third grooves, and the positions and the number of the connecting blocks correspond to those of the third grooves in a one-to-one mode. According to the end plate for the megawatt-level PEM electrolytic cell, the installation time of the PEM electrolytic cell can be obviously shortened, and in the installation process of the end plate of the PEM electrolytic cell, a mallet and other tools are not needed for beating, so that the labor cost is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an end plate for a megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer and a megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer, belonging to the technical field of hydrogen production by electrolyzing water. Background Art

[0002] Renewable energy refers to natural resources that can be regenerated in a short time compared to fossil fuels and do not produce other pollutants in the process of conversion to energy. They include wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, biomass energy, geothermal energy, etc., and are clean energy. Green hydrogen refers to the generation of electricity through renewable energy such as solar energy and wind energy, and then the conversion of electricity into hydrogen energy through water electrolysis. Water electrolysis refers to the decomposition of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen through an electrochemical process under the action of direct current, which are precipitated at the cathode and anode respectively. In the energy storage and use based on renewable energy, water electrolysis will become an important component, and hydrogen will also develop into an important energy carrier. It has a relatively high energy density, and has the advantages of no pollution to the environment and abundant earth reserves after combustion.

[0003] At present, there are three main types of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems, namely alkaline (AWE) water electrolysis hydrogen production system, proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis hydrogen production system and solid oxide (SOEC) water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Among them, the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis hydrogen production system is more efficient than the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system, produces purer hydrogen, and is more mature than the solid oxide water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Therefore, the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis hydrogen production system is currently the focus of research and development in the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.

[0004] The PEM electrolyzer used in the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system is similar in structure to a fuel cell stack, and mainly includes an external sealing component and an internal electrolysis component. The external sealing component mainly includes the upper end plate and the lower end plate of the electrolyzer, and the internal electrolysis component mainly includes a number of repeatedly stacked electrolysis units composed of insulating plates, current collecting plates, proton exchange membranes, catalyst layers, gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates. In the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system, the end plate design and assembly of the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer plays a vital role in the sealing performance and electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer. During the assembly process of the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, the end plate weighing several tons needs to pass through dozens of fixing screws at the same time and fall onto the internal components of the electrolyzer. However, in order to ensure the sealing and electrochemical performance of megawatt-level PEM electrolyzers, the dimensional deviation between the screw hole and the fixed screw in the end plate design is relatively small, usually less than 2 mm. In order to make the fixed screw pass through the screw hole on the end plate at the same time, installation is difficult and usually requires more than 30 minutes of installation. In addition, the fixed screw needs to be knocked and displaced with tools such as a hammer. This process consumes a lot of manpower and is likely to cause the internal components of the electrolyzer where the end plate is not installed to shift, thereby affecting the sealing and electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the utility model provides an end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer comprises an inner end plate and an outer end plate; the inner end plate and the outer end plate are both cylindrical structures; the inner end plate is recessed inwardly on a side facing the outer end plate to form a plurality of first grooves, the outer end plate is recessed inwardly on a side facing the inner end plate to form a plurality of second grooves, the first grooves and the second grooves are combined to form a plurality of screw holes for accommodating the electrolyzer fixing screws; the inner end plate is protruded outwardly on a side facing the outer end plate to form a plurality of connecting blocks, the outer end plate is recessed inwardly on a side facing the inner end plate to form a plurality of third grooves, the positions and quantities of the connecting blocks correspond one to one with the third grooves.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner end plate is a square cylindrical structure with a bottom.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer end plate is a square tube structure.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of channels are provided on the bottom surface of the inner end plate; the channels are provided outside the inner end plate.

[0009] In one implementation of the present invention, the connection block is arranged at an end of the inner end plate away from the bottom surface.

[0010] In one embodiment of the utility model, the portion of the channel away from the bottom surface of the inner end plate matches the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell, and the portion close to the bottom surface of the inner end plate extends to the interior of the inner end plate, so that the electrolyte outside the inner end plate can enter the interior of the electrolytic cell through the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell through the channel, and at the same time, the electrolyte and / or the generated gas (oxygen and hydrogen) inside the electrolytic cell can leave the interior of the electrolytic cell through the channel.

[0011] In one embodiment of the utility model, the portion of the channel away from the bottom surface of the inner end plate is a cylindrical structure, and the portion close to the bottom surface of the inner end plate is a square structure; the portion of the channel in a cylindrical structure is consistent with the shape and size of the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the channel includes an oxygen / water inlet channel and a hydrogen channel.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the position of the oxygen / water inlet channel corresponds to the anode of the electrolytic cell.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the position of the hydrogen channel corresponds to the cathode of the electrolytic cell.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner end plate and the outer end plate are made of stainless steel or titanium alloy.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stainless steel is 304 stainless steel or 316L stainless steel.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first groove and the second groove are matched, the gap between the inner end plate and the outer end plate is less than 2 mm.

[0018] In one embodiment of the utility model, the number of the first grooves and the second grooves is 12 to 100; the number of the third grooves and the connecting blocks is 6 to 50; the number of the oxygen / water inlet channels is 2 to 20; and the number of the hydrogen channels is 2 to 20.

[0019] The utility model also provides a megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer, and the megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer comprises the end plate for the megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer.

[0020] In one embodiment of the utility model, the outer end plate of the end plate for the megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer surrounds the inner end plate arranged on the end plate for the megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer; the inner end plate of the end plate for the megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer surrounds the internal electrolysis component arranged on the megawatt-level PEM electrolyzer.

[0021] The technical solution of the utility model has the following advantages:

[0022] The utility model provides an end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer comprising an inner end plate and an outer end plate; the inner end plate and the outer end plate are both cylindrical structures; the inner end plate is recessed inwardly on one side facing the outer end plate to form a plurality of first grooves, the outer end plate is recessed inwardly on one side facing the inner end plate to form a plurality of second grooves, the first grooves and the second grooves are combined to form a plurality of screw holes for accommodating the electrolyzer fixing screws; the inner end plate is protruded outwardly on one side facing the outer end plate to form a plurality of connection blocks, the outer end plate is recessed inwardly on one side facing the inner end plate to form a plurality of third grooves, the positions and quantities of the connection blocks correspond one to one with the third grooves. When using the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer to assemble a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, first stack the electrolytic components inside the electrolyzer on the lower end plate of the electrolyzer, then install the inner end plate onto the electrolytic components inside the electrolyzer, and then install the outer end plate so that the third groove of the outer end plate is placed on the connecting block of the inner end plate, and the gap between the inner and outer end plates is less than 2 mm. Finally, install the fixing screws so that dozens of fixing screws pass through the corresponding dozens of screw holes accurately and quickly at the same time to complete the sealing of the PEM electrolyzer (the position, number and size of the screw holes on the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer are designed according to the lower end plate of the electrolyzer). The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer can significantly shorten the installation time of the PEM electrolyzer, and during the installation process of the PEM electrolyzer end plate, there is no need to use tools such as a wooden hammer for hammering. While effectively reducing labor costs, it can also effectively reduce the exposure time of the membrane electrode when it is not packaged in the PEM electrolyzer, preventing it from wrinkling and deformation. In addition, the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer can effectively prevent the internal components of the electrolyzer without the end plate installed from shifting, thereby affecting the sealing performance and electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 : A top view of an embodiment of an end plate for a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer for use in PEM electrolyzer assembly.

[0024] Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of an outer end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer end plate used for assembling a PEM electrolyzer.

[0025] Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of an inner end plate of a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer end plate used for assembling a PEM electrolyzer.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 In it, there are an inner end plate 1, an outer end plate 2, a first groove 3, a second groove 4, a screw hole 5, a connecting block 6, a third groove 7, a channel 8, an oxygen / water inlet channel 9 and a hydrogen channel 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following embodiments are provided for a better understanding of the present invention, but are not limited to the best implementation mode described herein, and do not constitute limitations on the content and protection scope of the present invention. Any product identical or similar to the present invention obtained by anyone under the inspiration of the present invention or by combining the features of the present invention with other prior arts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0028] If no specific experimental steps or conditions are specified in the following examples, the conventional experimental steps or conditions described in the literature in the field can be used. If no manufacturer is specified for the reagents or instruments used, they are all conventional reagent products that can be purchased commercially.

[0029] Example 1: End plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment provides an end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, and the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer is composed of an inner end plate 1 and an outer end plate 2; the inner end plate 1 is a square cylindrical structure with a bottom, and is composed of two side plates at long sides, two side plates at short sides (a total of four side plates) and a bottom plate; the outer end plate is a square cylindrical structure, and is composed of two side plates at long sides and two side plates at short sides (a total of four side plates); the four side plates of the inner end plate 1 are recessed inwardly toward one side of the outer end plate to form a plurality of first grooves 3, and the four side plates of the outer end plate 2 are recessed inwardly toward one side of the inner end plate 1 to form a plurality of first grooves 3. The first groove 3 and the second groove 4 are combined to form a plurality of screw holes 5 for accommodating the fixing screws of the electrolytic cell; the four side plates of the inner end plate 1 protrude outwards toward one side of the outer end plate 2 to form a plurality of connecting blocks 6, and the four side plates of the outer end plate 2 are recessed inwards toward one side of the inner end plate 1 to form a plurality of third grooves 7, and the positions and numbers of the connecting blocks 6 correspond to the third grooves 7 one by one; a plurality of channels 8 are provided on the bottom surface (i.e., the bottom plate) of the inner end plate 1; the channels 8 are provided on the outside of the inner end plate 1; the connecting blocks 6 are provided at one end of the inner end plate 1 away from the bottom surface; The portion of the channel 8 away from the bottom surface of the inner end plate 1 is a columnar structure and is consistent with the shape and size of the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell. The portion close to the bottom surface of the inner end plate 1 is a square structure and extends to the inside of the inner end plate 1, so that the electrolyte outside the inner end plate 1 can enter the inside of the electrolytic cell through the channel through the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell, and at the same time, the electrolyte and / or the generated gas (oxygen and hydrogen) inside the electrolytic cell can leave the inside of the electrolytic cell through the channel; the channel includes an oxygen / water inlet channel 9 and a hydrogen channel 10; the position of the oxygen / water inlet channel 9 corresponds to the anode of the electrolytic cell; the position of the hydrogen channel 10 corresponds to the anode of the electrolytic cell. The inner end plate 1 and the outer end plate 2 correspond to each other, and the material of the inner end plate 1 and the outer end plate 2 is 304 stainless steel; when the first groove 3 and the second groove 4 are matched, the gap between the inner end plate 1 and the outer end plate 2 is less than 2 mm; on the side plate at the long side, the number of the first groove 3 and the second groove 4 is 12 to 100; on the side plate at the short side, the number of the first groove 3 and the second groove 4 is 12 to 100; on the side plate at the long side and the side plate at the short side, the number of the connecting blocks 6 and the third grooves 7 is 6 to 50; the number of the oxygen / water inlet channel 9 and the hydrogen channel 10 is 2 to 20.

[0031] When the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer end plate is used to assemble a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, the internal electrolytic components of the electrolyzer are first stacked on the lower end plate of the electrolyzer, and then the inner end plate 1 is installed on the internal electrolytic components of the electrolyzer, and then the outer end plate 2 is installed, so that the third groove 7 of the outer end plate 2 is placed on the connecting block 6 of the inner end plate 1, and the gap between the inner and outer end plates 2 is less than 2 mm, and finally the fixing screws are installed so that dozens of fixing screws can accurately and quickly pass through the corresponding dozens of screw holes 5 at the same time to complete the sealing of the PEM electrolyzer (the position, number and size of the screw holes on the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer are designed according to the lower end plate of the electrolyzer). The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer can significantly shorten the installation time of the PEM electrolyzer, and during the installation process of the PEM electrolyzer end plate, there is no need to use tools such as a wooden hammer for hammering. While effectively reducing labor costs, it can also effectively reduce the exposure time of the membrane electrode when it is not packaged in the PEM electrolyzer, preventing it from wrinkling and deformation. In addition, the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer can effectively prevent the internal components of the electrolyzer without the end plate installed from shifting, thereby affecting the sealing performance and electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer.

[0032] Example 2: A megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer

[0033] The present embodiment provides a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, which is composed of the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, the external sealing assembly and the internal electrolysis assembly of Example 1; the outer end plate 2 of the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer surrounds the inner end plate 1 arranged on the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer; the inner end plate 1 of the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer surrounds the internal electrolysis assembly arranged in the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer; the external sealing assembly is a lower end plate; the lower end plate is arranged below the internal electrolysis assembly of the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer (in this megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, the bottom plate of the inner end plate 1 is the upper end plate).

[0034] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of clear explanation, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. The obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of the invention of the utility model.

Claims

1. An end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, characterized in that: The end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer comprises an inner end plate and an outer end plate; both the inner end plate and the outer end plate are cylindrical structures; the inner end plate is recessed inwardly on a side facing the outer end plate to form a plurality of first grooves, and the outer end plate is recessed inwardly on a side facing the inner end plate to form a plurality of second grooves, and the first grooves and the second grooves are combined to form a plurality of screw holes for accommodating the electrolyzer fixing screws; the inner end plate is protruded outwardly on a side facing the outer end plate to form a plurality of connecting blocks, and the outer end plate is recessed inwardly on a side facing the inner end plate to form a plurality of third grooves, and the positions and quantities of the connecting blocks correspond one-to-one to the third grooves.

2. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner end plate is a square cylindrical structure with a bottom.

3. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer end plate is a square tube structure.

4. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of channels are arranged on the bottom surface of the inner end plate; the channels are arranged outside the inner end plate.

5. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting block is arranged at one end of the inner end plate away from the bottom surface.

6. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The portion of the channel away from the bottom surface of the inner end plate matches the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell, and the portion close to the bottom surface of the inner end plate extends to the interior of the inner end plate, so that the electrolyte outside the inner end plate can enter the interior of the electrolytic cell through the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell through the channel, and at the same time, the electrolyte and / or generated gas inside the electrolytic cell can leave the interior of the electrolytic cell through the channel.

7. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The portion of the channel away from the bottom surface of the inner end plate is a columnar structure, and the portion close to the bottom surface of the inner end plate is a square structure; the portion of the channel in a columnar structure is consistent with the shape and size of the external pipeline of the electrolytic cell.

8. The end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The channels include an oxygen / water inlet channel and a hydrogen channel.

9. A megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer, characterized in that: The megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer comprises the end plate for a megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that: The outer end plate of the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer surrounds the inner end plate arranged on the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer; the inner end plate of the end plate for the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer surrounds the internal electrolysis component arranged on the megawatt-class PEM electrolyzer.

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