Electrolytic tank bipolar plate and electrolytic tank hydrogen production device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electrolytic bath bipolar plate and an electrolytic bath hydrogen production device, and relates to the technical field of electrolytic bath hydrogen production, the electrolytic bath bipolar plate is applied to a single electrolysis unit of the electrolytic bath hydrogen production device, the electrolytic bath bipolar plate comprises two plate assemblies and a connecting plate, the two plate assemblies are arranged at intervals, and the connecting plate is connected with the two plate assemblies. One of the two plate assemblies is constructed as an anode side plate, the other plate assembly is constructed as a cathode side plate, each plate assembly is provided with a flow field plate, and each flow field plate is provided with a plurality of first flow channels; the connecting plate is arranged between the two plate assemblies, the connecting plate is provided with a first side face and a second side face which are arranged oppositely, the flow field plate of the anode side plate is arranged on the first side face of the connecting plate, and the flow field plate of the cathode side plate is arranged on the second side face of the connecting plate. The runner is improved and constructed through a mechanical structure, and the technical problems of high processing cost and poor hydrogen production effect are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electrolytic cell hydrogen production, in particular to a bipolar plate of an electrolytic cell and an electrolytic cell hydrogen production device. Background Art

[0002] As a key technology for clean energy production, electrolytic cell hydrogen production generates hydrogen through electrolysis. Among them, the raw materials of a PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolytic cell are water and electricity. Because no pollutants are generated during the electrolysis process, and the produced gas has high purity and high gas production energy efficiency, it has broad application prospects.

[0003] In the related art, a single electrolysis unit of a PEM electrolytic cell generally needs to etch flow channels on a bipolar plate, and some bipolar plates also need to be used with four welded cover plates. However, etching flow channels on the bipolar plate not only results in high processing costs but also low overall structural fitting accuracy, which not only affects the sealing effect but also the hydrogen production effect. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The main purpose of the utility model is to propose a bipolar plate of an electrolytic cell and an electrolytic cell hydrogen production device, aiming to propose a flow channel structure to solve the technical problems of high processing costs, low overall fitting of the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell, and even affecting the sealing performance and hydrogen production effect caused by forming flow channels through etching.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, a bipolar plate of an electrolytic cell proposed by the utility model is applied to a single electrolysis unit of an electrolytic cell hydrogen production device. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell includes:

[0006] Two plate assemblies are arranged at intervals. One of the two plate assemblies is configured as an anode side plate, and the other is configured as a cathode side plate. Each plate assembly is provided with a flow field plate, and a plurality of first flow channels are arranged on the flow field plate;

[0007] A connecting plate is arranged between the two plate assemblies. The connecting plate has a first side surface and a second side surface arranged opposite to each other. The flow field plate of the anode side plate is arranged on the first side surface of the connecting plate, and the flow field plate of the cathode side plate is arranged on the second side surface of the connecting plate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plate assembly includes an insulating plate body, and a hollow installation groove is arranged in the middle of the insulating plate body for installing the flow field plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, a first flow-through part and a second flow-through part are arranged on the insulating plate body. The first flow-through part and the second flow-through part are arranged on both sides of the installation groove opposite to each other along a first direction, and the first flow-through part, the second flow-through part are communicated with the flow field plate;

[0010] When the plate assembly is configured as the anode side plate, the first circulation part is used to input the water of the electrolytic cell into the flow field plate, and the second circulation part is used to output the water and oxygen of the flow field plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, a plurality of second flow channels are provided between the first circulation part and the flow field plate, and between the second circulation part and the flow field plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, a third circulation part and a fourth circulation part are formed on the insulating plate body, and the third circulation part and the fourth circulation part are oppositely arranged on both sides of the installation groove along the second direction, and the third circulation part, the fourth circulation part are communicated with the flow field plate;

[0013] When the plate assembly is configured as the cathode side plate, the third circulation part and the fourth circulation part are used to output the hydrogen of the flow field plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, a plurality of third flow channels are provided between the third circulation part and the flow field plate, and between the fourth circulation part and the flow field plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flow field plate includes a plurality of flow channel groups arranged at intervals in sequence along the first direction, and the plurality of flow channel groups are communicated with each other. Each flow channel group includes a plurality of the first flow channels arranged along the second direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, a plurality of connecting pieces are provided on each flow channel group, and the plurality of connecting pieces are arranged at intervals along the second direction, and the first flow channels are formed between the adjacent two connecting pieces.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting pieces include a plurality of concave pieces and a plurality of convex pieces arranged alternately in sequence along the second direction. The concave pieces are recessed in a direction away from the connecting plate, and the convex pieces are protruded in a direction towards the connecting plate.

[0018] In one embodiment, a plurality of first sealing rings are provided on a side surface of the plate assembly close to the connecting plate, and the plurality of first sealing rings are arranged at intervals. Each first sealing ring is arranged around the circumference of the flow field plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, a second sealing ring is provided on a side surface of the plate assembly away from the connecting plate, and the second sealing ring is arranged around the circumference of the flow field plate.

[0020] The present utility model also provides an electrolytic cell hydrogen production device, which includes a plurality of electrolytic units, and each electrolytic unit includes the electrolytic cell bipolar plate as described above.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell in the technical solution of the present utility model adopts two plate assemblies arranged at intervals. One of the two plate assemblies is configured as an anode side plate, and the other is configured as a cathode side plate. Flow field plates are provided on the anode side plate and the cathode side plate. Multiple first flow channels are provided on the flow field plates. The overall structure has low requirements for the processing accuracy of the flow channels and low processing costs, and avoids the problems that the flow channels formed by etching need to be used in cooperation with a cover plate, and the large structural matching error is likely to result in poor sealing effect, effectively optimizing the sealing and further optimizing the hydrogen production effect;

[0023] The first flow channels provided on the flow field plates are used to guide the flow of water, and also used to guide the transmission of hydrogen and oxygen, so that the water is evenly distributed, so as to improve the electrolysis efficiency and hydrogen production effect; By providing flow field plates with multiple first flow channels on the anode side plate and the cathode side plate, it is also possible to avoid environmental pollution caused by etching the flow channels, effectively optimizing the environmental protection effect;

[0024] A connecting plate is provided between the two plate assemblies. The flow field plate of the anode side plate is provided on the first side of the connecting plate, and the flow field plate of the cathode side plate is provided on the second side of the connecting plate. The overall structure is simple, convenient for assembly and processing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell provided by the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of an embodiment of the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell provided by the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the flow field plate provided by the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 For Figure 3 The enlarged view of part A;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the anode side plate provided by the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the cathode side plate provided by the present utility model.

[0032] Description of the attached drawing reference numerals:

[0033] 11. Anode side plate; 12. Cathode side plate;

[0034] 110. Flow field plate; 1101. First flow field plate; 1102. Second flow field plate; 111. First flow channel; 112. Flow channel group; 113. Connecting piece; 1131. Concave piece; 1132. Convex piece; 120. Insulating plate body; 1201. First insulating plate body; 1202. Second insulating plate body; 1211. First flow-through part; 1212. Second flow-through part; 1213. Second flow channel; 1231. Third flow-through part; 1232. Fourth flow-through part; 1233. Third flow channel; 131. First sealing ring; 132. Second sealing ring; 140. Inspection interface; 150. Positioning hole;

[0035] 200. Connecting plate.

[0036] The realization, functional features and advantages of the purpose of the present utility model will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with embodiments. Specific embodiments

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0038] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) involved in the embodiments of the present utility model, the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0039] In addition, if the embodiments of the present utility model involve descriptions such as "first", "second", etc., the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout the text, its meaning includes three parallel scenarios. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes Scenario A, or Scenario B, or the scenario where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art to implement. When the combination of technical solutions results in contradictions or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present utility model.

[0040] As a key technology for clean energy production, hydrogen production by electrolytic cells generates hydrogen through electrolysis. Among them, the raw materials of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolytic cells are water and electricity. Since no pollutants are generated during the electrolysis process, and the produced gas has high purity and high gas production energy efficiency, it has broad application prospects.

[0041] Based on the problems existing in the need to etch flow channels on bipolar plates in related technologies, and some bipolar plates with partially etched flow channels also need to be used in combination with four welded cover plates, referring to Figures 1 to 6 , this application proposes a bipolar plate for an electrolytic cell and a hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell. By improving the mechanical structure, a new flow channel setting scheme is proposed to solve the problems of high processing cost, high processing precision requirements, large structural matching errors, low hydrogen production efficiency, and environmental pollution existing in the etching of flow channels.

[0042] The bipolar plate of this application is applied to a single electrolysis unit of a hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell includes two plate components and a connecting plate 200. The two plate components are arranged at intervals. One of the two plate components is configured as an anode side plate 11, and the other is configured as a cathode side plate 12. Each plate component is provided with a flow field plate 110, and multiple first flow channels 111 are provided on the flow field plate 110. By adopting the flow field plate 110 provided with the first flow channels 111, the requirements for processing precision and processing cost can be reduced, the problem of needing to use a cover plate in combination with the flow channels formed by etching can be avoided, and the problem of poor sealing effect due to large matching errors during structural matching can be avoided, effectively optimizing the sealing and further optimizing the hydrogen production effect.

[0043] The first flow channel 111 provided on the flow field plate 110 is used to guide the flow of water and also to guide the transmission of reaction gases (hydrogen and oxygen), so as to ensure the effective flow of water and the generated gases, avoid dead zones and turbulence, make the water distribution uniform, and ensure that the electrolysis reaction proceeds uniformly on the electrolysis surface, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency. Through the setting of the first flow channel 111, the heat generated during the electrolysis process can also be dissipated to prevent local overheating.

[0044] In this application, the flow field plate 110 is made by machining. By providing the flow field plate 110 with multiple first flow channels 111 on the anode side plate 11 and the cathode side plate 12, it is possible to avoid environmental pollution caused by etching the flow channels, and effectively optimize the environmental protection effect. The flow field plate 110 is provided with multiple first flow channels 111. Optionally, specifically, the multiple first flow channels 111 provided on the flow field plate 110 can be set as one or a combination of multiple types of flow channels such as parallel flow channels, serpentine flow channels, cross flow channels, and porous flow channels. It can be specifically set according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0045] Refer to Figure 2 , the connecting plate 200 is provided between the two plate assemblies. The connecting plate 200 has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The flow field plate 110 of the anode side plate 11 is provided on the first side of the connecting plate 200, and the flow field plate 110 of the cathode side plate 12 is provided on the second side of the connecting plate 200. By installing the flow field plate 110 of the anode side plate 11 and the flow field plate 110 of the cathode side plate 12 on the connecting plate 200, the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell of this application can be constructed without welding the cover plate, and the overall structure is simple, which is convenient for assembly and processing.

[0046] In this application, one of the two plate assemblies is configured as the anode side plate 11, and the other is configured as the cathode side plate 12. The anode side plate 11 participates in the oxidation reaction of water as a part of the anode during the electrolysis process to generate oxygen and protons; the cathode side plate 12 participates in the reduction reaction of water as a part of the cathode during the electrolysis process to generate hydrogen; the connecting plate 200 allows electrons to flow from the anode to the cathode during the electrolysis process as an electrode conductive material.

[0047] Optionally, the connecting plate 200 of this application can be any one of a titanium plate, a stainless steel plate, a graphite plate, an alloy plate, a plate coated with a corrosion-resistant coating, or many others. Because the titanium plate has good electrical conductivity and structural strength, and excellent corrosion resistance, this application mainly takes the connecting plate 200 being a titanium plate as an example for illustration. To further promote the water decomposition reaction, a catalyst can also be coated on the titanium plate.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present application, the anode side plate 11 and the cathode side plate 12 may adopt plate assemblies with the same or similar structures. The plate assembly configured as the anode side plate 11 and the plate assembly configured as the cathode side plate 12 are both provided with a flow field plate 110. Optionally, the flow field plate 110 is fixed on the plate assembly, or the flow field plate 110 is detachably mounted on the plate assembly. At least one side of the plate assembly is further provided with other flow channels, and the other flow channels provided on at least one side of the plate assembly communicate with the flow field plate 110. When the flow field plate 110 is fixed on the plate assembly, the corresponding plate assemblies can be specifically processed for the anode side and the cathode side of the electrolytic cell to construct the anode side plate 11 and the cathode side plate 12. The flow field plate 110 is optionally fixed on the plate assembly by any one or multiple other methods such as welding and pasting, and the plate assembly is optionally fixed on the connecting plate 200 by any one or multiple other methods such as welding and pasting. When the flow field plate 110 is detachably mounted on the plate assembly, the plate assembly can be used as the anode side plate 11 or the cathode side plate 12 by adjusting the direction of the first flow channel 111 of the flow field plate 110 or adjusting the direction of the other flow channels provided on at least one side of the plate assembly, etc.

[0049] Taking the example that the flow field plate 110 is detachably mounted on the plate assembly, refer to Figure 2 , in one embodiment, the plate assembly includes an insulating plate body 120. A hollow installation groove is provided in the middle of the insulating plate body 120 for installing the flow field plate 110. The insulating plate body 120 plays an insulating role and a supporting role, which is used to ensure the safe operation of the electrolytic cell and ensure the structural stability of the bipolar plate and the electrolytic cell device of the electrolytic cell by installing and supporting the flow field plate 110.

[0050] The flow field plate 110 is detachably installed on the insulating plate body 120 through the installation groove. Specifically, multiple types of flow field plates 110 can be set, and the first flow channels 111 on each type of flow field plate 110 are different. According to different actual usage requirements, the required first flow channels 111 are changed by replacing the adopted flow field plate 110 to improve the compatibility of the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell and meet different electrolysis requirements. The detachable connection between the flow field plate 110 and the insulating plate body 120 can not only improve the compatibility of the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell, but also facilitate mass production, assembly, transportation, maintenance and replacement, and reduce costs.

[0051] Optionally, the shape, size, etc. of the hollow installation groove provided in the middle of the insulating plate body 120 are adapted to the shape, size, etc. of the flow field plate 110. The installation groove is snap-fitted with the flow field plate 110, so that the flow field plate 110 can be stably located in the middle of the insulating plate body 120. In some other alternative embodiments of the present application, a sliding groove adapted to the flow field plate 110 can also be provided on the side of the insulating plate body 120 to facilitate the installation of the flow field plate 110; and a sealing ring can be provided between the installation groove and the flow field plate 110 to fixedly install the flow field plate 110 in the installation groove.

[0052] To achieve electrical isolation, in some alternative embodiments of the present application, the insulating plate body 120 can be made of any one of a plastic plate, an alloy insulating plate, a polymer composite plate, or many others.

[0053] To facilitate production, processing, and enhance the structural stability of the flow field plate 110, referring to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 In a specific embodiment of the present application, the flow field plate 110 includes multiple groups of flow channel groups 112 arranged at intervals along the first direction a. The multiple groups of flow channel groups 112 are interconnected. Each group of flow channel groups 112 includes multiple first flow channels 111 arranged along the second direction b. Through the arrangement of the multiple groups of flow channel groups 112, the flow channels can be subdivided to ensure uniform distribution of water, increase the surface area of water in contact with the electrodes, improve the reaction efficiency, and help dissipate heat through the water flow to optimize the heat dissipation effect. Such an arrangement is also used to ensure the input and output efficiency of water and reaction gases, avoid the accumulation of moisture and bubbles, and further improve the electrolysis efficiency and hydrogen production effect.

[0054] In one embodiment, a plurality of connecting pieces 113 are provided on each flow channel group 112. The plurality of connecting pieces 113 are arranged at intervals along the second direction b. The first flow channels 111 are formed between adjacent two connecting pieces 113. Through the arrangement of the connecting pieces 113, the reaction gas can be prevented from overflowing from the middle of the flow field plate 110.

[0055] The plurality of connecting pieces 113 include a plurality of concave pieces 1131 and a plurality of convex pieces 1132 arranged alternately along the second direction b. The concave pieces 1131 are recessed in a direction away from the connecting plate 200, and the convex pieces 1132 are protruded in a direction towards the connecting plate 200. By arranging the plurality of connecting pieces 113 as a plurality of alternately arranged concave pieces 1131 and convex pieces 1132, the surface area of water in contact with the electrodes can be further increased, the reaction efficiency can be improved, and the heat dissipation effect can be optimized. While optimizing the structural strength, the use of materials can also be reduced, and the weight and processing cost of the flow field plate 110 can be lowered.

[0056] Optionally, the first direction a and the second direction b intersect. Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment, a first flow-through portion 1211 and a second flow-through portion 1212 are formed on the insulating plate body 120. The first flow-through portion 1211 and the second flow-through portion 1212 are oppositely arranged on both sides of the installation groove along the first direction a, and the first flow-through portion 1211, the second flow-through portion 1212 are communicated with the flow field plate 110. When the plate assembly is configured as the anode side plate 11, the first flow-through portion 1211 is used to input the water of the electrolytic cell into the flow field plate 110, and the second flow-through portion 1212 is used to output the water and oxygen of the flow field plate 110.

[0057] When the plate assembly is configured as the anode side plate 11, taking the insulating plate body 120 of the anode side plate 11 as the first insulating plate body 1201 and the flow field plate 110 of the anode side plate 11 as the first flow field plate 1101, the first insulating plate body 1201 serves as the anode insulating plate, playing an insulating role and a supporting role, used to prevent short circuits and ensure the structural stability of the bipolar plate and the electrolytic cell device of the electrolytic cell by supporting the first flow field plate 1101; the first flow field plate 1101 serves as the anode flow field plate 110, used to guide the flow of water and oxygen, to ensure the uniform distribution of water, improve the electrolysis efficiency, and help dissipate heat by guiding the water flow, optimizing the heat dissipation effect. The setting of the first flow channel 111 provided in the anode flow field plate 110 can also help generate and output oxygen, prevent bubble aggregation, so as to further improve the electrolysis efficiency and optimize the hydrogen production effect.

[0058] Optionally, one or more hollow through grooves are provided along the peripheral side of the first insulating plate body 1201 as the first flow-through portion 1211, and one or more hollow through grooves are provided along the other peripheral side of the first insulating plate body 1201 as the second flow-through portion 1212, and the first flow-through portion 1211 and the second flow-through portion 1212 are oppositely arranged. When applied to the PEM electrolytic cell device, the first flow-through portion 1211 serves as the water inlet to input the water of the electrolytic cell into the flow field plate 110, and the second flow-through portion 1212 serves as the water and oxygen outlet to output the water and oxygen of the flow field plate 110. The first flow-through portion 1211 is connected to the installation groove, and the second flow-through portion 1212 is connected to the installation groove; or, the first flow-through portion 1211 and the installation groove, and the second flow-through portion 1212 and the installation groove are spaced apart. When the first flow-through portion 1211 and the installation groove, and the second flow-through portion 1212 and the installation groove are spaced apart, optionally, a second flow channel 1213 is provided between the first flow-through portion 1211 and the first flow field plate 1101, and between the second flow-through portion 1212 and the first flow field plate 1101. The second flow channel 1213 can have one or more.

[0059] In a specific embodiment of the present application, a plurality of second flow channels 1213 are provided between the first flow-through portion 1211 and the flow field plate 110, and between the second flow-through portion 1212 and the flow field plate 110.

[0060] The first direction a and the second direction b are perpendicular to each other. When the plate assembly is rectangular, one of the first direction a and the second direction b is parallel to the length direction of the plate assembly, and the other is parallel to the width direction of the plate assembly.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, the description is mainly given by taking the first direction a being parallel to the length direction of the plate assembly and the second direction b being parallel to the width direction of the plate assembly as an example. Refer to Figure 5 , in a specific embodiment of the present application, the first flow field plate 1101 of the anode side plate 11 includes multiple groups of flow channel groups 112 arranged at intervals along the first direction a. The multiple groups of flow channel groups 112 are interconnected. Each group of flow channel groups 112 includes multiple first flow channels 111 arranged along the second direction b. Each first flow channel 111 extends along the first direction a. The first flow-through part 1211 is provided with multiple second flow channels 1213 arranged along the second direction b, and the second flow-through part 1212 is provided with multiple second flow channels 1213 arranged along the second direction b. Each second flow channel 1213 extends along the first direction a. The anode side plate 11 is used to participate in the oxidation reaction. The second flow channel 1213 close to the first flow-through part 1211 is used to input the water entering through the first flow-through part 1211 into the first flow field plate 1101. The second flow channel 1213 close to the second flow-through part 1212 is used to output the water and the generated oxygen of the first flow field plate 1101 through the second flow-through part 1212. Since the generation of oxygen is accompanied by more bubbles, and the anode side needs to consider replenishing water to ensure the continuous progress of the electrolysis reaction, the extending direction of the second flow channel 1213 is the same as that of the first flow channel 111, which can improve the water replenishment speed and effectively improve the exhaust efficiency.

[0062] Refer to Figure 6 , in an embodiment, the insulating plate body 120 is provided with a third flow-through part 1231 and a fourth flow-through part 1232. The third flow-through part 1231 and the fourth flow-through part 1232 are relatively arranged on both sides of the installation groove along the second direction b. The third flow-through part 1231 and the fourth flow-through part 1232 are communicated with the flow field plate 110. When the plate assembly is configured as the cathode side plate 12, the third flow-through part 1231 and the fourth flow-through part 1232 are used to output the hydrogen of the flow field plate 110.

[0063] When the plate assembly is configured as the cathode side plate 12, the insulating plate body 120 of the cathode side plate 12 serves as the second insulating plate body 1202, and the flow field plate 110 of the cathode side plate 12 serves as the second flow field plate 1102. The second insulating plate body 1202 acts as the cathode insulating plate, playing an insulating role and a supporting role, which is used to ensure the safe operation of the electrolytic cell and, by supporting the second flow field plate 1102, ensure the structural stability of the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell and the electrolytic cell device. The second flow field plate 1102 serves as the cathode current flow field plate 110, which is used to guide the flow of water and hydrogen, ensuring the uniform distribution of water, improving the electrolysis efficiency, and helping to dissipate heat by guiding the flow of water, optimizing the heat dissipation effect. The setting of the first flow channel 111 provided in the second flow field plate 1102 can also help to generate and output hydrogen, prevent bubble aggregation, further improve the electrolysis efficiency, and optimize the hydrogen production effect.

[0064] Optionally, one or more hollow through grooves are provided along the circumferential side of the second insulating plate body 1202 as the third flow-through part 1231, and one or more hollow through grooves are provided along the other circumferential side of the second insulating plate body 1202 as the fourth flow-through part 1232. The third flow-through part 1231 and the fourth flow-through part 1232 are oppositely arranged. When applied to the PEM electrolytic cell device, the third flow-through part 1231 and the fourth flow-through part 1232 serve as the hydrogen outlets. The third flow-through part 1231 is connected to the installation groove, and the fourth flow-through part 1232 is connected to the installation groove; or, the third flow-through part 1231 and the installation groove, and the fourth flow-through part 1232 and the installation groove are arranged at intervals. When the third flow-through part 1231 and the installation groove, and the fourth flow-through part 1232 and the installation groove are arranged at intervals, optionally, a third flow channel 1233 is provided between the third flow-through part 1231 and the second flow field plate 1102, and between the fourth flow-through part 1232 and the second flow field plate 1102. The third flow channel 1233 can have one or more.

[0065] In a specific embodiment of the present application, a plurality of third flow channels 1233 are provided between the third flow-through part 1231 and the flow field plate 110, and between the fourth flow-through part 1232 and the flow field plate 110.

[0066] The first direction a and the second direction b are perpendicular to each other. When the plate assembly is rectangular, in the embodiments of the present application, the first direction a is mainly parallel to the length direction of the plate assembly, and the second direction b is mainly parallel to the width direction of the plate assembly for illustration. In the specific embodiments of the present application, the second flow field plate 1102 of the cathode side plate 12 includes multiple groups of flow channel groups 112 arranged at intervals in the first direction a in sequence. The multiple groups of flow channel groups 112 are interconnected. Each group of flow channel groups 112 includes multiple first flow channels 111 arranged in the second direction b. Each first flow channel 111 extends in the first direction a. The third flow-through part 1231 is provided with multiple third flow channels 1233 arranged in the first direction a, and the fourth flow-through part 1232 is provided with multiple third flow channels 1233 arranged in the first direction a. Each third flow channel 1233 extends in the second direction b. The cathode side plate 12 is used to participate in the reduction reaction. The third flow channels 1233 are used to output the hydrogen gas of the second flow field plate 1102 through the third flow-through part 1231 and the fourth flow-through part 1232. Since the cathode side needs to consider discharging hydrogen gas, the extending direction of the third flow channels 1233 is different from that of the first flow channels 111, which can reduce water accumulation and promote the discharge of hydrogen gas.

[0067] It should be noted that the plate assembly includes an insulating plate body 120 and a flow field plate 110. When the insulating plate body 120 and the flow field plate 110 are integrally fixed structures, corresponding plate assemblies can be processed for the anode side and the cathode side respectively. When the flow field plate 110 is detachably installed on the insulating plate body 120 through the installation groove, optionally, communication parts are provided on both sides of the insulating plate body 120. By rotating the insulating plate body 120, the setting direction of the communication parts with flow channels on both sides of the insulating plate body 120 can be adjusted. When the extending direction of the first flow channel 111 is the same as that of the flow channel communicating with the communication part, the plate assembly is used as the anode side plate 11. When used as the anode side plate 11, the communication parts provided on both sides of the insulating plate body 120 are the first communication part 1211 and the second communication part 1212; when the extending direction of the first flow channel 111 is different from that of the flow channel communicating with the communication part, the plate assembly is used as the cathode side plate 12. When used as the cathode side plate 12, the communication parts provided on both sides of the insulating plate body 120 are the third communication part 1231 and the fourth communication part 1232. Of course, it can also be that through grooves are provided around the insulating plate body 120. When the plate assembly is used as the anode side plate 11, the communication parts on two of its sides are used as the first communication part 1211 and the second communication part 1212, and when the plate assembly is used as the cathode side plate 12, the communication parts on the other two sides are used as the third communication part 1231 and the fourth communication part 1232. After the bipolar plates of the electrolytic cell are assembled using any of the foregoing embodiments, the directions of the first flow channels 111 of the first flow field plate 1101 of the anode side plate 11 and the second flow field plate 1102 of the cathode side plate 12 are the same, and the first communication part 1211 and the second communication part 1212 of the anode side plate 11 are arranged between the third communication part 1231 and the fourth communication part 1232 of the cathode side plate 12.

[0068] In one embodiment, a plurality of first sealing rings 131 are provided on one side surface of the plate assembly close to the connecting plate 200. The plurality of first sealing rings 131 are spaced apart, and each first sealing ring 131 is arranged around the circumference of the flow field plate 110.

[0069] Furthermore, the first sealing ring 131 is arranged around the circumference of at least one of the first communication part 1211, the second communication part 1212, the third communication part 1231, the fourth communication part 1232 and other through grooves on the insulating plate body 120.

[0070] It can be understood that the first sealing ring 131 is provided on the side of the plate assembly where the second flow channel 1213 or the third flow channel 1233 is provided. Optionally, two first sealing rings 131, one inside and one outside, are provided on one side surface of the plate assembly close to the connecting plate 200. Through the arrangement of the first sealing ring 131, the sealing performance between the connection positions of the plate assembly and the connecting plate 200 can be ensured, preventing the leakage of water and reaction gases. The arrangement of the plurality of first coils can also reduce local stress concentration, making the structure of the plate assembly more stable.

[0071] In one embodiment, a second sealing ring 132 is provided on a side of the plate assembly facing away from the connecting plate 200, and the second sealing ring 132 is arranged around the circumference of the flow field plate 110.

[0072] Furthermore, the second sealing ring 132 is arranged around the circumference of at least one of the first flow-through portion 1211, the second flow-through portion 1212, the third flow-through portion 1231, the fourth flow-through portion 1232 and other through grooves on the insulating plate body 120.

[0073] The first sealing ring 131 and the second sealing ring 132 are arranged back to back. Optionally, there is one or more second sealing rings 132. When there are multiple second sealing rings 132, the multiple second sealing rings 132 are arranged at intervals in sequence from the inside to the outside. Through the arrangement of the first sealing ring 131 and the second sealing ring 132, the sealing effect can be effectively optimized and the gas production pressure of the electrolytic cell can be increased.

[0074] Optionally, the first sealing ring 131 and the second sealing ring 132 are optionally connected and fixed to the insulating plate body 120 by a combination of one or more methods such as dispensing, bonding, snap connection, etc. In addition, a limiting groove can be provided on the insulating plate body 120. Specifically, the insulating plate body 120 has a plurality of inwardly recessed limiting grooves corresponding to the position of the installation groove for installing the sealing ring. The limiting grooves include a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove. Specifically, a plurality of first limiting grooves can be provided corresponding to the side of the plate assembly close to the connecting plate 200 for installing the first sealing ring 131; and at least one second limiting groove can be provided corresponding to the side of the plate assembly close to the connecting plate 200 for installing the second sealing ring 132.

[0075] Furthermore, in the present application, one or more first positioning holes 150 are provided along the circumference of the plate assembly, and one or more second positioning holes 150 are provided along the circumference of the connecting plate 200. The positions and sizes of the second positioning holes 150 correspond one by one to the positions and sizes of the first positioning holes 150. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell includes an anode side plate 11, a connecting plate 200 and a cathode side plate 12 arranged in sequence. The anode side plate 11, the connecting plate 200 and the cathode side plate 12 are connected into one body through other connecting structures such as screws and locking parts inserted into the positioning holes.

[0076] The insulating plate body 120 of the plate assembly is processed by a highly automated machine tool, a machining center (CNC machining center). The flow field plate 110 is a 3D flow field plate 110, and the flow field plate 110 is made by a stamping process. In addition, an inspection interface 140 is provided on the plate assembly to facilitate the operator to monitor the performance of the bipolar plate.

[0077] The present utility model further provides a hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell. The hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell includes a plurality of electrolysis units, and each electrolysis unit includes an electrolytic cell bipolar plate as described above. The specific structure of the electrolytic cell bipolar plate refers to the above-mentioned embodiments. Since the hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell adopts all the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be elaborated herein one by one.

[0078] In the present application, the hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell includes a plurality of electrolysis units. The electrolytic cell bipolar plate of the above-mentioned embodiment is applied to a single electrolysis unit of the hydrogen production device for an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell bipolar plate includes two plate assemblies and a connecting plate 200, and the connecting plate 200 is made of a titanium plate. When assembling the electrolytic cell bipolar plate applied to a single electrolysis unit, the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole are used as the limits for the plate assembly and the titanium plate. First, the second insulating plate body 1202 of the cathode side plate 12 is placed on the membrane electrode, and then the second flow field plate 1102 is placed in the installation groove of the second insulating plate body 1202. After the placement of the cathode side plate 12 is completed, the titanium plate is placed, and then the first insulating plate body 1201 of the anode side plate 11 is placed, and the corresponding first flow field plate 1101 is placed in the installation groove of the first insulating plate body 1201 to complete the placement of the anode side plate 11, and the connection of the anode side plate 11, the connecting plate 200 and the cathode side plate 12 is completed through the positioning holes. Repeat this process until the installation of the electrolytic cell bipolar plates of all electrolysis units is completed.

[0079] The above is only an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, and it does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformation made under the technical concept of the present utility model by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present utility model, or any direct / indirect application in other related technical fields is included in the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell bipolar plate, which is applied to a single electrolytic unit of an electrolytic cell hydrogen production device, and is characterized in that, The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell includes: Two plate assemblies which are arranged at intervals. One of the two plate assemblies is configured as an anode side plate, and the other is configured as a cathode side plate. Each plate assembly is provided with a flow field plate, and a plurality of first flow channels are arranged on the flow field plate; A connecting plate which is arranged between the two plate assemblies. The connecting plate has a first side surface and a second side surface which are arranged back to back. The flow field plate of the anode side plate is arranged on the first side surface of the connecting plate, and the flow field plate of the cathode side plate is arranged on the second side surface of the connecting plate.

2. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate assembly includes an insulating plate body. A hollow installation groove is arranged in the middle of the insulating plate body, and the installation groove is used for installing the flow field plate.

3. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to claim 2, wherein, A first flow-through part and a second flow-through part are formed on the insulating plate body. The first flow-through part and the second flow-through part are oppositely arranged on both sides of the installation groove along a first direction, and the first flow-through part, the second flow-through part are communicated with the flow field plate; When the plate assembly is configured as an anode side plate, the first flow-through part is used for inputting the water of the electrolytic cell into the flow field plate, and the second flow-through part is used for outputting the water and oxygen of the flow field plate.

4. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that A plurality of second flow channels are arranged between the first flow-through part and the flow field plate, and between the second flow-through part and the flow field plate.

5. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to claim 2, wherein A third flow-through part and a fourth flow-through part are formed on the insulating plate body. The third flow-through part and the fourth flow-through part are oppositely arranged on both sides of the installation groove along a second direction, and the third flow-through part, the fourth flow-through part are communicated with the flow field plate; When the plate assembly is configured as a cathode side plate, the third flow-through part and the fourth flow-through part are used for outputting the hydrogen of the flow field plate.

6. The electrolytic cell bipolar plate according to claim 5, wherein: A plurality of third flow channels are arranged between the third flow-through part and the flow field plate, and between the fourth flow-through part and the flow field plate.

7. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein The flow field plate includes a plurality of groups of flow channel groups which are arranged at intervals in sequence along a first direction. The plurality of groups of flow channel groups are communicated with each other. Each group of flow channel groups includes a plurality of the first flow channels which are arranged in a row along a second direction.

8. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, A plurality of connecting pieces are arranged on each group of flow channel groups. The plurality of connecting pieces are arranged at intervals along a second direction, and the first flow channels are formed between two adjacent connecting pieces.

9. The electrolytic cell bipolar plate according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of connecting pieces include a plurality of concave pieces and a plurality of convex pieces which are arranged alternately in sequence along a second direction. The concave pieces are recessed in a direction away from the connecting plate, and the convex pieces are protruded in a direction towards the connecting plate.

10. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, A plurality of first sealing rings are arranged on one side surface of the plate assembly close to the connecting plate. The plurality of first sealing rings are arranged at intervals, and each first sealing ring is arranged around the circumference of the flow field plate.

11. The bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, A second sealing ring is arranged on the side surface of the plate assembly away from the connecting plate. The second sealing ring is arranged around the circumference of the flow field plate.

12. An electrolytic cell hydrogen production device, characterized in that, Including a plurality of electrolysis units. Each electrolysis unit includes the bipolar plate of the electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1-11.

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