Electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and discloses an electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell, which comprises a cathode end plate, and is characterized in that a cathode insulation spacer is arranged below the cathode end plate, a cathode plate is arranged below the cathode insulation spacer, a cathode thick sealing spacer is arranged below the cathode plate, and a cathode thick sealing spacer is arranged below the cathode thick sealing spacer. A cathode runner is arranged below the cathode thick sealing gasket, when the whole device needs to be assembled, the device only needs to be stacked through the positioning assembly, and after the device is stacked, the whole device is fixed and assembled through the fastening bolt, so that a user can conveniently use the whole device, and in addition, the device is convenient to assemble and disassemble. The cathode plate, the bipolar plate and the anode plate are made of corrosion-resistant and anti-oxidation materials such as a flat titanium plate, and a runner is replaced by a corrosion-resistant and anti-oxidation material such as a titanium mesh, so that the performance is ensured, the service life is prolonged, the fluid uniformity is ensured, the pressure drop is reduced, and the cost is also reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, in particular to a non-polar frame type proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen has a calorific value of 1.43×10 8 J / kg, which is about 2.5 times higher than the calorific value of natural gas, about 3 times higher than the calorific value of gasoline, and about 4 times higher than the calorific value of coal. Moreover, it only produces water during combustion, so it is zero pollution and one of the most environmentally friendly and clean energy sources. At the same time, as a raw material, it is also widely used in the chemical and metallurgical industries, and has certain applications in health, medical care, and agriculture. Water electrolysis hydrogen production technology can use renewable energy such as wind and solar power to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen. At the same time, hydrogen is zero pollution during use and does not produce carbon dioxide. Therefore, it plays a very important role in the carbon peak and carbon comprehensive process. At present Mainstream water electrolysis hydrogen production technologies include alkaline water hydrogen production (ALK), PEM (proton exchange membrane) hydrogen production, AEM (anion exchange membrane) hydrogen production, and SOEC (solid oxide) hydrogen production. PEM (proton exchange membrane) hydrogen production technology uses pure water as a raw material, and the hydrogen and oxygen produced do not contain alkali, making it environmentally friendly and pollution-free. It also has differential pressure resistance, fast response speed, and a wider power range, which can adapt to the fluctuations of renewable energy power generation such as wind and solar power. The PEM electrolyzer is the core equipment for PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production. Direct current is passed through the electrolyzer. Water is electrolyzed at the anode to produce O2 and H+. The H+ enters the cathode through the proton exchange membrane and gains electrons to become H2. In general, water is electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen. The main components of a PEM electrolyzer, from the inside to the outside, are the proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode catalyst layers, anode and cathode gas diffusion layers, bipolar plates, and anode and cathode end plates. When producing hydrogen, a poleless frame-type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is required.

[0003] The general sealing structure of existing PEM electrolyzers is: thin sealing gasket + hard pole frame + thin sealing gasket + membrane electrode + thin sealing gasket + hard pole frame + thin sealing gasket; the bipolar plates are equipped with flow channels, and the cost is very high whether it is machining, stamping or etching; the hard pole frame is very expensive, and the number of parts is large, which increases the assembly cost. At the same time, there are many sealing surfaces, which increases the risk of leakage.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art provide a non-polar frame proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to solve the problems raised in the above background technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to provide a non-polar frame proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, comprising a cathode end plate, characterized in that: a cathode insulating gasket is provided below the cathode end plate, a cathode plate is provided below the cathode insulating gasket, a cathode thick sealing gasket is provided below the cathode plate, a cathode flow channel is provided below the cathode thick sealing gasket, a cathode gas diffusion layer is provided below the cathode flow channel, a membrane electrode is provided below the cathode gas diffusion layer, an anode gas diffusion layer is provided below the membrane electrode, an anode flow channel is provided below the anode gas diffusion layer, and an anode thick sealing gasket is provided below the anode flow channel. A gasket, a bipolar plate is provided below the thick anode sealing gasket, a cathode thick sealing gasket is provided below the bipolar plate, a cathode flow channel is provided below the thick cathode sealing gasket, a cathode gas diffusion layer is provided below the cathode flow channel, a membrane electrode is provided below the cathode gas diffusion layer, an anode gas diffusion layer is provided below the membrane electrode, an anode flow channel is provided below the anode gas diffusion layer, a thick anode sealing gasket is provided below the anode flow channel, an anode plate is provided below the thick anode sealing gasket, an anode insulating gasket is provided below the anode plate, and an anode end plate is provided below the anode insulating gasket;

[0006] The cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, membrane electrode, bipolar plate, anode thick sealing gasket, anode plate, anode insulating gasket and anode end plate are fixedly connected by a plurality of fastening bolts.

[0007] The positioning components are respectively arranged inside the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, membrane electrode, anode thick sealing gasket, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket and anode end plate.

[0008] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the positioning assembly includes bolt holes that are opened through the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, membrane electrode, anode thick sealing gasket, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket and anode end plate.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present technical solution, the fastening bolt is a semi-threaded bolt, and an insulating sleeve is provided on the outside of the fastening bolt.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present technical solution, the cathode plate, bipolar plate and anode plate are all titanium plates, and the cathode flow channel and anode flow channel are both titanium meshes.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present technical solution, the cathode gas diffusion layer (7) and the anode gas diffusion layer (17) are both porous titanium plates.

[0012] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the cathode end plate and the anode end plate are both hard aluminum components.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present technical solution, quick-tightening connectors are installed on the surfaces of the cathode end plate and the anode end plate.

[0014] As a further improvement of this technical solution, the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, membrane electrode, anode thick sealing gasket, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket, and anode end plate all adopt an external concave anti-mistake design.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] In the electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, by setting the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode flow channel, cathode gas diffusion layer, membrane electrode, anode gas diffusion layer, anode flow channel, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket, anode end plate and positioning assembly, when it is necessary to assemble the device as a whole, it is only necessary to first stack the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, cathode flow channel, cathode gas diffusion layer, membrane electrode, anode gas diffusion layer, anode flow channel, anode thick sealing gasket, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket and anode end plate from top to bottom, and then use the positioning pin to cooperate with the positioning assembly to align the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, cathode flow channel, cathode gas diffusion layer, membrane electrode, anode gas diffusion layer, anode flow channel, The cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, cathode flow channel, cathode gas diffusion layer, membrane electrode, anode gas diffusion layer, anode flow channel, anode thick sealing gasket, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket and anode end plate are positioned, and then the cathode end plate, cathode insulating gasket, cathode plate, cathode thick sealing gasket, cathode flow channel, cathode gas diffusion layer, membrane electrode, anode gas diffusion layer, anode flow channel, anode thick sealing gasket, bipolar plate, anode plate, anode insulating gasket and anode end plate are fixed by tightening bolts. When the device is fixed, the positioning pin is pulled out, and another fastening bolt is installed in the position of the positioning pin. At this time, the device can be spliced ​​and assembled as a whole. In addition, the utility model integrates the pole frame and the sealing structure, that is, the cathode thick sealing gasket + membrane electrode + anode thick sealing gasket; the pole frame is removed, the cost is reduced, and the number of parts and sealing surfaces are also reduced, which is conducive to reducing assembly cost and improving reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded three-dimensional structure of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the fastening bolt and the insulating sleeve in the utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the quick-tightening connector in the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure in this utility model.

[0022] The meaning of each number in the figure is:

[0023] 1. Cathode end plate; 2. Fastening bolts; 3. Quick-tighten connector; 4. Cathode insulating gasket; 5. Cathode plate; 6. Cathode thick sealing gasket; 7. Cathode gas diffusion layer; 8. Membrane electrode; 9. Anode flow channel; 10. Anode thick sealing gasket; 11. Bipolar plate; 12. Anode insulating gasket; 13. Anode end plate; 14. Insulating sleeve; 15. Bolt hole; 16. Cathode flow channel; 17. Anode gas diffusion layer; 18. Anode plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] See also Figure 1 - Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a non-polar frame proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, including a cathode end plate 1, a cathode insulating gasket 4 is provided below the cathode end plate 1, a cathode plate 5 is provided below the cathode insulating gasket 4, a cathode thick sealing gasket 6 is provided below the cathode plate 5, a cathode flow channel 16 is provided below the cathode thick sealing gasket 6, a cathode gas diffusion layer 7 is provided below the cathode flow channel 16, a membrane electrode 8 is provided below the cathode gas diffusion layer 7, an anode gas diffusion layer 17 is provided below the membrane electrode 8, an anode flow channel 9 is provided below the anode gas diffusion layer 17, an anode thick sealing gasket 10 is provided below the anode flow channel 9, and an anode thick sealing gasket 10 is provided below the anode thick sealing gasket A bipolar plate 11 is provided below the sheet 10, a cathode thick sealing gasket 6 is provided below the bipolar plate 11, a cathode flow channel 16 is provided below the cathode thick sealing gasket 6, a cathode gas diffusion layer 7 is provided below the cathode flow channel 16, a membrane electrode 8 is provided below the cathode gas diffusion layer 7, an anode gas diffusion layer 17 is provided below the membrane electrode 8, an anode flow channel 9 is provided below the anode gas diffusion layer 17, an anode thick sealing gasket 10 is provided below the anode flow channel 9, an anode plate 18 is provided below the anode plate 18, an anode insulating gasket 12 is provided below the anode insulating gasket 12, and an anode end plate 13 is provided below the anode insulating gasket 12;

[0026] The cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating gasket 4, cathode plate 5, cathode thick sealing gasket 6, membrane electrode 8, anode thick sealing gasket 10, bipolar plate 11, anode plate 18, anode insulating gasket 12 and anode end plate 13 are fixedly connected by a plurality of fastening bolts 2;

[0027] in:

[0028] The cathode plate 5, the cathode thick sealing gasket 6, the cathode flow channel 16, the cathode gas diffusion layer 7, the membrane electrode 8, the anode gas diffusion layer 17, the anode flow channel 9, the anode thick sealing gasket 10, the bipolar plate 11, the cathode thick sealing gasket 6, the cathode flow channel 16, the cathode gas diffusion layer 7, the membrane electrode 8, the anode gas diffusion layer 17, the anode flow channel 9, the anode plate 18, the anode thick sealing gasket 10, and the anode end plate 13 constitute two electrolysis chambers;

[0029] If a large amount of hydrogen production is required, it is only necessary to add or remove an appropriate number of electrolysis chambers in the middle; that is, to add or remove an appropriate number of bipolar plates 11, cathode thick sealing gaskets 6, cathode flow channels 16, cathode gas diffusion layers 7, membrane electrodes 8, anode gas diffusion layers 17, anode flow channels 9, and anode thick sealing gaskets 10;

[0030] The positioning components are respectively arranged inside the cathode end plate 1, the cathode insulating gasket 4, the cathode plate 5, the cathode thick sealing gasket 6, the membrane electrode 8, the anode thick sealing gasket 10, the bipolar plate 11, the anode plate 18, the anode insulating gasket 12 and the anode end plate 13.

[0031] The above working principle: when the device needs to be assembled as a whole, it is only necessary to first stack the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating gasket 4, cathode plate 5, cathode thick sealing gasket 6, cathode flow channel 16, cathode gas diffusion layer 7, membrane electrode 8, anode gas diffusion layer 17, anode flow channel 9, anode thick sealing gasket 10, bipolar plate 11, cathode thick sealing gasket 6, cathode flow channel 16, cathode gas diffusion layer 7, membrane electrode 8, anode gas diffusion layer 17, anode flow channel 9, anode thick sealing gasket 10, anode plate 18, anode insulating gasket 12 and anode end plate 13 from top to bottom, and then use the positioning pin to cooperate with the positioning assembly to align the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating gasket 4, cathode plate 5, cathode thick sealing gasket 6, cathode flow channel 16, cathode gas diffusion layer 7, membrane electrode 8, anode gas diffusion layer 17, anode flow channel 9, anode thick sealing gasket 10, bipolar plate 11, anode The cathode plate 18, the anode insulating gasket 12 and the anode end plate 13 are positioned, and then the cathode end plate 1, the cathode insulating gasket 4, the cathode plate 5, the cathode thick sealing gasket 6, the cathode flow channel 16, the cathode gas diffusion layer 7, the membrane electrode 8, the anode gas diffusion layer 17, the anode flow channel 9, the anode thick sealing gasket 10, the bipolar plate 11, the anode plate 18, the anode insulating gasket 12 and the anode end plate 13 are fixed by tightening bolts 2. When the device is fixed, the positioning pin is pulled out, and another fastening bolt 2 is installed in the position of the positioning pin. At this time, the entire device can be spliced ​​and assembled. In addition, the utility model integrates the pole frame and the sealing structure, that is, the cathode thick sealing gasket 6 + membrane electrode 8 + anode thick sealing gasket 10; the pole frame is removed, the cost is reduced, and the number of parts and sealing surfaces are also reduced, which is conducive to reducing assembly costs and improving reliability.

[0032] In order to facilitate the staff to splice and assemble the entire device, the positioning component includes bolt holes 15 that are opened through the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating gasket 4, cathode plate 5, cathode thick sealing gasket 6, membrane electrode 8, anode thick sealing gasket 10, bipolar plate 11, anode plate 18, anode insulating gasket 12 and anode end plate 13. When it is necessary to splice and assemble the entire device, it is only necessary to first stack the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating gasket 4, cathode plate 5, cathode flow channel 16, cathode gas diffusion layer 7, membrane electrode 8, anode gas diffusion layer 17, anode flow channel 9, bipolar plate 11, anode plate 18, anode insulating gasket 12 and anode end plate 13 from top to bottom, and then select any two of the multiple bolt holes 15 in the middle, and then insert the positioning pin into the selected bolt hole 15. After tightening the other fastening bolts 2 once, remove the positioning pin, and replace it with the fastening bolt 2 for another round of tightening. At this time, the entire device can be spliced ​​and assembled.

[0033] Taking into account the need to improve the insulation of the fastening bolt 2 when the device is fixed by the fastening bolt 2, the fastening bolt 2 is a semi-threaded bolt, and the outer sleeve of the fastening bolt 2 is provided with an insulating sleeve 14. Through the setting of the insulating sleeve 14, the insulation of the fastening bolt 2 can be effectively improved, and while reducing costs, the aperture can be reduced and the utilization rate of the effective area can be improved. The use of a semi-threaded bolt can make it difficult for the insulating sleeve 14 to be cut by the bare rod of the fastening bolt 2, thereby improving the reliability of insulation.

[0034] In order to effectively extend the service life of the cathode plate 5, the bipolar plate 11, the anode plate 18, the cathode flow channel 16 and the anode flow channel 9, the cathode plate 5 and the bipolar plate 11 are all titanium plates, the cathode flow channel 16 and the anode flow channel 9 are all titanium meshes, the cathode plate 5 and the bipolar plate 11, and the anode plate 18 are made of corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials such as flat titanium plates, and the cathode flow channel 16 and the anode flow channel 9 are replaced with corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant materials such as titanium meshes, which improves the service life while ensuring performance, ensures fluid uniformity, reduces pressure drop, and reduces costs.

[0035] In order to effectively improve the differential pressure between hydrogen and oxygen, the cathode gas diffusion layer 7 and the anode gas diffusion layer 17 are both porous titanium plates. The cathode gas diffusion layer 7 and the anode gas diffusion layer 17 on both sides of the membrane electrode 8 are both made of porous titanium plates. While resisting oxidation and improving service life, they can protect the membrane electrode 8 from damage, thereby improving the differential pressure between hydrogen and oxygen.

[0036] In addition, in order to further reduce the overall cost of the device, the cathode end plate 1 and the anode end plate 13 are both made of hard aluminum. The cathode end plate 1 and the anode end plate 13 are both made of hard aluminum and other strong, high-quality and light materials, which can reduce the cost and weight at the same time.

[0037] To ensure the overall sealing and safety of the device, quick-screw connectors 3 are installed on the surfaces of the cathode and anode end plates 1, 13. Because the bath temperature can reach approximately 70°C, conventional quick-screw connectors are mostly plastic, with a temperature resistance of 60°C. Long-term use can affect sealing and safety, and they can also easily break. Conventional compression fittings require metal tubing, making assembly inconvenient. The use of quick-screw connectors 3 not only offers heat resistance, but also ensures sealing and safety, resists breaking, and facilitates assembly.

[0038] In order to effectively improve the assembly efficiency, the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating gasket 4, cathode plate 5, cathode thick sealing gasket 6, membrane electrode 8, anode thick sealing gasket 10, bipolar plate 11, anode plate 18, anode insulating gasket 12, and anode end plate 13 all adopt an external concave anti-fool design. The external concave anti-fool design greatly improves the assembly efficiency while saving all parts materials and greatly reducing costs.

[0039] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are merely preferred examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various changes and improvements may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed in the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A non-polar frame proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, comprising a cathode end plate (1), characterized in that: A cathode insulating gasket (4) is provided below the cathode end plate (1), a cathode plate (5) is provided below the cathode insulating gasket (4), a cathode thick sealing gasket (6) is provided below the cathode plate (5), a cathode flow channel (16) is provided below the cathode thick sealing gasket (6), a cathode gas diffusion layer (7) is provided below the cathode flow channel (16), a membrane electrode (8) is provided below the cathode gas diffusion layer (7), an anode gas diffusion layer (17) is provided below the membrane electrode (8), an anode flow channel (9) is provided below the anode gas diffusion layer (17), a thick anode sealing gasket (10) is provided below the anode flow channel (9), a bipolar plate (11) is provided below the thick anode sealing gasket (10), and the cathode gas diffusion layer (7) is provided below the cathode flow channel (16). A cathode thick sealing gasket (6) is provided below the bipolar plate (11), a cathode flow channel (16) is provided below the cathode thick sealing gasket (6), a cathode gas diffusion layer (7) is provided below the cathode flow channel (16), a membrane electrode (8) is provided below the cathode gas diffusion layer (7), an anode gas diffusion layer (17) is provided below the membrane electrode (8), an anode flow channel (9) is provided below the anode gas diffusion layer (17), a thick anode sealing gasket (10) is provided below the anode flow channel (9), an anode plate (18) is provided below the thick anode sealing gasket (10), an anode insulating gasket (12) is provided below the anode plate (18), and an anode end plate (13) is provided below the anode insulating gasket (12); The cathode end plate (1), cathode insulating gasket (4), cathode plate (5), cathode thick sealing gasket (6), membrane electrode (8), bipolar plate (11), anode thick sealing gasket (10), anode plate (18), anode insulating gasket (12) and anode end plate (13) are fixedly connected by a plurality of fastening bolts (2); Positioning components are respectively arranged inside the cathode end plate (1), the cathode insulating gasket (4), the cathode plate (5), the cathode thick sealing gasket (6), the membrane electrode (8), the anode thick sealing gasket (10), the bipolar plate (11), the anode plate (18), the anode insulating gasket (12) and the anode end plate (13).

2. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning assembly includes bolt holes (15) extending through the cathode end plate (1), the cathode insulating gasket (4), the cathode plate (5), the cathode thick sealing gasket (6), the membrane electrode (8), the anode thick sealing gasket (10), the bipolar plate (11), the anode plate (18), the anode insulating gasket (12), and the anode end plate (13).

3. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening bolt (2) is a semi-threaded bolt, and an insulating sleeve (14) is provided on the outside of the fastening bolt (2).

4. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode plate (5), bipolar plate (11) and anode plate (18) are all titanium plates, and the cathode flow channel (16) and anode flow channel (9) are both titanium meshes.

5. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode gas diffusion layer (7) and the anode gas diffusion layer (17) are both porous titanium plates.

6. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode end plate (1) and the anode end plate (13) are both hard aluminum components.

7. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Quick-tightening connectors (3) are installed on the surfaces of the cathode end plate (1) and the anode end plate (13).

8. The electrodeless frame type proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode end plate (1), cathode insulating gasket (4), cathode plate (5), cathode thick sealing gasket (6), membrane electrode (8), anode thick sealing gasket (10), bipolar plate (11), anode plate (18), anode insulating gasket (12), and anode end plate (13) all adopt an external concave anti-fouling design.

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