High-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolytic bath

Abstract

The utility model relates to a high-performance bipolar plate for an AEM electrolytic bath. The high-performance bipolar plate comprises a bipolar alloy plate, the device is characterized in that a cathode panel and an anode panel are arranged on the two sides of the bipolar alloy plate respectively, and the cathode panel and the anode panel are communicated through a linear flow channel; according to the bipolar plate structure disclosed by the invention, various forms of flow guide column structures are adopted, redistribution of the flow of electrolyte by the flow guide columns is realized, the flow of each flow channel in a reaction region tends to be consistent, and the fluctuation ratio of the flow in the flow channels in the region of the bipolar plate structure is only about 3.5% and is obviously improved compared with the fluctuation ratio of 11% of a traditional structure; the internal flow uniformity of the bipolar plate reaction area is good, the structure is simple, the manufacturing difficulty and cost are low, and gas and electrolyte are more uniformly distributed in the bipolar plate; the uniform distribution is helpful for ensuring that the electrochemical reaction can be uniformly carried out in the whole reaction area, so that the efficiency and the stability of the AEM electrolytic cell are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of AEM electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a high-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolyzers. Background Technology

[0002] The application of alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers in hydrogen production is rapidly expanding. Bipolar plates, as a core component of the electrolyzer, play a crucial role in improving electrolysis efficiency and reducing costs through innovative design. In this context, bipolar plates function significantly to the overall performance of the electrolyzer in areas such as distributing reaction liquids, collecting current, conducting heat, and providing mechanical support. Optimization of bipolar plate design directly affects current distribution, gas-liquid mass transfer, and other characteristics, thus influencing the energy efficiency and stability of the electrolyzer. Therefore, in-depth exploration of the application principles of bipolar plates in AEM electrolyzers, and how to improve their performance through innovative methods such as structural optimization, is of immeasurable value for promoting the sustainable development of the hydrogen energy industry. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a high-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolysis cells, which can solve the problems of traditional bipolar plates in terms of flow field distribution uniformity and fluid pressure drop.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is: a high-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolytic cells, comprising a bipolar alloy plate; its innovation lies in: a cathode panel and an anode panel are respectively provided on both sides of the bipolar alloy plate, and a straight flow channel connects the cathode panel and the anode panel.

[0005] The cathode panel is provided with an electrolyte inlet, a first flow guiding area, and a second flow guiding area; the anode panel is provided with an electrolyte outlet, a third flow guiding area, and a fourth flow guiding area.

[0006] The electrolyte inlet and electrolyte outlet are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate; the first flow guiding area and the fourth flow guiding area are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate; the second flow guiding area and the third flow guiding area are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate.

[0007] The first flow guiding zone is located at the output end of the electrolyte inlet, and the second flow guiding zone is located within the first flow guiding zone. The second flow guiding zone redistributes the electrolyte entering the first flow guiding zone and enables the redistributed electrolyte to flow into the straight flow channel.

[0008] Furthermore, several guide columns are respectively provided in the first guide zone and the second guide zone. The electrolyte input from the electrolyte inlet is divided into three equal parts by the guide columns into three straight-line channels. The three parts of electrolyte entering the first guide zone are redistributed into the straight-line channels by the guide columns in the second guide zone.

[0009] Furthermore, the flow guide column includes a dividing flow guide column, a straight flow guide column, an inclined flow guide column, and an L-shaped flow guide column; the dividing flow guide column is used to divide the electrolyte entering the first flow guide zone into three flow channels from top to bottom; the straight flow guide column is disposed in the first flow channel of the first flow guide zone; the inclined flow guide column and the L-shaped flow guide column are both disposed in the second flow guide zone; the inclined flow guide column is disposed at an angle at the output end of the three flow channels and is connected to the corresponding straight flow channel; the L-shaped flow guide column is disposed in the second and third flow channels; the L-shaped flow guide column redistributes the electrolyte in the second and third flow channels.

[0010] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0011] 1) This utility model employs various forms of guide column structures to redistribute the electrolyte flow rate, ensuring that the flow rate in each channel of the reaction zone tends to be consistent. The flow rate fluctuation rate within the channel of the bipolar plate structure of this application is only about 3.5%, which is significantly improved compared to the 11% fluctuation rate of the traditional structure. The bipolar plate reaction zone exhibits good flow uniformity, has a simple structure, lower manufacturing difficulty and cost, and excellent performance. When the electrolyte flows in the flow field, due to its viscosity, it rubs against the channel during the flow process, resulting in a lower pressure at the outlet end than at the inlet end. Therefore, the identical structure of the guide zones on both sides of the bipolar plate means that the distribution of gas and electrolyte in the bipolar plate can be ensured to be more uniform during the design and manufacturing process. This uniform distribution helps to ensure that the electrochemical reaction can proceed uniformly throughout the entire reaction zone, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of the AEM electrolyzer. Using the same guide zone structure simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a high-performance bipolar plate for an AEM electrolytic cell according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged view of a high-performance bipolar plate for an AEM electrolytic cell according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0016] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] like Figure 1 Figure 2 The high-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolysis cell shown includes a bipolar alloy plate; a cathode panel and an anode panel are respectively provided on both sides of the bipolar alloy plate, and a straight flow channel 7 connects the cathode panel and the anode panel.

[0018] The cathode panel is provided with an electrolyte inlet 1, a first flow guiding zone 2, and a second flow guiding zone 3; the anode panel is provided with an electrolyte outlet 4, a third flow guiding zone 5, and a fourth flow guiding zone 6.

[0019] Electrolyte inlet 1 and electrolyte outlet 4 are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate; first flow guiding zone 2 and fourth flow guiding zone 6 are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate; second flow guiding zone 3 and third flow guiding zone 5 are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate.

[0020] The first flow guide zone 2 is located at the output end of the electrolyte inlet, and the second flow guide zone 3 is located within the first flow guide zone 2. The second flow guide zone 3 redistributes the electrolyte entering the first flow guide zone 2 and enables the redistributed electrolyte to flow into the straight flow channel 7.

[0021] Several guide columns are respectively set in the first guide zone 2 and the second guide zone 3. The electrolyte input from the electrolyte inlet is divided into three equal parts by the guide columns into three straight-line channels. The three parts of electrolyte entering the first guide zone 2 are redistributed into the straight-line channels by the guide columns in the second guide zone 3.

[0022] The flow guide column includes a dividing flow guide column 81, a straight flow guide column 82, an inclined flow guide column 83, and an L-shaped flow guide column 84. The dividing flow guide column 81 is used to divide the electrolyte entering the first flow guide zone 2 into three flow channels from top to bottom. The straight flow guide column 82 is set in the first flow channel of the first flow guide zone 2. The inclined flow guide column 83 and the L-shaped flow guide column 84 are both set in the second flow guide zone 3. The inclined flow guide column 83 is set at the output end of the three flow channels at an incline, and the corresponding straight flow channel is open. The L-shaped flow guide column 84 is set in the second and third flow channels. The L-shaped flow guide column 84 redistributes the electrolyte in the second and third flow channels.

[0023] The working principle of this invention is as follows: Various forms of guide column structures are used to redistribute the electrolyte flow, ensuring that the flow rate in each channel of the reaction zone is consistent. The flow rate fluctuation rate within the channel of the bipolar plate structure is only about 3.5%, a significant improvement compared to the 11% fluctuation rate of traditional structures. The bipolar plate reaction zone exhibits good flow uniformity, a simple structure, low manufacturing difficulty and cost, and excellent performance. When the electrolyte flows in the flow field, its viscosity causes friction with the channel, resulting in a lower pressure at the outlet than at the inlet. Therefore, the identical guide zone structure on both sides of the bipolar plate ensures a more uniform distribution of gas and electrolyte within the bipolar plate during design and manufacturing. This uniform distribution helps ensure that the electrochemical reaction proceeds uniformly throughout the reaction zone, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of the AEM electrolyzer. Using the same guide zone structure simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves production efficiency.

[0024] Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this utility model as claimed.

Claims

1. A high-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolytic cells, comprising a bipolar alloy plate; characterized in that: The bipolar alloy plate has a cathode panel and an anode panel on its two sides, and a straight flow channel connects the cathode panel and the anode panel. The cathode panel is provided with an electrolyte inlet, a first flow guiding area, and a second flow guiding area; the anode panel is provided with an electrolyte outlet, a third flow guiding area, and a fourth flow guiding area. The electrolyte inlet and electrolyte outlet are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate; the first flow guiding area and the fourth flow guiding area are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate; the second flow guiding area and the third flow guiding area are arranged symmetrically about the center of the bipolar alloy plate. The first flow guiding zone is located at the output end of the electrolyte inlet, and the second flow guiding zone is located within the first flow guiding zone. The second flow guiding zone redistributes the electrolyte entering the first flow guiding zone and enables the redistributed electrolyte to flow into the straight flow channel.

2. The high-performance bipolar plate for AEM electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several guide columns are respectively set in the first guide zone and the second guide zone. The electrolyte input from the electrolyte inlet is divided into three equal parts by the guide columns into three straight-line channels. The three parts of electrolyte entering the first guide zone are redistributed into the straight-line channels by the guide columns in the second guide zone.

3. A high-performance bipolar plate for an AEM electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow guide column includes a dividing flow guide column, a straight flow guide column, an inclined flow guide column, and an L-shaped flow guide column; the dividing flow guide column is used to divide the electrolyte entering the first flow guide zone into three flow channels from top to bottom; the straight flow guide column is disposed in the first flow channel of the first flow guide zone; Both the inclined guide column and the L-shaped guide column are set in the second guide zone; the inclined guide column is set at the output end of the three diversion channels at an incline, and the corresponding straight flow channel is open; the L-shaped guide column is set in the second diversion channel and the third diversion channel; The electrolyte in the second and third distribution channels is redistributed through L-shaped flow guide columns.

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