End plate of proton exchange membrane water electrolyser and proton exchange membrane water electrolyser

Abstract

The utility model discloses an end plate of a proton exchange membrane water electrolyser and the proton exchange membrane water electrolyser. A first side surface of the end plate is partially recessed inwards to form an electrolyte inflow port, an electrolyte and oxygen outflow port and a hydrogen outflow port which are mutually independent; the second side surface of the end plate is locally sunken inwards to form a water inlet group, a water outlet group and a hydrogen outlet group which are independent from one another, the second side surface is opposite to the first side surface, and the water inlet group, the water outlet group and the hydrogen outlet group respectively comprise two water inlets, two water outlets and two hydrogen outlets which are arranged at intervals; the two water inlets converge through a first channel and are communicated with an electrolyte inflow port, every two water outlets converge through a second channel and are communicated with electrolyte and oxygen outflow ports, and the two hydrogen outlets converge through a third channel and are communicated with a hydrogen outflow port. The number of entrances and exits on the end plate can be reduced, the difficulty of layout and installation of connecting pipelines is simplified, and potential safety hazards and management difficulty are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis technology, specifically to an end plate of a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer and the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Proton exchange membrane electrolysis technology has high current density, low energy consumption, high hydrogen production pressure, small electrolyzer volume, flexible operation, and is conducive to rapid load changes, making it a suitable solution for hydrogen production by water electrolysis.

[0003] Proton exchange membrane electrolyzers typically have two sets of end plates, upper and lower. These end plates are stacked together by multiple electrolyzer cells connected in series. The upper and lower end plates are connected by screws to maintain the pressure within the stacked electrolyzers. The end plates are the outermost structure of the entire stack. They must provide sufficient preload to prevent gas leakage, distribute the force evenly across the individual cells to reduce contact resistance during power generation, and ensure the safety and stability of other internal structures. The upper end plate usually has several inlets and outlets as channels for water vapor flow. The number of inlets and outlets is often the same as the number of cavities in the bipolar plate. A large number of inlets and outlets increases the difficulty of laying out and installing external piping, increases safety hazards, and leads to management difficulties.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new end plate for a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer and a new proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is that the number of inlets and outlets in the existing upper end plate is too large, so as to provide an end plate of a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer and a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] An end plate for a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, wherein a first side surface of the end plate is partially recessed to form an independent inlet for electrolyte, an outlet for electrolyte and oxygen, and an outlet for hydrogen flow; a second side surface of the end plate is partially recessed to form an independent group of inlets, an outlet group, and a hydrogen outlet group; the second side surface is opposite to the first side surface; the inlet group, the outlet group, and the hydrogen outlet group each include two inlets, two outlets, and two hydrogen outlets spaced apart; the two inlets are connected to the electrolyte inlet via a first channel; the two outlets are connected to the electrolyte and oxygen outlet via a second channel; and the two hydrogen outlets are connected to the hydrogen flow outlet via a third channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are formed inside the end plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel are all cylindrical channels, and the depth values ​​of the inlet of the electrolyte, the outlet of the electrolyte and oxygen, and the outlet of the hydrogen flow are respectively greater than or equal to the diameter of the first channel, the second channel, and the third channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the end plate is also provided with a plurality of screw holes, the two ends of which respectively penetrate the first side surface and the second side surface, and the extension lines of the two ends of the first channel, the second channel and the third channel all avoid the screw holes.

[0011] Furthermore, the electrolyte inlet, the electrolyte and oxygen outlet, and the hydrogen outlet are located at the three corners of the triangle.

[0012] Furthermore, the size and shape of the electrolyte inlet and the electrolyte and oxygen outlet are the same.

[0013] Furthermore, both the hydrogen gas outlet and the electrolyte inlet are cylindrical, and the diameter of the hydrogen gas outlet is smaller than the diameter of the electrolyte inlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the end plate has at least two positioning holes, the two ends of which respectively penetrate the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the end plate is also provided with a lifting screw connection hole.

[0016] The technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer provided by this utility model has two water inlets connected to the electrolyte inlet through a first channel, two water outlets connected to the electrolyte and oxygen outlets through a second channel, and two hydrogen outlets connected to the hydrogen gas outlet through a third channel. Therefore, the number of inlets and outlets on the end plate can be reduced, thereby simplifying the layout and installation of external pipelines, reducing safety hazards and management difficulties.

[0018] 2. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer provided by this utility model has a first channel, a second channel and a third channel formed inside the end plate. In this way, it can ensure that the end plate and the upper insulating plate are subjected to more uniform force during the interaction process, and avoid the upper insulating plate from deforming due to uneven force, which would cause uneven force and deformation of components such as the upper current collector, bipolar plate and membrane electrode.

[0019] 3. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer provided by this utility model has cylindrical channels for the first channel, the second channel and the third channel. The depth of the inlet of the electrolyte, the outlet of the electrolyte and oxygen and the outlet of the hydrogen flow are greater than or equal to the diameter of the first channel, the second channel and the third channel, respectively. This allows for the rapid inflow and outflow of gas and liquid.

[0020] 4. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer provided by this utility model is also provided with multiple screw holes. The two ends of the screw holes respectively penetrate the first side surface and the second side surface. The extension lines of the two ends of the first channel, the second channel and the third channel all avoid the screw holes, which facilitates the processing of the first channel, the second channel and the third channel.

[0021] 5. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer provided by this utility model has the electrolyte inlet, the electrolyte and oxygen outlet, and the hydrogen outlet located at the three corners of a triangle, which facilitates the installation of external pipelines.

[0022] A proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer includes two end plates of the aforementioned proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. The proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer also includes an upper insulating plate, an upper current collector, a bipolar plate, a membrane electrode, a lower current collector, and a lower insulating plate, which are stacked and sandwiched between the two end plates in sequence.

[0023] The proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer provided by this utility model has all the advantages of the end plate of the aforementioned proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the end plate in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the end plate in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the end plate in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the end plate, upper insulating plate, upper current collector plate, and bipolar plate in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. End plate; 11. First side surface; 111. Electrolyte inlet; 112. Electrolyte and oxygen outlet; 113. Hydrogen outlet; 114. Positioning hole; 115. Lifting screw connection hole; 116. Screw hole; 12. Second side surface; 121. Water inlet; 122. Water outlet; 123. Hydrogen outlet; 2. Upper insulating plate; 3. Upper current collector; 4. Bipolar plate; 41. Cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this embodiment provides an end plate (hereinafter referred to as end plate 1) for a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. The first side surface 11 of the end plate 1 is partially recessed inward to form an independent electrolyte inlet 111, an electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112, and a hydrogen outlet 113. The second side surface 12 of the end plate 1 is partially recessed inward to form an independent water inlet group, a water outlet group, and a hydrogen outlet group. The second side surface 12 is opposite to the first side surface 11. The water inlet group, the water outlet group, and the hydrogen outlet group each include two water inlets 121, two water outlets 122, and two hydrogen outlets 123 spaced apart. The two water inlets 121 are connected to the electrolyte inlet 111 through a first channel A. The two water outlets 122 are connected to the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112 through a second channel B. The two hydrogen outlets 123 are connected to the hydrogen outlet 113 through a third channel C.

[0038] In this embodiment, since the two inlets 121 are connected to the electrolyte inlet 111 through the first channel A, the two outlets 122 are connected to the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112 through the second channel B, and the two hydrogen outlets 123 are connected to the hydrogen outlet 113 through the third channel C, the number of inlets and outlets on the end plate 1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the number and complexity of external pipes, reducing the difficulty of layout and installation of external pipes, reducing the use of materials, reducing the complexity of management and monitoring, and reducing safety hazards.

[0039] In this embodiment, the two inlets 121, the two outlets 122, and the two hydrogen outlets 123 are respectively located along the height direction of the end plate 1. Figure 1 The spacing is set as shown by the solid arrows in the middle. The first channel A, the second channel B, and the third channel C all extend along the height direction of the end plate 1. The water inlet 121, the two water outlets 122, and the two hydrogen outlets 123 extend along the thickness direction of the end plate 1. Figure 1 (As indicated by the dashed arrow) extending along the direction of the end plate 1, the electrolyte inlet 111, the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112, and the hydrogen outlet 113 also extend along the thickness direction of the end plate 1. Figure 1 (As indicated by the dashed arrow). Along the length of end plate 1 (perpendicular to the height and thickness directions), the electrolyte inlet 111 and the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112 are located on either side of the hydrogen outlet 113. The electrolyte inlet 111, the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112, and the hydrogen outlet 113 are positioned at the three corners of a triangle, facilitating the installation of external pipelines.

[0040] Furthermore, the first channel A, the second channel B, and the third channel C are all formed inside the end plate 1. This ensures that the end plate 1 and the upper insulating plate 2 are subjected to relatively uniform force during their interaction, and avoids the upper insulating plate 2 from deforming due to uneven force, which could lead to uneven force and deformation of components such as the upper current collector 3, bipolar plate 4, and membrane electrode 5.

[0041] Furthermore, the first channel A, the second channel B, and the third channel C are all cylindrical channels. The depth of the inlet 111 of the electrolyte, the outlet 112 of the electrolyte and oxygen, and the outlet 113 of the hydrogen flow are greater than or equal to the diameter of the first channel A, the second channel B, and the third channel C, respectively. This facilitates the rapid inflow and outflow of gas and liquid.

[0042] Furthermore, the end plate 1 is also provided with a plurality of screw holes 116, through which screws pass to fasten the various plate-shaped and membrane-shaped components of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (e.g., end plate 1, upper insulating plate 2, upper current collector 3, bipolar plate 4, membrane electrode, lower current collector, and lower insulating plate). The two ends of the screw holes 116 respectively penetrate the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. The extension lines of the two ends of the first channel A, the second channel B, and the third channel C all avoid the screw holes 116, which facilitates the processing of the first channel A, the second channel B, and the third channel C.

[0043] Furthermore, the electrolyte inlet 111 and the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112 are identical in size and shape. The hydrogen outlet 113 and the electrolyte inlet 111 are both cylindrical, and the diameter of the hydrogen outlet 113 is smaller than that of the electrolyte inlet 111. The electrolyte inlet 111, the electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112, and the hydrogen outlet 113 are connected to the external pipeline using corresponding-sized weld neck flanges to maintain excellent sealing performance under high temperature and high pressure environments. Of course, in order to connect with the weld neck flange, corresponding threaded holes and flange gasket grooves are required for installing the weld neck flange on the first side surface 11 of the end plate 1.

[0044] Furthermore, at least two positioning holes 114 are formed on the end plate 1. The positioning holes 114 extend along the thickness direction of the end plate 1, and their two ends respectively penetrate the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. In this embodiment, there are four positioning holes 114, which are symmetrically arranged along the vertical centerline and the horizontal centerline of the end plate 1, so as to accurately position and assemble them and ensure the structural integrity and stability of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer.

[0045] Furthermore, the end plate 1 is also provided with a lifting screw connection hole 115 for installing a lifting ring, so as to move the end plate 1 smoothly with the help of a crane.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment provides a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, including the end plate 1 of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer in Embodiment 1 (such as...). Figures 1 to 4 As shown), Figure 5 As shown, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer also includes an upper insulating plate 2, an upper current collector 3, a bipolar plate 4, a membrane electrode, a lower current collector, and a lower insulating plate, which are stacked sequentially on one side of the end plate 1.

[0048] The present invention provides a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer that has all the advantages of the end plate 1 of the aforementioned proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer.

[0049] It should be noted that the upper insulating plate 2, upper current collector 3, bipolar plate 4, membrane electrode, lower current collector, and lower insulating plate are all existing technologies. In addition, the other structures and working principles of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer are also existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the end plate 1 is usually referred to as the upper end plate. Corresponding to the upper end plate is the lower end plate. That is, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer also includes a lower end plate. The upper insulating plate 2, upper current collector 3, bipolar plate 4, membrane electrode, lower current collector, and lower insulating plate are fixed between the upper end plate and the lower end plate.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bipolar plate 4 is provided with eight cavities 41, specifically, four cavities 41 are provided at the upper and lower ends. After the gas and liquid pass through the collector plates (upper collector plate 3 and lower collector plate 6 are collectively referred to as collector plates) and the insulating plates (upper insulating plate 2 and lower insulating plate are collectively referred to as insulating plates), they converge into the corresponding inlet and outlet (two water inlets 121, two water outlets 122 and two hydrogen outlets 123) on the second side surface 12 of the end plate 1. Then, they reach the corresponding outlet and outlet (electrolyte inlet 111, electrolyte and oxygen outlet 112, and hydrogen outlet 113) through the channel. Oxygen and hydrogen are discharged through external pipes. Furthermore, one hydrogen outlet 123 on the second side surface 12 of the end plate 1 corresponds to two cavities 41 on the bipolar plate 4 used for hydrogen discharge (in Figure 5 In the middle, along the length of end plate 1, the cavity 41 for hydrogen discharge is located in the middle.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An end plate for a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, characterized in that, The first side surface (11) of the end plate (1) is partially recessed inward to form an independent electrolyte inlet (111), an electrolyte and oxygen outlet (112), and a hydrogen outlet (113). The second side surface (12) of the end plate (1) is partially recessed inward to form an independent water inlet group, a water outlet group, and a hydrogen outlet group. The second side surface (12) is opposite to the first side surface (11). The water inlet group, the water outlet group, and the... The hydrogen outlet group includes two water inlets (121), two water outlets (122), and two hydrogen outlets (123) spaced apart. The two water inlets (121) are connected to the electrolyte inlet (111) through a first channel (A). The two water outlets (122) are connected to the electrolyte and oxygen outlet (112) through a second channel (B). The two hydrogen outlets (123) are connected to the hydrogen gas outlet (113) through a third channel (C).

2. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first channel (A), the second channel (B) and the third channel (C) are formed inside the end plate (1).

3. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first channel (A), the second channel (B), and the third channel (C) are all cylindrical channels. The depth values ​​of the inlet (111) of the electrolyte, the outlet (112) of the electrolyte and oxygen, and the outlet (113) of the hydrogen flow are respectively greater than or equal to the diameters of the first channel (A), the second channel (B), and the third channel (C).

4. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end plate (1) is also provided with a plurality of screw holes (116), the two ends of the screw holes (116) respectively penetrate the first side surface (11) and the second side surface (12), and the extension lines of the two ends of the first channel (A), the second channel (B) and the third channel (C) all avoid the screw holes (116).

5. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolyte inlet (111), the electrolyte and oxygen outlet (112), and the hydrogen outlet (113) are located at the three corners of the triangle, respectively.

6. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolyte inlet (111) and the electrolyte and oxygen outlet (112) are identical in size and shape.

7. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the hydrogen gas outlet (113) and the electrolyte inlet (111) are cylindrical, and the diameter of the hydrogen gas outlet (113) is smaller than the diameter of the electrolyte inlet (111).

8. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate (1) has at least two positioning holes (114), the two ends of which pass through the first side surface (11) and the second side surface (12), respectively.

9. The end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate (1) is also provided with a lifting screw connection hole (115).

10. A proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, characterized in that, The proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer includes the end plate of any one of claims 1-9, and an upper insulating plate (2), an upper current collector (3), a bipolar plate (4), a membrane electrode, a lower current collector, and a lower insulating plate, which are stacked sequentially on one side of the end plate of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer.

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