Current collector and electrolytic bath

Abstract

The current collector comprises a bipolar plate, the bipolar plate comprises a disc and a circular ring, the circular ring surrounds the periphery of the disc, one or more alkali liquor inlets are formed in the first end of the circular ring, and one or more alkali liquor outlets are formed in the second end of the circular ring; the flow field material is arranged on the disc, and the flow field material comprises a plurality of expansion metal grid plates which are sequentially arranged at intervals. The electrolytic bath comprises a cathode and an anode, and the current collector is arranged on the cathode and / or the anode. According to the utility model, the uniformity of alkali liquor distributed on the bipolar plate can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of alkaline water electrolysis technology, and in particular to a collector and an electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] Inside the water electrolyzer, water molecules are converted into gaseous hydrogen (H2) and gaseous oxygen (O2) by the action of an electric current. This process occurs in an electrolytic cell composed of multiple stacked components. A membrane is placed between the cathode and anode of the electrolyzer to effectively separate the hydrogen and oxygen produced during electrolysis. Current collectors are installed on both sides of these electrodes, located between the electrodes and the bipolar plates.

[0003] The entire electrolytic cell system is stacked between two distribution plates. These plates not only provide the necessary power input and distribution for the electrolytic cell, but also ensure the stable operation of the entire system. The end plates located at both ends of the electrolytic cell separate the various electrolytic cell groups. At the same time, seals are installed between the end plates and the electrolytic cell components to ensure the clamping and sealing of the system and prevent leakage.

[0004] The role of current collectors in an electrolyzer is threefold: First, they significantly increase the contact area between the bipolar plates and the electrodes, thereby improving current transmission efficiency. Second, acting as a bridge for the current, they ensure smooth and unobstructed current transfer to the electrodes, providing a continuous power source for water electrolysis. Finally, they guide the alkaline solution to flow uniformly within the electrolyzer, from the inlet to the outlet, ensuring the high efficiency and stability of the entire electrolysis process. Therefore, a larger contact area between the current collector and the electrodes means more current flows through the system, promoting greater water dissociation and improving the overall performance of the electrolyzer. Furthermore, to address potential corrosion issues during electrolysis, current collectors are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials or specially treated stainless steel with a corrosion-resistant coating to ensure long-term stable operation of the electrolyzer.

[0005] The types of current collectors on the electrolysis market include: (1) bipolar plates with complex flow field materials welded on them; and (2) embossed bipolar plates with unique textures. Despite the different designs, their core function is the same: to optimize current transmission and alkali flow by increasing the direct contact area and multiple contact points. Compared to embossed bipolar plates (2000 points / m...), ... 2 The flow field material, with its higher contact point density (approximately 3000 points / m²), 2 It demonstrates significant advantages in increasing current density and reducing the overall resistance of the battery stack.

[0006] It is important to emphasize that the flow field material is an expanded metal plate with a diamond-like structure designed to further optimize current collection and alkali flow path. Through cutting and stretching, the expanded metal plate forms a regular mesh structure, where the size of the acute angles directly affects the resistance and distribution path of the alkali flow. As the acute angles increase, the apparent density of the expanded metal plate decreases, reducing flow resistance, while the alkali flows along a specific distribution path within these pores, ensuring the high efficiency and uniformity of the electrolysis process.

[0007] refer to Figure 7 In applications where expanded metal plates are welded onto bipolar plates 2 as current collectors, existing technologies involve: For the specific needs of circular electrolytic cells, a raw material 90 is cut into a structure (which can be circular or non-circular) to match the disk of the circular bipolar plate, and this structure is then attached to the disk; alternatively, two raw materials 90 (larger rectangular expanded metal plates) are cut into two symmetrical structures (which can be semi-circular or non-semi-circular structures 92), allowing them to fit against the disk of the circular bipolar plate. Subsequently, resistance welding or tungsten arc welding (TAG) is used to weld these two semi-circular structures to the bipolar plate around its annulus. In practical applications, obtaining the semi-circular structure requires larger raw materials, and a significant amount of material is removed during cutting, resulting in material waste and increased costs. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the alkaline solution on the surface of this collector flows from the alkaline solution inlet 211 to the alkaline solution outlet 212 along the V-axis. This flow method seems efficient, but in reality, it leads to uneven distribution of alkaline solution on the bipolar plate surface. The non-uniformity of fluid flow on the surface of the electrolyzer will reduce the performance of the entire system, because not all electrolyzer surfaces can be in optimal working condition. The specific effects of the non-uniformity of alkaline solution flow include: (1) Uneven temperature distribution on the surface of the electrolyzer: The alkaline solution needs to be maintained at the optimal temperature before entering the electrolyzer to promote the chemical reaction of water electrolysis. However, in the stagnant zone and the insufficient supply zone, the temperature in these areas will drop due to the lack of fluid renewal, resulting in temperature differences on the surface of the electrolyzer. The non-uniformity of temperature will reduce the reaction kinetics, thereby reducing the amount of hydrogen produced. (2) Uneven distribution of reactants: The reactants required for the water electrolysis reaction (OH) - (2) The product is present in the alkaline solution and is gradually consumed on the electrode surface. In the stagnation zone, the alkaline solution cannot be renewed, resulting in insufficient supply of reactants, reduced reaction kinetics, and reduced hydrogen production. (3) Poor product venting: The gaseous products generated by the chemical reaction need to be effectively collected. In the stagnation zone, due to the lack of alkaline solution renewal, the generated bubbles cannot be carried to the outlet channel in time, which restricts the separation of reaction products on the surface of the bipolar plate and reduces reaction kinetics.

[0008] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a current collector and an electrolytic cell. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a current collector and an electrolytic cell that can improve the uniformity of alkaline solution distribution on the bipolar plates.

[0010] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0011] On the one hand, this utility model provides a current collector, comprising:

[0012] A bipolar plate, comprising a disk and a ring, the ring surrounding the periphery of the disk, a first end of the ring having one or more alkaline inlets, and a second end of the ring having one or more alkaline outlets;

[0013] The flow field material is disposed on the disk and includes a plurality of expanded metal mesh plates arranged at intervals in sequence.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of the expanded metal mesh plates is 3 to 6;

[0015] The spacing between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates is less than or equal to half the diameter of the bipolar plate.

[0016] Furthermore, there is a preferred alkali flow path between the alkali inlet and the alkali outlet.

[0017] Furthermore, the wide side of the expanded metal mesh plate is arc-shaped and matches the edge contour of the disk;

[0018] The width of the expanded metal mesh plate is less than or equal to the diameter of the disk.

[0019] Furthermore, the preferred alkaline solution flow path extends along the V-axis direction;

[0020] The expanded metal mesh plate rotates around the V-axis (-180°, 180°), and the V-axis is parallel to the bipolar plate;

[0021] Furthermore, the expanded metal mesh plate rotates around the T-axis (-45°, 45°).

[0022] Furthermore, the expanded metal mesh plate includes a plurality of perforated structures;

[0023] The minor axis of the hole structure is 10-20 mm, and the major axis of the hole structure is 20-30 mm.

[0024] On the other hand, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell, which includes the aforementioned current collector.

[0025] Furthermore, the current collector is provided at the anode of the electrolytic cell;

[0026] Furthermore, the cathode of the electrolytic cell is equipped with the current collector.

[0027] Furthermore, the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate of the cathode about the V-axis is opposite to the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate of the anode about the V-axis;

[0028] Furthermore, the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate of the cathode about the V-axis is the same as the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate of the anode about the V-axis.

[0029] Furthermore, the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate of the cathode about the V-axis is the same as the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate of the anode about the V-axis;

[0030] Furthermore, the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate of the cathode around the V-axis is different from the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate of the anode around the V-axis.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include at least the following:

[0032] The collector of this invention reduces the size requirements of raw materials by setting multiple expanded metal mesh plates arranged at intervals in sequence.

[0033] The electrolytic cell of this invention uses expanded metal grid plates with different rotation angles at the cathode and anode, which enables a more uniform distribution of alkali solution on the bipolar plates, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the electrolytic cell. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a method for preparing a current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode and anode of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the current collector according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an expansion metal mesh plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6This is another structural schematic diagram of the expanded metal mesh plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a current collector fabrication method in the prior art.

[0041] In the figure: 10, hole structure; 101, recessed area; 1011, concave point; 102, raised area; 1021, convex point; 103, short axis; 104, long axis; 110, second hole; 120, first hole; 130, third hole; 2, bipolar plate; 21, ring; 211, alkali inlet; 212, alkali outlet; 22, disk; 6, electrolytic cell; 61, cathode; 62, anode; 81, preferred alkali flow path; 82, central axis; 8 3. Stagnation area; 9. Flow field material; 90. Raw material; 901. First material plate; 902. Second material plate; 903. Third material plate; 904. Fourth material plate; 91. Scrap material; 92. Semi-circular structure; 93. Extra scrap material; 94. Expanded metal mesh plate; 941. First mesh plate; 942. Second mesh plate; 943. Third mesh plate; 944. Fourth mesh plate; 951. Width; 952. Length; 96. Spacing. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0043] The terms used to describe position and direction in this utility model are illustrated with the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0044] In order to reduce manufacturing costs and improve the uniformity of alkaline solution flow, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the electrolytic cell, this utility model introduces a current collector and an electrolytic cell.

[0045] The current collector of this utility model includes: bipolar plate 2 and flow field material 9.

[0046] refer to Figure 1The bipolar plate 2 of this invention includes a disk 22 and a ring 21. The ring 21 surrounds the periphery of the disk 22. One or more alkali inlets 211 are opened at the first end of the ring 21, and one or more alkali outlets 212 are opened at the second end of the ring 21. There is a preferred alkali flow path between the alkali inlets 211 and the alkali outlets 212. The preferred alkali flow path extends along the V-axis direction or forms an angle of ±45° with the V-axis, and the V-axis is parallel to the bipolar plate 2.

[0047] In application, at least two alkaline inlets 211 and two alkaline outlets 212 are provided side by side on the ring 21. The alkaline solution flows directly from the alkaline inlet 211 to the alkaline outlet 212 along the V-axis direction, that is, the flow path of the alkaline solution is the preferred alkaline flow path 81.

[0048] The flow field material 9 of this invention is disposed on the disk 22. Several welding methods are available, such as resistance welding or gas tungsten arc welding (TAG), to weld the flow field material 9 around the annulus 21 of the bipolar plate 2. The size of the flow field material 9 can be slightly larger than the size of the disk 22; for example, the diameter of the flow field material 9 is slightly larger than the diameter of the disk 22 of the bipolar plate 2. In this case, the flow field material 9 partially covers the annulus 21 of the bipolar plate 2, but does not obstruct the alkaline inlet 211 and the alkaline outlet 212, and the welding point is close to the outer periphery of the annulus 21 to ensure structural stability and unobstructed fluid flow. Furthermore, to reduce material waste, the diameter of the flow field material 9 can be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the disk 22. When the flow field material 9 is a non-circular structure, the length of the flow field material 9 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the disk 22, and the width 951 of the flow field material 9 is less than or equal to the diameter of the disk 22.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 The flow field material 9 of this invention includes a plurality of expanded metal mesh plates 94 arranged at intervals in sequence. Specifically, the width 951 of the expanded metal mesh plate 94 is less than or equal to the diameter of the disk 22, and the wide side of the expanded metal mesh plate 94 is arc-shaped and matches the edge contour of the disk 22. In application, the number of expanded metal mesh plates 94 is 3 to 6. (Reference) Figure 2 ,and Figure 7 Compared with existing technologies, the current collector of this utility model has a large number of expanded metal mesh plates 94, thus reducing the size requirements of the raw materials 90 and lowering the difficulty of obtaining the raw materials 90. At the same time, during the manufacturing process, due to the use of small-sized raw materials 90, less scrap 91 is generated, reducing waste and saving 6% to 20% of the raw material cost 90.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present invention can overlap adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94 through a welding process, that is, the distance 96 between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94 is less than or equal to 0. In some other embodiments, a certain distance is formed between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94, that is, the distance 96 between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94 is greater than 0. In application, the distance 96 between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94 can be equal or unequal, but it is always less than the width 951 of the expanded metal mesh plate 94, and is usually less than or equal to half the diameter of the bipolar plate 2. In practical applications, the distance 96 between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 150 mm.

[0051] To adapt to different application scenarios, engineers can set the width 951 of each expandable metal mesh plate 94 of this invention to be equal or unequal, and the length 952 of each expandable metal mesh plate 94 to be equal or unequal. To reduce production costs, the length 952 and width 951 of each expandable metal mesh plate 94 can be set to be unequal. Alternatively, the expandable metal mesh plates 94 can be configured as two sets of symmetrical expandable metal mesh plates 94, with each set containing at least two expandable metal mesh plates 94.

[0052] In some embodiments, the long or short side of the expanded metal mesh plate 94 extends along the V-axis. To improve the uniformity of alkali flow, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of this invention includes a plurality of perforated structures 10. The perforated structures 10 can be rhomboid or polygonal, but each perforated structure 10 includes a short diagonal (SWM) and a long diagonal (LWM). The short diagonal is the shorter diagonal from the center of the pitch point of one perforated structure 10 to the center of the pitch point of an adjacent perforated structure 10, reflecting the dimension in the direction of the short axis 103 of the perforated structure 10. The long diagonal is the longer diagonal from the center of the pitch point of one perforated structure 10 to the center of the pitch point of another perforated structure 10, reflecting the dimension in the direction of the long axis 104 of the perforated structure 10. In application, the short axis 103 of the perforated structure 10 is 10–20 mm, and the long axis 104 of the perforated structure 10 is 20–30 mm. Furthermore, each hole structure 10 has four corners—two opposing acute angles and two opposing obtuse angles. In application, each hole structure 10 includes: a raised region 102 forming an obtuse angle and a corresponding recessed region 101 forming the other obtuse angle. The lowest point of the recessed region 101 is a concave point 1011, and the highest point of the raised region 102 is a convex point 1021. The concave point 1011 of one hole structure 10 connects to the convex point 1021 of another hole structure 10, and vice versa. In application, the line connecting the convex point 1021 and the concave point 1011 is along the V-axis direction. Because the flow field formed by the expanded metal mesh plate 94 is not perfectly symmetrical, the raised region 102 forms a right-angled surface, the recessed region 101 forms an oblique surface, and the perforated structure 10 makes the flow path distribution of the flow field acute-angled. This causes the alkali solution to experience different hydrodynamic effects when flowing through straight or oblique surfaces in different directions, thus flowing along the surface of the disk 22 in any direction, thereby achieving a uniform distribution of the alkali solution within a 360° range. In practical applications, this three-dimensional structure, with one half (section) convex upwards and the other half (stream) concave, has the following functions:

[0053] (1) Increased surface contact: The raised sections effectively increase the contact area between the bipolar plate 2 and the electrode, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of current transmission. (2) Current transmission and feeding: These sections act as bridges for the current, ensuring that the current can be transmitted to the electrode uniformly and efficiently, providing the necessary power for the electrolysis process. (3) Guiding the flow of alkali solution: The raised sections also serve to block the flow of alkali solution in a specific direction, forcing the alkali solution to move along a specific distribution path. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the alkali solution's flow path as it passes through the expanding metal plate is as follows: starting from entering the first hole 120, the alkali solution is blocked by the protrusion 1021 and flows out through the left and right branches of the hole structure 10 (i.e., the protruding area 102 of another hole), continuing to enter another hole, the second hole 110. The alkali solution is again blocked by the protrusion 1021 and flows out through the protruding area 102 of the next hole, continuing to enter the next hole, the third hole 130, and so on, until it flows out of the entire system. It is evident that the flow path of the alkali solution is closely related to the acute angle of the hole; the alkali solution is guided to flow in two specific directions corresponding to the acute angle.

[0054] refer to Figure 7 The central axis 82 of the flow field material 9 formed by the two semi-circular structures 92 overlaps with the preferred alkali flow path 81. Alkali from the two alkali inlets 211 flow directly from the alkali inlet 211 to the alkali outlet 212 in a separate left-right direction (preferably through the alkali flow path 81), passing through the surface of the disk 22 of the bipolar plate 2. Therefore, the stagnation area 83 adjacent to both sides of the preferred alkali flow path on the surface of the bipolar plate 2 no longer receives new alkali from the alkali inlet 211. Non-uniformity of fluid flow on the surface of the electrolyzer reduces the overall performance of the system. In fact, if the fluid distribution on the surface of the bipolar plate 2 is uneven, it can also cause non-uniformity in other components of the electrolyzer (such as electrodes).

[0055] To further improve the uniformity of alkali solution flow, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of this invention rotates around the T-axis (-180°, 180°), for example: -170°, -160°, -150°, -140°, -130°, -120°, -110°, -100°, -90°, -80°, -70°, -60°, -50°, -40°, -30°, -20°, -10°, 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 1 30°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, or 180°. In application, the T-axis is perpendicular to the bipolar plate 2. In practical applications, to meet the requirements of different scenarios, engineers can rotate each expanded metal mesh plate 94 at the same or different angles, allowing the alkali solution to flow to the previously inaccessible stagnant area 83, thus covering most of the surface of the disk 22. This significantly reduces the stagnant area 83 of the fluid, ensuring a more uniform distribution of the alkali solution across the entire surface of the electrolytic cell 6. This, in turn, improves the fluid mixing efficiency and electrolysis reaction uniformity within the entire electrolytic cell 6, optimizing the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell 6.

[0056] When the preferred alkaline solution flow path 81 in the electrolyzer 6 coincides with the central axis 82, the stagnant region 83 of the fluid often leads to the production of the water electrolysis reaction product (H). 2，O2 accumulation can negatively impact the effective utilization of electrode active sites. However, in this invention, the flow rate in the stagnant region 83 is significantly increased, allowing these gaseous products to be more smoothly removed from the surface of the bipolar plate 2 and discharged through the alkaline solution outlet 212, thus increasing the collection area for the electrolysis reaction. Furthermore, the alkaline solution contains OH-, a reactant essential for water electrolysis. - This invention achieves OH- ions by optimizing the dispersion of the alkaline solution across the entire surface of the electrolytic cell 6. - The uniform distribution of ions not only enhances the contact tightness of the active material on the electrode, but also continuously supplies OH groups. - Ions push the reaction kinetics to the optimal state, thereby further improving the generation efficiency and yield of gaseous substances (H2, O2).

[0057] In some preferred embodiments, to ensure the smooth progress of the electrolysis process, this invention also includes a heat exchanger to control the temperature of the alkali solution, maintaining it within a preset temperature range, such as 80–90°C, to ensure the high efficiency and stability of the electrolysis reaction. Simultaneously, by improving the distribution of the alkali solution on the surface of the disc 22, uniform heat supply and transfer are achieved throughout the electrolytic cell 6, not only promoting the water electrolysis reaction under optimal kinetic conditions but also ensuring efficient water electrolysis at every point on the surface of the disc 22. The manufacturing method of the current collector of this invention may include steps SS21-SS22.

[0058] Step SS21: Obtain multiple expanded metal mesh plates 94 and rotate the expanded metal mesh plates 94.

[0059] When applied, step SS21 can be implemented in two ways:

[0060] Method 1: Obtain multiple raw materials 90 and lay them on the disc 22. After rotating the raw materials 90, cut the raw materials 90 according to the edge contour of the disc 22 to obtain the rotated expanded metal mesh plate 94.

[0061] Method 2: Obtain multiple expansion metal mesh plates 94, lay the multiple expansion metal mesh plates 94 on the disc 22, and rotate the expansion metal mesh plates 94.

[0062] Step SS22: Weld the expanded metal mesh plate 94 onto the disk 22 of the bipolar plate 2 to form the flow field material 9.

[0063] In application, the central axis of the flow field material 9 can be parallel to the preferred alkaline solution flow path or not parallel to it.

[0064] In addition, the manufacturing method of the current collector of this utility model may also include steps SS21-SS23.

[0065] Step SS21: Obtain the diameter of the disk 22. Based on the diameter of the disk 22, the preset number of the expanded metal mesh plates 94, and the preset spacing 96 between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates 94, determine the length 952 and width 951 of each expanded metal mesh plate 94.

[0066] When applying, the preset quantity is greater than 2.

[0067] Step SS22: Cut the raw material 90 according to the length 952 and width 951 of each expanded metal mesh plate 94 and the edge contour of the corresponding disk 22 to obtain a preset number of expanded metal mesh plates 94.

[0068] In application, the size of the raw material 90 used in the manufacturing method of this utility model is much smaller than the size requirements of the raw material 90 in the prior art, which significantly reduces the difficulty of obtaining the raw material 90; and the scrap material 91 produced by the manufacturing method of this utility model is much less than the scrap material 91 produced by the prior art, which significantly saves production costs.

[0069] Step SS23: Weld the expanded metal mesh plate 94 onto the disk 22 according to the preset position of each expanded metal mesh plate 94 on the disk 22.

[0070] When applied, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 must not block the alkali inlet and alkali outlet 212.

[0071] The electrolytic cell 6 of this invention includes an anode 62 and a cathode 61. The anode 62 and / or cathode 61 are equipped with current collectors, and the anode 62 and cathode 61 can be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged. When the anode 62 and cathode 61 are symmetrically arranged: the current collectors for both the anode 62 and cathode 61 are the current collectors described above, or current collectors obtained through the manufacturing method described above. When the anode 62 and cathode 61 are asymmetrically arranged: the current collector on one side (anode 62 or cathode 61) uses the current collector described above, or a current collector obtained through the manufacturing method described above, while the current collector on the other side uses a conventional current collector. For example, the current collector for cathode 61 uses the current collector described above, while the current collector for anode 62 uses a braided mesh current collector.

[0072] refer to Figure 3To improve the electrolysis efficiency of electrolytic cell 6, the expansion metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 rotates in the same or opposite direction around the T-axis as the expansion metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62. This ensures uniform distribution of the alkali solution across the entire surface of electrolytic cell 6, reducing stagnant areas 83 and enhancing fluid mixing, thereby improving mass transfer efficiency during electrolysis. The uniform distribution of the alkali solution and the improved fluid dynamics result in a more uniform current distribution within electrolytic cell 6, reducing local overheating and uneven electrolysis. This, in turn, increases the generation rate of gaseous products (such as H2 and O2), improving the overall electrolysis efficiency of electrolytic cell 6.

[0073] In addition, by optimizing the flow of the alkaline solution, erosion and corrosion on the electrode surface are reduced, thus extending the service life of the electrode.

[0074] In application, the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 around the V-axis is the same as or opposite to the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh 94 of the anode 62 around the V-axis. The rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 around the V-axis is the same as or different from the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62 around the V-axis.

[0075] In practical applications, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 and / or anode 62 rotates around the V-axis (-180°, 180°), preferably, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 and / or anode 62 rotates around the V-axis (-45°, 45°).

[0076] In some embodiments, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of +10°, and the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of -10°.

[0077] In some embodiments, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of -15°, and the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of +15°.

[0078] In some embodiments, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of -15°, and the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of +45°.

[0079] In some embodiments, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of +45°, and the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62 rotates about the V-axis by an angle of -45°.

[0080] In some embodiments, the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the cathode 61 rotates about the V-axis at an angle of 0°, and the expanded metal mesh plate 94 of the anode 62 rotates about the V-axis at an angle of +45°.

[0081] To adapt to the requirements of different scenarios, engineers can set the number, width 951, length 952, and spacing 96 of the expanded metal mesh plates 94 of the cathode 61 and anode 62 of this utility model to be the same or different. To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this utility model clearer, embodiments 1-6 are provided for further detailed description. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this utility model and are not intended to limit it.

[0082] In Examples 1-6, both the anode 62 and the cathode 61 of the electrolytic cell 6 are equipped with current collectors.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 In Examples 1-6, the radius of the disk 22 is 1795mm, and the preset number of the expanded metal mesh plates 94 is 4.

[0084] Four suitable raw materials 90 are selected, namely, material plate 901, material plate 902, material plate 903, and material plate 904. According to the preset installation position of each raw material 90, the four raw materials 90 are cut, and the scrap 91 is removed to obtain four expanded metal mesh plates 94, namely, mesh plate 941, mesh plate 942, mesh plate 943, and mesh plate 944. Mesh plates 941, 942, 943, and 944 are sequentially arranged along the L-axis.

[0085] Compared with the prior art, the raw material 90 in embodiments 1-4 has smaller size requirements and produces less scrap 91. Compared with this application, the prior art will produce 6% to 20% more scrap 93. It can be seen that this application can reduce material costs by at least 6% to 20%.

[0086] The expanding metal mesh plate 94 includes a surface A and a surface B. When surface A is in contact with the disk 22, the state of the expanding metal mesh plate 94 is recorded as A, and when surface B is in contact with the disk 22, the state of the expanding metal mesh plate 94 is recorded as B.

[0087] In Example 1, the first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are both in state A, and the second grid plate 942 and the third grid plate 943 of the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are both in state B. That is, in Example 1, the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are both ABBA, and preferably the alkaline solution flow path 81 and the central axis 82 are both arranged along the V-axis.

[0088] In Example 2, the first grid plate 941 and the third grid plate 943 of the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are both in state A, and the second grid plate 942 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are both in state B. That is, in Example 2, the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are both ABAB, and preferably the alkaline solution flow path 81 and the central axis 82 are both arranged along the V-axis.

[0089] In Example 3, the first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 rotate -10° around the V-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the third grid plate 943 of the anode 62 rotate 170° around the V-axis, and are both in state B. The first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the cathode 61 rotate 10° around the V-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the third grid plate 943 of the cathode 61 rotate -170° around the V-axis, and are both in state B. That is, in Example 3, both the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are ABBA, and preferably the alkaline solution flow path 81 intersects the central axis 82.

[0090] In Example 4, the first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the cathode 61 both rotate -45° around the V-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the cathode 61 both rotate 135° around the V-axis, and are both in state B. The first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 both rotate 45° around the V-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 both rotate -135° around the V-axis, and are both in state B. That is, in Example 4, both the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are ABBA, and preferably the alkaline solution flow path 81 intersects the central axis 82.

[0091] In Example 5, the first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 rotate -10° around the T-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the third grid plate 943 of the anode 62 rotate 170° around the T-axis, and are both in state B. The first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the cathode 61 rotate 10° around the T-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the third grid plate 943 of the cathode 61 rotate -170° around the T-axis, and are both in state B. That is, in Example 5, both the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are ABBA, and preferably the alkaline solution flow path 81 intersects the central axis 82.

[0092] In Example 6, the first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the cathode 61 both rotate -45° around the T-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the cathode 61 both rotate 135° around the T-axis, and are both in state B. The first grid plate 941 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 both rotate 45° around the T-axis, and are both in state A. The second grid plate 942 and the fourth grid plate 944 of the anode 62 both rotate -135° around the T-axis, and are both in state B. That is, in Example 6, both the anode 62 and the cathode 61 are ABBA, and preferably the alkaline solution flow path 81 intersects the central axis 82.

[0093] Examples 1-6 all improve the uniformity of alkali solution distribution on disk 22.

[0094] Examples 1-6 can all produce hydrogen and oxygen, and the yield and production efficiency of Example 4 are greater than those of Example 3, the yield and production efficiency of Example 3 are greater than those of Example 2, and the yield and production efficiency of Example 3 are greater than those of Example 1.

[0095] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and all such changes should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A current collector, characterized in that, include: Bipolar plate (2), the bipolar plate (2) includes a disk (22) and a ring (21), the ring (21) surrounds the periphery of the disk (22), the first end of the ring (21) is provided with one or more alkaline inlets (211), and the second end of the ring (21) is provided with one or more alkaline outlets (212); The flow field material (9) is disposed on the disk (22) and includes a plurality of expanded metal mesh plates (94) arranged in sequence at intervals.

2. The current collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the expanded metal mesh plates (94) is 3 to 6; The spacing (96) between adjacent expanded metal mesh plates (94) is less than or equal to half the diameter of the bipolar plate (2).

3. The current collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a preferred alkali flow path (81) between the alkali inlet (211) and the alkali outlet (212).

4. The current collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wide side of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) is arc-shaped and matches the edge contour of the disk (22); The width (951) of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) is less than or equal to the diameter of the disk (22).

5. The current collector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preferred alkaline solution flow path (81) extends along the V-axis direction; The expanded metal mesh plate (94) rotates around the V-axis (-180°, 180°), which is parallel to the bipolar plate (2).

6. The current collector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The expanded metal mesh plate (94) rotates about the V-axis (-45°, 45°).

7. The current collector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expanded metal mesh plate (94) includes a plurality of perforated structures (10); The minor axis (103) of the hole structure (10) is 10-20 mm, and the major axis (104) of the hole structure (10) is 20-30 mm.

8. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell (6) includes the current collector as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The electrolytic cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, The current collector is provided at the anode (62) of the electrolytic cell (6); And / or, the cathode (61) of the electrolytic cell (6) is provided with the current collector.

10. The electrolytic cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the cathode (61) about the V-axis is opposite to the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the anode (62) about the V-axis; Alternatively, the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the cathode (61) about the V-axis is the same as the direction of rotation of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the anode (62) about the V-axis.

11. The electrolytic cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the cathode (61) about the V-axis is the same as the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the anode (62) about the V-axis; Alternatively, the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the cathode (61) about the V-axis is different from the rotation angle of the expanded metal mesh plate (94) of the anode (62) about the V-axis.

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