Pole frame assembly for electrolytic cell and corresponding electrolytic cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of electrolytic cells, in particular to a pole frame assembly (100) for an electrolytic cell, which comprises a first pole frame (1) and a second pole frame (2), the sealing piece (3) is clamped between the first pole frame and the second pole frame, and a first sealing lip structure (11) and a second sealing lip structure (21) are formed at the corresponding interfaces of the first pole frame and the sealing piece and the corresponding interfaces of the second pole frame and the sealing piece respectively. At least one of the first and second sealing lip structures comprises a projection (12, 22) projecting from the respective first or second pole frame into the seal (3), and the pole frame assembly has a plurality of sealing regions, in at least two of the plurality of sealing regions, at least one of the first and second sealing lip structures is provided with at least one of the projections (12, 22) extending from the respective first or second pole frame into the seal (3). The first sealing lip structure and / or the second sealing lip structure have different protruding part structural characteristics. Thus, the pole frame assembly can have improved sealing performance. The utility model further relates to a corresponding electrolytic cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrolytic cells, specifically to an electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell and a corresponding electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] An electrolytic cell is a device that uses electrical energy to perform electrochemical reactions, causing oxidation-reduction reactions in the electrolyte to achieve the preparation, purification, and decomposition of substances. An electrolytic cell generally includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. When an external DC power supply is connected, current flows through the electrolyte, where oxidation occurs at the anode, causing electrons to flow out; and reduction occurs at the cathode, causing electrons to flow in. The electrolyte can be in different forms, such as aqueous solutions, molten salts, or non-aqueous solutions. Different electrolytes, electrode materials, and the structure of the electrolytic cell determine its specific applications and performance characteristics.

[0003] The electrode frame assembly is one of the core components of an electrolyzer. It provides mechanical support and electrical connection for the electrodes and diaphragm. An electrode frame assembly typically consists of two opposing electrode frames and a seal sandwiched between them, with the seal achieved by the pressure of the electrode frames against the seal. Therefore, the structural design of the electrode frame assembly is crucial to the sealing performance of the electrolyzer.

[0004] Currently, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is commonly used as the sealant in pole frame assemblies. However, PTFE exhibits creep, meaning it may deform or even crack over time, leading to a deterioration in the sealing performance of the pole frame assembly. Furthermore, while existing pole frame designs have external sealing structures, their internal sealing requirements are often neglected.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose an electrolytic cell electrode frame assembly and an electrolytic cell with improved sealing performance. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an improved pole frame assembly for an electrolytic cell to solve at least one of the aforementioned and other unmentioned prior art problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this application, an electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell is provided, comprising: a first electrode frame and a second electrode frame; and a seal sandwiched between the first electrode frame and the second electrode frame, wherein a first sealing lip structure and a second sealing lip structure are formed at corresponding interfaces between the first electrode frame and the second electrode frame and the seal, at least one of the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure includes a protrusion extending from the corresponding first electrode frame or the second electrode frame into the seal, and the electrode frame assembly has a plurality of sealing regions, wherein in at least two of the plurality of sealing regions, the first sealing lip structure and / or the second sealing lip structure have different protrusion structural features.

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the polar frame assembly includes: an outer peripheral region located at the periphery; and at least one inner region surrounded by the outer peripheral region, wherein the total number of protrusions of the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure of the outer peripheral region is greater than that of a single inner region.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the internal region includes: a curved region adjacent to the gas through-hole of the pole frame assembly; a linear region away from the gas through-hole; and a confluence region connecting the curved region and the linear region, wherein the sealing lip structure in the curved region, the sealing lip structure in the linear region, and the sealing lip structure in the confluence region have different protrusion structural features.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the outer peripheral region, both the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure have the same number of protrusions, and the protrusions from the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure are staggered from each other.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the peripheral region, the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure each have eight protrusions.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the projections of the protrusions from the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure, respectively, in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly do not overlap.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, in the curved region, only the first sealing lip structure has a protrusion.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the linear region, both the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure have the same number of protrusions, and the protrusions from the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure are staggered from each other.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the confluence region, the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure each have the same number of protrusions, and the protrusions from the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure are aligned with each other and their projections in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly do not overlap.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, in the curved region, the first sealing lip structure has four protrusions.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the linear region, both the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure have four protrusions.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, in the linear region, the projections of the protrusions from the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure, respectively, in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly do not overlap.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of this application, in the confluence region, both the first sealing lip structure and the second sealing lip structure have four protrusions.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the height of the protrusion is less than half the thickness of the seal.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the protrusions have the same height.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the protrusion has an arcuate profile that gradually narrows from bottom to top.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the protrusions are arranged periodically, and the ratio of the width of the protrusions to the period length is greater than zero and less than or equal to 1.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the ratio of the height to the width of the protrusion is in the range of 0.1 to 0.67.

[0025] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the radius r of the protrusion is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the height of the protrusion is less than or equal to one-tenth of the thickness of the seal.

[0027] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the period length of the protrusion is in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0028] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the height of the protrusion is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0029] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the width of the protrusion is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0030] According to a second aspect of this application, an electrolytic cell is provided, including any of the electrode frame assemblies according to this application.

[0031] Advantageously, by designing different sealing lip structures specifically for areas with different sealing requirements within the pole frame assembly, optimized and improved overall sealing performance can be achieved compared to existing pole frame assemblies. Furthermore, through meticulous design of the protruding structural features of the pole frame, a more uniform and smaller compressive stress field can be generated within the seal compared to existing pole frame assemblies, thereby mitigating or even completely preventing cracking of seals with creep characteristics.

[0032] It is worth noting that the advantages and beneficial effects of this application are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can understand other advantages and beneficial effects not mentioned in this application through the following detailed embodiments and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an existing electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell, where (a) shows the components not assembled together, and (b) shows the components assembled together;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein (a) shows the components not assembled together, and (b) shows the components assembled together;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing lip structure and dimensions of a pole frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 A top view schematic diagram of the polar frame in a polar frame assembly according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0038] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) for Figure 4 The model cross-sectional view of the sealing lip structure in each of the different sealing areas is shown.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 100' Existing polar frame components

[0041] 1' and 2' polar frames

[0042] 11', 21' sealing lip structure

[0043] 12' and 22' recessed portions

[0044] 3' Seal

[0045] 100 Polar frame assembly according to this application

[0046] 1 and 2 polar frames

[0047] 11, 21 Sealing lip structure

[0048] 12, 22 protrusions

[0049] 3. Seals

[0050] 4 Gas through-hole Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial technical effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following will provide a more detailed description of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In the various drawings of this application, features with the same structure or similar function are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are not strictly drawn to scale but are exaggerated for clarity.

[0052] Figure 1 A longitudinal section along its vertical direction Z is schematically shown of an existing electrode frame assembly 100' for an electrolytic cell. Figure 1As shown, the existing pole frame assembly 100' includes a first pole frame 1' and a second pole frame 2', and a seal 3' sandwiched between the first pole frame 1' and the second pole frame 2'. The main extending surfaces of the pole frames 1', 2' and the seal 3' extend substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly, i.e., the three are stacked in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly. The first pole frame 1' and the second pole frame 2' each have inwardly recessed portions 12' and 22' on their respective side surfaces along the vertical direction Z. In the assembled (i.e., clamped) state, the seal 3' deforms under the relative compression of the two pole frames and fills into the respective recesses 12' and 22', thereby forming a first sealing lip structure 11' at the interface between the first pole frame 1' and the seal 3', and a second sealing lip structure 21' at the interface between the second pole frame 2' and the seal 3'. Therefore, the first sealing lip structure 11' includes a recess 12' of the first pole frame 1', and the second sealing lip structure 21' includes a recess 22' of the second pole frame 2'. Since the recesses 12' of the first pole frame 1' and 22' of the second pole frame 2' are aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z, the first sealing lip structure 11' and the second sealing lip structure 21' are also aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z, meaning the existing pole frame assembly has vertically aligned sealing lip structures. In the lateral extension dimension (the extension dimension perpendicular to the vertical direction Z) of the seal 3', since each recess corresponds to forming a sealing line, the pair of vertically aligned recesses 12' also correspond to forming a sealing line relative to the seal 3'. Figure 1 Taking the structure shown as an example, five sealing lines can be formed accordingly, and the number of sealing interfaces is five.

[0053] After the pole frame assembly is assembled and clamped, the seal is under compressive stress. Plastic seals (such as those made of PTFE) typically exhibit creep characteristics, which cause them to gradually undergo plastic deformation under prolonged stress and temperature, even at lower temperatures. This plastic deformation accumulates over time, eventually leading to crack initiation and propagation, ultimately resulting in seal failure and leakage, and potentially short circuits, especially in high-pressure applications. For existing vertically aligned sealing lip structures, the seal 3' in its narrower section (e.g.) Figure 1 The area circled by the dashed ellipse is prone to large compressive stress, which can easily lead to creep cracking and limit the service life of the electrode frame assembly and the electrolytic cell.

[0054] Figure 2 A longitudinal section along its vertical direction Z is schematically shown of an electrode frame assembly 100 for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2As shown, the pole frame assembly 100 includes a first pole frame 1 and a second pole frame 2, and a sealing member 3 sandwiched between the first pole frame 1 and the second pole frame 2. The first pole frame 1, the sealing member 3, and the second pole frame 2 are stacked in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly. A first sealing lip structure 11 and a second sealing lip structure 21 are formed at the corresponding interfaces between the first pole frame 1 and the second pole frame 2 and the sealing member 3, respectively.

[0055] Specifically, at least one of the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 includes a protrusion 12, 22 extending from the corresponding first pole frame 1 or second pole frame 2 into the seal 3. That is, in embodiments where the first sealing lip structure 11 includes a protrusion, the first sealing lip structure 11 includes a protrusion 12 extending from the first pole frame 1 into the seal 3; in embodiments where the second sealing lip structure 21 includes a protrusion, the second sealing lip structure 21 includes a protrusion 22 extending from the second pole frame 2 into the seal 3. Therefore, in the assembled and clamped state of the pole frame assembly, the protrusion is pressed into the interior of the seal 3. Compared to the recesses on the pole frames in existing pole frame assemblies, the protrusions on the pole frames in the pole frame assembly according to this application can reduce the compressive stress level inside the seal 3 in the assembled state of the pole frame assembly, particularly reducing... Figure 1 The compressive stress level in the narrower section circled by the dashed ellipse can mitigate or even prevent creep cracking of seal 3.

[0056] Furthermore, the pole frame assembly 100 may have multiple sealing regions A, B, C, and D, and in at least two of these sealing regions, the first sealing lip structure 11 and / or the second sealing lip structure 21 have different protrusion structural features. Here, the sealing regions of the pole frame assembly 100 can be divided according to different sealing requirements. The term "protrusion structural feature" may include at least one of the shape, size, and arrangement of the protrusion. Thus, pole frame protrusions in each region of the pole frame assembly can be designed and provided specifically, thereby utilizing protrusions with specific structural features to meet the different sealing requirements of each region.

[0057] Preferably, the height h of the protrusions 12 and 22 (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown) can be greater than zero and less than the thickness W of seal 3 (e.g.) Figure 2Half of the height h of the protrusion (as shown). Here, the height h of the protrusion refers to its extension dimension in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100 relative to the main extension surface (i.e., the reference surface) of the corresponding pole frame. The thickness W of the seal refers to the extension dimension of the seal 3 in the assembled pole frame assembly 100 at the location without the protrusion in the vertical direction Z. That is, in embodiments where both the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 include protrusions 12 and 22, the projections of the protrusion 12 from the first sealing lip structure 11 and the protrusion 22 from the second sealing lip structure 21 in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100 do not overlap (see Figure 100). Figure 2 Therefore, even in embodiments where the protrusions from the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100, the two aligned protrusions on each straight line extending along the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100 will not contact each other. Furthermore, the height h of the protrusions 12, 22 can preferably be less than or equal to one-tenth of the thickness W of the seal 3.

[0058] On the one hand, compared to a flat pole frame with zero protrusion height, the presence of the protrusion can increase the contact area between the pole frame and the seal, thereby improving the sealing effect and preventing gas and liquid leakage.

[0059] On the other hand, the smaller protrusion allows the main body of the seal 3 to maintain its basic linear extension, while only the surface close to the pole frame is subjected to local deformation due to the compression of the protrusion. This can help to make the stress distribution inside the seal 3 more uniform and to avoid creep cracking of the seal 3 to a greater extent.

[0060] Preferably, each protrusion 12, 22 may have the same height h. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusions 12, 22 may have an arcuate profile that gradually narrows from bottom to top. This facilitates the formation of a uniform compressive stress field within the seal 3, thereby preventing localized stress concentrations and the resulting creep cracking.

[0061] Preferably, the protrusions 12 and 22 can be arranged periodically, and as shown in the figure... Figure 3 As shown, the ratio w / p of the width w of the protrusions 12 and 22 to the period length p is greater than zero and less than or equal to 1. Advantageously, the small and dispersed arrangement of the protrusions results in small and uniform compressive stress generated inside the seal 3 in the assembled (or clamped) state, thereby helping to mitigate or even avoid creep cracking of the seal 3 due to compressive stress. Here, as Figure 3As shown, the term "period length p" can refer to the distance between the central axes of two adjacent protrusions in a single sealing structure or between any corresponding feature points (e.g., the starting endpoints of two adjacent protrusions). The width w of a protrusion refers to the maximum lateral extension dimension of a single protrusion. Exemplarily and preferably, the period length p of protrusions 12, 22 can be in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the height h of protrusions 12, 22 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0062] Preferably, the ratio of the height h to the width w of the protrusions 12, 22 (i.e., the aspect ratio h / w) is in the range of 0.1 to 0.67. It has been shown that an aspect ratio within this range can promote a more uniform stress distribution, thereby achieving better creep resistance. Exemplarily and preferably, the width w of the protrusions 12, 22 can be in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0063] Alternatively, considering the difficulty of the processing, the radius r of the protrusions 12 and 22 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0064] Figure 4 A top view of a pole frame assembly according to an embodiment of this application is shown, specifically a view taken downwards along its vertical direction Z, illustrating the division of various sealing regions. The pole frame assembly in each sealing region is designed with sealing lip structures having different protrusion structural features. From this viewpoint, the sealing lip structure is a closed annular structure, with each sealing lip structure corresponding to a sealing line. Furthermore, Figure 4 The dark gray and light gray areas show the sealing lip structures arranged for the anode and cathode pathways, respectively.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the electrode frame assembly 100 may include an outer peripheral region A and at least one inner region B, C, D surrounded by the outer peripheral region A. Since the external air pressure of the electrode frame assembly 100 is approximately one atmosphere, or approximately 0.1 MPa, while the internal air pressure can reach, for example, approximately 3 MPa, the large pressure difference results in a greater need for an external seal to prevent gas-liquid leakage to the outside. Therefore, advantageously, the total number of protrusions 12, 22 of the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 in the outer peripheral region A is greater than that of a single inner region B, C, D. Exemplarily, in the outer peripheral region A, at least one of the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 has a protrusion. Thus, more protrusions can correspondingly form more sealing lines and sealing interfaces, thereby achieving better sealing performance in the outer peripheral region A compared to the inner regions, to better prevent gas leakage to the outside of the electrode frame assembly or electrolytic cell.

[0066] Figures 5(a) to 5(d) for Figure 4Exemplary model cross-sectional views of the sealing lip structure in each of the different regions shown.

[0067] Figure 5(a) shows an exemplary model cross-sectional view of the sealing lip structure in the outer peripheral region A. As shown, in this exemplary outer peripheral region A, the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 can both have the same number of protrusions 12 and 22, and the protrusions 12 and 22 from the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 are staggered from each other. In this case, the pair of protrusions staggered in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100 press the seal with a certain lateral offset. It can actually be regarded as each protrusion pressing the seal from one side of the seal 3 (there is no protrusion on the opposite side). Compared with the scheme of aligning each other in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100 to press the seal from both sides in opposite directions, it can effectively reduce the local compressive stress value and the overall compressive stress value in the seal 3, promote the formation of a uniform stress distribution at the sealing lip, thereby reducing the possibility of cracking; and, the number of sealing lines can be doubled with a compact structure.

[0068] Exemplarily and preferably, in the outer peripheral region A, the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 may each have eight protrusions 12 and 22. Thus, in the lateral extension dimension of the seal 3, 16 sealing lines can be formed in the outer peripheral region A, and the number of sealing interfaces is 16, thereby providing higher external sealing reliability.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the at least one internal region may include a curved region D, a linear region C, and a confluence region B. The curved region D is the region adjacent to the gas through-hole 4 of the pole frame assembly 100, the linear region C is the region away from the gas through-hole 4, and the confluence region B is the transition region connecting the curved region D and the linear region C.

[0070] Specifically, the sealing lip structures in the curved region D, the linear region C, and the confluence region B each have distinct protrusion structural features. In existing electrode frame assemblies, the design of the external sealing structure in the outer peripheral region A is often emphasized, neglecting the sealing requirements in the internal regions, namely, preventing leakage of the corresponding gases generated at the anode and cathode through the sealing material. Advantageously, some embodiments of this application provide electrode frame assemblies that can also be designed with targeted protrusion structural features in the internal regions, thereby achieving improved internal sealing, which is particularly advantageous for preventing cross-contamination of anode and cathode gases.

[0071] Figure 5(d) shows an exemplary model cross-sectional view of the sealing lip structure in the curved region D. Since the curved region D is adjacent to the gas through-hole 4, which can be either a gas inlet or outlet, due to the limitations of the flow channel structure, the sealing lip structure can only be formed on the pole frame away from the flow channel in the curved region D by arranging protrusions, thereby preventing deformed seals from blocking the flow channel opening. Therefore, as shown, in the curved region D, only the first sealing lip structure 11 has protrusions 12. Exemplarily, in the curved region D, the first sealing lip structure 11 can have four protrusions 12. Thus, on the lateral extension scale of the seal 3, four sealing lines can be formed in the curved region D, resulting in a sealing interface number of four.

[0072] Figure 5(c) shows an exemplary model cross-sectional view of the sealing lip structure in linear region C. Linear region C is the region that primarily provides internal sealing to prevent gas from flowing between the cathode and anode. Therefore, in linear region C, both the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 have the same number of protrusions 12 and 22, and the protrusions 12 and 22 from the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 are staggered from each other, that is, the projections of the protrusions 12 and 22 from the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 in the vertical direction Z of the pole frame assembly 100 do not overlap. This is similar to the protrusion structure feature of the sealing lip structure in the outer peripheral region A, which also utilizes staggered protrusions on both sides to achieve enhanced sealing performance. In contrast, in linear region C, both the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 can have 4 protrusions 12 and 22. Thus, on the lateral extension scale of the seal 3, 8 sealing lines can be formed in linear region C, and the number of sealing interfaces is 8. Advantageously, by employing a vertically staggered sealing lip structure design for both the outer peripheral region A of the external seal and the linear region C of the main internal seal, the number of sealing interfaces can be doubled over the same length, thereby significantly improving the stability and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0073] Figure 5(b) shows an exemplary model cross-sectional view of the sealing lip structure in the confluence region B. The confluence region B is designed to achieve a transition between the curved region D and the linear region C. Considering a smooth transition and manufacturing processes, in the confluence region B, the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 can each have the same number of protrusions 12, 22, and the protrusions 12, 22 from the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21, respectively, are aligned with each other and their projections in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly 100 do not overlap. This allows for an optimized transition and ensures effective internal sealing performance.

[0074] For example, in the confluence region B, both the first sealing lip structure 11 and the second sealing lip structure 21 may have four protrusions 12 and 22. Thus, in the lateral extension dimension of the seal 3, four sealing lines can be formed in the confluence region B, and the number of sealing interfaces is four.

[0075] By developing three different sealing lip structure designs for the three different sealing regions corresponding to the internal seal, the possibility of internal leakage can be significantly reduced, while also taking into account other factors such as structural adaptability and process implementation.

[0076] This application also relates to an electrolyzer including any of the electrode frame components 100 according to this application. In one exemplary embodiment, the electrolyzer may be, in particular, an alkaline electrolyzer (AEC), which operates by using an alkaline solution such as potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. After pure water enters the cathode, under the action of a catalyst, water molecules gain electrons to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ions pass through the alkaline solution through a diaphragm or porous membrane to reach the anode, where they lose electrons to generate oxygen and water, thereby realizing the electrolysis of water and decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, the electrolyzer may also be, in particular, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEC) or an alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolyzer (AEMEC). Structurally, the electrolyzer may include an anode, a cathode, a diaphragm, an electrolyte, and an electrode frame component, particularly including any of the electrode frame components 100 described above according to the embodiments of this application.

[0077] According to certain embodiments of this application, by designing different sealing lip structures specifically for areas with different sealing requirements in the pole frame assembly, optimized and improved overall sealing performance can be advantageously achieved compared to existing pole frame assemblies. Furthermore, through meticulous design of the protruding structural features of the pole frame, a more uniform and smaller compressive stress field can be generated in the seal compared to existing pole frame assemblies, thereby mitigating or even completely preventing cracking of seals with creep characteristics.

[0078] It is worth noting that in this document, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly indicate that at least one of those features is included.

[0079] It should also be noted that in the description of this embodiment, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationship, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is solely for the convenience of describing this specification and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to has a specific orientation, or is constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. The positional relationship of the constituent elements may be appropriately changed depending on the direction in which each constituent element is described. Therefore, the description is not limited to the terms used in the specification and may be appropriately replaced as appropriate.

[0080] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed installation / connection, detachable installation / connection, or integral installation / connection; they can refer to direct installation / connection, indirect installation / connection through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0081] Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described herein, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pole frame assembly for an electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The polar frame assembly (100) includes: First pole frame (1) and second pole frame (2); and The sealing element (3) is sandwiched between the first pole frame (1) and the second pole frame (2). Specifically, a first sealing lip structure (11) and a second sealing lip structure (21) are formed at the corresponding interfaces between the first pole frame (1) and the second pole frame (2) and the sealing member (3), respectively. At least one of the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) includes a protrusion (12, 22) extending from the corresponding first pole frame (1) or second pole frame (2) into the seal (3), and The pole frame assembly (100) has multiple sealing regions, in at least two of the multiple sealing regions, the first sealing lip structure (11) and / or the second sealing lip structure (21) have different protrusion structural features.

2. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polar frame assembly (100) includes: The outer perimeter area located on the outskirts; and At least one internal region surrounded by the outer peripheral region. The total number of protrusions (12, 22) of the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) in the outer peripheral region is greater than that of a single inner region.

3. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The internal region includes: The curved region adjacent to the gas through-hole (4) of the pole frame assembly (100); The linear region away from the gas through-hole (4); and The confluence region connecting the curved region and the linear region. The sealing lip structures in the curved region, the linear region, and the confluence region each have different protrusion structural features.

4. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the outer peripheral region, both the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) have the same number of protrusions (12, 22), and The protrusions (12, 22) from the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) are staggered from each other.

5. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the outer peripheral region, the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) each have eight protrusions (12, 22); and / or The projections of the protrusions (12, 22) from the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly (100) do not overlap.

6. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the curved region, only the first sealing lip structure (11) has a protrusion (12); and / or In the linear region, the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) each have the same number of protrusions (12, 22), and the protrusions (12, 22) from the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) are staggered from each other. and / or In the confluence region, the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) each have the same number of protrusions (12, 22), and the protrusions (12, 22) from the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) are aligned with each other and their projections in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly (100) do not overlap.

7. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the curved region, the first sealing lip structure (11) has four protrusions (12); and / or In the linear region, both the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) have four protrusions (12, 22); and / or In the linear region, the projections (12, 22) of the protrusions (12, 22) from the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) respectively in the vertical direction of the pole frame assembly (100) do not overlap; and / or In the confluence region, both the first sealing lip structure (11) and the second sealing lip structure (21) have four protrusions (12, 22).

8. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5-7, characterized in that, The height of the protrusions (12, 22) is less than half the thickness of the seal (3); and / or The protrusions (12, 22) have the same height; and / or The protrusions (12, 22) have an arcuate profile that gradually narrows from bottom to top; and / or The protrusions (12, 22) are arranged periodically, and the ratio of the width of the protrusions (12, 22) to the period length is greater than zero and less than or equal to 1; and / or The height-to-width ratio of the protrusions (12, 22) is in the range of 0.1 to 0.67; and / or The radius of the protrusions (12, 22) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

9. The electrode frame assembly for an electrolytic cell according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of the protrusions (12, 22) is less than or equal to one-tenth of the thickness of the seal (3); and / or The periodic length of the protrusions (12, 22) is in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm; and / or The height of the protrusions (12, 22) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm; and / or The width of the protrusions (12, 22) is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

10. An electrolytic cell comprising an electrode frame assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-9.

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