Anode gasket of proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell and electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolyzing water

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of proton exchange membrane electrolytic cells, and provides a proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell anode gasket and a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolytic cell, the proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell anode gasket comprises a flow field inlet / outlet and a reaction zone, and further comprises a diversion zone arranged between the flow field inlet / outlet and the reaction zone; the flow guide area is respectively communicated with the flow field inlet / outlet and the reaction area; the multiple flow guide structures are regularly arranged in the flow guide area, and gaps between the adjacent flow guide structures form flow guide gaps; wherein fluid flows between the flow field inlet / outlet and the reaction area along the flow guide gap of the flow guide area. The optimized gasket matched with the titanium mesh is provided to improve the inlet and outlet shape design and improve the flow uniformity, so that the electrolytic efficiency of an electrolytic bath is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer technology, and more specifically to a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer anode pad and a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers play a vital role in my country's new energy industry due to their advantages such as low-temperature operation, rapid response, and high-efficiency hydrogen production. Bipolar plates are an important component of PEM electrolyzers; however, because their manufacturing process is complex and the production cycle is long, gaskets and titanium mesh structures are commonly used as replacements in small and medium-sized electrolyzers. Titanium meshes possess excellent three-dimensional flow characteristics and are relatively easy to process, enabling mass production and significantly shortening the production cycle, thereby improving overall production efficiency.

[0003] However, while titanium mesh structures simplify the manufacturing process and improve production efficiency, their fluid distribution still has certain limitations. This is especially true in small to medium-sized electrolytic cells with a single inlet / outlet and diagonal arrangement, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 1 The anode pads used in the small and medium-sized electrolytic cells with single inlet and outlet and diagonal arrangement shown have a porous structure in the titanium mesh and lack the fine guidance of bipolar plate flow channels. As a result, the fluid flow in the electrolytic cell tends to concentrate in the diagonal direction, leading to insufficient flow in the corner areas and thus affecting the overall uniformity of the flow field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an anode gasket for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and an electrolyzer for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. It also provides an optimized gasket adapted to a titanium mesh to improve the inlet and outlet shape design, enhance flow uniformity, and thereby improve the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an anode pad for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, including a flow field inlet and outlet, a reaction zone, and further comprising:

[0006] A flow guiding zone is located between the flow field inlet / outlet and the reaction zone; the flow guiding zone is connected to both the flow field inlet / outlet and the reaction zone.

[0007] A flow guiding structure, wherein a plurality of the flow guiding structures are regularly arranged in the flow guiding area, and the gap between adjacent flow guiding structures forms a flow guiding gap;

[0008] The fluid flows along the guide gap in the guide zone between the flow field inlet / outlet and the reaction zone.

[0009] In one alternative of the first aspect, the flow guiding area is a groove provided on the A side of the anode pad.

[0010] In one alternative of the first aspect, the flow guiding structure is columnar.

[0011] In one alternative of the first aspect, the top surface of the flow guiding structure is located on the same plane as the A-side of the anode pad.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the width of the flow field inlet and outlet is smaller than the width of the reaction zone along the first direction. The guide zone is funnel-shaped, with its two ends connected to the flow field inlet and outlet and the reaction zone, respectively.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the flow guiding structure comprises multiple sets, which are arranged in a scattering array from the flow field inlet / outlet direction toward the reaction zone.

[0014] In one alternative of the first aspect, the number of flow guiding structures in each group is the same.

[0015] In one alternative of the first aspect, the sides of the flow field inlet and outlet near the reaction zone are arc-shaped.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the flow field inlet and outlet include a flow field inlet and a flow field outlet, the guiding zone includes an inlet guiding zone and an outlet guiding zone, the inlet guiding zone is located between the flow field inlet and the reaction zone, and the outlet guiding zone is located between the flow field outlet and the reaction zone.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides an electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen from water using the aforementioned anode pad.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application.

[0019] This utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. Optimized flow field inlet and outlet shapes can effectively improve flow distribution, increase fluidity in corner areas, and thus improve the performance of the electrolyzer;

[0021] 2. The design of the flow guiding zone and flow guiding structure can reduce flow resistance, thereby reducing system energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a standard anode gasket.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an anode pad for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of an anode pad for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to this application.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow field and velocity of an anode pad for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer according to this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Flow field inlet and outlet, 11. Flow field inlet, 12. Flow field outlet, 2. Guide zone, 21. Inlet guide zone, 22. Outlet guide zone, 3. Guide structure, 31. Guide gap, 4. Reaction zone, 5. Anode gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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 examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided to make this application more complete and comprehensive, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a full understanding of embodiments of this application.

[0029] In proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, the anode gasket is a key component, primarily serving to guide fluid flow within the electrolyzer while also providing sealing and support. Its structural design significantly impacts the electrolyzer's performance and efficiency. Current technologies often suffer from uneven fluid distribution and high flow resistance in the anode gasket's flow field design. Improving the anode gasket's flow field structure can enhance the electrolysis efficiency and stability of the electrolyzer. Example 1

[0030] Reference Appendix Figures 2-4 As shown, this application provides an anode pad for a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, including a flow field inlet / outlet 1, a reaction zone 4, and further comprising:

[0031] A flow guiding zone 2 is located between the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4; the flow guiding zone 2 is connected to the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4 respectively.

[0032] A flow guiding structure 3 is regularly arranged in the flow guiding area 2, and the gap between adjacent flow guiding structures 3 forms a flow guiding gap 31;

[0033] The fluid flows along the guide gap 31 of the guide zone 2 between the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4.

[0034] Specifically, in this application, the anode gasket 5 is provided with a flow field inlet / outlet 1, a flow guiding area 2, a flow guiding structure 3, a reaction zone 4, and other structures.

[0035] The flow field inlet / outlet 1 is used for the inflow and outflow of fluid. The flow field inlet / outlet 1 penetrates the anode gasket 5 along its thickness direction.

[0036] The reaction zone 4 is used to fill the titanium mesh. The reaction zone 4 is an opening on the anode pad 5, forming a hollow area on the anode pad 5, into which the titanium mesh is filled. Fluid enters the reaction zone 4 and contacts the titanium mesh after passing through the guide zone 2 and the guide structure 3 disposed in the guide zone 2.

[0037] The flow guiding zone 2 is located between the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4, and is used to connect the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4. Fluid flows through the flow guiding zone 2 between the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4.

[0038] The flow guiding structure 3 is used to form a flow guiding gap 31, guiding the flow direction of the fluid in the flow guiding zone 2, and dispersing the fluid so that the fluid can enter and exit the reaction zone 4 evenly. Several flow guiding structures 3 are provided, regularly distributed within the flow guiding zone 2, and the gaps between adjacent flow guiding structures 3 form flow guiding gaps 31 for guiding the flow.

[0039] As an optional configuration, the flow field inlet / outlet 1 includes a flow field inlet 11 and a flow field outlet 12, and the flow guiding zone 2 includes an inlet flow guiding zone 21 and an outlet flow guiding zone 22. The inlet flow guiding zone 21 is located between the flow field inlet 11 and the reaction zone 4, and the outlet flow guiding zone 22 is located between the flow field outlet 12 and the reaction zone 4. The fluid flows sequentially along the flow field inlet 11, inlet flow guiding zone 21, reaction zone 4, outlet flow guiding zone 22, and flow field outlet 12.

[0040] As an alternative, the flow guiding area 2 is a groove provided on surface A of the anode pad 5. The anode pad 5 includes opposing surfaces A and B. The flow guiding area 2 is provided on surface A of the anode pad 5, and a groove is formed on surface A.

[0041] As an optional solution, the flow guiding structure 3 is columnar. The axis of the flow guiding structure 3 is perpendicular to the A-surface of the anode gasket 5. Besides guiding the flow direction, the columnar flow guiding structure 3 also provides support during installation, preventing the flow guiding area 2 of the anode gasket 5 from collapsing during installation. As a further preferred solution, the flow guiding structure 3 is cylindrical to minimize flow resistance. As a further preferred solution, the top surface of the flow guiding structure 3 is on the same plane as the A-surface of the anode gasket 5. To achieve better support, the top surface of the flow guiding structure 3 is coplanar with the A-surface of the anode gasket 5, so that during installation, parts that are in contact with the A-surface of the anode gasket 5 can simultaneously be in contact with the top surface of the flow guiding structure 3.

[0042] As an alternative, along the first direction, the width of the flow field inlet / outlet 1 is smaller than the width of the reaction zone 4. The guide zone 2 is funnel-shaped, with its two ends connected to the flow field inlet / outlet 1 and the reaction zone 4, respectively. The guide zone 2 is designed in a funnel shape to gradually increase the width of the flow cross-section from the width of the flow field inlet / outlet 1 to the width of the entire reaction zone 4, facilitating the introduction or export of fluid to or from the flow field inlet / outlet 1.

[0043] As an optional embodiment, the flow guiding structure 3 comprises multiple sets, arranged in a scattering array from the flow field inlet / outlet 1 towards the reaction zone 4. Within the same set, the flow guiding structures 3 are distributed along the same straight line from the flow field inlet / outlet 1 towards the reaction zone 4. The spacing between the flow guiding structures 3 within the same set is equal. The multiple sets of flow guiding structures 3 are distributed in a scattering pattern from the flow field inlet / outlet 1 towards the reaction zone 4. As a further preferred embodiment, each set contains the same number of flow guiding structures 3. The multiple sets of flow guiding structures 3 form several flow guiding gaps 31 within the flow guiding zone 2, minimizing flow resistance and thus reducing system energy consumption.

[0044] As an alternative, the sides of the flow field inlet / outlet 1 near the reaction zone 4 are arc-shaped. The basic shape of the flow field inlet 11 is "eye-shaped". The shape of the junction between the flow field inlet 11 and the inlet guide zone 21 is optimized through numerical simulation, with the standard deviation of the flow velocity within the titanium mesh of the reaction zone 4 as the optimization objective, to find the optimal shape with the smallest standard deviation. The optimized shape of the flow field inlet / outlet 1 can effectively improve the flow distribution, increase the fluidity in the corner areas, and thus improve the performance of the electrolyzer.

[0045] Reference Appendix Figure 4 As shown, the anode gasket 5 involved in this application can effectively improve the flow rate of fluid in the reaction zone 4, improve the flow distribution, increase the fluidity in the corner area, and the fluid can be evenly distributed in the guide zone 2, and then evenly enter the reaction zone 4, and the flow rate of the fluid in the reaction zone 4 is uniform. Example 2

[0046] This application provides a water electrolysis cell for hydrogen production using the aforementioned anode gasket 5. The water electrolysis cell using the anode gasket 5 effectively improves flow distribution and increases fluidity in corner areas, thereby enhancing the performance of the water electrolysis cell for hydrogen production. The design of the inlet and outlet guide zones 22 of the anode gasket 5 reduces flow resistance, thereby lowering system energy consumption.

[0047] The implementation principle of this application is as follows: several flow guiding structures are set in the inlet and outlet flow guiding zones, and the distribution of the flow guiding structures is optimized to reduce flow resistance and system energy consumption. At the same time, improving the shape of the inlet and outlet of the flow field can further improve the flow distribution, increase the fluidity in the corner areas, and thus improve the performance of the electrolyzer.

[0048] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be limited to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A proton exchange membrane electrolyser anode gasket comprising flow field inlet and outlet, reaction zone, characterised in that, Also comprising: a flow guide area arranged between the flow field inlet and outlet and the reaction area; the flow guide area is in communication with the flow field inlet and outlet and the reaction area respectively; a plurality of flow guide structures are regularly arranged in the flow guide area, and the gap between adjacent flow guide structures forms a flow guide gap; wherein the fluid flows along the flow guide gap of the flow guide area between the flow field inlet and outlet and the reaction area.

2. The anode gasket of claim 1, wherein The flow guide area is a groove arranged on the A surface of the anode gasket.

3. The anode gasket of claim 1, wherein The flow guide structure is columnar.

4. The anode gasket of claim 3, wherein The top surface of the flow guide structure is in the same plane as the A surface of the anode gasket.

5. The anode gasket of claim 1, wherein In the first direction, the width of the flow field inlet and outlet is smaller than the width of the reaction area, and the flow guide area is trumpet-shaped, with both ends connected to the flow field inlet and outlet and the reaction area respectively.

6. The anode gasket of claim 1, wherein The flow guide structure includes multiple groups, and the multiple groups of flow guide structures are scattered in an array from the flow field inlet direction to the reaction area direction.

7. The anode gasket of claim 6, wherein The number of flow guide structures in each group is the same.

8. The anode gasket of claim 1, wherein The side edge of the flow field inlet and outlet close to the reaction area is arc-shaped.

9. The anode gasket of claim 1, wherein The flow field inlet and outlet include a flow field inlet and a flow field outlet, and the flow guide area includes an inlet flow guide area and an outlet flow guide area, the inlet flow guide area is arranged between the flow field inlet and the reaction area, and the outlet flow guide area is arranged between the flow field outlet and the reaction area.

10. An electrolytic cell for electrolytic water hydrogen production using the anode gasket of any one of claims 1-9.

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