PEM electrolytic bath
By employing a multi-layer diffusion porous layer and a homogenized flow channel design in the PEM electrolyzer, the problem of uneven gas-water distribution under high current density was solved, enabling timely heat removal and improving the performance and lifespan of the electrolyzer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN GEESUN INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing PEM electrolyzers exhibit uneven gas-water distribution under high current density, leading to heat accumulation and affecting membrane electrode lifespan and stack performance.
It adopts a multi-layer diffusion porous layer structure and a homogenized flow channel design. Through the design of step-by-step diffusion and distribution zones, it ensures uniform distribution of water and gas, and sets multiple water outlets and hydrogen outlets to discharge heat in a timely manner.
It improves the uniformity of gas-water distribution, reduces heat generation, and ensures the performance and service life of the electrolyzer, especially effectively managing heat dissipation under high current density.
Smart Images
Figure CN224133196U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and in particular to a PEM electrolyzer. Background Technology
[0002] A PEM electrolyzer (proton exchange membrane electrolyzer) is a technology that uses an electrochemical process to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) as the electrolyte and can efficiently perform water electrolysis at relatively low temperatures.
[0003] In existing PEM electrolyzers, uneven gas-water distribution occurs under high current density conditions, resulting in higher gas and heat generation. Since the thermal conductivity of gas is low, water flow is needed to remove the generated gas and heat in a timely manner. Uneven water flow distribution leads to heat accumulation inside the stack, which in turn reduces the lifespan of the membrane electrode and degrades the performance of the stack. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a PEM electrolyzer that improves the uniformity of gas-water distribution, reduces heat generation, and ensures timely heat discharge, thereby guaranteeing the performance and service life of the electrolyzer.
[0005] The embodiments of this application can be implemented as follows:
[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a PEM electrolytic cell, comprising stacked anode plates, anode frames, CCM, cathode frames, and cathode plates;
[0007] The inner side of the anode frame has a first diffusion porous layer and a second diffusion porous layer stacked together, and the first diffusion porous layer is closer to the anode plate than the second diffusion porous layer;
[0008] The cathode frame has a stacked third diffusion porous layer and a fourth diffusion porous layer on its inner side, and the third diffusion porous layer is further away from the cathode plate than the fourth diffusion porous layer.
[0009] The anode plate has a homogenizing channel on the side near the cathode plate. The anode plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the homogenizing channel. The cathode plate is provided with a hydrogen outlet.
[0010] In an optional embodiment, the porosity of the first diffused porous layer gradually decreases along the direction from the anode plate to the CCM;
[0011] And / or,
[0012] Along the direction from the cathode plate to the CCM, the porosity of the fourth diffuse porous layer gradually decreases.
[0013] In an optional embodiment, the first diffused porous layer and / or the fourth diffused porous layer are formed by sintering a multilayer stretched titanium mesh;
[0014] In two adjacent layers of stretched titanium mesh, the porosity of the layer closer to the CCM is less than that of the layer farther away from the CCM.
[0015] In an optional embodiment, the second diffused porous layer is a titanium felt;
[0016] And / or,
[0017] The third diffusion porous layer is carbon paper and coated with a hydrophobic layer;
[0018] and / or;
[0019] The number of water inlets is one, and the number of water outlets is two;
[0020] And / or,
[0021] The opposite sides of the anode plate and the cathode plate are made of titanium TA1 material and are covered with a platinum coating.
[0022] In an optional embodiment, the cathode plate also has the homogenizing channel on the side facing the anode plate, and the homogenizing channel is connected to the hydrogen outlet.
[0023] In an optional embodiment, the hydrogen outlet is located at both ends of the homogenization channel on the cathode plate.
[0024] In an optional embodiment, the homogenizing channel includes a first distribution area, a parallel channel area, and a second distribution area connected in sequence. The first distribution area and the second distribution area have a plurality of first protrusions distributed in a dot matrix. The parallel channel area is composed of a plurality of parallel grooves.
[0025] On the anode plate, the inlet is connected to the first distribution area, and the second distribution area is connected to the outlet.
[0026] On the cathode plate, the first distribution area and the second distribution area are respectively connected to at least one of the hydrogen outlet ports.
[0027] In an optional embodiment, on the anode plate, the water inlet is connected to the first distribution area through a water inlet grille composed of multiple parallel grooves; the second distribution area is connected to the water outlet through a water outlet grille composed of multiple parallel grooves.
[0028] And / or,
[0029] On the cathode plate, both the first distribution area and the second distribution area are connected to the hydrogen outlet through a hydrogen outlet grid composed of multiple parallel grooves.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, the anode frame, the CCM, the cathode frame, and the cathode plate are each provided with a first through hole corresponding to the water inlet, a second through hole corresponding to the water outlet, and a third through hole corresponding to the hydrogen outlet; the water inlet is sequentially connected to each of the corresponding first through holes to form a water inlet channel, the water outlet is sequentially connected to each of the corresponding second through holes to form a water outlet channel, and the hydrogen outlet is sequentially connected to each of the corresponding third through holes to form a hydrogen outlet channel.
[0031] In an optional embodiment, an electrode plate sealing gasket is provided between the anode plate and the anode frame, and between the cathode plate and the cathode frame. An electrode frame sealing gasket is provided between the anode frame and the cathode frame and the CCM, respectively. The electrode plate sealing gasket and the electrode frame sealing gasket are made of fluororubber.
[0032] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include, for example:
[0033] The homogenization channel allows water entering from the inlet to undergo initial dispersion and homogenization on the anode plate. Then, the water on the anode plate undergoes secondary and tertiary dispersion and homogenization sequentially through the first and second diffusion porous layers. This multi-layered dispersion and homogenization results in a more uniform distribution of water reaching the anode side surface of the CCM. The remaining water is discharged from the outlet. Oxygen generated on the cathode side of the CCM is also dispersed and homogenized through the third and fourth diffusion porous layers before being discharged from the hydrogen outlet. This improves the uniformity of gas-water distribution, reduces heat generation, and ensures timely heat removal, thereby guaranteeing the performance and service life of the electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description
[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0035] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the PEM electrolyzer of an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams of the anode plate;
[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle anode plate (Part 2);
[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams of the cathode plate;
[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the central cathode plate (Part 2);
[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the anode frame or cathode frame.
[0041] Icons: 1-Anode plate; 2-Anode frame; 3-First diffusion porous layer; 4-Second diffusion porous layer; 5-CCM; 6-Third diffusion porous layer; 7-Fourth diffusion porous layer; 8-Cathode frame; 9-Cathode plate; 10-Electrode plate sealing gasket; 11-Electrode frame sealing gasket; 12-Inlet; 13-Outlet; 14-Hydrogen outlet; 15-First distribution zone; 16-Second distribution zone; 17-Parallel flow channel zone; 18-Inlet grid; 19-Outlet grid; 20-Hydrogen outlet grid; 21-Electrode plate sealing groove; 22-Electrode frame sealing groove; 23-First through hole; 24-Second through hole; 25-Third through hole; 26-Homogenization channel. Detailed Implementation
[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0043] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0044] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0046] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0047] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0048] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 6 This application provides a detailed description of some embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.
[0049] This application discloses a PEM electrolytic cell, including a stacked anode plate 1, an anode frame 2, a CCM 5, a cathode frame 8, and a cathode plate 9;
[0050] The inner side of the anode frame 2 has a first diffusion porous layer 3 and a second diffusion porous layer 4 stacked together. The first diffusion porous layer 3 is closer to the anode plate 1 than the second diffusion porous layer 4.
[0051] The cathode frame 8 has a stacked third diffusion porous layer 6 and a fourth diffusion porous layer 7 on its inner side. The third diffusion porous layer 6 is further away from the cathode plate 9 than the fourth diffusion porous layer 7.
[0052] The anode plate 1 has a homogenization channel 26 on the side near the cathode plate 9. The anode plate 1 is provided with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the homogenization channel 26. The cathode plate 9 is provided with a hydrogen outlet 14.
[0053] In this way, the water entering from the inlet 12 can be initially dispersed and homogenized on the anode plate 1 through the homogenization channel 26. Then, the water on the anode plate 1 undergoes secondary and tertiary dispersion and homogenization through the first diffusion porous layer 3 and the second diffusion porous layer 4 in sequence. The multi-layer dispersion and homogenization makes the water reaching the anode side surface of CCM5 more evenly distributed. The remaining water is discharged from the outlet hole. The oxygen generated on the cathode side of CCM5 is also dispersed and homogenized through the third diffusion porous layer 6 and the fourth porous layer before being discharged from the hydrogen outlet 14. This improves the uniformity of gas and water distribution, reduces heat generation, and ensures timely heat discharge, thereby ensuring the performance and service life of the electrolyzer.
[0054] In this embodiment, along the direction from the anode plate 1 to CCM5, the porosity of the first diffused porous layer 3 gradually decreases, further improving the water flow homogenization effect. The porosity of the fourth diffused porous layer 7 gradually increases, improving the airflow homogenization effect.
[0055] Specifically, the first diffusion porous layer 3 and / or the fourth diffusion porous layer 7 are formed by sintering multiple layers of stretched titanium mesh to create a robust whole with a certain porosity. This material possesses high strength, corrosion resistance, and diffusion properties.
[0056] In two adjacent layers of stretched titanium mesh, the porosity of the layer closer to CCM5 is less than that of the layer farther from CCM5, so as to play a role in the stepwise diffusion of water flow and air flow.
[0057] The second diffusion porous layer 4 is titanium felt; the third diffusion porous layer 6 is carbon paper and coated with a hydrophobic layer, which can timely drain the transmembrane water passing through the proton exchange membrane to the cathode.
[0058] In this embodiment, there is one inlet 12 and two outlets 13. By increasing the number of outlets 13, the maximum flow rate of the water is increased. This allows the water and oxygen mixture to be discharged smoothly from the outlets 13, reducing flow resistance, thereby reducing pressure drop, improving water flow uniformity and flowability, which is more conducive to reducing heat dissipation and heat removal, and also facilitates oxygen discharge, thereby improving hydrogen production efficiency and mass transfer efficiency.
[0059] The opposite sides of the anode plate 1 and cathode plate 9 are made of titanium TA1 and coated with a platinum layer. Titanium TA1 has excellent corrosion resistance, especially in strong acid, alkali, and oxidizing environments. This makes it ideal for use in various corrosive media encountered during water electrolysis. Titanium is not only strong but also lightweight, helping to reduce the overall weight of the electrolytic cell while maintaining structural stability. Platinum is a highly efficient electrocatalyst, particularly suitable for promoting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER, at the anode) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER, at the cathode) in water electrolysis. The platinum coating significantly improves the catalytic activity of the electrode surface, thereby enhancing overall electrolysis efficiency. It also exhibits excellent chemical stability and durability, maintaining its catalytic performance during long-term operation and reducing maintenance costs and downtime due to electrode failure.
[0060] The cathode plate 9 also has a homogenization channel 26 facing the anode plate 1. The homogenization channel 26 is connected to the hydrogen outlet 14 to ensure that the incoming water or generated hydrogen can be evenly distributed on the entire electrode surface and guided to the hydrogen outlet 14 through these channels. This design not only helps to collect hydrogen, but also effectively removes moisture that may accumulate on the electrode surface, preventing excessive moisture from affecting the purity and yield of hydrogen.
[0061] Hydrogen outlets 14 are located at both ends of the homogenization channel 26 on the cathode plate 9, ensuring that hydrogen gas in the channel is discharged from both directions at the same time, avoiding local accumulation or flow stagnation, and can increase the discharge flow rate of water and hydrogen gas, reduce flow resistance and pressure drop, thereby improving water and gas permeability.
[0062] Specifically, the homogenizing channel 26 includes a first distribution zone 15, a parallel channel zone 17, and a second distribution zone 16 connected in sequence. The first distribution zone 15 and the second distribution zone 16 have multiple first protrusions distributed in an array. The parallel channel zone 17 is composed of multiple parallel grooves. On the anode plate 1, the inlet 12 is connected to the first distribution zone 15, and the second distribution zone 16 is connected to the outlet 13. On the cathode plate 9, the first distribution zone 15 and the second distribution zone 16 are respectively connected to at least one hydrogen outlet 14. In this way, the fluid is dispersed and homogenized by the array of first and second protrusions.
[0063] On the anode plate 1, the inlet 12 is connected to the first distribution zone 15 through an inlet grid 18 composed of multiple parallel grooves, so as to introduce water flow from the inlet 12 into the homogenization channel 26. The second distribution zone 16 is connected to the outlet 13 through an outlet grid 19 composed of multiple parallel grooves, so as to introduce unreacted water and generated oxygen into the outlet 13 for discharge.
[0064] On the cathode plate 9, the first distribution zone 15 and the second distribution zone 16 are both connected to the hydrogen outlet 14 through a hydrogen outlet grid 20 composed of multiple parallel grooves, so as to introduce water and hydrogen into the hydrogen outlet 14 for discharge.
[0065] The anode frame 2, CCM5, cathode frame 8, and cathode plate 9 are all provided with a first through hole 23 corresponding to the water inlet 12, a second through hole 24 corresponding to the water outlet 13, and a third through hole 25 corresponding to the hydrogen outlet 14. The water inlet 12 is connected to each of the corresponding first through holes 23 in sequence to form a water inlet channel, and the water outlet 13 is connected to each of the corresponding second through holes 24 in sequence to form a water outlet channel. In this way, the water flow can pass through both sides of the PEM electrolyzer, improving the heat absorption efficiency. The hydrogen outlet 14 is connected to each of the corresponding third through holes 25 in sequence to form a hydrogen outlet channel.
[0066] An electrode sealing gasket 10 is provided between the anode plate 1 and the anode frame 2, and between the cathode plate 9 and the cathode frame 8. An electrode frame sealing gasket 11 is provided between the anode frame 2 and the cathode frame 8 and the CCM5, respectively. Fluid leakage is prevented through the sealing gaskets. The sealing gaskets are made of fluororubber, which has good compression resilience and corrosion resistance.
[0067] The electrode sealing gasket 10 can be installed by setting electrode sealing grooves 21 on the anode plate 1 and cathode plate 9, and then inserting the electrode sealing gasket 10 into the electrode sealing grooves 21. The electrode frame sealing gasket 11 can be installed by setting electrode frame sealing grooves 22 on the opposite sides of the anode frame 2 and cathode frame 8, and then inserting the electrode frame into the electrode frame sealing grooves 22. It should be noted that the sealing gaskets also seal the holes to prevent fluid from overflowing from the periphery of the holes and to prevent fluid between layers from entering the holes. At the same time, they ensure the flow of water inlet 12, homogenization channel 26 and outlet 13, as well as the flow of homogenization channel 26 and hydrogen outlet 14. Therefore, the electrode sealing gasket 10 near the anode plate 1 has a third through hole 25, and the electrode sealing gasket 10 near the cathode plate 9 has a first through hole 23 and a second through hole 24.
[0068] The PEM electrolyzers described in the above embodiments have been proven feasible through testing, with the maximum temperature rise of a 1-cubic-meter electrolyzer at a current density of 3A / cm² not exceeding 5°C.
[0069] In summary, this application discloses a PEM electrolyzer with a simple structure, low processing cost, and significant improvement in the uniformity of water flow distribution. It can also ensure good water flow distribution uniformity and water flow permeability even at high current densities, and can effectively improve the thermal management efficiency of the electrolyzer.
[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A PEM electrolytic cell, characterized in that, It includes stacked anode plate (1), anode frame (2), CCM (5), cathode frame (8) and cathode plate (9); The anode frame (2) has a first diffusion porous layer (3) and a second diffusion porous layer (4) stacked inside it. The first diffusion porous layer (3) is closer to the anode plate (1) than the second diffusion porous layer (4). The cathode frame (8) has a stacked third diffusion porous layer (6) and a fourth diffusion porous layer (7) on its inner side, and the third diffusion porous layer (6) is further away from the cathode plate (9) than the fourth diffusion porous layer (7). The anode plate (1) has a homogenization channel (26) on the side near the cathode plate (9). The anode plate (1) is provided with an inlet (12) and an outlet (13). The inlet (12) and the outlet (13) are respectively connected to the two ends of the homogenization channel (26). The cathode plate (9) is provided with a hydrogen outlet (14).
2. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, Along the direction from the anode plate (1) to the CCM (5), the porosity of the first diffused porous layer (3) gradually decreases; And / or, Along the direction from the cathode plate (9) to the CCM (5), the porosity of the fourth diffuse porous layer (7) gradually decreases.
3. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 2, wherein, The first diffused porous layer (3) and / or the fourth diffused porous layer (7) are formed by sintering a multilayer stretched titanium mesh; In two adjacent layers of stretched titanium mesh, the porosity of the layer closer to the CCM (5) is less than that of the layer farther away from the CCM (5).
4. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The second diffused porous layer (4) is a titanium felt; And / or, The third diffusion porous layer (6) is carbon paper and coated with a hydrophobic layer; and / or; The number of inlets (12) is one, and the number of outlets (13) is two; And / or, The opposite sides of the anode plate (1) and the cathode plate (9) are made of titanium TA1 material and are covered with a platinum coating.
5. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The cathode plate (9) also has the homogenization channel (26) on the side facing the anode plate (1), and the homogenization channel (26) is connected to the hydrogen outlet (14).
6. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 5, wherein, The cathode plate (9) has hydrogen outlets (14) at both ends of the homogenization channel (26).
7. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 6, wherein, The homogenizing channel (26) includes a first distribution area (15), a parallel channel area (17), and a second distribution area (16) connected in sequence. The first distribution area (15) and the second distribution area (16) have multiple first protrusions distributed in an array. The parallel channel area (17) is composed of multiple parallel grooves. On the anode plate (1), the inlet (12) is connected to the first distribution area (15), and the second distribution area (16) is connected to the outlet (13); On the cathode plate (9), the first distribution area (15) and the second distribution area (16) are respectively connected to at least one of the hydrogen outlets (14).
8. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 7, wherein, On the anode plate (1), the inlet (12) is connected to the first distribution area (15) through an inlet grid (18) formed by multiple parallel grooves; the second distribution area (16) is connected to the outlet (13) through an outlet grid (19) formed by multiple parallel grooves. And / or, On the cathode plate (9), the first distribution area (15) and the second distribution area (16) are both connected to the hydrogen outlet (14) through a hydrogen outlet grid (20) formed by multiple parallel grooves.
9. The PEM electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode frame (2), the CCM (5), the cathode frame (8), and the cathode plate (9) are each provided with a first through hole (23) corresponding to the water inlet (12), a second through hole (24) corresponding to the water outlet (13), and a third through hole (25) corresponding to the hydrogen outlet (14); the water inlet (12) is sequentially connected to each of the corresponding first through holes (23) to form a water inlet channel, the water outlet (13) is sequentially connected to each of the corresponding second through holes (24) to form a water outlet channel, and the hydrogen outlet (14) is sequentially connected to each of the corresponding third through holes (25) to form a hydrogen outlet channel.
10. The PEM electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, An electrode sealing gasket (10) is provided between the anode plate (1) and the anode frame (2) and between the cathode plate (9) and the cathode frame (8). An electrode frame sealing gasket (11) is provided between the anode frame (2) and the cathode frame (8) and the CCM (5). The electrode sealing gasket (10) and the electrode frame sealing gasket (11) are made of fluororubber.