An integrated electrode plate frame for PEM electrolyzers with high sealing and flow conductivity
By setting a sealing ring and a flow guide groove in the integrated electrode plate frame of the PEM electrolyzer, the problems of cross-contamination of anode and cathode, cross-contamination of water, gas leakage, water leakage and dead volume of the flow field are solved, achieving high sealing performance and flow guidance, and improving the stability and efficiency of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJIAN TAIMAI HYDROGEN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing PEM electrolytic cells with integrated electrode plates and frames are prone to problems such as cross-contamination of the cathode and anode, cross-contamination of water, gas leakage, water leakage, and dead volume in the flow field under high pressure differential working environment.
An electrode plate frame with high sealing and flow guiding properties was designed. A sealing ring is set on the stepped surface of the electrode plate frame, and a groove is provided on the outer ring to install the sealing ring. A wide groove and narrow ridge design is adopted in the flow guiding groove. The water outlet and air outlet are symmetrically distributed and fastened with bolts to ensure sealing and flow guiding properties.
It effectively prevents air and water leakage between the anode and cathode, reduces air and water leakage, avoids dead volume in the flow field, improves assembly efficiency, reduces the parasitic energy consumption of the pump, and enhances the stability and sealing of the overall structure.
Smart Images
Figure CN224430740U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolytic cell with high sealing and flow conductivity. Background Technology
[0002] Hydrogen is a chemical raw material, with the largest consumer of hydrogen being ammonia synthesis, accounting for approximately 60% of the world's hydrogen production. Due to its excellent reducing properties and lack of pollution, hydrogen can replace carbon as a reducing agent in metal smelting. Furthermore, hydrogen can be used in fiber optic fiber production, metal cutting and welding, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and distributed power generation, exhibiting significant advantages, particularly in hydrogen fuel cells and distributed energy systems. Hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen as feedstock to produce electricity and water, with zero emissions and no pollution, making them a crucial technological support for future green transportation and energy transition. Hydrogen fuel cells are already widely used in automobiles, public transportation, ships, and backup power supplies.
[0003] PEM water electrolysis is a commonly used method for hydrogen production, and the PEM water electrolyzer is the core equipment of this technology. Early PEM electrolyzers typically used two electrode frames, arranged opposite each other, but this was cumbersome and costly to assemble. Therefore, integrated electrode frames are now more commonly used for hydrogen production. However, these integrated electrode frames have several problems: 1. They are prone to cross-contamination of gas and water between the anode and cathode in high-pressure differential environments; 2. They are prone to gas and water leakage in high-pressure differential environments; 3. Dead volumes can easily form at the four corners of the membrane electrode cavity. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects and provide an integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolytic cell with high sealing and flow conductivity.
[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] An integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity includes an electrode plate frame body; the electrode plate frame body is hollow, with an anode side and a cathode side formed on the front and back sides respectively; the anode side has a recessed, annular first step surface and a second step surface in the middle; the first step surface is located inside the second step surface, and its horizontal plane is lower than the second step surface; the first step surface is used to install a first sealing ring; the second step surface is used to place a membrane electrode assembly; the outer rings of both sides of the electrode plate frame body are provided with grooves, and the grooves are used to install a second sealing ring; the electrode plate has at least two water passage holes; the electrode plate has several hydrogen passage holes.
[0007] Preferably, the water passage is provided with a water flow guide groove on the anode side; the water flow guide groove includes multiple slots with an overall fan shape, each slot includes a groove, and a ridge is provided between adjacent grooves, the width of the groove is greater than the ridge.
[0008] Preferably, the hydrogen-passing through hole is provided with a hydrogen-passing guide groove on the cathode side; the hydrogen-passing guide groove includes multiple slots with an overall fan shape, each slot includes a groove, and a ridge is provided between adjacent grooves, the width of the groove is greater than the ridge.
[0009] Preferably, the electrode plate body is rectangular; there are two water passage holes, symmetrically distributed at the center of the two long sides of the electrode plate; there are two hydrogen passage holes, symmetrically distributed at the center of the two short sides of the electrode plate.
[0010] Preferably, bolt mounting holes are provided on both sides of the water passage hole and on both sides of the hydrogen passage hole; bolt mounting holes are provided at the four corners of the electrode plate frame.
[0011] Preferably, both the water passage and the hydrogen passage are provided with positioning holes at their centers.
[0012] Preferably, the electrode plate frame body forms a membrane electrode cavity on the anode side and the cathode side; the aspect ratio of the membrane electrode cavity cross section is 1.25-1:1.
[0013] Preferably, the area of the electrode cavity on the anode side is larger than the area on the cathode side.
[0014] Preferably, both the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring have chamfers at the corners.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0016] 1. Setting the first step surface: A groove is set at the step to place the sealing ring and prevent gas and water leakage between the cathode and anode. The groove / sealing ring is located at the center of the step, so that the membrane electrode will not roll up due to insufficient space after crossing the sealing ring during assembly, thus affecting the sealing performance. The sealing ring is chamfered at all corners to enhance the mechanical strength of the sealing ring, its matching with the groove, and its sealing function.
[0017] 2. The outer rings on both sides of the electrode plate frame are provided with grooves for installing the second sealing ring; the outer rings are provided with sealing grooves to prevent water and air leakage. The same sealing rings are used on both sides of the electrode frame, reducing the types of sealing rings and improving assembly efficiency. The sealing rings are chamfered at the corners to enhance their mechanical strength, fit with the grooves, and sealing function.
[0018] III. Characteristics of the flow guiding groove: The design features wide grooves and narrow ridges, which facilitates flow guidance. The overall shape is fan-shaped; its key feature is that the outermost groove guides flow through an arc shape, avoiding the formation of dead volumes in the four corners of the membrane electrode cavity.
[0019] IV. Distribution of Guide Channels: The hydrogen and oxygen / inlet / outlet ports are located at the center of the four sides. The guide channel positions are symmetrical, providing foolproof and mis-installation prevention. The oxygen / inlet / outlet ports are located at the center of the long side, resulting in a shorter distance between the inlet and outlet ports, which is conducive to water flow and reduces the parasitic energy consumption of the pump.
[0020] V. Distribution of Fastening Bolts: Fastening bolts are added to both sides and four corners of the guide channel. Adding fastening bolts to both sides of the guide channel helps to enhance its sealing performance, while adding fastening bolts to the four corners helps to enhance the stability and sealing of the overall structure.
[0021] VI. The length-to-width ratio of the membrane electrode cavity should be limited to between 1.25 and 1. A near-square membrane electrode cavity helps to avoid the formation of dead volume in the flow field.
[0022] 7. Positioning holes are designed at the center of the elongated through holes on the four sides of the electrode frame to achieve the integrated function of the through hole main channel and assembly positioning.
[0023] 8. The area of the electrode cavity on the anode side is larger than that on the cathode side, which helps to compensate for the kinetic limitation of the relatively slow oxidation of anodic water. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the anode side of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anode side of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cathode side of this utility model.
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode side of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To make the objectives and technical solutions of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0029] like Figures 1-4The diagram illustrates an integrated electrode frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity. It includes an electrode frame body 1. The electrode frame is hollow, with an anode side and a cathode side formed on its front and back sides, respectively. The anode side has a recessed, annular first step surface 11 and a second step surface 12 in the middle. The first step surface 11 is located inside the second step surface 12, and its horizontal plane is lower than the second step surface 12. The first step surface is used to install a first sealing ring (not shown in the diagram). The first step surface has a groove at the step for placing the sealing ring, preventing gas and water leakage between the anode and cathode. The groove / sealing ring is located at the center of the step, ensuring that the membrane electrode does not roll up due to insufficient space after crossing the sealing ring during assembly, thus maintaining sealing performance. The sealing ring has chamfered corners to enhance its mechanical strength, compatibility with the groove, and sealing function.
[0030] The second stepped surface is used to place the membrane electrode assembly (not shown in the figure); the outer rings on both sides of the electrode plate frame are provided with grooves 13, which are used to install the second sealing ring (not shown in the figure); the outer ring is provided with sealing grooves to prevent water and air leakage.
[0031] In this embodiment, the same sealing ring is used on both sides of the electrode frame, reducing the types of sealing rings and improving assembly efficiency. The sealing rings are chamfered at the corners to enhance their mechanical strength, fit with the grooves, and sealing function.
[0032] The electrode plate body is provided with at least two water passage holes 2; the electrode plate is provided with several hydrogen passage holes 3; the water passage holes 2 are provided with water guiding grooves 21 on the anode side; the water guiding grooves include multiple slots with an overall fan shape, each slot includes a groove, and a ridge is provided between adjacent grooves, the width of the groove is greater than the ridge; its important feature is that the outermost groove guides the flow through an arc shape, avoiding the formation of dead volumes in the flow field at the four corners of the membrane electrode cavity.
[0033] One of the water inlet channels is used for water intake, and the other is used for water and oxygen output. Due to its symmetrical design, it has the functions of preventing mistake-proofing and incorrect installation.
[0034] The hydrogen passage 3 has a hydrogen flow channel 31 on the cathode side; the hydrogen flow channel includes multiple slots with an overall fan shape, each slot includes a groove, and a ridge is provided between adjacent grooves, the width of the groove is greater than the ridge.
[0035] Preferably, the electrode plate is rectangular; there are two water passage holes 2, symmetrically distributed at the center of the two long sides of the electrode plate; the oxygen outlet / water inlet / outlet is set at the center of the long side, so that the distance between the inlet and outlet is short, which is conducive to water flow and reduces the parasitic energy consumption of the pump.
[0036] The hydrogen passage can be one, located at the center of any short side of the electrode plate. In this embodiment, there are two, symmetrically distributed at the center of the two short sides of the electrode plate.
[0037] Preferably, bolt mounting holes are provided on both sides of the water passage hole and on both sides of the hydrogen passage hole; bolt mounting holes are provided at the four corners of the electrode plate frame.
[0038] Preferably, both the water passage hole and the hydrogen passage hole are provided with a positioning hole 5 at their center.
[0039] Preferably, the electrode plate frame forms a membrane electrode cavity on the anode side and the cathode side; the aspect ratio of the membrane electrode cavity cross section is 1.25-1:1.
[0040] Preferably, the area of the electrode cavity on the anode side is larger than the area on the cathode side.
[0041] Preferably, both the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring have chamfers at the corners.
[0042] The aspect ratio of the membrane electrode cavity is 1.25-1:1; the near-square membrane electrode cavity helps to avoid the formation of dead volume in the flow field.
[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0045] All components used in this utility model are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.
[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity, comprising an electrode plate frame body, characterized in that: The electrode plate frame body is hollow, with the anode side and cathode side formed on the front and back sides, respectively. The anode side has a recessed, annular first step surface and a second step surface in the middle; the first step surface is located inside the second step surface, and its horizontal plane is lower than the second step surface; the first step surface is used to install the first sealing ring; the second step surface is used to place the membrane electrode assembly. The outer rings on both sides of the electrode plate frame body are provided with grooves, which are used to install the second sealing ring. The electrode plate is provided with at least two water passage holes; The electrode plate is provided with several hydrogen passage holes.
2. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water passage is provided with a water flow guide groove on the anode side; the water flow guide groove includes multiple slots with an overall fan shape, each slot includes a groove, and a ridge is provided between adjacent grooves, the width of the groove is greater than the ridge. The hydrogen-passing through hole has a hydrogen-passing guide groove on the cathode side; the hydrogen-passing guide groove includes multiple slots with an overall fan shape, each slot includes a groove, and a ridge is provided between adjacent grooves, the width of the groove is greater than the ridge.
3. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode plate is rectangular; There are two water passage holes, symmetrically distributed at the center of the two long sides of the electrode plate; There are two hydrogen passage holes, symmetrically distributed at the center of the two short sides of the electrode plate.
4. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 3, characterized in that: Bolt mounting holes are provided on both sides of the water passage hole, and bolt mounting holes are provided on both sides of the hydrogen passage hole; The electrode plate frame body has bolt mounting holes at its four corners.
5. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: Both the water passage and the hydrogen passage are provided with positioning holes at their centers.
6. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode plate frame body forms a membrane electrode cavity on the anode side and the cathode side; The aspect ratio of the membrane electrode cavity cross section is 1.25-1:
1.
7. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area of the electrode cavity on the anode side is larger than the area on the cathode side.
8. The integrated electrode plate frame for a PEM electrolyzer with high sealing and flow conductivity according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second sealing rings have chamfered corners.