Positive end plate and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer

Abstract

The application relates to a positive electrode end plate and a proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell. The positive electrode end plate comprises an end plate body, a plurality of water inlets, a plurality of water inlet flow channels, a plurality of water outlets, a plurality of sealing grooves and a plurality of sealing rings. The plurality of water inlets are arranged on the side wall of the end plate body. The plurality of water inlet flow channels are arranged in the end plate body and are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of water inlets. The plurality of water outlets are arranged on the end face of the end plate body and are in correspondence with the one ends of the plurality of water inlet flow channels away from the water inlets. The plurality of sealing grooves are arranged on the end face of the end plate body, and each sealing groove surrounds the outer circumferential side of the corresponding water outlet. The plurality of sealing rings are arranged in the corresponding sealing grooves. The positive electrode end plate builds a fluid transmission path from the side wall water inlet, the water inlet flow channel in the end plate body to the end face water outlet. The fluid transmission path is located in the positive electrode end plate, avoids the complex connection structure caused by external pipelines, and reduces the influence of external connection on the structural stability of the positive electrode end plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water electrolysis technology, and in particular to a positive electrode plate and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a promising secondary energy source, has demonstrated tremendous application prospects due to its high energy density, wide range of sources and uses, and potential for large-scale energy storage. "Green hydrogen" produced through water electrolysis can achieve zero carbon emissions in hydrogen production. Among various water electrolysis hydrogen production technologies, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis not only offers rapid start-up and shutdown and adjustable load, but also allows for flexible integration with renewable energy power generation systems such as wind and solar power, achieving highly efficient energy utilization.

[0003] In related technologies, proton exchange membrane electrolyzers include positive and negative current collectors, positive and negative end plates, and bipolar plates. The inlet of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is typically connected to an external pipe via a pipe thread and sealed with a large-sized gasket. However, leakage is prone to occur at the external interface, and the gasket is susceptible to misalignment, twisting, or even detachment during stacking and installation. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a positive electrode plate and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to address the problem of leakage at the external interface.

[0005] This application provides a positive terminal plate, the positive terminal plate comprising:

[0006] End plate body;

[0007] Multiple water inlets are located on the side wall of the end plate body;

[0008] Multiple water inlet channels are provided in the end plate body and are connected to the multiple water inlets one by one;

[0009] Multiple water outlets are provided on the end face of the end plate body and are connected to the ends of the multiple water inlet channels opposite to the water inlet.

[0010] Multiple sealing grooves are provided on the end face of the end plate body, and each sealing groove surrounds the outer periphery of the corresponding water outlet;

[0011] Multiple sealing rings are disposed in the corresponding sealing grooves.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water inlet channel includes a first section and a second section that are connected to each other. The end of the first section opposite to the second section is connected to the water inlet, and the end of the second section opposite to the first section is connected to the water outlet. The first section is parallel to the end face of the end plate body, and the second section is perpendicular to the end face of the end plate body.

[0013] In one embodiment, a limiting groove is provided on the end face of the end plate body, and the water outlet is located on the groove wall arranged along the thickness direction of the end plate body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sealing ring is a star-shaped sealing ring.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water inlet is a tapered threaded interface, with the large end of the tapered threaded interface facing outward and the small end connected to the water inlet channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first end face of the end plate body includes a first region and a second region circumferentially surrounding the first region. The first region is provided with a limiting groove, and the second region is provided with a connecting hole for a locking member for connecting the positive end plate and the negative end plate to pass through.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second end face of the end plate body is provided with a countersunk hole communicating with the connecting hole, the countersunk hole being used to accommodate the bolt head of the locking member, wherein the first end face and the second end face are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the end plate body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the limiting groove is provided with a positioning hole extending along the thickness direction of the end plate body, the positioning hole being used for the positioning rod for positioning the positive end plate and the negative end plate to pass through.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the end plate body includes a first sidewall disposed opposite to each other and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other. The first sidewall is provided with the water inlet, and the second sidewall is provided with a lifting hole.

[0020] This application also provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, including a negative terminal plate, a locking member, and a positive terminal plate as described in any of the above, wherein the locking member connects the positive terminal plate and the negative terminal plate.

[0021] The aforementioned positive end plate has multiple water inlets located on the sidewall of the end plate body. Simultaneously, a water inlet channel, corresponding to and connected to each water inlet, is formed within the end plate body. The end of the water inlet channel opposite to the water inlet is connected to a water outlet on the end face of the end plate body, thus constructing a fluid transmission path from water entering through the sidewall, passing through the water inlet channel within the end plate body, to water exiting through the end face. This fluid transmission path is located within the positive end plate, avoiding the complex connection structure problems caused by external piping and reducing the impact of external connections on the structural stability of the positive end plate.

[0022] Meanwhile, by setting a sealing groove around each outlet circumferentially on the end face of the end plate body and assembling a sealing ring in the sealing groove, each outlet can have independent sealing protection. Compared with existing large-size sealing gaskets, this application not only improves the reliability of the sealing of each outlet and reduces the risk of leakage, but also prevents the sealing components from being misaligned, twisted, or falling off during the stacking and assembly of the electrolytic cell. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the positive end plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the positive end plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the positive end plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking member provided in the embodiment of this application, in which the bolt head is located in the countersunk hole of the positive end plate.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 100. Positive end plate; 110. End plate body; 111. First end face; 112. Second end face; 113. First side wall; 1131. Inlet; 114. Second side wall; 1141. Lifting hole; 120. Limiting groove; 121. Outlet; 130. Connecting hole; 140. Countersunk hole; 150. Positioning hole;

[0030] 200. Inlet channel; 210. First section; 220. Second section;

[0031] 300. Sealing groove;

[0032] 400, negative extreme plate;

[0033] 500. Locking components;

[0034] 600. Positive current collector;

[0035] 700. Negative current collector;

[0036] 800, bipolar plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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 of this application.

[0039] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0042] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0043] This application provides a positive end plate 100, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the positive end plate 100 includes an end plate body 110, multiple inlets 1131, multiple inlet channels 200, multiple outlets 121, multiple sealing grooves 300, and multiple sealing rings. The multiple inlets 1131 are located on the side wall of the end plate body 110; the multiple inlet channels 200 are located inside the end plate body 110 and are connected to the multiple inlets 1131 one by one; the multiple outlets 121 are located on the end face of the end plate body 110 and are connected to the end of the outer peripheral inlet channel 200 opposite to the inlet 1131; the multiple sealing grooves 300 are located on the end face of the end plate body 110, and each sealing groove 300 surrounds the outer peripheral side of the corresponding outlet 121; the multiple sealing rings are located in the corresponding sealing grooves 300.

[0044] The aforementioned positive end plate 100 has multiple water inlets 1131 disposed on the side wall of the end plate body 110. Simultaneously, a water inlet channel 200, corresponding to and communicating with each water inlet 1131, is provided within the end plate body 110. The end of the water inlet channel 200 facing away from the water inlets 1131 is connected to a water outlet 121 on the end face of the end plate body 110, thus constructing a fluid transmission path from water entering through the side wall, passing through the water inlet channel 200 within the end plate body 110, to water exiting through the end face. This fluid transmission path is located within the positive end plate 100, avoiding the complex connection structure problems caused by external piping and reducing the impact of external connections on the structural stability of the positive end plate 100.

[0045] Meanwhile, by providing a sealing groove 300 circumferentially surrounding each outlet 121 on the end face of the end plate body 110, and assembling a sealing ring within the sealing groove 300, each outlet 121 can have independent sealing protection. Compared with existing large-size sealing gaskets, this application not only improves the sealing reliability of each outlet 121 and reduces the risk of leakage, but also prevents the sealing components from misaligning, twisting, or falling off during the electrolytic cell stacking assembly process.

[0046] It should be noted that the number of inlet 1131, inlet channel 200, outlet 121, sealing groove 300 and sealing ring is the same, that is, each inlet 1131 is equipped with one inlet channel 200, one outlet 121, one sealing groove 300 and one sealing ring.

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, there are eight inlets 1131, namely, eight inlet channels 200, eight outlets 121, eight sealing grooves 300, and eight sealing rings.

[0048] In other embodiments, the number of inlets 1131 is set according to actual operational needs.

[0049] In this embodiment, the end plate body 110 is processed using S31603 sheet metal as the processing substrate. In other embodiments, the processing material of the end plate body 110 is selected according to the actual operation requirements.

[0050] In this embodiment, the flatness of the bottom of the sealing groove 300 is less than 0.03 mm.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the water inlet channel 200 includes a first section 210 and a second section 220 that are connected to each other. The end of the first section 210 away from the second section 220 is connected to the water inlet 1131, and the end of the second section 220 away from the first section 210 is connected to the water outlet 121. The first section 210 is parallel to the end face of the end plate body 110, and the second section 220 is perpendicular to the end face of the end plate body 110. The water inlet channel 200 is configured as a segmented channel structure with a vertical turn, consisting of a first section 210 and a second section 220 that are connected. This allows the water to enter from the inlet 1131 on the side wall of the end plate body 110, be smoothly transported along the first section 210 parallel to the end face of the end plate body 110, and then guided to the outlet 121 on the end face of the end plate body 110 through the second section 220 perpendicular to the end face of the end plate body 110. The vertical arrangement of the water inlet channel 200 not only shortens the transmission path of the water in the end plate body 110 and reduces the resistance and pressure loss during the water transmission process, but also makes reasonable use of the internal space of the end plate body 110.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a limiting groove 120 is provided on the end face of the end plate body 110, and the water outlet 121 is located on the groove wall of the limiting groove 120 arranged along the thickness direction of the end plate body 110. By providing a limiting groove 120 on the end face of the end plate body 110, the limiting groove 120 can install and position other components (such as insulating plates) that are assembled with the positive end plate 100, preventing the mating components from shifting during assembly. Integrating the water outlet 121 into the groove wall of the limiting groove 120 allows the corresponding interface of the water outlet 121 and the mating component to be quickly aligned under the positioning action of the limiting groove 120, reducing the calibration time of the interface during assembly and improving assembly efficiency.

[0053] In this embodiment, the end plate body 110 is water-milled 3mm down to form a limiting groove 120.

[0054] In one embodiment, the sealing ring is a star-shaped sealing ring. Specifically, the sealing ring located within the sealing groove 300 is a star-shaped sealing ring. Compared to traditional circular seals, the multi-lip structure of the star-shaped sealing ring allows for tighter and more comprehensive contact with the inner wall of the sealing groove 300. During the operation of the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, the multi-lip structure of the star-shaped sealing ring synchronously adapts to pressure changes, enhancing the fit of the sealing surface, improving sealing performance, and reducing the risk of leakage around the outlet 121.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the inlet 1131 is a tapered threaded interface, with the larger end facing outwards and the smaller end connected to the inlet channel 200. The tapered threaded interface allows for a self-sealing effect when connected to external pipes, thanks to its structural characteristics. Simultaneously, the larger end facing outwards facilitates alignment and assembly between the external pipes and the inlet 1131, while the smaller end connecting to the inlet channel 200 ensures a smooth transition of water flow from the tapered threaded interface to the inlet channel 200, guaranteeing smooth water transmission.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the first end face 111 of the end plate body 110 includes a first region and a second region circumferentially surrounding the first region. The first region is provided with a limiting groove 120, and the second region is provided with a connecting hole 130 for the locking member 500 for connecting the positive end plate 100 and the negative end plate 400 to pass through. Dividing the first end face 111 of the end plate body 110 into a first region and a second region circumferentially surrounding the first region, the limiting groove 120 in the first region can position mating components such as insulating plates to prevent assembly misalignment; the connecting hole 130 in the second region for the locking member 500 to pass through facilitates the connection of the positive end plate 100 and the negative end plate 400. At the same time, the connecting hole 130 in the second region surrounding the first region allows the locking member 500 to apply a uniform fastening force from the edge of the end plate when connecting the positive and negative end plates 400, avoiding deformation of the end plate body 110 due to concentrated fastening force and ensuring the stability of the connection.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the second end face 112 of the end plate body 110 is provided with a countersunk hole 140 communicating with the connecting hole 130. The countersunk hole 140 is used to accommodate the bolt head of the locking member 500. The first end face 111 and the second end face 112 are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the end plate body 110. By providing a countersunk hole 140 communicating with the connecting hole 130 on the second end face 112 of the end plate body 110, after the locking member 500 passes through the connecting hole 130 to complete the connection between the positive end plate 100 and the negative end plate 400, the bolt head of the locking member 500 can be completely hidden in the countersunk hole 140, avoiding the bolt head from protruding from the second end face 112 of the end plate body 110, and ensuring that the back of the positive end plate 100 is flush with the surface.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the limiting groove 120 is provided with a positioning hole 150 extending along the thickness direction of the end plate body 110. The positioning hole 150 is used for the positioning rods of the positive end plate 100 and the negative end plate 400 to pass through. By providing the positioning hole 150 in the limiting groove 120, and the positioning hole 150 extending along the thickness direction of the end plate body 110, the positioning rod can guide the assembly of the positive end plate 100 and the negative end plate 400 after passing through the positioning hole 150, thus preventing the two from shifting or misaligning during the assembly process.

[0059] In this embodiment, four positioning holes 150 are provided.

[0060] In this embodiment, the depth of the positioning hole 150 is greater than twice the diameter of the positioning rod, and the diameter of the positioning hole 150 is equal to the diameter of the positioning rod minus 0.2 mm.

[0061] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the sidewalls of the end plate body 110 include a first sidewall 113 and a second sidewall 114 arranged opposite to each other. The first sidewall 113 is provided with a water inlet 1131, and the second sidewall 114 is provided with a lifting hole 1141. The functional partitioning design of the sidewalls of the end plate body 110 ensures that the water inlet 1131 and the lifting hole 1141 form a non-interfering layout on the end plate body 110. The multiple water inlets 1131 of the first sidewall 113 centrally connect the external pipeline to the water inlet channel 200, avoiding the chaotic pipeline layout caused by the dispersed water inlet structure; the lifting holes 1141 of the second sidewall 114 provide an assembly position for the transfer and transportation of the positive end plate 100 and the electrolytic cell as a whole, without the need to process lifting structures in other parts of the end plate body 110. This not only utilizes the sidewall space, but also does not occupy the end face space of the end plate body 110, and does not affect the end face limiting groove 120, sealing groove 300, connecting hole 130 and other structures.

[0062] In this embodiment, four lifting holes 1141 are provided, with two holes on each second sidewall 114.

[0063] This application also provides a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes a negative terminal plate 400, a locking member 500, and a positive terminal plate 100 of any of the above, with the locking member 500 connecting the positive terminal plate 100 and the negative terminal plate 400.

[0064] The proton exchange membrane electrolyzer of this application uses a locking member 500 to connect the positive terminal plate 100 and the negative terminal plate 400. The positive terminal plate 100 is used to allow water to enter from the side wall, flow through the flow channel in the end plate body 110, and exit from the end face. Each outlet 121 is surrounded by a sealing groove 300, and a sealing ring is installed in the sealing groove 300, so that each outlet 121 can have independent sealing protection, ensuring the stability and sealing of water flow transmission in the electrolyzer.

[0065] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer also includes a positive current collector 600, a negative current collector 700, and a bipolar plate 800. The positive current collector 100, the positive current collector 600, the bipolar plate 800, the negative current collector 700, and the negative current collector 400 are arranged along the thickness direction of the positive current collector 100.

[0066] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0067] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A positive end plate, characterized in that, The positive end plate (100) includes: End plate body (110); Multiple water inlets (1131) are provided on the side wall of the end plate body (110); Multiple water inlet channels (200) are provided in the end plate body (110) and are connected to multiple water inlets (1131) one by one; Multiple water outlets (121) are provided on the end face of the end plate body (110) and are connected to the end of the multiple water inlet channels (200) opposite to the water inlet (1131); Multiple sealing grooves (300) are provided on the end face of the end plate body (110), and each sealing groove (300) surrounds the outer periphery of the corresponding water outlet (121); Multiple sealing rings are disposed in the corresponding sealing grooves (300).

2. The positive terminal plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet channel (200) includes a first section (210) and a second section (220) that are connected to each other. The end of the first section (210) away from the second section (220) is connected to the water inlet (1131), and the end of the second section (220) away from the first section (210) is connected to the water outlet (121). The first section (210) is parallel to the end face of the end plate body (110), and the second section (220) is perpendicular to the end face of the end plate body (110).

3. The positive terminal plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end plate body (110) is provided with a limiting groove (120) on its end face, and the water outlet (121) is provided on the groove wall of the limiting groove (120) arranged along the thickness direction of the end plate body (110).

4. The positive terminal plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing ring is a star-shaped sealing ring.

5. The positive terminal plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet (1131) is a tapered threaded interface, with the large end of the tapered threaded interface facing outward and the small end connected to the inlet channel (200).

6. The positive terminal plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end face (111) of the end plate body (110) includes a first region and a second region circumferentially surrounding the first region. The first region is provided with a limiting groove (120), and the second region is provided with a connecting hole (130). The connecting hole (130) is used for a locking member (500) for connecting the positive end plate and the negative end plate (400) to pass through.

7. The positive terminal plate according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second end face (112) of the end plate body (110) is provided with a countersunk hole (140) communicating with the connecting hole (130). The countersunk hole (140) is used to accommodate the bolt head of the locking member (500). The first end face (111) and the second end face (112) are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the end plate body (110).

8. The positive terminal plate according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting groove (120) is provided with a positioning hole (150) extending along the thickness direction of the end plate body (110), and the positioning hole (150) is used for the positioning rod for positioning the positive end plate and the negative end plate (400) to pass through.

9. The positive terminal plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall of the end plate body (110) includes a first sidewall (113) and a second sidewall (114) arranged opposite to each other. The first sidewall (113) is provided with the water inlet (1131), and the second sidewall (114) is provided with a hoisting hole (1141).

10. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, characterized in that, It includes a negative end plate (400), a locking member (500), and a positive end plate (100) as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the locking member (500) connects the positive end plate and the negative end plate (400).

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