Device for carrying out an electrochemical method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for carrying out an electrochemical method, in particular an electrolysis cell device and / or fuel cell device, comprising at least two electrochemical cells (1) which are arranged one after the other in a stacking direction (S) and at least one bipolar plate (2) between two adjacent electrochemical cells (1), wherein the electrochemical cells (1) are each delimited by at least one cell frame structure (5) in directions transverse to the stacking direction (S), characterised in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) – preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate (2) – is embedded in a casing (4), wherein preferably the casing (4) encloses the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) on both sides.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT AN ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESS

[0002] The invention relates to a device for carrying out an electrochemical process, in particular an electrolysis cell device and / or fuel cell device, according to the preamble of claim 1, an assembly for such a device according to the preamble of claim 16, and a method for producing such a device and / or such an assembly.

[0003] AT524548B 1 discloses an electrolysis cell for producing gaseous hydrogen, which comprises at least one anion exchange membrane, at least one first cell frame and at least one second cell frame arranged along a cell axis.

[0004] The cell frames each define an inner area designed to accommodate a membrane electrode assembly. A bipolar plate is arranged between each of the electrolysis cells to ensure the voltage supply to the membrane electrode assembly and thus the electrolysis process.

[0005] Devices with the same or similar repeating stacking sequence: bipolar plate - cell frame - electrode (anode) - membrane - electrode (cathode) - cell frame - bipolar plate, etc. are well known in the art.

[0006] The disadvantages of the solutions known from the prior art are in particular that the production is complex and therefore cost-intensive, the problem of insufficient tightness to hydrogen is not satisfactorily solved and the reuse of individual components of an electrolysis cell device is not possible or only possible with very high expenditure.

[0007] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device or assembly which can be manufactured more easily and cost-effectively, which has a high degree of impermeability to substances involved in the process, in particular hydrogen, and which allows easy reuse of at least those component(s) which are less stressed by the reactions.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims. The device according to the invention for carrying out an electrochemical process, in particular an electrolysis cell device and / or fuel cell device, comprises at least two electrochemical cells arranged one after the other in a stacking direction and at least one bipolar plate between two adjacent electrochemical cells, wherein the electrochemical cells are each delimited by at least one cell frame structure in directions transverse to the stacking direction, and wherein the edge region of the bipolar plate - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate - is embedded in a casing, wherein the casing preferably encloses the edge region of the bipolar plate on both sides.

[0009] While the edge region of the bipolar plate is embedded in the sheath, the sheath leaves the inner or central region of the bipolar plate free or uncovered. The sheath can be a ring- or frame-shaped structure running along the circumference of the bipolar plate, preferably containing additional structures, such as openings for fluid channels or fastening structures. The inner and / or outer contour of the sheath (ring, frame, etc.) can take any shape: circular, oval, polygonal, rectangular, with rounded corners, etc., or various combinations or superpositions of these shapes.

[0010] The bipolar plate and its casing form a compact structural unit characterized by ease of handling during production and reusability after replacing other components subject to high wear, such as the (anion exchange) membrane or electrodes. The casing ensures high tightness against gases, especially H2, because the edge area of ​​the bipolar plate is embedded in the casing. This eliminates multiple sealing points per cell and increases both the external tightness and the tightness between neighboring cells.

[0011] In addition, the casing—as the outer region of the structural unit—can preferably also contain functional structures, such as one or more fluid channels and / or mounting structures. As described further below, the casing can also form a cell frame structure for the cell, have one or more receptacles for seals and / or the membrane, form an access (e.g., in the form of an access channel) for the electrical connection of the bipolar plate (e.g., to a measuring device), etc.

[0012] The bipolar plate forms an electrically conductive connection between the anode of one cell and the cathode of its neighboring cell. The bipolar plate can thus be equipped with electrodes on both sides (pressed in, coated, or glued). At the end of the electrode's life cycle, it can be removed from the bipolar plate and replaced with a new one. While the electrodes and / or the membrane must be replaced at the end of their life cycle, the structural unit consisting of the bipolar plate and casing can be retained and reused as such, making the invention a resource-saving solution.

[0013] The term "bipolar plate" is used broadly in this application. Thus, in this application, a bipolar plate is also understood to mean any flat or wall-like structure (or partition between cells) that can establish electrical contact between consecutive electrochemical cells. In particular, thin-walled and / or foil-like flat structures, and thus also (bipolar) foils, are considered to fall under the term "bipolar plate."

[0014] The bipolar plate can preferably also be designed to conduct the gases generated during the reaction, in particular O2 and H2, out of the reaction zone. The bipolar plate can be flat, structured, or connected to a porous press-fit, pressure-fit, or sintered element.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the bipolar plate is made of electrically conductive material and the sheath is made of electrically insulating material and / or that the sheath is made of plastic, preferably polysulfone (PSU) and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and / or polyethersulfone (PES) and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Producing the sheath from electrically insulating material, in particular plastic, has the great advantage that fluid flows conducted in the edge region of the bipolar plate (e.g., in the region of the cell frame structure) cannot come into contact with the bipolar plate itself. This prevents the local formation of gas, which is possible with a sufficient voltage difference. Contamination of the respective product gas and the resulting, not insignificant efficiency losses can be prevented by this measure.Plastics can also be easily molded onto the bipolar plate.

[0016] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the edge region of the bipolar plate being positively received in the casing and / or by the casing being firmly bonded to the edge region of the bipolar plate. Both a positive and a firmly bonded connection offer not only mechanical stability but also a high degree of sealing.

[0017] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the sheath being an injection-molded part, preferably molded or cast onto the edge area of ​​the bipolar plate. This measure ensures a simple manufacturing process and combines it with the aforementioned advantages, particularly connection stability and tightness.

[0018] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that in the edge region of the bipolar plate (at least) one - preferably circumferential - sealing element, preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, preferably at the end face, rests against the bipolar plate and is embedded in the casing, preferably completely enclosed by the casing, wherein the sealing element is preferably inserted, preferably pressed, into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate. The sealing tightness can be efficiently increased by this sealing element embedded between the bipolar plate and the casing. Such a sealing element is preferably used to seal the half-cell adjacent to the cathode.

[0019] The adjacent arrangement of the sealing element on the bipolar plate can be achieved by placing the sealing element as a prefabricated component on the bipolar plate (e.g., by inserting it into a recess in the bipolar plate) and / or by fastening it to the bipolar plate (e.g., by means of adhesive) or by applying or spraying the sealing element onto the bipolar plate (i.e., the sealing element is created by applying / spraying sealing material onto the bipolar plate or into a recess formed in the bipolar plate).

[0020] The sealing element adjacent to the bipolar plate is intended for sealing an electrochemical cell of the device for carrying out an electrochemical process. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sealing element is adjacent to a side of the bipolar plate oriented transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the stacking direction.

[0021] The bipolar plate is a flat structure that defines a plane in which the bipolar plate lies. This plane is parallel to the main or end faces of the bipolar plate (i.e., those sides with the greatest extent). The surface normal of this plane corresponds to the previously mentioned stacking direction. The previously described embodiment can therefore also be defined as follows: the sealing element rests on a side of the bipolar plate that is oriented transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the surface normal of the plane in which the bipolar plate lies.

[0022] The end-face arrangement (i.e. arrangement of the sealing element on one end face of the bipolar plate) or arrangement on a side of the bipolar plate oriented perpendicular to the stacking direction or surface normal has the great advantage that the sealing effect can be significantly increased. The pressure developing in the cell (in the space between the membrane and the bipolar plate) presses the sealing element against the bipolar plate, which leads to a significantly increased sealing effect. The pressure or pressure gradient that already occurs within the cell is thus additionally utilized to increase the tightness against the escape of hydrogen, in conjunction with the inventive arrangement of the sealing element on the end face of the bipolar plate. The measure according to the invention means that the system pressure can be maintained for longer and more reliably, even in standby mode.

[0023] The manufacture of the device for carrying out an electrochemical process or of the assembly is also considerably simplified by the inventive measure of a front-end arrangement, especially because the sealing element can first be placed or applied to the bipolar plate in a defined manner and then embedded together with the bipolar plate with the sheath.

[0024] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sealing element is inserted, preferably pressed in, or introduced into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate.

[0025] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the recess in which the sealing element is inserted or introduced is designed in the form of a groove and / or tapers towards the bottom of the recess. This can further increase the sealing effect.

[0026] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sealing element is integrally connected to the bipolar plate, wherein the sealing element is preferably attached to the bipolar plate by means of an adhesive or is applied or sprayed onto the bipolar plate, and / or that the sealing element is integrally connected to the casing, wherein the sealing element is preferably attached to the casing by means of an adhesive or is applied or sprayed onto the casing. The integral connection to the bipolar plate and / or the casing further increases the sealing effect.

[0027] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sealing element is formed from at least two parts lying against one another - preferably parts that are connected to one another by a material fit, wherein the at least two parts are preferably arranged next to one another transversely to the stacking direction (or surface normal) and / or the second part at least partially, preferably completely, encloses the first part, and / or wherein the second part is preferably more dimensionally stable than the first part, and / or wherein a first part of the sealing element is preferably formed from a metal or plastic ring and a second part of the sealing element that lies against the first part is formed from a deformable ring, in particular made of rubber.

[0028] In this way, the desired position or contour of the sealing element can be reliably maintained during the manufacturing and maintenance process, as well as during operation. In particular, during compression, a preferred direction of deformation of the softer or less dimensionally stable part of the sealing element is achieved, thus resulting in a more reliable seal.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first part and the second part together form a ring (running along the edge region of the bipolar plate), wherein the more dimensionally stable first part is preferably arranged radially outward and the softer second part radially inward. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the casing and the cell frame structure form a monolithic unit or that the cell frame structure is embedded in the casing of the bipolar plate. This measure is particularly advantageous because no separate component is required for the cell frame structure - in the case of a monolithic unit with the casing - which on the one hand considerably simplifies production and on the other hand reduces the number of points to be sealed. Embedding the cell frame structure in the casing also leads to a higher degree of tightness.In both cases, the sheath and the cell frame structure form a single unit. Together with the bipolar plate, they form an assembly that is easy to manufacture.

[0030] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the extension of the sheath in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bipolar plate is at least twice the thickness of the bipolar plate. This measure is particularly advantageous when the sheath simultaneously forms additional structures such as the cell frame structure.

[0031] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a—preferably circumferential—recess, preferably in the form of a groove, is formed in the casing of the bipolar plate, wherein a circumferential seal is accommodated in the recess. The recess can, for example, extend around a fluid channel. The seal ensures that the fluid does not escape from the fluid channel into the gap between the casing and an adjacent component, e.g., the casing of a subsequent bipolar plate.

[0032] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the electrochemical cells are each separated into two regions by a membrane, in particular an anion exchange membrane.

[0033] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the edge region of the membrane - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane and preferably on both sides - is provided with a frame, wherein the frame is preferably made of sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or of a stiffer material than the membrane. The membrane forms a structural unit with the frame. The frame, which is preferably more dimensionally stable than the membrane, increases the mechanical stability of this structural unit. This facilitates provision and handling during manufacture of the device according to the invention. In addition, the frame can serve as a seal for the adjacent component, which is preferably the bipolar plate with its casing. In the latter case, the frame is preferably made of sealing material and, in the assembled state, lies against the casing, in particular in a recess in the casing.

[0034] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the frame being glued or welded to the edge of the membrane. This results in a particularly reliable connection. It would also be conceivable for the membrane and frame to be constructed as a single piece or monolithic.

[0035] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the frame forms at least one seal outside the contour of the membrane, which seal encloses a section of a fluid channel formed in the casing. The frame can thus combine several functions: sealing the (half-)cell, sealing a fluid channel, and increasing the mechanical stability of the membrane. The frame and seal are preferably monolithic and made of sealing material. As already mentioned above, the seal can be at least partially accommodated in a recess or groove in the casing.

[0036] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a recess, preferably in the form of a groove, is formed in the casing of the bipolar plate, opening in the stacking direction, and in that the frame with which the edge region of the membrane is provided is received in the recess of the casing, preferably in a form-fitting manner. The recess or groove runs around the inner region of the bipolar plate, i.e. around the region of the bipolar plate which is not covered by the casing. The cells or half-cells are particularly well sealed by this measure. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is simplified by this measure, since the recess enables a precisely reproducible arrangement of the membrane relative to the bipolar plate.

[0037] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a membrane is connected to the casing - preferably by a material bond, in particular by gluing and / or welding. A particularly high degree of cell tightness can also be achieved with this variant. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one fastening structure, in particular in the form of an opening or a recess, is formed in the casing - preferably in an area extending beyond the embedded edge region of the bipolar plate - for fixing the bipolar plate within the device. With this variant, the casing advantageously acquires a further function, namely the interface for fastening the assembly within the device according to the invention.

[0038] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one fluid channel for supplying a fluid into and / or discharging a fluid from the electrochemical cell is formed in the casing of the bipolar plate - preferably in an area extending beyond the embedded edge region of the bipolar plate and / or preferably in the region of the cell frame structure. This measure also gives the casing an additional function, namely the supply and / or discharge of (in particular gaseous or liquid) fluids that are supplied as starting materials (e.g., water) or discharged as reaction products (e.g., oxygen and / or th). Due to the casing, these fluids can be efficiently kept away from the bipolar plate, so that no parasitic currents or unwanted gas formation can occur.

[0039] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the device comprises at least two assemblies arranged one after the other in the stacking direction and connected to one another, preferably detachably, which can be designed as described below. The detachability of the assemblies is particularly advantageous because it enables the reuse of components or entire assemblies (e.g., at the end of the life cycle of the membranes and / or electrodes).

[0040] The aim of the invention is thus also achieved with an assembly for a device for carrying out an electrochemical process, comprising a bipolar plate for delimiting two adjacent electrochemical cells, wherein the edge region of the bipolar plate - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate - is embedded in a casing, wherein the casing preferably encloses the edge region of the bipolar plate on both sides.

[0041] The invention also relates to the use of an assembly according to the invention (or designed according to one of the embodiments) in a device according to the invention (or designed according to one of the embodiments) for carrying out an electrochemical process.

[0042] An assembly of this type is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, it consists of components whose service life is significantly longer than the service life of other components, such as membranes, electrodes, etc., and therefore reusability is ensured, and, on the other hand, it is particularly easy to handle due to the sheathing, which in turn allows the manufacturing process to be made more efficient.

[0043] The advantages and functions of the embodiments already described above naturally also apply to the embodiments of the assembly according to the invention. To avoid repetition, they are hereby transferred to the following embodiments.

[0044] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the bipolar plate is made of electrically conductive material and the sheath is made of electrically insulating material and / or that the sheath is made of plastic, preferably polysulfone (PSU) and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and / or polyethersulfone (PES) and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0045] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the edge region of the bipolar plate is positively received in the casing and / or that the casing is materially connected to the edge region of the bipolar plate.

[0046] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sheath is an injection-molded part, which is preferably injection-molded or cast onto the edge region of the bipolar plate.

[0047] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the assembly comprises at least one cell frame structure for delimiting an electrochemical cell, wherein the casing and the cell frame structure form a monolithic unit or the cell frame structure is embedded in the casing of the bipolar plate.

[0048] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the extension of the monolithic unit in the stacking direction is at least twice the thickness of the bipolar plate. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a - preferably circumferential - recess, preferably in the form of a groove, is formed in the casing of the bipolar plate, wherein a circumferential seal is accommodated in the recess.

[0049] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the assembly comprises at least one membrane, in particular an anion exchange membrane, for separating an electrochemical cell into two regions.

[0050] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the edge region of the membrane - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane and preferably on both sides - is provided with a frame, wherein the frame is preferably formed from sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or from a stiffer material than the membrane.

[0051] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the frame is integrally connected to the edge region of the membrane, in particular glued or welded.

[0052] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a recess opening at the end - preferably circumferential - is formed in the casing of the bipolar plate, preferably in the form of a groove, and that the frame with which the edge region of the membrane is provided is received in the recess of the casing - preferably in a form-fitting manner.

[0053] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the membrane is connected to the casing - preferably in a material-to-material manner, in particular by gluing and / or welding.

[0054] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one fastening structure, in particular in the form of an opening or a recess, is formed in the casing - preferably in a region extending beyond the embedded edge region of the bipolar plate - for fixing the bipolar plate within the device.

[0055] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that in the casing of the bipolar plate - preferably in a region extending beyond the embedded edge region of the bipolar plate and / or preferably in the region of the cell frame structure - at least one fluid channel is formed for supplying a fluid into and / or discharging a fluid from the electrochemical cell.

[0056] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for producing a device according to the invention and / or an assembly according to the invention, characterized in that the edge region of the bipolar plate is provided with a casing, so that the edge region - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate - is embedded in the casing.

[0057] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that - before providing the edge region of the bipolar plate with a sheath - at least one, preferably circumferential, sealing element (e.g. made of plastic or rubber and / or in the form of an O-ring), preferably on the end face, is placed, attached or injection-molded onto the bipolar plate in the edge region of the bipolar plate. This can be done, for example, by inserting the sealing element into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate, preferably by pressing it in or introducing it. When providing the edge region of the bipolar plate with a sheath, this sealing element is also embedded in the sheath, preferably completely enclosed by the sheath. This achieves a particularly high degree of tightness.

[0058] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the edge region of the bipolar plate is provided with a sheath in such a way that the edge region is overmolded - preferably with plastic material.

[0059] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the edge region of the bipolar plate is provided with a sheath in such a way that the edge region of the bipolar plate is applied to at least two, preferably at least three, elements, and the elements are connected to one another by a joining process, wherein the joining process is preferably a material-to-material joining process, preferably gluing or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding. In this variant, "sheathing" elements are applied to the bipolar plate - preferably from both sides - before these elements are then connected to one another. In this way, the bipolar plate can be captively connected to the sheath or accommodated within it.A preferred further development, particularly for the "welded" variant, provides that a circumferential sealing element is inserted on the bipolar plate, preferably on the (cathode) front side, and is pressed in during the welding process.

[0060] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the steps: (a) providing a membrane for separating an electrochemical cell into two compartments; and (b) connecting—preferably detachably—the membrane to the casing of the bipolar plate. As already mentioned, a detachable connection is particularly advantageous because the membrane is a wear-prone component, whereas bipolar plates with casings are recyclable.

[0061] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a recess opening at the end - preferably circumferentially - is formed in the casing of the bipolar plate, preferably in the form of a groove, and in that the edge region of the membrane provided in step (a) is provided with a frame - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane and preferably on both sides - wherein the frame is preferably formed from sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or from a stiffer material than the membrane, and in that in step (b) the frame with which the edge region of the membrane is provided is inserted into the recess in the casing.

[0062] Method for producing a device according to the invention, in which assemblies for forming the electrochemical cells are installed in a receptacle for receiving and holding the assemblies, characterized by the steps:

[0063] Provision of inventive assemblies outside the recording and

[0064] Installation of the provided modules into the receptacle, wherein preferably at least two of the provided modules are connected to one another - preferably detachably - before their installation into the receptacle.

[0065] The modular design of the device enables a simple manufacturing process, especially if the assemblies (e.g. bipolar plate with sheath) are prefabricated and equipped with appropriate interfaces for the adjacent components (e.g. membrane preferably with frame made of sealing material).

[0066] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0067] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0068] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for carrying out an electrochemical process, in particular an electrolysis cell device and / or fuel cell device;

[0069] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention comprising a bipolar plate with a casing;

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a section through an assembly consisting of a bipolar plate and sheath;

[0071] Fig. 4 shows a section through a membrane frame unit;

[0072] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a cell stack comprising assemblies according to the invention;

[0073] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the manufacture of a device according to the invention by inserting components into a holder;

[0074] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment with a sealing element lying on the front side of the bipolar plate;

[0075] Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of Fig. 7 with a view of the front side of the bipolar plate;

[0076] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment with a sealing element glued to the bipolar plate;

[0077] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment with a sealing element sprayed onto the bipolar plate;

[0078] Fig. 11 an embodiment with a two-part sealing element;

[0079] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment with a two-part sealing element. It should be noted at the outset that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and in the event of a change in position, these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position.

[0080] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0081] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0082] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0083] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a device 10 for carrying out an electrochemical process. This device can be an electrolysis cell device and / or a fuel cell device and thus be designed to convert electrical energy into chemical energy or to convert chemical energy into electrical energy (and can thus also be referred to as an energy conversion device). The invention is particularly suitable for producing hydrogen from water by electrolysis. The energy conversion device is sometimes also referred to simply as an electrolysis cell or fuel cell, or as an electrolysis or fuel cell stack.

[0085] The energy conversion device 10 shown in Fig. 2 comprises electrochemical cells 1 arranged one after the other in a stacking direction S, each of which is delimited by at least one cell frame structure 5 in directions transverse to the stacking direction S.

[0086] To avoid duplication, it should be expressly mentioned at this point that the features and feature combinations described below can refer both to the device 10 and to assemblies 20—if the device 10 is composed of such assemblies 20. In connection with the device 10, the stacking direction S is used as the terminology in the claims, while in connection with the assembly 20, the extension perpendicular to the plane of the bipolar plate 2 is used.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 is composed of assemblies 20, wherein such an assembly 20 comprises a bipolar plate 2 that separates two adjacent electrochemical cells 1 from one another. As can also be seen from Fig. 2, the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate 2 - is embedded in a casing 4. The casing 4 can enclose the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 on both sides. Integrated into the casing 4 could, for example, be an electrical line (e.g. in the form of a wire or flag), which electrically connects the bipolar plate to a measuring device or a potential.

[0088] The bipolar plate 2 is typically made of electrically conductive material to maintain the anode for one adjacent cell at the same potential as the cathode for the other adjacent cell. In Fig. 2, one electrode (anode) is designated by reference numeral 14 and the other electrode (cathode) by reference numeral 15. The casing 4, on the other hand, is preferably made of electrically insulating material. The casing can be made, in particular, of plastic, preferably polysulfone (PSU) and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and / or polyethersulfone (PES) and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0089] As can be seen from the preferred embodiment of Fig. 3, the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 can be positively received in the casing 4. Furthermore, the casing 4 can be firmly bonded to the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2. It is particularly preferred if the casing is monolithic, e.g., as an injection-molded part, which is preferably injection-molded or cast onto the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2.

[0090] A particularly preferred embodiment is that in the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2, a - preferably circumferential - sealing element 15, preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, preferably at the end, rests against the bipolar plate 2. The sealing element 15 is - as shown in Fig. 3 - embedded in the casing 4, preferably completely enclosed by the casing 4. The sealing element 15 can be inserted, preferably pressed, into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate 2.

[0091] The cell frame structure 5 can be a component of the casing and preferably form a monolithic unit with it. Alternatively, the cell frame structure 5 could originally be present as a separate component and—during or prior to assembly—be embedded in the casing 4 of the bipolar plate 2. In both cases, it is preferred if the extension of the casing 4 in the stacking direction S is at least twice the thickness of the bipolar plate 2.

[0092] As can be seen from Figs. 3 and 4, a—preferably circumferential—recess 6, preferably in the form of a groove, can be formed in the casing 4 of the bipolar plate 2, wherein a circumferential seal 13 is received in the recess 6. This seal can, for example, enclose a fluid channel formed as an opening in the casing.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrochemical cells 1 are each separated into two regions by a membrane 7, in particular an anion exchange membrane. The edge region of the membrane 7 can be provided with a frame 8—preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane 7 and preferably on both sides. The frame can be made of sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or of a more rigid material than the membrane 7. The frame 8 can be glued or welded to the edge region of the membrane 7.

[0094] As can be seen from Figs. 1, 3, and 5, a recess 6, preferably in the form of a groove, opening in the stacking direction S—preferably circumferential—can be formed in the casing 4 of the bipolar plate 2. The frame 8, with which the edge region of the membrane 7 is provided, can be received in the recess 6 of the casing 4—preferably in a form-fitting manner.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, the membrane 7 could be connected to the casing 4 - preferably in a material-to-material manner, in particular by gluing and / or welding.

[0096] From Fig. 1 it can be seen that in the casing 4 - preferably in an area extending beyond the embedded edge area 3 of the bipolar plate 2 - at least one fastening structure 9, in particular in the form of an opening or a recess, can be formed for fixing the bipolar plate 2 within the device 10.

[0097] As already mentioned, at least one fluid channel 11 for supplying a fluid into and / or discharging a fluid from the electrochemical cell 1 can be formed in the casing 4 of the bipolar plate 2 - preferably in a region extending beyond the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 embedded in the casing 4 and / or preferably in the region of the cell frame structure 5.

[0098] From Figs. 2 and 6, it can be seen that the device 10 can comprise at least two assemblies 20 arranged one after the other in the stacking direction S and connected to one another—preferably detachably. This forms a so-called cell stack. For example, the assemblies 20 can be clamped as a stack and thus pressed against one another, whereby the membranes 7, optionally with their frame 8, are also clamped between the casings 4 of two adjacent bipolar plates 2.

[0099] Finally, Fig. 3 also schematically shows a method for producing a device 10 and / or an assembly 20. In this case, the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 is provided with a casing 4, so that the edge region 3 is embedded in the casing 4 - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate 2. The edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 is provided with a casing 4 in such a way that the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 is applied to at least two, preferably at least three, (e.g. plate-shaped) elements 4a, 4b, 4c, and the elements 4a, 4b, 4c are connected to one another by a joining process. The joining process can be, for example, a material-to-material joining process, preferably gluing or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding. Of course, it would also be conceivable to use only two (or more than three) such elements to produce the casing.

[0100] Before providing the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 with a sheath 4, at least one, preferably circumferential, sealing element 15, preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, can be applied to the bipolar plate 2 in the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2, preferably on the end face, preferably inserted, preferably pressed, into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate (2). When providing the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 with a sheath 4, the sealing element 15 (see Fig. 3) is also embedded in the sheath 4, preferably completely enclosed by the sheath 4.

[0101] In an alternative variant, the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2 can be provided with a sheath 4 in such a way that the edge region 3 is overmolded - preferably with plastic material.

[0102] Subsequently, the assembly 20 can be expanded by the steps of: (a) providing a membrane 7 for separating an electrochemical cell 1 into two regions; and (b) connecting—preferably detachably connecting—the membrane 7 to the casing 4 of the bipolar plate 2.

[0103] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a recess 6, preferably in the form of a groove, opening at the end face of the casing 4 of the bipolar plate 2 can be formed. The edge region of the membrane 7 provided in step (a) is then provided with a frame 8 (Fig. 4) - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane 7 and preferably on both sides. The frame 8 is preferably made of sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or of a stiffer material than the membrane 7. In a further step (b), the frame 8, with which the edge region of the membrane 7 is provided, is inserted into the recess 6 of the casing 4 (see also Fig. 5). Finally, Fig. 6 shows that individual assemblies 20 for forming the electrochemical cells 1 are installed in a receptacle 12 for receiving and holding the assemblies 20. This is done by the following steps:

[0104] Providing assemblies 20 formed according to one of the above-described embodiments outside the receptacle 12 and

[0105] Installation of the provided modules 20 into the receptacle 12, wherein preferably at least two of the provided modules 20 are connected to one another—preferably releasably—before their installation into the receptacle 20. The receptacle 12 can be, for example, a housing and / or a holder.

[0106] Figures 7 - 11 show further embodiments relating to the sealing element 15.

[0107] Fig. 7 shows—similar to Fig. 3—an embodiment with a sealing element 15 resting against the end face of the bipolar plate 2 (on the end face 26). The sealing element 15 rests against a side of the bipolar plate 2 oriented transversely (in the illustrated embodiment: perpendicularly) to the stacking direction S or the surface normal F. The surface normal F is the surface normal of the plane in which the bipolar plate 2 lies. In other words, the sealing element 15 rests against an end face 26 of the bipolar plate 2.

[0108] In the edge region 3 of the bipolar plate 2, at least one circumferential sealing element 15 in the form of an O-ring (preferably made of plastic or rubber) rests against the bipolar plate 2. The sealing element 15 is embedded in the casing 4 (in the illustrated embodiment, completely enclosed by the casing 4).

[0109] As can be seen from Fig. 7 (and also Fig. 9), the sealing element 15 can be inserted, preferably pressed, or introduced (in another way, e.g. by application or spraying) into a recess 23 provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate 2 (see also Fig. 3).

[0110] It is preferred if the recess 23, in which the sealing element 15 is inserted or introduced, is designed in the form of a groove and / or tapers towards the bottom of the recess 23 (see Figs. 3, 7 and 9).

[0111] Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of Fig. 7 with a view of the end face of the bipolar plate 2. The sealing element 15 can also be firmly bonded to the bipolar plate 2. Fig. 9 shows an embodiment in which the sealing element 15 is attached to the bipolar plate 2 by means of an adhesive 25 (introduced into the recess 23).

[0112] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment in which the sealing element 15 is applied or sprayed onto the bipolar plate 2 (e.g. by material deposition, spraying, etc.).

[0113] In Figs. 8 to 11, the sheath 4 has not been shown for the sake of clarity, but the bipolar plates 2 of these embodiments are also provided with a sheath 4.

[0114] As an alternative to the embodiments shown, the sealing element 15 can also be integrally connected to the casing 4, wherein the sealing element 15 is preferably attached to the casing 4 by means of an adhesive or is applied or sprayed onto the casing 4.

[0115] Finally, Figs. 11 and 12 show embodiments with a two-part sealing element 15. The sealing element 15 can be formed from at least two adjacent—preferably materially connected—parts 21, 22. The at least two parts 21, 22 can be arranged adjacent to one another transversely to the stacking direction S (or surface normal F) (Fig. 11). Alternatively, the second part 22 can at least partially, preferably completely, enclose the first part 21 (Fig. 12).

[0116] It is preferred if the two parts 21, 22 differ in their dimensional stability, with the second, outer part 22 preferably being more dimensionally stable than the first, inner part 21. The first (outer in Fig. 11) part 21 of the sealing element 15 can be formed from a metal or plastic ring, and a second part 22 of the sealing element 15, which rests against the first part 21, can be formed from a deformable ring, in particular made of rubber. In this way, the first (more dimensionally stable) part 21 can ensure dimensional stability and thus positional and contour stability for the second (softer or more flexible) part 22 of the sealing element 15. Reference numerals

[0117] 1 electrochemical cell

[0118] 2 bipolar plates

[0119] 3 Edge area of ​​the bipolar plate

[0120] 4 Sheathing 4a Element for the sheathing

[0121] 4b Element for the casing 4c Element for the casing 5 Cell frame structure

[0122] 6 Recording

[0123] 7 Membran

[0124] 8 frames

[0125] 9 Fastening structure

[0126] 10 Device for carrying out an electrochemical process

[0127] 11 Fluid channel

[0128] 12 recordings

[0129] 13 Seal

[0130] 14 Electrode (anode)

[0131] 15 Sealing element

[0132] 16 Sealing element

[0133] 20 assembly

[0134] 21 first part of the sealing element 15

[0135] 22 second part of the sealing element 15

[0136] 23 Recess

[0137] 24 Electrode (cathode)

[0138] 25 glue

[0139] 26 Front side F Surface normal to the plane in which the bipolar plate 2 lies S Stacking direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10) for carrying out an electrochemical process, in particular an electrolysis cell device and / or a fuel cell device, comprising at least two electrochemical cells (1) arranged one after the other in a stacking direction (S) and at least one bipolar plate (2) between two adjacent electrochemical cells (1), wherein the electrochemical cells (1) are each delimited by at least one cell frame structure (5) in directions transverse to the stacking direction (S), characterized in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate (2) - is embedded in a casing (4), wherein the casing (4) preferably encloses the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) on both sides.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) at least one - preferably circumferential - sealing element (15), preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, rests against the bipolar plate (2) and is embedded in the casing (4), preferably completely enclosed by the casing (4).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sealing element (15) rests on the end face of the bipolar plate (2).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sealing element (15) rests on a side of the bipolar plate (2) which is oriented transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the stacking direction (S).

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the sealing element (15) is inserted, preferably pressed in, or introduced into a recess (23) provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate (2).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the recess (23) in which the sealing element (15) is inserted or introduced is designed in the form of a groove and / or tapers towards the bottom of the recess (23).

7. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the sealing element (15) is materially connected to the bipolar plate (2), wherein preferably the sealing element (15) is fastened to the bipolar plate (2) by means of an adhesive (25) or is applied or sprayed onto the bipolar plate (2), and / or that the sealing element (15) is materially connected to the casing (4), wherein preferably the sealing element (15) is fastened to the casing (4) by means of an adhesive (25) or is applied or sprayed onto the casing (4).

8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the sealing element (15) is formed from at least two parts (21, 22) lying next to one another - preferably joined together by a material fit, wherein preferably the at least two parts (21, 22) are arranged next to one another transversely to the stacking direction (S) and / or the second part (22) at least partially, preferably completely, encloses the first part (21), and / or wherein preferably the second part (22) is more dimensionally stable than the first part (21), and / or wherein preferably a first part (21) of the sealing element (15) is formed from a metal or plastic ring and a second part (22) of the sealing element (15) lying against the first part (21) is formed from a deformable ring, in particular made of rubber.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bipolar plate (2) is made of electrically conductive material and the sheath (4) is made of electrically insulating material and / or that the sheath is made of plastic, preferably polysulfone (PSU) and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and / or polyethersulfone (PES) and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) is received in a form-fitting manner in the casing (4) and / or that the casing (4) is integrally bonded to the edge region (3) the bipolar plate (2) and / or that the casing (4) is an injection-molded part which is preferably injection-molded or cast onto the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (4) and the cell frame structure (5) form a monolithic unit or that the cell frame structure (5) is embedded in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension of the casing (4) in the stacking direction (S) is at least twice as large as the thickness of the bipolar plate (2).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a - preferably circumferential - recess (6), preferably in the form of a groove, is formed in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2), wherein a circumferential seal (13) is received in the recess (6).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrochemical cells (1) are each separated into two regions by a membrane (7), in particular an anion exchange membrane.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the edge region of the membrane (7) - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane (7) and preferably on both sides - is provided with a frame (8), wherein the frame is preferably made of sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or of a stiffer material than the membrane (7), and / or is glued or welded to the edge region of the membrane (7), wherein the frame (8) preferably rests sealingly on the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the frame (8) forms at least one seal (13) outside the contour of the membrane (7), which seal encloses a section of a fluid channel (11) formed in the casing (4).

17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2) there is formed a recess (6) opening in the stacking direction (S) - preferably a circumferential recess (6), preferably in the form of a groove, and in that the frame (8) with which the edge region of the membrane (7) is provided is received in the recess (6) of the casing (4) - preferably in a form-fitting manner.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a membrane (7) is connected to the casing (4) - preferably by means of a material bond, in particular by gluing and / or welding.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the casing (4) - preferably in a region extending beyond the embedded edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) - at least one fastening structure (9), in particular in the form of an opening or a recess, for fixing the bipolar plate (2) within the device (10) is formed.

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2) - preferably in a region extending beyond the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) embedded in the casing (4) and / or preferably in the region of the cell frame structure (5) - at least one fluid channel (11) for supplying a fluid into and / or discharging a fluid from the electrochemical cell (1) is formed.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) comprises at least two assemblies (20) arranged one after the other in the stacking direction (S) and - preferably detachably - connected to one another, each of which is designed according to one of claims 22 to 42.

22. Assembly (20) for a device (10) for carrying out an electrochemical process, comprising a bipolar plate (2) for delimiting two adjacent electrochemical cells (1), characterized in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate (2) - is embedded in a casing (4), wherein the casing (4) preferably encloses the edge region of the bipolar plate (2) on both sides.

23. Assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that in the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) at least one - preferably circumferential - sealing element (15), preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, rests against the bipolar plate (2) and is embedded in the casing (4), preferably completely enclosed by the casing (4).

24. Assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the sealing element (15) rests against the end face of the bipolar plate (2).

25. Assembly according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the sealing element (15) rests on a side of the bipolar plate (2) which is oriented transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the surface normal (F) of the plane in which the bipolar plate lies.

26. Assembly according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the sealing element (15) is inserted, preferably pressed in, or introduced into a recess (23) provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate (2).

27. Assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that the recess (23) in which the sealing element (15) is inserted or introduced is designed in the form of a groove and / or tapers towards the bottom of the recess (23).

28. Assembly according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the sealing element (15) is integrally connected to the bipolar plate (2), wherein preferably the sealing element (15) is attached to the bipolar plate (2) by means of an adhesive (25) or is applied or sprayed onto the bipolar plate (2), and / or that the sealing element (15) is materially connected to the casing (4), wherein preferably the sealing element (15) is fastened to the casing (4) by means of an adhesive (25) or is applied or sprayed onto the casing (4).

29. An assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the sealing element (15) is formed from at least two parts (21, 22) lying against one another - preferably joined together by a material fit, wherein preferably the at least two parts (21, 22) are arranged next to one another transversely to the direction of the surface normal (F) of the plane in which the bipolar plate (2) lies, and / or the second part (22) at least partially, preferably completely, encloses the first part (21), and / or wherein preferably the second part (22) is more dimensionally stable than the first part (21), and / or wherein preferably a first part (21) of the sealing element (15) is formed from a metal or plastic ring and a second part (22) of the sealing element (15) lying against the first part (21) is formed from a deformable ring, in particular made of rubber.

30. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that the bipolar plate (2) is formed from electrically conductive material and the sheath (4) is formed from electrically insulating material and / or that the sheath (4) is formed from plastic, preferably polysulfone (PSU) and / or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and / or polyethersulfone (PES) and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

31. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) is received in the casing (4) in a form-fitting manner and / or that the casing (4) is materially connected to the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) and / or that the casing (4) is an injection-molded part which is preferably injection-molded or cast onto the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2).

32. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that in the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) a - preferably circumferential - sealing element (15), preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, preferably at the end face, rests against the bipolar plate (2) and is embedded in the casing (4), preferably completely enclosed by the casing (4), wherein the sealing element (15) is preferably inserted, preferably pressed, into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate (2).

33. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 32, characterized in that the assembly (20) comprises at least one cell frame structure (5) for delimiting an electrochemical cell (1), wherein the casing (4) and the cell frame structure (5) form a monolithic unit or the cell frame structure (5) is embedded in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2).

34. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 33, characterized in that the extension of the casing (4) in a direction extending perpendicular to the plane of the bipolar plate (2) is at least twice as large as the thickness of the bipolar plate (2).

35. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 34, characterized in that a - preferably circumferential - recess (6), preferably in the form of a groove, is formed in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2), wherein a circumferential seal is received in the recess (6).

36. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 35, characterized in that the assembly (20) comprises at least one membrane (7), in particular an anion exchange membrane, for separating an electrochemical cell (1) into two regions.

37. Assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that the edge region of the membrane (7) - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane (7) and preferably on both sides - is provided with a frame (8), wherein the frame (8) is preferably formed from sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or from a stiffer material than the membrane, and / or is materially connected to the edge region of the membrane (7), in particular glued or welded, wherein the frame (8) preferably rests sealingly against the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2).

38. Assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that the frame (8) forms at least one seal (13) outside the contour of the membrane (7), which seal encloses a section of a fluid channel (11) formed in the casing (4).

39. Assembly according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2) there is formed a recess (6) opening at the end face - preferably circumferentially - preferably in the form of a groove, and in that the frame (8) with which the edge region of the membrane (7) is provided is received in the recess (6) of the casing (4) - preferably in a form-fitting manner.

40. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 39, characterized in that the membrane (7) is connected to the casing (4) - preferably by means of a material bond, in particular by gluing and / or welding.

41. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 40, characterized in that in the casing (4) - preferably in a region extending beyond the embedded edge region of the bipolar plate (2) - at least one fastening structure (9), in particular in the form of an opening or a recess, is formed for fixing the bipolar plate within a device for carrying out an electrochemical process.

42. Assembly according to one of claims 22 to 41, characterized in that in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2) - preferably in a region extending beyond the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) embedded in the casing (4) and / or preferably in the region of the cell frame structure (5) - at least one fluid channel (11) for supplying a fluid into and / or discharging a fluid from the electrochemical cell is formed.

43. Method for producing a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 21 and / or an assembly (20) according to one of claims 22 to 42, characterized in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) is provided with a sheath (4) so that the edge region (3) - preferably along the entire circumference of the bipolar plate (2) - is embedded in the casing (4).

44. Method according to claim 43, characterized in that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) is provided with a sheath (4) in such a way that the edge region (3) is overmolded - preferably with plastic material.

45. Method according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that the provision of the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) with a casing (4) is carried out in such a way that the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) is applied to at least two, preferably at least three, elements (4a, 4b, 4c), and the elements (4a, 4b, 4c) are connected to one another by a joining process, wherein the joining process is preferably a material-to-material joining process, preferably gluing or welding, in particular ultrasonic welding.

46. ​​Method according to one of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that - before providing the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) with a casing (4) - in the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) at least one, preferably circumferential, sealing element (15), preferably in the form of an O-ring and / or preferably made of plastic or rubber, preferably on the end face, is placed or attached or applied or sprayed on to the bipolar plate (2), preferably inserted, preferably pressed in, or introduced into a recess provided for this purpose in the bipolar plate (2), and that when providing the edge region (3) of the bipolar plate (2) with a casing (4), the sealing element (15) is also embedded in the casing (4), preferably completely enclosed by the casing (4).

47. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 46, characterized by the steps: (a) providing a membrane (7) for separating an electrochemical cell (1) into two regions; and (b) connecting—preferably detachably connecting—the membrane (7) to the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2).

48. Method according to claim 47, characterized in that a recess (6) opening at the end face - preferably circumferentially - is formed in the casing (4) of the bipolar plate (2), preferably in the form of a groove, and in that the edge region of the membrane (7) provided in step (a) is provided - preferably along the entire circumference of the membrane (7) and preferably on both sides - with a frame (8), wherein the frame (8) is preferably formed from sealing material, in particular rubber, and / or from a stiffer material than the membrane (7), and in that in step (b) the frame (8) with which the edge region of the membrane (7) is provided is inserted into the recess (6) in the casing (4).

49. A method for producing a device according to one of claims 1 to 21, in particular a method according to one of claims 43 to 48, in which assemblies (20) for forming the electrochemical cells (1) are installed in a receptacle (12) for receiving and holding the assemblies (20), characterized by the steps: Providing assemblies (20) designed according to one of claims 22 to 42 outside the receptacle (12) and Installation of the provided modules (20) into the receptacle (12), wherein preferably at least two of the provided modules (20) are connected to one another - preferably detachably - before their installation in the receptacle (20).

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