Electrolyzer, manufacturing method thereof, and electrolyzer module

Abstract

Provided are an electrolyzer, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electrolyzer module, relating to the field of electrolyzers. The electrolyzer includes a frame, a bipolar plate, a first collection frame, at least two first ribs, a second collection frame, and at least two second ribs. The frame defines an inner cavity and includes: a top frame and a bottom frame opposing each other in a first direction; and a first frame and a second frame opposing each other in a second direction. The bipolar plate is connected to the frame and divides the inner cavity into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber in a third direction. The first collection frame is disposed in the anode chamber and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate adjacent to the top frame. The at least two first ribs are spaced apart in the second direction, where a respective first rib is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate uncovered by the first collection frame, and located on a side of the first collection frame away from the bipolar plate. The second collection frame is disposed in the cathode chamber and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate adjacent to the top frame. The at least two second ribs are spaced apart in the second direction, where a respective second rib is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate uncovered by the second collection frame, and is located on a side of the second collection frame away from the bipolar plate. Improving electrolytic efficiency of the electrolyzer is at least facilitated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electrolyzers, and in particular, to an electrolyzer, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electrolyzer module.BACKGROUND

[0002] The electrolyzer industry had already matured as a commercially viable sector before the concept of green hydrogen gained traction, boasting more established supply chains than the hydrogen value chain. Future technological priorities for the electrolyzer industry include reducing energy consumption, enhancing electrolysis efficiency per cell, increasing current density per cell, extending the lifespan of the electrolyzer, achieving modular system integration, and the like. The electrolyzer typically includes dozens to hundreds of serially connected bipolar plates, whose structural design critically impacts manufacturing, installation, and operational performance throughout the product lifecycle.

[0003] However, as renewable energy-based hydrogen production advances, demand for largerscale electrolyzers intensifies. Simply stacking small electrolysis chambers would lead to excessive device length, complicating assembly and installation while causing problems such as sinking of the midsection of the electrolyzer. Furthermore, while improving the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer, the electrolyte-permeated membrane places higher demands on the compatibility between various devices in the electrolyzer.SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrolyzer, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electrolyzer module, which at least facilitates improving electrolytic efficiency of the electrolyzer.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure provides an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer includes a frame, a bipolar plat, a first collection frame, at least two first ribs, a second collection frame, and at least two second ribs. The frame defines an inner cavity and includes: a top frame and a bottom frame opposing each other in a first direction; and a first frame and a second frame opposing each other in a second direction. The bipolar plate is connected to the frame and divides the inner cavity into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber in a third direction. The first collection frame is disposed in the anode chamber and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate adjacent to the top frame. The at least two first ribs are spaced apart in the second direction, where a respective first rib is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate uncovered by the first collection frame, and located on a side of the first collection frame away from the bipolar plate. The second collection frame is disposed in the cathode chamber and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate adjacent to the top frame. The at least two second ribs are spaced apart in the second direction, where a respective second rib is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate uncovered by the second collection frame, and is located on a side of the second collection frame away from the bipolar plate.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, another aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure provides a manufacturing method of an electrolyzer. The manufacturing method includes: providing a frame defining an inner cavity, where the frame includes a top frame and a bottom frame opposing each other in a first direction, and a first frame and a second frame opposing each other in a second direction; providing a bipolar plate, and welding a periphery of the bipolar plate to the top frame, first frame, the bottom frame, and the second frame to divide the inner cavity into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber in a third direction, where the bipolar plate includes a first side forming the anode chamber and a second side forming the cathode chamber; providing a first collection frame, and fixing the first collection frame to an end of the first side adjacent to the top frame; providing at least two first ribs, and fixing the at least first ribs to the first side, where the at least first ribs are located on a side of the first collection frame away from the bipolar plate, and spaced apart in the second direction; providing a second collection frame, and fixing the second collection frame to an end of the second side adjacent to the top frame; and providing at least two second ribs and fixing the at least second ribs to the second side, where the at least second ribs are located on a side of the second collection frame away from the bipolar plate, and spaced apart in the second direction.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, yet another aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure provides an electrolyzer module. The electrolyzer module includes a plurality of electrolyzers according to the above embodiments or manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the above embodiments, an electrolysis bath, and a power supply unit. The electrolysis bath contains electrolyte, where the cathode mesh and the anode mesh of the electrolyzer are immersed in the electrolyte. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the cathode mesh and the anode mesh to provide electrical energy to the electrolyzer.

[0008] Technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure has at least beneficial effects described below.

[0009] Each of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber is provided with a collection frame, facilitating gas-liquid phase separation overflow control and collection of gas-liquid mixture produced in the electrolyzer. This design positions the first rib between the first collection frame and the anode mesh, which enables surge of the electrolyte between the first collection frame and the bipolar plate while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the first collection frame. That is, the anode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the first collection frame away from the bipolar plate, and immersion of these portions of the anode mesh and membrane into the electrolyte can be ensured, thereby enhancing the integration of the electrolyzer. Similarly, this design positions the second rib between the second collection frame and the cathode mesh, which enables surge of the electrolyte between the second collection frame and the bipolar plate while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the second collection frame. That is, the cathode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the second collection frame away from the bipolar plate, and immersion of these portions of the cathode mesh and membrane into the electrolyte, thereby enhancing the integration of the electrolyzer. Additionally, in the energized state, arranging the first collection frame and first rib within the anode chamber facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the anode chamber by means of the first collection frame and first rib without additionally enlarging the volume of the anode chamber, and arranging the second collection frame and second rib within the cathode chamber facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the cathode chamber by means of the second collection frame and second rib without additionally enlarging the volume of the cathode chamber.

[0010] The above multiple effects help to effectively increase the electrolysis area in the electrolysis cell with a limited physical space, thereby increasing the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis cell.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] One or more embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the corresponding figures in the accompanying drawings, and the exemplary description is not to be construed as limiting the embodiments. Unless otherwise particularly stated, the figures in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. To describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure or the related art more clearly, the accompanying drawings that need to be used in the embodiments are briefly described below. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description show only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may still derive other drawings from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a frame and a bipolar plate in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a first collection frame and a second collection frame in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is another partial perspective view showing an assembly of a frame and a bipolar plate in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first rib in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second rib in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] It can be known from the "Background" part that the electrolytic efficiency and integration level of the electrolyzer requires to be improved.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrolyzer, a manufacturing method of the electrolyzer, and an electrolyzer module. In the electrolyzer, on one hand, positioning the first rib between the first collection frame and the anode mesh enables surge of the electrolyte between the first collection frame and the bipolar plate while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the first collection frame. That is, the anode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the first collection frame away from the bipolar plate, and immersion of these portions of the anode mesh and membrane into the electrolyte can be ensured, thereby enhancing the integration of the electrolyzer. On the other hand, positioning the second rib between the second collection frame and the cathode mesh enables surge of the electrolyte between the second collection frame and the bipolar plate while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the second collection frame. That is, the cathode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the second collection frame away from the bipolar plate, and immersion of these portions of the cathode mesh and membrane into the electrolyte, thereby enhancing the integration of the electrolyzer. Additionally, in the energized state, arranging the first collection frame and first rib within the anode chamber facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the anode chamber by means of the first collection frame and first rib without additionally enlarging the volume of the anode chamber, and arranging the second collection frame and second rib within the cathode chamber facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the cathode chamber by means of the second collection frame and second rib without additionally enlarging the volume of the cathode chamber. The above multiple effects help to effectively increase the electrolysis area in the electrolysis cell with a limited physical space, thereby increasing the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis cell.

[0014] Positioning the first rib between the first collection frame and anode mesh preserves gas-collection space while enabling electrolyte surge between the first collection frame and bipolar plate, thereby allowing the anode mesh and membrane to extend to a side of the first collection frame away from the bipolar plate and ensuring electrolyte immersion of this portion of the anode mesh and membrane, thus increasing the integration level. Similarly, positioning the second rib between the second collection frame and cathode mesh preserves gas-collection space while enabling electrolyte surge between the second collection frame and bipolar plate, thereby allowing the cathode mesh and membrane to extend to a side of the second collection frame away from the bipolar plate and ensuring electrolyte immersion of this portion of the cathode mesh and membrane, thus increasing the integration level. Additionally, in the energized state, arranging the first collection frame and first rib in the anode chamber increases reaction area without enlarging volume. Similarly, arranging the second collection frame and second rib in the cathode chamber increases reaction area without volumetric expansion. These collective effects effectively enlarge the electrolysis area within the electrolyzer's confined space, enhancing electrolytic efficiency

[0015] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical terms "first," "second" and the like are only used to distinguish different objects and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] Reference herein to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of this phrase in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0017] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is merely an association relationship describing associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which may indicate that A exists, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this specification generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects.

[0018] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "a plurality of" means at least two, similarly, "a plurality of groups" means at least two groups, and "a plurality of pieces" means at least two pieces.

[0019] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, orientation or positional relationship indicated by technical terms "center", "transverse", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like are orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the accompanying drawings, which are intended only to facilitate the description of embodiments of the present disclosure and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated with a particular orientation, and therefore are not to be construed as a limitation of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified and limited, technical terms "mounted", "connected", "connecting", "fixed", etc. are to be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or a one-piece connection, it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection, it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it may be a connection between two elements or an interaction between the two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be understood according to specific situations.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings corresponding to the embodiments of the present disclosure, for better understanding and ease of description, the thickness and area of a layer are enlarged. When a component (e.g., a layer, a film, a region, or a substrate) is described as being formed over another component or over a surface of another component, the component may be "directly" on the surface of another component, or a third component may exist between the two components. In contrast, when a component is described as being formed on a surface of another component or a surface of a component is formed or provided with another component, there is no third component between the two components. In addition, when a component is described as being "substantially" formed on / over another component, it means that the component is not formed on / over the entire surface (or front surface) of another component, nor on / over a portion of the edge of the entire surface.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when a component "includes" another component, unless otherwise stated, other components are not excluded, and other components may be further included in the component. In addition, when a component such as a layer, a film, a region, or a plate is referred to as being "over / disposed over" another component, it may be "directly on" another component (i.e., being on the surface of another component and there is no other component therebetween), or another component may exist therebetween. Furthermore, when a component such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is "directly on" another component, or when a component such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is disposed on the surface of another component, it means that no other component is disposed therebetween.

[0023] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various embodiments described and the appended claims, "the portion" is also intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The component includes a layer, a film, a region, or a plate, etc.

[0024] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, many technical details are provided to make readers better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0025] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an electrolyzer 100 includes a frame 102, a bipolar plate 103, a first collection frame 104, at least two first ribs 105, a second collection frame 106, and at least two second ribs 107. The frame 102 defines an inner cavity 101 and includes a top frame 112 and a bottom frame 122 opposing each other in a first direction X, and a first frame 132 and a second frame 142 opposing each other in a second direction Y. The bipolar plate 103 is connected to the frame 102, and divides the inner cavity 101 into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber 121 in a third direction Z. The first collection frame 104 is disposed in the anode chamber 111 and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate 103 adjacent to the top frame 112. The at least two first ribs 105 are spaced apart in the second direction Y, where a respective first rib 105 is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate 103 uncovered by the first collection frame 104, and located on a side of the first collection frame 104 away from the bipolar plate 103. The second collection frame 106 is disposed in the cathode chamber 121 and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate 103 adjacent to the top frame 112. The at least two second ribs 107 are spaced apart in the second direction Y, where a respective second rib 107 is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate 103 uncovered by the second collection frame 106, and is located on a side of the second collection frame 106 away from the bipolar plate 103.

[0027] It should be noted that FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of a frame and a bipolar plate in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a first collection frame and a second collection frame in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is another partial perspective view showing an assembly of a frame and a bipolar plate in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, the first direction X is a height direction of the electrolyzer 10, the second direction Y is a length direction of the electrolyzer 10, and the third direction Z is a width direction of the electrolyzer 10.

[0028] It should be noted that in the case where the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121 share the bipolar plate 103, each of the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121 is provided with a collection frame, facilitating gas-liquid phase separation overflow control and collection of gas-liquid mixture produced in the electrolyzer. Specifically, the first collection frame 104 fixed to the end of the bipolar plate 103 adjacent to the top frame 112 is disposed in the anode chamber 111, and the second collection frame 106 fixed to the end of the bipolar plate 103 adjacent to the top frame 112 is disposed in the cathode chamber 121.

[0029] Moreover, positioning the first rib 105 not only in the region of the bipolar plate 103 uncovered by the first collection frame 104 but also on the side of the first collection frame 104 away from bipolar plate 103 creates dual advantages. On one hand, this design positions the first rib 105 between the first collection frame 104 and the anode mesh, which enables surge of the electrolyte between the first collection frame 104 and the bipolar plate 103 while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the first collection frame 104. In other words, in addition to between the bipolar plate 103 and the anode mesh, the electrolyte further surges along the entire length of the first collection frame 104 in the X direction. That is, the anode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the first collection frame 104 away from the bipolar plate 103. On the other hand, in the first direction X, this configuration facilitates increasing the length of the anode mesh and membrane deployable in the anode chamber 111 per unit height, thereby increasing electrolysis area and current density in the anode chamber 111 per unit volume. That is, the cooperative design of the first rib 105 and the first collection frame 104 in the embodiments of the present disclosure enables electrolyte immersion in a zone of the conventional electrolyzer in which electrolyte immersion is disenabled, thereby enhancing the integration level of the electrolyzer 100.

[0030] Similarly, positioning the second rib 107 not only in the region of the bipolar plate 103 uncovered by the second collection frame 106 but also on the side of the second collection frame 106 away from bipolar plate 103 creates dual advantages. On one hand, this design positions the second rib 107 between the second collection frame 106 and the cathode mesh, which enables surge of the electrolyte between the second collection frame 106 and the bipolar plate 103 while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the second collection frame 106. In other words, in addition to between the bipolar plate 103 and the cathode mesh, the electrolyte further surges along the entire length of the second collection frame 106 in the X direction. That is, the cathode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the second collection frame 106 away from the bipolar plate 103. On the other hand, in the first direction X, this configuration facilitates increasing the length of the cathode mesh and membrane deployable in the cathode chamber 121 per unit height, thereby increasing electrolysis area and current density in the cathode chamber 121 per unit volume. That is, the cooperative design of the second rib 107 and the second collection frame 106 in the embodiments of the present disclosure enables electrolyte immersion in a zone of the conventional electrolyzer in which electrolyte immersion is disenabled, thereby enhancing the integration level of the electrolyzer 100.

[0031] Additionally, in the energized state, electrical connectivity exists among the anode mesh, the first collection frame 104 and the first rib 105. Arranging the first collection frame 104 and first rib 105 within the anode chamber 111 facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the anode chamber 111 (i.e., an electrolysis area within the anode chamber 111) by means of the first collection frame 104 and first rib 105 without additionally enlarging the volume of the anode chamber 111, thereby facilitating enhancing current density and electrolytic efficiency in the anode chamber 111. Electrical connectivity exists among the cathode mesh, the second collection frame 106 and the second rib 107. Arranging the second collection frame 106 and second rib 107 within the cathode chamber 121 facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the cathode chamber 121 (i.e., an electrolysis area within the cathode chamber 121) by means of the second collection frame 106 and second rib 107 without additionally enlarging the volume of the cathode chamber 121, thereby facilitating enhancing current density and electrolytic efficiency in the cathode chamber 121.

[0032] The above multiple effects help to effectively increase the electrolysis area in the electrolysis cell 100 with a limited physical space, thereby increasing the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis cell 100.

[0033] It should be noted that the electrolyzer 100 may be a water-hydrogen electrolyzer, a lowvoltage electrolyzer, a rectangular electrolyzer, an alkaline water electrolyzer, or the like.

[0034] It should be noted that FIG. 4 illustrates approximate flow paths of gas-liquid mixture within the anode chamber 111 using dashed arrows, with similar flow paths existing in the cathode chamber 121.

[0035] Detailed description of the electrolyzer 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is given below.

[0036] In some embodiments, with continued reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the electrolyzer 100 further includes an anode mesh 108 and / or a cathode mesh 118. The anode mesh 108 is positioned on a side of the first ribs 105 away from the bipolar plate 103, where an orthographic projection of the anode mesh 108 on the bipolar plate 103 covers orthographic projections of the first ribs 105. The cathode mesh 118 is positioned on a side of the second ribs 107 away from the bipolar plate 103, where an orthographic projection of the cathode mesh 118 on the bipolar plate 103 covers orthographic projections of the second ribs 107.

[0037] It should be noted that the design of the first rib 105 and second rib 107 facilitates increasing surge space of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121. Specifically, electrolyte surge occurs not only between the bipolar plate 103 and anode mesh 108 and between the bipolar plate 103 and cathode mesh 118 but also between the first collection frame 104 and anode mesh 108 and between the second collection frame 106 and cathode mesh 118. Thus, this allows the anode mesh 108 and membrane to further extend to the side of the first collection frame 104 away from the bipolar plate 103 and also allows the cathode mesh 118 and membrane to extend to the side of the second collection frame 106 away from the bipolar plate 103 while ensuring immersion of the anode mesh 108 and the cathode mesh 118.

[0038] Based on this, designing the orthographic projection of the anode mesh 108 on the bipolar plate 103 to cover the orthographic projections of first ribs 105 on the bipolar plate 103 facilitates increasing the length of the anode mesh 108 and membrane deployable within the anode chamber 111 per unit height, thereby increasing the layout area of the anode mesh 108 and membrane and maximizing the electrolysis area in the anode chamber 111. Similarly, designing the orthographic projection of the cathode mesh 118 on the bipolar plate 103 to cover the orthographic projections of the second ribs 107 on the bipolar plate 103 facilitates increasing the length of the cathode mesh 118 and membrane deployable within the cathode chamber 121 per unit height, thereby increasing the layout area of the cathode mesh 118 and membrane and maximizing the electrolysis area the cathode chamber 121.

[0039] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, in the first direction X, a ratio S1 of a first length of the first rib 105 to a third length of the bipolar plate 103 satisfies 0.8≤S1<1. That is, the first length of the first rib 105 may be designed to be almost equal to the third length of the bipolar plate 103 to maximize the length of the anode mesh and membrane deployable in the anode chamber 111 per unit height.

[0040] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, in the first direction X, a ratio S2 of a second length of the second rib 107 to the third length of the bipolar plate 103 satisfies 0.8≤S2<1. That is, the second length of the second rib 107 may be designed to be almost equal to the third length of the bipolar plate 103 to maximize the length of the cathode mesh and membrane deployable in the anode chamber 111 per unit height.

[0041] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 which is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first rib in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first direction X, the first rib 105 includes a first portion 115 and a second portion 125. The first portion 115 is positioned on a side of the first collection frame 104 away from the bipolar plate 103. The second portion 125 is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate 103 uncovered by the first collection frame 104. At least one of the first portion 115 and the second portion 125 includes a first flow channel hole 135.

[0042] In this way, this configuration facilitates deployment of longer first ribs 105 in the first direction X in the anode chamber 111 with a limited deployment height to improve the flow guidance effect of the first ribs 105 on the electrolyte in the anode chamber 111, thereby promoting uniform distribution of the electrolyte within the anode chamber 111. Additionally, the first ribs 105 may be configured to provide support for the anode mesh 108 to prevent collapse of the flexible anode mesh 108 between adjacent first ribs 105. Furthermore, at least one of the first portion 115 and the second portion 125 is provided with a first flow channel hole 135, which is conducive to turbulent flow of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 111 by means of the first flow channel hole 135, so that the electrolyte has multiple flow paths in the anode chamber 111, which is conducive to further ensuring the uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the anode chamber 111.

[0043] It should be noted that FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the second portion 125 of the first rib 105 is provided with the first flow channel hole 135. In actual applications, only the first portion 115 of the first rib 105 is provided with a first flow channel hole 135, or both the first portion 115 and the second portion 125 of the first rib 105 are provided with first flow channel holes 135. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose excessive restrictions on the position of the first flow channel hole 135 on the first rib 105, which can be flexibly selected according to specific needs.

[0044] In some cases, in the third direction Z, the first portion 115 may have a first width smaller than a second width of the second portion 125, so that the first portion 115 and the second portion 125 match an area on the bipolar plate 103 where the first collection frame 104 is installed and an area where the first collection frame 104 is not installed, respectively.

[0045] In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 which is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second rib in an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rib 107 includes a third portion 117 and a fourth portion 127. The third portion 117 is positioned on a side of the second collection frame 106 away from the bipolar plate 103, and the fourth portion 127 is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate 103 uncovered by the second collection frame 106, where at least one of the third portion 117 and the fourth portion 127 includes a second flow channel hole 137.

[0046] In this way, this configuration facilitates deployment of longer second rib 107 in the first direction X in the cathode chamber 121 with a limited deployment height to improve the flow guidance effect of the second rib 107 on the electrolyte in the cathode chamber 121, thereby promoting uniform distribution of the electrolyte within the cathode chamber 121. Additionally, the second rib 107 may be configured to provide support for the cathode mesh 118 to prevent collapse of the flexible cathode mesh 118 between adjacent second rib 107. Furthermore, at least one of the third portion 117 and the fourth portion 127 is provided with a second flow channel hole 137, which is conducive to turbulent flow of the electrolyte in the cathode chamber 121 by means of the second flow channel hole 137, so that the electrolyte has multiple flow paths in the cathode chamber 121, which is conducive to further ensuring the uniform distribution of the electrolyte in the cathode chamber 121.

[0047] It should be noted that FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the fourth portion 127 of the second rib 107 is provided with the second flow channel hole 137. In actual applications, only the third portion 117 of the second rib 107 is provided with a second flow channel hole 137, or both the third portion 117 and the fourth portion 127 of the second rib 107 are provided with second flow channel hole 137. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose excessive restrictions on the position of the second flow channel hole 137 on the second rib 107, which can be flexibly selected according to specific needs.

[0048] In addition, FIG. 4 only illustrates an example in which the first rib 105 is provided with the first flow channel hole 135 and the second rib 107 is provided with the second flow channel hole 137.

[0049] In some cases, in the third direction Z, the third portion 117 may have a third width smaller than a fourth width of the fourth portion 127, so that the third portion 117 and the fourth portion 127 match an area on the bipolar plate 103 where the second collection frame 106 is installed and an area where the second collection frame 106 is not installed, respectively.

[0050] Detail description of the first flow channel hole 135 on the first rib 105 and the second flow channel hole 137 on the second rib 107 is given below.

[0051] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the first flow channel hole 135 and the second flow channel hole 137 each have an opening that is circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, or N-sided, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 5.

[0052] It should be noted that FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 illustrate an example in which both the first flow channel hole 135 and the second flow channel hole 137 each have a circular opening. In actual applications, openings of the first flow channel hole 135 and the second flow channel hole 137 may be same or different. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose excessive restrictions on shapes of the openings the first flow channel hole 135 and the second flow channel hole 137, and common industrial shapes may apply to the openings the first flow channel hole 135 and the second flow channel hole 137.

[0053] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose excessive restrictions on the number of first flow channel holes on the first rib, a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes, and whether shapes of the opening of different first flow channel holes are the same, which can all be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose excessive restrictions on the number of second flow channel holes on the second rib, a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes, and whether shapes of the opening of different second flow channel holes are the same, which can all be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions. Furthermore, the number of first flow channel holes on the first rib and the number of second flow channel holes on the second rib may be the same or different, and the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes and the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes may be the same or different.

[0054] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, the second portion 125 is provided with multiple first flow channel holes 135 arranged at equal intervals. This facilitates balancing the support strength across different regions of the first rib 105, enhancing the overall structural stability of the first rib 105. Additionally, the first flow channel holes 135 arranged at equal intervals are easier to manufacture, thereby facilitating reducing the production cost of the first rib 105.

[0055] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7, the fourth portion 127 is provided with multiple second flow channel holes 137 arranged at equal intervals. This facilitates balancing the support strength of each region on the second rib 107, thereby enhancing the overall structural stability of the second rib 107. Additionally, the second flow channel holes 137 arranged at equal intervals are easy to manufacture, which facilitating reducing the production cost of the second rib 107.

[0056] In other examples, the second portion is provided with first flow channel holes. The second portion has in the first direction a first top side and a first bottom side opposing each other and a first centerline, and a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively varies in a direction from the first centerline toward the first top side and / or a direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side. It should be noted that the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively varying includes at least the following two cases: in one case, the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively increases in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side or the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side; and in the other case, the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively decreases in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side or the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side.

[0057] In one example, the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively decreases in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side and in the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side. In other words, in the first direction, the arrangement of first flow channel holes on both sides of the first centerline becomes more densely packed, thereby ensuring that the number of first flow channel holes at the top and bottom ends of the first rib is relatively high, facilitating uniform distribution of the electrolyte at this location and providing more flow space for the generated gas-liquid mixture.

[0058] In another example, the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively increases in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side and the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side. In other words, in the first direction, the arrangement of the first flow channel holes on both sides of the first centerline becomes more sparse.

[0059] It should be noted that in the above examples, the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side is the same as the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes in the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side. In actual applications, the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side may be different from the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes in the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side.

[0060] In other examples, the fourth portion is provided with second flow channel holes. The fourth portion has in the first direction a second top side and a second bottom side opposing each other and a second centerline, and a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively varies in a direction from the second centerline toward the second top side and / or a direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side. It should be noted that the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively varying includes at least the following two cases: in one case, the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively increases in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side or the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side; and in the other case, the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively decreases in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side or the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side.

[0061] In one example, the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively decreases in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side and in the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side. In other words, in the first direction, the arrangement of second flow channel holes on both sides of the second centerline becomes more densely packed, thereby ensuring that the number of second flow channel holes at the top and bottom ends of the second rib is relatively high, facilitating uniform distribution of the electrolyte at this location and providing more flow space for the generated gas-liquid mixture.

[0062] In another example, the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively increases in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side and the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side. In other words, in the first direction, the arrangement of the second flow channel holes on both sides of the second centerline becomes more sparse.

[0063] It should be noted that in the above examples, the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side is the same as the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes in the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side. In actual applications, the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side may be different from the progressive change of the spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes in the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side.

[0064] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, the second portion 125 is provided with first flow channel holes 135. In the first direction X, the second portion 125 has a first centerline P1, and the first flow channel holes 135 located on two sides of the first centerline P1 are axisymmetric about the first centerline P1.

[0065] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, the fourth portion 127 is provided with second flow channel holes 137. In the first direction X, the fourth portion 127 has a second centerline P2, and the second flow channel holes 137 on two sides of the second centerline P2 are axisymmetric about the second centerline P2.

[0066] It should be noted that the first flow channel holes 135 on both sides of the first centerline P1 being axisymmetrical along the first centerline P1 and the second flow channel holes 137 on both sides of the second centerline P2 being axisymmetrical in the second centerline P2 may coexist in the same electrolyzer 100. Alternatively, only the first flow channel hole 135 is axisymmetrically arranged on the first rib 105, or only the second flow channel hole 137 is axisymmetrically arranged on the second rib 107.

[0067] In other examples, the second portion is provided with first flow channel holes, and in the first direction, the second portion has a first centerline, with a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes closest to the first centerline being greater than a spacing between other adjacent first flow channel holes. This arrangement facilitates a more compact arrangement of the first flow channel holes at two ends of the first rib in the first direction and a more sparse arrangement of the first flow channel holes in the central portion of the first rib, which facilitates improving the turbulence effect of the first flow channel holes on the electrolyte as it enters near the bottom frame and improving the efficiency of the generated gas-liquid mixture entering the first collection frame near the top frame.

[0068] In other examples, the fourth portion is provided with second flow channel holes, and in the first direction, the fourth portion has a second centerline, with a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes closest to the second centerline being greater than a spacing between other adjacent second flow channel holes. This arrangement facilitates a more compact arrangement of the second flow channel holes at two ends of the second rib in the first direction and a more sparse arrangement of the second flow channel holes in the central portion of the second rib, which facilitates improving the turbulence effect of the second flow channel holes on the electrolyte when it enters near the bottom frame and improving the efficiency of the generated gas-liquid two-phase mixture entering the second collection frame near the top frame.

[0069] It should be noted that in practical applications, when the first flow channel holes are axisymmetrically arranged on the first rib, at least one of the following three scenarios may exist. Scenario one: multiple first flow channel holes may be arranged at equal intervals. Scenario two: in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side and the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side, a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes progressively varies. Scenario three: a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes closest to the first centerline is greater than a spacing between other adjacent first flow channel holes.

[0070] Additionally, when the second flow channel holes are axisymmetrically arranged on the second rib, at least one of the following three scenarios may exist. Scenario one: multiple second flow channel holes may be arranged at equal intervals. Scenario two: in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side and the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side, a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes progressively varies. Scenario three: a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes closest to the second centerline is greater than a spacing between other adjacent second flow channel holes.

[0071] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the electrolyzer 100 may further include a support bottom mesh 109, and an elastic structure 119. The support bottom mesh is disposed on a side of the second rib 107 away from the bipolar plate 103. A first top end of the support bottom mesh 109 protrudes beyond a second top end of the second rib 107 in the first direction X, and a first bottom end of the support bottom mesh 109 protrudes beyond a second bottom end of the second rib 107. The elastic structure 119 is disposed on a side of the support bottom mesh 109 away from the second rib 107. The cathode mesh 118 is disposed on a side of the elastic structure 119 away from the support bottom mesh 109, and the support bottom mesh 109 and the elastic structure 119 are hooked at the first top end and the first bottom end.

[0072] It should be noted that on the one hand, the support bottom mesh 109 and the elastic structure 119 are provided so that the cathode mesh 118 elastically abuts the second collection frame 106 and the second ribs 107, which helps to increase the elastic space of the cathode mesh 118 and enables multi-point dispersed contact between the cathode mesh 118 and the elastic structure 119, ensuring that the force exerted by the elastic structure 119 on the cathode mesh 118 is uniformly distributed at different positions, thereby preventing damage to the membrane caused by a pressure difference in the electrolyte and enhancing the durability of the electrolyzer 100. Additionally, this arrangement maintains an extremely small gap between the cathode mesh 118 and the anode mesh 108, thereby reducing the resistance between the cathode mesh 118 and the anode mesh 108. On the other hand, the support bottom mesh 109 and elastic structure 119 provide a larger electrolyte surface area, further enhancing the electrolysis area of the electrolyzer 100. Furthermore, the support bottom mesh 109 facilitates providing good support for the elastic structure 119 and cathode mesh 118, preventing the flexible elastic structure 119 and cathode mesh 118 from collapsing between adjacent second ribs 107, thereby improving the structural stability of the electrolyzer 100.

[0073] With continued reference to FIG. 4, a portion of the support bottom mesh 109 protruding from the second top end is a first protruding portion 129, and a portion of the support bottom mesh 109 protruding from the second bottom end is a second protruding portion 139.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, each of at least one of the first collection frame 104 and the second collection frame 106 includes a top plate and a bottom plate opposing each other in the first direction X, as well as a side plate that connects ends of the top plate and bottom plate away from the bipolar plate 103, and the top plate is provided with a return hole 110.

[0075] It should be noted that, to distinguish the specific structures of the first collection frame 104 and the second collection frame 106, in the subsequent description, the top plate, bottom plate, and side plate included in the first collection frame 104 are referred to as a first top plate, a first bottom plate, and a first side plate, respectively, and the top plate, bottom plate, and side plate included in the second collection frame 106 are referred to as a second top plate, a second bottom plate, and a second side plate, respectively. Based on this, the return holes 110 can be divided into a first return hole 124a on the first top plate and a second return hole 126a on the second top plate.

[0076] It should be noted that when the electrolyzer 100 is in an energized state, the electrolyte in both the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121 surges, producing gas. As the gas rises to the first collection frame 104 or the second collection frame 106, the gas will carry a small portion of the electrolyte. This small portion of the electrolyte flows through the return hole 110 into the first collection frame 104 or the second collection frame 106 to achieve separation of gas phase from liquid phase. For example, the electrolyte carried by oxygen as it rises to the first collection frame 104 flows through the first return hole 124a into the first collection frame 104, and the electrolyte carried by hydrogen as it rises to the second collection frame 106 flows through the second return hole 126a into the second collection frame 106.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, the first collection frame 104 and the bipolar plate 103 defines a first cavity 114, and the second collection frame 106 and the bipolar plate 103 defines a second cavity 116. The first frame 132 and the second frame 142 both have hollow chambers, and an inner wall of one of the first frame 132 and the second frame 142 facing the anode chamber 111 is provided with a first discharge port 111a (see FIG. 3), while an inner wall of the other of the first frame 132 and the second frame 142 facing the cathode chamber 121 is provided with a second discharge port (not shown). The first discharge port 111a is communicated with the first cavity 114, and the second discharge port is communicated with the second cavity 116.

[0078] Thus, one of the first frame 132 and the second frame 142 serves as a collection device for the gas-liquid mixture generated in the anode chamber 111, while the other of the first frame 132 and the second frame 142 serves as a collection device for the gas-liquid mixture generated in the cathode chamber 121. This arrangement allows for the full utilization of the physical space occupied by the first frame 132 and the second frame 142 without increasing the volume of the electrolyzer 100, thereby enhancing the integration density of the electrolyzer 100. Additionally, no additional collection devices need to be installed, which helps reduce the production cost of the electrolyzer 100. Furthermore, the first discharge port 111a and the second discharge port are respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the first collection frame 104 and the second collection frame 106, i.e., near the top frame 112 of the bipolar plate 103, which facilitates enhancing the exhaust and drainage efficiency of the first discharge port 111a and the second discharge port. The design of the first collection frame 104 and the second collection frame 106 also facilitates preventing significant backflow of the electrolyte.

[0079] In some cases, a ratio of a volume of the second cavity 116 to a volume of the first cavity 114 may be 1 to 2. For example, the ratio of the volume of the second cavity 116 to the volume of the first cavity 114 may be 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or the like.

[0080] It should be noted that in some cases, the electrolyzer 100 is configured for electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. The anode chamber 111 is configured to generate oxygen. Most of the oxygen and a small portion of the electrolyte are collected within the first collection frame 104, i.e., the first cavity 114. The cathode chamber 121 is configured to produce hydrogen. Most of the hydrogen and a small portion of the electrolyte are collected within the second collection frame 106, i.e., the second cavity 116. Within a unit of time, an amount of the hydrogen produced in the cathode chamber 121 is twice an amount of the oxygen produced in the anode chamber 111. Based on this, the ratio of the volume of the second cavity 116 to the volume of the first cavity 114 is designed to be 1:2, which facilitates reducing the pressure difference between the second cavity 116 and the first cavity 114, effectively avoiding the stability of other components within the electrolyzer 100, such as the membrane, being affected by an excessive pressure difference between the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121, thereby enhancing the overall structural stability of the electrolyzer 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the bipolar plate 103 may be made of stainless steel plate, and the frame 102 may be welded from four hollow stainless steel tubes.

[0082] In some embodiments, the bipolar plate 103 has a flatness error of less than 0.2 mm within a range of 500 mm × 500 mm.

[0083] In some embodiments, in the third direction Z, the bipolar plate 103 may be centrally positioned on the frame 102.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzer 100 may further include two welded lugs 179 arranged oppositely in the second direction Y. One of the two welded lugs 179 is fixed to the first frame 132, and the other of the two welded lugs 179 is fixed to the second frame 142. The two welded lugs 179 are configured for placement of the electrolyzer 100 on frame rails.

[0085] In summary, each of the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121 is provided with a collection frame, facilitating gas-liquid phase separation overflow control and collection of gas-liquid mixture produced in the electrolyzer. This design positions the first rib 105 between the first collection frame 104 and the anode mesh, which enables surge of the electrolyte between the first collection frame 104 and the bipolar plate 103 while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the first collection frame 104. That is, the anode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the first collection frame 104 away from the bipolar plate 103, and immersion of these portions of the anode mesh and membrane into the electrolyte can be ensured, thereby enhancing the integration of the electrolyzer 100. Similarly, this design positions the second rib 107 between the second collection frame 106 and the cathode mesh, which enables surge of the electrolyte between the second collection frame 106 and the bipolar plate 103 while ensuring enough gas-collection space in the second collection frame 106. That is, the cathode mesh and the membrane may further extend to the side of the second collection frame 106 away from the bipolar plate 103, and immersion of these portions of the cathode mesh and membrane into the electrolyte, thereby enhancing the integration of the electrolyzer 100. Additionally, in the energized state, arranging the first collection frame 104 and first rib 105 within the anode chamber 111 facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the anode chamber 111 by means of the first collection frame 104 and first rib 105 without additionally enlarging the volume of the anode chamber 111, and arranging the second collection frame 106 and second rib 107 within the cathode chamber 121 facilitates increasing a reaction area of the electrolyte within the cathode chamber 121 by means of the second collection frame 106 and second rib 107 without additionally enlarging the volume of the cathode chamber 121. The above multiple effects help to effectively increase the electrolysis area in the electrolysis cell 100 with a limited physical space, thereby increasing the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis cell 100.

[0086] Another embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a manufacturing method of an electrolyzer, configured to manufacture the electrolyzer according to the aforementioned embodiments. The manufacturing method of the electrolyzer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that parts that are the same or corresponding to the aforementioned embodiments will not be described in detail here.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the manufacturing method of an electrolyzer includes at least the following operations: providing a frame 102 defining an inner cavity 101, where the frame 102 includes a top frame 112 and a bottom frame 122 opposing each other in a first direction X, and a first frame 132 and a second frame 142 opposing each other in a second direction Y; providing a bipolar plate 103, and welding a periphery of the bipolar plate 103 to the top frame 112, first frame 132, bottom frame 122, and second frame 142 to divide the inner cavity 101 into an anode chamber 111 and a cathode chamber 121 in a third direction Z, where the bipolar plate 103 includes a first side 103a forming the anode chamber 111 and a second side 103b forming the cathode chamber 121; providing a first collection frame 104, and fixing the first collection frame 104 to an end of the first side 103a adjacent to the top frame 112; providing at least two first ribs 105, and fixing the at least first ribs 105 to the first side 103a, where the at least first ribs 105 are also located on a side of the first collection frame 104 away from the bipolar plate 103, with the at least first ribs 105 spaced apart in the second direction Y; providing a second collection frame 106, and fixing the second collection frame 106 to an end of the second side 103b adjacent to the top frame 112; and providing at least two second ribs 107 and fixing the at least second ribs 107 to the second side 103b, where the at least second ribs 107 are also located on a side of the second collection frame 106 away from the bipolar plate 103, with the at least two second ribs 107 spaced apart in the second direction Y.

[0088] It should be noted that the periphery of the bipolar plate 103 is welded to the top frame 112, the first frame 132, the bottom frame 122, and the second frame 142 to divide the inner cavity 101 into the anode chamber 111 and the cathode chamber 121 in the third direction Z. In other words, the frame 102 and the bipolar plate 103 are welded as a single unit, and the installation process of the bipolar plate 103 is simple, which facilitates the simplification of the manufacturing process for the frame 102 and the bipolar plate 103, and also facilitates subsequent maintenance and repair of the frame 102 and the bipolar plate 103, such as quickly shutting down the electrolyzer 100 for disassembly and repair.

[0089] It should be noted that the method of fixing the first rib 105 to the first side 103a may be either welding or riveting, and the method of fixing the second rib 107 to the second side 103b may also be either welding or riveting. Thus, the installation process for the first rib 105 and the second rib 107 is simple, which facilitates the manufacturing process for installing the first rib 105 and the second rib 107 on the bipolar plate 103 and also facilitates subsequent operational maintenance of the first rib 105 and the second rib 107.

[0090] The following provides a detailed description of various operations in the manufacturing method of the electrolyzer.

[0091] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation of fixing the first collection frame 104 to the end of the first side 103a adjacent to the top frame 112 may include: welding the first collection frame 104 to the end of the first side 103a adjacent to the top frame 112. Thus, the installation process of the first collection frame 104 is simple, which facilitates the manufacturing process of installing the first collection frame 104 on the bipolar plate 103 and also facilitates subsequent operational maintenance of the first collection frame 104.

[0092] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation of fixing the second collection frame 106 to the end of the second side 103b adjacent to the top frame 112 may include: welding the second collection frame 106 to the end of the second side 103b adjacent to the top frame 112. Thus, the installation process of the second collection frame 106 is simple, which facilitates the manufacturing process of installing the second collection frame 106 on the bipolar plate 103 and also facilitates subsequent operational maintenance of the second collection frame 106.

[0093] It should be noted that, in some cases, both the first collection frame 104 and the second collection frame 106 may be installed on the bipolar plate 103 via welding. In practical applications, depending on specific requirements, only one of the first collection frame and the second collection frame may be installed on the bipolar plate via welding, while the other of the first collection frame and the second collection frame is installed via riveting or an other fastening manner. Alternatively, both the first collection frame and the second collection frame may be installed on the bipolar plate via riveting or an other fastening manner.

[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturing method may further include: providing an anode mesh 108 and welding the anode mesh 108 to an end of the at least two first ribs 105 away from the bipolar plate 103. Thus, the installation process of the anode mesh 108 is simple, which facilitates the manufacturing process of installing the anode mesh 108 on the bipolar plate 103 and also facilitates subsequent operation and maintenance of the anode mesh 108.

[0095] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the manufacturing method may further include: providing a support bottom mesh 109, welding the support bottom mesh 109 to an end of the second rib 107 away from the bipolar plate 103, where in the first direction X, a first top end of the support bottom mesh 109 protrudes beyond a second top end of the second rib 107, and a first bottom end of the support bottom mesh 109 protrudes beyond a second bottom end of the second rib 107; providing an elastic structure 119 on a side of the support bottom mesh 109 away from the second rib 107; providing a cathode mesh 118 on a side of the elastic structure 119 away from the support bottom mesh 109; and hooking the support bottom mesh 109 and the elastic structure 119 at the first top end and the first bottom end.

[0096] It should be noted that there is no need to individually fix the support bottom mesh 109, elastic structure 119, and cathode mesh 118 one by one. Simply placing the elastic structure 119 between the support bottom mesh 109 and cathode mesh 118 reduces the number of assembly operations of the support bottom mesh 109, elastic structure 119, and cathode mesh 118, improving assembly efficiency and facilitating subsequent maintenance of the cathode mesh 118.

[0097] In summary, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the design of the relative position relations of the frame 102, the bipolar plate 103, the first collection frame 104, the first ribs 105, the second collection frame 106, and the second rib 107 in the electrolyzer 100 facilitates the simplification of the installation method for relatively fixing the aforementioned components and also facilitates subsequent operation and maintenance of the electrolyzer 100.

[0098] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrolyzer module. The electrolyzer module includes a plurality of electrolyzers according to the aforementioned embodiments or a plurality of electrolyzers formed using the manufacturing method of an electrolyzer according to the aforementioned embodiments. The photovoltaic module according to the another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that parts that are the same as or corresponding to the aforementioned embodiments will not be described in detail here.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the electrolyzer module includes multiple electrolyzers 100 according to the preceding embodiments or multiple electrolyzers 100 formed using the manufacturing method for an electrolyzer according to the preceding embodiments, an electrolysis bath, and a power supply device. The electrolysis bath contains an electrolyte, with the cathode mesh 118 and anode mesh 108 of the electrolyzer immersed in the electrolyte. The power supply device electrically connects the cathode mesh 118 and anode mesh 108 to provide electrical energy to the electrolyzer 100.

[0100] In some embodiments, multiple electrolyzers are arranged in parallel within the electrolytic bath, and the power supply device is electrically connected to the electrolyzer 100 via a wire. Since the membrane within a single electrolyzer 100 is supported by the elastic contact between the support bottom mesh 109 and the elastic structure 119, the membrane does not suffer damage due to the pressure difference in the liquid, ensuring good durability.

[0101] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that that the preceding implementations are specific embodiments for implementing the present disclosure, and in actual applications, various changes may be made in the form and details without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure shall be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrolyzer, comprising: a frame (102), defining an inner cavity (101) and including: a top frame (112) and a bottom frame (122) opposing each other in a first direction (X); and a first frame (132) and a second frame (142) opposing each other in a second direction (Y); a bipolar plate (103), connected to the frame (102) and dividing the inner cavity (101) into an anode chamber (111) and a cathode chamber (121) in a third direction (Z); a first collection frame (104), disposed in the anode chamber (111) and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate (103) adjacent to the top frame (112); at least two first ribs (105), spaced apart in the second direction (Y), wherein a respective first rib (105) of the at least two first ribs (105) are positioned in a region of the bipolar plate (103) uncovered by the first collection frame (104), and is located on a side of the first collection frame (104) away from the bipolar plate (103); a second collection frame (106), disposed in the cathode chamber (121) and fixed to an end of the bipolar plate (103) adjacent to the top frame (112); and at least two second ribs (107), spaced apart in the second direction (Y), wherein a respective second rib (107) of the at least two second ribs (107) is positioned in a region of the bipolar plate (103) uncovered by the second collection frame (106), and is located on a side of the second collection frame (106) away from the bipolar plate (103).

2. The electrolyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: an anode mesh, disposed on a side of the at least two first ribs (105) away from the bipolar plate (103), wherein an orthographic projection of the anode mesh on the bipolar plate (103) covers orthographic projections of the at least two first ribs (105); and / or a cathode mesh, disposed on a side of the at least two second ribs (107) away from the bipolar plate (103), wherein an orthographic projection of the cathode mesh on the bipolar plate (103) covers orthographic projections of the at least two second ribs (107).

3. The electrolyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: in the first direction (X), the respective first rib (105) includes: a first portion (115), located on the side of the first collection frame (104) away from the bipolar plate (103), and a second portion (125), positioned in the region of the bipolar plate (103) uncovered by the first collection frame (104), wherein at least one of the first portion (115) and the second portion (125) includes a first flow channel hole (135); and / or in the first direction (X), the respective second rib (107) includes: a third portion (117), located on the side of the second collection frame (106) away from the bipolar plate (103), and a fourth portion (127), positioned in the region of the bipolar plate (103) uncovered by the second collection frame (106), wherein at least one of the third portion (117) and the fourth portion (127) includes a second flow channel hole (137); optionally, the first flow channel hole (135) and the second flow channel hole (137) each have an opening that is circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombic, or N-sided, wherein N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 5.

4. The electrolyzer according to claim 3, wherein: the second portion (125) includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced first flow channel holes (135); and / or the fourth portion (127) includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced second flow channel holes (137).

5. The electrolyzer according to claim 3, wherein: the second portion (125) includes first flow channel holes (135), wherein: the second portion (125) has in the first direction (X) a first top side and a first bottom side opposing each other and a first centerline, and a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes (135) progressively varies in a direction from the first centerline toward the first top side and / or a direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side; and / or the fourth portion (127) includes second flow channel holes (137), wherein: the fourth portion (127) has in the first direction (X) a second top side and a second bottom side opposing each other and a second centerline, and a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes (137) progressively varies in a direction from the second centerline toward the second top side and / or a direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side.

6. The electrolyzer according to claim 5, wherein: the first flow channel holes (135) on two sides of the first centerline are axisymmetrically arranged about the first centerline in the first direction (X); and / or the second flow channel holes (137) on two sides of the second centerline are axisymmetrically arranged about the second centerline in the first direction (X).

7. The electrolyzer according to claim 5, wherein the spacing between the adjacent first flow channel holes (135) progressively decreases in the direction from the first centerline toward the first top side and / or in the direction from the first centerline toward the first bottom side; optionally; the spacing between the adjacent second flow channel holes (137) progressively decreases in the direction from the second centerline toward the second top side and / or the direction from the second centerline toward the second bottom side.

8. The electrolyzer according to claim 3, wherein: the second portion (125) includes first flow channel holes (135), wherein: the second portion (125) has in the first direction (X) a first top side and a first bottom side opposing each other and a first centerline; and a spacing between adjacent first flow channel holes (135) closest to the first centerline is greater than a spacing between other adjacent first flow channel holes (135); and / or the fourth portion (127) includes second flow channel holes (137), wherein: the fourth portion (127) has in the first direction (X) a second top side and a second bottom side opposing each other and a second centerline, and a spacing between adjacent second flow channel holes (137) closest to the second centerline being greater than a spacing between other adjacent second flow channel holes (137).

9. The electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first collection frame (104) includes a first top plate and a first bottom plate opposing each other in the first direction (X), and a first side plate that connects ends of the first top plate and first bottom plate away from the bipolar plate (103), and the first top plate is provided with a first return hole (124a); and / or the second collection frame (106) includes a second top plate and a second bottom plate opposing each other in the first direction (X), and a second side plate that connects ends of the second top plate and second bottom plate away from the bipolar plate (103), and the second top plate is provided with a second return hole (126a).

10. The electrolyzer according to claim 9, wherein the first collection frame (104) and the bipolar plate (103) defines a first cavity (114), and the second collection frame (106) and the bipolar plate (103) defines a second cavity (116); wherein the first frame (132) and the second frame (142) both have hollow chambers, and an inner wall of one of the first frame (132) and the second frame (142) facing the anode chamber (111) is provided with a first discharge port (111a), and an inner wall of the other of the first frame (132) and the second frame (142) facing the cathode chamber (121) is provided with a second discharge port; and wherein the first discharge port (111a) is communicated with the first cavity (114), and the second discharge port is communicated with the second cavity (116).

11. The electrolyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: a ratio S1 of a first length of the respective first rib (105) to a third length of the bipolar plate (103) in the first direction (X) satisfies: 0.8 ≤ S1 < 1; and / or a ratio S2 of a second length of the respective second rib (107) to the third length in the first direction (X) satisfies 0.8 ≤ S2 < 1.

12. The electrolyzer according to claim 2, further comprising: a support bottom mesh (109), disposed on a side of the at least two second ribs (107) away from the bipolar plate (103), wherein a first top end of the support bottom mesh (109) protrudes beyond a second top end of the respective second rib (107) in the first direction (X), and a first bottom end of the support bottom mesh (109) protrudes beyond a second bottom end of the respective second rib (107); and an elastic structure (119), disposed on a side of the support bottom mesh (109) away from the at least two second ribs (107), wherein the cathode mesh is disposed on a side of the elastic structure (119) away from the support bottom mesh (109), and the support bottom mesh (109) and the elastic structure (119) are hooked at the first top end and the first bottom end.

13. A manufacturing method of an electrolyzer, comprising: providing a frame (102) defining an inner cavity (101), wherein the frame (102) includes a top frame (112) and a bottom frame (122) opposing each other in a first direction (X), and a first frame (132) and a second frame (142) opposing each other in a second direction (Y); providing a bipolar plate (103), and welding a periphery of the bipolar plate (103) to the top frame (112), the first frame (132), the bottom frame (122), and the second frame (142) to divide the inner cavity (101) into an anode chamber (111) and a cathode chamber (121) in a third direction (Z), wherein the bipolar plate (103) includes a first side forming the anode chamber (111) and a second side forming the cathode chamber (121); providing a first collection frame (104), and fixing the first collection frame (104) to an end of the first side adjacent to the top frame (112); providing at least two first ribs (105), and fixing the at least first ribs (105) to the first side, wherein the at least first ribs (105) are located on a side of the first collection frame (104) away from the bipolar plate (103), and spaced apart in the second direction (Y); providing a second collection frame (106), and fixing the second collection frame (106) to an end of the second side adjacent to the top frame (112); and providing at least two second ribs (107) and fixing the at least second ribs (107) to the second side, wherein the at least second ribs (107) are located on a side of the second collection frame (106) away from the bipolar plate (103), and spaced apart in the second direction (Y).

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: providing an anode mesh and welding the anode mesh to an end of the at least two first ribs (105) away from the bipolar plate (103); providing a support bottom mesh (109), welding the support bottom mesh (109) to an end of the at least two second rib (107) away from the bipolar plate (103), wherein in the first direction (X), a first top end of the support bottom mesh (109) protrudes beyond a second top end of each of the at least two second rib (107), and a first bottom end of the support bottom mesh (109) protrudes beyond a second bottom end of each of the at least two second rib (107); providing an elastic structure (119) on a side of the support bottom mesh (109) away from the second rib (107); providing a cathode mesh on a side of the elastic structure (119) away from the support bottom mesh (109); and hooking the support bottom mesh (109) and the elastic structure (119) at the first top end and the first bottom end.

15. An electrolyzer module comprising: a plurality of electrolyzers (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12 or manufactured by the manufacturing method of claim 13 or 14; an electrolysis bath, containing electrolyte, wherein the cathode mesh and the anode mesh of the electrolyzer are immersed in the electrolyte; and a power supply unit, electrically connected to the cathode mesh and the anode mesh to provide electrical energy to the electrolyzer.

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