Electrolyzer or redox battery frame

Abstract

Electrolyzer or redox battery frame (1) having two opposing faces, respectively a distribution face (6) for the distribution of a first electrolyte and a support face, the frame (1) comprising: an inlet collector orifice (8), passing through the frame (1) to bring the first electrolyte to the distribution face (6); an outlet collector orifice (9), passing through the frame (1), to remove the first electrolyte from the distribution face (6); a central housing (10), notably for receiving a porous material; a distribution cavity (16) to allow the distribution of the first electrolyte from the inlet collector orifice (8) to the central housing (10). Abbreviated figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electrolyzer or redox battery frame

[0001] The invention relates to a frame for an electrolyzer or redox battery. The invention further relates to a cell equipped with such a frame or an electrolyzer comprising a stack of such cells.

[0002] An electrolyzer for the electrolysis of water constitutes an electrochemical reactor configured to subject water to an electromotive force so as to generate dioxygen and dihydrogen by electrolysis of water.

[0003] This type of electrolyzer generally comprises a stack of cells, each having two frames sandwiching a membrane, each frame allowing the diffusion of an electrolyte through a porous material.

[0004] The electrolysis reaction occurring in the cells generates heat which, for optimal operation of the electrolyzer, must be dissipated. Generally, the electrolyte, from which the water is intended to be electrolyzed, is also used as a carrier to remove the heat generated by the electrolysis reaction from the stack.

[0005] Each cell delimits an oxygen compartment (or anodic compartment) between an anodic plate and the membrane, for the recovery of dioxygen and a hydrogen compartment (or cathodic compartment) between a cathodic plate and the membrane, for the recovery of dihydrogen.

[0006] The anodic plate and the cathodic plate can be connected together to form a bipolar plate.

[0007] To meet hydrogen cost targets, cell components are often rectangular to minimize material waste. Furthermore, cells are becoming increasingly larger to generate more gas. In this context, ensuring good electrolyte distribution from the compartment to its entry into the porous material is crucial for achieving optimal performance.

[0008] The present invention aims to effectively overcome these drawbacks by proposing an electrolyzer or redox battery frame, equipped with two opposing faces, respectively a distribution face for the distribution of a first electrolyte and a support face, the frame comprising: - an inlet collector orifice, passing through the frame to bring the first electrolyte onto the distribution face; - a collector outlet orifice, passing through the frame, to evacuate the first electrolyte from the distribution face; - a central accommodation, in particular for receiving a porous person; - a distribution cavity to allow the distribution of the first electrolyte from the inlet collector orifice to the central housing, the distribution cavity comprising a central distribution bowl having an inlet end having an inlet section for the flow of the first electrolyte and an outlet end having an outlet section for the flow of the fluid, the distribution cavity comprising a plurality of first channels putting the inlet collector orifice into fluidic communication with the inlet end of the central distribution bowl; the distribution cavity comprising raised studs, the plurality of first channels being in particular configured to form baffles in particular so that the first electrolyte flows in a meandering fashion, the plurality of first channels being in particular delimited by the lateral walls of the raised studs.

[0009] Such raised bumps allow the formation of initial channels adapted to generating a significant pressure drop upon the entry of the electrolyte onto the distribution face. Furthermore, these raised bumps can take on various shapes (relative dimensions, cross-section, etc.) depending on specific constraints, allowing for great flexibility in frame design. For example, such bumps make it possible to obtain meandering channels for the passage of the electrolyte, which further improves the pressure drop and the homogeneity of the electrolyte distribution.

[0010] Such a design makes it possible to significantly optimize the distribution of the electrolyte from the inlet collector orifice to the central housing of a frame, the frame being mounted in an electrolyzer or in a redox battery.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the raised studs protrude from the surface of the central distribution basin.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the raised studs have a polygonal cross-section having at least six sides.

[0013] This makes it possible to keep the width of the channels constant throughout the path of the electrolyte, while providing a maximum of baffles.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the raised studs have a section whose shape is that of a single tile or its reversed by an axial symmetry.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the frame is configured so that a section of the raised studs by a plane parallel to the plane of the frame forms an aperiodic tiling.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the greatest width of the section of the raised studs is greater than the width of the channels, in particular greater than three times the width of the channels.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the width of the channels is constant, in particular along the entire path taken by the electrolyte during its flow.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the distribution cavity comprises a plurality of second channels connecting the outlet collector orifice with the outlet end of the central distribution bowl, the distribution cavity being configured in particular so that the first electrolyte passes successively from the inlet collector orifice to the central housing: the plurality of first channels, the central distribution bowl and the plurality of second channels.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first channels each have a first average cross-section for the flow of the first electrolyte.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the second channels each have a second average section for the flow of the first electrolyte.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a smaller section of the central distribution basin, for the flow of the first electrolyte, is greater than the first average section or is greater than the second average section.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first average section is considered at the point where each of the first channels opens into the central distribution basin, in particular at the inlet end.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the second middle section is considered at the point where each of the second channels opens into the central distribution basin, in particular at the outlet end.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the plurality of second channels is configured to form a comb.

[0025] This configuration breaks the jet of electrolyte flow, facilitating its distribution throughout the central distribution basin and allowing it to enter the central housing homogeneously. In particular, the distribution is thus optimized to distribute the electrolyte flow along the entire length of the outlet end of the central distribution basin.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the volume of the central distribution basin is between 5 and 50 times the volume of the plurality of first channels and / or being between 5 and 50 times the volume of the plurality of second channels.

[0027] These different volumes are considered when the frame is stacked in an electrolyzer or a redox battery.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each of the first channels is configured to open into the inlet collector orifice to fluidly connect the inlet collector orifice and the central distribution bowl.

[0029] According to one embodiment, each of the second channels is configured to open into the outlet collector orifice to fluidly connect the central distribution bowl and the central housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the frame includes a drainage cavity to allow the first electrolyte to be evacuated from the central housing to the outlet collector orifice.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the drainage cavity comprises: - a central drainage basin comprising an inlet end having an inlet section for the flow of the first electrolyte and an outlet end having an outlet section for the flow of the fluid; - a plurality of third channels each having a third average section for the flow of the first electrolyte, the third channels putting the central housing into fluidic communication with the inlet end of the central evacuation basin; - a plurality of fourth channels each having a fourth average section for the flow of the first electrolyte, the fourth channels putting the outlet collector orifice into fluidic communication with the outlet end of the central evacuation bowl, the evacuation cavity being configured so that the first electrolyte successively passes from the central housing to the outlet collector orifice: the plurality of third channels, the central evacuation bowl and the plurality of fourth channels.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a smaller section of the central discharge basin, for the flow of the first electrolyte, is greater than the third average section or is greater than the fourth average section.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the frame includes a first sealing cord provided on the distribution face and configured to contain the first electrolyte in a central distribution zone relative to a peripheral border of the frame, particularly when the frame is mounted in the electrolyzer or in the redox battery, the central distribution zone encompassing: the inlet collector orifice, the distribution cavity, the evacuation cavity, the central housing and the outlet collector orifice.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first sealing bead has at least one raised band relative to the plane of the frame and / or a recessed groove relative to the plane of the frame, the first sealing bead being continuous.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the central housing has a hole through the frame.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the frame includes a first light formed through the frame, for the passage of a second electrolyte in a direction of a thickness of the frame and in a first direction of circulation, in particular to bring the second electrolyte onto the distribution face of another frame belonging to the same cell.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the frame includes a second light formed through the frame, for the passage of the second electrolyte in the direction of the thickness of the frame and in a second direction of circulation opposite to the first direction of circulation, in particular to evacuate the second electrolyte from the distribution face of the other frame belonging to the same cell.

[0038] The invention also relates to a cell, for example an electrolyzer cell or a redox battery cell, comprising two frames as described above, a membrane and two pores, the cell being configured so that the membrane is sandwiched between the two frames, each of the pores being disposed respectively in the central housing of each frame.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the cell is configured so that each porous part is traversed, one by the first electrolyte and the other by the second electrolyte.

[0040] The invention also relates to an electrolyzer comprising a stack of a plurality of cells as described above and at least one bipolar plate sandwiched between two cells.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the electrolyzer is intended for the electrolysis of water.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the electrolyzer is of the PEM type (for "Proton Exchange"). Membrane”) or of an alkaline type such as an AEM type electrolyzer (for “Anion Exchange Membrane”).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the bipolar plate comprises an anodic plate and a cathodic plate.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the cathode plate is fixed to the anode plate.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the cathode plate and the anode plate belong to the even bipolar plate, notably being made from the material of the bipolar plate.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electrolyzer includes a sealing film.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the sealing film is interposed between the bipolar plate and the cell, on each side of the bipolar plate.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electrolyzer comprises a first collecting plate at a first end of the stack and a second collecting plate at a second end of the stack, for collecting an electric current.

[0049] The invention finally relates to a redox battery comprising a stack of a plurality of cells as described above.

[0050] The invention may also relate to any alternative device comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

[0051] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only to illustrate, but in no way limit, the invention.

[0052] [Fig-1] represents a schematic view illustrating a frame according to the invention;

[0053] [Fig.2] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrolyzer according to the invention;

[0054] [Fig.3] represents a schematic and partial view of a detail of the section of the [Fig. 2]; and

[0055] [Fig.4] represents a schematic detail in elevation of raised blocks.

[0056] Figure 1 represents a frame 1 of an electrolyzer or redox battery. Frame 1 is provided with two opposite faces, respectively a distribution face 6 for the distribution of a first electrolyte and a support face.

[0057] The frame 1 has an inlet collector orifice 8, passing through the frame 1 to bring the first electrolyte onto the distribution face 6. It also has an outlet collector orifice 9, passing through the frame 1, to evacuate the first electrolyte from the distribution face 6. The frame 1 also has a central housing 10 in particular to receive a porous 3.

[0058] As seen in [Fig.1], the frame 1 has a distribution cavity 16 to allow the distribution of the first electrolyte from the inlet collector orifice 8 to the central housing 10.

[0059] The distribution cavity 16 comprises: - a central distribution bowl 19 comprising an inlet end having an inlet section for the flow of the first electrolyte and an outlet end having an outlet section for the flow of the fluid; - a plurality of first channels 18 each having a first average section for the flow of the first electrolyte, the first channels 18 putting into fluidic communication the inlet collector orifice 8 with the inlet end of the central distribution basin 19; - a plurality of second channels 20 each having a second average section for the flow of the first electrolyte, the second channels 20 putting the outlet collector orifice 9 into fluidic communication with the outlet end of the central distribution bowl 19.

[0060] The distribution cavity 16 has raised studs.

[0061] The raised studs protrude from the surface of the central distribution bowl 19.

[0062] The raised studs have a polygonal cross-section having at least six sides.

[0063] The distribution cavity 16 is configured so that the first electrolyte travels successively from the inlet collector port 8 to the central housing 10: the plurality of first channels 18, the central distribution basin 19 and the plurality of second channels 20.

[0064] There is a smaller section of the central distribution basin 19 for the flow of the first electrolyte. The smaller section of the central distribution basin 19 is larger than the first average section or the second average section.

[0065] Frame 1 is configured so that there is a first ratio between the input section and the sum of the first average sections, the first ratio being greater than 1.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first ratio is between 5 and 100, for example between 5 and 50.

[0067] Frame 1 is configured so that there is a second ratio between the output section and the sum of the second average sections, the second ratio being greater than 1.

[0068] In one embodiment, the second ratio is between 5 and 100, for example between 5 and 50.

[0069] The plurality of first channels 18 is configured to form baffles, in particular so that the first electrolyte flows in a meandering pattern.

[0070] The plurality of second channels 20 is configured to form baffles, in particular so that the first electrolyte flows by forming meanders.

[0071] The volume of the central distribution basin 19 is between 5 and 50 times the volume of the plurality of first channels 18.

[0072] The volume of the central distribution basin 19 is between 5 and 50 times the volume of the plurality of second channels 20.

[0073] The volumes are considered when the frame 1 is assembled in an electrolyzer or redox battery stack, i.e. the volume is that which is used by the first electrolyte when it flows through the first channels, the second channels and the central distribution bowl 19.

[0074] Each of the first channels 18 is configured to open into the inlet manifold orifice 8 to fluidly connect the inlet manifold orifice 8 and the central distribution bowl 19.

[0075] Each of the second channels 20 is configured to open into the outlet collector orifice 9 to fluidly connect the central distribution bowl 19 and the central housing 10.

[0076] The frame 1 has a first sealing cord 13 formed on the distribution face 6 being configured to contain the first electrolyte in a central distribution zone 14 relative to a peripheral border 15 of the frame 1, when the frame 1 is assembled in an electrolyzer or in a redox battery.

[0077] The frame 1 has a drainage cavity 17 to allow the first electrolyte to be evacuated from the central housing 10 to the outlet collector orifice 9.

[0078] The central distribution zone 14 encompasses both the inlet collector orifice 8, the distribution cavity 16, the evacuation cavity 17, the central housing 10 and the outlet collector orifice 9.

[0079] The frame 1 includes a first light 12 formed through the frame 1, for the passage of a second electrolyte in a direction of a thickness of the frame 1 and in a first direction of circulation.

[0080] The frame 1 further includes a second light 11 formed through the frame 1, for the passage of the second electrolyte in the direction of the thickness of the frame 1 and in a second direction of circulation opposite to the first direction of circulation.

[0081] Figure 2 represents an electrolyzer 50 comprising a stack of a plurality of cells 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along axis AA of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a detail of the electrolyzer of Figure 2, at circle C.

[0082] The electrolyzer 50 comprises a bipolar plate 4 sandwiched between two cells 2.

[0083] The electrolyzer 50 includes a sealing film 51 interposed between the plate bipolar 4 and cell 2, on either side of bipolar plate 4.

[0084] The electrolyzer 50 further comprises a first collecting plate 53 at a first end of the stack and a second collecting plate 54 at a second end of the stack, for collecting an electric current.

[0085] Each cell 2 of the electrolyzer 50 comprises two frames 1 as described below. above, a membrane 52 and two porous 3.

[0086] Each cell 2 is configured so that the membrane 52 is sandwiched between the two frames 1.

[0087] Each of the porous 3 is disposed respectively in the central housing 10 of each frame 1.

[0088] Cell 2 is configured so that each porous 3 is traversed, one by the first electrolyte and the other by the second electrolyte.

[0089] Fig. 4 represents a detail of the raised studs delimiting the plurality of the first channels 18 and / or the second channels 20. The raised studs protrude from the surface of the central distribution basin 19.

[0090] In the example shown, the raised studs have a hexagonal cross-section.

[0091] The greatest width D of the section of the raised studs is greater than the width of the channels d, for example greater than three times the width of the channels d, in particular greater than or equal to ten times the width of the channels d.

Claims

Demands

1. Frame (1) of electrolyzer or redox battery, having two opposite faces, respectively a distribution face (6) for the distribution of a first electrolyte and a support face, the frame (1) comprising: - an inlet collector orifice (8), passing through the frame (1) to bring the first electrolyte onto the distribution face (6); - an outlet collector orifice (9), passing through the frame (1), to evacuate the first electrolyte from the distribution face (6); - a central housing (10) in particular for receiving a porous (3);- a distribution cavity (16) for distributing the first electrolyte from the inlet collector orifice (8) to the central housing (10), the distribution cavity (16) comprising a central distribution basin (19) having an inlet end with an inlet section for the flow of the first electrolyte and an outlet end with an outlet section for the flow of the fluid, the distribution cavity (16) comprising a plurality of first channels (18) connecting the inlet collector orifice (8) with the inlet end of the central distribution basin (19); the distribution cavity (16) comprising raised studs, the plurality of first channels (18) being configured in particular to form baffles, in particular so that the first electrolyte flows in a meandering pattern, the plurality of first channels (18) being delimited in particular by the lateral walls of the raised studs.

2. Frame (1) according to the preceding claim, the raised studs projecting out from the surface of the central distribution bowl (19).

3. Frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the raised studs having a polygonal cross-section having at least six sides.

4. Frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the raised studs having a section whose shape is that of a single tile or its reversed by axial symmetry.

5. Frame (1) according to the preceding claim, being configured such that a section of the raised studs by a plane parallel to the plane of the frame (1), forms an aperiodic tiling.

6. Frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the greatest width (D) of the section of the raised studs being greater than the width of the channels (d), in particular greater than three times the width of the channels (d).

7. Frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the width of the channels (d) being constant.

8. Frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the distribution cavity (16) comprising a plurality of second channels (20) making fluidic communication the outlet collector orifice (9) with the outlet end of the central distribution bowl (19), the distribution cavity (16) being in particular configured so that the first electrolyte passes successively from the inlet collector orifice (8) to the central housing (10): the plurality of first channels (18), the central distribution bowl (19) and the plurality of second channels (20).

9. Cell (2) comprising two frames (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, a membrane (52) and two pores (3), the cell being configured so that the membrane (52) is sandwiched between the two frames (1), each of the pores (3) being disposed respectively in the central housing (10) of each frame (1), the cell being configured so that each pores (3) is traversed, one, by the first electrolyte and the other, by the second electrolyte.

10. Electrolyzer (50) comprising a stack of a plurality of cells according to the preceding claim and at least one bipolar plate (4) sandwiched between two cells (2), a sealing film (51) being interposed in particular between the bipolar plate (4) and the cell (2), on each side of the bipolar plate (4).