electrolyzer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrolyzer, and the electrolyzer according to the present invention includes a plurality of separator plates and a membrane-electrode assembly located between the plurality of separator plates, the membrane-electrode assembly including a plurality of electrodes and a separation membrane located between the plurality of electrodes. The separator plates include a flow path portion on one side and a second side, respectively, through which a fluid moves, a first flow path and a second flow path, a first distribution portion located on one side of the flow path portion on the plane of the separator plate, and a second distribution portion located on the other side of the flow path portion on the plane of the separator plate. The first distribution portion and the second distribution portion have concave and convex shapes to form distribution channels communicating with the first flow path and the second flow path, and the concave and convex shapes of the first distribution portion and the second distribution portion are opposite to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0161755, filed November 28, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrolyzer. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that causes global warming and must be reduced. Methods for reducing carbon dioxide include capture, chemical conversion, and electrochemical conversion. Among these, electrochemical conversion allows precise control of the components so that other synthetic gases can be produced, and is more economically advantageous than simply removing carbon dioxide.

[0004] Among water electrolysis systems that electrochemically convert carbon dioxide or split water to produce hydrogen, membrane-electrode assembly (MEA)-based systems are particularly being actively researched because they can operate under high current density conditions, are highly energy efficient, and are easy to stack and modularize.

[0005] The unit cell of a membrane electrode assembly system is composed of an anode and a cathode positioned around a separation membrane, and a separator plate with a flow path that supplies electrical energy and reactants to the anode and cathode electrodes and discharges the products. A stack is manufactured by stacking unit cells. In a membrane electrode assembly system, if the separator plates on the anode and cathode sides are manufactured and joined separately, the manufacturing costs of the separator plates increase and, most importantly, resistance occurs at the joining interface, resulting in lower energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an electrolysis device that can reduce manufacturing costs and increase energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrolyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of separator plates and a membrane-electrode assembly located between the plurality of separator plates, the membrane-electrode assembly including a plurality of electrodes and a separation membrane located between the plurality of electrodes. The separator plates each include a flow path portion on one side thereof forming a first flow path and a second flow path through which a fluid moves, respectively, a one-side distribution portion located on one side of the flow path portion in a plan view, and an other-side distribution portion located on the other side of the flow path portion in a plan view. The one-side distribution portion and the other-side distribution portion have concave and convex shapes to form a distribution path communicating with the first flow path and the second flow path, and the concave and convex shapes of the one-side distribution portion and the other-side distribution portion may be formed inversely to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in an electrolysis device for electrolyzing carbon dioxide, the separator plates facing the anode and cathode electrodes of a membrane-electrode assembly are formed as a single plate by forming reliefs and depressions, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving energy efficiency.

[0009] In addition, by stacking the separators and membrane-electrode assemblies alternately in the stacking direction, and rotating the separators 180 degrees in a plan view while stacking them in order, the concaves and convexes formed in the flow channel portions of the separators located above and below the membrane-electrode assemblies correspond to each other, thereby preventing the flow channel of the separator plate stacked above from being clogged by the separator plate stacked below.

[0010] Furthermore, the flow of fluid is distributed by forming concaves and convexes in the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section located on both sides of the flow path section, and the concaves and convexes in the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section are formed in opposite shapes. This allows smooth fluid movement and distribution even when the separator plates are rotated and stacked, as the concaves and convexes formed in the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section of the separator plates located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly correspond to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrolyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a separator plate in the electrolyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of a state in which a separation plate is rotated in the electrolyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of region C in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing only the separation plate portion in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view of area D in Figure 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrolyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1' in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the C1 region in FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1' in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the D1 region in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a protective layer in an electrolyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrolyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2' in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the C2 region in FIG. [Figure 18] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2' in FIG. 15. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the D2 region in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The objectives, particular advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, when referring to components in each drawing, the same components will have the same numbers as much as possible even if they appear in different drawings. The present invention may be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0013] Electrolyzer according to the first embodiment Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of an electrolyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a separator plate in the electrolyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of a rotated separator plate in the electrolyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of region C in Fig. 4. Here, Fig. 3 shows the separator plate illustrated in Fig. 2 rotated 180° around a rotation axis parallel to the stacking direction.

[0014] 1 to 5, an electrolyzer 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140, and a membrane-electrode assembly 210 disposed between the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140, the membrane-electrode assembly 210 including a plurality of electrodes 213 and a separation membrane 214. The separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 include flow path sections F1 and F2 that form a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which a fluid moves to one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a and the other surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b, respectively; one-side distributors 113 and 115 disposed on one side of the flow path sections F1 and F2; and other-side distributors 114 and 116 disposed on the other side of the flow path sections F1 and F2. Furthermore, the electrolyzer 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a first gasket 311 and a second gasket 312.

[0015] More specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the electrolyzer 10 according to the first embodiment can electrolyze carbon dioxide (CO2) by causing an electrochemical reduction reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0016] The electrolyzer 10 may include a number of separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140, and a membrane-electrode assembly 210 positioned between the number of separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0017] The separators 110, 120, 130, and 140 and the membrane-electrode assemblies 210 may be stacked alternately, with the separators 110 and 140 positioned at the top and bottom in the stacking direction S. Here, the separators 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be stacked in order while being rotated 180° about a rotation axis R parallel to the stacking direction. Here, the stacking direction S may be, for example, parallel to the Z-axis direction with reference to FIG. 1 .

[0018] 4 and 5, the membrane-electrode assembly 210 is positioned between a number of separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 and may include a plurality of electrodes 213 and a separation membrane 214 positioned between the plurality of electrodes 213. In the membrane-electrode assembly 210, the electrodes 213 may face the flow path portions F1 and F2 of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0019] The plurality of electrodes 213 may include first electrodes 211 and second electrodes 212, and the first electrodes 211 and the second electrodes 212 may be alternately positioned in the stacking direction S.

[0020] Of the multiple electrodes 213, the thickness t2 of the second electrode 212 facing the other surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separator 110, 120, 130, 140 may be thicker than the thickness t1 of the first electrode 211 facing the one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separator 110, 120, 130, 140.

[0021] Here, the first electrode 211 may face one surfaces 110a, 120a, 130a, and 140a of the separators 110, 120, 130, and 140, and the second electrode 212 may face the other surfaces 110b, 120b, 130b, and 140b of the separators 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0022] Here, as an example, the first electrode 211 may be an anode and the second electrode 212 may be a cathode, or as another example, the first electrode 211 may be a cathode and the second electrode 212 may be an anode.

[0023] The separation membrane 214 is made of an insulating ion exchange membrane (IEM), allowing ions to move between the anode and cathode. The membrane-electrode assembly 210 also allows electrochemical reduction reactions to occur. For example, the membrane-electrode assembly 210 can electrolyze carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C2H4).

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing only the separation plate portion in FIG.

[0025] 1 and 4 to 6, the separation plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 may include flow path portions F1 and F2, one-side distribution portions 113 and 115, and the other-side distribution portions 114 and .

[0026] The flow path sections F1 and F2 are formed with recesses and projections, and can form a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which fluid moves on the first surfaces 110a, 120a, 130a, and 140a and the other surfaces 110b, 120b, 130b, and 140b, respectively.

[0027] The uneven shapes of the flow path portions F1 and F2 are formed asymmetrically in the width direction W of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140, and the uneven shapes of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly 210 may correspond to each other.

[0028] The flow path portions F1 and F2 are provided with an uneven shape in which reliefs 111a, 112a, 121a, 122a and recesses 111b, 112b, 121b, 122b are alternately formed on one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140, respectively. , 140 are provided with an uneven shape in which intaglios 112b, 122b and intaglios 112a, 122a are alternately formed corresponding to the intaglios 111a, 121a and intaglios 111b, 121b formed in the first flow path portions 111, 121, and the second flow path portions 112, 122 form the second flow path P2.

[0029] The first flow path sections 111 and 121 face the electrode 213, and a first flow path P1 through which the raw fluid moves opens toward the electrode 213, while the second flow path sections 112 and 122 face the electrode 213, and a second flow path P2 through which the raw fluid moves opens toward the electrode 213. Here, the raw fluid may contain, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. Here, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O).

[0030] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the reliefs 111a, 121a of the first flow path portions 111, 121 formed in the active region A1 of one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140 may be formed in a protruding shape relative to the non-active region B1, and the reliefs 112b, 122b of the second flow path portions 112, 122 formed in the active region A2 of the other surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140 may be formed in a concave shape relative to the non-active region B2. Here, in the membrane-electrode assembly 210, the thickness t2 of the second electrode 212 may be formed to be the same as the sum of the protrusion height h0 of the embossments 111a, 121a of the first flow path portions 111, 121 formed on one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 and the thickness t1 of the first electrode 211.

[0031] The first flow path P1 is formed in the recessed portions 111b, 121b of the first flow path portions 111, 121, and the second flow path P2 is formed in the recessed portions 112b, 122b of the second flow path portions 112, 122, and can be positioned on the same line in the stacking direction S.

[0032] The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 may be parallel. Here, for example, the reliefs 111a, 121a, 112a, 122a and the recesses 111b, 121b, 112b, 122b formed in the first flow path portions 111, 121 and the second flow path portions 112, 122 of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140 may be formed along the width direction W of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140, and the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 may form passages extending along the length direction L of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140. Here, for example, the width direction W may be the X-axis direction, and the length direction L may be the Y-axis direction.

[0033] The embossed portions of the first flow path portions 111 and 121 and the second flow path portions 112 and 122 face each other across the membrane-electrode assembly 210 and can come into contact with the plurality of electrodes 213 .

[0034] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is an exploded view of region D in FIG.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, 7 and 8, the one-side distribution sections 113, 115 can be located on one side of the flow path sections F1, F2 in a plan view, and the other-side distribution sections 114, 116 can be located on the other side of the flow path sections F1, F2 in a plan view.

[0036] The one-side distribution portions 113, 115 and the other-side distribution portions 114, 116 form uneven shapes to form distribution paths that communicate with the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2, and the uneven shapes of the one-side distribution portions 113, 115 and the other-side distribution portions 114, 116 can be formed in opposite shapes to each other.

[0037] The distribution channels may include a first one-side distribution channel V11 and a second one-side distribution channel V12 formed on one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a and the other surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140 in the one-side distribution section 113, 115, and a first other-side distribution channel V21 and a second other-side distribution channel V22 formed on one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a and the other surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140 in the other-side distribution section 114, 116. Here, the first one-side distribution path V11 and the first other-side distribution path V21 can communicate with the first flow path P1, and the second one-side distribution path V12 and the second other-side distribution path V22 can communicate with the second flow path P2.

[0038] Here, the one-side distribution parts 113 and 115 are formed in an uneven shape, with raised cuts 113a, 115a, 123a, 125a and recessed cuts 113b, 115b, 123b, 125b alternately formed on one surfaces 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140. , 140, the other surfaces 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the first one-side distributor 113 may include second one-side distributors 115, 125, 135, 145 that form the second one-side distribution channel V12, in which recesses 115b, 125b and recesses 115a, 125a are alternately formed in an uneven shape corresponding to the recesses 113a, 123a and recesses 113b, 123b formed in the first one-side distributor 113. Here, the recesses 113a, 115a, 123a, 125a formed in the first one-side distributor 113 and the second one-side distributors 115, 125, 135, 145, respectively, may come into contact with the separation membrane 214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210. Here, the recesses 113b, 123b formed in the first one-side distribution portion 113 may include a first recess 113b-1 and a second recess 113b-2 having a smaller recess depth in the stacking direction S than the first recess 113b-1. Here, in the membrane-electrode assembly 200, the separation membrane 214 may face the one-side distribution portions 113, 115, the other-side distribution portions 114, 116, the first gasket 311, and the second gasket 312 of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 (see FIG. 5).

[0039] In addition, the other-side distribution sections 114, 116 may include a first other-side distribution section 114 having alternating reliefs and recesses formed on one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140, forming a first other-side distribution channel V21, and second other-side distribution sections 116, 126, 136, 146 having alternating reliefs and recesses formed on other surfaces 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separation plates 110, 120, 130, 140, forming a second one-side distribution channel V12, corresponding to the reliefs and recesses formed on the first other-side distribution section 114.

[0040] Meanwhile, the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 of the electrolyzer 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are manufactured by molding, and may have the same shape because they are manufactured using a single mold. Here, the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be formed by pressing a single metal plate. Here, the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be formed with flow path portions F1 and F2, one-side distribution portions, and the other-side distribution portions 114 and 116.

[0041] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first gasket 311 can be arranged in the inactive area B1 of one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separation plate 110, 120, 130, 140, and the second gasket 312 can be arranged in the inactive area B2 of the other surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separation plate 110, 120, 130, 140.

[0042] In addition, the first gasket 311 may be formed to have a thickness g1 greater than that of the first electrode 211 in the stacking direction S, and the second gasket 312 may be formed to have a thickness g2 equal to that of the second electrode 212 in the stacking direction S. Here, the first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312 may be formed to have the same thicknesses g1 and g2 in the stacking direction S. Here, for example, the thicknesses of the first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312 may be 0.5T, the second electrode 212 may be 0.5T, the separator 214 may be 0.1T, and the first electrode 211 may be 0.25T, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0043] The first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312 can be positioned on the same line in the stacking direction S.

[0044] In addition, the first gasket 311 is provided along the edge of the active area A1 on one side 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separator 110, 120, 130, 140 to maintain airtightness of the active area A1 on one side 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a, and the second gasket 312 is provided along the edge of the active area A2 on the other side 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separator 110, 120, 130, 140 to maintain airtightness of the active area A2 on the other side 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separator 110, 120, 130, 140.

[0045] Meanwhile, the electrolyzer 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a first-side peripheral gasket 411 provided along the periphery of one surface 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140, and an opposite-side peripheral gasket 412 provided along the periphery of the opposite surface 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140. Here, the thickness of the first-side peripheral gasket 411 in the stacking direction S may correspond to the thickness g1 of the first gasket 311, and the thickness of the opposite-side peripheral gasket 511 in the stacking direction S may correspond to the thickness g2 of the second gasket 312.

[0046] The electrolyzer 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above can reduce manufacturing costs and improve energy efficiency by forming the embossments 111a, 121a, 112a, 122a and the recesses 111b, 121b, 112b, 122b on the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 facing the anode and cathode electrodes 213 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210. That is, when producing hydrogen by electrochemically converting carbon dioxide or splitting water, an aqueous solution-based electrolyte is supplied to the anode, eliminating the need for a separate cooling water supply. Therefore, the embossments 111a, 121a, 112a, 122a and the recesses 111b, 121b, 112b, 122b can be formed on the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 to form anode and cathode flow paths. As a result, by using one separator 110, 120, 130, 140 instead of two separators, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and the interface resistance that occurs when two separators are used is not generated, so energy efficiency can be improved due to the reduced resistance.

[0047] In addition, the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 and the membrane-electrode assemblies 210 are stacked alternately. In this case, the separator plates 110, 120, 130, 140 are stacked in order while being rotated 180° around a rotation axis R parallel to the stacking direction. The embossments 111a, 121a, 112a, 122a of the separator plates 120, 130, 140 stacked at the bottom in the stacking direction S can prevent clogging of the flow paths formed in the recesses 111b, 121b, 112b, 122b of the separator plates 110, 120, 130 stacked at the top in the stacking direction S.

[0048] Furthermore, the flow of fluid is distributed by forming concaves and convexes on the one-side distribution portions and the other-side distribution portions located on both sides of the flow path portions F1 and F2, and the concaves and convexes on the one-side distribution portions 113 and 115 and the other-side distribution portions 114 and 116 are formed in opposite shapes to each other. Therefore, even when the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 are stacked while rotating, the concaves and convexes formed on the one-side distribution portions 113 and 115 and the other-side distribution portions 114 and 116 of the separator plates 110, 120, 130, and 140 located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly 210 correspond to each other, allowing for smooth movement and distribution of the fluid.

[0049] Electrolyzer according to the second embodiment An electrolyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0050] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrolyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1' in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of area C1 in FIG. 10.

[0051] 9 to 11, the electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140, and a membrane-electrode assembly 210 positioned between the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 and including a plurality of electrodes 213 and a separator membrane 214. The separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 have a surface 11 The electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes flow path sections F1' and F2' forming first flow path P1' and second flow path P2' through which a fluid moves to opposite sides 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, and 1140a and opposite sides 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, and 1140b, respectively, one-side distributors 113 and 115 located on one side of the flow path sections F1' and F2', and other-side distributors 114 and 116 located on the other side of the flow path sections F1' and F2'. The electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a protective layer 1500 located between the separation membrane 214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210 and one side of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140. The electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may further include a first gasket 311 and a second gasket 312.

[0052] The electrolyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the electrolyzer according to the first embodiment in that a protective layer 1500 is further provided between the separator 214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210 and one side of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same content as in the above embodiment will be omitted or briefly described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0053] More specifically, the electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment may include a number of separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140, and a membrane-electrode assembly 210 positioned between the plurality of separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140.

[0054] The separators 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 and the membrane-electrode assemblies 210 may be stacked alternately, with the separators 110 and 140 positioned at the top and bottom in the stacking direction S. Here, the separators 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 may be stacked in order while being rotated 180° around a rotation axis R parallel to the stacking direction. Here, the stacking direction S may be parallel to the Z-axis direction, for example, with reference to FIG. 9 .

[0055] The membrane-electrode assembly 210 is disposed between a number of separator plates 1110 , 1120 , 1130 , and 1140 and may include a plurality of electrodes 213 and a separator membrane 214 disposed between the plurality of electrodes 213 .

[0056] The plurality of electrodes 213 may include first electrodes 211 and second electrodes 212, and the first electrodes 211 and the second electrodes 212 may be alternately positioned in the stacking direction S.

[0057] In the multiple electrodes 213, the thickness t2 of the second electrode 212 facing the other surface 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separator 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 can be formed thicker than the thickness t1 of the first electrode 211 facing one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separator 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140.

[0058] Here, the first electrode 211 may face one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, and the second electrode 212 may face the other surface 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140.

[0059] Here, as an example, the first electrode 211 may be an anode, and the second electrode 212 may be a cathode, or as another example, the first electrode 211 may be a cathode, and the second electrode 212 may be an anode.

[0060] The separation membrane 214 is made of an insulating ion exchange membrane (IEM), which allows ions to move between the anode and the cathode.

[0061] The separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 may include flow path portions F1' and F2', one side distribution portion 115, and the other side distribution portion .

[0062] The flow path sections F1' and F2' are formed with recesses and projections, and can form a first flow path P1' and a second flow path P2' through which fluid moves to one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a and the other surface 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b, respectively.

[0063] The uneven shapes of the flow path sections F1' and F2' are formed asymmetrically in the width direction W of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140, and the uneven shapes of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly 210 can correspond to each other.

[0064] The flow path portions F1' and F2' are provided with an uneven shape in which reliefs 1111a, 1112a, 1121a, 1122a and recesses 1111b, 1112b, 1121b, 1122b are alternately formed on one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, respectively. The other surfaces 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of 1130, 1140 are provided with an uneven shape in which intaglios 1112b, 1122b and intaglios 112a, 122a are alternately formed corresponding to the intaglios 1111a, 1121a and intaglios 1111b, 1121b formed in the first flow path portions 1111, 1121, and can include second flow path portions 1112, 1122 that form the second flow path P2'.

[0065] The first flow path sections 1111 and 1121 face the electrode 213, and a first flow path P1' through which the raw fluid moves opens toward the electrode 213, while the second flow path sections 1112 and 1122 face the electrode 213, and a second flow path P2' through which the raw fluid moves opens toward the electrode 213. Here, the raw fluid may contain, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. Here, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O).

[0066] The reliefs 1111a, 1121a of the first flow path portions 1111, 1121 formed in the active areas of one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 may be formed in a protruding shape relative to the inactive area, and the depressions 1112b, 1122b of the second flow path portions 1112, 1122 formed in the active areas of the other surfaces 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 may be formed in a concave shape relative to the inactive area. Here, in the membrane-electrode assembly 210, the thickness t2 of the second electrode 212 can be formed to be the same as the sum of the protrusion height h0 of the embossments 1111a, 1121a of the first flow path portions 1111, 1121 formed on one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 and the thickness t1 of the first electrode 211.

[0067] The first flow path P1' is formed in the recessed portions 1111b, 1121b of the first flow path portions 1111, 1121, and the second flow path P2' is formed in the recessed portions 1112b, 1122b of the second flow path portions 1112, 1122, and can be positioned on the same line in the stacking direction S.

[0068] The first flow path P1' and the second flow path P2' may be parallel. Here, for example, the reliefs 1111a, 1121a, 1112a, 1122a and the recesses 1111b, 1121b, 1112b, 1122b formed in the first flow path portions 1111, 1121 and the second flow path portions 1112, 1122 of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 may be formed along the width direction W of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, and the first flow path P1' and the second flow path P2' may be formed as passages extending along the length direction L of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140. Here, for example, the width direction W may be the X-axis direction, and the length direction L may be the Y-axis direction.

[0069] The embossed portions of the first flow path portions 1111 and 1121 and the second flow path portions 1112 and 1122 face each other across the membrane-electrode assembly 210 and can come into contact with the plurality of electrodes 213 .

[0070] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1' in FIG. 9, and FIG. 13 is an exploded view of region D1 in FIG.

[0071] Referring to Figures 9, 12 and 13, the one-side distribution section 115 can be located on one side of the flow path sections F1', F2' in a plan view, and the other-side distribution section 116 can be located on the other side of the flow path sections F1', F2' in a plan view.

[0072] The one-side distribution part 115 and the other-side distribution part 116 form unevenness to form a distribution path communicating with the first flow path P1' and the second flow path P2', and the unevenness of the one-side distribution part 115 and the other-side distribution part 116 may be formed in opposite shapes to each other.

[0073] The distribution channels may include a first one-side distribution channel V11 and a second one-side distribution channel V12 formed on one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a and the other surface 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 in the one-side distribution section 113, 115, and a first other-side distribution channel V21 and a second other-side distribution channel V22 formed on one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a and the other surface 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 in the other-side distribution section 114, 116. Here, the first one-side distribution path V11 and the first other-side distribution path V21 can communicate with the first flow path P1', and the second one-side distribution path V12 and the second other-side distribution path V22 can communicate with the second flow path P2'.

[0074] Here, the one-side distribution parts 113 and 115 are provided in an uneven shape in which embossments 113a, 115a, 123a, 125a and recesses 113b, 115b, 123b, 125b are alternately formed on one surfaces 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, respectively. The other surfaces 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the first and second distribution portions 115, 125, 135, 145 are provided with an uneven shape in which the recesses 115b, 125b and the recesses 115a, 125a are alternately formed corresponding to the recesses 113a, 123a and the recesses 113b, 123b formed in the first distribution portion 113, and form the second distribution channel V12. Here, the recesses 113a, 115a, 123a, 125a formed in the first distribution portion 113 and the second distribution portion 115, 125, 135, 145, respectively, can contact the separation membrane 214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210. Here, the indentations 113b, 123b formed in the first one-side distribution portion 113 may include a first indentation 113b-1 and a second indentation 113b-2 having a smaller indentation depth in the stacking direction S than the first indentation 113b-1.

[0075] In addition, the other-side distribution sections 114, 116 may include a first other-side distribution section 114 having alternating reliefs and recesses on one surface 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, forming a first other-side distribution channel V21, and second other-side distribution sections 116, 126, 136, 146 having alternating reliefs and recesses on other surfaces 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, forming a second one-side distribution channel V12, respectively.

[0076] Meanwhile, the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 of the electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are manufactured by molding, and since they are manufactured using a single mold, they can have the same shape. Here, the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 can be formed by pressing a single metal plate. Here, the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 can be formed with flow path portions F1' and F2', one-side distributor portion 115, and the other-side distributor portion 116.

[0077] 9 to 11, the first gasket 311 can be arranged in the inactive area of ​​one side 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, and the second gasket 312 can be arranged in the inactive area of ​​the other side 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140.

[0078] In addition, the first gasket 311 may be formed to have a thickness g1 greater than that of the first electrode 211 in the stacking direction S, and the second gasket 312 may be formed to have a thickness g2 equal to that of the second electrode 212 in the stacking direction S. Here, the first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312 may be formed to have the same thicknesses g1 and g2 in the stacking direction S. Here, for example, the thicknesses of the first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312 may be 0.5T, the second electrode 212 may be 0.5T, the separator 214 may be 0.1T, and the first electrode 211 may be 0.25T, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0079] The first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312 can be positioned on the same line in the stacking direction S.

[0080] In addition, the first gasket 311 is provided along the edges of the active areas of one side 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, maintaining the airtightness of the active areas of one side 1110a, 1120a, 1130a, 1140a, and the second gasket 312 is provided along the edges of the active areas of the other side 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, maintaining the airtightness of the active areas of the other side 1110b, 1120b, 1130b, 1140b of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140.

[0081] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a protective layer in an electrolyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] 9 to 11 and 14, the protective layer 1500 may be positioned between the separation membrane 214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210 and one surface of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140. Here, the protective layer 1500 may be positioned between the separation membrane 214 of the membrane-electrode assembly and the first one-side distribution portion and the first other-side distribution portion of the separation plates 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140. The protective layer 1500 faces the separation membrane 214 to protect it and block ion migration in the stacking direction. Furthermore, the protective layer 1500 may be positioned such that the height of the bottom of the second one-side distribution portion and the second other-side distribution portion corresponds to the height of the bottom of the second flow path in the stacking direction.

[0083] Furthermore, the protective layer 1500 may extend to between the first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312. Here, the protective layer 1500 may have a through hole 1500a formed therein so as not to face the flow path portion.

[0084] In addition, the protective layer 1500 may include a first protective layer 1501 facing the first one-side distribution portion and the first other-side distribution portion, and a second protective layer 1502 positioned between the first gasket 311 and the second gasket 312.

[0085] Here, for example, the first protective layer 1501 and the second protective layer 1502 may be integrally formed from a protective film.

[0086] Alternatively, as another example, the first protective layer 1501 may be formed of a protective film, and the second protective layer 1502 may be formed of an auxiliary gasket.

[0087] The protective film may be made of, for example, a PET material, and the auxiliary gasket may be made of, for example, a Teflon or steel plate.

[0088] On the other hand, for example, the thickness m of the protective layer 1500 can be 0.25T.

[0089] The electrolyzer 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above has separators 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 facing the anode and cathode electrodes 213 of the membrane-electrode assembly 210, each of which is formed with embossments 1111a, 1121a, 1112a, 1122a and recesses 1111b, 1121b, 1112b, 1122b, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving energy efficiency. That is, when producing hydrogen by electrochemically converting carbon dioxide or splitting water, an aqueous solution-based electrolyte is supplied to the anode, eliminating the need for a separate cooling water supply, and therefore anode and cathode flow paths can be formed by forming embossments 1111a, 1121a, 1112a, 1122a and recesses 1111b, 1121b, 1112b, 1122b in a single separator plate 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced by using a single separator plate 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 instead of two, and the interface resistance that occurs when using two separator plates is eliminated, resulting in improved energy efficiency due to the reduced resistance.

[0090] In addition, the separators 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 and the membrane-electrode assemblies 210 are stacked alternately. In this case, the separators 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 are stacked in order while being rotated 180° around a rotation axis R parallel to the stacking direction. The embossments 1111a, 1121a, 1112a, and 1122a of the separators 120, 130, and 140 stacked at the bottom in the stacking direction S can prevent clogging of the flow paths formed in the recesses 1111b, 1121b, 1112b, and 1122b of the separators 110, 120, and 130 stacked at the top in the stacking direction S.

[0091] Furthermore, unevenness is formed in the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section located on both sides of the flow path sections F1', F2' to distribute the flow of fluid, and the unevenness of the one-side distribution section 115 and the other-side distribution section 116 is formed in the opposite shape to each other. Therefore, even when the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 are stacked while rotating, the unevenness formed in the one-side distribution section 115 and the other-side distribution section 116 of the separator plates 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly 210 correspond to each other, allowing for smooth movement and distribution of the fluid.

[0092] Electrolyzer according to the third embodiment An electrolyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0093] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrolyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2' in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of area C2 in FIG. 16.

[0094] 15 to 17, an electrolyzer 2000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140, and a membrane-electrode assembly 2210 located between the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 and including a plurality of electrodes 2213 and a separator membrane 2214. The separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 have one surface 2110a, The electrolyzer 2000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a protective layer 2500 positioned between the separation membrane 2214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 and one surface of the separation plate 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140. The electrolyzer 2000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include a first gasket 2311 and a second gasket 2312.

[0095] The electrolyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the electrolyzers according to the first and second embodiments in that a protective layer 2500 is further provided between the separator 2214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 and one side of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140, and the thickness of the electrodes is uniform. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same content as in the above embodiments will be omitted or briefly described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0096] More specifically, the electrolyzer 2000 according to the third embodiment may include a number of separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140, and a membrane-electrode assembly 2210 located between the plurality of separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140.

[0097] The separators 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 and the membrane-electrode assemblies 2210 may be stacked alternately, with the separators 2110 and 2140 positioned at the top and bottom in the stacking direction S. Here, the separators 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 may be stacked in order while being rotated 180° around a rotation axis R parallel to the stacking direction. Here, the stacking direction S may be parallel to the Z-axis direction, for example, with reference to FIG. 15 .

[0098] The membrane-electrode assembly 2210 is disposed between a number of separator plates 2110 , 2120 , 2130 , and 2140 and may include a plurality of electrodes 2213 and a separator membrane 2214 disposed between the electrodes 2213 .

[0099] The plurality of electrodes 2213 may include first electrodes 2211 and second electrodes 2212, and the first electrodes 2211 and the second electrodes 2212 may be alternately positioned in the stacking direction S.

[0100] In the plurality of electrodes 2213, the thickness t2 of the second electrode 2212 facing the other surfaces 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separators 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 may be formed to be the same as the thickness t1 of the first electrode 2211 facing one surface 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separators 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140.

[0101] Here, the first electrode 2211 may face one surfaces 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, and the second electrode 2212 may face the other surfaces 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140.

[0102] Here, as an example, the first electrode 2211 may be an anode, and the second electrode 2212 may be a cathode, or as another example, the first electrode 2211 may be a cathode, and the second electrode 2212 may be an anode.

[0103] The separation membrane 2214 is made of an insulating ion exchange membrane (IEM), which allows ions to move between the anode and the cathode.

[0104] The separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 may include flow path sections F1'', F2'', one-side distribution sections 2113, 2115, and other-side distribution sections 2114, 2116.

[0105] The flow path sections F1'', F2'' are formed with recesses and projections, and can form a first flow path P1'' and a second flow path P2'' through which fluid moves to one surface 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a and the other surface 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b, respectively.

[0106] The uneven shapes of the flow path portions F1″ and F2″ are formed asymmetrically in the width direction W of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140, and the uneven shapes of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 can correspond to each other.

[0107] The flow path portions F1'', F2'' are provided with an uneven shape in which reliefs 2111a, 2112a, 2121a, 2122a and depressions 2111b, 2112b, 2121b, 2122b are alternately formed on one surface 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, and the first flow path portions 2111, 2121 forming the first flow path P1'' and the separation plates 2110, 2120 , 2130, 2140 are provided with an uneven shape in which intaglios 2112b, 2122b and intaglios 112a, 122a are alternately formed corresponding to the intaglios 2111a, 2121a and intaglios 2111b, 2121b formed in the first flow path portions 2111, 2121, and the second flow path portions 2112, 2122 form the second flow path P2''.

[0108] The first flow path sections 2111, 2121 face the electrode 2213, and a first flow path P1'' through which the raw fluid moves opens toward the electrode 2213, while the second flow path sections 2112, 2122 face the electrode 2213, and a second flow path P2'' through which the raw fluid moves opens toward the electrode 2213. Here, the raw fluid may contain, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. Here, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O).

[0109] The reliefs 2111a and 2121a of the first flow path portions 2111 and 2121 formed in the active regions of one surfaces 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, and 2140a of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 may be formed in a protruding shape relative to the non-active regions, and the depressions 2112b and 2122b of the second flow path portions 2112 and 2122 formed in the active regions of the other surfaces 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, and 2140b of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 may be formed in a recessed shape relative to the non-active regions. Here, in the membrane-electrode assembly 2210, the thickness t2 of the second electrode 2212 may be formed to be the same as the thickness t1 of the first electrode 2211.

[0110] The thickness t1 of the first electrode 2211 and the thickness t2 of the second electrode 2212 may be formed to be the same as the protruding height h0 of the embossments 2111a and 2121a of the first flow path portions 2111 and 2121 formed on the surfaces 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, and 2140a of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140. Here, the protruding height h0 of the embossments 2111a and 2121a of the first flow path portions 2111 and 2121 and the protruding height of the embossments 112a and 122a of the second flow path portions 2112 and 2122 may be formed to be the same. That is, the thickness t1 of the first electrode 2211 and the thickness t2 of the second electrode 2212 can be formed to be the same as the protrusion height h0 of the embossments 2111a, 2121a of the first flow path portions 2111, 2121 and the protrusion height of the embossments 112a, 122a of the second flow path portions 2112, 2122.

[0111] The first flow path P1'' is formed in the recessed portions 2111b, 2121b of the first flow path portions 2111, 2121, and the second flow path P2'' is formed in the recessed portions 2112b, 2122b of the second flow path portions 2112, 2122, and can be positioned on the same line in the stacking direction S.

[0112] The first flow path P1" and the second flow path P2" may have a parallel shape. Here, for example, the reliefs 2111a, 2121a, 2112a, 2122a and the recesses 2111b, 2121b, 2112b, 2122b formed in the first flow path portions 2111, 2121 and the second flow path portions 2112, 2122 of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 may be formed along the width direction W of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, and the first flow path P1" and the second flow path P2" may form passages extending along the length direction L of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140. Here, for example, the width direction W may be the X-axis direction, and the length direction L may be the Y-axis direction.

[0113] The embossed portions of the first flow path sections 2111 and 2121 and the second flow path sections 2112 and 2122 face each other across the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 and can come into contact with the plurality of electrodes 2213 .

[0114] 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B2-B2' in FIG. 15, and FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the D2 region in FIG.

[0115] Referring to Figures 15, 18 and 19, the one-side distribution sections 2113, 2115 can be located on one side of the flow path sections F1'', F2'' in a plan view, and the other-side distribution sections 2114, 2116 can be located on the other side of the flow path sections F1'', F2'' in a plan view.

[0116] The one side distribution parts 2113, 2115 and the other side distribution parts 2114, 2116 form uneven shapes to form distribution paths that communicate with the first flow path P1'' and the second flow path P2'', and the uneven shapes of the one side distribution parts 2113, 2115 and the other side distribution parts 2114, 2116 can be formed in opposite shapes to each other.

[0117] The distribution channels may include a first one-side distribution channel V11 and a second one-side distribution channel V12 formed on one surface 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a and the other surface 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 in the one-side distribution sections 2113, 2115, and a first other-side distribution channel V21 and a second other-side distribution channel V22 formed on one surface 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a and the other surface 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 in the other-side distribution sections 2114, 2116. Here, the first one-side distribution path V11 and the first other-side distribution path V21 can communicate with the first flow path P1'', and the second one-side distribution path V12 and the second other-side distribution path V22 can communicate with the second flow path P2''.

[0118] Here, the one-side distribution parts 2113 and 2115 are formed in a concave-convex shape with embossments 2113a, 2115a, 2123a, 2125a and recesses 2113b, 2115b, 2123b, 2125b alternately formed on one surfaces 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, respectively. , 2130, 2140, the other surfaces 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the first one-side distributor 2113 may include second one-side distributors 2115, 2125, 2135, 2145 which are provided with an uneven shape in which the indentations 115b, 125b and the indentations 115a, 125a are alternately formed corresponding to the indentations 113a, 123a and the indentations 113b, 123b formed in the first one-side distributor 2113, and which form the second one-side distributor channel V12. Here, the indentations 2113a, 2115a, 2123a, 2125a formed in the first one-side distributor 2113 and the second one-side distributors 2115, 2125, 2135, 2145, respectively, may come into contact with the separation membrane 2214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 2210. Here, the indentations 2113b, 2123b formed in the first one-side distribution portion 2113 may include a first indentation 2113b-1 and a second indentation 2113b-2 having a smaller indentation depth in the stacking direction S than the first indentation 2113b-1.

[0119] In addition, the other-side distribution portions 2114, 2116 may include a first other-side distribution portion 2114 having alternating reliefs and recesses on one surface 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, forming a first other-side distribution channel V21, and second other-side distribution portions 2116, 2126, 2136, 2146 having alternating reliefs and recesses on other surfaces 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, forming a second one-side distribution channel V12, corresponding to the reliefs and recesses formed on the first other-side distribution portion 2114.

[0120] Meanwhile, the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 of the electrolyzer 2000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention are manufactured by molding, and since they are manufactured using one mold, they can have the same shape. Here, the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 can be formed by pressing one metal plate. Here, the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 can be formed with flow path portions F1″ and F2″, one-side distribution portions 2113 and 2115, and other-side distribution portions 2114 and 2116.

[0121] Referring to Figures 15 to 17, the first gasket 2311 can be arranged in the inactive area of ​​one side 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, and the second gasket 2312 can be arranged in the inactive area of ​​the other side 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140.

[0122] In addition, the first gasket 2311 and the second gasket 2312 may be formed to have the same thicknesses g1 and g2 in the stacking direction S. Here, the thickness g1 of the first gasket 2311 and the thickness g2 of the second gasket 2312 may be formed to be the same as the thicknesses of the first electrode 2211 and the second electrode 2212. Here, for example, the thicknesses of the first gasket 2311 and the second gasket 2312 may be 0.25T, the thicknesses of the first electrode 2211 and the second electrode 2212 may be 0.25T, and the thickness of the separator 2214 may be 0.1T, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0123] The first gasket 2311 and the second gasket 2312 can be positioned on the same line in the stacking direction S.

[0124] In addition, the first gasket 2311 is provided along the edges of the active areas of one side 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 to maintain airtightness of the active areas of one side 2110a, 2120a, 2130a, 2140a, and the second gasket 2312 is provided along the edges of the active areas of the other side 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 to maintain airtightness of the active areas of the other side 2110b, 2120b, 2130b, 2140b of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140.

[0125] The protective layer 2500 may be positioned between the separation membrane 2214 of the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 and one surface of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140. Here, the protective layer 2500 may be positioned between the separation membrane 2214 of the membrane-electrode assembly and the first one-side distribution portion 2113 and the first other-side distribution portion 2114 of the separation plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140. The protective layer 2500 faces the separation membrane 2214 to protect it and block ion movement in the stacking direction. Furthermore, the protective layer 2500 may be positioned such that the height of the bottom of the second one-side distribution portion and the second other-side distribution portion corresponds to the height of the bottom of the second flow path in the stacking direction.

[0126] Furthermore, the protective layer 2500 may extend to between the first gasket 2311 and the second gasket 2312. Here, the protective layer 2500 may have a through hole 2500a formed therein so as not to face the flow path portion.

[0127] In addition, the protective layer 2500 may include a first protective layer 2501 facing the first one-side distribution portion 2113 and the first other-side distribution portion 2114, and a second protective layer 2502 positioned between the first gasket 2311 and the second gasket 2312.

[0128] Here, for example, the first protective layer 2501 and the second protective layer 2502 may be integrally formed from a protective film.

[0129] Alternatively, the first protective layer 2501 may be formed of a protective film, and the second protective layer 2502 may be formed of an auxiliary gasket. Here, the protective film may be formed of, for example, a PET material. The auxiliary gasket may be formed of, for example, a Teflon (registered trademark) or steel plate.

[0130] Meanwhile, for example, the thickness m of the protective layer 2500 can be 0.25T.

[0131] The electrolyzer 2000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above has the separators 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 facing the anode and cathode electrodes 2213 of the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 formed with the reliefs 2111a, 2121a, 2112a, 2122a and the recesses 2111b, 2121b, 2112b, 2122b, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving energy efficiency. That is, when producing hydrogen by electrochemically converting carbon dioxide or splitting water, an aqueous solution-based electrolyte is supplied to the anode, eliminating the need for a separate cooling water supply, and therefore anode and cathode flow paths can be formed by forming reliefs 2111a, 2121a, 2112a, 2122a and recesses 2111b, 2121b, 2112b, 2122b in a single separator plate 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced by using a single separator plate 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 instead of two, and the interface resistance that occurs when using two separator plates is eliminated, resulting in improved energy efficiency due to the reduced resistance.

[0132] In addition, the separators 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 and the membrane-electrode assemblies 2210 are stacked alternately. In this case, the separators 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 are stacked in order while being rotated 180° around a rotation axis R parallel to the stacking direction, so that the reliefs 2111a, 2121a, 2112a, 2122a of the separators 120, 130, 140 stacked at the bottom in the stacking direction S can prevent clogging of the flow paths formed in the recesses 2111b, 2121b, 2112b, 2122b of the separators 110, 120, 130 stacked at the top in the stacking direction S.

[0133] In addition, unevenness is formed in the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section located on both sides of the flow path sections F1″ and F2″ to distribute the flow of fluid, and the unevenness of the one-side distribution section 115 and the other-side distribution sections 2114 and 2116 is formed in the opposite shape to each other. Therefore, even if the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 are rotated and stacked, the unevenness formed in the one-side distribution sections 2113 and 2115 and the other-side distribution sections 2114 and 2116 of the separator plates 2110, 2120, 2130, and 2140 located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly 2210 corresponds to each other, allowing smooth movement and distribution of the fluid.

[0134] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, these are merely for the purpose of specifically describing the present invention, and the post-processing device according to the present invention is not limited thereto. It can be said that various implementations are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those skilled in the art.

[0135] The specific scope of protection of the invention will be defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 10, 1000, 2000 Electrolyzer 110, 120, 130, 140 separation plate 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a one side 110b, 120b, 130b, 140b other side 111, 121 First flow path section 112, 122 Second flow path section 111a, 112a, 121a, 122a Engraving 111b, 112b, 121b, 122b intaglio 113 1st side distribution section 113a, 115a, 123a, 125a Engraving 113b, 115b, 123b, 125b intaglio 114 1st other side distribution section 115, 125, 135, 145 2nd first side distribution section 116, 126, 136, 146 2nd other side distribution section 210 Membrane-electrode assembly 211 1st electrode 212 2nd electrode 213 Electrode 214, 2214 Separation membrane 311 First Gasket 312 Second gasket 411 Single-sided peripheral gasket 412 Other side peripheral gasket 1500, 2500 protection layer 1501, 2501 1st protective layer 1502,2502 2nd protective layer A1, A2 active area B1, B2 inactive area L lengthwise W width direction S Stacking direction P1 First flow path P2 Second flow path V11 1st side distribution path V12 2nd first side distribution path V21 1st other side distribution path V22 2nd other side distribution path

Claims

1. A large number of separation plates; a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between the plurality of separator plates, the membrane-electrode assembly including a plurality of electrodes and a separator membrane disposed between the plurality of electrodes; The separation plate is a flow path portion that forms a first flow path and a second flow path on one surface and the other surface, respectively, through which a fluid moves; a one-side distributor located on one side of the flow path on the plane of the separation plate; an other-side distribution portion located on the other side of the flow path portion on the plane of the separation plate, the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section form unevenness to form distribution paths communicating with the first flow path and the second flow path, and the unevenness of the one-side distribution section and the other-side distribution section are formed in opposite shapes to each other.

2. the separators and the membrane-electrode assemblies are stacked alternately in a stacking direction, 2. The electrolyzer according to claim 1, wherein the separator plates are stacked in order while being rotated 180 degrees around a rotation axis parallel to the stacking direction.

3. The uneven shape of the flow path portion is formed asymmetrically in the width direction of the separation plate, 3. The electrolyzer according to claim 2, wherein the shapes of the projections and recesses of the separator plates located above and below the membrane-electrode assembly correspond to each other.

4. The flow path portion is a first flow path portion in which reliefs and depressions are alternately formed on one surface of the separation plate to form the first flow path; 2. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second flow path portion on the other surface of the separation plate, in which recesses and reliefs are alternately formed corresponding to the reliefs and recesses formed in the first flow path portion to form the second flow path.

5. the first flow path portion faces the electrode, and the first flow path through which the raw material fluid moves is open toward the electrode; The electrolyzer according to claim 4 , wherein the second flow path portion faces the electrode, and the second flow path through which the raw material fluid moves opens toward the electrode.

6. The relief of the first flow path portion formed in the active region of one surface of the separation plate is formed in a shape that protrudes relative to the non-active region, The electrolyzer according to claim 4 , wherein the depression of the second flow passage portion formed in the active area on the other surface of the separator plate is formed in a concave shape relative to the non-active area.

7. 7. The electrolyzer according to claim 6, wherein, among the plurality of electrodes, a thickness of a first electrode facing one surface of the separator plate is greater than a thickness of a second electrode facing the other surface of the separator plate.

8. The first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, 8. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first electrode comprises a cathode and the second electrode comprises an anode.

9. The thickness of the second electrode is The electrolyzer according to claim 7 , wherein the protrusion height of the embossed first flow path portion formed on one surface of the separator plate is equal to the sum of the thickness of the first electrode and the thickness of the first electrode.

10. a first gasket disposed in an inactive area on one surface of the separator plate; a second gasket disposed in an inactive area on the other surface of the separator plate; 8. The electrolysis device according to claim 7, wherein the first gasket is formed to have a thickness in the stacking direction that is thicker than the first electrode, and the second gasket is formed to have a thickness in the stacking direction that is the same as the second electrode.

11. The first flow path is formed in a recessed portion of the first flow path portion, The second flow path is formed in a recessed portion of the second flow path portion, The electrolyzer according to claim 4, wherein the electrodes are positioned on the same line in the stacking direction.

12. 5. The electrolysis device according to claim 4, wherein the embossed portions of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion face each other across the membrane-electrode assembly and contact a plurality of the electrodes.

13. the separator plates and the membrane-electrode assemblies are stacked alternately; 2. The electrolyzer according to claim 1, wherein the separator plates are located on the uppermost and lowermost sides in the stacking direction.

14. The distribution path is In the one-side distribution portion, a first one-side distribution passage and a second one-side distribution passage are formed on one surface and the other surface of the separation plate, respectively; the other-side distribution portion includes a first other-side distribution channel and a second other-side distribution channel formed on one surface and the other surface of the separation plate, The electrolyzer according to claim 6 , wherein the first one-side distribution channel and the first other-side distribution channel communicate with the first flow path, and the second one-side distribution channel and the second other-side distribution channel communicate with the second flow path.

15. 15. The electrolysis apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one-side distribution section includes a first one-side distribution section having reliefs and intaglios alternately formed on one surface of the separation plate to form the first one-side distribution channel, and a second one-side distribution section having reliefs and intaglios alternately formed on the other surface of the separation plate to form the second one-side distribution channel, and the other-side distribution section includes a first other-side distribution section having reliefs and intaglios alternately formed on one surface of the separation plate to form the first other-side distribution channel, and a second other-side distribution section having reliefs and intaglios alternately formed on the other surface of the separation plate to form the second other-side distribution channel.

16. a first gasket disposed in an inactive area on one surface of the separator plate; a second gasket disposed in an inactive area on the other surface of the separator plate; In the membrane-electrode assembly, the electrode faces a flow path portion of the separation plate, 16. The electrolysis apparatus of claim 15, wherein in the membrane-electrode assembly, the separation membrane faces the first one-side distribution portion, the second one-side distribution portion, the first other-side distribution portion, the second other-side distribution portion, the first gasket, and the second gasket of the separation plate.

17. 17. The electrolyzer of claim 16, wherein the reliefs formed on the first and second distribution sections are in contact with the separation membrane of the membrane-electrode assembly.

18. The membrane-electrode assembly further includes a protective layer positioned between the separator membrane and the first one-side distribution portion and the first other-side distribution portion of the separator plate, The relief of the first one-side distributor formed in the active region of one surface of the separation plate is formed to protrude with respect to the inactive region, the depression of the second one-side distributor formed in the active region of the other surface of the separation plate is formed in a concave shape with respect to the inactive region; 17. The electrolysis apparatus of claim 16, wherein a protruding height of the embossments formed on the first one-side distribution portion and the second one-side distribution portion is the same as a protruding height of the embossments formed on the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, respectively.

19. 19. The electrolysis apparatus of claim 18, wherein the protective layer extends between the first gasket and the second gasket.

20. 20. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the thickness of the first gasket and the second gasket is the same as the protruding height of the relief formed on the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion.

21. a thickness of the electrode facing one side of the separator plate is the same as a thickness of the electrode facing the other side of the separator plate; 21. The electrolysis device according to claim 19, wherein the thickness of the electrodes is the same as the thickness of the first gasket and the second gasket, and is the same as the protruding height of the reliefs formed in the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion.

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