Hydrogen gas production assembly and hydrogen gas production method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly comprising a hydrogen gas production device, a container containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, a storage container for storing the generated hydrogen gas, an inlet for supplying the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device, and an outlet for transferring the generated hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas production device to the storage container. The present invention further relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas using the hydrogen gas production assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly composed of a hydrogen gas production device, a container containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, a storage container for storing the produced hydrogen gas, an inlet for supplying the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device, and an outlet for transferring the produced hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas production device to the storage container. The present invention further relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas by the hydrogen gas production assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used in a variety of sectors including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. Currently, most of the world's hydrogen is produced from natural gas by a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), which releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. These SMR systems use natural gas and steam as feedstocks to produce hydrogen gas by a catalytic process. However, there are several other methods for producing hydrogen, such as biomass gasification, nuclear energy, microbial processes, and water electrolysis.

[0003] In biomass basification, biomass such as wood chips or agricultural waste can be gasified to produce a hydrogen-enriched gas, which can then be purified and used as fuel. This method is also carbon neutral because the carbon released during gasification is balanced by the carbon absorbed by the biomass during its growth. In nuclear energy processes, a nuclear reactor can be used to produce hydrogen by high-temperature electrolysis, and the heat generated by the reactor is used to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. In microbial processes, bacteria can produce hydrogen by a process called dark fermentation, which involves the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of light.

[0004] Water electrolysis is an established method for producing hydrogen gas by using electricity to decompose water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen. Water electrolysis technology is focused on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing process scalability. There are two main types of electrolytic cells: alkaline electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Alkaline electrolysis is a more established technology, while PEM electrolysis is a newer and rapidly developing technology.

[0005] Alkaline electrolytic cells use a liquid alkaline electrolyte, typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, and operate at high temperatures and pressures. These cells are generally less expensive than PEM cells and offer larger scale and higher efficiency. A major challenge with alkaline electrolysis is its slow response time, making it unsuitable for intermittent operation or operation involving fluctuating loads.

[0006] PEM electrolytic cells use solid polymer electrolytes and operate at lower temperatures and pressures than alkaline cells. PEM cells have fast response times and are suitable for applications with intermittent or fluctuating loads. They are also more efficient on a small to medium scale, making them convenient for regionally distributed hydrogen production. However, this technology is more expensive than alkaline cells, and membrane durability can be an issue.

[0007] Efforts are underway to improve both types of cells. For example, researchers are exploring new materials for electrodes and membranes, as well as ways to reduce the amount of energy required to split water. In addition, there are efforts to integrate water electrolysis with renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power to produce decarbonized and sustainable "green hydrogen." Research is underway to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these methods and to develop new technologies for further hydrogen production. There are emerging technologies for hydrogen production that are still in the development and testing stages, such as high-temperature electrolysis, solar thermochemical water splitting, and biological hydrogen production, but these have not yet been brought to market. In addition, there are ongoing efforts to develop and improve infrastructure for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen as an energy carrier, including the development of fuel cells to power vehicles and other applications.

[0008] Considering the above, there is a need in our industry for a hydrogen production system that can minimize energy consumption for improved hydrogen yield and provide improved economic and operational efficiency. Furthermore, there is a need in our industry for a hydrogen production method that achieves improved yield through electrolysis. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The objective of the present invention is, among other things, to address the above-mentioned needs in the industry. Among other things, the objectives of the present invention are satisfied as outlined in the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Among various purposes, the above purpose is particularly important, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a hydrogen gas production assembly (1), - Power supply (10) connected to the hydrogen gas production device (20) - A container (30) containing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), - A storage container (40) for storing the generated hydrogen gas (60), - At least one inlet (21) for supplying an aqueous electrolyte solution from a container to a hydrogen gas production device, and at least one outlet (23) for transferring the hydrogen gas produced from the hydrogen gas production device to a storage container, Here, the hydrogen gas production apparatus is composed of a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), and adjacent to each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and on either side of each layer, there is a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) for decomposing water and generating hydrogen gas from an aqueous electrolyte solution, and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane layer and the electrode catalyst layer are arranged between at least two current collector layers, thereby providing a membrane electrode unit, and the hydrogen gas production apparatus is composed of at least one membrane electrode unit. - At least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electrical circuit, including the current value and current frequency applied to the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, and - At least one cooling element (50) for cooling at least one controller unit and electrical circuit. This is fulfilled by the invention of a hydrogen gas production assembly (1), which consists of the following:

[0011] The hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention comprises multiple layers of solid polymer electrolyte membranes (ion exchange membranes) for decomposing water to produce hydrogen (and oxygen), which are adjacent on either side to multiple electrode catalyst layers to provide a membrane electrode assembly. Preferably, each membrane electrode assembly consists of approximately 10 layers of electrode catalyst and is controlled by a controller unit. The electrolysis process for producing hydrogen gas generates a large amount of heat due to the relatively high current used in a closed system, resulting in the known insufficient operating efficiency in hydrogen gas production units. However, when producing hydrogen gas, the assembly of the present invention further includes a cooling module that balances the electrical input and controls temperature changes, thereby reducing recovery time and increasing the production yield of the assembly for optimization. Hydrogen production is optimized because the multiple layers of electrode catalyst each have their own specific current and specific current frequency and voltage, and are controlled and managed by a controller unit.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which the hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention may consist of two or more, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four membrane electrode units. The hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention may consist of a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies in which membrane electrode assemblies are stacked or connected to one another (cell stacking), where a voltage is applied to each end of the cell stacking in the stacking direction, and an aqueous solution (e.g., seawater) is supplied to the anode-side current collector. The water is then decomposed on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly to produce hydrogen ions. The hydrogen ions penetrate toward the cathode side and combine with electrons to produce hydrogen gas. Meanwhile, on the anode side, oxygen produced simultaneously with hydrogen is discharged together with residual water from the membrane electrode assembly stacking.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which at least one membrane electrode unit is composed of a solid membrane polymer with between 5 and 15 layers, preferably between 6 and 14 layers, more preferably between 7 and 13 layers, and most preferably between 8 and 12 layers.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which at least one membrane electrode unit comprises a plurality of electrode catalyst layers, the number of electrode catalyst layers being n-1, where n is the number of layers of solid membrane polymer.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane covers either side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers by 1 to 25%, preferably 5 to 20%, more preferably 10 to 15%, and preferably the layer of solid polymer electrolyte covers both sides of the outer periphery of the electrode catalyst layer surface.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which each layer of at least two current collector layers (25) and a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22) includes two or more openings (35) to allow the flow of an aqueous electrolyte solution and the flow of generated hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production apparatus. The openings (35) present in the current collector layers (25) are connected between the apparatus to an inlet (21) for the aqueous electrolyte solution and an outlet (23) for the generated hydrogen gas. The current collector layers (25) of the hydrogen gas production apparatus (20) consist of openings (35) to allow the flow of an aqueous electrolyte solution and the flow of generated hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production apparatus. The upper openings transport the generated hydrogen gas from the apparatus to a storage container, and the lower openings transport the flow of the aqueous electrolyte solution through the apparatus. Each layer of the electrode catalyst layers (22) between the layers of the polymer electrolyte membrane (24) includes two or more openings (35) to allow the flow of an aqueous electrolyte solution and the flow of generated hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production apparatus.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which the solid film polymer consists of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber material widely used in a variety of applications, including roofing materials, automotive sealing and insulation. EPDM is particularly suitable for use in hydrogen production equipment due to its excellent resistance to ozone, heat and weathering, as well as its good insulation properties, from the perspective of the electrolysis process. The EPDM film can withstand the corrosive nature of the electrolyte solution and maintain its integrity and performance over long periods. Furthermore, EPDM can maintain its mechanical properties and flexibility over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for use in this electrolysis process, which may involve relatively high temperatures.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which a layer of solid film polymer has a thickness of about 2 to 15 mm, preferably 2.5 to 10 mm, more preferably 3 to 6 mm. If the polymer layer is less than 2 mm thick, the material begins to deform during hydrogen production. A thicker layer, i.e., more than 15 mm, reduces the efficiency of the hydrogen production assembly and increases the cost and weight of the equipment.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which multiple electrode catalyst layers each have a thickness of about 0.2 to 4 mm, preferably 0.4 to 3 mm, and more preferably 1 to 2 mm. Thicker plates can withstand higher currents and temperatures and increase the hydrogen production yield, but however the efficiency of the hydrogen production unit decreases. Tests have shown that a thickness of the electrode catalyst layers between 0.2 and 4 mm is optimal in combination with the current and frequency used with the hydrogen gas production assembly of the present invention. The goal is to produce hydrogen gas as efficiently and inexpensively as possible, and to provide a low-weight and relatively small hydrogen gas production assembly that provides a relatively high hydrogen gas output.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which at least two or more current collector layers each have a thickness of about 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2.5 to 7.5 mm, and more preferably 3.5 to 5 mm.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which multiple electrode catalyst layers and / or current collector layers are made of stainless steel or titanium, more specifically stainless steel selected from the group consisting of austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel and duplex stainless steel, preferably austenitic stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains high levels of chromium, nickel, and sometimes other elements such as molybdenum or nitrogen. It is named after its microstructure, which is predominantly austenite at room temperature. Austenitic stainless steel is characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility and good toughness at both high and low temperatures, and non-magnetic properties, making it excellent for use in the hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention. It is also commonly used in building applications such as outdoor cladding and roofing due to its aesthetic properties and durability. The most common grades of austenitic stainless steel are grades 304 and 316, however, there are many other grades available that exhibit various levels of corrosion resistance, strength and other properties. After austenitic stainless steel, ferritic and martensitic stainless steels or combinations (duplex stainless steels) may be used; however, these types are less preferred because they have greater magnetism, perform well in mild environments, but have somewhat inferior corrosion resistance, and are not as corrosion-resistant as austenitic stainless steel. Martensitic stainless steel has low ductility and is therefore not very suitable for the present invention.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the hydrogen gas production apparatus is a small-sized apparatus having a total length between 5 and 60 cm, preferably between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 and 40 cm, and a total width between 5 and 60 cm, preferably between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 and 40 cm. Surprisingly, the assembly of the present invention is very small-sized, but due to its specific build-up and elements used, and / or due to specific settings of conditions such as current, voltage, frequency, etc. under which it is manufactured, it has the ability to produce a relatively high hydrogen gas production output as compared to known systems.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an assembly that enables a hydrogen gas output between 2 and 40 L of hydrogen gas (H2) / minute, preferably between 5 and 30 L, more preferably between 10 and 25 L of H2 / minute.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly which further comprises a gas-liquid separation unit (70) connected to an outlet (23) for further purifying the generated hydrogen gas (60) from all residual aqueous electrolyte solutions, thereby further reducing the water content rate of the hydrogen gas, and the hydrogen gas preferably contains water in an amount of at most 5 ppm. The hydrogen gas generated by the apparatus of the present invention may still contain water. However, for example, hydrogen gas used in a fuel cell vehicle etc. is required to be in a desired dry state. Therefore, further processing of hydrogen may be necessary to reduce or further remove excess water. For example, the final product, which is hydrogen gas, preferably contains water in an amount of at most 5 ppm, preferably at most 2.5 ppm, more preferably at most 1 ppm.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which at least one controller unit is present per up to 10 electrode catalyst layers. To reduce the possibility of the system overheating, up to 10 electrode plates are controlled by one controller element. Each controller element is also preferably connected to a cooling element to ensure an optimal operating temperature and avoid overheating. This also ensures an optimal yield in hydrogen gas production, reduces the consumption of the hydrogen gas production device of the present invention, and improves durability.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly in which the assembly is composed of a number of the hydrogen gas production devices connected or stacked together. The amount of hydrogen that can be produced per minute by water electrolysis depends on several factors including the size and efficiency of the electrolysis system, the voltage and current used, and the purity of the water being electrolyzed.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing hydrogen gas by the hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a current per electrode catalyst layer is applied to the hydrogen gas production device, and the voltage per electrode catalyst layer is between 1 and 5 volts, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 volts, more preferably between 1.8 and 2.2 volts.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas in which the current per electrode catalyst layer is between 3 and 15 amperes, preferably between 5 and 12 amperes, most preferably between 6 and 11 amperes, and most preferably between 7 and 10 amperes.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas in which the current per electrode catalyst layer is applied at a current frequency between 350 and 550 kHz, preferably between 380 and 480 kHz, and most preferably between 350 and 450 kHz.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas in which the temperature in a hydrogen gas production assembly, more preferably the temperature of the control unit and electrical circuit, is maintained between 15 and 90°C, preferably between 20 and 80°C, and more preferably between 25 and 40°C.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas, wherein the hydrogen gas production apparatus is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least 99%, and most preferably 100%.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen gas, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is one or more selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions, water, for example seawater, wastewater, and urine, and is preferably seawater.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a hydrogen gas production assembly for the production of hydrogen gas.

[0034] The present invention will be further described in the following embodiments and figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows a schematic overall view of a preferred embodiment of the hydrogen gas production assembly (1) of the present invention. The assembly consists of a power supply (10) connected to a hydrogen gas production device (20) via electrodes, the device consisting of a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22) and polymer electrolyte membranes (24). The hydrogen gas production device (20) is connected to a container (30) containing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), preferably seawater, supplied to the device via an inlet (21), the inlet (21) supplying the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device. An outlet (23) is further connected to the hydrogen gas production device (20) for transferring the generated hydrogen gas (60) from the hydrogen gas production device to a storage container (40) for storage of the generated hydrogen gas (60). The hydrogen gas production assembly may further comprise a gas-liquid separation unit (70) connected to the outlet (23) for further purifying the generated hydrogen gas (60) from the residual aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby further reducing the water content of the hydrogen gas, which preferably contains up to 5 ppm of water. The assembly further comprises at least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electrical circuit, including current values ​​and current frequencies applied to the plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22); and at least one cooling element (50) for cooling the apparatus, preferably maintaining the temperature within an optimal operating temperature (preferably 15-40°C). The aqueous electrolyte solution (31) is pumped to the hydrogen gas production apparatus (20) by a pump (100) connected to the inlet (21). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a hydrogen gas production apparatus (20) of the assembly of the present invention. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), and adjacent to each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and on either side of each layer, there is a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) for decomposing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), preferably seawater, to produce hydrogen gas (60). The layers of solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layers are arranged between at least two current collector layers (25), thereby giving a membrane electrode unit (26). The hydrogen gas production apparatus (20) includes at least one membrane electrode unit (26) and preferably comprises at least three membrane electrode units (26) as shown. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a front view of the current collector layer (25) of a hydrogen gas production apparatus (20), which consists of openings (35) to allow the flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and the flow of generated hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production apparatus. The upper opening transports the hydrogen gas produced from the apparatus to a storage container, and the lower opening transports the flow of aqueous electrolyte solution through the apparatus. The openings around the current collector layer are to function to connect the various layers of the apparatus to each other (via screws, etc.). Behind the current collector layer is shown a layer of electrode catalyst (22), to which a power supply can be connected to bring current and current frequency to the electrode catalyst layer. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a part of a hydrogen gas production apparatus (20) composed of various layers: a current collector layer (25), an electrode catalyst layer (22), and a polymer electrolyte membrane (24). An opening (35) in the current collector layer (25) is connected between the apparatus to an inlet (21) for the aqueous electrolyte solution and an outlet (23) for the generated hydrogen gas. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the electrode catalyst layers (22) between the layers of the polymer electrolyte membrane (24), each layer of the electrode catalyst layer (22) containing two or more openings (35) to allow the flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and the flow of generated hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production apparatus. The layers of solid polymer electrolyte membrane cover one side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, preferably the layers of solid polymer electrolyte cover both sides of the outer periphery of the electrode catalyst layer surface. The electrode catalyst layers may be provided with coupling means (28) for electrodes to apply a specific current, voltage and frequency to the hydrogen gas production apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention] [Examples]

[0036] (Example 1) Hydrogen production efficiency The hydrogen gas production assembly of the present invention (see Figure 1) is tested for its hydrogen production efficiency at various frequencies, currents, and voltages. The hydrogen gas production apparatus used consists of three membrane electrode units, each composed of 10 electrode catalyst layers with a thickness of 2 mm, and each of these layers is adjacent to a 5 mm thick layer of EPDM polymer electrolyte membrane. The hydrogen gas production apparatus is connected to a container containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, in which brine (seawater) is used and supplied to the apparatus. When the hydrogen gas production apparatus is started, it produces hydrogen gas, and the amount of hydrogen gas produced is measured over time. The water content of the hydrogen gas decreases to a maximum of 5 ppm. Seawater is pumped to the hydrogen gas production apparatus, and the apparatus is filled with at least 5 L of fluid to be electrolyzed. Various currents and current frequencies are tested on the hydrogen gas production apparatus, the apparatus is cooled to an average temperature of approximately 20-25°C, and the gas output is measured. See Table 1.

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] When the current exceeded 15 amperes and / or 5 volts per electrode catalyst layer, the device temperature became difficult to control, dramatically rising above 160°C, making it unsuitable for hydrogen production and maintaining a stable system. Furthermore, above 550 kHz, almost no hydrogen gas was produced (less than 1 L / min). At currents of 3 amperes and / or less than 1 volt and below 200 kHz per electrode catalyst layer, the amount of hydrogen gas produced dramatically decreased to approximately 6-8 L / min. With currents between 3 and 15 amperes and voltages between 1 and 5 volts, approximately 20 L / min of hydrogen gas was produced at frequencies between 350 and 550 kHz. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1. Hydrogen gas production assembly 10 Power supply 12. Control Unit 20 Hydrogen gas production equipment 21 Entrance 22 Multiple electrode catalyst layers 23 Exit 24 Polymer electrolyte membrane 25 Current collector layer 26 Membrane electrode unit 30 containers 31 Aqueous electrolyte solution 40 Storage containers 50 Cooling elements 60. Hydrogen gas produced 70 Gas-Liquid Separation Unit 100 pumps

Claims

1. Hydrogen gas production assembly (1), - Power supply (10) connected to the hydrogen gas production device (20), - A container (30) containing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), - A storage container (40) for storing the generated hydrogen gas (60), - At least one inlet (21) for supplying the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production apparatus, and at least one outlet (23) for transferring the hydrogen gas produced from the hydrogen gas production apparatus to the storage container, Here, the hydrogen gas production apparatus is composed of a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), and adjacent to each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and on either side of each layer, there is a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) for the purpose of decomposing water and generating hydrogen gas from an aqueous electrolyte solution, and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane layer and the electrode catalyst layer are arranged between at least two current collector layers (25), thereby providing a membrane electrode unit, and the hydrogen gas production apparatus is composed of at least one membrane electrode unit. - At least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electrical circuit, including the current value and current frequency applied to the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, and - At least one cooling element (50) for cooling the at least one controller unit and the electrical circuit. A hydrogen gas production assembly (1) consisting of the following:

2. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen gas production apparatus may consist of two or more, preferably at least three, and more preferably at least four membrane electrode units.

3. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit is composed of a solid membrane polymer with 5 to 15 layers, preferably 6 to 14 layers, more preferably 7 to 13 layers, and most preferably 8 to 12 layers.

4. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit includes a plurality of electrode catalyst layers, the number of electrode catalyst layers being n-1, where n is the number of layers of solid membrane polymer.

5. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the at least two current collector layers (25) and the plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22) includes two or more openings (35) to allow the flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and the flow of generated hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production apparatus.

6. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the solid film polymer consists of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

7. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the solid film polymer layer has a thickness of about 2 to 15 mm, preferably 2.5 to 10 mm, and more preferably 3 to 6 mm.

8. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers has a thickness of about 0.2 to 4 mm, preferably 0.4 to 3 mm, and more preferably 1 to 2 mm.

9. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the at least two current collector layers has a thickness of about 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2.5 to 7.5 mm, and more preferably 3.5 to 5 mm.

10. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and / or current collector layers are made of stainless steel or titanium, more specifically stainless steel selected from the group consisting of austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel and duplex stainless steel, preferably austenitic stainless steel.

11. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hydrogen gas production apparatus is a small apparatus having a total length between 5 and 60 cm, preferably between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 and 40 cm, and a total width between 5 and 60 cm, preferably between 10 and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 and 40 cm.

12. The assembly contains 2 to 40 liters of hydrogen gas (H 2 ) / min, preferably 5 to 30 L H 2 / min, more preferably 10-25L H 2 A hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, enabling hydrogen gas output for a period of time per minute.

13. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hydrogen gas production assembly further comprises a gas-liquid separation unit (70) connected to the outlet (23) for further purifying the generated hydrogen gas (60) from all residual aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby further reducing the water content of the hydrogen gas, wherein the hydrogen gas preferably contains up to 5 ppm of water.

14. A hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one control unit is present per up to 10 electrode catalyst layers.

15. A hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a number of the hydrogen gas production devices connected to or stacked with each other.

16. A method for producing hydrogen gas using a hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an electric current is applied to the hydrogen gas production apparatus and the voltage per electrode catalyst layer is between 1 and 5 volts, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 volts, and more preferably between 1.8 and 2.2 volts.

17. A method for producing hydrogen gas according to claim 16, wherein the current per electrode catalyst layer is between 3 and 15 amperes, preferably between 5 and 12 amperes, most preferably between 6 and 11 amperes, and most preferably between 7 and 10 amperes.

18. A method for producing hydrogen gas according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the current applied to the electrode catalyst layer is at a current frequency between 350 and 550 kHz, preferably between 380 and 480 kHz, and most preferably between 400 and 450 kHz.

19. A method for producing hydrogen gas according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the temperature in the hydrogen gas production assembly, more preferably the temperature of the control unit and electrical circuit, is maintained between 15 and 90°C, preferably between 20 and 80°C, and more preferably between 25 and 40°C.

20. A method for producing hydrogen gas according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the hydrogen gas production apparatus is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution in an amount of at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least 99%, and most preferably 100%.

21. The method for producing hydrogen gas according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is one or more selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions, water, for example seawater, wastewater, and urine, and is preferably seawater.

22. Use of a hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for the production of hydrogen gas.

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