Expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell

Abstract

To provide an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water, with which electrolysis efficiency is greatly improved by increasing the volume of the electrolytic cell and increasing the area of an electrode plate to increase the amount of water to be electrolyzed.SOLUTION: An expanded ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell comprises an anode plate, a cathode plate, at least one bipolar electrode plate, a first ion exchange membrane plate, a second ion exchange membrane plate, a plurality of hydrogen chambers, and a plurality of oxygen chambers. A hydrogen outlet channel, an oxygen outlet channel, and a water inlet channel are formed in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell. The hydrogen outlet channel is connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen chambers, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel are connected to each of the plurality of oxygen chambers to allow gas and liquid to be bypassed after electrolyzing water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 201910336337.2, filed on April 25, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention provides an ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell, more particularly an extended ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell capable of electrolyzing water and bypassing gases and liquids. [Background technology]

[0003] Ion exchange membrane electrolysis cells are one of the commonly used cells for electrolyzing water. A conventional ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell is equipped with an ion exchange membrane that separates an anode section and a cathode section, and has a water inlet / outlet and / or a gas inlet / outlet. However, the space of a conventional ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell is divided into only two sections, and each section can only be provided with one electrode plate. When a large amount of water needs to be electrolyzed, the conventional ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell can only increase the volume of the electrolysis cell and the area of ​​the electrode plate to increase the amount of water to be electrolyzed. However, the amount of water to be electrolyzed is not directly proportional to the increase in the volume of the electrolysis cell and the area of ​​the electrode plate, so the electrolysis efficiency of the conventional ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell cannot be significantly improved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As can be seen from the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell for solving the above problems that need to be improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In response to the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell comprises an anode plate, a cathode plate, at least one bipolar electrode plate, a first ion exchange membrane plate, a second ion exchange membrane plate, a plurality of oxygen chambers, and a plurality of hydrogen chambers. The at least one bipolar electrode plate is disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. The first ion exchange membrane plate is disposed between the anode plate and the at least one bipolar electrode plate, and the second ion exchange membrane plate is disposed between the at least one bipolar electrode plate and the cathode plate. A plurality of oxygen chambers are formed between the anode plate and the first ion exchange membrane plate and between the at least one bipolar electrode plate and the second ion exchange membrane plate. A plurality of hydrogen chambers are formed between the first ion exchange membrane plate and the at least one bipolar electrode plate and between the second ion exchange membrane plate and the cathode plate. A hydrogen outlet channel, an oxygen outlet channel, and a water inlet channel are formed in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell, the hydrogen outlet channel being connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen chambers, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel being connected to each of the plurality of oxygen chambers.

[0006] In one embodiment, the oxygen chamber comprises a first oxygen chamber adjacent to the anode plate. One side of the anode plate has a convex periphery and a concave center. A space is formed in the concave center, and the first oxygen chamber includes the space. When the anode plate and the first ion exchange membrane plate are stacked and connected to the concave center of the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel, the convex periphery has a number of holes corresponding to a portion of the hydrogen outlet channel, a portion of the oxygen outlet channel, and a portion of the water inlet.

[0007] In one embodiment, the hydrogen chamber comprises a first hydrogen chamber adjacent to a cathode plate, one face of the cathode plate having a convex periphery and a concave central portion, the concave central portion defining a space, the first hydrogen chamber including the space, and the hydrogen outlet channel coupled to the concave central portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one bipolar electrode plate has a cathode face and an anode face, each of the cathode face and the anode face having a convex perimeter and a concave center. The hydrogen chamber comprises a second hydrogen chamber adjacent to the cathode face of the at least one bipolar electrode plate. A first space is formed in the concave center, and the second hydrogen chamber comprises the first space. The oxygen chamber comprises a second oxygen chamber adjacent to the anode face of the at least one bipolar electrode plate. A second space is formed in the concave center, and the second oxygen chamber comprises the second space. When stacked, the convex perimeters of the cathode face and the anode face have a plurality of holes corresponding to a portion of the hydrogen outlet channel, a portion of the oxygen outlet channel, and a portion of the water inlet channel. The hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the concave center of the cathode face, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel are connected to the concave center of the anode face.

[0009] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises a plurality of silicon sealing gaskets, which are disposed between the anode plate and the first ion exchange membrane plate, between the first ion exchange membrane plate and at least one bipolar electrode plate, between the at least one bipolar electrode plate and the second ion exchange membrane plate, and between the second ion exchange membrane plate and the cathode plate, respectively. Each of the silicon sealing gaskets is a hollow annular structure formed by a hollow section and an annular section. A hydrogen outlet channel, an oxygen outlet channel, and a water inlet channel pass through each annular section of the silicon sealing gasket.

[0010] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises a plurality of diffuser plates, each disposed in a hollow section of the silicone sealing gasket and mounted adjacent to an adjacent first ion exchange membrane plate or adjacent to an adjacent second ion exchange membrane plate, respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one of the one side of the anode plate, the one side of the cathode plate, and the two sides of the at least one bipolar electrode plate has a concave center. The concave center has a number of ridges and a number of grooves formed between the ridges. The ridges are configured to abut the corresponding diffusion plates. When the anode plate, the cathode plate, the at least one bipolar electrode plate, the first ion exchange membrane plate, and the second ion exchange membrane plate are stacked, the ridges abut the corresponding diffusion plates against the corresponding first ion exchange membrane plate or the corresponding second ion exchange membrane plate. The grooves are respectively connected to at least one of the hydrogen outlet channel, the oxygen outlet channel, and the water inlet channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the diffuser plate has a number of pores to allow the flow of water, hydrogen, and oxygen.

[0013] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises a plurality of separators disposed at the junctions of each of the hydrogen chambers to the hydrogen outlet channel and the oxygen chamber to the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel, respectively, and abutting against corresponding silicon sealing gaskets to form a plurality of ports, the hydrogen outlet channel being connected to the hydrogen chamber through a portion of the ports, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel being connected to the oxygen chamber through another portion of the ports.

[0014] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises at least one insulating thermal board disposed on at least one of a side of the anode plate opposite the side facing the cathode plate and a side of the cathode opposite the side facing the anode plate, the at least one insulating thermal board configured to isolate the electric current of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell from an external environment and to conduct thermal energy of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell to the external environment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises at least one radiation plate disposed on at least one of a side of the anode plate opposite to the side facing the cathode plate and a side of the cathode opposite to the side facing the anode plate, the at least one radiation plate being configured to dissipate thermal energy of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell to an external environment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises a plurality of locking channels and a plurality of locking components, the locking channels extending through the anode plate, the cathode plate, the at least one bipolar electrode plate, the first ion exchange membrane plate, and the second ion exchange membrane plate to mate with the locking components.

[0017] In another specific embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention comprises an anode plate, a cathode plate, a first bipolar electrode plate, a first ion exchange membrane plate, a second ion exchange membrane plate, a first oxygen chamber, a second oxygen chamber, a first hydrogen chamber, and a second hydrogen chamber. The first bipolar electrode plate is disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. The first ion exchange membrane plate can be accommodated between the anode plate and the first bipolar electrode plate. The second ion exchange membrane plate can be accommodated between the cathode plate and the first bipolar electrode plate. The first oxygen chamber is adjacent to the anode plate, the first hydrogen chamber is adjacent to the cathode plate, the second oxygen chamber is adjacent to the anode side of the first bipolar electrode plate, and the second hydrogen chamber is adjacent to the cathode side of the first bipolar electrode plate. The oxygen outlet channel is connected to the first oxygen chamber and the second oxygen chamber, and the hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first oxygen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber, and the second oxygen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber.

[0019] In one embodiment, the oxygen exit channels extend from at least the anode plate to the cathode plate and the hydrogen exit channels extend from at least the anode plate to the cathode plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the anode plate and the cathode plate each include a first concave center, a plurality of first ridges, and a plurality of first grooves. The first ridges are disposed in the first concave center and the first grooves are disposed between the first ridges. The first oxygen chamber includes the first groove in the anode plate, the first groove in the anode plate being connected to the oxygen outlet channel. The first hydrogen chamber includes the first groove in the cathode plate, the first groove in the cathode plate being connected to the hydrogen outlet channel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the anode and cathode faces of the first bipolar electrode plate each include a second concave center, a plurality of second ridges, and a plurality of second grooves. The second ridges are disposed in the second concave center and the second grooves are disposed between the second ridges. The second oxygen chamber includes the second groove on the anode face, the second groove on the anode face being connected to the oxygen outlet channel. The second hydrogen chamber includes the second groove on the cathode face, the second groove on the cathode face being connected to the hydrogen outlet channel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises an oxygen conduit and a hydrogen conduit. An oxygen outlet channel passes through the cathode or anode plate and is connected to the oxygen conduit. A hydrogen outlet channel passes through the cathode or anode plate and is connected to the hydrogen conduit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell further comprises a second bipolar electrode plate, a third oxygen chamber, and a third hydrogen chamber. The second bipolar electrode plate is disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. The third oxygen chamber is adjacent to the anode side of the second bipolar electrode plate. The third hydrogen chamber is adjacent to the cathode side of the second bipolar electrode plate. An oxygen outlet channel is connected to the first oxygen chamber, the second oxygen chamber, and the third oxygen chamber, and a hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the first hydrogen chamber, the second hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber.

[0024] In one embodiment, the third oxygen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first hydrogen chamber, the second hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first oxygen chamber, the second oxygen chamber, and the third oxygen chamber.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention has the following advantages: 1. In the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention, the anode plate, the cathode plate, the bipolar electrode plate, the first ion exchange membrane plate, and the second ion exchange membrane plate are independent plates. If calcium accumulation problems occur after electrolysis, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell can be disassembled for cleaning. Even when any part of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell is severely damaged, the damaged plate can be immediately replaced with a new one, which is intended to replace multiple components or the entire electrolysis. 2. In the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention, the anode plate, cathode plate and bipolar electrode plate can be integrally formed electrode plates without unstable installation problems that would hinder the operation of the electrolysis cell. 3. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention is mainly formed by stacking one anode plate, one cathode plate, and at least one bipolar electrode plate. The anode plate and the cathode plate are respectively connected to positive and negative currents for electrolysis, and the bipolar electrode plate does not need to be connected to current. The bipolar electrode plate uses the potential difference between the anode plate and the cathode plate to form the positive and negative polarities. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention uses the bipolar electrode plate to eliminate the configuration in which each electrode plate needs to communicate with current, and also eliminates the problems of the conventional electrolysis cell caused by multiple electrode plates connected to positive and negative contacts. 4. The bipolar electrode plate of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention is a cathode for the electrolysis space formed between the anode plate and the bipolar electrode plate, and the bipolar electrode plate is an anode for the electrolysis space formed between the cathode plate and the bipolar electrode plate. Due to this characteristic, one side of the bipolar electrode plate can electrolyze water to generate hydrogen, and the other side can electrolyze water to generate oxygen. Therefore, compared with the conventional electrolysis cell that needs to alternately arrange the anode plate and the cathode plate, the number of electrode plates arranged in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention is less than that of the conventional electrolysis cell, thereby saving costs and volume. 5. Instead of the conventional electrolysis cell using a straight sealing gasket to guide the flow of water and gas, the expanded ion-exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention uses the structural design of the anode plate, cathode plate and bipolar electrode plate itself to guide the flow of water and gas, thereby eliminating the problem of the deterioration of the sealing gasket or the misalignment caused by the straight sealing gasket in the conventional electrolysis cell.

[0026] Some of the embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like designations refer to like elements, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of one embodiment of an expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen outlet channel, oxygen outlet channel, and water inlet channel of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] 2 is a schematic view of the anode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 3b] 2 is a schematic view of the anode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 3c] 2 is a schematic view of the anode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 4a] 2 is a schematic diagram of the cathode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 4b] 2 is a schematic diagram of the cathode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 4c] 2 is a schematic diagram of the cathode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 5a] 2 is a schematic diagram of the bipolar electrode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 5b] 2 is a schematic diagram of the bipolar electrode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 5c] 2 is a schematic diagram of the bipolar electrode plate of FIG. 1 from a different perspective. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the anode, cathode, and bipolar electrode plates of FIG. 1 stacked together. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrolysis space of FIG. 1. [Figure 8a] FIG. 2 is a side view of the separator of FIG. [Figure 8b] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the separator of FIG. [Figure 9a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the separator of FIG. 1 in use. [Figure 9b] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the separator of FIG. 1 in use. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the locking channel of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of FIG. 1 after stacking. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of another embodiment of an expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described and discussed below with the aid of the following embodiments and drawings.

[0029] The detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosed device and method described below is presented herein by way of example and is not limited to the figures referenced. Although specific embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the number of components formed, their materials, their shapes, their relative arrangements, etc., which are disclosed only as examples in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] In the description herein, the terms "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," or "in some embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic of the present embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. In the description herein, generalized renditions of described terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described may be included in any one or more embodiments, in any appropriate manner.

[0031] In the embodiments of the present specification, the term "or" includes combinations of some of the listed elements and combinations of all of the listed elements. For example, the description "A or B" includes A only, B only, and both A and B. Furthermore, the indefinite articles (a) and (the) before an element or component of the present invention do not limit the number of elements or components. Thus, the indefinite articles (a) and (the) should be interpreted as including one or at least one. Furthermore, the singular form of an element or component also includes the plural form, unless the number is clearly indicated to be singular.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a structural exploded schematic diagram of one embodiment of an expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention includes an anode plate 1, a cathode plate 2, at least one bipolar electrode plate 3, a first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and a second ion exchange membrane plate 42. The bipolar electrode plate 3 is disposed between the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2. The first ion exchange membrane plate 41 is disposed between the anode plate 1 and the bipolar electrode plate 3, and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 is disposed between the cathode plate 2 and the bipolar electrode plate 3. 2, when the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 are stacked together, a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3 communicated with the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 are formed in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E. In one embodiment, the oxygen outlet channel Z2 extends from at least the anode plate 1 to the cathode plate 2, and the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 extends from at least the anode plate 1 to the cathode plate 2.

[0033] In detail, FIG. 2 shows an expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E with a structure of one-side inlet and one-side outlet at the anode. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E inputs water and outputs hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. In the one-side inlet and one-side outlet of the anode in this embodiment, the anode plate 1, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and the second ion exchange membrane 42 all have holes 11 corresponding to each other. When the electrode plates are assembled and connected, the corresponding holes 11 communicate with each other to form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3. At this point, there is no corresponding hole 11 in the cathode plate 2, so the channels do not penetrate the cathode plate 2, and water, hydrogen, and oxygen are input and output from one side. On the contrary, when the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E has a structure of one-side inlet and one-side outlet at the cathode, the cathode plate 2, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 all have holes 11 corresponding to each other. The holes 11 communicate with each other to form the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3, and there is no corresponding hole 11 in the anode plate 1. When the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E has a structure of two-sided inlet and two-sided outlet, the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3 can be one-sided open or two-sided open. When one-sided open, one side outputs hydrogen, and the other side outputs oxygen and water. According to the above design principle, there are holes 11 corresponding to the inlet side and the outlet side, and there is no corresponding hole 11 on the other side corresponding to the inlet side and the outlet side. When both sides are open, hydrogen, oxygen, and water can enter and exit on both sides, and there are corresponding holes 11 on both sides. In this open design, hydrogen, oxygen, and water flow in the direction of the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3, respectively. In fact, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E further includes an oxygen conduit 52 and a hydrogen conduit 51. The oxygen outlet channel Z2 passes through the anode plate 1 or the cathode plate 2 and connects with the oxygen conduit 52, and the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 passes through the cathode plate 2 or the anode plate 1 and connects with the hydrogen conduit 51.In other words, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention further includes a hydrogen conduit 51 extending to communicate with the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen conduit 52 extending to communicate with the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water conduit 53 extending to communicate with the water inlet channel Z3, for inputting water into the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E and collecting hydrogen and oxygen from the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 3a to 7. Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c are schematic diagrams of the anode plate 1 of Figure 1 from different perspectives. Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c are schematic diagrams of the cathode plate 2 of Figure 1 from different perspectives. Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c are schematic diagrams of the bipolar electrode plate 3 of Figure 1 from different perspectives. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the anode plate 1, cathode plate 2, and bipolar electrode plate 3 of Figure 1 stacked together. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the electrolysis space Z4 of Figure 1.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2 all have a concave central portion 13, a number of ridges 14, and a number of grooves 15. The ridges 14 are disposed in the concave central portion 13, and the grooves 15 are disposed between the ridges 14. The first oxygen chamber Z61 has a groove 15 in the anode plate 1, and the groove 15 in the anode plate 1 communicates with the oxygen outlet channel Z2. The first hydrogen chamber Z51 has a groove in the cathode plate 2, and the groove 15 in the cathode plate 2 communicates with the hydrogen outlet channel Z1. The anode surface 302 and the cathode surface 301 of the bipolar electrode plate 3 all have a concave central portion 13, a number of ridges 14, and a number of grooves 15. The ridges 14 are disposed in the concave central portion 13, and the grooves 15 are disposed between the ridges 14. The second oxygen chamber Z62 comprises grooves 15 on the anode face 302 which communicate with the oxygen outlet channels Z2. The second hydrogen chamber Z52 comprises grooves 15 on the cathode face 301 which communicate with the hydrogen outlet channels Z1.

[0036] In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, FIG. 3a, FIG. 4a and FIG. 5a are front views; FIG. 3b, FIG. 4b and FIG. 5b are rear views; FIG. 3c, FIG. 4c and FIG. 5c are schematic perspective views. One side of the anode plate 1, one side of the cathode plate 2 and both sides of the bipolar electrode plate 3 have a special structure. The special structure has a ring-shaped convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13 in the middle. For clarity, the concave central portion 13 is a selected area framed by a dotted line. The ridges 14 and the grooves 15 formed between the ridges 14 are disposed in the concave central portion 13. The difference in the special structure in the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2 and the bipolar electrode plate 3 is a slight difference in design.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 7, one side of the anode plate 1 has a special structure (as shown in Figure 3a). When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the special structure is stacked with the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, a first oxygen chamber Z61 can be formed in the concave central portion 13 of the special structure. The convex peripheral portion 12 has holes 11, which, when stacked, respectively form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3. The concave central portion 13 of the anode plate 1 can extend to communicate with those holes 11, thereby forming the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 7, one side of the cathode plate 2 has a special structure (as shown in Figure 4a). When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the special structure is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, a first hydrogen chamber Z51 can be formed in the concave central portion 13 of the special structure. The convex peripheral portion 12 has holes 11, which, when stacked, respectively form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3. The concave central portion 13 of the cathode plate 2 can extend to communicate with those holes 11, thereby forming the hydrogen outlet channel Z1.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2, 5 and 7, when the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2 and the bipolar electrode plate 3 are stacked together, the bipolar electrode plate 3 is disposed between the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2 (as shown in Figure 6). One side of the anode plate 1 and one side of the cathode plate 2, which have a special structure, will be disposed to face each other. The bipolar electrode plate 3 has a cathode surface 301 facing the anode plate 1 that has a special structure similar to or similar to the cathode plate 2, and an anode surface 302 facing the cathode plate 2 that has a special structure similar to or similar to the anode plate 1. The bipolar electrode plate 3 has a cathode surface 301 and an anode surface 302, and each of the cathode surface 301 (as shown in Figure 5b) and the anode surface (as shown in Figure 5a) has a special structure. When the convex periphery 12 of the cathode face 301 is stacked with the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, a second hydrogen chamber Z52 is formed in the concave central portion 13. When the convex periphery 12 of the anode face 302 is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, a second oxygen chamber Z62 is formed in the concave central portion 13. The convex peripheries 12 of the cathode face 301 and the anode face 302 have holes 11, which when stacked form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3, respectively. The concave central portion 13 of the cathode face 301 can be extended to communicate with the holes 11, thereby forming the hydrogen outlet channel Z1. The concave central portion 13 of the anode face 302 can be extended to communicate with the holes 11, thereby forming the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3.

[0040] The communication method between the concave central portion 13 and the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, or the water inlet channel Z3 is by designing the height of the joint between the convex periphery portion 12 and the corresponding holes 11 of the concave central portion 13 to be equal to the height of the concave central portion 13. The joint thereby forms a communication space. The two ends of the communication space communicate with the holes 11 and the concave central portion 13, and the two side walls of the communication space are the convex periphery portion 12.

[0041] In addition, except for the special structure, the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2 have a distinct structure 16, respectively, to receive the positive and negative currents of the external power source. The bipolar electrode plate does not have such a distinct structure 16. The reason why the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, and the bipolar electrode plate 3 are designed to have different structures is that the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention disposes the bipolar electrode plate 3 between the anode plate 1 and the cathode plate 2 to form a potential difference, turning one side of the bipolar electrode plate 3 into an anode and the other side into a cathode. With this design, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention can eliminate the arrangement of using the bipolar electrode plate 3 to communicate with the current to each electrode plate, and can also eliminate the problems caused by connecting many electrode plates to the anode or cathode.

[0042] Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 again. As shown in FIG. 7, the electrolysis space Z4, the first hydrogen chamber Z51, the second hydrogen chamber Z52, the first oxygen chamber Z61, and the second oxygen chamber Z62 are shown in spatial positions using dotted lines for clear illustration. In one embodiment, a plurality of oxygen chambers Z6 are formed between the anode plate 1 and the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and between at least one bipolar electrode plate 3 and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42. A plurality of hydrogen chambers Z5 are formed between the first ion exchange membrane plate 41 and at least one bipolar electrode plate 3, and between the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 and the cathode plate 2. When stacked, the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 communicates with the hydrogen chamber Z5, and the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 communicate with the oxygen chamber Z6.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen chamber Z6 comprises a first oxygen chamber Z61 adjacent to the anode plate 1. One surface of the anode plate 1 has a convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13. When the convex peripheral portion 12 is stacked with the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, a space is formed in the concave central portion 13, and the first oxygen chamber Z61 comprises this space. The convex peripheral portion 12 has holes corresponding to a portion of the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, a portion of the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a portion of the water inlet channel Z3, respectively, and the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 communicate with the concave central portion 13.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen chamber Z5 comprises a first hydrogen chamber Z51 adjacent to the cathode plate 2. One side of the cathode plate 2 has a convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13. When the convex peripheral portion 12 is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, a space is formed in the concave central portion 13. The first hydrogen chamber Z51 comprises this space, and the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 communicates with the concave central portion 13.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, at least one bipolar electrode plate 3 has a cathode surface 301 and an anode surface 302, each of which has a convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13. The hydrogen chamber Z5 comprises a second hydrogen chamber Z52 adjacent to the cathode surface 301 of at least one bipolar electrode plate 3. When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the cathode surface 301 is stacked with the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, a space is formed in the concave central portion 13. The second hydrogen chamber Z52 comprises this space. The hydrogen chamber Z6 comprises a second oxygen chamber Z62 adjacent to the anode surface 302 of at least one bipolar electrode plate 3. When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the anode surface 302 is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, a space is formed in the concave central portion 13. The second oxygen chamber Z62 comprises this space. The convex peripheries 12 of the cathode face 301 and the anode face 302 each have holes corresponding to a portion of the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, a portion of the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a portion of the water inlet channel Z3, respectively. The hydrogen outlet channel Z1 communicates with the concave central portion 13 of the cathode face 301, and the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 communicate with the concave central portion 13 of the anode face 302.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 7, one hydrogen chamber and one oxygen chamber separated by one ion exchange membrane plate can be combined to form one electrolysis space Z4. Thereby, in the electrolysis space Z4 formed between the anode plate 1 and the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first oxygen chamber Z61 is disposed between the first ion exchange membrane plate 41 and the anode plate 1, and the second hydrogen chamber Z52 is disposed between the first ion exchange membrane plate 41 and the bipolar electrode plate 3. In the electrolysis space Z4 formed between the cathode plate 2 and the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first hydrogen chamber Z51 is disposed between the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 and the cathode plate 2, and the second oxygen chamber Z62 is disposed between the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 and the bipolar electrode plate 3. Due to the special structural design of the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2 and the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first oxygen chamber Z61 communicates with the second oxygen chamber Z62 through the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the first hydrogen chamber Z51 communicates with the second hydrogen chamber Z52 through the hydrogen outlet chamber Z1. In other words, the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 can communicate with each other with the electrolysis space Z4. Furthermore, the first oxygen chamber Z61 is not fluidically connected with the first hydrogen chamber Z51 and the second hydrogen chamber Z52, and the second oxygen chamber Z62 is not fluidically connected with the first hydrogen chamber Z51 and the second hydrogen chamber Z52.

[0047] Please refer to Figures 1, 2 and 7 again. In order to reduce the possibility of water leakage and gas leakage in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell formed by stacking them on each other, and to maintain the independent spaces of the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, the water inlet channel Z3 and the electrolysis space Z4, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E in the present invention further includes a plurality of silicon sealing gaskets 6. Each of the silicon sealing gaskets 6 is disposed between the anode plate 1 and the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, between the first ion exchange membrane plate 41 and the bipolar electrode plate 3, between the bipolar electrode plate 3 and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, and between the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 and the cathode plate 2, respectively. The silicon sealing gasket 6 has an annular section 62 and a hollow section 61 formed by the annular section 62. The hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3 pass through each annular section 62 of the silicon sealing gasket 6. The hollow section 61 coincides with the electrolysis space Z4. In addition, one side of the silicon sealing gasket 6 facing the adjacent anode plate 1, the adjacent cathode plate 2, or the adjacent bipolar electrode plate 3 has a straight convex design to promote the sealing effect.

[0048] In order to improve the electrolysis efficiency of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention further includes a plurality of diffusion plates 7. The plurality of expansion plates 7 are respectively disposed in the hollow section 61 of each of the silicon sealing gaskets 6, and respectively attached to the adjacent first ion exchange membrane plate 41 or the adjacent second ion exchange membrane plate 42. The protuberances 14 of the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, and the bipolar electrode plate 3 are configured to abut against the corresponding diffusion plates 7. When the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 are stacked together to form the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E, the protuberances 14 make the corresponding diffusion plates 7 abut against the corresponding first ion exchange membrane plate 41 or the corresponding second ion exchange membrane plate 42. The grooves 15 between the ridges 14 communicate with at least one of the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3. In particular, when the ridges 14 abut against the corresponding diffusion plate 7 and the corresponding diffusion plate 7 abuts against the corresponding first ion exchange membrane plate 41 or the corresponding second ion exchange membrane plate 42, the resistance caused by the gap between the first ion exchange membrane plate 41 or the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 and the diffusion plate 7 can be reduced. In one embodiment, the diffusion plate 7 is a porous conductive material having a plurality of holes. At this point, the diffusion plate 7 can be regarded as an extension of the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, and the bipolar electrode plate 3. Therefore, the diffusion plate 7 can form an electric field by receiving the current in the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, or the bipolar electrode plate 3, so that the hydrogen ions and oxygen ions can make a directional movement in the holes of the diffusion plate 7. At the holes in the diffusion plate 7, between the diffusion plate 7 and the catalyst layer disposed on the first ion exchange membrane plate 41 or the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, the anode loses electrons from the water adjacent to the anode to generate oxygen, and the cathode gains electrons from the water adjacent to the cathode to generate hydrogen. The holes in the diffusion plate 7 also allow water, hydrogen, and oxygen to flow through the holes, thereby facilitating the rapid generation of hydrogen and oxygen.The hydrogen and oxygen bubbles in the electrode plate and diffusion plate 7 are removed from the electrode plate and diffusion plate 7 through the water flow and directed to the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 and the oxygen outlet channel Z2, improving the electrolysis efficiency. In one embodiment, the material of the diffusion plate 7 may be titanium, which has high stability. Titanium can assist the electrolysis function but does not participate in the electrolysis function.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 8a is a side view of the separator 54 in Figure 1. Figure 8b is a schematic perspective view of the separator 54 in Figure 1. Figure 9a is a schematic view of the separator 54 in Figure 1 in use. Figure 9b is a schematic top view of the separator 54 in Figure 1 in use. In order to prevent the silicon sealing gasket 6 from blocking the communication among the first hydrogen chamber Z51, the second hydrogen chamber Z52, and the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, and to prevent the silicon sealing gasket 6 from blocking the communication among the first oxygen chamber Z61, the second oxygen chamber Z62, the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the water inlet channel Z3, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention further comprises a plurality of separators 54. As shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the separator 54 comprises a flat plate 541 and a plurality of support sections 542 disposed on the flat plate 541. Each adjacent support section 542 is spaced apart by a certain distance. As shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the separator 54 is disposed at the junction of the first hydrogen chamber Z51 and the second hydrogen chamber Z52, which communicate with the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, and at the junction of the first oxygen chamber Z61 and the second oxygen chamber Z62, which communicate with the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3. The flat plate 541 abuts against the corresponding silicon sealing gasket 6, whereby ports are formed by the support section 542 and the anode plate 1, by the support section 542 and the cathode plate 2, and by the support section 542 and the bipolar electrode plate 3. The ports respectively connect the first hydrogen chamber Z51 and the second hydrogen chamber Z52 with the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, and connect the first oxygen chamber Z61 and the second oxygen chamber Z62 with the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3.

[0050] In another embodiment, please refer to FIG. 1 again. In order to quickly dissipate the thermal energy generated by electrolysis during the electrolysis reaction so that the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E does not overheat inside, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention further includes at least one insulating heat board 8. The insulating heat board 8 is disposed on at least one of the side of the anode plate 1 opposite to the side facing the cathode plate 2 and the side of the cathode plate 2 opposite to the side facing the anode plate 1. The insulating heat board 8 is configured to separate the electric current of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E from the external environment and conduct the thermal energy in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E to the external environment. In addition, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention can also further include at least one radiation plate 9 disposed on the side of the anode plate 1 opposite to the side facing the cathode plate 2 and the side of the cathode plate 2 opposite to the side facing the anode plate 1. The radiation plate 9 is configured to dissipate thermal energy of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E to the external environment. In addition, one end of each of the hydrogen conduit 51, the oxygen conduit 52, and the water conduit 53 has a protruding outer edge 58, so that when the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E is stacked and assembled, the hydrogen conduit 51, the oxygen conduit 52, and the water conduit 53 are disposed first after the anode plate 1 and then the radiation plate 9 are disposed. Thereby, the protruding outer edge 58 is sandwiched between the anode plate 1 and the radiation plate 9.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1, 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the locking channel Z7 in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E in Figure 1 after stacking. In order to stabilize and fix the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention further comprises a plurality of locking channels Z7 and a plurality of locking components 55. In the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention, the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, the silicone sealing gasket 6, the insulating heat board 8 and the radiation plate 9 all have corresponding locking holes 56. After being stacked, the corresponding locking holes 56 will be stacked to form the locking channel Z7. Each locking channel Z7 penetrates the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, the bipolar electrode plate 3, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, the silicone sealing gasket 6, the insulating heat board 8, and the radiation plate 9 to mate with a locking component. Figure 11 shows the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E after it has been locked.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1 and 11 again. In order to insulate and fix the structure of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention further includes a frame 57. The frame 57 is installed around the periphery of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cells E after they are stacked on each other.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1 and 12. Figure 12 is a structural exploded schematic diagram of another embodiment of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 1 shows the structure of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E with one bipolar electrode plate 3. As shown in Figure 12, which is an extension of the embodiment of Figure 1, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E adds a second bipolar electrode plate 32 to the embodiment of Figure 1, so as to increase the amount of hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolyzing water. Based on the above technical characteristics, it can mean that when the second bipolar electrode plate 32 is disposed between the first electrode plate 31 and the cathode plate 2, a second ion exchange membrane plate 42 is disposed between the first bipolar electrode plate 31 and the second bipolar electrode plate 32, and one third ion exchange membrane plate 43 is disposed between the second bipolar electrode plate 32 and the cathode plate 2. In addition, a third oxygen chamber (not shown) is adjacent to the anode side 302 of the second bipolar electrode plate 32, and a third hydrogen chamber is adjacent to the cathode side 301 of the second bipolar electrode plate 32. Please refer to both Figures 2 and 7. The third oxygen chamber communicates with the first oxygen chamber Z61 and the second oxygen chamber Z62 via the oxygen outlet channel Z2, and the third hydrogen chamber communicates with the first hydrogen chamber Z51 and the second hydrogen chamber Z52 via the hydrogen outlet channel Z1. In a preferred embodiment, the third oxygen chamber is not in fluid communication with the first hydrogen chamber Z51, the second hydrogen chamber Z52, and the third hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber is not in fluid communication with the first oxygen chamber Z61, the second oxygen chamber Z62, and the third oxygen chamber.

[0054] Through the coordinated design of the holes 11, the concave central portion 13, and the convex peripheral portion 12 of the electrode plates of the extended ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E, the three hydrogen chambers can be communicated with each other by the hydrogen outlet channel Z1, and output hydrogen from the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 during electrolysis. In addition, the three oxygen chambers can be communicated with each other by the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3, so that water is input from the water inlet channel Z3 into the electrolysis space Z4 for electrolysis, and output oxygen from the oxygen outlet channel Z2 during electrolysis. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can determine the number of electrode plates stacked in the extended ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E according to their respective requirements, and are not limited thereto.

[0055] One side of the anode plate 1 has a convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13. When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the anode plate 1 is stacked with the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, a first oxygen chamber Z61 is formed in the concave central portion 13 of the anode plate 1. The convex peripheral portion 12 has holes 11 which, when stacked, respectively form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3. The holes 11 which form the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 communicate with the concave central portion 13 of the anode plate 1. One side of the cathode plate 2 also has a convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13. When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the cathode plate 2 is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, a first hydrogen chamber Z51 is formed in the concave central portion 13 of the cathode plate 2, which communicates with the hydrogen outlet channel Z1. The first bipolar electrode plate 31 has a cathode face 301 and an anode face 302, each of which has a convex peripheral portion 12 and a concave central portion 13. When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the cathode face 301 is stacked with the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, a second hydrogen chamber Z52 is formed in the concave central portion 13 of the cathode face 301. When the convex periphery 12 of the anode face 302 is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42, a second oxygen chamber Z62 is formed in the concave central portion 13 of the anode face 302. The convex periphery 12 of the cathode face 301 and the anode face 302 each have holes 11, which when stacked form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3. The holes 11 forming the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 communicate with the concave central portion 13 of the cathode face 301. The holes 11 forming the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 communicate with the concave central portion 13 of the anode face 302. The second bipolar electrode plate 32 also has a cathode face 301 and an anode face 302, which each have a convex periphery 12 and a concave central portion 13. When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the cathode face 301 is stacked with the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 , a third hydrogen chamber is formed in the concave central portion 13 of the cathode face 301 .When the convex peripheral portion 12 of the anode face 302 is stacked with the third ion exchange membrane plate 43, a third oxygen chamber is formed in the concave central portion 13 of the anode face 302. The convex peripheral portions 12 of the cathode face 301 and the anode face 302 each have holes 11 which, when stacked, form a hydrogen outlet channel Z1, an oxygen outlet channel Z2, and a water inlet channel Z3. The holes 11 forming the hydrogen outlet channel Z1 communicate with the concave central portion 13 of the cathode face 301. The holes 11 forming the oxygen outlet channel Z2 and the water inlet channel Z3 communicate with the concave central portion 13 of the anode face 302.

[0056] In addition, the technical characteristics of the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 12 are equal to those described above. Fig. 12 is an extension of the embodiment in Fig. 1. Therefore, the technical characteristics can be deduced by analogy with the aforementioned technical characteristics, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] Compared with the prior art, the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, the first bipolar electrode plate 31, the first ion exchange membrane plate 41, and the second ion exchange membrane plate 42 in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention are independent plates. If calcium accumulation problems occur after electrolysis, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E can be disassembled for cleaning. Even when any part of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E is severely damaged, the damaged plate can be immediately replaced with a new one, which is intended to replace multiple components or the entire electrolysis. In addition, the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, and the bipolar electrode plate 3 in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention can be integrally formed electrode plates, without causing unstable installation problems that hinder the operation of the electrolysis cell. Compared with the conventional electrolysis cell, which requires alternating arrangement of anode plates 1 and cathode plates 2, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention uses the first bipolar electrode plate 31 to eliminate the configuration in which each electrode plate needs to communicate with an electric current, and also eliminates the problem of the conventional electrolysis cell caused by multiple electrode plates connected to positive and negative contacts. Thus, the number of electrode plates of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E is less than that of the conventional electrolysis cell, thereby saving the cost and the volume of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E after assembly.

[0058] In addition, instead of the conventional electrolysis cell using a straight sealing gasket to guide the flow of water and gas, the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell E of the present invention uses the structural design of the anode plate 1, the cathode plate 2, and the bipolar electrode plate 3 themselves to guide the flow of water and gas, thereby eliminating the problem of misalignment due to deterioration of the sealing gasket or the straight sealing gasket in the conventional electrolysis cell.

[0059] The above examples and explanations have described the features and spirit of the present invention as clearly as possible. More importantly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications and alterations of the cell can be made while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell, comprising: An anode plate; A cathode plate; at least one bipolar electrode plate disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate; a first ion exchange membrane plate disposed between the anode plate and the at least one bipolar electrode plate; a second ion exchange membrane plate disposed between the at least one bipolar electrode plate and the cathode plate; a face of the anode plate, a face of the cathode plate, and two faces of the at least one bipolar electrode plate each having a concave center portion with a plurality of interconnected grooves and a plurality of ridges formed between the grooves, the grooves comprising a first set of grooves extending in a first direction and a second set of grooves extending in a second direction, forming the ridges arranged in a 2D array; a separator including a flat plate and a support section disposed on the flat plate; a plurality of oxygen chambers formed between the grooves of the anode plate and the first ion exchange membrane plate, and between the grooves of the at least one bipolar electrode plate and the second ion exchange membrane plate; a plurality of hydrogen chambers formed between the first ion exchange membrane plate and the groove of the at least one bipolar electrode plate and between the second ion exchange membrane plate and the groove of the cathode plate; Equipped with A hydrogen outlet channel, an oxygen outlet channel, and a water inlet channel are formed in the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell, the hydrogen outlet channel being connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen chambers, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel being connected to each of the plurality of oxygen chambers; The separator is disposed at the junction of one of the hydrogen chambers to the hydrogen outlet channel.

2. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, wherein the oxygen chamber comprises a first oxygen chamber adjacent to the anode plate, the face of the anode plate having a convex periphery with a space formed in the concave center, the first oxygen chamber comprising the space, the convex periphery having a plurality of holes corresponding to a portion of the hydrogen outlet channel, a portion of the oxygen outlet channel, and a portion of the water inlet channel when the anode plate and the first ion exchange membrane plate are stacked, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel are connected.

3. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen chamber comprises a first hydrogen chamber adjacent to the cathode plate, the face of the cathode plate having a convex periphery and a space formed in the concave center, the first hydrogen chamber comprising the space, and the hydrogen outlet channel connected to the concave center.

4. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one bipolar electrode plate has a cathode side and an anode side, each of the cathode side and the anode side having a convex periphery, the hydrogen chamber comprises a second hydrogen chamber adjacent the cathode side of the at least one bipolar electrode plate and a first space is formed in the concave central portion, the second hydrogen chamber comprises the first space, the oxygen chamber comprises a second oxygen chamber adjacent the anode side of the at least one bipolar electrode plate and a second space is formed in the concave central portion, the second oxygen chamber comprises the second space, and when stacked, the convex peripheries of the cathode side and the anode side have a plurality of holes corresponding to a portion of the hydrogen outlet channel, a portion of the oxygen outlet channel, and a portion of the water inlet channel, the hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the concave central portion of the cathode side, and the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel are connected to the concave central portion of the anode side.

5. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of silicone sealing gaskets respectively disposed between the anode plate and the first ion exchange membrane plate, between the first ion exchange membrane plate and the at least one bipolar electrode plate, between the at least one bipolar electrode plate and the second ion exchange membrane plate, and between the second ion exchange membrane plate and the cathode plate, each of the silicone sealing gaskets being a hollow annular structure formed by a hollow section and an annular section, and the hydrogen outlet channel, the oxygen outlet channel, and the water inlet channel penetrating the annular section of each of the silicone sealing gaskets.

6. 6. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of diffusion plates disposed in the hollow section of each of the silicone sealing gaskets and attached to the adjacent first ion exchange membrane plate or the adjacent second ion exchange membrane plate, respectively.

7. 7. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 6, wherein the protrusions are configured to abut the corresponding diffusion plates, and when the anode plate, the cathode plate, the at least one bipolar electrode plate, the first ion exchange membrane plate, and the second ion exchange membrane plate are stacked, the protrusions cause the corresponding diffusion plates to abut the corresponding first ion exchange membrane plate or the corresponding second ion exchange membrane plate, and the grooves are respectively connected to at least one of the hydrogen outlet channel, the oxygen outlet channel, and the water inlet channel.

8. 7. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 6, wherein the diffusion plate has a plurality of holes whereby water, hydrogen, and oxygen flow through the holes.

9. 6. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 5, wherein the separator is disposed at a junction from one of the oxygen chambers to the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel, the separator abuts against a corresponding silicon sealing gasket to form a port, and the hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the hydrogen chamber through the port, or the oxygen outlet channel and the water inlet channel are connected to the oxygen chamber through the port.

10. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, further comprising at least one insulating thermal board disposed on at least one of a side of the anode plate opposite to the side facing the cathode plate and a side of the cathode plate opposite to the side facing the anode plate, the at least one insulating thermal board configured to isolate an electric current of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell from an external environment and to conduct thermal energy of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell to the external environment.

11. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, further comprising at least one radiation plate disposed on at least one of a side of the anode plate opposite to the side facing the cathode plate and a side of the cathode plate opposite to the side facing the anode plate, the at least one radiation plate being configured to dissipate heat of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell to an external environment.

12. 2. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of locking channels and a plurality of locking components, the locking channels penetrating the anode plate, the cathode plate, the at least one bipolar electrode plate, the first ion exchange membrane plate, and the second ion exchange membrane plate to mate with the locking components.

13. 1. An expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell, comprising: An anode plate; A cathode plate; a first bipolar electrode plate disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate; a first ion exchange membrane plate that can be received between the anode plate and the first bipolar electrode plate; a second ion exchange membrane plate that can be accommodated between the cathode plate and the first bipolar electrode plate; a first oxygen chamber adjacent to the anode plate; a first hydrogen chamber adjacent to the cathode plate; a second oxygen chamber adjacent to the anode side of the first bipolar electrode plate; a second hydrogen chamber adjacent to the cathode side of the first bipolar electrode plate; a separator comprising a flat plate and a support section disposed on the flat plate, the separator being disposed at a junction from one of the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber to a hydrogen outlet channel; at least one radiation plate disposed on a side of the anode plate opposite to the side facing the cathode plate or on a side of the cathode plate opposite to the side facing the anode plate, the at least one radiation plate being configured to dissipate heat of the expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell to an external environment, the at least one radiation plate having a plurality of fins; Equipped with an oxygen outlet channel is connected to the first oxygen chamber and the second oxygen chamber, and a hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber.

14. 14. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 13, wherein the first oxygen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber, and the second oxygen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first hydrogen chamber and the second hydrogen chamber.

15. 14. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 13, wherein the oxygen outlet channel extends from at least the anode plate to the cathode plate and the hydrogen outlet channel extends from at least the anode plate to the cathode plate.

16. The anode plate and the cathode plate each include: a first concave central portion; a plurality of first raised portions disposed in the first concave central portion; a plurality of first grooves disposed between the first ridges; Equipped with 16. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 15, wherein the first oxygen chamber comprises the first groove in the anode plate, the first groove in the anode plate being connected to the oxygen outlet channel, and the first hydrogen chamber comprises the first groove in the cathode plate, the first groove in the cathode plate being connected to the hydrogen outlet channel.

17. The anode surface and the cathode surface of the first bipolar electrode plate each have: a second concave central portion; and a plurality of second raised portions disposed in the second concave central portion; a plurality of second grooves disposed between the second ridges; Equipped with 17. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 16, wherein the second oxygen chamber comprises the second groove on the anode side, the second groove on the anode side being connected to the oxygen outlet channel, and the second hydrogen chamber comprises the second groove on the cathode side, the second groove on the cathode side being connected to the hydrogen outlet channel.

18. 16. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 15, further comprising an oxygen conduit and a hydrogen conduit, wherein the oxygen outlet channel passes through the cathode plate or the anode plate and is connected to the oxygen conduit, and the hydrogen outlet channel passes through the cathode plate or the anode plate and is connected to the hydrogen conduit.

19. a second bipolar electrode plate disposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate; a third oxygen chamber adjacent to the anode side of the second bipolar electrode plate; a third hydrogen chamber adjacent to the cathode side of the second bipolar electrode plate; Further equipped with 20. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 18, wherein the oxygen outlet channel is connected to the first oxygen chamber, the second oxygen chamber, and the third oxygen chamber, and the hydrogen outlet channel is connected to the first hydrogen chamber, the second hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber.

20. 20. The expanded ion exchange membrane electrolysis cell of claim 19, wherein the third oxygen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first hydrogen chamber, the second hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber, and the third hydrogen chamber is not fluidly connected to the first oxygen chamber, the second oxygen chamber, and the third oxygen chamber.

Images