Basic frame and electrochemical energy module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a basic frame (3) for an electrochemical energy module, the basic frame (3) having a sheet shape. The basic frame (3) has a cathode side (31) used for disposing a cathode plate (4) and an anode side (32) used for disposing an anode plate (8), the basic frame (3) is further provided with a first channel (33) and a second channel (34) which penetrate through the anode side (32) and the cathode side (31), and a sealing member (7) is integrally provided on the basic frame (3), wherein the sealing member (7) comprises an internal sealing member (71) surrounding a reaction region (35) of the basic frame on the cathode side (31), a cathode side sealing member (72) communicating the second channel (34) with the reaction region (35) only on the cathode side (31), and an anode side sealing member (73) communicating the first channel (33) with the reaction region (35) only on the anode side (32).

Description

Basic framework and electrochemical energy module Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical energy module for new energy, mainly referring to a water electrolysis hydrogen production device (PEMWE) or a fuel cell device (PEMFC), and more specifically, to a basic framework of the electrochemical energy module. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen production by water electrolysis (PEMWE) or fuel cell devices (PEMFC) are widely used in various fields, including automobiles, aircraft, and mobile communication antennas. Especially in the automotive field, fuel cells are considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engines. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen through catalysis to generate electricity, while also producing water as a by-product. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis devices, on the other hand, use the exact opposite process to produce hydrogen and oxygen through water electrolysis. Hydrogen production by water electrolysis devices and fuel cell devices usually consist of hundreds of individual energy modules connected in series.

[0003] A single energy module has a multi-layer structure that includes a bipolar plate (BPP), a base frame, a gas diffusion layer (GDL), a microporous layer (MPL), and a catalyst coating membrane (CCM) that together form a laminate. The layers are sealed together by gaskets arranged around their periphery between the interfaces of the layers. The gasket prevents gas from leaking out of the central pressurized area of ​​the energy module where the catalytic reaction occurs. When the energy module is assembled, the layers are compressed together to maximize the electrical contact between the layers, minimize the total thickness of the energy module, and increase the sealing performance of the gasket on the energy module. Taking a water electrolysis hydrogen production device as an example, water electrolyzed by the CCM produces hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side. In the base frame, the area above the CCM where hydrogen is produced is called the cathode side, while the area below the CCM is the anode side. In order to seal the hydrogen and oxygen in the base frame, cathode gaskets and anode gaskets are always used, which can prevent gas leakage to the outside. In addition, an internal seal, generally an O-ring or gasket, is also required to prevent gas generated from the cathode from leaking to the anode.

[0004] Patent document US 20200295384 A1 discloses a sealing structure for a fuel cell, which includes a generator having a membrane-electrode complex with electrode layers provided on both sides of an electrolyte membrane; and a first and a second separator arranged on both sides of the generator in a thickness direction; on a surface on one side of the thickness direction of the first separator, a first sealing protrusion that is in close contact with the external part of the generator, a second sealing protrusion that is located on the external side of the first sealing protrusion and in close contact with the second separator, and short-circuit prevention ribs that are raised side by side with these first and second sealing protrusions are integrally formed with an electrically insulating rubber-like elastic material. On a surface on the other side of the thickness direction of the first separator, a third sealing protrusion that is in close contact with the surface on the opposite side of the generator in the second separator is integrally formed with an electrically insulating rubber-like material.

[0005] Patent document US 20120107718 A1 discloses a manufacturing method for a single cell, which includes an anode gas region and a cathode gas region, wherein the cathode gas region is separated from the anode gas region by an electrolyte, and each cathode gas region contains an active medium, wherein the internal space is sealed from the surrounding environment of the fuel cell assembly by a double seal, the double seal having an inner sealing element and an outer sealing element, a sealing channel is provided between the inner sealing element and the outer sealing element, and the sealing medium is accommodated in the sealing channel.

[0006] Larger energy modules also require larger sealing structures, such as a total circumference of 2 meters, which can create problems. Seals are typically made of plasticized materials, rather than metal or plastic. Rubber materials require molding techniques like vulcanization, which results in larger manufacturing tolerances. This can prevent the rubber seal from fitting properly into the groove, leading to leakage in the stack. Sometimes, even if the seal is properly positioned, gravity can cause it to fall out, compromising sealing performance.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved sealing component that can provide a better sealing effect on the basic frame of a water electrolysis hydrogen production device or a fuel cell device.

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a basic frame for an electrochemical energy module, which has a sheet-like shape and has a cathode side for accommodating a cathode plate and an anode side for accommodating an anode plate. The basic frame is also provided with a first channel and a second channel that pass through the anode side and the cathode side, wherein a seal is integrated on the basic frame, the seal including an internal seal surrounding the reaction area of ​​the basic frame on the cathode side, a cathode side seal that allows the second channel to communicate with the reaction area only on the cathode side, and an anode side seal that allows the first channel to communicate with the reaction area only on the anode side. By integrating the seal on the basic frame, the movement and falling off of the seal are avoided. By arranging the internal seal in the reaction area, the gas generated on the cathode side is prevented from leaking to the anode side, and by integrating the seals on both sides of the outer periphery of the first channel and the second channel so as to replace the cathode gasket and the anode gasket, the sealing performance is improved while reducing the cost, making this integrated basic frame particularly suitable for high-pressure conditions. In addition, this integrated basic frame reduces the assembly process and reduces the assembly cost.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode side seal includes a first peripheral section located at the periphery of the second channel and a first surrounding section surrounding the first channel, and the anode side seal includes a second peripheral section located at the periphery of the first channel and a second surrounding section surrounding the second channel. Furthermore, the first surrounding section and the second surrounding section each include an outer sealing portion arranged in the corresponding channel away from the reaction area, and an inner sealing portion arranged in the corresponding channel close to the reaction area. The first peripheral section and the second peripheral section are used as well as the outer sealing portion to prevent the high-pressure gas from leaking to the external environment, and the inner sealing portion is used to prevent the high-pressure gas from leaking to the reaction area. Through this design, it is possible to better ensure that the gas flows in the correct direction along the channel.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner seal comprises multiple sealing lips that are inclined toward the high-pressure side, with the sealing lips having a first inclination angle β. Due to the inclination angle, the inner seal forms a self-sealing mechanism against the high-pressure side upon compression, thereby improving the sealing effect. Due to the limited width of the area where the inner seal is located, the first inclination angle is preferably between 10° and 45°. A first inclination angle of 30° achieves particularly good sealing effect. Correspondingly, the outer seal comprises a first sealing lip proximal to the reaction zone and a second sealing lip distal to the reaction zone, with the second sealing lip having a second inclination angle inclined toward the high-pressure side. Due to the inclination angle, the second sealing lip forms a self-sealing mechanism against the high-pressure side upon compression, thereby improving the sealing effect. Having only the second sealing lip have an inclination angle also simplifies the processing and reduces manufacturing costs. The second inclination angle is preferably between 15° and 75°. A second inclination angle of 45° achieves particularly good sealing effect. It is also conceivable that the inner seal comprises two symmetrical sealing lips. The inner sealing portion is close to the reaction area, located between the reaction area and the gas channel, and high pressure may be generated on both sides. Therefore, having two symmetrical sealing lips can maximize the sealing effect of the inner sealing portion.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seal is integrally formed with the base frame. Although the seal and the base frame are made of different materials, they can be integrally formed using a two-component injection molding method, thereby further simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0013] In addition, the technical problem of the present invention can also be solved by an electrochemical energy module, wherein the electrochemical energy module is a fuel cell device or a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which has a basic framework with the above-mentioned features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG1 shows an exploded view of an energy module designed according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG2 a shows a schematic diagram of the cathode side of a basic frame designed according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG2 b shows a schematic diagram of the anode side of a basic frame designed according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a base frame designed according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In this preferred embodiment, the electrochemical energy module takes a water electrolysis hydrogen production device as an example, and the fuel cell device has basically the same structural features, especially has basically the same basic frame. The energy module designed according to the present invention includes a plurality of single modules 1 arranged in a stacked manner. Each single module 1 includes a basic frame 3 and a bipolar plate 2 adjacent to each other. The exploded view of the single module 1 is shown in Figure 1, and the bipolar plate 2 superimposed on the basic frame 3 is omitted here. The single module 1 has a stacked basic frame 3, a cathode plate 4, a catalyst coating membrane (CCM) 5, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) 6, a seal 7 and an anode plate 8. The seal 7 is integrated into the basic frame 3 as a whole. A reaction area 35 is provided in the center of the basic frame 3, and a cathode plate 4 and an anode plate 8 are respectively arranged on both sides of the reaction area 35. The side of the basic frame 3 where the cathode plate 4 is arranged is defined as the cathode side 31, and the side of the basic frame 3 where the anode plate 8 is arranged is defined as the anode side 32.

[0020] Figure 2a shows the cathode side 31 of the basic frame 3, and Figure 2b shows the anode side 32 of the basic frame 3. The basic frame 3 has a first channel 33 and a second channel 34. The first channel 33 and the second channel 34 are used to guide gas. As shown in Figure 2b, the first channel 33 has a passage connected to the reaction area 35 on the anode side 33; as shown in Figure 2a, the second channel 34 has a passage connected to the reaction area 35 on the cathode side. When this single module 1 is used as a module of a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, the anode channel 33 is used to guide oxygen, while the cathode channel 34 is used to guide hydrogen. The seal 7 is used to ensure that the gas in the channel flows correctly. To this end, an internal seal 71 and a cathode side seal 72 are integrated on the cathode side 31, and an anode side seal 73 is integrated on the anode side 32. The internal seal 71 is used to prevent the hydrogen generated at the cathode from entering the anode side. The cathode side seal 72 can be divided into a first peripheral section 721 and a first surrounding section 722, and the anode side seal 73 can be divided into a second peripheral section 731 and a second surrounding section 732, and the surrounding section has an outer sealing portion 741 and an inner sealing portion 742, wherein the outer sections 721, 722 and the outer sealing portion 741 are used to prevent the generated high-pressure hydrogen from overflowing to the external environment, and the inner sealing portion 742 is used to prevent the generated high-pressure gas from entering the channel.

[0021] FIG3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a single module 1 of an energy module designed according to the present invention. Take the single module 1 as an example of a module of a water electrolysis hydrogen production device. As shown in the figure, during operation, hydrogen will be produced on the cathode side 31 and oxygen will be produced on the anode side 32. The flow direction of part of the high-pressure gas is shown by the arrow in the figure. In order to prevent the high-pressure gas from overflowing into the external environment and to ensure that the generated gas enters the designated channel, the present invention has a unique design for the seal 7. All seals are integrated on the base frame 3. In addition, the sealing lips of some seals 7 have a certain inclination angle, thereby forming a self-seal and improving the sealing performance.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the inner seal has multiple layers of sealing lips, which are all inclined toward the high-pressure side (indicated by the arrow), wherein the sealing lips have a first inclination angle β that tends to the high-pressure area, thereby forming a self-seal. The value of the first inclination angle β is preferably between 10° and 45°, and it is particularly preferred that when the value of the first inclination angle is 30°, better technical effects can be achieved. As shown in Figure 3, the outer sealing portion 741 has a first sealing lip close to the reaction area 25 and a second sealing lip away from the reaction area, wherein the second sealing lip has a second inclination angle α that is inclined toward the high-pressure side (indicated by the arrow), and the value of the second inclination angle α is preferably between 15° and 75°, and it is particularly preferred that the value of the second inclination angle is 45°. In addition, since the inner sealing portion 742 has high-pressure areas on both sides thereof, the inner sealing portion 742 has two layers of mutually symmetrical sealing lips.

[0023] While the above description describes possible embodiments by way of example, it should be understood that numerous variations exist, including combinations of known and readily conceivable technical features and implementations, such as the manner in which the connectors are connected and the materials that may be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, application, or configuration of the present invention in any way. The foregoing description is intended primarily to provide technical guidance for adapting at least one exemplary embodiment to the present invention. Various modifications, particularly those regarding the functionality and structure of the components described, may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0024] Reference Signs List

[0025] 1 Energy Module

[0026] 2 Bipolar plates

[0027] 3 Basic Framework

[0028] 4 cathode plate

[0029] 5 Catalyst coating

[0030] 6 Proton Exchange Membrane

[0031] 7 Seals

[0032] 8 Anode plate

[0033] 31 cathode side

[0034] 32 Anode side

[0035] 33 First Channel

[0036] 34 Second Channel

[0037] 35 reaction area

[0038] 71 Internal seal

[0039] 72 Cathode side seal

[0040] 73 Anode side seal

[0041] 721 First peripheral section

[0042] 722 First Surround Segment

[0043] 731 Second outer section

[0044] 732 Second surround section

[0045] 741 Outer seal

[0046] 742 inner seal

[0047] β first tilt angle

[0048] α Second tilt angle

Claims

1. A basic frame (3) for an electrochemical energy module, which has a sheet-like shape, the basic frame (3) having a cathode side (31) for accommodating a cathode plate (4) and an anode side (32) for accommodating an anode plate (8), the basic frame (3) also having a first channel (33) and a second channel (34) passing through the anode side (32) and the cathode side (31), wherein: A seal (7) is integrally arranged on the base frame (3), wherein the seal (7) includes an internal seal (71) surrounding a reaction region (35) of the base frame on the cathode side (31), a cathode side seal (72) that enables the second channel (34) to communicate with the reaction region (35) only on the cathode side (31), and an anode side seal (73) that enables the first channel (33) to communicate with the reaction region (35) only on the anode side (32).

2. The basic frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode side seal (72) includes a first peripheral segment (721) located at the periphery of the second channel (34) and a first surrounding segment (722) surrounding the first channel (33), and the anode side seal (73) includes a second peripheral segment (731) located at the periphery of the first channel (33) and a second surrounding segment (732) surrounding the second channel (34).

3. The basic frame (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first surrounding section (722) and the second surrounding section (732) both include an outer sealing portion (741) arranged at the corresponding channel away from the reaction area (35), and an inner sealing portion (742) arranged at the corresponding channel close to the reaction area (35).

4. The basic frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner seal (71) has a multi-layer sealing lip which is inclined toward the high-pressure side.

5. The basic frame (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that: in, The sealing lip has a first inclination angle (β) which is inclined toward the high-pressure side, wherein the value of the first inclination angle is between 10° and 45°.

6. The basic frame (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The value of the first inclination angle is 30°.

7. The basic frame (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer sealing portion (741) has a first sealing lip close to the reaction region (35) and a second sealing lip away from the reaction region (35), wherein the second sealing lip is inclined toward the high-pressure side.

8. The basic frame (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second sealing lip has a second inclination angle (α) inclined toward the high-pressure side, and a value of the second inclination angle (α) is between 15° and 75°.

9. The basic frame (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The value of the second inclination angle is 45°.

10. The basic frame (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner sealing portion (741) has two layers of sealing lips that are symmetrical to each other.

11. The basic frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member (7) is integrally formed with the base frame (3).

12. An electrochemical energy module, wherein: The electrochemical energy module is a fuel cell device or a water electrolysis hydrogen production device, characterized in that the electrochemical energy module has a basic frame (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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