Multi-opening unipolar plate and electrolytic cell for electrolytic hydrogen production

Abstract

The present application discloses a multi-opening unipolar plate and an electrolytic cell for electrolytic hydrogen production. The multi-opening unipolar plate comprises a plate body and cushion blocks. The plate body comprises a flow field area and opening areas. The opening areas are distributed on two sides of the flow field area in the length direction of the multi-opening unipolar plate. First through holes are formed in the cushion blocks. The cushion blocks are arranged on two sides of the opening areas in the thickness direction of the multi-opening unipolar plate; the cushion blocks cover the opening areas; and the first through holes correspond to openings of the opening areas. At least some of the cushion blocks are provided with flow channels enabling the openings and the flow field area to be communicated. The cushion blocks can cover the opening areas in the thickness direction of the multi-opening unipolar plate and surround the openings of the opening areas in the circumferential direction, thereby sealing the openings of the opening areas, reducing the risk of fluid leakage from the openings to the outside of the multi-opening unipolar plate and the risk of fluid leakage from one opening to other openings, improving the sealing performance of the opening areas, and thus improving the safety of the multi-opening unipolar plate in the working process.

Description

A multi-cavity monopolar plate and an electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrolyzers, and in particular to a multi-cavity monopolar plate and an electrolyzer for producing hydrogen by electrolysis. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, an electrolyzer typically consists of a plate, a proton exchange membrane, a power source, a hydrogen processing system, and an oxygen processing system. A single plate has two sides, a cathode side and an anode side. When the plate and proton exchange membrane are alternately stacked, the anode side between the proton exchange membrane and the anode side is used to transfer water and discharge oxygen, while the cathode side between the proton exchange membrane and the cathode side is used to discharge hydrogen. The anode side of the plate also has an anode sealant line and water inlet and outlet channels connecting the cavity and the flow field. The cathode side of the plate also has a cathode sealant line and hydrogen outlet channels connecting the cavity and the flow field.

[0003] During the assembly of the proton exchange membrane and the two plates, the anode sealant line on the anode plate fits over the hydrogen outlet channel and cathode sealant line on the cathode plate, and the cathode sealant line on the cathode plate fits over the water inlet and outlet channels and anode sealant line on the anode plate. However, during assembly of the two plates, there's a risk that the sealant lines won't completely seal the connection between the cavity and the channel, allowing fluid to easily flow out of the channel, posing a risk of water, oxygen, and hydrogen leakage.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a multi-cavity monopolar plate and an electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis, so as to solve the technical problem of poor sealing performance at the connection between the cavity and the flow channel in the prior art.

[0006] The present application provides a multi-port unipolar plate, comprising a plate body and a gasket. The plate body comprises a flow field region and a port region, the port regions being distributed on either side of the flow field region along the length of the multi-port unipolar plate. The gasket comprises a first through hole. The gasket comprises a gasket on both sides of the port region along the thickness direction of the multi-port unipolar plate, the gasket covering the port region, the first through hole corresponding to the port of the port region, and at least a portion of the gasket is provided with a flow channel connecting the port and the flow field region.

[0007] In the embodiments of the present application, the gasket can cover the cavity area of ​​the multi-cavity unipolar plate in the thickness direction and circumferentially surround the cavity area of ​​the cavity area, thereby sealing the cavity area, reducing fluid leakage from the cavity to the outside of the multi-cavity unipolar plate and reducing the risk of fluid leakage from the cavity to other cavities, improving the sealing of the cavity area, and thus improving the safety of the multi-cavity unipolar plate during operation. Furthermore, after the multi-cavity unipolar plate is provided with a gasket, the gasket can also seal the cavity, reducing the sealing reliability requirements of the rubber strip in the electrolytic cell for hydrogen electrolysis. When multiple multi-cavity unipolar plates of the embodiments of the present application are assembled into an electrolytic cell for hydrogen electrolysis, the gaskets on each cavity area are squeezed along the height direction of the electrolytic cell, thereby strengthening the connection between the gasket and the plate body, further improving the gasket's sealing effect on the cavity, reducing the possibility of fluid leakage, and ensuring that the fluid can fully react within the flow field area of ​​each multi-cavity unipolar plate, thereby improving the operating performance of the electrolytic cell for hydrogen electrolysis. The first through-hole of the gasket and the cavity of the cavity area correspond to each other in the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate, allowing fluid to flow into or out of the unipolar plate through the cavity and the first through-hole, thereby ensuring fluid flow. Simultaneously, a flow channel connecting the cavity and the flow field area is provided on the side of the gasket facing the plate. When the gasket is installed on the plate, a sealed flow channel is formed between the two along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate, reducing the possibility of fluid leakage within the flow channel. Furthermore, the high rigidity of the gasket and the plate makes the flow channel structurally stable, making it less susceptible to extrusion and facilitating fluid flow.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, the cavity area includes a first cavity area and a second cavity area, the first cavity area is connected to the flow field area through the flow channel, and on the multi-cavity unipolar plate, the cavity of the second cavity area is not connected to the flow field area.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the gasket includes a connecting block and a blocking block, the connecting block is provided with the flow channel, the connecting block covers the first cavity opening area, the blocking block covers the second cavity opening area, and the cavity opening of the second cavity opening area is separated from the flow field area by the blocking block.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the plate body is provided with a second through hole, and along the direction of the first cavity area toward the flow field area, the second through hole is located between the cavity of the first cavity area and the flow field area; along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate, the multi-cavity unipolar plate includes an anode surface and a cathode surface arranged opposite to each other, and the connecting block includes a first connecting block arranged on the anode surface and a second connecting block arranged on the cathode surface, the first connecting block has a first flow channel, and the second connecting block has a second flow channel, and the cavity of the first cavity area and the flow field area are connected through the first flow channel, the second through hole and the second flow channel; the projections of the first flow channel and the second flow channel along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate at least partially do not overlap.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the first cavity area includes a water inlet cavity area and a water outlet cavity area, and in the water inlet cavity area and the water outlet cavity area, the opening of the first flow channel faces the flow field area to connect the second through hole and the flow field area.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, in the water inlet cavity area, the inlet of the first flow channel is aligned with the second through hole along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate, and in the water outlet cavity area, the outlet of the first flow channel is aligned with the second through hole along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first cavity opening region includes a hydrogen outlet cavity opening region, and in the hydrogen outlet cavity opening region, the opening of the first flow channel faces the cavity opening of the hydrogen outlet cavity opening region to connect the second through hole and the cavity opening of the hydrogen outlet cavity opening region.

[0014] In a possible implementation, in the hydrogen outlet cavity region, the inlet of the first flow channel is aligned with the second through hole along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the second connecting block includes a connecting plate, which is located between the corresponding cavity and the flow field area. Along the length direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate, the second flow channel penetrates the connecting plate of the second connecting block; along the length direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate, one side of the first flow channel has an opening, and the other side has no opening.

[0016] In a possible implementation, along the length direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate, at least a portion of the blocking block is in contact with the flow field area.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the plate body includes a first mounting groove, and the first mounting groove is used to install the pad.

[0018] The present application also provides an electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis, which comprises a stacked proton exchange membrane and a multi-cavity unipolar plate, wherein the multi-cavity unipolar plate is the multi-cavity unipolar plate described above, and the proton exchange membrane is provided between adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plates.

[0019] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-cavity monopolar plate provided in the present application in a specific embodiment;

[0022] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the plate body in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is a partial enlarged view of area I in FIG2 ;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the first connecting block provided in the present application at the water inlet and outlet areas;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the first connecting block provided in the present application in the hydrogen outlet region;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the second connecting block provided in this application.

[0027] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1-multi-cavity monopolar plate; 11-plate body; 12-flow field area; 13-cavity area; 131-cavity; 132-first cavity area; 132a-water inlet cavity area; 132b-water outlet cavity area; 132c-hydrogen outlet cavity area; 133-second cavity area; 133a-water passage cavity area; 133b-hydrogen passage cavity area; 14-jump layer area; 141-second through hole; 15-anode surface; 16-cathode surface; 17-first mounting groove; 2-pad; 21-first through hole; 22-connecting block; 221-flow channel; 222-first connecting block; 222a-first flow channel; 223-second connecting block; 223a-second flow channel; 224-connecting plate; 23-sealing block; 3-rubber strip.

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0030] An embodiment of the present application provides a multi-cavity unipolar plate and an electrolyzer for producing hydrogen by electrolysis. The electrolyzer includes stacked multi-cavity unipolar plates 1 and proton exchange membranes, and along the thickness direction of the electrolyzer for producing hydrogen by electrolysis, the proton exchange membrane is located between two adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plates 1. In a specific embodiment, when multiple multi-cavity unipolar plates 1 of the embodiments of the present application are assembled into an electrolyzer for electrolytic hydrogen production, each multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 is arranged along the height direction of the electrolyzer for electrolytic hydrogen production, and a proton exchange membrane is provided between two adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plates 1. Since the electrolysis reaction of the liquid is realized in the electrolyzer for electrolytic hydrogen production, the side of the two adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plates 1 facing the proton exchange membrane is the anode surface 15, and the other side is the cathode surface 16, so that the space between the two adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plates 1 is the cooperation between the anode surface 15 and the cathode surface 16. The liquid is transmitted between the anode surface 15 of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 and the proton exchange membrane, and the gas is transmitted between the cathode surface 16 of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 and the proton exchange membrane. The fluid flows into the flow field area 12 of the anode surface 15 and generates gas in the flow field area 12 of the cathode surface 16, thereby completing the electrolysis reaction.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a multi-port unipolar plate 1 includes a plate body 11 and a spacer 2. The plate body 11 includes a flow field region 12 and a port region 13. The port regions 13 are located on either side of the flow field region 12 along the length of the multi-port unipolar plate 1. The spacer 2 has first through-holes 21. The spacer 2 is located on either side of the port region 13 along the thickness of the multi-port unipolar plate 1 and covers the port region 13. The first through-holes 21 correspond to the ports 131 of the port region 13. Furthermore, at least part of the spacer 2 is provided with flow channels 221 connecting the port 131 with the flow field region 12.

[0032] In the embodiment of the present application, the gasket 2 can cover the cavity area 13 in the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 and circumferentially surround the cavity 131 of the cavity area 13, thereby sealing the cavity 131 of the cavity area 13, reducing the risk of fluid leakage from the cavity 131 to the outside of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, and reducing the risk of fluid leakage from the cavity 131 to other cavities 131, thereby improving the sealing of the cavity area 13, and thus improving the safety of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 during operation. In addition, after the gasket 2 is installed on the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 in this embodiment, the gasket 2 can seal the cavity 131, reducing the sealing reliability requirements of the rubber strip 3 in the electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by electrolysis. When multiple multi-cavity monopolar plates 1 of the embodiments of the present application are assembled into an electrolyzer for hydrogen production by electrolysis, the gaskets 2 on each cavity area 13 are squeezed along the height direction of the electrolyzer for hydrogen production by electrolysis, so that the connection between the gaskets 2 and the plate body 11 is tighter, further improving the sealing effect of the gaskets 2 on the cavity 131, reducing the possibility of fluid leakage, and ensuring that the fluid can fully react in the flow field area 12 of each multi-cavity monopolar plate 1, thereby improving the working performance of the electrolyzer for hydrogen production by electrolysis.

[0033] In addition, in a possible embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the multi-cavity monopolar plate 1 of the electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis is provided with a gasket 2 surrounding the cavity 131, and is provided with a rubber strip 3 surrounding the cavity 131. The rubber strip 3 and the gasket 2 jointly seal the cavity 131, thereby further improving the sealing of the cavity area 13.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the pad 2 can be installed on the plate 11 by welding or other methods, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the connection between the pad 2 and the plate 11 .

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the gasket 2 covers the cavity area 13, the first through hole 21 of the gasket 2 corresponds to the cavity 131 of the cavity area 13 in the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, allowing fluid to flow into or out of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 through the cavity 131 and the first through hole 21, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the fluid. At the same time, the flow channel 221 for connecting the cavity 131 with the flow field area 12 is provided on the side of the gasket 2 facing the plate body 11. When the gasket 2 is installed on the plate body 11, a sealed flow channel 221 is formed between the two in the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, reducing the possibility of fluid leakage in the flow channel 221. In addition, the high rigidity of the gasket 2 and the plate body 11 makes the structure of the flow channel 221 more stable and less susceptible to extrusion, which is conducive to the flow of fluid.

[0036] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, on the same multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, the cavity area 13 includes a first cavity area 132 and a second cavity area 133. The first cavity area 132 is connected to the flow field area 12 through the flow channel 221 of the pad 2, so that the first cavity area 132 is connected to the flow field area 12 of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so that the fluid can flow through the cavity 131 and the flow channel 221 to the flow field area 12 for reaction. On the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, the pad 2 located in the second cavity area 133 is not provided with the flow channel 221, so that the second cavity area 133 is not connected to the flow field area 12 so that the fluid can flow through the cavity 131 of the second cavity area 133 to the first cavity area 132 of the adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, and flow through the cavity 131 and flow channel 221 of the adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 to the flow field area 12 of the adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 for reaction. Therefore, not all of the cavities 131 of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 in the present application are connected to the flow field area 12. In order to achieve the connection between the cavity 131 and the flow field area 12 in the first cavity area 132, the flow channels 221 of the two pads 2 located in the first cavity area 132 are connected through the plate body 11 along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so that the fluid can react in the flow field area 12 within the unipolar plate 1. At the same time, the fluid that does not flow into the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 can flow into the next first cavity area 132, so that the fluid can fully react in the corresponding flow field area 12, which is beneficial to improving the reaction efficiency of the fluid, thereby improving the working performance of the electrolyzer for electrolytic hydrogen production. The two gaskets 2 located in the second cavity area 133 are not provided with the flow channel 221, and the two are not connected through the plate body 11 along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so as to seal the cavity area 13, reduce the possibility of fluid flowing into or out of the flow field area 12 of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 through the second cavity area 133, and improve the sealing performance of the second cavity area 133.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the spacer 2 includes a connecting block 22 and a blocking block 23, wherein the connecting block 22 is provided with a flow channel 221 and covers the first cavity area 132, for connecting the cavity 131 of the first cavity area 132 with the flow field area 12, so that fluid can flow into the flow field area 12 for reaction. The blocking block 23 covers the second cavity area 133, and no flow channel 221 is provided on either side of the blocking block 23 along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so that the cavity 131 of the second cavity area 133 is separated from the flow field area 12 by the blocking block 23, reducing the possibility of fluid in the second cavity area 133 flowing into the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, preventing the unreacted fluid from flowing into the reacting fluid, and improving the sealing performance of the second cavity area 133.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cavity opening area 13 also includes a jump layer area 14. In the direction from the cavity opening 131 to the flow field area 12, the jump layer area 14 is located between the cavity opening 131 and the flow field area 12. Specifically, in the first cavity opening area 132, as shown in Figure 3, the plate body 11 is provided with a second through hole 141, and the second through hole 141 is provided in the jump layer area 14.

[0039] Along the thickness of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, a second through-hole 141 penetrates the plate body 11 and connects the anode surface 15 and the cathode surface 16. This allows fluid in the first cavity region 132 to form a transition layer between the anode surface 15 and the cathode surface 16 through the second through-hole 141. When the gasket 2 and the rubber strip 3 seal the cavity 131, communication between the cavity 131 of the first cavity region 132 and the flow field region 12 is achieved, allowing liquid to flow into the anode surface 15 of the flow field region 12 to react and generate gas on the cathode surface 16 of the flow field region 12, thereby achieving an electrolysis reaction. Simultaneously, the second through-hole 141 can communicate with the connecting block 22 and guide the fluid, reducing the possibility of liquid flowing into the cathode surface 16 of the flow field region 12 and preventing the risk of gases generated by electrolysis from mixing.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 6, the connecting block 22 includes a first connecting block 222 arranged on the anode surface 15 and a second connecting block 223 arranged on the cathode surface 16. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connecting block 222 has a first flow channel 222a. As shown in Figure 6, the second connecting block 223 has a second flow channel 223a. Moreover, since the second through hole 141 is located between the cavity 131 of the first cavity area 132 and the flow field area 12, the cavity 131 of the first cavity area 132 and the flow field area 12 can be connected through the first flow channel 222a, the second through hole 141 and the second flow channel 223a, so that the fluid in the first cavity area 132 can flow into the flow field area 12, thereby improving the sealing performance of the first cavity area 132 while ensuring that the fluid can smoothly flow into the flow field area 12 for electrolysis reaction.

[0041] The projections of the first flow channel 222a and the second flow channel 223a along the thickness direction of the unipolar plate 1 at least partially do not overlap. That is, the first flow channel 222a can extend along the length of the multi-port unipolar plate 1 and connect the second through-hole 141 with the flow field region 12, or connect the second through-hole 141 with the cavity 131. The second flow channel 223a can extend along the length of the multi-port unipolar plate 1 and connect the second through-hole 141 with the flow field region 12, or connect the second through-hole 141 with the cavity 131, so that the fluid that has completed the jump layer can flow through the first flow channel 222a and the second flow channel 223a to the cavity 131 or flow field region 12 of the anode side 15, or to the cavity 131 or flow field region 12 of the cathode side 16. The first flow channel 222a and the second flow channel 223a also reduce the possibility of fluid leakage from the first flow channel 222a and the second flow channel 223a during flow.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , the first cavity region 132 includes a water inlet cavity region 132a and a water outlet cavity region 132b. The opening of the first flow channel 222a faces the flow field region 12 to connect the second through-hole 141 with the flow field region 12, thereby enabling liquid to flow in and out of the anode surface 15 of the flow field region 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG2 and FIG6 , the water inlet cavity region 132a and the water outlet cavity region 132b further include a second flow channel 223a of a second connecting block 223. Along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, the first flow channel 222a is located on the anode surface 15, and the second flow channel 223a is located on the cathode surface 16. The opening on one side of the second flow channel 223a faces the cavity 131 of the water inlet cavity region 132a and the water outlet cavity region 132b, thereby enabling liquid to flow in and out of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1.

[0043] In the water inlet cavity area 132a, the liquid flows from the cavity 131 through the second flow channel 223a located on the cathode surface 16 into the multi-cavity monopolar plate 1. After the liquid flows out of the second flow channel 223a, it realizes layer jump through the second through hole 141, thereby entering the anode surface 15 and flowing into the first flow channel 222a. Since the opening of the first flow channel 222a located on the anode surface 15 faces the flow field area 12, the liquid can flow into the anode surface 15 of the flow field area 12 for reaction.

[0044] In the water outlet cavity area 132b, the unreacted liquid flows out of the flow field area 12 through the first flow channel 222a located on the anode surface 15. After the liquid flows out of the first flow channel 222a, it realizes leaping through the second through hole 141, thereby entering the cathode surface 16 and flowing into the second flow channel 223a. Since one side opening of the second flow channel 223a located on the cathode surface 16 faces the cavity 131, the unreacted liquid can flow out of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 and flow into the water inlet cavity area 132a of the next multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so that the unreacted liquid can continue to react in the flow field area 12 of the next multi-cavity unipolar plate 1.

[0045] When multiple multi-cavity monopolar plates 1 of the embodiments of the present application are assembled into an electrolytic cell for electrolytic hydrogen production, the number of times the liquid flows through the flow field area 12 in the electrolytic cell for electrolytic hydrogen production can be increased, so that the liquid can fully undergo an electrolysis reaction in the electrolytic cell for electrolytic hydrogen production, which is beneficial to improving the working performance of the electrolytic cell for electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0046] In a specific embodiment, in the water inlet cavity area 132a, the inlet of the first flow channel 222a is aligned with the second through hole 141 along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, and in the water outlet cavity area 132b, the outlet of the first flow channel 222a is aligned with the second through hole 141 along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so that the liquid can accurately flow from the second through hole 141 into the first flow channel 222a, or flow out of the second through hole 141 from the first flow channel 222a, thereby increasing the flow rate of the fluid and reducing the possibility of liquid reflux.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , the first cavity region 132 includes a hydrogen outlet cavity region 132c, and a first flow channel 222a opens toward the cavity 131 to connect the second through-hole 141 and the cavity 131, thereby enabling gas to flow out of the flow field region 12 located on the cathode surface 16. Specifically, the hydrogen outlet cavity region 132c also includes a second flow channel 223a of a second connecting block 223. Along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, the first flow channel 222a is located on the anode surface 15, and the second flow channel 223a is located on the cathode surface 16. The opening on one side of the second flow channel 223a faces the flow field region 12 located on the cathode surface 16, thereby enabling gas to flow out of the unipolar plate 1.

[0048] In the hydrogen outlet cavity region 132c, after gas is generated on the cathode side 16 of the flow field region 12, it flows out of the flow field region 12 through the second flow channel 223a located on the cathode side 16. After flowing out of the second flow channel 223a, the gas passes through the second through-hole 141 to achieve a jump layer, thereby entering the anode side 15 and flowing into the first flow channel 222a. Because the opening of the first flow channel 222a located on the anode side 15 faces the cavity 131, the gas can flow out of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1. When multiple multi-cavity unipolar plates 1 according to embodiments of the present application are assembled into an electrolyzer for hydrogen production by electrolysis, the gas from each multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 flows out of the hydrogen outlet cavity region 132c and converges together for subsequent collection.

[0049] In a specific embodiment, in the hydrogen outlet cavity area 132c, the inlet of the first flow channel 222a is aligned with the second through hole 141 along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate 1, so that the gas can accurately flow from the second through hole 141 into the first flow channel 222a, thereby increasing the flow rate of the gas and reducing the possibility of gas backflow.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first connecting block 222 and the second connecting block 223 both include a connecting plate 224, which is located between the corresponding cavity opening 131 and the flow field area 12, wherein the first flow channel 222a and the second flow channel 223a are both arranged on the connecting plate 224, so that at least part of the first connecting block 222 and the second connecting block 223 can introduce or export the fluid into or out of the flow field area 12 while sealing the cavity opening 131.

[0051] Along the length of the multi-port unipolar plate 1, one side of the first flow channel 222a has an opening, while the other side is not. The opening of the first flow channel 222a is used to allow fluid to flow in or out, while the side of the first flow channel 222a that is not provided with an opening is used to block fluid flow, allowing fluid to flow into the second through-hole 141 for transition.

[0052] Along the length of the multi-port unipolar plate 1, the second flow channel 223a extends through the connecting plate 224 of the second connecting block 223. The second flow channel 223a is used to transmit fluid to the side of the second through-hole 141 facing the cathode surface 16, allowing the fluid to undergo a transition through the second through-hole 141. Furthermore, the second flow channel 223a extending through the connecting plate 224 facilitates machining, thereby reducing the production cost of the second connecting block 223.

[0053] In one possible embodiment, one side of the second flow channel 223a has an opening, and the other side is not provided with an opening, so that the side of the second flow channel 223a without an opening is used to block the flow of fluid, so that the first flow channel 222a, the second flow channel 223a and the second through hole 141 are aligned along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 in the water inlet cavity area 132a; in the water outlet cavity area 132b, the outlet of the first flow channel 222a, the inlet of the second flow channel 223a and the second through hole 141 are aligned along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1; in the hydrogen outlet cavity area 132c, the inlet of the first flow channel 222a, the outlet of the second flow channel 223a and the second through hole 141 are aligned along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1.

[0054] In a specific embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , the second cavity region 133 includes two water passage cavity regions 133 a and a hydrogen passage cavity region 133 b. The water passage cavity region 133 a is used to transfer liquid that does not flow into the multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 to the first cavity region 132 of the adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plate 1, so that the fluid flows into the flow field region 12 of the adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 for reaction, thereby improving the working efficiency of the electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by electrolysis. The hydrogen passage cavity region 133 b is used to transfer gas generated by adjacent multi-cavity unipolar plates 1, so that the gas generated by each multi-cavity unipolar plate 1 is gathered together for easy collection.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, at least part of the blocking block 23 is fitted with the flow field area 12 to improve the connection reliability between the blocking block 23 and the flow field area 12, while also reducing the possibility of fluid in the flow field area 12 leaking into the second cavity area 133, thereby improving the sealing reliability of the second cavity area 133.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the plate body 11 includes a first mounting groove 17, which is used to install the gasket 2 to limit the movement of the gasket 2 on the plate body 11, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the connection between the gasket 2 and the plate body 11, so that when multiple multi-cavity monopolar plates 1 of the embodiments of the present application are assembled into an electrolyzer for electrolytic hydrogen production, the gasket 2 can play a better sealing and transmission role.

[0057] The above describes in detail the structure, features and effects of the present application based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, but the present application does not limit the scope of implementation to what is shown in the drawings. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present application, or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, which still do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and drawings, should be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A multi-cavity monopolar plate, characterized in that: The multi-cavity monopolar plate (1) comprises: A plate body (11), the plate body (11) comprising a flow field area (12) and a cavity area (13), the cavity area (13) being distributed on both sides of the flow field area (12) along the length direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate (1); A cushion block (2), wherein the cushion block (2) has a first through hole (21); The cavity area (13) has the cushion block (2) on both sides along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1), the cushion block (2) covers the cavity area (13), and the first through hole (21) corresponds to the cavity (131) of the cavity area (13); At least part of the cushion block (2) is provided with a flow channel (221) connecting the cavity opening (131) and the flow field area (12); The cavity area (13) comprises a first cavity area (132) and a second cavity area (133); the cavity (131) of the first cavity area (132) is connected to the flow field area (12) through the flow channel (221); and on the multi-cavity unipolar plate (1), the cavity (131) of the second cavity area (133) is not connected to the flow field area (12); The cushion block (2) comprises a connecting block (22) and a blocking block (23); the connecting block (22) is provided with the flow channel (221); the connecting block (22) covers the first cavity opening area (132); the blocking block (23) covers the second cavity opening area (133); and the cavity opening (131) of the second cavity opening area (133) is separated from the flow field area (12) by the blocking block (23).

2. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate body (11) is provided with a second through hole (141), and along the direction from the first cavity opening area (132) toward the flow field area (12), the second through hole (141) is located between the cavity opening (131) of the first cavity opening area (132) and the flow field area (12); Along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1), the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1) comprises an anode surface (15) and a cathode surface (16) arranged opposite to each other, the connecting block (22) comprises a first connecting block (222) arranged on the anode surface (15) and a second connecting block (223) arranged on the cathode surface (16), the first connecting block (222) has a first flow channel (222a), the second connecting block (223) has a second flow channel (223a), the cavity (131) of the first cavity area (132) and the flow field area (132) are connected to each other. (12) are connected through the first flow channel (222a), the second through hole (141) and the second flow channel (223a); The projections of the first flow channel (222a) and the second flow channel (223a) along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1) at least partially do not overlap.

3. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first cavity area (132) comprises a water inlet cavity area (132a) and a water outlet cavity area (132b), and in the water inlet cavity area (132a) and the water outlet cavity area (132b), the opening of the first flow channel (222a) faces the flow field area (12) to connect the second through hole (141) and the flow field area (12).

4. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the water inlet cavity area (132a), the inlet of the first flow channel (222a) is aligned with the second through hole (141) along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate (1), and in the water outlet cavity area (132b), the outlet of the first flow channel (222a) is aligned with the second through hole (141) along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate (1).

5. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first cavity opening area (132) includes a hydrogen outlet cavity opening area (132c), in which the opening of the first flow channel (222a) faces the cavity opening (131) of the hydrogen outlet cavity opening area (132c) to connect the second through hole (141) and the cavity opening (131) of the hydrogen outlet cavity opening area (132c).

6. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the hydrogen outlet cavity region (132c), the inlet of the first flow channel (222a) is aligned with the second through hole (141) along the thickness direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1).

7. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second connecting block (223) comprises a connecting plate (224), the connecting plate (224) being located between the corresponding cavity (131) and the flow field area (12), and the second flow channel (223a) passing through the connecting plate (224) of the second connecting block (223) along the length direction of the multi-cavity unipolar plate (1); Along the length direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1), one side of the first flow channel (222a) has an opening, and the other side has no opening.

8. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the length direction of the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1), at least a portion of the blocking block (23) is in contact with the flow field area (12).

9. The multi-cavity monopolar plate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The plate body (11) comprises a first mounting groove (17), and the first mounting groove (17) is used for mounting the cushion block (2).

10. An electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis comprises a stacked proton exchange membrane and a multi-cavity monopolar plate (1), wherein the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1) is the multi-cavity monopolar plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the proton exchange membrane is provided between adjacent multi-cavity monopolar plates (1).

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