Electrolysis device and method for assembling the electrolysis device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrolysis device (10) for generating hydrogen from water using an electric current, the electrolysis device having at least two cell stack modules (11) stacked one on top of the other, each cell stack module (11) having a cell stack (16) composed of a plurality of cell stack elements (17) which form electrolysis cells, and each cell stack module (11) having plates (18, 19) between which the cell stack (16) of the respective cell stack module (11) is provided; and a force application unit (14) which has end plates (12, 13). The at least two cell stack modules (11) are pressed between the end plates (12, 13) of the force application unit (14), and supporting elements (20) which bear against guide elements (21) extending between the end plates (12, 13) of the force application unit (14) engage the plates (18, 19) of the cell stack modules (11).

Description

[0001] Quest One GmbH

[0002] Electrolysis device and method for assembling the electrolysis device

[0003] The invention relates to an electrolysis device and a method for assembling the electrolysis device.

[0004] DE 10 2017 108 413 A1 discloses an electrolysis device with a cell stack consisting of several cell stack elements. Furthermore, the electrolysis device known from this prior art has a force application unit by which a force can be exerted on the cell stack to compress the cell stack elements of the cell stack in a fluid-tight manner. The force application unit has opposing end plates between which the cell stack is arranged and compressed. The force application unit also includes compression devices comprising spring elements and struts, wherein the spring force of the spring elements presses the end plates against each other, compressing the cell stack. Connections are provided on the end plates of the electrolysis device, namely water supply connections, water discharge connections, and hydrogen connections.Water is supplied to the electrolysis device via the water inlet connections, and water and oxygen are removed from the electrolysis device via the water outlet connections. The hydrogen connections serve to remove or pass through the hydrogen produced during electrolysis from the electrolysis device. In the electrolysis device according to DE 10 2017 108 413 A1, all cell stack elements of the electrolysis device are stacked in a common cell stack and pressed between the opposing end plates via the force application unit.

[0005] 20.10.2025 WO 2023 / 285 751 A1 discloses an electrochemical device with several cell stack modules stacked on top of or above each other, which are pressed together via a force application unit.

[0006] When an electrolysis device has several stacked cell stack modules, the cell stack modules can slip in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, especially if a pressing or clamping force is applied to the cell stack modules in the stacking direction via the force application unit of the electrolysis device. The cell stack modules can also slip in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction during operation of the electrolysis device. This is a disadvantage.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an electrolysis device that reduces the risk of stacked cell modules slipping in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction during compression or operation of the electrolysis device.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to create a corresponding electrolysis device and a method for assembling the electrolysis device.

[0009] This problem is solved by an electrolysis device according to claim 1 and a method for assembling the electrolysis device according to claim 11.

[0010] In the electrolysis device according to the invention, support elements engage the plates of the cell stack modules and are supported by guide elements extending between the end plates of the force application unit. According to the invention, the support elements, which engage the plates of the cell stack modules on one side and the guide elements on the other, and are supported by these assemblies, prevent the cell stack modules from slipping perpendicular to the stacking direction both during assembly of the electrolysis device, namely when pressing the cell stack modules between the end plates of the force application unit, and during operation.

[0011] Preferably, the respective support element engages the plate of the respective cell stack module and the respective guide element in a form-fitting manner. This is particularly preferred to prevent the cell stack modules of the electrolysis device from slipping.

[0012] Preferably, each of the support elements engages exclusively at two diagonally opposite corners of the plates of cell stack modules, wherein each of the support elements engages with at least one projection in a respective recess of at least one cell stack module, and wherein each of the support elements has a support contour on a section opposite the at least one projection, with which the respective support element is supported against one of the guide elements. This prevents cell stack modules from unintentionally slipping perpendicular to their stacking direction and also avoids over-constraint of the cell stack modules when they are supported by the support elements.

[0013] Preferably, the respective guide element is designed as a strut of a pressing device of the force application unit. This design is particularly preferred because separate guide elements can then be dispensed with.

[0014] The inventive method for assembling an electrolysis device according to the invention comprises at least the following steps:

[0015] Providing at least two cell stack modules, wherein clamping elements are attached to the plates of each cell stack module, via which the cell stack of the respective cell stack module is pressed between the plates of the respective cell stack module. Providing support elements. Providing a force application unit comprising end plates.

[0016] After providing the above-mentioned assemblies, stack the at least two cell stack modules, attaching the support elements to the plates of the cell stack modules during stacking. Press the at least two stacked cell stack modules between the end plates of the force application unit, with the support elements bearing against guide elements extending between the end plates of the force application unit during pressing.

[0017] The method according to the invention allows for advantageous assembly of the electrolysis device according to the invention without the risk of the cell stack modules slipping.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, without being limited thereto. The drawing shows:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows an electrolysis device according to the invention with a stack of several cell stack modules,

[0021] Fig. 2 shows two cell stack modules being stacked.

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a plate of a cell stacking module,

[0023] Fig. 4 shows the side of the plate hidden in Fig. 3,

[0024] Fig. 5 shows the plate of Fig. 3 with support elements attached to it,

[0025] Fig. 6 shows the side of the plate hidden in Fig. 5 with the support elements attached to it.

[0026] 20.10.2025 Fig. 1 shows an electrolysis device 10 according to the invention, which has several stacked cell stack modules 11.

[0027] In Fig. 1, three cell stack modules 11 are stacked one above the other, with the stacked cell stack modules 11 arranged and pressed between end plates 12, 13 of a force application unit 14 of the electrolysis device 10. For pressing, the force application unit has pressing devices 15 which extend between the end plates 12, 13 outside the cell stack modules 11.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a partial exploded view of two cell stack modules 11 being stacked on top of each other. Fig. 2 shows that each cell stack module 11 has a cell stack 16 consisting of several cell stack elements 17, the cell stack 16 of each cell stack module 11 being pressed between plates 18, 19 of the respective cell stack module 11. The cell stack elements 17 form electrolysis cells.

[0029] The electrolysis cells, and thus the cell stacking modules 11, and thus also the electrolysis device 10, are set up to produce hydrogen from water using electric current.

[0030] According to Fig. 1, support elements 20 engage the plates 18, 19 of stacked cell stack modules 11, which are supported on guide elements 20 extending between the end plates 12, 13 of the force application unit 14 outside the cell stack modules 11.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the support elements 20 engage at diagonally opposite corners 22, 23, namely exclusively at two diagonally opposite corners.

[0032] 20.10.2025 opposite corners 22, 23, of plates 18, 19 of the cell stack modules 11. The respective support element 20 engages the respective plate 18, 19 of the respective cell stack module 11 and the respective guide element 21 in a form-fitting manner.

[0033] Each support element 20 has at least one projection 24 that engages in a respective recess 25 of at least one plate 18, 19 of at least one cell stack module 11. In the illustrated embodiment, each support element 20 has two such projections 24, each of which engages in a corresponding recess 25 in the region of the respective corner 22, 23 of the respective plate 18, 19.

[0034] As can best be seen in Fig. 2, the projections 24 of the support elements 20 engage in the recesses 25 of two plates 18, 19 of two cell stacking modules 11, namely in the corresponding recesses 25 of plates 18, 19 of cell stacking modules 11 that come into contact with each other when the cell stacking modules 11 are stacked directly on top of each other.

[0035] On a section opposite the at least one projection 24, the respective support element 20 has a support contour 26 with which the respective support element 20 is supported against a respective guide element 21. In the illustrated embodiment, this support contour 26 of the support elements 20 is concave and rests against a convex counter contour of the respective guide element 21. Alternatively, it is also possible for the support contour 26 of the respective support element 20 to be convex and to rest against a concave counter contour of the respective guide element 21.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide elements 21 are separate assemblies from the crimping devices 15. It is also possible to use a strut of a crimping device 15 as a guide element 21.

[0037] Use on October 20, 2025. In this case, separate guide elements 21 can then be dispensed with.

[0038] The respective support element 20 preferably consists of an electrically insulating material or is coated with such a material. Furthermore, the electrically insulating material of which the support element is made or with which it is coated preferably has good sliding friction properties. Polyamide, for example, is suitable as such a material.

[0039] The invention makes it possible to stack a high stack of cell stack modules 11 on top of each other and press them together between the end plates 12, 13 of the force application unit 14 of the electrolysis device 10, without the risk of the cell stack modules 11 slipping in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. There is no risk of the cell stack modules 11 buckling or the cell stack bulging, and therefore no risk of leaks caused by these factors.

[0040] The support of the cell stack modules 11 via the support elements 20 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the cell stack modules 11 and therefore in a lateral direction.

[0041] The support elements 20 interact positively with plates 18, 19 of the cell stack modules 11 and with the respective guide element 21.

[0042] The invention further relates to a method for assembling the electrolysis device 10 according to the invention. For assembling the electrolysis device 10 according to the invention, at least two cell stack modules 11 are provided, wherein, as shown in Fig. 2, clamping elements 27 engage the plates 18, 19 of the cell stack modules 11 in order to press the cell stack 16 of the respective cell stack module 11 between the plates 18, 19. Furthermore, the support elements 20 are provided, as is the force application unit 14, which comprises the end plates 12, 13 and the clamping devices 15.

[0043] Then, if struts of the grouting devices 15 serve as support elements 20, separate support elements 20 can be dispensed with.

[0044] During the assembly of the electrolysis device 10, the cell stack modules 11 are stacked, wherein, during the stacking of the cell stack modules 11, the support elements 20 are attached to the plates 18, 19 of the cell stack modules 11, in the illustrated embodiment at two diametrically opposed corners 22, 23, such that the support elements 20 with their projections 24 engage in recesses 25 of the plates 28, 29 of cell stack modules 11 that come into contact with each other when stacked.

[0045] The stacked cell stack modules 11 are pressed between the end plates 12, 13 of the force application unit 14 via the pressing devices 15 of the force application unit 14, whereby during pressing the support elements 20 are supported against plates 18, 19 of the cell stack modules 11 and against the guide elements 21, which extend between the end plates 12, 13 of the force application unit 14. This prevents the stacked cell stack modules 11 from slipping perpendicular to the stacking direction, particularly during pressing.

[0046] The figures show partial flow channels in the area of ​​the plates 18, 19 shown, namely partial flow channels 28 for water, partial flow channels 29 for water and oxygen, and partial flow channels 30 for hydrogen produced during electrolysis.

[0047] October 20, 2025. These partial flow channels 28, 29, 30 also extend through the cell stack elements 17 of the cell stack 16 and align when cell stack modules 11 are stacked one above the other. At least one water supply connection (not shown) is provided on the end plates 12, 13 of the electrolysis device 11 to supply water to the electrolysis device 11. Water can be discharged from the electrolysis device 11 via at least one water discharge connection (not shown) provided on the end plates 12, 13, preferably together with the oxygen produced during electrolysis. Hydrogen produced during electrolysis can be discharged from the electrolysis device 11 via at least one hydrogen connection (not shown) provided on the end plates 12, 13. These connections on the end plates are coupled to the partial flow channels 28, 29, 30 on the flow side.

[0048] 20.10.2025 Reference list

[0049] Electrolysis device

[0050] Cell stack module

[0051] End plate

[0052] End plate

[0053] Force application unit

[0054] Grouting device

[0055] Cell stack

[0056] Cell stack element

[0057] plate

[0058] plate

[0059] Support element

[0060] Guide element

[0061] Corner

[0062] Corner

[0063] projection

[0064] Exclusion

[0065] support contour

[0066] Clamping element

[0067] Partial flow channel

[0068] Partial flow channel

[0069] Partial flow channel

[0070] October 20, 2025

Claims

Claims 1. Electrolysis device (10) for producing hydrogen from water using electric current, comprising at least two stacked cell stack modules (11), each cell stack module (11) comprising a cell stack (16) of several cell stack elements (17) forming electrolysis cells, and each cell stack module (11) comprising plates (18, 19) between which the cell stack (16) of the respective cell stack module (11) is arranged, with a force application unit (14) having end plates (12, 13), wherein the at least two cell stack modules (11) are pressed between the end plates (12, 13) of the force application unit (14), characterized in that support elements (20) engage the plates (18, 19) of the cell stack modules (11) and extend between the end plates (12, 13) of the force application unit (14). Support guide elements (21).

2. Electrolysis device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the support elements (20) engage diagonally opposite corners (22, 23) of the plates (18, 19) of the cell stack modules (11 ).

3. Electrolysis device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support elements (20) engage exclusively at two diagonally opposite corners (22, 23) of the plates (18, 19) of the cell stack modules (11).

4. Electrolysis device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the respective support element (20) engages the plate (18, 19) of the respective cell stack module (11) and the respective guide element (21) in a form-fitting manner. October 20, 2025 5. Electrolysis device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of the support elements (20) engages with at least one projection (24) in a respective recess (25) of a plate (18, 19) of at least one cell stack module (11).

6. Electrolysis device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the support elements (20) engages with projections (24) in recesses (25) of adjacent plates (18, 19) of cell stack modules (11) arranged directly above one another.

7. Electrolysis device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each of the support elements (20) has a support contour (26) on a section opposite the at least one projection (24), with which the respective support element (20) is supported on one of the guide elements (21).

8. Electrolysis device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the support contour (26) of the respective support element (20) is concavely contoured and is supported on a convex counter-counter of the respective guide element (21 ), or the support contour (26) of the respective support element (20) is convexly contoured and is supported on a concave counter-counter of the respective guide element (21 ).

9. Electrolysis device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the respective guide element (21 ) is designed as a strut of a crimping device (15) of the force application unit (14).

10. Electrolysis device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the respective support element (20) consists of an electrically insulating material or is coated with such a material. October 20, 2025 11. Method for assembling an electrolysis device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: Providing at least two cell stack modules (11) wherein clamping elements (27) engage the plates (18, 19) of the respective cell stack module (11) via which the cell stack (16) of the respective cell stack module (11) is pressed between the plates (18, 19) of the respective cell stack module (11), Provision of support elements (20), Providing a force application unit (14) comprising end plates (12, 13), Stacking the at least two cell stack modules (11) , wherein during stacking the support elements (20) are attached to the plates (18, 19) of the cell stack modules (11 ), Pressing the at least two stacked cell stack modules (11) between the end plates (12, 13) of the force application unit (14), wherein during pressing the support elements (20) are supported on guide elements (21) which extend between the end plates (12, 13) of the force application unit (14). October 20, 2025

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