Cell stack module for an electrolysis device, electrolysis device, and method for assembling and disassembling the electrolysis device
The innovative cell stacking module design with offset receiving elements and 180° rotation simplifies the assembly and disassembly of electrolysis devices by preventing clamping element collisions and ensuring proper alignment of flow channels.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QUEST ONE GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing cell stacking modules for electrolysis devices complicate handling during assembly and disassembly due to clamping elements that must align precisely, complicating the assembly and disassembly process.
The cell stacking module design features receiving elements positioned differently along the longitudinal extent of the plates, allowing clamping elements to extend vertically and enabling 180° rotation of stacked modules to prevent overlap, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly.
This design simplifies the handling of cell stacking modules by allowing for easier assembly and disassembly of electrolysis devices, preventing clamping element collisions and ensuring proper alignment of flow channels.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025081350_15052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Quest One GmbH
[0002] Cell stacking module for an electrolysis device, electrolysis device and method for assembling and disassembling the electrolysis device
[0003] The invention relates to a cell stacking module for an electrolysis device, an electrolysis device with at least two cell stacking modules, and methods for assembling and disassembling 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. WO 2023 / 285 751 A1 discloses an electrochemical device with several cell stack modules that are pressed together via a force application unit, namely between the end plates of the force application unit. Each cell stack module has a cell stack that is pressed between plates of the cell stack module.Then, when several such cell stack modules are stacked on top of each other and pressed between end plates of a force application unit, a larger number of cell stack elements can be installed in an electrolysis device to allow for higher stacking heights of cell stack elements.
[0005] In the cell stacking modules known from WO 2023 / 285 751 A1, projections are formed on the sides or edges of the plates between which the cell stack of the respective cell stacking module is arranged and pressed. Clamping elements of the cell stacking module engage with these projections. On opposite sides or edges of the plates, the clamping elements are arranged at identical positions along the longitudinal axis of the opposing sides or edges. Therefore, the clamping elements must not extend beyond the height of the cell stacking modules. This complicates the handling of the cell stacking modules, particularly during the assembly and disassembly of an electrolysis device.
[0006] There is a need for a cell stacking module for an electrolysis device that facilitates easier handling of the cell stacking modules, particularly during the assembly and disassembly of the electrolysis device. Furthermore, there is a need for an electrolysis device with at least two such cell stacking modules, as well as a method for assembling and disassembling the electrolysis device. Based on this, the invention aims to provide a corresponding cell stacking module for an electrolysis device, an electrolysis device with such cell stacking modules, and a method for assembling and disassembling such an electrolysis device. This objective is achieved by a cell stacking module according to claim 1, an electrolysis device according to claim 7, a method for assembling the electrolysis device according to claim 9, and a method for disassembling the electrolysis device according to claim 12.
[0007] In the cell stacking module according to the invention, the receiving elements, which are designed to receive clamping elements, are arranged at different positions along the longitudinal extent of the opposite sides or edges of the plates of the cell stacking module, as viewed from the inside. This makes it possible to use clamping elements for clamping the cell stack of the cell stacking module that extend vertically above the cell stack.To clarify this, it should first be noted that, on the one hand, a first side and a first edge adjoin a first corner, and on the other hand, a second side and a second edge adjoin a second corner; thus, each side and edge encloses the adjacent corner. In this context, "corner" also refers to a corner area that, for example, has a curve over which the adjacent edge transitions into the adjacent side.
[0008] Based on the foregoing, a different distance to the respective corner is understood to mean that the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the first side and the first corner or corner area differs from the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the second side and the second corner or corner area. Likewise, the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the first edge and the first corner or corner area differs from the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the second edge and the second corner or corner area. In this respect, the invention also relates to a suitably designed clamping plate for realizing the cell stacking module described above.
[0009] This allows for easier handling of the cell stack module, particularly during the assembly and disassembly of an electrolysis device which, in its assembled state, comprises at least two cell stack modules arranged one above the other, designed according to the invention. A particular advantage here is that identical clamping plates can be used to manufacture two cell stack modules that are clamped together using clamping plates and the clamping elements provided according to the invention. Furthermore, by rotating one of the two clamped cell stacks by 180° relative to the other cell stack, it can be ensured that the receiving and clamping elements do not overlap in the longitudinal direction of the stack after the two cell stacks are stacked on top of each other.
[0010] Preferably, the receiving elements formed on opposite sides or edges have a different distance, viewed longitudinally along the opposite sides or edges, from the sides or edges of the plate that extend between the respective opposite sides or edges. Thus, the receiving elements formed on opposite sides or edges have a different distance, viewed longitudinally along the opposite sides or edges, from each corner of the plate.
[0011] This is particularly advantageous for simplified handling of the cell stack module, especially during the assembly and disassembly of an electrolysis device. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first and second plates of the cell stack module, between which the cell stack with its cell stack elements is arranged, are identical in construction. In the assembled state of the cell stack module, the first and second plates are rotated 180° relative to each other about their central longitudinal axis, which lies in the plane of the plates. This rotation causes the receiving elements on the sides or edges of the first plate to be offset from the receiving elements on the second plate in the direction of extension of the cell stack. Thus, in the assembled state, the first and second plates are rotationally symmetrical to each other.
[0012] Preferably, tab-like projections are formed on the sides or edges of the plates, on which the receiving elements in the form of slotted eyelets are arranged. These receiving elements interact with the clamping elements, preferably designed as threaded pins, to press the cell stack of the cell stack module between the plates of the cell stack module. This also simplifies the handling of the cell stack module, particularly during the assembly and disassembly of an electrolysis device.
[0013] The electrolysis device according to the invention comprises at least two cell stacking modules according to the invention, wherein the cell stacking modules, stacked directly on top of each other, are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other about an axis extending perpendicular to the plates of the cell stacking modules, and wherein the cell stacking modules are pressed between the end plates of the force application unit of the electrolysis device. The electrolysis device, which comprises at least two cell stacking modules according to the invention, stacked one on top of the other, can be easily assembled and disassembled. Since the cell stacking modules, stacked directly on top of each other, are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other, the clamping elements of the stacked cell stacking modules do not collide, even if they extend beyond the height of a single cell stacking module.
[0014] The method for assembling an electrolysis device comprises at least the following steps: Providing at least two cell stack modules according to the invention, wherein clamping elements engage the sides or edges of the plates of the respective cell stack module, by means of which the cell stack of the respective cell stack module is pressed between the plates of the respective cell stack module. Providing a force application unit. Stacking the at least two cell stack modules and pressing them between end plates of the force application unit via clamping devices of the force application unit, wherein the cell stack modules are stacked such that cell stack modules stacked directly on top of each other are rotated 180° relative to each other about an axis extending perpendicular to the plates. This allows for simple assembly of the electrolysis device according to the invention.Preferably, the clamping elements are then removed after the previously described pressing process. This ensures the functionality of the electrolysis unit and simultaneously eliminates the risk of short circuits in the electrolysis unit caused by the clamping elements.
[0015] The method for disassembling an electrolysis device comprises at least the following steps: Attaching clamping elements to the sides or edges of the plates of the respective cell stack modules in order to individually clamp the cell stacks of all cell stack modules between the plates of the respective cell stack module. Releasing the clamping devices of the force application unit. Unstacking the cell stack modules. This allows for particularly simple disassembly of the electrolysis device according to the invention, whereby the cell stack modules remain clamped together by the clamping elements during unstacking.
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description.
[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, without being limited thereto. The drawing shows:
[0018] Fig. 1 shows a cell stacking module according to the invention for an electrolysis device,
[0019] Fig. 2 shows a stack of several stacked cell stack modules according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows an electrolysis device according to the invention comprising the stack of Fig. 2,
[0020] Fig. 4 shows a plate of a cell stacking module according to the invention.
[0021] Fig. 1 shows a cell stacking module 10 for an electrolysis device 11 (see Fig. 3). In an electrolysis device 11, several cell stacking modules 10 are stacked on top of each other.
[0022] The electrolysis device 11, and thus the cell stack modules 10 of the electrolysis device 11, serve to generate hydrogen from water using electric current. For this purpose, water is supplied to the electrolysis device 11 via at least one water inlet connection (not shown). Water can be discharged from the electrolysis device 11 via at least one water outlet connection (not shown), 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).
[0023] Each cell stack module 10 has a cell stack 12 consisting of several cell stack elements 13, which form electrolysis cells. Furthermore, each cell stack module 10 has plates 14, 15 between which the respective cell stack 12 is arranged and pressed. According to Fig. 1, plate 14 is located on the top side of the cell stack 12 and plate 15 on the bottom side of the cell stack 12, between which the cell stack 12 of the respective cell stack module 10 is arranged.
[0024] Each of the plates 14, 15 of the respective cell stack module 10 has opposite sides or edges 16, 17, 18, 19. The sides or edges 16, 17 are opposite each other and run parallel to each other. The sides or edges 18, 19 are also opposite each other and run parallel to each other, with the edges 18, 19 being perpendicular to the edges 16, 17. Where perpendicular edges 16, 18 and 16, 19 and 17, 18 and 17, 19 meet, the respective plate 14, 15 has a corner 20.
[0025] On the sides or edges 16, 17, 18, 19 of the plates 14, 15, receiving elements 21 are arranged, which are formed to receive clamping elements 22, via which the cell stack 12 made up of the several cell stack elements 13 can be pressed between the plates 14, 15 of the cell stack module 10.
[0026] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, tab-like projections 32 are formed at the edges 16, 17, 18, 19, on which slotted eyelets are arranged receiving elements 21 into which the clamping elements 22 can be inserted or pushed. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping elements 21 are designed as threaded studs that interact with nuts. Advantageously, washers are provided below both the nuts and the threaded stud heads.
[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the clamping elements 22 extend beyond the height of the stacking module 10 in order to be able to handle the cell stacking module later without having to touch the sensitive surfaces.
[0028] The receiving elements 21 formed on the respective opposite sides or edges 16, 17 and 18 and 19 of the plates 14, 15 are arranged at different positions on the respective opposite sides or edges 16, 17 and 18, 19 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the opposite sides or edges 16, 17 and 18, 19.
[0029] In Fig. 1, distances x1 illustrate the distance of the receiving elements 21 formed on side 16 to the respective adjacent corner 20 of the respective side or edge 16. In the area of the side or edge 17 opposite the side or edge 16, the receiving elements 21 have a distance x2 from the respective adjacent corner 20. These distances x1 and x2 are different.
[0030] The same applies to the sides or edges 18, 19 of the plates 14, 15. The receiving elements 21 formed on the side or edge 18 are located at a distance x3 from the adjacent corner 20 of that side or edge 18. On the side or edge 19 opposite the side or edge 18, the receiving elements 21 are located at a distance x4 from the adjacent corner 20 of that side or edge 19. These distances x3 and x4 are different.
[0031] It follows that the receiving elements 21 formed on the opposite sides or edges 16, 17 and 18, 19 of the plates 14, 15 are offset from each other in such a way that when the receiving elements 21 receive the clamping elements 22, the clamping elements 21 acting on the opposite sides or edges 16, 17 and 18, 19 are offset from each other when viewed in the longitudinal extension of the opposite sides or edges 16, 17 and 18, 19.
[0032] The distances x1 , x2, x3 and x4, which correspond to the distance of a receiving element 21 formed on a side or edge 16, 17, 18, 19 to the adjacent corner 20 of this side or edge 16, 17, 18, 19, also correspond to the distance of the receiving device 21 formed on the respective side or edge to a side or edge extending perpendicular to the respective side or edge.
[0033] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the plate 14, which is fully visible in Fig. 1, forms partial flow channels, namely partial flow channels 23 for water, partial flow channels 24 for water and oxygen, and partial flow channels 25 for the hydrogen produced in the electrolysis device. These partial flow channels are also present in the cell stack elements 13 of the cell stack 12 and in the plate 15.
[0034] Fig. 2 shows a stack 26 of several stacked cell stack modules 10 according to the invention, wherein in Fig. 2 four cell stack modules 10 are stacked one above the other to form the stack 26. According to Fig. 2, the cell stack modules 10 stacked directly above one another are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other about an axis extending perpendicular to the plates 14, 15 of the cell stack modules 10. The axis extends in the stacking direction of the cell stack modules 10.
[0035] Thus, a collision of the clamping elements 22 extending beyond the height of the respective cell stack module 10 is prevented during the construction of the stack 26, since, as Fig. 2 shows, on each side of the stack 26 the clamping elements 22 of cell stack modules 10 arranged directly above one another are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the respective side or edge.
[0036] Fig. 3 shows an electrolysis device 11 comprising the stack 26 of several cell stack modules 10 of Fig. 2, wherein, according to Fig. 3, the stack 26 of the stacked cell stack modules 10 is arranged and pressed between end plates 27, 28 of a force application unit 29 of the electrolysis device 11, namely by means of pressing devices 30 extending between the end plates 27, 28.
[0037] If, as shown in Fig. 3, the cell stack modules 10 are pressed between the end plates 27, 28 of the force application unit 29, the clamping elements 22 of the individual cell stack modules 10 can be located away from the cell stack modules 10. Cell stack modules 10 stacked directly on top of each other are aligned so that, in particular, the partial flow channels 23, 24, 25 of the stacked cell stack modules 10 are aligned with each other. This alignment of the stacked cell stack modules 10 is achieved by alignment elements (not shown) that engage in recesses 31 at the corners 20 of the plates 14, 15 of the directly stacked cell stack modules 10. The alignment elements engage in the adjacent or adjacent end plates 14, 15 of cell stack modules 10 stacked directly on top of each other, namely in the corresponding recesses 31, in order to ensure the alignment of the cell stack modules 10.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving elements 21 are an integral part of the plates 14, 15. However, they can also be designed as separate elements detachably connected to the plates 14, 15.
[0039] The invention further relates to a method for assembling an electrolysis device 11, wherein at least two cell stack modules 10, designed as described above, are initially provided for assembly. Four cell stack modules are provided to form the electrolysis device 11 of Fig. 3. Each of the provided cell stack modules 10 is individually pressed against the plates 14, 15 at its sides or edges 16, 17, 18, 19 via the clamping elements 22, so that the cell stack 12 of each cell stack module 10 is pressed between the plates 14, 15 of the respective cell stack module 10.
[0040] Furthermore, the force application unit 29 is provided, which includes the plates 27, 28 and the grouting devices 30.
[0041] The cell stack modules 10 are then stacked on top of each other to form the cell stack 26, such that the directly stacked cell stack modules 10 are rotated 180° relative to each other about the axis extending perpendicular to the plates 14, 15 in the stacking direction. The stack 26 can, for example, be built up on the end plate 28, with the end plate 27 subsequently being placed on the stack 26, and then the stack 26 of the cell stack modules 10 being pressed between the end plates 27, 28 using the pressing devices 30.
[0042] After pressing the stacked cell stack modules 10 between the end plates 27, 28 of the force application unit 29, the clamping elements 22 are preferably removed from the individual cell stack modules 10.
[0043] As already explained, the cell stack modules 10 are aligned to each other when stacked on top of each other by means of alignment elements which engage in the recesses 31 at the corners 20 of the plates 14, 15 of cell stack modules 10 stacked directly on top of each other.
[0044] To dismantle the electrolysis device 11 shown in Fig. 3, the clamping elements 22 are attached to the cell stack modules 10 of the electrolysis device 11 in order to individually press the cell stack 12 of all cell stack modules 10 between their respective plates 14, 15. The force application unit 29 is then released to unstack the pressed cell stack modules 10.
[0045] Reference symbol list
[0046] Cell stack module
[0047] Electrolysis device
[0048] Cell stack
[0049] Cell stack element
[0050] plate
[0051] plate
[0052] edge
[0053] edge
[0054] edge
[0055] edge
[0056] Corner
[0057] Recording element
[0058] Clamping element
[0059] Partial flow channel
[0060] Partial flow channel
[0061] Partial flow channel
[0062] stack
[0063] End plate
[0064] End plate
[0065] Force application unit
[0066] Grouting device
[0067] Exclusion
[0068] projection
Claims
Claims 1. Cell stack module (10) for an electrolysis device (11) configured for producing hydrogen from water using electric current, comprising a cell stack (12) of several cell stack elements (13) forming electrolysis cells, wherein the cell stack (12) of the cell stack elements (13) is arranged between plates (14, 15) of the cell stack module (10), with receiving elements (21) arranged on sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plates (14, 15) and designed to receive clamping elements (22) by means of which the cell stack (12) of the several cell stack elements (13) can be pressed between the plates (14, 15), characterized in that on opposing sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plates (14, 15), a first side (16) and a first edge (18) are attached to a first corner or corner area of the slabs (14,15) adjoin and a second side (17) and a second edge (19) adjoin a second corner or corner area of the plates (14, 15), the receiving elements (21) being arranged longitudinally along the opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) at different positions on the respective sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) such that the distance between the receiving elements (21) arranged on the first side (16) and the first corner or corner area differs from the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the second side (17) and the second corner or corner area, and the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the first edge (18) and the first corner or corner area differs from the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the second edge (19) and the second corner or corner area.
2. Cell stacking module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the receiving elements (21 ) formed on opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plates (14, 15) are offset from one another in such a way that, when the same clamping elements (22) are received, the clamping elements (22) engaging the sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) are offset from one another in the longitudinal extension of the opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19).
3. Cell stacking module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving elements (21) formed on opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) have a different distance to a respective corner (20) of the plate (14, 15) when viewed in the longitudinal extension of the opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19).
4. Cell stacking module (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the receiving elements (21) formed on opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) have a different distance in the longitudinal extension of the opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) to the sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plate (14, 15) which extend between the opposite sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19).
5. Cell stacking module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that tab-like projections (32) are formed on the sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plates (14, 15), on which the receiving elements (21) which are designed as slotted eyelets are formed. 16 / 19 6. Cell stacking module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the clamping elements (21 ) are designed as threaded pins.
7. Clamping plate for a cell stacking module according to at least one of the preceding claims, with openings for the passage of fluids in the plate cross-sectional direction and with opposing sides (16, 17) and edges (18, 19) on which receiving elements (21) for receiving clamping elements (22) are provided and of which a first side (16) and a first edge (18) adjoin a first corner or corner region of the plates (14, 15) and a second side (17) and a second edge (19) adjoin a second corner or corner region of the plates (14, 15), characterized in that the receiving elements (21) are arranged such that the distance between the receiving elements (21) arranged on the first side (16) and the first corner or corner region differs from the distance between the receiving elements arranged on the second side (17) and the second corner or corner region.and that the distance between the receiving elements arranged at the first edge (18) and the first corner or corner area differs from the distance between the receiving elements arranged at the second edge (19) and the second corner or corner area.
8. Electrolysis device (11) for producing hydrogen from water using electric current, comprising at least two stacked cell stack modules (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the directly stacked cell stack modules (10) are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other about an axis extending perpendicular to the plates of the cell stack modules (10), comprising a force application unit (29) having end plates (27, 28) and clamping devices (30), wherein the at least two 17 / 19 Cell stack modules (10) are pressed between the end plates (27, 28) of the force application unit (29).
9. Electrolysis device (10) according to claim 8, characterized by alignment elements which align cell stack modules (10) stacked directly on top of each other and engage in recesses (31) of opposing plates (14, 15) of cell stack modules (10) stacked directly on top of each other.
10. Method for assembling an electrolysis device (11) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising the following steps: Providing at least two cell stack modules (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein clamping elements (22) engage the sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plates (14, 15) of the respective cell stack module (10), via which the cell stack (12) of the respective cell stack module (10) is pressed between the plates (14, 15) of the respective cell stack module (10), Providing a force application unit (29) comprising an end plate (27, 28) and pressing devices (29), Stacking the at least two cell stack modules (10) and pressing them together between the end plates (27, 28) of the force application unit (29) via the pressing devices (30) of the force application unit (29), wherein the cell stack modules (10) are stacked in such a way that cell stack modules (10) stacked directly on top of each other are rotated 180° to each other about an axis extending perpendicular to the plates (14, 15).
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that after pressing the stacked cell stack modules (10) between the end plates (27, 28) of the force application unit (29) the clamping elements (22) are removed from the individual cell stack modules (10). 18 / 19 12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, when stacking the cell stacking module (10), cell stacking modules (10) stacked directly on top of each other are aligned to each other by means of alignment elements which are inserted into recesses (31) of opposing plates (14, 15) of cell stacking modules (10) stacked directly on top of each other.
13. Method for disassembling an electrolysis device (11) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising the following steps: attaching clamping elements (22) to the sides or edges (16, 17, 18, 19) of the plates (14, 15) of the cell stack modules (10) of the electrolysis device (11) to be dismantled, in order to individually press the cell stacks (12) of all cell stack modules (10) between the plates (14, 15) of the respective cell stack module (10), releasing the pressing devices (39) of the force application unit (29) Unstacking the cell stack modules (10).