Electrochemical cell framework and electrochemical device

Abstract

An electrochemical cell framework and an electrochemical device. The electrochemical cell framework comprises a frame (1) and a sealing insert (2), wherein the sealing insert (2) comprises an insert body (21) and a sealing member (22), the sealing member (22) being arranged on the insert body (21); and the sealing insert (2) is embedded into the frame (1) via the insert body (21). In the electrochemical cell framework, by means of the provision of the sealing insert that can be detachably assembled onto the frame, the sealing insert has good assembly performance; in addition, the sealing insert has low costs, is easy to manufacture, and provides stable sealing effects.

Description

Electrochemical unit framework and electrochemical device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealing technology for electrochemical devices. Specifically, this invention relates to an electrochemical unit frame and an electrochemical device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochemical devices can include, but are not limited to, batteries. For example, in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMWE) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), electrochemical devices include electrochemical unit groups, which consist of multiple electrochemical units stacked together. Each electrochemical unit includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and an electrochemical unit frame. For example, in a water electrolyzer, ultrapure water is introduced as the initial material at the anode side of the MEA, and the ultrapure water is dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen within the proton exchange membrane (PEM). Specifically, the ultrapure water is dissociated into oxygen at the anode, and protons recombine to form hydrogen at the cathode side after passing through the PEM. The electrochemical unit frame is disposed around the periphery of the MEA for assembling, fixing, and sealing the MEA.

[0003] Electrochemical unit frameworks play a crucial role in the stacking and sealing of electrochemical units. In related technologies, how to accurately position the seals, quickly and conveniently set them up, and ensure that the seals do not have dimensional deviations during installation to prevent leakage of the membrane electrode are problems that need to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above technical problems, the present invention provides an electrochemical unit framework and an electrochemical device, wherein the electrochemical device may be, but is not limited to, PEMWE and PEMFC.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an electrochemical unit frame, including a frame and a sealing insert. The sealing insert includes an insert and a seal; the seal is disposed on the insert; the sealing insert is embedded in the frame via the insert.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the sealing insert is fitted into the inner periphery of the frame via the insert.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the frame 1 has at least one manifold opening extending through the thickness direction, and the sealing insert is fitted around the at least one manifold opening on the periphery of the frame.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the seal is disposed on the side of the insert away from the connection position between the insert and the frame.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a first connecting portion is provided at the connecting position of the frame; a second connecting portion is provided at the connecting position of the inlay, and the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is a protruding structure, and the other is a groove structure that matches the shape of the protruding structure. The frame and the sealing insert are engaged with each other through the convex and concave structures that match the shapes of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided with pin holes; the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected by a pin.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first connecting portions are provided on the inner periphery of the frame, and a plurality of second connecting portions are provided on the outer periphery of the inlay, wherein the number and position of the first connecting portions correspond to the number and position of the second connecting portions, respectively.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the frame is provided with a support platform extending toward the sealing insert, the sealing insert being disposed on the support platform.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the sealing insert is a rectangular frame or an annular frame.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the sealing insert includes a plurality of assembleable and detachable insert segments.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the insert segment is in the form of a strip shape, an L-shape, a curved arc shape, or any combination of the above shapes.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the frame and the insert are supported by a metallic material, and the seal is formed on the inner periphery of the insert by vulcanization of an elastic material.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electrochemical device, including an electrochemical unit group and two end plates. The electrochemical unit group includes a plurality of stacked electrochemical units, each of which includes an electrochemical unit frame as described in any of the above embodiments and a membrane electrode disposed in a receiving space on the inner periphery of the electrochemical unit frame. The two end plates are respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group.

[0019] By pre-setting the seal onto the insert through a vulcanization process, the sealing insert offers better assembly performance compared to structures where the seal is directly set onto the frame. Furthermore, by providing mutually matching first and second connecting portions on the insert and frame, the assembly, disassembly, and replacement of the sealing insert are facilitated, and the alignment between the first and second connecting portions makes it easier to accurately position the sealing insert during assembly. In addition, the sealing insert is low-cost, easy to manufacture, and provides stable sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a decomposition and explosion diagram of an electrochemical device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an electrochemical unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electrochemical unit framework according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of the border according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this invention are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electrochemical device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an electrochemical unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, for example in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMWE) and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the electrochemical device includes an electrochemical unit group 1000 and two end plates 2000 respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group 1000, wherein the electrochemical unit group 1000 may be referred to as an electrolyzer in a PEMWE and as a stack in a PEMFC.

[0027] The electrochemical unit group 1000 includes a plurality of stacked electrochemical units 100. Each electrochemical unit 100 includes an electrochemical unit frame 10 and a membrane electrode disposed in a receiving space 20 within the electrochemical unit frame 10. The membrane electrode includes a porous transport layer (PTL) and a proton exchange layer (PEM) stacked together, wherein the membrane assembly after coating the PEM with a catalyst forms a catalyst coated membrane (CCM). The electrochemical unit frame 10 is used to mount and fix the membrane electrode. The electrochemical unit frame 10 also has a manifold opening 1a and a flow channel communicating between the manifold opening 1a and the receiving space 20 inside the electrochemical unit frame 10. When the plurality of electrochemical units 100 are stacked, the plurality of manifold openings 1a of the plurality of electrochemical units 100 are connected in the thickness direction to form a manifold. The flow channel is more specifically connected between the manifold and the porous transport layer of the membrane electrode within the receiving space 20. The manifold opening 1a has sealing structures on its inner and outer circumferential sides to prevent leakage from the manifold. Furthermore, sealing structures are also provided between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the membrane electrode, particularly between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the porous transport layer, to prevent hydrogen and oxygen leakage into other layers of the membrane electrode. This invention provides an electrochemical unit frame 10 with improved assembly and sealing performance.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, an electrochemical unit framework 10 is provided, which is applied in electrochemical devices, particularly in PEMWE and PEMFC.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the electrochemical unit frame 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of the frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the electrochemical unit frame 10 includes: a frame 1 and a sealing insert 2. The sealing insert 2 includes an insert 21 and a seal 22; the seal 22 is disposed on the insert 21; the sealing insert 2 is embedded in the periphery of the frame 1 through the insert 21.

[0030] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "sealant 22 is disposed on insert 21" can be defined as follows: sealant 22 is disposed on the side of insert 21 away from the connection position between insert 21 and frame 1.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the frame 1 is generally rectangular, but can also be a frame structure of other shapes. The sealing insert 2 can be, but is not limited to, a rectangular frame or an annular frame. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the sealing insert 2 can be embedded in the inner periphery of the frame 1 through the insert 21; correspondingly, the insert 21 is a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the shape of the inner periphery of the frame 1, and the sealing element 22 is disposed on the side of the insert 21 away from its connection position with the frame 1, that is, the sealing element 22 is disposed on the inner periphery of the insert 21; in this way, the sealing insert 2 can achieve the sealing between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the porous transport layer on the inner periphery.

[0032] In addition, at least one manifold opening 1a extending through the thickness direction is provided on the frame 1. The sealing insert 2 can also be embedded in the frame 1 around the manifold opening 1a. As shown in Figure 2, multiple manifold openings 1a are provided on the frame 1, and the sealing insert 2 can be set to be embedded in the frame 1 around the periphery of the multiple manifold openings 1a; in this case, the connection position between the insert 21 and the frame 1 can be located on the outer periphery of the frame 1 surrounding the manifold opening 1a, and the sealing member 22 is set on the side of the insert 21 away from the connection position, so that the sealing member 22 is set around the manifold opening 1a; in this way, the sealing insert 2 can achieve the sealing of the manifold opening 1a.

[0033] Furthermore, the sealing insert 2 can also be placed at other locations where sealing is required, or multiple sealing layers can be provided to enhance the sealing effect. The insert 21 can also be designed in other shapes as needed; this application does not limit its design.

[0034] With the electrochemical unit frame 10 of the above embodiment, the sealing insert 2 can be used as a pre-assembled part, pre-processed and then more easily assembled onto the frame 1. Compared with the technical solution of directly forming the seal onto the frame 1 through processes such as vulcanization, it has better assembly performance.

[0035] According to some optional embodiments, a first connecting portion 11 is provided on the inner periphery of the frame 1; a second connecting portion 211 is provided on the outer periphery of the insert 21; the sealing member 22 is provided on the inner periphery of the insert 21; and the second connecting portion 211 is connected to the first connecting portion 11.

[0036] By providing a first connecting part 11 and a second connecting part 211 that match each other on the frame 1 and the insert 21 respectively, it is convenient to assemble, disassemble and replace the sealing insert 2. Furthermore, the alignment between the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 211 makes it easier to accurately position the sealing insert 2 during the assembly process.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, one of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 211 is a protruding structure, and the other is a groove structure that matches the shape of the protruding structure. The frame 1 and the sealing insert 2 are engaged with each other through the convex and concave structures that match the shapes of the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 211.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first connecting part 11 is a groove structure, and the second connecting part 211 is a protruding structure. The first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 211 have matching shapes, such as semicircles, and matching sizes, so that the protruding second connecting part 211 can be placed in the first connecting part 11 and can be positioned by snap-fit ​​through their structures.

[0039] Since the frame 1 needs to meet certain structural strength requirements, it needs a certain width. Therefore, sufficient width is required for the recessed structure. Designing the second connecting part 211 as a protruding structure allows for a smaller width of the insert 21, saving space.

[0040] Conversely, if the first connecting part 11 is a protruding structure and the second connecting part 211 is a recessed structure, the frame 1 and the sealing insert 2 can also be interlocked. However, since the frame 1 needs to meet certain structural strength requirements, its width cannot be designed too small. Furthermore, since the insert 21 needs a recessed structure, its width must be sufficiently large, at least larger than the recessed structure, which is not conducive to saving space. For these reasons, the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is preferred, where the first connecting part 11 is a recessed structure and the second connecting part 211 is a protruding structure.

[0041] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 211 are provided with pin holes; the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 211 are connected by pins to make the connection between the frame 1 and the sealing insert 2 more secure.

[0042] Of course, snap-fit ​​positioning can also be achieved solely through the structure of the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 211.

[0043] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a plurality of first connecting portions 11 are provided on the inner periphery of the frame 1, and a plurality of second connecting portions 211 are provided on the outer periphery of the insert 21, wherein the number and position of the first connecting portions 11 correspond to the number and position of the second connecting portions 211, respectively.

[0044] With the above configuration, the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 211 correspond one-to-one, which facilitates the accurate positioning and assembly of the sealing insert 2 onto the frame 1.

[0045] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG4, an inwardly extending support platform 12 is provided on the inner periphery of the frame 1, and the sealing insert 2 is disposed on the support platform 12.

[0046] By setting up the support platform 12, the sealing insert 2 becomes more stable after being connected to the frame 1, and is less prone to deformation, thereby improving the structural strength of the electrochemical unit frame 10; and it also facilitates the installation operation between the sealing insert 2 and the frame 1, thereby improving the assembly performance of the electrochemical unit frame 10.

[0047] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the sealing insert 2 includes a plurality of assembleable and detachable insert segments 2a. Specifically, the frame 1 is rectangular, and the insert segments 2a can be elongated, L-shaped, curved, or any combination of the above shapes.

[0048] Designing the sealing insert 2 as multiple assembleable and detachable insert segments 2a allows for individual installation of each segment 2a, facilitating the assembly of the sealing insert 2. It also saves material and avoids waste. Specifically, if the rectangular sealing insert 2 is manufactured as a single unit, the size of the middle portion of the rectangular frame is insufficient to produce the next complete rectangular insert 21 and seal 22 when cutting the complete rectangular insert 21 and seal 22 from the sheet metal. This results in the cut-off portion of the rectangular frame being unusable, leading to material waste. However, by dividing the sealing insert 2 into multiple assembleable and detachable insert segments 2a, each segment 2a being a long strip, L-shape, curved arc, or any combination of these shapes, the waste of the cut-off portion in the middle of the rectangular frame can be avoided.

[0049] Furthermore, according to some optional embodiments, the frame 1 and the insert 21 are made of metal material, and the seal 22 is formed on the inner periphery of the insert 21 by vulcanization of an elastic material. For example, the seal 22 may be formed by vulcanization of a rubber material.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical device is also provided. Referring to FIG1, the electrochemical device includes an electrochemical unit group 1000 and two end plates 2000. The electrochemical unit group 1000 includes a plurality of stacked electrochemical units 100, each of the electrochemical units 100 including an electrochemical unit frame 10 as described in any of the above embodiments and a membrane electrode disposed in a receiving space 20 on the inner peripheral side of the electrochemical unit frame 10. The two end plates 2000 are respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group 1000.

[0051] By pre-setting the seal 22 onto the insert 21 through a vulcanization process, the sealing insert 2 exhibits better assembly performance compared to a structure where the seal is directly set onto the frame 1. Furthermore, by providing mutually matching first connecting portions 11 and second connecting portions 211 on the insert 21 and the frame 1, the assembly, disassembly, and replacement of the sealing insert 2 are facilitated, and the alignment between the first connecting portions 11 and the second connecting portions 211 makes it easier to accurately position the sealing insert during assembly. In addition, the sealing insert 2 is low-cost, easy to manufacture, and provides a stable sealing effect.

[0052] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of the invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrochemical unit framework, characterized in that, include: Border (1); as well as A sealing insert (2) includes an insert (21) and a seal (22); the seal (22) is disposed on the insert (21); the sealing insert (2) is embedded in the frame (1) through the insert (21).

2. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing insert (2) is fitted into the inner periphery of the frame (1) via the insert (21).

3. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) has at least one manifold opening (1a) extending through the thickness direction, and the sealing insert (2) is fitted around the at least one manifold opening (1a) on the periphery of the frame (1).

4. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seal (22) is disposed on the side of the insert (21) away from the connection position between the insert (21) and the frame (1).

5. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first connecting part (11) is provided at the connecting position of the frame (1); a second connecting part (211) is provided at the connecting position of the inlay (21), and the second connecting part (211) is connected to the first connecting part (11).

6. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the first connecting part (11) and the second connecting part (211) is a protruding structure, and the other is a groove structure that matches the shape of the protruding structure. The frame (1) and the sealing insert (2) are engaged with each other through the concave and convex structures that match the shapes of the first connecting part (11) and the second connecting part (211).

7. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting part (11) and the second connecting part (211) are provided with pin holes; the first connecting part (11) and the second connecting part (211) are connected by pins.

8. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner periphery of the frame (1) is provided with a plurality of first connecting parts (11), and the outer periphery of the inlay (21) is provided with a plurality of second connecting parts (211). The number and position of the first connecting parts (11) correspond to the number and position of the second connecting parts (211), respectively.

9. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) is provided with a support platform (12) extending toward the sealing insert (2), and the sealing insert (2) is disposed on the support platform (12).

10. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing insert (2) is a rectangular frame or an annular frame.

11. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sealing insert (2) includes multiple assembleable and detachable insert segments (2a).

12. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insert segment (2a) is a strip shape, an L-shape, a curved arc shape, or any combination of the above shapes.

12. The electrochemical unit frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (1) and the insert (21) are made of metallic material, and the seal (22) is formed on the inner periphery of the insert (21) by vulcanization of an elastic material.

13. An electrochemical device, characterized in that, include: An electrochemical unit group (1000) comprising a plurality of stacked electrochemical units (100), each of the electrochemical units (100) comprising an electrochemical unit frame (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 and a membrane electrode disposed in a receiving space (20) on the inner periphery of the electrochemical unit frame (10); and Two end plates (2000) are respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the electrochemical unit group (1000).

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