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    • 专利摘要:
    A spacer (100) for an electrolytic cell (3) of substantially annular shape comprises: - a peripheral portion (101) having two main faces (105, 107) parallel and opposite to one another, the distance separating the two main faces (105, 107) defining a thickness (200) of the spacer (100), and - an inner portion (103) having a thickness (201) strictly smaller than the thickness (200) of the spacer (100), the peripheral portion (101) and the inner portion (103) being integral and connected to each other forming an inner annular shoulder so that the inner portion (103) has a substantially annular intermediate face (111) and extending in a plane parallel to the two main faces (105, 107) of the peripheral portion (101) and located between the two main faces (105, 107).
    公开号:FR3062856A1
    申请号:FR1751195
    申请日:2017-02-14
    公开日:2018-08-17
    发明作者:Francois LARIDANT；Eric Gernot；Fabien Aupretre
    申请人:Areva H2Gen SAS；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    © Publication no .: 3,062,856 (to be used only for reproduction orders)
    ©) National registration number: 17 51195 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC
    NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
    COURBEVOIE © IntCI 8
    C25 B 9/00 (2017.01), C 25 B 9/18
    A1 PATENT APPLICATION
    ©) Date of filing: 14.02.17. (© Applicant (s): AREVA H2GEN Joint stock company (© Priority: simplified - FR. @ Inventor (s): LARIDANT FRANÇOIS, GERNOT ERIC and AUPRETRE FABIEN. (43) Date of public availability of the request: 17.08.18 Bulletin 18/33. ©) List of documents cited in the report preliminary research: Refer to end of present booklet (© References to other national documents (73) Holder (s): AREVA H2GEN Société par actions sim- related: folded. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): CABINET NETTER.
    ELECTROLYZER SPACER AND ELECTROLYSER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A SPACER.
    FR 3,062,856 - A1 yV) A spacer (100) for an electrolyser cell (3), of substantially annular shape, comprises:
    - A peripheral part (101) having two main faces (105, 107) parallel and opposite to each other, the distance separating the two main faces (105, 107) defining a thickness (200) of the spacer (100), and
    an internal part (103) having a thickness (201) strictly less than the thickness (200) of the spacer (100), the peripheral part (101) and the internal part (103) being in one piece and connected to each other by forming an internal annular shoulder so that the internal part (103) has an intermediate face (111) substantially annular and extending along a plane parallel to the two main faces (105, 107) of the peripheral part (101) and located between the two main faces (105, 107).

    ArevaH2Gen4.FRD
    Electrolyser spacer and electrolyser equipped with such a spacer
    The invention relates to an electrolysis cell and a spacer for such a cell.
    To produce hydrogen industrially in a decentralized and ecological way, the electrolysis of water is preferred to reforming. Current electrolyser devices comprise a plurality of electrochemical cells, supplied with water, and each comprising a pair of electrodes. For reasons of cost and size in particular, the cells are generally flat and grouped in one or more stacks, or stack in English, so that two superimposed cells each have a common electrode.
    In order to reduce the costs, linked in particular to the manufacture and operation of the stacks, it is generally sought to maximize the number of cells per stack. By applying a direct current between the anode and the cathode of each cell, by means of a generator whose output voltage can be adjustable, the electrolysis reaction of the water is caused. Dihydrogen (LL) and dioxygen (O2) are thus produced.
    The Applicant has proposed seals which make it possible to stack a large number of cells, for example up to 300 cells. The cells are capable of withstanding large clamping forces and internal pressures of around 45 bar. Such seals are satisfactory and are for example described in WO 2015/004378.
    When such seals are used under even higher pressures and / or with significant pressure differences between two compartments of the same cell, deformations may appear. In addition, the seals described in WO 2015/004378, mounted in pairs for each cell, require careful assembly of the cell under penalty of malfunction.
    The invention improves the situation.
    The Applicant proposes a spacer for an electrolyser cell, of substantially annular shape and comprising:
    a peripheral part having two main faces which are parallel and opposite to each other, the distance separating the two main faces defining a thickness of the spacer, and an internal part having a thickness strictly less than the thickness of l 'spacer, the peripheral part and the internal part being in one piece and connected to each other by forming an internal annular shoulder so that the internal part has a substantially annular intermediate face and extending along a plane parallel to the two main faces of the peripheral part and located between the two main faces.
    The spacer may also have the following characteristics, combined or not:
    the internal part also has a substantially planar, annular and coplanar bearing face with one of the two main faces of the peripheral part,
    - the spacer comprises a metallic core and an electrically insulating envelope covering the core at least on the areas of the spacer in contact with an internal space of the electrolyser cell in the assembled state,
    - At least one groove is formed in the core, extending substantially along the circumference of the spacer, and in at least one of the two main faces and the intermediate face, the at least one groove forming a housing for a sealing line in the assembled state of the spacer,
    - The casing has at least one rib, extending substantially along the circumference of the spacer, and projecting, in the resting state of the spacer, from at least one of the two main faces and the intermediate face, the at least one rib forming a sealing line in the assembled state of the spacer.
    According to a second aspect of the invention, the Applicant proposes an electrolysis cell comprising two substantially planar electrodes parallel to one another, a membrane and a substantially annular part forming a spacer between the two electrodes in a direction stack, the two electrodes and the spacer together delimiting an internal space of the cell.
    The spacer comprises a peripheral part having two main faces opposite one with respect to the other and in respective abutment against one and the other of the two electrodes, the distance separating the two main faces defining a thickness of the part. peripheral corresponding to the thickness of the internal space of the cell in the stacking direction, and an internal part having a thickness strictly less than the thickness of the peripheral part, the peripheral part and the internal part being of a in one piece and connected to each other by forming an internal annular shoulder so that the internal part has a substantially annular intermediate face opposite and at a distance from one of the two electrodes, the intermediate face supporting the membrane so that the membrane divides the internal space of the cell into two compartments.
    Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:
    FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of water electrolysis cells within a battery,
    FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the operation of an electrolysis cell according to the invention,
    - Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electrolysis cell according to the invention.
    FIG. 4 is a view of a face of a spacer according to the invention,
    FIG. 5 is a view of the face opposite to that visible in FIG. 4,
    FIG. 6 is a schematic view of section VI shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
    FIG. 7 is a schematic view of section VII shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
    FIG. 8 is a schematic view of section VIII shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and
    - Figure 9 is a schematic and partial view of the section of Figure 6 in the mounted state in a cell.
    In the following, the terms anode, cathode and their derivatives are used in accordance with what is shown in the figures. Nevertheless, the proposed electrolyser structures can operate in reverse with respect to what is shown.
    For example, by reversing the polarization and exchanging the assignments of the fluid inputs and outputs, the anode compartment can become the cathode compartment and vice versa. Unless otherwise stated, the examples of dimensions given below are nominal values in the idle state of the parts.
    Reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates the electrochemical appearance of an electrolyser battery.
    An electrolyser cell 1 comprises a plurality of water electrolysis cells 3 stacked one on the other in a stacking direction XX. Only two cells 3 are represented in FIG. 1.
    Each cell 3 comprises a pair of electrodes 5, 7, a proton exchange membrane 9, or PEM membrane for proton exchange membrane in English, and an external wall 10.
    The two electrodes 5, 7 are each formed of a bipolar plate 4. A bipolar plate 4 comprises two faces opposite one with respect to the other. A first face forms an anode 5 of a first cell 3, while a second face forms a cathode 7 of a second cell 3 adjacent to the first cell 3. With the exception of the ends of the cell 1, each plate bipolar 4 is arranged at the interface of two adjacent cells 3.
    The two bipolar plates 4 forming the electrodes 5, 7 of a cell 3 are of substantially planar shape. The electrodes 5, 7 are installed substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to the stacking direction XX. The two electrodes 5, 7 are here of identical structures and compositions. As a variant, the bipolar plates 4 can be adapted as a function of their function. For example, coatings can be provided to chemically protect the electrodes 5, 7 from the contents of the anode and cathode compartments.
    The PEM membrane 9 is disposed between the two electrodes 5, 7 and substantially parallel to the electrodes 5, 7.
    The space between the anode 5 and the PEM membrane 9 defines an anode compartment 11. The space between the cathode 7 and the PEM membrane 9 defines a cathode compartment
    13. The anode compartment 11 and the cathode compartment 13 each contain water. Preferably, deionized water is used. For example, water has a conductivity lower than IpS.cm 2 .
    The external wall 10 extends substantially in the stacking direction XX and delimits the anode compartment 11 and the cathode compartment 13. A first water inlet 51 is formed through the external wall 10 so as to open into the anode compartment 11. A second water inlet 53 is formed through the outer wall 10 so as to open into the cathode compartment 13. An outlet 55 of the anode compartment 11 is formed through the outer wall 10. The outlet 55 of the anode compartment 11 takes the form of a passage suitable for discharging water loaded with oxygen (O2) in gaseous form. An outlet 57 of the cathode compartment 13 is formed through the external wall 10. The outlet 57 of the cathode compartment 13 takes the form of a passage suitable for discharging water loaded with dihydrogen (H2) in gaseous form.
    The application of an electrical voltage between the anode 5 and the cathode 7 feeds the electrolysis reactions. In the anode compartment 11, the following reaction (1) takes place:
    2H 2 O -> 4H + + 4th + O 2 (1)
    The protons (H + ) resulting from reaction (1) in the anode compartment 11 migrate through the PEM membrane 9 into the cathode compartment 13. In the cathode compartment 13, the following reaction (2) takes place:
    4H + + 4th '2H 2 (2)
    The reactions (1) and (2) within the electrolysis cell 1 are controlled by adjusting the direct current or the voltage applied to the electrodes 5, 7.
    The anode 5 and the cathode 7 at the respective ends of the electrolysis cell 1 are intended to be connected to a direct current generator. The electrical connections and the current source common to cells 3 of battery 1 are not shown.
    The first water inlet 51, the second water inlet 53, the dioxygen (O2) outlet 55 and the dihydrogen (H2) outlet 57 of each cell 3 of the stack 1 can be fluidly connected to the homologous inputs / outputs of the other cells 3 of the stack 1. Thus, the first water inlets 51 of the stack 1 are supplied by a common source of water, the second water inlets 53 of the stack 1 are supplied by a source of common water, the oxygen (O2) outlets of cell 1 are connected to a common collector and the dihydrogen (H2) outlets of cell 1 are connected to a common collector.
    The second water inlets 53 improve the thermal regulation and limit the drying of the PEM membrane 9. As a variant, the second water inlets 53 are omitted from the cathode 7 side.
    Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates the mechanical and fluidic appearance of an electrolysis cell 3. The cell 3 comprises the two bipolar plates 4, one forming an anode 5 while the other forms a cathode 7, a piece forming a spacer 100, the PEM membrane 9, two current diffusers 15, hereinafter diffusers 15, and two porous current collectors 17, hereinafter collectors 17.
    The spacer 100 is held between the anode 5 and the cathode 7 in the stacking direction XX. The anode 5, the cathode 7 and the spacer 100 together delimit an internal space of the cell 3, inside the spacer 100. The PEM membrane 9 is arranged in the internal space of the cell 3 so to delimit the anode 11 and cathode compartments 13. Each of the two compartments 11, 13 is occupied respectively by a diffuser 15 and a collector 17. Each anode compartment 11 and cathode compartment 13 houses a diffuser 15 on the side of the anode 5, respectively the cathode 7, and a collector 17 on the side of the PEM membrane 9. The PEM membrane 9 is placed, or sandwiched, between the two collectors 17.
    For a cell 3, we therefore find in the stacking direction XX in the internal space and in this order:
    - the bipolar plate 4 forming anode 5,
    - the diffuser 15 in the anode compartment 11,
    - the collector 17 in the anode compartment 11,
    - the PEM 9 membrane,
    the collector 17 in the cathode compartment 13,
    the diffuser 15 in the cathode compartment 13, and
    - the bipolar plate 4 forming cathode 7.
    The spacer 100 is of substantially annular shape so as to separate the internal space from the outside of the cell 3. The spacer 100 here forms the external wall 10 of the cell 3. The spacer 100 also forms an insulator between the anode 5, the cathode 7 and the PEM membrane 9.
    The anode compartment 11 and the cathode behavior 13, respectively the two diffusers 15, and respectively the two collectors 17, are similar in pairs but of different dimensions. The two bipolar plates 4 are identical. In variants, the homologous parts on either side of the PEM membrane 9 present, in addition to their dimensions, minor differences.
    In the assembled state of cell 3, the anode face 5 of the first bipolar plate 4 and the cathode face 7 of the second bipolar plate 4 are respectively supported on either side of the spacer 100 according to the stacking direction XX. The spacer 100 maintains the distance between the two bipolar plates 4 in the stacking direction XX. Here, the PEM membrane 9 is in abutment against the spacer 100 on the cathode side and in abutment against the stack of the collector 17, the diffuser 15 and the anode 5 on the anode side. The stacking direction XX also corresponds to a clamping direction and a thickness direction of the bipolar plates 4, of the spacer 100, of the PEM membrane 9, of the diffusers 15 and of the collectors 17.
    The dimensions of the PEM membrane 9, the diffusers 15 and the collectors 17 are adjusted so as to substantially fill the cell 3. The tightening of the spacer 100 between the anode 5 and the cathode 7 seals the cell 3 and the electrical contacts between the diffusers 15, the collectors 17 and the bipolar plates 4. The anode compartment 11 and the cathode compartment 13 are fluidly isolated from the outside of the cell 3.
    The first water inlet 51, the second water inlet 53, the outlet 55 for oxygen (O2) and the outlet 57 for dihydrogen (H2) from cell 3 are respectively connected to a first water supply channel 151 , a second water supply channel 153, a dioxygen evacuation channel (O2) 155 and a dihydrogen (H2) evacuation channel 157 common to the other cells 3 of cell 1 not shown in FIG. 2.
    Reference is now made to FIG. 3. In the embodiment described here, the PEM membrane 9 has a disc shape. Its diameter here is around 298 millimeters. Its thickness is between approximately 0.05 and 0.3 millimeter.
    The bipolar plates 4 take the form of generally circular flat plates. The bipolar plates 4 each have an outer edge corresponding to the shape of the spacer 100. As a variant, the outer edge of the anode 5 and / or the outer edge of the cathode 7 have a connector for connection to the source of current. The anode 5 and the cathode 7 are made of an electrically conductive material, for example titanium.
    The diffusers 15 are electrically conductive. The diffusers 15 include passages for the fluids in one or more directions substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction, that is to say perpendicular to the stacking direction XX in the assembled state.
    In the example described here, the diffusers 15 take the form of disc-shaped grids. As a variant, the diffusers 15 can take other forms suitable for homogenizing the circulation of fluids in the anode 11 and cathode 13 compartments. The diameter here is approximately 280 millimeters in the anode compartment 11 while it is d '' about 265 millimeters in the cathode compartment
    13. The thickness is between approximately 0.9 and 1.2 millimeters. The diffusers 15 are made of an electrically conductive material, for example based on titanium. The diffusers 15 here take the form of grids whose mesh is arranged so that a circulation of fluid in the direction of the main plane of the diffuser 15 is as homogeneous as possible by extending in the directions of the plane. For example, the meshes form a diamond of 4.5 by 2.7 millimeters.
    As a variant, the diffusers 15 can be produced by means of a set of channels formed in the anode 5 on the one hand and in the cathode 7 on the other hand.
    In yet another variant, the diffuser 15 is omitted from the side of the cathode 7. This variant is preferred when the second water inlets 53 are omitted and the circulation of water in the cathode compartment 13 is not provided. In this case in particular, the dimensions can be adapted. For example, the thicknesses on the cathode side can be reduced.
    The collectors 17 are electrically conductive. The collectors 17 are finely porous so that the exchanges of liquid and gaseous fluids are allowed through the collectors 17 in one or more directions substantially parallel to their thickness direction, that is to say parallel to the direction of stack XX in the assembled state.
    In the example described here, the collectors 17 have a disc shape. Their diameter here is around 280 millimeters in the anode compartment 11 while it is around 265 millimeters in the cathode compartment 13. The thickness is between 1.3 and 1.8 millimeters. Alternatively, in particular in the absence of water circulation in the cathode compartment 13, the thicknesses may be less on the cathode side. The collectors 17 are made of an electrically conductive material which is permeable to liquids, for example sintered and porous titanium.
    ίο
    The external shapes and dimensions of the diffusers 15 and of the collectors 17 correspond to the internal shapes and dimensions of the spacer 100 inside which the diffusers 15 and the collectors 17 are housed. A mounting clearance is provided to allow expansion of the diffusers 15, the collectors 17 and the spacer 100 in operation. The diameter of the PEM membrane 9 is less than the interior diameter of the spacer 100 on the anode side and greater than the interior diameter of the spacer 100 on the cathode side. Thus, the PEM membrane 9 comes to bear against the internal annular shoulder of the spacer 100 shown in FIG. 2 and which will be described in more detail below. The bipolar plates 4 have shapes and dimensions adapted to come to bear against the spacer 100.
    In the example described here, the anode 5, the cathode 7, the two diffusers 15 and the two collectors 17 of the cell 3 are in the general shape of a disc. The spacer 100 has a corresponding generally circular outline. The substantially axisymmetric shapes facilitate the resistance to pressure as well as a homogeneous distribution of the fluids in the cells 3. The circular shapes remain optional. As a variant, the spacer 100 can have a substantially annular shape, that is to say a closed contour hollowed out at its center, while having non-circular internal and external edges viewed in the stacking direction XX, by for example rectangular, square or any other suitable closed shape. Similarly, the anode 5, the cathode 7, the two diffusers 15 and the two collectors 17 of the cell 3 may have shapes corresponding to that of the spacer 100 and not circular. In addition, the dimensions given above by way of example can be adapted according to the desired applications.
    As a variant, the PEM 9 membrane is replaced by an anionic membrane. In this case, the electrolyte is basic instead of being acidic. The hydroxide anions (HO) cross the anionic membrane. The chemical reactions in the compartments are modified, but the structure and operation of cell 1 remain similar.
    Figures 4 to 9 show an embodiment of a spacer 100, which can be used in cells 3 and a stack 1 as described so far.
    Reference is first made to FIGS. 4 and 5. The spacer 100 is in one piece and of substantially annular shape. In the example described here, the spacer 100 has a substantially flat crown shape: it extends along a main plane, corresponding to the plane of Figures 4 and 5, and has a thickness direction perpendicular to the main plane. In the stacked state, the thickness direction of the spacer 100 is parallel to the stacking direction XX. The sections of the spacer 100 have, over the entire circumference of the spacer 100, a width substantially greater than its thickness.
    The spacer 100 includes a peripheral part 101 and an internal part 103. The internal part 103 projects from the peripheral part 101 towards the inside of the substantially annular shape.
    The peripheral part 101 has a first main face 105 and a second main face 107 opposite to each other and extending perpendicular to the thickness direction of the spacer 100. The internal part 103 having a bearing face 109. The bearing face 109 is, here, substantially planar, annular and coplanar with the second pfncipal face 107. The bearing face 109 of the internal part 103 is substantially in the extension of the second face pnncipale 107 of the peripheral part 101. The internal part 103 has an intermediate face 111 opposite the bearing face 109. The intermediate face 111 is, here, substantially planar, annular and set back with respect to the first pfncipale face 105 of the peripheral part 101 in the thickness direction. The intermediate face 111 extends along a plane parallel to the first pfncipal face 105 and to the second pfncipal face 107 and between the two pfncipal faces 105, 107 of the peripheral part 101. In the assembled state, the intermediate face 111 defines the position of the border between the anode compartment 11 and the cathode compartment 13 and receives the PEM membrane 9.
    Thus, the peripheral part 101 and the internal part 103 are formed in one piece and connected to each other by forming an internal annular shoulder.
    The peripheral part 101 has a thickness 200. The thickness 200 is defined by the distance separating the two main faces 105, 107 from the peripheral part 101. The thickness 200 corresponds substantially to the overall thickness of the spacer 100 The internal part 103 has a thickness 201 defined by the distance separating the bearing face 109 and the intermediate face 111. The thickness 201 of the internal part 103 is strictly less than the thickness 200 of the peripheral part 101. L thickness 201 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the cathode compartment 13. The difference between the thickness 200 of the peripheral part 101 and the thickness 201 of the internal part 103 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the anode compartment 11, at thickness of the PEM 9 membrane.
    The first main face 105 of the peripheral part 101 and the intermediate face 111 of the internal part 103 are connected to each other by means of a connection surface 113. The connection surface 113 is annular and substantially cylindrical. The height of the connection surface 113 corresponds to the difference between the thickness 200 of the peripheral part 101 and the thickness 201 of the internal part 103. The connection surface 113 forms an anodic part of the external wall 10 of the cell 3 in the assembled state. In this state, the connection surface 113 delimits the outline of the anode compartment 11 of the cell 3.
    The spacer 100 also has an outer edge 115 and an inner edge 117. The outer edge 115 connects the first main face 105 and the second main face 107 of the peripheral part 101 to each other. The outer edge 115 forms the outer contour of the annular shape of the spacer 100. The height of the outer edge 115 corresponds to the thickness 200 of the peripheral part 101. The inner edge 117 connects the bearing face 109 and the intermediate face 111 of the internal part 103 to each other. The internal edge 117 extends over the internal contour of the annular shape of the spacer 100. The height of the internal edge 117 corresponds to the thickness 201 of the internal part 103. Here, the internal edge 117 has a diameter of about 265 millimeters. The internal edge 117 forms a cathodic part of the external wall 10 of the cell 3 in the assembled state. In this state, the internal edge 117 delimits the outline of the cathode compartment 13 of the cell 3.
    The spacer 100 has a first orifice 121, a second orifice 123, a third office 125 and a fourth orifice 127. The four orifices 121, 123, 125, 127 are through in the thickness direction. The first port 121 and the second port 123 are substantially diametrically opposed to each other in the annular shape of the spacer 100. The third port 125 and the fourth port 127 are substantially diametrically opposed to each other to the other in the annular shape of the spacer 100. The four orifices 121, 123, 125, 127 each have a closed contour, here circular. In operation, the four orifices 121, 123, 125, 127 allow the circulation of a fluid in the thickness direction through the spacer 100. In the mounted state of the spacer 100, the four orifices 121, 123, 125, 127 respectively form portions of the first water supply channel 151, the second water supply channel 153, the oxygen (O 2 ) exhaust channel 155 and the dihydrogen exhaust channel ( EL) 157 of stack 1.
    In the continuity of the orifice 121, respectively 123, 125 and 127, the spacer 100 includes a passage 131, respectively 133, 135, 137. The passage 131, respectively 133, 135 and 137, extends between the orifice 121, respectively 123, 125 and 127, and the internal space of the spacer 100, here substantially in a radial direction. In operation, the fluids pass between the channel 151, respectively 153, 155 and 157, and the interior space of the cell 3 via the passage 131, respectively 133, 135 and 137. Thus, in operation, the passage 131, respectively 133 , 135 and 137, forms the first water inlet 51 in the anode compartment 11, respectively the second water inlet 53 in the cathode compartment 13, respectively the outlet 55 of oxygen (O2) from the anode compartment 11, respectively the dihydrogen (EL) outlet 57 from the cathode compartment 13. Here, passage 131, respectively 133, 135 and 137, leads to the diffuser 15.
    Here, the passages 131, 133, 135, 137 take the form of grooves formed in one of the two main faces 105, 107, for example produced by shrinking material. The passages 131 and 135 are formed on the anode side, either in the first main face 105 in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, while the passages 133 and 137 are formed on the cathode side, or in the second main face 107 in the example. Figures 4 and 5. Here, the edges of the passages 131 and 135 anode side are flared. This improves the homogeneity of the fluid circulation in the anode compartment 11. The edges of the passages 133, 137 on the cathode side are straight. Alternatively, the edges on the anode side are straight and / or the edges on the cathode side are flared.
    In the embodiment described here, the four orifices 121, 123, 125, 127 and their passage 131, 133, 135, 137 respectively are grouped two by two in the circumference of the spacer 100. The channels 151, 153, 155 , 157 for fluids in an assembled state of the spacer 100 are thus in close proximity two by two, which reduces the size of the stack 1. By arranging the stack 1 so that the stacking direction XX is substantially horizontal , the inputs 51 and 53 can be arranged at the bottom while the outputs 55 and 57 can be arranged at the top. The evacuation of gases by exits 55 and 57 is facilitated by the effect of Archimedes' thrust. This arrangement remains optional: the orifices can be distributed differently in the spacer 100.
    The spacer 100 has in its circumference:
    - two common portions, devoid of orifice, on the left and on the right in FIGS. 4 and 5, and
    - two communication portions, in which the four orifices 121, 123, 125, 127 are arranged, at the top down in FIGS. 4 and 5.
    The communication portions are enlarged compared to the current portions. On the communication portions, the outer edge 115 takes the form of two arcs of a circle of approximately 400 millimeters in diameter. On common portions, the outer edge 115 takes the form of two arcs of a circle of approximately 320 millimeters in diameter. The communication and current portions are connected to each other in a substantially continuous manner. In addition, the outer edge 115 has a notch 129 on each of the two communication portions. The notches 129 have, here, a semicircle shape and are arranged so as to cooperate with a guide of a stack 1. The notches 129 facilitate the indexing of the spacers 100 during assembly of the stack 1 and improve their maintained by an external structure. Alternatively, other guide and fixing means are provided.
    In the example described here, the spacer 100 comprises a core 161 and an envelope 163 covering at least partially the core 161.
    The core 161 is made from metal, for example stainless steel. The envelope 163 has, here, a composition based on ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM). The composition of the casing 163 has an elasticity greater than that of the composition of the core 161. The EPDM used here makes it possible to obtain mechanical properties, and in particular resistance to extreme temperatures, improved with respect to d 'other elastomers. The use of EPDM rather than other elastomers remains optional. For example, fluoropolymers (FKM), silicones (VMQ), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA and EVM) and chlorinated polyethylenes (CM) can be used depending on the desired applications. In the example described here, the envelope 163 is adhered to the core 161. The spacer 100 is obtained by injection of the material constituting the envelope 163 in contact with the core 161.
    The envelope 163 is present at least on each of the surfaces of the core 161 which must be electrically insulated during operation. The electrically insulating casing 163 covers the core 161 at least on the areas of the spacer 100 in contact with the internal space of the cell 3 in the assembled state. The chemical degradation of the core 161 by the fluids of the cell 3 is limited. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the casing 163 covers the core 161, continuously, and on all the surfaces except the outer edge 115 and areas of the first main surface 105 and the second main face 107 located along the outer edge 115 and notches 129.
    The uncoated surfaces of the core 161 make it easier to manufacture the spacer 100, save material and guide and align the parts with precision when mounting the stack 1.
    The cell 3 further comprises seals arranged so as to prevent leakage of fluids between the parts forming the cell 3. In the example described here, the seals, or sealing lines, are formed by ribs, or local thicknesses, formed in the envelope 163. Thus, the spacer 100, in one piece, provides both a structural function by delimiting the compartments 11, 13 of the cell 3, a function of electrical insulation and a function of sealing. The addition of additional sealing parts is superfluous. As a variant, at least some of the seals are formed by parts that are distinct from the spacer 100. For example, deformable parts based on an elastomer of the rod or rod type are placed between substantially non-deformable parts. In other words, at least some of the ribs shown in the figures can be replaced by seals which are not integral with the spacer 100.
    In FIGS. 4 and 5, the joints are represented by thick lines. In the example described here, the spacer 100 includes:
    an anodic sealing line 205 extending on the first main face 105 and defining a continuous and closed contour surrounding both the connection surface 113, the orifice 121 and the orifice 125;
    - A cathodic sealing line 207 extending on the second main face 107 and defining a continuous and closed contour surrounding both the internal edge 117, the orifice 123 and the orifice 127;
    - An intermediate sealing line 209 extending on the intermediate face 111 and defining a continuous and closed contour surrounding the internal edge 117;
    - Orifice contour sealing lines 223 and 227 extending over the first main face 105 and defining a continuous and closed contour respectively surrounding the orifice 123 and the orifice 127;
    - orifice contour sealing lines 221 and 225 extending over the second main face 107 and defining a continuous and closed contour respectively surrounding the orifice 121 and the orifice 125.
    In the assembled state of the spacer 100, the anode sealing line 205 is arranged between the first main face 105 and the anode 5 in the stacking direction XX while ensuring the sealing of the anode compartment 11 relative to outside. Fluid communication is preserved substantially in a radial direction between the anode compartment 11 and the orifice 121, respectively the orifice 125, via the passagel31, respectively the passage 135. The cathodic sealing line 207 is disposed between the second main face 107 and the cathode 7 in the stacking direction XX while ensuring the sealing of the cathode compartment 13 relative to the outside. The fluid communication is preserved substantially in a radial direction between the cathode compartment 13 and the orifice 123, respectively the orifice 127, via the passage 133, respectively the passage 137. The intermediate sealing line 209 is disposed between the intermediate face 111 and the PEM membrane 9 in the stacking direction XX while ensuring the fluid tightness of the anode compartment 11 and of the cathode compartment 13 relative to one another.
    The orifice contour sealing lines 223 and 227 are arranged between the first main face 105 and the anode 5 while the orifice contour sealing lines 221 and 225 are arranged between the second main face 107 and the cathode 7. The orifice contour sealing line 221, respectively 223, 225 and 227, seals with respect to the outside of the channel 151, respectively 153, 155 and 157, formed by the alignment of the orifices 121, respectively 123, 125 and 127, of each of the cells 3 of a stack 1. As can be seen in the figures, the anodic sealing line 205 merges locally with the sealing lines around the orifice outline 223 and 227 while the cathode sealing line 207 merges locally with the orifice contour sealing lines 221 and 225.
    As shown in Figures 6 to 9, each rib formed in the envelope 163 is housed in part in a corresponding groove formed in the core 161. Alternatively, the groove is omitted.
    In the example described here, each of the ribs has a section of substantially symmetrical shape, here semi-circular. As a variant, other forms of section are implemented. The grooves may, for example, have a rounded section. The ribs may have substantially square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or even pointed or clipped, or even asymmetrical sections.
    At rest, the ribs protrude from the first main face 105, respectively from the second main face 107, from the bearing face 109 and from the intermediate face 111. In the clamped state of the stack 1, as shown by example in FIG. 9, the ribs are compressed in the stacking direction XX and have an expansion substantially in the directions perpendicular to the stacking direction XX, here in the grooves made in the core 161. By the effect of the return elastic, the ribs are applied against the facing parts and thus ensure sealing. Alternatively, the presence of the grooves is combined with seals separate from the spacer 100. The grooves reduce the risk that the sealing lines are improperly positioned or damaged. In the example described here, in the operating state and therefore in the compressed state of the ribs, the height of a rib is reduced from 10% to 40% relative to the height at rest of this same rib. In addition, the dimensions of the grooves are selected so that the portion of the volume of the grooves formed in the core 161 occupied by the material of the ribs is less than 90%.
    In the example described here, the envelope 163 has a substantially uniform thickness around the core 161 with the exception of the ribs which form local excess thicknesses of the envelope 163. In the example described here, the thickness of the envelope 163 outside of the exceptional areas is greater than 0.3 millimeter. In addition to the ribs, the part of the envelope 163 covering the core 161 on the internal edge 117 also constitutes an exception to the uniformity of the thickness. The part of the envelope 163 covering the internal edge 117 thus has a thickness greater than that of the envelope 163 in the other zones of the spacer 100. This difference in thickness results from the injection molding operation of the 'envelope 163. As a variant, this additional thickness is omitted.
    In the clamped state in the stacking direction XX, the anode compartment 11 and the cathode compartment 13 may be subjected to different operating pressures. In the example described here, the anode compartment 11 operates at a static pressure substantially lower than that of the cathode compartment 13. Thus, the pressure difference contributes to uniform tightening of the PEM membrane 9 against the collector 17 disposed in the anode compartment 11. In other words, the PEM membrane 9 is kept flat and substantially homogeneous over its entire surface against the anode collector 17. The tightness is reinforced. The PEM 9 membrane has little or no tensile stress. The risks of deformation by traction and / or shearing of the PEM 9 membrane are reduced. The integrity of the PEM 9 membrane is preserved. At operating pressures equivalent to those of known cells, a thinner PEM 9 membrane can be used, which improves the energy efficiency of cell 3 and reduces the cost of the PEM 9 membrane.
    The tightening of the PEM membrane 9 against the intermediate sealing line 209 is ensured by the tightening of the bipolar plate 4 forming anode 5 towards the spacer 100 in the stacking direction XX and through the diffuser 15 and the collector 17 on the anode side.
    Compared with existing assemblies in which the PEM membrane 9 is pinched on its periphery between two similar parts, for example those described in WO 2015/004378, the assemblies described here require lower tightening thresholds to operate. Such assemblies have tolerances on the thicknesses of diffusers 15 and larger collectors 17. For a surface area useful in the electrochemical exchanges of the PEM 9 membrane equivalent to that of known cells, here the total area of the PEM 9 membrane is reduced.
    Tests on the seals shown in the figures have been carried out. Batteries comprising at least 100 cells, or even at least 150, 200 or even 300 cells withstand tests at pressures of approximately 100 bars in the anode compartment for approximately 60 bars in the cathode compartment and this under tightening in the direction of 'XX stack of around 1000 to 3000 daN. The difference in test pressure between the two compartments was therefore 40 bars. In service, a difference of 30 bars is provided between the two compartments (75 bars and 45 bars in both compartments).
    The invention is not limited to the examples of spacers, cells and batteries described above, only by way of examples, but it encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the claims below. -after. In particular, the examples of nominal dimensions may be adapted according to the intended applications.
    权利要求:
    Claims (7)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    Claims
    1. Spacer (100) for an electrolyser cell (3), of substantially annular shape and comprising:
    a peripheral part (101) having two main faces (105, 107) parallel and opposite to each other, the distance separating the two main faces (105, 107) defining a thickness (200) of the spacer (100), and an internal part (103) having a thickness (201) strictly less than the thickness (200) of the spacer (100), the peripheral part (101) and the internal part (103) being of in one piece and connected to each other by forming an internal annular shoulder so that the internal part (103) has an intermediate face (111) substantially annular and extending in a plane parallel to the two main faces (105 , 107) of the peripheral part (101) and located between the two main faces (105, 107).
    [2" id="c-fr-0002]
    2. Spacer (100) according to claim 1, in which the internal part (103) also has a support face (109) substantially planar, annular and coplanar with one (107) of the two main faces (105, 107) of the peripheral part (101).
    [3" id="c-fr-0003]
    3. Spacer (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a metallic core (161) and an electrically insulating envelope (163) covering the core (161) at least on the areas of the spacer (100) in contact. with an internal space of the electrolyser cell (3) in the assembled state.
    [4" id="c-fr-0004]
    4. Spacer (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least one groove is formed in the core (161), extending substantially along the circumference of the spacer (100), and in at least one of the two main faces (105, 107) and the intermediate face (111), the at least one groove forming a housing for a sealing line (205, 207, 209) in the assembled state of the spacer (100) .
    [5" id="c-fr-0005]
    5. Spacer (100) according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the envelope (201) has at least one rib, extending substantially along the circumference of the spacer (100), and projecting, the resting state of the spacer (100), of at least one of the two main faces (105, 107) and the intermediate face (111), the at least one rib forming a sealing line (205 , 207, 209) in the assembled state of the spacer (100).
    [6" id="c-fr-0006]
    6. Electrolysis cell (3) comprising two electrodes (5, 7) substantially planar and parallel to one another, a membrane (9) and a substantially annular part forming a spacer (100) between the two electrodes (5, 7) in a stacking direction (XX), the two electrodes (5, 7) and the spacer (100) together delimiting an internal space of the cell (3), the spacer (100) comprising:
    a peripheral part (101) having two main faces (105, 107) opposite one with respect to the other and in respective abutment against one and the other of the two electrodes (5, 7), the distance separating the two main faces (105, 107) defining a thickness (200) of the peripheral part (101) corresponding to the thickness of the internal space of the cell (3) in the stacking direction (XX), and a part internal (103) having a thickness (201) strictly less than the thickness (200) of the peripheral part (101), the peripheral part (101) and the internal part (103) being in one piece and connected to the one to the other by forming an internal annular shoulder so that the internal part (103) has an intermediate face (111) substantially annular facing and at a distance from one (7) of the two electrodes (5, 7), the intermediate face (111) supporting the membrane (9) so that the membrane (9) divides the internal space of the cell (3) in two compar timents (11, 13).
    [7" id="c-fr-0007]
    7. The electrolysis cell (3) according to claim 6, in which the spacer (100) is according to one of claims 2 to 5.
    1/5
    2/5
    类似技术:
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US10711355B2|2020-07-14|
    CN108468067A|2018-08-31|
    CA2993842A1|2018-08-14|
    EP3360987A1|2018-08-15|
    EP3360987B1|2020-07-01|
    US20180230609A1|2018-08-16|
    FR3062856B1|2019-04-12|
    ES2813053T3|2021-03-22|
    引用文献:
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    EP0629015A1|1993-04-30|1994-12-14|De Nora Permelec S.P.A.|Electrochemical cell provided with ion exchange membranes and bipolar plates|
    WO2005028710A1|2003-09-22|2005-03-31|Hydrogenics Corporation|Electrolyzer cell arrangement|
    WO2015004378A2|2013-07-11|2015-01-15|Ceth²|Seal for an electrolyser cell and electrolyser cell provided with such a seal|
    DE112014005208T5|2013-11-15|2016-08-04|Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha|Protective device for sealing a separator of a fuel cell|
    CN2080944U|1990-03-20|1991-07-17|李�东|Ultra-pure hydrogen generator|
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    GB201015265D0|2010-09-13|2010-10-27|Inotec Amd Ltd|Oxygen concentrator and method|
    EP3012892B1|2014-10-24|2017-07-19|Swiss Hydrogen SA|Electrochemical device with stack|US20180195185A1|2017-01-06|2018-07-12|Leon Kazarian|Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer|
    USD898169S1|2018-10-30|2020-10-06|Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.|Gasket arrangement|
    CN113169889A|2018-12-07|2021-07-23|诺基亚通信公司|Method and apparatus for mapping network slices onto network infrastructure with SLA guarantees|
    法律状态:
    2018-02-23| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2018-08-17| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20180817 |
    2020-02-26| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 4 |
    2021-02-26| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    2022-02-25| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1751195A|FR3062856B1|2017-02-14|2017-02-14|ELECTROLYSER SPACER AND ELECTROLYSER EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SPACER|
    FR1751195|2017-02-14|FR1751195A| FR3062856B1|2017-02-14|2017-02-14|ELECTROLYSER SPACER AND ELECTROLYSER EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SPACER|
    CA2993842A| CA2993842A1|2017-02-14|2018-02-01|Electrolyzer spacer and electrolyzer equipped with such a spacer|
    EP18156083.0A| EP3360987B1|2017-02-14|2018-02-09|Electrolyser spacer and electrolyser provided with such a spacer|
    ES18156083T| ES2813053T3|2017-02-14|2018-02-09|Electrolyzer separator and electrolyzer equipped with said separator|
    CN201810147659.8A| CN108468067A|2017-02-14|2018-02-13|Electrolyzer spacer and electrolyzer equipped with this spacer|
    US15/896,753| US10711355B2|2017-02-14|2018-02-14|Electrolyzer spacer and electrolyzer equipped with such a spacer|
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