EP4658839A1 - Electrochemical device having a modular stack cell structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrochemical device with a modular stack cell structure has, at one end, a cathode plate (h1) and, at the other end, a cathode plate (h2), two electrolyte membranes (ccm), and an anode plate (2a ) between the electrolytic membranes (ccm) which are arranged in a sandwich on the sides of the anode plate (2a). The cathode plates (h1, h2) include gas collection chambers (60) connected to each other via passages (61) and connection channels (16), and communicating with the outside via a hydrogen manifold (15). The anode plate (2a) has a serpentine channel (20) closed laterally by the electrolytic membranes (ccm) and communicating with the outside via an inlet manifold (21) and an outlet manifold (22).

Description

ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE HAVING A MODULAR STACK CELL STRUCTURE

Field of the invention

[OOOljh ie present invention relates to an electrochemical device having a modular stack cell structure. The electrochemical device can operate both as an electrolytic cell for the simultaneous production and storage of O2 in anhydrous form and H2, and as a fuel cell for the production of electricity. The modular stack structure has plates with internal ducts connected in parallel with very compact dimensions; in such a structure a single intermediate plate acts as a double anode/cathode for two catalytic membranes. Gas collection or supply manifolds are incorporated into the electrolytic cell itself, effectively eliminating external connections on each individual cell. This feature allows to easily vary the number of stacks, making any updates possible without having to replace the entire cell.

[0002] More specifically, the invention concerns an electrochemical device with a stack cell structure in which the core of the electrolytic process is carried out by ion exchange membranes.

Prior art

[0003]An electrolytic cell or electrolyser allows to convert chemical substances by breaking them down into simpler substances through the use of electricity. In other words, an electrolyser converts electrical energy into chemical energy. In contrast, fuel cells convert the chemical energy of a fuel, H2 and O2, into electricity and hot water.

[0004] One method of hydrogen production is water electrolysis which uses electricity without the use of toxic reagents and the production of polluting byproducts or CO2 emissions. Electrolysis requires low voltage direct current: and therefore, electrolytic cells or electrolysers can be powered by renewable energy such as solar or wind energy. The method, considered environmentally sustainable, allows the storage of excess renewable energy and allows consumers to use the excess energy even when there is no wind or sun. [0005]It is known that the electrolytic cell or the membrane fuel cell uses a solid polymeric electrolyte, such as an ion exchange membrane, for the production of H2 and O2 or, respectively, for the production of electric current from H2 and O2. In particular, the use of proton exchange membranes (Cation Exchange Membrane - CEM and, generically, Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane - PEM) allows obtaining high energy efficiency and power density; Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM) allow the use of low-cost catalysts to conduct the electrolytic process and, generally, have high durability. There are also ion exchange membranes covered on both sides with a layer of catalyst (Catalyst Coated Membrane, CCM).

[0006]The PEM membrane allows the selective transport of protons or the AEM membranes allow the transport of hydroxyl ions, from the anode to the cathode and from the cathode to the anode of the electrolytic cell, respectively. Both types of membranes, PEM and AEM, have a barrier effect towards the gases produced (only H2 and O2 for the electrolysis of water), allowing their separation but not the clear separation between the gas produced and water.

[0007]The electrolytic cell is connected to a direct current power supply which allows catalytic oxidation at the anode and catalytic reduction at the cathode according to the following general reaction:

[0008] 2H2O + energy 2H2 + O2

[0009]These types of electrolysers allow gas to be generated at pressures sufficient for their storage without the need for mechanical compression.

[0010]To make the electrodes, metals or their alloys are generally used to form meshes or plates. The electrolysers currently on the market consist of two halfcells, containing electrodes, separated by a porous septum through which liquid electrolyte circulates. This structure does not allow the clear and physical separation of hydrogen and oxygen. On the contrary, the electrolysers with ion exchange membranes allow the production of the two gases in two completely separate compartments but without the possibility of obtaining completely anhydrous gas. For example, membranes based on perfluorinated-sulfonated polymers such as Nation® act as a physical barrier between the two gases with the possibility of producing them at high differential pressures in two different separate compartments. At the same time, the ion exchange membranes do not allow H2 and O2 to be obtained in anhydrous form and therefore completely separated from the water, as the operating principle with which ion exchange membranes allow the diffusion of ions from the cathode side to the anode side (or vice versa), exploits the presence of water which also acts as an ionic carrier through the thickness of the membrane.

[0011]W02021126073A1 discloses an electrolytic cell having an electrical circuit comprising an anode and a cathode separated by a hydrogel membrane comprising a hydrophilic polymer serving as the electrolyte.

[0012]CN110129818A concerns a proton exchange membrane water electrolyser cell, including a proton exchange membrane, a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, a cathode diffusion layer, and an anode diffusion layer. The cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer are respectively sprayed on two sides of the proton exchange membrane, to form a membrane electrode with a three-in-one structure. The membrane electrode is arranged in the middle of a middle substrate, and a cathode flow field plate and an anode flow field plate are respectively arranged on two sides of the middle substrate. The purpose of CN110129818A is to improve electrolyte efficiency, reducing current loss, assembly difficulty, thus extending the life of the electrolyser.

[0013]CN111005029A describes a device for self-balancing the pressure of the gas produced by electrolysis of water, and application thereof. The device comprises an electrolysis unit, with a first cathode, a common anode and a second cathode. The common anode is arranged between the first cathode and the second cathode, so that the lateral faces of the common anode face the first cathode and the second cathode respectively. The first cathode and the second cathode are connected in parallel and with the negative electrode of an external power supply; the common anode is connected to the positive electrode of the external power supply. This creates an electrolysis unit without pressure difference; it is not necessary to prepare a special pressure balancing part or system; complexity and cost of an electrolysis system are reduced, and oxygen production can be achieved easily. Although the invention involves the use of electrolytic plates in common and in parallel, it does not provide for the presence of internal collection tanks for the gases produced.

[0014]CN107428567A concerns an electrolytic water generating device capable of generating water with a high concentration of hydrogen and operationally stable. According to this invention, four electrolytic cells are provided, in each of which two porous cathode plates equipped with an ion exchange membrane on their surface are arranged in a sandwich between the anode plates; the ion exchange membranes face the side of the anode plate, so that a space is formed for water to flow between the anode plate and the ion exchange membranes. There are tanks created between the electrolytic plates, which therefore occupy additional space and volume.

Summary of the invention

[0015]An object of the present invention is to provide anhydrous oxygen, without the need of components that are external to the electrolyser itself.

[0016]Another object of the invention is to allow the storage of H2 and O2 at the same time as they are produced and to make them immediately ready for their use.

[0017]Yet another object of the invention is to create a membrane stack electrolyser or a fuel cell of small dimensions.

[0018]The objects indicated above are achieved by the present invention which provides an electrochemical device with a modular stack cell structure having, in a first embodiment, at one end, a cathode plate and, at the other end, a cathode plate, two electrolytic membranes, and an anode plate between the electrolytic membranes which are arranged in a sandwich on the sides of the anode plate. The cathode plates include gas collection chambers that are connected to each other via passage holes and connection channels, and communicate with the outside via an outlet manifold. The anode plate has a serpentine channel that is laterally closed by the electrolytic membranes and communicates with the outside through an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. [0019]Advantageously, the electrochemical device according to the invention has small dimensions thanks to the fact that the single anode plate in an intermediate position is able to simultaneously act as an anode/cathode for two membranes and not for a single membrane.

[0020]The electrochemical device with a modular cell or stack has plates with internal ducts connected in parallel and is suitable for producing and storing O2 in anhydrous form and H2.

[0021]As will be seen below, the electrochemical device is distinguished by:

- the presence, inside, of hydrophobic membranes that, being highly permeable to oxygen, allow the permeation of only oxygen while preventing that of water;

- the presence, inside, of oxygen collection tanks;

- the presence, inside, of hydrogen collection tanks.

[0022] The present invention solves the double problem inherent to the use of electrolysers: production of anhydrous oxygen and hydrogen, and storage thereof in tanks.

[0023]The normal use of the electrolyser requires, for the formation of hydrogen and oxygen, the presence of a membrane which separates the gases produced when the electrical current imposed in the system passes.

[0024] On the cathodic part of the membrane there is the formation of hydrogen, while on the anode part, which must remain constantly wet by water, there is the formation of oxygen.

[0025]The oxygen produced comes out of the electrolyser together with the water. Where the oxygen has to be used, a process of water recirculation and oxygen treatment is necessary, in order to make it anhydrous.

[0026]It is clear that the recirculation and treatment process requires additional components, such as pipes, tanks, pumps, dryers, etc., and energy for their operation, and this enormously lowers the efficiency per unit volume of the system and per unit of energy input into the electrolyser macro-system. [0027]Where this is not convenient, it is agreed not to use the oxygen produced during electrolysis, losing it by release into the air.

[0028]Although this loss/inefficiency is more acceptable in terrestrial embodiments, in other embodiments, such as space ones, the search for weight and volume reduction, to be loaded on the satellite or on the carrier, is pushed to the limits of technology, and the direct production and storage of anhydrous oxygen may be indispensable.

Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge more from the description of embodiments of an electrochemical device, illustrated by way of indicative and non-limiting example in the attached drawings in which:

Fig.l

[0030] [Fig.1] is an exploded perspective view of a first single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device with one anode plate according to the invention;

Fig. 2

[0031] [Fig.2] is a vertical cross-section view taken in a first end cathode plate in Fig. 1 along a plane parallel to an end face thereof;

Fig. 3

[0032] [Fig. 3] is a view from the internal side of the first end cathode plate in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

[0033][Fig. 4] is a side view of an anode plate in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

[0034] [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of the anode plate in Fig. 4 that is crosssectioned along a plane defined by lines V-V;

Fig. 6 [0035] [Fig. 6] is a perspective view of the first single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device operating as an electrolyser that is cross-sectioned along a plane that cuts two water manifolds indicated as 21 and 22 in Fig. 10;

Fig. 7

[0036] [Fig. 7] is an enlarged detail in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

[0037] [Fig. 8] is a perspective view of the first single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device operating as an electrolyser that is cross-sectioned along a plane that cuts a hydrogen manifold indicated as 15 in Fig. 10;

Fig. 9

[0038] [Fig. 9] is an enlarged detail in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

[0039] [Fig. 10] is a horizontal schematic cross-section of the first embodiment of the single stack electrochemical device in Fig. 1 operating as an electrolyser;

Fig. 11

[0040] [Fig. 11] is a horizontal schematic cross-section of the first embodiment of the single stack electrochemical device in Fig. 1 operating as a fuel cell;

Fig. 12

[0041][Fig. 12] is an exploded perspective view of a second single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device with two anode plates and recovery of the anhydrous oxygen according to the invention;

Fig. 13

[0042][Fig. 13] is a horizontal schematic cross-section of the second embodiment of the single stack electrochemical device in Fig. 12 operating as an electrolyser;

Fig. 14 [0043] [Fig. 14] is a view from the external side of a second end cathode plate in Fig. 12;

Fig. 15

[0044] [Fig. 15] is a view from the internal side of the second end cathode plate in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16

[0045] [Fig. 16] is a vertical cross-section view taken in the second end cathode plate in Fig. 14 along a plane parallel to an end face thereof;

Fig. 17

[0046] [Fig. 17] is a cross-section view taken in the second end cathode plate along a plane defined by lines XVII-XVII in Fig. 14;

Fig. 18

[0047] [Fig. 18] is a side view of an anhydrous oxygen collection plate or tank of the second single-stack embodiment and two anode plates in Fig. 12;

Fig. 19

[0048] [Fig. 19] is a vertical cross-section view taken in the anhydrous oxygen collection plate or tank in Fig. 18 according to a plane parallel to an end face thereof;

Fig. 20

[0049][Fig. 20] is an exploded perspective view of a third double stack embodiment of the electrochemical device with four anode plates and recovery of the anhydrous oxygen according to the invention;

Fig. 21

[0050] [Fig. 21] is a perspective view of the third double stack embodiment with four anode plates in Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 [0051][Fig. 22] is a horizontal central cross-section of the third embodiment of the electrochemical device in Fig. 21;

Fig. 23

[0052] [Fig. 23] is a side view of an intermediate cathode plate (h4) of the third embodiment in Fig. 20;

Fig. 24

[0053] [Fig. 24] is a vertical cross-section view taken in the intermediate cathode plate in Fig. 23 along a plane parallel to an end face;

Fig. 25

[0054][Fig. 25] is an exploded perspective view of a fourth triple stack embodiment of the electrochemical device with six anode plates and recovery of the anhydrous oxygen according to the invention.

Description of the embodiments

[0055] Reference is made initially to Fig. 1 which shows an exploded perspective view of a first single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device according to the invention. The electrochemical device is used for the electrolysis of water or as a fuel cell using hydrogen and oxygen. It should be understood that the device is not intended to work only with water, hydrogen and oxygen and can be used for any electrolysis or reverse use such as a fuel cell.

[0056]The electrochemical device comprises at one end a cathode plate hl and, at the other end, a cathode plate h2, two electrolytic membranes indicated generically as ccm, and an anode plate 2a between the electrolytic membranes arranged in a sandwich on the sides of it. When operating as an electrolyser of the electrochemical device, the cathode plates hl and h2 carry out the task of producing and collecting hydrogen for subsequent use; the production process of H2 and O2 takes place in the two electrolytic membranes ccm, and the circulation of water takes place in the anode plate 2a, which acts as an anode electrode.

[0057]This single stack electrolyser with plates placed in parallel has a reduced number of plates. A commercially available single-stack electrolyser has a total of four plates, two of which serve as anode and two as cathode. On the contrary, in the present configuration in which the plates are placed in parallel, there is a reduction in the number of plates as the intermediate central plate acts as an anode simultaneously for two electrolytic membranes ccm.

[0058] Now reference is made to Fig. 2 and 3, in which a first end cathode plate hl in Fig. 1 is shown cross-sectioned along a plane parallel to an end face, and a view thereof from the internal side, respectively. On its external side, shown in Fig. 1 and in the following figures, there is a strengthening rib 10.

[0059]In the cathode plate hl, and, similarly, in the opposite cathode plate h2, there are hydrogen collection chambers 60 and passage holes 50 towards the contact surface with the electrolytic membrane ccm, as well as connection channels and manifolds, which allow the storage of hydrogen. Indicated as 30 is a first terminal connected to the negative pole of a power source. As is known, the through holes provided on the periphery of all components and not marked with reference numbers serve for the application of threaded means adapt to tighten the plates and close the stack cell.

[0060] In Fig. 4 a side view of an anode plate 2a in Fig. 1 is shown. The anode plate 2a has a serpentine channel 20 formed in a through manner in the plate as shown in Fig. 5, which is a perspective representation of the anode plate 2a cross-sectioned along a V-V trace plane in Fig. 4. The serpentine channel 20 is closed laterally by the electrolytic membranes ccm.

[0061]When the electrochemical device operates as an electrolyser, the serpentine channel 20 is connected to a water supply not shown via an inlet manifold 21 and an outlet manifold 22. Reference is made also to Figs. 6 and 7, which illustrate, respectively, a perspective view of the first single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device operating as an electrolyser, the perspective view being cross-sectioned on a plane that cuts the two water manifolds 21 and 22, and an enlarged detail thereof.

[0062] Indicated as 40 is a second terminal connected to the positive pole of a power source. [0063]The accumulation of hydrogen in the cathode plates hl and h2 is therefore made possible, as there are connection channels, manifolds and collection chambers that allow the storage of the hydrogen. Reference is made to Figs. 8 and 9, which illustrate a perspective view of the first single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device operating as an electrolyser, the perspective view being cross-sectioned on a plane that cuts a hydrogen manifold 15, and an enlarged detail thereof, respectively. In particular, the hydrogen manifold 15 is formed in a lower protrusion 14 of the cathode plate h2, and connection channels 16 connect the hydrogen manifold 15 to the hydrogen collection chambers 60.

[0064] Now reference is made to Figs. 10 and 11, which are horizontal schematic cross-sections of the first embodiment of the single stack electrochemical device in Fig. 1 operating as an electrolyser and as a fuel cell, respectively. With reference to Fig. 10, a path of the water entering and exiting the anode plate 2a is shown, which is delimited by the electrolytic membranes ccm. In the cathode plates hl and h2 are the collection chambers 60 for storing the hydrogen, the passage holes 50 and the hydrogen manifold 15 for the exit of the hydrogen from the collection chambers 60.

[0065] In this embodiment, there is a single anode plate for two electrolytic membranes ccm. The anode electrode is able to simultaneously wet both the electrolytic membranes ccm thanks to the serpentine channel 20 which faces both the electrolytic membranes ccm. The inlet manifold 21 and the outlet manifold 22 for the water are placed perpendicular to the cathode plate h2 and internally connected only with the connecting duct 23 to the serpentine channel 20 of the anode plate 2a. The oxygen produced by the electrolytic reaction is conveyed together with the water towards the external manifold 22. Instead, the hydrogen is stored in the collection chambers formed in both the cathode plate h2 and the cathode plate hl. The connection channel 16, connecting the chambers 60 in the cathode plates hl and h2, is inside the same plates (Fig.9). Advantageously, the electrochemical device does not need external connections to convey the gases produced or supply the water. This allows the electrochemical device to be very small in size and the hydrogen to be stored for immediate use.

[0066] Fig. 11 shows the operation of the electrochemical device according to the present invention as a fuel cell.

[0067]0xygen is fed internally by the manifold 21 perpendicular to the cathode plate hl; the manifold 21 is connected to the connecting duct 23 with the serpentine channel 20 in the anode plate 2a. The water produced by the reaction is conveyed towards the external manifold 22. Instead, the hydrogen is fed from the hydrogen manifold 15 towards the connection channels 16 of the cathode plate hl and the cathode plate h2 to reach the electrolytic membranes ccm. The connection channel 16, connecting the chambers 60 in the cathode plates hl and h2, is inside the same plates. As mentioned above for operation as an electrolyser, even in fuel cell operation, the electrochemical device does not need external connections to convey the gases produced or feed the water. This allows very small dimensions being maintained for the electrochemical device.

[0068] Reference is made now to Figs. 12 and 13 which are an exploded perspective view of a second single stack embodiment of the electrochemical device with two anode plates and anhydrous oxygen recovery according to the invention, and a horizontal schematic cross-section of the electrochemical device with electrolyser function, respectively.

[0069]The electrochemical device includes, starting from the ends symmetrically towards the center of the device:

- two end cathode plates marked respectively as hl and h3;

- two electrolytic membranes ccm;

- two anode plates 2a;

- two hydrophobic membranes mi, impermeable to water and highly permeable to oxygen in order to collect it in anhydrous form;

- a collection plate 3 for collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen tank for subsequent use. [0070] In Fig. 13 the operation of the device as an electrolyser is shown. The collection plate 3, which carries out the function of collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen, is inserted between the hydrophobic membranes mi, capable of blocking the passage of water and allowing the passage of only O2 in anhydrous form.

[0071]The water inlet and outlet manifolds are placed perpendicular to the cathode plate h3 and internally connected only to the two connecting channels with the serpentine channels of the two anode plates 2a. The oxygen produced by the electrolytic reaction is conveyed from the surface of each electrolytic membrane ccm towards the hydrophobic membranes mi, which allow the passage of only oxygen and block the passage of water. The recirculation water passes through the connecting duct 23 until it reaches the external manifold 22 located perpendicular to the cathode plate h3.

[0072]The oxygen, permeating through the hydrophobic membranes mi, reaches the collection chambers 60 formed in the collecting plate 3, where it will be stored in anhydrous form. Instead, the hydrogen will be stored in the collection chambers 60 formed in the cathode plates hl and h3. The connection channels for the gases, H2 and O2, and for the water are incorporated into the individual plates and terminate in the external plate where the manifolds are present. Advantageously, the electrochemical device does not need external connections to convey the gases produced or to supply the water. This allows the device to be kept very small in size and, at the same time, to store anhydrous oxygen and hydrogen for immediate use.

[0073]In Figs. 14 to 17 the end cathode plate h3 is shown in detail, in a view from the external side, in a view from the internal side, in a vertical cross-section and, respectively, in a cross-section obtained along line XVII -XVII in Fig. 14. As regards H2, the end cathode plate h3 (Figs.12, 20 and 25) is similar to the end cathode plate h2 (Fig.l). The hydrogen comes out from an outlet 24 in the lower protrusion 14 of the cathode plate h3, and the anhydrous oxygen comes out from an outlet 25 in a protrusion 13 of the same cathode plate h3. [0074]Shown in Figs. 18 and 19, are a side view of the collection plate 3 for collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen of the second single stack embodiment having two anode plates of Fig. 12, and a vertical cross-section thereof according a plane parallel to an end face, respectively. Like the cathode plates, the collection plate 3 has chambers 60 and passage holes 50, marked with the same reference numbers used for the cathode plates.

[0075] Reference is made now to Figs. 20 to 22, which are an exploded perspective view, a perspective view, and a horizontal cross-section of a third double-stack embodiment of the electrochemical device having four anode plates and recovery of the anhydrous oxygen according to the invention.

[0076]The device according to the third embodiment includes, starting from the ends symmetrically towards the center of the device:

- two end cathode plates marked respectively as hl and h3;

- two electrolytic membranes ccm;

- two anode plates 2a;

- two hydrophobic membranes mi, impermeable to water and highly permeable to oxygen in order to collect it in anhydrous form;

- two collection plates 3 for collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen for subsequent use;

- two hydrophobic membranes mi;

- two anode plates 2a;

- two electrolytic membranes ccm;

- an intermediate cathode plate h4.

[0077]The electrolyser conceived in this way allows the accumulation of hydrogen in the three cathode plates hl, h2, h4, as there are connecting channels and internal tanks that allow its storage. The accumulation of anhydrous oxygen takes place in the two collection plates 3 for collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen, as there are connection channels and internal tanks that allow its storage. [0078] Fig. 23 shows a side view of the intermediate cathode plate h4 of the third embodiment in Fig. 20, and Fig. 24 shows a vertical cross-section obtained in the intermediate cathode plate h4 in Fig. 23 according to a plane parallel to an end face. Like the end cathode plates, the intermediate cathode plate h4 also has collection chambers 60 or hydrogen tanks and passage holes 50.

[0079] Reference is made now to Fig. 25, which is an exploded perspective view of a fourth triple stack embodiment of the electrolytic device having six anode plates and anhydrous oxygen recovery according to the invention.

[0080]The device according to the fourth embodiment includes, starting from the ends symmetrically towards the center of the device:

- two end cathode plates marked respectively as hl and h3;

- two electrolytic membranes ccm;

- two anode plates 2a;

- two hydrophobic membranes mi;

- two collection plates 3 for collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen for subsequent use;

- two hydrophobic membranes mi;

- two anode plates 2a;

- two electrolytic membranes ccm;

- two intermediate cathode plates h4;

- two electrolytic membranes ccm;

- two anode plates 2a;

- two hydrophobic membranes mi;

- a collection plate 3 for collecting and storing anhydrous oxygen for subsequent use.

[0081]The present invention finds its natural field of application in systems that require immediate production and use of anhydrous O2 and H2 through a device with compact dimensions, such as in wearable systems, space applications, mobile systems, thanks to the small dimensions and dual function of production and storage of the gases produced.

[0082]In conclusion, the invention is capable of

- supplying anhydrous oxygen, without the need for energy-intensive components, external to the electrolyser itself;

- incorporating oxygen collection tanks, so that they can be used, when needed, in downstream processes, such as, for example, combustion in space thrusters to create the thrust necessary for a mission.

Claims

Claims

[Claim 1] . An electrochemical device having a modular stack cell structure, comprising

- a cathode plate (hl) at one end of said device, and a cathode plate (h2; h3), at the other end thereof,

- two electrolyte membranes (ccm), and

- an anode plate (2a) between the electrolyte membranes (ccm) that are sandwiched on the sides of the anode plate (2a), characterized in that

- the cathode plates (hl, h2; hl, h3) include gas collection chambers (60) that are connected to each other by means of passages (61) and connection channels (16), and communicate with the outside by a gas manifold (15); and

- the anode plate (2a) has a serpentine channel (20) that is laterally closed by the electrolytic membranes (ccm) and communicates with the outside through an inlet manifold (21), connecting ducts (23), and an outlet manifold (22).

[Claim 2] 2. The electrolytic device according to claim 1, comprising, symmetrically from the ends towards the center of the device, in addition to the two cathode plates (hl, h3) and the two electrolyte membranes (ccm),

- two anode plates (2a),

- two hydrophobic membranes (mi),

- a collection plate (3) for collecting and storing gas, wherein the collection plate (3) includes collection chambers (60).

[Claim 3] 3. The electrolytic device according to claim 2, comprising, symmetrically from the ends towards the center of the device, in addition to the two anode plates (2a) and the two hydrophobic membranes (mi),

- two collection plates (3) for collecting and storing gas, - two hydrophobic membranes (mi),

- two anode plates (2a),

- two electrolyte membranes (ccm),

- an intermediate cathode plate (h4), wherein the intermediate cathode plate (h4) includes collection chambers or gas tanks (60) connected each other by passages (61).

[Claim 4] 4. The electrolytic device according to claim 3, comprising, symmetrically from the ends towards the center of the device, in addition to the two collection plates (3), the two hydrophobic membranes (mi), the two anode plates (2a) and the two electrolyte membranes (ccm),

- two intermediate cathode plates (h4) with collection chambers (60),

- two electrolytic membranes (ccm),

- two anode plates (2a),

- two hydrophobic membranes (mi), and

- a collection plate (3) for collecting and storing gas.

[Claim 5] 5. The electrolytic device according to each preceding claim, used for the electrolysis of water.

[Claim 6] 6. The electrolytic device according to each of claims 1 to 4, used as a fuel cell utilizing hydrogen and oxygen.