KR102628206B1 - Bipolar plate and water electrolysis cell having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separator for water electrolysis that electrolyzes water to generate (produce) hydrogen (H ₂ ) and oxygen (O ₂ ) and a water electrolysis cell including the same. The present invention is a water electrolysis separator plate (100) used in a water electrolysis device that electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen and oxygen, comprising: an inlet hole (110) through which fluid flows; an inlet-side buffer zone 140 that buffers the fluid flowing in from the inlet hole 110 and supplies it to the flow path 155 of the reaction area 150; A reaction area 150 having a plurality of passages 155 through which the fluid supplied from the inflow buffer zone 140 passes; a discharge-side buffer zone 160 that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge hole 180; and a water electrolysis separator 100 including a discharge hole 180 through which the fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160 is discharged, and a water electrolysis cell (WEC) including the same. According to the present invention, the flowability of the fluid can be improved, thereby improving the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen.

Description

Water electrolysis separator plate and water electrolysis cell including the same {BIPOLAR PLATE AND WATER ELECTROLYSIS CELL HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a water electrolysis separator that electrolyzes water to generate (produce) hydrogen (H ₂ ) and oxygen (O ₂ ) and a water electrolysis cell including the same. According to one embodiment, the water electrolysis separator A buffer zone is formed to buffer the flow of fluid on the inlet and outlet sides of the flow path formed in the channel, and the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) collapses (collapses) due to the buffer zone. It relates to a water electrolysis separator that can improve at least the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen by installing a collapse prevention member to prevent collapse, and to a water electrolysis cell including the same.

Due to the depletion of fossil fuels such as oil and coal and environmental destruction, interest in alternative energy sources to fossil fuels has increased. Among alternative energies to fossil fuels, hydrogen energy generated by electrolyzing water has the advantages of being highly pure and highly efficient, and not emitting pollutants such as NO _x and SO _x . For example, while electrical energy produced from solar or wind power is intermittent and has limitations in production, hydrogen is considered the most promising alternative energy because it can be continuously produced and stored and has abundant raw materials (water). there is.

A representative technology for producing hydrogen is water electrolysis, which uses the electrolysis of water, and can produce (produce) oxygen together with hydrogen. Accordingly, water electrolysis devices (or water electrolysis systems) that electrolyze water to generate (produce) hydrogen and oxygen are attracting attention, and the hydrogen and oxygen produced by these water electrolysis devices are used as raw materials for fuel cells (fuel and oxygen). It is also useful as an oxidizing agent.

A water electrolysis (water electrolysis) device generates hydrogen (H ₂ ) and oxygen (O ₂ ) using electrons generated during the redox reaction of water when water (H ₂ O) and electricity are supplied. Water (H ₂ O) is supplied to the anode of the water electrolyzer and reacts on the electrode catalyst to generate oxygen ions, hydrogen ions, and electrons. The hydrogen ions move to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane, and the cathode In the electrolyte membrane, hydrogen ions pass through the electrolyte membrane and combine with electrons moved through the external circuit to generate pure hydrogen (H ₂ ). Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0124045, Korean Patent No. 10-1326120, and Korean Patent No. 10-2123840 present the technology related to water electrolysis (electrolysis of water) as described above.

In general, a water electrolysis device consists of a water electrolysis cell or a water electrolysis stack that generates hydrogen and oxygen, an operating device that supplies and controls water and electricity under appropriate conditions, a gas-liquid separator, and Including hydrogen storage tanks, etc. The water electrolysis stack is composed of a plurality of water electrolysis cells stacked, and the water electrolysis cells include a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and a water electrolysis separator installed on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). Includes as basic components. Typically, the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) includes a central ion exchange membrane and electrode layers (anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer) formed on both sides of the ion exchange membrane, and the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and the water electrolytic separator are A gasket is installed between them.

The water electrolysis separator has the function of maintaining the shape of the water electrolysis cell and providing a reaction area for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen. For this purpose, a flow path is formed in the water electrolysis separator as a flow path for fluids (water, hydrogen, oxygen, etc.). Water is decomposed as it passes through the flow path (reaction area) of the water electrolysis separator, and the hydrogen and oxygen generated through this are discharged along the flow path.

The attached Figure 1 is a front view of the water electrolysis separator plate 10 according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 1, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 generally has inlet holes 11a and 11b through which fluid flows from the outside of the separator plate 10 on its inlet side (upper side in FIG. 1), and the above A plurality of inlet holes (12a) (12b) are formed through which the fluid flowing in from the inlet holes (11a) (11b) flows, and in the central area, the fluid flowing in through the inlet holes (12a) (12b) passes through and reacts. It has a reaction area (15). On the outlet side (lower side in FIG. 1) of the water electrolysis separator 10, there are a plurality of outlet holes 17a and 17b through which the fluid passing through the reaction region 15 is discharged, and the outlet hole 17a ( Discharge holes 18a and 18b are formed to discharge the fluid discharged through 17b) to the outside. At this time, a plurality of flow paths 15a through which fluid flows are formed in the reaction region 15.

Each of the plurality of flow paths 15a communicates with the inlet holes 12a and 12b and the outlet holes 17a and 17b. In addition, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 is formed with a gasket packing groove 19 in which gaskets are packed depending on the product. The water electrolytic separator plate 10 shown in Figure 1 is an example for a double-sided stack with fluid flow on both sides (front and back), and the water electrolytic separator plate 10 has fluid flow only on one side (front) depending on the product. can have a flow of

The attached FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view showing a portion (upper right) of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 generally has a front portion 10A (commonly referred to as a 'top plate') forming the front side (front side in FIG. 2) and a back side (back side in FIG. 2). It has a rear portion 10B (commonly referred to as a 'lower plate') forming a . At this time, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 is manufactured by separately manufacturing the plate-shaped front portion 10A and the plate-shaped rear portion 10B and then joining them through welding or adhesive. The inlet holes 12a, 12b and outlet holes 17a, 17b are formed by combining a half groove formed on the front side (upper plate, 10A) and a half groove formed on the back side (lower plate, 10B). Fluid flows into the reaction area 15 from the inlet holes 11a and 11b through the inlet holes 12a and 12b, then reacts while passing through each flow path 15a of the reaction area 15, and then exits. It is discharged to the outside through discharge holes 18a and 18b along the holes 17a and 17b.

However, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 according to the prior art has the following problems, for example.

First, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 according to the prior art has a problem in that the fluid (water) does not flow smoothly (uniformly) at least in the inflow process among the fluid inflow and discharge processes. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 has a plurality of flow paths 15a and a plurality of inlet holes for communicating each flow path 15a with the inlet holes 11a and 11b. 12a)(12b) are formed. Each of the plurality of inlet holes 12a and 12b has a diameter significantly smaller than that of the inlet holes 11a and 11b. At this time, as the fluid (water) flows in (supplied) from the inlet holes (11a) (11b) to each of the plurality of inlet holes (12a) (12b) whose diameters suddenly become smaller, for example, a vortex is generated, causing the flow of fluid. This is not smooth, and it is difficult to inflow (supply) uniformly to each of the plurality of inlet holes (12a) (12b) and each flow path (15a).

In addition, although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inlet holes (12a) (12b) and the flow path (15a) are connected with a height difference (step difference), and the flow path (12a) is formed in the inlet holes (12a) (12b). In the process of flowing into 15a), a certain vortex is generated due to the height difference (step difference), making the flow not smooth. The above problems may also occur during the discharge process. Accordingly, reactivity is low and it is difficult to supply fluid at high pressure and high speed. This ultimately reduces the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen.

In addition, the water electrolysis separator plate 10 according to the prior art has problems of low reactivity and flow speed. As shown in Figure 1, each of the plurality of flow paths 15a formed in the conventional water electrolysis separator 10 is formed long from the inlet hole 12a (inlet side) to the outlet hole 17a (discharge side). It has a snake-like serpentine shape with multiple curves.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, each conventional flow path 15a has a bending pattern (meandering shape) bent several times at an angle of 90 degrees at a plurality of bending points S, and this bending pattern It has a very long length (flow path). At this time, during water electrolysis, foam is generated along with gases (hydrogen, oxygen, etc.) generated by the electrolysis of water in the passage 15a, and the foam is generated in the process of passing through the long passage 15a with the above curved pattern. A phenomenon of gathering and clumping occurs. This phenomenon may occur frequently at the bending point (S). Accordingly, the reaction and flow of the fluid are hindered by the bubbles, thereby reducing reactivity and flow speed. This ultimately reduces the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0124045 (published on November 13, 2013) Korean Patent No. 10-1326120 (registered on October 31, 2013) Korean Patent No. 10-2123840 (registered on June 11, 2020)

Accordingly, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a water electrolysis separator that can improve the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen by at least improving the flowability (seamless flow) of the fluid and a water electrolysis cell including the same according to one embodiment. there is.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water electrolysis separator that can improve the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen by improving the reactivity and flow rate of the fluid and a water electrolysis cell including the same according to another embodiment.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water electrolysis separator capable of preventing collapse of a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and a water electrolysis cell including the same according to another embodiment.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention,

A water electrolysis separator (100) used in a water electrolysis device that electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen and oxygen,

An inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows;

an inlet-side buffer zone 140 that buffers the fluid flowing in from the inlet hole 110 and supplies it to the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150;

A reaction area 150 having a plurality of passages 155 through which the fluid supplied from the inflow buffer zone 140 passes;

a discharge-side buffer zone 160 that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge hole 180; and

A water electrolysis separation plate 100 is provided including a discharge hole 180 through which fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160 is discharged.

In addition, the present invention,

A water electrolysis separator (100) used in a water electrolysis device that electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen and oxygen,

An inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows;

an inlet hole 120 through which fluid flowing in from the inlet hole 110 is introduced;

an inlet-side collecting unit 125 that collects the fluid introduced from the inlet hole 120;

an inlet-side buffer zone 140 that buffers the fluid collected in the inlet-side collection unit 125 and supplies it to the flow path 155 of the reaction area 150;

A reaction area 150 having a plurality of passages 155 through which the fluid supplied from the inflow buffer zone 140 passes;

a discharge-side buffer zone 160 that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge-side collection unit 175;

A discharge side collecting unit 175 that collects the fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160;

an outlet hole 170 through which the fluid collected in the discharge side collection unit 175 is discharged; and

A water electrolysis separator plate (100) is provided including a discharge hole (180) through which the fluid discharged from the outlet hole (170) is discharged.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 form a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the flow path 155, and the width (W _R ) of the reaction region 150 ) It is formed by extending from one end to the other end in the direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 have a depth (D _Z ) greater than the depth ( _DP ) and width ( _WP ) of the flow path 155. and a width (W _Z ). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow path 155 is formed in plural numbers along the width (W _R ) direction of the reaction region 150, and each of the plurality of flow paths 155 is formed in the inlet buffer zone 140. ) and the discharge side buffer zone 160 is formed in a straight straight pattern.

In addition, the present invention,

A water electrolysis cell (WEC) that electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

First water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100A);

Second water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100B); and

It includes a membrane-electrode assembly (200) installed between the first water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100B),

At least one selected from the first water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100B) is a water electrolysis cell composed of the water electrolytic separator plate 100 according to the present invention ( WEC) is provided. At this time, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the water electrolytic separator 100 is provided with a device to prevent the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from sinking into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160. A collapse prevention member 300 is installed.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the anti-collapse member 300 is fluid-permeable and includes one or more porous members 310 and 320 selected from (a) to (c) below.

(a) A porous member installed on the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and having a size capable of covering the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 ( 310)

(b) a porous member 320 inserted into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and having a “ㄷ”-shaped or “ㅁ”-shaped cross section;

(c) a porous member inserted into and installed in the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and stacked in plural pieces;

According to the present invention, the flowability of the fluid is improved by the buffer zones 140 and 160 that buffer the flow of the fluid. In addition, according to the present invention, the reactivity and flow speed of the fluid are improved by the flow path 155 of a straight pattern formed in a plurality of straight lines along the width W _R direction of the reaction region 150. Through this, the present invention can improve the productivity of at least hydrogen and oxygen. In addition, according to the present invention, the sinking prevention member 300 has the effect of preventing the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from sinking into the buffer zone 140 and 160.

Figure 1 is a front view of a water electrolysis separator according to the prior art.
Figure 2 is a partially cut perspective view of a water electrolysis separator according to the prior art.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a water electrolysis separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view of a water electrolysis separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a partially cut perspective view of the water electrolysis separator plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the upper right corner of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a water electrolysis cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main portion of a water electrolysis cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a water electrolysis cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The term “and/or” used in the present invention is used to include at least one of the components listed before and after. The term “one or more” used in the present invention means a plurality of one or two or more. In the present invention, terms such as “first,” “second,” “one side,” and “the other side” are used to distinguish one component from another component, and each component is limited by the terms. That is not the case.

The present invention provides a separator for a water electrolysis device that electrolyzes water to generate (produce) hydrogen and oxygen, that is, a water electrolysis separator used in a water electrolysis device (water electrolysis device) according to the first aspect. . The present invention is a water electrolysis cell that generates (produces) hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water according to the second form, and provides a water electrolysis cell including a water electrolysis separator according to the present invention. . In addition, the present invention is a water electrolysis stack that generates (produces) hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water according to the third aspect, and is a water electrolysis separator according to the first aspect of the present invention or the present invention. A water electrolysis stack including a water electrolysis cell according to the second aspect is provided.

Hydrogen and oxygen produced according to the present invention can be usefully used as raw materials (fuel and oxidizer) for fuel cells. In other words, hydrogen generated through the water electrolysis cell and/or water electrolysis stack according to the present invention can be usefully used as a fuel for a fuel cell, and oxygen generated together with the hydrogen can be usefully used as an oxidizing agent in a fuel cell. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water electrolysis cell and/or the water electrolysis stack according to the present invention can be included as components of a fuel cell system and supply hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The attached drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are provided solely to aid understanding of the present invention. In the attached drawings, the thickness may be enlarged to clearly express the area of each component, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the thickness, size, and ratio shown in the drawings.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the water electrolysis separator plate 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front view of the water electrolytic separator plate 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a partially cut perspective view of the water electrolytic separator plate 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is This is a perspective view showing the upper right corner of Figure 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, the water electrolysis separator plate 100 according to the present invention includes a plate-shaped separator body 100'. The separator body 100' is selected from materials having appropriate mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The separation plate body 100' may be made of, for example, metal and/or carbon material. Examples of the carbon material include graphite. For example, the separator body 100' may be formed by coating the surface of a non-conductive plate-shaped body (e.g., a resin molded body) with an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal, graphite, etc.). The separation plate body 100' may have, for example, a substantially square shape. The size (horizontal and vertical length) and thickness of the separator body 100' are not limited, and may have various sizes and thicknesses depending on the standard (specification) and/or type of the water electrolysis device.

The water electrolysis separator 100 according to the present invention includes an inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows from the outside; A reaction area 150 where the introduced fluid reacts (electrolyzes); and an outlet hole 180 through which the reacted fluid is discharged, and an input buffer zone 140 and an output buffer zone formed on the inlet and outlet sides according to an embodiment of the present invention. zone) (160). Each of the components 110, 140, 150, 160, and 180 is formed on the separator main body 100' during the molding process of the separator main body 100', or is formed on the separator main body 100'. It can be formed through separate processing after molding. The processing may include, for example, cutting using a laser or electron beam, and/or drilling using an electric drill.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the water electrolytic separator 100 according to the present invention includes a plate-shaped separator body 100' having a predetermined thickness, and the inflow of the separator main body 100' On the side (lower side in FIG. 3), there is an inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows from the outside of the separator main body 100', and the fluid flowing in from the inlet hole 110 is buffered to form a flow path in the reaction area 150. An inlet-side buffer zone 140 supplied to (155) is formed, and a reaction area 150 through which the fluid supplied from the inlet-side buffer zone 140 passes is formed in the central area of the separator main body 100'. It is formed. And on the discharge side (upper side in FIG. 3) of the separator body 100', there is a discharge buffer zone that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge hole 180. 160 and a discharge hole 180 through which the fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160 is discharged are formed. The fluid (reaction fluid) flowing through the inlet hole 110 is buffered while flowing along the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and supplied to the reaction region 150, and the fluid (produced fluid) passing through the reaction region 150 is supplied to the reaction region 150. ) flows along the discharge-side buffer zone 160, is buffered, and is discharged to the outside of the separator plate main body 100' through the discharge hole 180.

In the present invention, the fluid is a product fluid (product) produced by reaction with a reaction fluid (reactant) used in a water electrolysis device, which is well known. The reaction fluid (reactant) is a fluid that flows into the inlet hole 110, and examples thereof include water used as a raw material for water electrolysis, an electrolyte solution containing water, and/or an alkaline solution containing water. The produced fluid (product) is a fluid discharged through the discharge hole 180 and includes hydrogen and oxygen as targets, but may further include ozone or unreacted products as by-products in addition to hydrogen and oxygen.

The inlet hole 110 communicates with a fluid inlet line (not shown) installed outside the separator main body 100', through which a reaction fluid (water, electrolyte, etc.) flows in from the outside of the water electrolysis stack. The discharge hole 180 communicates with a fluid discharge line (not shown) installed on the outside of the separator main body 100', through which the produced fluid (hydrogen, oxygen, etc.) is discharged to the outside of the water electrolysis stack. The inlet hole 110 and the outlet hole 180 are formed by penetrating through the separation plate main body 100' in the thickness direction.

The reaction region 150 is a region where electrolysis of water occurs, and as is well known, it refers to a portion where the flow path 155 is formed. In the reaction region 150, a plurality of flow paths 155 through which fluid flows and reacts are formed. The reaction area 150 may be formed on one or both sides of the separator main body 100' depending on the standard (size), shape, and type of the water electrolysis stack, and/or the installation location of the water electrolysis separator 100. there is. That is, the flow path 155 may be formed only on the front side of the separator main body 100', or may be formed on both the front and back sides. Figure 3 illustrates a flow path 155 formed on one surface of the separator main body 100'. The flow path 155 has a predetermined depth (D _P ) and width (W _P ) in the separator plate body 100' as usual, and is formed in plural numbers in the reaction area 150 alternately with the lands 152. do.

The buffer zones 140 and 160 have a groove shape through which fluid can flow, which has a predetermined depth (D _Z ) and width (W) on the inlet and outlet sides of the separator main body 100'. It is formed to have _Z ). The buffer zones 140 and 160 may have a cross-sectional shape such as, for example, a “L” shape, a “U” shape, or a “C” shape. According to the present invention, at least the flow of fluid is buffered by the buffer zones 140 and 160, thereby improving fluid flowability. Specifically, taking the inflow process as an example, even if fluid (water) flows at high pressure (high speed) through the inlet hole 110, the fluid flowing into the inlet hole 110 is in the inflow buffer zone before being supplied to the flow path 155. It is buffered while flowing through 140 and is supplied to each of the plurality of flow paths 155 in a smooth flow without the formation of vortices. At the same time, the fluid is uniformly supplied to each of the plurality of flow paths 155 without being concentrated on any one flow path 155 by the inlet-side buffer zone 140. Even during the discharge process, the fluid is discharged in a smooth flow due to a buffering effect by the discharge side buffer zone 160. Accordingly, according to the present invention, the fluid passes through each of the plurality of passages 155 in a smooth and uniform flow, improving the reactivity in the passages 155 and preventing it from being concentrated on any one passage 155. A uniform reaction may proceed throughout the plurality of flow paths 155, that is, throughout the reaction region 150. Additionally, fluid can be supplied at high pressure and speed. This can improve the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the water electrolysis separator plate 100 according to the present invention is formed between the inlet hole 110 and the inlet side buffer zone 140, and these 110 and 140 It may further include a communicating inlet hole 120 and an outlet hole 170 formed between the discharge side buffer zone 160 and the discharge hole 180 to communicate these 160 and 180. . In addition, an inlet-side collection unit 125 formed between the inlet hole 120 and the inlet-side buffer zone 140, and an outlet-side collection unit formed between the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and the outlet hole 170. Part 175 may be formed.

Specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the water electrolytic separator plate 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plate-shaped separator body 100' having a predetermined thickness, and the separator plate On the inlet side (upper side in FIG. 4) of the main body 100', there is an inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows from the outside of the separator main body 100', and an inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows in from the inlet hole 110. An inlet hole 120, an inlet side collecting part 125 that collects the fluid flowing in from the inlet hole 120, and a reaction area 150 by buffering the fluid collected in the inlet side collecting part 125. An inlet-side buffer zone 140 that supplies to the flow path 155 is formed. In addition, a reaction area 150 through which the fluid supplied from the inlet-side buffer zone 140 passes is formed in the central area of the separator main body 100'. In addition, on the discharge side (lower side in FIG. 4) of the separator main body 100', there is a discharge channel that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge side collection unit 175. A side buffer zone 160, a discharge side collecting part 175 through which the fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160 is collected, and an outlet hole through which the fluid collected in the discharge side collecting part 175 is discharged ( 170) and a discharge hole 180 through which the fluid discharged from the outlet hole 170 is discharged. The fluid (reaction fluid) flowing in through the inlet hole 110 is collected into the inlet side collection unit 125 through the inlet hole 120 and then supplied to the reaction area 150 along the inlet side buffer zone 140. The fluid (produced fluid) that has passed through the reaction region 150 is collected into the discharge side collection unit 175 along the discharge side buffer zone 160, and then passes through the discharge hole 180 along the outlet hole 170. It is discharged to the outside of the separation plate main body 100'.

The water electrolysis separator plate 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is an example for a double-sided stack with fluid flow on both sides (front and back). Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the inlet hole 110 includes a first inlet hole 110 (110a) and a second inlet hole 110 (110b), and the inlet hole 120 includes the first inlet hole 110 (110a). It may include an entrance hole 120 (120a) and a second entrance hole 120 (120b). The outlet hole 170 includes a first outlet hole 170 (170a) and a second outlet hole 170 (170b), and the discharge hole 180 includes a first discharge hole 180 (180a) and It may include a second discharge hole 180 (180b). And the remaining components 125, 140, 150, 155, 160, 175 can be formed on the front and back of the separator main body 100' with the same structure as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. there is. Additionally, a gasket packing groove 190 may be formed in the separation plate main body 100'.

The entrance hole 120 and the outlet hole 170 may each be formed in plural numbers. The inlet hole 120 communicates (connects) the inlet hole 120 and the inflow side collection unit 125, and the outlet hole 170 communicates (connects) the discharge side collection part 175 and the discharge hole 180. connect). The inlet side collecting unit 125 collects the fluid drawn from the inlet hole 120 and supplies it to the inlet side buffer zone 140. Additionally, the discharge side collecting unit 175 collects fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160 and supplies it to the outlet hole 170. At this time, the inlet-side buffer zone 140 flows in and buffers the fluid (reactive fluid) collected in the inlet-side collection unit 125, so that it flows uniformly in each of the plurality of flow paths 155 without forming a vortex. ) is supplied. In addition, the discharge side buffer zone 160 buffers the fluid (produced fluid) passing through the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge side collection unit 175 in a smooth flow without forming a vortex to be collected.

Figure 5 is a perspective view cut off the upper right corner of Figure 4. Referring to FIG. 5, the separator main body 100' has a front portion 10A forming the front and a rear portion 10B forming the rear. At this time, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front portion 10A and the rear portion 10B may be composed of one piece of integrated structure. Specifically, in the water electrolytic separator plate 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the front portion 10A and the rear portion 10B are manufactured separately from two plates (front plate and rear plate) as in the prior art, Instead of being joined by welding or adhesives, the front portion 10A and the rear portion 10B are formed into one piece through one molding process when forming the separator main body 100'. In the present invention, “the front portion 10A and the rear portion 10B are formed as one piece” means that the water electrolytic separator plate 100 is not composed of two sheets by joining, but is formed of one sheet (the front plate and the front plate) through integral molding. It means that it is composed of integrally molded back plate.

In addition, the entrance hole 120 and the outlet hole 170 are formed through hole processing (drilling) using the hole processing means 500. The number of the inlet holes 120 and outlet holes 170 is not particularly limited, and a plurality of these 120 and 170 may be formed through hole processing (drilling). According to a specific embodiment, the inlet hole 120 and the outlet hole 170 are formed by penetrating the edge 101 of the separator plate main body 100' by hole processing using the hole processing means 500. More specifically, the hole processing tool 520 of the hole processing means 500 is positioned on the side 101' of the separator plate main body 100', and then the hole processing means 500 is operated to operate the hole processing tool ( 520) is made to penetrate through the border 101. At this time, a through hole 102 is formed in the edge 101. Thereafter, the hole processing tool 520 may pass through the inlet hole 110, and then the inlet hole 120 may be formed at the corresponding location. In the same manner as above, the hole processing tool 520 can penetrate the edge 101, then pass through the discharge hole 180, and then form the outlet hole 170 at the corresponding location. The hole processing means 500 may be, for example, a drill (electric drill, etc.).

Through the hole processing, a through hole 102 is formed in the edge 101 of the separator main body 100', and the through hole 102 is sealed by the sealing means 105. By this sealing, the fluid in the inlet hole 110 and the outlet hole 180 is prevented from flowing out through the through hole 102. The sealing means 105 is not particularly limited as long as it can seal the through hole 102. The sealing means 105 may be selected from resin materials, fiber materials, metal materials, carbon materials, and/or ceramic materials. The sealing may include, for example, a method of packing a packing material such as rubber-based resin, silicone-based resin and/or synthetic resin foam into the through-hole 102; A method of sealing the through hole 102 by welding; and/or a method of inserting and fastening a fastener (screw, etc.) into the through hole 102 to seal it, but the method is not limited thereto. In one example, the sealing uses a fastener (screw, etc.) and a packing material (e.g., silicone-based, etc.) as the sealing means 105, but first, a packing material (e.g., Silicone-based, etc.) can be inserted and then press fastened with fasteners (screws, etc.) on the packing material.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an insulating coating layer (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the water electrolytic separator 100 except for the reaction region 150. The insulating coating layer is not particularly limited as long as it has insulating properties, and preferably has insulating properties in acidic and/or alkaline solutions. The insulating coating layer may be formed by coating an insulating composition containing one or more selected from, for example, fluorine-based, silicone-based, rubber-based, acrylic-based, neoprene-based, butadiene-based and/or copolymers thereof. Specific examples of the insulating coating layer include polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyarylate, polymethylmethyl acrylate, rubber resin, neoprene, polyarylate, polymethylmethyl acrylate, and polyacrylonitrile. and/or an insulating composition containing polyacrylonitrile-butadienestyrene copolymer, etc. may be used.

Additionally, the insulating coating layer may be formed by, for example, a masking method. For example, a mask is attached to the reaction area 150 of the separator main body 100', and then the insulating composition is spray coated and/or impregnated onto the separator main body 100' to form an insulating coating layer. can be formed. By this masking method, an insulating coating layer can be formed on the surface excluding the reaction region 150. When such an insulating coating layer is formed, electrical characteristics such as leakage current are improved.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the buffer zone 140 and 160 is a groove shape having a predetermined depth (D _Z ) and width (W _Z ), which is the depth (D _P ) of the flow path 155. It is formed to have a depth (D _Z ) greater than ). That is, in FIGS. 3 to 5, D _P < D _Z. In this way, when the buffer zones 140 and 160 have a depth (D Z ) greater than the depth (D _P ) of the flow path 155 (D _P < D _{Z )} , for example, when the fluid flows in, the fluid By filling the entire area of the buffer zone 140 and then supplying it to each flow path 155, buffering action and uniform supply can be improved. Although not specifically limited, the depth (D _P ) of the flow path 155 is, for example, formed in the range of about 0.01 mm to 2 mm, and the depth (D _Z ) of the buffer zone 140 (160) is, for example, For example, it can be formed in the range of about 0.5mm to 10mm.

Additionally, the buffer zones 140 and 160 may have a width (W _Z ) greater than the width (W _P ) of the flow path 155 to buffer and uniformly supply the fluid flow. Although not particularly limited, the width (W _P ) of the flow path 155 is formed in the range of, for example, 0.05 mm to 5 mm, and the width (W _Z ) of the buffer zone 140 (160) is, for example, It can be formed in a range of about 2mm to 15mm. In addition, in order to smoothly discharge the produced fluid (hydrogen and oxygen), the width (W _Z ) of the discharge side buffer zone 160 may be formed to be larger than that of the inlet side buffer zone 140.

The buffer zones 140 and 160 are formed to be long and form an almost right angle to the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction) of the flow path 155. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the buffer zones 140 and 160 are formed to be long, extending from one end in the width (W _R ) direction of the reaction region 150 to the other end. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the buffer zones 140 and 160 extend from a flow path 155 formed at the left end of the reaction region 150 to a flow path formed at the right end of the reaction region 150 ( It has a length (L _Z ) up to 155). That is, the length (L _Z ) of the buffer zone 140 and 160 is equal to the width (W _R ) of the reaction region 150. (In FIGS. 3 to 5, L _Z = W _R )

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the buffer zones 140 and 160 satisfy (1) to (4) below.

(1) It is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction) of the flow path 155 and is formed at a predetermined length (L _Z ) on the inlet and outlet sides.

(2) D _P < D _Z (D _P : depth of flow path 155, D _Z : depth of buffer zone 140, 160)

(3) W _P < W _Z (W _P : width of flow path 155, W _Z : width of buffer zone 140, 160)

(4) L _Z = W _R (L _Z : length of buffer zone 140 and 160, W _R : width of reaction region 150)

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of passages 155 are formed along the width (W _R ) direction of the reaction region 150, and each of the plurality of passages 155 is an inlet buffer zone ( It is formed in a straight straight pattern between 140) and the discharge side buffer zone 160.

In the present invention, the “straight pattern” is a plurality of flow paths 155 arranged in a straight line without bending over the entire area of the reaction region 150, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and each flow path 155 ) are connected (in communication) to the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160, so that the fluid passes between the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 in a straight line (straight line). ) refers to a channel pattern that can flow. That is, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of flow paths 155 breaks away from the conventional bending point S (see FIG. 1) with a bending pattern (meandering shape) bent several times, and the It has a straight pattern connecting the inflow-side buffer zone 140 and the discharge-side buffer zone 160 with a straight line.

According to the present invention, by the straight pattern flow path 155, that is, the straight (straight) flow path 155, the flow path of the fluid passing through the reaction area 150 is short, and the fluid flows in a straight line without bending. It flows and prevents the clumping of foam. Accordingly, the reaction and flow of the fluid are not interrupted by bubbles, thereby improving reactivity and flow speed. This can improve the productivity of hydrogen and oxygen. In the straight pattern flow path 155, buffer zones 140 and 160 are formed on the inlet and outlet sides of the separator main body 100' according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the buffer zone 140 (160) is formed at a right angle to the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction) of the flow path 155, and the buffer zones 140 and 160 are formed along the width (W _R ) direction of the reaction region 150. This is possible because it is formed by extending long from one end to the other end (in FIGS. 3 to 5, L _Z = W _R ). That is, in the present invention, whether the buffer zone 140 or 160 is formed, the formation position, formation direction and length (L _Z ) of the buffer zone 140 or 160 determine the flowability of the fluid (buffering action and It also has technical significance in that it improves uniform supply and simultaneously implements (forms) the flow path 155 with the above straight pattern.

In addition, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the collection parts 125 and 175 have a groove shape through which fluid can flow, which is located on the inlet and outlet sides of the separator main body 100'. It is formed to have a predetermined depth and width. The collection units 125 and 175 may have a narrower width and greater depth than the buffer zones 140 and 160. In addition, the collection portions 125 and 175 are formed on one side of the buffer zone 140 and 160, and communicate with the entrance hole 120/exit hole 170 and the buffer zone 140 and 160. connection) is formed. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inlet side collecting unit 125 has an area where an inlet hole 120 is formed on one side (right side in FIG. 4) within the inlet side buffer zone 140 and It is formed to have approximately the same length and is in communication with the inlet hole 120 and the inlet-side buffer zone 140, and the discharge-side collection unit 175 is located on one side (in FIG. 4, It may be formed to have the same length as the area where the outlet hole 170 is formed (on the left), and may be formed to communicate with the outlet hole 170 and the discharge-side buffer zone 160.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, an embodiment of a water electrolysis cell (WEC) according to the present invention will be described, along with an embodiment of a water electrolysis stack according to the present invention. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a water electrolysis cell (WEC) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the main portion of a water electrolysis cell (WEC) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the water electrolysis cell (WEC) according to the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) 200, and both sides (in FIG. 6, the lower and lower sides) of the membrane-electrode assembly 200. It includes a water electrolysis separator plate (100) (100A) (100B) installed on the upper side. Specifically, the water electrolysis cell (WEC) according to the present invention includes a first water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100A); Second water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100B); and a membrane-electrode assembly 200 installed between the first water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100B). According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one selected from the first water electrolytic separation plate 100 (100A) and the second water electrolytic separation plate 100 (100B) is the water electrolytic separation plate of the present invention as described above. It consists of a plate (100). FIG. 6 illustrates the water electrolytic separator plate 100 shown in FIG. 3 applied as the first water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100B).

According to one embodiment, the water electrolysis stack according to the present invention includes a water electrolysis module in which a plurality of water electrolysis cells (WEC) of the present invention are stacked, and current collector plates and/or ends are provided on both sides of the water electrolysis module. It may have a structure in which plates are fastened. In addition, the water electrolysis cell (WEC) and the water electrolysis stack according to the present invention may further include a gasket as usual, and the gasket is installed on the side of the water electrolysis cell (WEC) and the water electrolysis stack. , It can be installed between the water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) (100B) and the membrane-electrode assembly 200. At this time, when the gasket is installed between the water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) (100B) and the membrane-electrode assembly 200, the gasket is attached to the water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) (100B). It can be installed in the formed gasket packing groove 190 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

In the present invention, the membrane-electrode assembly 200 is not particularly limited, and may be configured as usual. As usual, the membrane-electrode assembly 200 includes a central ion exchange membrane and electrode layers (anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer) formed on both sides of the ion exchange membrane. According to another embodiment, the membrane-electrode assembly 200 may further include a gas diffusion layer formed on the electrode layers (anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer).

Referring to FIG. 6, the water electrolysis cell (WEC) (or water electrolysis stack) according to the present invention further includes a collapse prevention member 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the water electrolytic separator 100 is provided with a sinking prevention member 300 that prevents the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from sinking into the inlet buffer zone 140 and the discharge side buffer zone 160. It is installed. According to one embodiment, a water electrolysis cell (WEC) according to the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly 200 and a first cell installed on both sides (lower and upper sides in FIG. 6) of the membrane-electrode assembly 200. It includes a water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100A) and a second water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100B), wherein the first water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate (100) A collapse prevention member 300 is installed on at least one selected from (100B). Figure 6 illustrates the collapse prevention member 300 installed on the first water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100A).

The membrane-electrode assembly 200 is installed (interposed) between two water electrolytic separators 100 (100A) (100B). For example, the membrane-electrode assembly 200 is When expanded, the membrane-electrode assembly 200 may collapse into the groove-shaped buffer zones 140 and 160. That is, according to the present invention, the water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100A) (100B) has a groove-shaped buffer zone 140 (160) having a depth (D _Z ) and width (W _Z ) greater than the flow path (155). ) is formed, when the membrane-electrode assembly 200 expands due to gas generation, etc., the membrane-electrode assembly 200 may flow into the inside of the buffer zone 140 and 160 and collapse. In some cases, the recessed portions inside the buffer zones 140 and 160 may burst or tear and collapse. Such collapse may occur, for example, when high pressure is applied due to the generation of a large amount of gas.

In the present invention, the sinking prevention member 300 has buffer zones 140 and 160 formed in the water electrolytic separator plates 100 (100A) and (100B), thereby forming the buffer zones 140 and 160. It is good as long as it can prevent the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from sinking (collapse). In the present invention, the shape, structure and/or size of the anti-collapse member 300 are not particularly limited, and it is located on the buffer zone 140 and 160 of the water electrolytic separator 100 (100A) (100B). It may be installed in a stacked manner or inserted into the buffer zone 140 or 160 to prevent collapse (collapse) of the membrane-electrode assembly 200.

The collapse prevention member 300 may be made of a material selected from, for example, metal, carbon, and/or resin. In addition, the collapse prevention member 300 is located between the water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) (100B) and the membrane-electrode assembly 200 and/or inside the buffer zone 140 (160). When installed, it is selected from those having fluid permeability so that fluid can pass through them without obstructing the flow of fluid. That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the anti-collapse member 300 is selected from fluid-permeable porous members 310 and 320. The porous members 310 and 320 are not particularly limited as long as they have fluid permeability, and may be selected from, for example, mesh members. In the present invention, the mesh member has a mesh shape in which wires are woven into a net structure, and a plurality of fluid penetration holes 300a (see FIGS. 7 and 8) are formed (perforated) in the substrate. Includes perforated plate form.

Referring to FIG. 6, the collapse prevention member 300 is installed on the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the inlet-side buffer zone (140) and the first porous member 310 having a size (horizontal, vertical) that can cover the discharge-side buffer zone 160. As shown in FIG. 6, the first porous member 310 is a fluid-permeable mesh member and has a sheet shape, which is one of the two water electrolysis separator plates 100 (100A) (100B). It can be installed at least on the first water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100A). According to a more specific embodiment, the first porous member 310 is a sheet-shaped mesh member having a size substantially the same as that of the membrane-electrode assembly 200, and the first water electrolytic separator 100 (100A) and It can be installed in a stacked manner on the buffer zone 140 and 160 in the form of being sandwiched between the membrane-electrode assembly 200.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the collapse prevention member 300 is a second porous member inserted and installed in the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (320). The second porous member 320 is a fluid-permeable mesh member, and may have, for example, a “ㄷ”-shaped or “ㅁ”-shaped cross section.

Figure 7 (a) is a partially cut perspective view of the second porous member 320 having a "ㄷ" shaped cross section, and Figure 7 (b) shows the "ㄷ" shaped second porous member 320 as a buffer. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the water electrolysis cell (WEC) shown inserted and installed in the zones 140 and 160. And Figure 8 (a) is a partially cut perspective view of the second porous member 320 having a "ㅁ" shaped cross section, and Figure 8 (b) is a "ㅁ" shaped second porous member 320. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the water electrolysis cell (WEC) shown inserted and installed in the buffer zone (140) (160). As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second porous member 320 includes an upper support portion 321 and left and right side walls 322 formed on both sides of the upper support portion 321, wherein the upper support portion ( 321) and the left and right side walls 322 may have a structure in which a plurality of fluid penetration holes 300a are formed. This second porous member 320 is inserted and installed inside the buffer zone 140 and 160 to enable fluid flow within the buffer zone 140 and 160 and to maintain the membrane-electrode assembly 200. Prevent collapse.

The sinking prevention member 300 is inserted and installed into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is made of a third porous member (not shown) stacked in plural pieces. can be selected from). The third porous member is a fluid-permeable mesh member having a width ( _WZ ) substantially equal to the width (WZ) of the buffer zone 140 and 160, and is stacked in multiple pieces inside the buffer zone 140 and 160 to provide a buffer. It prevents collapse of the membrane-electrode assembly 200 while enabling fluid flow within the zones 140 and 160.

According to the present invention described above, fluid flow is improved by the buffer zones 140 and 160 that buffer the fluid flow as described above. In addition, according to the present invention, the reactivity and flow speed of the fluid are improved by the flow path 155 of a straight pattern formed in a plurality of straight lines along the width W _R direction of the reaction region 150. Through this, the present invention can improve the productivity of at least hydrogen and oxygen of the water electrolysis device. In addition, according to the present invention, the collapse prevention member 300 prevents the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from collapsing into the buffer zone 140 (160).

100: Water electrolysis separator plate 100': Separator plate main body
100A: first water electrolysis separator plate 100B: second water electrolysis separator plate
110: inlet hole 120: entrance hole
125: Inlet side collection unit 140: Inlet side buffer zone
150: reaction area 155: flow path
160: Discharge side buffer zone 170: Exit hole
175: discharge side collection unit 180: discharge hole
190: Gasket packing groove 200: Membrane-electrode assembly
300: depression prevention member 310, 320: porous member

Claims (6)

It is a water electrolysis cell (WEC) that electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
First water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100A);
Second water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100B); and
It includes a membrane-electrode assembly 200 installed between the first water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100B),
At least one selected from the first water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100B),
An inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows;
an inlet-side buffer zone 140 that buffers the fluid flowing in from the inlet hole 110 and supplies it to the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150;
A reaction area 150 having a plurality of passages 155 through which the fluid supplied from the inflow buffer zone 140 passes;
a discharge-side buffer zone 160 that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge hole 180; and
It is a water electrolysis separator plate 100 including a discharge hole 180 through which fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160 is discharged,
The inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 are groove-shaped and have a depth (D Z ) and width (W _Z ) greater than the depth (D _P ) and width (W _P ) of the flow _path 155. has,
The water electrolytic separator 100 is characterized in that a sinking prevention member 300 is installed to prevent the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from sinking into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the discharge-side buffer zone 160. water electrolysis cell (WEC).
It is a water electrolysis cell (WEC) that electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
First water electrolysis separator plate (100) (100A);
Second water electrolysis separator plate 100 (100B); and
It includes a membrane-electrode assembly 200 installed between the first water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate 100 (100B),
At least one selected from the first water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100A) and the second water electrolytic separator plate (100) (100B),
An inlet hole 110 through which fluid flows;
an inlet hole 120 through which the fluid flowing from the inlet hole 110 is introduced;
an inlet-side collecting unit 125 that collects the fluid introduced from the inlet hole 120;
an inlet-side buffer zone 140 that buffers the fluid collected in the inlet-side collection unit 125 and supplies it to the flow path 155 of the reaction area 150;
A reaction area 150 formed with a plurality of passages 155 through which the fluid supplied from the inflow buffer zone 140 passes;
a discharge-side buffer zone 160 that buffers the fluid passing through the flow path 155 of the reaction region 150 and supplies it to the discharge-side collection unit 175;
A discharge side collecting unit 175 that collects the fluid supplied from the discharge side buffer zone 160;
an outlet hole 170 through which the fluid collected in the discharge side collection unit 175 is discharged; and
It is a water electrolysis separator plate (100) including a discharge hole (180) through which the fluid discharged from the outlet hole (170) is discharged,
The inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the discharge-side buffer zone 160 are groove-shaped and have a depth (D Z ) and width (W _Z ) greater than the depth (D _P ) and width (W _P ) of the flow _path 155. has,
The water electrolytic separator 100 is characterized in that a sinking prevention member 300 is installed to prevent the membrane-electrode assembly 200 from sinking into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the discharge-side buffer zone 160. water electrolysis cell (WEC).
According to claim 1 or 2,
The inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 form a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the flow path 155, and extend from one end to the other end in the width (W _R ) direction of the reaction region 150. Formed by extending,
The flow path 155 is formed in plural numbers along the width (W _R ) direction of the reaction region 150, and each of the plurality of flow paths 155 includes an inlet buffer zone 140 and an outlet buffer zone 160. ) is formed in a straight straight pattern between the
The inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 are groove-shaped and have a depth (D Z ) and width (W _Z ) greater than the depth (D _P ) and width (W _P ) of the flow _path 155. Have,
The depth (D _P ) of the flow path 155 is 0.01 mm to 2 mm,
The depth (D _Z ) of the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 is 0.5 mm to 10 mm,
The width (W _P ) of the passage 155 is 0.05 mm to 5 mm,
A water electrolysis cell (WEC), characterized in that the width (W _Z ) of the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 is 2 mm to 15 mm.
According to paragraph 2,
The inlet-side collecting part 125 and the outlet-side collecting part 175 are groove-shaped and have a depth and width, and have a deeper depth than the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160,
The inlet-side collecting unit 125 is formed on one side of the inlet-side buffer zone 140, and is formed in communication with the inlet hole 120 and the inlet-side buffer zone 140,
The discharge side collecting unit 175 is formed on one side of the discharge side buffer zone 160, and is formed in communication with the outlet hole 170 and the discharge side buffer zone 160,
The water electrolytic separator plate 100 has a front portion 10A forming the front and a rear portion 10B forming the back, and the front portion 10A and the rear portion 10B are composed of two pieces (a front plate and a back plate). It is not composed by joining plates) but is composed of one piece of an integrated structure,
The inlet hole 120 and the outlet hole 170 are formed by penetrating the edge 101 of the separator plate main body 100' through hole processing using the hole processing means 500,
The through hole 102 formed in the edge 101 is sealed by a sealing means 105,
The water electrolysis separator plate 100 is a water electrolysis cell (WEC), characterized in that an insulating coating layer is formed on the surface excluding the reaction region 150.
According to claim 1 or 2,
The anti-collapse member 300 is fluid-permeable and includes one or more porous members 310 and 320 selected from (a) to (c) below.
(a) A porous member installed on the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and having a size capable of covering the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 ( 310)
(b) a porous member 320 inserted into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and having a “ㄷ”-shaped or “ㅁ”-shaped cross section;
(c) a porous member inserted into and installed in the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and stacked in plural pieces;
According to claim 1 or 2,
The collapse prevention member 300 is inserted into the inlet-side buffer zone 140 and the outlet-side buffer zone 160 and is a fluid-permeable porous member 320,
The porous member 320 is,
upper support 321; and
It includes left and right side walls 322 formed on both sides of the upper support part 321,
A water electrolysis cell (WEC), characterized in that a plurality of fluid penetration holes (300a) are formed in the upper support portion (321) and the left and right side walls (322).

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