Pem-type electrolyzer stack for operation at high pressure

Abstract

Electrolyzer module comprising a front plate, end plate enclosing an anode cavity, and a cathode cavity.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . An electrolyzer stack, comprising:
 a. a first end plate defining a first end of the stack;   b. a second end plate defining a second end of the stack;   c. a plurality of flange fittings; and   d. an electrolyzer module disposed between the first and second end plates, the module being configured to decompose water comprising:
 i. a plurality of channels; 
 ii. a plurality of cells; 
 iii. at least one bipolar plate; 
 iv. at least one anode; 
 v. at least one cathode; and 
 vi. a low ion-exchange capacity membrane; 
 wherein the bipolar plate, anode, cathode and membrane are operationally and fluidically coupled such that water can be passed through the plurality of flange fittings into the module to be distributed evenly throughout the module and through the channels from the first end plate toward the second end plate, and 
 further wherein hydrogen and oxygen can exit the stack and exit the module through the plurality of flange fittings. 
   
     
     
         9 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of flange fittings further comprises at least one upper and at least one lower flange fitting; wherein the upper and lower flange fittings are disposed on the first end plate and further wherein the at least one lower flange fitting is configured to pass water into the module and the at least one upper flange fitting is configured to allow hydrogen or oxygen to exit the module. 
     
     
         10 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 9 , wherein the first or second end plate further comprises milled grooves. 
     
     
         11 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one gasket. 
     
     
         12 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one gasket further comprises at least one conical window. 
     
     
         13 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 12 , further comprising at least one mesh insert. 
     
     
         14 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 13 , wherein the electrolysis cell has an electrical resistance of less than 25 mΩ/cm 2 . 
     
     
         15 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 13 , wherein the electrolysis cell has an electrical resistance of about 15 mΩ/cm 2 . 
     
     
         16 . The electrolyzer stack of  claim 15 , wherein the electrolyzer stack is capable of operating at pressures up to 500 bars.