Electrolytic reaction system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrolytic reaction system (1) for producing process gases in the form of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, comprising at least three electrode assemblies (2), each of which comprise a plurality of hollow cylindrical electrodes that are arranged coaxially to one another and are positioned one inside the other. At least three electrode assemblies (2) are uniformly distributed about a common central vertical axis (4), and a hollow cylindrical container wall (5) for receiving an electrolyte is provided for each electrode assembly (2). A cover element (7) is supported on the upper end face (6) of each of the container walls (5), and the cover element (7) has through-openings (8) which run in the vertical direction and which are designed to discharge process gases produced within the container walls (5). A collecting hood (9) is provided on the cover element (7) in order to combine process gases exiting the individual through-openings (8). An electromagnetic coil (10) which is designed in the form of a ring and comprises a central air core (11) is received by the cover element (7) or is mounted on the cover element (7) and is aligned such that the central vertical axis (4) of the at least three electrode assemblies (2) passes through the central air core (11).

Description

[0001] ELECTROLYTIC REACTION SYSTEM

[0002] The invention relates to an electrolytic reaction system for generating process gases in the form of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. In particular, the electrolytic reaction system according to the invention is intended for the electrolysis of water or water-based solutions, for example, a potassium hydroxide solution, and can be used to produce hydrogen or a mixed gas of hydrogen and oxygen.

[0003] WO2021 / 102494A1, which originates from the applicant, discloses, in connection with the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, a generic electrolytic reaction system with a plurality of electrode groups. The individual electrode groups comprise circular or rectangular, tubular electrodes with respect to their cross-section relative to the vertical axis. All electrode groups of the reaction system are surrounded by a common receiving container, in which the electrolyte can be accommodated and is then in contact with all electrodes. This design is only partially satisfactory with regard to the efficiency of the reaction system.

[0004] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an electrolytic reaction system which offers high efficiency with the simplest possible design.

[0005] This object is achieved by an electrolytic reaction system according to the claims.

[0006] The electrolytic reaction system according to the invention for generating process gases in the form of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen comprises at least three electrode groups, each of these electrode groups comprising a plurality of hollow-cylindrical electrodes arranged coaxially to one another and nested one inside the other, which hollow-cylindrical electrodes are provided alternately as anode and cathode in the radial direction to a vertical axis of the respective electrode group, wherein the at least three electrode groups are arranged evenly distributed around a common, central vertical axis, wherein a hollow-cylindrical container wall is provided for each electrode group to hold an electrolyte, wherein the individual container walls externally delimit the respective electrode groups, so that the at least three electrode groups can be immersed in the electrolyte, in particular can be flushed with the electrolyte,a cover element which is supported at the upper ends of each of the container walls and which cover element has vertically extending openings which are provided for the discharge of process gases arising within the container walls, a collecting hood on the cover element for collecting process gases emerging from the individual openings, an annular electromagnetic coil with a central air core, which electromagnetic coil is received by the cover element or held on the cover element and is aligned such that its central air core is penetrated by the central vertical axis of the at least three electrode groups.

[0007] The electrolytic reaction system according to the invention is highly efficient with regard to the amount of process gases generated electrolytically. This is achieved, on the one hand, by forming individual electrode groups, each of which is assigned a defined amount of electrolyte, in particular water or a water-based solution, by means of individual container walls for each electrode group. Thus, subgroups of electrolysis cells with vertically aligned, tubular electrodes are created that operate electrolytically in a largely separate manner and can be operated within an optimal operating range. In particular, the amount of electrolyte per electrode group can be kept relatively low compared to a common receiving container for all electrode groups. The electrolyte temperature per electrode group can thus be raised to a higher value more quickly, which can promote electrolysis efficiency.Furthermore, the measure whereby the lid element and the collecting hood are supported on the individual vessel walls in a load-transferring manner achieves a stable structure with a few individual elements, since the lid element and the collecting hood rest on several distributed support feet. This also promotes the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction system.

[0008] Furthermore, the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction system is synergistically increased by the fact that the lid element on the receiving containers serves, on the one hand, as a multiple collection channel or collection bridge for the process gases flowing from the individual electrolyte containers and, on the other hand, functions as a support element for the electromagnetic coil positioned centrally in the electrode group arrangement. The electromagnetic coil, thus positioned centrally with respect to the base area of ​​the electrode group arrangement, can act on several electrode groups simultaneously with its electromagnetic field, supporting the detachment of gas bubbles from the electrodes and increasing the efficiency of the electrolytic process.In particular, a single electromagnetic coil is used to act as intensively as possible on a number of electrode groups arranged around the common vertical axis, as a result of which the electrical energy requirement can be kept low compared to a plurality of coils. In particular, the measures according to the invention enable a considerable reduction in the primary current, on the one hand through the combination and use of a number of electrode groups or electrolysis units, which are all located under a common cover element and a common gas collecting hood, and on the other hand through the comparatively low power requirement of the preferably pulsed electromagnetic coil in or on the cover element. In addition, the common cover element, the common collecting hood and the common electromagnetic coil allow for considerable reductions in the primary current in some operating ranges orResonance effects can be observed in these frequency bands, which promote the detachment of gas bubbles that form and adhere to the electrode surfaces. This effectively counteracts a reduction in the active electrode surface area and promotes the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction system.

[0009] Furthermore, it may be expedient to provide an electrically operated ultrasonic generator which is mounted on or in the cover element and positioned such that the central vertical axis of the at least three electrode groups passes through it. This increases the efficiency of the detachment of gas bubbles from the electrode surfaces with relatively low electrical energy consumption. The acoustic or structure-borne sound-based vibrations of the centrally arranged ultrasonic generator or the material vibrations caused thereby, as well as the vibrations caused by the centrally arranged electromagnetic coil, can result in resonances or additive superpositions at certain times and thus promote the detachment intensity of gas bubbles. This, in turn, increases the efficiency of the electrolysis process since the effective electrode surface is kept as large as possible.The detachment and vertical ascent of the gas bubbles can also be supported or accelerated by positioning the active elements, the ultrasonic generator and the electromagnetic coil, vertically one above the other. Furthermore, it can be provided that the openings in the cover element have tapered flow cross-sections, starting from the container walls in the direction of the collecting hood, in particular forming frustoconical flow channels, with the large base diameters of these frustoconical flow channels being closest to the hollow cylindrical container walls. This creates a flow pattern starting from the individual electrode groups or...Starting from the reaction chambers defined by the vessel walls, a nozzle effect is created against the process gases in the direction of the collecting hood, thus accelerating them toward the smaller truncated cone diameter. The process gases are expanded again or their flow velocity is reduced again in the comparatively large collecting chamber defined by the collecting hood. This creates a simple design of a multiple Laval nozzle, which advantageously increases the flow velocity of the process gas in the narrowed section between the lid element and the collecting hood. The accelerated discharge of the process gases can promote the efficiency of the electrolysis process in the electrode groups.

[0010] The large base diameter of the truncated cone-shaped flow channels can be between 80% and 110% of the inner diameter of the wooden cylindrical vessel walls. In particular, the large base diameter can be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical vessel walls. This allows for the most unblocked and complete outflow of process gases from the interior of the receiving vessels.

[0011] Also advantageous is a design according to which it can be provided that a receiving space for the electromagnetic coil in the cover element is dimensioned in the radial direction to the central vertical axis such that the individual openings running in the vertical direction are in fluid communication with the receiving space, or that a receiving space for the electromagnetic coil in the cover element is in fluid communication with the individual openings running in the vertical direction via connecting channels. Through the corresponding connecting or flow channels, on the one hand, the process gases can also flow into the receiving space for the electromagnetic coil and, on the other hand, the electromagnetic field of the current-carrying coil can reach the vertical openings carrying the process gas unhindered.In addition, the electromagnetic field in the current-carrying state of the electromagnetic coil can act with high intensity on the electrolysis chambers enclosed by the hollow cylindrical container walls.

[0012] According to a further development, the receiving space in the cover element can be accessed after removal of the collecting hood in such a way that the electromagnetic coil can be inserted into or removed from the receiving space. This makes it easy to position and retain a preferably circular or toroidal electromagnetic coil with its circular or cylindrical air core coaxially to the central, common vertical axis of the at least three electrode groups.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be expedient to provide a single, conically tapered aperture for each electrode group, which serves to fluidically connect the space defined by the respective vessel wall with the space defined by the collecting hood. This provides a simple way to prevent backflow of the process gas from the space defined by the collecting hood into the reaction spaces defined by the vessel walls, since the pressure in the former is generally lower than the pressure in the latter. Furthermore, this provides a simple way to create a collecting manifold for the process gases exiting the individual electrode groups and entering the collecting space.

[0014] Furthermore, a central screw element can be provided, running coaxially to the central vertical axis, which is intended to press the cover element against the ends of the container walls under mechanical prestress. This allows for a structurally simple yet reliable seal in the area between the container walls and the cover element supported thereon. In particular, tilting or twisting of the cover element relative to the ends of the container walls can be prevented.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that the ends of the container walls facing away from the cover element are supported on a common base plate supporting at least three electrode groups, and that the central screw element can be screwed into the base plate so that the cover element can exert a mechanical preload on the ends of the container walls. This clamps the hollow cylindrical container walls between the base plate and the cover element, thus achieving a long-term, reliable seal in the transition or joining areas between the aforementioned components.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the at least three electrode groups, the cover element, and the collecting hood to be enclosed in a gas-tight manner in the radial direction to the central vertical axis by a hollow cylindrical outer wall, and for the base plate and at least one pressure plate to be supported in a load-transmitting manner at opposite ends of the hollow cylindrical outer wall. This makes it possible to create an electrolytic reaction system that offers good protection against the unwanted escape of process gases into the environment. The hollow cylindrical outer wall, which is capped at each end and can be defined by a piece of pipe, offers not only static advantages and reliable leak prevention but also production-related advantages.

[0017] According to an advantageous development, each of the said openings in the cover element can form a nozzle, with the smallest cross-section of these nozzles being formed in the transition section between the cover element and the collecting hood. This makes it particularly simple to create a Laval nozzle for each electrode group, with these Laval nozzles being defined between the receiving spaces of the electrode groups and the common collecting space formed by the collecting hood. This collecting space represents an enlarged cross-section or an expansion section in the flow path for the process gases emerging from the individual electrode groups or receiving containers.

[0018] In particular, it can be advantageous if the electrically operated ultrasonic generator is designed in a circular ring shape and has an inner diameter through which the central screw element passes. This ensures that the plurality of electrode arrangements are each subjected to vibrations of the same intensity by the centrally positioned ultrasonic generator. In particular, asymmetrical operation of the electrolytic reaction system can be prevented by using only one central ultrasonic generator and electrode groups spaced identically from it in the radial direction.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the electromagnetic coil is intended to provide an alternating electromagnetic field with frequencies in the frequency range up to 25 kHz, in particular in the frequency range between 0 Hz and 25 kHz. In addition, the ultrasonic generator is intended to provide sound vibrations with frequencies in the frequency range between 20 kHz and 75 kHz. By combining the electromagnetic coil and an ultrasonic generator, a multiple frequency stage and consequently a unique resonance frequency is generated or activated, which in conjunction with the plurality of electrode groups orThe corresponding electrolysis units, on the one hand, enable highly efficient hydrogen formation and release through effective bubble management, and on the other hand, reduce the voltage drop resulting from the increased electrolyte resistance caused by the hydrogen bubbles formed, thereby counteracting a reduction in the active electrode surface caused by gas bubbles formed and adhering to it. These effects can be more pronounced in the overlapping frequency range of the electromagnetic coil and the ultrasonic generator, particularly in the overlapping frequency ranges between 20 kHz and 25 kHz. The respective frequency ranges of the electromagnetic coil and / or the ultrasonic generator can be cycled through from the lower value to the upper value, and vice versa, within predetermined time periods.

[0020] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0021] They show in a highly simplified, exemplary representation:

[0022] Fig. 1 primary components of an electrolytic reaction system in perspective view;

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the reaction system according to Fig. 1 with the outer wall, pressure plates and a container wall removed from one of the electrode groups;

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the reaction system according to Fig. 1 in exploded view;

[0025] Fig. 4 shows a cover element, an electromagnetic coil, an ultrasonic generator and a collecting hood of the electrolytic reaction system according to Fig. 1 in a view obliquely from above;

[0026] Fig. 5 shows the components according to Fig. 4, viewed obliquely from below. By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and if the position changes, these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position.

[0027] Figures 1 to 5 show an embodiment of an electrolytic reaction system 1 designed to split water or a water-based solution into gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen. The electrolytically generated process gas, hydrogen, can subsequently be used—as is known—in pure form or as a mixed gas with gaseous oxygen, for example, for operating internal combustion engines or vehicles.

[0028] The electrolytic reaction system 1 comprises at least three electrode groups 2. In the illustrated embodiment, four electrode groups 2 are provided. However, the electrolytic reaction system 1 can also comprise more than four electrode groups 2, in particular up to ten electrode groups 2.

[0029] Each of these electrode groups 2 has a plurality of electrodes, which, in terms of their arrangement or sequence, are provided alternately as anode and cathode. At least one anode and at least one cathode are provided for each electrode group 2. It may be expedient for two to ten electrodes to be provided for each electrode group 2. For example, seven electrodes are provided alternately as anode and cathode.

[0030] The individual electrodes are hollow cylindrical, defined in particular by tubular sections. The diameters of the electrodes in an electrode group 2 are selected such that these electrodes can be placed one inside the other, forming intermediate spaces or gaps, and can be aligned coaxially with one another. A vertical axis 3 of each of the electrode groups 2 lies in the center of the respective electrode arrangement 2. The hollow cylindrical electrodes of each electrode group 2 are provided in the radial direction to the vertical axis 3 alternately as anode and cathode for the electrolysis process of the electrolyte, in particular for the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. As can best be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, the at least three electrode groups 2 are arranged evenly distributed around a common, central vertical axis 4.This central vertical axis 4 accordingly represents the vertical center axis of several electrode groups 2 or electrolysis units arranged around it. Accordingly, the individual electrode groups 2 represent at least a three-point or ring arrangement around the central vertical axis 4 in a plan view of the reaction system 1.

[0031] Each electrode group 2 has its own container wall 5, which serves as an outer boundary or radial casing for the respective electrode group 2. In Fig. 2, the container wall 5 of the front electrode group 2 has been hidden for clarity. The individual container walls 5 are preferably hollow-cylindrical or tubular, similar to the electrodes accommodated therein. The individual container walls 5 of each electrode group 2 enclose the respective electrode groups 2 in such a way that the electrodes of the respective electrode groups 2 can be immersed in the electrolyte, i.e., are immersed therein when the electrolytic reaction system 1 is in operation. The container walls 5 accordingly define liquid-tight receptacles for the electrolyte and for the electrodes immersed therein or located therein. A separate volume or a separate quantity of electrolyte is provided for each electrode group 2.Preferably, the individual receiving containers or the interior spaces of the container walls 5 are not in fluid communication with each other.

[0032] At the upper ends 6 of each of the hollow cylindrical or tubular container walls 5, a common cover element 7 is provided for each of the hollow cylindrical container walls 5. The common cover element 7 forms a vertically upper end or end cover of the container walls 5. The cover element 7 has a plurality of vertically extending openings 8, which are provided for discharging process gases generated within the container walls 5, i.e., within the electrolyte receptacles. According to the illustrated embodiment, a vertically extending opening can be provided in the cover element 7 for each receptacle.

[0033] A collecting hood 9 is formed on or above the cover element 7, which is intended to collect the process gases escaping from the individual openings 8. The collecting hood 9 can be dome-shaped or domed and define a collecting space intended to accumulate the process gases escaping from the openings 8 of the cover element 7.

[0034] The electrolytic reaction system 1 further comprises an annular, for example torus-shaped, electromagnetic coil 10. The annular coil 10 accordingly has a central air core 11 (Fig. 4). This electromagnetic coil 10 is accommodated by the cover element 7 or is held on the cover element 7 in a load-transmitting manner. The electromagnetic coil 10 is oriented such that its central air core 11 is penetrated by the vertical axis 4 of the at least three electrode groups 2, in particular by the vertical axis 4 of the, for example, four electrode groups 2. Accordingly, the electromagnetic coil 10 or its air core 11 runs coaxially to the common vertical axis 4 of the electrode groups 2. The electromagnetic coil 10 is intended for supply with pulsating direct voltage and / or alternating voltage.The electromagnetic field generated by the coil 10 acts equally on the at least three electrode groups 2, or their electromagnetic field acts equally on the electrolytes contained in the container walls 5. Significant differences in the electromagnetic influence per electrode group 2, which would result from the electromagnetic influence of a single electromagnetic coil 10, are thus avoided.

[0035] As best seen in Fig. 4, the electrolytic reaction system 1 can further comprise an electrically operable ultrasonic generator 12, which is also mounted on or in the cover element 7 and positioned such that it is penetrated by the central vertical axis 4 of the at least three electrode groups 2. In particular, this ultrasonic generator 12 can be circular in shape, and its air core 13, which is circular in cross-section, can be centrally penetrated by the vertical axis 4.

[0036] 4 and 5 illustrate the subcomponents collecting hood 9, electromagnetic coil 10, cover element 7, and ultrasonic generator 12 of the electrolytic reaction system in perspective views obliquely from above (Fig. 4) and obliquely from below (Fig. 5). This shows that the openings 8 in the cover element 7 have tapered flow cross-sections, starting from their sections closest to the container walls 5, in the direction of the collecting hood 9. In particular, the openings 8 in the cover element are each designed as frustoconical flow channels 14. A thickness 15 of the cover element 7 measured along the vertical axis 4 (Fig. 3) can approximately correspond to the vertical length of the flow channels 14. The thickness 15 can be between 20 mm and 100 mm, in particular approximately 70 mm, in order to create an adequate length for the vertical, tapered flow channels 14.The cover element 7 can be made of solid material or can be designed in sections as a hollow body and can be manufactured, for example, by a 3D printing process.

[0037] The large base circle diameters 16 of the frustoconical flow channels 14 are closest to the hollow cylindrical container walls 5. The small base circle diameters 17 of the flow channels 14 can be formed on the end of the cover element 7 facing away from the container walls 5. The large base circle diameter 16 of the frustoconical flow channels 14 can be between 80% and 110% of the inner diameter 18 of the hollow cylindrical container walls 5. Accordingly, the inflow cross-section into the tapered flow channels 14 approximately corresponds to the outflow cross-section of the hollow cylindrical container walls 5. It can also be expedient if a single, conically tapered opening 8 is formed for each electrode group 2 or each container wall 5, which opening is provided for the fluidic connection of the space defined by the respective container wall 5 with the space defined by the collecting hood 9.

[0038] As is particularly evident from a combination of Figs. 3 to 5, a holding or receiving space 19 for the electromagnetic coil 10 can be provided in the cover element 7. This receiving space 19 is arranged centrally in the cover element 7, which is preferably circular in plan view. The receiving space 19 can - as shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4 - be designed to be open upwards in the vertical direction. In particular, it can be provided that the receiving space 19 in the cover element 7 is accessible after removal of the collecting hood 9 such that the electromagnetic coil 10 can be inserted into the receiving space 19 or removed from the receiving space 19.

[0039] The receiving space 19 can have a circular cross-section transverse to the vertical axis 4. Furthermore, the receiving space 19 for the electromagnetic coil 10 in the cover element 7 can be dimensioned in the radial direction to the central vertical axis 4 such that the individual openings 8 running in the vertical direction are in fluid communication with the receiving space 19 by creating spatial overlaps 20. Alternatively, or in combination, it can be provided that the receiving space 19 for the electromagnetic coil 10 in the cover element 7 is in fluid communication with the individual openings 8 running in the vertical direction via separate connecting channels.

[0040] As can best be seen from Fig. 3, it can be provided that a central screw element 21 is formed, running coaxially to the central vertical axis 4, which is intended to press the cover element 7 under mechanical prestress against the ends 6 of the container walls 5. It can also be provided that the cover element 7 is pressed indirectly against the container walls 5, in particular involving the collecting hood 9. In particular, the prestress that can be exerted with the screw element 21 can first act on the collecting hood 9, be transferred from the collecting hood 9 to the cover element 7 and finally act on the ends 6 of the container walls 5.

[0041] From Figs. 1 to 3, it can be seen that the electrolytic reaction system 1 can have a base plate 22, on which the at least three electrode groups 2 are supported with their ends facing away from the cover element 7. The central screw element 21 can be designed to be screwed into the base plate 22, so that a mechanical prestress can be exerted on the ends 6 of the container walls 5 via the cover element 7.

[0042] As can be seen primarily from Figs. 1 and 3, the electrolytic reaction system 1 can comprise a hollow cylindrical outer wall 23. This hollow cylindrical or tubular outer wall 23 is provided for the gas-tight enclosure of the at least three electrode groups 2, the cover element 7, and the collecting hood 9 in the radial direction to the central vertical axis 4. The base plate 22 and at least one pressure plate 24 can be supported in a load-transmitting manner at opposite ends of the hollow cylindrical outer wall 23, thus ensuring a stable and, at the same time, long-term gas-tight structure. The at least one pressure plate 24 can also be provided to press the collecting hood 9 evenly and thus reliably sealingly against the upper side of the cover element 7.

[0043] As can best be seen by looking at Figs. 4 and 5 together, each of the said openings 8 in the cover element 7 can form a nozzle 25. The smallest cross-section of these nozzles 25 is formed in the transition section between the cover element 7 and the collecting hood 9. The collecting hood 9 can be dome-shaped or cupola-shaped and, in the defined area, define the collecting space for the process gases emerging from the openings 8. At least one outlet opening 26 in the collecting hood 9 and in the at least one pressure plate 24 is provided in order to be able to discharge collected process gases either mixed or separately or to supply them for further use.The dome-shaped or dome-shaped collecting hood 9 can be delimited at the bottom by a base plate 27 and have a plurality of openings 28 which represent a flow connection between the flow channels 14 in the cover element 7 and the collecting space in the interior of the collecting hood 9.

[0044] The electrically operable ultrasonic generator 12 can be circular in shape and have an inner diameter 29 through which the central screw element 21 passes. The circular ultrasonic generator 12 can be inserted into a downwardly open recess 30 on the underside of the cover element 7 and held therein.

[0045] The electromagnetic coil 10 and the electrically operable ultrasonic generator 12 are connected to a power supply unit (not shown). The electromagnetic coil 10 is designed to provide an alternating electromagnetic field with frequencies in the frequency range up to 25 kHz during operation of the electrolytic reaction system 1. The ultrasonic generator 12 is designed to provide sound vibrations with frequencies in the frequency range between 20 kHz and 75 kHz during operation of the electrolytic reaction system 1.

[0046] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies in the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the honor of technical action through the objective invention.

[0047] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description. All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof. For example, the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10. This means that all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0048] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0049] Reference symbol list

[0050] reaction system

[0051] Electrode groups

[0052] Vertical axes

[0053] vertical axis

[0054] container wall

[0055] S timenden

[0056] Cover element

[0057] Breakthroughs

[0058] Collecting hood

[0059] Sink

[0060] Air core

[0061] Ultrasonic generator

[0062] Air core

[0063] Flow channels

[0064] Thickness large base circle diameter small base circle diameter

[0065] Inner diameter

[0066] Recording room spatial overlaps

[0067] S crew element

[0068] Base plate hollow cylindrical outer wall

[0069] pressure plate

[0070] nozzle

[0071] Outlet opening

[0072] base plate

[0073] Openings

[0074] inner circle diameter

[0075] recess

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. An electrolytic reaction system (1) for generating process gases in the form of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, comprising at least three electrode groups (2), each of these electrode groups (2) comprising a plurality of hollow-cylindrical electrodes arranged coaxially to one another and nested one inside the other, which hollow-cylindrical electrodes are provided alternately as anode and cathode in the radial direction to a vertical axis (3) of the respective electrode group (2), the at least three electrode groups (2) being arranged uniformly distributed around a common, central vertical axis (4), characterized by a hollow-cylindrical container wall (5) per electrode group (2) for receiving an electrolyte, the individual container walls (5) externally bordering the respective electrode groups (2) so that the at least three electrode groups (2) can be immersed in the electrolyte,a cover element (7) which is supported at the upper end faces (6) of each of the container walls (5) and which cover element (7) has vertically extending openings (8) which are provided for discharging process gases arising within the container walls (5), a collecting hood (9) on the cover element (7) for collecting process gases emerging from the individual openings (8), an annular electromagnetic coil (10) with a central air core (11), which electromagnetic coil (10) is received by the cover element (7) or held on the cover element (7) and is aligned such that its central air core (11) is penetrated by the central vertical axis (4) of the at least three electrode groups (2).

2. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1, characterized by an electrically operable ultrasonic generator (12) which is mounted on or in the cover element (7) and is positioned such that it is penetrated by the central vertical axis (4) of the at least three electrode groups (2).

3. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the openings (8) in the cover element (7) have tapered flow cross-sections starting from the container walls (5) in the direction of the collecting hood (9).

4. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 3, characterized in that the openings (8) in the cover element each form frustoconical flow channels (14), wherein the large base circle diameters (16) of these frustoconical flow channels (14) are assigned closest to the hollow cylindrical container walls (5).

5. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 4, characterized in that the large base circle diameter (16) of the frustoconical flow channels (14) is between 80% and 110% of an inner diameter (18) of the wooden cylindrical container walls (5).

6. Electrolytic reaction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving space (19) for the electromagnetic coil (10) in the cover element (7) is dimensioned in the radial direction to the central vertical axis (4) such that the individual openings (8) running in the vertical direction are in fluid communication with the receiving space (19), or that a receiving space (19) for the electromagnetic coil (10) in the cover element (7) is in fluid communication with the individual openings (8) running in the vertical direction via connecting channels.

7. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 6, characterized in that the receiving space (19) in the cover element (7) is accessible after removal of the collecting hood (9) such that the electromagnetic coil (10) can be inserted into the receiving space (19) or removed from the receiving space (19).

8. Electrolytic reaction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single, conically tapered opening (8) is formed for each electrode group (2), which is provided for the fluidic connection of the space delimited by the respective container wall (5) with the space delimited by the collecting hood (9).

9. Electrolytic reaction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central screw element (21) is formed which runs coaxially to the central vertical axis (4) and is intended to press the cover element (7) against the ends (6) of the container walls (5) under mechanical prestress.

10. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 9, characterized in that the ends of the container walls (5) facing away from the cover element (7) are supported on a common base plate (22) carrying the at least three electrode groups (2), and in that the central screw element (21) can be screwed into the base plate (22) so that a mechanical prestress can be exerted on the ends (6) of the container walls (5) by the cover element (7).

11. Electrolytic reaction system according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least three electrode groups (2), the cover element (7) and the collecting hood (9) are surrounded in the radial direction to the central vertical axis (4) by a hollow cylindrical outer wall (23) are enclosed in a gas-tight manner, and that the base plate (22) and at least one pressure plate (24) are supported in a load-transmitting manner at opposite ends of the hollow cylindrical outer wall (23).

12. Electrolytic reaction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the said openings (8) in the cover element (7) forms a nozzle (25), the smallest cross section of these nozzles (25) being formed in the transition section between the cover element (7) and the collecting hood (9).

13. Electrolytic reaction system according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the electrically operable ultrasonic generator (12) is circular in shape and has an inner circle diameter (29) through which the central screw element (21) passes.

14. Electrolytic reaction system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromagnetic coil (10) is designed to provide an alternating electromagnetic field with frequencies in the frequency range up to 25 kHz is provided, and that the ultrasonic generator (12) is provided for providing sound vibrations with frequencies in the frequency range between 20 kHz and 75 kHz.

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