An outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and particularly relates to an outdoor hydrogen production electrolytic cell, which comprises a pressure vessel shell with a closed space for accommodating an electrolytic cell body, the electrolytic cell body, and characterized in that the outdoor hydrogen production electrolytic cell further comprises a connecting assembly for limiting axial movement of the electrolytic cell body along the pressure vessel shell and a terminal post structure for an electrical connection structure between the electrolytic cell body and an external power supply. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolytic cell has the characteristics of good insulation, good sealing, convenient installation and maintenance, simple operation and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrolyzer technology, specifically relating to an outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the hydrogen energy industry chain is booming, which has also driven the rapid growth of the hydrogen production sector; and the proposal of dual carbon targets has made "green hydrogen" an important way to reduce carbon emissions. Among them, water electrolysis is an important method for producing green hydrogen, and the increase in the scale of water electrolysis hydrogen production has also led to the rapid growth of the electrolyzer market.

[0003] The high cost of green hydrogen production is mainly due to electricity prices and the water electrolysis hydrogen production system. The electrolyzer, as a key piece of equipment for large-scale hydrogen production from renewable energy sources, accounts for nearly 50% of the total cost of the hydrogen production system. Therefore, hydrogen energy equipment, represented by the electrolyzer, plays a crucial role in reducing the cost of hydrogen production.

[0004] Hydrogen production by water electrolysis involves passing a direct current through an electrolytic cell filled with electrolyte, causing water molecules to undergo an electrochemical reaction at the electrodes. The principle is that at the cathode, water molecules are decomposed into H+. + and OH - H + It gains electrons to form hydrogen atoms, and further forms hydrogen molecules (H2); OH - Under the influence of the electric field between the cathode and anode, the anode passes through the porous diaphragm and reaches the anode, where it loses an electron to generate a water molecule and an oxygen molecule. The entire process can achieve zero emissions.

[0005] The development of electrolyzers is currently relatively slow. Previous electrolyzers were mostly small to medium-sized and installed indoors, used in applications such as hydrogen production in aerospace, oxygen production in submarines, and hydrogen production through cooling in nuclear power or thermal power units, with relatively small usage. However, the applications in green energy are now reaching ton-level scales, increasing by hundreds or thousands of times, requiring installation in outdoor environments. This places higher demands on their structure and safety, necessitating improvements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer with the characteristics of good insulation, good sealing, convenient installation and maintenance, and simple operation.

[0007] An outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer according to the present invention comprises:

[0008] The pressure vessel shell has a closed space to accommodate the electrolytic cell body;

[0009] Electrolytic cell body;

[0010] Its characteristic is that it further includes:

[0011] A connecting assembly used to restrict the axial movement of the electrolyzer body along the pressure vessel shell;

[0012] Terminal block structure, used for electrical connection between the electrolytic cell body and external power supply.

[0013] Furthermore, the terminal block structure includes a conductive copper busbar, an insulating sealing ring, and a transition copper busbar. The insulating sealing ring and the transition copper busbar are integrally die-cast. The transition copper busbar includes a conductive copper busbar connection end and an external power supply connection end. The conductive copper busbar connection end is located in the internal space of the insulating sealing ring and has an adjustment and positioning hole along its length. The adjustment and positioning hole is connected to the connection hole of the conductive copper busbar by a bolt. The external power supply connection end extends out of the circumferential surface of the insulating sealing ring, and the extended part has a flange bolt through hole and an external power supply connection hole respectively from the inside to the outside.

[0014] The terminal block structure is located inside the end of the pressure vessel shell. The conductive copper busbar is electrically connected to the terminal block on the end plate of the adjacent electrolytic cell body. The insulating sealing ring is press-fitted into the end flange of the pressure vessel shell. The external power connection end of the adapter copper busbar extends out of the end flange of the pressure vessel shell. The flange bolt through hole is used for the bolts of the end flange of the pressure vessel shell to pass through. The external power connection hole is used for electrical connection with an external power source.

[0015] Furthermore, the length of the adjustment positioning hole is 5-10 times the diameter of the connection hole of the conductive copper busbar.

[0016] Furthermore, an insulating sleeve is nested inside the flange bolt through hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the adapter copper busbar has an L-shaped structure, with one end being an external power supply connection terminal and the other end being a conductive copper busbar connection terminal.

[0018] Furthermore, the adapter copper busbar has a T-shaped structure, with its symmetrical ends serving as external power supply connection terminals and the remaining end serving as a conductive copper busbar connection terminal.

[0019] Furthermore, the pressure vessel shell includes shell C, shell A and shell B connected in sequence by a first flange, with the electrolytic cell body located inside shell A.

[0020] Furthermore, two connecting components are provided, which respectively cooperate with the two end plates on both sides of the electrolytic cell body. Each connecting component includes a hook ring, a second flange, and an adjustable screw. The hook ring is welded to the open end face of the adjacent shell A. The second flange has an annular groove that cooperates with the hook head of the hook ring. The second flange is provided with a number of threaded holes along the circumference. An adjustable screw is threaded into each threaded hole. One end of the adjustable screw abuts against the end plate of the adjacent electrolytic cell body, and the other end is an adjustment end.

[0021] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided between the second flange and the hook ring.

[0022] Furthermore, the mating surfaces of the annular groove of the second flange and the hook head of the hook ring are inclined, forming an angle of 20-30 degrees with the vertical section. Calculations show that this angle facilitates installation and disassembly, while the inclination angle ensures the engagement strength of both.

[0023] Furthermore, the axial length of the annular groove of the second flange is greater than the axial length of the hook head of the hook ring. The annular groove has a certain margin relative to the hook head, which can adaptively adjust when thermal expansion and contraction occur.

[0024] Furthermore, the second flange is a split flange, which facilitates installation or disassembly with the hook ring.

[0025] Furthermore, the electrode plate assembly of the electrolytic cell body includes several alternately arranged anode electrode plates and cathode electrode plates. Adjacent anode electrode plates and cathode electrode plates are provided with insulating pads. The outer circumferential edge of the insulating pad has protrusions extending to both sides, and the protrusions are pressed against the outer surface of the adjacent electrode plates. The protrusions between any insulating pad and the adjacent insulating pad are mutually abutted.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner and side surfaces of the protrusions are coated with adhesive. Alternatively, the protrusions are bonded to the outer surfaces of adjacent electrode plates via heat fusion, and any of the insulating pads is bonded to the protrusions between adjacent insulating pads via heat fusion. These measures ensure that the insulating pads completely enclose the electrode plates, preventing safety hazards caused by exposed electrode plates.

[0027] Furthermore, each of the terminals is fitted with an insulating sleeve. Alternatively, the outer surface of each terminal is wrapped with insulating fiber, preferably with a thickness of 1-3 mm. Or, the outer surface of each terminal is coated with an insulating coating. These measures can be used individually or in combination to meet the insulation requirements of the terminals.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer surface of the protrusion is wrapped with insulating fiber material. Alternatively, the outer surface of the protrusion is coated with an insulating coating. These measures can be used individually or in combination to meet the insulation requirements of the entire fuel cell stack.

[0029] In this patent, the insulating sleeve and insulating gasket are made of insulating materials, such as plastics, rubber, composite materials, etc.; the insulating fiber product is made by impregnating a fiber product with insulating varnish, which has certain mechanical strength, electrical strength, and moisture resistance, and also possesses some special functions such as mildew resistance, electrical resistance, and radiation protection, and can be directly obtained commercially; the insulating coating is formed by coating and curing commercially available insulating varnish. This patent does not limit the materials mentioned above, as long as they meet the requirements of insulation and suitability for processing. Any other materials that can achieve this function should fall within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0031] (1) The terminal block structure designed in this invention allows the bolts to be freely selected at appropriate points on the adjustment positioning holes and connected to the connection holes of the conductive copper busbar, thereby improving the adaptability of the conductive copper busbar. In addition, with the adjustment of the adjustment screws of the connection components on both sides, the terminal block structure is easy to adjust the distance during installation. The direction of the external power connection end of the adapter copper busbar out of the pressure vessel shell can be adjusted according to the power supply position (T type can be connected to both sides; L type can be adjusted to 180° reversal, and has a large installation space, which is convenient for assembly). The resistance is very small, which can ensure the stability of the electrical connection. The insulating sealing ring and the adapter copper busbar are integrally die-cast, and the insulating sealing ring is press-fitted into the end flange of the pressure vessel shell, which can ensure the seal while connecting the external power supply.

[0032] (2) The connecting component designed in this invention can be used to connect the electrolytic cell body to the pressure vessel shell by a pull-out method, and then the connecting component is used to achieve fixed positioning. The connecting component can be quickly installed and disassembled without affecting the operating space of the end plate of the electrolytic cell body. The matching method of the second flange and the hook ring can also adaptively adjust for safety risks caused by thermal expansion and contraction.

[0033] (3) This invention solves the safety problems such as discharge caused by the previous exposed electrode plate by improving the technology of the insulating gasket; multiple insulation measures are taken to ensure that the entire electrolytic cell meets the requirements for safe outdoor operation by taking insulation measures for both the electrode plate and the terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA diagram;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Another perspective illustration;

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point F in the middle;

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the middle terminal structure (excluding the conductive copper busbar);

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Another structural diagram of the center terminal (excluding the conductive copper busbar);

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the electrolytic cell body;

[0042] Figure 8 for Figure 2 Another perspective illustration;

[0043] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0044] In the diagram: 1. Pressure vessel shell; 2. Electrolytic cell body; 3. First flange; 4. Shell A; 5. Shell B; 6. Hook ring; 7. Second flange; 8. Adjustable screw; 9. End plate; 10. Shell C; 11. Conductive copper busbar; 12. Insulating sealing ring; 13. Adapter copper busbar; 14. Adjustment positioning hole; 15. Flange bolt through hole; 16. External power connection hole; 17. End flange; 18. Electrode plate assembly; 19. Insulating gasket; 20. Terminal block; 21. Protrusion; 22. Insulating sleeve; 23. Insulating coating. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Example:

[0047] like Figures 1-6 As shown, an outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer includes:

[0048] The pressure vessel shell 1 has a closed space for accommodating the electrolytic cell body 2;

[0049] Electrolytic cell body 2;

[0050] Also includes:

[0051] A connecting assembly for restricting the axial movement of the electrolyzer body 2 along the pressure vessel shell;

[0052] The terminal block structure is used for the electrical connection between the electrolytic cell body 2 and the external power supply.

[0053] The terminal block structure includes a conductive copper busbar 11, an insulating sealing ring 12, and a transition copper busbar 13. The insulating sealing ring 12 and the transition copper busbar 13 are integrally die-cast. The transition copper busbar 13 includes a conductive copper busbar connection end and an external power supply connection end. The conductive copper busbar connection end is located in the internal space of the insulating sealing ring 12 and has an adjustment positioning hole 14 along its length. The adjustment positioning hole 14 is connected to the connection hole of the conductive copper busbar 11 by bolts. The external power supply connection end extends out of the circumferential surface of the insulating sealing ring 12, and the extended part has a flange bolt through hole 15 and an external power supply connection hole 16 respectively from the inside to the outside.

[0054] The terminal block structure is located inside the end of the pressure vessel shell 1. The conductive copper busbar 11 is electrically connected to the terminal block 20 on the end plate 9 of the adjacent electrolytic cell body 2. The insulating sealing ring 12 is press-fitted into the end flange 17 of the pressure vessel shell 1. The external power connection end of the adapter copper busbar 13 extends out of the end flange 17 of the pressure vessel shell 1. The flange bolt through hole 15 is used for the bolts of the end flange 17 of the pressure vessel shell 1 to pass through. The external power connection hole 16 is used for electrical connection with an external power source.

[0055] The length of the adjustment positioning hole 14 is 6 times the diameter of the connection hole of the conductive copper busbar 11.

[0056] An insulating sleeve is nested inside the flange bolt through hole 15.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the adapter copper busbar 13 has a T-shaped structure, with its symmetrical ends serving as external power supply connection terminals and the remaining end as a conductive copper busbar connection terminal. In another implementation, specifically as follows... Figure 6 As shown, the adapter copper busbar 13 has an L-shaped structure, with one end being an external power supply connection terminal and the other end being a conductive copper busbar connection terminal.

[0058] The pressure vessel shell 1 includes shell C10, shell A4 and shell B5 connected in sequence by a first flange 3, and the electrolytic cell body is located inside shell A4.

[0059] Two connecting components are provided, which respectively cooperate with the two end plates 9 on both sides of the electrolytic cell body 2. Each connecting component includes a hook ring 6, a second flange 7, and an adjustable screw 8. The hook ring 6 is welded to the open end face of the adjacent shell A4. The second flange 7 has an annular groove that cooperates with the hook head of the hook ring 6. The second flange 7 is provided with several threaded holes along the circumference. Each threaded hole is threaded with an adjustable screw 8. One end of the adjustable screw 8 abuts against the end plate 9 of the adjacent electrolytic cell body 2, and the other end is the adjustment end.

[0060] A sealing ring is provided between the second flange 7 and the hook ring 6.

[0061] The mating surfaces of the annular groove of the second flange 7 and the hook head of the hook ring 6 are inclined surfaces, forming a 27-degree angle with the vertical section. Calculations show that this angle facilitates installation and disassembly, while the inclination angle ensures the engagement strength between the two.

[0062] The axial length of the annular groove of the second flange 7 is greater than the axial length of the hook head of the hook ring 6. The annular groove has a certain margin relative to the hook head, which can be adaptively adjusted when thermal expansion and contraction occur.

[0063] The second flange 7 is a split flange, which facilitates installation or disassembly with the hook ring 6.

[0064] like Figures 7-9 The electrode plate group 18 of the electrolytic cell body 2 includes a plurality of alternately arranged anode electrode plates and cathode electrode plates. Adjacent anode electrode plates and cathode electrode plates are provided with insulating pads 19. The outer edge of the insulating pad 19 extends to both sides with protrusions 21, and the protrusions 21 are pressed against the outer surface of the adjacent electrode plates. The protrusions 21 between any insulating pad and the adjacent insulating pad are in contact with each other.

[0065] The inner and side surfaces of the protrusion 21 are coated with adhesive. These measures ensure that the insulating pad 19 completely encloses the electrode plate, preventing safety hazards caused by exposed electrode plates.

[0066] Each terminal 20 is fitted with an insulating sleeve 22 to meet the insulation requirements of the terminal 20.

[0067] The outer surface of the protrusion 21 is coated with an insulating coating 23, which meets the insulation requirements of the entire fuel cell stack.

[0068] In this embodiment, the insulating sleeve 22 and the insulating gasket 19 are made of insulating materials, such as plastics, rubber, composite materials, etc.; the insulating coating 23 is formed by coating and curing commercially available insulating varnish. This patent does not limit the materials mentioned above, as long as they meet the requirements of insulation and suitability for processing. Any other materials that can achieve this function should fall within the protection scope of this patent.

[0069] The above is a detailed description of the present invention. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer, comprising: The pressure vessel shell has a closed space for accommodating the electrolytic cell body; the pressure vessel shell includes shell C, shell A and shell B connected in sequence by a first flange, and the electrolytic cell body is located inside shell A; Electrolytic cell body; Its characteristic is that it further includes: A connecting assembly is provided to restrict the axial movement of the electrolytic cell body along the outer shell of the pressure vessel. Two connecting assemblies are provided, which respectively cooperate with the two end plates on both sides of the electrolytic cell body. Each connecting assembly includes a hook ring, a second flange and an adjustable screw. The hook ring is welded to the open end face of the adjacent shell A. The second flange has an annular groove that cooperates with the hook head of the hook ring. The second flange is provided with a plurality of threaded holes along the circumference. An adjustable screw is threadedly connected in each threaded hole. One end of the adjustable screw abuts against the end plate of the adjacent electrolytic cell body, and the other end is an adjustment end. A terminal block structure is used for electrical connection between the electrolytic cell body and an external power source. The terminal block structure includes a conductive copper busbar, an insulating sealing ring, and a transition copper busbar. The insulating sealing ring and the transition copper busbar are integrally die-cast. The transition copper busbar includes a conductive copper busbar connection end and an external power supply connection end. The conductive copper busbar connection end is located in the internal space of the insulating sealing ring and has an adjustment and positioning hole along its length. The adjustment and positioning hole is connected to the connection hole of the conductive copper busbar by a bolt. The external power supply connection end extends out of the circumferential surface of the insulating sealing ring, and the extended part has a flange bolt through hole and an external power supply connection hole respectively from the inside to the outside. The terminal block structure is located inside the end of the pressure vessel shell. The conductive copper busbar is electrically connected to the terminal block on the end plate of the adjacent electrolytic cell body. The insulating sealing ring is press-fitted into the end flange of the pressure vessel shell. The external power connection end of the adapter copper busbar extends out of the end flange of the pressure vessel shell. The flange bolt through hole is used for the bolts of the end flange of the pressure vessel shell to pass through. The external power connection hole is used for electrical connection with an external power source.

2. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The adapter copper busbar has an L-shaped structure, with one end being the external power supply connection terminal and the other end being the conductive copper busbar connection terminal.

3. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The adapter copper busbar has a T-shaped structure, with its two symmetrical ends serving as external power supply connection terminals and the remaining end serving as a conductive copper busbar connection terminal.

4. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein: The mating surface between the annular groove of the second flange and the hook head of the hook ring is an inclined surface, and forms an angle of 20-30 degrees with the vertical section.

5. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein: The axial length of the annular groove of the second flange is greater than the axial length of the hook head of the hook ring.

6. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein: The second flange is a split flange.

7. The outdoor hydrogen production electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein: The electrode plate assembly of the electrolytic cell body includes several alternately arranged anode electrode plates and cathode electrode plates. Adjacent anode electrode plates and cathode electrode plates are provided with insulating pads. The outer edge of the insulating pad extends to both sides with protrusions, and the protrusions are pressed against the outer surface of the adjacent electrode plates. The protrusions of any insulating pad are in contact with each other.

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