A high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device

Abstract

This invention discloses a high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device, including a pressing device and an electrolytic cell. The pressing device applies sealing pressure to both ends of the electrolytic cell. Several electrode assemblies are stacked sequentially in the pressing device. A lip seal and a limiting ring are concentrically arranged between two adjacent electrode assemblies. The limiting ring is sleeved on the outside of the lip seal. Two adjacent electrode assemblies are spaced apart on both sides of the limiting ring and are insulated. The inner ring wall of the limiting ring is used to circumferentially constrain the lip seal. The water pressure strength of the electrolytic cell of this invention can reach 10 MPa or above, and the safe pressure for air tightness testing can reach 8 MPa or above. By changing the sealing principle of the electrolytic cell, changes are made to the sealing system of the electrolytic cell, overcoming the sealing difficulties in manufacturing ultra-large electrolytic cell equipment and overcoming the deflection and deformation problems during the use of medium and large-sized electrolytic cell equipment, thus meeting the market demand for high-pressure, especially high-pressure medium and large-sized water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, specifically to a high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device in the field of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is one of many hydrogen production routes, and alkaline water electrolysis is the mainstream process in this technology. With the implementation of my country's dual-carbon goals and the release and implementation of the medium- and long-term plan for the hydrogen energy industry, hydrogen production via water electrolysis, especially alkaline water electrolysis, will occupy an important position in the market for a considerable period of time. The electrolyzer is the most crucial part of the hydrogen production equipment, both in terms of cost and operation.

[0003] my country's alkaline pressure-type water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment technology and equipment scale are among the world's leading. Generally, medium and large-sized equipment operates at a pressure of no more than 1.6 MPa and cannot operate at higher pressures. Foreign equipment mostly operates at atmospheric pressure. These are two different development paths. Hydrogen often requires higher pressures during transportation and at the end of use, generally above 4 MPa. The process requires compressors to increase the supply pressure at the hydrogen production end, which increases equipment investment and energy consumption.

[0004] Sealing is the most critical issue facing water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer equipment, especially large-scale electrolyzers. The long-term stable operation of the sealing system is a prerequisite for the normal and stable operation of the electrolyzer. Currently, and for a long time, the industry's alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer equipment has adopted a combination of planar sealing structures and insulating modified plastic gaskets. The pressure filtration structure of water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzers results in hundreds of chambers and hundreds of seals. A single seal failure can cause the entire equipment to shut down, directly affecting the operational safety of the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment and hindering the development of larger-scale water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device, which breaks through the upper limit of the sealing capacity of existing medium and large-sized electrolysis cell equipment, overcomes the sealing difficulties in manufacturing ultra-large-sized electrolysis equipment, and realizes stable operation of the electrolysis hydrogen production device under high pressure.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device includes a pressing device and an electrolytic cell, wherein the pressing device applies sealing pressure to both ends of the electrolytic cell;

[0008] The electrolytic cell includes several electrode plate assemblies, with electrolytic chambers on both sides of each electrode plate assembly. Several electrode plate assemblies are stacked sequentially in a pressing device, and concentric lip-shaped sealing rings and limiting rings are press-fitted between two adjacent electrode plate assemblies.

[0009] The lip seal and the limiting ring are sequentially sleeved on the outside of the electrolysis chamber from the inside out. The inner ring wall of the limiting ring is used to constrain the lip seal in the circumferential direction. Several limiting rings are coaxially arranged. Two adjacent electrode assemblies are spaced apart on both sides of the limiting ring and are insulated. A diaphragm cloth is provided between two adjacent electrolysis chambers of two adjacent electrode assemblies. The edge of the diaphragm cloth is pressed between the two electrode assemblies.

[0010] Preferably, the electrode assembly includes an electrode frame, a flat electrode, an anode sub-electrode grid, a cathode sub-electrode grid, and a support grid;

[0011] The flat electrode plate is fitted into the inner hole of the electrode plate frame, and the edge of the flat electrode plate is connected to the hole wall of the electrode plate frame. The anode sub-electrode mesh and the cathode sub-electrode mesh are arranged on both sides of the electrode plate frame and fixedly connected. The support mesh is arranged on both sides of the flat electrode plate and is used to support and position the anode sub-electrode mesh and the cathode sub-electrode mesh.

[0012] Preferably, the electrode frame has medium channels on both sides for allowing the working fluid in the electrolysis chamber to enter the lip cavity of the lip seal ring.

[0013] Preferably, the medium channel is provided with a channel pressure plate.

[0014] Preferably, the electrode assembly has sealing grooves on both sides for installing lip seals; and a limiting groove on one side for installing a limiting ring.

[0015] Preferably, the lip seal ring includes a circumferentially closed sealing body, with an annular outer lip and an inner lip respectively provided on the outer and inner walls of the sealing body, and a sealing lip cavity provided on the inner wall of the sealing body, with the two sealing lip cavities symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inner lip.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing body is disposed in the sealing groove of two adjacent electrode frames, and the outer lip and inner lip are press-fitted between the two adjacent electrode frames, with the outer wall of the outer lip abutting against the inner wall of the limiting ring.

[0017] Preferably, a corrugated compensation section is provided on the inner lip edge.

[0018] Preferably, the corrugated compensation section 21 is an annular structure with a cross-section of uniform thickness.

[0019] Preferably, the limiting ring is made of a rigid insulating material.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] This invention provides a high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device. A lip seal and a limiting ring are installed between two adjacent electrode assemblies. The limiting ring isolates the two electrode assemblies, providing insulation. Furthermore, the limiting ring controls the compression of the lip seal by the two electrode assemblies, ensuring that the compression of each lip seal is the same, preventing excessive compression that could lead to seal failure. Additionally, all limiting rings are coaxially arranged, providing support when the electrolyzer is tightened, significantly enhancing the overall rigidity of the electrolyzer and preventing deflection during installation and long-term use.

[0022] Furthermore, as the main sealing element of the hydrogen production unit, the lip seal is located between two electrode assemblies, providing insulation between the two adjacent electrode assemblies and preventing short circuits between the two contacting electrode assemblies. Secondly, the lip seal can prevent leakage of the medium in the electrolysis chamber, ensuring the overall sealing performance of the electrolysis. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the sealing structure of the high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an end view of the electrode assembly of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lip seal ring of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Pull rod; 2. Nut; 3. Washer; 4. Insulating gasket; 5. Left end plate; 6. Left end electrode assembly; 7. Insulating tube; 8. Right end plate; 9. Right end electrode assembly; 10. Lip seal ring; 11. Diaphragm cloth; 12. Electrode assembly; 13. Limiting ring; 14. Electrode frame; 15. Anode sub-electrode mesh; 16. Support mesh; 17. Flat electrode plate; 18. Cathode sub-electrode mesh; 19. Channel clamp; 20. Outer lip; 21. Corrugated compensating joint; 22. Lip chamber; 23. Inner lip; 24. Sealing body; 25. Sealing groove; 26. Limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These descriptions are intended to explain the invention and not to limit it.

[0030] See Figure 1-5A high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device includes a pressing device and an electrolytic cell disposed therein, the pressing device being used to apply sealing pressure to the electrolytic cell.

[0031] The electrolytic cell includes an electrode assembly 12, a lip seal ring 10, and a limiting ring 13. Both sides of the electrode assembly are provided with coaxial electrolytic chambers. Several electrode assemblies 12 are stacked sequentially and pressed into a clamping device. A concentric lip seal ring 10 and limiting ring 13 are provided between adjacent electrode assemblies. Adjacent electrode assemblies are non-contact connected and insulated. The limiting ring 13 is fitted onto the outer side of the lip seal ring 10. The space enclosed by the lip seal ring 10 and two adjacent electrolytic chambers of two adjacent electrode assemblies 12 forms an electrolytic chamber. A diaphragm cloth is provided in the electrolytic chamber to isolate the two electrolytic chambers. In a sealed state, the inner ring wall of the limiting ring 13 is used to circumferentially constrain the lip seal ring 10.

[0032] The electrode assembly 12 includes an electrode frame 14, a flat electrode plate 17, a support mesh 16, an anode sub-electrode mesh 15, a cathode sub-electrode mesh 18, and a channel clamping plate 19. The electrode frame 14 has a circular ring of a certain thickness. The flat electrode plate 17 is fitted into the inner hole of the electrode frame 14 and located at the axial center of the circular ring. The edge of the flat electrode plate 17 is connected to the hole wall of the electrode frame 14. The anode sub-electrode mesh 15 and the cathode sub-electrode mesh 18 are arranged on both sides of the electrode frame 14, and the edges of the anode sub-electrode mesh 15 and the cathode sub-electrode mesh 18 are fixed to both ends of the electrode frame 14. Next, support nets 16 are provided on both sides of the flat electrode plate 17. The support nets 16 are used to support and position the anode sub-electrode net 15 and the cathode sub-electrode net 18. The anode sub-electrode net 15 and the cathode sub-electrode net 18 form two electrolytic chambers with the flat electrode plate 17, respectively. The electrode plate frame 14, the flat electrode plate 17, the support nets 16, the anode sub-electrode net 15, and the cathode sub-electrode net 18 are welded together to form the electrode plate assembly 12. This can reduce the contact resistance between parts and reduce the number of parts installed in the electrolytic cell, thus improving the ease of assembly.

[0033] The electrode frame 14 has sealing grooves 25 for installing lip seals 10 on both ends, and a limiting groove 26 for installing a limiting ring 13 on one side. The diameter of the limiting groove 26 is larger than the diameter of the sealing groove. The limiting groove 26 is located on one side of the cathode sub-electrode mesh 18 or the anode sub-electrode mesh 15. In addition, both sides of the electrode frame 14 have medium channels for the electrolysis medium to freely enter the sealing lip cavity of the lip seal 10. One end of the medium channel is connected to the electrolysis cavity, and the other end is connected to the sealing groove 25.

[0034] The lip seal 10 includes a circumferentially closed sealing body. The outer wall and inner wall of the sealing body are respectively provided with an annular outer lip 20 and an inner lip 23 located in the same radial plane. The side of the sealing body near the electrolysis chamber is provided with a sealing lip cavity 22. The two sealing lip cavities 22 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inner lip 23, and the opening position of the sealing lip cavity 22 and the contact position of the inner lip 23 are smoothly transitioned.

[0035] The sealing body is located in the sealing groove 25 of two adjacent electrode frames 14. The outer lip 20 and the inner lip 23 are clamped in the two adjacent electrode frames 14, and the edge of the outer lip 20 abuts against the inner ring wall of the limiting ring. The opening end of the sealing lip cavity 22 is connected to the electrolysis chamber through the medium channel, which is located on one side of the inner lip 23. When the electrolyte enters the sealing lip cavity 22 under pressure, the lip cavity 22 deforms and expands under the pressure of the electrolyte, making the volume of the entire sealing body larger. Under the constraint of the electrode assembly on both sides, the sealing body can effectively increase the sealing pressure between the sealing body and the electrode assembly, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0036] A corrugated compensating joint 21 is provided on the inner lip 23. The corrugated compensating joint 21 is located on the side of the inner lip 23 near the lip chamber 22. It is used to increase the amount of pressure deformation of the inner lip under sealing conditions. This compensation structure can ensure that the inner lip of the lip seal will not tear due to internal and external pressure and tension under working stress. The corrugated compensating joint 21 is an annular structure with a circular arc structure of equal thickness in cross section, and is concentrically arranged with the sealing body. The corrugated compensating joint 21 forms an annular protrusion structure on one side of the inner lip 23 and an annular groove structure on the other side of the inner lip 23. Under working conditions, when the inner lip is deformed by pressure, the corrugated compensating joint 21 extends under pressure to relieve the tensile deformation caused by internal and external pressure on the inner lip, avoids tearing and damage to the inner lip, and improves the service life of the entire lip seal.

[0037] The lip seal 10 is a sealing element of a high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device. Its material is rubber, plastic, or a modified version thereof. The lip seal 10 is located between two electrode assemblies, providing insulation between adjacent electrode assemblies and preventing short circuits between the two contacting electrode assemblies 12. Secondly, the lip seal 10 provides internal and external sealing for the electrolysis chamber. The internal seal prevents hydrogen and oxygen generated in the electrolysis chamber from mixing, while the external seal prevents leakage from the electrolytic cell and electrolysis chamber, ensuring overall sealing performance. The lip seal 10 mainly consists of two lip-shaped chambers, an inner lip, and an outer lip. The two lip chambers are used for external sealing, the inner lip for internal sealing, and the outer lip is used for adjustment during installation to ensure correct installation posture.

[0038] The limiting ring 13 is made of an insulating rigid material. The material properties remain unchanged under operating conditions of about 100°C. The material is epoxy resin or ceramic. The thickness of the limiting ring 13 is greater than the depth of the limiting groove 26, so that the end face of the limiting ring 13 protrudes from the end face of the electrode frame 14, so that two adjacent electrode frames 14 maintain a certain gap. At the same time, the limiting ring 13 isolates two adjacent electrode assemblies 12 and provides insulation. Secondly, it is used to control the compression of the lip seal 10 between the two electrode assemblies, ensuring that the compression deformation of all lip seals 10 is the same, and constraining the lip seal 10 to be squeezed outward under internal pressure during operation; in addition, the limiting ring 13 is made of hard material, which can provide a large pre-tightening force to the two adjacent electrode assemblies without affecting the sealing performance. Excessive compression force will not cause the lip seal 10 to be over-compressed and fail. The limiting ring 13 can provide support force when the electrolytic cell is tightened, which greatly enhances the overall installation rigidity of the electrolytic cell and avoids deflection during the installation and long-term use of the electrolytic cell.

[0039] See again Figure 1 The clamping device includes pull rods and end plates. Multiple electrode plate assemblies are stacked to form an electrolytic cell. A diaphragm cloth 11 is provided between two adjacent electrode plate assemblies to separate hydrogen and oxygen generated on both sides of the anode and cathode of the electrolysis chamber, ensuring the purity of hydrogen and oxygen. A left end electrode plate assembly 6 and a right end electrode plate assembly 9 are respectively provided at both ends of the electrolytic cell. A left end plate 5 and a right end plate 8 are respectively provided on the outer side of the left end electrode plate assembly 6 and the right end electrode plate assembly 9. The left end plate 5 and the right end plate 8 are connected by multiple pull rods 1. Gaskets and insulating gaskets are sleeved at both ends of the pull rods. Pressure is applied to the left end plate 5 and the right end plate 8 by nuts 2, so that the left end plate 5 and the right end plate 8 clamp the electrolytic cell.

[0040] The left-end electrode assembly 6 and the right-end electrode assembly 9 have the same structure. Compared with the electrode assembly 12, the left-end electrode assembly 6 and the right-end electrode assembly 9 have thicker plates, and a flat electrode plate 17 is welded to both sides of the workpiece. The flat electrode plate 17 and the left-end electrode assembly 6 or the right-end electrode assembly 9 form an internal cavity. This cavity mainly serves as a buffer for the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, improving the stability of the electrolytic cell. The left-end plate 5 and the right-end plate 8 are used to clamp the entire electrolytic cell, and the left-end plate 5 or the right-end plate 8 has interfaces for the electrolyte and the generated gas, which are connected to the boundary. The entire electrolytic cell is tightened by accessories such as the tie rod 1 and the nut 2. Compared with conventional electrolytic cells, the electrolytic cell does not need to be equipped with disc springs at both ends, and the sealing performance of the cell can be ensured without thermal expansion and contraction compensation.

[0041] This invention discloses a high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device. Experimental pressure tests show that the electrolyzer's water pressure strength can reach 10 MPa or higher, and the gas pressure and airtightness test safety pressure can reach 8 MPa or higher. The electrolyzer's sealing pressure is far greater than the operating pressure of conventional electrolyzers on the market. Furthermore, for safety reasons, higher pressure tests were not conducted; however, based on the current pressure test results, even higher pressures can be maintained to ensure a tight seal. In addition, conventional water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer sealing systems use disposable gaskets, which cannot be reused after disassembly, resulting in excessively high maintenance costs. The use of lip seals and limiting rings, however, allows for repeated use, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, the limiting ring is made of an insulating rigid material, eliminating concerns about excessive pressure compressing the gasket during pre-tightening of the electrolyzer. The pre-tightening force can be relatively unlimited, resulting in better overall rigidity of the electrolyzer. This avoids the deflection problem that occurs in conventional fluoroplastic-sealed electrolyzers during long-term use, overcoming the design shortcomings of large and ultra-large electrolyzers.

[0042] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device, characterized in that, It includes a clamping device and an electrolytic cell, the clamping device being used to apply sealing pressure to both ends of the electrolytic cell; The electrolytic cell includes several electrode plate assemblies, with electrolytic chambers on both sides of each electrode plate assembly. Several electrode plate assemblies are stacked sequentially in a pressing device, and concentric lip-shaped sealing rings and limiting rings are press-fitted between two adjacent electrode plate assemblies. The lip seal and the limiting ring are sequentially sleeved on the outside of the electrolysis chamber from the inside out. The inner ring wall of the limiting ring is used to constrain the lip seal in the circumferential direction. Several limiting rings are coaxially arranged. Two adjacent electrode assemblies are spaced apart on both sides of the limiting ring and are insulated. A diaphragm cloth is provided between two adjacent electrolysis chambers of two adjacent electrode assemblies. The edge of the diaphragm cloth is pressed between the two electrode assemblies. The electrode assembly includes an electrode frame, a flat electrode plate, an anode sub-electrode grid, a cathode sub-electrode grid, and a support grid. The flat electrode plate is fitted into the inner hole of the electrode plate frame, and the edge of the flat electrode plate is connected to the hole wall of the electrode plate frame. The anode sub-electrode mesh and the cathode sub-electrode mesh are arranged on both sides of the electrode plate frame and fixedly connected. The support mesh is arranged on both sides of the flat electrode plate and is used to support and position the anode sub-electrode mesh and the cathode sub-electrode mesh. Medium channels are provided on both sides of the electrode frame to allow the working fluid in the electrolysis chamber to enter the lip cavity of the lip seal ring; The electrode assembly has sealing grooves on both sides for installing lip seals; and a limiting groove on one side for installing a limiting ring. The lip seal ring includes a circumferentially closed sealing body. The outer wall and inner wall of the sealing body are respectively provided with an annular outer lip and an inner lip. A sealing lip cavity is provided on the inner wall of the sealing body, and the two sealing lip cavities are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inner lip. A corrugated compensation section is provided on the inner lip edge.

2. The high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A channel pressure plate is provided on the medium channel.

3. The high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing body is disposed in the sealing groove of two adjacent electrode frames, and the outer lip and inner lip are press-fitted between the two adjacent electrode frames, with the outer wall of the outer lip abutting against the inner wall of the limiting ring.

4. The high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corrugated compensation joint is a ring structure with a cross-section of a circular arc of equal thickness.

5. A high-pressure water electrolysis hydrogen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting ring is made of rigid insulating material.

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