electrolytic cell

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode end plate, a cathode insulating layer, an electrolytic unit, an anode insulating layer, and an anode end plate arranged in sequence along the same direction; the electrolytic unit comprising electrolytic cells arranged in series; the electrolytic cells comprising a cathode plate, a cathode sealing ring, a cathode gas diffusion layer, a diaphragm, an anode gas diffusion layer, and an anode plate arranged in sequence along the same direction; the cathode plates and anode plates in series between the electrolytic cells are combined to form a bipolar plate; the cathode plate comprises a cathode surface; the anode plate comprises an anode surface; the bipolar plate comprises a cathode surface and an anode surface; the cathode surface and the anode surface are provided with a recessed area and an outer frame area, the outer frame area is provided around the recessed area, the recessed area is provided with a plurality of ridges, and the ridges form a guide groove between them; the recessed areas at both ends of the guide groove are provided with a confluence groove, and the confluence groove is connected to the guide groove. This solution achieves uniform diffusion of the electrolyte.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of hydrogen production equipment, and in particular relates to an electrolyzer. Background Art

[0002] The electrolyzer for hydrogen production from water electrolysis is composed of several electrolysis chambers connected in series. Each chamber consists of a plate, a sealing ring, a diaphragm, and other components. The plates and sealing rings form a reaction chamber, where the electrolyte enters and reacts. However, current electrolyzers suffer from problems such as uneven electrolyte diffusion due to their irrational structural design. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic cell for solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives and other related objectives, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell, comprising a cathode end plate, a cathode insulating layer, an electrolytic unit, an anode insulating layer and an anode end plate arranged in sequence along the same direction, the electrolytic unit comprising electrolytic chambers arranged in series, the electrolytic chambers comprising a cathode plate, a cathode sealing ring, a cathode gas diffusion layer, a diaphragm, an anode gas diffusion layer and an anode plate arranged in sequence along the same direction, the cathode plates and anode plates in series between the electrolytic chambers are combined to form a bipolar plate, the cathode plate comprising a cathode surface, the anode plate comprising an anode surface, the bipolar plate comprising a cathode surface and an anode surface; a recessed area and an outer frame area are provided on the cathode surface and the anode surface, the outer frame area is provided around the recessed area, a plurality of convex strips are provided in the recessed area, a guide groove is formed between the convex strips, a confluence groove is provided in the recessed areas at both ends of the guide groove, and the confluence groove is connected to the guide groove.

[0005] Optionally, a cathode reaction chamber is formed between the cathode surface and the cathode gas diffusion layer, and an anode reaction chamber is formed between the anode surface and the anode gas diffusion layer.

[0006] Optionally, a first ventilation channel, a first liquid channel, a second ventilation channel and a second liquid channel are opened through the cathode end plate, the cathode insulation layer, the electrode unit, the anode insulation layer and the anode end plate, the first ventilation channel and the first liquid channel are connected to the cathode reaction chamber, and the second ventilation channel and the second liquid channel are connected to the anode reaction chamber.

[0007] Optionally, the cathode plate, anode plate and bipolar plate are provided with a first air vent and a first liquid vent, the first air vent is used to form the first air passage, and the first liquid passage is used to form the first liquid passage; the first air vent and the first liquid vent are dispersed in the outer frame area, and the first air vent and the first liquid vent are respectively connected to the confluence groove in the cathode surface.

[0008] Optionally, the cathode plate, anode plate and bipolar plate are provided with second air vents and second liquid vents, the second air vents are used to form the second air vent channel, and the second liquid vents are used to form the second liquid channel; the second air vents and the second liquid vents are dispersedly arranged in the outer frame area, and the second air vents and the second liquid vents are respectively connected to the confluence groove in the anode surface.

[0009] Optionally, a first connecting portion for connecting the first and second air vents to the corresponding recessed areas is provided in the outer frame area, and a second connecting portion for connecting the first and second liquid holes to the corresponding recessed areas is also provided in the outer frame area.

[0010] Optionally, drainage grooves are provided in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0011] Optionally, the outer frame areas of the cathode plate and the anode plate are consistent in area, and the edge contours of the cathode end plate, cathode insulating layer, cathode plate, anode plate, anode insulating layer and anode end plate match in shape.

[0012] Optionally, the area of ​​the outer frame area on the bipolar plate is smaller than the area of ​​the outer frame area on the cathode plate, the shapes of the cathode sealing ring and the anode sealing ring match the shape of the outer frame area on the bipolar plate, the shapes of the cathode gas diffusion layer and the anode gas diffusion layer match the shape of the recessed area, and the edge profile of the diaphragm matches the edge profile of the bipolar plate.

[0013] Optionally, mounting holes for fixing the layers are opened through the cathode end plate, the cathode insulating layer, the cathode plate, the anode plate, the anode insulating layer and the anode end plate.

[0014] As described above, the electrolytic cell of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] In this solution, the electrolyte will flow from one confluence trough into the diversion trough, and then be divided by the diversion trough to achieve uniform diffusion of the electrolyte. The other confluence trough is convenient for the inflow and outflow of gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 2 is a front view of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view at AA in the middle.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view at the middle BB.

[0020] Figure 5 1 is an exploded view of the electrolytic cell in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cathode surface structure of the bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the anode surface structure of the bipolar plate in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The figure marks in the drawings of the specification include: cathode end plate 1, cathode insulation layer 2, electrolysis chamber 3, cathode plate 301, cathode sealing ring 302, cathode gas diffusion layer 303, diaphragm 304, anode gas diffusion layer 305, anode sealing ring 306, bipolar plate 307, outer frame area 3071, confluence groove 3072, guide groove 3073, first connecting portion 3074, first air vent 3075, second air vent 3076, first liquid vent 3077, second liquid vent 3078, second connecting portion 3079, anode plate 308, anode insulation layer 4, anode end plate 5, first air vent channel 6, second air vent channel 7, first liquid vent channel 8, second liquid vent channel 9, cathode reaction chamber 10, anode reaction chamber 11, mounting hole 12.

[0024] The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific embodiments. People skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0025] The present invention provides an electrolytic cell, such as Figures 1 to 7 shown.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, an electrolytic cell is provided, which includes a cathode terminal plate 1, a cathode insulating layer 2, an electrolytic unit, an anode insulating layer 4, and an anode terminal plate 5 arranged in sequence along the same direction. The electrolytic unit includes an electrolytic chamber 3 arranged in series. The electrolytic chamber 3 includes a cathode plate 301, a cathode sealing ring 302, a cathode gas diffusion layer 303, a diaphragm 304, an anode gas diffusion layer 305, and an anode plate 308 arranged in sequence along the same direction. The cathode plate 301 and the anode plate 308 are connected in series between the electrolytic chambers 3. The electrode plates 308 are combined to form a bipolar plate 307, the cathode plate 301 includes a cathode surface, the anode plate 308 includes an anode surface, and the bipolar plate 307 includes a cathode surface and an anode surface; a recessed area and an outer frame area 3071 are provided on the cathode surface and the anode surface, the outer frame area 3071 is provided around the recessed area, a number of convex strips are provided in the recessed area, and guide grooves 3073 are formed between the convex strips, and confluence grooves 3072 are provided in the recessed areas at both ends of the guide grooves 3073, and the confluence grooves 3072 are connected to the guide grooves 3073.

[0027] In this embodiment, the electrolyte flows from one confluence groove 3072 into the guide groove 3073 and then is divided through the guide groove 3073 to achieve uniform diffusion of the electrolyte, while the other confluence groove 3072 facilitates the inflow and outflow of gas.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, a cathode reaction chamber 10 is formed between the cathode surface and the cathode gas diffusion layer 303 , and an anode reaction chamber 11 is formed between the anode surface and the anode gas diffusion layer 305 .

[0029] In this embodiment, the electrolytic cell can be used with four major water electrolysis technologies: alkaline (ALK), proton exchange membrane (PEM), anion exchange membrane (AEM), and solid oxide (SOEC). The material of the diaphragm 304 and other materials can also be changed according to the requirements of different water electrolysis technologies. It is also possible to simultaneously pass the electrolyte into the cathode reaction chamber 10 and the anode reaction chamber 11, or to pass the electrolyte only into the cathode reaction chamber 10, or only into the anode reaction chamber 11, depending on the requirements of different water electrolysis technologies.

[0030] It should also be noted that the number of electrolysis chambers 3 can be increased or decreased according to demand.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, two electrolysis chambers 3 are provided as an example.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, a first air vent channel 6, a first liquid vent channel 8, a second air vent channel 7 and a second liquid vent channel 9 are opened through the cathode end plate 1, the cathode insulation layer 2, the electrode unit, the anode insulation layer 4 and the anode end plate 5. The first air vent channel 6 and the first liquid vent channel 8 are connected to the cathode reaction chamber 10, and the second air vent channel 7 and the second liquid channel 9 are connected to the anode reaction chamber 11.

[0033] Exemplarily, the first air vent channel 6 and the second air vent channel 7 are provided at the top of the electrolytic cell to facilitate the flow of reactant gas into and out of the cathode reaction chamber 10 or the anode reaction chamber 11. The first liquid passage 8 and the second liquid passage 9 are provided at the bottom of the electrolytic cell to facilitate the flow of liquid into and out of the cathode reaction chamber 10 or the anode reaction chamber 11.

[0034] Illustratively, the first ventilation channel 6 , the second ventilation channel 7 , the first liquid channel 8 and the second liquid channel 9 are dispersedly opened to prevent liquid and gas in the cathode reaction chamber 10 and the anode reaction chamber 11 from inter-flowing.

[0035] It should also be noted that a sealing surface is formed between the cathode surface and the cathode sealing ring 302, and a sealing surface is formed between the anode surface and the anode sealing ring 306, so as to achieve the sealing of the first ventilation channel 6, the second ventilation channel 7, the first liquid channel 8 and the second liquid channel 9.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, a first air vent 3075 and a first liquid vent 3077 are provided on the cathode plate 301, the anode plate 308 and the bipolar plate 307. The first air vent 3075 is used to form a first air vent channel 6, and the first liquid vent 3077 is used to form a first liquid channel 8. The first air vent 3075 and the first liquid vent 3077 are dispersed in the outer frame area 3071, and the first air vent 3075 and the first liquid vent 3077 are respectively connected to the confluence groove 3072 in the cathode surface.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first air vent 3075 and the first liquid vent 3077 are provided in the outer frame area 3071 , which is more convenient for sealing between the holes than providing them in the recessed area, thereby avoiding mutual crosstalk of gas and liquid between the cathode reaction chamber 10 and the anode reaction chamber 11 .

[0038] In addition, the first air vent 3075 and the first liquid vent 3077 are only connected to the recessed area in the cathode surface, thereby achieving separation between the cathode reaction chamber 10 and the anode reaction chamber 11 .

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, second air holes 3076 and second liquid holes 3078 are provided on the cathode plate 301, the anode plate 308 and the bipolar plate 307. The second air holes 3076 are used to form a second air channel 7, and the second liquid holes 3078 are used to form a second liquid channel 9. The second air holes 3076 and the second liquid holes 3078 are dispersed in the outer frame area 3071, and the second air holes 3076 and the second liquid holes 3078 are respectively connected to the confluence groove 3072 in the anode surface.

[0040] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the second air vent 3076 and the second liquid vent 3078 are opened in the outer frame area 3071. Compared with opening them in the recessed area, it is easier to seal the holes and avoid the mutual leakage of gas and liquid between the cathode reaction chamber 10 and the anode reaction chamber 11.

[0041] In addition, the second air vent 3076 and the second liquid vent 3078 are only connected to the recessed area in the anode surface, thereby achieving separation between the cathode reaction chamber 10 and the anode reaction chamber 11 .

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, a first connecting portion 3074 is provided in the outer frame area 3071 for connecting the first air vent 3075 and the second air vent 3076 with the corresponding recessed area, and a second connecting portion 3079 is also provided in the outer frame area 3071 for connecting the first liquid hole 3077 and the second liquid hole 3078 with the corresponding recessed area.

[0043] In this embodiment, the communication between the air vent (the air vent includes the first air vent 3075 and the second air vent 3076) and the corresponding recessed area is achieved through the first connecting portion 3074, and the communication between the liquid hole (the liquid hole includes the first liquid hole 3077 and the second liquid hole 3078) and the corresponding recessed area is achieved through the second connecting portion 3079.

[0044] Exemplarily, the recessed area is a square or a rectangle, which is easier to process than a rhombus or other shapes.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, drainage grooves are provided in the first connection portion 3074 and the second connection portion 3079 .

[0046] In this embodiment, the drainage groove is provided to facilitate the drainage of gas and liquid.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer frame region 3071 on the cathode plate 301 and the anode plate 308 has the same area, and the edge contours of the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulation layer 2, cathode plate 301, anode plate 308, anode insulation layer 4 and anode end plate 5 match.

[0048] Illustratively, the cathode end plate 1 , the cathode insulating layer 2 , the cathode plate 301 , the anode plate 308 , the anode insulating layer 4 and the anode end plate 5 are square.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the area of ​​the outer frame region 3071 on the bipolar plate 307 is smaller than the area of ​​the outer frame region 3071 on the cathode plate 301, the shapes of the cathode sealing ring 302 and the anode sealing ring 306 match the shape of the outer frame region 3071 on the bipolar plate 307, the shapes of the cathode gas diffusion layer 303 and the anode gas diffusion layer 305 match the shape of the recessed region, and the edge profile of the diaphragm 304 matches the edge profile of the bipolar plate 307.

[0050] Exemplarily, the bipolar plate 307 is square, but the length and width of the bipolar plate 307 are smaller than those of the cathode end plate 1, that is, the bipolar plate 307 is proportionally reduced.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, mounting holes 12 for fixing the layers are opened through the cathode end plate 1 , the cathode insulating layer 2 , the cathode plate 301 , the anode plate 308 , the anode insulating layer 4 and the anode end plate 5 .

[0052] In this embodiment, because the shapes of the bipolar plates 307, cathode sealing ring 302, and anode sealing ring 306 are smaller than those of the cathode plates 301 and anode plates 308, there is insufficient space for mounting holes. Therefore, mounting holes are only provided on the cathode end plate 1, cathode insulation layer 2, cathode plate 301, anode plate 308, anode insulation layer 4, and anode end plate 5. Screws are then passed through the mounting holes 12 to connect the plates, thereby tightly securing the bipolar plates 307, diaphragm 304, cathode sealing ring 302, anode sealing ring 306, and the like in the center.

[0053] Exemplarily, a plurality of mounting holes 12 are evenly distributed around the recessed area.

[0054] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed herein are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that: It includes a cathode end plate, a cathode insulating layer, an electrolysis unit, an anode insulating layer and an anode end plate arranged in sequence along the same direction, the electrolysis unit includes electrolysis chambers arranged in series, from the cathode end plate to the anode end plate, the electrolysis chamber includes a cathode plate, a cathode sealing ring, a cathode gas diffusion layer, a diaphragm, an anode gas diffusion layer and an anode plate arranged in sequence, the cathode plates and anode plates in series between the electrolysis chambers are combined to form a bipolar plate, the cathode plate includes a cathode surface, the anode plate includes an anode surface, and the bipolar plate includes a cathode surface and an anode surface; a recessed area and an outer frame area are provided on the cathode surface and the anode surface, the outer frame area is provided around the recessed area, a plurality of convex strips are provided in the recessed area, a guide groove is formed between the convex strips, a confluence groove is provided in the recessed areas at both ends of the guide groove, and the confluence groove is connected to the guide groove; A cathode reaction chamber is formed between the cathode surface and the cathode gas diffusion layer, and an anode reaction chamber is formed between the anode surface and the anode gas diffusion layer; a first ventilation channel, a first liquid channel, a second ventilation channel, and a second liquid channel are opened through the cathode end plate, the cathode insulation layer, the electrode unit, the anode insulation layer, and the anode end plate, the first ventilation channel and the first liquid channel are in communication with the cathode reaction chamber, and the second ventilation channel and the second liquid channel are in communication with the anode reaction chamber, thereby separating the cathode reaction chamber from the anode reaction chamber; The cathode plate, anode plate and bipolar plate are provided with a first air vent and a first liquid vent, the first air vent is used to form the first air vent channel, and the first liquid vent is used to form the first liquid channel; the cathode plate, anode plate and bipolar plate are provided with a second air vent and a second liquid vent, the second air vent is used to form the second air vent channel, and the second liquid vent is used to form the second liquid channel; a first connecting portion for connecting the first air vent and the second air vent with the corresponding recessed area is provided in the outer frame area, and a second connecting portion for connecting the first liquid hole and the second liquid hole with the corresponding recessed area is also provided in the outer frame area.

2. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that The first ventilation holes and the first liquid holes are dispersedly provided in the outer frame area, and the first ventilation holes and the first liquid holes are respectively communicated with the confluence groove in the cathode surface.

3. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that The second air holes and the second liquid holes are dispersedly provided in the outer frame area, and the second air holes and the second liquid holes are respectively communicated with the confluence groove in the anode surface.

4. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that Drainage grooves are provided in the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

5. The electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The outer frame areas of the cathode plate and the anode plate are consistent in area, and the edge contours of the cathode end plate, cathode insulating layer, cathode plate, anode plate, anode insulating layer and anode end plate match in shape.

6. The electrolytic cell according to claim 5, characterized in that The area of ​​the outer frame area on the bipolar plate is smaller than the area of ​​the outer frame area on the cathode plate, the shapes of the cathode sealing ring and the anode sealing ring match the shape of the outer frame area on the bipolar plate, the shapes of the cathode gas diffusion layer and the anode gas diffusion layer match the shape of the recessed area, and the edge profile of the diaphragm matches the edge profile of the bipolar plate.

7. The electrolytic cell according to claim 6, characterized in that Mounting holes for fixing the layers are opened through the cathode end plate, the cathode insulating layer, the cathode plate, the anode plate, the anode insulating layer and the anode end plate.

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