A square electrolytic cell

Abstract

The application discloses a square electrolytic tank, which comprises an anode plate, a cathode plate and a diaphragm, the diaphragm is located between the anode plate and the cathode plate, the diaphragm and the anode plate are attached to form an anode flow channel, and the diaphragm and the cathode plate are attached to form a cathode flow channel; the anode flow channel comprises an anode main flow channel and an anode pre-distribution cavity, the anode plate is provided with an anode lye inlet and an anode lye outlet, the anode pre-distribution cavity is located between the anode main flow channel and the anode lye inlet, and the anode main flow channel is located between the anode pre-distribution cavity and the anode lye outlet; an anode electrode is arranged in the anode flow channel; the cathode flow channel comprises a cathode main flow channel and a cathode pre-distribution cavity, the cathode plate is provided with a cathode lye inlet and a cathode lye outlet, the cathode pre-distribution cavity is located between the cathode main flow channel and the cathode lye inlet, and the cathode main flow channel is located between the cathode pre-distribution cavity and the cathode lye outlet; and a cathode electrode is arranged in the cathode flow channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen production technology, specifically to a square electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] Existing alkaline electrolyzers are mostly circular structures, secured by bolts, with working pressures of 1.6 MPa or 3.2 MPa, in order to reduce the overall energy consumption of the system by reducing primary compression and also to be compatible with end-use applications. However, they also have the following drawbacks: (1) Since each chamber is secured by bolts, it is inconvenient to disassemble if a chamber fails later; (2) The core components of electrodes and diaphragms are mostly square in the production process, and need to be cut when used in circular electrolyzers, resulting in some material waste. Therefore, square electrolyzers have gradually emerged. Square electrolyzers have the following advantages: (1) They save electrode and diaphragm materials, reduce secondary processing steps for electrodes and diaphragms, and reduce fixed investment in the system. (2) The chambers are grouped into single pieces, which is convenient for modular combination. Combined with hydraulic locking, it is more conducive to large-scale production. However, there is also the problem of uneven electrolyte flow rate in the electrolytic cell, which can easily lead to uneven temperature distribution in the electrolytic cell and thus cause mechanical damage such as diaphragm perforation. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the design of the square electrolytic cell to solve the problem of uneven electrolyte flow rate in the square electrolytic cell. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a square electrolytic cell to solve the problem of uneven electrolyte flow rate within the square electrolytic cell.

[0004] This invention provides a square electrolytic cell, comprising: an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a diaphragm; the diaphragm is located between the anode plate and the cathode plate; the diaphragm and the anode plate are bonded together to form an anode flow channel, and the diaphragm and the cathode plate are bonded together to form a cathode flow channel; the anode flow channel includes an anode main flow channel and an anode pre-distribution chamber; the anode plate is provided with an anode alkali inlet and an anode alkali outlet; the anode pre-distribution chamber is located between the anode main flow channel and the anode alkali inlet; the anode main flow channel is located between the anode pre-distribution chamber and the anode alkali outlet; an anode electrode is disposed in the anode flow channel; the cathode flow channel includes a cathode main flow channel and a cathode pre-distribution chamber; the cathode plate is provided with a cathode alkali inlet and a cathode alkali outlet; the cathode pre-distribution chamber is located between the cathode main flow channel and the cathode alkali inlet; the cathode main flow channel is located between the cathode pre-distribution chamber and the cathode alkali outlet; a cathode electrode is disposed in the cathode flow channel.

[0005] Optionally, the anode main channel includes anode fine channels separated by a plurality of anode main channel baffles; the anode pre-distribution cavity includes anode pre-distribution channels separated by a plurality of anode pre-distribution cavity baffles; the width of the anode pre-distribution channel is twice the width of the anode fine channels; and the length of the anode pre-distribution channel is 1.2 times the length of the anode fine channels.

[0006] Optionally, the anode plate is provided with an anode sealing ring, which surrounds the inner frame of the anode plate. When the anode plate and the diaphragm are attached to form an anode flow channel, the anode sealing ring isolates the infusion space in the anode flow channel from the frame of the anode plate. The anode sealing ring is a rounded square silicone sealing ring. The parting line of the anode sealing ring is located at the junction of the straight edge and the rounded corner.

[0007] Optionally, the cathode plate is provided with a cathode sealing ring, which surrounds the inner frame of the cathode plate. When the cathode plate and the diaphragm are attached to form a cathode flow channel, the cathode sealing ring isolates the infusion space in the cathode flow channel from the frame of the cathode plate. The cathode sealing ring is a rounded square silicone sealing ring. The parting line of the cathode sealing ring is located at the junction of the straight edge and the rounded corner.

[0008] Optionally, the square electrolytic cell further includes: an interplate insulating sealing gasket; the diaphragm and the cathode plate are pre-assembled into an integral structure, and the interplate insulating sealing gasket is disposed between the anode plate and the diaphragm; and / or, the diaphragm and the anode plate are pre-assembled into an integral structure, and the interplate insulating sealing gasket is disposed between the cathode plate and the diaphragm.

[0009] Optionally, the square electrolytic cell further includes: an anode end plate disposed on the side of the anode plate facing away from the diaphragm; and an anode insulating sealing gasket located between the anode end plate and the anode plate, wherein the anode insulating sealing gasket is attached to the anode plate.

[0010] Optionally, the thickness of the anode insulating sealing gasket is 0.1mm-0.2mm.

[0011] Optionally, the square electrolytic cell further includes: a cathode end plate disposed on the side of the cathode end plate facing away from the diaphragm; a cathode insulating sealing gasket located between the cathode end plate and the cathode end plate; and the cathode insulating sealing gasket being attached to the cathode end plate.

[0012] Optionally, the thickness of the cathode insulating gasket is 0.1mm-0.2mm.

[0013] Optionally, an anode diaphragm groove is provided on the inner side of the frame of the anode plate, which is suitable for the diaphragm to be attached and assembled with the anode plate through the anode diaphragm groove; and / or, a cathode diaphragm groove is provided on the inner side of the frame of the cathode plate, which is suitable for the diaphragm to be attached and assembled with the anode plate through the cathode diaphragm groove.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0015] The square electrolytic cell of this invention, by setting an anode pre-distribution chamber in the anode flow channel, allows the alkali solution to pass through the anode pre-distribution chamber before entering the main anode flow channel. This pre-distribution pre-divides the alkali solution entering the anode flow channel, resulting in a more uniform distribution of the alkali solution within the electrolytic cell. This, in turn, leads to a more uniform temperature distribution within the electrolytic cell, better voltage uniformity in each chamber (the narrow flow channels through the electrodes), facilitating overall control of the electrolytic cell and reducing mechanical damage caused by uneven heat distribution in the diaphragm. Similarly, by setting a cathode pre-distribution chamber in the cathode flow channel, the alkali solution passes through the cathode pre-distribution chamber before entering the main cathode flow channel. This pre-distribution pre-divides the alkali solution entering the cathode flow channel, resulting in a more uniform distribution of the alkali solution within the electrolytic cell. This, in turn, leads to a more uniform temperature distribution within the electrolytic cell, better voltage uniformity in each chamber (the narrow flow channels through the electrodes), facilitating overall control of the electrolytic cell and reducing mechanical damage caused by uneven heat distribution in the diaphragm.

[0016] The square electrolytic cell of the present invention, by setting an anode sealing ring, since the anode sealing ring is a rounded square silicone sealing ring, the rounded square sealing ring can better fit the shape of the frame of the square electrolytic cell. The silicone sealing ring has strong resistance to deformation and creep, which makes the square electrolytic cell more pressure resistant and can achieve high-pressure operation.

[0017] The square electrolytic cell of the present invention, by setting a cathode sealing ring, since the cathode sealing ring is a rounded square silicone sealing ring, the rounded square sealing ring can better fit the shape of the frame of the square electrolytic cell. The silicone sealing ring has strong resistance to deformation and creep, which makes the square electrolytic cell more pressure resistant and can achieve high-pressure operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of a square electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-distribution cavity and the main flow channel of the anode flow channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-distribution cavity and the main flow channel of the cathode flow channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of an anode sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side view of an anode sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the flow rate of the alkali solution and the distance from the alkali solution inlet after the square electrolytic cell is connected to the electrolysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0029] Example

[0030] refer to Figures 1-6 The present invention provides a square electrolytic cell, comprising:

[0031] Anode plate 3, cathode plate 7, and diaphragm 6;

[0032] The diaphragm 6 is located between the anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 7; the diaphragm 6 and the anode plate 3 are bonded together to form the anode flow channel, and the diaphragm 6 and the cathode plate 7 are bonded together to form the cathode flow channel.

[0033] The anode flow channel includes the anode main flow channel and the anode pre-distribution chamber 31. The anode plate 3 is provided with an anode alkali inlet and an anode alkali outlet. The anode pre-distribution chamber 31 is located between the anode main flow channel and the anode alkali inlet. The anode main flow channel is located between the anode pre-distribution chamber and the anode alkali outlet. An anode electrode (not labeled in the figure) is provided in the anode flow channel.

[0034] The cathode flow channel includes the cathode main flow channel and the cathode pre-distribution cavity 71. The cathode plate 7 is provided with a cathode alkali inlet and a cathode alkali outlet. The cathode pre-distribution cavity 71 is located between the cathode main flow channel and the cathode alkali inlet. The cathode main flow channel is located between the cathode pre-distribution cavity 71 and the cathode alkali outlet. A cathode electrode (not labeled in the figure) is provided in the cathode flow channel.

[0035] In addition, the anode plate 3 is provided with an anode tab 32, and the cathode plate 7 is provided with a cathode tab 72, for electrical connection with an external circuit.

[0036] The square electrolytic cell of this invention, by setting an anode pre-distribution chamber 31 in the anode flow channel, allows the alkali solution to pass through the anode pre-distribution chamber 31 before entering the main anode flow channel. This pre-distribution of the alkali solution before it enters the anode flow channel results in a more uniform distribution of the alkali solution within the electrolytic cell, leading to a more uniform temperature distribution and better voltage uniformity in each chamber (the narrow flow channels through the electrodes). This facilitates overall control of the electrolytic cell and reduces mechanical damage caused by uneven heat distribution in the diaphragm. Similarly, a cathode pre-distribution chamber 71 is set in the cathode flow channel. The alkali solution passes through the cathode pre-distribution chamber 71 before entering the main cathode flow channel. This pre-distribution of the alkali solution before it enters the cathode flow channel results in a more uniform distribution of the alkali solution within the electrolytic cell, leading to a more uniform temperature distribution and better voltage uniformity in each chamber (the narrow flow channels through the electrodes). This facilitates overall control of the electrolytic cell and reduces mechanical damage caused by uneven heat distribution in the diaphragm.

[0037] Furthermore, the anode main channel includes anode narrow channels separated by multiple anode main channel baffles; the anode pre-distribution cavity includes anode pre-distribution channels separated by multiple anode pre-distribution cavity baffles; the width of the anode pre-distribution channel is 1-3 times the width of the anode narrow channels; the length of the anode pre-distribution channel is 1-3 times the length of the anode narrow channels. This achieves better optimization results.

[0038] Furthermore, the anode plate 3 is provided with an anode sealing ring 33, which surrounds the inner frame of the anode plate 3. When the anode plate 3 and the diaphragm 6 are attached to form an anode flow channel, the anode sealing ring 33 isolates the infusion space in the anode flow channel from the frame of the anode plate 3. The anode sealing ring 33 is a rounded square silicone sealing ring. The parting line of the anode sealing ring 33 is located at the junction of the straight edge and the rounded corner.

[0039] In this embodiment, the square electrolytic cell features an anode sealing ring 33. Since the anode sealing ring 33 is a rounded square silicone sealing ring, it better conforms to the shape of the square electrolytic cell's frame. The silicone sealing ring has strong resistance to deformation and creep, making the square electrolytic cell more pressure-resistant and enabling high-pressure operation. Furthermore, the parting line's position prevents impact from gases or other media on both sides, avoiding cracking of the sealing ring at the parting line, thus further enhancing the square electrolytic cell's pressure resistance and enabling high-pressure operation.

[0040] Furthermore, the cathode plate 7 is provided with a cathode sealing ring 73, which surrounds the inner frame of the cathode plate 7. When the cathode plate 7 and the diaphragm 6 are attached to form a cathode flow channel, the cathode sealing ring 73 isolates the infusion space in the cathode flow channel from the frame of the cathode plate 7. The cathode sealing ring 73 is a rounded square silicone sealing ring. The parting line of the cathode sealing ring 73 is located at the junction of the straight edge and the rounded corner.

[0041] In this embodiment, the square electrolytic cell features a cathode sealing ring 73. Since the cathode sealing ring 73 is a rounded square silicone sealing ring, it better conforms to the shape of the square electrolytic cell's frame. The silicone sealing ring has strong resistance to deformation and creep, making the square electrolytic cell more pressure-resistant and enabling high-pressure operation. The parting line's position prevents impact from gases or other media on both sides, avoiding cracking of the sealing ring at the parting line, thus further enhancing the square electrolytic cell's pressure resistance and enabling high-pressure operation.

[0042] Furthermore, the square electrolytic cell also includes: an inter-plate insulating sealing gasket 5; the diaphragm 6 and the cathode plate 7 are pre-assembled into an integral structure, with the inter-plate insulating sealing gasket 5 disposed between the anode plate 3 and the diaphragm 6; and / or, the diaphragm 6 and the anode plate 3 are pre-assembled into an integral structure, with the inter-plate insulating sealing gasket 5 disposed between the cathode plate 7 and the diaphragm 6. This embodiment shows the case where the diaphragm 6 and the cathode plate 7 are pre-assembled into an integral structure.

[0043] Furthermore, the square electrolytic cell also includes: an anode end plate 1, which is disposed on the side of the anode plate 3 facing away from the diaphragm 6; an anode insulating sealing gasket 2, which is located between the anode end plate 1 and the anode plate 3; and the anode insulating sealing gasket 2 is attached to the anode plate 3.

[0044] Specifically, the thickness of the anode insulating gasket is 0.1mm-0.2mm. This thickness is significantly lower than the 2mm size of conventional electrolytic cell gaskets in the field, thereby greatly reducing material usage and increasing subsequent utilization.

[0045] Furthermore, the square electrolytic cell also includes: a cathode end plate 9, which is disposed on the side of the cathode end plate 7 facing away from the diaphragm 6; a cathode insulating sealing gasket 8, which is located between the cathode end plate and the cathode end plate 7; and the cathode insulating sealing gasket 8 is attached to the cathode end plate 7.

[0046] Specifically, the thickness of the cathode insulating gasket is 0.1mm-0.2mm. This thickness is significantly lower than the 2mm size of conventional electrolytic cell gaskets in the field, thereby greatly reducing material usage and increasing subsequent utilization.

[0047] Furthermore, an anode diaphragm groove (not shown in the figure) is provided on the inner side of the frame of the anode plate 3, suitable for the diaphragm 6 to be bonded and assembled with the anode plate 3 through the anode diaphragm groove; and / or, a cathode diaphragm groove (not shown in the figure) is provided on the inner side of the frame of the cathode plate 7, suitable for the diaphragm 6 to be bonded and assembled with the anode plate 3 through the cathode diaphragm groove. The depth dimension of the anode diaphragm groove, i.e., the distance from the edge of the frame to the anode diaphragm groove, is 0.1mm-1mm. The depth dimension of the cathode diaphragm groove, i.e., the distance from the edge of the frame to the cathode diaphragm groove, is 0.3mm-1mm. The depth dimension of the anode diaphragm groove and / or the depth dimension of the cathode diaphragm groove is 0.2mm, which is compatible with diaphragms with thicknesses of 0.45mm and 0.2mm (not limited to physically porous diaphragms and organic-inorganic composite diaphragms), and is suitable for more application scenarios.

[0048] Result comparison:

[0049] refer to Figure 7 The square electrolytic cell provided in this embodiment is connected to an electrolytic hydrogen production system or an electrochemical workstation for testing. The tabs of the anode plate 3 are connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the tabs of the cathode plate 7 are connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. Steady-state performance tests and transient loading tests are conducted under different temperatures (25-95℃), currents, and system pressures (0.1-1.6MPa).

[0050] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the alkali solution flow rate and the distance from the alkali solution inlet, as tested after the square electrolytic cell in this embodiment is connected to the electrolysis system. According to... Figure 7As shown, in the previous electrolytic cell design (solid line), the velocity arc height was significantly greater at positions 20mm-30mm from the alkali inlet, and exhibited a large variance. In contrast, in the improved electrolytic cell design of this embodiment (dashed line), the velocity arcs are distributed relatively evenly across all distances, with no obvious sudden increase in velocity arc height, only slow increases and decreases, and a smaller overall variance. Therefore, using the design provided in this embodiment results in a more uniform distribution of alkali flow velocity in the electrolytic cell. The velocity variance of each arc is smaller and more uniform.

[0051] The technical solutions disclosed in this invention have been described above through embodiments. It is believed that those skilled in the art will understand this invention through the description of the above embodiments. Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A square electrolytic cell, characterized in that, include: Anode plate, cathode plate, and diaphragm; The diaphragm is located between the anode plate and the cathode plate; the diaphragm and the anode plate are bonded together to form an anode flow channel, and the diaphragm and the cathode plate are bonded together to form a cathode flow channel; The anode flow channel includes an anode main flow channel and an anode pre-distribution chamber. An anode alkali inlet and an anode alkali outlet are provided on the anode plate. The anode pre-distribution chamber is located between the anode main flow channel and the anode alkali inlet. The anode main flow channel is located between the anode pre-distribution chamber and the anode alkali outlet. An anode electrode is provided in the anode flow channel. The cathode flow channel includes a cathode main flow channel and a cathode pre-distribution cavity. The cathode plate is provided with a cathode alkali inlet and a cathode alkali outlet. The cathode pre-distribution cavity is located between the cathode main flow channel and the cathode alkali inlet. The cathode main flow channel is located between the cathode pre-distribution cavity and the cathode alkali outlet. A cathode electrode is provided in the cathode flow channel. The anode main channel includes anode fine channels separated by multiple anode main channel baffles; the anode pre-distribution cavity includes anode pre-distribution channels separated by multiple anode pre-distribution cavity baffles; the width of the anode pre-distribution channel is 1-3 times the width of the anode fine channels; the length of the anode pre-distribution channel is 1-3 times the length of the anode fine channels.

2. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode plate is provided with an anode sealing ring, which surrounds the inner frame of the anode plate. When the anode plate and the diaphragm are attached to form an anode flow channel, the anode sealing ring isolates the infusion space in the anode flow channel from the frame of the anode plate. The anode sealing ring is a rounded square silicone sealing ring. The parting line of the anode sealing ring is located at the junction of the straight edge and the rounded corner.

3. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode plate is provided with a cathode sealing ring, which surrounds the inner frame of the cathode plate. When the cathode plate and the diaphragm are attached to form a cathode flow channel, the cathode sealing ring isolates the infusion space in the cathode flow channel from the frame of the cathode plate. The cathode sealing ring is a rounded square silicone sealing ring. The parting line of the cathode sealing ring is located at the junction of the straight edge and the rounded corner.

4. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Inter-plate insulating sealing gasket; the diaphragm and the cathode plate are pre-assembled into an integral structure, and the inter-plate insulating sealing gasket is disposed between the anode plate and the diaphragm, and / or, the diaphragm and the anode plate are pre-assembled into an integral structure, and the inter-plate insulating sealing gasket is disposed between the cathode plate and the diaphragm.

5. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Anode end plate, wherein the anode end plate is disposed on the side of the anode end plate facing away from the diaphragm; An anode insulating sealing gasket is located between the anode end plate and the anode plate; the anode insulating sealing gasket is attached to the anode plate.

6. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the anode insulating sealing gasket is 0.1mm-0.2mm.

7. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A cathode end plate, wherein the cathode end plate is disposed on the side of the cathode end plate facing away from the diaphragm; A cathode insulating sealing gasket is located between the cathode end plate and the cathode end plate; the cathode insulating sealing gasket is attached to the cathode end plate.

8. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thickness of the cathode insulating gasket is 0.1mm-0.2mm.

9. The square electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the frame of the anode plate is provided with an anode diaphragm groove, which is suitable for the diaphragm to be attached and assembled with the anode plate through the anode diaphragm groove; and / or, the inner side of the frame of the cathode plate is provided with a cathode diaphragm groove, which is suitable for the diaphragm to be attached and assembled with the anode plate through the cathode diaphragm groove.

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