Alkaline electrolyzed water system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrolytic bath testing system and method, and the system comprises a plurality of electrolytic bath units, each electrolytic bath unit is used for arranging an electrolytic bath to be tested; the alkali liquor separation and storage unit comprises an anode gas-liquid separator, a cathode gas-liquid separator and an alkali liquor buffer; the power supply unit is used for independently supplying power to each electrolytic cell unit; and the signal acquisition and control unit is used for controlling the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali liquor separation and storage unit and the power supply unit and acquiring a detection signal of the to-be-detected electrolytic cell. According to the invention, batch testing of a plurality of electrolytic cells can be simultaneously realized, and the testing efficiency is obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an alkaline water electrolysis system and method. Background Art

[0002] The method of producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water is to pass direct current into an electrolyzer filled with electrolyte, and water molecules undergo electrochemical reactions on the electrodes, decomposing into hydrogen and oxygen, and then undergo a gas-liquid separation process, purification and drying to obtain the product hydrogen. The core part of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production is the electrolyzer, and the IV curve and impedance of the electrolyzer have a significant impact on the energy consumption of hydrogen production. The electrolyzer is composed of components such as electrodes, diaphragms, bipolar plates, and diffusion layers. In order to achieve low-power water electrolysis hydrogen production, it is necessary to screen, design, optimize technical parameters, etc. for the above components, and trial-produce corresponding electrolyzers for testing and verification. Due to the complex structure of the electrolyzer and the wide range of component parameters, a large amount of testing work needs to be carried out during the development of the electrolyzer, often involving hundreds of sets of electrolyzer performance test experiments. However, the current electrolyzer test device is generally single-channel, that is, a single test system only tests one electrolyzer, which leads to a long test cycle and greatly limits the optimization and development speed of the electrolyzer. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electrolytic cell testing system and method, which can simultaneously realize batch testing of multiple electrolytic cells and significantly improve the testing efficiency.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure provides, in a first aspect, an electrolytic cell testing system, the system comprising:

[0005] An electrolytic cell unit, wherein the number of the electrolytic cell units is multiple, and each of the electrolytic cell units is used to set an electrolytic cell to be tested;

[0006] An alkali liquid separation and storage unit, comprising an anode gas-liquid separator, a cathode gas-liquid separator and an alkali liquid buffer, wherein the anode gas-liquid separator is used to perform gas-liquid separation on the anode electrolyte from the electrolytic cell to be tested, the cathode separator is used to perform gas-liquid separation on the cathode electrolyte from the electrolytic cell to be tested, and the alkali liquid buffer is used to store the alkali liquid obtained after gas-liquid separation by the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator, and the alkali liquid in the alkali liquid buffer is returned to each of the electrolytic cell units through pipelines; a first valve element, a second valve element and a third valve element are respectively provided on the pipelines connecting each of the electrolytic cell units with the anode gas-liquid separator, the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer;

[0007] A power supply unit, used to independently supply power to each of the electrolytic cell units;

[0008] A signal acquisition and control unit is used to control the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali solution separation and storage unit and the power supply unit and to acquire the detection signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested.

[0009] Optionally, the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element are each independently a breakaway valve or a three-way valve.

[0010] Optionally, a valve limiter is respectively provided in the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element, and the valve limiter is used to indicate the connection status of the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali solution separation and storage unit and the power supply unit according to the connection status.

[0011] Optionally, a filter element is provided in each of the first valve element and the second valve element, and the filter element is used to filter the alkaline liquid entering the anode gas-liquid separator or the cathode gas-liquid separator;

[0012] The filter element is made of porous ceramic or metal, and the pore size of the filter element is 5-10 μm.

[0013] Optionally, the anode gas-liquid separator is connected to an oxygen output pipeline, on which a fourth valve element, an oxygen-in-hydrogen concentration detection element and an oxygen pressure detection element are provided; the cathode gas-liquid separator is connected to a hydrogen output pipeline, on which a fifth valve element, an oxygen-in-hydrogen concentration detection element and a hydrogen pressure detection element are provided;

[0014] The detection signal includes an oxygen pressure signal, a hydrogen pressure signal, a hydrogen concentration in oxygen detection signal, and an oxygen concentration in hydrogen detection signal. The signal acquisition and control unit controls the fourth valve element and / or the fifth valve element according to the oxygen pressure signal, the hydrogen pressure signal, the hydrogen concentration in oxygen detection signal, and the oxygen concentration in hydrogen detection signal.

[0015] Optionally, the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator are respectively provided with liquid level detectors;

[0016] The detection signal includes a liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the fourth valve element and / or the fifth valve element according to the liquid level difference signal.

[0017] Optionally, the alkali solution buffer is connected to a water inlet pipeline, a sixth valve element is provided on the water inlet pipeline, and a concentration detector is provided in the alkali solution buffer;

[0018] The detection signal includes an alkali solution concentration signal, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the sixth valve element according to the alkali solution concentration signal.

[0019] Optionally, a flow detection element and a flow rate regulating element are further provided on the pipeline connecting each electrolytic cell unit and the alkali solution buffer, the detection signal includes an alkali solution flow signal, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the flow rate regulating element according to the alkali solution flow signal.

[0020] Optionally, a circulation pump is connected between the anode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer, and between the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer, respectively, and the opening or closing of the circulation pump is controlled according to the liquid level or gas concentration in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator.

[0021] Optionally, the power supply unit includes a DC power supply module and an AC power supply module; the DC power supply module is used to independently supply power to each of the electrolytic cell units and to perform an electrolysis performance test, and the AC power supply module is used to sequentially supply power to a plurality of the electrolytic cell units and to perform an impedance test;

[0022] The power supply unit is provided with a current detection element and a voltage detection element, and the detection signal includes a current signal and a voltage signal.

[0023] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for testing an electrolytic cell using the system described in the first aspect of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising:

[0024] Installing the electrolytic cell to be tested in the electrolytic cell unit, and turning on the power supply unit to supply power to the electrolytic cell unit in which the electrolytic cell to be tested is installed;

[0025] The signal acquisition and control unit collects the detection signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested, and controls the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element connected to the electrolytic cell unit installed with the electrolytic cell to be tested to open or close according to the detection signal;

[0026] The test result of the electrolytic cell to be tested is obtained according to the detection signal.

[0027] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0028] The power supply unit includes a DC power supply module and an AC power supply module. The DC power supply module is started to perform an electrolysis performance test, and the AC power supply module is started to perform an impedance test to obtain a polarization curve and an impedance spectrum of the electrolytic cell to be tested.

[0029] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0030] The first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element are respectively provided with valve limiters;

[0031] When the valve stopper indicates that the electrolytic cell to be tested is not connected, the power supply unit is controlled to stop or skip supplying power to the electrolytic cell unit, and the delivery pump on the corresponding pipeline is optionally controlled to be turned off;

[0032] When the stopper indicates that the electrolytic cell to be tested is connected, the power supply unit is controlled to start supplying power to the electrolytic cell unit, and the delivery pump on the corresponding pipeline is optionally controlled to start.

[0033] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0034] A circulation pump is connected between the anode gas-liquid separator and the alkali solution buffer, and between the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali solution buffer respectively;

[0035] A liquid level detector is respectively arranged in the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator. When the liquid level of the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator is higher than a first preset value, the circulation pump is started to transport the alkali liquid in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator to the alkali liquid buffer. After the liquid level reaches the first preset value, the circulation pump is turned off; and / or,

[0036] A hydrogen concentration sensor in oxygen is set in the gas space of the anode gas-liquid separator, and a hydrogen concentration sensor in hydrogen is set in the gas space of the cathode gas-liquid separator. When the gas phase concentration is higher than a second preset value, the circulation pump is started to transport the alkali liquid in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator to the alkali liquid buffer, and the circulation pump is turned off after the gas phase concentration reaches the second preset value.

[0037] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0038] The anode gas-liquid separator is connected to an oxygen output pipeline, and a fourth valve element and an oxygen pressure detection element are provided on the oxygen output pipeline; the cathode gas-liquid separator is connected to a hydrogen output pipeline, and a fifth valve element and a hydrogen pressure detection element are provided on the hydrogen output pipeline;

[0039] When the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is lower than a third preset value, the corresponding valve element opening is reduced until the third preset value is reached; when the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is higher than a fourth preset value, the corresponding valve element opening is increased until the fourth preset value is reached;

[0040] When the gas phase concentration exceeds a fifth preset value, the openings of the fourth valve element and the fifth valve element are adjusted to the maximum at the same time.

[0041] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0042] When the liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator is positive and higher than a sixth preset value, increasing the opening of the fourth valve element or decreasing the opening of the fifth valve element;

[0043] When the liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator is negative and the absolute value is higher than a seventh preset value, the opening of the fourth valve element is reduced or the opening of the fifth valve element is increased.

[0044] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0045] The alkali solution buffer is connected to a water inlet pipeline, a sixth valve element is arranged on the water inlet pipeline, and a concentration detector is arranged in the alkali solution buffer;

[0046] When the concentration of the alkali solution is higher than the eighth preset value, the sixth valve element is opened to replenish water, and the sixth valve element is then closed until the concentration of the alkali solution reaches the eighth preset value.

[0047] Optionally, the method comprises:

[0048] A flow detection element and a flow rate regulating element are also provided on the pipeline connecting each electrolytic cell unit and the alkali solution buffer;

[0049] The flow rate of the alkali solution is adjusted by the flow regulating element and the flow rate of the alkali solution is detected by the flow detecting element to obtain a detection result of the alkali solution regulating function.

[0050] Through the above technical solution, the present invention sets up multiple electrolytic cell units, each of which can be used to set up an electrolytic cell to be tested. Through independent power supply and independent alkali solution circulation control, batch parallel testing of multiple electrolytic cell units can be achieved simultaneously, which significantly improves the test efficiency.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following specific embodiments, they are used to explain the present disclosure but do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a specific implementation of the alkaline water electrolysis system provided by the present disclosure.

[0054] Description of Reference Numerals

[0055] 10—electrolyzer unit, 11—first valve element, 12—second valve element, 13—third valve element, 20—alkali solution separation and storage unit, 21—anode gas-liquid separator, 22—cathode gas-liquid separator, 23—alkali solution buffer, 24—fourth valve element, 25—fifth valve element, 26—flow rate regulating element, 27—circulation pump, 30—power supply unit, 40—signal acquisition and control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The specific implementation of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementation described herein is only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and is not used to limit the present disclosure.

[0057] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an electrolytic cell testing system, referring to Figure 1 The system comprises:

[0058] An electrolytic cell unit 10, wherein the number of the electrolytic cell units 10 is multiple, and each of the electrolytic cell units 10 is used to set an electrolytic cell to be tested;

[0059] The alkali liquid separation and storage unit 20 comprises an anode gas-liquid separator 21, a cathode gas-liquid separator 22 and an alkali liquid buffer 23, wherein the anode gas-liquid separator 21 is used to perform gas-liquid separation on the anode electrolyte from the electrolytic cell to be tested, the cathode separator 22 is used to perform gas-liquid separation on the cathode electrolyte from the electrolytic cell to be tested, and the alkali liquid buffer 23 is used to store the alkali liquid obtained by the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 after gas-liquid separation, and the alkali liquid in the alkali liquid buffer 23 is returned to each of the electrolytic cell units 10 through pipelines; a first valve element 11, a second valve element 12 and a third valve element 13 are respectively provided on the pipelines connecting each of the electrolytic cell units 10 and the anode gas-liquid separator 21, the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 and the alkali liquid buffer 23;

[0060] A power supply unit 30, used to independently supply power to each of the electrolytic cell units 10;

[0061] The signal acquisition and control unit 40 is used to control the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali solution separation and storage unit and the power supply unit and acquire the detection signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested. The detective signals that can be acquired may include: the temperature, pressure, voltage and current of the electrolytic cell, the concentration, temperature and flow rate of the alkali solution at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell, the concentration, temperature and liquid level of the alkali solution in the gas-liquid separator, the pressure and impurity concentration of the gas, the concentration, temperature and liquid level of the alkali solution in the alkali solution buffer tank, the dissolved hydrogen concentration and dissolved oxygen concentration, etc.

[0062] According to the present disclosure, the electrolytic cell unit 10 is used to set up an electrolytic cell to be tested. Wherein, the electrolytic cell to be tested can be an electrolytic cell used in the common alkaline water electrolysis process in the art, and the present disclosure has no special restrictions. Specifically, the electrolytic cell to be tested may include an anode, a cathode and a diaphragm arranged between the anode and the cathode, wherein an alkaline solution (such as potassium hydroxide solution, etc.) for electrolysis is contained. Each electrolytic cell to be tested has an electrolytic cell anode liquid outlet, an electrolytic cell cathode liquid outlet and an electrolytic cell liquid inlet, which are respectively connected to the alkaline solution separation and storage unit 20, that is, the electrolytic cells to be tested in multiple electrolytic cell units 10 can be connected to the alkaline solution separation and storage unit 20 through independent pipelines, and thus independent control and detection are achieved.

[0063] The electrolytic cell to be tested is installed in the electrolytic cell unit 10 and the corresponding independent power supply is started, and the alkali solution obtained at the anode and cathode after electrolysis enters the alkali solution separation and storage unit 20. Specifically, the anolyte enters the anode gas-liquid separator 21 for gas-liquid separation, and the cathode electrolyte enters the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 for gas-liquid separation. The two parts of alkali solution after gas-liquid separation enter the alkali solution buffer 23 for storage, and then return to the multiple electrolytic cell units 10 for cyclic electrolysis.

[0064] The connection between each electrolytic cell unit 10 and the alkali solution separation and storage unit 20 can be controlled by a set of valve elements, namely the first valve element 11, the second valve element 12 and the third valve element 13. Specifically, the first valve element 11, the second valve element 12 and the third valve element 13 can be independently a break valve or a three-way valve. Further, when the first valve element 11, the second valve element 12 and the third valve element 13 are break valves, the pulling force of the break valve can be 100-1000N. The anode liquid outlet and the cathode liquid outlet of the electrolytic cell to be tested can be connected to the first valve element 11 and the second valve element 12 respectively through a hose, and the liquid inlet of the electrolytic cell can also be connected to the third valve element 13 through a hose. The hose connection can adapt to various structures of electrolytic cells to be tested, especially when the positions of the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the electrolytic cell to be tested change, the hose can be conveniently and tightly connected to improve the system compatibility.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first valve element 11, the second valve element 12 and the third valve element 13 may be provided with valve stoppers, respectively. The valve stoppers may be used for installation identification of the electrolytic cell to be tested, and then the signal acquisition and control unit 30 controls the corresponding independent power supply to be turned on and the test is carried out. Specifically, the valve stoppers are used to indicate the connection status of the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali solution separation and storage unit and the power supply unit according to the connection status. For example, when the valve stopper shows that the valve is disconnected or not connected, it may indicate that the electrolytic cell is not connected to the position, and accordingly, a series of operations may be interlocked, including: shutting down the DC power supply of the channel, or skipping the channel when AC power is supplied, shutting down the alkali solution delivery pump connected to the channel, etc.; when the stopper shows that the valve is connected, it may allow the DC power supply of the channel to be started, or pass through the channel when AC power is supplied, and allow the alkali solution delivery pump to be turned on.

[0066] In one embodiment, a filter element may be provided in each of the first valve element 11 and the second valve element 12, and the filter element is used to filter the alkali liquid entering the anode gas-liquid separator 21 or the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 to filter out impurities in the alkali liquid and improve the detection accuracy. The filter element may specifically be a filter mesh, etc. The material of the filter element may be porous ceramic or metal, such as cerium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, nickel, etc., and the pore size of the filter element may be 5 to 10 μm.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, the alkali liquid separation and storage unit 20 is used to perform gas-liquid separation and storage on the electrolyzed alkali liquid from the electrolytic cell unit 10. Specifically, oxygen and alkali liquid containing a small amount of dissolved oxygen can be separated from the anode gas-liquid separator 21, and hydrogen and alkali liquid containing a small amount of dissolved hydrogen can be obtained from the cathode gas-liquid separator 22. The two parts of alkali liquid after gas-liquid separation enter the shared alkali liquid buffer 23. A circulation pump 27 can be connected between the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the alkali liquid buffer 23, and between the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 and the alkali liquid buffer 23, respectively, for pumping and conveying the alkali liquid. The opening or closing of the circulation pump 27 can be controlled according to the liquid level or gas concentration in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22. For example, in one embodiment, liquid level detectors may be respectively provided in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22. When the liquid level of the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 is higher than a preset value, the circulation pump 27 is started to transport the alkali solution to the alkali solution buffer 23 until the liquid level reaches the preset value, and then the circulation pump 27 is turned off. In another embodiment, a hydrogen concentration sensor in oxygen may be provided in the gas space of the anode gas-liquid separator 21, and a hydrogen concentration sensor in hydrogen may be provided in the gas space of the cathode gas-liquid separator 22. When the corresponding concentration limit requirements are met, the circulation pump 27 is allowed to operate to transport the alkali solution in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 to the alkali solution buffer 23.

[0068] In one embodiment, the anode gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to an oxygen output pipeline, and a fourth valve element 24 and an oxygen pressure detection element are provided on the oxygen output pipeline; the cathode gas-liquid separator is connected to a hydrogen output pipeline, and a fifth valve element 25 and a hydrogen pressure detection element are provided on the hydrogen output pipeline. Specifically, the fourth valve element 24 and the fifth valve element 25 can each independently be a back pressure valve. The oxygen pressure detection element can detect the oxygen pressure in the oxygen output pipeline and obtain an oxygen pressure signal; the hydrogen pressure detection element can detect the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen output pipeline and obtain a hydrogen pressure signal; the oxygen pressure detection element and the hydrogen pressure detection element can each independently be a pressure gauge.

[0069] In this embodiment, the detection signal includes an oxygen pressure signal, a hydrogen pressure signal, a hydrogen concentration detection signal in oxygen, and an oxygen concentration detection signal in hydrogen. The signal acquisition and control unit can control the fourth valve element 24 and / or the fifth valve element 25 according to the oxygen pressure signal, the hydrogen pressure signal, the hydrogen concentration detection signal in oxygen, and the oxygen concentration detection signal in hydrogen. For example, when it is detected that the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is low, the corresponding valve element opening can be reduced until the preset pressure value is reached; conversely, when it is detected that the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is high, the corresponding valve element opening is increased until the preset pressure value is reached. For another example, when it is detected that the hydrogen concentration in oxygen or the oxygen concentration in hydrogen exceeds the set value, the fourth valve element 24 and the fifth valve element 25 are adjusted to the maximum at the same time.

[0070] In one embodiment, a liquid level detector is provided in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22. The liquid level detector can detect the liquid levels in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22, respectively, and obtain a first liquid level signal in the anode gas-liquid separator 21, a second liquid level signal in the cathode gas-liquid separator 22, and a liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22.

[0071] In this embodiment, the detection signal includes the liquid level difference signal of the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22, and the signal acquisition and control unit can control the fourth valve element 24 and / or the fifth valve element 25 according to the liquid level difference signal. For example, when the liquid level difference signal is detected to be a positive value (i.e., the liquid level in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 is higher than the liquid level in the cathode gas-liquid separator 22) and is higher than a preset threshold, the opening of the fourth valve element 24 is increased or the opening of the fifth valve element 25 is reduced; when the liquid level difference signal is detected to be a negative value (i.e., the liquid level in the anode gas-liquid separator 21 is lower than the liquid level in the cathode gas-liquid separator 22) and the absolute value is higher than the preset threshold, the opening of the fourth valve element 24 is reduced or the opening of the fifth valve element 25 is increased. Further, the liquid level difference threshold between the anode gas-liquid separator 21 and the cathode gas-liquid separator 22 can be (±) 2 to 6 cm, preferably 4 cm.

[0072] In one embodiment, the alkali solution buffer 23 is connected to a water inlet pipeline, a sixth valve element is provided on the water inlet pipeline, and a concentration detector is provided in the alkali solution buffer 23. The concentration detector can detect the alkali solution concentration in the alkali solution buffer 23 to obtain an alkali solution concentration signal. Specifically, the sixth valve element can be a cut-off valve or a flow regulating valve.

[0073] In this embodiment, the detection signal includes an alkali solution concentration signal, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the sixth valve element according to the alkali solution concentration signal. For example, when it is detected that the alkali solution concentration is higher than a set value, the sixth valve element is opened to replenish water until the alkali solution concentration reaches the required set value and then the sixth valve element is closed. Furthermore, the preset threshold value of the alkali solution concentration can be 20 to 30% by weight, preferably 25% by weight.

[0074] In one embodiment, an insulation layer may be provided outside the alkali solution buffer 23 to keep the alkali solution stored therein warm. A thermometer may be provided inside the alkali solution buffer 23 to detect the temperature of the alkali solution and obtain a temperature signal. The detection signal may include a temperature signal, and the signal acquisition and control unit may control the set temperature of the insulation layer according to the temperature signal.

[0075] In one embodiment, a flow detection element and a flow rate regulating element 26 are also provided on the pipeline connecting each electrolytic cell unit 10 and the alkali solution buffer 23, and the detection signal includes an alkali solution flow rate signal, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the flow rate regulating element 26 according to the alkali solution flow rate signal. Specifically, the flow rate regulating element 26 can be a variable frequency circulation pump, and the flow detection element can be a flow meter. In this way, the alkali solution flow rate can be adjusted according to the test needs, and when no flow change is detected after adjusting the flow rate, the detection result of the alkali solution regulation failure is obtained.

[0076] According to the present disclosure, the power supply unit 30 is used to independently supply power to the multiple electrolytic cell units 10. Specifically, the power supply unit 30 may include power supply modules consistent with the number of electrolytic cell units 10, and the power supply modules are electrically connected to the electrolytic cell units 10 one by one. The power supply unit 30 may include a DC power supply module and an AC power supply module, wherein the DC power supply module is used to independently supply power to each of the electrolytic cell units 10 and to perform an electrolytic performance test, and when the DC power supply module is started to perform an electrolytic performance test, a current variation curve over time can be set; the AC power supply module is used to sequentially supply power to the multiple electrolytic cell units 10 and to perform an impedance test, and when the AC power supply module is started to perform an impedance test, the amplitude and frequency of the AC voltage or current can be set, and each electrolytic cell 10 is supplied with power in turn according to a certain time beat.

[0077] Further, each power module may include a preset power program, and is provided with a current detection element and a voltage detection element. The current detection element is used to detect current and obtain a current signal. The voltage detection element is used to detect voltage and obtain a voltage signal. The detection signal includes a current signal and a voltage signal. By applying a DC current signal, the voltage of the electrolytic cell unit can be recorded, and the voltage and current are taken to draw a polarization curve; by applying an AC voltage or current signal, the current or voltage signal of the electrolytic cell unit can be recorded, and the ratio of voltage and current is taken to draw an impedance spectrum. The signal acquisition and control unit 40 can obtain the detection result of the corresponding electrolytic cell to be tested according to the current signal and voltage signal, or perform the required control. For example, when the electrolysis current is increased, the flow rate regulating element 26 is controlled to increase the alkali solution flow rate. For example, a preset current change program is used, and under n time steps, the current increases according to the set step, and the voltage signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested is recorded to obtain a polarization curve result. For another example, an impedance measurement program is preset, and an impedance spectrum result is obtained by inputting interference signals of different frequencies (frequency range, such as 1 to 10,000 Hz) and measuring impedance values.

[0078] In the present disclosure, the system may further include a detection result output unit, which is used to determine the detection result according to the detection signal and output the detection result in a user interactive manner. Specifically, the detection result may include a normal result, a fault result or an evaluation result.

[0079] The electrolytic cell testing system provided by the present disclosure can realize batch parallel testing of multiple electrolytic cell units through independent power supply and independent alkali solution circulation control, which significantly improves the testing efficiency and has good application prospects.

[0080] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for testing an electrolytic cell using the system described in the first aspect of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising:

[0081] Installing the electrolytic cell to be tested in the electrolytic cell unit, and turning on the power supply unit to supply power to the electrolytic cell unit in which the electrolytic cell to be tested is installed;

[0082] The signal acquisition and control unit collects the detection signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested, and controls the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element connected to the electrolytic cell unit installed with the electrolytic cell to be tested to open or close according to the detection signal;

[0083] The test result of the electrolytic cell to be tested is obtained according to the detection signal.

[0084] Among them, the detection signals may include: electrolytic cell temperature, pressure, voltage, current, electrolytic cell inlet and outlet alkali solution concentration, temperature, flow, alkali solution concentration, temperature, liquid level and gas pressure, impurity concentration in the gas-liquid separator, alkali solution concentration, temperature, liquid level, dissolved hydrogen concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, etc. in the alkali solution buffer tank.

[0085] Furthermore, in an embodiment where the power supply unit includes a DC power supply module and an AC power supply module, the method further includes: starting the DC power supply module to perform an electrolysis performance test, and starting the AC power supply module to perform an impedance test, to obtain a polarization curve and an impedance spectrum of the electrolytic cell to be tested.

[0086] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which valve limiters are respectively provided in the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element; the method also includes: when the valve limiter indicates that the electrolytic cell to be tested is not connected, controlling the power supply unit to stop or skip supplying power to the electrolytic cell unit, and optionally controlling the delivery pump on the corresponding pipeline to be closed; when the limiter indicates that the electrolytic cell to be tested is connected, controlling the power supply unit to start supplying power to the electrolytic cell unit, and optionally controlling the delivery pump on the corresponding pipeline to be opened.

[0087] Furthermore, a circulation pump is connected between the anode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer, and between the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer, respectively; a liquid level detector is respectively arranged in the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator, a hydrogen concentration sensor in oxygen is arranged in the gas space of the anode gas-liquid separator, and in an embodiment in which a hydrogen concentration sensor in hydrogen is arranged in the gas space of the cathode gas-liquid separator, the method further comprises: when the liquid level of the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator is higher than a first preset value, starting the circulation pump to transport the alkali liquid in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator to the alkali liquid buffer, and shutting down the circulation pump until the liquid level reaches the first preset value; and / or, when the gas phase concentration is higher than a second preset value, starting the circulation pump to transport the alkali liquid in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator to the alkali liquid buffer, and shutting down the circulation pump until the gas phase concentration reaches the second preset value. The first preset value may be 1 / 3 to 3 / 2 of the total height of the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator, and the second preset value may be 98 to 100% by volume.

[0088] Further, in the embodiment where the anode gas-liquid separator is connected to an oxygen output pipeline, and a fourth valve element and an oxygen pressure detection element are provided on the oxygen output pipeline; the cathode gas-liquid separator is connected to a hydrogen output pipeline, and a fifth valve element and a hydrogen pressure detection element are provided on the hydrogen output pipeline; the method further comprises: when the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is lower than a third preset value, reducing the opening of the corresponding valve element until the third preset value is reached; when the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is higher than a fourth preset value, increasing the opening of the corresponding valve element until the fourth preset value is reached; when the gas phase concentration is lower than the fifth preset value, simultaneously adjusting the opening of the fourth valve element and the fifth valve element to the maximum. Wherein, the third preset value may be 0.1 to 3 MPa, the fourth preset value may be 1.5 to 3 MPa, and the fifth preset value may be 98 to 99% by volume.

[0089] Furthermore, the method further comprises: when the liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator is positive and higher than a sixth preset value, increasing the opening of the fourth valve element or decreasing the opening of the fifth valve element; when the liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator is negative and the absolute value is higher than a seventh preset value, decreasing the opening of the fourth valve element or increasing the opening of the fifth valve element. The sixth preset value may be 2 to 6 cm, preferably 4 cm, and the seventh preset value may be 2 to 6 cm, preferably 4 cm.

[0090] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a water inlet pipeline is connected to the alkali liquid buffer, a sixth valve element is arranged on the water inlet pipeline, and a concentration detector is arranged in the alkali liquid buffer; the method further comprises: when the alkali liquid concentration is higher than an eighth preset value, opening the sixth valve element to replenish water until the alkali liquid concentration reaches the eighth preset value and then closing the sixth valve element. The eighth preset value may be 20 to 30% by weight, preferably 25% by weight.

[0091] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a flow detection element and a flow rate regulating element are also provided on the pipeline connecting each electrolytic cell unit and the alkali solution buffer; the method also includes: adjusting the alkali solution flow rate by the flow regulating element and detecting the alkali solution flow rate by the flow detection element to obtain the detection result of the alkali solution regulation function.

[0092] The disclosed method can realize batch parallel testing of multiple electrolytic cell units, and can perform comprehensive testing on the multi-functions of the electrolytic cell to be tested, including electrolytic performance, thereby significantly improving the testing efficiency and having good application prospects.

[0093] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, a variety of simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0095] In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell testing system, characterized in that: The system includes: An electrolytic cell unit, wherein the number of the electrolytic cell units is multiple, and each of the electrolytic cell units is used to set an electrolytic cell to be tested; An alkali liquid separation and storage unit, comprising an anode gas-liquid separator, a cathode gas-liquid separator and an alkali liquid buffer, wherein the anode gas-liquid separator is used to perform gas-liquid separation on the anode electrolyte from the electrolytic cell to be tested, the cathode separator is used to perform gas-liquid separation on the cathode electrolyte from the electrolytic cell to be tested, and the alkali liquid buffer is used to store the alkali liquid obtained after gas-liquid separation by the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator, and the alkali liquid in the alkali liquid buffer is returned to each of the electrolytic cell units through pipelines; a first valve element, a second valve element and a third valve element are respectively provided on the pipelines connecting each of the electrolytic cell units with the anode gas-liquid separator, the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer; A power supply unit, used to independently supply power to each of the electrolytic cell units; A signal acquisition and control unit is used to control the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali solution separation and storage unit and the power supply unit and to acquire the detection signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element are each independently a breakaway valve or a three-way valve.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element are respectively provided with valve limiters, and the valve limiters are used to indicate the connection status of the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element. The signal acquisition and control unit controls the electrolytic cell unit, the alkali solution separation and storage unit and the power supply unit according to the connection status.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A filter element is provided in each of the first valve element and the second valve element, and the filter element is used to filter the alkaline liquid entering the anode gas-liquid separator or the cathode gas-liquid separator; The filter element is made of porous ceramic or metal, and the pore size of the filter element is 5-10 μm.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The anode gas-liquid separator is connected to an oxygen output pipeline, on which a fourth valve element, an oxygen-in-hydrogen concentration detection element and an oxygen pressure detection element are provided; the cathode gas-liquid separator is connected to a hydrogen output pipeline, on which a fifth valve element, an oxygen-in-hydrogen concentration detection element and a hydrogen pressure detection element are provided; The detection signal includes an oxygen pressure signal, a hydrogen pressure signal, a hydrogen concentration in oxygen detection signal, and an oxygen concentration in hydrogen detection signal. The signal acquisition and control unit controls the fourth valve element and / or the fifth valve element according to the oxygen pressure signal, the hydrogen pressure signal, the hydrogen concentration in oxygen detection signal, and the oxygen concentration in hydrogen detection signal.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator are respectively provided with liquid level detectors; The detection signal includes a liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the fourth valve element and / or the fifth valve element according to the liquid level difference signal.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The alkali solution buffer is connected to a water inlet pipeline, a sixth valve element is arranged on the water inlet pipeline, and a concentration detector is arranged in the alkali solution buffer; The detection signal includes an alkali solution concentration signal, and the signal acquisition and control unit controls the sixth valve element according to the alkali solution concentration signal.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A flow detection element and a flow rate regulating element are also provided on the pipeline connecting each electrolytic cell unit and the alkali solution buffer. The detection signal includes an alkali solution flow signal. The signal acquisition and control unit controls the flow rate regulating element according to the alkali solution flow signal.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A circulation pump is connected between the anode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer, and between the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali liquid buffer, respectively. The opening or closing of the circulation pump is controlled according to the liquid level or gas concentration in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The power supply unit includes a DC power supply module and an AC power supply module; the DC power supply module is used to independently supply power to each electrolytic cell unit and to perform an electrolysis performance test, and the AC power supply module is used to sequentially supply power to a plurality of electrolytic cell units and to perform an impedance test; The power supply unit is provided with a current detection element and a voltage detection element, and the detection signal includes a current signal and a voltage signal.

11. A method for testing an electrolytic cell using the system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The method includes: Installing the electrolytic cell to be tested in the electrolytic cell unit, and turning on the power supply unit to supply power to the electrolytic cell unit in which the electrolytic cell to be tested is installed; The signal acquisition and control unit collects the detection signal of the electrolytic cell to be tested, and controls the first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element connected to the electrolytic cell unit installed with the electrolytic cell to be tested to open or close according to the detection signal; The test result of the electrolytic cell to be tested is obtained according to the detection signal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method includes: The power supply unit includes a DC power supply module and an AC power supply module. The DC power supply module is started to perform an electrolysis performance test, and the AC power supply module is started to perform an impedance test to obtain a polarization curve and an impedance spectrum of the electrolytic cell to be tested.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method includes: The first valve element, the second valve element and the third valve element are respectively provided with valve limiters; When the valve stopper indicates that the electrolytic cell to be tested is not connected, the power supply unit is controlled to stop or skip supplying power to the electrolytic cell unit, and the delivery pump on the corresponding pipeline is optionally controlled to be turned off; When the stopper indicates that the electrolytic cell to be tested is connected, the power supply unit is controlled to start supplying power to the electrolytic cell unit, and the delivery pump on the corresponding pipeline is optionally controlled to start.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method includes: A circulation pump is connected between the anode gas-liquid separator and the alkali solution buffer, and between the cathode gas-liquid separator and the alkali solution buffer respectively; A liquid level detector is respectively arranged in the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator. When the liquid level of the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator is higher than a first preset value, the circulation pump is started to transport the alkali liquid in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator to the alkali liquid buffer. After the liquid level reaches the first preset value, the circulation pump is turned off; and / or, A hydrogen concentration sensor in oxygen is set in the gas space of the anode gas-liquid separator, and a hydrogen concentration sensor in hydrogen is set in the gas space of the cathode gas-liquid separator. When the gas phase concentration is higher than a second preset value, the circulation pump is started to transport the alkali liquid in the anode gas-liquid separator and / or the cathode gas-liquid separator to the alkali liquid buffer, and the circulation pump is turned off after the gas phase concentration reaches the second preset value.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The method includes: The anode gas-liquid separator is connected to an oxygen output pipeline, and a fourth valve element and an oxygen pressure detection element are provided on the oxygen output pipeline; the cathode gas-liquid separator is connected to a hydrogen output pipeline, and a fifth valve element and a hydrogen pressure detection element are provided on the hydrogen output pipeline; When the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is lower than a third preset value, the corresponding valve element opening is reduced until the third preset value is reached; when the oxygen and / or hydrogen pressure is higher than a fourth preset value, the corresponding valve element opening is increased until the fourth preset value is reached; When the gas phase concentration exceeds a fifth preset value, the openings of the fourth valve element and the fifth valve element are adjusted to the maximum at the same time.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The method includes: When the liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator is positive and higher than a sixth preset value, increasing the opening of the fourth valve element or decreasing the opening of the fifth valve element; When the liquid level difference signal between the anode gas-liquid separator and the cathode gas-liquid separator is negative and the absolute value is higher than a seventh preset value, the opening of the fourth valve element is reduced or the opening of the fifth valve element is increased.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method includes: The alkali solution buffer is connected to a water inlet pipeline, a sixth valve element is arranged on the water inlet pipeline, and a concentration detector is arranged in the alkali solution buffer; When the concentration of the alkali solution is higher than the eighth preset value, the sixth valve element is opened to replenish water, and the sixth valve element is then closed until the concentration of the alkali solution reaches the eighth preset value.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method includes: A flow detection element and a flow rate regulating element are also provided on the pipeline connecting each electrolytic cell unit and the alkali solution buffer; The flow rate of the alkali solution is adjusted by the flow regulating element and the flow rate of the alkali solution is detected by the flow detecting element to obtain a detection result of the alkali solution regulating function.

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