Electrolytic bath system for monitoring and automatically adjusting pre-tightening force

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting pre-tightening force. The electrolytic bath system comprises a driving assembly, a clamp frame, an electrolytic bath, a pressure sensor and a programmable logic controller. One end of a push rod in the driving assembly penetrates through the clamp frame and abuts against the electrolytic cell, and the other end of the push rod is fixedly connected with the driving assembly; the electrolytic bath is arranged in the clamp frame; the programmable logic controller is electrically connected with the driving assembly; and the pressure sensor is arranged on the inner side of the clamp frame and is opposite to the electrolytic bath. Compared with the prior art, the driving assembly and the pressure sensor in the electrolytic cell system realize accurate control and real-time feedback of the pretightening force of the electrolytic cell, the accurate control ensures that the contact between the electrode and the diaphragm is tighter and more uniform, ohmic loss caused by improper pretightening force can be reduced, and the service life of the electrolytic cell system is prolonged. Therefore, the electrolysis efficiency and the hydrogen yield are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and in particular to an electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload force. Background Art

[0002] As a key technical equipment for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water, the performance of the electrolyzer directly affects the overall efficiency and product quality. During the electrolysis of water, the contact state between the electrode and the diaphragm, and between the electrode and the electrolyzer in the electrolyzer is particularly critical to the electrolysis efficiency. However, in the prior art, there are multiple factors in the design and assembly of the electrolyzer that can affect the effective contact between the electrode, the diaphragm and the electrolyzer, among which the control of the preload is one of the most important technical challenges.

[0003] During the assembly of small electrolyzers, bolts are usually used to pre-tighten the electrodes to ensure good contact between the electrodes and the diaphragm. Ideally, the pre-tightening force needs to be just right: too loose will result in a large gap between the electrode and the diaphragm, which will increase the resistance inside the electrolyzer, thereby reducing the electrolysis efficiency and hydrogen production; while too tight a pre-tightening force may damage the diaphragm or even pierce the diaphragm, causing a short circuit in the electrolyzer, which may cause equipment damage and safety accidents in severe cases.

[0004] Although some electrolyzers on the market have begun to use pressure sensors to monitor preload, most of these sensors can only provide monitoring data for the overall preload, but cannot accurately control or adjust the preload of each bolt. In addition, these systems usually cannot respond to external environmental changes in real time, such as temperature changes and mechanical vibrations. These external factors may affect the stability and uniformity of the preload. During the operation of the electrolyzer, the increase in temperature will cause the material to expand, thereby affecting the preload; similarly, the continuous operation of the equipment may cause vibrations, which will also cause the preload to change. Existing technology makes it difficult to adjust the preload without stopping the machine, which limits the continuous operation capability and long-term stability of the electrolyzer.

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the existing technology, it is urgent to develop an electrolyzer system that can monitor and automatically adjust the preload in real time to ensure that the electrode and the diaphragm always maintain optimal contact. Such a system should be able to independently monitor and adjust the preload of each bolt to achieve uniform distribution of the preload, and be able to respond to changes in the external environment and automatically adjust the preload. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the defects of the above-mentioned prior art and to provide an electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting the preload force. By setting a drive assembly and a pressure sensor, precise control and real-time feedback of the preload force of the electrolytic cell can be achieved. This precise control ensures that the contact between the electrode and the diaphragm is closer and more uniform.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present invention provides an electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload, comprising a drive assembly, a fixture frame, an electrolytic cell, a pressure sensor and a programmable logic controller;

[0009] One end of the push rod in the driving assembly passes through the clamp frame and abuts against the electrolytic cell, and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving assembly;

[0010] The electrolytic cell is arranged in a clamp frame, and the clamp frame is used to fix and support the electrolytic cell;

[0011] The programmable logic controller is electrically connected to the driving component, and the programmable logic controller is used to receive data from the pressure sensor and control the driving component;

[0012] The pressure sensor is arranged inside the clamp frame and opposite to the electrolytic cell. The pressure sensor is used to monitor the preload force of the electrolytic cell in real time and provide pressure data.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive assembly also includes a motor, a synchronous wheel and a screw rod, the output shaft of the motor is transmission-connected to the synchronous wheel, one end of the screw rod is connected to the synchronous wheel, and the other end is sleeved with a screw rod nut, and the screw rod nut is connected to the push rod.

[0014] Furthermore, one end of the push rod passes through one side of the clamp frame and extends into the inner side of the clamp frame to abut against one side of the electrolytic cell. The push rod is used to apply a pre-tightening force to the electrolytic cell.

[0015] Furthermore, the height of one side of the clamp frame is lower than the height of the motor in the driving assembly, and the height of the other side is the same as the height of the driving assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrolytic cell comprises two groups of electrode assemblies, the two groups of electrode assemblies are axially symmetrically distributed, and the electrode assemblies comprise polytetrafluoroethylene plates, end plates and pole plates stacked in sequence.

[0017] Furthermore, the end plate is provided with a second threaded hole and a third threaded hole, and the first screw passes through the first threaded hole and the second threaded hole on the polytetrafluoroethylene plate to fix the polytetrafluoroethylene plate and the end plate;

[0018] The second screw passes through the third threaded hole and the fourth threaded hole on the pole plate to fix the end plate and the pole plate together.

[0019] Furthermore, a liquid inlet, a first socket and an electrical connection ear are provided on the side of the end plate, wherein the first socket is used to connect to the heating rod, and the electrical connection ear is used to connect to a power source and transmit current.

[0020] Furthermore, the front side of the electrode plate is provided with a second socket, a third socket, a first sealing O-ring and a flow channel;

[0021] The second socket is symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the electrode plate, and is used for fixed connection with the positioning pin;

[0022] The flow channel is arranged at the center of the electrode plate, and the first sealing O-ring is arranged around the flow channel to prevent leakage;

[0023] The third socket is arranged on the side of the electrode plate and is used for connecting with the temperature sensor.

[0024] Furthermore, a guide groove and a second sealing O-ring are provided on the back of the electrode plate, the guide groove is used to buffer and evenly distribute the gas and liquid, and the second sealing O-ring is arranged around the guide groove.

[0025] Furthermore, the guide groove comprises a liquid inlet guide groove and a liquid outlet guide groove, the liquid inlet guide groove and the liquid outlet guide groove are centrally symmetrically distributed, and an opening communicating with the flow channel is provided in the liquid inlet guide groove.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. The drive assembly and pressure sensor in the electrolyzer system of the present invention realize precise control and real-time feedback of the preload force of the electrolyzer. This precise control ensures that the contact between the electrode and the diaphragm is closer and more uniform, and can reduce the ohmic loss caused by improper preload force, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency and hydrogen production. At the same time, the real-time feedback mechanism can instantly detect and adjust the preload force changes caused by environmental changes, so as to keep the electrolyzer running in the optimal state.

[0028] 2. The automated design of the electrolytic cell system in the present invention greatly reduces the need for manual operation, reduces the possibility of operational errors, and improves the safety and reliability of the system. Through the programmable logic controller, pressure parameters can be easily set and modified to adapt the system to different working conditions, which not only enhances the flexibility of the equipment, but also improves the overall work efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the electrolytic cell in Example 1;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the polytetrafluoroethylene plate;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the end plate;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the front side of the middle plate;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure on the back of the middle plate;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a physical schematic diagram of the connection of the electrolytic cell in Example 1;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The structural diagram of the PCL controller;

[0036] Figure 8 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the electrolytic cell system in Example 1;

[0037] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of parameter setting for displacement calibration of the drive assembly in Example 1;

[0038] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of parameter settings for pressure calibration of the drive assembly in Example 1;

[0039] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of parameter settings of the electrolytic cell system in Example 1.

[0040] Figure 1 Description of the mark in:

[0041] 1-PTFE plate, 2-end plate, 3-polar plate;

[0042] Figure 2 Description of the mark in:

[0043] 4-first threaded hole;

[0044] Figure 3 Description of the mark in:

[0045] 4-first threaded hole, 5-second threaded hole, 6-liquid inlet, 7-first socket, 8-electrical connection ear;

[0046] Figure 4 Description of the mark in:

[0047] 9-third threaded hole, 10-second socket, 11-first sealing O-ring, 12-third socket, 13-flow channel;

[0048] Figure 5 Description of the mark in:

[0049] 14-liquid inlet guide groove, 15-second sealing O-ring, 17-liquid outlet guide groove;

[0050] Figure 7Description of the mark in:

[0051] 18- Programmable logic controller;

[0052] Figure 8 Description of the mark in:

[0053] 19-driving assembly, 20-motor, 21-clamp frame, 22-push rod, 23-electrolytic cell, 24-pressure sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The specific implementation methods of the present invention are described in detail below through examples. These examples are implemented on the premise of the scheme described in the present invention, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operating processes, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0055] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Any features such as component models, structure / module names, control modes, algorithms, process steps or composition ratios not clearly described in this technical solution are considered to be common technical features disclosed in the prior art.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] This embodiment provides an electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting the preload force, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, it includes a drive component 19, a fixture frame 21, an electrolytic cell 23, a pressure sensor 24 and a programmable logic controller (PLC controller) 18. The drive component also includes a motor 20, a synchronous wheel and a screw. The output shaft of the motor 20 is connected to the synchronous wheel in a transmission manner. One end of the screw is connected to the synchronous wheel, and the other end is sleeved with a screw nut, and the screw nut is connected to the push rod. The drive component is a folding electric cylinder commonly used in the prior art, which will not be described here. The drive component 19 is used to provide and adjust the pressure to achieve precise control of the preload force of the electrolytic cell 23. The drive component 19 has high-precision position and force control capabilities, and can adjust its output force according to the control signal to achieve fine pressure regulation. The drive component 19 adopts a folding electric cylinder with a maximum thrust of 1.2 tons, a stroke length of 100mm, and a speed adjustment range of 0.5mm / s to 10mm / s, allowing the user to accurately control the applied pressure as needed to achieve meticulous pressure management.

[0058] The electrolytic cell 23 is arranged in the clamp frame 21, and the clamp frame 21 is used to fix and support the electrolytic cell 23; one end of the push rod 22 in the driving assembly 19 passes through one side of the clamp frame 21, and extends into the inner side of the clamp frame 21, and abuts against one side of the electrolytic cell 23, and the push rod 22 is used to apply a pre-tightening force to the electrolytic cell 23. Figure 6shown.

[0059] The programmable logic controller 18 is electrically connected to the drive assembly 19, and the programmable logic controller 18 is used to receive data from the pressure sensor 24 and control the electrode. As the core control unit of the electrolytic cell 23 system, the PLC controller is responsible for receiving data from the pressure sensor 24 and controlling the action of the drive assembly 19 according to the set pressure target value. The PLC control board can also automatically adjust the pressure setting value according to changes in external conditions, such as temperature, vibration, etc., to maintain the optimal operating state of the electrolytic cell 23. The PLC controller integrates a variety of input and output interfaces, supports digital and analog signal processing, has high programmability, and supports various industrial communication protocols to achieve compatibility and interoperability with other devices. The PLC controller can perform real-time data processing and control logic judgment based on the data received from the pressure sensor 24 and the temperature sensor, output corresponding control signals to the drive assembly 19, and adjust the pressure to match the preset working parameters.

[0060] The pressure sensor 24 is arranged inside the clamp frame 21 and opposite to the electrolytic cell 23. The pressure sensor 24 is used to monitor the preload of the electrolytic cell 23 in real time and provide pressure data to ensure that the electrolytic cell 23 system can respond to pressure changes in a timely manner and make appropriate adjustments. The pressure sensor 24 has an accuracy of 0.1KG and a measurement range of 0 to 2 tons. The height of one side of the clamp frame 21 is lower than the motor 20, and the height of the other side is the same as the height of the drive assembly 19.

[0061] The structure of the electrolytic cell is as follows Figure 1 As shown, the electrolytic cell 23 includes two sets of electrode assemblies, which are axially symmetrically distributed, and the electrode assemblies include a polytetrafluoroethylene plate 1, an end plate 2, and an electrode plate 3 stacked in sequence from the outside to the inside. The end plate 2 has a size of 100 mm x 100 mm and a thickness of 15 mm, and is made of nickel-plated stainless steel to ensure that the structural integrity and chemical stability can be maintained in a highly corrosive electrolytic environment.

[0062] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end plate 2 is provided with a second threaded hole 5 and a third threaded hole 9, and the screw passes through the first threaded hole 4 and the second threaded hole 5 on the PTFE plate 1 to fix the PTFE plate 1 and the end plate 2; the second screw passes through the third threaded hole 9 and the fourth threaded hole on the electrode plate 3 to fix the end plate 2 and the electrode plate 3. The side of the end plate 2 is provided with a liquid inlet 6, a first socket 7 and an electrical connection ear 8, wherein the first socket 7 is used to connect to the heating rod, and the electrical connection ear 8 is used to connect to the power supply and transmit current.

[0063] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the front of the electrode plate 3 is provided with a second socket 10, a third socket 12, a first sealing O-ring 11 and a flow channel 13. The second socket 10 is symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the electrode plate 3, and is used to be fixedly connected with the positioning pin to ensure accurate positioning during the assembly process; the flow channel 13 is arranged in the center of the electrode plate 3, and the flow channel 13 is a serpentine flow channel 13, which can optimize the flow of electrolyte and improve the electrolysis efficiency. The first sealing O-ring 11 is arranged around the flow channel 13 to prevent leakage. The third socket 12 is arranged on the side of the electrode plate 3, and is used to insert a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature change during the electrolysis process.

[0064] A guide groove and a second sealing O-ring 15 are provided on the back of the electrode plate 3. The back of the electrode plate 3 is fixedly connected to the end plate 2. The guide groove connects the liquid inlet 6 and the liquid outlet of the end plate 2. The liquid entering from the liquid inlet 6 of the end plate 2 first enters the liquid inlet guide groove 14 and then enters the flow channel 13. The liquid and gas discharged from the flow channel 13 after reaction first pass through the liquid outlet guide groove 17 and then reach the liquid outlet of the end plate 2. The guide groove is used to buffer and evenly distribute the gas and liquid. The second sealing O-ring 15 is arranged around the guide groove. The guide groove includes a liquid inlet guide groove 14 and a liquid outlet guide groove 17. The liquid inlet guide groove 14 and the liquid outlet guide groove 17 are centrally symmetrically distributed. An opening communicating with the flow channel 13 is provided in the liquid inlet guide groove 14. The liquid inlet guide groove 14 is used to improve the uniformity of the fluid entering the flow channel 13.

[0065] The plate 3 has a size of 100 mm x 100 mm and a thickness of 8 mm and is made of nickel-plated stainless steel.

[0066] The specific operation process is: start the electrolytic cell system, reset the drive assembly 19 to the initial position, and define the initial position as 0mm on the PLC controller, such as Fig. 9 All pressure on the pressure sensor 24 is unloaded, and the no-load pressure value is defined as 0N on the PLC controller, such as Fig.10 In the parameter input interface, input the target parameters of the movement speed, pressure, holding time, retraction time and speed of the push rod 22, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 shown.

[0067] Then, the electrolytic cell 23 is placed in the fixed frame 21, with the end plate 2 on one side of the electrolytic cell 23 facing the pressure sensor 24, and the end plate 2 on the other side facing the push rod 22 of the drive assembly 19, and connected to the external electrolysis supporting device, which includes components such as an alkali liquid circulation pump, a heating rod, and a power supply. The electrolytic cell system starts according to the input parameters, and the drive assembly 19 starts to press the electrolytic cell 23 at a preset pressure and speed. The pressure sensor 24 monitors the pressure state in real time and provides pressure data. The PLC controller adjusts the operating parameters according to the feedback data to ensure that the system operates in the best state.

[0068] The heating rod is heated to 80°C. Due to thermal expansion, the system pressure increases. After the pressure sensor 24 detects the pressure increase, it is fed back to the PLC controller. The PLC controller then makes the drive assembly 19 retreat a certain distance so that the pressure returns to the target value. This real-time feedback mechanism can instantly detect and adjust the preload force changes caused by environmental changes to keep the electrolyzer running in the optimal state. The control logic involved in this embodiment is the control logic commonly used in the prior art, which will not be repeated here.

[0069] The above description of the embodiments is to facilitate the understanding and use of the invention by those skilled in the art. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications to these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative work. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention should be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload, characterized in that: It includes a drive assembly (19), a fixture frame (21), an electrolytic cell (23), a pressure sensor (24) and a programmable logic controller (18); One end of the push rod (22) in the driving assembly (19) passes through the clamp frame (21) and abuts against the electrolytic cell (23), and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving assembly (19); The electrolytic cell (23) is arranged in a clamp frame (21), and the clamp frame (21) is used to fix and support the electrolytic cell (23); The programmable logic controller (18) is electrically connected to the drive assembly (19), and the programmable logic controller (18) is used to receive data from the pressure sensor (24) and control the drive assembly (19); The pressure sensor (24) is arranged inside the clamp frame and opposite to the electrolytic cell (23). The pressure sensor (24) is used to monitor the preload force of the electrolytic cell (23) in real time and provide pressure data.

2. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving assembly (19) further comprises a motor (20), a synchronous wheel and a screw rod, wherein the output shaft of the motor (20) is transmission-connected to the synchronous wheel, one end of the screw rod is connected to the synchronous wheel, and the other end is sleeved with a screw rod nut, and the screw rod nut is connected to the push rod.

3. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the push rod (22) passes through a hole on the clamp frame and extends into the inner side of the clamp frame to abut against one side of the electrolytic cell (23). The push rod (22) is used to apply a pre-tightening force to the electrolytic cell (23).

4. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 2, characterized in that: The height of one side of the clamp frame is lower than the height of the motor (20) in the driving assembly (19), and the height of the other side is the same as the height of the driving assembly (19).

5. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell (23) comprises two groups of electrode assemblies, the two groups of electrode assemblies are axially symmetrically distributed, and the electrode assemblies comprise a polytetrafluoroethylene plate (1), an end plate (2) and a pole plate (3) stacked in sequence.

6. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end plate (2) is provided with a second threaded hole (5) and a third threaded hole (9), and a first screw passes through the first threaded hole (4) and the second threaded hole (5) on the polytetrafluoroethylene plate (1) to fix the polytetrafluoroethylene plate (1) and the end plate (2) together; The second screw passes through the third threaded hole (9) and the fourth threaded hole on the pole plate (3) to fix the end plate (2) and the pole plate (3) together.

7. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side of the end plate (2) is provided with a liquid inlet (6), a first socket (7) and an electrical connection ear (8), wherein the first socket (7) is used to connect to the heating rod, and the electrical connection ear (8) is used to connect to a power source and transmit current.

8. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front side of the electrode plate (3) is provided with a second socket (10), a third socket (12), a first sealing O-ring (11) and a flow channel (13); The second socket (10) is symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the electrode plate (3) and is used for fixed connection with the positioning pin; The flow channel (13) is arranged at the center of the electrode plate (3), and the first sealing O-ring (11) is arranged around the flow channel (13) to prevent liquid leakage; The third socket (12) is arranged on the side of the electrode plate (3) and is used for connecting to a temperature sensor.

9. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 5, characterized in that: A guide groove and a second sealing O-ring (15) are provided on the back of the electrode plate (3), the guide groove is used to buffer and evenly distribute gas and liquid, and the second sealing O-ring (15) is arranged around the guide groove.

10. The electrolytic cell system for monitoring and automatically adjusting preload according to claim 9, characterized in that: The guide groove comprises a liquid inlet guide groove (14) and a liquid outlet guide groove (17), the liquid inlet guide groove (14) and the liquid outlet guide groove (17) are centrally symmetrically distributed, and an opening communicating with the flow channel (13) is provided in the liquid inlet guide groove (14).

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