Bipolar plate sealing method and structure and alkaline electrolytic cell

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic hydrogen production, and discloses a bipolar plate sealing method, a bipolar plate sealing structure and an alkaline electrolytic bath, the sealing method comprises the following steps: respectively arranging a first sealing monomer and a second sealing monomer of a sealing structure between two contact plate surfaces of a bipolar plate; when the bipolar plate is sealed, the third sealing single body extends into a contact surface gap between the first sealing part and the second sealing part; certain pressure is ensured between the bottom of the tank body and the tank cover, and then the length of the pull rod is adjusted according to actual requirements; observing indexes such as bubble size and yield, and adjusting the length of the pull rod; when the bipolar plate is disassembled, the third sealing single body extends out of the contact surface of the first sealing part and the second sealing part, and the third sealing single body recovers to the original shape. The invention further discloses a bipolar plate sealing structure which comprises a sealing convex block, a sealing groove and a sealing groove lug part. The sealing material is used for making up a small gap between the two contact faces, gas and liquid are prevented from escaping and leaking, and the good sealing effect is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electrolytic hydrogen production, and in particular relates to a bipolar plate sealing method, structure and alkaline electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] Pressure-type alkaline electrolyzers generally operate under a certain pressure. The flowing medium inside the electrolyzer includes the circulating electrolyte and the generated hydrogen and oxygen. The function of the seal is to prevent the electrolyte solution, hydrogen and oxygen from leaking out of the electrolyzer under the operating conditions of 30% KOH solution and certain temperature and pressure. The usual practice is to ensure the sealing of the entire electrolyzer by opening a sealing water line on the edge of the plate frame and modifying the performance of the sealing gasket material. The existing pressure-type alkaline electrolyzer sealing method has a small gap on the contact surface, which easily leads to gas and liquid escape and leakage, and the sealing effect is poor. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a bipolar plate sealing method and structure, which achieves a good sealing effect by increasing the sealing contact surface and increasing the pre-tightening force of the stack. When in use, it cooperates with the tie rod of the alkaline electrolyzer to achieve a good sealing effect.

[0004] (II) Technical solution

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose of bipolar plate sealing, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A bipolar plate sealing method comprises the following sealing steps:

[0007] S1: A first sealing component and a second sealing component of a sealing structure are respectively arranged on two contact plate surfaces of the bipolar plate, wherein a third sealing monomer is arranged on the first sealing component or the second sealing component, and the first sealing component, the second sealing component and the third sealing monomer are made of elastic material;

[0008] S2: When the bipolar plates are combined and sealed, the sealing structure is adjusted to the correct position, and the third sealing monomer extends into the gap between the contact surfaces of the first sealing component and the second sealing component to fill and squeeze the contact surfaces of the first sealing component and the second sealing component;

[0009] S3: Ensure that there is a certain pressure between the bottom of the tank and the tank cover, and then adjust the length of the tie rod according to actual needs. When the exhaust pressure is high, the length of the tie rod should be appropriately lengthened to increase the gas density and gas production. When the exhaust pressure is low, the length of the tie rod should be appropriately shortened to balance the pressure of the electrolytic cell.

[0010] S4: The specific method for adjusting the tie rod length is: first adjust the tie rod position to a shorter position, then start the machine, and observe the bubble size, output and other indicators. If the bubble output is small, it means that the tie rod length is too short, and the tie rod length should be appropriately lengthened; if the bubble output is large but cannot reach a stable state, it means that the tie rod length is too long, and the tie rod length should be appropriately shortened;

[0011] S5: When the bipolar plate is disassembled for maintenance, the third sealing unit extends from the contact surface between the first sealing component and the second sealing component, and the third sealing unit returns to its original state.

[0012] Furthermore, the third sealing unit is an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0013] Furthermore, the third sealing unit is a pointed protrusion.

[0014] A bipolar plate sealing structure comprises: a first sealing component, a second sealing component, a third sealing unit, and a bipolar plate (10), wherein the first sealing component is a sealing protrusion (1), the second sealing component is a sealing groove (6), and a sealing gasket (5) is provided between the bipolar plates (10).

[0015] The sealing protrusion (1) is connected to the sealing gasket (5), and the sealing groove (6) is connected to the bipolar plate (10).

[0016] The sealing protrusion (1) comprises: a sealing protrusion top (2) and a sealing protrusion body (4), wherein the sealing protrusion top (2) and the sealing protrusion body (4) are integrally formed.

[0017] The sealing groove (6) comprises: a sealing groove inner cavity (7) and a sealing groove ear portion (8); the third sealing unit is the sealing groove ear portion (8), which is located at the opening of the sealing groove inner cavity (7) and is integrally formed with the sealing groove (6).

[0018] Furthermore, the sealing protrusion (1) further comprises: a sealing protrusion waist (3), wherein the sealing protrusion waist (3) is a concave structure and is located between the sealing protrusion top (2) and the sealing protrusion body (4).

[0019] Furthermore, the sealing groove ear portion (8) is a pointed protrusion.

[0020] Furthermore, the bipolar plate (10) is provided with a polar plate groove (9), and the sealing groove (6) is tightly bonded and embedded in the polar plate groove (9) of the bipolar plate (10) by gluing, thereby forming a whole with the bipolar plate (10).

[0021] Furthermore, the sealing protrusion (1) and the sealing gasket (5) are integrally formed.

[0022] Furthermore, a sealing positioning structure (16) is provided between the bipolar plate (10) and the sealing gasket (5).

[0023] An electrolytic cell comprises the bipolar plate sealing structure of the present invention and is sealed by the sealing method of the present invention.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a bipolar plate sealing method and structure, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The bipolar plate sealing method of the present invention utilizes sealing materials to fill the tiny gap between two contact surfaces, thereby preventing gas and liquid from escaping and leaking, and achieving a good sealing effect.

[0026] The bipolar plate sealing structure of the present invention achieves a good sealing effect through the sealing contact surface on the top of the sealing protrusion, the sealing contact surface on the waist of the sealing protrusion and the sealing contact surface on the body of the sealing protrusion.

[0027] The bipolar plate sealing structure of the present invention can increase the pre-tightening force of the stacking of the waist of the sealing protrusions during sealing through the special design of the ears of the sealing grooves and the waist of the sealing protrusions, thereby achieving a good sealing effect.

[0028] The bipolar plate sealing structure of the present invention can not only play a positioning function but also a sealing function through the design of the sealing positioning structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 The sealing structure is a sealing bump and a sealing groove structure diagram;

[0030] Figure 2 Optimize the structural diagram for the sealing structure;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the integrated molding of the sealing protrusion and the sealing gasket;

[0032] Figure 4 The structural diagram of the sealing structure when it is sealed;

[0033] Figure 5 This is the installation position diagram of the sealing structure.

[0034] Figure 6 Sealing steps diagram for bipolar plate sealing method

[0035] In the figure: 1. Sealing bump; 2. Top of sealing bump; 3. Waist of sealing bump; 4. Body of sealing bump; 5. Sealing gasket; 6. Sealing groove; 7. Inner cavity of sealing groove; 8. Ear of sealing groove; 9. Plate groove; 10. Bipolar plate; 11. Mastoid plate; 12. Electrode; 13. Diaphragm; 14. Electrolysis chamber; 15. Sealing structure; 16. Sealing positioning structure; 17. Positioning groove; 18. Positioning protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Embodiment 1:

[0038] Please refer to Figure 6 A technical solution of the present invention is a bipolar plate sealing method, comprising the following steps:

[0039] S1: A first sealing component and a second sealing component of a sealing structure are respectively arranged on two contact plate surfaces of the bipolar plate, wherein a third sealing monomer is arranged on the first sealing component or the second sealing component, and the first sealing component, the second sealing component and the third sealing monomer are made of elastic material;

[0040] S2: When the bipolar plates are combined and sealed, the sealing structure is adjusted to the correct position, and the third sealing monomer extends into the gap between the contact surfaces of the first sealing component and the second sealing component to fill and squeeze the contact surfaces of the first sealing component and the second sealing component;

[0041] S3: Ensure that there is a certain pressure between the bottom of the tank and the tank cover, and then adjust the length of the tie rod according to actual needs. When the exhaust pressure is high, the length of the tie rod should be appropriately lengthened to increase the gas density and gas production. When the exhaust pressure is low, the length of the tie rod should be appropriately shortened to balance the pressure of the electrolytic cell.

[0042] S4: The specific method for adjusting the tie rod length is: first adjust the tie rod position to a shorter position, then start the machine, and observe the bubble size, output and other indicators. If the bubble output is small, it means that the tie rod length is too short, and the tie rod length should be appropriately lengthened; if the bubble output is large but cannot reach a stable state, it means that the tie rod length is too long, and the tie rod length should be appropriately shortened;

[0043] S5: When the bipolar plate is disassembled for maintenance, the third sealing unit extends from the contact surface between the first sealing component and the second sealing component, and the third sealing unit returns to its original state.

[0044] As a preferred embodiment, the third sealing unit is an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0045] As a preferred implementation manner, the third sealing unit is a protrusion that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. Preferably, the third sealing unit is a pointed protrusion.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Please refer to Figure 3 The present invention provides a technical solution: a bipolar plate sealing structure, comprising a sealing protrusion 1 and a sealing groove 6, wherein the sealing protrusion 1 is connected to a sealing gasket 5, and the sealing groove 6 is connected to a bipolar plate 10,

[0048] The sealing bump 1 comprises: a sealing bump top 2 and a sealing bump body 4, wherein the sealing bump top 2 and the sealing bump body 4 are integrally formed.

[0049] The sealing groove 6 includes: a sealing groove inner cavity 7 and a sealing groove ear portion 8 . The sealing groove ear portion 8 is located at the opening of the sealing groove inner cavity 7 and is integrally formed with the sealing groove 6 .

[0050] During sealing, the top 2 of the sealing protrusion enters into the sealing groove inner cavity 7 of the sealing groove 6, the sealing protrusion 1 is squeezed and filled in the sealing groove inner cavity 7, the top 2 of the sealing protrusion fits tightly against the inner wall of the sealing groove inner cavity 7, and the sealing groove ear 8 is squeezed against the wall of the sealing protrusion 2, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0051] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing protrusion 1 is embedded in the sealing gasket 5. Specifically, the sealing gasket 5 is processed into a groove structure. The sealing protrusion body 4 of the sealing protrusion 1 can be tightly bonded to the groove structure of the sealing gasket 5 by gluing to form a whole with the sealing gasket 5.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing protrusion 1 can be integrally formed with the sealing gasket 5 as a whole.

[0053] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove 6 can be integral with the bipolar plate 10 .

[0054] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove 6 is embedded in the bipolar plate 10. Specifically, a plate groove 9 is opened, and the sealing groove 6 is tightly bonded to the plate groove 9 of the bipolar plate 10 by gluing to form a whole with the bipolar plate 10.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Please refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 , which is different from the embodiment 2, the sealing bump 1 further comprises: a sealing bump waist 3, the sealing bump waist 3 is a concave structure, and is located between the sealing bump top 2 and the sealing bump body 4,

[0057] During sealing, the top 2 of the sealing protrusion enters into the sealing groove inner cavity 7 of the sealing groove 6, and the sealing groove ear 8 is filled in the concave structure of the sealing protrusion waist 3. The sealing groove ear 8 is squeezed and fits tightly with the wall surface of the sealing protrusion waist 3. The sealing protrusion 1 is filled in the sealing groove inner cavity 7, and the sealing protrusion top 2 is squeezed and fits tightly with the inner wall surface of the sealing groove inner cavity 7, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0058] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove ear portion 8 is an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0059] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove ear portion 8 is a protrusion that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. Preferably, the sealing groove ear portion 8 is a pointed protrusion.

[0060] During sealing, the top 2 of the sealing protrusion enters into the sealing groove inner cavity 7 of the sealing groove 6, and the sealing groove ear 8 rolls inward and fills in the concave structure of the sealing protrusion waist 3. The restoring force formed by the inward rolling of the sealing groove ear 8 causes the sealing groove ear 8 to be squeezed and fits tightly with the wall of the sealing protrusion waist 3, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0061] Example 4

[0062] Please refer to Figure 5 This embodiment is an installation method embodiment of a bipolar plate sealing structure 15 and an electrolytic cell. A single electrolytic cell of the electrolytic cell includes: a bipolar plate 10, a mastoid plate 11, an electrode 12, a diaphragm 13, and an electrolytic chamber 14. A sealing gasket 5 is provided between the two bipolar plates 10, the sealing protrusion 1 is connected to the sealing gasket 5, and the sealing groove 6 is connected to the bipolar plate 10.

[0063] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing protrusion 1 is embedded in the sealing gasket 5. Specifically, the sealing gasket 5 is processed into a groove structure. The sealing protrusion body 4 of the sealing protrusion 1 can be tightly bonded to the groove structure of the sealing gasket 5 by gluing to form a whole with the sealing gasket 5.

[0064] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing protrusion 1 can be integrally formed with the sealing gasket 5 as a whole.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove 6 can be integral with the bipolar plate 10 .

[0066] As a preferred embodiment, the sealing groove 6 is embedded in the bipolar plate 10. Specifically, a plate groove 9 is opened, and the sealing groove 6 is tightly bonded to the plate groove 9 of the bipolar plate 10 by gluing to form a whole with the bipolar plate 10.

[0067] During sealing, the two bipolar plates 10 are brought close to each other, and the top 2 of the sealing protrusion enters into the sealing groove inner cavity 7 of the sealing groove 6, thereby achieving sealing.

[0068] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the sealing installation, a sealing positioning structure 16 can be established between the bipolar plate 10 and the sealing gasket 5. The sealing positioning structure 16 includes: a positioning groove 17 and a positioning protrusion 18; during positioning, the positioning protrusion 18 is inserted into the positioning groove 17, so that the sealing gasket 5 and the bipolar plate 10 are fixed in position.

[0069] As a preferred embodiment, the positioning protrusion 18 is located on the bipolar plate 10, and is made of the same material as the bipolar plate 10 and is integrally formed. The positioning groove 17 is located on the sealing gasket 5 and is integrally formed with the sealing gasket 5. When sealing, the positioning protrusion 18 is made of a hard material and is easier to insert into the positioning groove 17, thereby better realizing the positioning function. The sealing positioning structure 16 can also realize a certain sealing function.

[0070] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate sealing method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: A first sealing component and a second sealing component of a sealing structure are respectively arranged on two contact plate surfaces of the bipolar plate, wherein a third sealing monomer is arranged on the first sealing component or the second sealing component, and the first sealing component, the second sealing component and the third sealing monomer are made of elastic material; S2: When the bipolar plates are combined and sealed, the sealing structure is adjusted to the correct position, and the third sealing monomer extends into the gap between the contact surfaces of the first sealing component and the second sealing component to fill and squeeze the contact surfaces of the first sealing component and the second sealing component; S3: Ensure that there is a certain pressure between the bottom of the tank and the tank cover, and then adjust the length of the tie rod according to actual needs. When the exhaust pressure is high, the length of the tie rod should be appropriately lengthened to increase the gas density and gas production. When the exhaust pressure is low, the length of the tie rod should be appropriately shortened to balance the pressure of the electrolytic cell. S4: The specific method for adjusting the tie rod length is: first adjust the tie rod position to a shorter position, then start the machine, and observe the bubble size, output and other indicators. If the bubble output is small, it means that the tie rod length is too short, and the tie rod length should be appropriately lengthened; if the bubble output is large but cannot reach a stable state, it means that the tie rod length is too long, and the tie rod length should be appropriately shortened; S5: When the bipolar plate is disassembled for maintenance, the third sealing unit extends from the contact surface of the first sealing component and the second sealing component, and the third sealing unit returns to its original state.

2. The bipolar plate sealing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third sealing unit is an arc-shaped protrusion.

3. The bipolar plate sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third sealing unit is a pointed protrusion.

4. A bipolar plate sealing structure, characterized in that: include: A first sealing component, a second sealing component, a third sealing unit, and a bipolar plate (10), wherein the first sealing component is a sealing protrusion (1), the second sealing component is a sealing groove (6), and a sealing gasket (5) is provided between the bipolar plates (10). The sealing protrusion (1) is connected to the sealing gasket (5), and the sealing groove (6) is connected to the bipolar plate (10). The sealing protrusion (1) comprises: a sealing protrusion top (2) and a sealing protrusion body (4), wherein the sealing protrusion top (2) and the sealing protrusion body (4) are integrally formed. The sealing groove (6) comprises: a sealing groove inner cavity (7) and a sealing groove ear portion (8); the third sealing unit is the sealing groove ear portion (8), which is located at the opening of the sealing groove inner cavity (7) and is integrally formed with the sealing groove (6).

5. The bipolar plate sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing protrusion (1) further comprises: a sealing protrusion waist (3), wherein the sealing protrusion waist (3) is a concave structure and is located between the sealing protrusion top (2) and the sealing protrusion body (4).

6. The bipolar plate sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing groove ear portion (8) is a pointed protrusion.

7. The bipolar plate sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bipolar plate (10) is provided with a polar plate groove (9), and the sealing groove (6) is tightly bonded and embedded in the polar plate groove (9) of the bipolar plate (10) by gluing, thereby forming a whole with the bipolar plate (10).

8. The bipolar plate sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing protrusion (1) and the sealing gasket (5) are integrally formed.

9. The bipolar plate sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing positioning structure (16) is provided between the bipolar plate (10) and the sealing gasket (5).

10. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that: Comprising the bipolar plate sealing structure as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9.

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