Aqueous battery device integrating functions of electrolytic cell

Abstract

The invention belongs to the related technical field of aqueous batteries, and discloses an aqueous battery integrating functions of an electrolytic bath. The aqueous battery integrating the functions of the electrolytic tank comprises a positive electrode tank, a negative electrode tank, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a composite diaphragm, a hydrogen separation membrane, a hydrogen transportation pipeline, a hydrogen detection device, a positive and negative electrode tank water replenishing device and a hydrogen storage device. The water-based battery integrating the functions of the electrolytic cell combines the water-based battery and the electrolytic cell, not only has the general functions of the water-based battery, but also can solve the problem of hydrogen evolution always existing in the water-based battery, and can collect hydrogen generated by electrolyzing water in the battery charging process, so that the energy utilization efficiency of the water-based battery is greatly improved; hydrogen and oxygen are separated, so that the risk of hydrogen explosion in the battery is reduced, and finally, the working state of the battery can be reflected in real time through the gas monitoring device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field related to aqueous batteries, and more specifically, relates to an aqueous battery device with the function of an electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] With the rise of new energy technologies and the adjustment of the energy structure framework to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon peak, the battery field has attracted more and more attention and is becoming more and more competitive in the market. The main small secondary batteries on the market are lead-acid batteries, tin-nickel batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, etc. Each of the above battery systems has its advantages but also has some problems. Lead-acid batteries and chromium-nickel batteries are secondary batteries that have been widely used for a long time, but the energy density of these two types of batteries is relatively low. Commercial batteries can generally only reach 30-50WhKg. -1 , and are not suitable for use in situations that require a large amount of energy storage and mobility. Lead-acid batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries contain heavy metal elements that are seriously polluting to the environment, and their production and waste products have a serious impact on the environment. Nickel-hydrogen batteries also have some undesirable factors due to technical problems such as a sharp rise in nickel prices and poor consistency of battery packs. Commercial lithium-ion batteries using LiCoO2 as the positive electrode material are expensive, and there are unresolved safety issues and their kinetic performance is not ideal. Fuel cells are unlikely to become a mainstream product of power batteries in the near future due to their technological maturity and cost.

[0003] Aqueous batteries are known as truly green batteries, and their performance includes: high operating voltage (higher than nickel-metal hydride batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries), high energy density (generally twice that of lead-acid batteries and 1.5 times that of nickel-cadmium batteries), high power density (second only to lithium batteries), wide operating temperature range, and no pollution to the environment during the production and use of batteries. However, during the operation of aqueous batteries, the electrolysis of water during charging will produce a certain amount of oxygen and hydrogen at the positive and negative electrodes, which poses a great safety hazard. At the same time, the hydrogen produced is directly discharged into the air, resulting in energy waste and lowering the overall efficiency of the battery.

[0004] Therefore, it is urgent to design a safe aqueous battery with the function of an electrolyzer, which can isolate oxygen and hydrogen through a composite diaphragm and collect the high-purity hydrogen produced by water electrolysis to improve energy utilization. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the present invention provides an aqueous battery device integrating the function of an electrolyzer, the purpose of which is to isolate the oxygen and hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water through a composite diaphragm and collect the hydrogen, thereby solving the technical problems of the existing aqueous batteries with great safety hazards and low energy utilization.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aqueous battery device with the function of an electrolytic cell, comprising a positive electrode tank 1, the top of which is provided with an oxygen outlet 12; a positive electrode 3, arranged in the positive electrode tank 1; a negative electrode tank 2, the top of which is provided with a hydrogen outlet 13; a negative electrode 4, arranged in the negative electrode tank 2; a composite diaphragm 5, arranged between the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2, for separating the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2; a hydrogen separation membrane 9, arranged at the hydrogen outlet 13, for separating hydrogen from other impurity gases.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes a hydrogen delivery pipeline 8, a hydrogen detection device 10 and a hydrogen storage device 11, one end of the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 is connected to the hydrogen outlet 13, and the other end is connected to the hydrogen storage device 11; the hydrogen separated by the hydrogen separation membrane 9 goes along the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 through the hydrogen detection device 10 and enters the hydrogen storage device 11.

[0008] Preferably, the composite separator 5 includes a first polymer layer 15 , an inorganic layer 16 and a second polymer layer 17 ; the inorganic layer 16 is disposed between the first polymer layer 15 and the second polymer layer 17 .

[0009] Preferably, the thickness of the first polymer layer 15 is 5-30 μm, the thickness of the inorganic layer 16 is 0.1-2 μm, and the thickness of the second polymer layer 17 is 5-30 μm.

[0010] Preferably, the first polymer layer 15 and the second polymer layer 17 are any one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, polyurethane, and polyimide, or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0011] The inorganic layer 16 is any one of aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, vanadium oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, barium oxide, calcium oxide, strontium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium oxide, yttrium oxide, iridium oxide, platinum oxide, ruthenium oxide, and tungsten oxide, or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0012] Preferably, the hydrogen separation membrane 9 is any one of polyimide, polybenzimidazole and its derivatives, polyethylene trimethylsilane, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, and polycarbonate, or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0013] Preferably, the hydrogen detection device 10 comprises a gas flow meter and a hydrogen concentration detector, which are used to detect the concentration, flow rate and total amount of hydrogen passing through the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 in real time; the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 is set as a stainless steel pipeline.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a positive and negative electrode tank water replenishing device 6, which is connected to the bottom openings of the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2, and is used to replenish water to the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2; it also includes an external power supply 7, and the external power supply 7 is connected to the positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 respectively through wires.

[0015] Preferably, it further comprises an electrolyte 14 disposed in the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2. The electrolyte 14 is preferably a potassium hydroxide aqueous solution with a mass fraction of 30%.

[0016] In general, compared with the prior art, the above technical solution conceived by the present invention provides an aqueous battery device with an electrolytic cell function, which mainly has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The composite diaphragm in the aqueous battery device isolates the oxygen and hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water at the positive and negative electrodes, avoiding their direct contact, reducing the risk of battery explosion, improving the safety of the aqueous battery, avoiding the corrosion of the negative electrode material by oxygen, and increasing the service life of the battery.

[0018] 2. The aqueous battery with the function of an electrolyzer combines an aqueous battery and an electrolyzer. It not only has the general functions of an aqueous battery, but also can solve the hydrogen evolution problem that has always existed in aqueous batteries. After separation by the hydrogen separation membrane, the high-purity hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water at the negative electrode is collected. Different storage methods can be used according to different usage scenarios to improve energy utilization.

[0019] 3. A hydrogen detection device is installed at the hydrogen collection end to detect the flow rate and concentration of hydrogen flowing through the pipeline at a certain moment, as well as the total amount of hydrogen flowing through the pipeline over a certain period of time, reflecting the working status of the battery in real time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the aqueous battery device integrating the function of an electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the multi-layer structure of the composite diaphragm in the aqueous battery device with the function of an electrolyzer of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen detection device in an aqueous battery device with an electrolyzer function according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4This is a comparison chart showing the improvement in energy utilization between the aqueous battery device with integrated electrolytic cell function of the present invention and the conventional aqueous battery;

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0025] 1-positive electrode tank; 2-negative electrode tank; 3-positive electrode; 4-negative electrode; 5-composite diaphragm; 6-positive and negative electrode tank water replenishing device; 7-external power supply; 8-hydrogen transmission pipeline; 9-hydrogen separation membrane; 10-hydrogen detection device; 11-hydrogen storage device; 12-oxygen outlet; 13-hydrogen outlet; 14-electrolyte; 15-first polymer layer; 16-inorganic layer; 17-second polymer layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides an aqueous battery device with the function of an electrolyzer, including a positive electrode tank 1, the top of which is provided with an oxygen outlet 12; a positive electrode 3, which is arranged in the positive electrode tank 1; a negative electrode tank 2, the top of which is provided with a hydrogen outlet 13; a negative electrode 4, which is arranged in the negative electrode tank 2; a composite diaphragm 5, which is arranged between the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2, and is used to separate the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2; a hydrogen separation membrane 9, which is arranged at the hydrogen outlet 13, and is used to separate hydrogen from other impurity gases. It also includes a hydrogen delivery pipeline 8, a hydrogen detection device 10 and a hydrogen storage device 11, one end of the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 is connected to the hydrogen outlet 13, and the other end is connected to the hydrogen storage device 11; the hydrogen separated by the hydrogen separation membrane 9 enters the hydrogen storage device 11 along the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 through the hydrogen detection device 10. It also includes a positive and negative electrode tank water replenishing device 6, which is connected to the bottom openings of the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2 for replenishing water to the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2; an external power supply 7 is connected to the positive electrode 3 and the negative electrode 4 respectively through wires.

[0028] The composite membrane 5 includes a first polymer layer 15, an inorganic layer 16 and a second polymer layer 17; the inorganic layer 16 is disposed between the first polymer layer 15 and the second polymer layer 17. The thickness of the first polymer layer 15 is 5-30 μm, the thickness of the inorganic layer 16 is 0.1-2 μm, and the thickness of the second polymer layer 17 is 5-30 μm. The first polymer layer 15 and the second polymer layer 17 are any one or a combination of at least two of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, polyurethane, and polyimide; the inorganic layer 16 is any one or a combination of at least two of aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, vanadium oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, barium oxide, calcium oxide, strontium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium oxide, yttrium oxide, iridium oxide, platinum oxide, ruthenium oxide, and tungsten oxide. The polymer layer can provide flexibility and a certain degree of ion conductivity, and the inorganic layer provides a higher gas barrier performance. The composite diaphragm 5 can transmit OH - , balances the pH values ​​of the two tanks that deviate from the equilibrium state caused by the electrolysis of water, and the composite diaphragm can block the passage of hydrogen and oxygen, avoiding direct contact between hydrogen and oxygen in the battery, greatly reducing the risk of battery explosion.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the hydrogen detection device 10 includes a gas flow meter and a hydrogen concentration detector, which is used to detect the concentration, flow rate and total amount of hydrogen passing through the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 in real time; the hydrogen delivery pipeline 8 is set as a stainless steel pipeline, and the stainless steel pipe has good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, can withstand a certain pressure, and is suitable for the delivery of medium and high pressure hydrogen. A semiconductor sensor is installed in the hydrogen concentration detector to detect the hydrogen concentration, which is easy to install and maintain and has a fast response speed.

[0030] In this embodiment, the hydrogen separation membrane 9 is a polycarbonate film with a thickness of 10um. The first polymer layer 15 and the second polymer layer 17 in the composite diaphragm 5 are polyethylene films with a thickness of 10um, and the inorganic layer 16 is an aluminum oxide film with a thickness of 1um. The electrolyte 14 is a potassium hydroxide aqueous solution with a mass fraction of 30%, which is arranged in the positive electrode tank 1 and the negative electrode tank 2. It can provide good ionic conductivity, so that the ion transmission inside the battery is relatively smooth, and the normal charging and discharging process of the battery is ensured.

[0031] In this embodiment, the positive and negative electrodes are selected as nickel-zinc batteries. During the operation of the device, the charging stage not only realizes the chemical reaction of the nickel-zinc battery, but also effectively converts the input electrical energy into chemical energy and stores it inside the battery, so as to release electrical energy for subsequent discharge; at the same time, the device can also generate hydrogen by electrolyzing water. The chemical reaction equation is as follows:

[0032] Overall battery reaction:

[0033] 2Ni(OH)2+Zn(OH)2→2NiOOH+Zn+2H20

[0034] In the early stage of charging, the main reaction of nickel-zinc battery is:

[0035] positive electrode:

[0036] 2Ni(OH)2+2OH - →2NiOOH+2H2O+2e -

[0037] negative electrode:

[0038] Zn(OH)2+2e - →Zn+2OH -

[0039] In the later stage of charging, electrolysis of water mainly occurs:

[0040] positive electrode:

[0041] 2OH - →1 / 2O2+2H20+2e -

[0042] negative electrode:

[0043] 2H2O+2e - →H2+2OH -

[0044] Hydrogen is safely transported to the hydrogen detection device through the hydrogen delivery pipeline in the device. After the concentration and safety are confirmed by detection, it is stored in the hydrogen storage device so that these clean energies can be conveniently used when needed in the future. This process not only improves the efficiency of energy utilization, but also realizes the diversified storage of energy, providing new ideas for sustainable energy solutions. In addition, this design also helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is of great significance to environmental protection and energy transformation. Through this integrated design, the device can store both electrical energy and hydrogen energy during the charging process, laying the foundation for the efficient utilization of energy and the widespread application of clean energy in the future.

[0045] like Figure 4As shown, in the traditional zinc-nickel battery, the battery coulomb efficiency is 75%, and the remaining 25% of the energy is completely wasted. In the zinc-nickel battery with the function of an electrolyzer in this embodiment, 15% of the energy of the entire system is saved due to the effective collection of hydrogen, and the energy utilization rate is effectively improved.

[0046] It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aqueous battery device with an electrolytic cell function, characterized in that: include: The positive electrode tank (1) has an oxygen outlet (12) disposed at the top thereof; A positive electrode (3) is arranged in the positive electrode tank (1); A negative electrode tank (2) having a hydrogen outlet (13) disposed at the top thereof; A negative electrode (4) is arranged in the negative electrode tank (2); A composite diaphragm (5), arranged between the positive electrode slot (1) and the negative electrode slot (2), and used to separate the positive electrode slot (1) and the negative electrode slot (2); The hydrogen separation membrane (9) is arranged at the hydrogen outlet (13) and is used to separate hydrogen from other impurity gases.

2. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a hydrogen delivery pipeline (8), a hydrogen detection device (10) and a hydrogen storage device (11); one end of the hydrogen delivery pipeline (8) is connected to the hydrogen outlet (13), and the other end is connected to the hydrogen storage device (11); the hydrogen separated by the hydrogen separation membrane (9) passes along the hydrogen delivery pipeline (8) through the hydrogen detection device (10) and enters the hydrogen storage device (11).

3. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The composite diaphragm (5) comprises a first polymer layer (15), an inorganic layer (16) and a second polymer layer (17); the inorganic layer (16) is arranged between the first polymer layer (15) and the second polymer layer (17).

4. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the first polymer layer (15) is 5-30 μm, the thickness of the inorganic layer (16) is 0.1-2 μm, and the thickness of the second polymer layer (17) is 5-30 μm.

5. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The first polymer layer (15) and the second polymer layer (17) are any one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, polyacrylonitrile fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, polyisobutylene, polychloroprene, polyurethane, and polyimide, or a combination of at least two thereof.

6. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The inorganic layer (16) is any one of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, vanadium oxide, chromium oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, barium oxide, calcium oxide, strontium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium oxide, yttrium oxide, iridium oxide, platinum oxide, ruthenium oxide, and tungsten oxide, or a combination of at least two thereof.

7. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen separation membrane (9) is any one of polyimide, polybenzimidazole and its derivatives, polyethylene trimethylsilane, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, and polycarbonate, or a combination of at least two thereof.

8. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The hydrogen detection device (10) comprises a gas flow meter and a hydrogen concentration detector, which are used to detect in real time the concentration, flow rate and total amount of hydrogen passing through the hydrogen delivery pipeline (8); the hydrogen delivery pipeline (8) is configured as a stainless steel pipeline.

9. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a positive and negative electrode tank water replenishing device (6), which is connected to the bottom openings of the positive electrode tank (1) and the negative electrode tank (2) and is used to replenish water to the positive electrode tank (1) and the negative electrode tank (2); and it also includes an external power supply (7), which is connected to the positive electrode (3) and the negative electrode (4) respectively through a wire.

10. The aqueous battery device with electrolytic cell function as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an electrolyte (14) disposed in the positive electrode tank (1) and the negative electrode tank (2), and the electrolyte is preferably a potassium hydroxide aqueous solution with a mass fraction of 30%.

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