Novel adjustable partition type alkaline electrolytic bath process and matched electrolysis cell structure

Abstract

The invention provides a novel adjustable partition type alkaline electrolytic cell technology and a matched electrolysis cell structure, and belongs to the technical field of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production. According to the technology, a flow channel of an alkaline water electrolysis device is changed to be four-in and four-out and is divided into four areas, and the flow of each area is independently adjusted; a hydrogen molecule detector is arranged on the gas outlet side, the opening degree of a liquid inlet adjusting valve is controlled according to a detection result, dynamic adjustment is achieved, and flow balance is guaranteed; the small electrolysis chamber comprises a pole frame, a pole plate, a diaphragm and an electrode net, the pole frame is in four-partition design, and a vertical partition plate is added to enhance the rigidity; the pole plate is divided into three phases and the mastoid structure is optimized; the diaphragm is designed in a split manner; the electrode net is optimized according to the polar plate. The process and the structure are optimized, the electrolysis efficiency is improved, the structural safety is enhanced, the energy consumption is reduced, and good application prospects are achieved in the field of hydrogen production through alkaline electrolysis of water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis, and in particular to a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process and a matching electrolytic chamber structure. Background Art

[0002] As the scale of green hydrogen projects expands, the demand for single large-sized electrolyzer equipment is also increasing. And with the gradual improvement of supporting industrial chains, more companies tend to develop and produce large-sized alkaline electrolyzers.

[0003] Large-scale development leads to a corresponding increase in the size of the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production device. At present, the radius of the internal circular pole frame of the 1000NM3 / H alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production is about 2000mm. The current density of each plate is relatively uniform, but the flow path of the alkali solution on the plate in this circular pole frame is not uniform. The holes for the alkali solution to enter and exit are generally designed at the bottom of the circular pole frame. As the electrolysis reaction occurs, it gradually changes from liquid phase to gas-liquid two phases to gas phase from bottom to top. This change is greatly affected by the flow path and flow rate of the alkali solution in this flow field.

[0004] In addition, due to the limited size of the liquid inlet, the flow rate near the liquid inlet is very fast. After diffusion, the flow rate of the alkali solution near the edge of the pole frame is slower, and the flow rate of the alkali solution on the central axis is faster. This also makes the processing of the nipple of the entire plate more difficult, and the wear on various parts of the plate is different during use. The efficiency of hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis cannot reach the highest level. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the technical problems raised above, a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process and a matching electrolytic chamber structure are provided. The present invention can adjust the alkali solution flow rate in the large-scale plate by partition, thereby improving the efficiency of water electrolysis, achieving the effect of balancing the current density and the alkali solution flow, reducing the degree of wear of the same plate, and extending the service life of the core components of the water electrolysis hydrogen production device.

[0006] The technical means adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0007] A novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of electrolytic chambers; the electrolytic chambers are designed to form four independent flow channels through four partitions;

[0008] Each flow channel is provided with an independent liquid inlet and gas outlet, and a hydrogen molecule detector is provided at the gas outlet to detect the purity and water content of hydrogen. The hydrogen molecule detector is linked to the regulating valve at the liquid inlet through a signal transmitter to adjust the alkali solution flow rate of each flow channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the pole frame in the electrolysis chamber adopts a vertical partition partition design, and the vertical partition is used to enhance the rigidity of the pole frame and improve the sealing and structural safety of the electrolysis chamber.

[0010] An electrolysis chamber structure, comprising: an electrode frame, an electrode plate, a diaphragm, and an electrode mesh;

[0011] The pole frame divides the electrolysis chamber into four independent flow channels through a vertical partition, and each flow channel is equipped with an independent liquid inlet and gas outlet;

[0012] The liquid inlet is connected to the alkali solution main pipe to ensure pressure balance;

[0013] The gas outlet is connected to a pressure equalizing pipe for balancing the hydrogen pressure.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrode plate is designed with three-phase partitions, with a liquid phase zone, a gas-liquid two-phase zone and a gas phase zone arranged in sequence from the alkali solution inlet to the outlet, and a nipple structure is designed on the surface of the electrode plate to optimize the flow field distribution and reduce local resistance.

[0015] Furthermore, the diaphragm adopts a split-piece design, which increases the contact area with the pole frame, thereby improving the sealing and safety of a single flow channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the mastoid structure is arranged in an optimized array, and its shape gradually expands from the liquid phase region to the gas phase region to adapt to the transition characteristics of the alkali solution from the liquid phase to the gas phase.

[0017] A novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolyzer process divides a single-channel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system into multiple channels, and adjusts the electrolysis intensity by controlling the alkaline solution flow rate of each channel. The process includes the following steps:

[0018] A hydrogen molecule detector is installed at the outlet of each flow channel to detect the purity and water content of hydrogen;

[0019] According to the test results, the flow rate of the corresponding flow channel is adjusted through the regulating valve;

[0020] Ensure the consistency of hydrogen purity and water content in each flow channel.

[0021] Furthermore, the regulating valve controls the opening of the regulating valve in real time according to the result of the hydrogen detector at the outlet of the flow channel.

[0022] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] 1. The present invention provides a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolysis cell process and a matching electrolysis chamber structure. Through the optimization of the novel partitioned adjustable alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production process, the regulating valve opening of the corresponding flow channel alkali solution inlet can be dynamically adjusted according to the hydrogen purity, so as to achieve the maximum electrolysis effect under the minimum current density, reduce energy consumption when the output is constant, improve the economy of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production, save energy and protect the environment, and achieve the purpose of reducing emissions and carbon.

[0024] 2. The present invention provides a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process and a matching electrolytic chamber structure. The pole frame in the novel electrolytic chamber adopts a new four-partition design and adds a vertical pole frame plate, which not only increases the electrolyte contact area and the effective electrolysis area, but also plays a structural mechanical support effect, improves the pole frame rigidity, enhances the rigidity of the electrolytic chamber and the entire electrolytic cell, ensures the sealing of the electrolytic chamber, better cooperates with the diaphragm, and improves the overall structural safety.

[0025] 3. The present invention provides a new type of adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process and a matching electrolytic chamber structure. The pole frame liquid inlet and gas outlet are newly optimized to facilitate uniform diffusion of the process; the pole plate adopts a new flow field distribution and mastoid structure that matches the shape of the electrolytic chamber, and is arranged in an array-type optimization in the core area. From the liquid phase area to the gas phase area, the pole plate mastoid distribution is gradually expanded as the molecules become larger, adapting to the material structure change of the alkali solution from the liquid phase to the gas phase, reducing fluid resistance, and improving the efficiency of water electrolysis. The diaphragm segmented design increases the contact area with the pole frame and improves the safety of a single electrolytic flow channel; the electrode mesh is optimized according to the pole plate design to reduce the impact on the flow field.

[0026] Based on the above reasons, the present invention can be promoted in the technical field of hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a process flow chart of a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell electrolysis chamber according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a side view of a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell electrolysis chamber according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 is a lye flow chart of a conventional electrolytic cell according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 It is a lye flow chart of a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 It is a polar frame diagram of a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process and a matching electrolytic chamber structure described in the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process and a three-phase shunt plate of a matching electrolytic chamber structure described in the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 1. regulating valve; 2. signal transmitter; 3. hydrogen molecule detector; 4. electrode plate; 5. oxygen outlet; 6. hydrogen outlet; 7. alkali liquid inlet on hydrogen side; 8. alkali liquid inlet on oxygen side; 9. electrode frame; 10. streamline; 11. electrode; 12. first flow channel; 13. second flow channel; 14. third flow channel; 15. fourth flow channel; 16. first streamline; 17. second streamline; 18. third streamline; 19. fourth streamline; 20. fifth streamline; 21. sixth streamline; 22. vertical partition; 23. alkali liquid inlet; 24. gas phase region; 25. gas-liquid two-phase region; 26. liquid phase region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. 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.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps described in these embodiments, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be clear that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The technology, methods and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be regarded as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, so once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it is necessary to understand that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention: the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0041] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between a device or feature and other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below their position devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0042] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. If not otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolysis cell process, which divides a single-channel alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system into multiple channels, and adjusts the electrolysis intensity by controlling the alkaline solution flow rate of each channel. The process includes the following steps:

[0044] A hydrogen molecule detector 3 is provided at the outlet of each flow channel to detect the purity and water content of hydrogen;

[0045] According to the test results, the flow rate of the corresponding flow channel is adjusted by regulating valve 1;

[0046] Ensure the consistency of hydrogen purity and water content in each flow channel.

[0047] Specifically, the alkali solution is changed from one flow channel to four independent flow channels, and a gas molecule detector is added at the outlet. After detecting the purity of the outlet hydrogen, the signal is sent to the regulating valve 1 located at the alkali solution inlet 23 through the signal transmitter 2, so that the flow rate of the four flow channels is changed, thereby changing the flow rate of the alkali solution in each flow channel to adjust the electrolytic intensity of the alkali solution, so that the alkali solution can change the flow rate variable to improve the hydrogen quality under the condition of the same current density.

[0048] Specifically, direct current is passed into the electrolytic cell, and water molecules undergo an electrochemical reaction on the electrode 11 in the electrolytic cell filled with alkaline solution and begin to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen;

[0049] During the electrolysis process, the hydrogen molecule detector 3 continuously detects the purity and water content of hydrogen at the outlet of each flow channel, and transmits the detection result as a signal in real time;

[0050] According to the signal from the hydrogen molecule detector 3, if the purity and water content of hydrogen molecules in a certain flow channel are lower than those of the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14, the system will control the opening of the regulating valve 1 at the liquid inlet of the flow channel to increase the flow rate of alkali solution, thereby improving the electrolytic strength of the flow channel; conversely, if the purity and water content of hydrogen are high, the opening of the regulating valve 1 will be appropriately reduced to reduce the flow rate of alkali solution, so as to achieve precise regulation of the flow rate of alkali solution in each flow channel, ensure the reasonable distribution of the electrolytic strength of each flow channel, and optimize the working state of the entire electrolytic cell.

[0051] Specifically, a main pipe is provided at the alkali solution inlet 23 pipeline to ensure the pressure balance of each alkali solution inlet 23 and ensure the consistency of the concentration and shape of the alkali solution.

[0052] Specifically, a pressure equalizing pipe is provided at the hydrogen outlet 6 to make the pressure of the hydrogen the same, so as to prepare for entering the hydrogen gas-liquid separation unit and the purification unit and ensure the safety of the system.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the present invention also provides an electrolytic chamber structure, including: an electrode frame 9, an electrode plate 4, a diaphragm, and an electrode 11 mesh;

[0054] The pole frame 9 divides the electrolysis chamber into four independent flow channels through the vertical partition 22, and each flow channel is equipped with an independent liquid inlet and gas outlet;

[0055] The liquid inlet is connected to the alkali solution main pipe to ensure pressure balance;

[0056] The gas outlet is connected to a pressure equalizing pipe for balancing the hydrogen pressure.

[0057] Specifically, the electrolysis chamber has a vertical electrode plate 4 and a matching hydrogen side alkali solution inlet 7 and hydrogen outlet 6. Oxygen is also produced during the process of electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen. There are an oxygen side alkali solution inlet 8 and an oxygen outlet 5 on the back of the electrolysis chamber. The side of the electrolysis chamber that produces hydrogen belongs to the cathode, and the side of the electrolysis chamber that produces oxygen belongs to the anode.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, in the conventional single-channel alkali solution streamline 10 process in the embodiment of the present invention, the first streamline 16 located in the center is shorter and has a faster flow rate, while the second streamline 17 located at the edge is longer and has a greater resistance, especially after the phase change, so the alkaline water electrolysis efficiency on the edge side is not high.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, in the four-channel streamline 10 process of the alkali solution in the embodiment of the present invention, the distance and resistance of the streamline 10 located in the third channel 14 are relatively Figure 5 The streamlines 10 shown are relatively close, such as the third streamline 18 and the fourth streamline 19, and there is no large gap between the flow field lines in the fourth flow channel 15, such as the fifth streamline 20 and the sixth streamline 21. However, there is a relatively large difference in the length of the flow field lines between the third flow channel 14 and the fourth flow channel 15. Therefore, it is necessary to control the flow rates of the third flow channel 14 and the fourth flow channel 15 in a zoned manner. Similarly, the flow rates of the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13 are controlled in a zoned manner to ensure the electrolysis intensity of the two flow channels, to ensure that the quality of the hydrogen produced is close, and to improve the electrolysis efficiency of each zoned flow channel.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, by adding the vertical partition 22, the structure of the entire pole frame 9 can be strengthened, so that after several layers of pole frames 9 are stacked, the rigidity of the overall water electrolysis hydrogen production device is enhanced, the sealing of the electrolysis chamber is ensured, and the diaphragm is better matched to enhance the safety of the electrolysis chamber. The gas-liquid port near the vertical partition 22 is enlarged, so that the alkali solution inlet enters the alkali solution more smoothly, and the collection effect at the hydrogen outlet 6 is better.

[0061] like Figure 7As shown, the electrode plate 4 is newly designed according to the conditions of each flow channel of the electrolytic chamber and is divided into four shapes for easy assembly with the electrode frame 9. Each electrode plate 4 is arranged in a vertical structure to enhance rigidity and prevent deformation.

[0062] Specifically, each electrode plate 4 adopts a three-phase partition design, with a liquid phase area 26, a gas-liquid two-phase area 25, and a gas phase area 24 set from the alkali solution inlet 23 to the outlet, so as to adapt to the change of the material structure size of the alkali solution from the liquid phase to the gas phase.

[0063] Specifically, from the alkali solution inlet 23 to the outlet, there are a liquid phase region 26, a gas-liquid two-phase region 25 and a gas phase region 24 in order to adapt to the material structure change of the alkali solution from the liquid phase to the gas phase during the electrolysis process. The surface of the electrode plate 4 is designed with a nipple structure, and is arranged in an array-type optimization. Its shape gradually expands from the liquid phase region 26 to the gas phase region 24. This design can optimize the flow field distribution, minimize the local resistance of the flow channel, make the alkali solution flow on the electrode plate 4 smoother, and improve the electrolysis efficiency.

[0064] The diaphragm adopts a split-piece design, which increases the contact area with the pole frame 9, thereby improving the sealing and safety of a single flow channel, effectively preventing problems such as gas mixing, and ensuring the stability of the electrolysis process; the electrode 11 mesh is optimized according to the design of the pole plate 4 to minimize its impact on the flow field, further improving the overall performance of the electrolytic cell.

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that: comprising a plurality of electrolysis chambers; The electrolysis chamber is designed with four partitions to form four independent flow channels; Each flow channel is provided with an independent liquid inlet and gas outlet, and a hydrogen molecule detector is provided at the gas outlet to detect the purity and water content of hydrogen. The hydrogen molecule detector is linked to the regulating valve at the liquid inlet through a signal transmitter to adjust the alkali solution flow rate of each flow channel.

2. A novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pole frame in the electrolysis chamber adopts a vertical partition partition design, and the vertical partition is used to enhance the rigidity of the pole frame and improve the sealing performance and structural safety of the electrolysis chamber.

3. An electrolysis chamber structure, characterized in that: include: Electrode frame, electrode plate, diaphragm, electrode mesh; The pole frame divides the electrolysis chamber into four independent flow channels through a vertical partition, and each flow channel is equipped with an independent liquid inlet and gas outlet; The liquid inlet is connected to the alkali solution main pipe to ensure pressure balance; The gas outlet is connected to a pressure equalizing pipe for balancing the hydrogen pressure.

4. An electrolysis chamber structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electrode plate is designed with three-phase partitions, with a liquid phase area, a gas-liquid two-phase area and a gas phase area arranged in sequence from the alkali solution inlet to the outlet. A nipple structure is designed on the surface of the electrode plate to optimize the flow field distribution and reduce local resistance.

5. An electrolysis chamber structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diaphragm adopts a split-piece design, which increases the contact area with the pole frame, thereby improving the sealing and safety of a single flow channel.

6. An electrolysis chamber structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mastoid structure is arranged in an array-type optimization, and its shape gradually expands from the liquid phase area to the gas phase area to adapt to the transition characteristics of the alkali solution from the liquid phase to the gas phase.

7. A novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process, characterized in that: The alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system with a single flow channel is divided into multiple flow channels, and the electrolysis intensity is adjusted by controlling the alkaline solution flow rate of each flow channel. The process includes the following steps: A hydrogen molecule detector is installed at the outlet of each flow channel to detect the purity and water content of hydrogen; According to the test results, the flow rate of the corresponding flow channel is adjusted through the regulating valve; Ensure the consistency of hydrogen purity and water content in each flow channel.

8. A novel adjustable partitioned alkaline electrolytic cell process according to claim 7, characterized in that: The regulating valve controls the opening of the regulating valve in real time according to the result of the hydrogen detector at the outlet of the flow channel.

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