Alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system, method, device, medium and equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a reverse current suppression system, method and device for an alkaline electrolytic cell, a medium and equipment. When shutdown or load fluctuation of the alkaline electrolytic cell is detected, the reverse current suppression unit is controlled to input small target current to the alkaline electrolytic cell, counter electromotive force of the alkaline electrolytic cell is counteracted, and reverse current is prevented from being generated and flowing. Meanwhile, an alloy nano-structure is constructed on a nickel net substrate of the bipolar plate in the alkaline electrolytic cell, a sacrificial layer is formed, and an isolating layer is plated on the sacrificial layer, so that the sacrificial layer is physically isolated by the isolating layer under a normal working condition, the interference on a hydrogen evolution reaction is avoided, and when a reverse current is generated, the reverse current can preferentially flow through the sacrificial layer with high activity, so that the hydrogen evolution reaction is prevented from being influenced. The cathode of the alkaline electrolytic bath is protected. Moreover, when the consumption degree of the sacrificial layer reaches a certain threshold value, a pulse electrodeposition technology is adopted, and the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer is reconstructed through the sacrificial layer repair unit, so that in-situ repair is realized, the service life of the sacrificial layer is prolonged, and the reliability of reverse current suppression is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electrochemical technology, and in particular to a reverse current suppression system, method, device, medium and equipment for an alkaline electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] Alkaline electrolyzers are devices that produce hydrogen by electrolyzing water in an alkaline electrolyte environment. Currently, these devices are widely used in renewable energy sectors such as photovoltaics and wind power, serving as a primary hydrogen production technology. This technology not only supports sustainable energy development but also provides an effective solution for clean energy conversion.

[0003] When a traditional alkaline electrolyzer is shut down or the load fluctuates, the "galvanic cell effect" formed by the bipolar plate structure and the electrolyte flow channel will generate a current in the opposite direction to that under normal operating conditions, that is, a reverse current. This will not only corrode the cathode, but also cause irreversible oxidation of the cathode catalyst, resulting in a decline in the performance of the alkaline electrolyzer.

[0004] In the prior art, sacrificial anodes are installed in alkaline electrolytic cells to prevent reverse current from corroding them preferentially, thereby protecting the cathode. However, the consumption of sacrificial anodes in this prior art is uncontrollable. Consuming the sacrificial anodes continuously without the ability to dynamically adjust, can lead to premature failure or excessive waste. Furthermore, the sacrificial anodes can cover the cathode surface, hindering the hydrogen evolution reaction under normal operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides an alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system, method, device, medium and equipment, which suppresses the reverse current in the alkaline electrolytic cell through the synergistic effect of dynamic sacrificial anode and potential regulation, and repairs the sacrificial layer in situ through pulse electrodeposition technology to ensure the reliability of reverse current suppression.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided an alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system, comprising:

[0007] A sacrificial anode unit, the sacrificial anode unit being arranged on a bipolar plate in an alkaline electrolytic cell, the sacrificial anode unit comprising a sacrificial layer and a separation layer, the sacrificial layer being a nanostructure;

[0008] a reverse current suppression unit, the reverse current suppression unit being connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell and configured to input a preset current into the alkaline electrolytic cell, the preset current being opposite in direction to the reverse current in the alkaline electrolytic cell, so as to suppress the reverse current;

[0009] A sacrificial layer repair unit is connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell and is used to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell to reconstruct the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer through a pulse electrodeposition technology.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present application, a method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell is provided, which is applied to the above-mentioned reverse current suppression system for an alkaline electrolytic cell, comprising:

[0011] acquiring status data of the alkaline electrolytic cell in response to a suppression instruction, wherein the suppression instruction is generated based on power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell;

[0012] determining a target current using a finite element method according to the state data;

[0013] controlling a reverse current suppression unit in a reverse current suppression system of an alkaline electrolytic cell to input the target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell;

[0014] If it is detected that the consumption degree of the sacrificial layer of the sacrificial anode unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is greater than a first preset threshold, the sacrificial layer repair unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is controlled to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device, comprising:

[0016] an acquisition module, configured to acquire status data of the alkaline electrolytic cell in response to a suppression instruction, wherein the suppression instruction is generated based on power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell;

[0017] a determination module, configured to determine a target current using a finite element method according to the state data;

[0018] a control module, configured to control a reverse current suppression unit in a reverse current suppression system of an alkaline electrolytic cell to input the target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell; and

[0019] If it is detected that the consumption degree of the sacrificial layer of the sacrificial anode unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is greater than a first preset threshold, the sacrificial layer repair unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is controlled to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present application, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the above-mentioned method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell are implemented.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present application, a computer device is provided, comprising a storage medium, a processor, and a computer program stored on the storage medium and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the steps of the above-mentioned method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell are implemented.

[0022] By means of the above technical solution, the present application provides a reverse current suppression system, method, device, medium and equipment for an alkaline electrolytic cell. When the alkaline electrolytic cell is detected to be shut down or the load fluctuates, the reverse current suppression unit is controlled to input a smaller target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell, thereby offsetting the reverse electromotive force of the alkaline electrolytic cell and preventing the generation and flow of reverse current. At the same time, an alloy nanostructure is constructed on the nickel mesh substrate of the bipolar plate in the alkaline electrolytic cell to form a sacrificial layer, and an isolation layer is plated on the sacrificial layer to obtain a sacrificial anode unit. Under normal operating conditions, the sacrificial layer is physically isolated by the isolation layer to avoid interfering with the hydrogen evolution reaction. When a reverse current is generated, the reverse current can preferentially flow through the highly active sacrificial layer, and the reverse current preferentially corrodes the sacrificial layer, thereby protecting the cathode of the alkaline electrolytic cell and preventing the reverse current from corroding the cathode of the alkaline electrolytic cell. In addition, the consumption of the sacrificial layer is monitored in real time. When the consumption level of the sacrificial layer reaches a first preset threshold, pulse electrodeposition technology is used to reconstruct the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer through periodic current pulses of the sacrificial layer repair unit, thereby achieving in-situ repair, extending the life of the sacrificial layer, reducing cathode corrosion, reducing maintenance frequency, and ensuring the reliability of reverse current suppression.

[0023] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic structural diagram of a reverse current suppression system for an alkaline electrolytic cell provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a reverse current suppression unit provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of a method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0028] Figure 4The structural block diagram of the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments. It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other.

[0030] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and are not to be construed as limiting the present application.

[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", "said" and "the" used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of this application refers to the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we refer to an element as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In addition, "connected" or "connected" as used herein may include wireless connection or wireless fusion. The term "and / or" used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0032] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of this application thorough and complete and to fully convey the concepts of these exemplary embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] In today's society, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient form of energy, is gaining increasing attention. Among hydrogen production methods, water electrolysis is highly regarded for its high purity and environmental friendliness. In particular, alkaline water electrolysis has become a major research and application area.

[0034] Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is a technology that uses electricity to split water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. This process requires an alkaline electrolyzer using potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution as the electrolyte.

[0035] Under normal circumstances, the cathode and anode in the alkaline electrolyzer are in a reducing environment (composed of H2 and reducing substances) and an oxidizing environment (composed of O2 and oxidizing substances), respectively. When the alkaline electrolyzer stops or generates load fluctuations, the reducing substances on the cathode and the oxidizing substances on the anode are electrically connected through the bipolar plates. In the AWE system, the manifold used to circulate the electrolyte solution induces the formation of additional ion paths, thereby forming a "primary battery" and initiating a spontaneous self-discharge process, generating a reverse current in the opposite direction to that under normal operating conditions, which in turn leads to oxidation of the cathode and reduction of the anode, respectively, which not only corrodes the cathode, but also causes the cathode catalyst to undergo a phase change and be oxidized to β-Ni(OH)2, resulting in a permanent decrease in the activity of the cathode catalyst. The reverse current continues to flow until a potential equilibrium is established between the two electrodes, eventually leading to a decrease in the performance of the alkaline electrolyzer.

[0036] In this embodiment, a reverse current suppression system for an alkaline electrolytic cell is provided. Figure 1 As shown, the system includes: a sacrificial anode unit, which is arranged on a bipolar plate in an alkaline electrolytic cell, and the sacrificial anode unit includes a sacrificial layer and an isolation layer, and the sacrificial layer is a nanostructure; a reverse current suppression unit, which is connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell and is used to input a preset current into the alkaline electrolytic cell, and the preset current is opposite to the reverse current in the alkaline electrolytic cell to suppress the reverse current; a sacrificial layer repair unit, which is connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell and is used to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell to reconstruct the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer through pulse electrodeposition technology.

[0037] Here, based on the AWE system, the alkaline electrolyzer uses a bipolar plate structure composed of nickel-plated carbon steel end plates, nickel mesh-based bipolar plates, and polyphenylene sulfide woven cloth separators, forming independent chambers for the anode and cathode. The anode and cathode are made of nickel mesh or nickel foam and connected by a common electrolyte manifold. During the shutdown and rapid load reduction of the alkaline electrolyzer, the electrolyte forms an ion migration path through the manifold, which can cause reverse current.

[0038] In this embodiment, a reverse current suppression unit is provided, and the reverse current suppression unit is connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell. The reverse current suppression unit can output a preset small current in the same direction as that in normal operating conditions when the alkaline electrolytic cell is shut down or the load fluctuates, thereby offsetting the reverse electromotive force generated by the reverse current in the alkaline electrolytic cell and preventing the generation and flow of reverse current.

[0039] For example, under normal operating conditions, the current in an alkaline electrolyzer flows clockwise. However, when the alkaline electrolyzer is shut down or the load fluctuates, a galvanic cell forms in the cell, causing a counterclockwise current, or reverse current, to flow. In this case, the reverse current suppression unit adds a preset small clockwise current to the cell to offset the counterclockwise reverse current, thereby counteracting the cell's back electromotive force and preventing the generation and flow of reverse current.

[0040] Here, when a preset small current flows through the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell, it is equivalent to applying a low voltage (ie, bias) opposite to the reverse electromotive force, such as 0.2V or 0.6V, to the cathode as a driving force to offset the reverse current.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that, under normal circumstances, the reaction potential of the cathode is, from low to high, that the hydrogen evolution reaction occurs first, followed by the nickel phase change reaction. In this embodiment, when the alkaline electrolyzer is shut down or the load fluctuates, the reverse current suppression unit directly controls the cathode to a low potential that can suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction, thereby minimizing the occurrence of the cathode nickel phase change reaction.

[0042] Furthermore, a layer of alloy nanostructures is constructed on a nickel mesh-based bipolar plate in an alkaline electrolytic cell via magnetron sputtering to form a sacrificial layer. A nickel catalyst layer is then plated on the sacrificial layer as an isolation layer to produce a sacrificial anode unit. The sacrificial layer is constructed from a metal that is more easily oxidized under alkaline conditions than the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell. For example, if the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell is made of nickel, a metal that is more easily oxidized under alkaline conditions than nickel is selected to construct the sacrificial layer.

[0043] As the reverse current continues to increase, when the preset low current cannot suppress the generation and flow of reverse current, the reverse current will preferentially flow through the highly active sacrificial layer. In this case, the sacrificial layer acts as a sacrificial anode and corrodes preferentially, thus protecting the cathode. Under normal operating conditions, the sacrificial layer is physically isolated by the isolation layer and does not interfere with the hydrogen evolution reaction, thus improving the reliability of reverse current suppression.

[0044] Furthermore, when the sacrificial layer is consumed too much, pulse deposition technology is used to input periodic pulse current into the electrolytic cell through the sacrificial layer repair unit. The pulse current can continuously maintain the microcurrent on the surface of the sacrificial layer, reconstruct the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer, delay the corrosion of the sacrificial layer, and realize in-situ electrochemical repair of the sacrificial layer, preventing the cathodic protection from losing its effect after the sacrificial layer disappears completely, thereby preventing the cathode from being oxidized as much as possible.

[0045] For example, when the sacrificial layer is excessively depleted, the sacrificial layer repair unit uses pulsed deposition technology to reconstruct the sacrificial layer's nanostructure. For example, the pulsed current frequency is set to 50 Hz to ensure sufficient diffusion of metal ions onto the sacrificial layer surface. The pulsed deposition technology's duty cycle is also set to 30% to prevent continuous current flow from causing roughness in the deposited layer or trapping bubbles.

[0046] Here, the transient nature of the pulsed current promotes rapid nucleation, inhibits excessive grain growth, and ensures a highly active nanoscale morphology in the deposited layer. By adjusting the duty cycle and frequency, the density and porosity of the deposited layer can be controlled, restoring the sacrificial anode function of the sacrificial layer.

[0047] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the voltage regulation of the reverse current suppression unit and the sacrificial layer repair unit is achieved through a boost chopper (Boost) circuit, so that the reverse current suppression unit has sufficient voltage to offset the reverse electromotive force as much as possible, and ensure that the sacrificial layer repair unit has sufficient driving force to complete the metal ion reduction.

[0048] Furthermore, as a refinement and expansion of the specific implementation of the above embodiment, in order to fully illustrate the specific implementation process of this embodiment, the reverse current suppression unit includes a polarization rectifier, an uninterruptible power supply and a diode; the uninterruptible power supply, the polarization rectifier, the diode and the alkaline electrolytic cell are connected in sequence.

[0049] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the polarization rectifier can output a preset small current in the opposite direction of the reverse current when the alkaline electrolyzer is shut down or the load fluctuates, thereby offsetting the reverse electromotive force of the alkaline electrolyzer and preventing the flow of reverse current. The rated voltage of the polarization rectifier must be higher than the polarization voltage of the electrolyzer, and voltage regulation is achieved through a boost circuit. The polarization rectifier is powered by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous power supply to the polarization rectifier in the event of an emergency shutdown and maintain the reliability of the reverse current suppression function. The current output by the polarization rectifier is input into the alkaline electrolyzer through a diode. The diode is used to prevent current from flowing into the reverse current suppression unit when the alkaline electrolyzer is operating normally, ensuring that current can only be output from the reverse current suppression unit.

[0050] Here, the sacrificial layer repair unit can also be set up based on the reverse current suppression unit, and the polarization rectifier can be used as a power generation unit of the pulse deposition technology to achieve in-situ electrochemical repair of the sacrificial layer. This embodiment does not impose too many restrictions here.

[0051] In this embodiment, a sacrificial anode alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression method is provided, which is applied to the above alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0052] Step 301: In response to a suppression instruction, obtain status data of an alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0053] The suppression instruction is generated according to the power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0054] In this embodiment, the power supply to the alkaline electrolytic cell and the load of the alkaline electrolytic cell are monitored in real time during operation to obtain power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell. When the power supply to the alkaline electrolytic cell is suddenly cut off, causing the alkaline electrolytic cell to shut down, or when the alkaline electrolytic cell rapidly reduces its load, causing the load of the alkaline electrolytic cell to fluctuate, an instruction to suppress the reverse current of the alkaline electrolytic cell is generated based on the power supply information and load information. At the same time as the suppression instruction is generated, state data of the alkaline electrolytic cell is obtained to determine the electrochemical state inside the alkaline electrolytic cell when the alkaline electrolytic cell is shut down or when the load fluctuation generates reverse current.

[0055] For example, a current sensor can be installed on the manifold of the alkaline electrolytic cell to monitor the strength of the reverse current, a pH sensor and a temperature sensor can be installed in the electrolyte of the alkaline electrolytic cell to monitor the alkalinity and temperature of the electrolyte, and a reference electrode can be installed in the alkaline electrolytic cell to monitor the potential of the cathode, anode, and sacrificial layer in the sacrificial anode unit. Thus, based on the data collected by the sensors and reference electrodes, the status data of the alkaline electrolytic cell during shutdown or load fluctuations can be obtained.

[0056] It is worth mentioning that the current sensor can also be used to monitor the reverse current in the alkaline electrolytic cell in real time. When it is detected that the reverse current intensity reaches a certain threshold, an inhibition instruction is generated.

[0057] In one embodiment, the method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell further includes: constructing a charge conservation equation and an electrode reaction kinetic equation for an alkaline electrolytic cell provided with a sacrificial anode unit based on the electrochemical parameters and corrosion kinetic parameters of the alkaline electrolytic cell; calculating a first evaluation index when a candidate metal is used as a sacrificial layer based on the boundary conditions, charge conservation equation, and electrode reaction kinetic equation of the alkaline electrolytic cell, the first evaluation index including the potential distribution, current density, corrosion rate, and passivation behavior information of the sacrificial layer; screening out a target metal based on the first evaluation index; and constructing a sacrificial layer based on the target metal using a magnetron sputtering process.

[0058] In this embodiment, the finite element method is used to quickly screen low-potential, corrosion-resistant, and low-passivation sacrificial anode materials from candidate metals that are more easily oxidized under alkaline conditions than the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell, thereby determining the alloy used to construct the sacrificial layer.

[0059] Specifically, based on the Bourbaix plot, metals that are more easily oxidized than nickel under alkaline conditions are selected as candidate metals. For example, Cu (copper), Pb (lead), Sn (tin), Cd (cadmium), Fe (iron), Co (cobalt), Mn (manganese), Zn (zinc), Al (aluminum), Mg (magnesium), or alloys or oxides of the above metals are included.

[0060] Furthermore, a 3D geometric model of an alkaline electrolytic cell equipped with a sacrificial anode unit is constructed, including a bipolar plate with a nickel mesh substrate, a sacrificial layer, a separator, a cathode, an electrolyte flow channel (i.e., a manifold), and a diaphragm. Next, the material properties of the alkaline electrolytic cell in the 3D geometric model are set, including electrochemical parameters (such as exchange current density, Tafel slope, conductivity, etc.) and corrosion kinetic parameters (such as corrosion current density, polarization resistance, etc.). Then, based on the 3D geometric model after setting the material properties, the governing equations of the alkaline electrolytic cell are constructed. The governing equations include the charge conservation equation and the Butler–Volmer equation. The charge conservation equation is used to describe the potential distribution in the alkaline electrolytic cell, and the Butler–Volmer equation is used to describe the electrode reaction kinetics of the alkaline electrolytic cell. In addition, the boundary conditions of the alkaline electrolytic cell in the 3D geometric model are set, including the electrode reaction boundary conditions of the sacrificial layer, setting the working potential of the cathode, and setting the electrolyte conductivity and flow conditions using a laminar or turbulent flow model.

[0061] Furthermore, a finite element simulation is performed on the 3D geometric model to calculate the first evaluation index when the candidate metal is used as a sacrificial layer. Specifically, the potential distribution of the candidate metal as a sacrificial layer is calculated to ensure that its potential is significantly lower than the cathode. If the sacrificial layer potential is greater than the cathode potential, no protection can be provided. In addition, the corrosion uniformity of the candidate metal as a sacrificial layer is evaluated by the current density distribution to select a material with a moderate corrosion rate and uniform distribution. In addition, whether a passivation film is formed on the surface of the candidate metal as a sacrificial layer is simulated. If the passivation film significantly reduces the corrosion current density, the material is not suitable as a sacrificial layer.

[0062] Thus, according to the first evaluation index, the target metal is obtained by screening the candidate metals, which have a potential significantly lower than the cathode, and are selected to have uniform corrosion and controllable rate, and excluding the materials that are easy to form a passivation film.

[0063] Then, the composition of the target metal is adjusted to balance the potential difference, corrosion rate, passivation, and economic efficiency, and the composition of the sacrificial layer is determined. The sacrificial layer is then constructed using a magnetron sputtering process. For example, the sacrificial layer uses a Zn-based alloy nanostructure, including Zn and Al.

[0064] Step 302: Determine the target current using the finite element method based on the state data.

[0065] In this embodiment, the finite element method is used to calculate the target current that the reverse current suppression unit needs to input to the alkaline electrolytic cell in combination with the state data of the alkaline electrolytic cell during shutdown or load fluctuations, thereby accurately offsetting the reverse current.

[0066] Furthermore, as a refinement and expansion of the specific implementation of the above embodiment, in order to fully illustrate the specific implementation process of this embodiment, a target current is determined using a finite element method based on state data, including: constructing a finite element model of an alkaline electrolytic cell provided with a sacrificial anode unit based on the state data; applying different bias voltage values to the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell in the finite element model to determine a second evaluation index of the bias voltage value, the second evaluation index including reverse current intensity, cathode surface potential distribution information, and sacrificial layer corrosion rate; and screening a target bias voltage from the bias voltage values based on the second evaluation index;

[0067] The target current is determined based on the target bias voltage.

[0068] In this embodiment, a finite element model of an alkaline electrolytic cell equipped with a sacrificial anode unit is constructed based on the state data of the alkaline electrolytic cell during shutdown or load fluctuations, the geometric structure of the alkaline electrolytic cell (such as the nickel-based bipolar plate, sacrificial layer, separator, electrolyte flow channel and electrode surface and electrolyte interface (high current density area)), and the material properties of each structure in the alkaline electrolytic cell (such as electrolyte conductivity, exchange current density and passivation characteristics of the sacrificial layer, Tafel slope, cathode equilibrium potential, etc.). Here, the finite element model can accurately describe the potential distribution and electrode reaction kinetics of the alkaline electrolytic cell during shutdown or load fluctuations.

[0069] Furthermore, the reverse current scenario was simulated to reproduce the primary battery effect during shutdown or load fluctuation in the finite element model. The bipolar plate was set as the anode (high potential) and the cathode as the cathode (low potential), and the electrolyte was used as the ion migration path to drive the reverse current.

[0070] Then, in the finite element model, different bias voltages (e.g., 0.1V, 0.2V, and 0.3V) were applied to the cathode to obtain the second evaluation index of the cathode at different bias voltages. The second evaluation index includes the reverse current intensity, the uniformity of the cathode surface potential distribution, and the corrosion rate of the sacrificial layer. The bias voltage (e.g., 0.2V) that minimizes the reverse current and moderates the corrosion rate is selected as the target bias voltage.

[0071] Furthermore, the alkaline electrolytic cell is connected in series with the back electromotive force as a resistor, and Ohm's law is used to calculate the target current that the reverse current suppression unit should input into the alkaline electrolytic cell when a target bias voltage is applied to the cathode.

[0072] Step 303: Control the reverse current suppression unit in the reverse current suppression system of the alkaline electrolytic cell to input a target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the alkaline electrolyzer is shut down, the load fluctuates, or the monitored reverse current reaches a certain threshold, the precise value of the preset small current that the reverse current suppression unit needs to output is calculated according to the finite element method (i.e., the target current), and the reverse current suppression unit is controlled to input the target current into the alkaline electrolyzer to offset the reverse electromotive force of the electrolyzer, thereby preventing the generation and flow of reverse current as much as possible, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing the reverse current. When the target current flows through the cathode, a bias is applied to the cathode to maintain the cathode potential at a low potential that can suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction, prevent irreversible phase change (such as the formation of β-Ni(OH)2), and reliably protect the cathode.

[0074] Step 304 : If it is detected that the consumption of the sacrificial layer of the sacrificial anode unit in the reverse current suppression system of the alkaline electrolytic cell is greater than a first preset threshold, the sacrificial layer repair unit in the reverse current suppression system of the alkaline electrolytic cell is controlled to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0075] In this embodiment, if the reverse current persists and the reverse current suppression unit cannot completely suppress the reverse current, the sacrificial layer provided on the bipolar plate is activated, and the reverse current will preferentially flow through the highly active sacrificial layer, and the alloy in the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer will be corroded preferentially to protect the cathode.

[0076] Furthermore, the degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer is monitored in real time. If it is detected that the degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer is greater than a first preset threshold, such as 80%, the regeneration mode of the sacrificial layer repair unit is triggered. The sacrificial layer repair unit inputs a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell, maintains the microcurrent on the surface of the sacrificial layer through pulse electrodeposition technology, reconstructs the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer, delays the corrosion of the sacrificial layer, prevents the cathode from being corroded after the sacrificial layer is completely consumed, and improves reliability.

[0077] In one embodiment, the method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell further includes: obtaining a real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer; and determining a degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer according to an initial electrode potential and a real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer.

[0078] In this embodiment, the electrode potential of the sacrificial layer when serving as a sacrificial anode is obtained in real time through a reference electrode provided in the alkaline electrolytic cell, and the degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer is determined according to the real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer.

[0079] Specifically, the sacrificial layer is an alloy composed of highly active metals, and its electrode potential is significantly lower than that of the protected cathode. When reverse current occurs, the sacrificial layer is preferentially oxidized (corroded) as a sacrificial anode, releasing electrons to protect the cathode from oxidation. As the sacrificial layer corrodes, the nickel mesh substrate of the bipolar plate under the sacrificial layer is gradually exposed, and the potential of the nickel mesh substrate is significantly higher than that of the alloy, and the effective reaction area of the sacrificial layer gradually decreases, resulting in a decrease in the exchange current density of the sacrificial layer. According to the Tafel electrochemical equation, a decrease in the exchange current density will lead to an increase in the overpotential, and the overall potential will shift in the positive direction. Therefore, as the sacrificial layer is consumed, its electrode potential will gradually increase and show a proportional trend. Therefore, the degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer is determined based on the initial electrode potential and the real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer.

[0080] In one embodiment, the method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell further includes: obtaining a real-time pH value and a real-time temperature value of an electrolyte in the alkaline electrolytic cell; if the real-time pH value is less than a second preset threshold or the real-time temperature value does not meet a preset range, triggering a warning operation corresponding to the real-time pH value or the real-time temperature value.

[0081] In this embodiment, a pH sensor is used to collect the real-time pH value of the electrolyte in the alkaline electrolytic cell, detect changes in alkalinity, and determine whether the electrolyte state is abnormal. Simultaneously, a temperature sensor is used to collect the real-time temperature value of the electrolyte in the alkaline electrolytic cell, monitor the temperature rise rate, and prevent overheating and other safety hazards.

[0082] Specifically, abnormal pH fluctuations may indicate localized corrosion and trigger additional protection modes. For example, if the real-time pH value is less than a second preset threshold (e.g., pH <12), KOH solution is automatically added to maintain an alkaline environment and slow corrosion. Overheat protection and low-temperature compensation are also provided for the alkaline electrolytic cell. If the real-time temperature value exceeds the threshold (e.g., >80°C), the cooling system is activated or the operating current is reduced to prevent diaphragm melting and electrode failure. If the temperature is too low, the electrolyte is heated to maintain the reaction rate and ion migration efficiency.

[0083] Furthermore, if high temperature and pH drop are detected simultaneously, it is determined to be a risk of electrolyte decomposition, triggering an emergency shutdown and activating the exhaust system.

[0084] It should be noted that the size of the serial numbers of the steps in the above embodiments does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0085] Furthermore, if Figure 4As shown, as a specific implementation of the above-mentioned alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression method, an embodiment of the present application provides an alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device 400, which includes: an acquisition module 401, a determination module 402 and a control module 403.

[0086] The acquisition module 401 is configured to acquire status data of the alkaline electrolytic cell in response to a suppression instruction, wherein the suppression instruction is generated based on power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell;

[0087] A determination module 402 is configured to determine a target current using a finite element method according to the state data;

[0088] The control module 403 is used to control the reverse current suppression unit in the reverse current suppression system of the alkaline electrolytic cell to input a target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell; and

[0089] If it is detected that the consumption degree of the sacrificial layer in the reverse current suppression system of the alkaline electrolytic cell is greater than the first preset threshold, the sacrificial layer repair unit in the reverse current suppression system of the alkaline electrolytic cell is controlled to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

[0090] In one embodiment, the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device 400 further includes:

[0091] A construction module is used to construct a charge conservation equation and an electrode reaction kinetic equation for an alkaline electrolytic cell equipped with a sacrificial anode unit based on the electrochemical parameters and corrosion kinetic parameters of the alkaline electrolytic cell; based on the boundary conditions, charge conservation equation and electrode reaction kinetic equation of the alkaline electrolytic cell, a first evaluation index is calculated when the candidate metal is used as a sacrificial layer, and the first evaluation index includes the potential distribution, current density, corrosion rate and passivation behavior information of the sacrificial layer; the target metal is screened out based on the first evaluation index; and the sacrificial layer is constructed using a magnetron sputtering process based on the target metal.

[0092] In one embodiment, the determination module 402 is specifically used to construct a finite element model of an alkaline electrolytic cell provided with a sacrificial anode unit based on the status data; in the finite element model, different bias values are applied to the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell to determine a second evaluation index of the bias value, the second evaluation index including reverse current intensity, cathode surface potential distribution information, and sacrificial layer corrosion rate; a target bias is selected from the bias values based on the second evaluation index; and a target current is determined based on the target bias.

[0093] In one embodiment, the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device 400 further includes:

[0094] The first monitoring module is used to obtain the real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer; and determine the degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer according to the initial electrode potential and the real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer.

[0095] The second monitoring module is used to obtain the real-time pH value and real-time temperature value of the electrolyte in the alkaline electrolytic cell; if the real-time pH value is less than a second preset threshold or the real-time temperature value does not meet the preset range, a warning operation corresponding to the real-time pH value or real-time temperature value is triggered.

[0096] For the specific definition of the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device, please refer to the definition of the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression method above, which will not be repeated here. The various modules in the above-mentioned alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware and their combination. The above-mentioned modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the computer device in the form of hardware, or can be stored in the memory of the computer device in the form of software, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to the above modules.

[0097] Based on the above Figure 3 The method shown in FIG. 1 is a method for performing the above-mentioned operation. Accordingly, the embodiment of the present application further provides a readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program is executed as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The reverse current suppression method of the alkaline electrolyzer is shown.

[0098] Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (which can be a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, etc.), and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various implementation scenarios of the present application.

[0099] Based on the above Figure 3 The method shown, and Figure 4 In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer device, which can be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc. The computer device includes a storage medium and a processor; the storage medium is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program to achieve the above-mentioned Figure 3 The reverse current suppression method of the alkaline electrolyzer is shown.

[0100] Optionally, the computer device may further include a user interface, a network interface, a camera, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a sensor, an audio circuit, a Wi-Fi module, etc. The user interface may include a display, an input unit such as a keyboard, etc., and the optional user interface may also include a USB interface, a card reader interface, etc. The network interface may optionally include a standard wired interface, a wireless interface (such as a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface), etc.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer device structure provided in this embodiment does not constitute a limitation on the computer device, and may include more or fewer components, or a combination of certain components, or different component arrangements.

[0102] The storage medium may also include an operating system and a network communication module. An operating system is a program that manages and stores the hardware and software resources of a computer device, supporting the execution of information processing programs and other software and / or programs. The network communication module facilitates communication between components within the storage medium, as well as with other hardware and software within the physical device.

[0103] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present application can be implemented with the help of software plus the necessary general hardware platform, and can also implement the embodiments of the present application through hardware.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are only schematic diagrams of a preferred implementation scenario, and the modules or processes in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily required to implement the present application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the modules in the devices in the implementation scenario can be distributed in the devices of the implementation scenario according to the implementation scenario description, or can be changed accordingly and located in one or more devices different from the implementation scenario. The modules of the above-mentioned implementation scenario can be combined into one module, or can be further split into multiple sub-modules.

[0105] The serial numbers of the above application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the implementation scenarios. The above disclosure only discloses several specific implementation scenarios of the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A reverse current suppression system for an alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that: The system comprises: A sacrificial anode unit, the sacrificial anode unit being arranged on a bipolar plate in an alkaline electrolytic cell, the sacrificial anode unit comprising a sacrificial layer and a separation layer, the sacrificial layer being a nanostructure; a reverse current suppression unit, the reverse current suppression unit being connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell and configured to input a preset current into the alkaline electrolytic cell, the preset current being opposite in direction to the reverse current in the alkaline electrolytic cell, so as to suppress the reverse current; A sacrificial layer repair unit is connected to the alkaline electrolytic cell and is used to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell to reconstruct the nanostructure of the sacrificial layer through a pulse electrodeposition technology.

2. The reverse current suppression system for an alkaline electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reverse current suppression unit includes a polarization rectifier, an uninterruptible power supply and a diode; The uninterruptible power supply, the polarization rectifier, the diode and the alkaline electrolytic cell are connected in sequence.

3. A method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that: Applied to the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system as described in claim 1, the method comprises: acquiring status data of the alkaline electrolytic cell in response to a suppression instruction, wherein the suppression instruction is generated based on power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell; determining a target current using a finite element method according to the state data; controlling a reverse current suppression unit in a reverse current suppression system of an alkaline electrolytic cell to input the target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell; If it is detected that the consumption degree of the sacrificial layer of the sacrificial anode unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is greater than a first preset threshold, the sacrificial layer repair unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is controlled to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

4. The method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell according to claim 3, wherein: The method further comprises: Constructing a charge conservation equation and an electrode reaction kinetic equation for the alkaline electrolytic cell provided with the sacrificial anode unit according to the electrochemical parameters and corrosion kinetic parameters of the alkaline electrolytic cell; Calculating a first evaluation index for a candidate metal as the sacrificial layer based on the boundary conditions of the alkaline electrolytic cell, the charge conservation equation, and the electrode reaction kinetics equation, the first evaluation index including potential distribution, current density, corrosion rate, and passivation behavior information of the candidate metal; Screening out target metals according to the first evaluation index; The sacrificial layer is constructed by using a magnetron sputtering process according to the target metal.

5. The method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell according to claim 3, wherein: Determining the target current by using a finite element method according to the state data includes: constructing a finite element model of the alkaline electrolytic cell provided with the sacrificial anode unit according to the state data; In the finite element model, different bias values are applied to the cathode in the alkaline electrolytic cell to determine a second evaluation index of the bias value, wherein the second evaluation index includes reverse current intensity, cathode surface potential distribution information, and sacrificial layer corrosion rate; Screening out a target bias according to the second evaluation indicator; A target current is determined according to the target bias voltage.

6. The method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell according to claim 3, wherein: The method further comprises: Obtaining the real-time electrode potential of the sacrificial layer; The degree of consumption of the sacrificial layer is determined according to the initial electrode potential of the sacrificial layer and the real-time electrode potential.

7. The method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell according to claim 3, wherein: The method further comprises: Obtaining the real-time pH value and real-time temperature value of the electrolyte in the alkaline electrolytic cell; If the real-time pH value is less than a second preset threshold or the real-time temperature value does not conform to a preset range, a warning operation corresponding to the real-time pH value or the real-time temperature value is triggered.

8. A reverse current suppression device for an alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that: The device comprises: an acquisition module, configured to acquire status data of the alkaline electrolytic cell in response to a suppression instruction, wherein the suppression instruction is generated based on power supply information and load information of the alkaline electrolytic cell; a determination module, configured to determine a target current using a finite element method according to the state data; a control module, configured to control a reverse current suppression unit in a reverse current suppression system of an alkaline electrolytic cell to input the target current into the alkaline electrolytic cell; and If it is detected that the consumption degree of the sacrificial layer of the sacrificial anode unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is greater than a first preset threshold, the sacrificial layer repair unit in the alkaline electrolytic cell reverse current suppression system is controlled to input a pulse current into the alkaline electrolytic cell.

9. A readable storage medium having a program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 2 to 7 are implemented.

10. A computer device comprising a storage medium, a processor, and a computer program stored in the storage medium and executable on the processor, wherein: When the processor executes the program, the method for suppressing reverse current in an alkaline electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 2 to 7 is implemented.

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