Novel integrally-formed V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a novel integrally-formed V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic bath, which belongs to the technical field of water electrolysis and comprises a cathode end plate, a plastic electrode frame, an anode end plate, a metal plate, an elastic net, a cathode electrode, a diaphragm and an anode electrode. According to the V-shaped cavity, by optimizing electrolyte distribution and gas emission, the contact area of the electrode and electrolyte is increased, and the electrolysis efficiency is remarkably improved. In material application, carbon steel nickel plating is replaced by engineering plastics, so that the consumption of nickel materials is greatly reduced, and the cost of main body materials is reduced. And in the manufacturing process, the plastic electrode frame and metal plate injection molding process and the integrated forming process are adopted, so that the market competitiveness of the electrolytic bath is comprehensively enhanced from multiple dimensions of simplifying the production process, improving the material utilization rate, reducing the cost, enhancing the product performance and quality and the like, and water electrolysis hydrogen production is promoted to a new stage of high efficiency, low cost and high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water electrolysis, and in particular to a novel integrally formed V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell. Background Art

[0002] As a key piece of equipment in the electrochemical field, electrolyzers are widely used in a variety of industries, including the chlor-alkali industry, water electrolysis for hydrogen production, metal smelting, and wastewater treatment. Their performance directly determines the efficiency, cost, and product quality of related industrial production.

[0003] Traditional electrolytic cells have exposed many drawbacks during long-term use. From a structural design perspective, conventional electrolytic cells mostly use a circular or square chamber design. This design results in poor electrolyte flow within the cell, with problems such as uneven flow rate distribution and a large number of dead zones. The electrolyte cannot fully contact the electrodes, which not only reduces the efficiency of the electrolytic reaction, but also causes uneven current density distribution on the electrode surface, accelerating local corrosion of the electrodes and significantly shortening the service life of the electrodes. In addition, the long-term operation of the electrolytic cell will corrode the electrolytic cell and cause serious leakage problems.

[0004] In terms of material selection, the end plates, pole plates, and pole frames of traditional electrolytic cells are often nickel-plated on carbon steel. The pole frames and end plates, in particular, are designed to be particularly thick due to their critical support and electrical conductivity. This means that compared to other components, the pole frames and end plates require more nickel plating, and a larger amount of carbon steel is also required. This significant nickel consumption contributes to high overall material costs.

[0005] In terms of process, the assembly and maintenance of traditional electrolyzers are cumbersome and complex. Each electrode replacement or internal component overhaul requires significant time and labor, severely impacting production continuity and increasing operating costs. Furthermore, traditional electrolyzers generally have high energy consumption, which is inconsistent with current energy conservation and emission reduction trends and hinders the sustainable development of the industry.

[0006] Therefore, providing a V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell with high electrolysis efficiency, low cost, and the ability to be assembled into one piece is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a novel, integrated, V-shaped, multi-piece electrolytic cell. This design improves flow field uniformity during water electrolysis, increases the electrode reaction area, improves electrolysis efficiency, and reduces the cost of electrolytic cell consumables. It also simplifies the assembly process and prevents leakage. This invention aims to optimize the flow characteristics of the electrolyte, increase the electrode reaction area, improve electrolysis efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. It also reduces the cost of electrolytic cell consumables. It also simplifies the assembly and maintenance process, reduces energy consumption, and solves sealing issues, providing strong support for the efficient and sustainable development of related industries.

[0008] To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel one-piece V-shaped chamber multi-plate electrolytic cell, comprising a cathode end plate, a plastic pole frame and an anode end plate;

[0009] The plastic pole frame is arranged between the cathode end plate and the anode end plate, and the plastic pole frame is detachably connected to the cathode end plate and the anode end plate;

[0010] Both sides of the plastic pole frame are provided with grooves matching the V-shaped cavity; the side of the cathode end plate facing the plastic pole frame is provided with a groove matching the V-shaped cavity, and the side of the anode end plate facing the plastic pole frame is provided with a groove matching the V-shaped cavity;

[0011] A first metal plate, a first elastic net, a first cathode electrode, a first diaphragm, a first anode electrode and a second elastic net are sequentially arranged between the cathode end plate and the plastic frame (from the cathode end plate to the plastic frame);

[0012] A second metal plate, a third elastic net, a second cathode electrode, a second diaphragm, a second anode electrode, a fourth elastic net and a third metal plate are sequentially arranged between the plastic pole frame and the anode end plate (from the plastic pole frame to the anode end plate).

[0013] In the present invention, the end plate of the electrolytic cell plays a key role in mechanical support, electrical connection and sealing protection. In terms of mechanical support, it not only maintains the stability of the overall structure of the electrolytic cell, and orderly fixes the internal components such as the plates and diaphragms, but also can withstand the internal pressure caused by gas generation during the electrolysis process. In terms of electrical connection, the end plate serves as the input and output port of the current, and uses its own good conductivity to introduce and output the external power supply current into and out of the electrolytic cell. In addition, through components such as sealing gaskets, the end plate can effectively prevent the leakage of the electrolyte, and resist external erosion such as moisture and corrosive gases, protect the internal components of the electrolytic cell, and reduce electrolyte waste and operating costs.

[0014] The elastic mesh in the electrolytic cell of the present invention, arranged between the electrode surface and the electrode plate, plays a number of important roles. Its elasticity allows it to tightly adhere to the electrode surface, increasing the contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, accelerating the electrochemical reaction, and improving electrolysis efficiency. It also improves current distribution, preventing localized corrosion of the electrodes and extending their service life. It buffers mechanical stresses caused by temperature fluctuations and gas generation, enhancing the structural stability of the electrolytic cell. It also intercepts impurity particles in the electrolyte, reducing their interference with the electrochemical reaction. It also alters the trajectory of bubbles, promoting their rapid expulsion and preventing localized overheating caused by bubble accumulation, ensuring stable operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0015] The electrodes provided in the present invention serve as core components of the electrolytic cell, fulfilling the crucial functions of conducting current, providing a reaction site, and determining the electrolysis products. During the electrolysis process, they act as a conductive medium, connecting an external power source and the electrolyte. The anode transfers electrons to anions, initiating an oxidation reaction, while the cathode receives electrons from cations, initiating a reduction reaction, thereby achieving current conduction. The electrode surface is also the primary site for electrochemical reactions, and its material and surface properties influence reaction rate and selectivity. The electrolytic cell diaphragm, positioned between the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell, may appear thin and lightweight, but it fulfills multiple critical functions, including separating the reactants at the anode and cathode, regulating ion migration, improving electrolysis efficiency, and ensuring equipment safety. It prevents direct contact between the reaction products at the two electrodes, preventing short circuits and side reactions. At the same time, its selective permeability allows the directional migration of specific ions, maintaining charge balance. Furthermore, the diaphragm optimizes the ion transport path, reducing ohmic voltage drop and concentration polarization, improving electrolysis efficiency, and preventing safety hazards caused by reactant mixing. For example, hydrogen or oxygen passing through the diaphragm could cause an explosion.

[0016] Furthermore, the cathode electrode and the anode electrode used in the present invention are both made of Baoshilai 5.0, the diaphragm is made of PPS, the elastic mesh material is N6, and the metal plate is made of nickel-plated carbon steel.

[0017] Furthermore, the aforementioned Baoshilai 5.0 is the fifth generation electrode produced by Baoshilai Company, N6 means nickel No. 6;

[0018] Furthermore, the plastic pole frame includes a first plastic pole frame and a second plastic pole frame;

[0019] One side of the first plastic pole frame is detachably connected to the cathode end plate, the other side of the first plastic pole frame is detachably connected to one side of the second plastic pole frame, and the other side of the second plastic pole frame is detachably connected to the anode end plate.

[0020] A V-shaped cavity is formed between the cathode end plate and the first plastic pole frame, another V-shaped cavity is formed between the first plastic pole frame and the second plastic pole frame, and another V-shaped cavity is formed between the second plastic pole frame and the anode end plate.

[0021] Furthermore, a fourth metal plate, a fifth elastic net, a third cathode electrode, a third diaphragm, a third anode electrode and a sixth elastic net are sequentially arranged between the first plastic pole frame and the second plastic pole frame (from the first plastic pole frame to the second plastic pole frame).

[0022] The middle pole frame of the multi-piece electrolytic cell structure of the present invention is made of plastic material, and the middle package is a metal plate, which is formed by injection molding, thereby reducing the use of metal materials. By replacing the technical pole frame with plastic, the cost of the electrolytic cell is greatly reduced.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] (1) In terms of improving electrolysis efficiency: As the core equipment for electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen, the performance of the electrolyzer has a significant impact on production efficiency and cost. The innovative design of the V-shaped chamber of the present invention significantly improves the operating efficiency of the electrolyzer from multiple dimensions. In terms of electrolyte distribution, the special geometric shape of the V-shaped chamber, compared with the rectangular chamber commonly used in industry, allows the electrolyte to be distributed more evenly in the tank, quickly and comprehensively covering the electrode surface, prompting hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions in the water electrolysis process to quickly migrate to the corresponding electrodes, accelerating the reaction speed, while reducing the electrolyte concentration gradient on the electrode surface, reducing concentration polarization, and maintaining ion concentration stability. In terms of gas discharge, the inclined surface design of the V-shaped chamber allows the bubbles generated on the electrode surface during the electrolysis process to quickly detach and be discharged along the wall, reducing the obstruction to the reaction. It provides a separation space for gas and electrolyte, achieving efficient separation of hydrogen and oxygen during water electrolysis to improve hydrogen purity. In addition, the V-shaped chamber increases the effective contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte, providing more reaction sites during the electrolysis process.

[0025] (2) Reducing nickel material consumption: The electrolytic cell of the present invention has undergone bold innovations in its design and manufacturing. Its end plates and intermediate pole frames abandon the traditional nickel-plated carbon steel solution and instead use affordable engineering plastics. This engineering plastic is not only low-cost but also has excellent corrosion resistance and insulation properties. This replacement significantly reduces the cost of the electrolytic cell's main materials, greatly improving the product's cost-effectiveness.

[0026] (3) Advantages of injection molding: The electrolytic cell is molded using a plastic pole frame and metal plate injection molding process, which can bring significant advantages from multiple aspects. It can simplify assembly, realize the molding of complex structures in one assembly, reduce secondary processing, greatly reduce labor and time costs, and the price of plastic is affordable. In terms of performance, the chemical corrosion resistance and insulation properties of plastic can not only prevent metal from contacting corrosive media and extend the life of the electrolytic cell, but also avoid current leakage, improve safety and work efficiency. During production, the injection molding cycle is short and one-time molding can be completed in a few minutes. It is suitable for automated production, improves efficiency and product consistency, and can also create pole frames with complex shapes to meet diverse designs. In terms of product quality, injection molding allows the plastic and metal plates to be firmly integrated, enhancing structural stability and mechanical strength. At the same time, the product quality is stable and the defect rate is low, which improves the reliability and durability of the electrolytic cell.

[0027] (4) Advantages of the one-piece molding process for electrolytic cells: The one-piece molding process for electrolytic cells shows significant advantages in multiple dimensions. In terms of cost, it reduces the material waste caused by the splicing of parts in traditional manufacturing, improves material utilization through one-time molding, saves procurement costs, simplifies the assembly process, and reduces labor and rework costs. In terms of performance, the seamless structure enhances sealing, avoids electrolyte leakage, optimizes the electric field distribution, improves electrolysis efficiency, and reduces energy consumption. In the production process, one-piece molding reduces processing steps, significantly shortens the production cycle, quickly responds to market demand, and is suitable for large-scale batch production, reducing unit costs. In terms of quality, the continuous and complete overall structure not only improves the structural strength and stability of the electrolytic cell and extends its service life, but also uses molds to ensure product dimensional accuracy, improve consistency, and reduce after-sales maintenance costs.

[0028] In summary, the electrolyzer of the present invention has made many innovations in design and manufacturing, bringing significant benefits. The V-shaped chamber design significantly improves the electrolysis efficiency by optimizing the electrolyte distribution and gas emissions, increasing the contact area between the electrode and the electrolyte. In terms of material application, engineering plastics are used instead of nickel-plated carbon steel to greatly reduce nickel material consumption and the cost of the main material. In terms of manufacturing technology, the plastic pole frame and metal plate injection molding process and one-piece molding process enhance the market competitiveness of the electrolyzer in all aspects from multiple dimensions such as simplifying the production process, improving material utilization, reducing costs, and enhancing product performance and quality, and promote the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen into a new stage of high efficiency, low cost, and high reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the one-piece V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell of the present invention;

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the structures represented by each reference numeral are listed as follows: 1-cathode end plate, 2-plastic pole frame, 3-anode end plate, 4-first metal plate, 5-first elastic net, 6-first cathode electrode, 7-first diaphragm, 8-first anode electrode, 9-second elastic net, 10-second metal plate, 11-third elastic net, 12-second cathode electrode, 13-second diaphragm, 14-second anode electrode, 15-fourth elastic net, 16-third metal plate, 17-fourth metal plate, 18-fifth elastic net, 19-third cathode electrode, 20-third diaphragm, 21-third anode electrode, 22-sixth elastic net, 201-first plastic pole frame, 202-second plastic pole frame.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembled multi-piece electrolytic cell with a V-shaped chamber formed integrally according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is the flow field uniformity diagram of the V-shaped chamber electrolyzer;

[0034] Figure 4 is the flow field uniformity diagram of the square chamber;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a comparison chart of the effects of square chamber and V-shaped chamber on electrolytic cell performance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, 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 intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] An integrally assembled V-shaped chamber multi-plate electrolytic cell comprises a cathode end plate 1, a plastic pole frame 2 and an anode end plate 3;

[0043] The plastic pole frame 2 is arranged between the cathode end plate 1 and the anode end plate 3, and the plastic pole frame 2 is detachably connected to the cathode end plate 1 and the anode end plate 3;

[0044] Both sides of the plastic pole frame 1 are provided with grooves matching the V-shaped cavity; the side of the cathode end plate 1 facing the plastic pole frame 2 is provided with a groove matching the V-shaped cavity, and the side of the anode end plate 3 facing the plastic pole frame 2 is provided with a groove matching the V-shaped cavity;

[0045] A first metal plate 4, a first elastic net 5, a first cathode electrode 6, a first diaphragm 7, a first anode electrode 8 and a second elastic net 9 are sequentially provided between the cathode end plate 1 and the plastic pole frame 2;

[0046] A second metal plate 10 , a third elastic net 11 , a second cathode electrode 12 , a second diaphragm 13 , a second anode electrode 14 , a fourth elastic net 15 and a third metal plate 16 are sequentially arranged between the plastic pole frame 2 and the anode end plate 3 .

[0047] In some embodiments, the plastic pole frame 2 includes a first plastic pole frame 201 and a second plastic pole frame 202 ;

[0048] One side of the first plastic pole frame 201 is detachably connected to the cathode terminal plate 1 , the other side of the first plastic pole frame 201 is detachably connected to one side of the second plastic pole frame 202 , and the other side of the second plastic pole frame 202 is detachably connected to the anode terminal plate 3 .

[0049] In other embodiments, a fourth metal plate 17 , a fifth elastic net 18 , a third cathode electrode 19 , a third diaphragm 20 , a third anode electrode 21 and a sixth elastic net 22 are sequentially disposed between the first plastic pole frame 201 and the second plastic pole frame 202 .

[0050] Example 2

[0051] (1) Assemble an integrated V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell, which contains multiple electrolysis chambers. Connect the piping, circuit, circulation pump, alkali liquid tank, alkali liquid filter, post-processing system and other equipment.

[0052] (2) Add electrolyte (30 wt% KOH aqueous solution) solution into the electrolytic cell and start the water electrolysis hydrogen production reaction by applying a constant current.

[0053] (3) Record the electrolytic cell voltage at different currents and calculate the energy consumption.

[0054] (4) Simultaneously record the electrolysis time and calculate the electrolysis efficiency.

[0055] (5) Conduct long-term electrolysis under operating conditions (30 wt% KOH aqueous solution, 95°C temperature, 360 L / h flow rate) for one month, observe that there is no leakage in the electrolytic cell, and complete the long-term sealing test.

[0056] Attachment Figure 2-4 The experimental results show that the flow field of the V-shaped chamber electrolytic cell of the present invention is more uniform and the electrolytic cell voltage is lower (3000A / m 2 @2V), square electrolytic cell (3000A / m 2 @2.2V)

[0057] Table 1 Comparison of electrolytic gas production of multi-piece structure and single-piece structure electrolytic cells

[0058]

[0059] The multi-piece structure in Table 1 is obtained by expanding 3 electrolysis chambers into 5 electrolysis chambers according to the solution of Example 1. The results in Table 1 show that the multi-piece structure of the present invention increases the hydrogen production by 4 times without affecting the performance of the electrolyzer.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel one-piece V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell, characterized in that: Including cathode terminal plate, plastic pole frame and anode terminal plate; The plastic pole frame is arranged between the cathode end plate and the anode end plate, and the plastic pole frame is detachably connected to the cathode end plate and the anode end plate; Both sides of the plastic pole frame are provided with grooves matching the V-shaped cavity; the side of the cathode end plate facing the plastic pole frame is provided with a groove matching the V-shaped cavity, and the side of the anode end plate facing the plastic pole frame is provided with a groove matching the V-shaped cavity; A first metal plate, a first elastic net, a first cathode electrode, a first diaphragm, a first anode electrode and a second elastic net are sequentially provided between the cathode end plate and the plastic pole frame; A second metal plate, a third elastic net, a second cathode electrode, a second diaphragm, a second anode electrode, a fourth elastic net and a third metal plate are sequentially arranged between the plastic pole frame and the anode end plate.

2. A novel one-piece V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic pole frame includes a first plastic pole frame and a second plastic pole frame; One side of the first plastic pole frame is detachably connected to the cathode end plate, the other side of the first plastic pole frame is detachably connected to one side of the second plastic pole frame, and the other side of the second plastic pole frame is detachably connected to the anode end plate.

3. A novel one-piece V-shaped chamber multi-piece electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: A fourth metal plate, a fifth elastic net, a third cathode electrode, a third diaphragm, a third anode electrode and a sixth elastic net are sequentially arranged between the first plastic pole frame and the second plastic pole frame.

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