Electrolysis unit suitable for electrolytic bath and electrolytic bath

Abstract

The invention provides an electrolysis unit suitable for an electrolytic bath and the electrolytic bath. The diaphragm is combined between the two polar plates in a sealing manner, so that the diaphragm and the two polar plates form two cavities suitable for accommodating electrolyte; the insulating spacer is arranged between one polar plate and the diaphragm to form a corresponding cavity; the cathode layer and the anode layer are respectively positioned in the two chambers, so that the electrolyte reacts to separate out hydrogen and oxygen; the two supporting parts are located in the two cavities respectively, one supporting part is located between the polar plate and the cathode layer, the other supporting part is located between the polar plate and the anode layer, and the elasticity of the supporting parts is larger than that of the polar plate, so that the diaphragm is attached to the cathode layer and the anode layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the technical field of hydrogen production by electrolysis of water, and in particular to an electrolysis unit and an electrolysis cell suitable for an electrolysis cell. Background Art

[0002] The main principle of hydrogen production by water electrolysis is that water molecules are dissociated into oxygen and hydrogen under the action of direct current, and are respectively precipitated from the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell.

[0003] During the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, gas is continuously generated and discharged from the chambers on both sides of the electrolyzer's diaphragm. Due to the dynamic changes in the rate of gas generation and discharge, as well as the constant temperature fluctuations, the electrolyzer undergoes repeated thermal expansion and contraction, affecting the contact between the diaphragm and the electrodes. The electrolyzer must withstand the pressure and temperature fluctuations on both sides of the diaphragm during the electrolysis reaction, maintaining close contact between the diaphragm and the electrodes and minimizing the impact on electrolysis efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an electrolysis unit and an electrolysis cell suitable for an electrolysis cell, which are used to at least partially solve the above technical problems, can maintain the chamber sealing, and at the same time make the diaphragm in close contact with the cathode layer and the anode layer to improve the electrolysis efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electrolytic unit suitable for an electrolytic cell is provided, comprising a diaphragm; two electrode plates, the diaphragm being sealed and combined between the two electrode plates to form two chambers suitable for containing an electrolyte with the two electrode plates; an insulating gasket being arranged between one of the electrode plates and the diaphragm to form the corresponding chamber; a cathode layer and an anode layer being respectively located in the two chambers, so that the electrolyte reacts to release hydrogen and oxygen; and two supporting parts being respectively located in the two chambers, one supporting part being located between the electrode plate and the cathode layer, and the other supporting part being located between the electrode plate and the anode layer, the elasticity of the supporting part being greater than the elasticity of the electrode plate, so that the diaphragm is in contact with the cathode layer and the anode layer.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the electrode plates includes: a groove, which is located on the side of the electrode plate facing the diaphragm and forms the chamber with the diaphragm; and an annular boss, which surrounds the groove and is provided with a liquid inlet allowing the electrolyte to enter the chamber, and an outlet allowing the hydrogen or oxygen to be discharged.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flow channel is provided on each of the support portions to guide the electrolyte to disperse and flow in the chamber.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first surface of the support portion facing the separator has a contact surface in contact with the cathode layer or the anode layer.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow channel is located on the first surface of the support portion, or on the first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support portion includes a mesh structure formed by interconnected multiple grid units, each of the grid units includes at least three connecting rods, and at least three of the connecting rods are sequentially connected to form a closed structure. The first end of each connecting rod is overlapped with the first contact surface of the adjacent connecting rod, and the second end is overlapped with the second contact surface of another adjacent connecting rod opposite to the first contact surface.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the grid monomer ranges from 0.4 mm to 14 mm.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire diameter of the connecting rod ranges from 0.5 mm to 8 mm.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of each connecting rod is located on the first surface, the second end of each connecting rod is located on the second surface, each connecting rod is obliquely arranged between the first surface and the second surface, and forms the flow channel with the gap between the first surface and the second surface.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of the grid monomer is located on a first contact surface of an adjacent grid monomer, and the second end of the grid monomer opposite to the first end is located on a second contact surface of another adjacent grid monomer opposite to the first contact surface.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of each of the grid monomers is located on the first surface, the second end of each of the grid monomers is located on the second surface, and each of the grid monomers is obliquely arranged between the first surface and the second surface, and forms the flow channel with the gap between the first surface and the second surface.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a nickel foam layer is provided between the cathode layer and the support portion; and / or a nickel foam layer is provided between the anode layer and the support portion.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electrolytic cell is provided, comprising a plurality of electrolytic units as described above, wherein the plurality of electrolytic units are stacked in sequence to form a stacking structure; two end plates are respectively located at both ends of the stacking structure; and an installation assembly is provided for fixing the stacking structure to the two end plates.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode plates and diaphragms of the stacked structure are stacked alternately in sequence, and both sides of each electrode plate of the electrolysis unit form a cavity with the corresponding diaphragm, so that each electrode plate forms another electrolysis unit with other electrode plates.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the chamber of each of the electrolytic units includes a first chamber and a second chamber, a plurality of liquid inlet holes connected to the first chamber are aligned in the stacking direction to form a first liquid inlet channel, and a plurality of liquid inlet holes connected to the second chamber are aligned in the stacking direction to form a second liquid inlet channel, and the first liquid inlet channel and the second liquid inlet channel are constructed to allow the electrolyte to enter the first chamber and the second chamber of each of the electrolytic units, respectively.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of gas outlet holes connected to the first chamber are aligned in the stacking direction to form a first gas outlet channel, and a plurality of gas outlet holes connected to the second chamber are aligned in the stacking direction to form a second gas outlet channel, and the first gas outlet channel and the second gas outlet channel are constructed to allow the hydrogen or the oxygen to be discharged.

[0021] According to the electrolytic cell and electrolytic cell provided by the present disclosure, a diaphragm is located between two electrode plates, thereby forming two chambers with the two electrode plates, and an insulating gasket is located between one of the electrode plates and the diaphragm. As the temperature continues to rise during the electrolysis reaction, the insulating gasket will slightly deform and expand or contract with the temperature change, thereby preventing the electrolytic cell from being affected by the temperature change and maintaining the chamber seal. The cathode layer and the anode layer are respectively located in the two chambers. Under the action of direct current, the electrolysis reaction occurs in the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyte contained in the chamber is dissociated to release hydrogen and oxygen. Due to the continuous gas precipitation, the air pressure in the chambers on both sides of the diaphragm also fluctuates continuously, causing the diaphragm to slightly deform with the change in air pressure, slightly bending from the chamber with higher air pressure to the chamber with lower air pressure, resulting in a lack of close contact between the diaphragm and the cathode layer and the anode layer. Two support portions are located between the electrode plate and the cathode layer and between the electrode plate and the anode layer, respectively, and the two support portions are in close contact with the cathode layer, the anode layer, and the diaphragm. Since the elasticity of the support part is greater than that of the electrode plate, it can resist the slight deformation of the insulating gasket and the slight deformation of the diaphragm due to air pressure fluctuations. The two support parts elastically support the cathode layer and the anode layer on both sides of the diaphragm, respectively, so that the diaphragm is in close contact with the cathode layer and the anode layer, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1Schematically shows an exploded view of an electrolysis unit of an electrolysis cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrolysis cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an electrolysis unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 Schematically shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 Schematically shows a partial view of a support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 Schematically shows a partial diagram of a grid monomer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 Schematically shows a partial side view of a support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 Schematically shows a partial view of a support portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9 Schematically shows a partial diagram of a grid unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 Schematically shows a partial side view of a support portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 11 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0034] Reference numerals

[0035] 1. Diaphragm; 11. Chamber; 111. First Chamber; 112. Second Chamber; 2. Cathode Layer; 3. Anode Layer; 4. Plate; 4a. First Plate; 4b. First Plate; 41. Liquid Inlet; 411. First Liquid Inlet; 4111. First Main Liquid Inlet; 4112. First Sub-Liquid Inlet; 412. Second Liquid Inlet; 4121. Second Main Liquid Inlet; 4122. Second Sub-Liquid Inlet; 42. Air Outlet; 43. Boss; 44. Groove; 4 5. Through hole; 46. Waistline; 5. Support portion; 51. First surface; 52. Second surface; 53. Flow channel; 54. Grid unit; 541. Connecting rod; 542. First contact surface; 543. Second contact surface; 6. Nickel foam layer; 7. Electrolytic cell; 71. Stacking structure; 72. End plate; 73. Mounting assembly; 74. First total liquid inlet channel; 75. Second total liquid inlet channel; 76. First air outlet channel; 77. Second air outlet channel; 8. Insulating gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the present disclosure is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] The terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The terms "comprise," "include," etc. used herein indicate the presence of the features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0038] All terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of this specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly rigid manner.

[0039] It should also be noted that directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," and "right" mentioned in the embodiments are merely references to the directions in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, identical elements are represented by identical or similar reference numerals. Conventional structures or configurations will be omitted where they may cause confusion in understanding this disclosure.

[0040] Hydrogen energy refers to the energy released by hydrogen in physical and chemical processes, which can be used in transportation, industrial raw materials and energy, construction electricity, and energy storage. The main principle of hydrogen production by water electrolysis is that water molecules are dissociated into oxygen and hydrogen under the action of direct current, which are precipitated from the anode and cathode of the electrolyzer, respectively. During the process of hydrogen production by water electrolysis, the rate of gas generation and discharge is constantly changing dynamically, and the temperature is constantly changing, causing the electrolyzer to repeatedly experience thermal expansion and contraction, affecting the contact effect between the diaphragm and the electrode. Therefore, the electrolyzer needs to resist the pressure and temperature changes on both sides of the diaphragm during the electrolysis reaction, maintain close contact between the diaphragm and the electrode, and reduce the impact on the electrolysis efficiency.

[0041] Figure 1 An exploded view of an electrolysis unit of an electrolysis cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an electrolysis cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0042] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrolysis unit suitable for an electrolytic cell, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrolysis unit includes a diaphragm 1, a cathode layer 2, an anode layer 3, two electrode plates 4, two support parts 5 and an insulating gasket 8. The diaphragm 1 is sealed and combined between the two electrode plates 4 to form two chambers 11 suitable for accommodating electrolyte. The insulating gasket 8 is arranged between one of the electrode plates 4 and the diaphragm 1 to form a corresponding chamber 11. The cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 are respectively located in the two chambers 11, so that the electrolyte reacts to precipitate hydrogen and oxygen. The two support parts 5 are respectively located in the two chambers 11, one support part 5 is located between the electrode plate 4 and the cathode layer 2, and the other support part 5 is located between the electrode plate 4 and the anode layer 3. The elasticity of the support part 5 is greater than the elasticity of the electrode plate 4, so that the diaphragm 1 fits the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3.

[0043] It should be noted that during the hydrogen production process using water electrolysis, the diaphragm 1 allows ions to pass through but blocks electrons. For example, in anion exchange membrane electrolysis, the ions are typically hydroxide ions. In proton exchange membrane electrolysis, the ions are typically hydrogen ions. This allows ions to move from the anode to the cathode under the action of an electric field, completing the circuit while maintaining charge balance between the two electrodes. In this embodiment, the electrolysis unit is an anion electrolysis unit for hydrogen production, and the diaphragm 1 is an anion exchange membrane (AEM). The electrolyte can be water or an alkaline aqueous solution. The cathode layer 2 and anode layer 3 are generally constructed from corrosion-resistant metal materials to provide mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Catalytic materials for the cathode layer 2 can include platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), nickel (Ni), or cobalt (Co). Catalytic materials for the anode layer 3 can include oxides of iridium (Ir) and ruthenium (Ru), as well as oxides of cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn). It is understandable that, where theory and practice permit, the electrolysis unit can also be applied to alkaline water electrolysis to produce hydrogen.

[0044] For example, Figure 2 As shown, two electrode plates 4 are arranged vertically opposite each other. A diaphragm 1 is vertically disposed between the two electrode plates 4, forming two chambers 11 for containing the electrolyte. An insulating gasket 8 is disposed between one of the electrode plates 4 and the diaphragm 1, sealing the diaphragm 1 and the two electrode plates 4. The cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 are located in the two chambers 11, respectively. Under the action of direct current, an electrolytic reaction occurs within the electrolysis unit, and the electrolyte contained in the chambers 11 is dissociated to release hydrogen and oxygen.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an insulating gasket 8 is disposed between one of the electrode plates 4 and the diaphragm 1, ensuring elastic contact between the diaphragm 1 and the electrode plate 4. As the temperature continues to rise during the electrolysis reaction, the insulating gasket 8 undergoes slight deformation and expands or contracts with the temperature change, thereby allowing the electrolytic cell to resist the effects of temperature changes and maintain the sealing of the chamber 11, thereby effectively isolating the electrolyte in the chamber 11 from the external environment.

[0046] The air pressure in the chambers 11 on both sides of the diaphragm 1 is also constantly fluctuating, causing the diaphragm 1 to deform slightly with the air pressure changes, slightly bending from the chamber 1 on the side with higher air pressure to the chamber 1 on the side with lower air pressure, resulting in the diaphragm 1 not being in close contact with the cathode layer 6 and the anode layer 7. To this end, the two support portions 5 are located between the electrode plate 4 and the cathode layer 2 and between the electrode plate 4 and the anode layer 3, respectively. Because the elasticity of the support portions 5 is greater than that of the electrode plate 4, they can resist the slight deformation of the insulating gasket 8 and the slight deformation of the diaphragm 1 caused by air pressure fluctuations. Therefore, the two support portions 5 elastically support the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 on both sides of the diaphragm 1, respectively, so that the diaphragm 1 is in close contact with the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency. Both sides of the diaphragm 1 can be subjected to the elastic force of the support portions 5, making the force on the diaphragm 1 more balanced, reducing the degree of slight deformation of the diaphragm 1, and preventing the diaphragm 1 from being subjected to uneven force on one side, resulting in a local area being subjected to greater external extrusion pressure and being cut.

[0047] The diaphragm 1 is in close contact with the cathode layer 6 and the anode layer 7, which can effectively reduce the volume of the gas layer formed due to gas accumulation between the diaphragm 1 and the cathode layer 6 and the anode layer 7, and reduce the obstruction of the gas layer to the flow of the electrolyte; it can reduce the volume in the chamber 1 that does not participate in the electrolysis reaction; it can reduce the resistance and reduce the loss of electrical energy converted into heat energy, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, insulating gasket 8 may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the spring rate of insulating gasket 8 may range from 40% to 40.5%, for example, 40%, 40.1%, 40.2%, 40.3%, 40.4%, 40.5%, etc. The thickness of insulating gasket 8 may range from 2 mm to 3 mm, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, etc. The thickness of insulating gasket 8 may be determined based on actual needs.

[0049] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electrolysis cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each electrode plate 4 includes a groove 44 and an annular boss 43. The groove 44 is located on the side of the electrode plate 4 facing the diaphragm 1 and forms a chamber 11 with the diaphragm 1. The annular boss 43 surrounds the groove 44 and is provided with a liquid inlet 41 for allowing electrolyte to enter the chamber 11 and an outlet 42 for allowing hydrogen or oxygen to be discharged.

[0051] Specifically, the electrode plate 4 can be formed into a plate-like structure. The electrode plate 4 can be a circular plate, a rectangular plate, or a polygonal plate, etc., depending on actual needs. It is understood that the boss 43 can also be configured as a rectangle or a polygon, depending on actual needs. For convenience, the following description uses the case where the electrode plate 4 is circular and has an annular boss 43 and a circular groove 44 as an example.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, each electrode plate 4 is provided with a groove 44. The center area of ​​the electrode plate 4 facing the diaphragm 1 is recessed inward relative to the boss 43 to form the groove 44. The groove 44 and the diaphragm 1 form a chamber 11. The outer periphery of the electrode plate 4 is raised to form an annular boss 43. The boss 43 surrounds the groove 44. The edge of the diaphragm 1 is clamped between the inner edges of the two bosses 43. The liquid inlet hole 41 (located at Figure 4 The vent hole 42 (located at the lower left of the center) is formed on the boss 43 and communicates with the groove 44 to allow the electrolyte to enter the chamber 11. Figure 4 The upper right corner of the figure is formed on the boss 43 and communicates with the groove 44 to allow hydrogen or oxygen to be discharged.

[0053] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each plate 4 has two grooves 44, one on each side of the plate 4 ( Figure 3 The center area of ​​the left and right sides of the electrode plate 4 in the electrolytic unit is recessed inward relative to the respective bosses 43 to form a groove 44. The two opposite grooves 44 are separated by a common bottom wall, and the grooves 44 and the diaphragm 1 form a chamber 11. In this case, this electrode plate 4 can be called a bipolar plate. The outer periphery of the opposite sides of the electrode plate 4 protrudes to form an annular boss 43, and the boss 43 surrounds the groove 44. The edge position of the diaphragm 1 is clamped between the inner edges of the bosses 43 of the two electrode plates 4. Both sides of each electrode plate 4 of the electrolytic unit form a chamber 11 with the corresponding diaphragm 1, so that each electrode plate 4 of the electrolytic unit is in contact with the other electrode plates ( Figure 3 The electrode plates other than the two electrode plates 4 shown in FIG. 1 ) form another electrolytic unit.

[0054] Specifically, Figure 3The first electrode plate 4a is located on the left, and the second electrode plate 4b is located on the right. The diaphragm 1 is located between the first electrode plate 4a and the second electrode plate 4b, and forms a chamber 11 with the groove 44 on the right side of the first electrode plate 4a and the groove 44 on the left side of the second electrode plate 4b. The diaphragm 1 can also be located on the left side of the first electrode plate 4a and another electrode plate (not shown in the figure) located on the left side of the first electrode plate 4a, and form a chamber 11 with the groove 44 on the left side of the first electrode plate 4a and the groove on the right side of the other electrode plate (not shown in the figure) located on the left side of the first electrode plate 4a, to form another electrolytic unit. The way in which the second electrode plate 4b and another electrode plate located on the right side of the second electrode plate 4b form another electrolytic unit is the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the first side of the plate 4 is shown ( Figure 4 The front side of the plate 4 is not shown, and the second side of the plate 4 is opposite to the first side ( Figure 4 The back of the middle plate 4). The liquid inlet 41 is formed on the boss 43. The liquid inlet 41 may include a first liquid inlet 411 and a second liquid inlet 412. The first liquid inlet 411 (located at Figure 4 The second liquid inlet 412 (located at the upper left of the middle) can be connected to the groove 44 of the first side through the through hole 45, allowing the electrolyte to enter the chamber 11 of the first side. Figure 4 The air outlet 42 is formed on the boss 43 and may include a first air outlet 421 and a second air outlet 422. The first air outlet 421 (located at Figure 4 The second outlet hole 422 (located at the bottom right of the middle) is connected to the groove 44 on the first side, allowing hydrogen or oxygen to be discharged. Figure 4 The upper right center portion is connected to the groove 44 on the second side surface to allow hydrogen or oxygen to be discharged.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the two support parts 5 are respectively located in the two chambers 11, that is, respectively located between the electrode 4 and the cathode layer 2 and between the anode layer 3 and the electrode 4, so that the cathode layer 2, the anode layer 3 and the diaphragm 1 are in close contact. The elasticity of the support part 5 is greater than the elasticity of the electrode 4, thereby being able to resist the slight deformation of the insulating gasket 8 and the slight deformation of the diaphragm 1 due to air pressure fluctuations. The two support parts 5 elastically support the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 on both sides of the diaphragm 1, respectively, so that the diaphragm 1 is in close contact with the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 to improve the electrolysis efficiency. Both sides of the diaphragm 1 can be subjected to the elastic force of the support part 5, so that the force on the diaphragm 1 is more balanced, the degree of slight deformation of the diaphragm 1 is reduced, and the diaphragm 1 is prevented from being subjected to uneven force on one side, resulting in a local area being subjected to a large external extrusion force and being cut.

[0057] Figure 5 A partial view of a support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 6 A partial diagram of a grid cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 7 A partial side view of a support portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each support portion 5 is provided with a flow channel 53 to guide the electrolyte to disperse and flow within the chamber 11. The flow channel 53 can have a serpentine structure, a grid structure, a mesh structure, etc., and is specifically defined according to actual needs. By providing the flow channel 53, the electrolyte can be more evenly dispersed within the chamber 11, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first surface 51 of the support portion 5 facing the separator 1 has a contact surface that forms a surface contact with the cathode layer 2 or the anode layer 3. In this way, the compressive force on the cathode layer 2, the anode layer 3 and the separator 1 can be dispersed, stress concentration can be reduced, and damage to the cathode layer 2, the anode layer 3 and the separator 1 can be reduced.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the flow channel 53 is located on the first surface 51 of the support portion 5 , or on the first surface 51 and a second surface 52 opposite to the first surface 51 .

[0061] Specifically, the two support portions 5 are respectively located in the two chambers 11, and the first surface 51 of the support portion 5 is in close contact with the cathode layer 2 or the anode layer 3. The flow channel 53 on the first surface 51 of the support portion 5 can guide the electrolyte to disperse and flow, increasing the contact area between the electrolyte and the cathode layer 2 or the anode layer 3, so that the electrolyte is more evenly distributed in the chamber 11, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency. The flow channel 53 is provided on the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 of the support portion 5. The second surface 52 and the first surface 51 can be interconnected, which can increase the fluidity of the electrolyte and help to evenly disperse the electrolyte.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the support portion 5 comprises a mesh structure formed by interconnecting a plurality of grid units 54. Each grid unit 54 comprises at least three connecting rods 541, and at least three connecting rods 541 are sequentially connected to form a closed structure. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the grid unit 54 includes four connecting rods 541, and the first end of each connecting rod 541 overlaps the first contact surface 542 of the adjacent connecting rod 541 ( Figure 6 The second end is connected to the second contact surface 543 (opposite to the first contact surface 542) of another adjacent connecting rod 541. Figure 6 bottom surface in the middle).

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the support portion 5 is made of nickel, titanium, or the like. The thickness of the mesh unit 54 ranges from 0.4 mm to 14 mm. For example, the thickness of the mesh unit 54 can be 0.4 mm, 2.4 mm, 4.4 mm, 6.4 mm, 8.4 mm, 14 mm, or the like.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the connecting rod 541 ranges from 0.5 mm to 8 mm. For example, the diameter of the connecting rod 541 can be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, 3.5 mm, 5 mm, 6.5 mm, 8 mm, etc.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrode plate 4 is made of a relatively hard metal material, such as high-carbon steel, stainless steel, or the like. The electrode plate 4 has a plate-like structure, and its thickness is greater than that of the support portion 5. This makes the plate-like structure of the electrode plate 4 less elastic than that of the support portion 5, and the elasticity of the electrode plate 4 in the thickness direction is negligible.

[0066] Since the support portion 5 is a mesh structure formed by interconnecting a plurality of grid monomers 54, a flow channel 53 is provided on the first surface 51 of the support portion 5, or on the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 opposite to the first surface 51. The flow channel 53 forms a hollow portion between the support portion 5 and the electrode plate 4, making it easier for the support portion 5 to bend or stretch in the hollow portion, so that the elasticity of the support portion 5 in the thickness direction is greater than the elasticity of the electrode plate 4 in the thickness direction.

[0067] In addition, the multiple connecting rods 541 of the grid monomer 54 of the support part 5 form a hollow part, so that the support part 5 has more freedom to deform or move slightly in the length and width directions, and thus makes the support part 5 more likely to bend or stretch in the thickness direction when an external force acts, further increasing the elasticity of the support part 5 in the thickness direction, so that the elasticity of the support part 5 is greater than that of the plate-like structure of the electrode 4.

[0068] In such an embodiment, the two support parts 5 elastically support the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 on both sides of the diaphragm 1, respectively, and can resist the slight deformation of the insulating gasket 8 and the slight deformation of the diaphragm 1 due to air pressure fluctuations, so that the diaphragm 1 is in close contact with the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 to improve the electrolysis efficiency.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the first end of each connecting rod 541 is located on the first surface 51 ( Figure 7 The second end of each connecting rod 541 is located on the second surface 52 ( Figure 7 The lower surface of the mesh support portion 5 is formed by each connecting rod 541 being obliquely arranged between the first surface 51 and the second surface 52, and forming a flow channel 53 with the gap between the first surface 51 and the second surface 52. The flow channel 53 is located on the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 of the mesh support portion 5.

[0070] Figure 8 A partial view of a support portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 9 A partial diagram of a grid cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0071] In another exemplary embodiment, Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the grid unit 54 includes four connecting rods 541. The first end ( Figure 8 The lower end of the grid) is located at the first contact surface 542 ( Figure 9 On the top surface of the grid monomer 54, the second end ( Figure 8 The upper end of the grid) is located at the second contact surface 543 ( Figure 9 on the bottom surface of the ).

[0072] Figure 10 A partial side view of a support portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the first end of each grid monomer 54 ( Figure 10 The right end of the middle grid unit 54 is located on the first surface 51 ( Figure 10 The upper surface in the middle), the second end of each grid monomer 54 ( Figure 10 The left end of the middle grid unit 54 is located on the second surface 52 ( Figure 10 The lower surface in the middle), each grid unit 54 is obliquely arranged between the first surface 51 and the second surface 52, and forms a flow channel 53 with the gap between the first surface 51 and the second surface 52.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow channel 53 of the support portion 5 guides the electrolyte to flow alternately on the first surface 51 and the second surface 52 of the support portion 5, so that the electrolyte in the cavity is evenly dispersed, increasing the contact area between the electrolyte and the cathode layer 2 and / or the anode layer 3, and improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the electrode plate 4 and support portion 5 are formed as separate components. The electrode plate 4 and support portion 5 are in contact and mating with each other. The support portion 5 and electrode plate 4 are two separate components, adopting a modular structure, allowing the support portion 5 to be replaced as needed. If the support portion 5 or electrode plate 4 is damaged, only the support portion 5 or electrode plate 4 can be replaced, effectively reducing costs.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, a nickel foam layer 6 is provided between the cathode layer 2 and the support portion 5; and / or a nickel foam layer 6 is provided between the anode layer 3 and the support portion 5. The nickel foam layer 6 can play a catalytic role, improving the catalytic efficiency and the electrolysis efficiency.

[0077] Figure 11 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0078] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided an electrolytic cell 7, such as Figure 11 As shown, the electrolytic cell 7 includes a plurality of electrolytic cells as described above, two end plates 72, and a mounting assembly 73. The plurality of electrolytic cells of the electrolytic cell 7 are stacked in sequence to form a stack structure 71. The two end plates 72 are located at opposite ends of the stack structure 71. The mounting assembly 73 is adapted to secure the stack structure 71 to the two end plates 72.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 11As shown, the electrolytic cells are arranged vertically, and multiple electrolytic cells are stacked in sequence in the horizontal direction to form a stack structure 71. Two end plates 72 are located on the left and right sides of the stack structure 71, respectively, and the end plates 72 are coaxially aligned with the stack structure 71. The mounting assembly 73 includes a plurality of bolts, which surround the outside of the stack structure 71 and are evenly spaced. The periphery of the end plates 72 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes for mounting the bolts. The plurality of bolts pass through the plurality of mounting holes, respectively, and are suitable for fixing the stack structure 71 to the two end plates 72.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the electrode plates 4 and the diaphragms 1 of the stacking structure 71 are stacked alternately in sequence, and both sides of each electrode plate 4 of the electrolytic unit form a cavity 11 with the corresponding diaphragm 1, so that each electrode plate 4 and another adjacent electrode plate 4 form another electrolytic unit.

[0081] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the electrolytic cell includes two electrode plates 4. The electrode plates 4 and the diaphragms 1 of the stacked structure 71 are arranged alternately. The central area of ​​each electrode plate 4 on the side facing the diaphragm 1 is recessed inward relative to the boss 43 to form a groove 44. In other words, each electrode plate 4 is provided with two grooves 44, one on the left and one on the right side of the electrode plate 4.

[0082] The electrode plate 4 on the left side of the electrolytic cell is the first electrode plate 4a, and the electrode plate 4 on the right side is the second electrode plate 4b. The groove 44 on the right side of the first electrode plate 4a and the groove 44 on the left side of the second electrode plate 4b form a chamber 11 with the diaphragm 1, thus forming an electrolytic cell. The groove 44 on the left side of the first electrode plate 4a and the groove 44 on the right side of the electrode plate 4 to the left of the first electrode plate 4a (not shown in the figure) form another electrolytic cell. The groove 44 on the right side of the second electrode plate 4b and the groove 44 on the left side of the electrode plate 4 to the right of the second electrode plate 4b (not shown in the figure) form another electrolytic cell.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each electrode plate 4 is provided with two grooves 44, so that each electrode plate 4 of the electrolytic unit forms a chamber 11 with the corresponding diaphragm 1, and each electrode plate 4 forms another electrolytic unit with other electrode plates 4, which can reduce the volume of the stacking structure 71, thereby reducing the volume of the electrolytic cell 7.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, the chamber 11 of each electrolysis unit includes a first chamber 111 ( Figure 4 The middle front chamber) and the second chamber 112 ( Figure 4 In this way, the first chambers 111 and the second chambers 112 of the plurality of electrolytic units of the electrolytic tank 7 are alternately arranged in sequence.

[0085] Furthermore, if Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, a guide groove (not shown in the figure) may be formed on the end plate 72 of the electrolytic cell. In an exemplary embodiment, the first liquid inlet hole 411 may include a first total liquid inlet hole 4111 and a first sub-liquid inlet hole 4112. The first liquid inlet hole 411 may not be completely connected to the first chamber 111. For example, the first total liquid inlet hole 4111 is not connected to the first chamber 11, but is connected to the first chamber 111 through the through hole 45 via the first sub-liquid inlet hole 4112. The first total liquid inlet hole 4111 of each electrode plate 4 is aligned in the stacking direction to form a first total liquid inlet channel 74. The first sub-liquid inlet hole 4112 of each electrode plate 4 is aligned in the stacking direction to form a first sub-liquid inlet channel (not shown in the figure). The first total liquid inlet channel 74 may be connected to the first sub-liquid inlet channel through the guide groove. The electrolyte can enter the electrolytic cell through the first main liquid inlet channel 74 and flow into the first sub-liquid inlet channel through the guide groove at the end plate 72 of the electrolytic cell, that is, into the first sub-liquid inlet hole 4112 of each electrode plate 4, and then flow into the corresponding first chamber 11.

[0086] The second liquid inlet 412 may include a second main liquid inlet 4121 and second sub-liquid inlet 4122. The second liquid inlet 4122 may not be fully connected to the second chamber 112. For example, the second main liquid inlet 4121 is not connected to the second chamber 112, but is connected to the second chamber 112 via another through-hole via the second sub-liquid inlet 4122. The second main liquid inlet 4121 of each electrode plate 4 is aligned in the stacking direction to form a second main liquid inlet channel 75. Each second sub-liquid inlet 4122 is aligned in the stacking direction to form a second sub-liquid inlet channel (not shown). The second main liquid inlet channel 75 can be connected to the second sub-liquid inlet channel via a guide groove. The electrolyte can enter the electrolytic cell through the second main liquid inlet channel 75 and flow through the guide groove at the end plate 72 of the electrolytic cell into the second sub-liquid inlet channel, that is, into the second sub-liquid inlet 4122 of each electrode plate 4, and then into the corresponding second chamber 112.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, the gas outlet holes 42 may include a first gas outlet hole 421 and a second gas outlet hole 422. The first gas outlet hole 421 of each electrode plate 4 communicates with the first chamber 111 and is aligned in the stacking direction to form a first gas outlet channel 76. The second gas outlet hole 422 of each electrode plate 4 communicates with the second chamber 112 and is aligned in the stacking direction to form a second gas outlet channel 77. The first gas outlet channel 76 and the second gas outlet channel 77 are configured to allow hydrogen or oxygen to be discharged.

[0088] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrolyte can enter the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 of each electrolytic cell through the first liquid inlet channel 74 and the second liquid inlet channel 75, respectively. Under the action of direct current, the electrolyte in the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 is dissociated to release hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen are discharged through the first outlet channel 76 and the second outlet channel 77, respectively. Multiple electrolytic cells are provided in the stacked structure 71 of the electrolytic cell 7, achieving integration.

[0089] According to the electrolytic cell and electrolytic cell 7 provided by the present disclosure and applicable to the electrolytic cell 7, the diaphragm 1 is located between the two electrode plates 4, thereby forming two chambers 11 with the two electrode plates 4, and the insulating gasket 8 is located between one of the electrode plates 4 and the diaphragm 1. As the temperature continues to rise during the electrolytic reaction, the insulating gasket 8 will have a slight deformation and expand or contract with the temperature change, so that the electrolytic cell resists the influence of the temperature change and maintains the chamber 11 sealed. The cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 are respectively located in the two chambers 11. Under the action of direct current, the electrolytic reaction occurs in the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyte contained in the chamber 11 is dissociated to release hydrogen and oxygen. Due to the continuous precipitation of gas, the air pressure in the chambers on both sides of the diaphragm 1 is also constantly fluctuating, which will cause the diaphragm 1 to have a slight deformation with the change in air pressure, and slightly bend from the chamber 11 on the side with higher air pressure to the chamber 11 on the side with lower air pressure, resulting in the diaphragm 1 not being in close contact with the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3. The two support portions 5 are located between the electrode plate 4 and the cathode layer 2, and between the electrode plate 4 and the anode layer 3, respectively. The two support portions 5 are in close contact with the cathode layer 2, the anode layer 3, and the diaphragm 1. Because the elasticity of the support portions 5 is greater than that of the electrode plate 4, they can resist slight deformations of the insulating gasket 8 and slight deformations of the diaphragm 1 due to air pressure fluctuations. The two support portions 5 elastically support the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3 on both sides of the diaphragm 1, respectively, so that the diaphragm 1 is in close contact with the cathode layer 2 and the anode layer 3, thereby improving electrolysis efficiency.

[0090] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Although each embodiment has been described separately above, this does not mean that the measures in each embodiment cannot be used in combination to advantage. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may make various substitutions and modifications, which should all fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrolysis unit suitable for an electrolytic cell, characterized in that: include: diaphragm (1); Two electrode plates (4), the diaphragm (1) being sealed and combined between the two electrode plates (4) to form two chambers (11) suitable for containing electrolyte with the two electrode plates (4); an insulating gasket (8) disposed between one of the electrode plates (4) and the diaphragm (1) to form the corresponding chamber (11); The cathode layer (2) and the anode layer (3) are respectively located in the two chambers (11), so that the electrolyte reacts to release hydrogen and oxygen; as well as Two support parts (5) are respectively located in the two chambers (11), one support part (5) is located between the electrode plate (4) and the cathode layer (2), and the other support part (5) is located between the electrode plate (4) and the anode layer (3). The elasticity of the support portion (5) is greater than the elasticity of the electrode plate (4), so that the diaphragm (1) fits the cathode layer (2) and the anode layer (3).

2. The electrolysis unit according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the polar plates (4) comprises: a groove (44) located on a side of the electrode plate (4) facing the diaphragm (1) and forming the chamber (11) together with the diaphragm (1); and An annular boss (43) surrounds the groove (44), and the boss (43) is provided with a liquid inlet (41) for allowing the electrolyte to enter the chamber (11) and an outlet (42) for allowing the hydrogen or the oxygen to be discharged.

3. The electrolysis unit according to claim 1, characterized in that A flow channel (53) is provided on each of the support portions (5) to guide the electrolyte to disperse and flow within the chamber (11).

4. The electrolysis unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The first surface of the support portion (5) facing the separator (1) has a contact surface that forms surface contact with the cathode layer (2) or the anode layer (3).

5. The electrolysis unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The flow channel (53) is located on the first surface of the support portion (5), or on the first surface and a second surface (52) opposite to the first surface.

6. The electrolysis unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The support portion (5) comprises a mesh structure formed by interconnecting a plurality of grid units (54). Each grid unit (54) includes at least three connecting rods (541), and at least three connecting rods (541) are connected in sequence to form a closed structure. The first end of each connecting rod (541) is overlapped with the first contact surface (542) of the adjacent connecting rod (541), and the second end is overlapped with the second contact surface (543) of another adjacent connecting rod (541) opposite to the first contact surface (542).

7. The electrolysis unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The thickness of the grid unit (54) ranges from 0.4 mm to 14 mm.

8. The electrolysis unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The diameter of the connecting rod (541) ranges from 0.5 mm to 8 mm.

9. The electrolysis unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The first end of each connecting rod (541) is located on the first surface, the second end of each connecting rod (541) is located on the second surface (52), and each connecting rod (541) is obliquely arranged between the first surface and the second surface (52), and forms the flow channel (53) with the gap between the first surface and the second surface (52).

10. The electrolysis unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The first end of the grid monomer (54) is located on a first contact surface (542) of an adjacent grid monomer (54), and the second end of the grid monomer (54) opposite to the first end is located on a second contact surface (543) of another adjacent grid monomer (54) opposite to the first contact surface (542).

11. The electrolysis unit according to claim 10, characterized in that The first end of each grid monomer (54) is located on the first surface, the second end of each grid monomer (54) is located on the second surface (52), and each grid monomer (54) is obliquely arranged between the first surface and the second surface (52), and forms the flow channel (53) with the gap between the first surface and the second surface (52).

12. The electrolysis unit according to claim 1, wherein A nickel foam layer (6) is provided between the cathode layer (2) and the support portion (5); and / or, A foam nickel layer (6) is provided between the anode layer (3) and the support portion (5).

13. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that: include: A plurality of electrolytic units according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of electrolytic units are stacked in sequence to form a stacked structure (71); Two end plates (72), respectively located at two ends of the stacking structure (71); as well as The mounting assembly (73) is adapted to fix the stacking structure (71) and the two end plates (72).

14. The electrolytic cell according to claim 13, characterized in that The electrode plates (4) and the diaphragms (1) of the stacking structure (71) are stacked alternately in sequence, and both sides of each electrode plate (4) of the electrolysis unit form a chamber (11) with the corresponding diaphragm (1), so that each electrode plate (4) and other electrode plates (4) form another electrolysis unit.

15. The electrolytic cell according to claim 13, characterized in that Each chamber (11) of the electrolysis unit includes a first chamber (111) and a second chamber (112), A plurality of liquid inlet holes (41) communicating with the first chamber (111) are aligned in the stacking direction to form a first liquid inlet channel (74), and a plurality of liquid inlet holes (41) communicating with the second chamber (112) are aligned in the stacking direction to form a second liquid inlet channel (75). The first liquid inlet channel (74) and the second liquid inlet channel (75) are configured to allow the electrolyte to enter the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112) of each electrolytic unit, respectively.

16. The electrolytic cell according to claim 15, characterized in that A plurality of gas outlet holes (42) communicating with the first chamber (111) are aligned in the stacking direction to form a first gas outlet channel (76), and a plurality of gas outlet holes (42) communicating with the second chamber (112) are aligned in the stacking direction to form a second gas outlet channel (77), and the first gas outlet channel (76) and the second gas outlet channel (77) are constructed to allow the hydrogen or the oxygen to be discharged.

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