Method and device for controlling safe operation of alkaline water electrolytic tank

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolytic bath, which are characterized in that a protruding amount monitoring instrument capable of monitoring the protruding amount of one side of a polar plate along the radial direction is arranged on the alkaline water electrolytic bath and is used for monitoring the radial deformation displacement of the polar plate and providing a control signal source for the safe operation of the electrolytic bath. The invention provides a method and a device capable of accurately monitoring the protruding distance (protruding amount) of a polar plate in the running process of an alkaline water electrolytic tank in real time and automatically triggering an alarm or a safety interlocking action (such as load reduction and shutdown) when the protruding amount exceeds a safety threshold value, so as to prevent serious accidents such as sealing failure, leakage and structural damage. Safe and stable operation of equipment is guaranteed, and the service life of the alkaline water electrolyzer is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of alkaline water electrolyzers for hydrogen production, and in particular to a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer. Background Art

[0002] Under prolonged high-temperature, high-pressure operation, alkaline water electrolyzers can experience plastic deformation and radial displacement of the stacked plates due to factors such as material creep, uneven internal pressure distribution, thermal gradient stress, and electrolyte corrosion. This can cause the outer edges of the plates to protrude outward from the cell. Excessive plate protrusion can have serious consequences: seal failure, disrupting the seal between the end plates and the plate stack, leading to leakage of high-pressure alkali solution and hydrogen / oxygen, potentially causing safety hazards; structural damage, potentially breaking conductive connectors between the plates or damaging the cell body / end plates; and performance degradation, affecting current uniformity between the plates and reducing electrolysis efficiency. Existing technologies lack online, real-time, and quantitative monitoring of plate protrusion, typically relying on periodic shutdown inspections (visual inspection, caliper measurement, etc.). This fails to detect progressive deformation in a timely manner, posing a significant safety hazard.

[0003] At the same time, the scale of single electrolytic cells is getting larger and larger, which will cause the middle section of the unsupported electrolytic cell to sink during use (the middle section of the electrolytic cell bulges downward), and the left and right end plates to turn outward, etc., which will lead to leakage. The current mainstream electrolytic cell support structure adopts a point support structure, which reduces the occurrence of sinking in the middle section of the electrolytic cell. However, even if there is an evenly distributed point support structure under the electrolytic cell body, the downward force of the plates that are not affected by the support structure is still offset by the friction between the plates, which greatly affects the service life of the electrolytic cell. In addition, since the electrolytic cell body will deform during the start-up and shutdown process, the support structure in a fixed position will cause the plates to be subjected to additional lateral force provided by the support body when deformation occurs, increasing the deformation of the plates and the risk of electrolytic cell leakage.

[0004] Even if a fully supported sliding bracket is used to make the electrolytic cell evenly stressed during use, the purpose is to ensure that the sealing gasket of the electrolytic cell is evenly stressed due to thermal expansion and contraction, thereby increasing the service life of the electrolytic cell. The fully supported sliding bracket is composed of multiple support units, each of which can move radially as the electrolytic cell expands and contracts, and can continuously provide uniform support for the electrolytic cell, solving the problem of support misalignment caused by thermal expansion of the cell body during use of the electrolytic cell, extending the service life of the support unit, and reducing the possibility of gasket displacement caused by the force exerted by the support unit on the gasket. However, this fully supported bracket is very likely to fail during the long-term operation of the electrolytic cell, and the problem cannot be discovered in the first place, resulting in plate deformation over time as the electrolytic cell moves radially, which cannot be identified in time by the naked eye, thereby causing leakage in the electrolytic cell.

[0005] Therefore, in addition to designing the electrolytic cell support structure, it is also necessary to develop a method and device for safe operation control of the alkaline water electrolytic cell to protect the safe operation of the electrolytic cell. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above-mentioned issues, the present invention proposes a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer, aiming to provide a safety warning of the operating status of the alkaline water electrolyzer, thereby improving the safety of the alkaline water electrolyzer and extending its service life. The specific technical solution is as follows: A method for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer comprises arranging a protrusion monitoring instrument on the alkaline water electrolyzer that can monitor the protrusion of a plate along one radial side, so as to monitor the radial deformation and displacement of the plate and provide a source of control signals for the safe operation of the electrolyzer.

[0007] Preferably, the monitoring of the electrode plate by the protrusion monitoring instrument includes monitoring the protrusion on one side of the electrode plate along any radial phase angle direction.

[0008] The above-mentioned monitoring of the protrusion amount of the electrode plate on one side along any radial phase angle direction includes monitoring the protrusion amount of the electrode plate in various dimensional directions such as downward, upward, and other phase angle directions around.

[0009] As one of the preferred solutions of the protrusion monitoring instrument in the present invention, the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts one or more monitoring sensors selected from the group consisting of infrared ranging sensors, laser ranging sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, and radar ranging sensors.

[0010] As a second preferred solution of the protrusion monitoring instrument in the present invention, the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch, a proximity switch or other instruments that can be used to measure the protrusion of the plate.

[0011] Preferably, the number of the protrusion monitoring instruments may be one or more.

[0012] Preferably, when the protrusion monitoring instrument uses a monitoring sensor and the number of the monitoring sensors is multiple, the monitoring sensors are installed and arranged in one of the following two arrangements, or in combination with the following two arrangements: (1) Circumferential arrangement of monitoring sensors: Multiple monitoring sensors are installed on the alkaline water electrolysis cell at the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate and are arranged at intervals along the circumference, thereby forming a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array; in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, the extension line of the central axis of the probe of each monitoring sensor is parallel to the axial direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate; (2) Axial arrangement of monitoring sensors: Multiple monitoring sensors are installed on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and arranged at intervals along the axial direction, thereby forming an axially arranged monitoring sensor array. In the axially arranged monitoring sensor array, the probe of each monitoring sensor points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate at the corresponding position.

[0013] Preferably, when the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a limit switch or a proximity switch, the contact of the limit switch or the sensing head of the proximity switch is close to one of the radial displacement parts of the electrode plate caused by deformation on the alkaline water electrolyzer; when the radial displacement amount of the radial displacement part of the electrode plate of the alkaline water electrolyzer exceeds the set safety threshold, the radial displacement part of the electrode plate touches the contact of the limit switch or the radial displacement part of the electrode plate is close to the sensing head of the proximity switch, thereby triggering the action of the limit switch or proximity switch.

[0014] The present invention provides a method for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer. The method comprises connecting a protrusion amount monitoring instrument to a control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer. The control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer makes a control judgment based on the protrusion amount monitored by the protrusion amount monitoring instrument to determine whether the electrolyzer is within a safe operating range. When the protrusion amount exceeds a specified safe operating range, a stop signal is triggered to stop the operation of the electrolyzer.

[0015] A device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer comprises a protrusion monitoring instrument arranged on the alkaline water electrolyzer and capable of monitoring the protrusion of a plate along one radial side. The protrusion monitoring instrument is connected to a control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer.

[0016] Preferably, the protrusion monitoring instrument includes one or more monitoring sensors selected from the group consisting of infrared ranging sensors, laser ranging sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, and radar ranging sensors.

[0017] Preferably, the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch, a proximity switch or other instruments that can be used to measure the protrusion of the plate.

[0018] Preferably, when the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch or a proximity switch, the contact of the travel switch or the induction head of the proximity switch is close to the outer edge of the electrode plate.

[0019] Preferably, a plurality of travel switches or proximity switches can be provided and arranged along the circumference of the alkaline water electrolyzer close to the electrode plate, wherein at least one travel switch or proximity switch is arranged on the lower side of the alkaline water electrolyzer close to the electrode plate.

[0020] As one of the preferred arrangement schemes for using multiple monitoring sensors in the present invention, multiple monitoring sensors are installed on the alkaline water electrolysis cell near the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate in a circumferentially spaced arrangement, thereby forming a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array; in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, the extension line of the central axis of the probe of each monitoring sensor is parallel to the axial direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate.

[0021] Preferably, the number of monitoring sensors in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array is 3-4, and at least one monitoring sensor is installed at the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate at the lower part of the alkaline water electrolyzer, and at least one monitoring sensor is installed at the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate at the front and rear sides of the alkaline water electrolyzer.

[0022] Preferably, the distance between the extension line of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor and the outer edge surface of the electrode plate is not greater than 3 mm, so that the monitoring sensor can detect the situation where the protrusion of the electrode plate exceeds 3 mm.

[0023] In the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array of the present invention, the monitoring sensors can be installed in the following manners: One of the sensor installation methods: a sensor installation bracket is provided on the alkaline water electrolysis cell near the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end plate, and the monitoring sensor is installed on the sensor installation bracket.

[0024] Preferably, the outer edge of the end plate is provided with a local depression near the monitoring sensor for avoiding the monitoring sensor, so as to ensure that after the monitoring sensor is installed, the extension line of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor is close to the outer edge surface of the plate.

[0025] The second sensor installation method: a sensor installation hole is provided on the end pressure plate of the alkaline water electrolyzer, and the monitoring sensor is installed on the sensor installation hole of the end pressure plate.

[0026] Preferably, in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array of the present invention, other means may be employed to ensure that the extension of the central axis of the monitoring sensor probe is close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate. For example, a local contoured protrusion may be formed at the outer edge of each electrode plate near the extension of the central axis of the monitoring sensor probe, or a contoured spacer may be added. This way, the extension of the central axis of the monitoring sensor probe is close to the radially outer end surface of the contoured spacer.

[0027] As the second preferred arrangement scheme of multiple monitoring sensors in the present invention, multiple monitoring sensors are installed on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell in an axial arrangement manner and arranged at intervals along the axial direction, thereby forming an axially arranged monitoring sensor array; the probe of each monitoring sensor in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate at the corresponding position.

[0028] The monitoring sensors in the above axially arranged monitoring sensor array can be arranged in the following two ways: One of the monitoring sensor arrangement methods: the monitoring sensors in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array are arranged in a manner that one monitoring sensor is arranged for each number of electrode plates.

[0029] Second method for setting up monitoring sensors: The number of monitoring sensors in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array is the same as the number of plates (including end plates) of the alkaline water electrolyzer and corresponds one to one, so that the protrusion data of each plate can be monitored, and early warning of the safety status of the alkaline water electrolyzer can be achieved. In the early warning stage, the alkaline water electrolyzer can be operated at a reduced load (such as reducing the electrolysis current) until the alkaline water electrolyzer returns to normal.

[0030] Preferably, multiple groups of axially arranged monitoring sensor arrays can be provided on the periphery of the alkaline water electrolysis cell to monitor the protrusion of the electrode plates at different circumferential positions.

[0031] At least one axially arranged monitoring sensor array is positioned below the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and at least one axially arranged monitoring sensor array is positioned in front of or behind the alkaline water electrolysis cell, respectively, thereby enabling comprehensive detection of plate protrusion. If desired, the axially arranged monitoring sensor array may also be positioned above the alkaline water electrolysis cell.

[0032] The specific structure of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array in the present invention is as follows: the axially arranged monitoring sensor array includes a long strip substrate arranged on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and parallel to the axis direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and a number of monitoring sensors arranged on the long strip substrate along the axis direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and at intervals, and the probe of each monitoring sensor points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate at the corresponding position.

[0033] As a further improvement to the axially arranged monitoring sensor array structure in the present invention, the axially arranged monitoring sensor array is further provided with a plate axial displacement monitoring compensator for adaptively adapting to the axial displacement of the plate due to thermal expansion and contraction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell. The plate axial displacement monitoring compensator includes a slide rail arranged on the long strip substrate and a number of sliders movably arranged on the slide rail. Each of the monitoring sensors is mounted on the slider, and tension springs are connected between adjacent sliders. At the same time, a pair of plate axial displacement compensation brackets are correspondingly fixed on the end pressure plates at both ends of the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and the sliders located at both ends of the slide rail are correspondingly connected to the pair of plate axial displacement compensation brackets.

[0034] The above-mentioned plate axial displacement monitoring compensator is set up to take into account that when the alkaline water electrolyzer expands and contracts due to heat, the detection direction of the monitoring sensor probe may be offset from the detection point position on the outer edge of the plate (when the thermal expansion and contraction is severe, the detection direction of the monitoring sensor probe (the direction of the extension line of the probe's central axis) may even deviate from the entire plate).

[0035] Preferably, there is a pair of tension springs connected between adjacent sliders, and the tension springs are symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the slider, and hook pins for mounting the tension springs are respectively provided on both sides of the slider.

[0036] The working principle of the above-mentioned plate axial displacement monitoring compensator is: a tension spring is connected between each adjacent slider for installing the monitoring sensor, thereby forming an elastic stretching assembly alternately connected by multiple sliders and multiple tension springs, and the sliders at both ends of the elastic stretching assembly are fixed to a pair of end pressure plates at both ends of the alkaline water electrolyzer through the plate axial displacement compensation bracket. When the alkaline water electrolyzer is axially elongated and shortened due to thermal expansion and contraction, the distance between the end pressure plates at both ends will change, thereby being able to synchronously pull the elastic stretching assembly to expand and contract, and adaptively adjust the axial position of the slider, so that the probe of the monitoring sensor on the slider can always be aligned with the detection point position of the corresponding plate outer edge without axial relative offset from the detection point position of the outer edge of the plate to be monitored, thereby improving the monitoring accuracy of the monitoring sensor.

[0037] Preferably, the number of axially arranged monitoring sensor arrays can be set to multiple groups, for arrangement at different locations outside the alkaline water electrolyzer, such as the upper side, lower side, and front and rear sides of the alkaline water electrolyzer. Considering that the electrode plates are most likely to bulge downward due to the weight of the electrode plates combined with thermal expansion and contraction deformation, if only one group of axially arranged monitoring sensor arrays is provided, it is preferably arranged on the lower side of the alkaline water electrolyzer.

[0038] Taking into account that the axially arranged monitoring sensor array may experience sticking between the slider and the slide rail due to decreased lubrication performance, increased static friction resistance, etc. after long-term use, as a further improvement of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array in the present invention, the axially arranged monitoring sensor array is also provided with a paddle wheel type tension spring excitation and jamming release device, and the paddle wheel type tension spring excitation and jamming release device includes a paddle wheel arranged on the long strip substrate and rotated by a stepper motor or a servo reduction motor, an active paddle wheel arranged on the paddle wheel, and a passive paddle wheel meshing with the paddle wheel is provided on one of the sliders of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array.

[0039] Preferably, the active shifting tooth on the thumbwheel is a single tooth, so that after the passive shifting tooth is shifted, it can completely break away from the passive shifting tooth.

[0040] Preferably, the passive shifting tooth is arranged on a slider located in the middle position of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array.

[0041] Preferably, a pair of slider displacement sensors are provided on the elongated substrate. The detection probes of the slider displacement sensors are directed toward the side surfaces of a pair of sliders in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array. These sensors are used to detect the reset of the sliders after the dial is turned. If a reset anomaly occurs (e.g., asymmetry between the pair of symmetrically arranged sliders), a slider jam alarm is triggered.

[0042] The working principle of the above-mentioned thumbwheel-type tension spring excitation jam-releasing device is: the thumbwheel rotates 1-2 circles every 24 hours (the specific time can be flexibly set) through the stepper motor, pushing the slider with passive teeth to move 1-2 mm (the specific movement distance can be flexibly set) instantaneously along the direction of the slide rail. After the thumbwheel moves the slider, it loses contact with the slider. Under the action of the elastic reset force of the tension spring, the slider-tension spring system composed of multiple sliders and multiple tension springs alternately connected generates attenuated vibration within a certain frequency range. The attenuated vibration can destroy the static friction viscosity between the slider and the slide rail, thereby solving the jamming phenomenon caused by the large static friction resistance between the slider and the slide rail.

[0043] In the present invention, the plate protrusion data measured by the circumferentially or axially arranged monitoring sensor array is converted to digital data by a data acquisition module and transmitted to the control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer. The control system compares the current measured value with an initial baseline value to calculate the plate protrusion and deformation rate. Based on the electrolyzer design, material properties, operating pressure / temperature, and other factors, different safety thresholds are determined through theoretical calculation, simulation, or experimentation and compared to preset thresholds (e.g., single-point protrusion > 3mm or deformation rate > 0.1mm / h). A warning threshold alerts the operator to the protrusion trend and may require inspection or adjustment of operating parameters. A first-level interlocking threshold triggers an audible and visual alarm and may automatically reduce the operating current / load to slow the protrusion progression. A second-level interlocking threshold (emergency shutdown threshold) triggers an emergency shutdown command, shutting off the power supply, cutting off the liquid supply, and initiating a safety relief to prevent catastrophic consequences.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: First, the present invention provides a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer. By arranging a protrusion monitoring instrument on the electrolyzer that can monitor the protrusion of the electrode plate along one radial side, the method and device can effectively detect safety problems during the operation of the electrolyzer, make timely decisions on the maintenance of the electrolyzer, ensure the safe operation of the electrolyzer, and help to increase the service life of the alkaline water electrolyzer. It also overcomes the disadvantages of conventional alkaline water electrolyzers that rely on manual inspections with low efficiency and lag.

[0045] Second, the present invention provides a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer. By connecting a protrusion monitoring instrument to the control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer, an alarm or safety chain action (such as load reduction or shutdown) is automatically triggered when the plate protrusion exceeds a safety threshold. This can prevent safety hazards such as seal failure, leakage, and structural damage in advance, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the electrolyzer.

[0046] Third, a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to the present invention are provided with at least two arrangements of monitoring sensors, wherein the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array can monitor the protrusion of the electrolytic cell plates as a whole, which can meet the basic needs of safe operation control of the alkaline water electrolyzer, and its structure is simple and the implementation cost is low; wherein the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array can monitor the radial protrusion data of each plate, and during the monitoring process can adaptively and dynamically compensate for the axial displacement of the plate caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the electrolytic cell, thereby achieving more precise control of the safe operation of the alkaline water electrolyzer, and its adaptability and reliability are good.

[0047] Fourth, the present invention provides a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer. These methods combine real-time, quantitative, online monitoring of plate protrusion with automated interlocking control (early warning -> load reduction -> emergency shutdown) based on preset safety thresholds to form a closed-loop active safety protection system. This active protection reduces the downtime rate due to plate deformation failures by 90%, and through early intervention, extends the plate replacement cycle by 2-3 times. The system has good compatibility and can be integrated into the electrolyzer plant-level monitoring system via the OPC UA protocol. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an alkaline water electrolyzer in the prior art; Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to the present invention (wherein a plurality of monitoring sensors are arranged in a circumferentially spaced manner to form a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, wherein the monitoring sensors are fixed on a sensor bracket); Figure 3 This is the second structural schematic diagram of a device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to the present invention (wherein a plurality of monitoring sensors are arranged in a circumferentially spaced manner to form a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, wherein the monitoring sensors are mounted on the sensor mounting holes of the end pressure plate); Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of using a travel switch or a proximity switch to monitor the protrusion of the plate; Figure 5 This is the third structural schematic diagram of a device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to the present invention (wherein a plurality of monitoring sensors are arranged in an axially spaced manner to form an axially arranged monitoring sensor array); Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a pulley type tension spring excitation release device set on a long strip substrate ( Figure 5 partial top view of the ).

[0049] In the figure: 1. tensioning screw, 2. end pressure plate, 3. disc spring, 4. nut, 5. insulating sleeve, 6. end plate, 7. insulating plate, 8. plate, 9. sealing gasket, 10. oxygen evolution electrode, 11. hydrogen evolution electrode, 12. diaphragm.

[0050] In the figure: 13. Monitoring sensor, 14. Travel switch or proximity switch, 15. Circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, 16. Sensor mounting bracket, 17. Local depression, 18. Sensor mounting hole, 19. Extension line of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor, 20. Axially arranged monitoring sensor array, 21. Long strip substrate, 22. Electrode plate axial displacement monitoring compensator, 23. Slide rail, 24. Slider, 25. Tension spring, 26. Electrode plate axial displacement compensation bracket, 27. Hook pin; 28. Paddle wheel type tension spring excitation and unlocking device, 29. Stepper motor or servo reduction motor, 30. Paddle wheel, 31. Active shifting gear, 32. Passive shifting gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following embodiments are further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 7 The figure shows an embodiment of a method and device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to the present invention, including providing a protrusion monitoring instrument on the alkaline water electrolyzer that can monitor the protrusion of the electrode plate 8 along one radial side, so as to monitor the radial deformation and displacement of the electrode plate 8 and provide a source of control signals for the safe operation of the electrolyzer.

[0053] Preferably, the monitoring of the electrode plate 8 by the protrusion monitoring instrument includes monitoring the protrusion of one side of the electrode plate 8 along any phase angle direction in the radial direction.

[0054] The above-mentioned monitoring of the protrusion amount of the electrode plate 8 on one side along any radial phase angle direction includes monitoring the protrusion amount of the electrode plate 8 in various dimensional directions such as downward, upward, and other phase angle directions around.

[0055] As one of the preferred solutions of the protrusion monitoring instrument in this embodiment, the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a monitoring sensor 13 including one or more of an infrared ranging sensor, a laser ranging sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and a radar ranging sensor.

[0056] As a second preferred solution of the protrusion monitoring instrument in this embodiment, the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch, a proximity switch or other instruments that can be used to measure the protrusion of the electrode plate 8.

[0057] Preferably, the number of the protrusion monitoring instruments may be one or more.

[0058] Preferably, when the protrusion monitoring instrument uses a monitoring sensor and the number of the monitoring sensors is multiple, the monitoring sensors are installed and arranged in one of the following two arrangements, or in combination with the following two arrangements: (1) Circumferential arrangement of monitoring sensors: Multiple monitoring sensors 13 are installed on the alkaline water electrolysis cell at the contact point between the end pressure plate 2 and the end electrode plate 6 and are arranged at intervals along the circumference, thereby forming a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15; in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15, the extension line 19 of the central axis of the probe of each monitoring sensor 13 is parallel to the axial direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8; (2) Axial arrangement of monitoring sensors: A plurality of monitoring sensors 13 are installed on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and arranged at intervals along the axial direction, thereby forming an axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20. In the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20, the probe of each monitoring sensor 13 points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8 at the corresponding position.

[0059] Preferably, when the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a limit switch or a proximity switch 14, the contact of the limit switch or the sensing head of the proximity switch is close to one of the radial displacement parts of the electrode plate caused by deformation on the alkaline water electrolyzer; when the radial displacement amount of the radial displacement part of the electrode plate of the alkaline water electrolyzer exceeds the set safety threshold, the radial displacement part of the electrode plate touches the contact of the limit switch or the radial displacement part of the electrode plate is close to the sensing head of the proximity switch, thereby triggering the action of the limit switch or the proximity switch 14.

[0060] This embodiment provides a method for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer. The protrusion monitoring instrument is connected to the control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer. The control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer makes a control judgment based on the protrusion amount monitored by the protrusion monitoring instrument to determine whether the electrolyzer is within a safe operating range. When the protrusion amount exceeds the specified safe operating range, a stop signal is triggered to stop the operation of the electrolyzer.

[0061] Example 2: A device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer comprises a protrusion monitoring instrument arranged on the alkaline water electrolyzer and capable of monitoring the protrusion of a plate 8 along one radial side. The protrusion monitoring instrument is connected to a control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer.

[0062] Preferably, the protrusion monitoring instrument includes one or more monitoring sensors 13 selected from the group consisting of an infrared ranging sensor, a laser ranging sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and a radar ranging sensor.

[0063] Preferably, the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch, a proximity switch or other instruments that can be used to measure the protrusion of the plate.

[0064] Preferably, when the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch or a proximity switch 14, the contact of the travel switch or the induction head of the proximity switch is close to the outer edge of the electrode plate.

[0065] Preferably, a plurality of travel switches or proximity switches 14 can be provided and arranged along the circumference of the alkaline water electrolysis cell close to the electrode plate 8. At least one travel switch or proximity switch 14 is arranged close to the electrode plate 8 on the lower side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell.

[0066] As one of the preferred arrangements of multiple monitoring sensors in this embodiment, multiple monitoring sensors 13 are installed on the alkaline water electrolysis cell near the contact between the end pressure plate 2 and the end electrode plate 6 in a circumferentially spaced arrangement, thereby forming a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15; in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15, the extension line 19 of the central axis of the probe of each monitoring sensor 13 is parallel to the axial direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8.

[0067] Preferably, the number of monitoring sensors 13 in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15 is 3-4, and at least one monitoring sensor 13 is installed at the lower part of the alkaline water electrolyzer near the contact between the end pressure plate 2 and the end electrode plate 6, and at least one monitoring sensor 13 is correspondingly installed at the front and rear sides of the alkaline water electrolyzer near the contact between the end pressure plate 2 and the end electrode plate 6.

[0068] Preferably, the distance between the extension line 19 of the probe center axis of the monitoring sensor 13 and the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8 is not greater than 3 mm, so that the monitoring sensor 13 can detect the situation where the electrode plate protrusion exceeds 3 mm.

[0069] In the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array of this embodiment, the monitoring sensors 13 can be installed in the following manners: One of the sensor installation methods: a sensor mounting bracket 16 is provided on the alkaline water electrolysis cell near the contact point between the end pressure plate 2 and the end plate 6 , and the monitoring sensor 13 is installed on the sensor mounting bracket 16 .

[0070] Preferably, the outer edge of the end plate 6 is provided with a local recess near the monitoring sensor 13 for avoiding the monitoring sensor 13, so as to ensure that after the monitoring sensor 13 is installed, the extension line 19 of the probe center axis of the monitoring sensor 13 is close to the outer edge surface of the plate 8.

[0071] The second sensor installation method: a sensor installation hole 18 is provided on the end pressure plate 2 of the alkaline water electrolyzer, and the monitoring sensor 13 is installed on the sensor installation hole 18 of the end pressure plate 2 .

[0072] Preferably, in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15 of this embodiment, other means may be employed to ensure that the extension line 19 of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor 13 is close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8. For example, a local contoured protrusion may be formed at the outer edge of each electrode plate 8 near the extension line 19 of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor 13, or a contoured spacer may be added. In this way, the extension line 19 of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor 13 is close to the radial outer end surface of the contoured spacer.

[0073] As the second preferred arrangement scheme of multiple monitoring sensors in this embodiment, multiple monitoring sensors 13 are installed on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell in an axial arrangement manner and arranged at intervals along the axial direction, thereby forming an axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20; the probe of each monitoring sensor 13 in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8 at the corresponding position.

[0074] The monitoring sensors in the above axially arranged monitoring sensor array can be arranged in the following two ways: One of the monitoring sensor arrangement methods: the monitoring sensors 13 in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 are arranged in a manner such that one monitoring sensor 13 is correspondingly arranged for every certain number of electrode plates 8 .

[0075] Second monitoring sensor arrangement method: The number of monitoring sensors 13 in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 is the same as the number of electrode plates (including end plates) of the alkaline water electrolyzer and corresponds one to one, so that the protrusion data of each electrode plate 8 can be monitored, thereby achieving early warning of the safety status of the alkaline water electrolyzer. In the early warning stage, the alkaline water electrolyzer can be operated at a reduced load (such as reducing the electrolysis current) until the alkaline water electrolyzer returns to normal.

[0076] Preferably, multiple groups of axially arranged monitoring sensor arrays 20 may be provided on the periphery of the alkaline water electrolysis cell to monitor the protrusion of the electrode plate 8 at different circumferential positions.

[0077] At least one axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 is positioned below the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and at least one axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 is positioned in front of or behind the alkaline water electrolysis cell, respectively, thereby enabling comprehensive detection of electrode plate protrusion. If desired, the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 may also be positioned above the alkaline water electrolysis cell.

[0078] The specific structure of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 in this embodiment is as follows: the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 includes a long strip substrate 21 arranged on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and parallel to the axis direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and a number of monitoring sensors 13 arranged on the long strip substrate 21 along the axis direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and at intervals, and the probe of each monitoring sensor 13 points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate 8 at the corresponding position.

[0079] As a further improvement of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array structure in this embodiment, the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 is further provided with a plate axial displacement monitoring compensator 22 for adaptively adapting to the axial displacement of the plate 8 due to thermal expansion and contraction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell. The plate axial displacement monitoring compensator 22 includes a slide rail 23 arranged on the long strip substrate 21, and a number of sliders 24 movably arranged on the slide rail 23. Each of the monitoring sensors 13 is installed on the slider 24, and a tension spring 25 is connected between adjacent sliders 24; at the same time, a pair of plate axial displacement compensation brackets 26 are fixed on the end pressure plates 2 at both ends of the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and the sliders 24 located at both ends of the slide rail 23 are correspondingly connected to the pair of plate axial displacement compensation brackets 26.

[0080] The above-mentioned electrode plate axial displacement monitoring compensator 22 is set up to take into account that when the alkaline water electrolyzer expands and contracts due to heat, the detection direction of the probe of the monitoring sensor 13 may be offset from the detection point position on the outer edge of the electrode plate 8 (when the thermal expansion and contraction is severe, the detection direction of the probe of the monitoring sensor 13 (the direction of the extension line 19 of the central axis of the probe) may even deviate from the entire electrode plate 8).

[0081] Preferably, there is a pair of tension springs 25 connected between adjacent sliders 24 , and the tension springs 25 are symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the slider 24 . Hook pins 27 for mounting the tension springs 25 are respectively provided on both sides of the slider 24 .

[0082] The working principle of the above-mentioned plate axial displacement monitoring compensator 22 is: a tension spring 25 is connected between each adjacent slider 24 for installing the monitoring sensor 13, thereby forming an elastic stretching component alternately connected by multiple sliders 24 and multiple tension springs 25, and the sliders 24 at both ends of the elastic stretching component are fixed on a pair of end pressure plates 2 at both ends of the alkaline water electrolyzer through the plate axial displacement compensation bracket 26. When the alkaline water electrolyzer is axially elongated and shortened due to thermal expansion and contraction, the distance between the end pressure plates 2 at both ends will change, thereby being able to synchronously pull the elastic stretching component to expand and contract, and adaptively adjust the axial position of the slider 24, so that the probe of the monitoring sensor 13 on the slider 24 can always be aligned with the detection point position of the outer edge of the corresponding plate 8 without axial relative offset from the detection point position of the outer edge of the plate 8 to be monitored, thereby improving the monitoring accuracy of the monitoring sensor 13.

[0083] Preferably, the number of axially arranged monitoring sensor arrays 20 can be set to multiple groups, for arrangement at different locations outside the alkaline water electrolysis cell, such as the upper side, lower side, and front and rear sides of the alkaline water electrolysis cell. Considering that the electrode plate 8 is most likely to bulge downward due to the weight of the electrode plate 8 combined with thermal expansion and contraction deformation, if only one group of axially arranged monitoring sensor arrays 20 is provided, it is preferably arranged on the lower side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell.

[0084] Taking into account that the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 may experience a jamming phenomenon between the slider 24 and the slide rail due to decreased lubrication performance, increased static friction resistance, etc. after long-term use, as a further improvement of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 in this embodiment, the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 is also provided with a paddle wheel type tension spring excitation and jamming release device 28. The paddle wheel type tension spring excitation and jamming release device 28 includes a paddle wheel 30 arranged on the long strip substrate 21 and rotated by a stepper motor or a servo reduction motor 29, an active paddle wheel 31 arranged on the paddle wheel 30, and a passive paddle wheel 32 meshing with the paddle wheel 30 is provided on one of the sliders 24 of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20.

[0085] Preferably, the active shifting tooth 31 on the dial wheel 30 is a single tooth, so that after the passive shifting tooth 32 is shifted, the active shifting tooth 31 can be completely disengaged from the passive shifting tooth 32 .

[0086] Preferably, the passive shifting tooth 32 is provided on a slider 24 located in the middle position of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 .

[0087] Preferably, a pair of slider displacement sensors (not shown) are provided on the elongated substrate 21. The detection probes of the slider displacement sensors are directed toward the side surfaces of a pair of sliders symmetrically arranged relative to the center of the axially arranged monitoring sensor array. These sensors are used to detect the reset of the slider 24 after the dial wheel 30 is turned. If a reset anomaly occurs (e.g., asymmetry between the pair of symmetrically arranged sliders 24), a slider jam alarm is triggered.

[0088] The working principle of the above-mentioned thumbwheel-type tension spring excitation jam-releasing device is as follows: the thumbwheel 30 rotates 1-2 circles every 24 hours (the specific time can be flexibly set) through the stepping motor, pushing the slider 24 with the passive thumbwheel 32 to move 1-2 mm (the specific movement distance can be flexibly set) instantaneously along the slide rail 23. After the thumbwheel 30 moves the slider 24, it breaks contact with the slider 24. Under the action of the elastic reset force of the tension spring 25, the slider-tension spring system composed of multiple sliders 24 and multiple tension springs 25 alternately connected generates attenuated vibration within a certain frequency range. The attenuated vibration can destroy the static friction viscosity between the slider 24 and the slide rail 23, thereby solving the jamming phenomenon caused by the large static friction resistance between the slider 24 and the slide rail 23.

[0089] In this embodiment, the plate protrusion data measured by the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array 15 or the axially arranged monitoring sensor array 20 is converted to digital data by a data acquisition module and transmitted to the alkaline water electrolyzer control system. The control system compares the current measured value with an initial baseline value to calculate the plate protrusion amount and deformation rate. Based on the electrolyzer design, material properties, operating pressure / temperature, and other factors, different safety thresholds are determined through theoretical calculation, simulation, or experimentation, and compared to preset thresholds (e.g., single-point protrusion > 3mm or deformation rate > 0.1mm / h). The early warning threshold alerts the operator to the protrusion trend and may require inspection or adjustment of operating parameters. The first-level interlocking threshold triggers an audible and visual alarm and may automatically reduce the operating current / load to slow the protrusion progression. The second-level interlocking threshold (emergency shutdown threshold) triggers an emergency shutdown command, shutting off the power supply, cutting off the liquid supply, and initiating a safety relief to prevent catastrophic consequences.

[0090] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer, characterized in that: The invention comprises arranging a protrusion monitoring instrument on the alkaline water electrolyzer, which can monitor the protrusion of the electrode plate along one side in the radial direction, so as to monitor the radial deformation and displacement of the electrode plate and provide a source of control signals for the safe operation of the electrolyzer.

2. The method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring of the electrode plate by the protrusion monitoring instrument includes monitoring the protrusion on one side of the electrode plate along any phase angle direction in the radial direction.

3. The method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion monitoring instrument adopts one or more monitoring sensors selected from the group consisting of infrared ranging sensors, laser ranging sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, and radar ranging sensors.

4. The method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch, a proximity switch or other instruments that can be used to measure the protrusion of the plate.

5. The method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the protrusion monitoring instrument uses a plurality of monitoring sensors, the monitoring sensors may be installed in one of the following two arrangements, or in combination with the following two arrangements: (1) Circumferential arrangement of monitoring sensors: Multiple monitoring sensors are installed on the alkaline water electrolysis cell at the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate and are arranged at intervals along the circumference, thereby forming a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array; in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, the extension line of the central axis of the probe of each monitoring sensor is parallel to the axial direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate; (2) Axial arrangement of monitoring sensors: Multiple monitoring sensors are installed on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and arranged at intervals along the axial direction, thereby forming an axially arranged monitoring sensor array. In the axially arranged monitoring sensor array, the probe of each monitoring sensor points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate at the corresponding position.

6. The method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch or a proximity switch, the contact of the travel switch or the sensing head of the proximity switch is close to one of the radial displacement parts of the electrode plate caused by deformation on the alkaline water electrolyzer; when the radial displacement amount of the radial displacement part of the electrode plate of the alkaline water electrolyzer exceeds the set safety threshold, the radial displacement part of the electrode plate touches the contact of the travel switch or the radial displacement part of the electrode plate is close to the sensing head of the proximity switch, thereby triggering the travel switch or proximity switch to operate.

7. The method for safe operation control of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: Connecting the protrusion monitoring instrument to a control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer, wherein the control system of the alkaline water electrolyzer makes a control judgment based on the protrusion amount monitored by the protrusion monitoring instrument to determine whether the electrolyzer is within a safe operating range; When the protrusion exceeds the specified safe operating range, a stop signal is triggered to stop the operation of the electrolytic cell.

8. A device for controlling the safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer, characterized in that: The invention comprises a protrusion monitoring instrument which is arranged on the alkaline water electrolysis tank and can monitor the protrusion of the electrode plate along one side in the radial direction. The protrusion monitoring instrument is connected with the control system of the alkaline water electrolysis tank.

9. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The protrusion monitoring instrument includes one or more monitoring sensors selected from the group consisting of an infrared ranging sensor, a laser ranging sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and a radar ranging sensor.

10. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch, a proximity switch or other instruments that can be used to measure the protrusion of the plate.

11. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the protrusion monitoring instrument adopts a travel switch or a proximity switch, the contact of the travel switch or the induction head of the proximity switch is close to the outer edge of the electrode plate.

12. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that: Multiple monitoring sensors are installed on the alkaline water electrolysis cell near the contact point between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate in a circumferentially spaced arrangement, thereby forming a circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array; in the circumferentially arranged monitoring sensor array, the extension line of the central axis of the probe of each monitoring sensor is parallel to the axial direction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and close to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate.

13. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 12, characterized in that: A sensor mounting bracket is provided on the alkaline water electrolysis cell at the contact position between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate, and the monitoring sensor is mounted on the sensor mounting bracket.

14. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 13, characterized in that: The outer edge of the end plate is provided with a local depression near the monitoring sensor for avoiding the monitoring sensor, so as to ensure that after the monitoring sensor is installed, the extension line of the central axis of the probe of the monitoring sensor is close to the outer edge surface of the plate.

15. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 12, characterized in that: A sensor mounting hole is provided on the end pressure plate of the alkaline water electrolyzer, and the monitoring sensor is mounted on the sensor mounting hole of the end pressure plate.

16. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 9, characterized in that: Multiple monitoring sensors are installed on one side of the alkaline water electrolyzer in an axial arrangement and arranged at intervals along the axial direction, thereby forming an axially arranged monitoring sensor array; the probe of each monitoring sensor in the axially arranged monitoring sensor array points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate at the corresponding position.

17. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 16, characterized in that: The axially arranged monitoring sensor array includes a long strip substrate arranged on one side of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and parallel to the axis of the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and a number of monitoring sensors arranged on the long strip substrate in a direction parallel to the axis of the alkaline water electrolysis cell and at intervals, and the probe of each monitoring sensor points to the outer edge surface of the electrode plate at the corresponding position.

18. The device for controlling safe operation of an alkaline water electrolyzer according to claim 17, characterized in that: The axially arranged monitoring sensor array is also provided with a plate axial displacement monitoring compensator for adaptively adjusting the axial displacement of the plate due to thermal expansion and contraction of the alkaline water electrolysis cell. The plate axial displacement monitoring compensator includes a slide rail arranged on the long strip substrate and a number of sliders movably arranged on the slide rail. Each of the monitoring sensors is installed on the slider, and tension springs are connected between adjacent sliders. At the same time, a pair of plate axial displacement compensation brackets are correspondingly fixed on the end pressure plates at both ends of the alkaline water electrolysis cell, and the sliders located at both ends of the slide rail are correspondingly connected to the pair of plate axial displacement compensation brackets.

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