A middle plate, electrode chamber assembly and electrolytic hydrogen production device

Abstract

This invention discloses a middle plate, an electrode chamber assembly, and an electrolytic hydrogen production device. The middle plate includes a body and a circulation plate. The body is integrally stamped from a metal plate. An S-shaped annular sealing channel is stamped around the perimeter of the body surface. Several first protrusions and second protrusions are stamped on two surfaces of the body inside the annular sealing channel. The circulation plate is inclined and fixedly connected to the first protrusions. The circulation plate is disposed within the annular sealing channel, and the distance between its top edge and the body surface is less than the distance between its bottom edge and the body surface. The electrode chamber assembly is assembled using the aforementioned middle plate, and the electrolytic hydrogen production device utilizes the aforementioned electrode chamber assembly. This invention provides excellent sealing performance. The stamped structure integrating the anode and cathode chambers and the middle plate effectively reduces leakage points and lowers the risk of external leakage. Furthermore, it reduces spot welding processes, lowers internal contact resistance, and thus reduces the energy consumption of the electrolyzer. The above structure is rationally configured and easy to install.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen electrolysis technology, specifically to a medium plate, an electrode chamber assembly, and an electrolysis hydrogen production device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen production by water electrolysis is a technology that converts electrical energy into the chemical energy of hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction involving the electrolysis of water molecules. Its core principle is that water undergoes a redox reaction on the electrode surface, decomposing into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is a clean and high-energy-density energy source, playing a crucial role as an "energy carrier" in today's green energy systems.

[0003] For the electrolysis chamber components in many existing atmospheric hydrogen production equipment, both the cathode chamber and the anode chamber need to be independently bent and welded. Then, resistance welding is used to weld the two bent and welded sheet metal pieces together to form a bipolar chamber. Finally, trapezoidal tubes or ribs are used to longitudinally arrange multiple points to support the anode and cathode electrode mesh in the anode and cathode chambers.

[0004] The bending and welding process for the anode and cathode chambers is labor-intensive and time-consuming, resulting in numerous weld seams and potential leaks during later production. The second step, resistance welding, which involves welding two bent sheet metal pieces at multiple points, is prone to issues like weld detachment and missed welds, leading to increased conductivity and higher electrolysis energy consumption. The final step, the longitudinal multi-point support network for the anode and cathode, also faces challenges such as weld detachment and missed welds, increasing conductivity and energy consumption. Furthermore, it carries the risk of internal arcing due to incomplete welding, which can cause localized high temperatures that burn through the diaphragm, resulting in gas cross-contamination and potentially an explosion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a middle plate, an electrode chamber assembly, and an electrolytic hydrogen production device, which have good sealing effect, effectively reduce leakage points, reduce the risk of external leakage, and are reasonably configured and easy to install.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a middle plate, including a body and a circulation plate. The body is integrally stamped from a metal plate. An annular sealing channel with an S-shaped cross section is stamped around the periphery of the surface of the body. Several first protrusions and second protrusions are stamped on two surfaces of the body inside the annular sealing channel, respectively.

[0007] The circulation plate is inclined and fixedly connected to the first protrusion. The circulation plate is set in the annular sealing groove and the distance between the top edge and the body surface is smaller than the distance between the bottom edge and the body surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the main body is provided with a fixed locking edge on the outer periphery of the annular sealing channel, and the fixed locking edge is provided with a lock hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the side of the body surface where the first protrusion is located is the anode side, and the side of the body surface where the second protrusion is located is the cathode side. The body surface on the anode side cooperates with the annular sealing channel to form a groove structure.

[0010] Furthermore, both the first protrusion and the second protrusion are trapezoidal bosses, the height of the first protrusion is 12-20mm, and the height of the second protrusion is 4-10mm; the surface of the circulation plate is provided with a plurality of clearance holes, the clearance holes corresponding one-to-one with the first protrusion, and the circulation plate is fitted onto the first protrusion through the clearance holes and welded and fixed.

[0011] An electrode chamber assembly includes the aforementioned middle plate, with an anode-side assembly and a cathode-side assembly respectively disposed on both sides of the middle plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the anode side assembly includes an anode sealing ring, an anode frame, and an anode mesh. The anode mesh is welded and fixed to the first protruding surface. The anode sealing ring is disposed in an annular sealing groove. The anode frame is fixed to the body by a first screw.

[0013] The cathode-side assembly includes a cathode sealing ring, a cathode support mesh, a flexible mesh, a cathode mesh, and a cathode frame. The cathode sealing ring is disposed in an annular sealing groove. The cathode support mesh, the flexible mesh, and the cathode mesh are stacked and fixed in sequence and welded to the second protruding surface. The cathode frame is locked to the anode frame by a second screw.

[0014] It also includes a diaphragm assembly, which is disposed on one side of the anode-side assembly or the cathode-side assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, both the anode frame and the cathode frame include a bottom liquid inlet beam and a top air outlet beam, which are connected and fixed by two supporting longitudinal columns, and the supporting longitudinal columns are provided with a first hanging lug.

[0016] The anode frame and the cathode frame are fixed together as one unit by locking the corresponding first lugs.

[0017] Furthermore, the cathode support mesh and the flexible mesh are sewn together as a single structure using flexible metal wires.

[0018] An electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus includes a frame and several electrode chamber assemblies as described above, wherein the multiple electrode chamber assemblies are stacked and mounted on the frame.

[0019] Furthermore, the frame includes a fixed end plate and a fixed mounting base arranged opposite to each other. Both the fixed end plate and the fixed mounting base are provided with support feet at their bottoms. The two sides of the fixed end plate and the fixed mounting base are connected by hanging beams. The fixed mounting base is provided with a lifting mechanism. The end of the lifting mechanism is provided with a movable end plate. The movable end plate is arranged parallel to the fixed end plate. The movable end plate is provided with two second hanging ears, which are respectively hung on the hanging beams. The electrode chamber assembly is arranged between the movable end plate and the fixed end plate and is hung on the two hanging beams.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. The middle plate is made of a single piece of pure nickel plate, which is stamped to form an annular sealing channel and a raised part. This eliminates the weld seam between the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, greatly reducing the risk of external leakage. It is also simpler to manufacture and has high dimensional accuracy, ensuring the dimensional consistency of each middle plate and the structural stability during assembly and use.

[0022] 2. The circulation plate can directly separate the rising gas-liquid mixture and the falling liquid in the anode chamber, so that the falling liquid will not interfere with the gas-liquid mixture. The separated gas path is smoother and the internal disturbance is smaller, which improves the hydrogen production efficiency.

[0023] 3. The first and second protrusions not only serve as spacers but also as welding supports. The stamping height of multiple protrusions can ensure good consistency, resulting in a high degree of flatness in the welded structure and greatly improving the manufacturing yield.

[0024] 4. The middle plate, anode frame, and cathode frame are fixed by sequential locking. The middle plate and anode frame are locked independently, and the anode frame and cathode frame are locked independently, with the middle plate located in the middle. The locking of the anode frame and cathode frame increases the clamping force between the cathode frame and the middle plate, reducing the risk of leakage.

[0025] 5. The stamping structure replaces the current technology of multiple bending sheet metal parts and splicing welding in the anode and cathode chambers, which can greatly improve production efficiency, save time, reduce costs, and effectively reduce leakage points and external leakage risks. Moreover, it integrates the anode and cathode chamber plates into one, reduces spot welding processes, reduces internal contact resistance, and thus reduces the energy consumption of the electrolytic cell. At the same time, it simplifies the longitudinal arrangement of the support components and the multi-point support of the anode and cathode mesh, avoiding internal spot welding and incomplete welding, thereby avoiding internal arcing, local high temperature, diaphragm burn-through and other phenomena, thus avoiding the risk of internal explosion. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the middle plate structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main body and the circulation plate of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main body structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is the invention Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the sealing ring mounted on the middle plate of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode chamber assembly structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is the present invention. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic hydrogen production device of the present invention.

[0034] The following are the labeling details in the diagram: 1. Main body; 2. Circulation plate; 3. Annular sealing channel; 4. First protrusion; 5. Second protrusion; 6. Fixed locking edge; 7. Lock hole; 8. Groove structure; 9. Middle plate; 10. Anode side assembly; 11. Cathode side assembly; 12. Anode sealing ring; 13. Anode frame; 14. Anode mesh; 15. First screw; 16. Cathode sealing ring; 17. Cathode support mesh; 18. Flexible mesh; 19. Cathode mesh; 20. Cathode frame; 21. Second screw; 22. Diaphragm assembly; 23. Bottom liquid inlet crossbeam; 24. Top air outlet crossbeam; 25. Support column; 26. First hanging ear; 27. Frame; 28. Electrode chamber assembly; 29. ​​Fixed end plate; 30. Fixed mounting base; 31. Support foot; 32. Hanging beam; 33. Lifting mechanism; 34. Movable end plate; 35. Second hanging ear. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 5As shown, an embodiment of the medium plate of the present invention includes a body 1 and a circulation plate 2. The body is integrally stamped from a metal plate. The body is made of pure nickel and has a thickness of 1-2 mm. An annular sealing channel 3 with an S-shaped cross-section is stamped around the perimeter of the body surface. Several first protrusions 4 and second protrusions 5 are stamped on the two surfaces of the body inside the annular sealing channel. The S-shaped annular sealing channel can form an annular groove on each of the two surfaces of the body. A sealing element can be set in this groove to achieve sealing. Both surfaces of the body can play a sealing role and can cooperate to form a closed space. The first and second protrusions can play a supporting role. Since it is integrally formed, the manufacturing process is simple, no welding is required, there are no weld seams, and the leakage prevention effect is achieved.

[0037] The aforementioned circulation plate is inclined and fixedly connected to the first protrusion. The circulation plate is 0.5-0.8mm thick and made of nickel. The circulation plate is positioned within an annular sealing channel, with the distance between its top edge and the surface of the main body being less than the distance between its bottom edge and the surface of the main body, creating an angle between the circulation plate and the surface of the main body. During use, the gas generated by electrolysis carries some liquid upwards, and the continuously accumulating liquid forms droplets that fall. In this process, the upper portion of the gas carrying some liquid rises with small gaps, while most of the falling liquid is blocked by the inclined circulation plate and falls into the electrolyte from the surface of the circulation plate on the side furthest from the main body. This forms an effective internal circulation, effectively reducing the obstruction of the falling liquid to the rising gas and improving the internal electrolysis efficiency.

[0038] Specifically, the side of the body surface where the first protrusion is located is the anode side, and the side of the body surface where the second protrusion is located is the cathode side. The body surface on the anode side mates with the annular sealing channel to form a groove structure 8, which adapts to the space requirements of the hydrogen production side. Furthermore, the surface of the circulation plate has several clearance holes, each corresponding to one of the first protrusions. The circulation plate is fitted onto the first protrusion through the clearance holes 111 and welded to the side surface of the first protrusion. This can be done by spot welding. The circulation plate is assembled by opening clearance holes and then welding, which does not affect the subsequent electrode installation on the anode side. Moreover, only the top and bottom gaps need to be controlled before welding to meet the requirements, making the manufacturing process relatively simple. Both the first and second protrusions are trapezoidal bosses, facilitating stamping and demolding. The height of the first protrusion is 12-20mm, and the height of the second protrusion is 4-10mm. The height of the first and second protrusions can be effectively adjusted according to the system design pressure to meet different chamber and space requirements.

[0039] By limiting the height of the first protrusion, the height of the second protrusion, and the dimensions of the groove structure formed by stamping, the thickness space of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber is directly limited. This avoids the problem of abnormal space after assembly caused by poor dimensions of the support tube components in the prior art. Furthermore, the use of components is omitted, which can effectively reduce the workload of quality inspectors and reduce costs.

[0040] For the above structure, in order to facilitate assembly and ensure the sealing effect after fixing, a fixing locking edge 6 is also provided on the outer periphery of the annular sealing channel of the main body. The fixing locking edge is provided with a locking hole 7. The middle plate can be effectively fixed by locking, and the locking position is located outside the sealing structure, so as not to affect the sealing of the internal structure.

[0041] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the present invention also discloses an electrode chamber assembly, including the aforementioned middle plate 9, with an anode side assembly and a cathode side assembly respectively disposed on both sides of the middle plate, thereby forming a set of electrode chamber assemblies.

[0042] The anode-side assembly includes an anode sealing ring 12, an anode frame 13, and an anode mesh 14. The anode mesh is welded and fixed to the first protruding surface. The anode sealing ring is disposed within an annular sealing groove. The anode frame is secured to the main body by a first screw 15. The installation position of the anode mesh is limited by the first protrusion; it can be easily installed by simply placing the anode mesh flat on the first protruding surface and then welding it in place. The locking of the anode frame to the fixed edge also presses the anode sealing ring tightly within the annular sealing groove, ensuring the sealing effectiveness of the individual electrode chamber assembly on the anode side.

[0043] The cathode-side assembly includes a cathode sealing ring 16, a cathode support mesh 17, a flexible mesh 18, a cathode mesh 19, and a cathode frame 20. The cathode sealing ring is disposed within an annular sealing groove. The cathode support mesh, flexible mesh, and cathode mesh are sequentially stacked and fixed, and welded to the second protruding surface. The cathode frame and anode frame are locked together by a second screw 21. The cathode support mesh, flexible mesh, and cathode mesh are sequentially stacked into an integral structure, with the installation position defined by the second protrusion, making the assembly of the integral structure convenient. It only needs to be placed flat on the second protruding surface and then welded to fix it. The cathode support mesh and flexible mesh are sewn together into an integral structure by flexible metal wires, which can be pure nickel wires. The sewing method can combine the multi-layer structure into one, while effectively avoiding the problem of the flexible mesh metal wires burning out due to high temperature during the welding process, greatly reducing the manufacturing difficulty. The cathode frame and anode frame are locked together, that is, the anode frame and cathode frame are locked together by corresponding first lugs, which also presses the cathode sealing ring into the annular sealing groove, ensuring the sealing effectiveness of the individual electrode chamber assembly on the cathode side.

[0044] Based on the assembly method of the anode frame, middle plate and cathode frame, the anode frame will not separate from the middle frame when the cathode frame is disassembled, ensuring the integrity of the whole. The cathode frame and anode frame also have effective force sharing, forming an overall force-bearing effect. The sealing effect during assembly and use has multiple protections, which is better and less prone to leakage.

[0045] The above structure also includes a diaphragm assembly 22, which is disposed on one side of the anode-side assembly or the cathode-side assembly. When multiple electrode chamber assemblies are used together, the diaphragm assembly effectively isolates and transports hydrogen and oxygen ions between the anode and cathode.

[0046] Furthermore, both the aforementioned anode and cathode frames include a bottom liquid inlet beam 23 and a top vent beam 24. The bottom liquid inlet beam and the top vent beam are connected and fixed by two supporting longitudinal columns 25, each with a first lug 26. The bottom liquid inlet beam has a liquid inlet hole at its end and a liquid outlet hole on its upper surface to supply electrolyte into the electrolysis chamber. The top vent beam has a vent hole on its side and a vent hole on its bottom surface to guide rising gas and discharge it through the vent hole. The sides of the bottom liquid inlet beam, the top vent beam, and the two supporting longitudinal columns are fitted with a sealing ring to achieve a seal.

[0047] Reference Figure 8 As shown, this application also discloses an electrolytic hydrogen production device, including a frame and several electrode chamber assemblies 28 as described above. The multiple electrode chamber assemblies are stacked and mounted on the frame. The multiple electrode chamber assemblies are stacked by translation, which makes assembly and disassembly more convenient and ensures high consistency in their positions.

[0048] Specifically, the aforementioned frame includes a fixed end plate 29 and a fixed mounting base 30 arranged opposite to each other. Both the fixed end plate and the fixed mounting base are provided with support feet 31 at their bottoms. The two sides of the fixed end plate and the fixed mounting base are connected by hanging beams 32. The fixed mounting base is provided with a lifting mechanism 33. The end of the lifting mechanism is provided with a movable end plate 34. The movable end plate is arranged parallel to the fixed end plate. The movable end plate is provided with two second hanging ears 35, which are respectively hung on the hanging beams. The electrode chamber assembly is arranged between the movable end plate and the fixed end plate and is hung on the two hanging beams.

[0049] After the electrode chamber assembly is assembled, the lifting mechanism extends and pushes the movable end plate on the hanging beam toward the electrode chamber assembly. Finally, the movable end plate, together with the fixed end plate, clamps all the electrode chamber assemblies, ensuring a sealing effect through the application of force.

[0050] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medium plate, characterized in that, It includes a body and a circulation plate. The body is integrally stamped from a metal plate. The periphery of the body surface is stamped with an annular sealing channel with an S-shaped cross section. Several first protrusions and second protrusions are stamped on two surfaces of the body inside the annular sealing channel, respectively. The circulation plate is inclined and fixedly connected to the first protrusion. The circulation plate is set in the annular sealing groove and the distance between the top edge and the body surface is smaller than the distance between the bottom edge and the body surface. The body surface on one side where the first protrusion is located is the anode side, and the body surface on one side where the second protrusion is located is the cathode side. The body surface on the anode side cooperates with the annular sealing channel to form a groove structure. Both the first protrusion and the second protrusion are trapezoidal bosses. The height of the first protrusion is 12-20mm, and the height of the second protrusion is 4-10mm. The surface of the circulation plate is provided with a plurality of clearance holes, each of which corresponds to a first protrusion. The circulation plate is fitted onto the first protrusion through the clearance holes and then welded and fixed.

2. The middle plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is also provided with a fixed locking edge on the outer periphery of the annular sealing channel, and the fixed locking edge is provided with a lock hole.

3. An electrode chamber assembly, characterized in that, The medium plate includes the one described in claim 1 or 2, wherein an anode side assembly and a cathode side assembly are respectively provided on both sides of the medium plate.

4. The electrode chamber assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The anode side assembly includes an anode sealing ring, an anode frame, and an anode mesh. The anode mesh is welded and fixed to the first protruding surface. The anode sealing ring is disposed in an annular sealing groove. The anode frame is fixed to the body by a first screw. The cathode-side assembly includes a cathode sealing ring, a cathode support mesh, a flexible mesh, a cathode mesh, and a cathode frame. The cathode sealing ring is disposed in an annular sealing groove. The cathode support mesh, the flexible mesh, and the cathode mesh are stacked and fixed in sequence and welded to the second protruding surface. The cathode frame is locked to the anode frame by a second screw. It also includes a diaphragm assembly, which is disposed on one side of the anode-side assembly or the cathode-side assembly.

5. The electrode chamber assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, Both the anode frame and the cathode frame include a bottom liquid inlet beam and a top air outlet beam. The bottom liquid inlet beam and the top air outlet beam are connected and fixed by two supporting longitudinal columns. The supporting longitudinal columns are provided with a first hanging lug. The anode frame and the cathode frame are fixed together as one unit by locking the corresponding first lugs.

6. The electrode chamber assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The cathode support mesh and the flexible mesh are sewn together as a single structure by flexible metal wires.

7. An electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a frame and several electrode chamber assemblies as described in any one of claims 4-6, wherein multiple electrode chamber assemblies are stacked and mounted on the frame.

8. The electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The frame includes a fixed end plate and a fixed mounting base arranged opposite each other. Both the fixed end plate and the fixed mounting base are provided with support feet at their bottoms. The two sides of the fixed end plate and the fixed mounting base are connected by hanging beams. The fixed mounting base is provided with a lifting mechanism. The end of the lifting mechanism is provided with a movable end plate. The movable end plate is arranged parallel to the fixed end plate. The movable end plate is provided with two second hanging ears and is respectively hung on the hanging beams. The electrode chamber assembly is arranged between the movable end plate and the fixed end plate and is hung on the two hanging beams.

Images