Electrolytic bath with elliptical electrolytic chamber

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic hydrogen production, and discloses an electrolytic cell with an oval electrolytic chamber, the electrolytic cell with the oval electrolytic chamber comprises an electrolytic unit, the electrolytic unit comprises two partition plates, pole frames are arranged on the side faces, close to each other, of the two partition plates respectively, oval grooves are formed in the pole frames, and the oval grooves are formed in the short axis direction of the oval grooves; an anolyte outlet hole and a catholyte outlet hole are formed in one end of the electrode frame, and an electrolyte inlet hole is formed in the other end of the electrode frame; the diaphragm is arranged between the two pole frames; the multiple electrolysis units are arranged in the linear direction, and every two adjacent electrolysis units share one partition plate. According to the electrolytic bath with the oval electrolytic chamber, the anode cavity and the cathode cavity are configured to be oval, so that the flow of electrolyte flowing through the electrolytic area is shortened, the retention time of gas in the electrolytic area is shortened, gas resistance is reduced, voltage is reduced, sharp corners do not exist in the oval electrolytic area, eddy current is not prone to being generated, and the service life of the electrolytic bath is prolonged. Therefore, the electrolyte flows more smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydrogen electrolysis technology, and more specifically to an electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Among existing green energy sources, hydrogen energy, with its abundant reserves and water as a combustion product, has become one of the most effective alternative energy sources. Water electrolysis is an important method for achieving large-scale, low-cost hydrogen production. The main methods for hydrogen production through water electrolysis include alkaline water electrolysis (ALK), proton exchange membrane (PEM), and anion exchange membrane (AEM). A water electrolyzer typically includes a diaphragm, end plates, bipolar plates, anode and cathode electrodes, anode and cathode frames, and sealing components. Since the electrode frames are usually circular or square, the receiving slots on the frames for housing the electrodes and elastomers are also typically circular or square. The electrolyte flow through the circular electrolysis region is relatively long, resulting in a longer gas residence time in the receiving slot, leading to higher gas resistance and voltage. Conversely, eddies easily form at the corners of the square electrolysis region, causing poor electrolyte flow. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber to solve the problems of the long flow of electrolyte through the circular electrolysis region, which causes the gas to stay in the container for a long time, resulting in high gas resistance and voltage, and the corners of the square electrolysis region are prone to eddy currents, which cause the electrolyte to flow poorly.

[0004] This invention provides an electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber, comprising:

[0005] An electrolysis unit includes two partitions arranged opposite each other. The sides of the two partitions that are close to each other are respectively provided with electrode frames. An elliptical groove is opened in the middle region of the electrode frame. The major axis of the elliptical groove is defined as S, and the minor axis of the elliptical groove is defined as L, where 1.2≤S / L≤2. Along the minor axis of the elliptical groove, one end of the electrode frame is provided with an anolyte outlet and a cathode outlet, and the other end of the electrode frame is provided with an electrolyte inlet.

[0006] A diaphragm is disposed between two electrode frames to separate two elliptical grooves. One elliptical groove is connected to the anolyte outlet to form an anode cavity, and the other elliptical groove is connected to the catholyte outlet to form a cathode cavity. Both the anode cavity and the cathode cavity are connected to the electrolyte inlet.

[0007] There are multiple electrolysis units arranged in a straight line. Two adjacent electrolysis units share a partition. Multiple anolyte outlets, multiple catholyte outlets, and multiple electrolyte inlets are connected and configured.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the anolyte outlet and the cathode outlet are respectively connected to the elliptical groove through a first flow channel, and the electrolyte inlet is connected to the elliptical groove through a second flow channel; a guide plate is provided at the first flow channel and / or the second flow channel.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the anolyte outlet and the catholyte outlet are each crescent-shaped, and the two crescent-shaped outlets are adapted to conform to the contour of an integral crescent-shaped outlet.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the electrolyte inlet is an integral crescent-shaped orifice; or, the electrolyte inlet is two separate crescent-shaped orifices, and the two crescent-shaped orifices are adapted to conform to the contour of an integral crescent-shaped orifice.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, when the electrolyte inlet is a split type of two crescent-shaped holes, one crescent-shaped hole serves as the anolyte inlet and is connected to the anode cavity through a second flow channel; the other crescent-shaped hole serves as the catholyte inlet and is connected to the cathode cavity through a second flow channel.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, along the minor axis of the elliptical groove, the anolyte inlet and anolyte outlet are correspondingly arranged, and the catholyte inlet and catholyte outlet are correspondingly arranged.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, along the minor axis of the elliptical groove, the anolyte inlet and the catholyte outlet are respectively arranged correspondingly.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the partition is provided with a first through hole corresponding to the anolyte outlet and the cathode outlet, and a second through hole corresponding to the electrolyte inlet.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the electrolysis unit further includes a sealing gasket disposed between the diaphragm and one of the electrode frames. The sealing gasket has a first connecting hole corresponding to the anolyte outlet and the cathode outlet, a second connecting hole corresponding to the electrolyte inlet, and a third connecting hole corresponding to the elliptical groove.

[0016] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided by the present invention, by constructing the anode cavity and cathode cavity as elliptical, can reduce the flow path of the electrolyte through the electrolysis region. As a result, the residence time of the gas in the electrolysis region is shortened after the flow field is shortened, which is beneficial to reduce gas resistance and lower voltage. Furthermore, there are no sharp corners in the elliptical electrolysis region, which makes it less likely to generate eddies, thereby making the electrolyte flow smoother.

[0018] 2. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided by the present invention improves the smoothness and flow efficiency of the electrolyte in the first and / or second flow channels by setting guide plates at the first and / or second flow channels.

[0019] 3. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber provided by the present invention constructs the anolyte outlet and the cathode outlet as crescent shapes to fit the smooth contour of the elliptical cell, which is beneficial to the efficient outflow of electrolyte.

[0020] 4. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided by the present invention makes the electrolyte inlet hole an integral crescent shape or a split semi-crescent shape, so as to fit the smooth contour of the elliptical tank and facilitate the efficient inflow of electrolyte.

[0021] 5. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber provided by the present invention improves the flow efficiency of the electrolyte by setting the anolyte inlet and outlet holes, as well as the cathode inlet and outlet holes, to correspond to each other.

[0022] 6. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber provided by the present invention arranges the anolyte inlet and outlet holes and the cathode inlet and outlet holes in an alternating manner to facilitate the full flow of electrolyte through the elliptical tank.

[0023] 7. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided by the present invention provides a sealing gasket between two electrode frames in the same electrolysis unit to seal the gap between the electrode frames and prevent leakage at this point. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention, in its decomposed state.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the partition shown;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The image shows a front view of a polar frame;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The front view of another type of polar frame is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The front view of the sealing gasket is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The front view of the diaphragm is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The front view of the end plate is shown;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a front view of another partition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a front view of another polar frame (with an anode cavity) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a front view of another polar frame (with a cathode cavity) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a front view of another sealing gasket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Separator; 2. Electrode frame; 21. Elliptical groove; 22. Anode outlet; 23. Cathode outlet; 24. Electrolyte inlet; 3. Diaphragm; 4. First flow channel; 5. Second flow channel; 6. Guide plate; 7. First through hole; 8. Second through hole; 9. Sealing gasket; 10. End plate; 11. First connecting hole; 12. Second connecting hole; 13. Third connecting hole; 14. Anode; 15. Cathode; 16. Elastomer. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 11 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrolytic cell having an elliptical electrolytic chamber is provided, comprising:

[0041] An electrolysis unit includes two partitions 1 arranged opposite each other. The two partitions 1 are respectively provided with pole frames 2 on their sides that are close to each other. An elliptical groove 21 is opened in the middle region of the pole frame 2. The major axis of the elliptical groove 21 is defined as S, and the minor axis of the elliptical groove 21 is defined as L, where 1.2≤S / L≤2. Along the minor axis of the elliptical groove 21, one end of the pole frame 2 is provided with an anolyte outlet 22 and a cathode outlet 23, and the other end of the pole frame 2 is provided with an electrolyte inlet 24.

[0042] A diaphragm 3 is disposed between two pole frames 2 to separate two elliptical grooves 21. One elliptical groove 21 is connected to the anolyte outlet 22 to form an anode cavity, and the other elliptical groove 21 is connected to the cathode outlet 23 to form a cathode cavity. Both the anode cavity and the cathode cavity are connected to the electrolyte inlet 24.

[0043] There are multiple electrolysis units arranged in a straight line. Two adjacent electrolysis units share a partition 1. Multiple anolyte outlets 22, multiple catholyte outlets 23, and multiple electrolyte inlets 24 are connected and arranged.

[0044] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided in this embodiment reduces the flow path of the electrolyte through the electrolysis region by constructing the anode or cathode cavity as an ellipse. This shortens the residence time of the gas in the electrolysis region, which helps to reduce gas resistance and lower voltage. Furthermore, the absence of sharp corners in the elliptical electrolysis region makes it less prone to eddy currents, thus allowing for smoother electrolyte flow.

[0045] Specifically, the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical groove 21 is 1.2-2, which was obtained through extensive experimental verification. If the ratio is too low, the effect of shortening the flow path will not be obvious. If the ratio is too high, the flow efficiency of the electrolyte in the two ends of the elliptical groove 21 along the major axis will be poor, and electrolyte stagnation will easily occur, reducing the uniformity of the flow field.

[0046] Two partition plates 1 are arranged parallel to each other on their main planes. The electrode frame 2 is sealed and fixedly connected to the main plane of the partition plate 1. An elliptical groove 21 penetrates the electrode frame 2 in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the partition plate 1. An anolyte outlet 22, a cathode outlet 23, and an electrolyte inlet 24 are opened in the outer periphery of the elliptical groove 21 and penetrate the electrode frame 2 in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the partition plate 1. An elastic body 16 and an anode 14 are arranged in the anode cavity. The elastic body 16 is used to make the anode 14 abut against the diaphragm 3. An elastic body 16 and a cathode 15 are arranged in the cathode cavity. The elastic body 16 is used to make the cathode 15 abut against the diaphragm 3. After the multiple electrolysis units are arranged, the anode cavity and the cathode cavity are arranged alternately in sequence. An end plate 10 is provided at both ends of the multiple electrolysis units. The two end plates 10 are connected by multiple tie rods to facilitate pressing the multiple electrolysis units together. Preferably, along the aforementioned straight direction, the projections of the plurality of anolyte outlet holes 22 at least partially overlap, the projections of the plurality of catholyte outlet holes 23 at least partially overlap, and the projections of the plurality of electrolyte inlet holes 24 at least partially overlap.

[0047] In one embodiment, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23 are connected to the elliptical groove 21 through the first flow channel 4, and the electrolyte inlet 24 is connected to the elliptical groove 21 through the second flow channel 5; a guide plate 6 is provided at the first flow channel 4 and / or the second flow channel 5.

[0048] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided in this embodiment improves the smoothness and flow efficiency of the electrolyte in the first flow channel 4 and / or the second flow channel 5 by setting a guide plate 6 at the first flow channel 4 and / or the second flow channel 5.

[0049] Specifically, first flow channels 4 are respectively formed on the electrode frame 2 in the region between the anolyte outlet 22 and the elliptical groove 21, and in the region between the cathode outlet 23 and the elliptical groove 21. One end of the first flow channel 4 communicates with the interior of the elliptical groove 21, and the other end communicates with the anolyte outlet 22 or the cathode outlet 23. A second flow channel 5 is formed on the electrode frame 2 in the region between the elliptical groove 21 and the electrolyte inlet 24. Multiple guide plates 6 are provided at each flow channel, and these guide plates 6 are equidistantly spaced along the edge contour of the elliptical groove 21.

[0050] In one embodiment, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23 are respectively crescent-shaped holes, and the two crescent-shaped holes are adapted to fit the outline of an integral crescent-shaped hole.

[0051] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber provided in this embodiment is constructed with the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23 in a crescent shape to fit the smooth contour of the elliptical groove 21, which is beneficial to the efficient outflow of electrolyte.

[0052] In one embodiment, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the electrolyte inlet 24 is an integral crescent-shaped hole; or, the electrolyte inlet 24 is two separate crescent-shaped holes, which are adapted to fit the outline of an integral crescent-shaped hole.

[0053] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided in this embodiment makes the electrolyte inlet 24 an integral crescent shape or a split semi-crescent shape, so as to fit the smooth contour of the elliptical groove 21 and facilitate the efficient inflow of electrolyte.

[0054] Specifically, when the electrolyte inlet 24 is an integral crescent-shaped hole, the electrolyte inlet 24 is connected to the interior of the elliptical groove 21 through the second flow channel 5.

[0055] In one embodiment, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the electrolyte inlet 24 is a split type of two crescent-shaped holes, one crescent-shaped hole serves as the anolyte inlet and is connected to the anode cavity through the second flow channel 5; the other crescent-shaped hole serves as the catholyte inlet and is connected to the cathode cavity through the second flow channel 5.

[0056] Specifically, in an electrolysis unit, electrolyte inlets 24 are respectively located on two electrode frames 2. The anolyte inlet on the electrode frame 2 with the anode cavity is connected to the anode cavity through the second flow channel 5 and is also connected to the anolyte inlet on the other electrode frame 2. The catholyte inlet on the electrode frame 2 with the cathode cavity is connected to the cathode cavity through the second flow channel 5 and is also connected to the catholyte inlet on the other electrode frame 2, thereby realizing that the anolyte and catholyte flow in and out respectively.

[0057] In one embodiment, combined Figure 3 As shown, along the minor axis of the elliptical groove 21, the anolyte inlet and anolyte outlet 22 are correspondingly arranged, and the catholyte inlet and catholyte outlet 23 are correspondingly arranged.

[0058] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber provided in this embodiment improves the flow efficiency of the electrolyte by arranging the anolyte inlet and outlet 22, and the cathode inlet and outlet 23, respectively.

[0059] Specifically, the electrode frame 2 provided in this embodiment has a structure with a cathode cavity, which is similar to... Figure 3 The electrode frame 2 with the anode cavity shown has the same structural form, the difference being that the positions of the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23 are interchanged, as are the positions of the anolyte inlet and the cathode inlet. The cathode outlet 2 of the electrode frame 2 with the cathode cavity is connected to the cathode cavity through the first flow channel 4, and the cathode inlet is connected to the cathode cavity through the second flow channel 5.

[0060] In one embodiment, combined Figure 4 As shown, along the short axis of the elliptical groove 21, the anolyte inlet and the catholyte outlet 23 are correspondingly arranged, and the catholyte inlet and the anolyte outlet 22 are correspondingly arranged.

[0061] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided in this embodiment is arranged in an alternating manner with the anolyte inlet and outlet holes 22 and the cathode inlet and outlet holes 23, so that the electrolyte can flow fully through the elliptical tank 21.

[0062] Specifically, the electrode frame 2 provided in this embodiment has a structural form of cathode cavity, which is similar to... Figure 4 The other electrode frame 2 with an anode cavity shown has the same structural form, except that the positions of the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23 are interchanged, as are the positions of the anolyte inlet and the cathode inlet. The cathode outlet 2 of the electrode frame 2 with a cathode cavity is connected to the cathode cavity through the first flow channel 4, and the cathode inlet is connected to the cathode cavity through the second flow channel 5.

[0063] In one embodiment, combined Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the partition 1 has a first through hole 7 corresponding to the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23, and a second through hole 8 corresponding to the electrolyte inlet 24.

[0064] Specifically, the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23 of two adjacent electrolysis units are connected through the first through hole 7, and the electrolyte inlet 24 of two adjacent electrolysis units are connected through the second through hole 8.

[0065] In one embodiment, combined Figure 11 As shown, the electrolysis unit also includes a sealing gasket 9, which is disposed between the diaphragm 3 and one of the electrode frames 2. The sealing gasket 9 has a first connecting hole 11 corresponding to the anolyte outlet 22 and the cathode outlet 23, a second connecting hole 12 corresponding to the electrolyte inlet 24, and a third connecting hole 13 corresponding to the elliptical groove 21.

[0066] The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolysis chamber provided in this embodiment uses a sealing gasket 9 between the two electrode frames 2 in the same electrolysis unit to seal the gap between the electrode frames 2 and prevent leakage at this point.

[0067] Specifically, in one electrolysis unit, there are two sealing gaskets 9, one disposed between a diaphragm 3 and the other between an electrode frame 2. The two electrode frames 2 clamp the diaphragm 3 together through the two sealing gaskets 9. The anolyte outlet 22 and the catholyte outlet 23 located on the two electrode frames 2 are connected through the first connecting hole 11. The electrolyte inlet 24 located on the two electrode frames 2 are connected through the second connecting hole 12. The third connecting hole 13 penetrates the sealing gasket 9 in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the diaphragm 1 to facilitate the contact between the anode and cathode electrodes and the diaphragm 3.

[0068] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber, characterized in that, include: An electrolysis unit includes two partitions (1) arranged opposite to each other. The two partitions (1) are respectively provided with pole frames (2) on their sides that are close to each other. An elliptical groove (21) is opened in the middle region of the pole frame (2). The major axis of the elliptical groove (21) is defined as S, and the minor axis of the elliptical groove (21) is defined as L, where 1.2≤S / L≤2. Along the minor axis of the elliptical groove (21), one end of the pole frame (2) is provided with an anolyte outlet (22) and a cathode outlet (23), and the other end of the pole frame (2) is provided with an electrolyte inlet (24). A diaphragm (3) is disposed between the two electrode frames (2) to separate the two elliptical grooves (21). One of the elliptical grooves (21) is connected to the anolyte outlet (22) to form an anode cavity, and the other elliptical groove (21) is connected to the cathode outlet (23) to form a cathode cavity. Both the anode cavity and the cathode cavity are connected to the electrolyte inlet (24). The number of electrolysis units is multiple and they are arranged in a straight line. Two adjacent electrolysis units share a partition (1). Multiple anolyte outlets (22), multiple catholyte outlets (23) and multiple electrolyte inlets (24) are respectively connected.

2. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anolyte outlet (22) and the cathode outlet (23) are connected to the elliptical groove (21) through the first flow channel (4), and the electrolyte inlet (24) is connected to the elliptical groove (21) through the second flow channel (5); a guide plate (6) is provided at the first flow channel (4) and / or the second flow channel (5).

3. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anolyte outlet (22) and the cathode outlet (23) are respectively crescent-shaped holes, and the two crescent-shaped holes are adapted to fit the outline of an integral crescent-shaped hole.

4. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrolyte inlet (24) is an integral crescent-shaped hole; or, the electrolyte inlet (24) is two separate crescent-shaped holes, and the two crescent-shaped holes are adapted to fit the outline of an integral crescent-shaped hole.

5. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the electrolyte inlet (24) is two separate crescent-shaped holes, one of the crescent-shaped holes serves as the anolyte inlet and is connected to the anode cavity through the second flow channel (5); the other crescent-shaped hole serves as the cathode inlet and is connected to the cathode cavity through the second flow channel (5).

6. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the short axis of the elliptical groove (21), the anolyte inlet hole and the anolyte outlet hole (22) are respectively arranged, and the cathode inlet hole and the cathode outlet hole (23) are respectively arranged.

7. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the short axis of the elliptical groove (21), the anolyte inlet is correspondingly arranged to the catholyte outlet (23), and the catholyte inlet is correspondingly arranged to the anolyte outlet (22).

8. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (1) has a first through hole (7) corresponding to the anolyte outlet (22) and the cathode outlet (23), and a second through hole (8) corresponding to the electrolyte inlet (24).

9. The electrolytic cell with an elliptical electrolytic chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electrolysis unit also includes a sealing gasket (9), which is disposed between the diaphragm (3) and one of the electrode frames (2). The sealing gasket (9) has a first connecting hole (11) corresponding to the anolyte outlet (22) and the cathode outlet (23), a second connecting hole (12) corresponding to the electrolyte inlet (24), and a third connecting hole (13) corresponding to the elliptical groove (21).

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