An on-line monitoring system for temperature of flow field inside electrolytic cell

Abstract

The application discloses an online monitoring system for the temperature of the flow field inside an electrolytic cell, which comprises a pre-embedded temperature sensor array, a sensor positioning groove, a lead guiding groove and a temperature acquisition module, the sensor probe is a miniature thermocouple or the like, is arranged in a grid in the flow field of an electrolytic cell chamber and directly contacts the electrolyte at the temperature sensing end; the positioning groove is arranged in the papillary cavity of a bipolar plate, an insulating sensing micro column is arranged in the positioning groove and bears the probe, the micro column is adapted to the flow field and does not disturb the flow. The lead is contained in the depth-adapted guiding groove, an arc-shaped transition type sealing structure is arranged at the sealing lip mouth of the lead, the radial S-shaped crossing part and the arc-shaped fitting part are in stepped cooperation, the extension compensation and the sealing reinforcement are realized. The acquisition module receives and processes signals, realizes real-time display, storage and early warning of the temperature, can generate a temperature monitoring cloud picture, is compatible with nickel plating and assembly processes, is accurate in temperature measurement, reliable in sealing, is adapted to large-scale production and provides data support for electrolysis process optimization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of alkaline electrolyzer hydrogen production technology, specifically to an online monitoring system for the temperature of the internal flow field of an electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] As a core piece of equipment in electrolytic production, the operating temperature of the electrolytic cell directly affects electrolysis efficiency, product quality, and the safe operation of the equipment. During electrolysis, the uniformity of temperature within the cell directly impacts current efficiency and product quality. Studies have shown that uneven temperature distribution within the electrolytic cell leads to decreased current efficiency, thereby increasing energy consumption and reducing electrolyte quality. Furthermore, excessively high local temperatures can cause electrolyte decomposition or damage to the cell materials, and even lead to cell leakage, seriously threatening production safety.

[0003] Current temperature measurement methods primarily rely on contact temperature sensors mounted on the electrodes. However, the electrode temperature is affected by the resistive heat of the electrodes themselves and the contact resistance, resulting in a significant difference from the actual temperature inside the electrolyte, and thus failing to reflect the true temperature distribution and changes in the flow field within the electrolytic cell. Directly placing temperature sensors between the electrodes requires signal lines, but the electrolytic cell consists of multiple stacked and compressed electrodes, and the lack of pre-reserved channels for these lines makes them susceptible to breakage, insulation damage, short circuits, or leakage. Post-installation wiring compromises sealing and strength, making it unsuitable for large-scale production lines. Existing technologies lack a pre-embedded temperature measurement solution that integrates electrode processing, nickel plating, and assembly.

[0004] Therefore, in order to monitor the internal flow field temperature of the electrolyzer in real time and accurately, to provide data support for optimizing the production process, to effectively prevent potential safety hazards, and to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the electrolyzer, it is particularly important to develop a technology that can comprehensively reflect the internal flow field temperature distribution of the electrolyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and provide an online monitoring system for the temperature of the flow field inside an electrolytic cell.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An online monitoring system for the temperature of the internal flow field of an electrolytic cell, comprising: The temperature sensor array includes at least one set of pre-embedded temperature sensor arrays placed in the flow field of the electrolysis chamber, which consists of multiple temperature sensor probes and corrosion-resistant leads connected to them one by one. A sensor positioning groove is arranged in the flow field area or non-active area of ​​the bipolar plate. The temperature sensor probe is positioned in the groove, and the temperature sensing end of the temperature sensor probe extends into the electrolyte flow field area to collect the actual temperature of the flow field inside the electrolytic cell. A lead wire guide groove is used to accommodate and guide the lead wire, which extends along the guide groove from the inside of the electrolytic cell to the outside of the electrolytic cell and is connected to the temperature acquisition module. The temperature acquisition module receives temperature signals, displays and stores temperature changes in real time, and provides over-temperature warnings and local overheating alarms.

[0007] Furthermore, the lead wire forms an arc-shaped transition sealing structure at the point where it passes through the sealing lip of the pole frame. The arc-shaped transition sealing structure is a multi-segment structure, which includes multiple radially passing portions and arc-shaped fitting portions arranged sequentially at intervals. The radially passing portions and the arc-shaped fitting portions are arranged in a stepped manner, connected end to end. The radially passing portions pass through at least one sealing line of the sealing lip radially, and the arc-shaped fitting portions are arranged to fit along the arc curve of the sealing line of the sealing lip.

[0008] Furthermore, the radial through-parts arrange the signal leads in a continuous S-shaped structure, providing compensation for the expansion and contraction of the leads when the sealing lip is squeezed and sealed. The radial through-parts are pre-bent into a contoured structure that conforms to the concave and convex shape of the sealing line. The arc-shaped fitting part is an arc-shaped lead that fits onto the convex or concave part of the sealing line. The leads pass over the sealing line layer by layer and rotate circumferentially through the arc-shaped fitting part at the point where they pass over the sealing line. This allows the leads to connect to the radial through-parts that pass inward or outward at both ends of the arc-shaped fitting part, creating a misalignment between the radial through-parts at both ends and strengthening the radial sealing performance of the radial through-parts at both ends at the arc-shaped fitting part.

[0009] Furthermore, the temperature sensor probes are arranged in a regular grid pattern inside the electrolytic cell; the temperature sensor probes are deployed at multiple points along the electrolyte flow channel to form an internal temperature field monitoring array.

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor positioning slot is disposed within the nipple cavity of the bipolar plate. At each preset temperature measurement point, a nipple cavity is selected as the sensor positioning slot. An insulating sensing micropillar is disposed within the nipple cavity. The insulating sensing micropillar includes a micropillar substrate, and a temperature sensor probe is embedded within the micropillar substrate. The temperature sensor probe is positioned close to the top of the insulating sensing micropillar and directly placed within the flow field of the electrolysis chamber. The top of the insulating sensing micropillar does not exceed the height of the nipple protrusion.

[0011] Furthermore, the insulating sensing micropillar is made of any one of alumina, aluminum nitride, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polyimide (PI), and the end of the insulating sensing micropillar is 0.2-0.5 mm higher than the bipolar plate substrate.

[0012] Furthermore, the depth of the lead guide groove is greater than the diameter of the pre-embedded lead wire, so that the pre-embedded lead wire is completely embedded in the groove. The guide groove is formed by stamping or CNC machining on the surface of the bipolar plate substrate. The lead wire of the temperature sensor probe is led to the non-working area at the edge of the bipolar plate through the lead guide groove. The starting point of the arc-shaped transition sealing structure passing through the electrode frame sealing lip is located at one end above the liquid surface in the electrolysis chamber, and its arc-shaped arrangement extends towards the other end above the liquid surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the signal acquisition module is used to store historical temperature data of the flow field inside the electrolytic cell for temperature data analysis and organization, and to form a temperature monitoring cloud map of the electrolytic cell based on the temperature sensor array.

[0014] Furthermore, the temperature sensor probe is a miniature thermocouple, a platinum resistance thin film chip, or an NTC thermistor chip.

[0015] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: First, the internal temperature measurement is accurate and reliable: the temperature sensor probe is directly exposed to the electrolyte flow field, rather than the electrode surface temperature, allowing it to capture localized hot spots. This overcomes the lag and bias of traditional electrode temperature measurement, and can accurately reflect the temperature of the electrochemical reaction region. Second, the lead wires will never break: By adopting the strategy of pre-embedding and channel avoidance before assembly, the cables are laid out as part of the sealing structure of the electrolytic cell, which completely avoids the risk of electrode plate compression and shearing caused by later wire threading, thus ensuring the long-term stability of the temperature measurement system.

[0016] Third, the process is readily applicable: it is compatible with existing nickel plating and assembly processes, does not alter the main structure, and is easy to mass-produce. This improves the system's reliability and economy, and provides a completely new technical approach for monitoring electrolytic cell temperature.

[0017] Fourth, highly reliable sealed insulation: The leads are protected with alkali-resistant sheaths, sealant, and nickel plating, making them suitable for long-term high-temperature and strong-alkali conditions. The nickel layer has excellent passivation properties in the electrolyte, effectively protecting electrical connection points from corrosion.

[0018] Fifth, standardized layout: Through prefabricated guide channels, a regular, directional, multi-point matrix layout of key areas inside the electrolytic cell can be achieved, supporting balanced temperature field control, ensuring safe operation of the equipment, and providing accurate data support for establishing a temperature field model inside the electrolytic cell. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal flow field temperature monitoring system of the electrolytic cell of the present invention within the electrolysis chamber; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor array mounted on a bipolar plate in this invention; Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of section AA; In the diagram: 1. Electrolysis chamber; 2. Bipolar plate; 3. Electrode frame; 4. Diaphragm; 5. Gasket; 6. Temperature sensor array; 7. Temperature sensor probe; 8. Lead wire; 9. Sensor positioning groove; 10. Temperature acquisition module; 11. Sealing lip; 12. Arc-shaped transition sealing structure; 13. Radial through section; 14. Arc-shaped fitting section; 15. Sealing line; 16. S-shaped structure; 17. Papillary cavity; 18. Papillary protrusion; 19. Insulating sensing micropillar; 20. Contour-contour structure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to examples. These examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] This online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolyzer addresses technical pain points such as the difficulty in accurately monitoring the true temperature of the internal flow field in an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, the difficulty in setting up sensor leads 8, and the ease with which leads 8 can leak when passing through a sealing surface.

[0022] The core components of this system include a pre-embedded temperature sensor array 6, a sensor positioning groove 9, a guide groove for lead wires 8, an arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12, and a temperature acquisition module 10. These structures work together to form a complete monitoring system from temperature acquisition, signal transmission, sealing protection to data processing. The pre-embedded temperature sensor array 6 directly acts on the flow field of the electrolysis chamber 1 to achieve temperature acquisition. The sensor positioning groove 9 works with the insulating sensing micropillar 19 to achieve precise sensor fixation and flow field adaptation. The guide groove for lead wires 8 provides a directional path for the sensor lead wires 8, preventing them from being damaged by the electrode plates. The arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12 solves the leakage problem of lead wires 8 passing through the sealing lip 11 of the electrode frame 3. The temperature acquisition module 10 completes the reception, processing, storage, and early warning of temperature signals, ultimately achieving comprehensive and real-time monitoring of the temperature of the flow field inside the electrolytic cell.

[0023] Example 1: Specifically, the pre-embedded temperature sensor array 6 and the sensor grid layout structure are the core of realizing the real temperature acquisition of the flow field inside the electrolytic cell. The array consists of multiple temperature sensor probes 7 and corrosion-resistant leads 8 connected one-to-one. At least one set of arrays is placed directly in the flow field of the electrolytic cell 1. The electrolytic cell 1 is separated by a diaphragm 4. In actual use, the temperature sensor array 6 can be set only on one side of the diaphragm 4, or it can be set on both sides of the diaphragm 4. The sensor probes are selected from miniature thermocouples, platinum resistance thin film chips or NTC thermistor chips. These miniaturized probes are small in size and have a fast response speed. They can directly penetrate into the narrow flow field of the electrolytic cell 1 and avoid interfering with the flow of electrolyte. To comprehensively capture the temperature distribution and variation patterns of the flow field inside the electrolyzer, the temperature sensor probe 7 is arranged in a regular grid pattern inside the electrolyzer and deployed at multiple points along the electrolyte flow channel to form an internal temperature field monitoring array. This arrangement covers the inlet, middle, and outlet of the flow field, as well as the circulation dead zone area prone to local overheating and uneven flow distribution. It breaks through the limitation of traditional temperature measurement methods that can only monitor the surface temperature of the electrode plates, allowing the temperature sensing end of the sensor probe to directly contact the electrolyte, accurately collect the actual temperature of the flow field inside the electrolyzer, effectively capture local hot spots, overcome the lag and deviation of electrode plate temperature measurement, and truly reflect the temperature changes in the electrochemical reaction area, providing accurate temperature data support for the optimization of the electrolysis process.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, this embodiment is proposed to be composed of 100 unit electrolysis cells 1 stacked together. Each unit cell (electrolysis cell 1) includes a bipolar plate 2 (including anode and cathode), an electrode frame 3, a diaphragm 4 and a gasket 5. Adjacent unit cells are sealed and isolated by the gasket 5 and bipolar plate 2.

[0025] To accurately determine the temperature distribution inside the electrolyzer, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software was first used to simulate the flow and temperature fields within the electrolyzer. Simulation results showed that the temperature was lower in the electrolyte inlet region (approximately 80°C) and higher in the electrolyte outlet region (approximately 90°C), with localized overheating zones (reaching above 95°C) existing at the electrode edges. Based on these simulation results, nine temperature measurement points were planned on the bipolar plate 2 of each unit cell, arranged in a 3×3 matrix, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, a temperature sensor array 6 is formed, corresponding to different positions in the lower, middle, and upper parts of the electrolyte, as well as the anode and cathode sides.

[0026] In this embodiment, a sensor positioning groove 9 is provided in each electrolysis chamber 1 corresponding to the above-mentioned temperature measurement point position, and is designed accordingly in combination with the structure of the nipple-shaped bipolar plate 2. The sensor positioning groove is set in the nipple cavity 17 of the bipolar plate 2. A nipple cavity 17 is selected nearby for each preset temperature measurement point as the sensor positioning groove (this is in the design finalization stage. After the design is completed, mass production and installation can be carried out according to the design). An insulating sensing micropillar 19 is provided in the nipple cavity 17. The insulating sensing micropillar 19 includes a micropillar base, and a temperature sensor probe 7 is embedded in the micropillar base. The temperature sensor probe 7 is close to the top of the insulating sensing micropillar 19 and directly placed in the flow field of the electrolysis chamber 1. The top of the insulating sensing micropillar 19 does not exceed the height of the nipple protrusion 18.

[0027] At the connection point between the micropillar and the bipolar plate 2 (i.e., within the papillary cavity 17), a blind hole is pre-installed for the insulating sensing micropillar 19. The micropillar can be fixed in the hole by compression and bonding. The bottom of the micropillar and the papillary cavity 17 are sealed and insulated using an alkali-resistant inorganic sealant. The body of the insulating sensing micropillar 19 is made of alkali-resistant, insulating, high-temperature resistant, and highly thermally conductive materials such as alumina, aluminum nitride, polyetheretherketone, or polyimide. The integrated structure of the sensor positioning groove 9 and the insulating sensing micropillar 19 enables precise fixation of the sensor probe and adaptation to the flow field. Simultaneously considering both the structural strength and flow field integrity of the bipolar plate 2, the sensor positioning groove 9 is not randomly placed, but arranged in the flow field region or non-active area of ​​the bipolar plate 2, and preferably set in the nipple cavity 17 of the bipolar plate 2. At each preset temperature measurement point, a nipple cavity 17 is selected nearby as the sensor positioning groove. This design does not require large-scale structural modification of the bipolar plate 2, and uses the original nipple structure of the bipolar plate 2 to achieve sensor positioning, maximizing the structural strength of the bipolar plate 2, while avoiding the positioning groove from damaging the flow field structure and affecting the electrolyte flow.

[0028] An insulating sensing micropillar 19 is disposed within the nipple cavity 17. This micropillar serves as the core supporting structure for the sensor probe. A temperature sensor probe 7 is embedded within the micropillar substrate, positioning the probe close to the top of the insulating sensing micropillar 19 and directly within the flow field of the electrolysis chamber 1 to achieve direct temperature acquisition. Simultaneously, the top of the insulating sensing micropillar 19 does not exceed the height of the nipple protrusion 18, and the micropillar is slightly higher than the bipolar plate 2 substrate by 0.2-0.5 mm. Figure 1 As shown, this size design ensures that the temperature-sensing end of the sensor probe can fully contact the electrolyte while avoiding interference from the micropillar protrusions on the electrolyte flow, thus preserving the original flow pattern. Furthermore, the insulating properties of the insulating sensing micropillars 19 effectively isolate the conductivity of the bipolar plates 2, preventing electromagnetic interference from the plate's conductivity on the temperature measurement signal. Simultaneously, it avoids electrochemical reactions between the sensor probe, the electrolyte, and the plates, thereby improving the sensor's lifespan and temperature measurement accuracy.

[0029] The guide groove structure of lead 8 provides a directional and safe routing path for the corrosion-resistant lead 8 of the sensor, structurally eliminating the problem of lead 8 being squeezed or sheared by the electrode plate, which is key to achieving long-term stable signal transmission of lead 8. The guide groove of lead 8 can be formed on the surface of the bipolar plate 2 substrate by stamping or CNC machining. Its depth is greater than the wire diameter of the pre-embedded lead 8, so that the pre-embedded lead 8 can be completely embedded in the groove and does not exceed the plane of the electrode plate. During the process of stacking and pressing multiple sets of electrode plates in the electrolytic cell, the electrode plates will not directly contact the lead 8, avoiding problems such as insulation damage, wire breakage or signal short circuit caused by squeezing or shearing of lead 8. The path of the guide groove of lead 8 extends from the sensor positioning groove 9 to the non-working area at the edge of the bipolar plate 2, so that the lead 8 of the temperature sensor probe 7 is guided to the outside of the electrode plate in an orderly manner through the guide groove. The edge of the guide groove is rounded to prevent stress concentration from cutting the insulation layer of lead 8, further improving the protection effect of lead 8. Meanwhile, an insulating layer is provided between the lead wire 8 and the bipolar plate 2. The lead wire 8 is covered with a polytetrafluoroethylene or perfluoroalkoxy resin insulating layer, and the channel can also be filled with sealant to achieve multiple protections of insulation, pressure resistance, and alkaline solution penetration prevention. This not only prevents the conductivity of the electrode plate from interfering with the temperature measurement signal, but also avoids the electrolyte from corroding the wire, ensuring that the lead wire 8 can work stably for a long time in the high-temperature and strong alkaline environment inside the electrolytic cell.

[0030] Example 2: After the lead wire 8 converges at the non-working area of ​​the edge of the bipolar plate 2, the problem is how to establish a stable electrical connection with the external temperature acquisition module 10 by passing through the sealing surface of the pole frame 3. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12 is an innovative point to solve this problem. It specifically solves the technical problem that leakage is easy to occur when the sensor lead wire 8 passes through the sealing lip 11 of the pole frame 3. The structure is set at the point where the lead wire 8 passes through the sealing lip 11 of the pole frame 3. It is a multi-segment stepped structure, consisting of multiple radially passing parts 13 and arc-shaped fitting parts 14 that are arranged in sequence and connected end to end. It perfectly matches the multi-ring concentric sealing line 15 structure of the sealing lip 11 of the pole frame 3. The radially penetrating portion 13 passes radially through at least one sealing line 15 of the sealing lip 11, while the arc-shaped fitting portion 14 is arranged to fit along the arc curve of the sealing line 15 of the sealing lip 11. This ensures that the lead wire 8 does not directly penetrate the sealing lip 11 radially, but rather crosses the sealing line 15 layer by layer in a stepped manner, arranged along the arc of the lip, through a sequence of "radial penetration - arc fitting - further radial penetration - further arc fitting..." extending from the inside of the electrolytic cell to the outside. This further enhances the sealing performance and the deformation resistance of the lead wire 8. For example... Figure 2As shown, the radial through-part 13 designs the signal lead 8 as a continuous S-shaped structure. This structure, when the sealing lip 11 is squeezed and sealed by the electrode plate, can achieve expansion and contraction compensation through its own elastic deformation. This accommodates the radial displacement during the clamping process of the electrode frame 3 and the deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction and vibration during long-term use, preventing insulation damage caused by stretching and compression of the lead 8. Simultaneously, it ensures a tight fit between the sealing lip 11 and the lead 8, without any gaps. Figure 3 As shown, the radial through portion 13 is also pre-bent into a contoured convex-concave structure 20 that conforms to the concave-convex shape of the sealing line 15, so that the lead wire 8 and the sealing line 15 fit together better, further enhancing the radial sealing effect.

[0031] The arc-shaped fitting part 14 is an arc-shaped lead wire 8 that fits onto the raised or recessed part of the sealing line 15. Its function is twofold: firstly, to allow the lead wire 8 to rotate circumferentially between two adjacent sealing lines 15, so that the radially passing parts 13 connected at both ends of the arc-shaped fitting part 14 are misaligned, thus avoiding the weak sealing area caused by the superposition of multiple radially passing parts 13 at the same radial position; secondly, the arc-shaped fitting part 14 can strengthen the radial sealing performance of the radially passing parts 13 at both ends, and increase the contact area between the lead wire 8 and the sealing lip 11 by utilizing the structural characteristics of the arc fitting, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0032] Implementation Three: As is well known, the electrolyte inside the electrolysis chamber 1 is not completely filled; a gas chamber must be reserved at the top for gas-liquid separation and gas discharge. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped jump-type sealing structure 12 is improved based on the liquid level inside the electrolysis chamber 1.

[0033] Specifically, as an improved design of Embodiment 2, the starting point of the arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12 passing through the sealing lip 11 of the electrode frame 3 is located at one end above the liquid surface in the electrolysis chamber 1, and its arc-shaped arrangement extends towards the other end above the liquid surface, such as... Figure 2 As shown, this arrangement avoids direct contact between the lead 8 and the electrolyte surface, further reducing the possibility of alkali leakage from where the lead 8 passes through. This significantly improves the sealing reliability of the lead 8 at the sealing lip 11, balancing signal transmission and the airtightness of the electrolytic cell.

[0034] The upper part of the liquid surface inside the electrolysis chamber 1, together with the electrode frame 3, forms an arc-shaped gas phase region. Since the lead wire 8 is led out from the gas phase region, its sealing only requires gas and mist isolation. However, the liquid below the liquid surface is a strongly alkaline electrolyte, which will soak, penetrate, and corrode the sealing components for a long time. The liquid phase leads out, and the sealing difficulty and failure probability are much greater than those of the gas phase. Therefore, as an adaptive improvement, the arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12 is set in the gas phase region. In order to set the arc-shaped fitting part 14, one end of the arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12 is the end of the electrode frame 3 corresponding to the arc-shaped region, and it extends to the other end in an arc along the arc shape, so that the lead wire 8 is located on the top side of the electrolytic cell.

[0035] Example 4: The temperature acquisition module 10 is the terminal structure for online monitoring, data processing, and application of the internal flow field temperature of the electrolytic cell. Its core function is to receive temperature signals transmitted from each temperature sensor probe 7 and perform signal amplification, filtering, isolation, and linearization to remove electromagnetic interference during the operation of the electrolytic cell, improve data stability, and convert continuous analog signals into digital signals for system recognition and calculation. This module can display and store temperature change data of the internal flow field of the electrolytic cell in real time. It also has over-temperature warning and local overheating alarm functions. When the temperature in a certain area of ​​the flow field exceeds a preset threshold, an alarm signal can be issued in a timely manner, effectively preventing electrolyte decomposition, damage to the tank material, or even tank leakage accidents, thus improving the safety of electrolytic cell operation. In addition, the temperature acquisition module 10 can store historical data of the internal flow field temperature of the electrolyzer, which is convenient for subsequent temperature data analysis and organization. It can also form a temperature monitoring cloud map of the electrolysis chamber 1 based on the gridded monitoring data of the temperature sensor array 6, which intuitively displays the temperature distribution and gradient changes of the internal flow field of the electrolyzer. This provides accurate data support for operators to adjust process parameters such as electrolyte inlet flow rate and inlet temperature, which helps to optimize the electrolysis process, improve current efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. At the same time, it provides accurate and comprehensive measured data for establishing a temperature field model inside the electrolyzer.

[0036] This online temperature monitoring system for the internal flow field of an electrolytic cell achieves the technical goals of accurate internal flow field measurement, lead wire safety protection, leak-free sealing surfaces, and precise data processing through the collaborative design and innovative improvements of its core structures. Furthermore, all structural designs are highly compatible with existing processes such as nickel plating and assembly in electrolytic cells. This system effectively addresses many pain points of existing electrolytic cell temperature measurement technologies, significantly improving the accuracy of temperature detection and the safety of electrolytic cell operation.

[0037] An online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell includes the following production and assembly steps: (1) Plate pretreatment During the bipolar plate 2 processing stage, based on the internal flow field design of the electrolytic cell, sensor positioning grooves 9 are machined at the preset nipple cavity 17 position, and guide grooves for lead wires 8 are machined on the bipolar plate 2 substrate; the transition channel and lead-out position of lead wires 8 also need to be preset. This ensures that the grooves are smooth, do not affect the strength and sealing of the bipolar plate 2, do not damage the internal flow field structure of the electrolytic cell, and do not affect the electrolyte flow. (2) Sensor installation and lead wire 8 pre-embedding The temperature sensor is fixed in the sensor positioning groove 9, and the probe faces the flow field side under the protection of the insulating sensing micro-pillar 19 to ensure full contact with the electrolyte. The pre-embedded lead wire 8 is laid along the lead wire 8 guide groove, arranged smoothly, without twisting or protrusion, and all falls into the pre-embedded groove; (3) Nickel plating and shielding protection of bipolar plate 2 The entire bipolar plate 2 is nickel-plated to improve conductivity and corrosion resistance. Temperature sensors, corrosion-resistant leads 8, and terminals are shielded to prevent nickel plating solution from seeping in, causing short circuits, or damaging components.

[0038] (4) Electrolytic cell stacking and assembly The bipolar plates 2, diaphragm 4, and sealing gasket 5, which have been nickel-plated and pre-embedded with wiring, are stacked sequentially according to the assembly order of the electrolytic cell. Because the lead wires 8 are pre-embedded in the guide groove, there is no wire clamping or pressing between the plates during the assembly process, the assembly is unobstructed, and the sealing surface is not damaged.

[0039] (5) Lead wire 8 and seal The pre-embedded lead wire 8 is safely led out from the arc-shaped position of the gas phase zone of the electrode frame 3 through the arc-shaped transition sealing structure 12. The lead-out position is sealed and reinforced with sealant and sealing filler to ensure the airtightness of the electrolytic cell and prevent the lead wire 8 from being damaged or broken by pulling or twisting.

[0040] (6) Monitoring module access The pre-embedded lead wire 8 is connected to the external temperature acquisition module 10 through the terminal block to realize real-time display of multi-point temperature in the internal flow field of the electrolytic cell, visualization of temperature field distribution, and over-temperature alarm and local hot spot warning, providing specific data support for intelligent temperature control and online flow regulation of the electrolytic cell.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An online monitoring system for the temperature of the internal flow field of an electrolytic cell, characterized in that, include: The temperature sensor array includes at least one set of pre-embedded temperature sensor arrays placed in the flow field of the electrolysis chamber, which consists of multiple temperature sensor probes and corrosion-resistant leads connected to them one by one. A sensor positioning groove is arranged in the flow field area or non-active area of ​​the bipolar plate. The temperature sensor probe is positioned in the groove, and the temperature sensing end of the temperature sensor probe extends into the electrolyte flow field area to collect the actual temperature of the flow field inside the electrolytic cell. A lead wire guide groove is used to accommodate and guide the lead wire, which extends along the guide groove from the inside of the electrolytic cell to the outside of the electrolytic cell and is connected to the temperature acquisition module. The temperature acquisition module receives temperature signals, displays and stores temperature changes in real time, and provides over-temperature warnings and local overheating alarms.

2. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lead wire forms an arc-shaped transition sealing structure at the point where it passes through the sealing lip of the pole frame. The arc-shaped transition sealing structure is a multi-segment structure, which includes multiple radially passing portions and arc-shaped fitting portions arranged at intervals. The radially passing portions and the arc-shaped fitting portions are arranged in a stepped manner, connected end to end. The radially passing portions pass through at least one sealing line of the sealing lip radially, and the arc-shaped fitting portions are fitted along the arc curve of the sealing line of the sealing lip.

3. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radial through section arranges the signal lead in a continuous S-shaped structure, providing compensation for the lead's expansion and contraction during the compression sealing of the sealing lip. The radial through section is pre-bent to conform to the concave-convex shape of the sealing line. The arc-shaped fitting section is an arc-shaped lead that fits onto the raised or recessed areas of the sealing line. The lead passes over the sealing line layer by layer and rotates circumferentially through the arc-shaped fitting section at the point of crossing the sealing line. This causes the lead to connect to the radial through section passing inward or outward at both ends of the arc-shaped fitting section, creating a misalignment between the two ends and strengthening the radial sealing performance of the two ends at the arc-shaped fitting section.

4. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Temperature sensor probes are arranged in a regular grid pattern inside the electrolytic cell; the temperature sensor probes are deployed at multiple points along the electrolyte flow channel to form an internal temperature field monitoring array.

5. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor positioning slot is set in the nipple cavity of the bipolar plate. At each preset temperature measurement point, a nipple cavity is selected as the sensor positioning slot. An insulating sensing micropillar is provided in the nipple cavity. The insulating sensing micropillar includes a micropillar matrix and a temperature sensor probe is embedded in the micropillar matrix. The temperature sensor probe is placed close to the top of the insulating sensing micropillar and directly into the flow field of the electrolysis chamber. The top of the insulating sensing micropillar does not exceed the height of the nipple protrusion.

6. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insulating sensing micropillar is made of any one of alumina, aluminum nitride, polyetheretherketone, or polyimide, and the end of the insulating sensing micropillar is 0.2-0.5 mm higher than the bipolar plate substrate.

7. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The depth of the lead guide groove is greater than the diameter of the pre-embedded lead wire, so that the pre-embedded lead wire is completely embedded in the groove. The guide groove is formed by stamping or CNC machining on the surface of the bipolar plate substrate. The lead wire of the temperature sensor probe is led to the non-working area at the edge of the bipolar plate through the lead guide groove. The starting point of the arc-shaped transition sealing structure passing through the electrode frame sealing lip is located at one end above the liquid surface in the electrolysis chamber, and its arc-shaped arrangement extends towards the other end above the liquid surface.

8. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal acquisition module is used to store historical temperature data of the internal flow field of the electrolytic cell for temperature data analysis and organization, and to form a temperature monitoring cloud map of the electrolysis chamber based on the temperature sensor array.

9. The online monitoring system for the internal flow field temperature of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor probe is a miniature thermocouple, a platinum resistance thin film chip, or an NTC thermistor chip.

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