An electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive uniform pressurization

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of electrolytic cell device design and manufacture, and particularly relates to an electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic driving uniform pressurization, which comprises a guard plate, an upper limiting plate, a lower limiting plate and a pressure source; the guard plate is arranged between the upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate, and the upper limiting plate, the guard plate and the lower limiting plate are sequentially assembled and connected through threaded fasteners; the pressure source is assembled and connected with the guard plate and the lower limiting plate respectively, and the pressure centers of the pressure source on the guard plate and the lower limiting plate coincide with the theoretical pressurization center of the electrolytic cell; the pressure source is a hydraulic device and / or a pneumatic device; and the electrolytic cell is pressed between the guard plate and the upper limiting plate. Compared with the prior art, the application solves the problem of uneven pressure of the electrolytic cell in the prior art. The power source of the hydraulic / pneumatic provides uniform, quantifiable and accurately controlled clamping force for the electrolytic cell, completely eliminates the "island-shaped" distribution of the pressure of the traditional screw fixation, and greatly improves the sealing reliability and experimental consistency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrolytic cell device design and manufacturing, specifically relating to an electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization. Background Technology

[0002] Gas diffusion electrolyzers / membrane electrode electrolyzers are a common type of electrolyzer, frequently used in carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen / nitrogen oxide reduction, and water splitting for hydrogen production. They consist of multiple stacked flow field plates, assembled under pressure by the outermost plate. Gases and liquids flow within the sealed flow field plates to participate in the reaction. Therefore, the pressure on both sides of the stacked flow field plates is crucial. Appropriate pressure ensures two key aspects: First, it guarantees a tight seal; poor sealing leading to gas leakage is equivalent to reactants "escaping." If the chambers on both sides of the ion exchange membrane are interconnected, products will cross over to the other side and be re-oxidized or reduced, wasting energy. Second, it ensures the structural integrity of the gas diffusion layer during long-term electrolysis. Uneven pressure on the gas diffusion layer can lead to localized ruptures or pinholes, causing "liquid flooding" on the gas side or "drying up" on the liquid side.

[0003] Currently, all gas diffusion electrolyzers / membrane electrode electrolyzers are secured by screws around the perimeter of the cell, with pressure applied by the tightness of these screws. This results in uneven pressure distribution, as the pressure is applied axially through the screws, leading to a highly uneven distribution. Pressure is higher closer to the screw holes and lower closer to the center of the cell. This results in an "island-like" pressure distribution across the reactor's active surface. This poses several risks: uneven compression of the sealing gaskets may lead to insufficient compression in low-pressure areas, causing reactant or product leakage. Furthermore, high-pressure areas may crush the fragile gas diffusion layer or porous electrode, damaging its structure and severely impacting gas-liquid transport.

[0004] Existing technology CN121653690A discloses a fastening device and its usage method for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, belonging to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology. It includes a first equalizing rod and a second equalizing rod, which are symmetrically arranged parallel to each other on the outer sides of the two ends of the electrolytic cell to be fastened. A first connecting rod assembly is installed at both ends of the first equalizing rod, and a second connecting rod assembly is installed at both ends of the second equalizing rod. The first and second connecting rod assemblies are symmetrically arranged with respect to the electrolytic cell. A driving mechanism is provided between the first and second connecting rod assemblies, enabling relative movement between them. This solution achieves uniform clamping of the first and second equalizing rods through a multi-stage lever system structure, resulting in a complex overall structure and transmission. Furthermore, the complex structure and transmission can easily lead to different clamping forces on both sides. Additionally, this solution only presses against the diameter of the electrolytic cell, making it difficult to guarantee uniform overall clamping.

[0005] Existing technology CN220807092U discloses an electrolytic cell test fixture and electrolytic cell testing tooling, including: a base; a first end plate and a second end plate, disposed on the base, with a space for accommodating the electrolytic cell formed between the first end plate and the second end plate; one of the first end plate and the second end plate being fixedly connected to the base, and the other being slidably connected to the base, so that the two end plates can move closer or further apart; a pressure plate, movably disposed on the base, for abutting against the first end plate or the second end plate; and a driving device, disposed on the base, for driving the pressure plate to move, so that the first end plate and the second end plate clamp or release the electrolytic cell. This solution applies pressure through a pneumatic transmission assembly. Although it uses a relatively large pressure plate, the state of the electrolytic cell is difficult to observe directly during pressing due to the obstruction of the end plates. Furthermore, it requires a specific electrolytic cell structure to cooperate with the guide groove for pressing, and cannot be directly used for testing conventional electrolytic cells. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressure increase, thereby solving the problem of uneven pressure on electrolytic cells in the prior art. This solution provides a uniform, quantifiable, and precisely controllable clamping force to the electrolytic cell through a hydraulic / pneumatic power source, completely eliminating the "island-like" pressure distribution of traditional screw fastening, and greatly improving sealing reliability and experimental consistency.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: An electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization includes a guard plate, an upper limit plate, a lower limit plate, and a pressure source; The guard plate is disposed between the upper limit plate and the lower limit plate, and the upper limit plate, the guard plate and the lower limit plate are sequentially assembled and connected by threaded fasteners; The pressure source is assembled and connected to the guard plate and the lower limit plate respectively, and the pressure center of the pressure source on the guard plate and the lower limit plate coincides with the theoretical pressure center of the electrolytic cell; the pressure source is a hydraulic device and / or a pneumatic device. The electrolytic cell is pressed between the protective plate and the upper limit plate.

[0008] Preferably, the electrolytic cell fastening device further includes a return spring; The reset spring is sleeved on the outside of the threaded fastener between the upper limit plate and the guard plate.

[0009] Preferably, the upper limit plate has an X-shaped structure; The threaded fasteners are respectively set at the ends of the upper limit plate and pass through the guard plate before being assembled and connected to the lower limit plate.

[0010] Preferably, the threaded fastener includes a double-threaded rod and a positioning nut; The double-ended threaded rod passes through the mounting holes of the upper limit plate, the guard plate, and the lower limit plate in sequence, and is locked to the upper limit plate and the lower limit plate by the positioning nut, so as to realize the assembly connection of the upper limit plate, the guard plate, and the lower limit plate.

[0011] Preferably, the guard plate and the lower limit plate are respectively provided with annularly arranged through holes, and the pressure source is assembled and connected to the through holes through threaded parts. The center of the annularly arranged through holes coincides with the theoretical pressure center of the electrolytic cell.

[0012] Preferably, the protective plate has a circular groove with a diameter not smaller than that of the through hole at the through hole; The lower limit plate has a circular groove with a diameter not smaller than that of the through hole.

[0013] Preferably, the electrolytic cell fastening device further includes a rubber shock-absorbing base; The rubber shock-absorbing bases are disposed at both ends of the threaded fastener, and the rubber shock-absorbing bases are respectively located outside the upper limit plate and the lower limit plate, so that the distance between the rubber shock-absorbing bases at both ends is greater than the distance between the upper limit plate and the lower limit plate.

[0014] Preferably, the rubber shock-absorbing base is located at the end of the electrolytic cell fastening device; The size of the shock-absorbing support surface formed by the rubber shock-absorbing base is larger than the size of the guard plate, the upper limit plate, and the lower limit plate.

[0015] Preferably, the pressure source is a uniformly distributed hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder.

[0016] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is a gas diffusion electrolytic cell or a membrane electrode electrolytic cell.

[0017] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When the hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder is in action, the thrust vector generated points to the central axis of the electrolytic cell, thus forming a uniformly distributed resultant force field perpendicular to the end face of the electrolytic cell on the protective plate.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The fastening device in this solution uses a closed hydraulic / pneumatic system (typically uniformly distributed hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders) to replace discrete screws. This applies a uniform, quantifiable, and controllable clamping force to the electrolytic cell stack, thereby providing uniform compression to the sealing rings within the electrolytic cell. This completely eliminates leakage points caused by uneven pressure, significantly improving sealing reliability. This solution eliminates localized high-pressure points, effectively protecting brittle components such as the gas diffusion layer and graphite bipolar plates from crushing.

[0019] 2. This design utilizes a double-threaded rod and upper and lower limiting plates to form a self-supporting closed frame. The reaction force of the hydraulic drive is confined within the frame, allowing the device to be placed horizontally or vertically without an external frame, offering advantages of high integration and portability. Furthermore, this design innovatively introduces a return spring, further enhancing the device's independent portability and enabling rapid assembly and disassembly of the electrolytic cell, significantly improving experimental efficiency.

[0020] 3. The X-shaped design of the upper limit plate achieves a structural balance between "hollowing out for weight reduction" and "edge constraint," ensuring sufficient reaction force support without obstructing the reaction area, thus providing operational space for observing the electrolytic cell status and disassembling the electrolytic cell. This is something that simple hydraulic presses (such as CN220807092U) do not possess.

[0021] 4. Precise pressure control and excellent reproducibility: Through the connected hydraulic / pneumatic pressure system, the pressure of the hydraulic / pneumatic equipment can be precisely set and monitored. Furthermore, since the pressure value has a direct and linear correlation with the actual load borne by the fuel cell stack, test conditions can be kept consistent, and experimental data is reproducible: regardless of when or by whom the operation is performed, as long as the same pressure value is set, a completely consistent assembly state can be obtained, providing a standard for scientific research and new material evaluation. In addition, this solution can precisely study the impact of the key parameter "assembly pressure" on battery performance (such as contact resistance, mass transfer, and lifespan), and quickly find the optimal operating point based on test results, thereby achieving pressure optimization of the electrolyzer. From assembly to the end of operation, the device can control the clamping force to always maintain the initial set value, effectively counteracting the creep relaxation effect of the material, thus maintaining long-term stability of contact resistance and sealing effect, extending fuel cell lifespan, and exhibiting long-term stability.

[0022] 5. This device eliminates the need for heavy metal end plates and numerous screw holes required by traditional screw fixing. This device only requires simple limiting plates on both sides, protective plates, and matching threaded fasteners to complete the assembly of the electrolytic cell inside the device, allowing for a more compact design of the stack. Furthermore, during the assembly process, there is no need for a complicated "cross" tightening sequence; one-click pressurization can complete uniform assembly, significantly saving manpower and time. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic cell fastening device.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of the electrolytic cell fastening device.

[0025] In the diagram: 1-Guard plate; 2-Upper limit plate; 3-Lower limit plate; 4-Threaded fastener; 5-Reset spring; 6-Rubber shock-absorbing base; 7-Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] Example 1 An electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic driven uniform pressurization, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a guard plate 1, an upper limit plate 2, a lower limit plate 3, and a pressure source; The guard plate 1 is disposed between the upper limit plate 2 and the lower limit plate 3, and the upper limit plate 2, the guard plate 1 and the lower limit plate 3 are sequentially assembled and connected by threaded fasteners 4. This connection method enables the guard plate 1, the upper limit plate 2 and the lower limit plate 3 to form an adjustable rigid constraint in the axial direction, thus forming a closed force-bearing frame.

[0028] The pressure source is assembled and connected to the guard plate 1 and the lower limit plate 3 respectively, and the pressure center of the pressure source on the guard plate 1 and the lower limit plate 3 coincides with the theoretical pressure center of the electrolytic cell; the pressure source is a hydraulic device and / or a pneumatic device. The electrolytic cell is pressed between the protective plate 1 and the upper limit plate 2. Therefore, by adjusting the locking position of the threaded fastener 4, the initial distance between the upper limit plate 2 and the lower limit plate 3 can be preset, adapting to electrolytic cell stacks of different thicknesses and having wide compatibility.

[0029] More specifically, in this embodiment: like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a fastening device for a gas diffusion / membrane electrode electrolyzer based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive and uniform pressurization, including a guard plate 1, an upper limit plate 2, and a lower limit plate 3. The device also includes a threaded fastener 4 connecting the upper limit plate 2 and the lower limit plate 3, specifically comprising a double-ended threaded rod and a positioning nut; a return spring 5 is installed between the guard plate 1 and the upper limit plate 2 outside the double-ended threaded rod, and rubber shock-absorbing bases 6 are installed at both ends of each double-ended threaded rod.

[0030] Furthermore, the upper limit plate 2 is configured as an X-shape to facilitate the placement, disassembly, and observation of the gas diffusion / membrane electrode electrolysis cell; correspondingly, threaded fasteners 4 are installed at the four ends of the X-shape, and each threaded fastener 4 has a double-ended threaded rod with a return spring 5 on the outer side between the guard plate 1 and the upper limit plate 2.

[0031] Furthermore, the guard plate 1, the upper limit plate 2, and the lower limit plate 3 are all square plates, with mounting holes at their four corners. The double-headed screw rod passes through the mounting holes of the upper limit plate 2, the guard plate 1, and the lower limit plate 3 in sequence, and is then fixed by positioning nuts on both sides of the mounting holes of the upper limit plate 2 and the lower limit plate 3.

[0032] Furthermore, both the guard plate 1 and the lower limit plate 3 have through holes 7, and circular grooves are provided at the through holes 7 on the pressurized side surfaces of both, for fixing with hydraulic or pneumatic equipment via threaded parts.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the protective plate 1 and the lower limiting plate 3 have multiple through holes 7 arranged in a ring array. For example, the protective plate 1 has four groups (eight) of through holes 7 spaced in a ring shape, and the lower limiting plate 3 has four through holes 7 spaced at the four corners of a square ring. In particular, the center of this ring array coincides with the theoretical pressure center of the gas diffusion / membrane electrode electrolytic cell, so that after the pressure source pressurizes the protective plate 1, its pressure can coincide with the theoretical pressure center of the electrolytic cell, thus avoiding damage to the structure and seal of the electrolytic cell.

[0034] Furthermore, the support structure formed by the rubber shock-absorbing base 6 is located at the height distance between the upper limit plate 2 and the lower limit plate 3, ensuring that the rubber shock-absorbing base 6 rests on a flat surface when used vertically. The support structure formed by the horizontal dimensions (including width and length) of the rubber shock-absorbing base 6 is also larger than the horizontal dimensions of the guard plate 1, the upper limit plate 2, and the lower limit plate 3 (in horizontal projection, the edge of the rubber shock-absorbing base 6 is located outside the edges of the guard plate 1, the upper limit plate 2, and the lower limit plate 3), facilitating that the rubber shock-absorbing base 6 also rests on a flat surface when the device is used horizontally. Therefore, this device can be arbitrarily set up horizontally or vertically according to requirements, facilitating its use in conjunction with external structures and the environment.

[0035] Furthermore, hydraulic / pneumatic equipment, which serves as a pressure source, can typically employ uniformly distributed hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders.

[0036] Specifically, in use, the hydraulic / pneumatic equipment, serving as the pressure source, is first fixed to the protective plate 1 and the lower limit plate 3 respectively using screws through the symmetrically arranged annular through holes 7. Then, the gas diffusion / membrane electrode electrolytic cell is placed on the protective plate 1, between the protective plate 1 and the upper limit plate 2. The hydraulic / pneumatic equipment is turned on, and after the pressure reaches the set value, the device is tightened. It can then be used vertically or horizontally. This symmetrical annular arrangement ensures that the force application points of the hydraulic / pneumatic drive equipment are evenly distributed around the protective plate 1. When the hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder acts, the generated thrust vector points towards the central axis of the electrolytic cell, thus synthesizing a uniformly distributed resultant force field perpendicular to the end face of the electrolytic cell on the protective plate 1. This fundamentally avoids tilting or uneven loading of the protective plate 1 due to asymmetrical force application points, providing the structural basis for ensuring completely consistent compression of the sealing gaskets inside the electrolytic cell. When pressure needs to be released, after the pressure applied to the guard plate 1 by the power source is removed, the return spring 5 will automatically spring back to release the pressure fixation between the guard plate 1 and the upper limit plate 2 on the electrolytic cell.

[0037] In summary, the device of the present invention provides uniform, quantifiable, and controllable clamping force through hydraulic / pneumatic equipment, completely eliminating the pressure "island" distribution in the electrolytic cell, greatly improving sealing reliability and experimental consistency, effectively protecting brittle battery components, and simplifying assembly operations.

[0038] The device of the present invention is applicable to gas diffusion electrolysis cells or membrane electrode electrolysis cells composed of multiple flow field plates stacked together, and can be used in fields such as carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen / nitrogen oxide reduction, and water splitting for hydrogen production.

[0039] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic driven uniform pressurization, characterized in that, It includes a guard plate (1), an upper limit plate (2), a lower limit plate (3), and a pressure source; The guard plate (1) is disposed between the upper limit plate (2) and the lower limit plate (3), and the upper limit plate (2), the guard plate (1) and the lower limit plate (3) are sequentially assembled and connected by threaded fasteners (4); The pressure source is assembled and connected to the guard plate (1) and the lower limit plate (3) respectively, and the pressure center of the pressure source on the guard plate (1) and the lower limit plate (3) coincides with the theoretical pressure center of the electrolytic cell; the pressure source is a hydraulic device and / or a pneumatic device. The electrolytic cell is pressed between the protective plate (1) and the upper limit plate (2).

2. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell fastening device also includes a return spring (5); The reset spring (5) is sleeved on the outside of the threaded fastener (4) between the upper limit plate (2) and the guard plate (1).

3. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper limit plate (2) is an X-shaped structure; The threaded fasteners (4) are respectively set at the end of the upper limit plate (2) and pass through the guard plate (1) before being assembled and connected with the lower limit plate (3).

4. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded fastener (4) includes a double-ended threaded rod and a positioning nut; The double-ended threaded rod passes through the mounting holes opened in the upper limit plate (2), the guard plate (1) and the lower limit plate (3) in sequence, and locks the upper limit plate (2) and the lower limit plate (3) with the positioning nut to realize the assembly connection of the upper limit plate (2), the guard plate (1) and the lower limit plate (3).

5. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guard plate (1) and the lower limit plate (3) are respectively provided with annularly arranged through holes (7), and the pressure source is assembled and connected to the through holes (7) through threaded parts; The center of the annular through holes (7) coincides with the theoretical pressure center of the electrolytic cell.

6. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective plate (1) has a circular groove with a diameter not less than that of the through hole (7) at the through hole (7); The lower limit plate (3) has a circular groove with a diameter not less than that of the through hole (7) at the through hole (7).

7. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell fastening device also includes a rubber shock-absorbing base (6). The rubber shock-absorbing base (6) is disposed at both ends of the threaded fastener (4), and the rubber shock-absorbing base (6) is located on the outside of the upper limit plate (2) and the lower limit plate (3) respectively, so that the distance between the rubber shock-absorbing base (6) at both ends is greater than the distance between the upper limit plate (2) and the lower limit plate (3).

8. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rubber shock-absorbing base (6) is located at the end of the electrolytic cell fastening device; The size of the shock-absorbing support surface formed by the rubber shock-absorbing base (6) is larger than the size of the guard plate (1), the upper limit plate (2) and the lower limit plate (3).

9. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure source is a uniformly distributed hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder.

10. The electrolytic cell fastening device based on hydraulic / pneumatic drive for uniform pressurization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell is a gas diffusion electrolytic cell or a membrane electrode electrolytic cell.

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