Flat electrode short distance diaphragm zero gap matched electrolytic cell

Abstract

This invention discloses an electrolyzer with flat electrodes and a close-proximity, zero-gap matching with a diaphragm, comprising an electrode assembly, an electrolytic diaphragm, a support plate, and flat electrodes. The electrode assembly includes an electrode frame and electrode plates. The electrode plates are fixed to one end face of the electrode frame. An mounting groove is formed between the plate surface of the electrode plate and the inner wall surface of the electrode frame. There are two electrode frames, which are interlocked and the openings of the two mounting grooves are arranged opposite each other. The electrolytic diaphragm is sealed and clamped between the two electrode frames and covers the openings of the two mounting grooves. There are two support plates, each embedded in one of the two mounting grooves. Both sides of the support plates have flow channels. There are two flat electrodes, each embedded in one of the two mounting grooves, located between the support plates and the electrode plates. Both the flat electrodes and the electrolytic diaphragm abut against the plate surfaces of the support plates. The flat design of the electrodes in the electrolyzer of this invention allows for closer contact with the diaphragm and support plates, shortening the ion transport distance and improving the electrode catalytic performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic hydrogen production technology, and more specifically to an electrolyzer with flat electrodes, close-pitch membranes, and zero-gap matching. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electrolysis technology, the electrolytic cell is the core equipment for realizing the electrolysis process, and its performance directly affects electrolysis efficiency, product quality, and energy consumption. However, the design of existing commercially available braided cylindrical electrodes and their electrolytic cell chambers has certain shortcomings in terms of fluid flow field uniformity, specifically manifested in the following problems:

[0003] 1) Interface contact and compaction uniformity issues Traditional electrolyzers typically employ an electrode-diaphragm structure. During assembly, the small contact area between the traditional electrode and diaphragm can lead to uneven stress distribution, resulting in poor local contact, increased local resistance, and reduced current distribution uniformity. Under long-term operation or high-temperature alkaline solution circulation, creep or loosening of the electrode support layer and diaphragm may occur, potentially causing local membrane bulging or collapse, affecting mass transfer and stability.

[0004] 2) High interface ohmic resistance During electrolysis, traditional electrodes are mostly in point or line contact, tightly but not overlapping with the diaphragm. The current needs to diffuse through the electrolyte to the diaphragm surface, resulting in a larger equivalent ohmic resistance and a longer ion migration distance. Under the same current, traditional electrodes have higher chamber voltage and higher energy consumption.

[0005] 3) Poor temperature and heat management A common problem in traditional electrolyzer design is that electrodes are typically fixed via support points or small-area contacts, requiring heat to travel a long path to the heat dissipation surface. This leads to uneven reaction intensity in certain areas, easily forming "hot spots," especially at high current densities. This uneven heating can cause catalyst layer peeling or accelerated film aging.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a simple, efficient, and adaptable electrolytic cell structure to improve reaction efficiency and reduce cell voltage during electrolysis is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell with flat electrodes and close-pitch diaphragm with zero gap matching, which solves the problems of uneven interface contact and compression, large interface ohmic resistance, and poor thermoelectric and electric field management in the existing electrode structure design.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A flat electrode and its electrolytic cell structure, comprising: An electrode assembly includes an electrode frame and an electrode plate; the electrode plate is fixed to one end face of the electrode frame; a mounting groove is formed between the plate surface of the electrode plate and the inner wall surface of the electrode frame; the number of electrode frames is two, the two electrode frames are interlocked and the openings of the two mounting grooves are arranged opposite each other; An electrolytic diaphragm is sealed and clamped between the two electrode frames and covers the openings of the two mounting slots; The support plate comprises two plates, each embedded in one of the two mounting slots; both sides of the support plate have flow channels. Two flat electrodes are respectively embedded in two mounting slots, and the flat electrodes are located between the support plate and the electrode plate; both the flat electrodes and the electrolytic diaphragm abut against the surface of the support plate.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are that the flat design of the electrode allows it to make closer contact with the diaphragm and the support plate, shortening the ion transport distance and improving the catalytic performance of the electrode.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom and top ends of the electrode frame are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the mounting tank. Electrolyte is injected into the mounting tank through the inlet, and the liquid or gas produced after electrolysis flows out through the outlet. By providing an outlet, fluid stagnation can be avoided, ensuring that the reaction continues.

[0011] Preferably, a sealing ring is also included, which is fixed to one end face of the electrode frame facing the electrolytic diaphragm. The sealing ring ensures the airtightness and liquid tightness of the electrolytic cell, preventing fluid leakage.

[0012] Preferably, the two pole frames are fastened together by multiple bolts and multiple mating nuts. The bolt-nut connection is simple and reliable, and the use of a sealing ring further improves the sealing performance between the two pole frames.

[0013] Preferably, one of the electrode frames has a planar electrode plate, and the other electrode frame has a nipple electrode plate, with a spherical protrusion fixed to one side of the nipple electrode plate facing the mounting groove. By designing the electrode plates on the two electrode frames in different forms, the current density can be increased and the energy consumption for hydrogen production can be reduced.

[0014] Preferably, the electrolytic diaphragm divides the two mounting slots into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, respectively; and the mounting slot corresponding to the nipple electrode plate is the cathode chamber; the flat electrode includes an anode and a cathode, the anode being located in the anode chamber and the cathode being located in the cathode chamber.

[0015] Preferably, a tongue plate is circumferentially fixed at one end of the inner wall of the electrode frame, and the mounting groove is formed between the surface of the tongue plate and the inner wall surface of the electrode frame; the surface of the electrode plate is welded and fixed to the side of the tongue plate away from the mounting groove. The tongue plate ensures an effective connection between the electrode plate and the electrode frame, and also ensures the sealing performance between the electrode plate and the electrode frame.

[0016] Preferably, the flat electrode is formed by laminating and interweaving multiple serpentine and wavy columnar structures.

[0017] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, compared with the prior art, this invention discloses an electrolytic cell with flat electrodes and a close-range, zero-gap matching between the diaphragm and the flat electrode. The hard contact between traditional commercially available cylindrical braided electrodes can lead to diaphragm damage. This invention, by utilizing a flat electrode structure to increase the contact area between the electrolytic diaphragm, achieves a tighter fit between the flat electrode and the electrolytic diaphragm, effectively avoiding damage to the diaphragm. Traditional electrolytic cell structures have fewer contact points and higher contact resistance. This invention, using a flat electrode structure, can firmly fit the diaphragm and effectively reduce contact resistance, thus contributing to high electrostatic density operation. When fluid flows in the electrolytic cell, the flat electrode structure shortens the distance to the diaphragm, enabling rapid separation of gas and liquid, preventing bubble accumulation on the flat electrode surface, and significantly improving reaction efficiency. The sealed design and modular assembly method ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic cell structure provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the electrolytic cell provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pole frame structure provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flat electrode structure provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural differences between the flat electrode provided by this invention and commercially available electrodes.

[0020] Among them, 1-Electrode plate assembly; 11-Electrode frame; 12-Electrode plate; 13-Liquid inlet; 14-Liquid outlet; 15-Tongue plate; 16-Mounting groove; 2-Electrolytic diaphragm; 3-Support plate; 4-Flat electrode; 5-Sealing ring; 6-Bolt; 7-Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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, and 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.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment of the invention discloses a flat electrode structure that overcomes the problems of interface contact and compaction uniformity, high interface ohmic resistance, and poor hot spot and electric field management in existing electrolytic cell designs; Figure 5As shown in the figure, the left side illustrates a traditional tubular electrode structure, while the right side shows the flat electrolysis structure of this application. This embodiment optimizes the traditional tubular electrode structure into a flat electrode, enhancing the uniformity of current distribution, significantly reducing the electrolytic cell voltage, and minimizing bubble aggregation and stagnation, thereby improving electrolysis efficiency and equipment stability. The structure includes an electrode assembly 1, an electrolytic diaphragm 2, a support plate 3, and a flat electrode 4. The electrode assembly 1 includes an electrode frame 11 and an electrode plate 12. The electrode plate 12 is fixed to one end face of the electrode frame 11. A mounting groove 16 is formed between the plate surface of the electrode plate 12 and the inner wall surface of the electrode frame 11. There are two electrode frames 11, which interlock and the openings of the two mounting grooves 16 are arranged opposite each other. The electrode plate 12 on one electrode frame 11 is a planar electrode plate, while the other electrode frame 11... The electrode plate 12 on the 1 is a nipple electrode plate, and a spherical protrusion is fixed on one side of the nipple electrode plate facing the mounting groove 16; the electrolytic diaphragm 2 is sealed and clamped between the two electrode frames 11 and covers the openings of the two mounting grooves 16; the electrolytic diaphragm 2 divides the two mounting grooves 16 into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber respectively; there are two support plates 3, which are respectively embedded in the two mounting grooves 16; both sides of the support plate 3 have flow channels; there are two flat electrodes 4, which are respectively embedded in the two mounting grooves 16, and the flat electrodes 4 are located between the support plate 3 and the electrode plate 12; both the flat electrodes 4 and the electrolytic diaphragm 2 abut against the plate surface on the support plate 3, and the support plate 3 supports the flat electrodes 4 and the electrolytic diaphragm 2; the flat electrodes 4 include an anode and a cathode, with the anode located in the anode chamber and the cathode located in the cathode chamber. The flat electrode 4 has a flat structure, which increases the contact surface between the electrode and the electrolytic membrane during electrolysis, effectively reducing the ohmic resistance between the components of the electrolytic cell, while shortening the ion transport distance, significantly improving the efficiency and stability of the electrolysis reaction. The anode and cathode are made of highly conductive and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term operational stability and efficiency.

[0023] To further optimize the above technical solution and facilitate the injection of electrolyte and the discharge of liquid and gas after electrolysis, the bottom and top ends of the electrode frame 11 are respectively provided with an inlet 13 and an outlet 14 that connect to the mounting groove 16.

[0024] To further optimize the above technical solution and improve the airtightness and liquid tightness of the electrolytic cell, a sealing ring 5 is also included, which is fixed on the end face of the electrode frame 11 facing the electrolytic diaphragm 2.

[0025] To further optimize the above technical solution, ensure the connection effect between the two pole frames, and further improve the sealing performance between them, the two pole frames 11 are fastened together by multiple bolts 6 and multiple nuts 7 that cooperate with them.

[0026] In some other specific embodiments, in order to increase the current density and reduce the consumption of electrolyte during hydrogen production, one electrode plate 12 on the electrode frame 11 is a planar electrode plate, and the other electrode plate 12 on the electrode frame 11 is a nipple electrode plate. A spherical protrusion is fixed on one side of the nipple electrode plate and faces the mounting groove 16.

[0027] In this embodiment, the installation of the electrode plate is convenient and the overall consistency between the electrode plate and the electrode frame is ensured. A tongue plate 15 is fixed circumferentially at one end of the inner wall of the electrode frame 11. An installation groove 16 is formed between the plate surface of the tongue plate 15 and the inner wall surface of the electrode frame 11. The plate surface of the electrode plate 12 is welded and fixed to the plate surface of the tongue plate 15 away from the installation groove 16.

[0028] To further optimize the above technical solution, the flat electrode 4 is formed by laminating and interweaving multiple serpentine and wavy columnar structures.

[0029] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0030] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell with flat electrodes, close-pitch diaphragm, and zero-gap matching, characterized in that, include: An electrode assembly (1) includes an electrode frame (11) and an electrode plate (12); the electrode plate (12) is fixed to one end face of the electrode frame (11); an mounting groove (16) is formed between the plate surface of the electrode plate (12) and the inner wall surface of the electrode frame (11); there are two electrode frames (11), the two electrode frames (11) are interlocked and the openings of the two mounting grooves (16) are arranged opposite to each other; Electrolytic diaphragm (2), which is sealed and clamped between the two electrode frames (11) and covers the openings of the two mounting slots (16); Support plate (3), there are two support plates (3) and they are respectively embedded in the two mounting slots (16); both sides of the support plate (3) have flow channels; Two flat electrodes (4) are respectively embedded in two mounting slots (16). The flat electrodes (4) are located between the support plate (3) and the electrode plate (12). The flat electrodes (4) and the electrolytic membrane (2) are both in contact with the surface of the support plate (3).

2. The electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom and top of the pole frame (11) are respectively provided with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) that connect to the mounting groove (16).

3. The electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing ring (5), which is fixed to one end face of the electrode frame (11) facing the electrolytic membrane (2).

4. The electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two pole frames (11) are fastened together by a plurality of bolts (6) and a plurality of nuts (7) that mate with them.

5. An electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the electrode frames (11) has a flat electrode plate (12), and the other electrode frame (11) has a nipple electrode plate (12). A spherical protrusion is fixed on one side of the nipple electrode plate and faces the mounting groove (16).

6. An electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrolytic diaphragm (2) divides the two mounting slots (16) into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber respectively; and the mounting slot (16) corresponding to the nipple plate is the cathode chamber; the flat electrode (4) includes an anode and a cathode, the anode is located in the anode chamber, and the cathode is located in the cathode chamber.

7. An electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, A tongue plate (15) is fixed circumferentially at one end of the inner wall of the pole frame (11), and the mounting groove (16) is formed between the plate surface of the tongue plate (15) and the inner wall surface of the pole frame (11); the plate surface of the pole plate (12) is welded and fixed to the plate surface of the tongue plate (15) away from the mounting groove (16).

8. An electrolytic cell with flat electrode close-pitch diaphragm zero-gap matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flat electrode (4) is formed by laminating and interweaving multiple serpentine and wavy columnar structures.

Images