An integrated structure of a plurality of solid oxide electrolysis cells

Abstract

The application discloses an integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells and belongs to the technical field of electrolytic cells, which comprises a total discharge pipe, a first sealing element, a branch discharge pipe, a second sealing element and a plurality of electrolytic cells, the integrated structure is a laminated assembly structure, and the total discharge pipe, the first sealing element, the branch discharge pipe, the second sealing element and the electrolytic cells are sequentially stacked from bottom to top; the total discharge pipe and the branch discharge pipe are arranged in a cross type along the extending direction of the air duct, the laminated assembly structure that the total discharge pipe, the first sealing element, the branch discharge pipe, the second sealing element and the electrolytic cells are sequentially stacked from bottom to top, the total discharge pipe and the branch discharge pipe are arranged in a cross type along the extending direction of the air duct, and the plurality of electrolytic cells are distributed in a rectangular array above the branch discharge pipe, so that the overall structure is compact and the layout is regular. The total discharge pipe and the branch discharge pipe are internally provided with four air ducts of anode gas inlet, anode gas outlet, cathode gas inlet and cathode gas outlet which are independent of each other, the air ducts are independently separated and do not interfere with each other, and gas leakage is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic cell technology, and more specifically, to an integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells. Background Technology

[0002] Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are all-solid-state devices that electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen at high temperatures of 500-850℃. Because they operate at high temperatures, they can break hydrogen-oxygen bonds using both electrical and thermal energy. Some of the energy used for water electrolysis can be obtained through thermal energy, thus reducing power consumption. Therefore, compared to alkaline and PEM electrolyzers, they exhibit higher electrochemical performance and electrolysis efficiency. Current SOEC technology is developing in two directions: "single-cell power enhancement + multi-cell integration optimization." Since the upper limit of single-cell power is limited, multi-cell integration has become an inevitable choice to improve the overall hydrogen production capacity of the system.

[0003] In existing multi-cell integration technologies, multiple electrolyzers are typically connected in parallel via external pipelines, with each cell relying on an independent piping system for gas supply and exhaust. This integration method has several drawbacks: firstly, the large number and complex connections of external pipelines result in a large system footprint, low assembly efficiency, and difficult maintenance; secondly, the varying lengths and resistances of the connection paths between each electrolyzer and the main pipeline can easily lead to uneven gas distribution, affecting the consistency of the operating conditions of each electrolyzer and consequently reducing overall electrolysis efficiency and service life. Furthermore, the numerous external pipeline connection points increase the risk of gas leakage, especially in high-temperature operating environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 1. Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an integrated structure for multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells, thus solving the aforementioned problems.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells, comprising a main pipe, a first sealing element, branch pipes, a second sealing element, and several electrolytic cells. The integrated structure is a stacked assembly structure, wherein the main pipe, the first sealing element, the branch pipes, the second sealing element, and the electrolytic cells are stacked sequentially from bottom to top; the main pipe and the branch pipes are arranged in a cross shape along the gas channel extension direction, and the several electrolytic cells are distributed in a rectangular array above the branch pipes; the main pipe has independent anode inlet gas channel, anode outlet gas channel, cathode inlet gas channel, and cathode outlet gas channel inside, and the upper surface of the four gas channels of the main pipe is respectively provided with an anode inlet, an anode outlet, a cathode inlet, and a cathode outlet, and one end of the four gas channels of the main pipe is provided with a cover. The electrolytic cell has a sealed plate structure, with an external pipe connection structure at one end. The branch pipe has independent anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet channels. The upper and lower surfaces of the four channels are respectively provided with anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet. Both ends of the four channels are sealed with cover plates. The first and second sealing elements are each provided with anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet. The bottom of the electrolytic cell is provided with anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet. The vent of the main pipe is coaxially connected to the vents on the lower surface of the first sealing element and the branch pipe, and the vent on the upper surface of the branch pipe is coaxially connected to the vents on the second sealing element and the bottom of the electrolytic cell.

[0006] Preferably, the main pipe is a long, tubular structure. The anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet of the main pipe extend parallel to each other along the length of the main pipe. The cross-sections of the four outlets are rectangular and have the same dimensions. The anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet on the upper surface of the main pipe are evenly distributed along the length of the main pipe, and the axis of each vent is perpendicular to the upper surface of the main pipe.

[0007] Preferably, the cover sealing structure at one end of the main drain pipe is a welded sealing plate, the outer contour of the sealing plate is consistent with the contour of the end face of the main drain pipe, and the sealing plate and the end face of the main drain pipe form a closed connection; the external pipe connection structure at the other end of the main drain pipe is a flange interface or a plug-in interface, and the inner wall of the interface smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the main drain pipe air passage.

[0008] Preferably, the branch pipe is a long strip-shaped tubular structure, and the length direction of the branch pipe is perpendicular to the length direction of the main pipe; the anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet of the branch pipe extend parallel to the length direction of the branch pipe, and the cross-section of the four channels is a rectangular structure with equal cross-sectional dimensions; the anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet on the upper and lower surfaces of the branch pipe are equally spaced along the length direction of the branch pipe, and the vents at corresponding positions on the upper and lower surfaces are coaxially arranged.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing structure of the cover plates at both ends of the branch pipe is a welded sealing plate, the outer contour of the sealing plate matches the contour of the end face of the branch pipe, the sealing plate completely covers the end face of the branch pipe and forms a closed connection; the number of branch pipes is several, and the several branch pipes are arranged parallel and equally spaced along the length of the main pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the first sealing element is a sheet-like sealing structure, with the upper surface of the first sealing element fitting against the lower surface of the branch pipe and the lower surface of the first sealing element fitting against the upper surface of the main pipe; the vent of the first sealing element is coaxially connected with the corresponding vent of the main pipe and the branch pipe, and the outer contour of the first sealing element covers the cross contact area of ​​the main pipe and the branch pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the second sealing element is a sheet-like sealing structure, with its upper surface fitting against the bottom of the electrolytic cell and its lower surface fitting against the upper surface of the distribution pipe; the vent of the second sealing element is coaxially connected with the corresponding vent of the distribution pipe and the electrolytic cell, and the outer contour of the second sealing element covers the contact area between the distribution pipe and the single row of electrolytic cells.

[0012] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is a rectangular block structure, and several electrolytic cells are arranged in a matrix along the length direction of the branch pipe and perpendicular to the length direction of the branch pipe; the electrolytic cells above the same branch pipe are arranged in a single row, and the adjacent rows of electrolytic cells are parallel to each other and have equal spacing, and the vent at the bottom of the electrolytic cell corresponds one-to-one with the second sealing element and the vent on the upper surface of the branch pipe.

[0013] Preferably, both the main drain pipe and the branch drain pipes are integrally formed metal structures, and the inner walls of the air passages of the main drain pipe and the branch drain pipes are smooth planes.

[0014] Preferably, in the stacked assembly structure, the main pipe, the first sealing element, the branch pipes, the second sealing element, and the corresponding vent of the electrolytic cell together form a continuous and interconnected gas channel; the intersection area of ​​the main pipe and the branch pipes, and the contact area between the branch pipes and the electrolytic cell are all planar bonding structures, with no gaps or misalignments between the bonding surfaces.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells, which has the following advantages: 1. This integrated structure for multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells adopts a stacked assembly structure in which the main pipe, first sealing element, branch pipes, second sealing element, and electrolytic cells are stacked sequentially from bottom to top. The main pipe and branch pipes are arranged in a cross shape along the gas channel extension direction, and several electrolytic cells are distributed in a rectangular array above the branch pipes. The overall structure is compact and the layout is regular. Both the main pipe and the branch pipes have four independent gas channels: anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet. Each gas channel is independently separated and does not interfere with others, effectively preventing gas leakage. One end of the main pipe has an external pipeline connection structure for quick connection to an external gas source pipeline, and the other end and both ends of the branch pipes have cover sealing structures to ensure the sealing and reliability of the gas channels. Through the coaxial corresponding connection of the main pipe, first sealing element, branch pipes, second sealing element, and the gas inlets of each layer of electrolytic cells, a continuous and interconnected gas channel is formed, realizing centralized gas supply and unified management of multiple electrolytic cells. The structure is simple, reliable, and easy to assemble.

[0016] 2. This integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells constructs a hierarchical gas distribution network by evenly distributing vents along the length of the main pipe's upper surface, evenly distributing vents along the length of the branch pipes' upper and lower surfaces, arranging several branch pipes parallel and evenly spaced along the length of the main pipe, and arranging the electrolytic cells in a matrix along the length and vertical directions of the branch pipes. External gas is evenly distributed to each branch pipe via the main pipe, and then evenly distributed to each electrolytic cell via each branch pipe, achieving uniform gas distribution among the arrayed electrolytic cells and effectively solving the technical problem of uneven gas distribution in multi-cell integrated scenarios. Both the main pipe and the branch pipes are integrally formed metal structures with smooth inner walls and no welded internal joints, reducing gas flow resistance. Each mating surface adopts a planar mating structure, and together with the first and second sealing elements, a gapless and misaligned sealing connection is achieved, ensuring reliable sealing and low leakage risk. While ensuring electrolysis efficiency, this significantly improves the overall reliability and economy of the integrated structure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an assembly drawing of the present invention; Figure 2 This is the overall pipe layout diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the pipe arrangement of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Main pipe; 2. First seal; 3. Branch pipe; 4. Second seal; 5. Electrolytic cell; 6. Cathode inlet; 7. Anode inlet; 8. Cathode outlet; 9. Anode outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] Please see Figures 1-3 The present invention provides a technical solution: An integrated structure for multiple solid oxide electrolyzers is disclosed, which enables centralized gas supply and unified management of the multiple electrolyzers. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the integrated structure is a stacked assembly structure, including a main pipe 1, a first sealing element 2, a branch pipe 3, a second sealing element 4, and several electrolytic cells 5. The main pipe 1, the first sealing element 2, the branch pipe 3, the second sealing element 4, and the electrolytic cells 5 are stacked sequentially from bottom to top.

[0021] The main pipe 1 is a long, tubular structure manufactured using a one-piece metal forming process. Inside the main pipe 1 are four independent air inlets: an anode inlet, an anode outlet, a cathode inlet, and a cathode outlet. These four air inlets extend parallel to each other along the length of the main pipe 1. The cross-sections of the air inlets are rectangular with uniform dimensions, and the inner walls are smooth planes. The upper surfaces of the four air inlets of the main pipe 1 are respectively provided with an anode inlet 7, an anode outlet 9, a cathode inlet 6, and a cathode outlet 8. The vents are evenly spaced along the length of the main pipe 1, and the axes of the vents are perpendicular to the upper surface of the main pipe 1. One end of the main pipe 1 is provided with a cover sealing structure. The cover sealing structure is a welded sealing plate. The outer contour of the sealing plate is consistent with the contour of the end face of the main pipe 1, and the sealing plate and the end face of the main pipe 1 form a closed connection. The other end of the main pipe 1 is provided with an external pipe connection structure. The external pipe connection structure is a flange interface or a plug interface. The inner wall of the interface smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the air passage of the main pipe 1, and is used to connect to an external air source pipeline.

[0022] The branch pipe 3 is a long, tubular structure made using a one-piece metal forming process. Its width and thickness are equal to those of the main pipe 1. The length of the branch pipe 3 is perpendicular to the length of the main pipe 1, forming a cross-shaped arrangement. Inside the branch pipe 3 are four independent anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet channels, extending parallel to each other along the length of the branch pipe 3. The channels have rectangular cross-sections with equal dimensions, and their inner walls are smooth planes. The upper and lower surfaces of the branch pipe 3 are respectively provided with an anode inlet 7, an anode outlet 9, a cathode inlet 6, and a cathode outlet 8. These vents are evenly spaced along the length of the branch pipe 3, with corresponding vents at the top and bottom positions coaxially arranged. Both ends of the branch pipe 3 are equipped with a cover sealing structure. This cover sealing structure is a welded sealing plate, the outer contour of which matches the contour of the end face of the branch pipe 3, completely covering the end face of the branch pipe 3 and forming a closed connection. The number of branch pipes 3 is several, and the several branch pipes 3 are arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals along the length direction of the main pipe 1.

[0023] The first sealing element 2 is a sheet-like sealing structure, located between the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 3. The upper surface of the first sealing element 2 is in contact with the lower surface of the branch pipe 3, and the lower surface of the first sealing element 2 is in contact with the upper surface of the main pipe 1. The first sealing element 2 has an anode inlet 7, an anode outlet 9, a cathode inlet 6, and a cathode outlet 8, and each of its vents is coaxially connected to the corresponding vents of the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 3. The outer contour of the first sealing element 2 covers the cross-contact area of ​​the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 3 to ensure reliable sealing.

[0024] The second sealing element 4 is a sheet-like sealing structure, located between the branch pipe 3 and the electrolytic cell 5. The upper surface of the second sealing element 4 is in contact with the bottom of the electrolytic cell 5, and the lower surface of the second sealing element 4 is in contact with the upper surface of the branch pipe 3. The second sealing element 4 has an anode inlet 7, an anode outlet 9, a cathode inlet 6, and a cathode outlet 8, and each of its vents is coaxially connected to the corresponding vents of the branch pipe 3 and the electrolytic cell 5. The outer contour of the second sealing element 4 covers the contact area between the branch pipe 3 and the single-row electrolytic cell 5.

[0025] The electrolytic cell 5 is a rectangular block structure with an anode inlet 7, an anode outlet 9, a cathode inlet 6, and a cathode outlet 8 at the bottom. Several electrolytic cells 5 are arranged in a rectangular array above the distribution pipe 3. Specifically, the electrolytic cells 5 are arranged in a matrix along the length of the distribution pipe 3 and perpendicular to its length. Electrolytic cells 5 above the same distribution pipe 3 are arranged in a single row, with adjacent rows of electrolytic cells 5 parallel to each other and equally spaced. The vents at the bottom of the electrolytic cells 5 correspond one-to-one with the vents on the second sealing element 4 and the upper surface of the distribution pipe 3.

[0026] In the stacked assembly structure, the vent of the main pipe 1 is coaxially connected to the vents on the lower surface of the first seal 2 and the branch pipe 3, and the vent on the upper surface of the branch pipe 3 is coaxially connected to the vent at the bottom of the second seal 4 and the electrolytic cell 5. The corresponding vents of the main pipe 1, the first seal 2, the branch pipe 3, the second seal 4, and the electrolytic cell 5 together form a continuous and interconnected gas channel. The intersection area of ​​the main pipe 1 and the branch pipe 3, and the contact area between the branch pipe 3 and the electrolytic cell 5 are all planar bonding structures, with no gaps or misalignments between the bonding surfaces.

[0027] During operation, an external gas source is connected through an external pipe connection structure at one end of the main pipe 1. The anode gas and cathode gas enter the independent gas channels inside the main pipe 1, respectively. The gas flows along the length of the main pipe 1, passes through each vent upwards through the first seal 2, and enters the corresponding gas channel inside the branch pipe 3. After being distributed along its length within the branch pipe 3, the gas passes through the vents on the upper surface of the branch pipe 3 and through the second seal 4 into the corresponding vents at the bottom of each electrolytic cell 5, ultimately achieving uniform gas supply to multiple electrolytic cells 5. The reacted gas travels along the opposite path, passing through the branch pipe 3 and the main pipe 1, and is then discharged from the end of the main pipe 1.

[0028] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells, comprising a main pipe (1), a first sealing element (2), branch pipes (3), a second sealing element (4), and several electrolytic cells (5), characterized in that: The integrated structure is a stacked assembly structure. The main pipe (1), the first sealing element (2), the branch pipes (3), the second sealing element (4), and the electrolytic cell (5) are stacked sequentially from bottom to top. The main pipe (1) and the branch pipes (3) are arranged in a cross shape along the direction of the gas passage. The electrolytic cells (5) are arranged in a rectangular array above the branch pipes (3). The main pipe (1) is provided with independent anode inlet gas passages, anode outlet gas passages, cathode inlet gas passages, and cathode outlet gas passages. The upper surface of the four gas passages of the main pipe (1) is provided with anode inlet (7), anode outlet (9), cathode inlet (6), and cathode outlet (8). One end of the four gas passages of the main pipe (1) is provided with a cover sealing structure, and the other end is provided with an external pipe connection structure. The branch pipes (3) are provided with independent anode inlet gas passages, The anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet are provided with anode inlet (7), anode outlet (9), cathode inlet (6), and cathode outlet (8) respectively on the upper and lower surfaces of the four gas channels of the branch pipe (3). The two ends of the four gas channels of the branch pipe (3) are provided with cover plate sealing structures. The first sealing element (2) and the second sealing element (4) are provided with anode inlet (7), anode outlet (9), cathode inlet (6), and cathode outlet (8). The bottom of the electrolytic cell (5) is provided with anode inlet (7), anode outlet (9), cathode inlet (6), and cathode outlet (8). The vent of the main pipe (1) is coaxially connected with the vent of the first sealing element (2) and the lower surface of the branch pipe (3). The vent of the upper surface of the branch pipe (3) is coaxially connected with the vent of the second sealing element (4) and the bottom of the electrolytic cell (5).

2. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main pipe (1) is a long strip-shaped tubular structure. The anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet of the main pipe (1) extend parallel to each other along the length of the main pipe (1). The cross-section of the four air passages is rectangular and the cross-sectional dimensions are the same. The anode inlet (7), anode outlet (9), cathode inlet (6), and cathode outlet (8) on the upper surface of the main pipe (1) are distributed at equal intervals along the length of the main pipe (1). The axis of each air inlet is perpendicular to the upper surface of the main pipe (1).

3. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover sealing structure at one end of the main pipe (1) is a welded sealing plate. The outer contour of the sealing plate is consistent with the end face contour of the main pipe (1), and the sealing plate and the end face of the main pipe (1) form a closed connection. The external pipe connection structure at the other end of the main pipe (1) is a flange interface or a plug interface. The inner wall of the interface smoothly transitions with the inner wall of the air passage of the main pipe (1).

4. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The branch pipe (3) is a long strip-shaped tubular structure, and the length direction of the branch pipe (3) is perpendicular to the length direction of the main pipe (1). The anode inlet, anode outlet, cathode inlet, and cathode outlet of the branch pipe (3) extend parallel to the length direction of the branch pipe (3). The cross-section of the four air passages is a rectangular structure and the cross-sectional dimensions are equal. The anode inlet (7), anode outlet (9), cathode inlet (6), and cathode outlet (8) on the upper and lower surfaces of the branch pipe (3) are distributed at equal intervals along the length direction of the branch pipe (3), and the air vents at corresponding positions on the upper and lower surfaces are coaxially arranged.

5. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing structure of the cover plate at both ends of the branch pipe (3) is a welded sealing plate. The outer contour of the sealing plate matches the end face contour of the branch pipe (3). The sealing plate completely covers the end face of the branch pipe (3) and forms a closed connection. The number of branch pipes (3) is several. The several branch pipes (3) are arranged parallel and at equal intervals along the length direction of the main pipe (1).

6. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sealing element (2) is a sheet-like sealing structure. The upper surface of the first sealing element (2) is in contact with the lower surface of the branch pipe (3), and the lower surface of the first sealing element (2) is in contact with the upper surface of the main pipe (1). The vent of the first sealing element (2) is coaxially connected with the corresponding vents of the main pipe (1) and the branch pipe (3). The outer contour of the first sealing element (2) covers the cross contact area of ​​the main pipe (1) and the branch pipe (3).

7. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second sealing element (4) is a sheet-like sealing structure. The upper surface of the second sealing element (4) is in contact with the bottom of the electrolytic cell (5), and the lower surface of the second sealing element (4) is in contact with the upper surface of the branch pipe (3). The vent of the second sealing element (4) is coaxially connected with the corresponding vent of the branch pipe (3) and the electrolytic cell (5). The outer contour of the second sealing element (4) covers the contact area between the branch pipe (3) and the single-row electrolytic cell (5).

8. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell (5) is a rectangular block structure. Several electrolytic cells (5) are arranged in a matrix along the length direction of the branch pipe (3) and perpendicular to the length direction of the branch pipe (3). The electrolytic cells (5) above the same branch pipe (3) are arranged in a single row. The adjacent rows of electrolytic cells (5) are parallel to each other and have equal spacing. The vent at the bottom of the electrolytic cell (5) corresponds one-to-one with the second sealing element (4) and the vent on the upper surface of the branch pipe (3).

9. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main pipe (1) and the branch pipe (3) are both integral metal structures, and the inner walls of the air passages of the main pipe (1) and the branch pipe (3) are both smooth planes.

10. The integrated structure of multiple solid oxide electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the stacked assembly structure, the corresponding vents of the main pipe (1), the first sealing element (2), the branch pipe (3), the second sealing element (4), and the electrolytic cell (5) together form a continuous gas channel; the intersection area of ​​the main pipe (1) and the branch pipe (3), and the contact area between the branch pipe (3) and the electrolytic cell (5) are all planar bonding structures, with no gaps or misalignments between the bonding surfaces.

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