A new energy-saving metal lithium electrolysis device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a novel energy-saving metal lithium electrolysis device, and relates to the technical field of metal lithium molten salt electrolysis. The device comprises a tank body, a cathode assembly and a split anode arranged in the tank body. The device further comprises an anode conductive plate, the split anode comprises at least two sub-anodes arranged in a horizontal direction at intervals, each sub-anode is in sliding connection with the anode conductive plate, a first lifting mechanism supports the anode conductive plate above the tank body, the first lifting mechanism is used for driving the anode conductive plate to move in a vertical direction, so as to change the depth of the sub-anode immersed in the electrolyte, thereby adjusting the effective reaction area of the sub-anode, and a translation mechanism is used for driving the sub-anode to move horizontally along the anode conductive plate, so as to adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode. The device of the present application can not only control the electrolyte pressure drop and stabilize the heat balance in the tank, but also significantly reduce the operation energy consumption and maintenance cost, and prolong the service life of the anode by optimizing the current density distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium metal molten salt electrolysis technology, and in particular to a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, traditional lithium-ion electrolyzers generally employ a fixed anode and cathode structure. This design lacks dynamic adjustment capabilities and struggles to adapt to the complex and ever-changing environments and operating conditions in actual operation, often resulting in production outcomes deviating from design expectations. As the electrolysis reaction continues, electrode consumption directly alters the thermoelectric distribution within the cell, disrupting the original cell balance. This significantly increases the difficulty of process control and leads to fluctuations and instability in production indicators. Furthermore, anode corrosion forces a continuous increase in the anode-cathode distance, resulting in higher voltage drop and significantly increased energy consumption in the electrolyzer. Frequent anode replacements to reduce energy consumption inevitably shorten the actual lifespan of the anode. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the technical problems of traditional lithium-ion electrolytic cells, where the fixed anode and cathode cannot be dynamically adjusted, leading to imbalances in thermoelectric distribution and unstable process parameters during operation, as well as increased electrode spacing, higher energy consumption, and shortened lifespan due to anodic corrosion, this invention provides a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolytic device. The technical solution is as follows:

[0004] This invention provides a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device, comprising a tank, and a cathode assembly and a separate anode disposed within the tank; the device further comprises:

[0005] The anode conductive plate includes at least two sub-anodes spaced apart in a horizontal direction; each sub-anode is slidably connected to the anode conductive plate.

[0006] The first lifting mechanism supports the anode conductive plate above the tank; the first lifting mechanism is used to drive the anode conductive plate to move vertically to change the depth of the sub-anode immersed in the electrolyte, thereby adjusting the effective reaction area of ​​the sub-anode.

[0007] A translation mechanism drives the sub-anode to move horizontally along the anode conductive plate to adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode.

[0008] Optionally, the translation mechanism includes:

[0009] A slide rail is provided above the anode conductive plate;

[0010] A sliding assembly is provided, with each sub-anode corresponding to a set of sliding assemblies; the sliding assembly includes: a connector and a conductive clamp; a horizontally extending guide hole is provided on the anode conductive plate; a first end of the clamp passes through the guide hole and is connected to the corresponding sub-anode; a second end of the clamp is provided with a limiting block, the limiting block is used to contact the anode conductive plate and restrict the second end of the clamp from passing through the guide hole; the limiting block is slidably connected to the slide rail through the connector.

[0011] Optionally, the translation mechanism further includes a driving mechanism; the driving mechanism is disposed on the slide rail and is used to drive the connector to move the sub-anode horizontally along the slide rail.

[0012] Optionally, the device further includes a second lifting mechanism; the slide rail is supported above the anode conductive plate by the second lifting mechanism.

[0013] Optionally, the device further includes an intelligent control system; the intelligent control system includes:

[0014] A temperature sensor is installed inside the tank to obtain the temperature of the electrolyte in the tank in real time.

[0015] A voltage sensor is installed inside the tank to obtain the voltage inside the tank in real time.

[0016] A liquid level sensor is installed inside the tank to obtain the liquid level of the electrolyte in the tank in real time.

[0017] The data processing module is connected to the temperature sensor, voltage sensor and liquid level sensor respectively, and is used to calculate and obtain the target position information of each sub-anode based on the temperature and liquid level.

[0018] The drive module is connected to the data processing module, the first lifting mechanism, and the translation mechanism, respectively. It is used to drive the first lifting mechanism and the translation mechanism to move the position of the sub-anode vertically or horizontally based on the position information of the sub-anode, so as to adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode and the effective reaction area of ​​the sub-anode.

[0019] Optionally, the spacing between two adjacent sub-anodes is ≥5mm.

[0020] Optionally, the clamp is fixedly connected to the sub-anode by rivets.

[0021] Optionally, the device further includes: a cover; the cover is positioned over the top of the tank; the anode conductive plate, the first lifting mechanism, and the translation mechanism are all located inside the cover.

[0022] Optionally, the cover is provided with ventilation openings.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention include at least the following:

[0024] (1) The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided by the present invention can dynamically adjust the anode through the lifting mechanism and the translation mechanism, thereby realizing the real-time adjustment of the anode-cathode distance and the anode-cathode current density. It can not only control the electrolyte voltage drop and stabilize the thermal balance in the tank, but also significantly reduce the operating energy consumption and maintenance costs. At the same time, by optimizing the current density distribution, it extends the service life of the anode, thereby improving the stability and economy of the electrolysis process.

[0025] (2) The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided by this invention collects temperature, voltage and liquid level data in the electrolytic cell in real time, and uses a data processing module to intelligently calculate the optimal anode-cathode distance and relative reaction area under the current operating conditions, and automatically drives the lifting mechanism and translation mechanism to precisely adjust the anode to the set position. This intelligent active control mechanism not only achieves precise control of electrolyte pressure drop and cell thermal balance, but also effectively solves the problem of process index fluctuation caused by electrode consumption, significantly reduces operating energy consumption and significantly extends the anode service life. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the anode conductive plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state structure of a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical movement state structure of a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the horizontal movement state structure of a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the final state structure of a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of the intelligent control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 1-Tank body; 2-Electrolyte; 3-Cathode arm; 4-Cathode ring; 5-Split anode; 6-Anode conductive plate; 7-Slide rail; 8-Hook; 9-Clamp; 10-Ring; 11-First lifting mechanism; 12-Second lifting mechanism; 13-Cover body; 14-Translation mechanism; 61-Guide hole; 91-Fixing block; 92-Connecting block; 93-Limiting block; 94-Rivet; 101-Temperature sensor; 102-Voltage sensor; 103-Level sensor; 104-Data processing module; 105-Drive module; 131-Ventilation port. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] See Figures 1 to 8 This invention provides a novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device, which includes a tank 1, a cathode assembly and a separate anode 5 disposed within the tank 1. The device also includes an anode conductive plate 6, a first lifting mechanism 11, and a translation mechanism 14.

[0039] The tank 1 structure is used to contain the electrolyte 2, and the cathode assembly includes a cathode arm 3 and a cathode ring 4, which are fixed to one side of the tank 1.

[0040] The split anode 5 includes at least two sub-anodes spaced apart horizontally. In this embodiment, four fan-shaped graphite blocks are preferably used as sub-anodes, and the distance between two adjacent sub-anodes is not less than 5 mm. Designing the integral anode as a split type (such as four fan-shaped graphite blocks) reduces the processing difficulty and cost of large-size graphite electrodes. The reserved gap (≥5 mm) provides a smooth discharge channel for chlorine gas generated during electrolysis, reduces the impact of bubble sandwich on conductivity, and also facilitates the uniform distribution of the heat field in the tank, preventing local overheating.

[0041] A guide hole 61 extending horizontally is provided on the anode conductive plate 6. For example... Figure 3As shown, the guide hole 61 consists of two elongated through holes, with the opening length direction aligned with the anode position movement direction, and a circular through hole in the center, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the sub-anode.

[0042] The translation mechanism 14 is used to adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode.

[0043] Specifically, the translation mechanism 14 includes a slide rail 7 and a sliding assembly. The slide rail 7 is supported above the anode conductive plate 6. Each sub-anode corresponds to a set of sliding assemblies. The sliding assembly includes a connector and a conductive clamp 9. The first end of the clamp 9 is provided with a fixing block 91, which passes through a guide hole 61. The fixing block 91 is fixedly connected to the corresponding sub-anode by means of rivets 94, etc. The second end of the clamp 9 is provided with a limiting block 93, which is connected to the fixing block 91 by a connecting block 92. The size of the limiting block 93 is larger than the width of the guide hole 61, thereby restricting the second end of the clamp 9 from passing through the guide hole 61, achieving suspended conductivity. Under the action of gravity, the limiting block is pressed against the upper surface of the anode conductive plate 6. The limiting block 93 is slidably connected to the slide rail 7 by the connector.

[0044] In some embodiments, the connector specifically includes: a slider, a hook 8, and a ring 10; the slider slides in cooperation with the slide rail 7, the hook 8 is fixed on the slider, and the ring 10 is provided above the clamp 9, with the hook 8 hooking the ring 10 to suspend the clamp 9. The clamp 9 uses gravity to achieve self-locking contact conductivity, and disassembly only requires lifting the clamp 9, making maintenance convenient.

[0045] Furthermore, the translation mechanism 14 also includes a drive mechanism, which is mounted on the slide rail 7. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism can be a linear drive structure using a servo motor or a lead screw and nut pair in conjunction with a motor. The drive motor drives the slider to move along the slide rail 7, thereby moving the connecting piece and the clamp 9, realizing the displacement of the sub-anode in the horizontal direction.

[0046] The first lifting mechanism 11 is used to drive the anode conductive plate 6 to move vertically. In this embodiment, the first lifting mechanism 11 can be a hydraulic mechanism, with both ends of the anode conductive plate 6 supported above the tank 1 by a set of first lifting mechanisms 11. Since the sub-anode is suspended from the anode conductive plate 6 by clamps 9, the movement of the first lifting mechanism 11 will drive the sub-anode to rise and fall synchronously. By adjusting the height of the anode conductive plate 6 through the first lifting mechanism 11, the depth of the sub-anode immersed in the electrolyte can be changed, thereby directly adjusting the relative effective reaction area between the anode and cathode, and realizing the adjustment of the anode and cathode current density.

[0047] Furthermore, the slide rail 7 is supported above the anode conductive plate 6 by the second lifting mechanism 12. For example... Figure 4-7As shown, when adjusting the pole distance, the second lifting mechanism 12 first moves to lift the slide rail 7 and the connected clamp 9 as a whole to create a gap (e.g., 2cm) between the clamp 9 and the anode conductive plate 6, eliminating frictional resistance; after moving to the target position, the second lifting mechanism 12 lowers the slide rail 7 so that the clamp 9 presses the conductive plate again.

[0048] In some embodiments, the device further includes an intelligent control system, which includes a temperature sensor 101, a voltage sensor 102, a liquid level sensor 103, a data processing module 104, and a drive module 105.

[0049] Temperature sensor 101, voltage sensor 102, and level sensor 103 are installed inside the tank 1 to acquire real-time data on the temperature, voltage, and level of the electrolyte within the tank 1. Data processing module 104 is connected to temperature sensor 101 and level sensor 103, respectively. Data processing module 104 calculates the current thermal equilibrium state and current density based on the real-time acquired temperature, voltage, and level data. If the temperature is too high or the current density deviates from the set value, it calculates the target position (electrode distance and height) of the sub-anode.

[0050] Specifically, the sub-anode position parameters mainly include the electrode spacing and height of the sub-anode. The sub-anode height actually affects the relative reaction area of ​​the electrolyte between the anode and cathode, thus affecting the electrolyte resistance and average current density; the electrode spacing directly affects the electrolyte resistance between the anode and cathode. Changes in resistance affect the generation of Joule heating, thereby affecting temperature and voltage.

[0051] The data processing module 104 pre-stores a control relationship model obtained through multiphysics simulation calculation and / or experimental calibration. The control relationship model includes the functional relationship or mapping relationship between temperature, voltage, current density distribution and sub-anode distance, sub-anode height and electrolyte level.

[0052] Temperature, voltage, and level sensors collect temperature, voltage, and level data within tank 1, respectively. During actual operation, if the tank temperature deviates from the set temperature range or the electrolytic cell operating voltage deviates from the set voltage range, the system triggers a position recalculation mechanism. The data processing module 104 inputs the currently detected temperature, voltage, and level into the aforementioned preset control relationship model, and then reversely estimates the current anode distance and height to calculate whether the anode height needs to be adjusted to increase the relative effective reaction area between the anode and cathode, thus restoring the average current density to the set range. Simultaneously, the anode distance between the anode and cathode can be further adjusted to bring the electrolyte resistance, Joule heat, and tank temperature back to the target range.

[0053] Since reverse calculations based solely on a single temperature index may yield multiple combinations of electrode spacing and height that meet the requirements, the data processing module 104 also incorporates the results of tank voltage and current density distribution for optimization and screening. This aims to determine the target sub-anode positions where the temperature, operating voltage, and current density distribution within the tank 1 are all within the target range. Voltage is primarily used to assess changes in electrolyte resistance and electrode spacing; current density distribution serves as an auxiliary optimization condition to prevent excessive differences in current density among the sub-anode regions after adjustment, thereby improving the uniformity of current distribution.

[0054] Finally, the data processing module 104 outputs the target electrode distance and target height of each sub-anode, and instructs the drive module 105 to control the first lifting mechanism 11 and the translation mechanism 14 to automatically adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode and the effective reaction area of ​​the sub-anode, thereby realizing automatic optimization control of the sub-anode position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the device further includes a cover 13. The cover 13 is positioned over the top of the tank 1; the anode conductive plate 6, the first lifting mechanism 11, and the translation mechanism 14 are all located inside the cover 13. The cover 13 is provided with a vent 131 for chlorine gas discharge and ventilation.

[0056] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0057] During lithium metal electrolysis, temperature sensor 101 and liquid level sensor 103 monitor the state inside the cell in real time. Data processing module 104 determines the current thermal equilibrium state based on an algorithm. If the temperature is too high or the current density deviates from the optimal value, the system calculates a new anode position (i.e., a new electrode spacing and effective area) and instructs drive module 105 to control the first lifting mechanism 11 to adjust the anode height and control translation mechanism 14 to adjust the anode horizontal position. Through this dynamic adjustment, the electrolyte 2 pressure drop is controlled during the operation of the electrolyzer, stabilizing the cell temperature near the optimal electrolysis temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending the anode lifespan.

[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device, characterized in that, The device includes a tank, and a cathode assembly and a separate anode disposed within the tank; the device also includes: An anode conductive plate, wherein the split anode includes at least two sub-anodes spaced apart in a horizontal direction; each sub-anode is slidably connected to the anode conductive plate; The first lifting mechanism supports the anode conductive plate above the tank; the first lifting mechanism is used to drive the anode conductive plate to move vertically to change the depth of the sub-anode immersed in the electrolyte, thereby adjusting the effective reaction area of ​​the sub-anode. A translation mechanism drives the sub-anode to move horizontally along the anode conductive plate to adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode.

2. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The translation mechanism includes: A slide rail is provided above the anode conductive plate; A sliding assembly is provided, with each sub-anode corresponding to a set of sliding assemblies; the sliding assembly includes: a connector and a conductive clamp; a horizontally extending guide hole is provided on the anode conductive plate; a first end of the clamp passes through the guide hole and is connected to the corresponding sub-anode; a second end of the clamp is provided with a limiting block, the limiting block is used to contact the anode conductive plate and restrict the second end of the clamp from passing through the guide hole; the limiting block is slidably connected to the slide rail through the connector.

3. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The translation mechanism further includes a driving mechanism; the driving mechanism is disposed on the slide rail and is used to drive the connector to move the sub-anode horizontally along the slide rail.

4. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Second lifting mechanism; The slide rail is supported above the anode conductive plate by a second lifting mechanism.

5. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an intelligent control system; the intelligent control system includes: A temperature sensor is installed inside the tank to obtain the temperature of the electrolyte in the tank in real time. A voltage sensor is installed inside the tank to obtain the voltage inside the tank in real time. A liquid level sensor is installed inside the tank to obtain the liquid level of the electrolyte in the tank in real time. The data processing module is connected to the temperature sensor, voltage sensor and liquid level sensor respectively, and is used to calculate and obtain the target position information of each sub-anode based on the temperature and liquid level. The drive module is connected to the data processing module, the first lifting mechanism, and the translation mechanism, respectively. It is used to drive the first lifting mechanism and the translation mechanism to move the position of the sub-anode vertically or horizontally based on the position information of the sub-anode, so as to adjust the electrode distance between the cathode and the sub-anode and the effective reaction area of ​​the sub-anode.

6. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent sub-anodes is ≥5mm.

7. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp is fixedly connected to the sub-anode by rivets.

8. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Cover; The cover is placed on top of the tank; the anode conductive plate, the first lifting mechanism, and the translation mechanism are all located inside the cover.

9. The novel energy-saving lithium metal electrolysis device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cover is equipped with ventilation openings.

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