A method and device for optimizing the design of an electrolytic cell structure

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of electrolytic cell structure optimization design method and device, the present application is first optimized electrolytic cell inlet and outlet manifold pipe diameter distribution, equalize each electrolytic cell electrolyte flow;Select the expansion net as core flow passage structure, optimize its geometric parameter matching system design current density, synchronous improvement flow uniformity, pressure drop loss and interface mass transfer effect.Electrolytic cell is arranged in radial direction multiple groups of inlet and outlet and is equipped with flow guide area, to make electrolyte by point source evenly spread flow passage whole width.Passage is divided into inlet area, intermediate active area, outlet area along the medium flow direction, and the structure parameters of three areas are designed differently, and are matched with expansion net flow passage cooperatively.The present application is optimized by manifold, flow passage, inlet and outlet, multi-dimensional integration of subarea structure, effectively realizes electrolyte global uniform distribution, simultaneously speeds up gas-liquid two-phase separation generated by electrolysis, reduces energy consumption, and comprehensively improves electrolysis system reaction efficiency and operating stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic cell structure optimization design technology, and in particular to an electrolytic cell structure optimization design method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a zero-carbon and highly efficient secondary energy source, is a key driver of energy structure transformation. Hydrogen production via water electrolysis, using water as a raw material, yields high-purity products with zero carbon emissions, making it the mainstream technology for large-scale green hydrogen production. The electrolyzer, as the core reaction unit of the hydrogen electrolysis system, directly determines current efficiency, energy conversion efficiency, and operational safety and stability through its internal structural design. Specifically, the electrolyzer, through the coordinated operation of its manifold distribution structure, fluid flow channel layout, and electrode mesh configuration, constructs a complete system from electrolyte delivery to gas-liquid separation.

[0003] However, existing electrolyzer designs often employ single-stage straight-through manifolds or simple branching structures without systematic optimization based on fluid dynamics and electrochemical reaction characteristics. This can lead to uneven distribution of electrolyte and reactant gases within the chamber, causing flow deviation, flow imbalance, and dead zones. Alternatively, it can result in unreasonable design of the flow channel cross-section, direction, and spacing, leading to uneven distribution of mass transfer resistance, bubble retention, and localized overheating. Consequently, it can affect current efficiency, increase energy consumption per unit of hydrogen production, accelerate electrode and diaphragm aging, and increase safety risks such as gas cross-mixing and leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0005] Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to propose a method for optimizing the design of an electrolytic cell structure.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide an electrolytic cell structure optimization design device.

[0007] The third objective of this invention is to provide a computer device.

[0008] A fourth objective of this invention is to provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for optimizing the design of an electrolytic cell structure, comprising:

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, S1 includes: The inlet manifold adopts a tapered design, with its diameter gradually decreasing along the direction of electrolyte flow; the outlet manifold adopts a tapered design, with its diameter gradually increasing along the direction of flow. The simplified conjugate gradient method combined with CFD simulation is used to automatically optimize the manifold shape parameters with the goal of achieving uniform velocity in each flow channel.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes: The simplified conjugate gradient method combined with CFD simulation provides the following optimization objective function: ,in Let be the inlet flow velocity of the i-th chamber. Let n be the average flow rate across all cells, and n be the total number of cells.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, S2 includes: Key geometric parameters of expanded metal mesh include long pitch (LWD), short pitch (SWD), mesh height (H), opening ratio (ε), and edge width (W). The optimization range for long pitch LWD is 6-20mm, for short pitch SWD it is 3-10mm, for mesh height H it is 1.0-2.8mm, for aperture ratio ε it is 40-70%, and for edge width W it is 1.0-2.5mm.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, S3 includes: The number of inlets should be selected based on the size of the electrolytic cell. For small experimental cells, 2 inlets are recommended; for medium-sized industrial cells, 2-3 inlets are recommended; and for large industrial cells, 3-5 inlets are recommended. When the electrolysis chamber is square, the multiple inlets should be evenly distributed along the width of the chamber. The coordinates of the inlet positions are determined by the formula... Determined, where W is the width of the chamber and N is the number of inlets. Let be the coordinates of the center position of the i-th inlet.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes: The flow guide column is set on the surface of the electrode plate, and its height is less than the gap between the electrode plate and the electrode mesh. The expansion mesh is set between the flow guide column and the electrode mesh, and flatly covers the electrode plate and the flow guide column.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, S4 includes: The inlet area is located near the electrolyte inlet and adopts a columnar rib design with varying density and a flow guide column array to transform the point inlet into a surface distribution. The intermediate active zone is located in the central region of the flow field. It adopts a design with moderate columnar rib density and reduced thickness gradient, and is combined with optimized expansion mesh parameters to enhance mass transfer. The outlet area is located near the outlet of the gas-liquid mixture. It adopts a design with multiple flow branches and minimal thickness, and a converging channel is set up to avoid mutual interference between outlets.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides an electrolytic cell structure optimization design device, comprising: The flow balancing optimization module is used to optimize the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet manifold and outlet manifold of the electrolytic cell, so as to make the flow distribution of each electrolysis chamber uniform. The flow channel structure matching module is used to select an expanded mesh as the flow channel structure and optimize its key geometric parameters to match the system's design current density, thereby achieving a comprehensive improvement in flow uniformity, pressure drop characteristics, and mass transfer effect. The radial flow distribution module is used to set multiple inlets and multiple outlets in the radial direction on the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber to increase the flow uniformity and to set a flow guiding zone so that the electrolyte can be evenly diffused from the point inlet to the entire width direction. The partitioned collaborative optimization module is used to divide the electrolysis chamber into an inlet zone, an intermediate active zone, and an outlet zone along the electrolyte flow direction. It performs differentiated design of the structural parameters of each zone and collaborative optimization with the expanded mesh structure to achieve uniform distribution of electrolyte, enhance mass transfer, and promote gas-liquid separation.

[0017] An electrolytic cell structure optimization design method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention achieves improved flow uniformity, reduced pressure drop, and improved mass transfer efficiency through manifold tapering or expansion, expansion network parameter optimization, multiple inlets and outlets, functional zoning, and multi-objective optimization.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of this application provides a computer device, including a processor and a memory; wherein the processor runs a program corresponding to the executable program code by reading executable program code stored in the memory, for implementing the method described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, a fourth aspect of this application provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an electrolytic cell structure optimization design method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an architecture diagram of an electrolytic cell structure optimization design method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the manifold distribution and inlet / outlet structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of an expanded mesh structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the functional partition design according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of an electrolytic cell structure optimization design device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. 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 should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a method and apparatus for optimizing the structure of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an electrolytic cell structure optimization design method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: S1, optimize the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet manifold and outlet manifold of the electrolytic cell to make the flow distribution of each electrolysis cell uniform. S2, an expanded mesh is selected as the flow channel structure, and its key geometric parameters are optimized to match the design current density of the system, thereby achieving a comprehensive improvement in flow uniformity, pressure drop characteristics and mass transfer effect; S3, multiple inlets and multiple outlets are provided radially on the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber to increase flow uniformity, and a flow guiding zone is provided to allow the electrolyte to diffuse uniformly from the point inlet to the entire width direction. S4 divides the electrolysis chamber into an inlet zone, an intermediate active zone, and an outlet zone along the electrolyte flow direction. The structural parameters of each zone are designed differently and optimized in conjunction with the expanded mesh structure to achieve uniform distribution of electrolyte, enhance mass transfer, and promote gas-liquid separation.

[0026] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention propose another method for optimizing the design of electrolytic cell structures, such as... Figure 2 The following are included: Step 1: Manifold Distribution Optimization Design. The diameter distribution of the inlet and outlet manifolds of the electrolytic cell is optimized to ensure uniform flow distribution in each chamber. In this invention, the inlet and outlet manifolds are integrated onto the electrode frame of the electrolytic chamber. Specifically, the electrode frame has multiple channels extending along its thickness direction, as well as a liquid distribution groove connecting the channels to the electrolytic chamber. After multiple electrode frames are stacked with sealing gaskets, the channels form a continuous fluid channel along the stacking direction, constituting an electrode frame channel manifold. For cases where catholyte and anolyte are supplied separately, the electrode frame has independent catholyte channel systems and anolyte channel systems, respectively. Therefore, the optimization of the manifold diameter distribution corresponds to the optimization of the diameter, number, and distribution position of the channels on the electrode frame.

[0027] Specifically, the inlet manifold adopts a tapered design, with its diameter gradually decreasing along the electrolyte flow direction to maintain the static pressure at each branch inlet being basically equal; the outlet manifold adopts a tapered design, with its diameter gradually increasing along the flow direction to compensate for the pressure drop caused by the volume expansion of the gas-liquid two-phase flow.

[0028] Furthermore, a simplified conjugate gradient method combined with CFD simulation is employed to automatically optimize the manifold shape parameters, with the goal of achieving uniform velocity across all flow channels. The objective function is:

[0029] in, Let be the inlet flow velocity of the i-th chamber. Let n be the average flow rate across all cells, and n be the total number of cells.

[0030] Furthermore, the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet and outlet manifolds ensures that the uniformity index of flow distribution in each chamber reaches over 98%.

[0031] Step 2: Optimize the flow channel structure. Select an expanded mesh as the flow channel structure for the electrolyzer and optimize its key geometric parameters to match the system's design current density, thereby achieving the best flow uniformity, pressure drop characteristics, and mass transfer effect.

[0032] Furthermore, based on the actual stacked structure of the electrolytic cell, the expanded mesh is located between the electrode plate and the electrode mesh, and is set close to the electrode plate to form a three-dimensional porous flow channel structure.

[0033] Furthermore, the key geometric parameters of the expanded mesh include: long pitch (LWD), short pitch (SWD), mesh height (H), aperture ratio (ε), and edge width (W).

[0034] Furthermore, the optimization range for long pitch LWD is 6-20mm, the optimization range for short pitch SWD is 3-10mm, the optimization range for mesh height H is 1.0-2.8mm, the optimization range for aperture ratio ε is 40-70%, and the optimization range for edge width W is 1.0-2.5mm.

[0035] Furthermore, the optimization aims to achieve a flow uniformity index γchannel of 0.8 or higher within the flow channel, while simultaneously controlling the flow channel pressure drop ΔPchannel to be below a preset threshold.

[0036] Step 3: Optimized Design of Inlet and Outlet Distribution in Electrolysis Chambers – Multi-Inlet and Multi-Outlet Structure: Multiple inlets and outlets are provided on the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber to increase flow uniformity. This multi-inlet and multi-outlet structure is achieved by setting multiple through-holes uniformly distributed along a specific direction on the electrode frame. The outlet orifice diameter is slightly larger than the inlet orifice diameter to accommodate the volume expansion of the gas-liquid two-phase flow.

[0037] Furthermore, the choice of the number of imports / exports needs to strike a balance between improving flow uniformity and structural complexity. Flow uniformity improves non-linearly with increasing import quantity, but the benefits diminish after a certain threshold. Table 1 shows the recommended number of import / exports and expected effects for electrolyzers of different sizes. Table 1

[0038] Furthermore, for large industrial electrolytic cells, a three-inlet + three-outlet configuration is adopted to achieve the best balance between structural complexity and improved uniformity.

[0039] Furthermore, regarding the determination of inlet and outlet positions, the specific distribution method for electrolytic cells of different shapes is as follows: When the electrolytic cell is square, multiple inlets should be evenly distributed along the width direction of the cell, and the coordinates of the inlet positions are determined by the following formula:

[0040] in, For the width of the small chamber, For the number of imports, For the first The center coordinates of each inlet are shown. The outlet positions are arranged correspondingly to the inlet positions, forming a symmetrical flow path. When the electrolysis chamber is circular, the multiple inlets are evenly distributed at angles along the circumferential direction, and the inlet position angles are determined by the following formula:

[0041] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet geometry is designed, with the inlet diameter determined based on the total flow rate and the number of inlets:

[0042] in, The total flow rate of the small chamber. The inlet design flow rate is set at 0.5-1.5 m / s. The outlet orifice diameter is slightly larger than the inlet orifice diameter to accommodate the volume expansion of the gas-liquid two-phase flow. The spacing between adjacent inlets must meet sealing requirements.

[0043] in The minimum spacing required for the sealing structure is 10-20mm.

[0044] Step 4: Flow Zone Optimization Design. Along the electrolyte flow direction, the electrolysis chamber is divided into three functional zones: the inlet zone, the intermediate active zone, and the outlet zone. The structural parameters of each zone are designed differently and optimized in conjunction with the expanded mesh structure. Inlet Zone: Located near the electrolyte inlet, this zone receives multiple inlets. It employs a gradually varying density design with thicker columnar ribs and a flow-guiding column array to transform point-like inlets into a planar distribution, achieving uniform electrolyte distribution. Furthermore, the intermediate active zone, located in the central region of the flow field, receives a uniformly distributed electrolyte. It adopts a design with moderately dense columnar ribs and a reduced thickness gradient, combined with optimized expansion mesh parameters, to enhance mass transfer and promote the diffusion of reactants into the electrode. Furthermore, the outlet zone, located near the outlet of the gas-liquid mixture, adopts a design with multiple flow branches and minimal thickness, and is equipped with a converging channel to avoid mutual interference between outlets. Combined with the open mesh structure of the expansion mesh, it ensures uniform dispersion of the product and promotes gas-liquid separation.

[0045] Furthermore, the columnar ribs and flow-guiding column array are disposed on the surface of the electrode plate. It should be noted that the flow-guiding columns and the expansion mesh are arranged in spatial layers without spatial conflict: the flow-guiding columns are disposed on the electrode plate surface, and their height is less than the gap between the electrode plate and the electrode mesh; the expansion mesh is disposed between the flow-guiding columns and the electrode mesh, flatly covering the electrode plate and the flow-guiding columns. The flow-guiding columns are used to achieve uniform distribution of the electrolyte on a macroscopic scale, while the expansion mesh is used to enhance fluid disturbance and mass transfer on a microscopic scale; the two functions are interconnected and spatially complementary.

[0046] Furthermore, the arrangement of the guide columns is adjusted accordingly for different shaped chambers: square chambers are arranged in a rectangular array or triangle; circular chambers are arranged radially or in concentric rings.

[0047] Step 5: Multi-objective optimization modeling. Establish a multi-objective optimization model and comprehensively optimize the structural parameters in the above steps to obtain the optimal combination of structural parameters.

[0048] The objective function of the multi-objective optimization model includes:

[0049] in, The decision variable vector includes manifold diameter distribution parameters, expansion network geometric parameters, inlet and outlet quantity and distribution parameters, and structural parameters of each functional area; , It is the flow uniformity index; , Total system voltage drop; This is used to minimize the uneven distribution of current density.

[0050] Furthermore, a multi-level, multi-objective topology optimization method is employed to optimize the topology of the inlet manifold distribution area, the flow channel distribution area, and the outlet collection area. The NSGA-II algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective optimization model, obtaining the Pareto front solution set, and the optimal solution is selected according to preset weights. The electrolyzer is an alkaline water electrolyzer with a hydrogen production capacity of 1000 Nm³ / h.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the 1000 Nm³ / h alkaline electrolyzer is optimized as follows: Figure 2 As shown: Basic design parameters: hydrogen production: 1000 Nm³ / h, design current density: 3000 A / m², number of electrolysis chambers: 280, operating temperature: 80-90℃, operating pressure: 1.6 MPa, chamber diameter: 2000 mm.

[0052] Furthermore, manifold distribution optimization, such as Figure 3 As shown, the simplified conjugate gradient method combined with CFD simulation was used to optimize the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet and outlet manifolds. After optimization, the inlet manifold adopts a tapered design with an inlet diameter of 100 mm and an outlet diameter of 80 mm, resulting in uniform pressure distribution along the flow path; the outlet manifold adopts a tapered design with an inlet diameter of 80 mm and an outlet diameter of 100 mm, compensating for the pressure drop caused by the volume expansion of the gas-liquid two-phase flow. CFD verification showed that the uniformity index of flow distribution in each compartment reached 98.5% after optimization.

[0053] Furthermore, the expansion network structure is optimized as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the key geometric parameters of the expanded mesh were optimized to match the design current density of 3000 A / m². The optimized expanded mesh parameters are: long pitch (LWD): 10 mm, short pitch (SWD): 5 mm, mesh height (H): 1.8 mm, aperture ratio (ε): 55%, and edge width (W): 1.5 mm. Testing showed that the electrolytic cell using this expanded mesh structure achieved an electrolyte flow rate of 0.51 m / s at a current density of 3000 A / m², and the overpotential was reduced by approximately 8% compared to the traditional uneven structure.

[0054] Furthermore, the multi-inlet, multi-outlet structure is optimized by evenly distributing three inlets and three outlets along the circumference on both the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the inlet angles are 0° (directly below), -120°, and 120°, with the outlet angles corresponding to the inlet angles. Inlet orifice calculation (total flow rate of the chamber 2.5 m³ / h, inlet velocity 1.0 m / s):

[0055] The outlet orifice diameter is 30mm to accommodate the volume expansion of gas-liquid two-phase flow.

[0056] Furthermore, functional zoning design such as Figure 5 As shown, the electrolysis chamber is divided into three functional zones along the electrolyte flow direction (2000mm in height): Inlet zone (0-200mm in height): receives three inlet flows and is equipped with a flow guide column array with columnar ribs 2.5mm thick, achieving uniform diffusion of the electrolyte from point inlet to area distribution; Intermediate active zone (200-1800mm): adopts optimized expansion mesh parameters, with columnar rib thickness gradually decreasing from 2.5mm to 1.8mm to enhance mass transfer; Outlet zone (1800-2000mm): is equipped with three flow branch converging channels corresponding to three outlets, with columnar rib thickness of 1.5mm, promoting gas-liquid separation.

[0057] Furthermore, multi-objective optimization verification was performed using the NSGA-II algorithm to verify the above parameter combination, with the flow uniformity index γ, the total system voltage drop ΔP_total, and the current density distribution non-uniformity index as optimization objectives. The optimization results show that the parameter combination obtained in this embodiment is located on the Pareto front, achieving comprehensive optimization of uniformity, voltage drop, and current distribution.

[0058] The embodiments of this invention also have the following technical effects: Significantly improved flow uniformity: Through manifold tapering / expansion design combined with simplified conjugate gradient optimization, the uniformity of flow distribution in each chamber can reach over 98%; through a multi-inlet, multi-outlet structure combined with a square-concave-convex design, the flow uniformity index of the cross-section perpendicular to the incoming flow direction can reach over 0.80, and the flow uniformity index of the cross-section parallel to the flow direction can reach over 0.88. After comprehensive optimization, the overall flow uniformity can be improved by 89.80% (compared to the manifold type distribution area). Effectively reduced system pressure drop: Through parameter optimization of the expansion mesh structure, the flow channel pressure drop can be significantly reduced while ensuring mass transfer effect. After comprehensive optimization, the total system pressure drop can be reduced by 43.73% (compared to the manifold type distribution area). Improved mass transfer efficiency and current density: The expansion mesh structure allows the electrolyte flow velocity to reach 0.507 m / s, with the smallest overpotential at the same current density, and a maximum current density of 3330 A / m², an improvement of approximately 10% compared to the traditional structure. To improve gas-liquid separation, the functional design of the outlet area, combined with the open mesh structure of the expansion mesh, provides a low-resistance escape channel for bubbles, promoting gas-liquid separation and reducing the risk of liquid entrainment in the outlet gas. Studies show that the hydrogen concentration at the outlet is reduced by 22% compared to the single-inlet model in the three-inlet model. Furthermore, the combined optimizations improve electrolysis efficiency and stability; the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolyzer can be increased by 9.37% (at a working voltage of 2.1V), and operational stability is significantly improved.

[0059] To achieve the above embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment also provides an electrolytic cell structure optimization design device 10, including: The flow balance optimization module 100 is used to optimize the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet manifold and outlet manifold of the electrolytic cell, so as to make the flow distribution of each electrolysis chamber uniform. The flow channel structure matching module 200 is used to select an expanded mesh as the flow channel structure and optimize its key geometric parameters to match the design current density of the system, thereby achieving a comprehensive improvement in flow uniformity, pressure drop characteristics and mass transfer effect. The radial flow distribution module 300 is used to set multiple inlets and multiple outlets in the radial direction on the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber to increase the flow uniformity and to set a flow guiding zone so that the electrolyte can be evenly diffused from the point inlet to the entire width direction. The partitioned collaborative optimization module 400 is used to divide the electrolysis chamber into an inlet zone, an intermediate active zone, and an outlet zone along the electrolyte flow direction. It performs differentiated design of the structural parameters of each zone and collaborative optimization with the expansion network structure to achieve uniform distribution of electrolyte, enhance mass transfer, and promote gas-liquid separation.

[0060] An electrolytic cell structure optimization design device according to an embodiment of the present invention achieves improved flow uniformity, reduced pressure drop, and improved mass transfer efficiency through manifold tapering or expansion, expansion network parameter optimization, multiple inlets and outlets, functional zoning, and multi-objective optimization.

[0061] To implement the methods of the above embodiments, the present invention also provides a computer device, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the computer device 600 includes a memory 601 and a processor 602; wherein, the processor 602 reads executable program code stored in the memory 601 to run a program corresponding to the executable program code, so as to implement the various steps of the method described above.

[0062] To implement the above embodiments, this application also proposes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0064] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing the design of an electrolytic cell structure, characterized in that, include: S1, optimize the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet manifold and outlet manifold of the electrolytic cell to make the flow distribution of each electrolysis cell uniform. S2, an expanded mesh is selected as the flow channel structure, and its key geometric parameters are optimized to match the design current density of the system, thereby achieving a comprehensive improvement in flow uniformity, pressure drop characteristics and mass transfer effect; S3, multiple inlets and multiple outlets are provided radially on the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber to increase flow uniformity, and a flow guiding zone is provided to allow the electrolyte to diffuse uniformly from the point inlet to the entire width direction. S4 divides the electrolysis chamber into an inlet zone, an intermediate active zone, and an outlet zone along the electrolyte flow direction. The structural parameters of each zone are designed differently and optimized in conjunction with the expanded mesh structure to achieve uniform distribution of electrolyte, enhance mass transfer, and promote gas-liquid separation.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, S1 includes: The inlet manifold adopts a tapered design, with its diameter gradually decreasing along the direction of electrolyte flow; the outlet manifold adopts a tapered design, with its diameter gradually increasing along the direction of flow. The simplified conjugate gradient method combined with CFD simulation is used to automatically optimize the manifold shape parameters with the goal of achieving uniform velocity in each flow channel.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The simplified conjugate gradient method combined with CFD simulation provides the following optimization objective function: ,in Let be the inlet flow velocity of the i-th chamber. Let n be the average flow rate across all cells, and n be the total number of cells.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, S2 includes: Key geometric parameters of expanded metal mesh include long pitch (LWD), short pitch (SWD), mesh height (H), opening ratio (ε), and edge width (W). The optimization range for long pitch LWD is 6-20mm, for short pitch SWD it is 3-10mm, for mesh height H it is 1.0-2.8mm, for aperture ratio ε it is 40-70%, and for edge width W it is 1.0-2.5mm.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, S3 includes: The number of inlets should be selected based on the size of the electrolytic cell. For small experimental cells, 2 inlets are recommended; for medium-sized industrial cells, 2-3 inlets are recommended; and for large industrial cells, 3-5 inlets are recommended. When the electrolysis chamber is square, the multiple inlets should be evenly distributed along the width of the chamber. The coordinates of the inlet positions are determined by the formula... Determined, where W is the width of the chamber and N is the number of inlets. Let be the coordinates of the center position of the i-th inlet.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The flow guide column is set on the surface of the electrode plate, and its height is less than the gap between the electrode plate and the electrode mesh. The expansion mesh is set between the flow guide column and the electrode mesh, and flatly covers the electrode plate and the flow guide column.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, S4 includes: The inlet area is located near the electrolyte inlet and adopts a columnar rib design with varying density and a flow guide column array to transform the point inlet into a surface distribution. The intermediate active zone is located in the central region of the flow field. It adopts a design with moderate columnar rib density and reduced thickness gradient, and is combined with optimized expansion mesh parameters to enhance mass transfer. The outlet area is located near the outlet of the gas-liquid mixture. It adopts a design with multiple flow branches and minimal thickness, and a converging channel is set up to avoid mutual interference between outlets.

8. A device for optimizing the structure of an electrolytic cell, characterized in that, include: The flow balancing optimization module is used to optimize the pipe diameter distribution of the inlet manifold and outlet manifold of the electrolytic cell, so as to make the flow distribution of each electrolysis chamber uniform. The flow channel structure matching module is used to select an expanded mesh as the flow channel structure and optimize its key geometric parameters to match the system's design current density, thereby achieving a comprehensive improvement in flow uniformity, pressure drop characteristics, and mass transfer effect. The radial flow distribution module is used to set multiple inlets and multiple outlets in the radial direction on the inlet and outlet sides of each electrolysis chamber to increase the flow uniformity and to set a flow guiding zone so that the electrolyte can be evenly diffused from the point inlet to the entire width direction. The partitioned collaborative optimization module is used to divide the electrolysis chamber into an inlet zone, an intermediate active zone, and an outlet zone along the electrolyte flow direction. It performs differentiated design of the structural parameters of each zone and collaborative optimization with the expanded mesh structure to achieve uniform distribution of electrolyte, enhance mass transfer, and promote gas-liquid separation.

9. A computer device, characterized in that, Including processor and memory; The processor reads executable program code stored in the memory to run a program corresponding to the executable program code, so as to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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