Electrolytic cell and electrolysis device

Abstract

The present application provides an electrolysis unit for an electrolysis device, which includes: a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate; a stack formed by sequentially stacking, along a stacking direction, an anode porous transport layer, an anode electrode layer, a membrane, a cathode electrode layer, and a cathode porous transport layer, which is disposed between the first and second electrode plates in the stacking direction; and a seal disposed between the first and second electrode plates in the stacking direction and surrounding the stack in a lateral direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The first electrode plate includes a first magnetic attraction portion, and the second electrode plate includes a second magnetic attraction portion. The first and second magnetic attraction portions are magnetically attracted to each other to detachably hold the first and second electrode plates as an integral structure, so that the first and second electrode plates hold the stack and the seal therebetween. The present application also provides an electrolysis device including the aforementioned electrolysis unit. The electrolysis unit and electrolysis device according to the present application are easy to manufacture, assemble, and maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates generally to the field of electrolysis technology, and more particularly to an electrolysis unit for an electrolysis apparatus and an electrolysis apparatus including such an electrolysis unit. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen has a wide range of applications, covering many fields such as chemical engineering, energy, transportation, and electronics. Currently, there are many methods for hydrogen production, among which electrolysis is a hot research topic. Taking an alkaline solution electrolysis system as an example, an electrolyte is supplied to the electrolysis unit, where water in the electrolyte is electrolyzed. The reaction products (hydrogen and oxygen) and unconsumed electrolyte are discharged from the electrolysis unit and separated from each other. Subsequently, the reaction products are purified and stored, while the unconsumed electrolyte is returned to the electrolysis unit.

[0003] Electrolysis apparatuses typically comprise multiple electrolysis units stacked together and end plates for holding these units together. Each electrolysis unit may include, in sequence, an anode plate, an anode porous transport layer, an anode electrode layer, a membrane, a cathode electrode layer, a cathode porous transport layer, and a cathode plate. During the manufacture of an electrolysis apparatus, these components must be stacked one by one and held together by pressure. However, this manufacturing method is very time-consuming and prone to assembly errors (e.g., misalignment, deformation), resulting in low manufacturing efficiency and a high likelihood of quality problems.

[0004] Furthermore, during the service life of the electrolysis unit (e.g., up to 120,000 hours), some components (e.g., membranes) may be damaged or fail, thus requiring maintenance of the electrolysis unit. However, the electrolysis units and electrolysis devices produced through the above manufacturing process are difficult to disassemble and reassemble, and maintenance may also lead to damage to other electrolysis units.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve existing electrolysis equipment and its electrolysis units. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide an improved electrolysis unit and an electrolysis apparatus including such an electrolysis unit, so as to overcome at least one of the defects in the prior art.

[0007] In one aspect, this application proposes an electrolysis unit for an electrolysis apparatus, which may include: a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate; a stack formed by sequentially stacking an anode porous transport layer, an anode electrode layer, a membrane, a cathode electrode layer, and a cathode porous transport layer along a stacking direction, the stack being disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate in the stacking direction; and a seal disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate in the stacking direction and surrounding the stack in a lateral direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The first electrode plate includes a first magnetic attraction portion, and the second electrode plate includes a second magnetic attraction portion, the first magnetic attraction portion and the second magnetic attraction portion magnetically attracting each other to detachably hold the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate as an integral structure, thereby holding the stack and the seal therebetween.

[0008] On the other hand, this application proposes an electrolysis apparatus that may include: a plurality of electrolysis units, each of which is the aforementioned electrolysis unit, and the plurality of electrolysis units are stacked along the stacking direction and held together.

[0009] The electrolysis unit and electrolysis apparatus including such an electrolysis unit according to this application are easy to manufacture, assemble and maintain, have high reliability and flexibility, and are significantly cost-effective.

[0010] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided illustratively and is not intended to be restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other aspects of this application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, not all components or portions of the electrolysis apparatus and its electrolysis unit according to this application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the dimensions, scale relationships, and number of components or portions in the drawings are not intended to limit this application. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an electrolysis apparatus according to some embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 Is included Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrolysis unit in an electrolysis apparatus;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the electrolysis unit along line AA;

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic front view of the electrode plates of the electrolysis unit;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode along line BB;

[0017] Figure 6A yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the area "6A" circled by the dashed box, showing the permanent magnets aligned with each other;

[0018] Figure 6B Is with Figure 6A A similar magnified view, but showing another permanent magnet inserted into the gap between the aligned permanent magnets;

[0019] Figure 7A and Figure 7B They are respectively with Figure 6A A similar magnified view shows what can be used Figure 2 An optional type of electrode plate for an electrolysis unit, wherein the lugs of the electrode plate are configured to be rotatable;

[0020] Figure 8A and Figure 8B They are respectively with Figure 6A A similar magnified view shows what can be used Figure 2 Another optional type of electrode plate for the electrolysis unit, wherein the permanent magnet of the electrode plate is configured to be flip-up;

[0021] Figure 9 Is with Figure 6A A similar magnified view shows what can be used Figure 2 Another optional type of electrode plate for the electrolysis unit;

[0022] Figure 10 Is with Figure 6A A similar magnified view shows what can be used Figure 2 Another optional type of electrode plate for the electrolysis unit; and

[0023] Figure 11 schematically shown Figure 2 The relative positioning of the electrode plates of one electrolysis unit to the electrode plates of an adjacent electrolysis unit is shown in this view, omitting other components of these electrolysis units. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, for ease of description of the electrolysis apparatus and its electrolysis unit according to this application, as well as the corresponding manufacturing and assembly methods, an alkaline solution electrolysis apparatus and its electrolysis unit are used as examples. It should be understood that such examples do not imply any limitation on this application, and the electrolysis apparatus and its electrolysis unit according to this application, as well as the corresponding manufacturing and assembly methods or their variations, can be used in other types of electrolysis systems, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems, anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis systems, etc. Furthermore, features in the various embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0025] Figure 1 An electrolysis apparatus 10 for an electrolysis system (not shown) according to some embodiments of this application is schematically illustrated. The electrolysis system may be an alkaline solution electrolysis system using an alkaline solution (e.g., potassium hydroxide solution, sodium hydroxide solution, etc.) as the electrolyte. The electrolysis apparatus 10 is configured to electrolyze water in the alkaline electrolyte to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis apparatus 10 may also be referred to as an "electrolytic cell" or "electrolytic cell". The electrolysis apparatus 10 may include a housing (not shown) and a plurality of electrolysis units 20 housed within the housing.

[0026] Multiple electrolysis units 20 may have the same or substantially the same configuration as each other. Figures 2 to 6B The configuration of one of the electrolysis units 20 is shown. Electrolysis unit 20 may also be referred to as a "single electrolytic cell" or "single electrolytic cell". Figure 2 As shown, the electrolysis unit 20 includes a first electrode plate 21, a second electrode plate 22, and a stack formed by sequentially stacking an anode porous transport layer 23, an anode electrode layer 24, a membrane (here, a diaphragm) 25, a cathode electrode layer 26, and a cathode porous transport layer 27 along a stacking direction 28. The membrane 25 is located between the anode electrode layer 24 and the cathode electrode layer 26. The anode porous transport layer 23 is located on the side of the anode electrode layer 24 opposite to the membrane 25, and the cathode porous transport layer 27 is located on the side of the cathode electrode layer 26 opposite to the membrane 25. The layers can contact each other. The first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 are spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction 28, and the stack is disposed between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 in the stacking direction 28. The first electrode plate 21 is located on the side of the anode porous transport layer 23 opposite to the anode electrode layer 24, and the second electrode plate 22 is located on the side of the cathode porous transport layer 27 opposite to the cathode electrode layer 26. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be electrically connected to an external DC power supply (not shown) and can be immersed in an electrolyte along with the stack. The membrane 25 allows ions to pass through but prohibits gas molecules from passing through.

[0027] Taking an electrolysis unit 20 as an example, during operation, the electrolyte circulates through the electrolysis unit 20, and an external DC power supply supplies DC power to the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 of the electrolysis unit 20. At the cathode electrode layer 26, water molecules gain electrons to generate hydrogen molecules and hydroxide ions (i.e., a reduction reaction occurs: 4H₂O + 4e⁻). - →2H₂ + 4OH⁻ - In this process, hydrogen molecules, unable to pass through membrane 25, are discharged along with the electrolyte, while hydroxide ions, driven by voltage, pass from cathode electrode layer 26 through membrane 25 to anode electrode layer 24. At anode electrode layer 24, hydroxide ions lose electrons to generate oxygen molecules and water molecules (i.e., an oxidation reaction occurs: 4OH-). - →2H₂O + O₂ + 4e - Oxygen molecules are expelled along with the electrolyte because they cannot pass through membrane 25.

[0028] Following the same principle, each electrolysis unit 20 can receive electrolyte and, after the aforementioned electrochemical reaction, discharges hydrogen-containing electrolyte at the cathode side (i.e., discharges cathode-side reaction products and unconsumed electrolyte), and simultaneously discharges oxygen-containing electrolyte at the anode side (i.e., discharges anode-side reaction products and unconsumed electrolyte). Correspondingly, the electrolysis device 10 is provided with a hydrogen-side (also referred to as a cathode-side) outlet 10a for discharging hydrogen-containing electrolyte, an oxygen-side (also referred to as an anode-side) outlet 10b for discharging oxygen-containing electrolyte, and an inlet 10c for receiving electrolyte.

[0029] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, each electrolysis unit 20 includes an anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a, a cathode-side outlet manifold channel 20b, and an electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c. When multiple electrolysis units 20 are used as follows... Figure 1 When the multiple electrolysis units 20 are stacked and held together along the stacking direction 28 as shown, the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a, the cathode-side outlet manifold channel 20b, and the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c are aligned in the stacking direction 28 to form the anode-side outlet manifold, the cathode-side outlet manifold, and the electrolyte inlet manifold, respectively. The electrolyte inlet manifold distributes the electrolyte received through the inlet 10c to each electrolysis unit 20, the cathode-side outlet manifold collects the hydrogen-containing electrolyte discharged from each electrolysis unit 20 to the hydrogen-side outlet 10a, and the anode-side outlet manifold collects the oxygen-containing electrolyte discharged from each electrolysis unit 20 to the oxygen-side outlet 10b.

[0030] Please continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3Each electrolysis unit 20 also includes a seal 30 disposed in the stacking direction 28 between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 to provide a seal that isolates the internal space of the electrolysis unit 20 for the flow of electrolyte from the outside of the electrolysis unit 20. Specifically, the seal 30 surrounds the aforementioned stack in a lateral direction (not shown) perpendicular to the stacking direction 28. In other words, the seal 30 is capable of surrounding the internal space of the electrolysis unit 20 for the flow of electrolyte to provide a seal, thereby isolating it from the outside of the electrolysis unit 20. As used herein, "lateral direction" means any direction perpendicular to the stacking direction 28. The seal 30 can be formed of any suitable material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Although the seal 30 is shown as a single piece, it should be understood that the application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the seal 30 may also comprise multiple pieces.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in each electrolysis unit 20, each of the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a, the cathode-side outlet manifold channel 20b, and the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c can extend through the seal 30 along the stacking direction 28. In other words, the seal 30 can include a plurality of orifices extending through the seal 30 along the stacking direction 28, which can respectively form a section of the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a, the cathode-side outlet manifold channel 20b, and the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c.

[0032] The first electrode plate 21 can be a single electrode plate (here, an anode plate) and can be formed of metallic or composite materials. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary configuration of the first electrode plate 21 is specifically shown. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first electrode plate 21 may be generally rectangular in shape and may have a first outer edge 211, a second outer edge 212, a third outer edge 213, and a fourth outer edge 214 defining the first electrode plate 21 in a lateral direction perpendicular to the stacking direction 28. The first outer edge 211 and the third outer edge 213 are opposite to each other, and the second outer edge 212 and the fourth outer edge 214 are opposite to each other and extend between the first outer edge 211 and the third outer edge 213, respectively. The first electrode plate 21 may include a first electrode plate body 21a and a first electrode frame 21b surrounding the first electrode plate body 21a in a lateral direction. The first electrode frame 21b is fixed to the first electrode plate body 21a or integrally formed with the first electrode plate body 21a. The outer edges 211-214 of the first electrode plate 21 are the outer edges of the first electrode frame 21b. For example, the first electrode frame 21b may be fixed to the first electrode plate body 21a by any suitable means or mechanism (e.g., adhesive, snap-fit, welding). In this configuration, the first electrode body 21a and the first electrode frame 21b can be formed of the same or different materials. For example, the first electrode body 21a can be formed of a metallic material such as nickel, and the first electrode frame 21b can be formed of a metallic material or a resin material. Alternatively, the first electrode frame 21b can be integrally formed with the first electrode body 21a by any suitable process such as stamping or machining. In this case, the first electrode body 21a and the first electrode frame 21b are formed of the same material.

[0033] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first electrode body 21a may include a recess 21c recessed therein along the stacking direction 28. The recess 21c is configured to at least partially receive the anode porous transport layer 23, i.e., to receive a portion of the aforementioned stack. A first electrode frame 21b surrounds the first electrode body 21a in the lateral direction. Each of the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a, the cathode-side outlet manifold channel 20b, and the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c may extend through the first electrode frame 21b along the stacking direction 28. In other words, the first electrode frame 21b may include a plurality of orifices extending through the first electrode frame 21b along the stacking direction 28, which may respectively constitute a segment of the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a, the cathode-side outlet manifold channel 20b, and the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c. Grooves may be provided within the recess 21c, and electrolyte and reaction products may flow along the grooves. Therefore, the recess 21c may define the anode-side flow field. The first electrode plate 21 may further include an input channel 21d and an output channel 21e. The input channel 21d connects the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c to the recess 21c for inputting electrolyte from the electrolyte inlet manifold channel 20c into the anode-side flow field of the electrolysis unit 20. The output channel 21e connects the recess 21c to the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a for discharging anode-side reaction products and unconsumed electrolyte from the anode-side flow field to the anode-side outlet manifold channel 20a. It should be understood that the specific configuration of the first electrode plate 21 is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the first electrode plate body 21a may not have the recess 21c.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the second electrode 22 is also a single electrode (here, a cathode plate) and is configured similarly to the first electrode 21. Specifically, the structure of the second electrode 22 can be substantially symmetrical to the structure of the first electrode 21. The second electrode 22 can also be generally rectangular in shape and can have four outer edges that define the first electrode 21 in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the second electrode 22 can be made of a similar manner and material as the first electrode 21. Similar to the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22 can also include a second electrode body 22a and a second electrode frame 22b surrounding the second electrode body 22a in the lateral direction. The second electrode frame 22b is fixed to the second electrode body 22a or integrally formed with the second electrode body 22a. For simplicity, details of these similar contents will not be elaborated further. It should be understood that the shapes of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are not limited to these. A seal 30 can be disposed between the first electrode frame 21b of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode frame 22b of the second electrode 22.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 6AAs best shown, the first electrode 21 may include a first magnetic attraction portion 41, and the second electrode 22 may include a second magnetic attraction portion 42. The first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may be configured to cooperate with each other to magnetically attract each other, thereby detachably holding the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 together, that is, detachably holding the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 as a single structure. As used in this application, "the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 magnetically attract each other" means that the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 tend to move closer to each other or remain in contact due to the magnetic field force generated by at least one of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42; "the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 are detachably held as an integral structure" means that the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 are held as an integral structure and can be separated from each other in a non-destructive manner (e.g., by hand or with the aid of tools) when needed; "integral structure" means that the components are held as an integral structure so that they can be moved together (e.g., moved to a designated location or position), installed (e.g., installed into the electrolysis device 10), and removed (e.g., removed from the electrolysis device 10). Since the stack and seal 30 are disposed between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22, the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 are held together as a single structure by utilizing the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42, thus allowing the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 to hold the stack and seal 30 therebetween. Because the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 detachably hold the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 together, the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 can detachably hold the stack and seal 30 therebetween.

[0036] In this way, the electrolysis unit 20 (i.e., the stack, the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the seal 30) can be formed as a single unit, i.e., a monolithic structure. During the manufacture of the electrolysis device 10, the electrolysis device 10 can be formed by first forming each electrolysis unit 20 as a single unit and then stacking the individual electrolysis units 20 together. The monolithic electrolysis unit 20 is easier to handle during the manufacture of the electrolysis device 10, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the electrolysis device 10. Furthermore, the monolithic electrolysis unit 20 can significantly reduce assembly errors (such as misalignment, deformation, etc.) during the manufacture of the electrolysis device 10, thereby improving the quality of the electrolysis device 10. When some components of the electrolysis unit 20 are damaged or fail and need to be replaced, the monolithic electrolysis unit 20 is easier to disassemble, replace, and reassemble, thereby improving the maintenance efficiency of the electrolysis device 10 and reducing its maintenance costs. Compared to existing electrolysis units where components are held together solely by pressure, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 of each electrolysis unit 20 provide an initial holding force to hold the components together, thereby facilitating the assembly and maintenance of the electrolysis device 10 and improving the integration and reliability of the electrolysis unit 20. In other words, for the manufactured electrolysis unit 20, the clamping force of the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 on the stack and the seal 30 is provided by the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42. As will be described in detail below, when multiple electrolysis units 20 are assembled into the electrolysis device 10, the clamp 50 (see...) Figure 1 A clamping force is applied to multiple electrolysis units 20 to hold them together. In this case, the clamping force of the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 on the stack and the seal 30 is further provided by the clamp 50. Furthermore, the integrated electrolysis unit 20 allows for flexible adjustment of the number of electrolysis units 20 in the electrolysis apparatus 10 as needed, thereby improving the flexibility of the electrolysis apparatus 10. In addition, the detachable configuration of the electrolysis unit 20 further facilitates maintenance of the electrolysis unit 20. Therefore, the electrolysis unit 20 according to this application and the electrolysis apparatus 10 including such an electrolysis unit 20 are easy to manufacture, assemble, and maintain, have high reliability and flexibility, and are significantly cost-effective.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 of the first pole plate 21 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 of the second pole plate 22 may include a permanent magnet, such that the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 can magnetically attract each other. As used herein, "permanent magnet" refers to a magnet that can maintain its magnetism for a long period of time without external energy. Permanent magnets are typically made of hard magnetic materials (e.g., neodymium iron boron, AlNiCo, ferrite, etc.). Permanent magnets have first and second magnetic poles that are opposite to each other. In this application, unless otherwise stated, when describing various permanent magnets, the first magnetic poles of these permanent magnets refer to first magnetic poles of the same polarity, and the second magnetic poles of these permanent magnets refer to second magnetic poles of the same polarity but opposite to the first magnetic poles. That is, for each permanent magnet in this application, the first magnetic pole refers to a magnetic pole of the same name, and the second magnetic pole refers to another magnetic pole of the same name with opposite polarity to the first magnetic pole. The first magnetic pole can be an S pole, and the second magnetic pole is correspondingly an N pole, and vice versa. In the following description, the configuration of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 will be described with reference to an example in which the first magnetic pole is the S pole and the second magnetic pole is the N pole; however, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0038] In one of these embodiments, each of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may include a permanent magnet. Figure 2 and Figure 6A As shown, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 may include a plurality of first permanent magnets 61 (only one of the first permanent magnets 61 is shown in the figure), and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may include a plurality of second permanent magnets 62 (only one of the second permanent magnets 62 is shown in the figure). Each of the plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and the plurality of second permanent magnets 62 has a first magnetic pole (i.e., the S pole) and a second magnetic pole (i.e., the N pole). Figure 2 and Figure 6AIn the diagram, the first and second magnetic poles of these permanent magnets are marked with "S" and "N," respectively. Each of the plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and the plurality of second permanent magnets 62 is oriented such that its first and second magnetic poles are opposite to each other in the stacking direction 28. Each of the plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and its corresponding second permanent magnet 62 is aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28 such that the first magnetic pole of each first permanent magnet 61 and the second magnetic pole of its corresponding second permanent magnet 62 face each other. That is, the first magnetic pole of each first permanent magnet 61 and the second magnetic pole of its corresponding second permanent magnet 62 are opposite each other in the stacking direction 28. Correspondingly, the second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61 is opposite to its corresponding second permanent magnet 62 in the stacking direction 28, and the first magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62 is opposite to its corresponding first permanent magnet 61 in the stacking direction 28. In this way, each first permanent magnet 61 and its corresponding second permanent magnet 62 magnetically attract each other to detachably hold the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 as a single unit, thereby holding the stack and the seal 30 therebetween. This configuration, in which each of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 includes a permanent magnet, provides a reliable holding force between the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22.

[0039] In some examples, please see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The first magnetic attraction portion 41 may further include a plurality of third permanent magnets 63 (only one of the third permanent magnets 63 is shown in the figure), and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may further include a plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64 (only one of the fourth permanent magnets 64 is shown in the figure). Each of the plurality of third permanent magnets 63 and the plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64 has a first magnetic pole (i.e., the S pole) and a second magnetic pole (i.e., the N pole). Figure 2 In the diagram, the first and second magnetic poles of these permanent magnets are marked with "S" and "N," respectively. Each of the plurality of third permanent magnets 63 and the plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64 is oriented such that its first and second magnetic poles are opposite to each other in the stacking direction 28. Each of the plurality of third permanent magnets 63 and its corresponding fourth permanent magnet 64 are aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28 such that the second magnetic pole of each third permanent magnet 63 faces the first magnetic pole of the corresponding fourth permanent magnet 64. That is, the second magnetic pole of each third permanent magnet 63 and the first magnetic pole of the corresponding fourth permanent magnet 64 are opposite each other in the stacking direction 28, the first magnetic pole of the third permanent magnet 63 is opposite to the fourth permanent magnet 64 in the stacking direction 28, and the second magnetic pole of the fourth permanent magnet 64 is opposite to the third permanent magnet 63 in the stacking direction 28.

[0040] Therefore, the magnetic pole orientation of the first permanent magnet 61 is opposite to that of the third permanent magnet 63 and the second permanent magnet 62, but the same as that of the fourth permanent magnet 64. When the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are not correctly aligned with each other, the first permanent magnet 61 and the fourth permanent magnet 64 (it should be understood that there may be one or more sets of them) may be aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28, and / or the second permanent magnet 62 and the third permanent magnet 63 (it should be understood that there may be one or more sets of them) may be aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28. In this case, the first permanent magnet 61 and the fourth permanent magnet 64 magnetically repel each other, and / or the second permanent magnet 62 and the third permanent magnet 63 magnetically repel each other. This magnetic repulsion will prevent the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 from approaching each other, thereby preventing the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 from being placed in the wrong orientation. When the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are aligned with each other in the correct orientation (or desired orientation), the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 are aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28, and the third permanent magnet 63 and the fourth permanent magnet 64 are aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28. In this case, the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 are magnetically attracted to each other, and the third permanent magnet 63 and the fourth permanent magnet 64 are magnetically attracted to each other. This magnetic attraction brings the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 close to each other and reliably holds them together. This configuration, in which each of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 includes permanent magnets with opposite magnetic pole orientations, prevents the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 from being misaligned relative to each other and provides precise alignment between the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22. This configuration can significantly improve the assembly accuracy between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22, thereby further facilitating the manufacture, assembly and maintenance of the electrolysis unit 20 and the electrolysis apparatus 10 including such an electrolysis unit 20.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the first magnetic pole of each first permanent magnet 61 can face the second pole plate 22, and the second magnetic pole can face away from the second pole plate 22. The second magnetic pole of each second permanent magnet 62 can face the second pole plate 22, and the first magnetic pole can face away from the second pole plate 22. The second magnetic pole of each third permanent magnet 63 can face the second pole plate 22, and the first magnetic pole can face away from the second pole plate 22. The first magnetic pole of each fourth permanent magnet 64 can face the first pole plate 21, and the second magnetic pole can face away from the first pole plate 21.

[0042] In some embodiments, a plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and a plurality of third permanent magnets 63 may be arranged in a first arrangement pattern, and a plurality of second permanent magnets 62 and a plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64 may be arranged in a second arrangement pattern. The first and second arrangement patterns can be matched to each other such that the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are held together in a unique orientation relative to each other as a single structure. The arrangement pattern of the permanent magnets may include, but is not limited to, the number, shape, relative position (including order), or combination thereof of the permanent magnets. That is, the first and second arrangement patterns can be matched to each other such that the plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and the plurality of third permanent magnets 63, along with the plurality of second permanent magnets 62 and the plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64, can hold the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 together in this unique orientation relative to each other. Alternatively, the first and second arrangement patterns can be matched such that each first permanent magnet 61 can be aligned with its corresponding second permanent magnet 62 in the stacking direction 28, and each third permanent magnet 63 can be aligned with its corresponding fourth permanent magnet 64 in the stacking direction 28, only when the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are aligned relative to each other in the unique orientation, thereby holding the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 together. Conversely, when the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are aligned relative to each other in other orientations deviating from the unique orientation, some or all of the plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and the plurality of third permanent magnets 63 will be unable to be aligned with their corresponding permanent magnets in the stacking direction 28, and the aforementioned magnetic repulsion may even occur between the permanent magnets of the two pole plates, thus making it impossible to hold the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 together. Therefore, this configuration can provide precise alignment between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22, thereby significantly improving the assembly accuracy between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22.

[0043] As an example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, for the first pole plate 21, three permanent magnets can be disposed adjacent to each of the first outer edge 211, the second outer edge 212, the third outer edge 213, and the fourth outer edge 214, or at such outer edge. For these outer edges 211-214, the number and arrangement of the first permanent magnets 61 and the third permanent magnets 63 differ from each other. For example, according to... Figure 4In a clockwise direction, the three permanent magnets arranged sequentially near or at the first outer edge 211 can be the third permanent magnet 63, the first permanent magnet 61, and the first permanent magnet 61; the three permanent magnets arranged sequentially near or at the second outer edge 212 can be the first permanent magnet 61, the third permanent magnet 63, and the first permanent magnet 61; the three permanent magnets arranged sequentially near or at the third outer edge 213 can be the third permanent magnet 63, the third permanent magnet 63, and the first permanent magnet 61; and the three permanent magnets arranged sequentially near or at the fourth outer edge 214 can be the third permanent magnet 63, the first permanent magnet 61, and the third permanent magnet 63. For the second pole plate 22, three permanent magnets may be disposed adjacent to or at each outer edge to cooperate with the corresponding permanent magnets of the first pole plate 21, thereby providing a magnetic attraction between the second pole plate 22 and the first pole plate 21. For example, the three permanent magnets disposed sequentially adjacent to or at the outer edge of the second pole plate 22 corresponding to the first outer edge 211 of the first pole plate 21 are a fourth permanent magnet 64, a second permanent magnet 62, and a second permanent magnet 62. Due to this arrangement of the permanent magnets of the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22, the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 can be held together relative to each other in a unique orientation.

[0044] It should be understood that the specific forms of the first and second arrangement patterns are not limited thereto. More precisely, the first and second arrangement patterns can be configured in any suitable form, including the number, shape, relative position (including order), or combination thereof of permanent magnets, such that the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are held together relative to each other in a unique orientation. For example, each pole plate has two types of permanent magnets with opposite magnetic pole orientations, which can be arranged in an asymmetrical pattern or any other suitable pattern about a central axis parallel to the stacking direction of the pole plates. Furthermore, the number of permanent magnets adjacent to or at the respective outer edges of the pole plates can be different. Also, the shapes of the permanent magnets adjacent to or at the respective outer edges of the pole plates can be different. All of these enable the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 to be held together relative to each other in a unique orientation. It should also be understood that the shape of the electrode is not limited to this, and even if the electrode has other shapes, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can still be held together in a unique orientation relative to each other by matching the first arrangement pattern and the second arrangement pattern.

[0045] In some embodiments, a plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and a plurality of third permanent magnets 63 may be alternately arranged around the stack on the first pole plate 21, and a plurality of second permanent magnets 62 and a plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64 may be alternately arranged around the stack on the second pole plate 22. Although this arrangement pattern is not shown in the views, it is contemplated that these permanent magnets may be arranged adjacent to or at the respective outer edges of the pole plates to surround the stack. This configuration provides precise alignment and uniform holding force between the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, each first permanent magnet 61 of the first electrode plate 21 (or the portion of the first electrode plate 21 with the first permanent magnet 61) and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62 of the second electrode plate 22 (or the portion of the second electrode plate 22 with the second permanent magnet 62) can be spaced apart by a gap G1 in the stacking direction 28. The size of the gap G1 can be designed such that sufficient magnetic attraction is maintained between the first permanent magnet 61 and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62 along the stacking direction 28, while allowing a tool to be inserted between the first permanent magnet 61 and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62 (or between the portion of the first electrode plate 21 with the first permanent magnet 61 and the portion of the second electrode plate 22 with the second permanent magnet 62). Operating the tool can cause the first permanent magnet 61 and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62 to move away from each other to disengage from the magnetic attraction, thereby facilitating the separation of the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22.

[0047] In some examples, the tool can be a lever-like tool, such as a crowbar, which, when operated, causes the first permanent magnet 61 and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62 to move away from each other in the stacking direction 28, thereby disengaging them from magnetic attraction. In other examples, such as Figure 6BAs shown, the tool may include a fifth permanent magnet 65, or may be a fifth permanent magnet 65 having a first magnetic pole (i.e., the S pole) and a second magnetic pole (i.e., the N pole). The fifth permanent magnet 65 may be received in the gap G1 and oriented such that its first magnetic pole and second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the stacking direction 28, wherein the first magnetic pole of the fifth permanent magnet 65 faces the first magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61, and the second magnetic pole of the fifth permanent magnet 65 faces the second magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62. In this case, the fifth permanent magnet 65 will separate the corresponding first permanent magnet 61 and second permanent magnet 62, and generate magnetic repulsion between itself and the first permanent magnet 61 and between itself and the second permanent magnet 62, thereby causing the first permanent magnet 61 to disengage from the corresponding second permanent magnet 62. Through this cooperation between the gap G1 and the fifth permanent magnet 65, the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22, which have been assembled together, can be easily separated. It should be understood that the gap G1 can also be configured to allow the first permanent magnet 61 and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62 to be moved away from each other in the stacking direction 28 by hand, so as to break their magnetic attraction.

[0048] Although not shown in the views, it should be understood that when the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 respectively include a third permanent magnet 63 and a fourth permanent magnet 64, each third permanent magnet 63 and its corresponding fourth permanent magnet 64 can also be spaced apart in the stacking direction 28 by a gap similar to gap G1. This gap can provide a similar function. For example, this gap can be configured to receive a sixth permanent magnet (not shown). This sixth permanent magnet has a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, and is oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the stacking direction 28, wherein the second magnetic pole of the sixth permanent magnet faces the second magnetic pole of the third permanent magnet 63, and the first magnetic pole of the sixth permanent magnet faces the first magnetic pole of the fourth permanent magnet 64.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6A and Figure 11 As shown, the first pole plate 21 may include lugs 215 projecting outward (e.g., in the lateral direction) from its outer edges 211-214. Permanent magnets 61 and 63 of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 of the first pole plate 21 may be disposed in the corresponding lugs 215. For example, the permanent magnets may be molded or inserted into the lugs 215, or disposed in the lugs 215 in any other suitable manner. Similarly, as Figure 3 and Figure 11As shown, the second pole plate 22 may include lugs 225 projecting outward from its outer edge (e.g., in a lateral direction). The permanent magnets 62 and 64 of the second magnetic attraction portion 42 of the second pole plate 22 may be disposed in the corresponding lugs 225. For example, the permanent magnets may be molded or inserted into the lugs 225, or disposed in the lugs 225 in any other suitable manner. The aforementioned gap G1 may be located between lugs 215 and lugs 225.

[0050] By placing the permanent magnet in the lug, a magnetic attraction portion can be provided to the electrode plate without altering its original flow field and sealing design, and without significantly increasing the size and manufacturing materials of the electrode plate (and therefore, without significantly increasing its weight). Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown schematically, some of lugs 215 and 225 can be used as mounting guides. As will be described in detail below, during the assembly of the electrolysis unit 20 and the electrolysis apparatus 10, lugs 215 and 225 can rest on guide rods such as the connecting rod 54 of the clamp 50 or other suitable guides to help align the electrode plates with each other, or to help align the individual electrolysis units 20 with each other. It should be understood that lugs 215 and 225 are not limited to the shape shown in the illustration, but can have any suitable shape.

[0051] In some embodiments, the lug 215 of the first pole plate 21 can be integrally formed with the first pole frame 21b of the first pole plate 21 (e.g., by molding). This configuration improves the overall integrity of the first pole plate 21 and reduces the number of parts. In other embodiments, the lug 215 of the first pole plate 21 can be formed separately from the first pole frame 21b and attached to the first pole frame 21b. This configuration improves the manufacturing flexibility of the first pole plate 21. For example, the lug 215 of the first pole plate 21 can be detachably attached (e.g., by a mating structure such as a snap-fit ​​or pin) to the first pole frame 21b. This configuration facilitates the mounting and removal of permanent magnets from the first pole plate 21. Furthermore, this configuration facilitates the adjustment of the orientation of the permanent magnets, for example, by reversing the orientation of the permanent magnet poles, thereby using the magnetic repulsion between the permanent magnets to separate the pole plates. For example, the lug 215 of the first electrode plate 21 can be non-removably attached (e.g., by adhesive) to the first electrode frame 21b.

[0052] Similar to the lug 215 of the first electrode plate 21, the lug 225 of the second electrode plate 22 can also be formed in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, the details of these similar items will not be elaborated further.

[0053] Although the exemplary configuration of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 has been described above in conjunction with the first magnetic attraction portion 41 of the first pole plate 21 including a plurality of first permanent magnets 61 and a plurality of third permanent magnets 63, and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 of the second pole plate 22 including a plurality of second permanent magnets 62 and a plurality of fourth permanent magnets 64, it should be understood that the type and number of permanent magnets in the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 are not limited thereto. For example, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 may include only one first permanent magnet 61 and one third permanent magnet 63, and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may correspondingly include only one second permanent magnet 62 and one fourth permanent magnet 64. As another example, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 may include only the first permanent magnet 61, and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may correspondingly include only the second permanent magnet 62.

[0054] Figures 7A to 10 They are respectively with Figure 6A A similar magnified view, but showing what can be used... Figure 2 The electrolysis unit 20 has four optional types of electrodes. For the same or similar parts of these electrodes, the electrode will be used in... Figures 2 to 6B The reference numerals indicating the portions of plates 21 and 22 are used in the attached drawings. Figures 7A to 10 The same or similar parts of these optional electrodes are marked. For the sake of brevity, the details of these same or similar parts will not be repeated, and the unique features of these optional electrodes will be described in detail below.

[0055] and Figure 2 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B The magnetic attraction portion of the pole plate is configured differently in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the pole plate can be configured such that the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnet is reversible. For example, the pole plate can be configured such that the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnet in the stacking direction 28 is reversible.

[0056] In one of these embodiments, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, each lug 215 of the first pole plate 21 and each lug 225 of the second pole plate 22 are configured to be flip-up, allowing the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnets disposed in the lugs 215 and 225 in the stacking direction 28 to be reversed. For example, each lug 215 and 225 can be pivotally attached to the pole frames 21b and 22b of the corresponding pole plate via pivots 216 and 226, respectively, so that the lug can be flipped relative to the pole frame, thereby allowing the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnets disposed in the lug in the stacking direction 28 to be reversed. Figure 6A Similar to what is shown, such as Figure 7AAs shown, the first magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62 face each other. The second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61 is opposite to the second permanent magnet 62 in the stacking direction 28, and the first magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62 is opposite to the first permanent magnet 61 in the stacking direction 28. In this case, the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 are magnetically attracted to each other to detachably hold the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 as a single structure. Figure 7B As shown, the lug 215 of the first pole plate 21 is flipped so that the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet 61 in the stacking direction 28 is reversed, thereby making the second magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 face each other. In this case, the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 will magnetically repel each other. With this configuration, the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22, which have been assembled together, can be easily separated. It should be understood that the lug 225 of the second pole plate 22 can be flipped in a similar manner. It should also be understood that only one of the lugs 215 and 225 can be configured to be flipped.

[0057] In another of these embodiments, such as Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, each of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 is configured to be flipped in a corresponding lug, thereby reversing the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnet in the stacking direction 28. For example, each of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 can be pivotally disposed in a corresponding lug via pivots 217 and 227, respectively, so that the permanent magnet can be flipped relative to the corresponding lug, thereby reversing the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnet in the stacking direction 28. Figure 6A Similar to what is shown, such as Figure 8A As shown, the first magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62 face each other. The second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61 is opposite to the second permanent magnet 62 in the stacking direction 28, and the first magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62 is opposite to the first permanent magnet 61 in the stacking direction 28. In this case, the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 are magnetically attracted to each other to detachably hold the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 as a single structure. Figure 8BAs shown, the first permanent magnet 61 is flipped so that the orientation of its first and second magnetic poles in the stacking direction 28 is reversed, thereby making the second magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 face each other. In this case, the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 will magnetically repel each other. With this configuration, the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22, which have been assembled together, can be easily separated. It should be understood that the second permanent magnet 62 can be flipped in a similar manner. It should also be understood that only one of the first permanent magnet 61 and the second permanent magnet 62 can be configured to be flipped.

[0058] It should be understood that any suitable retaining mechanism can be provided to hold the aforementioned reversible lug and reversible permanent magnet in a releasable manner, thereby preventing them from being accidentally flipped. It should also be understood that the reversible design of the magnetic attraction portion of the pole plate is not limited to this, but can take any suitable form.

[0059] Although the foregoing description describes the permanent magnets being oriented such that their first and second magnetic poles are opposite to each other in the stacking direction 28, it should be understood that the orientation of the permanent magnets is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the permanent magnets may be oriented such that their first and second magnetic poles are opposite to each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to the stacking direction 28. Figure 9 As shown, each of the first permanent magnet 61' and the second permanent magnet 62' has a first magnetic pole (i.e., the S pole) and a second magnetic pole (i.e., the N pole), and is oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to the stacking direction 28. Each first permanent magnet 61' and the corresponding second permanent magnet 62' are aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28 such that the first magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61' and the second magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62' face each other in the stacking direction, and the second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 61' and the first magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet 62' face each other in the stacking direction. This configuration prevents the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 from being misaligned relative to each other and provides precise alignment between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22. This configuration can significantly improve the assembly accuracy between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22, thereby further facilitating the manufacture, assembly, and maintenance of the electrolysis unit 20 and the electrolysis apparatus 10 including such an electrolysis unit 20.

[0060] It should be understood that the first permanent magnet 61' and the second permanent magnet 62' can also be disposed in the lugs of the pole plate in a manner similar to that described above. Furthermore, it is also possible to... Figure 9The illustrated embodiment provides a flipping mechanism to allow the lateral orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of at least one of the first permanent magnet 61' and the second permanent magnet 62' to be flipped. It is conceivable that flipping the lateral orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of either the first permanent magnet 61' or the second permanent magnet 62' can cause the first permanent magnet 61' and the second permanent magnet 62' to magnetically repel each other. With this configuration, the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22, which have been assembled together, can be easily separated.

[0061] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first permanent magnet 61' and the second permanent magnet 62' may also be spaced apart in the stacking direction 28 by a gap similar to the gap G1, thereby separating the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 in a manner similar to that described above.

[0062] Despite the above combination Figures 2 to 9 An embodiment in which each of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 includes a permanent magnet has been described, but it should be understood that the application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, only one of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 includes a permanent magnet.

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 includes a permanent magnet 68, while the second magnetic attraction portion 42 includes a magnetizable portion 69. For example, the magnetizable portion 69 can be made of a soft magnetic material. A soft magnetic material is one that does not "memorize" the magnetic field state itself, but completely follows changes in the external magnetic field. It can quickly reach magnetic saturation under the influence of an external magnetic field and almost completely demagnetizes after the external magnetic field is removed. The permanent magnet 68 is aligned with the magnetizable portion 69 in the stacking direction 28 and magnetizes the magnetizable portion 69. With this configuration, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 can magnetically attract each other, thereby detachably holding the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 together.

[0064] Despite Figure 10Only one permanent magnet 68 and its corresponding magnetizable portion 69 are shown. However, it should be understood that the first magnetic attraction portion 41 may include multiple permanent magnets 68, and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may correspondingly include multiple magnetizable portions 69. Each permanent magnet 68 is aligned with its corresponding magnetizable portion 69 in the stacking direction 28 and magnetizes that magnetizable portion 69. In some examples, multiple magnetizable portions 69 may be spaced apart using non-magnetizable portions (not shown). With this configuration, when the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 are not aligned with each other in the stacking direction 28 with the correct orientation, the permanent magnet 68 will be aligned with the non-magnetizable portion in the stacking direction 28, thus preventing magnetic attraction between them. This configuration prevents the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22 from being misaligned relative to each other and provides precise alignment between the first pole plate 21 and the second pole plate 22. It is conceivable that the permanent magnet 68 and the magnetizable portion 69 can also be arranged in the lugs of the pole plate in a manner similar to that described above, and the non-magnetizable portion can be the gap between the lugs.

[0065] Although the foregoing description indicates that the magnetic attraction portion of the pole plate is located at the lug, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the magnetic attraction portion can be located at any suitable position on the pole plate. For example, the magnetic attraction portion can be located near the edge of the pole plate within the pole frame. It should also be understood that when the magnetic attraction portion is located at other positions on the pole plate, the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnet can be reversed.

[0066] Although the foregoing description pertains to an embodiment in which at least one of the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 includes a permanent magnet, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, neither the first magnetic attraction portion 41 nor the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may include a permanent magnet. For example, the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 may each be an integral part of an electrode plate, and these parts are magnetized to magnetically attract each other, thereby detachably holding the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 together.

[0067] Please return to the reference. Figure 1 The electrolysis apparatus 10 includes multiple electrolysis units 20 and a clamp 50. The multiple electrolysis units 20 are stacked along a stacking direction 28. Figures 1 to 11As schematically shown, for each electrolytic unit 20, the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 are both single electrodes. The first magnetic attraction portion 41 of the first electrode plate 21 of the electrolytic unit 20 is adjacent to and magnetically attracted to the second magnetic attraction portion 42 of the second electrode plate 22 of an adjacent electrolytic unit 20, and the second magnetic attraction portion 42 of the second electrode plate 22 of that electrolytic unit 20 is adjacent to and magnetically attracted to the first magnetic attraction portion 41 of the first electrode plate 21 of another adjacent electrolytic unit 20. With this configuration, an initial holding force can be provided to hold the multiple electrolytic units 20 together. As will be described in detail below, the clamp 50 can further provide a holding force to reliably hold these electrolytic units 20 together. It is conceivable that the adjacent magnetic attraction portions of two adjacent electrolytic units 20 can also be designed to be spaced apart in the stacking direction 28 by a gap similar to the gap G1.

[0068] The clamp 50 may include a first end plate 51, a second end plate 52, and a third end plate 53. The second end plate 52 is disposed between the first end plate 51 and the third end plate 53 in the stacking direction 28. The clamp 50 may also include a plurality of connecting rods 54 connecting the first end plate 51, the second end plate 52, and the third end plate 53. The first end plate 51 and the third end plate 53 are fixed relative to each other by the connecting rods 54. That is, the first end plate 51 and the third end plate 53 are both fixed end plates. The second end plate 52 is slidable relative to the first end plate 51 and the third end plate 53 along the stacking direction 28 on the connecting rods 54. That is, the second end plate 52 is a movable end plate. The first end plate 51 and the second end plate 52 are configured to clamp a stack formed by a plurality of electrolytic units 20 therebetween in the stacking direction 28, so as to hold the plurality of electrolytic units 20 together. The clamp 50 may further include a device 55 configured to drive the second end plate 52 to move relative to the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28. In this way, the device 55 can apply pressure to the second end plate 52 such that the second end plate 52 and the first end plate 51 apply a clamping force to the stack of electrolytic units 20 located therebetween, thereby reliably holding the plurality of electrolytic units 20 together. The device 55 can adjust the clamping force applied to the stack of electrolytic units 20 by adjusting the position of the second end plate 52 relative to the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28. The clamp 50 may also be referred to as a “holding mechanism” or a “holding device”.

[0069] This configuration of the clamps 50 of the electrolysis unit 10 makes it easier to install the electrolysis unit 20 into and remove and replace the electrolysis unit 20 from the electrolysis unit 10, thereby significantly improving the maintenance efficiency of the electrolysis unit 10 and reducing its maintenance costs.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the hydrogen-side outlet 10a, oxygen-side outlet 10b, and inlet 10c of the electrolysis apparatus 10 are all located at the first end plate 51. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen-side outlet 10a, oxygen-side outlet 10b, and inlet 10c may be located at the second end plate 52.

[0071] In some embodiments, device 55 may be a hydraulic drive device, fixed to the third end plate 53, and hydraulically driving the second end plate 52 to move relative to the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28. The use of a hydraulic drive device provides a reliable clamping force and allows for precise adjustment of the clamping force. Furthermore, hydraulic drive devices have lower maintenance costs. It should be understood that in other embodiments, any other suitable type of device may be used to adjust the position of the second end plate 52 relative to the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28, thereby adjusting the clamping force applied by the first end plate 51 and the second end plate 52 to the stacking of the electrolysis unit 20.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, thanks to the integrated unit design of the electrolysis unit 20 and the aforementioned configuration of the clamp 50, multiple electrolysis units 20 of the electrolysis device 10 can be stacked horizontally. In other words, the stacking direction 28 can be horizontally oriented relative to the direction of gravity. As described in the background art, in conventional electrolysis devices, the components are held together by pressure. More specifically, in conventional electrolysis devices, the individual electrolysis units must be stacked on top of each other along the direction of gravity. This results in conventional electrolysis devices having a very high vertical height (e.g., reaching 5 meters or more), and their assembly and maintenance are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Compared to conventional electrolysis devices, since the stacking direction 28 in the electrolysis device 10 according to this application is horizontally oriented relative to the direction of gravity, the electrolysis device 10 can have a significantly reduced vertical height and can be easily assembled and maintained.

[0073] In other embodiments, the stacking direction 28 may also be oriented parallel to the direction of gravity. In this case, the electrolysis device 10 can still be easily assembled and maintained.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a sealing gasket 90 may be provided between adjacent electrolysis units 20 to provide a seal therebetween. For example, the sealing gasket 90 may be made of PTFE. The sealing gasket 90 is held between adjacent electrolysis units 20 by a clamping force applied by the second end plate 52 and the first end plate 51.

[0075] Although the present description uses several connecting rods 54 to connect the first end plate 51, the second end plate 52 and the third end plate 53, it should be understood that any other type of structure may be used to fix the first end plate 51 and the third end plate 53 and to allow the second end plate 52 to move relative to the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28.

[0076] Furthermore, although the third end plate 53 is described herein as a fixed end plate, and the device 55 (e.g., a hydraulic drive device) is fixed to the third end plate 53, it should be understood that the third end plate 53 is merely one example of a fixing structure, and this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, any other suitable fixing structure may be used to fix the first end plate 51 and the device 55.

[0077] The inventors have recognized and realized the method for manufacturing the electrolysis unit 20. Specifically, a stack body formed by sequentially stacking the anode porous transport layer 23, the anode electrode layer 24, the membrane 25, the cathode electrode layer 26, and the cathode porous transport layer 27 along the stacking direction 28, and a sealing member 30 are first disposed between the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 in the stacking direction 28. Then, the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 are held together as a single structure by the first magnetic attraction portion 41 and the second magnetic attraction portion 42. In this way, the entire electrolysis unit 20 (i.e., the stack body, the first electrode plate 21, the second electrode plate 22, and the sealing member 30) can be formed as a single unit, i.e., a single integral structure.

[0078] The inventors have also recognized and become aware of the method for manufacturing the electrolysis apparatus 10. Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple electrolytic cells 20 and corresponding sealing gaskets 90 (which should be noted are optional) can be alternately stacked between the second end plate 52 and the first end plate 51 of the clamp 50 along the stacking direction 28. Magnetic attraction between the magnetically attached portions of adjacent electrolytic cells 20 provides an initial holding force between the electrolytic cells 20. Subsequently, the second end plate 52 can be moved toward the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28 by the control device 55 to increase the clamping force exerted by the second end plate 52 and the first end plate 51 on the multiple electrolytic cells 20 and their corresponding sealing gaskets 90, thereby reliably holding them in place. That is, for each electrolytic cell 20, during the assembly of the electrolytic cell 20 into the electrolysis device 10, a clamping force is applied to hold the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 together by the first magnetically attached portion 41 and the second magnetically attached portion 42, thereby holding the aforementioned stack and seal 30 in the electrolytic cell 20 between the second end plate 52 and the first end plate 51. In the assembled electrolysis device 10, the clamping force of the first electrode plate 21 and the second electrode plate 22 on the stack and the seal 30 is further applied by the clamp 50.

[0079] The inventors have also recognized and realized a method for disassembling and maintaining the electrolysis unit 10. Specifically, the second end plate 52 can be moved away from the first end plate 51 in the stacking direction 28 by the control device 55 to reduce the clamping force exerted by the second end plate 52 and the first end plate 51 on the plurality of electrolysis units 20 and their corresponding sealing gaskets 90, thereby allowing the electrolysis units 20 that need to be replaced to be removed from the electrolysis unit 10. The electrolysis units 20 adjacent to each other can be separated by the aforementioned tools or flipping mechanism. Subsequently, a new electrolysis unit 20 can be quickly installed into the electrolysis unit 10 and the clamping force can be reapplied to hold the plurality of electrolysis units 20 and their corresponding sealing gaskets 90 together, so that the electrolysis unit 10 can be restored to operation. The replaced electrolysis units 20 can be returned to the factory for repair. The replaced electrolysis units 20 can be disassembled for repair by the aforementioned tools or flipping mechanism.

[0080] Although the configuration of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is described herein as an example of a single electrode, it should be understood that the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may also be bipolar plates, and the electrolysis unit 20 of this application is equally applicable. In this case, the electrolysis apparatus 10 may include at least one additional electrolysis unit, which is arranged alternately with the electrolysis unit 20 along the stacking direction 28 in the electrolysis apparatus 10. Each additional electrolysis unit may include a stack formed of an anode porous transport layer, an anode electrode layer, a membrane (here, a diaphragm), a cathode electrode layer, and a cathode porous transport layer, and a seal (e.g., the aforementioned seal 30 or other sealing gaskets). The stack and seal of each additional electrolysis unit may be held in place by the bipolar plates of the adjacent electrolysis unit 20. Therefore, in this application, bipolar plates and single electrodes may be collectively referred to as electrodes.

[0081] Furthermore, although the electrolysis unit 20 is described herein for electrolyzing water in an alkaline electrolyte, it should be understood that the electrolysis apparatus 10 and its electrolysis unit 20, or variations thereof, according to this application, can be used in other types of electrolysis systems, such as PEM electrolysis systems, AEM electrolysis systems, etc. In the application of the electrolysis unit 20 in a PEM electrolysis system, the membrane 25 is a proton exchange membrane. In the application of the electrolysis unit 20 in an AEM electrolysis system, the membrane 25 is an anion exchange membrane. Furthermore, the configuration of the inlet manifold and outlet manifold can be changed accordingly.

[0082] In this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish one component or part from another, but these components or parts should not be limited by such terms.

[0083] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and not as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrolysis unit (20) for an electrolysis apparatus (10), comprising: First electrode plate (21) and second electrode plate (22); A stack body is formed by sequentially stacking an anode porous transport layer (23), an anode electrode layer (24), a membrane (25), a cathode electrode layer (26) and a cathode porous transport layer (27) along a stacking direction (28), and the stack body is disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate in the stacking direction; as well as A seal (30) is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode in the stacking direction and surrounds the stack in a lateral direction perpendicular to the stacking direction; The first electrode plate includes a first magnetic attraction portion (41), and the second electrode plate includes a second magnetic attraction portion (42). The first magnetic attraction portion and the second magnetic attraction portion magnetically attract each other to detachably hold the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate as an integral structure, thereby holding the stack and the seal therebetween.

2. The electrolysis unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the first magnetic attraction portion and the second magnetic attraction portion includes a permanent magnet.

3. The electrolysis unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first magnetic attraction portion includes at least one first permanent magnet (61), and the second magnetic attraction portion includes at least one second permanent magnet (62); Each of the at least one first permanent magnet and the at least one second permanent magnet has a first magnetic pole (S) and a second magnetic pole (N), and is oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the stacking direction; as well as Each of the at least one first permanent magnet and the corresponding second permanent magnet of the at least one second permanent magnet are aligned with each other in the stacking direction such that the first magnetic pole of each first permanent magnet and the second magnetic pole of the corresponding second permanent magnet face each other.

4. The electrolysis unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first magnetic attraction portion further includes at least one third permanent magnet (63), and the second magnetic attraction portion further includes at least one fourth permanent magnet (64); Each of the at least one third permanent magnet and the at least one fourth permanent magnet has a first magnetic pole (S) and a second magnetic pole (N), and is oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the stacking direction; as well as Each of the at least one third permanent magnet and its corresponding fourth permanent magnet are aligned with each other in the stacking direction such that the second magnetic pole of each third permanent magnet and the first magnetic pole of the corresponding fourth permanent magnet face each other.

5. The electrolysis unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The at least one first permanent magnet and the at least one third permanent magnet are arranged in a first arrangement pattern, and the at least one second permanent magnet and the at least one fourth permanent magnet are arranged in a second arrangement pattern, wherein the first arrangement pattern and the second arrangement pattern are matched to each other such that the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are held together as an integral structure with a unique orientation relative to each other; or The at least one first permanent magnet includes a plurality of first permanent magnets, the at least one second permanent magnet includes a plurality of second permanent magnets, the at least one third permanent magnet includes a plurality of third permanent magnets, and the at least one fourth permanent magnet includes a plurality of fourth permanent magnets. The plurality of first permanent magnets and the plurality of third permanent magnets are alternately arranged around the stack on the first pole plate, and the plurality of second permanent magnets and the plurality of fourth permanent magnets are alternately arranged around the stack on the second pole plate.

6. The electrolysis unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the first permanent magnets is spaced apart from the corresponding second permanent magnet in the stacking direction by a first gap (G1), the first gap being configured to receive a fifth permanent magnet (65), the fifth permanent magnet having a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, and being oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the stacking direction, wherein the first magnetic pole of the fifth permanent magnet faces the first magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet, and the second magnetic pole of the fifth permanent magnet faces the second magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet; and / or Each of the third permanent magnets is spaced apart from the corresponding fourth permanent magnet in the stacking direction by a second gap, the second gap being configured to receive a sixth permanent magnet having a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, and being oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the stacking direction, wherein the second magnetic pole of the sixth permanent magnet faces the second magnetic pole of the third permanent magnet, and the first magnetic pole of the sixth permanent magnet faces the first magnetic pole of the fourth permanent magnet.

7. The electrolysis unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first magnetic attraction portion includes at least one first permanent magnet (61'), and the second magnetic attraction portion includes at least one second permanent magnet (62'), each of the at least one first permanent magnet and the at least one second permanent magnet having a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, and being oriented such that the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite to each other in the lateral direction; as well as Each of the at least one first permanent magnet and the corresponding second permanent magnet of the at least one second permanent magnet are aligned with each other in the stacking direction such that the first magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet and the second magnetic pole of the corresponding second permanent magnet face each other in the stacking direction, and the second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet and the first magnetic pole of the corresponding second permanent magnet face each other in the stacking direction.

8. The electrolysis unit according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The first pole plate and / or the second pole plate are configured such that the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the corresponding permanent magnet can be reversed.

9. The electrolysis unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the first and second electrode plates includes an outer edge defining the electrode plate in the lateral direction and lugs (215, 225) projecting outward from the outer edge; and Each of the first permanent magnets is disposed in a corresponding lug of the first pole plate, and each of the second permanent magnets is disposed in a corresponding lug of the second pole plate.

10. The electrolysis unit according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each of the lugs of the first pole plate and / or the lugs of the second pole plate is configured to be flip-able, so that the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the corresponding permanent magnet disposed in the lug can be flipped. and / or Each of the at least one first permanent magnet and / or the at least one second permanent magnet is configured to be flipped in a corresponding lug to flip the orientation of the first and second magnetic poles of the permanent magnet.

11. The electrolysis unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first electrode plate includes a first electrode plate body (21a) and a first electrode frame (21b) surrounding the first electrode plate body in the lateral direction. The first electrode frame is fixed to or integrally formed with the first electrode plate body. The outer edge of the first electrode plate is the outer edge of the first electrode frame. The lug of the first electrode plate is attached to or integrally formed with the first electrode frame; and / or The second electrode plate includes a second electrode plate body (22a) and a second electrode frame (22b) surrounding the second electrode plate body in the lateral direction. The second electrode frame is fixed to or integrally formed with the second electrode plate body. The outer edge of the second electrode plate is the outer edge of the second electrode frame. The lug of the second electrode plate is attached to or integrally formed with the second electrode frame.

12. The electrolysis unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the first magnetic attraction portion and the second magnetic attraction portion includes a plurality of permanent magnets (68), and the other of the first magnetic attraction portion and the second magnetic attraction portion includes a plurality of magnetizable portions (69) and a plurality of non-magnetizable portions, the plurality of magnetizable portions being spaced apart by the plurality of non-magnetizable portions in the lateral direction, each of the plurality of permanent magnets being aligned with a corresponding magnetizable portion of the plurality of magnetizable portions in the stacking direction, and magnetizing the corresponding magnetizable portion.

13. An electrolysis apparatus (10), comprising: A plurality of electrolytic units (20), each of which is an electrolytic unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the plurality of electrolytic units are stacked along the stacking direction (28) and held together.

14. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that: For each electrolysis unit, both the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are single electrodes. The first magnetic attraction portion of the first electrode plate of the electrolysis unit is adjacent to and magnetically attracted to the second magnetic attraction portion of the second electrode plate of an adjacent electrolysis unit, and the second magnetic attraction portion of the second electrode plate of the electrolysis unit is adjacent to and magnetically attracted to the first magnetic attraction portion of the first electrode plate of another adjacent electrolysis unit; and / or The electrolysis apparatus further includes a first end plate (51), a second end plate (52), and a hydraulic drive device (55). The first end plate and the second end plate clamp the plurality of electrolysis units therebetween in the stacking direction to hold the plurality of electrolysis units together. The first end plate is a fixed end plate, and the second end plate is a movable end plate and can be driven by the hydraulic drive device to move relative to the first end plate in the stacking direction; and / or The stacking direction is horizontally oriented relative to the direction of gravity.

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