Electrochemical oxygen generation device

Abstract

The utility model provides an electrochemical oxygen production device which is used for being installed on a carrying tool and comprises an electrolysis stack. The electrolysis stack includes at least one electrolysis unit, each electrolysis unit including a cathode, an anode, and an ion exchange membrane disposed therebetween. The electrochemical oxygen generation device is configured to perform a water electrolysis reaction at the electrolysis unit, during which air is introduced into the cathode and oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode, and oxygen is generated at the anode. The electrochemical oxygen production device is also configured to supply the generated oxygen to the interior of the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The electrochemical oxygen generation device has the advantages of being low in cost, light in weight, small in size, low in operation noise, capable of achieving rapid oxygen supply, free of pollution to the environment and high in safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electrochemical devices and air treatment devices, and more particularly to an electrochemical oxygen generator that can be installed on a vehicle to supply oxygen to the interior of a passenger cabin of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the electrochemical oxygen generator can be used as a portable oxygen generator. Background Art

[0002] Oxygen generators have a wide range of uses. For example, in a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle, a boat, or an airplane), the cabin of the vehicle is usually a closed or relatively closed space. When people are driving or riding in a vehicle, they need to use an oxygen generator to supply oxygen to the cabin to maintain the oxygen concentration in the cabin at a suitable level, thereby ensuring that the oxygen concentration in the cabin is sufficient to maintain the normal physiological needs of the people. In other applications, the oxygen generator can also be used to increase the oxygen concentration in a local location or as a whole in the cabin.

[0003] Existing oxygen generators are mainly based on Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology. PSA oxygen generators usually use two or more adsorption tanks to work alternately to ensure continuous oxygen supply. In addition, in PSA oxygen generators, air compressors are required to pressurize the air. Therefore, this type of oxygen generator has high cost, large weight and volume, slow reaction response, and high operating noise. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present application aims to propose a new solution for preparing oxygen, that is, to provide an electrochemical oxygen production device. Compared with the existing oxygen production device, the electrochemical oxygen production device of the present application has at least one of the following advantages: low cost, light weight, compact structure, small volume, low operating noise, and fast reaction response.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, an electrochemical oxygen production device is proposed. The electrochemical oxygen production device is configured to be installed on a vehicle and includes an electrolysis stack, the electrolysis stack includes at least one electrolysis unit, each of the electrolysis units includes a cathode, an anode, and an ion exchange membrane arranged between the cathode and the anode. The electrochemical oxygen production device is configured to perform a water electrolysis reaction at the electrolysis unit, during which air is introduced into the cathode and oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode, and oxygen is generated at the anode. The electrochemical oxygen production device is also configured to supply the generated oxygen to the interior of the passenger cabin of the vehicle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the ion exchange membrane is a proton exchange membrane, and the reactions occurring at the anode and the cathode are respectively:

[0007] Anode: 2H2O→4H + +O2+4e -

[0008] Cathode: O2+4H + +4e - →2H2O.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen production device further includes a water tank, a water pump and a gas-liquid separator, wherein the water tank is used to store water, the water pump is configured to pump the water in the water tank to the anode for reaction, the oxygen generated by the reaction and the unreacted water enter the gas-liquid separator from the electrolytic stack, the gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the oxygen and the unreacted water, the oxygen is then supplied to the interior of the cabin, and the unreacted water is sent back to the water tank.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ion exchange membrane is an anion exchange membrane, and the reactions occurring at the anode and the cathode are respectively:

[0011] Anode: 4OH - →O2+2H2O+4e -

[0012] Cathode: O2+2H2O+4e - →4OH - .

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generator further includes a water tank, a water pump, a first gas-liquid separator, and a second gas-liquid separator. The water tank is used to store water. The water pump is configured to pump the water in the water tank to the cathode for reaction. The unreacted water and the air in which the oxygen is reduced enter the second gas-liquid separator. The second gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the unreacted water from the air. The unreacted water is sent back to the water tank. The oxygen and water generated at the anode enter the first gas-liquid separator. The first gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the oxygen and water generated at the anode. The oxygen is then supplied to the interior of the cabin.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generator further comprises an air supplier configured to introduce air from outside a passenger cabin of the vehicle into the cathode so that oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode, and then discharge the remaining air to outside the passenger cabin.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vehicle is a vehicle having an instrument panel component, and the electrochemical oxygen generator is configured to be mounted to the instrument panel component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes an air conditioning system, and the electrochemical oxygen generator is configured to be integrated with the air conditioning system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generator is configured to be powered by the vehicle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generator includes a battery configured to power the electrochemical oxygen generator.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generator is configured as a portable device that can be removed from the vehicle, and the electrochemical oxygen generator includes a battery configured to power the electrochemical oxygen generator.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the electrolysis units includes an ion exchange membrane located in the middle, an anode catalyst layer located on one side of the ion exchange membrane, a cathode catalyst layer located on the other side of the ion exchange membrane, an anode diffusion layer located outside the anode catalyst layer, and a cathode diffusion layer located outside the cathode catalyst layer, wherein the anode catalyst layer and the anode diffusion layer constitute the anode, and the cathode catalyst layer and the cathode diffusion layer constitute the cathode.

[0021] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination.The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not meant to be limiting.

[0022] The electrochemical oxygen generator of the present application has low cost, small weight, small volume, low operating noise, and can achieve rapid oxygen supply. The reaction products of the electrochemical oxygen generator are only water and oxygen (but not hydrogen), so it is environmentally friendly and highly safe. In addition, the electrochemical oxygen generator can be configured as a two-in-one device with both vehicle installation and portability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other aspects of the present application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the electrochemical oxygen production device according to the present application are shown or marked in the drawings. In addition, it should be understood that the size, proportional relationship and number of components of each component or part in the drawings are not intended to limit the present application. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an electrochemical oxygen production device installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electrolytic unit of an electrolytic stack of an electrochemical oxygen production device;

[0026] Figure 3A It is schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a type of electrochemical oxygen production device;

[0027] Figure 3B is with Figure 3A A similar perspective view in which the housing of the electrochemical oxygen generator is shown in perspective to show the components in the housing;

[0028] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A Another perspective view of the electrochemical oxygen production device;

[0029] Figure 4B is with Figure 4A A similar perspective view in which the housing of the electrochemical oxygen generator is shown in perspective to show the components in the housing;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an electrochemical oxygen production device installed in a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present application; and

[0031] Figure 6 The electrochemical oxygen generator according to the present application is schematically shown to be mounted on a front panel member of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present application proposes several electrochemical oxygen production devices by way of example, which can be used to supply oxygen to a closed or relatively closed space such as a cabin of a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle, a boat, or an airplane). The electrochemical oxygen production device of the present application performs a water electrolysis reaction based on electrochemical principles. During the water electrolysis reaction, air is introduced into the cathode and the oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode, and oxygen is produced at the anode. The produced oxygen can then be supplied to the interior of the cabin to maintain or increase the oxygen concentration inside the cabin.

[0033] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 6 Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail. It should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the present application in any way. In addition, the features in the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0034] Figure 1 The electrochemical oxygen production device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 is installed in a vehicle 1 (such as Figure 1 The vehicle 1 may be, for example, a vehicle, a boat, or an airplane, and includes a closed or relatively closed cabin 1a. A driver and / or a passenger may be seated in the cabin 1a to operate and / or ride the vehicle 1. It should be understood that the specific form of the vehicle 1 is not limited thereto.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 is at least partially disposed inside the cabin 1a, and may include an electrolytic stack 101, an anode supply line 103, an anode exhaust line 105, a cathode supply line 107, a cathode exhaust line 109, a water tank 111, a water pump 113, a gas-liquid separator 115 and an air supplier 117.

[0036] The electrolytic stack 101 is a core component of the electrochemical oxygen production device 100, which is configured to perform an electrochemical reaction. The anode supply line 103, the anode exhaust line 105, the cathode supply line 107, the cathode exhaust line 109, the water tank 111, the water pump 113, the gas-liquid separator 115 and the air supplier 117 are auxiliary components (Balance of Plant, BOP) of the electrochemical oxygen production device 100. The electrolytic stack 101 may include at least one electrolytic unit. For example, the electrolytic stack 101 may include a single electrolytic unit or a plurality of electrolytic units stacked on each other.

[0037] Figure 2 The structure of an exemplary electrolysis cell is schematically shown. Figure 2 As shown, the electrolysis unit includes: an ion exchange membrane 121 located in the middle; an anode catalyst layer 122 located on one side (left side in the figure) of the ion exchange membrane 121; a cathode catalyst layer 123 located on the other side (right side in the figure) of the ion exchange membrane 121; an anode diffusion layer 124 located on the outside (left side in the figure) of the anode catalyst layer 122; and a cathode diffusion layer 125 located on the outside (right side in the figure) of the cathode catalyst layer 123. The anode catalyst layer 122 and the anode diffusion layer 124 constitute the anode of the electrolysis unit, and the cathode catalyst layer 123 and the cathode diffusion layer 125 constitute the cathode of the electrolysis unit. The anode diffusion layer 124, the anode catalyst layer 122, the ion exchange membrane 121, the cathode catalyst layer 123 and the cathode diffusion layer 125 are stacked on each other and can be fixed together by a fastening structure to form a complete electrolysis unit.

[0038] Although not shown, it is contemplated that the electrolysis stack 101 may also include multiple bipolar plates (not shown). An electrolysis cell is disposed between each adjacent two of the multiple bipolar plates. The bipolar plates have an anode flow field and a cathode flow field located on opposite sides of the plates and spaced apart from each other. The anode reactant may be supplied to the anode of an electrolysis cell via the anode flow field of a bipolar plate located on the anode side of the electrolysis cell, so that the anode reactant is oxidized at the anode. The reaction product of the anode may be discharged from the anode of the electrolysis cell via the anode flow field. The cathode reactant may be supplied to the cathode of the electrolysis cell via the cathode flow field of another bipolar plate located on the cathode side of the electrolysis cell, so that the cathode reactant is reduced at the cathode. The reaction product of the cathode may be discharged from the cathode of the electrolysis cell via the cathode flow field. Figure 2 In the figure, the flow of the anode reactant is schematically indicated by arrow A, and the flow of the cathode reactant is schematically indicated by arrow B. It should be understood that the flow of the anode reactant and the cathode reactant is not limited thereto.

[0039] It is conceivable that the electrolysis stack 101 may include an anode inlet manifold, an anode outlet manifold, a cathode inlet manifold, and a cathode outlet manifold (none of which is shown). The anode inlet manifold, the anode outlet manifold, the cathode inlet manifold, and the cathode outlet manifold may be connected to the inlet and outlet of the anode flow field of each bipolar plate and the inlet and outlet of the cathode flow field, respectively. The anode inlet manifold may be used to receive anode reactants from outside the electrolysis stack 101 and supply them to the inlet of the anode flow field of each bipolar plate, and the anode outlet manifold may be used to receive anode reaction products from the outlet of the anode flow field of each bipolar plate and discharge them from the electrolysis stack 101. The cathode inlet manifold may be used to receive cathode reactants from outside the electrolysis stack 101 and supply them to the inlet of the cathode flow field of each bipolar plate, and the cathode outlet manifold may be used to receive cathode reaction products from the outlet of the cathode flow field of each bipolar plate and discharge them from the electrolysis stack 101.

[0040] The electrochemical oxygen generator 100 is configured to perform a water electrolysis reaction at the electrolysis unit described above. During the water electrolysis reaction, air is introduced into the cathode and oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode. Oxygen is produced at the anode. The electrochemical oxygen generator 100 is also configured to supply the oxygen produced at the anode to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1.

[0041] Through this configuration, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 can continuously supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 to maintain the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a at a suitable level or to increase the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a. As will be described in detail below, compared with the PSA oxygen generator, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 has the following advantages: lower cost, smaller weight, smaller volume, lower operating noise, and faster reaction response (i.e., it can achieve rapid oxygen supply). In addition, as will be described in detail below, the products of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 are only water and oxygen (but no hydrogen), so it does not pollute the environment and is highly safe.

[0042] The anode supply line 103 and the anode discharge line 105 are connected to the anode inlet manifold and the anode outlet manifold of the electrolytic stack 101, respectively. A water tank 111 and a water pump 113 are connected to the anode supply line 103. A gas-liquid separator 115 is connected to the anode discharge line 105. The water tank 111 is used to store water. As schematically indicated by arrows 151 and 152, the water pump 113 pumps water from the water tank 111 to the anode inlet manifold of the electrolytic stack 101 via the anode supply line 103, so that the water enters the anode of the electrolytic unit and is oxidized at the anode as an anode reactant. In a preferred embodiment, the water in the water tank 111 is deionized water, and most or all of the ionic impurities therein have been removed, thereby avoiding interference with the electrochemical reaction and also avoiding corrosion of the components of the electrolytic stack 101 and affecting their life.

[0043] The air supplier 117 is configured to introduce air into the cathode inlet manifold of the electrolytic stack 101 via the cathode supply line 107 so that the air enters the cathode and oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode as a cathode reactant. The air supplier 117 may be, for example, a fan or an air pump. Figure 1 As schematically indicated by arrows 153 and 154 in FIG. 1 , the air supplier 117 is configured to introduce air from outside the cabin 1 a of the vehicle 1 into the cathode. It is conceivable that an air filter (not shown in the figure) may be provided on the cathode supply line 107 to filter out impurities in the air, thereby avoiding contamination of the electrolytic stack 101.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ion exchange membrane 101 used in the electrolysis unit of the electrolysis stack 101 is a proton exchange membrane (PEM). In this case, when the electrolysis stack 101 is supplied with direct current, the electrochemical reactions occurring at the anode and cathode of the electrolysis unit are respectively:

[0045] Anode: 2H2O→4H + +O2+4e -

[0046] Cathode: O2+4H + +4e - →2H2O

[0047] As shown in the electrochemical reaction formula above, water reacts at the anode to generate hydrogen ions (i.e., protons), oxygen and electrons. That is, an oxygen release reaction occurs at the anode. The hydrogen ions pass through the proton exchange membrane to reach the cathode, and the electrons reach the cathode through an external circuit (not shown), thereby reacting with the oxygen in the air introduced into the cathode to generate water at the cathode. That is, an oxygen reduction reaction occurs at the cathode. Typically, excess air is introduced into the cathode to completely consume the hydrogen ions. Therefore, there may be no or substantially no hydrogen generation at the cathode, thereby ensuring safety.

[0048] Oxygen generated by the anode reaction and unreacted water flow out of the anode together, merge into the anode outlet main pipe, and enter the gas-liquid separator 115 through the anode exhaust pipeline 105 as schematically indicated by arrow 155. Water and oxygen are separated in the gas-liquid separator 115. As schematically indicated by arrow 156, oxygen can be supplied to the interior of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 through the exhaust pipe 115a of the gas-liquid separator 115. As schematically indicated by arrow 157, the water separated by the gas-liquid separator 115 can be sent back to the water tank 111 for recycling.

[0049] The water generated by the cathode reaction and the remaining air flow out from the cathode together, merge into the cathode outlet main pipe, and are discharged to the outside of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 via the cathode exhaust line 109 as schematically represented by arrows 158 and 159. Optionally, the water generated by the cathode reaction and the remaining air may first pass through another gas-liquid separator (not shown). In the gas-liquid separator, the water and the remaining air are separated. The remaining air may be discharged to the outside of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 through the cathode exhaust line 109. The water may then be sent back to the water tank 111 for recycling, or be discharged to the outside of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 through a separate drain pipe.

[0050] The gas-liquid separator described above is configured to separate gas and liquid, and can be any suitable type of gas-liquid separator that separates water from gas in a flow. The gas-liquid separators described above can be gas-liquid separators of the same type or gas-liquid separators of different types. As an example, the gas-liquid separator can be a centrifugal gas-liquid separator, a gas-liquid separator with a screen, etc. The term "water" means that water can be a mixed phase and includes liquid phase water and gas phase water, and the gas-liquid separator removes at least a portion of the liquid phase water from the flow including water and gas.

[0051] Although not listed and shown one by one, it is conceivable that adjacent components of the electrochemical oxygen production device 100 are connected through gas / liquid pipelines to achieve gas / liquid transmission.

[0052] The electrochemical reaction can continuously supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 to maintain the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a at a suitable level or to increase the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a. Compared with the PSA oxygen generator, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 has the following advantages due to the above configuration: low cost, low weight, compact structure and small volume, low operating noise, and fast reaction response (i.e., rapid oxygen supply). In addition, the products of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 are only water and oxygen (but no hydrogen), so it is environmentally friendly and highly safe.

[0053] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may include an oxygen concentration sensor 119. The oxygen concentration sensor 119 is configured to detect the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a. As an example, the oxygen concentration sensor 119 may be disposed inside the cabin 1a, at a position away from the exhaust pipe 115a of the gas-liquid separator 115. The oxygen concentration sensor 119 may be, for example, an electrochemical oxygen sensor, a galvanic oxygen sensor, a multiphase oxygen sensor, or a zirconium oxide oxygen sensor.

[0054] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may include a liquid level sensor 111 a . The liquid level sensor 111 a is disposed in the water tank 111 and is configured to detect the water level in the water tank 111 .

[0055] The electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may also include a control unit (not shown), which may communicate with at least the water pump 113, the air supplier 117, the oxygen concentration sensor 119, and the liquid level sensor 111a. Such communication may be implemented in a wired or wireless manner. The control unit may include a drive circuit.

[0056] When the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration sensor 119 is lower than the first threshold value (for example, 19.5%), the control unit starts the water pump 113 and the air supplier 117, so that the above-mentioned electrochemical reaction can be carried out to supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1. During this process, the oxygen concentration sensor 119 continuously measures the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a. When the measured oxygen concentrations are higher than the second threshold value (for example, 23.5%), the control unit turns off the water pump 113 and the air supplier 117 to stop the above-mentioned electrochemical reaction. The second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value. In addition, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are not limited to the specific values ​​given above, but can be set according to actual conditions.

[0057] When the liquid level measured by the liquid level sensor 111a is higher than a predetermined threshold, it can indicate that the water tank 111 has sufficient water for the reaction. The control unit starts the water pump 113 and the air supplier 117 so that the above-mentioned electrochemical reaction can be carried out to supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1. When the liquid level measured by the liquid level sensor 111a is lower than a predetermined threshold, it can indicate that the water tank 111 is short of water. The control unit can turn off the water pump 113 and the air supplier 117 to stop the above-mentioned electrochemical reaction. The control unit can issue an alarm to the user to remind him to add water to the water tank 111.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may be configured to be powered by the vehicle 1. As an example, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may be connected to a power supply system (not shown, such as a battery) of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may provide direct current or alternating current to the electrochemical oxygen generator 100. The electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may include a voltage regulating module or an AC to DC converter to convert the power from the vehicle 1 into power suitable for driving the electrolytic stack 101 and various auxiliary components.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may include a battery (not shown) configured to power the electrochemical oxygen generator 100. The battery may be a disposable battery, or may be a rechargeable battery. For example, the rechargeable battery of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may be charged by the power supply system of the vehicle 1. It is conceivable that when the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 is installed on the vehicle 1, the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may be directly powered by the power supply system of the vehicle 1. At the same time, the rechargeable battery of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may be charged by the power supply system of the vehicle 1. When the power supply system of the vehicle 1 is shut down, the rechargeable battery may still support the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 to work for a period of time. Alternatively, a disposable battery may be installed to the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 to support the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 to work for a period of time.

[0060] FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B Specifically shows Figure 1 An example of an electrochemical oxygen production device 100 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B China-Israel Figure 1 The same reference numerals designate the same components of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100, and for the sake of brevity, the details of these same components will not be repeated. FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B All components or parts of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 are shown.

[0061] like FIG. 3A to FIG. 4BAs shown, the electrochemical oxygen production device 100 may have an integrated configuration. The electrochemical oxygen production device 100 may include a housing 130. The electrolytic stack 101, the anode supply line 103, the water tank 111, the gas-liquid separator 115, and the water pump 113 are disposed in the housing 130. The cathode supply line 107 and the cathode exhaust line 109 are respectively shown in the form of flow channels that allow air to flow through the electrolytic stack 101 (not shown). FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B (marked in the middle).

[0062] The air supply 117 is shown in the form of a fan and is also integrated into the housing 130. The fan may be arranged upstream of the electrolysis stack 101 along the air flow path flowing through the electrolysis stack 101, i.e., at the Figure 1 The fan may also be disposed downstream of the electrolytic stack 101 along the air flow path, that is, disposed downstream of the electrolytic stack 101. Figure 1 The fan can drive air through the electrolytic stack 101.

[0063] The anode exhaust line 105 extends from the electrolytic stack 101 to the gas-liquid separator 115. Although the anode exhaust line 105 is shown in the figure as being located outside the housing 130, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. The anode exhaust line 105 may be disposed in the housing 130. Figure 1 As described above, oxygen generated by the anode reaction and unreacted water enter the gas-liquid separator 115 via the anode exhaust pipeline 105. In the gas-liquid separator 115, water and oxygen are separated. The gas-liquid separator 115 is in communication with the water tank 111 so that the water separated by the gas-liquid separator 115 can be sent back to the water tank 111. The exhaust pipe 115a of the gas-liquid separator 115 extends from the housing 130 and can be configured to communicate with the interior of the cabin 1a to supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1.

[0064] The control unit of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 may be disposed in the base 130a of the housing 130. In addition, an interface for electrically connecting the drive circuit of the control unit to the power supply system of the vehicle 1 may be disposed at the base 130a of the housing 130. In addition, in the case where the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 includes a battery, the battery may be disposed in the base 130a of the housing 130. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto.

[0065] This integrated design makes the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 compact in structure, small in size and space occupied. In addition, as will be described in detail below, this integrated design enables the electrochemical oxygen generator 100 to be used as a portable device.

[0066] Figure 5The electrochemical oxygen production device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 1 The electrochemical oxygen production device 100 shown is similar. Figure 5 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 can also be installed in a vehicle 1 (such as Figure 5 The electrochemical oxygen production device 200 may include an electrolytic stack 201, an anode exhaust pipeline 205, a cathode supply pipeline 207 (which includes a first sub-pipeline 207a and a second sub-pipeline 207b respectively connected to the cathode inlet manifold of the electrolytic stack 201), a cathode exhaust pipeline 209, a water tank 211, a water pump 213, a gas-liquid separator 215 and an air supplier 217.

[0067] The electrolytic stack 201 of the electrochemical oxygen production device 200 may be substantially the same as the electrolytic stack 101 of the electrochemical oxygen production device 100, and may include at least one electrolytic unit. Each electrolytic unit includes a cathode, an anode, and an ion exchange membrane disposed between the cathode and the anode. For the sake of brevity, the details of these identical parts will not be repeated.

[0068] Similar to the electrochemical oxygen generator 100, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 is configured to perform a water electrolysis reaction at the electrolysis unit of the electrolysis stack 201. During the water electrolysis reaction, air is introduced into the cathode and the oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode. Oxygen is generated at the anode. The electrochemical oxygen generator 200 is also configured to supply the oxygen generated at the anode to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1. With this configuration, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 can continuously supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 to maintain the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a at a suitable level or to increase the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a.

[0069] The anode discharge line 205, cathode supply line 207, cathode discharge line 209, water tank 211, water pump 213, gas-liquid separator 215 and air supplier 217 of the electrochemical oxygen production device 200 may be substantially the same in structure as the anode discharge line 105, cathode supply line 107, cathode discharge line 109, water tank 111, water pump 113, gas-liquid separator 115 and air supplier 117 of the electrochemical oxygen production device 100, but they are different in arrangement. The reason for the above difference is that in the electrolytic stack 201 of the electrochemical oxygen production device 200, the ion exchange membrane used is an anion exchange membrane (Anion Exchange Membrane, AEM). In this case, when the electrolytic stack 201 is passed with direct current, the electrochemical reactions occurring at the anode and cathode of the electrolytic unit are respectively:

[0070] Anode: 4OH -→O2+2H2O+4e -

[0071] Cathode: O2+2H2O+4e - →4OH -

[0072] As shown in the electrochemical reaction equation above, and reference Figure 5 , the water tank 211 and the water pump 213 are connected to the first sub-line 207a of the cathode supply line 207. As schematically indicated by arrows 251-253, the water pump 213 pumps water from the water tank 211 to the cathode inlet manifold of the electrolytic stack 201 via the first sub-line 209a, so that the water enters the cathode of the electrolytic unit. In addition, the air supplier 217 is configured to introduce air into the cathode inlet manifold of the electrolytic stack 201 via the second sub-line 207b of the cathode supply line 207, so that the air enters the cathode. In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As schematically indicated by arrows 254-255 in FIG. 1 , the air supplier 217 is configured to introduce air from outside the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 into the cathode. Oxygen, water and electrons in the air react at the cathode to generate OH - That is, an oxygen reduction reaction occurs at the cathode. Subsequently, OH - The oxygen gas enters the anode through the anion exchange membrane and is oxidized at the anode to generate oxygen, water and electrons. That is, an oxygen release reaction occurs at the anode. The electrons can flow into the cathode through an external circuit to be used in the above-mentioned cathode reaction. Usually, excess air is introduced into the cathode.

[0073] The gas-liquid separator 215 is connected to the anode exhaust pipeline 205. The oxygen and water generated by the anode reaction flow out from the anode together, merge into the anode outlet main pipe, and enter the gas-liquid separator 215 through the anode exhaust pipeline 205 as schematically indicated by arrow 256. In the gas-liquid separator 215, water and oxygen are separated. As schematically indicated by arrow 257, oxygen can be supplied to the interior of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 through the exhaust pipe 215a of the gas-liquid separator 215. As schematically indicated by arrow 258, the water separated by the gas-liquid separator 215 can be sent back to the water tank 211 for recycling. In other embodiments, water can be discharged to the outside of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 through a separate drain pipe.

[0074] The electrochemical oxygen generator 200 may further include a gas-liquid separator 270, which is connected to the cathode exhaust line 209. The gas-liquid separator 270 may be substantially the same in structure as the gas-liquid separator 215 and the gas-liquid separator 115. The water and air remaining from the cathode reaction flow out from the cathode together, merge into the cathode outlet manifold, and enter the gas-liquid separator 270 through the cathode exhaust line 209 as schematically indicated by arrow 259. In the gas-liquid separator 270, water and air are separated. As schematically indicated by arrow 261, air may be discharged to the outside of the passenger cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 through the exhaust pipe 270a of the gas-liquid separator 270. As schematically indicated by arrows 262-263, the water separated by the gas-liquid separator 215 may be sent back to the water tank 211 for recycling.

[0075] Although not listed and shown one by one, it is conceivable that adjacent components of the electrochemical oxygen production device 200 are connected through gas / liquid pipelines to achieve gas / liquid transmission.

[0076] The electrochemical reaction can continuously supply oxygen to the interior of the cabin 1a of the vehicle 1 to maintain the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a at a suitable level or to increase the oxygen concentration inside the cabin 1a. Compared with the PSA oxygen generator, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 has the following advantages due to the above configuration: low cost, low weight, compact structure and small volume, low operating noise, and fast reaction response (i.e., it can achieve rapid oxygen supply). In addition, the products of the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 are only water and oxygen (but no hydrogen), so it does not pollute the environment and is highly safe.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 may include an oxygen concentration sensor 219 and a liquid level sensor 211a. In addition, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 may include a control unit (not shown). The oxygen concentration sensor 219, the liquid level sensor 211a, and the control unit of the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 may be identical in structure and function to the oxygen concentration sensor 119, the liquid level sensor 111a, and the control unit of the electrochemical oxygen generator 100. For the sake of brevity, the details of these identical parts will not be repeated.

[0078] Similar to the electrochemical oxygen generator 100, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 may be configured to be powered by the vehicle 1, and / or may include a battery (not shown) configured to power the electrochemical oxygen generator 200. For the sake of brevity, the details of these identical parts will not be repeated.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, similar to the electrochemical oxygen generator 100, the electrochemical oxygen generator 200 may be designed and constructed to have FIG. 3A to FIG. 4BThe integrated configuration shown. And, the electrochemical oxygen production device 200 can be arranged in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, the details of these same parts will not be repeated.

[0080] In some embodiments, thanks to the above configuration, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can be configured as portable devices that can be mounted on and removed from the vehicle 1. For example, the portable device can be easily mounted on and removed from the vehicle 1 without tools. The electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can have a portable size and weight to be suitable for being carried by the user, such as by carrying on a back, by hand, or by hanging around the neck. For example, FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B The electrochemical oxygen generator 100 shown can be configured as a portable device that can be removed from the vehicle 1. In this case, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can include a battery that is configured to power the electrochemical oxygen generator 100. The battery can be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. Therefore, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can be configured as a two-in-one device that has both vehicle installation and portable uses.

[0081] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle 1 may be a vehicle. The vehicle has an instrument panel component 3. The instrument panel component refers to a structure in the vehicle cab and the co-driver's cab where various indicator instruments, vehicle display screens, and other components are installed. The electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 may be configured to be installed on the instrument panel component 3. With this arrangement, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 may be arranged adjacent to the driver and / or passengers. As an example, Figure 6 As shown, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can be embedded in the instrument panel member 3 so that the exhaust pipes 115a and 215a are exposed at the surface of the instrument panel member 3. For example, a receiving space can be formed in the instrument panel member 3 to receive the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 therein. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can be mounted to the instrument panel member 3 in any suitable manner. For example, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can be connected to the instrument panel member 3 or installed in the instrument panel member 3 through a quick-release structure, and can be easily removed from the instrument panel member 3. In one of these embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can be configured as portable devices that can be installed on and removed from the vehicle 1 as described above. In addition, it should be understood that the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 can also be configured to be mounted on any other suitable structure of the vehicle.

[0082] In some embodiments, the vehicle 1 may include an air conditioning system, and the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 may be configured to be integrated with the air conditioning system. As an example, the oxygen provided by the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 may be provided at an air outlet of the air conditioning system (e.g., Figure 6 The air is mixed with the air conditioned by the air conditioning system at an air conditioning outlet at an instrument panel member 3 of the vehicle shown to be provided together to the interior of the passenger compartment 1a.

[0083] Although the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 are described as being used to introduce air from outside the cabin of a vehicle into the cathode so that oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode and then the remaining air is discharged to the outside of the cabin, it should be understood that in some other embodiments, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 may also introduce air from inside the cabin of a vehicle into the cathode. In this case, the electrochemical oxygen generators 100 and 200 may play a role in maintaining and improving the oxygen concentration at a local location inside the cabin. The remaining air from the reaction may be discharged back into the cabin or discharged to the outside of the cabin.

[0084] It should be understood that the terms “first” and “second” are only used to distinguish one element or portion from another element or portion, but these elements and portions should not be limited by such terms.

[0085] The present application has been described in detail above in conjunction with specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and do not constitute a limitation to the present application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications or changes can be made to the present application without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications or changes do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrochemical oxygen production device, characterized in that: The electrochemical oxygen production device is configured to be installed on a vehicle (1) and comprises: An electrolytic stack (101, 201), the electrolytic stack comprising at least one electrolytic unit, each of the electrolytic units comprising a cathode, an anode, and an ion exchange membrane (121) disposed between the cathode and the anode; wherein the electrochemical oxygen production device is configured to perform a water electrolysis reaction at the electrolysis unit, during which air is introduced into the cathode and oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode, and oxygen is generated at the anode; The electrochemical oxygen generator is further configured to supply the generated oxygen to the interior of the passenger cabin (1a) of the vehicle.

2. The electrochemical oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion exchange membrane is a proton exchange membrane, and the reactions occurring at the anode and the cathode are respectively: Anode: 2H2O→4H + +O2+4e - Cathode: O2+4H + +4e - →2H2O.

3. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrochemical oxygen production device also includes a water tank, a water pump and a gas-liquid separator (115), wherein the water tank is used to store water, the water pump is configured to pump the water in the water tank to the anode for reaction, the oxygen generated by the reaction and the unreacted water enter the gas-liquid separator from the electrolytic stack, the gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the oxygen and the unreacted water, the oxygen is then supplied to the interior of the cabin, and the unreacted water is sent back to the water tank.

4. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion exchange membrane is an anion exchange membrane, and the reactions occurring at the anode and the cathode are respectively: Anode: 4OH - →O2+2H2O+4e - Cathode: O2+2H2O+4e - →4OH - .

5. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrochemical oxygen generator further comprises a water tank, a water pump, a first gas-liquid separator (215) and a second gas-liquid separator (270), wherein the water tank is used to store water, the water pump is configured to pump the water in the water tank to the cathode for reaction, the unreacted water and the air in which oxygen is reduced enter the second gas-liquid separator, the second gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the unreacted water from the air, the unreacted water is sent back to the water tank, the oxygen and water generated at the anode enter the first gas-liquid separator, the first gas-liquid separator is configured to separate the oxygen and water generated at the anode, and the oxygen is then supplied to the interior of the cabin.

6. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The electrochemical oxygen generator further comprises an air supplier (117, 217) configured to introduce air from outside the cabin of the vehicle into the cathode so that oxygen in the air is reduced at the cathode, and then discharge the remaining air to outside the cabin.

7. The electrochemical oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle is a vehicle having an instrument panel component (3), and the electrochemical oxygen generator is configured to be mounted on the instrument panel component; or The vehicle includes an air conditioning system, and the electrochemical oxygen generator is configured to be integrated with the air conditioning system.

8. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that: The electrochemical oxygen generator is configured to be powered by the vehicle; and / or The electrochemical oxygen generator includes a battery configured to supply power to the electrochemical oxygen generator.

9. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that: The electrochemical oxygen generator is configured as a portable device that can be detached from the vehicle, and includes a battery configured to supply power to the electrochemical oxygen generator.

10. The electrochemical oxygen production device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that: Each of the electrolysis units comprises an ion exchange membrane (121) located in the middle, an anode catalyst layer (122) located on one side of the ion exchange membrane, a cathode catalyst layer (123) located on the other side of the ion exchange membrane, an anode diffusion layer (124) located outside the anode catalyst layer, and a cathode diffusion layer (125) located outside the cathode catalyst layer, wherein the anode catalyst layer and the anode diffusion layer constitute the anode, and the cathode catalyst layer and the cathode diffusion layer constitute the cathode.

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