Uniformly-distributed manifold structure suitable for large-volume AEM electrolytic bath

Abstract

The utility model relates to a uniformly-distributed manifold structure suitable for a large-volume AEM electrolytic bath. The manifold structure is mounted on the electrolytic bath; the manifold is characterized by comprising a manifold body, an anolyte inlet and a catholyte inlet, according to the structure, by accurately designing the layout of the branch pipes, reasonably adjusting the size of the cross section of the inlet and adopting the advanced fluid dynamics principle, the uniform distribution of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath is realized. Due to the innovative design of the manifold structure, the electrolytic efficiency is remarkably improved, the energy consumption is reduced, and the stability and the reliability of the electrolytic bath are enhanced. Successful application provides powerful support for large-scale commercialization of the AEM electrolytic cell, and promotes rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of AEM electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a manifold structure for uniform distribution suitable for large-scale AEM electrolyzers. Background Technology

[0002] In the booming development of the hydrogen energy industry, AEM (anion exchange membrane) electrolyzer technology, with its high efficiency and environmental friendliness, has gradually become one of the core technologies for large-scale hydrogen production. However, with the expansion of electrolyzer scale, especially the application of large-scale AEM electrolyzers, the problem of uniform electrolyte distribution has become increasingly prominent, becoming a key factor restricting its performance improvement and commercialization process.

[0003] Traditional manifold structures have significant shortcomings in electrolyte distribution. Under high flow conditions, due to the rapid flow rate and large volume of electrolyte, traditional manifolds often struggle to ensure uniform electrolyte distribution. This not only leads to excessively high local current density within the electrolytic cell, affecting electrolysis efficiency, but may also cause equipment overheating, corrosion, and other malfunctions, seriously threatening the stability and safety of the electrolytic cell. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a manifold structure for uniform distribution suitable for large-volume AEM electrolytic cells, which can solve the problem that traditional manifolds often cannot guarantee the uniform distribution of electrolyte due to the fast flow rate and large flow of electrolyte in general AEM electrolytic cells.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is: a manifold structure for uniform distribution suitable for large-volume AEM electrolytic cells, the innovation of which is: including a manifold body, an anode electrolyte inlet and a cathode electrolyte inlet;

[0006] The manifold body has a plate-like structure and a pair of circular holes are provided on the manifold body. The pair of circular holes are the anode electrode liquid inlet and the cathode electrolyte inlet, respectively. The edge of the manifold body is provided with a flange perpendicular to the surface of the manifold body along the outer contour of the manifold body, and a number of manifold body fixing holes are provided at the flange position.

[0007] An anode inlet pipe is provided on one side of the anode electrolyte inlet; a cathode inlet pipe is provided on one side of the cathode electrolyte inlet; the diameter of the anode inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe; the length of the anode inlet pipe is smaller than the length of the cathode inlet pipe.

[0008] Reinforcing ribs are provided between the inner side of the flange and the outer wall of the anode inlet pipe, and between the inner side of the flange and the outer wall of the cathode inlet pipe; the reinforcing ribs fix the anode inlet pipe and the cathode inlet pipe, thereby increasing the support strength of the anode inlet pipe and the cathode inlet pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the manifold body and the flange are integrally formed structures.

[0010] Furthermore, the diameter of the anode inlet pipe is 1.1 times the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the electrolytic cell is provided with an anode outlet pipe and a cathode outlet pipe, and the diameter of the anode outlet pipe is smaller than the diameter of the cathode outlet pipe; the diameter of the anode inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the anode outlet pipe; and the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe is smaller than the diameter of the cathode outlet pipe.

[0012] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0013] 1) In this utility model, the diameters and lengths of the anode and cathode inlet pipes are optimized. The anode inlet and outlet pipes adopt a large inlet and small outlet design, while the cathode inlet and outlet pipes adopt a small inlet and large outlet design. This is because the amount of oxygen produced by the anode in the electrolytic cell is less than the amount of hydrogen produced by the cathode. Under the same liquid inlet pressure, increasing the pipe diameter reduces the pressure of the electrolyte entering the anode channel, decreases the flow velocity in the channel, and reduces the pressure drop. However, due to the smaller outlet pipe diameter, the outlet velocity increases. On the cathode side, the hydrogen production is higher than that of the anode oxygen. By reducing the electrolyte pipe diameter ratio, the flow velocity and pressure drop in the cathode channel are increased, but the increased outlet pipe diameter reduces the flow velocity. This manifold inlet and outlet design improves both the reaction efficiency of the electrolytic cell and enhances the uniformity of the outlet flow.

[0014] 2) In this invention, the cathode manifold is designed to be slightly longer than the anode manifold in the electrolysis process. This ingenious arrangement is crucial for electrolysis efficiency and product purity. By extending the cathode manifold, the flow trajectory of the electrolyte can be carefully controlled, ensuring a more uniform distribution in the cathode region. This design reduces bubble accumulation and liquid turbulence, not only improving the stability and efficiency of the electrolysis process but also optimizing the microscopic conditions of the electrolysis environment.

[0015] 3) Furthermore, the additional pressure drop caused by the longer cathode manifold contrasts with the smaller pressure drop resulting from the shorter anode manifold. This pressure difference helps promote the electrolysis reaction and further enhances the electrolysis efficiency. The differentiated design of the anode and cathode manifolds in terms of length also cleverly avoids the direct mixing of gases produced during electrolysis, which is of great significance for ensuring the purity of the gas products and subsequent separation processing. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1This is a top view of a manifold structure for uniform distribution in large-volume AEM electrolytic cells according to this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a manifold structure for uniform distribution suitable for large-volume AEM electrolytic cells according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 Figure 2 The manifold structure shown is suitable for uniform distribution in large-volume AEM electrolyzers, including a manifold body 1, an anode electrolyte inlet 2, and a cathode electrolyte inlet 3.

[0022] The manifold body 1 has a plate-like structure and a pair of circular holes are provided on the manifold body 1. The pair of circular holes are the anode electrode liquid inlet 3 and the cathode electrolyte inlet 4, respectively. A flange perpendicular to the surface of the manifold body 1 is provided along the outer contour of the manifold body 1 at the edge of the manifold body 1, and a number of manifold body fixing holes 4 are provided at the flange position.

[0023] An anode inlet pipe 5 is provided on one side of the anode electrolyte inlet 2; a cathode inlet pipe 6 is provided on one side of the cathode electrolyte inlet 3; the diameter of the anode inlet pipe 5 is larger than the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe 6; the length of the anode inlet pipe 5 is smaller than the length of the cathode inlet pipe 5.

[0024] A reinforcing rib 7 is provided between the inner side of the flange and the outer wall of the anode inlet pipe 5, and between the inner side of the flange and the outer wall of the cathode inlet pipe 6; the reinforcing rib 7 fixes the anode inlet pipe 5 and the cathode inlet pipe 6, increasing the support strength of the anode inlet pipe 5 and the cathode inlet pipe 6.

[0025] The manifold body 1 and the flange are integrally formed structures.

[0026] The diameter of the anode inlet pipe 5 is 1.1 times the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe 6.

[0027] The electrolytic cell is equipped with an anode outlet pipe and a cathode outlet pipe, and the diameter of the anode outlet pipe is smaller than the diameter of the cathode outlet pipe; the diameter of the anode inlet pipe 5 is larger than the diameter of the anode outlet pipe; and the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe 6 is smaller than the diameter of the cathode outlet pipe.

[0028] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The inlet diameter of the anode electrolyte inlet is larger than that of the cathode electrolyte inlet. Calculations and experimental verification show that when the anode inlet diameter is 1.1 times that of the cathode inlet, the electrolyte flow uniformity is better. However, the structure at the electrolyte outlet of the electrolytic cell is the opposite: the anode electrolyte outlet diameter is smaller (large inlet, small outlet), while the cathode electrolyte outlet diameter is larger (small inlet, large outlet). This is because the amount of oxygen produced at the anode is less than the amount of hydrogen produced at the cathode. Under the same inlet pressure, as the pipe diameter increases, the pressure of the electrolyte after entering the anode channel decreases, the flow velocity within the channel decreases, and the pressure drop decreases. However, due to the smaller outlet diameter, the outlet velocity increases.

[0029] On the cathode side, hydrogen production is higher than oxygen production at the anode. By reducing the electrolyte pipe diameter ratio, the flow velocity and pressure drop into the cathode channel are increased, but the increased outlet pipe diameter reduces the flow velocity. This manifold inlet and outlet design improves both the electrolyzer reaction efficiency and the uniformity of the outlet flow. Simultaneously, reinforcing ribs enhance the manifold strength, extend its service life, and ensure stable and efficient system operation. In the electrolysis process, the cathode manifold is designed to be slightly longer than the anode manifold; this ingenious layout is crucial for electrolysis efficiency and product purity. By extending the cathode manifold, the electrolyte flow trajectory can be carefully controlled, ensuring a more uniform distribution in the cathode region. This design reduces bubble accumulation and liquid turbulence, not only improving the stability and efficiency of the electrolysis process but also optimizing the microscopic conditions of the electrolysis environment.

[0030] Furthermore, the additional pressure drop from the longer cathode manifold contrasts with the smaller pressure drop from the shorter anode manifold. This pressure difference helps promote the electrolysis reaction, further enhancing electrolysis efficiency. The differentiated design of the anode and cathode manifolds in length also cleverly avoids direct mixing of the gases produced during electrolysis, which is crucial for ensuring the purity of the gas products and subsequent separation processing.

[0031] Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this utility model as claimed.

Claims

1. A manifold structure for uniform distribution in large-volume AEM electrolytic cells, wherein the manifold structure is mounted on the electrolytic cell; characterized in that: Includes the manifold body, the anode electrolyte inlet, and the cathode electrolyte inlet; The manifold body has a plate-like structure and a pair of circular holes are provided on the manifold body. The pair of circular holes are the anode electrode liquid inlet and the cathode electrolyte inlet, respectively. The edge of the manifold body is provided with a flange perpendicular to the surface of the manifold body along the outer contour of the manifold body, and a number of manifold body fixing holes are provided at the flange position. An anode inlet pipe is provided on one side of the anode electrolyte inlet; a cathode inlet pipe is provided on one side of the cathode electrolyte inlet; the diameter of the anode inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe; the length of the anode inlet pipe is smaller than the length of the cathode inlet pipe. Reinforcing ribs are provided between the inner side of the flange and the outer wall of the anode inlet pipe, and between the inner side of the flange and the outer wall of the cathode inlet pipe; the reinforcing ribs fix the anode inlet pipe and the cathode inlet pipe, thereby increasing the support strength of the anode inlet pipe and the cathode inlet pipe.

2. The manifold structure for uniform distribution in large-volume AEM electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The manifold body and flange are integrally formed structures.

3. The manifold structure for uniform distribution in large-volume AEM electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the anode inlet pipe is 1.1 times the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe.

4. The manifold structure for uniform distribution in large-volume AEM electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell is equipped with an anode outlet pipe and a cathode outlet pipe, and the diameter of the anode outlet pipe is smaller than the diameter of the cathode outlet pipe; the diameter of the anode inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the anode outlet pipe; and the diameter of the cathode inlet pipe is smaller than the diameter of the cathode outlet pipe.

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