Alkaline electrolytic bath sealing structure and electrolytic bath

Abstract

The utility model provides an alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure which comprises a first polar plate and a second polar plate which are arranged in a stacked mode, sealing areas are symmetrically arranged on the opposite faces of the first polar plate and the second polar plate, each sealing area is provided with a plurality of concentric sealing ring grooves, and the sealing ring grooves of adjacent circles are communicated with each other. According to the sealing structure of the alkaline electrolytic bath, the adjacent sealing ring grooves are communicated with each other, so that the space in the ring grooves is continuous, a complete annular thin layer cannot appear on a polar plate, the problem that the bottom of a common ring groove is the weakest area is solved, the overall rigidity and strength are better improved, and the service life of the alkaline electrolytic bath is prolonged. And thinning and weight reduction of the bipolar plate can be realized more conveniently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production by water electrolysis, specifically to a pressure-type alkaline electrolyzer sealing structure and electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a recognized clean energy source, is a reliable way to resolve the conflict between energy demand and issues such as global warming and environmental pollution. Alkaline water electrolysis technology is the most mature and commercially available hydrogen production method, widely used in large-scale hydrogen-consuming fields such as chemical engineering and transportation. The electrolyzer is the core equipment in a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. A single electrolyzer consists of multiple stacked electrolysis chambers, secured by bolts and end plates on both sides. Each electrolysis chamber comprises a bipolar plate, an anode electrode, a diaphragm, a gasket, and a cathode electrode. The bipolar plate, gasket, and diaphragm respectively form the cathode and anode reaction chambers. The interiors of the electrolysis chambers are connected by an inlet, ensuring equal pressure. The exterior of the electrolysis chambers is forcibly sealed by the bipolar plate and gasket.

[0003] The internal media and operating conditions of electrolytic cells are complex and harsh, involving high-temperature and high-pressure fatigue, strong hydrogen leakage, and corrosive alkaline solutions. Therefore, their sealing structures require high precision, and currently, a multi-concentric annular sealing groove structure is commonly used. However, impurities and residual water stains from the installation process are difficult to completely clean from the concentric annular grooves, and the surface machining of the grooves can result in tool breakage points, making it prone to burrs and other small defects during electroplating. Under the long-term harsh operating conditions of the electrolytic cell, sealing surface defects occasionally occur, leading to alkaline solution leakage.

[0004] Under the fatigue cycle of high temperature and high pressure, the gasket in the electrolytic cell is repeatedly compressed and expanded due to pressure and temperature fluctuations. This can cause electrolyte to seep into the sealing groove. Since the concentric ring grooves are relatively independent, the alkaline solution cannot return to the electrolytic cell after it seeps into the sealing groove, which will cause excessive local stress and accelerate the failure of the local sealing structure.

[0005] In addition, as electrolytic cells become larger and lighter, the size of bipolar plates is constantly increasing while their thickness is decreasing. The concentric sealing ring groove structure will cause a significant decrease in the rigidity of the bipolar plates.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of sealing structure for electrolytic cells or an electrolytic cell with a new sealing structure to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a sealing structure and an electrolytic cell for alkaline electrolytic cells.

[0008] The first aspect of this utility model proposes a sealing structure for an alkaline electrolytic cell, including a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate stacked together. A sealing area is symmetrically arranged between the opposite surfaces of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The sealing area is provided with multiple concentric sealing ring grooves, wherein adjacent sealing ring grooves are interconnected.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner ring of the sealing ring groove is provided with an opening that communicates with the internal area of ​​the electrolytic cell, and the outer ring of the sealing ring groove is provided with an opening that communicates with the external area of ​​the electrolytic cell.

[0010] In one embodiment, the multiple concentric sealing ring grooves are constructed as one or more spiral sealing ring grooves.

[0011] In one embodiment, the alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure further includes a gasket disposed between the sealing areas of the stacked first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and pressed together by the sealing ring groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure further includes a limiting groove arranged around the sealing area, wherein the sealing ring groove is disposed between the inner ring limiting groove and the outer ring limiting groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first electrode plate and / or the second electrode plate are further provided with a flow channel area concentrically arranged with the sealing ring groove. The flow channel area is closer to the electrode plate than the sealing area, and the flow channel area and the sealing ring groove of the sealing area together press the gasket.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electrolytic cell sealing structure further includes a diaphragm, and the first electrode plate and / or the second electrode plate are further provided with diaphragm grooves, and the diaphragm is pressed by the diaphragm grooves and sealing areas of the stacked first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the diaphragm groove is disposed on the anode plate of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first electrode plate and / or the second electrode plate are bipolar plates, and the diaphragm groove is disposed on the anode side of the bipolar plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the sealing ring groove is arc-shaped, triangular, square, or trapezoidal.

[0018] The second aspect of this utility model provides an alkaline electrolytic cell, including the above-described electrolytic cell sealing structure.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the sealing structure of the alkaline electrolytic cell of this invention features interconnected sealing ring grooves between adjacent rings, resulting in a continuous space within the ring grooves. This prevents the formation of completely thin annular layers on the electrode plates, avoiding the problem that the bottom of the ordinary ring groove is the weakest area. This significantly improves the overall rigidity and strength, making it easier to achieve thinner and lighter bipolar plates. Furthermore, because the space within the ring grooves is continuous, after being compressed and sealed with a gasket, the internal pressure results in a smaller sealing force inside the ring groove and a larger sealing force on the outside, thus forming an annular labyrinth seal effect, further ensuring the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell.

[0020] The above-mentioned technical features can be combined in various technically feasible ways to generate new implementation schemes, as long as the purpose of this utility model can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on embodiments that are not limiting only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrode structure of the sealing structure of the electrolytic cell according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 The sealing structure of the electrolytic cell according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 3A and 3B Showing Figure 1 Cross-sectional schematic diagrams of different embodiments of the annular sealing groove.

[0025] In the figures, identical components are labeled with the same reference numerals. The figures are not drawn to scale.

[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0027] 1. First electrode plate; 2. Second electrode plate; 3. Sealing area; 31. Sealing ring groove; 4. Flow channel area; 5. Gasket; 6. Limiting groove; 7. Diaphragm groove; 8. Diaphragm; 9. Anode electrode; 10. Cathode electrode; 11. Electrode groove. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, as long as there is no conflict, the various embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the resulting technical solutions are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0029] The parts not mentioned in this utility model can be achieved by adopting or referencing existing technologies.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first aspect of this utility model proposes a sealing structure for an alkaline electrolytic cell, including a first electrode plate 1 and a second electrode plate 2 stacked together. A sealing area 3 is symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2. The sealing area 3 is provided with multiple concentric sealing ring grooves 31, wherein adjacent sealing ring grooves are interconnected.

[0031] The sealing structure of the electrolytic cell in this application features interconnected multiple sealing annular grooves 31 in the sealing zone 3, ensuring a continuous space within the grooves. This prevents the electrode plates from forming completely thin annular layers, avoiding the problem that the bottom of a conventional annular groove is the weakest point. This significantly improves the overall rigidity and strength, making it easier to achieve thinner and lighter bipolar plates. Furthermore, because the space within the annular grooves is continuous, after being compressed and sealed with a gasket, the internal pressure results in a smaller sealing force inside the groove and a larger sealing force outside, creating an annular labyrinth seal effect and further ensuring the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell.

[0032] In one embodiment, the inner ring of the sealing ring groove 31 is provided with an opening that communicates with the internal area of ​​the electrolytic cell, and the outer ring of the sealing ring groove 31 is provided with an opening that communicates with the external area of ​​the electrolytic cell.

[0033] By setting the inner ring opening of the sealing ring groove 31 to connect with the alkaline solution inside the electrolytic cell, the gasket is repeatedly compressed and expanded due to pressure and temperature fluctuations. When the pressure inside the electrolytic cell is high, the electrolyte may seep into the sealing groove. When the pressure inside the electrolytic cell is low, the electrolyte can flow back into the electrolytic cell through the inner ring opening of the sealing ring groove 31. This prevents the electrolyte from accumulating in the sealing ring groove 31 and causing the sealing gasket to deform. This avoids the gasket failure caused by long-term uneven stress and improves the reliability and lifespan of the sealing structure.

[0034] The outer ring opening of the sealing ring groove 21 is connected to the external area of ​​the electrolytic cell. Water droplets and impurities that fall into the cell during manufacturing or use can be easily cleaned out of the electrode plate or electrolytic cell through the outer ring opening of the ring groove.

[0035] In one embodiment, the multiple concentric sealing ring grooves 31 are configured as one or more spiral sealing ring grooves.

[0036] The multi-seal ring groove structure consists of a single spiral sealing ring groove. The groove is machined spirally, and can be completed in one machining operation (e.g., one cut), eliminating the need for interrupted cutting processes. Therefore, the surface roughness within the entire sealing groove can be better controlled, and there are no discontinuities, avoiding defects generated during the electroplating process of the electrode plate.

[0037] As an optional technical solution, the spiral sealing ring groove 31 can be provided in more than one way, and multiple concentric sealing ring grooves 31 can also be provided in multiple spiral sealing ring grooves.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure of this application also includes a gasket 5, which is disposed between the sealing areas 3 of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2 stacked together, and is pressed by the sealing ring groove 31.

[0039] Since the space inside the sealing ring groove 31 is continuous, the sealing area of ​​the sealing ring groove 31 forms a long annular space. After the sealing ring groove 31 and the gasket 5 are squeezed and sealed, the sealing force inside the ring groove is small and the sealing force outside is large due to the internal pressure, thus forming a long annular labyrinth sealing effect, which better ensures the sealing effect of the electrolytic cell.

[0040] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure also includes a limiting groove 6 arranged around the sealing area 3, and the sealing ring groove 31 is disposed between the inner ring limiting groove 6 and the outer ring limiting groove 6.

[0041] The limiting groove 6 is used to limit the gasket 5 and further prevent the gasket 5 from shifting. The limiting groove 6 can be set as an annular limiting groove 6 concentric with the sealing ring groove 31, or it can be set as multiple limiting grooves 6 arranged around the sealing area 3, with the multiple limiting grooves 6 arranged symmetrically around the sealing area 3.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first electrode plate 1 and / or the second electrode plate 2 are further provided with a flow channel region 4 concentrically arranged with the sealing ring groove 31. The flow channel region 4 is closer to the electrode plate than the sealing region 3. The flow channel region 4 and the sealing ring groove 31 of the sealing region 3 together press the gasket 5.

[0043] In one embodiment, the electrolytic cell sealing structure further includes a diaphragm 8, and a diaphragm groove 7 is provided on the first electrode plate 1 and / or the second electrode plate 2. The diaphragm 8 is pressed by the diaphragm groove 7 of the stacked first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2 and the sealing area 3.

[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the diaphragm groove 7 is disposed on the anode plate in the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, electrode grooves 11 are respectively provided on the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2, and the anode electrode 9 and the cathode electrode 10 are respectively provided in the electrode grooves 11, thereby forming the anode electrolysis zone and the cathode electrolysis zone of the electrolytic cell. The diaphragm groove 7 is preferably provided on one side of the anode electrolysis zone.

[0046] It should be noted that the diaphragm groove 7 is not limited to being provided only on the anode plate; the diaphragm groove 7 can be provided on both the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first electrode plate 1 and / or the second electrode plate 2 are bipolar plates, and the diaphragm groove 7 is disposed on the anode side of the bipolar plate.

[0048] Furthermore, when the electrode plate is a bipolar plate, preferably, a sealing area is provided on both the anode side and the cathode side of the bipolar plate. When both the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2 are bipolar plates, the structures of the first electrode plate 1 and the second electrode plate 2 are the same.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3A and 3B The diagram shows cross-sectional views of sealing ring grooves 31 with different structures. The cross-section of the sealing ring groove 31 is not limited to an arc shape. In different embodiments, the cross-section of the sealing ring groove 31 can be triangular, square, or trapezoidal.

[0050] The second aspect of this invention provides an alkaline electrolytic cell, including the aforementioned electrolytic cell sealing structure. Since this electrolytic cell possesses the aforementioned electrolytic cell sealing structure, it also achieves the same effects as the sealing structure.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Words such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. In the description of this invention, the terms "vertical," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0052] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for an alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that, It includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate stacked together. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are symmetrically arranged with a sealing area. The sealing area is provided with multiple concentric sealing ring grooves, wherein the sealing ring grooves of adjacent rings are interconnected.

2. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner ring of the sealing ring groove is provided with an opening that communicates with the internal area of ​​the electrolytic cell, and the outer ring of the sealing ring groove is provided with an opening that communicates with the external area of ​​the electrolytic cell.

3. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multi-concentric sealing ring groove structure is one or more spiral sealing ring grooves.

4. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure also includes a gasket, which is disposed between the sealing areas of the stacked first electrode plate and the second electrode plate and is pressed by the sealing ring groove.

5. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure also includes a limiting groove arranged around the sealing area, and the sealing ring groove is disposed between the inner ring limiting groove and the outer ring limiting groove.

6. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first electrode plate and / or the second electrode plate are further provided with a flow channel area that is concentrically arranged with the sealing ring groove. The flow channel area is closer to the electrode plate than the sealing area. The flow channel area and the sealing ring groove of the sealing area together press the gasket.

7. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell sealing structure also includes a diaphragm, and the first electrode plate and / or the second electrode plate are further provided with diaphragm grooves. The diaphragm is pressed by the diaphragm grooves and sealing areas of the stacked first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

8. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diaphragm groove is disposed on the anode plate of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

9. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first electrode plate and / or the second electrode plate are bipolar plates, and the diaphragm groove is disposed on the anode side of the bipolar plate.

10. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, Both the anode and cathode sides of the bipolar plate are provided with sealed areas.

11. The electrolytic cell sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the sealing ring groove is arc-shaped, triangular, square, or trapezoidal.

12. An alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that, Includes the alkaline electrolytic cell sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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