Reaction device for producing hydrogen by photoelectrocatalytic decomposition of water
By improving the mechanical structure of the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor, multiple electrolyzers can work collaboratively under unified control, solving the problem that operators need to monitor and adjust them separately in existing devices, and achieving efficient automated production and improved hydrogen purity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Most existing photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactors adopt a single electrolysis cell mode, which requires operators to spend a lot of time monitoring and adjusting each electrolysis cell separately, making it difficult to achieve efficient automated production.
A photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor is designed. Through mechanical structure improvements, multiple electrolytic cells can work collaboratively under unified control. A unique mechanical structure and electrolysis components are used to realize the expansion and contraction of multiple electrolytic cells, ensuring the sealing of the reaction environment. The position and depth of the electrodes are uniformly controlled by a controller.
It enables efficient collaborative operation of multiple electrolyzers, increases hydrogen production output and efficiency, reduces labor costs, reduces the risk of operational errors, improves hydrogen purity and production quality, and optimizes the operation process.
Smart Images
Figure CN224092025U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photoelectric hydrogen production reaction technology, specifically to a photoelectric catalytic water splitting hydrogen production reaction device. Background Technology
[0002] Among numerous new energy sources, hydrogen is considered one of the most promising energy carriers because its combustion product is only water, it is pollution-free, and has high energy density. Photoelectrocatalytic water splitting technology can directly convert solar energy into chemical energy and store it in hydrogen, providing a green and efficient pathway for large-scale hydrogen production.
[0003] Existing photoelectrocatalytic water splitting reactors for hydrogen production have many bottlenecks. For example, most of these reactors use a single electrolysis cell mode, which requires operators to spend a lot of time monitoring and adjusting each electrolysis cell individually, making it difficult to achieve efficient automated production.
[0004] In summary, the problem that most existing photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactors use a single electrolysis cell mode, requiring operators to spend a lot of time monitoring and adjusting each electrolysis cell individually, making it difficult to achieve efficient automated production, has become an urgent problem to be solved in this field. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a photoelectrocatalytic water splitting reactor for hydrogen production, enabling multiple electrolyzers to work collaboratively. By modifying the original mechanical structure design, multiple electrolyzers can operate efficiently under unified control, reducing the monitoring and adjustment costs for operators.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor, comprising a controller and a base;
[0007] A gear is rotatably connected to the top of the base, and several fixed shafts are circumferentially fixed to the top of the base. Rotating sleeves are fitted onto each fixed shaft, and the rotating sleeves and fixed shafts are rotatably engaged. Sector gears are fixedly connected to the side walls of each rotating sleeve, and these sector gears mesh with the gears. Electrolytic cells are also fixedly connected to the side walls of each rotating sleeve, and light-emitting ports are opened on the side walls of the electrolytic cells, with transparent windows fixedly connected to the light-emitting ports. An L-shaped rod is fixedly connected to the top of one of the fixed shafts, and a driving component is fixedly connected to the bottom of the horizontal end of the L-shaped rod. The output end of the controller and the input end of the driving component are electrically connected. A screw is coaxially fixedly connected to the top of the gear, and the top of the screw is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the driving component. A cap is threaded onto the screw, and the cap is located above the electrolytic cell. The cap and the fixed shaft are vertically slidingly engaged.
[0008] The top of the cover is circumferentially connected to several exhaust pipes; the cover is equipped with an electrolysis component for catalytic decomposition of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell.
[0009] The technical principles of the above solution are as follows:
[0010] When the drive unit is activated, its output shaft drives the screw to rotate, which in turn drives the gear to rotate, which in turn drives multiple meshing sector gears to rotate. These sector gears are fixed to a rotating sleeve, causing the rotating sleeve to rotate around a fixed shaft. This allows multiple electrolytic cells to expand and contract. When the electrolytic cells are expanded, electrolyte can be added to them simultaneously, achieving the goal of multiple electrolytic cells working collaboratively. When an electrolytic reaction is required, the drive unit's output shaft reverses direction, causing the electrolytic cells to contract uniformly under the cap. During screw rotation, due to the threaded engagement between the cap and the screw, the screw can slide up and down on the fixed shaft, covering the top of the electrolytic cells and ensuring the sealing of the reaction environment. The electrolytic components on the cap utilize the synergistic effect of electrical and light energy to catalytically decompose the electrolyte, producing hydrogen and oxygen.
[0011] The above approach has the following beneficial effects:
[0012] 1. This utility model achieves the coordinated operation of multiple electrolyzers through a unique mechanical structure design. Compared with the traditional single electrolyzer mode, it increases the yield of hydrogen produced per cycle, improves the overall production efficiency, and meets the needs of large-scale hydrogen production.
[0013] 2. With this invention, multiple electrolytic cells can operate under unified control, eliminating the need for operators to monitor and adjust each electrolytic cell separately. This reduces manpower and effort, lowers labor costs, and also reduces the risks associated with human error.
[0014] 3. The movable cap of this utility model can ensure the sealing of the reaction environment during the electrolysis reaction, avoid interference from external impurities, ensure the stable progress of the reaction, improve the purity of hydrogen and production quality, and the expandable and retractable design of the electrolytic cell facilitates the addition of electrolyte and optimizes the operation process.
[0015] Furthermore, the electrolysis assembly includes a number of first, second, and third electric telescopic rods fixedly connected circumferentially along the top of the cap; the output shafts of the first, second, and third electric telescopic rods all penetrate the cap and are respectively fixedly connected to a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode; the input ends of the first, second, and third electric telescopic rods are all electrically connected to the output end of the controller.
[0016] Beneficial effects: The controller can precisely control the extension and retraction of the electric telescopic rod, thereby flexibly adjusting the position and depth of the electrode in the electrolytic cell to adapt to different electrolyte characteristics and reaction conditions.
[0017] Furthermore, the inner walls of the electrolytic cell are coated with a silver mirror coating.
[0018] Beneficial effects: The silver mirror coating has a high reflectivity, which can reflect the light entering the electrolytic cell multiple times, allowing the light to come into more full contact with the electrolyte and electrodes in the electrolytic cell.
[0019] Furthermore, all electrolytic cells are semi-circular cavities.
[0020] Beneficial effects: The semi-circular cavity design is conducive to the uniform distribution and reflection of light in the electrolytic cell, thus improving the utilization rate of light energy.
[0021] Furthermore, the cap is circular.
[0022] Beneficial effects: The round cap is compatible with the round base and the top of the semi-circular electrolytic cell.
[0023] Furthermore, each electrolytic cell is circumferentially fixed with a sealing strip at its top.
[0024] Beneficial effects: The sealing strip further enhances the seal between the electrolytic cell and the cap, preventing electrolyte leakage and gas escape.
[0025] Furthermore, the base is circular.
[0026] Beneficial effects: The circular cap is compatible with the circular base and the semi-circular electrolytic cell, which can reduce the overall footprint of the device.
[0027] Furthermore, the transparent window is circular in shape.
[0028] Beneficial effect: A round transparent window can increase the light transmittance of the transparent window.
[0029] Furthermore, the distance between the working electrode and the reference electrode is 10 cm, and the distance between the reference electrode and the counter electrode is 15 cm.
[0030] Beneficial effects: The setting of a 10 cm distance between the working electrode and the reference electrode, and a 15 cm distance between the reference electrode and the counter electrode, can effectively promote electron transfer and ion migration, ensuring efficient reaction.
[0031] Furthermore, each exhaust pipe is connected to an exhaust valve.
[0032] Beneficial effects: The exhaust valve allows operators to easily extract air and collect the generated gas.
[0033] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0034] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor of this utility model.
[0035] Figure 2 This is a side view of the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor of this utility model.
[0036] Figure 3 This is a top sectional view of the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor of this utility model.
[0037] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: 1. base; 2. gear; 3. fixed shaft; 4. rotating sleeve; 5. sector gear; 6. electrolytic cell; 7. transparent window; 8. L-shaped rod; 9. driving component; 10. screw; 11. cover; 12. exhaust pipe; 13. first electric telescopic rod; 14. second electric telescopic rod; 15. third electric telescopic rod. Detailed Implementation
[0038] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:
[0039] Example 1:
[0040] As attached Figures 1-3 As shown: A photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor includes a controller and a base 1. The base 1 is circular. In this embodiment, the controller is preferably an S7-200 PLC.
[0041] A gear 2 is rotatably connected to the top of the base 1. Several fixed shafts 3 are fixedly connected to the top of the base 1 around the circumference by bolts. Rotating sleeves 4 are fitted onto each fixed shaft 3. The rotating sleeves 4 and the fixed shafts 3 are rotatably engaged. A sector gear 5 is integrally formed on the side wall of each rotating sleeve 4. The sector gears 5 mesh with the gear 2. An electrolytic cell 6 is also fixedly connected to the side wall of each rotating sleeve 4 by bolts. The electrolytic cell 6 is a semi-circular cavity. A sealing strip is fixedly adhered to the top of each electrolytic cell 6 around the circumference. A light-illuminating port is opened on the side wall of each electrolytic cell 6. A transparent window 7 is fixedly connected to the light-illuminating port by bolts. The transparent window 7 is circular in shape.
[0042] One of the fixed shafts 3 is fixedly connected to an L-shaped rod 8 by bolts at its top, and a drive component 9 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the horizontal end of the L-shaped rod 8 by bolts. In this embodiment, the drive component 9 is a geared motor, preferably a YK2000W geared motor. The output end of the controller and the input end of the geared motor are electrically connected.
[0043] A screw 10 is coaxially fixed to the top of gear 2 by bolts. The top of screw 10 and the output shaft of drive component 9 are coaxially fixed to each other by bolts. A cover 11 is threaded onto screw 10. The cover 11 is circular and located above electrolytic cell 6. The cover 11 and fixed shaft 3 are both vertically slidingly engaged.
[0044] The top of the cover 11 is circumferentially connected to several exhaust pipes 12, and each exhaust pipe 12 is connected to an exhaust valve; the cover 11 is provided with an electrolysis component for catalytic decomposition of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 6.
[0045] The electrolysis assembly includes several first electric telescopic rods 13, second electric telescopic rods 14, and third electric telescopic rods 15, which are fixedly connected along the top circumference of the cover 11 by bolts. In this embodiment, the first electric telescopic rods 13, second electric telescopic rods 14, and third electric telescopic rods 15 are preferably FUNITED DC12V electric telescopic rods with a stroke of 200mm. The output shafts of the first electric telescopic rods 13, second electric telescopic rods 14, and third electric telescopic rods 15 all pass through the cover 11 and are respectively fixedly connected to a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode by bolts. The distance between the working electrode and the reference electrode is 10 cm, and the distance between the reference electrode and the counter electrode is 15 cm. The input ends of the first electric telescopic rods 13, second electric telescopic rods 14, and third electric telescopic rods 15 are all electrically connected to the output end of the controller.
[0046] The specific implementation process is as follows:
[0047] by Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 For example, in this embodiment, the electrolytic cell 6 is initially in a contracted state; the operator starts the output shaft of the reduction motor to rotate counterclockwise through the controller, the output shaft of the reduction motor drives the screw 10 to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn causes the gear 2 to rotate counterclockwise, and the sector gear 5 meshing with the gear 2 rotates clockwise around the fixed shaft 3, which in turn drives the rotating sleeve 4 to rotate clockwise around the fixed shaft 3, so that all the semi-circular electrolytic cells 6 are simultaneously rotated clockwise and unfolded.
[0048] The operators added the prepared electrolyte to each electrolytic cell 6 to complete the electrolyte addition operation.
[0049] by Figure 1 and Figure 3 For example, after the addition is complete, the output shaft of the geared motor is started and rotated clockwise, driving the screw 10 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the electrolytic cell 6 rotates counterclockwise and retracts to below the cap 11. Simultaneously, due to the threaded engagement between the cap 11 and the screw 10, the cap 11 is prevented from rotating with the screw 10 by the limiting effect of the fixed shaft 3. The cap 11 can then move up and down on the screw 10 and slide vertically downwards along the fixed shaft 3, covering the top of the retracted electrolytic cell 6. The sealing strip on the top of the electrolytic cell 6 prevents electrolyte leakage and gas escape, ensuring the sealing of the reaction environment.
[0050] Meanwhile, the controller controls the output shafts of the first electric telescopic rod 13, the second electric telescopic rod 14, and the third electric telescopic rod 15 to extend, respectively inserting the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode into the electrolyte. In this embodiment, the working electrode is a titanium dioxide working electrode, the reference electrode is a saturated calomel reference electrode, and the counter electrode is a platinum counter electrode. Subsequently, the titanium dioxide working electrode, the saturated calomel reference electrode, and the platinum counter electrode are energized.
[0051] At this point, the light source is aimed at the transparent window 7 on the light source. The light passes through the transparent window 7 and enters the electrolytic cell 6. Under the combined action of light and electricity, the titanium dioxide working electrode catalyzes the decomposition of the electrolyte. The saturated calomel reference electrode provides a stable potential reference to ensure the potential conditions for the electrolysis reaction. The platinum counter electrode catalyzes the gain of electrons by hydrogen ions to generate hydrogen gas, thereby realizing the photoelectrocatalytic decomposition of water to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
[0052] The hydrogen and oxygen produced during the reaction are discharged through the vent pipe 12 on the cap 11. The operator uses a gas collection device to collect and store the hydrogen and oxygen discharged through the vent pipe 12.
[0053] After hydrogen production is completed, the operator uses the controller to control the output shafts of the first electric telescopic rod 13, the second electric telescopic rod 14, and the third electric telescopic rod 15 to retract, thereby extracting the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode from the electrolyte. Then, the operator uses the controller to control the output shaft of the geared motor to rotate counterclockwise, causing the cover 11 to rise. At the same time, the electrolytic cell 6 rotates and unfolds, making it easier for the operator to clean and maintain the electrolytic cell 6.
[0054] Example 2:
[0055] As attached Figure 1 As shown, the difference from Example 1 is that the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 6 is coated with a silver mirror coating.
[0056] The specific implementation process is as follows:
[0057] The silver mirror coating has a high reflectivity, which can reflect the light entering the electrolytic cell 6 multiple times, so that the light can have more full contact with the electrolyte and working electrode in the electrolytic cell 6.
[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A photoelectrocatalytic water splitting reactor for hydrogen production, characterized in that, Includes controller and base (1); The top of the base (1) is rotatably connected to a gear (2), and the top of the base (1) is circumferentially fixedly connected to several fixed shafts (3). Each fixed shaft (3) is fitted with a rotating sleeve (4). The rotating sleeve (4) and the fixed shaft (3) are rotatably engaged. Each rotating sleeve (4) is fixedly connected to a sector gear (5), and the sector gear (5) meshes with the gear (2). Electrolytic cells (6) are fixedly connected to the side wall of the rotating sleeve (4). Light-emitting ports are opened on the side wall of the electrolytic cells (6). Transparent windows (7) are fixedly connected to the light-emitting ports. An L-shaped rod (8) is fixedly connected to the top of one of the fixed shafts (3). A drive unit (9) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the horizontal end of the L-shaped rod (8). The output end of the controller and the input end of the drive unit (9) are electrically connected. A screw (10) is coaxially fixedly connected to the top of the gear (2), and the top of the screw (10) is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive component (9); a cover (11) is threaded on the screw (10), and the cover (11) is located above the electrolytic cell (6); the cover (11) and the fixed shaft (3) are both vertically slidingly engaged; The top of the cover (11) is circumferentially connected to several exhaust pipes (12); the cover (11) is provided with an electrolysis component for catalytic decomposition of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell (6).
2. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolysis assembly includes several first electric telescopic rods (13), second electric telescopic rods (14), and third electric telescopic rods (15) that are fixedly connected circumferentially along the top of the cover (11); the output shafts of the first electric telescopic rods (13), second electric telescopic rods (14), and third electric telescopic rods (15) all pass through the cover (11) and are respectively fixedly connected to a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode; the input ends of the first electric telescopic rods (13), second electric telescopic rods (14), and third electric telescopic rods (15) are all electrically connected to the output end of the controller.
3. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner walls of the electrolytic cell (6) are coated with a silver mirror coating.
4. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrolytic cells (6) are all semi-circular cavities.
5. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production reactor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cap (11) is round.
6. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top of the electrolytic cell (6) is circumferentially fixed with sealing strips.
7. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base (1) is circular.
8. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transparent window (7) is circular in shape.
9. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the working electrode and the reference electrode is 10 cm, and the distance between the reference electrode and the counter electrode is 15 cm.
10. The photoelectrocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each exhaust pipe (12) is connected to an exhaust valve.