Electrolytic bath with integrated small heat storage device
By integrating a small heat storage device into the electrolytic cell and utilizing phase change materials and a wound heat exchange tube structure, the problems of low efficiency and waste heat in electrolytic cells under low temperature conditions are solved, achieving a highly efficient electrolysis process and reduced energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI AIKELAN RES INST CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrolytic cells become less efficient when operating in low-temperature environments, requiring additional heating systems to increase energy consumption. Furthermore, the waste heat from traditional electrolytic cells is not effectively recovered and utilized, resulting in energy waste.
An electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device is designed. The structure of the heating tube is based on a phase change material layer and a wound heat exchange tube. The incoming water is preheated by the waste heat from electrolysis to improve the heat exchange efficiency. If necessary, it is further heated by heating rods to reduce energy consumption.
By utilizing waste heat from electrolysis to preheat the feed water, electrolysis efficiency is improved, energy consumption is reduced, and a highly efficient electrolysis process is achieved.
Smart Images
Figure CN224172878U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrolytic cell technology, and in particular to an electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device. Background Technology
[0002] A PEM electrolyzer is a water electrolysis device that uses a proton exchange membrane as the electrolyte medium. It is mainly used for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources and for hydrogen storage. Its core advantages lie in its high efficiency, flexibility, and safety, making it the mainstream choice for current green hydrogen technology.
[0003] During the operation of an electrolytic cell, the temperature of the liquid entering the cell has a significant impact on the electrolysis efficiency and overall performance. When the electrolytic cell is operating in a low-temperature environment, the low inlet water temperature will cause the activation energy of the electrolysis reaction to increase and the efficiency to decrease. An additional heating system is required, which increases energy consumption. Furthermore, the waste heat of traditional electrolytic cells is not effectively recovered and utilized, resulting in energy waste.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide an electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device that utilizes waste heat from electrolysis to preheat the incoming water and reduce energy consumption.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device provided by this utility model includes: an electrolytic cell, an outlet pipe and an inlet pipe installed on the side wall of the electrolytic cell, and a storage cylinder installed on one side of the electrolytic cell, with a phase change material layer placed inside the storage cylinder; a heating rod installed inside the storage cylinder, with multiple spiral heat exchange tubes and heating tubes wound around the side wall of the heating rod, the heat exchange tubes and heating tubes being intertwined; the two ends of the multiple heat exchange tubes are respectively connected to the outlet pipe and a second connector, and the two ends of the multiple heating tubes are respectively connected to the inlet pipe and a first connector, and temperature sensors are installed on the side walls of the second connector and the inlet pipe.
[0007] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is equipped with multiple anodes and cathodes, and a platinum-titanium felt layer, a proton exchange membrane and a carbon paper layer are sequentially installed between the anodes and the cathodes.
[0008] Preferably, an insulating layer is provided between the anode and the cathode.
[0009] Preferably, multiple third branch pipes are installed on the side wall of the water inlet pipe, and the third branch pipes are connected to the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer.
[0010] Preferably, multiple first branch pipes are installed on the side wall of the water outlet pipe, and the first branch pipes are in communication with the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer.
[0011] Preferably, multiple second branch pipes are installed inside the electrolytic cell, the second branch pipes are connected to the interior of the carbon paper layer, and the second branch pipes are connected to the hydrogen pipe.
[0012] Preferably, the storage cylinder has an internal insulation layer and a feed pipe is installed at the top of the storage cylinder.
[0013] Compared with related technologies, the electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0014] This utility model provides an electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device. After electrolysis in the electrolytic cell, the water temperature rises and enters the interior of multiple heat exchange tubes through the outlet pipe. Water requiring electrolysis enters the interior of multiple heating tubes through the first connector. The electrolyzed water is diverted by the heat exchange tubes, and the water requiring electrolysis is diverted by the heating tubes, increasing the heat exchange area and improving the heat exchange efficiency of both. Furthermore, the heat exchange tubes and heating tubes are intertwined on the sidewall of the heating rod, increasing the contact area and heat exchange time, facilitating the rapid dissipation of heat from the heat exchange tubes into the heating tubes, causing the water temperature inside the heating tubes to rise rapidly. A phase change material layer is placed inside the storage cylinder. The phase change material layer is composed of… Composed of paraffin or fatty acids, these substances have a melting point of 40–80°C. The phase change material layer absorbs and stores the heat dissipated from the heat exchange tube while remaining in a liquid state. The heating tube is also located inside the phase change material layer, further accelerating the heating efficiency of the liquid inside the heating tube. Furthermore, the phase change material layer stores some heat, and when the heat inside the heat exchange tube is too low, the heat stored in the phase change material layer continues to heat the heating tube. This utilizes the waste heat from electrolysis to preheat the incoming water, accelerating electrolysis efficiency and reducing energy consumption. When the temperature of the liquid passing through the heating tube is insufficient, the heating rod is turned on to heat the liquid inside the heating tube, preventing the liquid temperature from becoming too low. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device provided by this utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the structure at point A.
[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the structure at point B.
[0018] Numbered in the diagram: 1. Electrolytic cell, 2. Water outlet pipe, 21. First branch pipe, 3. Hydrogen pipe, 31. Second branch pipe, 4. Water inlet pipe, 41. Third branch pipe, 5. Storage cylinder, 6. Phase change material layer, 7. Heat exchanger tube, 8. Heating rod, 9. Heating tube, 10. Anode, 11. Platinum-plated titanium felt layer, 12. Proton exchange membrane, 13. Carbon paper layer, 14. Cathode, 15. Insulating layer, 16. Thermal insulation layer, 17. Feed pipe, 18. Temperature sensor, 19. First connector, 20. Second connector. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0020] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device provided by this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the structure at point A. Figure 3 for Figure 1The enlarged schematic diagram of section B shows an electrolytic cell 1. An outlet pipe 2 and an inlet pipe 4 are installed on the side wall of the electrolytic cell 1. A storage cylinder 5 is installed on one side of the electrolytic cell 1, and a phase change material layer 6 is placed inside the storage cylinder 5. A heating rod 8 is installed inside the storage cylinder 5. Multiple spiral heat exchange tubes 7 and heating tubes 9 are wound around the side wall of the heating rod 8, and the heat exchange tubes 7 and heating tubes 9 are intertwined. The two ends of the multiple heat exchange tubes 7 are respectively connected to the outlet pipe 2 and a second connector 20, and the two ends of the multiple heating tubes 9 are respectively connected to the inlet pipe 4 and a first connector 19. After electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 1, the water temperature rises and enters the interior of the multiple heat exchange tubes 7 through the outlet pipe 2. The water to be electrolyzed enters the interior of the multiple heating tubes 9 through the first connector 19. The electrolyzed water is diverted by the heat exchange tubes 7, and the water to be electrolyzed is diverted by the heating tubes 9, increasing the heat exchange area and improving efficiency. The heat exchange efficiency of both is improved, and the heat exchange tube 7 and the heating tube 9 are intertwined on the side wall of the heating rod 8, increasing the contact area and heat exchange time. This facilitates the rapid dissipation of heat from the heat exchange tube 7 into the heating tube 9, causing the water temperature inside the heating tube 9 to rise rapidly. A phase change material layer 6, composed of paraffin or fatty acids with melting points of 40–80°C, is placed inside the storage cylinder 5. This layer absorbs and stores the heat dissipated from the heat exchange tube 7 in a liquid state. The heating tube 9 is also located inside the phase change material layer, further accelerating the heating efficiency of the liquid inside the heating tube 9. Furthermore, the phase change material layer 6 stores some heat, which continues to heat the heating tube 9 when the heat inside the heat exchange tube 7 is too low. Thus, the waste heat from electrolysis is used to preheat the incoming water, accelerating electrolysis efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
[0021] Temperature sensors 18 are installed on the side walls of the second connector 20 and the water inlet pipe 4. The temperature sensors 18 monitor the water temperature inside the second connector 20 and the water inlet pipe 4. When the liquid temperature inside the water inlet pipe 4 is not up to standard, the heating rod 8 is turned on to heat the liquid inside the heating tube 9, so as to prevent the liquid temperature inside the water inlet pipe 4 from being too low.
[0022] Multiple third branch pipes 41 are installed on the side wall of the water inlet pipe 4, and the third branch pipes 41 are connected to the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer 11. Multiple anodes 10 and cathodes 14 are installed inside the electrolytic cell 1. The platinum-plated titanium felt layer 11, proton exchange membrane 12 and carbon paper layer 13 are installed sequentially between the anodes 10 and the cathodes 14. Both sides of the proton exchange membrane 12 are coated with catalysts. The anode 10 corresponds to an iridium catalyst and the cathode 14 corresponds to a platinum catalyst. The catalysts are used to accelerate the electrolysis reaction. In order to facilitate the preheated water to enter the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer 11 through the water inlet pipe 4 and the third branch pipes 41, the water diffuses inside the platinum-plated titanium felt layer 11 and then comes into contact with the anode 10. The anode 10 decomposes the water into oxygen, protons (H) and electrons (e). The protons (H) and electrons (e) penetrate the proton exchange membrane 12 and diffuse into the interior of the carbon paper layer 13. The cathode 14 causes the protons (H) and electrons (e) to react and generate hydrogen gas.
[0023] An insulating layer 15 is provided between the anode 10 and the cathode 14 to prevent the anode 10 and the cathode 14 from being connected.
[0024] Multiple first branch pipes 21 are installed on the side wall of the water outlet pipe 2, and the first branch pipes 21 are connected to the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer 11. In order to facilitate the water and oxygen inside the platinum-plated titanium felt layer 11 to converge into the interior of the water outlet pipe 2 through the first branch pipes 21, and then the water and oxygen enter the interior of the heat exchange pipe 7.
[0025] Multiple second branch pipes 31 are installed inside the electrolytic cell 1. The second branch pipes 31 are connected to the inside of the carbon paper layer 13 and to the hydrogen pipe 3. In order to facilitate the hydrogen generated inside the carbon paper layer 13 to converge into the inside of the hydrogen pipe 3 through the second branch pipes 31, and then the hydrogen is discharged through the hydrogen pipe 3.
[0026] The storage cylinder 5 is provided with an insulation layer 16, which can be made of polyurethane foam, to reduce the efficiency of heat dissipation from the phase change material layer 6 into the air; and a feed pipe 17 is installed at the top of the storage cylinder 5 to facilitate the addition of an appropriate amount of phase change material into the storage cylinder 5.
[0027] The working principle of the electrolytic cell with integrated small heat storage device provided by this utility model is as follows: The electrolytic cell 1 is connected to a power source to begin operation. The first connector 19 is connected to a water pump, which delivers the liquid to be electrolyzed into the first connector 19. After electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 1, the water temperature rises and enters the interior of multiple heat exchange tubes 7 through the outlet pipe 2. The water to be electrolyzed enters the interior of multiple heating tubes 9 through the first connector 19. The electrolyzed water is diverted by the heat exchange tubes 7, and the water to be electrolyzed is diverted by the heating tubes 9, increasing the heat exchange area and improving the heat exchange efficiency of both. Furthermore, the heat exchange tubes 7 and the heating tubes 9 are intertwined on the side wall of the heating rod 8, increasing the contact area and heat exchange time, facilitating the rapid dissipation of heat from the heat exchange tubes 7 into the heating tubes 9, causing the water temperature inside the heating tubes 9 to rise rapidly. A phase change material layer 6, composed of paraffin or fatty acids with melting points of 40–80°C, is placed inside the storage cylinder 5. This layer absorbs and stores heat dissipated from the heat exchange tube 7 in a liquid state. The heating tube 9 is also located inside the phase change material layer, further accelerating the heating efficiency of the liquid inside the heating tube 9. Furthermore, the phase change material layer 6 stores some heat, which continues to heat the heating tube 9 when the heat inside the heat exchange tube 7 is too low. This utilizes the waste heat from electrolysis to preheat the incoming water, accelerating electrolysis efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The temperature sensor 18 monitors the water temperature inside the second connector 20 and the inlet pipe 4. When the liquid temperature inside the inlet pipe 4 is below standard, the heating rod 8 is connected to the power supply, turning it on to heat the liquid inside the heating tube 9, preventing the liquid temperature inside the inlet pipe 4 from becoming too low. Preheated water enters the interior of the platinum-titanium felt layer 11 through the inlet pipe 4 and the third branch pipe 41. After dissipating inside the platinum-titanium felt layer 11, the water comes into contact with the anode 10. The anode 10 decomposes the water into oxygen, protons (H), and electrons (e). The protons (H) and electrons (e) pass through the proton exchange membrane 12 and dissipate inside the carbon paper layer 13. The cathode 14 causes the protons (H) and electrons (e) to react and generate hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas generated inside the carbon paper layer 13 is collected through the second branch pipe 31 and enters the interior of the hydrogen pipe 3, and then discharged through the hydrogen pipe 3. The water and oxygen inside the platinum-titanium felt layer 11 are collected through the first branch pipe 21 and enter the interior of the outlet pipe 2. Then, the water and oxygen enter the interior of the heat exchange pipe 7 to heat the liquid inside the heating pipe 9.
[0028] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device, characterized in that, include: An electrolytic cell (1) is provided with an outlet pipe (2) and an inlet pipe (4) installed on the side wall of the electrolytic cell (1), and a storage cylinder (5) is installed on one side of the electrolytic cell (1), with a phase change material layer (6) placed inside the storage cylinder (5). Heating rods (8) are installed inside the storage cylinder (5). Multiple spiral heat exchange tubes (7) and heating tubes (9) are wound around the side wall of the heating rods (8). The heat exchange tubes (7) and heating tubes (9) are intertwined. The two ends of the multiple heat exchange tubes (7) are respectively connected to the water outlet pipe (2) and the second connector (20). The two ends of the multiple heating tubes (9) are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe (4) and the first connector (19). Temperature sensors (18) are installed on the side walls of the second connector (20) and the water inlet pipe (4).
2. The electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell (1) is equipped with multiple anodes (10) and cathodes (14). A platinum-plated titanium felt layer (11), a proton exchange membrane (12) and a carbon paper layer (13) are sequentially installed between the anodes (10) and the cathodes (14).
3. The electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, An insulating layer (15) is provided between the anode (10) and the cathode (14).
4. The electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple third branch pipes (41) are installed on the side wall of the water inlet pipe (4), and the third branch pipes (41) are connected to the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer (11).
5. The electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple first branch pipes (21) are installed on the side wall of the water outlet pipe (2), and the first branch pipes (21) are connected to the interior of the platinum-plated titanium felt layer (11).
6. The electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple second branch pipes (31) are installed inside the electrolytic cell (1). The second branch pipes (31) are connected to the interior of the carbon paper layer (13) and are also connected to the hydrogen pipe (3).
7. The electrolytic cell with an integrated small heat storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage cylinder (5) is provided with an insulation layer (16) inside, and a feed pipe (17) is installed at the top of the storage cylinder (5).