Novel electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen from alkaline water

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, in particular to a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell which comprises an external pressure compensation system arranged at one end or two ends of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell, and compensation thrust of the external pressure compensation system acts on an end pressing plate of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell. According to the utility model, the stress state of the sealing gasket can be optimized and improved, the problem that the sealing gasket is easy to damage due to pressure change in the electrolytic cell and thermal expansion and cold contraction caused by frequent startup and shutdown of the electrolytic cell is solved, and particularly, the problem that the sealing gasket close to the end polar plate is easier to lose efficacy and damage can be solved; therefore, the working reliability and the operation safety of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic bath are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrolysis technology, specifically to a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolysis cell. Background Technology

[0002] An alkaline water electrolyzer is a device that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing alkaline water. Its basic principle is to generate hydrogen and oxygen at the cathode and anode of the electrolyzer by electrolyzing an alkaline aqueous solution containing hydroxide ions. Traditional alkaline water electrolyzers typically use a 30% potassium hydroxide solution or a 26% sodium hydroxide solution as the electrolyte, offering advantages such as mature technology, rich operational experience, and low cost.

[0003] Typical alkaline water electrolyzers for hydrogen production in existing technologies include... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a number of electrode plate components assembled by stacking, with sealing gaskets 6 placed between adjacent electrode plate components. Among the stacked electrode plate components, the electrode plate components at both ends are called end plates 1, and the electrode plate components in the middle are called electrode plates 5. At both ends of the stacked electrode plate components, end pressure plates 2 are also provided to press the stacked electrode plate components and sealing gaskets together. An insulating plate 3 is placed between the end pressure plate 2 and the end plate 1. Existing insulating plates 3 are usually rigid insulating plates. For large alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzers, the end pressure plate 1, insulating plate 3, and end plate 1, as rigid structures, have a relatively heavy overall weight. By setting the insulating plate 3, the current loaded on the electrode plate is isolated from the end pressure plate 2, preventing short circuits during electrolysis and ensuring the safety of operators. In addition, inside the assembled electrolytic cell, an electrolytic chamber is formed between two adjacent electrode plates. The electrolytic chamber is divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by a diaphragm 14. On both sides of the diaphragm 14, an anode mesh (as an oxygen evolution electrode 10) located in the anode chamber and a cathode mesh (as a hydrogen evolution electrode 11) located in the cathode chamber are respectively provided.

[0004] Currently, alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production is mainly used in green electricity hydrogen production scenarios such as photovoltaic and wind power generation. Due to the influence of natural conditions, the power supply load to the electrolyzer fluctuates greatly, and the electrolyzer operates under a wide range of fluctuations and frequent start-stop operations. Load fluctuations and frequent start-stop operations cause large changes in temperature and pressure within the electrolyzer itself. Due to thermal expansion and contraction and pressure changes, the electrolyzer undergoes frequent elongation and contraction along its overall length, which in turn transfers significant stress to each sealing gasket. This worsens the stress on the sealing gaskets, accelerates their damage, and ultimately reduces the service life of the electrolyzer.

[0005] Furthermore, through long-term operational observation of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer, the applicant discovered that the sealing gaskets near the end plates in the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer are more prone to failure than the sealing gaskets between the plates in the middle of the electrolyzer. This can cause the medium inside the cell to leak outward, which seriously affects the safety of the electrolyzer, resulting in problems such as forced shutdown, short service life, and even scrapping of the electrolyzer.

[0006] Therefore, how to prevent the failure and damage of sealing gaskets in alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzers, especially the problem that sealing gaskets near the end plates are more prone to failure and damage, is one of the technical problems that urgently need to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a novel alkaline water-based hydrogen production electrolyzer, aiming to optimize and improve the stress state of the sealing gaskets. This solves the problem of easy damage to the sealing gaskets caused by frequent start-ups and shutdowns leading to pressure and temperature changes within the electrolyzer and thermal expansion and contraction. In particular, it addresses the issue of sealing gaskets near the end plates being more prone to failure and damage, thereby improving the operational reliability and safety of the alkaline water-based hydrogen production electrolyzer. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0008] A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer includes an external pressure compensation system installed at one or both ends of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer, wherein the compensation thrust of the external pressure compensation system acts on the end pressure plate of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0009] When the stress on the sealing gasket of the electrolytic cell changes, the external pressure compensation system automatically controls the magnitude of the compensation thrust to compensate for the stress change on the sealing gasket, ensuring that the pressure change value borne by the sealing gasket during electrolytic cell operation remains within a set threshold range, thereby guaranteeing the basic stability of the stress on the sealing gasket. This significantly improves the stress state of the electrolytic cell sealing gasket, extending its service life and operational reliability.

[0010] Preferably, the external pressure compensation system automatically controls the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate to balance the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer based on the pressure and temperature changes inside the cell. This eliminates or reduces the pressure changes on the sealing gasket of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer caused by the pressure and temperature changes inside the cell, and ensures that the pressure change value of the sealing gasket during the operation of the electrolyzer is stabilized within the set threshold range, thereby ensuring the basic stability of the force on the sealing gasket.

[0011] In this invention, the external pressure compensation system is one of a mechanical thrust compensation system, a hydraulic compensation system, or a pneumatic pressure compensation system.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the mechanical thrust compensation system in this utility model, the electrolytic cell is equipped with an in-cell pressure sensor for monitoring the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell. The mechanical thrust compensation system includes a servo electric cylinder, a thrust disk located at the front end of the telescopic rod of the servo electric cylinder, and a thrust sensor for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust. The servo electric cylinder, the thrust sensor, and the in-cell pressure sensor are respectively connected to the controller of the external pressure compensation system.

[0013] The aforementioned mechanical thrust compensation system monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the thrust of the telescopic rod of the servo cylinder to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensating thrust acting on the end plate by the servo cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the hydraulic compensation system in this utility model, the hydraulic compensation system includes a hydraulic cylinder and a thrust plate disposed at the front end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder for pressing against the end plate. The hydraulic cylinder converts the pressure signal taken from the gas phase or liquid phase of the electrolyzer into a pressure compensation thrust of the hydraulic cylinder, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate by the hydraulic cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0015] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is provided with an electrolyte pipeline (e.g., an electrolyte circulation pipeline) connected to the internal electrolyte. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to the electrolyte pipeline through a pressure compensation pipeline, thereby achieving automatic balance between the compensating thrust of the hydraulic cylinder acting on the end plate and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0016] Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder resistant to corrosion by alkaline water electrolyte. It uses the electrolyte with a certain pressure inside the electrolytic cell as the hydraulic source to drive the hydraulic cylinder to move, forming thrust compensation, and automatically balancing the compensating thrust acting on the end plate by the hydraulic cylinder with the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the hydraulic compensation system in this invention, the hydraulic cylinder in the hydraulic compensation system may not be connected to the electrolyte circulation pipeline. Instead, it may be connected to a pressure-adjustable pressurized liquid supply device via a pressure compensation pipeline, and a thrust sensor for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust may be installed. The hydraulic compensation system monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the pressure of the liquid entering the hydraulic cylinder from the pressurized liquid supply device to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate by the hydraulic cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0018] As one of the preferred embodiments of the gas pressure compensation system in this utility model, the gas pressure compensation system includes a top plate and a flexible airbag disposed on the top plate. The flexible airbag is connected to the gas output pipeline of the hydrogen production separation system through a pressure compensation pipeline, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate by the flexible airbag and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0019] Preferably, the contact area between the flexible airbag and the end pressure plate is the same as the effective pressure-bearing area on the end electrode plate located inside the electrolyzer, thereby achieving automatic balance between the compensating thrust exerted by the flexible airbag on the end pressure plate and the pressure exerted on the end electrode plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0020] As an optional solution for the pressure compensation system using a flexible airbag in this invention, the flexible airbag in the pressure compensation system may not be connected to the gas output pipeline of the electrolyzer. Instead, it may be connected to a pressure-adjustable pressurized gas supply device via a pressure compensation pipeline, and a thrust sensor for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust may be installed. The pressure compensation system monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the pressure of the gas entering the flexible airbag from the pressurized gas supply device to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate by the flexible airbag and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0021] As a second preferred embodiment of the gas pressure compensation system in this utility model, the gas pressure compensation system includes a cylinder and a thrust plate disposed at the front end of the piston rod of the cylinder for pressing against the end pressure plate. The cylinder is connected to the gas output pipeline of the hydrogen production separation system through a pressure compensation pipeline, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate by the cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0022] As an optional solution for the cylinder-based pressure compensation system in this invention, the cylinder in the pressure compensation system may not be connected to the gas output pipeline of the electrolyzer. Instead, it may be connected to a pressure-adjustable pressurized gas supply device via a pressure compensation pipeline, and a thrust sensor for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust may be installed. The pressure compensation system monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the pressure of the gas entering the cylinder from the pressurized gas supply device to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate by the cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0023] Preferably, a flexible pad is provided between the thrust plate and the end pressure plate.

[0024] Preferably, the flexible pad is a rubber flexible pad.

[0025] Preferably, whether using a hydraulic compensation system with a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic compensation system with a pneumatic cylinder, when using circulating electrolyte as the power source for the hydraulic compensation system, or using hydrogen produced by the electrolytic cell as the power source for the pneumatic compensation system, the force-bearing area of ​​the piston of the hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder used to push the telescopic rod can be set to be the same as the effective pressure-bearing area on the end plate located inside the electrolytic cell. This achieves automatic balance between the compensating thrust acting on the end plate by the thrust plate and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0026] The novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model is also equipped with a steel frame, and the main part of the external pressure compensation system (i.e., the compensation thrust generating device for the top pressure end plate) is set on the steel frame.

[0027] Preferably, a top plate is provided on the steel frame, and the main body of the external pressure compensation system is located on the top plate of the steel frame.

[0028] Preferably, the thrust sensor used to monitor the magnitude of the compensation thrust can be located between the main body of the external pressure compensation system and the top plate.

[0029] Preferably, the gas output pipeline is an oxygen output pipeline.

[0030] As an alternative, the gas output pipeline can also be a hydrogen output pipeline.

[0031] As a further improvement, the novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model also includes an auxiliary gasket element disposed between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer. The auxiliary gasket element is elastic and does not come into contact with the internal electrolyte of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0032] As one of the preferred embodiments of the auxiliary gasket element in this utility model, the auxiliary gasket element includes a single insulating plate, and the insulating plate is elastic.

[0033] Preferably, the insulating board is one of the following: polytetrafluoroethylene elastic modified insulating board, silicone rubber insulating board, fluororubber insulating board, polyurethane elastomer insulating board, AEM ethylene acrylate rubber insulating board, EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber insulating board, rubber modified insulating board, and engineering plastic elastic modified insulating board; or the insulating board is a multi-layer composite elastic insulating board.

[0034] As a second preferred embodiment of the auxiliary gasket element in this utility model, the auxiliary gasket element includes an auxiliary gasket assembly composed of at least one rigid gasket and at least one elastic gasket stacked together.

[0035] Preferably, in the auxiliary gasket assembly, at least one of the rigid gaskets is an insulating rigid gasket, or at least one of the elastic gaskets is an insulating elastic gasket.

[0036] Preferably, the rigid gasket and the elastic gasket in the auxiliary gasket assembly are stacked alternately in sequence.

[0037] More preferably, the auxiliary gasket assembly includes N rigid gaskets and N+1 elastic gaskets, which are stacked alternately in a manner of elastic gasket, rigid gasket, elastic gasket, rigid gasket, ..., elastic gasket to form the auxiliary gasket assembly.

[0038] Preferably, the elastic gasket is one of the following: polytetrafluoroethylene elastic modified gasket, silicone rubber gasket, fluororubber gasket, polyurethane elastomer gasket, AEM ethylene acrylate rubber gasket, EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber gasket, rubber modified gasket, and engineering plastic elastic modified gasket; or the elastic gasket is a multi-layer composite elastic gasket made of multiple layers.

[0039] In this invention, the elastic gasket is an annular elastic gasket or a solid elastic gasket, and the outer edge shape of the elastic gasket matches the shape of the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate.

[0040] Preferably, in order to ensure the elastic performance of the auxiliary gasket element, the resilience coefficient of the auxiliary gasket element is ≥30%.

[0041] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0042] First, this novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of the present invention, by setting an external pressure compensation system at both ends of the electrolyzer, can balance the compensating thrust acting on the external end pressure plate of the electrolyzer with the pressure acting on the end plate inside the electrolyzer. This eliminates or reduces the pressure changes on the sealing gasket of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer caused by pressure and temperature variations within the cell, ensuring that the pressure change value on the sealing gasket during electrolyzer operation remains stable within a set threshold range, thereby guaranteeing the basic stability of the stress on the sealing gasket. This significantly improves the stress state of the sealing gasket and extends the service life of both the sealing gasket and the electrolyzer.

[0043] Secondly, the novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model utilizes the gas pressure or electrolyte pressure inside the electrolyzer as a power source for its external pressure compensation system. This allows for the automatic balance between the compensating thrust acting on the external end plate and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the electrolyzer, achieving dynamic and real-time response. Even if the steel frame is deformed by stress, the compensation effect is not affected, resulting in high reliability. Furthermore, the external pressure compensation system, which does not rely on an external power source, also reduces the cost of the device.

[0044] Third, the novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model can change the rigid connection between the end plate and the end plate by adding an auxiliary gasket element between the end plate and the end plate of the electrolyzer. This allows the end plate and the end plate to have elastic deformation capability, thereby transferring part of the stress on the sealing gasket between each plate to the newly added auxiliary gasket element with good elastic deformation capability outside the end plate. This can reduce the possibility of sealing gasket failure and damage in the electrolyzer.

[0045] Fourth, this novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of the present invention adds an auxiliary gasket element between the end plate and the end plate of the electrolyzer, transferring the larger stress load borne by the sealing gasket near the end plate to the auxiliary gasket element. This makes the stress load borne by the sealing gasket near the end plate and the sealing gasket at the intermediate plate reach or nearly the same level. Therefore, this technology can greatly improve the large stress on the sealing gasket near the end plate, thereby solving the technical problem that the sealing gasket near the end plate is more prone to failure and damage in the prior art.

[0046] Fifth, in this novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer, the auxiliary gasket element newly added between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate is located in a non-pressure area outside the electrolysis chamber and does not come into contact with the internal electrolyte, thus avoiding corrosion from the electrolyte; moreover, even if the auxiliary gasket element is damaged, it will not cause medium leakage, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the risk of electrolyzer leakage, improving the operational safety of the electrolyzer, and increasing the service life of the sealing gasket between the electrode plates.

[0047] Sixth, the novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model features an external pressure compensation system installed outside the electrolyzer. This system works in conjunction with the elastic auxiliary gasket element installed between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate to better solve the problem of easy damage to the sealing gasket caused by pressure and temperature changes and thermal expansion and contraction in the electrolyzer due to frequent start-up and shutdown. In particular, it addresses the issue that the sealing gasket near the end electrode plate is more prone to failure and damage, thereby improving the working reliability and operational safety of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a typical alkaline water electrolyzer in the prior art;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, in which an external pressure compensation system is installed outside the electrolyzer.

[0050] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, which uses an external pressure compensation system and a mechanical thrust compensation system (using a servo electric cylinder to generate the compensation thrust).

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, in which an external pressure compensation system is set up outside the electrolyzer and a hydraulic compensation system is adopted (using a hydraulic cylinder to generate compensation thrust).

[0052] Figure 5 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, which uses an external pressure compensation system (using a cylinder to generate compensating thrust) to compensate for the external pressure of the electrolyzer.

[0053] Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, which uses an external pressure compensation system and a pneumatic pressure compensation system (using flexible airbags to generate compensating thrust).

[0054] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, in which an auxiliary gasket element is set between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate (the auxiliary gasket element is a single insulating plate with elasticity).

[0055] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this utility model, in which an auxiliary gasket element is set between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate (the auxiliary gasket element is a combination of a rigid gasket and an elastic gasket).

[0056] In the diagram: 1. End plate, 2. End pressure plate, 3. Insulating plate, 4. Auxiliary gasket element, 5. Electrode plate, 6. Sealing gasket, 7. Rigid gasket, 8. Elastic gasket, 9. Auxiliary gasket assembly, 10. Oxygen evolution electrode, 11. Hydrogen evolution electrode, 12. Nut, 13. Disc spring, 14. Diaphragm, 15. Insulating sleeve, 16. Tensioning bolt.

[0057] In the diagram: 17. External pressure compensation system, 18. Mechanical thrust compensation system, 19. Hydraulic compensation system, 20. Pneumatic pressure compensation system, 21. Servo electric cylinder, 22. Thrust plate, 23. Hydraulic cylinder, 24. Pressure compensation pipeline, 25. Top plate, 26. Flexible airbag, 27. Cylinder, 28. Steel frame, 29. Thrust sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 8 The figure shows an embodiment of a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of the present invention, which includes an external pressure compensation system 17 disposed at one or both ends of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer. The compensation thrust of the external pressure compensation system 17 acts on the end pressure plate 2 of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0060] When the force on the sealing gasket 6 of the electrolytic cell changes, the external pressure compensation system 7 automatically controls the magnitude of the compensation thrust to compensate for the force change of the sealing gasket 6, ensuring that the pressure change value borne by the sealing gasket 6 during the operation of the electrolytic cell remains stable within a set threshold range, thereby guaranteeing the basic stability of the force on the sealing gasket 6. This significantly improves the stress state of the sealing gasket 6, extending its service life and operational reliability.

[0061] Preferably, the external pressure compensation system 17 automatically controls the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 to balance the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer based on the pressure and temperature changes inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer. This eliminates or reduces the pressure changes on the sealing gasket of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer caused by the pressure and temperature changes inside the cell, and ensures that the pressure change value of the sealing gasket 6 during the operation of the electrolyzer is stabilized within the set threshold range, thereby ensuring the basic stability of the force on the sealing gasket 6.

[0062] In this embodiment, the external pressure compensation system 17 is one of the mechanical thrust compensation system 18, hydraulic compensation system 19, and pneumatic pressure compensation system 20.

[0063] As a preferred embodiment of the mechanical thrust compensation system 18, the electrolytic cell is equipped with an in-cell pressure sensor (not shown in the figure) for monitoring the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell. The mechanical thrust compensation system 18 includes a servo cylinder 21, a thrust disk 22 disposed at the front end of the telescopic rod of the servo cylinder 21, and a thrust sensor 29 for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust. The servo cylinder 21, the thrust sensor 29, and the in-cell pressure sensor are respectively connected to the controller of the external pressure compensation system 17.

[0064] The aforementioned mechanical thrust compensation system 18 monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the thrust of the telescopic rod of the servo cylinder 21 to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the servo cylinder 21 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment of the hydraulic compensation system 19, the hydraulic compensation system 19 includes a hydraulic cylinder 23 and a thrust plate 22 disposed at the front end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 23 for pressing against the end pressure plate 2. The hydraulic cylinder 23 converts the pressure signal taken from the gas phase or liquid phase of the electrolyzer into a pressure compensation thrust of the hydraulic cylinder 23, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust of the hydraulic cylinder 23 acting on the end pressure plate 2 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0066] Preferably, the electrolytic cell is provided with an electrolyte pipeline (e.g., an electrolyte circulation pipeline, not shown in the figure) connected to the internal electrolyte. The hydraulic cylinder 23 is connected to the electrolyte pipeline through a pressure compensation pipeline 24, thereby achieving automatic balance between the compensating thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the hydraulic cylinder 23 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0067] Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder 23 is a hydraulic cylinder resistant to corrosion by alkaline water electrolyte. It uses the electrolyte with a certain pressure inside the electrolytic cell as the hydraulic source of the hydraulic cylinder 23 to drive the hydraulic cylinder 23 to move, forming thrust compensation, and so that the compensating thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the hydraulic cylinder 23 is automatically balanced with the pressure acting on the end plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0068] As an optional embodiment of the hydraulic compensation system 19, the hydraulic cylinder 23 in the hydraulic compensation system 19 may not be connected to the electrolyte circulation pipeline, but instead be connected to a pressure-adjustable pressure liquid supply device through a pressure compensation pipeline 24, and a thrust sensor 29 for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust may be installed. The hydraulic compensation system 19 monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the pressure of the liquid entering the hydraulic cylinder 23 from the pressure liquid supply device to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate 2 by the hydraulic cylinder 23 and the pressure acting on the end plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0069] As one of the preferred embodiments of the pressure compensation system 20 in this example, the pressure compensation system 20 includes a top plate 25 and a flexible airbag 26 disposed on the top plate 25. The flexible airbag 26 is connected to the gas output pipeline (not shown in the figure) of the hydrogen production separation system through a pressure compensation pipeline 24, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the flexible airbag 26 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0070] Preferably, the contact area between the flexible airbag 26 and the end pressure plate 2 is the same as the effective pressure-bearing area on the end electrode plate 1 located inside the electrolytic cell, thereby achieving automatic balance between the compensating thrust exerted by the flexible airbag 26 on the end pressure plate 2 and the pressure exerted on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0071] As an optional embodiment of the pressure compensation system 20 employing the flexible airbag 26, the flexible airbag 26 in the pressure compensation system 20 may not be connected to the gas output pipeline of the electrolyzer. Instead, it may be connected to a pressure-adjustable pressure gas supply device via a pressure compensation pipeline 24, and a thrust sensor 29 for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust may be installed. The pressure compensation system 20 monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the pressure of the gas entering the flexible airbag 26 from the pressure gas supply device to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the flexible airbag 26 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0072] As a second preferred embodiment of the pressure compensation system 20, the pressure compensation system 20 includes a cylinder 27 and a thrust plate 22 disposed at the front end of the piston rod of the cylinder 27 for pressing against the end pressure plate 2. The cylinder 27 is connected to the gas output pipeline of the hydrogen production separation system through a pressure compensation pipeline 24, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the cylinder 27 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0073] As an optional embodiment of the pressure compensation system 20 using cylinder 27, the cylinder 27 in the pressure compensation system 20 may not be connected to the gas output pipeline of the electrolyzer. Instead, it may be connected to a pressure-adjustable pressure gas supply device via a pressure compensation pipeline 24, and a thrust sensor 29 for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust may be installed. The pressure compensation system 20 monitors the pressure inside the electrolyzer and dynamically adjusts the pressure of the gas entering the cylinder 27 from the pressure gas supply device to maintain a dynamic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the cylinder 27 and the pressure acting on the end electrode plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0074] Preferably, a flexible pad (not shown in the figure) is provided between the thrust plate 22 and the end pressure plate 2.

[0075] Preferably, the flexible pad is a rubber flexible pad.

[0076] Preferably, whether using the hydraulic compensation system 19 with hydraulic cylinder 23 or the pneumatic compensation system 20 with pneumatic cylinder 27, when using circulating electrolyte as the power source for the hydraulic compensation system 19, or using hydrogen produced by the electrolytic cell as the power source for the pneumatic compensation system 20, the force-bearing area of ​​the piston on the hydraulic cylinder 23 or pneumatic cylinder 27 used to push the telescopic rod can be set to be the same as the effective pressure-bearing area on the end plate 1 located inside the electrolytic cell, thereby achieving automatic balance between the compensating thrust acting on the end pressure plate 2 by the thrust plate 22 and the pressure acting on the end plate 1 inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolytic cell.

[0077] The novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this embodiment is also provided with a steel frame 28, and the main part of the external pressure compensation system 17 (i.e. the compensation thrust generating device for the top pressure end plate 2) is set on the steel frame 28.

[0078] Preferably, a top plate 25 is provided on the steel frame 28, and the main body of the external pressure compensation system 17 is provided on the top plate 25 of the steel frame 28.

[0079] Preferably, the thrust sensor 29 for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust can be disposed between the main body of the external pressure compensation system 20 and the top plate 25.

[0080] Preferably, the gas output pipeline is an oxygen output pipeline.

[0081] As an alternative, the gas output pipeline can also be a hydrogen output pipeline.

[0082] As a further improvement, a novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer of this embodiment also includes an auxiliary gasket element 4 disposed between the end pressure plate 2 and the end electrode plate 1 of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer. The auxiliary gasket element 4 is elastic and does not come into contact with the internal electrolyte of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

[0083] As one of the preferred embodiments of the auxiliary gasket element in this example, the auxiliary gasket element 4 includes a single insulating plate 3, and the insulating plate 3 is elastic.

[0084] Preferably, the insulating board 3 is one of the following: polytetrafluoroethylene elastic modified insulating board, silicone rubber insulating board, fluororubber insulating board, polyurethane elastomer insulating board, AEM ethylene acrylate rubber insulating board, EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber insulating board, rubber modified insulating board, and engineering plastic elastic modified insulating board; or the insulating board 3 is a multi-layer composite elastic insulating board.

[0085] As a second preferred embodiment of the auxiliary gasket element, the auxiliary gasket element includes an auxiliary gasket assembly 9 formed by stacking at least one rigid gasket 7 and at least one elastic gasket 8.

[0086] Preferably, in the auxiliary gasket assembly 9, at least one of the rigid gaskets 7 is an insulating rigid gasket, or at least one of the elastic gaskets 8 is an insulating elastic gasket.

[0087] Preferably, the rigid gasket 7 and the elastic gasket 8 in the auxiliary gasket assembly 9 are stacked alternately in sequence.

[0088] More preferably, the auxiliary gasket assembly 9 includes N rigid gaskets and N+1 elastic gaskets, which are stacked alternately in the following manner: elastic gasket 8, rigid gasket 7, elastic gasket 8, rigid gasket 7, ..., elastic gasket 8, to form the auxiliary gasket assembly 9.

[0089] Figure 8 In this process, the auxiliary gasket assembly 9 includes two rigid gaskets 7 and three elastic gaskets 8, which are stacked alternately between the elastic gaskets 8 and the rigid gaskets 7 to form the auxiliary gasket assembly 9.

[0090] Preferably, the elastic gasket 8 is one of the following: polytetrafluoroethylene elastic modified gasket, silicone rubber gasket, fluororubber gasket, polyurethane elastomer gasket, AEM ethylene acrylate rubber gasket, EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber gasket, rubber modified gasket, and engineering plastic elastic modified gasket; or the elastic gasket 8 is a multi-layer composite elastic gasket made of multiple layers.

[0091] In this embodiment, the elastic pad 8 is an annular elastic pad or a solid elastic pad, and the outer edge shape of the elastic pad 8 matches the shape of the end pressure plate 2 and the end electrode plate 1.

[0092] Preferably, in order to ensure the elastic performance of the auxiliary gasket element 4, the resilience coefficient of the auxiliary gasket element 4 is ≥30%.

[0093] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A novel alkaline water-to-hydrogen electrolyzer, characterized in that, It includes an external pressure compensation system installed at one or both ends of an alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer, wherein the compensation thrust of the external pressure compensation system acts on the end pressure plate of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

2. The novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the pressure on the sealing gasket of the electrolytic cell changes, the external pressure compensation system automatically controls the magnitude of the compensation thrust to compensate for the change in pressure on the sealing gasket of the electrolytic cell, so that the pressure change value borne by the sealing gasket during the operation of the electrolytic cell is stabilized within the set threshold range, thereby ensuring the basic stability of the pressure on the sealing gasket.

3. The novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external pressure compensation system automatically controls the compensation thrust acting on the end pressure plate to balance the pressure acting on the end electrode plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer based on the pressure and temperature changes inside the cell. This eliminates or reduces the pressure changes on the sealing gasket of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer caused by pressure and temperature changes inside the cell, and ensures that the pressure change value of the sealing gasket during the operation of the electrolyzer is stabilized within the set threshold range, thereby ensuring the basic stability of the force on the sealing gasket.

4. The novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external pressure compensation system is one of the mechanical thrust compensation system, hydraulic compensation system, or pneumatic compensation system.

5. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell is equipped with an in-cell pressure sensor for monitoring the internal pressure of the electrolytic cell. The mechanical thrust compensation system includes a servo cylinder, a thrust plate located at the front end of the telescopic rod of the servo cylinder, and a thrust sensor for monitoring the magnitude of the compensation thrust. The servo cylinder, the thrust sensor, and the in-cell pressure sensor are respectively connected to the controller of the external pressure compensation system.

6. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hydraulic compensation system includes a hydraulic cylinder and a thrust plate disposed at the front end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to press against the end plate. The hydraulic cylinder converts the pressure signal taken from the gas phase or liquid phase of the electrolyzer into a pressure compensation thrust of the hydraulic cylinder, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate by the hydraulic cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

7. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure compensation system includes a top plate and a flexible airbag mounted on the top plate. The flexible airbag is connected to the gas output pipeline of the hydrogen production separation system through a pressure compensation pipeline, thereby achieving automatic balance between the compensating thrust acting on the end plate by the flexible airbag and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

8. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure compensation system includes a cylinder and a thrust plate disposed at the front end of the piston rod of the cylinder to press against the end plate. The cylinder is connected to the gas output pipeline of the hydrogen production separation system through a pressure compensation pipeline, thereby realizing the automatic balance between the compensation thrust acting on the end plate by the cylinder and the pressure acting on the end plate inside the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

9. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that, A flexible pad is provided between the thrust plate and the end pressure plate.

10. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The gas output pipeline is an oxygen output pipeline.

11. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary gasket element disposed between the end pressure plate and the end electrode plate of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer. The auxiliary gasket element is elastic and does not come into contact with the internal electrolyte of the alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer.

12. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 11, characterized in that, The auxiliary gasket element comprises an auxiliary gasket assembly consisting of at least one rigid gasket and at least one elastic gasket stacked together.

13. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 12, characterized in that, The auxiliary gasket assembly includes N rigid gaskets and N+1 elastic gaskets, which are stacked alternately in a manner of elastic gasket, rigid gasket, elastic gasket, rigid gasket, ..., elastic gasket to form the auxiliary gasket assembly.

14. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 12, characterized in that, The elastic gasket is one of the following: polytetrafluoroethylene elastic modified gasket, silicone rubber gasket, fluororubber gasket, polyurethane elastomer gasket, AEM ethylene acrylate rubber gasket, EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber gasket, rubber modified gasket, and engineering plastic elastic modified gasket; or the elastic gasket is a multi-layer composite elastic gasket made of multiple layers.

15. A novel alkaline water hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 11, characterized in that, The resilience coefficient of the auxiliary gasket element is ≥30%.

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