Pole frame and electrolytic bath
By adopting a porous structure design in the electrode frame, the fatigue aging problem of the diaphragm under high pressure is solved, thereby improving the stability and lifespan of the diaphragm and making it suitable for large-scale electrolytic cell applications.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUA XIA HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY (XIAMEN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrolytic cell diaphragms are prone to fatigue and aging under high pressure, and the lack of mature and economically feasible structural designs limits the development of high-power electrolytic cells.
The design adopts a pole frame, replacing the single large-diameter through hole with multiple densely distributed and spaced first through holes. Combined with the flow distribution channel, this reduces the pressure on the diaphragm and improves its stability and lifespan.
The porous structure design reduces the pressure on the diaphragm, extends its service life, and maintains stability, making it suitable for long-term operation of large electrolytic cells.
Smart Images
Figure CN224280488U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrolytic cell technology, and in particular to an electrode frame and an electrolytic cell. Background Technology
[0002] Electrolysis for hydrogen production, as an important means of clean energy production, has received widespread attention in recent years. Among the components, the electrolyzer is one of the core devices for hydrogen production through water electrolysis. In practical applications, the performance of the electrolyzer mainly depends on the characteristics and design of its key internal component—the diaphragm. For example, AEM (anion exchange membrane), a commonly used diaphragm material, needs to withstand a significant pressure difference (typically within the range of 0-3 MPa) during electrolyzer operation. For large electrolyzers (such as those with a hydrogen production capacity exceeding 100 standard cubic meters), due to their large internal flow pore size (typically exceeding φ30 mm), the channels used to transport hydrogen, oxygen, and alkali solution cause the diaphragm to withstand significantly increased pressure per unit area.
[0003] Under these operating conditions, the diaphragm not only needs sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the high-pressure environment, but also needs to maintain good fatigue resistance and stability during long-term operation to avoid performance degradation or failure due to rapid aging. However, currently, to improve the strength of diaphragms, most commercially available products use reinforcing materials for modification. While this method can improve the mechanical properties of the diaphragm to some extent, it also introduces new challenges: the bonding between the reinforcing material and the diaphragm substrate needs to be strictly controlled; furthermore, the selection of reinforcing materials must consider the requirements of both metallic and non-metallic fields, further increasing the complexity and cost of research and development.
[0004] Although the industry has made some progress in the research of diaphragm materials, there is still a lack of mature and economically feasible structural design solutions under long-term pressure conditions. This situation seriously restricts the development and widespread application of high-power electrolyzers. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrode frame and an electrolytic cell to alleviate the technical problem of high pressure resistance requirements for diaphragms in the prior art.
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a frame, the frame body including a front surface and a rear surface disposed opposite to each other, the frame body having at least two first channels penetrating the front and rear surfaces, the first channel including a recessed platform disposed in a first region, the recessed platform being recessed toward a second region, the surface of the recessed platform being parallel to the first region having a plurality of densely arranged and spaced first through holes, the first through holes penetrating the second region, one of the first region and the second region being a part of the front surface and the other being a part of the rear surface.
[0007] Furthermore, at least one of the first channels has a first region that is part of the front surface and a second region that is part of the rear surface;
[0008] There exists at least one first region of the first channel that is part of the rear surface and a second region that is part of the front surface.
[0009] Furthermore, the first region is provided with a diversion channel, which is connected to the inner ring wall of the frame and the settling platform respectively.
[0010] Furthermore, the diameter of the first through hole ranges from 4 mm to 6 mm.
[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the first through hole is 4 mm.
[0012] Furthermore, one of the first channels includes at least 50-60 of the first through holes.
[0013] Furthermore, one of the first channels includes 60 of the first through holes.
[0014] Furthermore, the first through holes in the first channel are evenly distributed.
[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell comprising the aforementioned electrode frame.
[0016] Furthermore, the electrolytic cell also includes a gasket, on which a second channel corresponding to the first channel is provided;
[0017] The second through hole forming the second channel covers all the first through holes corresponding to one of the first channels.
[0018] This utility model has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:
[0019] The present invention provides a frame comprising: a frame body, the frame body including a front surface and a rear surface disposed opposite to each other, the frame body having at least two first channels penetrating the front and rear surfaces, the first channel including a recessed platform disposed in a first region, the recessed platform being recessed toward a second region, the surface of the recessed platform being parallel to the first region having a plurality of densely arranged and spaced first through holes, the first through holes penetrating the second region, one of the first region and the second region being a part of the front surface and the other being a part of the rear surface.
[0020] In this design, gas enters the first through-hole through the settling platform and flows along the first region toward the second region. After exiting the first through-hole, it interacts with the diaphragm located in the second region, where the diaphragm acts as a filter. Changing the first channel from the existing single large-diameter through-hole to multiple densely distributed and spaced first through-holes significantly reduces the pressure on the diaphragm, thus ensuring a significantly reduced pressure on the diaphragm and guaranteeing its lifespan and stability.
[0021] The electrolytic cell provided by this utility model includes the aforementioned electrode frame. Because the electrolytic cell provided by this utility model uses the aforementioned electrode frame, it also possesses the advantages of the electrode frame. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a polar frame in the prior art;
[0024] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the front surface of the pole frame provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the rear surface of the portion provided.
[0026] Icons: 1-Frame; 2-Single large-diameter through hole; 3-First through hole; 4-Diverter groove; 5-Sinking platform; 6-First area; 7-Second area. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, in the prior art, the first channel in the electrode frame is formed by a single large-diameter through hole 2.
[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pole frame provided by this utility model includes: a frame body 1, the frame body 1 including a front surface and a rear surface arranged opposite to each other, and at least two first channels penetrating its front and rear surfaces are provided on the frame body 1.
[0035] The first channel includes a recessed platform 5 disposed in the first region 6. The recessed platform 5 is recessed towards the second region 7. A plurality of densely arranged and spaced first through holes 3 are disposed on the surface of the recessed platform 5 parallel to the first region 6. The first through holes 3 penetrate the second region 7. One of the first region 6 and the second region 7 is part of the front surface and the other is part of the rear surface.
[0036] Specifically, in this scheme, there are two first channels with opposite orientations. In one first channel, the first region 6 is part of the front surface and the second region 7 is part of the rear surface; in the other first channel, the first region 6 is part of the rear surface and the second region 7 is part of the front surface. The two channels have identical structures, only with opposite orientations: one is used for lateral hydrogen transport, and the other for lateral oxygen transport.
[0037] Taking the former of the two channels mentioned above as an example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first channel's recessed platform 5 is set on the front surface of the frame 1. The recessed platform 5 is recessed to the rear side, and the radial inner wall of the recessed platform 5 is connected to a diversion channel. The radial inner end of the diversion channel is connected to the inner ring wall of the frame 1, which is used to guide gas into the recessed platform 5. After the gas flows into the recessed platform 5, it is then diverted into each of the first through holes 3 to achieve pressure division.
[0038] In this solution, the first channel is changed from the existing single large-diameter through hole 2 to a settling platform 5 plus multiple densely arranged and spaced first through holes 3. By using multiple small holes, the pressure on the diaphragm is greatly reduced, thus ensuring that the diaphragm is greatly reduced in terms of pressure and ensuring the diaphragm's lifespan and stability.
[0039] The diameter of the first through hole 3 ranges from 4 mm to 6 mm, for example, 4 mm. A first channel includes at least 50 to 60 first through holes 3, for example, 60.
[0040] For example, in the prior art, the first channel (single large-diameter through-hole 2) of a 100 standard cubic meter electrolytic cell is assumed to be φ30mm. However, in this application, when using a multi-hole design with smaller holes, the first through-hole is φ4mm (it is recommended that it not be too small, as this can easily cause blockage with slight foreign matter; φ4-6mm is acceptable). At this point, the pressure ratio of the diaphragm is:
[0041] 1) The flow area of S1 for a single large-diameter through-hole 2 with a diameter of φ30 mm:
[0042] (30 / 2) 2 *3.1415=706.8mm 2
[0043] 2) S2 for the flow area of the first through hole 3 with a diameter of φ4 mm:
[0044] (4 / 2) 2 *3.1415=12.6mm 2
[0045] According to the pressure formula P=F / S, at this time P=P1=P2;
[0046] Therefore: F1 / F2 = S1 / S2 = 56.
[0047] Assuming that the diaphragm withstands a pressure of F1 = P1 * S1 = 2100 N under a pressure of 3 MPa in the original single large-diameter through hole 2, then the diaphragm withstands a pressure of F2 = 37.5 N in the case of the first through hole 3.
[0048] At this point, the pressure on the diaphragm is very low, so the development of the diaphragm can basically not take into account the pressure resistance. Moreover, some types of (low-pressure) diaphragms are also very common in the market.
[0049] In this embodiment, the first channel includes a porous structure with a total of 60 φ4 mm first through holes 3.
[0050] Each of the first through holes 3 in the first channel is evenly distributed, thereby ensuring uniform pressure distribution.
[0051] In summary, the electrolytic cell using the above-mentioned electrode frame has less pressure resistance to the diaphragm.
[0052] The diversion channel is formed by the frame 1 and the cover plate. Specifically, a diversion groove 4 is set on the radial inner side of the recessed platform 5 on the frame 1, and then the diversion groove 4 is covered by the cover plate to form a diversion channel. The setting of the diversion channel is the prior art. The innovation of this application lies in the setting of the recessed platform 5 and the densely packed first through holes 3.
[0053] The electrolytic cell provided by this utility model includes the aforementioned electrode frame. Because the electrolytic cell provided by this utility model uses the aforementioned electrode frame, it also possesses the advantages of the electrode frame.
[0054] The electrolytic cell also includes a gasket, an end plate, left and right chambers, and a connecting component. Due to the modification of the electrode frame, the end plate, left and right chambers, and the connecting component have also been improved accordingly.
[0055] The gasket is provided with a second channel corresponding to the first channel; the second through hole forming the second channel covers all the first through holes 3 of a corresponding first channel to avoid affecting the gasket and blocking the first channel.
[0056] It should be noted that:
[0057] 1. The spacing, size, and number of the first through holes 3 in this structure shall comply with the strength calculation requirements of section 8.3.1 and other relevant chapters of GB / T150.3-2024 Pressure Vessels. The total area of all first through holes 3 in a first channel shall not be less than the area of a single large hole under process calculation.
[0058] 2. For different products, when the first through hole 3 is changed, the diaphragm pressure must be calculated with reference to the calculation results above.
[0059] 3. The tolerances and positional deviations for the first through hole 3 shall be specified in accordance with the relevant standards and the designer's specifications.
[0060] 4. It is also necessary to calculate the load-bearing capacity of the diaphragm under pressure, and destructive testing can also be performed.
[0061] 5. In addition to meeting relevant standards for inspection and acceptance, this electrolytic cell shall also undergo a strength test. The pressure test requirements in GB / T150.4-2024 can be referenced to ensure product qualification. A visual inspection under light should also be added to check the diaphragm damage in the flow hole under internal pressure after the pressure test (inspection of the first outer diaphragm). The visual inspection standard should refer to NB / T47013.7 (the implementation requirements are not limited to this and are only a reference).
[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A polar frame, characterized in that, include: The frame (1) includes a front surface and a rear surface arranged opposite to each other. The frame (1) is provided with at least two first channels penetrating its front and rear surfaces. The first channel includes a recessed platform (5) provided in a first region (6). The recessed platform (5) is recessed towards the second region (7). The surface of the recessed platform (5) parallel to the first region (6) is provided with a plurality of densely arranged and spaced first through holes (3). The first through holes (3) penetrate the second region (7). One of the first region (6) and the second region (7) is part of the front surface and the other is part of the rear surface.
2. The pole frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first channels has a first region (6) that is part of the front surface and a second region (7) that is part of the rear surface; There exists at least one first region (6) of the first channel that is part of the rear surface and a second region (7) that is part of the front surface.
3. The pole frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first region (6) is provided with a diversion channel, which is connected to the inner ring wall of the frame (1) and the settling platform (5) respectively.
4. The pole frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the first through hole (3) ranges from 4mm to 6mm.
5. The pole frame according to claim 4, characterized in that, The diameter of the first through hole (3) is 4 mm.
6. The pole frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first channels includes at least 50-60 first through holes (3).
7. The pole frame according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the first channels includes 60 first through holes (3).
8. The pole frame according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the first through holes (3) in the first channel is evenly distributed.
9. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that, Includes the polar frame as described in any one of claims 1-8.
10. The electrolytic cell according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrolytic cell also includes a gasket, on which a second channel corresponding to the first channel is provided; The second through hole forming the second channel covers all the first through holes (3) of one of the first channels.