Hydrogen production by water electrolysis

Abstract

The application discloses a water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure and belongs to the technical field of water electrolysis hydrogen production. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure comprises a plurality of polar plates, sealing pads and support skeletons, wherein a matching groove is formed on each side of each polar plate; the sealing pad is arranged between two adjacent polar plates, the two sides of the sealing pad are provided with protrusions facing the polar plates, the protrusions are matched in the matching grooves, and matching holes are arranged in the two protrusions; and the support skeletons are arranged in the matching holes. The protrusions facing the polar plates are arranged on the two sides of the sealing pad, the matching grooves are formed on the polar plates, and the protrusions of the sealing pad are matched in the matching grooves. In addition, the support skeletons are arranged in the protrusions of the sealing pad, so that the structure of the alkaline electrolysis tank cannot be extruded from the sealing pad during operation under a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, and the operation safety of the electrolysis tank is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a sealing structure for water electrolysis hydrogen production. Background Technology

[0002] Alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production is a commonly used technology. Its basic principle is to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. In the alkaline water electrolysis process, an alkaline electrolyte (such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) is typically used as the electrolyte. Hydrogen and oxygen are produced in an electrolytic cell, and a post-treatment system separates and purifies them to obtain the final products of hydrogen and oxygen. The main equipment includes an electrolytic cell, a post-treatment system, and an electrical system.

[0003] With the continuous development of the industry, the diameter of equipment for alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production (the electrode plates of the electrolyzer involved in this application are circular) is gradually increasing, and the operating temperature and pressure are gradually rising. For example, under normal circumstances, the operating temperature of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production can reach as high as 95°C, and the operating pressure can reach as high as 1.6MPa-2.0MPa. Under such high temperature and high pressure, the structure of the alkaline electrolyzer is prone to problems such as the extrusion of the electrolyzer sealing gasket during operation, leading to operational safety issues. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a sealing structure for water electrolysis hydrogen production, which aims to solve the problem of the electrolyzer sealing gasket being squeezed out during operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure, comprising: multiple electrode plates, a sealing gasket, and a support frame, wherein each electrode plate has a mating groove on both sides; the sealing gasket is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates, and the sealing gasket has protrusions on both sides facing the electrode plates, the protrusions fitting into the mating grooves, and the protrusions on both sides having mating holes inside; the support frame is fitted into the mating holes.

[0006] Optionally, the mating groove is an arc-shaped structure recessed towards the electrode plate.

[0007] Optionally, the support frame is a continuous ring structure.

[0008] Optionally, the two mating grooves on the same electrode plate are arranged opposite each other and symmetrical in the thickness direction of the electrode plate.

[0009] Optionally, the cross-section of the mating hole is circular, and the cross-section of the supporting frame is circular.

[0010] Optionally, the cross-sectional diameter of the support frame is greater than the thickness of the portion other than the protruding part of the sealing gasket.

[0011] Optionally, the protrusion is located in the middle of the sealing gasket.

[0012] Optionally, the thickness of the electrode plate is greater than the maximum thickness of the sealing gasket.

[0013] Optionally, the support frame is made of a rigid insulating material.

[0014] Optionally, the sealing gasket is modified polytetrafluoroethylene or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

[0015] This application proposes a water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure. This structure features protrusions on both sides of the sealing gasket facing the electrode plate, with matching grooves formed on the electrode plate. The protrusions of the sealing gasket fit perfectly into these grooves. Furthermore, a supporting frame is provided within the protrusions of the sealing gasket. This ensures that the sealing gasket will not be squeezed out during operation of the alkaline electrolyzer under high temperature and high pressure conditions, guaranteeing the operational safety of the electrolyzer. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the prior art and the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the prior art and the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the provided drawings without any creative effort.

[0017] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this utility model can be implemented. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this utility model can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an existing sealed structure for hydrogen production via water electrolysis.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Among them, 1 is the electrode plate; 101 is the mating groove; 2 is the sealing gasket; 201 is the mating hole; and 3 is the supporting frame.

[0021] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0026] Please see Figure 1Existing water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structures increase the length of the sealing line by engraving different sealing patterns on the electrode plate 1 of the electrolyzer, thereby increasing the friction between the sealing gasket 2 and the electrode plate and ensuring the sealing effect of the electrolyzer operating under pressure. However, as the gas production of a single electrolyzer increases and the tank diameter becomes larger, the sealing line becomes longer, the pressure increases, and the temperature rises accordingly. During operation, the sealing gasket 2 may be squeezed out using the aforementioned water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure. When the sealing gasket 2 is squeezed out, the sealing effect deteriorates, eventually leading to electrolyte leakage. In severe cases, this can result in the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen, or even an explosion. Therefore, when the sealing gasket 2 is squeezed out, a major overhaul of the electrolyzer is required. The disassembly and reassembly costs of the electrolyzer are enormous, significantly increasing the operating and maintenance costs of the water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment.

[0027] This application adopts a novel electrolyzer sealing structure, which can solve the problem of water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer structure failure caused by the extrusion of the sealing gasket 2 during long-term operation of the electrolyzer under high temperature and high pressure at low cost, and enables the electrolyzer to operate in a high temperature and high pressure environment for a long time.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that the water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure involved in this application is applicable to large-scale electrolyzers. Under normal circumstances, the assembly of large-scale electrolyzers is extremely complex and time-consuming. They typically have hundreds of electrolysis chambers, with a net weight reaching tens of tons. If any chamber leaks during operation due to a seal, the entire electrolyzer needs to be returned to the factory for disassembly and repair, and hundreds of sealing gaskets may need to be replaced. This results in enormous transportation, material, equipment, and labor costs. This application, through the design of the electrolyzer sealing structure, reduces operational safety issues caused by seal failure during normal operation of the electrolyzer, extends the maintenance cycle, and saves costs.

[0029] Please see Figure 2 This application provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure, which may include: multiple electrode plates 1, sealing gaskets 2, and a support frame 3. Each electrode plate 1 has a mating groove 101 on both sides; the sealing gasket 2 is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates 1, and the sealing gasket 2 has protrusions on both sides facing the electrode plate 1, which are adapted to fit into the mating groove 101. The protrusions on both sides have mating holes 201 inside; the support frame 3 is fitted into the mating holes 201.

[0030] In this embodiment, by providing protrusions facing the electrode plate 1 on both sides of the sealing gasket 2, and by creating a mating groove 101 on the electrode plate 1, the protrusions of the sealing gasket 2 fit perfectly into the mating groove 101. Furthermore, a support frame 3 is provided within the protrusions of the sealing gasket 2, thereby ensuring that the sealing gasket 2 will not be squeezed out during operation under high temperature and high pressure conditions, thus guaranteeing the operational safety of the electrolytic cell.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 The groove 101 is an arc-shaped structure that is recessed towards the electrode plate 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the mating groove 101 is configured as an arc-shaped structure, and the outer surface of the protrusion is also an arc-shaped structure, with the arc-shaped surface of the mating groove 101 fitting against the arc-shaped surface of the protrusion. In a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, this ensures that the protrusion of the sealing gasket 2 is subjected to uniform force and will not be squeezed out from between two adjacent electrode plates 1, thus ensuring the sealing performance between the two adjacent electrode plates 1.

[0033] Please see Figure 2 The supporting frame 3 is a continuous ring structure.

[0034] The support frame 3 is designed as a continuous ring structure to ensure that the sealing gasket 2 will not deform significantly when subjected to high temperature and high pressure, so as to prevent the sealing gasket 2 from being squeezed out between two adjacent electrode plates 1.

[0035] Please see Figure 2 Two mating grooves 101 on the same electrode plate 1 are arranged opposite each other and are symmetrical in the thickness direction of the electrode plate 1.

[0036] Specifically, the two mating grooves 101 on the same electrode plate 1 are symmetrically arranged in the thickness direction of the electrode plate 1. This arrangement not only facilitates the mass production of the electrode plate 1, but also makes the electrode plate 1 more aesthetically pleasing.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 The cross-section of the mating hole 201 is circular, and the cross-section of the supporting frame 3 is circular.

[0038] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the mating hole 201 and the cross-section of the support frame 3 are both set to be circular, which ensures that the support frame 3 inside the sealing gasket 2 is subjected to uniform force when it is under pressure, thus ensuring the sealing performance of the sealing gasket 2.

[0039] Please see Figure 2 The cross-sectional diameter of the support frame 3 is greater than the thickness of the sealing gasket 2 beyond the protruding part.

[0040] The above settings ensure that the support frame 3 is large enough to support the protrusion of the sealing gasket 2. In a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, the protrusion of the sealing gasket 2 will not undergo significant deformation, effectively preventing the deformation of the sealing gasket 2.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 The protrusion is located in the middle of the sealing gasket 2.

[0042] Specifically, when the protrusion is located in the middle of the sealing gasket 2, the sealing gasket 2 will not deform significantly after being subjected to pressure, ensuring that the position of the sealing gasket 2 will not change, thereby preventing the sealing gasket 2 from being squeezed out between the two electrode plates 1.

[0043] Please see Figure 2 The thickness of plate 1 is greater than the maximum thickness of gasket 2.

[0044] The thickness of electrode plate 1 is set to be greater than the maximum thickness of sealing gasket 2, which ensures the pressure bearing capacity of electrode plate 1 and ensures that electrode plate 1 will not slip off sealing gasket 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the supporting frame 3 is made of rigid insulating material.

[0046] Specifically, the support frame 3 can be made of materials such as epoxy resin, silicone insulating material, or nylon. Limiting the support frame 3 to a rigid insulating material ensures that it provides support without affecting the water electrolysis reaction.

[0047] In addition, the cross-sectional diameter of the support frame 3 is larger than the thickness of the sealing gasket 2 wrapped around it. This ensures that the sealing gasket 2 is firmly fixed in the corresponding mating hole 201 without any displacement when sealed, solving the problem of the sealing gasket 2 being squeezed out and causing sealing failure in water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment under high temperature and high pressure. At the same time, it solves the problems of electrolysis cell failure shutdown and potential safety risks, enhances sealing performance and ensures the safety of the equipment during operation.

[0048] Furthermore, the sealing gasket 2 is made of modified polytetrafluoroethylene or EPDM rubber.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 2 is made of modified polytetrafluoroethylene or EPDM rubber. Without affecting the hydrogen production reaction by water electrolysis, the sealing gasket 2 has a small deformation, so that the sealing gasket 2 under certain pressure will not slip off between the two adjacent electrode plates 1 and will be squeezed out between the electrode plates 1, thus avoiding leakage of electrolyte or safety accidents during electrolysis.

[0050] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A sealed structure for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, characterized in that, include: Multiple electrode plates (1), each electrode plate (1) has a mating groove (101) on both sides; A sealing gasket (2) is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates (1). The sealing gasket (2) has protrusions on both sides facing the electrode plate (1). The protrusions are adapted to fit into the mating groove (101). The protrusions on both sides have mating holes (201) inside. The support frame (3) is fitted into the mating hole (201).

2. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating groove (101) is an arc-shaped structure that is recessed toward the electrode plate (1).

3. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting frame (3) is a continuous ring structure.

4. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two mating grooves (101) on the same electrode plate (1) are arranged opposite to each other and are symmetrical in the thickness direction of the electrode plate (1).

5. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the mating hole (201) is circular, and the cross-section of the support frame (3) is circular.

6. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-sectional diameter of the support frame (3) is greater than the thickness of the sealing gasket (2) beyond the protruding portion.

7. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is located in the middle of the sealing gasket (2).

8. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealed structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the electrode plate (1) is greater than the maximum thickness of the sealing gasket (2).

9. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting frame (3) is made of rigid insulating material.

10. The water electrolysis hydrogen production sealing structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sealing gasket (2) is modified polytetrafluoroethylene or EPDM rubber.

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