Long-acting sealing system for water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer

Abstract

The application discloses a long-acting sealing system of a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolytic cell and belongs to the technical field of water electrolysis hydrogen production. The system comprises a plurality of polar plates, sealing pads and a sealing structure, wherein the polar plates are attached to each other; the sealing pads are arranged between two adjacent polar plates which are attached to each other; and the sealing structure is arranged on the two polar plates and is used for sealing the attachment of the two polar plates in cooperation with the sealing pads. The utility model can solve the problem of easy failure of the sealing system used by the existing large electrolytic cell.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The electrolyzer is the core component of a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. Existing electrolyzers consist of hundreds of electrode assemblies and sealing gaskets stacked and secured in a cyclical manner. Typically, adjacent electrode assemblies and sealing gaskets form an electrolysis chamber. Therefore, an electrolyzer comprises hundreds of such chambers. The sealing structure of the electrolyzer is generally located on the electrode frame of the electrode assembly, with different structural features at corresponding positions on the frame. A sealing waterline is usually located on the outer edge of the electrode frame, serving as the outer sealing area of ​​the sealing system; the inner edge of the electrode frame is generally designed as a plane, serving as the inner sealing area. The outer and inner sealing areas of the electrolyzer are tightly connected. The sealing effect of the electrolyzer directly affects the operating pressure and the likelihood of leakage, and also influences the purity of the hydrogen and oxygen produced during electrolysis. Therefore, the sealing effect of the electrolyzer is crucial in water electrolysis hydrogen production.

[0003] The electrolyzer sealing structures described above are suitable for applications with small-scale individual electrolyzers and a limited number of units. However, with the rise of green hydrogen, large-scale production applications in energy and chemical industries have placed higher demands on the size and number of individual electrolyzers, leading to increasingly larger electrolyzers. Large electrolyzers represent a significant breakthrough in diameter and length compared to equipment in traditional applications, with the number of electrolysis chambers and the amount of sealing gaskets reaching new heights. Using the aforementioned sealing structures on such large electrolyzers often results in seal failure.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a long-term sealing system for water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzers to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a long-lasting sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, aiming to solve the problem of easy seal failure in the existing sealing systems used in large electrolyzers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, comprising: multiple electrode plates, a sealing gasket, and a sealing structure, wherein the multiple electrode plates are bonded together; the sealing gasket is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates bonded together; and the sealing structure is disposed on two electrode plates, the sealing structure being used to cooperate with the sealing gasket to seal the bonding area of ​​the two electrode plates.

[0007] Optionally, the sealing structure includes a retaining ring, wherein the retaining ring is disposed on the side of the electrode plate away from the electrolytic cell chamber and facing the sealing gasket, and the retaining ring is used to prevent the sealing gasket from slipping between the two electrode plates.

[0008] Optionally, the sealing structure includes a groove and a retaining ring, wherein the groove is disposed on one side of one of the electrode plates near the end of the sealing gasket, the retaining ring is disposed in the groove, and the retaining ring abuts against the sealing gasket.

[0009] Optionally, the sealing structure includes: a first sealing water line and a second sealing water line, wherein the first sealing water line is disposed on the side of the two electrode plates facing the sealing gasket; and the second sealing water line is disposed on the side of the two electrode plates facing the sealing gasket.

[0010] Optionally, the width of the first sealing water line is smaller than the width of the second sealing water line.

[0011] Optionally, the first sealing water line is offset from the electrode plate.

[0012] Optionally, the sealing structure includes a boss, wherein the boss is disposed on one side of the two electrode plates near the sealing gasket.

[0013] Optionally, the protrusions on the two electrode plates are staggered.

[0014] Optionally, the length of the sealing gasket is equal to the length of the two electrode plates.

[0015] Optionally, the retaining ring and the electrode plate are integrally formed.

[0016] This application proposes a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer. A sealing gasket is sandwiched between two adjacent electrode plates to provide a seal. The core of this system lies in the synergistic effect of the electrode plates, sealing gasket, and specialized sealing structure to achieve efficient sealing within the electrolyzer under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive conditions. During assembly, the two adjacent electrode plates are pressed together to form a closed reaction space. The electrode plates are typically made of corrosion-resistant metals, such as nickel-plated carbon steel. The sealing gasket, positioned between the two adjacent electrode plates, is the key component directly responsible for the sealing function. The sealing gasket material possesses the following properties: good elasticity and resilience to adapt to assembly pressure and compensate for processing errors; excellent corrosion resistance and chemical stability to withstand long-term contact with highly corrosive electrolytes; good airtightness and liquid tightness to prevent gas leakage and liquid seepage; and certain temperature resistance to cope with the heat generated during electrolysis. Therefore, the sealing gasket is an insulating material, and modified fluoroplastics can be selected. The sealing structure is positioned on the two electrode plates and works in conjunction with the sealing gasket to complete the sealing task. Therefore, the long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer provided in this application embodiment constructs a stable, reliable, and safe sealing system through the synergistic effect of the sealing gasket and sealing structure between the two electrode plates. This design is particularly suitable for some large electrolyzers and ensures that large electrolyzers will not experience sealing failure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, provided as another embodiment of this application.

[0022] In the figure, 1 is the electrode plate; 101 is the retaining ring; 102 is the groove; 103 is the blocking ring; 104 is the first sealing water line; 105 is the second sealing water line; 106 is the boss; 2 is the sealing gasket; and 3 is the electrolytic cell chamber.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 5This application provides a long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer may include: multiple electrode plates 1, sealing gaskets 2, and a sealing structure. The multiple electrode plates 1 are attached to each other. The sealing gaskets 2 are disposed between two adjacent electrode plates 1 that are attached to each other. The sealing structure is disposed on two electrode plates 1 and is used to cooperate with the sealing gaskets 2 to seal the joint between the two electrode plates 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 2 is sandwiched between two adjacent electrode plates 1, serving a sealing function. The core of this system lies in the synergistic effect of the electrode plates 1, the sealing gasket 2, and the specialized sealing structure to achieve efficient sealing within the electrolytic cell under high pressure, high humidity, and corrosive conditions. During assembly, the two adjacent electrode plates 1 are pressed together to form a closed reaction space. The electrode plates 1 are typically made of corrosion-resistant metals, such as nickel-plated carbon steel. The sealing gasket 2, positioned between the two adjacent electrode plates 1, is the key component directly responsible for the sealing function. The sealing gasket 2 material possesses the following properties: good elasticity and resilience to adapt to assembly pressure and compensate for processing errors; excellent corrosion resistance and chemical stability to withstand long-term contact with highly corrosive electrolytes; good airtightness and liquid tightness to prevent gas leakage and liquid seepage; and certain temperature resistance to cope with the heat generated during electrolysis. Therefore, the sealing gasket 2 is an insulating material, which can be modified fluoroplastics. The sealing structure is positioned on the two electrode plates 1 and works in conjunction with the sealing gasket 2 to jointly complete the sealing task. Therefore, the long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer provided in this application embodiment constructs a stable, reliable, and safe sealing system through the synergistic effect of the sealing gasket 2 between the two electrode plates 1 and the sealing structure. This design is particularly suitable for some large electrolyzers and ensures that large electrolyzers will not experience sealing failure.

[0030] It should be noted that the sealing structure can be a groove structure, with a groove set on the surface of the electrode plate 1 to embed the sealing gasket 2, thereby improving positioning accuracy and sealing reliability; or, the sealing structure can be a limiting structure to prevent the sealing gasket 2 from being excessively deformed or displaced during compression.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 In one possible implementation, the sealing structure may include a retaining ring 101, wherein the retaining ring 101 is disposed on the side of the electrode plate 1 away from the electrolytic cell chamber 3 and facing the sealing gasket 2, and the retaining ring 101 is used to prevent the sealing gasket 2 from slipping out between the two electrode plates 1.

[0032] The inclusion of a retaining ring 101 at the end of the electrode plate 1 furthest from the electrolyzer chamber 3 to prevent the sealing gasket 2 from slipping is a significant optimization in the positioning and anti-displacement design of the sealing gasket 2 in the long-term sealing system of this water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer. This design not only improves the stability of the assembly process but also helps maintain good sealing performance during long-term operation. In this embodiment, the retaining ring 101 is located on the outer side of the electrode plate 1 facing the sealing gasket 2. Its main function is to prevent the sealing gasket 2 from slipping out, i.e., during assembly or disassembly, especially when not fully compressed, to prevent the sealing gasket 2 from sliding out between the electrode plates 1 due to gravity or external force. In addition, the retaining ring 101 also enhances the sealing stability, preventing the sealing gasket 2 from shifting or twisting during compression, ensuring uniform distribution of sealing pressure, and improving sealing reliability.

[0033] Please see Figure 2 In one possible implementation, the sealing structure may include a groove 102 and a retaining ring 103, wherein the groove 102 is disposed on one side of one of the electrode plates 1 near the end of the sealing gasket 2; the retaining ring 103 is disposed in the groove 102 and abuts against the sealing gasket 2.

[0034] Specifically, one of the electrode plates 1 has a cleverly designed groove 102 near the end of the sealing gasket 2, within which a retaining ring 103 is placed. The retaining ring 103 is ingeniously designed; it fits tightly against the sealing gasket 2, forming an additional sealing layer and further enhancing the sealing effect. This design not only improves the stability of the sealing gasket 2 but also effectively prevents the end of the sealing gasket 2 from warping or falling off during long-term use, thus greatly extending the service life of the sealing system.

[0035] It is worth mentioning that the material of the retaining ring 103 has also been carefully selected (it can be stainless steel, titanium alloy, etc.) to ensure good compatibility and sealing performance with the sealing gasket 2. At the same time, the installation position of the retaining ring 103 has also been carefully designed to ensure that it can play a sealing role to the maximum extent without causing excessive compression deformation to the sealing gasket 2, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the sealing system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the shape of the blocking ring 103 can be square, rectangular, circular, irregular, etc.

[0037] Please see Figure 3 In one possible implementation, the sealing structure may include: a first sealing water line 104 and a second sealing water line 105, wherein the first sealing water line 104 is disposed on the side of the two electrode plates 1 facing the sealing gasket 2; and the second sealing water line 105 is disposed on the side of the two electrode plates 1 facing the sealing gasket 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first sealing water line 104 and the second sealing water line 105, located on the side of the two electrode plates 1 facing the sealing gasket 2, serve as the outer sealing area of ​​the sealing system and play a crucial role. When the pressure inside the electrolytic cell increases, the second sealing water line 105 first bears the pressure, achieving a preliminary seal; if the pressure continues to rise, the first sealing water line 104 acts as a second line of defense, further preventing leakage. This gradient sealing design allows the sealing system to cope more easily with high-pressure environments, effectively avoiding the risk of seal failure.

[0039] In some embodiments, the shapes of the first sealing water line 104 and the second sealing water line 105 can both be rectangular, circular, or elliptical, etc. Of course, the shapes of the first sealing water line 104 and the second sealing water line 105 can also be different. For example, the first sealing water line 104 can be rectangular, while the second sealing water line 105 can be circular.

[0040] Please see Figure 3 In one possible implementation, the width of the first sealing water line 104 may be smaller than the width of the second sealing water line 105.

[0041] Specifically, the widths of the first sealing water line 104 and the second sealing water line 105 are designed differently, with the width of the first sealing water line 104 being smaller than that of the second sealing water line 105. This design aims to create a gradient sealing effect and enhance the reliability and stability of the seal.

[0042] Please see Figure 4 In one possible implementation, the first sealing water line 104 may be misaligned on the electrode plate 1.

[0043] The first sealing water line 104 is staggered on the electrode plate 1, a design that further enhances the sealing effect. This staggered arrangement allows for more complex sealing paths between the electrode plates 1, increasing the redundancy of the seal. Even if a minor leak occurs in one sealing path, the other paths can still maintain a sealed state, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire sealing system.

[0044] Please see Figure 5 In one possible implementation, the sealing structure may include a boss 106, wherein the boss 106 is disposed on the side of the two electrode plates 1 near the sealing gasket 2.

[0045] In this embodiment, both electrode plates 1 are provided with protrusions 106 on the side near the sealing gasket 2. The design of the protrusions 106 not only enhances the structural strength of the electrode plates 1, but also enables the sealing gasket 2 to distribute pressure more evenly when subjected to pressure, avoiding the sealing failure problem caused by excessive local pressure.

[0046] In some embodiments, the boss 106 can be in the shape of a rectangular structure, a semi-circular structure, a trapezoidal structure, etc.

[0047] Please see Figure 5 In one possible implementation, the protrusions 106 on the two electrode plates 1 can be staggered.

[0048] The staggered bosses 106 further increase the complexity of the sealing path and improve the overall performance of the sealing system.

[0049] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the length of the sealing gasket 2 can be equal to the length of the two electrode plates 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the length of the sealing gasket 2 is set to be equal to the length of the two electrode plates 1. This design allows the sealing gasket 2 to completely cover the bonding area between the electrode plates 1, avoiding local unsealed areas caused by the sealing gasket being too short.

[0051] The above settings can improve the integrity of the seal, effectively avoid the risk of edge leakage, and ensure that all contact surfaces between the electrode plates 1 are effectively sealed; enhance the consistency of assembly, the sealing gasket 2 is the same length as the electrode plate 1, which facilitates alignment and installation and reduces the possibility of misalignment or displacement.

[0052] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the retaining ring 101 and the electrode plate 1 can be an integrally formed structure.

[0053] Specifically, setting the retaining ring 101 and the electrode plate 1 as an integrally formed structure is beneficial to improving the mechanical strength of the system, enhancing the sealing performance, and simplifying the production and assembly process.

[0054] In summary, the long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer provided in this application, through its carefully designed sealing structure, including components such as the retaining ring 101, groove 102, retaining ring 103, first sealing water line 104, second sealing water line 105, and boss 106, constructs a stable, reliable, and safe sealing system. This design is particularly suitable for large electrolyzers and can effectively avoid sealing failure problems that occur during the use of large electrolyzers.

[0055] 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 long-term sealing system for a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer, characterized in that, include: Multiple electrode plates (1) are bonded together; A sealing gasket (2) is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates (1) that are in contact with each other; A sealing structure is provided on the two electrode plates (1). The sealing structure is used to cooperate with the sealing gasket (2) to seal the joint of the two electrode plates (1).

2. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes: A retaining ring (101) is disposed on the side of the electrode plate (1) away from the electrolytic cell chamber (3) and facing the sealing gasket (2). The retaining ring (101) is used to prevent the sealing gasket (2) from slipping between the two electrode plates (1).

3. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes: A groove (102) is provided on one side of one of the electrode plates (1) near the end of the sealing gasket (2); A blocking ring (103) is disposed in the groove (102), and the blocking ring (103) abuts against the sealing gasket (2).

4. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes: The first sealing water line (104) is disposed on the side of the two electrode plates (1) facing the sealing gasket (2); The second sealing water line (105) is provided on the side of the two electrode plates (1) facing the sealing gasket (2).

5. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the first sealing water line (104) is smaller than the width of the second sealing water line (105).

6. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first sealing water line (104) is offset on the electrode plate (1).

7. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes: A boss (106) is provided on one side of the two electrode plates (1) near the sealing gasket (2).

8. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protrusions (106) on the two electrode plates (1) are staggered.

9. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the sealing gasket (2) is equal to the length of the two electrode plates (1).

10. The long-term sealing system for the water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining ring (101) and the electrode plate (1) are integrally formed.

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