Self-cleaning electrolysis module and electrolysis equipment
By designing a self-cleaning electrolysis module, the system utilizes electrode polarity switching and an acidic environment to eliminate scale, thus solving the problems of insufficient oxidation-reduction potential of electrolysis products and scale formation, achieving efficient sterilization and extending service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO LANWU TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN224395043U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrochemical technology, specifically relating to a self-cleaning electrolysis module and electrolysis equipment. Background Technology
[0002] The anolyte produced during water electrolysis exhibits excellent bactericidal and disinfecting properties due to its high redox potential, and has broad application prospects. However, if the cathode and anolyte products are mixed together for output (i.e., in a mixed-flow output mode), the actual output redox potential of the electrolyzed product often fails to meet expectations as the cathode product consumes the anolyte, resulting in inadequate bactericidal and disinfecting effects. Given these drawbacks, to avoid the consumption of anolyte products by the cathode product, existing technologies often output the cathode and anolyte products separately. While this structure ensures the redox potential of the output anolyte, users still need to perform additional operations such as discarding and storing the cathode product, increasing operational steps and reducing the user experience.
[0003] Furthermore, tap water contains a certain amount of calcium and magnesium ions. Prolonged exposure to the electrolysis device will cause the formation of calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide precipitates within the electrolysis space, resulting in scale buildup. This scale affects electrolysis efficiency and consequently shortens the lifespan of the electrolysis device, requiring frequent replacements and leading to a poor user experience. Therefore, existing technologies utilize a reverse polarity technique for scale removal. This involves switching the original anode to the cathode and vice versa. After the polarity reversal, the scale previously present in the cathode chamber is now under acidic conditions in the anode chamber and reacts accordingly.
[0004] Although descaling by reversing the polarity is achieved through the commutation circuit, if this technology is applied to existing electrolysis modules, there are still technical problems such as the oxidation-reduction potential not reaching the expected level when electrolysis products are output in a mixed-flow manner; or the generation of waste liquid at the cathode when cathode products and anode products are output separately, which increases the user's operating steps.
[0005] Therefore, how to provide an electrolysis module that can achieve reverse polarity descaling, output high redox potential of electrolysis products, and is easy for users to operate is an urgent technical problem to be solved. No relevant reports have been found yet. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this application first provides a self-cleaning electrolysis module. The self-cleaning electrolysis module has inlet and outlet water pipes in the chambers on both sides of the first separator. Therefore, when the electrode in either chamber is the anode, the self-cleaning electrolysis module of this application can achieve the basic function of outputting electrolytic products with bactericidal capabilities without generating waste liquid. Furthermore, after the electrode polarity is switched, the chamber where scale was originally formed transforms into an acidic environment during electrolysis, causing the scale to react and disappear in the acidic environment, thereby achieving self-cleaning and extending the service life of the self-cleaning electrolysis module.
[0007] Based on this, this application also provides an electrolysis device employing the above-mentioned self-cleaning electrolysis module.
[0008] This application provides the following technical solution:
[0009] A self-cleaning electrolysis module includes a housing and an electrolysis space inside the housing. The electrolysis space is divided into a first chamber with a first electrode and a second chamber with a second electrode by a first separator. The first electrode and the second electrode have opposite polarities and their polarities can be switched.
[0010] The first separator is an ion channel for cations;
[0011] The first chamber is provided with a first water inlet pipe and a first water outlet pipe, and the second chamber is provided with a second water inlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe, with the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe arranged in parallel;
[0012] When the electrode of any chamber is the anode, the water inlet and outlet pipes of the current chamber are connected, and the water inlet pipes of the adjacent chambers are shut off.
[0013] In a mixed-flow output method, the cathode and anode products from electrolysis are mixed together. As the cathode products consume the anode products, the actual amount of anode product output is relatively small, and the disinfection effect often fails to meet user expectations. Therefore, cathode and anode products can be output separately, i.e., a split-flow structure. However, for scenarios using anode products, the cathode products, with different properties, are considered waste and require additional treatment by the user. Furthermore, in a split-flow structure, ion exchange membranes are often installed in the electrolysis space to distinguish between cathode and anode products. To prevent dry burning, inlet and outlet water are provided in both chambers. Due to the selectivity of ion exchange membranes, taking cation exchange membranes as an example, even if the raw water entering the cathode chamber participates in electrolysis at the cathode, the generated hydroxide ions cannot pass through the cation exchange membrane. Therefore, in this structure, some of the raw water entering the electrolysis space does not participate in electrolysis; it only dissolves the electrolysis products and prevents dry burning of the electrodes.
[0014] In this application, inlet and outlet water pipes are provided at both chambers, with one of the first and second inlet water pipes selectively connected. When the electrode in either chamber is the anode, the inlet water pipe of the corresponding chamber is connected, allowing the electrolyzed raw water to enter the corresponding chamber. The inventors have discovered that, under the current water intake method, the amount of water carried by ions during migration is sufficient to prevent electrode dry burning, overcoming the technical bias in the prior art. Furthermore, compared to traditional diversion methods, in this application, most of the electrolyzed raw water entering the electrolysis space can participate in electrolysis at the anode, resulting in a higher conversion ratio between the required electrolysis products and the actual water intake. On the other hand, the separation effect of the first separator reduces the consumption of anode products by cathode products. Therefore, this application can output electrolyzed products with stronger bactericidal capabilities without generating waste liquid.
[0015] As the electrodes are switched, the original cathode chamber becomes the anode chamber. Oxygen and hydrogen ions are electrolyzed at the anode, and the electrolytic environment of the current chamber changes to an acidic environment. The scale that was originally generated reacts and disappears in the acidic environment, thereby achieving the purpose of self-cleaning and extending the service life of the self-cleaning electrolysis module.
[0016] Furthermore, both the first and second water outlet pipes are in a conductive state;
[0017] The first separator is equipped with a gas check structure.
[0018] Furthermore, the first electrode, the first separator, and the second electrode are stacked, and the area of the first separator is larger than the area of any one of the electrodes.
[0019] In this structural configuration, the outlet pipe on one side can be used to output the anode products, while the outlet pipe on the other side outputs the hydrogen generated at the cathode, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the electrolysis reaction.
[0020] Furthermore, the first chamber and the second chamber are connected, and the first partition is provided with a water-blocking structure;
[0021] The inlet and outlet water pipes of any chamber can be simultaneously opened or simultaneously closed.
[0022] By simultaneously opening or closing the water inlet pipes of any chamber, a relatively closed chamber is formed. Due to the water-blocking structure on the first partition, the amount of water in the closed chamber is relatively small. Because of this limited water volume, less hydrogen generated at the cathode dissolves in the water, and the probability of gaseous hydrogen reacting with the liquid anode products when diffusing to adjacent chambers is low. Therefore, although this structure outputs electrolysis products in a mixed-flow manner, it still reduces the unnecessary consumption of anode products, ensuring a certain quantity of output electrolysis products.
[0023] Furthermore, a first gap is provided between the first separator and the peripheral wall of the electrolysis space, and the first chamber and the second chamber are connected through the first gap.
[0024] And / or, the area of the first separator is larger than the area of any electrode, and the first separator is provided with at least two through holes connecting the first chamber and the second chamber.
[0025] Furthermore, a second gap is provided between the first electrode and the peripheral wall of the first chamber, and / or a second gap is provided between the first electrode and the first partition, wherein the area of the first electrode is smaller than the area of the first partition.
[0026] The first chamber is connected to the second chamber through a second gap.
[0027] Furthermore, a third gap is provided between the second electrode and the peripheral wall of the second chamber, and / or a third gap is provided between the second electrode and the first partition, wherein the area of the second electrode is smaller than the area of the first partition;
[0028] The second chamber is connected to the first chamber through a third gap.
[0029] Furthermore, both the first electrode and the second electrode are provided with a plurality of diffusion holes, and the diffusion holes of the first electrode and the diffusion holes of the second electrode are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first separator.
[0030] Considering that ions require water as a medium to migrate from the anode to the cathode, the first separator will swell during its transmembrane diffusion. This application addresses this by symmetrically arranging diffusion holes on both sides of the first separator. When the first separator swells, the ions can symmetrically expand into the diffusion holes on both sides, thereby reducing the extent of unilateral expansion and extending its service life.
[0031] This application also provides an electrolysis device, including a commutation circuit and an electrolysis module electrically connected to the commutation circuit, wherein the electrolysis module adopts the above-described self-cleaning electrolysis module.
[0032] Furthermore, it also includes a heating element, which is disposed upstream of the first water inlet pipe of the self-cleaning electrolysis module;
[0033] And / or, the heating element is located upstream of the second water inlet pipe of the self-cleaning electrolysis module.
[0034] Placing the heating element upstream of the inlet pipe of the self-cleaning electrolysis module ensures that the output electrolyzed water not only has high sterilization capabilities but also maintains a suitable temperature, thus expanding its application scenarios. However, if the heating element is placed downstream of the outlet pipe, considering that the output anode products are more reactive and easily consumed under heating, this structural configuration may not meet the user's disinfection needs.
[0035] After adopting the above technical solution, this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0036] 1. The self-cleaning electrolysis module described in this application can output electrolysis products with high oxidation-reduction potential without increasing user operation steps, and can also achieve self-cleaning of scale in the chamber by switching electrode polarity. Its service life is also guaranteed. It overcomes the technical problems in the prior art and has important practical application value.
[0037] 2. The self-cleaning electrolysis module described in this application symmetrically arranges the diffusion holes of the first electrode and the second electrode on both sides of the first separator, so that the first separator can expand to both sides during electrolysis, reducing the extent of its expansion on one side, thereby extending the service life of the first separator.
[0038] 3. The electrolysis equipment of this application, by placing the heating element upstream of the water inlet pipe, enables the electrolysis products output by the electrolysis equipment to have both a high oxidation-reduction potential and a suitable temperature, thereby increasing its application scenarios. Attached Figure Description
[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a self-cleaning electrolysis module in one embodiment of this application;
[0042] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a self-cleaning electrolysis module in one embodiment of this application;
[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a self-cleaning electrolysis module in another embodiment of this application;
[0044] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a self-cleaning electrolysis module in another embodiment of this application;
[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water-blocking component of this application;
[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first gap in this application;
[0047] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of Part A of this application;
[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a commutation circuit in one embodiment.
[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0050] 1. Housing; 2. First chamber; 21. First electrode; 22. First water inlet pipe; 23. First water outlet pipe; 24. Second gap; 3. Second chamber; 31. Second electrode; 32. Second water inlet pipe; 33. Second water outlet pipe; 34. Third gap; 4. First separator; 41. First gap; 5. Diffuser hole; 6. Reversing circuit; 61. Double-control switch; 7. Conductive component; 8. Water blocking component. Detailed Implementation
[0051] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0052] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0053] Although water electrolysis technology has been applied to sterilization and disinfection in existing technologies, the raw water is directly tap water, which contains a certain amount of calcium and magnesium ions. During the electrolysis process, calcium and magnesium ions will inevitably form scale deposits such as calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide on the cathode side. Scale will affect the electrolysis efficiency and thus affect the service life of the electrolysis device.
[0054] In view of this, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, this application provides a self-cleaning electrolysis module, which divides the electrolysis space inside the housing 1 into a first chamber 2 provided with a first electrode 21 and a second chamber 3 provided with a second electrode 31 by a first separator 4, and sets the first separator 4 as an ion channel for cations.
[0055] When the first electrode 21 is set as the anode, the second electrode 31 is set as the cathode accordingly. At this time, the first chamber 2 is the anode chamber and the second chamber 3 is the cathode chamber. After the outside water enters the anode chamber, it participates in electrolysis at the first electrode 21, i.e., the anode, to generate cations such as hydrogen ions. Then, the cations such as hydrogen ions, calcium ions, and magnesium ions pass through the first separator 4 and enter the cathode chamber on the adjacent side. The hydrogen ions continue to participate in electrolysis at the second electrode 31, i.e., the cathode, to generate hydrogen gas. The calcium ions and magnesium ions react in the cathode chamber to form scale precipitates such as calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
[0056] Its reaction formula is:
[0057] First electrode 21, i.e., the anode: 4H₂O - 4e - →O2↑+2H2O+4H + ;
[0058] Second electrode 31, i.e., at the cathode: H2O → H + +OH - ;
[0059] Mg 2+ +2OH - =Mg(OH)2; Ca 2+ +2OH - =Ca(OH)2;
[0060] 2H + +2e - →H2↑;
[0061] After the polarity reversal operation, i.e., the first electrode 21 is adjusted to be the cathode and the second electrode 31 is adjusted to be the anode, the first chamber 2 becomes the cathode chamber and the second chamber 3 becomes the anode chamber. The scale deposits such as calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide that were originally in the second chamber 3 are now in an acidic environment and react with the hydrogen ions generated during electrolysis. The specific reaction formula is as follows:
[0062] Second electrode 31, i.e., the anode: 4H₂O - 4e - →O2↑+2H2O+4H + ;
[0063] Mg(OH)2 + 2H + = 2H₂O + Mg 2+ ;Ca(OH)2+2H + = 2H₂O + Ca 2+ ;
[0064] At the first electrode 21, i.e., the cathode: H2O → H + +OH - ;
[0065] Mg 2+ +OH - =Mg(OH)2; Ca 2+ +OH - =Ca(OH)2;
[0066] 2H + +2e - →H2↑;
[0067] As can be seen from the above reaction formula, the original scale deposits such as calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide in the second chamber 3 react and disappear in the acidic environment, and the calcium and magnesium ions flow out with the water flow. At this time, the environment in the second chamber 3 returns to the initial environment, and the electrolysis efficiency is thus guaranteed.
[0068] Specifically, the first chamber 2 of the self-cleaning electrolysis module of this application is provided with a first water inlet pipe 22 and a first water outlet pipe 23, and the second chamber 3 is provided with a second water inlet pipe 32 and a second water outlet pipe 33. The first water inlet pipe 22 and the second water inlet pipe 32 are arranged in parallel and one of them is connected to supply water to the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 respectively.
[0069] In existing technologies, to avoid the consumption of anode products by cathode products in anode product applications, ion exchange membranes are often used to separate the cathode chamber and anode chamber. However, in this structure, taking cation exchange membranes as an example, even if the electrolyzed raw water in the cathode chamber participates in electrolysis, the generated hydroxide ions cannot diffuse across the cation exchange membrane to the anode chamber to continue participating in electrolysis. Therefore, in this structure, the electrolyzed raw water in the cathode chamber only serves to prevent the cathode from drying out and to dissolve hydrogen, and does not participate in electrolysis. Furthermore, this part of the water requires additional operations such as emptying and storage by the user.
[0070] In this application, one of the first water inlet pipe 22 and the second water inlet pipe 32 is selectively connected. The polarity of the electrode in the corresponding chamber is anode, and the outlet pipe of that chamber is also connected. Water does not actively enter the cathode chamber, overcoming the technical bias in the prior art. In this structural form, after the external water flows into the anode chamber, it participates in electrolysis at the anode to generate cations such as hydrogen ions. When the ions diffuse through the ion channels of the cations, they need water as a carrier. Therefore, the amount of water carried by the ions during their migration to the cathode chamber can achieve the effect of preventing the cathode from burning dry. The remaining water can participate in electrolysis at the anode, and the conversion ratio of electrolysis products to electrolyzed raw water is significantly improved. With the increase of the output electrolysis products, the self-cleaning electrolysis module of this application has a stronger disinfection and sterilization effect and does not produce waste liquid.
[0071] Example 1
[0072] Although the electrolysis space is divided into a first chamber 2 and a second chamber 3 by the first separator 4, the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 are connected, and the water flow in one chamber can diffuse to the other chamber. In order to prevent the water from flowing directly out through the outlet pipe on the other side, the outlet pipe needs to be shut off. That is, in this embodiment, the inlet pipe and outlet pipe of any chamber need to be opened or closed at the same time.
[0073] Furthermore, a water-blocking structure is provided on the first partition 4.
[0074] Through the above structural design, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that although the interconnection between the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 causes the cathode products to diffuse into the anode chamber, resulting in some consumption of the anode products, the self-cleaning electrolysis module of this application can still significantly improve the redox potential of the actual output electrolysis products compared with the traditional mixed flow structure, thereby ensuring the sterilization capability of the output electrolysis products.
[0075] In response, the inventors speculate that although the self-cleaning electrolysis module of this application only connects the water inlet pipe on the anode chamber side, and the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 are separated by the first partition 4, limiting the amount of water in the cathode chamber during electrolysis, due to the limited water volume, only a small portion of the hydrogen generated at the cathode dissolves in the water and diffuses into the anode chamber with the water flow, causing unnecessary consumption of the anode products; the majority of the remaining hydrogen diffuses into the anode chamber in a gaseous state. Compared with hydrogen dissolved in water, gaseous hydrogen has a lower probability of reacting with liquid electrolysis products. Therefore, most of this hydrogen is directly discharged through the water outlet pipe of the anode chamber, thus ensuring that even if the self-cleaning electrolysis module outputs electrolysis products in a mixed-flow manner, the redox potential of the output electrolysis products is still significantly improved. In contrast, in the traditional mixed-flow structure, since there is a large amount of water in the cathode chamber or it can be replenished in time, most of the hydrogen generated at the cathode dissolves in the water. The hydrogen dissolved in the water has a high probability of coming into contact with the anode products, thus causing more consumption of the anode products and resulting in a greater limitation on the redox potential of the output electrolytic products.
[0076] On the other hand, the gaseous hydrogen gas, after being discharged through the water outlet pipe, can diffuse on its own without requiring additional treatment. Therefore, this invention significantly improves the redox potential of the output electrolysis products without adding any steps to the process, achieving unexpected technical results.
[0077] Furthermore, it should be noted that the first partition 4 with a water-blocking structure in this utility model can limit most of the water flow in the anode chamber to diffuse into the cathode chamber. However, since the hydrogen ions and other cations generated at the anode need to pass through the first partition 4 to enter the cathode chamber and continue to participate in electrolysis, and water is required as a medium during the migration of ions, the first partition 4 can allow ions to carry some water through during the migration process. This water can also prevent the cathode from burning dry during the electrolysis process.
[0078] Furthermore, since the first separator 4 has a water-blocking function while allowing cations to pass through, if its structure allows hydrogen to diffuse across the membrane in gaseous form, it may bring new problems. Specifically, the hydrogen generated during electrolysis exists in the form of hydrogen anions. These ions have high chemical activity due to carrying extra electrons, and can easily pass through the first separator 4 into the anode chamber, where they react with the anode products, resulting in the ineffective consumption of the anode products.
[0079] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment preferably incorporates a gas check valve structure on the first separator 4 to restrict the direct diffusion of hydrogen across the membrane into the anode chamber. This structural design ensures that the hydrogen generated during electrolysis can only diffuse directionally, rather than permeate randomly. During this process, hydrogen anions lose excess electrons and transform into inactive hydrogen molecules. Even if this hydrogen enters the anode chamber, it is less likely to react with the anode products, further reducing unnecessary losses of the anode products and increasing the redox potential of the output electrolysis products.
[0080] Experimental data show that, under the premise that other electrolysis conditions are the same, the redox potential of the electrolysis product output by this invention can be increased from about 700mV in the traditional mixed flow mode to more than 820mV, which significantly enhances the bactericidal ability of electrolyzed water.
[0081] As an optional solution, the first separator 4 can be implemented using a cation exchange membrane, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite membrane, a multilayer hydrophobic coating membrane, or other structural materials. Wherein:
[0082] Polytetrafluoroethylene composite membranes effectively block the penetration of various gases, including hydrogen, by dispersing perfluorosulfonic acid membranes within a porous PTFE framework and utilizing its excellent hydrophobicity and density.
[0083] Multilayer hydrophobic coating membranes are made by coating an ultrathin polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating on the surface of the cation exchange layer, forming a dual barrier against liquid water and gas.
[0084] Regarding the connection method between the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3, as follows: Figure 3-7 As shown, the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 can be connected by setting a first gap 41 between the first separator 4 and the peripheral wall of the electrolysis space;
[0085] Alternatively, if the area of the first partition 4 is larger than the area of any electrode, the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 can be connected by directly providing a through hole on the first partition 4. In this connection method, the through hole is preferably provided along the edge of the first partition 4, avoiding its placement between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 31, so as to smoothly connect the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3. On the other hand, the number of through holes is at least two, so as to achieve the effect of one inlet and one outlet.
[0086] Since the electrode polarity of the self-cleaning electrolysis module of this application can be switched, the first chamber 2 can be either an anode chamber or a cathode chamber.
[0087] When the first chamber 2 is the anode chamber, the second chamber 3 is the cathode chamber. Hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber needs to diffuse into the anode chamber and is eventually discharged through the outlet pipe at the anode chamber. Due to the limited diffusion rate, hydrogen gas in the cathode chamber may gradually accumulate, its volume continuously increasing, eventually impacting the first separator 4 and causing it to bulge towards the anode chamber. Therefore, the first electrode 21 is preferably disposed close to the first separator 4 to limit the bulging tendency of the first separator 4 and extend its service life.
[0088] When the first chamber 2 is the cathode chamber and the second chamber 3 is the anode chamber, the second electrode 31 in the second chamber 3 is preferably disposed close to the first partition 4 to limit the tendency of the first partition 4 to expand into the second chamber 3 and extend its service life.
[0089] Therefore, the first electrode 21, the first separator 4, and the second electrode 31 are preferably stacked. In this arrangement, the distance between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 31 is shorter, requiring a lower voltage for the driving ions to migrate between the two electrodes, thus saving energy. Specifically, conductive elements 7 can be respectively provided in the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3. The conductive elements 7 can support the electrodes, realizing the stacked structure of the electrodes and the first separator 4. Furthermore, the conductive elements 7 extend outwards through the peripheral wall of the electrolysis space to facilitate electrode connection.
[0090] On the other hand, when the inlet pipe of any chamber is open, the electrolyzed raw water enters the chamber and participates in electrolysis at the anode to generate hydrogen ions. If the anode is a single unit, the hydrogen ions need to bypass the anode under the action of voltage to enter the adjacent chamber and continue to participate in electrolysis at the cathode. In this case, the movement path of the hydrogen ions is longer and the voltage required for electrolysis is larger.
[0091] Therefore, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of diffusion holes 5 are preferably provided through the anode, so that the electrolyzed hydrogen ions can directly enter the adjacent chamber through the diffusion holes 5 and the first separator 4, and continue to participate in electrolysis at the cathode. Considering that this application is adapted to an electrolysis module with reverse polarity, both the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 31 can be anodes. Therefore, both the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 31 need to be provided with a plurality of diffusion holes 5. After providing diffusion holes 5, the electrode area is reduced, and the area of the first separator 4 is larger than the area of any electrode.
[0092] On the other hand, for the cathode electrode, hydrogen ions are generated into hydrogen gas at the cathode. The hydrogen gas can diffuse through the diffusion hole 5 into the cathode chamber on the side of the cathode away from the first separator 4, thus preventing the accumulated hydrogen gas from continuously impacting the first separator 4 and causing it to expand towards the anode chamber.
[0093] Furthermore, considering that ions require water as a medium during migration, the first separator 4 will swell during its transmembrane diffusion. In this embodiment, by symmetrically arranging the diffusion holes 5 on both sides of the first separator 4, the ions can symmetrically expand into the diffusion holes 5 on both sides when the first separator 4 swells, thereby reducing the extent of unilateral expansion and extending its service life.
[0094] Regarding the connection between the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3, a second gap 24 may be provided between the first electrode 21 and the peripheral wall of the first chamber 2, and / or a second gap 24 may be provided between the first electrode 21 and the first partition 4, and the second gap 24 may be connected to the chamber space on the side of the electrode away from the first partition 4 through the diffusion hole 5.
[0095] The first chamber 2 is connected to the first gap 41 through the second gap 24, or to the through hole on the first partition 4, and finally to the second chamber 3.
[0096] Correspondingly, a third gap 34 may also be provided between the second electrode 31 and the peripheral wall of the second chamber 3, and / or a third gap 34 may be provided between the second electrode 31 and the second partition, the third gap 34 being connected to the chamber space on the side of the electrode away from the first partition 4 through the diffusion hole 5.
[0097] The second chamber 3 is connected to the first gap 41 through the third gap 34, or to the through hole on the first partition 4, thus achieving communication with the first chamber 2.
[0098] On the other hand, considering that any chamber may be a cathode chamber, in order to ensure the diffusion rate of hydrogen, preferably, a second gap 24 is provided between the first electrode 21 and the peripheral wall of the first chamber 2 and between the first electrode 21 and the first partition 4.
[0099] Furthermore, a third gap 34 is provided between the second electrode 31 and the peripheral wall of the second chamber 3, and between the second electrode 31 and the first partition 4.
[0100] Example 2
[0101] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, in this embodiment, instead of the structure connecting the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3, the first chamber 2 and the second chamber 3 are separated by the first partition 4. In this structure, in order to achieve the smooth discharge of hydrogen, both the first water outlet pipe 23 and the second water outlet pipe remain in a conductive state.
[0102] Specifically, when the first inlet pipe 22 is open, the first outlet pipe 23 is used to output electrolysis products, and the second outlet pipe 33 is used to output hydrogen.
[0103] When the second water inlet pipe 32 is turned on, the first water outlet pipe 23 is used to output hydrogen gas, and the second water outlet pipe 33 is used to output electrolysis products.
[0104] To prevent hydrogen from diffusing across the membrane into adjacent chambers via the first separator 4 and consuming the anode products, a gas check structure is provided on the first separator 4, which can effectively prevent hydrogen from passing through while allowing cation migration.
[0105] Optionally, the first separator 4 can be configured as an ultrafiltration membrane, a hydrophilic cation exchange membrane, a negatively charged nanofiltration membrane, or a mixed matrix membrane, etc., which allows water flow while permitting the passage of cations, and simultaneously blocks the diffusion of hydrogen gas generated at the cathode across the membrane.
[0106] Hydrophilic cation membranes adsorb water molecules through hydrophilic groups such as sulfonic acid groups to form a hydration layer, providing a transport channel for cations and water. Non-polar gas molecules are blocked because they cannot form hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions with the hydration layer, thus achieving the function of gas anti-reverse flow.
[0107] Negatively charged nanofiltration membranes have a negatively charged surface. Their pore size can block gases, while cations and water can pass through. By incorporating hydrophilic groups, a dynamic hydration layer can be formed, enhancing water transport. Gases are trapped due to their hydrophobicity, nonpolarity, and low solubility, thus achieving a gas anti-reverse function.
[0108] The hybrid matrix membrane uses organic polymers as the matrix and inorganic nanomaterials such as zeolite and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are uniformly dispersed inside. The surface charge and hydrophilicity of the materials can promote the transport of cations and water, and the gas anti-reverse function can be achieved by controlling the pore size distribution.
[0109] Furthermore, in order to prevent the reducing substances in the cathode chamber from diffusing into the anode chamber with the water flow and causing consumption of the anode products, a water-blocking structure is preferably added to the first partition 4 in this embodiment.
[0110] It should be noted that although the first separator 4 in this utility model can limit most of the water flow in the anode chamber to diffuse into the cathode chamber, since the hydrogen ions and other cations generated at the anode need to pass through the first separator 4 to enter the cathode chamber and continue to participate in electrolysis, and water is required as a medium during the migration of ions, the first separator 4 can allow ions to carry some water through during the migration process. This water can also prevent the cathode from burning dry during the electrolysis process.
[0111] Therefore, the first separator 4 can be configured as a cation exchange membrane, a hydrophobic MOF (metal-organic framework) membrane, a hydrophobic COF (covalent organic framework) membrane, or a hydrophobic mixed matrix membrane, etc.
[0112] This structural design allows hydrogen ions to carry some water into the cathode chamber 404, preventing the cathode 403 from burning dry, while also preventing the cathode products from consuming the anode products. The cation exchange membrane is preferably a proton exchange membrane.
[0113] Hydrophobic MOF and COF membranes form low surface energy interfaces by introducing hydrophobic functional groups such as fluorinated groups, which block the permeation of polar water molecules and gases; their pore surfaces are modified with negatively charged groups to promote cation migration.
[0114] The hydrophobic hybrid matrix membrane uses hydrophobic polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride as the matrix and embeds hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles such as zeolite and sulfonated carbon nanotubes. It forms a continuous ion transport channel through hydrophilic fillers, allowing cations and their hydrated ions to pass through, while preventing gas diffusion across the membrane through the hydrophobic matrix.
[0115] Experimental data show that, under the premise that other electrolysis conditions are the same, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the electrolysis product output in this embodiment can be increased from 820mV in the previous embodiment to more than 1000mV, which significantly enhances the bactericidal ability of electrolyzed water.
[0116] On the other hand, in order to reduce the voltage required for electrolysis in this embodiment, the first electrode 21, the first separator 4 and the second electrode 31 are preferably stacked, and the area of the first separator 4 is larger than the area of any electrode. That is, a number of diffusion holes 5 are provided on the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 31 to further shorten the migration path of hydrogen ions.
[0117] Furthermore, in order to extend the service life of the first separator 4, the diffusion holes 5 of the first electrode 21 and the diffusion holes 5 of the second electrode 31 are preferably symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first separator 4 to reduce the unilateral swelling amplitude of the first separator 4.
[0118] Example 3
[0119] In existing technologies, electrodes are typically sheet-like structures for ease of processing. With such structures, a straight path often forms between the inlet and outlet, causing water entering the electrolysis space through the inlet to flow directly out through the outlet along the shortest path. For electrodes farther from the inlet and outlet, the water flow often fails to reach them. This results in those electrodes not fully participating in electrolysis, leading to a waste of electrode area. Furthermore, because the water flows out through the outlet along the shortest path, the electrolysis time is correspondingly shorter, and the actual output electrolysis products often fail to meet expected performance indicators.
[0120] Therefore, as Figure 5As shown, to prevent the electrodes at corners from failing to fully participate in electrolysis, at least one water-blocking element 8 is provided in the first chamber 2 and / or the second chamber 3 in this embodiment. The water-blocking element 8 divides the initial water path between the inlet of the inlet pipe and the outlet of the outlet pipe into several interconnected second flow paths. Since the width of the second flow path is smaller than the width of the initial water path, the water flow is guided through the second flow path, allowing the water flow to cover a larger area of the electrodes, thus significantly improving the utilization rate of the electrodes. On the other hand, the water-blocking element 8 also serves to support the electrodes.
[0121] Optionally, if only one water-blocking element 8 is provided, it is preferable to evenly distribute the second flow path on both sides of it. In this case, the width ratio of the second flow path to the initial water path is 0.5. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to set the ratio to ≤0.5 to ensure that the water flow fully covers the electrode surface.
[0122] Optionally, if several water-blocking components 8 are provided, adjacent second flow paths are connected by a transition section, which is U-shaped. In this case, the connected second flow paths extend the flow path of the electrolyzed raw water. Under the guidance of the second flow paths, the water flow can fully cover all areas of the electrode, thereby improving the utilization rate of the electrode.
[0123] In addition to limiting the width of the second flow path, in this embodiment, the length of any water-blocking component 8 is greater than or equal to the length of the electrode by 0.5, so as to ensure the extension length of the second flow path, so that it can cover more areas of the electrode, and avoid the second flow path being too short, which would make the width of the transition section too large, causing the water flow to not be able to fully cover the electrode when it flows through the transition section.
[0124] On the other hand, in order to further increase the area of the electrodes covered by the water flow, in this embodiment the water inlet of the water inlet pipe is located at the end of the second flow path away from the transition section, so that the electrolyzed raw water can cover the area of the electrodes from the water inlet to the transition section.
[0125] And / or, in this embodiment, the outlet of the water outlet pipe is located at the end of the second flow path away from the transition section, so that the water flow can cover the area of the electrode from the outlet to the transition section.
[0126] In this invention, the electrode can be made of conductive diamond or other conductive materials, such as one or a combination of ceramic, titanium, platinum, gold, titanium alloy, nickel, palladium, platinum-ruthenium alloy or stainless steel.
[0127] Furthermore, at least one electrode of the self-cleaning electrode module of this application is made of conductive diamond material. For example, the first electrode 21 is made of conductive diamond material, or the second electrode 31 is made of conductive diamond material, or both the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 31 can be made of conductive diamond material.
[0128] In the prior art, electrodes used for electrolysis often use precious metal electrodes such as platinum, ruthenium, and iridium. Considering the limited resources of precious metals, the development prospects of such electrodes are limited. In this invention, conductive diamond electrodes are used, which reduces the dependence on precious metal resources. Considering that carbon resources for preparing conductive diamond are more abundant, this invention has better development prospects.
[0129] This application also provides an electrolysis device, including a commutation circuit 6 and an electrolysis module electrically connected to the commutation circuit 6, wherein the electrolysis module adopts the aforementioned self-cleaning electrolysis module. It also includes control valves corresponding to the first inlet pipe 22, the first outlet pipe 23, the second inlet pipe 32, and the second outlet pipe 33, respectively, to control the opening and closing of the first inlet pipe 22, the first outlet pipe 23, the second inlet pipe 32, and the second outlet pipe 33.
[0130] Specifically, in one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 8 As shown, the commutation circuit 6 is used to output the signal current for switching the electrodes of the self-cleaning electrolytic module. It includes a first relay KR1, a second relay KR2, a diode D3, a double-control switch 61, a transistor Q1, a first inductor, and a second inductor. The first relay KR1 and the second relay KR2 are respectively connected to the double-control switch 61, which controls the switching of the electrodes. One end of the first relay KR1 and the second relay KR2 are connected in series, and the other end of the first relay KR1 is connected to the power supply. The other end of the second relay KR2 is connected to the collector of the transistor Q1. One end of the first inductor is connected to the relay unit, and the other end is connected to the transistor Q1. The emitter of the transistor Q1 is grounded. One end of the second inductor is connected to the other end of the first inductor, and the other end is grounded to the emitter of the transistor Q1. The diode D3 is connected in parallel with the circuit formed by the first relay KR1 and the second relay KR2. The diode D3 is used to prevent backflow of current from the power supply or the relay unit, which could damage the components in the commutation circuit.
[0131] The signal current output by the relay unit enters the base of transistor Q1 through the first inductor, making transistor Q1 open-circuited. At this time, the first relay KR1 and the second relay KR2 are energized, opening the double-control switch 61. The current changes smoothly through the first inductor. After the relay unit stops outputting the signal current, the second inductor outputs current in reverse to the base of transistor Q1, making the current decrease smoothly. The double-control switch 61 smoothly transitions to the switching output current of the self-cleaning electrolytic module.
[0132] The dual-control switch 61 includes a first single-pole double-throw switch JK1, a second single-pole double-throw switch JK2, and an electrode power supply. One end of the first single-pole double-throw switch JK1 is connected to one end of the filter unit, and the other end can switch between the positive and negative terminals of the electrode power supply. One end of the second single-pole double-throw switch JK2 is connected to the other end of the filter unit, and the other end can switch between the positive and negative terminals of the electrode power supply. A first relay KR1 controls the first single-pole double-throw switch JK1, and a second relay KR2 controls the second single-pole double-throw switch JK2. The output current switching is stable and reliable through the combination of the two single-pole double-throw switches.
[0133] In another embodiment of this application, to expand the application scenarios of the electrolysis equipment, a heating element is also provided on the electrolysis equipment, and the heating element is located upstream of the water inlet pipe. Specifically, the heating element can be located upstream of the first water inlet pipe 22 of the self-cleaning electrolysis module, and / or, the heating element can be located upstream of the second water inlet pipe 32. This ensures that the output electrolyzed water not only has efficient sterilization capabilities but also has a suitable temperature, thereby expanding its application scenarios. However, if it is located downstream of the outlet pipe of the self-cleaning electrolysis module, considering that the output anode products are relatively active and are more easily consumed under heating, the output electrolyzed products under this structural configuration cannot meet the user's sterilization needs.
[0134] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A self-cleaning electrolysis module, characterized in that, It includes a shell and an electrolysis space inside the shell. The electrolysis space is divided into a first chamber with a first electrode and a second chamber with a second electrode by a first separator. The first electrode and the second electrode have opposite polarities and their polarities can be switched. The first separator is an ion channel for cations; The first chamber is provided with a first water inlet pipe and a first water outlet pipe, and the second chamber is provided with a second water inlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe, with the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe arranged in parallel; When the electrode of any chamber is the anode, the water inlet and outlet pipes of the current chamber are connected, and the water inlet pipes of the adjacent chambers are shut off.
2. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second water outlet pipes are in a conductive state; The first separator is equipped with a gas check structure.
3. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first electrode, the first separator, and the second electrode are stacked, and the area of the first separator is larger than the area of any electrode.
4. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chamber and the second chamber are connected, and the first partition is provided with a water-blocking structure; The inlet and outlet water pipes of any chamber can be simultaneously opened or simultaneously closed.
5. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first gap is provided between the first separator and the peripheral wall of the electrolysis space, and the first chamber and the second chamber are connected through the first gap. And / or, the area of the first separator is larger than the area of any electrode, and the first separator is provided with at least two through holes connecting the first chamber and the second chamber.
6. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second gap is provided between the first electrode and the peripheral wall of the first chamber, and / or a second gap is provided between the first electrode and the first partition, wherein the area of the first electrode is smaller than the area of the first partition. The first chamber is connected to the second chamber through a second gap.
7. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to claim 5, characterized in that, A third gap is provided between the second electrode and the peripheral wall of the second chamber, and / or a third gap is provided between the second electrode and the first partition, wherein the area of the second electrode is smaller than the area of the first partition; The second chamber is connected to the first chamber through a third gap.
8. The self-cleaning electrolysis module according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Both the first electrode and the second electrode are provided with a plurality of diffusion holes, and the diffusion holes of the first electrode and the diffusion holes of the second electrode are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first separator.
9. An electrolysis device, characterized in that, It includes a commutation circuit and an electrolytic module electrically connected to the commutation circuit, wherein the electrolytic module is a self-cleaning electrolytic module as described in any one of claims 1-8.
10. The electrolysis equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a heating element, which is disposed upstream of the first water inlet pipe of the self-cleaning electrolysis module; And / or, the heating element is located upstream of the second water inlet pipe of the self-cleaning electrolysis module.