Anion exchange membrane electrolyzer and hydrogen-oxygen generator

Abstract

This utility model provides an end plate, an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a hydrogen-oxygen generator. The end plate includes: an end plate body, wherein a first flow hole is formed along its thickness direction, and the end plate body is an insulator; and an annular bushing fitted inside the first flow hole. The end plate body of this application is a plate-shaped insulator made of insulating material. Because the end plate body itself is insulating, the insulating plate located on one side of the end plate body in the electrolyzer can be removed, thereby reducing the weight of the electrolyzer, improving the assembly efficiency of the electrolyzer, and reducing the production cost of the electrolyzer. The annular bushing is an annular structural component made of corrosion-resistant material. The annular bushing is fitted inside the first flow hole, and the electrolyte can enter the electrolyzer through the inner hole of the annular bushing, thereby preventing the end plate body from directly contacting the electrolyte and thus extending the service life of the end plate body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, specifically to an end plate, an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a hydrogen-oxygen generator. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen-oxygen generator is a device that uses water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen. It can be used in welding and cutting, healthcare, chemical production, and environmental protection. A hydrogen-oxygen generator mainly consists of an electrolytic cell, a controller, a gas-liquid separation system, and a flame arrester. The electrolytic cell, as one of the core components, directly affects the use and lifespan of the hydrogen-oxygen generator due to its performance and long-term stability.

[0003] For a long time, alkaline water electrolysis (ALK) electrolyzers for hydrogen production have been widely used due to their mature technology and low cost. However, they still suffer from disadvantages such as low energy efficiency, narrow operating range, and long response time. With technological advancements, anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis for hydrogen production combines the advantages of both ALK and PEM methods. AEM electrolyzers offer advantages such as a wide range of material choices, small size, high electrical density load, and low energy consumption. While AEM electrolyzers offer high performance, their production costs still need further reduction. Utility Model Content

[0004] The embodiments of this utility model provide an end plate, an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a hydrogen-oxygen generator, which can improve the technical problem of high production cost of AEM electrolyzers.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an end plate, comprising:

[0006] An end plate body, wherein a first flow hole is formed along its thickness direction, and the end plate body is an insulator;

[0007] An annular bushing is fitted inside the first flow hole.

[0008] In one embodiment, the annular bushing is a stainless steel bushing; and / or

[0009] The end plate body is made of epoxy resin.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this utility model provide an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, comprising:

[0011] The first end plate is the end plate provided in the first aspect embodiment described above;

[0012] The second end plate is disposed opposite to the first end plate;

[0013] A first flow collector baffle is stacked between the first end plate and the second end plate. A second flow passage is provided on the first flow collector baffle. The first flow passage communicates with the second flow passage. One end of the annular bushing is disposed in the second flow passage.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second end plate is an insulator.

[0015] In one embodiment, the wall of the second flow passage is provided with an internal thread, and the outer surface of the annular bushing is provided with an external thread that matches the internal thread. The annular bushing and the first flow collector are connected by the external thread and the internal thread.

[0016] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes an electrolysis chamber sandwiched between the first current collector and the second end plate. The electrolysis chamber includes a cathode gas diffusion layer, an anion exchange membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer stacked sequentially.

[0017] The cathode gas diffusion layer includes a carbon felt and platinum black disposed on the carbon felt; and / or

[0018] The anion exchange membrane is a bare membrane; and / or

[0019] The anode gas diffusion layer is a stainless steel mesh felt.

[0020] In one embodiment, the thickness of the anion exchange membrane is 25 μm-50 μm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a second current collector baffle, and the electrolysis chamber further includes a cathode frame and an anode frame disposed opposite to each other. The anion exchange membrane is sandwiched between the cathode frame and the anode frame. The cathode gas diffusion layer is disposed within the cathode frame, and the anode gas diffusion layer is disposed within the anode frame. The cathode frame and the anode frame are respectively provided with a communicating third flow hole and a fourth flow hole along their thickness direction. The third flow hole and the fourth flow hole communicate with the second flow hole. The second current collector baffle blocks the end of the fourth flow hole that is away from the first end plate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer includes a plurality of electrolysis chambers and an inspection partition disposed between adjacent electrolysis chambers. The inspection partition is provided with a fifth flow hole communicating with the second flow hole along its thickness direction. The plurality of electrolysis chambers are located between the first current collector and the second end plate. The inspection partition is a stainless steel partition and the thickness of the inspection partition is 0.5mm-1mm.

[0023] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a fastening assembly, which includes a screw and a nut. The screw passes through the first end plate and the second end plate, and the nut is sleeved on both ends of the screw and is located on the outside of the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this utility model provide a hydrogen-oxygen generator, including the aforementioned anion exchange membrane electrolyzer.

[0025] In the embodiments of this utility model, the end plate body is a plate-shaped insulator made of insulating material. Since the end plate body itself is insulated, the insulating plate located on one side of the end plate body in the electrolytic cell can be removed, thereby reducing the weight of the electrolytic cell, improving the assembly efficiency of the electrolytic cell, and reducing the production cost of the electrolytic cell. The annular bushing is an annular structural component made of corrosion-resistant material. The annular bushing is fitted inside the first flow hole, and the electrolyte can enter the electrolytic cell through the inner hole of the annular bushing, thereby preventing the end plate body from directly contacting the electrolyte and thus improving the service life of the end plate body. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1-End plate body; 11-First flow passage hole; 2-Annular bushing; 3-Second end plate; 4-First current collector baffle; 41-Second flow passage hole; 5-Electrolysis chamber; 51-Cathode gas diffusion layer; 52-Anion exchange membrane; 53-Anode gas diffusion layer; 54-Cathode frame; 541-Third flow passage hole; 55-Anode frame; 551-Fourth flow passage hole; 56-Sealing gasket; 6-Second current collector baffle; 7-Inspection baffle; 71-Fifth flow passage hole; 8-Fastening assembly; 81-Screw; 82-Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. In the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an end plate, comprising:

[0034] End plate body 1, with a first flow hole 11 opened along its thickness direction, and end plate body 1 is an insulator;

[0035] An annular bushing 2 is fitted inside the first flow hole 11.

[0036] It is understood that the end plate body 1 is a plate-shaped insulator made of insulating material. Because the end plate body 1 is itself insulated, the insulating plate located on one side of the end plate body 1 in the electrolytic cell can be removed, thereby reducing the weight of the electrolytic cell, improving assembly efficiency, and lowering production costs. The end plate body 1 has a first flow hole 11 along its thickness direction, through which the electrolyte flows into the electrolytic cell. The annular bushing 2 is an annular structural component made of corrosion-resistant material. The annular bushing 2 is fitted inside the first flow hole 11, allowing the electrolyte to enter the electrolytic cell through the inner hole of the annular bushing 2. This prevents the end plate body 1 from directly contacting the electrolyte, thus extending its service life. The first flow hole 11 can be circular or other shapes.

[0037] As an example, the two ends of the annular bushing 2 extend to the outer sides of the two ends of the first flow hole 11, and the outer surface of the annular bushing 2 contacts the inner wall of the first flow hole 11. The annular bushing 2 is snapped into the first flow hole 11. The end plate body 1 is provided with a plurality of first flow holes 11, which are respectively inlet holes and outlet holes. The end plate body 1 is square.

[0038] In one embodiment, the annular bushing 2 is a stainless steel bushing.

[0039] It is understandable that the annular bushing 2 is made of stainless steel, which can ensure its corrosion resistance and reduce its manufacturing cost.

[0040] In one embodiment, the end plate body 1 is an epoxy resin body.

[0041] It is understandable that the end plate body 1 is made of epoxy resin, which can ensure its insulation and reduce its weight and manufacturing cost.

[0042] Please see Figures 2-3 Secondly, embodiments of this utility model provide an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, comprising:

[0043] The first end plate is the end plate provided in the embodiment of the first aspect described above;

[0044] The second end plate 3 is disposed opposite to the first end plate;

[0045] The first flow collector baffle 4 is stacked between the first end plate and the second end plate 3. The first flow collector baffle 4 has a second flow hole 41. The first flow hole 11 communicates with the second flow hole 41. One end of the annular bushing 2 is located inside the second flow hole 41.

[0046] It is understood that the first end plate and the second end plate 3 are arranged opposite to each other, and other electrolytic cell components (such as electrode frames, cathode gas diffusion layer 51, anion exchange membrane 52, anode gas diffusion layer 53, and current collector baffle) are fixed between them, thereby ensuring the stability of each component in the electrolytic cell and the integrity of the overall structure. The first current collector baffle 4 is provided with a second current hole 41 communicating with the first current hole 11. The electrolyte enters the second current hole 41 through the first current hole 11 and then enters the electrolysis chamber 5. One end of the annular bushing 2 is disposed in the second current hole 41, allowing the electrolyte to enter the second current hole 41 through the annular bushing 2. Multiple first current holes 11 and second current holes 41 can be provided, and they correspond one-to-one.

[0047] As an example, the first end plate abuts against the first flow collector 4, and the first flow passage 11 and the second flow passage 41 are coaxially arranged.

[0048] In one embodiment, the second end plate 3 is an insulator. Thus, since the end plate body 1 is itself insulated, the insulating plate located on one side of the end plate body 1 in the electrolytic cell can be removed, thereby reducing the weight of the electrolytic cell, improving assembly efficiency, and lowering production costs. The structure of the second end plate 3 can be the same as the first end plate, suitable for electrolytic cells with inlet and outlet holes on both sides. Alternatively, the structure of the second end plate 3 can differ from the first end plate; the second end plate 3 may not have flow holes, suitable for electrolytic cells with single-sided inlet and outlet.

[0049] In one embodiment, the second flow passage 41 has an internal thread on its wall, and the outer surface of the annular bushing 2 has an external thread that matches the internal thread. The annular bushing 2 and the first flow collector 4 are connected by the external thread and the internal thread.

[0050] It is understandable that by connecting the internal thread of the second flow hole 41 and the external thread of the annular bushing 2, the annular bushing 2 can be fixedly connected to the first flow collector 4, and the electrolyte flowing through the annular bushing 2 can fully enter the second flow hole 41 and then enter the electrolysis chamber 5. At the same time, the threaded connection is easy to operate and facilitates the installation of the annular bushing 2.

[0051] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes an electrolysis chamber 5, which is sandwiched between the first current collector 4 and the second end plate 3. The electrolysis chamber 5 includes a cathode gas diffusion layer 51, an anion exchange membrane 52 and an anode gas diffusion layer 53 stacked sequentially.

[0052] The cathode gas diffusion layer 51 includes a carbon felt and a platinum black disposed on the carbon felt.

[0053] It is understandable that the electrolysis chamber 5 is an important component of the electrolytic cell. The number of electrolysis chambers 5 in the electrolytic cell can be designed according to the application scenario, and each electrolysis chamber 5 independently completes the electrolysis reaction. Each electrolysis chamber 5 consists of a cathode gas diffusion layer 51, an anion exchange membrane 52, and an anode gas diffusion layer 53. The cathode gas diffusion layer 51 uses carbon felt loaded with platinum black, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of the cathode gas diffusion layer 51, while ensuring the performance of the electrolytic cell and long-term stable operation.

[0054] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane 52 is a bare membrane.

[0055] It is understandable that the anion exchange membrane 52 is a bare membrane without a catalyst coating, which can reduce equipment investment and labor costs, while ensuring the performance of the electrolyzer and long-term stable operation.

[0056] In one embodiment, the anode gas diffusion layer 53 is a stainless steel mesh felt.

[0057] It is understandable that the anode gas diffusion layer 53 is made of stainless steel mesh, which eliminates the need for spraying anode catalyst, thereby reducing equipment investment and labor costs, while ensuring the performance of the electrolyzer and long-term stable operation.

[0058] In one embodiment, the thickness of the anion exchange membrane 52 is 25μm-50μm, for example, it can be 25μm, 27μm, 30μm, 32μm, 35μm, 37μm, 40μm, 42μm, 45μm, 47μm, 50μm, etc.

[0059] It is understood that when the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of this application is applied to a hydrogen-oxygen generator, since the application scenario of the hydrogen-oxygen generator does not have high requirements for hydrogen-oxygen cross-flux, the anion exchange membrane 52 does not need to use a thick membrane to control the hydrogen-oxygen cross-flux.

[0060] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a second current collector 6, and the electrolysis chamber 5 further includes a cathode frame 54 and an anode frame 55 disposed opposite to each other. An anion exchange membrane 52 is sandwiched between the cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55. A cathode gas diffusion layer 51 is disposed in the cathode frame 54, and an anode gas diffusion layer 53 is disposed in the anode frame 55. The cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55 are respectively provided with a communicating third flow hole 541 and a fourth flow hole 551 along their thickness direction. The third flow hole 541 and the fourth flow hole 551 communicate with the second flow hole 41. The second current collector 6 blocks the end of the fourth flow hole 551 that is away from the first end plate.

[0061] It is understood that the anion exchange membrane 52 is sandwiched between the cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55, thereby fixing the anion exchange membrane 52 through the cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55. Both the cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55 are annular, with a through-cavity inside. The cathode gas diffusion layer 51 and the anode gas diffusion layer 53 are respectively disposed within the cavities of the cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55. Multiple third flow holes 541 and fourth flow holes 551 can be provided, corresponding one-to-one with the second flow hole 41. The second current collector 6 blocks the end of the fourth flow hole 551 away from the first end plate, thus making the electrolytic cell a single-sided inlet and outlet electrolytic cell. This simplifies the operation process of the electrolytic cell, improves electrolysis efficiency, simplifies equipment, and reduces manufacturing costs. When the electrolytic cell has multiple electrolysis chambers 5, the second current collector 6 blocks the fourth flow holes 551 of the electrolysis chambers 5 away from the first end plate.

[0062] As an example, the third flow hole 541, the fourth flow hole 551, and the second flow hole 41 are coaxially arranged. The cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55 can be made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). A sealing gasket 56 is provided between the cathode frame 54 and the anode frame 55 to improve the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell. The sealing gasket 56 can be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.

[0063] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer includes a plurality of electrolysis chambers 5 and an inspection partition 7 disposed between adjacent electrolysis chambers 5. The inspection partition 7 has a fifth flow hole 71 communicating with the second flow hole 41 along its thickness direction. The plurality of electrolysis chambers 5 are located between the first current collector 4 and the second end plate 3. The inspection partition 7 is a stainless steel partition and the thickness of the inspection partition 7 is 0.5mm-1mm, for example, it can be 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, etc.

[0064] It is understood that the inspection baffle 7 has a fifth flow hole 71 communicating with the second flow hole 41, and the third flow hole 541 and the fourth flow hole 551 are also communicating with the second flow hole 41. Therefore, the first flow hole 11, the second flow hole 41, the third flow hole 541, the fourth flow hole 551, and the fifth flow hole 71 are all interconnected, allowing the electrolyte to flow into multiple electrolysis chambers 5. The inspection baffle 7 is placed between adjacent electrolysis chambers 5, thus separating the multiple electrolysis chambers 5, which helps to evenly distribute the gas and liquid in the electrolyte, improves the uniformity of the electrolysis process, and thus improves the stability and efficiency of the system. The inspection baffle 7 is made of stainless steel and is thinned, which can reduce the weight of the electrolytic cell, improve the assembly efficiency of the electrolytic cell, and reduce costs.

[0065] As an example, the fifth flow hole 71 and the second flow hole 41 are arranged coaxially.

[0066] In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a fastening assembly 8, which includes a screw 81 and a nut 82. The screw 81 passes through the first end plate and the second end plate 3, and the nut 82 is sleeved on both ends of the screw 81 and is located on the outside of the first end plate and the second end plate 3.

[0067] It is understood that the screw 81 passes through the first end plate and the second end plate 3, and the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate 3 is adjusted by the nut 82 on the outside of the first end plate and the second end plate 3, thereby realizing the fixed connection of the electrolytic cell. This connection method is easy to operate and has low manufacturing cost.

[0068] As an example, the nuts 82 at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell can be capped nuts to prevent foreign impurities and moisture from entering the nut 82 and causing corrosion and rust. Disc springs or flat washers are provided between the nut 82 and the first end plate and between the nut 82 and the second end plate 3.

[0069] As an example, multiple fastening components 8 are provided and evenly distributed around the first end plate and the second end plate 3.

[0070] Thirdly, embodiments of this utility model provide a hydrogen-oxygen generator, including the aforementioned anion exchange membrane electrolyzer.

[0071] As can be understood, a hydrogen-oxygen generator is an electrochemical device that uses water electrolysis to produce Brownian gas. A typical hydrogen-oxygen generator includes: a power supply system, an electrolyzer system, a gas-water separation system, a cooling system, a control system, a safety backfire prevention system, and accessories for using the generator (such as a flame gun, flame arrestor, and flame atmosphere conditioning device). Anion exchange membrane electrolyzers have advantages such as high compactness, small size, and short response time. Hydrogen-oxygen generators using anion exchange membrane electrolyzers, including the aforementioned anion exchange membrane electrolyzers, have adjustable gas production rates to suit different application scenarios.

[0072] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this utility model. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. An anion exchange membrane electrolyzer characterized by, include: The first end plate includes an end plate body and an annular bushing. The end plate body has a first flow hole along its thickness direction. The end plate body is an insulator. The annular bushing is sleeved in the first flow hole. The second end plate is disposed opposite to the first end plate; A first flow collector baffle is stacked between the first end plate and the second end plate. A second flow passage is provided on the first flow collector baffle. The first flow passage communicates with the second flow passage. One end of the annular bushing is disposed in the second flow passage.

2. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The annular bushing is a stainless steel bushing; and / or The end plate body is made of epoxy resin.

3. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The second end plate is an insulator.

4. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 3, wherein, The second flow passage has an internal thread on its wall, and the outer surface of the annular bushing has an external thread that matches the internal thread. The annular bushing is connected to the first flow collector plate through the external thread and the internal thread.

5. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes an electrolysis chamber, which is sandwiched between the first current collector and the second end plate. The electrolysis chamber includes a cathode gas diffusion layer, an anion exchange membrane, and an anode gas diffusion layer stacked sequentially. The cathode gas diffusion layer includes a carbon felt and platinum black disposed on the carbon felt; and / or The anion exchange membrane is a bare membrane; and / or The anode gas diffusion layer is a stainless steel mesh felt.

6. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the anion exchange membrane is 25μm-50μm.

7. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 5, wherein, The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer further includes a second current collector baffle. The electrolysis chamber further includes a cathode frame and an anode frame arranged opposite to each other. The anion exchange membrane is sandwiched between the cathode frame and the anode frame. The cathode gas diffusion layer is disposed within the cathode frame, and the anode gas diffusion layer is disposed within the anode frame. The cathode frame and the anode frame are respectively provided with a communicating third flow hole and a fourth flow hole along their thickness direction. The third flow hole and the fourth flow hole communicate with the second flow hole. The second current collector baffle blocks the end of the fourth flow hole that is away from the first end plate.

8. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer includes multiple electrolysis chambers and inspection partitions disposed between adjacent electrolysis chambers. Each inspection partition has a fifth flow hole communicating with the second flow hole along its thickness direction. The multiple electrolysis chambers are located between the first current collector and the second end plate. The inspection partition is a stainless steel partition with a thickness of 0.5mm-1mm.

9. The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer of claim 1, wherein, The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer also includes a fastening assembly, which includes a screw and a nut. The screw passes through the first end plate and the second end plate, and the nut is sleeved on both ends of the screw and is located on the outside of the first end plate and the second end plate.

10. A hydrogen-oxygen generator characterized by comprising: Includes the anion exchange membrane electrolyzer as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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