Electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of hydrogen production, and one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production electrolytic tank, which comprises a tank body and a top plate, the top plate is connected to the tank body through vertical linear driving, a liquid level detection assembly is arranged inside the tank body, a sub-tank electrolysis assembly is arranged on the tank body and the top plate, the sub-tank electrolysis assembly comprises a sealing sleeve layer, the sealing sleeve layer is arranged in the tank body, a zone separation membrane is connected to the sealing sleeve layer through plug-in installation, the zone separation membrane is plugged into the sealing sleeve layer, the tank body is divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber through the sealing sleeve layer and the zone separation membrane, and a plurality of anode sheets and cathode sheets are arranged on the top plate. Through the above technical solution, the technical problem that the installation mode of the cathode electrolysis sheet and the anode electrolysis sheet in the existing electrolytic tank is relatively complex, and a plurality of connecting pieces and sealing pieces are usually used for multi-layer fixation is solved, and the installation structure makes the operation process cumbersome when the electrolysis sheet needs to be replaced and maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the field of hydrogen production technology, and more specifically, to an electrolyzer for hydrogen production via water electrolysis. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry, water electrolysis for hydrogen production has become a core technology attracting significant attention. The electrolyzer, as a crucial piece of equipment in water electrolysis for hydrogen production, directly impacts hydrogen production efficiency and cost. Currently, existing water electrolysis electrolyzers for hydrogen production have significant shortcomings in practical applications.

[0003] The installation of cathode and anode plates in existing electrolytic cells is quite complex, typically employing multiple connectors and seals for multi-layered fixation. This installation structure makes replacement and maintenance of the plates cumbersome. Workers must carefully disassemble numerous fixing components and repeatedly adjust the seals to prevent leaks. If a plate malfunctions and needs replacement, the complex installation structure and process consume significant time and manpower, severely reducing the efficiency of plate assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, frequent disassembly and reassembly can easily damage other components of the electrolytic cell, increasing maintenance costs.

[0004] As the hydrogen energy market increasingly demands higher reliability and ease of operation and maintenance for hydrogen production equipment, the drawbacks of traditional electrolyzers in terms of disassembly and assembly of electrolyzer plates have become a bottleneck restricting the industry's development. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of water electrolysis electrolyzer for hydrogen production that can improve the inconvenience of disassembly and assembly of existing cathode and anode electrolyzer plates, thereby enhancing the overall performance and operational efficiency of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the embodiments of this disclosure provide an electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, which solves the technical problem that the installation method of the cathode electrolytic plate and anode electrolytic plate in the existing electrolytic cell is relatively complicated. It usually uses multiple connectors and seals for multi-layer fixation. This installation structure makes the operation process cumbersome when the electrolytic plate needs to be replaced and maintained.

[0006] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water electrolysis electrolyzer for hydrogen production, comprising:

[0007] The tank and the top plate, wherein the top plate is connected to the tank via a vertical linear drive;

[0008] A liquid level detection component is disposed inside the tank.

[0009] A multi-slot electrolysis assembly is disposed on the tank body and the top plate;

[0010] The divided-tank electrolysis assembly includes a sealing sleeve layer disposed in the tank body. A partition membrane is inserted and connected inside the sealing sleeve layer. The partition membrane is inserted in the sealing sleeve layer. The tank body is divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by the sealing sleeve layer and the partition membrane. A plurality of anode plates and cathode plates are disposed on the top plate.

[0011] As a further technical solution, a rectangular groove is provided on the top of the top plate, and several insertion ports are provided on both sides of the rectangular groove. The insertion ports correspond to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber respectively. A connecting plate is installed in the rectangular groove, and the anode plate and the cathode plate are both installed on the connecting plate.

[0012] As a further technical solution, a pair of rectangular bars are provided on the bottom surface of the top plate, and a transmission groove is provided between the rectangular bars and the top plate. A transmission screw is rotatably connected in the transmission groove, and the transmission screw is made of an insulating material.

[0013] As a further technical solution, several crossbars are slidably connected in the transmission groove, and each crossbar is connected to the transmission screw by a threaded engagement. Several support blocks are provided at the bottom of the top plate, and a connecting electrical contact is provided in each support block. Both the support block and the connecting electrical contact are attached to the side surfaces of the anode plate and the cathode plate.

[0014] As a further technical solution, one side of the support block is pressed against the surface of the anode plate and the cathode plate, the support block is positioned opposite to the crossbeam, and a pair of exhaust pipes are provided on the top of the top plate, the exhaust pipes corresponding to the anode chamber and the cathode chamber respectively.

[0015] As a further technical solution, the liquid level detection component includes a pair of uprights, which are respectively disposed at the bottom of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. A fixing plate is disposed at the upper end of the uprights, and an infrared distance sensor is disposed at the bottom of the fixing plate. A floating feedback plate is slidably mounted on the uprights.

[0016] As a further technical solution, handles are provided at both ends of the top of the connecting plate.

[0017] As a further technical solution, slots are provided at both ends of the top of the groove, and the slots correspond to the positions of the rectangular strip.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows:

[0019] In this disclosure, the segmented electrolysis assembly divides the tank into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber through a sealing sleeve and a separating membrane, effectively isolating the oxygen and hydrogen generated during electrolysis, ensuring gas purity, and preventing mixing that could lead to safety hazards. The anode and cathode plates are mounted on a connecting plate, precisely corresponding to the electrolysis chambers via connectors. A drive screw and a crossbeam drive support block press the electrode plates together, forming a stable electrical connection. This modular design eliminates the need for traditional, complex multi-layered fixing methods, eliminating the need to disassemble numerous connectors and seals. The electrode plates can be quickly installed and removed simply by rotating the drive screw, significantly simplifying the replacement and maintenance process, shortening maintenance time, improving equipment operation and maintenance efficiency, and reducing the risk of component damage due to frequent disassembly and reassembly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 This is an isometric drawing of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an isometric sectional view of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 Appendix to this disclosure Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Tank body; 2. Top plate; 3. Divided electrolysis assembly; 3-1. Sealing sleeve; 3-2. Dividing membrane; 3-3. Anode chamber; 3-4. Cathode chamber; 3-5. Anode plate; 3-6. Cathode plate; 3-7. Rectangular groove; 3-8. Insertion port; 3-9. Connecting plate; 3-10. Rectangular strip; 3-11. Transmission groove; 3-12. Transmission screw; 3-13. Horizontal frame; 3-14. Support block; 3-15. Electrical contact; 3-16. Exhaust pipe; 4. Liquid level detection assembly; 4-1. Upright pole; 4-2. Fixing plate; 4-3. Infrared distance sensor; 4-4. Floating feedback plate; 5. Handle; 6. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0028] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0031] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] like Figures 1-4 As shown, it illustrates a water electrolysis cell for hydrogen production according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising:

[0033] The tank body 1 and the top plate 2 are connected to the tank body 1 by a vertical linear drive;

[0034] Liquid level detection component 4 is disposed inside the tank body 1;

[0035] The segmented electrolysis assembly 3 is disposed on the tank body 1 and the top plate 2;

[0036] The divided-tank electrolysis assembly 3 includes a sealing sleeve 3-1 disposed within the tank 1. A partition membrane 3-2 is inserted and connected within the sealing sleeve 3-1. The partition membrane 3-2 is inserted into the sealing sleeve 3-1. The tank 1 is divided into an anode chamber 3-3 and a cathode chamber 3-4 by the sealing sleeve 3-1 and the partition membrane 3-2. A plurality of anode plates 3-5 and cathode plates 3-6 are disposed on the top plate 2. A rectangular groove 3-7 is formed at the top of the top plate 2. Several insertion ports 3-8 are formed on both sides of the rectangular groove 3-7, corresponding to the anode chamber 3-3 and the cathode chamber 3-4 respectively. A connecting plate 3-9 is installed inside the rectangular groove 3-7, and the anode plate 3-5 and the cathode plate 3-6 are both mounted on the connecting plate 3-9. A pair of rectangular strips 3-10 are provided on the bottom surface of the top plate 2. The rectangular strips 3-10 are connected to the top plate 2... Each section is provided with a transmission groove 3-11, within which a transmission screw 3-12 is rotatably connected. The transmission screw 3-12 is made of an insulating material. Several crossbeams 3-13 are slidably connected within the transmission grooves 3-11, and each crossbeam 3-13 is threadedly connected to the transmission screw 3-12. Several support blocks 3-14 are provided at the bottom of the top plate 2, and each support block 3-14 contains a mating electrical contact 3-15. The support block 3-14 and the contact 3-15 are both attached to the side surfaces of the anode plate 3-5 and the cathode plate 3-6. One side of the support block 3-14 is pressed against the surface of the anode plate 3-5 and the cathode plate 3-6. The support block 3-14 is positioned opposite to the crossbeam 3-13. A pair of exhaust pipes 3-16 are provided on the top of the top plate 2. The exhaust pipes 3-16 correspond to the anode chamber 3-3 and the cathode chamber 3-4, respectively.

[0037] In some examples, to achieve efficient separation and preparation of oxygen and hydrogen, a segmented electrolysis assembly 3 is designed. This assembly includes a sealing sleeve 3-1 and a partition membrane 3-2 disposed within the cell body 1, forming a physical barrier that divides the electrolysis cell into an anode chamber 3-3 and a cathode chamber 3-4, effectively preventing the mixing of generated oxygen and hydrogen and ensuring gas purity. The anode plates 3-5 and cathode plates 3-6 on the top plate 2 are integrated and installed via a connecting plate 3-9, precisely corresponding to each electrolysis chamber through the insertion ports 3-8 within the rectangular slot 3-7, ensuring a stable current conduction path.

[0038] The threaded drive structure of the drive screw 3-12 and the crossbeam 3-13 enables the clamping and fixing of the electrode plates. When the operator rotates the drive screw 3-12, the crossbeam 3-13 slides along the drive groove 3-11, causing the support block 3-14 to press or loosen the electrode plates, facilitating the installation, disassembly, and maintenance of the electrode plates. The electrical contact 3-15 inside the support block 3-14 is made of elastic conductive material, forming a reliable electrical connection when the electrode plates are pressed, ensuring the stable progress of the electrolysis reaction. The exhaust pipe 3-16 is connected to the anode chamber 3-3 and the cathode chamber 3-4 respectively, promptly discharging the oxygen and hydrogen produced by electrolysis and preventing gas accumulation from affecting electrolysis efficiency. This compartmentalized design and modular electrode structure not only ensure the safety of gas separation but also allow for quick adaptation to different hydrogen production needs by replacing the electrode plates, improving the versatility and ease of operation of the electrolyzer.

[0039] like Figures 1-4 As shown in the figure, the liquid level detection component 4 proposed in this embodiment includes a pair of uprights 4-1. The uprights 4-1 are respectively disposed at the bottom of the anode chamber 3-3 and the cathode chamber 3-4. A fixing plate 4-2 is disposed at the upper end of the uprights 4-1. An infrared distance sensor 4-3 is disposed at the bottom of the fixing plate 4-2. A floating feedback plate 4-4 is slidably mounted on the uprights 4-1.

[0040] In some examples, a liquid level detection component 4 is designed to monitor liquid level changes during electrolysis in real time. This component includes a support structure consisting of a vertical rod 4-1 at the bottom of the anode chamber 3-3 and the cathode chamber 3-4, and an infrared distance sensor 4-3 fixed at the upper end by a fixing plate 4-2. The sensor emits infrared signals vertically downwards to detect the distance between itself and the floating feedback plate 4-4 in real time. The floating feedback plate 4-4 is slidably mounted on the vertical rod 4-1 and floats with the rise and fall of the electrolyte level. When the liquid level changes, the signal strength received by the sensor changes, converting the distance data into liquid level information and feeding it back to the control system.

[0041] This non-contact detection method avoids the malfunctions caused by electrolyte corrosion in traditional probe-type sensors, thus extending the service life of the detection device. For example, when the electrolyte level drops due to electrolysis consumption or leakage, the infrared distance sensor 4-3 detects a change in the position of the floating feedback plate 4-4, immediately triggering the alarm system to remind the operator to replenish the electrolyte and ensure the continuous and stable electrolysis reaction. Simultaneously, the dual-sensor design of the dual uprights 4-1 allows for separate monitoring of the liquid levels in the anode chamber 3-3 and the cathode chamber 3-4, preventing uneven liquid levels from affecting electrolysis efficiency or causing safety hazards, providing reliable liquid level monitoring for the water electrolysis hydrogen production process.

[0042] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, handles 5 are provided at both ends of the top of the connecting plate 3-9.

[0043] In some examples, handles 5 are provided at both ends of the top of the connecting plate 3-9. The connecting plate 3-9, along with the anode plate 3-5 and cathode plate 3-6 at the bottom, can be removed at once through the handles 5, which can quickly complete the installation and removal. In conjunction with multiple sets of support blocks 3-14, the fixing strength can be enhanced.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, slots 6 are provided at both ends of the top of the groove 1, and the slots 6 correspond to the positions of the rectangular strips 3-10.

[0045] In some examples, the slots 6 at both ends of the top of the tank 1 can mate with the rectangular strips 3-10 at the bottom of the top plate 2. After the top plate 2 is lowered, the rectangular strips 3-10 can be inserted into the slots 6 to prevent oxygen and hydrogen leakage caused by the top plate 2 not being able to fit completely with the top of the tank 1.

[0046] In actual use: The tank 1 is fixed in the working position. The top plate 2 is lowered using a vertical linear drive device, allowing the rectangular strip 3-10 at the bottom of the top plate 2 to insert into the slot 6 at the top of the tank 1, achieving a sealed connection between the tank 1 and the top plate 2. A sealing sleeve 3-1 and a partition membrane 3-2 are inserted into the tank 1, dividing it into an anode chamber 3-3 and a cathode chamber 3-4. Anode plates 3-5 and cathode plates 3-6 are mounted on the connecting plate 3-9. The connecting plate 3-9 is inserted above the corresponding electrolysis chamber through the insertion port 3-8 in the rectangular slot 3-7 at the top of the top plate 2, ensuring that the anode plates 3-5 and 3-6 are aligned with the anode chamber 3-3 and cathode chamber 3-4, respectively. Rotating the drive screw 3-12 causes it to thread into the crossbeam 3-13, which then slides within the drive groove 3-11. This causes the support block 3-14 to press against the anode plate 3-5 and cathode plate 3-6, while simultaneously connecting the electrical contact 3-15 to the side surface of the electrode plate, forming an electrical connection. Electrolyte is injected into the tank 1. The floating feedback plate 4-4 floats on the upright 4-1 with the liquid level, and the infrared distance sensor 4-3 at the bottom of the fixed plate 4-2 monitors the liquid level in real time. Power is then applied to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen, with the generated oxygen and hydrogen exiting from their respective exhaust pipes 3-16. For maintenance, rotating the drive screw 3-12 in the reverse direction loosens the support block 3-14. The connecting plate 3-9 can then be removed via the handle 5, allowing replacement of the anode plate 3-5 and cathode plate 3-6.

[0047] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen through water electrolysis, characterized in that, include: The tank (1) and the top plate (2) are connected to the tank (1) by a vertical linear drive; Liquid level detection component (4), wherein the liquid level detection component (4) is disposed inside the tank body (1); The segmented electrolysis assembly (3) is disposed on the tank body (1) and the top plate (2); The divided-tank electrolysis assembly (3) includes a sealing sleeve (3-1), which is disposed in the tank (1). A partition membrane (3-2) is inserted and connected in the sealing sleeve (3-1). The partition membrane (3-2) is inserted in the sealing sleeve (3-1). The tank (1) is divided into an anode chamber (3-3) and a cathode chamber (3-4) by the sealing sleeve (3-1) and the partition membrane (3-2). A plurality of anode plates (3-5) and cathode plates (3-6) are disposed on the top plate (2).

2. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top plate (2) has a rectangular groove (3-7) on its top. Several insertion ports (3-8) are provided on both sides of the rectangular groove (3-7). The insertion ports (3-8) correspond to the anode chamber (3-3) and the cathode chamber (3-4) respectively. A connecting plate (3-9) is installed in the rectangular groove (3-7). The anode plate (3-5) and the cathode plate (3-6) are both installed on the connecting plate (3-9).

3. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the top plate (2) is provided with a pair of rectangular bars (3-10), and a transmission groove (3-11) is provided between the rectangular bars (3-10) and the top plate (2). A transmission screw (3-12) is rotatably connected in the transmission groove (3-11), and the transmission screw (3-12) is made of insulating material.

4. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 3, characterized in that, Several crossbars (3-13) are slidably connected within the transmission groove (3-11). Each crossbar (3-13) is threadedly connected to the transmission screw (3-12). Several support blocks (3-14) are provided at the bottom of the top plate (2). Each support block (3-14) contains a contacting electrical contact (3-15). Both the support block (3-14) and the contacting electrical contact (3-15) are attached to the side surfaces of the anode plate (3-5) and the cathode plate (3-6).

5. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support block (3-14) is pressed against the surface of the anode plate (3-5) and the cathode plate (3-6) on one side. The support block (3-14) is positioned opposite to the crossbar (3-13). A pair of exhaust pipes (3-16) are provided on the top of the top plate (2). The exhaust pipes (3-16) correspond to the anode chamber (3-3) and the cathode chamber (3-4) respectively.

6. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level detection component (4) includes a pair of uprights (4-1), which are respectively disposed at the bottom of the anode chamber (3-3) and the cathode chamber (3-4). A fixing plate (4-2) is disposed at the upper end of the uprights (4-1), and an infrared distance sensor (4-3) is disposed at the bottom of the fixing plate (4-2). A floating feedback plate (4-4) is slidably mounted on the uprights (4-1).

7. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting plate (3-9) is provided with handles (5) at both ends of its top.

8. The electrolytic cell for hydrogen production by water electrolysis according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top two ends of the groove (1) are provided with slots (6), and the slots (6) correspond to the positions of the rectangular strips (3-10).

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