An alkaline electrolytic cell cold tight hot tight automatic device
By introducing an automated system consisting of a heating and temperature control device, a circulating pump, and a PLC controller into the electrolytic cell, the problems of uneven temperature and lack of real-time monitoring during the hot-tightening process of the electrolytic cell are solved. This achieves uniform heating and stable fastening of the electrolytic cell, thereby improving its service life and sealing performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIANJI EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY (SUZHOU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrolyzers suffer from problems such as uneven temperature, uneven heating, deformation and misalignment of parts during the hot-tightening process. The lack of precise temperature control and real-time monitoring leads to reduced sealing performance and poor hydrogen production efficiency.
An automated system consisting of a heating and temperature control device, a circulating pump, an electrolytic cell, and a PLC controller is used. The system monitors the internal temperature of the electrolytic cell in real time through remote and local temperature sensors. Combined with flow meters and pressure gauges, it achieves precise control and automatically adjusts the heating and cooling processes to ensure the uniformity and stability of each stage of the electrolytic cell.
It achieves uniformity and stability in the hot-tightening process of the electrolytic cell, reduces temperature differences and human error, improves work efficiency, and extends the service life and sealing performance of the electrolytic cell.
Smart Images
Figure CN224467941U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical fields of monitoring, automation, and constant temperature regulation, and relates to an automated device for cold and hot tightening of alkaline electrolytic cells. Background Technology
[0002] The electrolyzer is the core equipment in an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system, and its performance directly affects the efficiency and cost of the entire system. The internal structure of an electrolyzer typically includes components such as bipolar plates, electrode frames, anode electrodes, cathode electrodes, diaphragms, and sealing gaskets. These components need to be tightened with bolts after installation to ensure the electrolyzer's airtightness. However, existing electrolyzers suffer from several problems during the hot-tightening process, such as uneven temperature, uneven heating, component deformation, and misalignment. These issues severely impact the electrolyzer's sealing performance and hydrogen production efficiency.
[0003] Traditional electrolytic cell hot-tightening methods typically employ atmospheric pressure, resulting in a large accumulation of air inside. This method hinders effective steam conduction, leading to uneven heating during the electrolytic cell's heating process. Furthermore, the lack of precise temperature control makes it difficult to achieve accurate alignment between the set and actual temperature values, resulting in uneven heating rates. This, in turn, causes deformation of internal components, leading to misalignment and reduced sealing effectiveness. Moreover, existing measurement methods, such as manual measurement and handheld infrared temperature measurement, suffer from complex procedures, high workload, long testing times, and time lags in the results, failing to provide real-time information on the temperature distribution during the electrolytic cell's heating process.
[0004] Chinese patent (patent number: CN114150346A) discloses an electrolytic cell with dual functions of constant temperature and liquid exchange. When the temperature of the electrolytic cell exceeds the upper limit of the temperature range, the circulation pump is activated, and the alcohol solvent exchanges heat with the cooling water in the cooling tank through the coil. However, this patent still has shortcomings in temperature monitoring and control within the electrolytic cell, and it cannot monitor temperature changes within the electrolytic cell in real time.
[0005] Chinese patent (patent number: CNCN114941146A) discloses a fully automatic high-efficiency electrolytic cell. This electrolytic cell is equipped with an automatic control system that automatically detects and monitors the temperature, pH value, and trace elements within the cell. A controller automatically opens and closes valves such as the electrolyte control valve and electronic regulating valve. However, this patent lacks precise monitoring and control functions for the temperature within the electrolytic cell in its heat dissipation mechanism, thus failing to effectively solve the problem of uneven temperature distribution. Utility Model Content
[0006] Purpose of the utility model: The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automated device for cold and hot tightening of alkaline electrolytic cells by setting up hot water heating, constant temperature and cooling devices, selectively applying the automated function of the device to each cold and hot tightening stage of the electrolytic cell, so that each stage of the electrolytic cell can achieve the predetermined purpose uniformly, stably and safely. This device greatly improves the problem of uneven temperature, lack of precise temperature control and real-time monitoring mechanism and poor automated tightening effect in the hot tightening process of the electrolytic cell.
[0007] Technical solution: The present invention provides an automated device for cold and hot tightening of an alkaline electrolytic cell, comprising a heating and temperature control device, a circulating pump, an electrolytic cell, and a PLC controller interconnected by pipelines;
[0008] The heating and temperature control device includes a heater and a thermostat installed on the main pipeline to heat the hot water passing through the main pipeline;
[0009] The pipeline through the hot water electrolyzer is equipped with an electrolyzer inlet switching valve 1 for controlling the opening and closing of the hot water inlet pipeline, an electrolyzer inlet switching valve 2, a thermometer for detecting the hot water at the inlet and outlet of the electrolyzer, and a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure of the hot water entering the electrolyzer.
[0010] The data acquisition modules for the electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 1, the electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 2, the thermometer, and the pressure gauge are all connected to the PLC controller.
[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a flow meter installed on the main pipeline for detecting the flow rate of hot water in the main pipeline, and the flow meter is communicatively connected to the PLC controller.
[0012] Furthermore, a manual valve, a filter, a check valve, and a manual valve are respectively installed between the circulating pump and the electrolytic cell inlet switching valve, and between the circulating pump and the flow meter.
[0013] Furthermore, several remote temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of different areas inside the electrolytic cell and local temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the central area inside the electrolytic cell are evenly spaced on the electrolytic cell.
[0014] The data acquisition modules of the remote temperature sensor and the local temperature sensor are connected to the PLC controller.
[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a cooling device, which includes a cooler installed on the main pipeline to cool the hot water passing through the main pipeline.
[0016] Furthermore, the cooling device is connected to the first electrolytic cell water inlet switching valve and the second electrolytic cell water inlet switching valve, respectively.
[0017] Furthermore, the flow meter is one of a differential pressure flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, or an electromagnetic flow meter.
[0018] Its working principle:
[0019] (1) Cold Tightening: The first cold tightening is performed on the assembled electrolytic cell at normal pressure and temperature according to the work instructions, and all data are recorded to achieve the predetermined target; after hot tightening, the cold tightening can be performed by circulating the cooling device → electrolytic cell inlet water switching valve one → hand valve one → filter → circulating pump → check valve → hand valve two → flow meter → electrolytic cell → electrolytic cell outlet water switching valve two to cool down to room temperature and then perform cold tightening. After reaching the preset working conditions, the cold tightening is performed according to the electrolytic cell work instructions, and all data are recorded to achieve the predetermined target; the cooling device and circulating pump are stopped, and the condensate is discharged back to the cooling device after the electrolytic cell 10 is cold tightened; the PLC controller controls and detects whether the flow rate, temperature and pressure reach the preset target during the cooling process throughout the entire process, and determines whether to execute the next stage; this cycle can also be stopped, and the condensate is discharged after the electrolytic cell 10 is hot tightened and then naturally cooled to room temperature;
[0020] (2) Hot tightening: After cold tightening, the heating device can be circulated and heated to 90°C by following the sequence: heating device → electrolytic cell inlet water switching valve 1 → manual valve 1 → filter → circulating pump → check valve → manual valve 2 → flow meter → electrolytic cell → electrolytic cell outlet water switching valve 2. The heating device temperature controller is started to maintain a constant temperature. The PLC controller controls and detects whether the flow rate, temperature and pressure reach the preset target during the heating process and determines whether to proceed to the next stage. After the preset working conditions are reached, hot tightening is carried out according to the electrolytic cell operation instructions, and all data are recorded to achieve the predetermined target. The heating device and circulating pump are stopped and the condensate is discharged back to the heating device after the electrolytic cell hot tightening.
[0021] Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, the features of this utility model are as follows: 1. By installing a three-way switching valve, thermometer, and pressure gauge on the hot water inlet pipe of the electrolytic cell, this device achieves precise monitoring of the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell, overcoming the problem of uneven steam conduction under traditional atmospheric pressure hot tightening conditions, and effectively improving the uniformity and stability of the electrolytic cell heating process; 2. This device uses a PLC program to acquire the operating conditions and adjust the operation according to the set program, realizing automated control of the electrolytic cell hot tightening process, avoiding the uncertainty caused by human operation, effectively reducing the factors of excessive temperature difference, and ensuring the uniformity and stability of the electrolytic cell process; 3. This device sets remote or local thermometers at even intervals in the electrolytic cell, realizing monitoring of the hot tightening process. Real-time monitoring of temperature changes can promptly detect and correct uneven temperature, effectively solving the problem of insufficient temperature monitoring in existing technologies; 4. By setting predetermined temperature conditions and executing an automated fastening program, this invention achieves automated fastening of the electrolytic cell, avoiding the cumbersome nature of traditional manual measurement and handheld infrared temperature measurement, greatly improving work efficiency, reducing human error, and ensuring fastening effect; 5. By cycling through 3-4 cold and hot fastening cycles, this invention achieves multiple thermal expansion and cooling of the electrolytic cell, effectively reducing stress concentration and deformation of components, and improving the service life and sealing performance of the electrolytic cell; 6. Safe and reliable, simple system, low maintenance cost, and reusable for different electrolytic cells. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working structure of this utility model;
[0023] In the diagram: 1 is the heating and temperature control device, 2 is the cooling device, 3 is the electrolytic cell inlet water switching valve one, 4 is the manual valve one, 5 is the filter, 6 is the circulating pump, 7 is the check valve, 8 is the manual valve two, 9 is the flow meter, 10 is the electrolytic cell, 11 is the PLC controller, and 12 is the electrolytic cell outlet water switching valve two. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0025] As shown in the figure, this utility model provides an automated device for cold and hot tightening of an alkaline electrolytic cell. The device includes a heating and temperature control device 1, a cooling device 2, a circulating pump 6, an electrolytic cell 10, a PLC controller 11, valves, instruments and other equipment.
[0026] The heating device 1 includes a heater and a thermostat. The heater is installed on the main pipeline and is used to heat the hot water passing through the main pipeline.
[0027] The cooling device 2 includes a cooler, which is installed on the main pipeline and is used to cool the hot water passing through the main pipeline.
[0028] A three-way switching valve (electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 3, electrolytic cell outlet switching valve 2 12), a thermometer, and a pressure gauge are installed on the hot water inlet pipe of the electrolytic cell 10. The three-way switching valve is used to control the opening and closing of the hot water inlet pipe of the electrolytic cell; the thermometer is used to detect the hot water at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell.
[0029] The pressure gauge is used to detect the pressure of the hot water entering the electrolytic cell;
[0030] The data acquisition modules of the three-way switching valve, thermometer, and pressure gauge are connected to the PLC controller 11. The PLC controller 11 adjusts the opening and closing degree of the three-way switching valve according to the acquired data to achieve precise control of the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell 10.
[0031] A plurality of remote temperature sensors and local temperature sensors are evenly spaced on the electrolytic cell 10. The remote temperature sensors are used to detect the temperature in different areas inside the electrolytic cell 10; the local temperature sensors are used to detect the temperature in the central area inside the electrolytic cell 10. The data acquisition modules of the remote and local temperature sensors are communicatively connected to the PLC controller 11. The PLC controller 11 calculates the temperature uniformity inside the electrolytic cell 10 based on the acquired data. When the temperature is not uniform, the power of the heater or the speed of the circulating pump 6 is adjusted to ensure that the temperature inside the electrolytic cell 10 is uniform. When the temperature reaches a predetermined value, the PLC controller 11 controls the electrolytic cell 10 to start a fastening program, which includes the following steps:
[0032] (1) Stop the operation of circulation pump 6;
[0033] (2) Close the three-way switching valve;
[0034] (3) Turn on the cooler;
[0035] (4) After the temperature drops to room temperature, start the heater and adjust it to the set temperature, and start the pump to heat the electrolytic cell 10;
[0036] (5) Repeat the above process 3-4 times to complete the cold and hot tightening of electrolytic cell 10.
[0037] The device also includes a flow meter 9, which is installed on the main pipeline to detect the hot water flow rate in the main pipeline;
[0038] The flow meter 9 can be a differential pressure flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, or an electromagnetic flow meter; when the hot water flow rate is detected to be outside the predetermined range, the PLC controller 11 adjusts the speed of the circulating pump 6 to ensure that the hot water flow rate is stable within the predetermined range.
[0039] The device also includes a PLC controller 11, which is used to adaptively adjust the power of the heater, the cooling capacity of the cooler and the speed of the circulating pump 6 based on data from the thermometer, pressure gauge, remote temperature sensor and local temperature sensor, so as to achieve precise control of the temperature inside the electrolytic cell 10.
[0040] The pipeline is also equipped with a hand valve 4, a filter 5, a check valve 7, and a hand valve 8.
[0041] Specific workflow:
[0042] Step 1, initial cold tightening: The assembled electrolytic cell 10 is cold-tightened according to the work instructions under normal pressure and temperature, and all data are recorded. When the predetermined target is achieved, the process is transferred to steps (2) and (3) for monitoring and control.
[0043] Step 2: Heating device 1 can be an integrated set of devices, with built-in heater, constant temperature control, and water tank, used to heat the hot water passing through the main pipeline; set TE02 temperature to 92℃, heating device 1 starts heating, electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 1 3 and electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 2 12 switch to open the hot water pipeline, and at the same time start circulating pump 6 (frequency conversion type, suitable for different flow requirements). When the flow rate of flow meter 9 reaches 5m3 / h (which can be changed according to different requirements), keep circulating pump 6 running, and at the same time monitor the readings of PT01 and PT02 pressure gauges to be stable and less than 1.0MPa; (set the size of electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 1 3 to DN50, the thermometer TE02 is a platinum resistance temperature sensor with a temperature measurement range of 0-200℃; the pressure gauges PT01 and PT02 are differential pressure sensors with a measurement range of 0-2MPa; the data acquisition modules of the thermometers and pressure gauges are communicatively connected to PLC controller 11).
[0044] Step 3: When TE03 (inlet water temperature) is 90℃, observe whether the electrolytic cells TE04A / B, TE05A / B, and TE06A / B are all at 90℃ (with a difference of no more than 0.5℃); (Six remote temperature sensors TE04A / B, TE05A / B, and TE06A / B are evenly spaced on the electrolytic cell 10. The remote temperature sensors are K-type thermocouples with a temperature measurement range of 0-200℃. Three are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the inner wall of the electrolytic cell 10; the data acquisition module of the remote temperature sensor is connected to the PLC controller 11. The PLC controller 11 calculates the temperature uniformity in the electrolytic cell 10 based on the acquired data. When the temperature is not uniform, the power of the heating device 1 or the speed of the circulating pump 6 is adjusted to ensure that the temperature in the electrolytic cell 10 is uniform).
[0045] Step 4, Hot Tightening: When the working conditions are stable in steps (2) and (3), keep each device running and perform hot tightening: Tighten the assembled electrolytic cell 10 at 90°C according to the work instructions and record all data. When the predetermined target is reached, stop the operation of heating device 1 and circulating pump 6, and return the condensate back to heating device 1 after hot tightening of electrolytic cell 10, and proceed to step (5) and (6) monitoring and control procedures.
[0046] Step 5: Cooling device 2 can use an integrated chiller to provide the required cold water; used to accelerate the uniform cooling of electrolytic cell 10 from a hot state to room temperature for cooling (the cooling device can also be stopped for natural cooling); set the ambient temperature of TE01, cooling device 2 starts cooling, electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 13 and electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 212 switch to the cold water pipeline and open, and at the same time start the circulation pump 6 (frequency conversion type, suitable for different flow requirements). When the flow rate of flow meter 9 reaches 5m3 / h (can be changed according to different requirements), keep the circulation pump 6 running, and at the same time monitor the readings of PT01 and PT02 pressure gauges to be stable and less than 1.0MPa; (set the size of electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 13 to DN50, the thermometer TE02 is a platinum resistance temperature sensor with a temperature measurement range of 0-200℃. The pressure gauges PT01 and PT02 are differential pressure sensors with a measurement range of 0-2MPa, and the data acquisition modules of the thermometers and pressure gauges are connected to the PLC controller 11 for communication).
[0047] Step 6: When TE03 (inlet water temperature) is at room temperature, observe whether electrolytic cells 10 TE04A / B, TE05A / B, and TE06A / B are all at room temperature (with a difference of no more than 0.5℃); (Six remote temperature sensors TE04A / B, TE05A / B, and TE06A / B are evenly spaced on electrolytic cell 10. The remote temperature sensors are K-type thermocouples with a temperature measurement range of 0-200℃. Three are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the inner wall of electrolytic cell 10; the data acquisition module of the remote temperature sensor is connected to the PLC controller 11. The PLC controller 11 calculates the temperature uniformity in electrolytic cell 10 based on the acquired data. When the temperature is not uniform, the power of the cooling device 2 or the speed of the circulating pump 6 is adjusted to ensure that the temperature in electrolytic cell 10 is uniform).
[0048] Step 7, Cold Tightening: When the operating conditions are stable in steps (5) and (6), keep each device running and cold tighten according to the work instructions for electrolytic cell 10, and record all data. When the predetermined target is reached, stop running the cooling device 2 and the circulating pump 6, and discharge the condensate cooling device 2 after cold tightening of electrolytic cell 10; then proceed to the monitoring and control program of steps (2) and (3) above to carry out the next stage of hot tightening.
[0049] Step 8: Following steps (2)-(7), the PLC controller 11 will automatically execute the cycle 3 times to complete the entire electrolytic cell 1-cold tensioning and hot tensioning process.
[0050] The control system described above includes a PLC controller 11, which adopts the Siemens S7-300 series and has analog input / output modules, digital input / output modules, and PID modules.
[0051] Circulating pump 6 is a centrifugal pump, model XA65 / 16, with a maximum flow rate of 30 m³ / h. 3 / h, with a head of 16m.
[0052] The thermometer, pressure gauge, flow meter, and remote temperature sensor are described. The thermometer is a platinum resistance temperature sensor with a temperature range of 0-200℃; the pressure gauge is a differential pressure sensor with a measurement range of 0-2MPa; and the flow meter 9 is an electromagnetic flow meter with a measurement range of 0-30m³. 3 / h; The detection system monitors the operating conditions of the electrolytic cell in real time and transmits the data to the PLC controller 11.
Claims
1. An automated device for cold and hot tightening in an alkaline electrolytic cell, characterized in that, It includes a heating and temperature control device (1), a circulating pump (6), an electrolytic cell (10), and a PLC controller (11) that are interconnected by pipelines; The heating and temperature control device (1) includes a heater and a thermostat installed on the main pipeline for heating the hot water passing through the main pipeline; Electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 1 (3) and electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 2 (12) are installed on the pipeline of the electrolytic cell (10) through which hot water enters the electrolytic cell (10), respectively. Thermometers for detecting hot water at the inlet and outlet of the electrolytic cell and pressure gauges for detecting the pressure of hot water entering the electrolytic cell are also installed on the pipeline. The data acquisition modules of the electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 1 (3), the electrolytic cell inlet switching valve 2 (12), the thermometer, and the pressure gauge are all connected to the PLC controller (11).
2. The automated cold and hot tightening device for alkaline electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a flow meter (9) installed on the main pipeline for detecting the flow rate of hot water in the main pipeline, and the flow meter (9) is communicatively connected to the PLC controller (11).
3. The automated cold and hot tightening device for alkaline electrolytic cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, A hand valve (4), a filter (5), a check valve (7), and a hand valve (8) are respectively installed between the circulating pump (6) and the electrolytic cell inlet switching valve (3) and between the circulating pump (6) and the flow meter (9).
4. The automated cold and hot tightening device for alkaline electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several remote temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of different areas inside the electrolytic cell (10) and local temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the central area inside the electrolytic cell (10) are evenly spaced on the electrolytic cell (10). The data acquisition modules of the remote temperature sensor and the local temperature sensor are connected in communication with the PLC controller (11).
5. The automated cold and hot tightening device for alkaline electrolytic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling device (2), which includes a cooler installed on the main pipeline for cooling the hot water passing through the main pipeline.
6. The automated cold and hot tightening device for alkaline electrolytic cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cooling device (2) is connected to the electrolytic cell inlet water switching valve one (3) and the electrolytic cell inlet water switching valve two (12), respectively.
7. The automated cold and hot tightening device for alkaline electrolytic cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow meter (9) is one of a differential pressure flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, or an electromagnetic flow meter.