A square electrolytic cell

Abstract

The utility model discloses a square electrolytic cell, including fixed end plate, movable end plate and oil cylinder seat that set up in proper order in parallel, set up in proper order with cathode insulating plate, cathode end plate, a plurality of chamber subassembly, anode end plate and anode insulating plate between fixed end plate and movable end plate, be provided with oil cylinder subassembly and locking screw on oil cylinder seat, chamber subassembly includes bipolar plate, cathode, diaphragm composite component, anode, be provided with first flow hole and first gas channel hole on bipolar plate, set up with second flow hole on diaphragm composite component of first flow hole correspondence, set up with second gas channel hole on diaphragm composite component of first gas channel hole correspondence, set up with insulating lining in first flow hole, and insulating lining and second flow hole cooperation form electrolyte flow channel, and two diaphragm composite components adjacent with bipolar plate are used for limiting insulating lining axial movement. The utility model discloses simple structure, and the sealing effect is good, and flow passage insulation, and the stable distribution of flow greatly improves electrolytic efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis for hydrogen production technology, specifically to a square electrolysis cell. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing attention being paid to environmental and energy issues, the industry of hydrogen production through water electrolysis and hydrogen electrolyzers has seen some development. Electrolyzers are the core equipment in electrochemical reactions; their performance directly affects electrolysis efficiency, energy consumption, and equipment lifespan. They are suitable for applications such as hydrogen production through water electrolysis, chlor-alkali industries, and electrochemical synthesis.

[0003] Electrolyzers are core equipment in the electrochemical industry. Their structure and performance directly affect electrolysis efficiency and whether the equipment can operate stably. In electrolyzers used in the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production industry, problems such as high chamber voltage, impure gas, short circuit in the chamber, and corrosion of the flow channel often occur.

[0004] High cell voltage is generally due to high cell resistance and inadequate flow channel design and current distribution. Employing a "membrane-electrode gap" process can significantly reduce cell resistance, thereby lowering cell voltage and energy consumption. Similarly, optimizing the flow channel and current distribution can also reduce cell voltage, achieving increased efficiency and energy savings. However, the conventional process for achieving membrane-electrode gap involves: welding a rigid support to the bipolar cathode, welding a perforated mesh onto the rigid support, wrapping an elastic support around the perforated mesh and fixing it using welding or other methods, and finally covering the elastic support with a woven mesh. This process is quite cumbersome. Flow channel optimization typically focuses on the position and diameter of the openings, resulting in a relatively singular optimization approach.

[0005] The impurity of the gas is related to poor sealing and electrolysis in the flow channel. Considering only the diaphragm leakage is insufficient to meet the purity requirements.

[0006] A short circuit in a small chamber usually occurs when two adjacent bipolar plates are directly connected by a conductor. This typically happens on the outside of the tank. However, in an internal flow channel electrolytic cell, metal crystals inside the flow channel gradually grow and connect the two bipolar plates from the internal flow channel, resulting in a short circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a square electrolytic cell with simple structure, good sealing effect, insulated flow channel, stable current distribution, and greatly improved electrolysis efficiency.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a square electrolytic cell, including a fixed end plate, a movable end plate and a cylinder seat arranged in parallel in sequence. A cathode insulating plate, a cathode end plate, a plurality of small chamber components, an anode end plate and an anode insulating plate are arranged in sequence between the fixed end plate and the movable end plate. A cylinder assembly and a locking screw are provided on the cylinder seat.

[0009] The chamber assembly includes a bipolar plate, a cathode, a diaphragm composite assembly, and an anode;

[0010] The bipolar plate is provided with a first flow channel hole and a first air channel hole. The diaphragm composite component corresponding to the first flow channel hole is provided with a second flow channel hole. The diaphragm composite component corresponding to the first air channel hole is provided with a second air channel hole. An insulating liner is provided inside the first flow channel hole. The insulating liner and the second flow channel hole cooperate to form an electrolyte flow channel. Two diaphragm composite components adjacent to the bipolar plate are used to restrict the axial movement of the insulating liner.

[0011] Furthermore, the diaphragm composite assembly includes a PPS diaphragm, the outer periphery of which is covered with a sealing gasket, a sealing water line is provided on the outer surface of the sealing gasket, and a core material is provided inside the sealing gaskets on both sides of the PPS diaphragm.

[0012] Furthermore, the anode includes a porous plate mesh and a rigid support member, with the porous plate mesh disposed on one side of the diaphragm composite assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the cathode includes an elastic support and a woven mesh, the outer edge of which covers the outer edge of the elastic support and is fixed by welding, and the woven mesh is located on one side of the diaphragm composite assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, a first main flow distribution hole is provided on the cathode end plate. The first flow channel hole and the second flow channel hole both include a second main flow distribution hole and a first branch flow hole. The first main flow distribution hole cooperates with the second main flow distribution hole on the corresponding bipolar plate and diaphragm composite assembly to form a main flow distribution channel.

[0015] The first branch hole on the bipolar plate and diaphragm composite assembly is connected to conduction;

[0016] At least one of the bipolar plates has a first connecting distribution groove on both sides that connects the first branch hole and the second main distribution hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the anode plate is provided with a branch channel and a main distribution channel. The branch channel is connected to the first branch hole, and the main distribution channel is connected to the second main distribution hole. A second connecting distribution groove is provided between the branch channel and the main distribution channel.

[0018] Furthermore, insulating pads are provided in both the first and second connecting distribution grooves.

[0019] Furthermore, two crossbeams are provided between the fixed end plate and the cylinder seat, and two contact rollers are provided on both sides of the movable end plate. The contact rollers are mounted on the top surface of the crossbeams. The cathode insulating plate, cathode end plate, chamber assembly, anode end plate and anode insulating plate are mounted on the two crossbeams on both sides by the first and second hanging ears.

[0020] Furthermore, the bottom of the first hanging ear is provided with a first recess, and a first insulating block is provided in the first recess. The bottom of the first insulating block is flat. The bottom of the second hanging ear is provided with a second recess, and a second insulating block is provided in the second recess. The bottom of the second insulating block is provided with a third recess. A slide rail is provided on the top surface of the crossbeam. The slide rail is a nylon fiberglass strip.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] By adding an "insulating liner" to the flow channel and using an isolation composite component, the bipolar plate ensures that the alkaline solution comes into contact with the insulating component as it flows through the flow channel, rather than directly contacting the metal parts of the bipolar plate. This optimizes the sealing conditions and completely isolates the metal pores from the alkaline solution, effectively achieving flow channel insulation, preventing crystal growth and electrolysis within the flow channel, and protecting the flow channel.

[0023] Furthermore, it is easy to install, with the axial position defined by the isolation composite component, and the insulating liner and the isolation composite component can achieve a good sealing effect when squeezed and fixed, thus adding an extra layer of sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a utility model Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel fit between the bipolar plate and the isolation composite component of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the unit slot structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperative structure of the elastic support and woven mesh of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall flow channel of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bipolar plate structure with the flow distribution groove of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the insulation component structure at the current distribution point of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the diaphragm composite component structure of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 10 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of the mid-mounted section;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the ear loop structure of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, one embodiment of the square electrolytic cell of this utility model includes a fixed end plate 1, a movable end plate 2, and a cylinder seat 3 arranged in parallel. Between the fixed end plate and the movable end plate are arranged a cathode insulating plate 4, a cathode end plate 5, several small chamber components 6, an anode end plate 7, and an anode insulating plate 8. The cylinder seat is equipped with a cylinder assembly 9 and a locking screw 10. Furthermore, two crossbeams 29 are arranged between the fixed end plate and the cylinder seat. All the aforementioned components are mounted on the two crossbeams, thereby integrating the components in the same horizontal axial direction. The cylinder seat extends and pushes the movable end plate towards the fixed end plate, thus pressing and fixing the components together. Since the cylinder component has a certain risk of failure, a locking screw is also provided. The locking screw extends and rotates, supporting the movable end plate and the cylinder seat with a fixed structure. Therefore, even if the cylinder fails, the locking screw must continue to maintain a tightening effect.

[0037] Specifically, after the electrolytic cell is pre-tightened by the hydraulic cylinder, the locking nut on the locking screw is tightened. This operation can prevent the hydraulic cylinder from losing pressure due to accidental power failure, which would cause the electrolytic cell to fail to tighten. During subsequent startup, the hydraulic cylinder maintains a certain oil pressure, and the cylinder rod provides floating pre-tightening force due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the gasket.

[0038] The aforementioned chamber assembly includes a bipolar plate 11, a cathode 12, a diaphragm composite assembly 13, and an anode 14, meeting the requirements of electrolysis. A first flow channel hole 15 and a first gas channel hole 16 are provided on the bipolar plate. A second flow channel hole 17 is provided on the diaphragm composite assembly corresponding to the first flow channel hole, and a second gas channel hole 18 is provided on the diaphragm composite assembly corresponding to the first gas channel hole. An insulating liner 19 is provided inside the first flow channel hole. The insulating liner and the second flow channel hole cooperate to form an electrolyte flow channel 20. The electrolyte flows in from the electrolyte flow channel and then enters between the bipolar plate and the diaphragm composite assembly, working effectively with the cathode and anode. After electrolysis, the generated gas moves upward and is discharged from the gas flow channel formed by the first and second gas channel holes, realizing effective electrolytic hydrogen production.

[0039] During installation, the aforementioned insulating liner can be fixed within the first flow channel hole by applying a small amount of adhesive. Then, two diaphragm composite assemblies adjacent to the bipolar plate restrict the axial movement of the insulating liner. Specifically, the size of the first flow channel hole is larger than the size of the second flow channel hole, thus ensuring that the insulating liner will not detach from the corresponding first flow channel hole. After the insulating liner is installed, the electrolyte does not contact the bipolar plate at this location, reducing the possibility of electrolysis within the flow channel causing a decrease in gas purity, and preventing the growth of metal crystals within the flow channel that could connect two adjacent bipolar plates.

[0040] Reference Figure 9 As shown, the diaphragm composite assembly includes a PPS diaphragm 21, with a sealing gasket 22 covering its outer periphery. A sealing water line 23 is provided on the outer surface of the sealing gasket, and a core material 24 is disposed within the sealing gaskets on both sides of the PPS diaphragm. The sealing gasket and PPS diaphragm are integrated through a hot-press vulcanization process. This sealing component simultaneously possesses the sealing function of the sealing gasket and the gas-proof function of the PPS diaphragm separating the anode and cathode electrolysis chambers of the electrolytic cell. Because it is an integrated structure, segmented installation is unnecessary, greatly improving installation convenience. It also effectively avoids the possibility of water seepage and air leakage at the contact interface between traditional square groove gaskets and the diaphragm, ensuring reliable sealing performance. The core material can be stainless steel wire, etc., primarily used to improve the strength of the sealing gasket and reduce deformation due to thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring a good sealing effect.

[0041] For small-cell components, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the anode includes a porous plate mesh 25 and a rigid support member 26. The porous plate mesh is disposed on one side of the diaphragm composite assembly to meet the requirements of anode-side electrolysis. The cathode includes an elastic support member 27 and a braided mesh 28. The outer edge of the braided mesh covers the outer edge of the elastic support member and is fixed by welding. The braided mesh is located on one side of the diaphragm composite assembly. The "membrane-electrode distance" process is achieved by using an integrated "elastic support" and "braided mesh" "elastic electrode assembly". The anode adopts a structure of "rigid support" plus "porous plate mesh".

[0042] Reference Figures 6 to 8 As shown, this application also provides an optimized flow distribution structure. Specifically, a first main flow distribution hole 30 is provided on the cathode end plate. The first flow channel hole and the second flow channel hole both include a second main flow distribution hole 31 and a first branch flow hole 32. The first main flow distribution hole cooperates with the second main flow distribution hole on the corresponding bipolar plate and diaphragm composite assembly to form a main flow distribution channel. The first branch flow hole on the bipolar plate and diaphragm composite assembly is connected. At least one bipolar plate has a first connecting flow distribution groove 33 on both sides that connects the first branch flow hole and the second main flow distribution hole.

[0043] In operation, the electrolyte enters through the first main distribution hole and flows into the main distribution channel. The electrolyte flows within the main distribution channel and fills the entire channel. When the electrolyte passes through the first connecting distribution groove, it enters the groove without obstruction and flows to the first branch hole, thus entering the branch channel. The first branch hole of the branch channel has a through-channel with the corresponding chamber, allowing the electrolyte to enter the anode and cathode chambers from the branch channel. During this electrolyte flow process, the number of first connecting distribution grooves can be set as needed (but not excessively). The electrolyte can quickly fill the entire main distribution channel, ensuring stable pressure at both ends with minimal fluctuations. The distributed electrolyte, under the premise of stable pressure in the main pipe, can also flow at a stable pressure. Furthermore, after distribution, the branch channel is divided into multiple regions, and the pressure in each region remains relatively consistent, thus ensuring stable pressure throughout the entire branch channel. This ensures that the electrolyte distribution pressure in each chamber is stable and the distribution flow rate is basically consistent, thus ensuring stable and reliable electrolysis operation.

[0044] Since it is for distributing electrolyte, electrolyte distribution can also be added at the end of the main distribution channel to ensure overall pressure stability. Specifically, a branch channel 34 and a main distribution channel 35 are provided on the anode plate. The branch channel is connected to the first branch hole, and the main distribution channel is connected to the second main distribution hole. A second connecting distribution groove 36 is provided between the branch channel and the main distribution channel. The electrolyte flows from the end through the second connecting distribution groove to the branch channel, and then flows from the branch channel to the branch channel.

[0045] Reference Figure 8 As shown, to better demonstrate the insulating liner, clearance slots are provided on the insulating liner in areas where electrolyte flow needs to be avoided, to meet the requirements of electrolyte flow. Insulating pads 37 are provided in both the first and second connecting distribution grooves. These insulating pads can prevent the electrolyte from contacting the bipolar plate in the second connecting distribution groove, avoiding crystallization inside the second connecting distribution groove, reducing flow rate, and ensuring stability during use.

[0046] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in one embodiment, two crossbeams are provided between the fixed end plate and the cylinder seat. Two contact rollers 40 are provided on both sides of the movable end plate. The contact rollers are mounted on the top surface of the crossbeams. The two contact rollers on one side can ensure the stability of the movable end plate when it moves, and the movement is smooth and reliable. The cathode insulating plate, cathode end plate, chamber assembly, anode end plate and anode insulating plate are mounted on the two crossbeams on both sides by the first hanging ear 41 and the second hanging ear 42. The structure is simple.

[0047] Specifically, the bottom of the first hanging ear is provided with a first recess 43, and the first insulating block 44 is provided in the first recess. The bottom of the first insulating block is flat. The bottom of the second hanging ear is provided with a second recess 45, and the second insulating block 46 is provided in the second recess. The bottom of the second insulating block is provided with a third recess 47. A slide rail 48 is provided on the top surface of the crossbeam. The slide rail is made of nylon fiberglass strip.

[0048] The third recess on the second insulating block is the same size as or slightly larger than the width of the slide rail. When it slides on the slide rail, it acts as a limit, preventing movement in the width direction and thus avoiding misalignment between adjacent components. The insulating block ensures overall insulation, prevents pathways between itself and the crossbeam, and guarantees operational stability and safety. The nylon fiberglass strip has good wear resistance and high-temperature resistance, ensuring smooth and reliable jacking movement.

[0049] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present utility model, and the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A square electrolytic cell, characterized in that, It includes a fixed end plate, a movable end plate, and a cylinder seat arranged in parallel in sequence. Between the fixed end plate and the movable end plate, there are a cathode insulating plate, a cathode end plate, several small chamber components, a cathode end plate, and an anode insulating plate arranged in sequence. The cylinder seat is provided with a cylinder assembly and a locking screw. The chamber assembly includes a bipolar plate, a cathode, a diaphragm composite assembly, and an anode; The bipolar plate is provided with a first flow channel hole and a first air channel hole. The diaphragm composite component corresponding to the first flow channel hole is provided with a second flow channel hole. The diaphragm composite component corresponding to the first air channel hole is provided with a second air channel hole. An insulating liner is provided inside the first flow channel hole. The insulating liner and the second flow channel hole cooperate to form an electrolyte flow channel. Two diaphragm composite components adjacent to the bipolar plate are used to restrict the axial movement of the insulating liner.

2. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm composite assembly includes a PPS diaphragm, with a sealing gasket covering the outer periphery of the PPS diaphragm. A sealing water line is provided on the outer surface of the sealing gasket, and a core material is provided inside the sealing gaskets on both sides of the PPS diaphragm.

3. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The anode includes a porous plate mesh and a rigid support member, with the porous plate mesh disposed on one side of the diaphragm composite assembly.

4. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode includes an elastic support and a woven mesh. The outer edge of the woven mesh covers the outer edge of the elastic support and is fixed by welding. The woven mesh is located on one side of the diaphragm composite assembly.

5. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode end plate is provided with a first main flow distribution hole. The first flow channel hole and the second flow channel hole both include a second main flow distribution hole and a first branch flow hole. The first main flow distribution hole cooperates with the second main flow distribution hole on the corresponding bipolar plate and diaphragm composite assembly to form a main flow distribution channel. The first branch hole on the bipolar plate and diaphragm composite assembly is connected to conduction; At least one of the bipolar plates has a first connecting distribution groove on both sides that connects the first branch hole and the second main distribution hole.

6. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The anode plate is provided with a branch channel and a main distribution channel. The branch channel is connected to the first branch hole, and the main distribution channel is connected to the second main distribution hole. A second connecting distribution groove is provided between the branch channel and the main distribution channel.

7. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Insulating pads are provided in both the first and second connecting distribution grooves.

8. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Two crossbeams are provided between the fixed end plate and the cylinder seat. Two contact rollers are provided on both sides of the movable end plate. The contact rollers are mounted on the top surface of the crossbeams. The cathode insulating plate, cathode end plate, chamber assembly, anode end plate and anode insulating plate are mounted on the two crossbeams on both sides by the first and second hanging ears.

9. The square electrolytic cell as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first hanging ear has a first recess at its bottom, and a first insulating block is disposed in the first recess. The bottom of the first insulating block is flat. The second hanging ear has a second recess at its bottom, and a second insulating block is disposed in the second recess. The bottom of the second insulating block has a third recess. A slide rail is disposed on the top surface of the crossbeam. The slide rail is made of nylon fiberglass strip.

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