A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support pole frame
By setting a rotary valve island mechanism inside the support frame of the electrolyzer, the electrolyte can be flexibly switched between multiple channels, which solves the problem of flow channel blockage and improves the continuous operation capability and equipment availability of the electrolyzer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FLUDA HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH (ZHENJIANG) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
The flow channels of the existing electrolytic cell support frame are easily blocked by trace impurities, resulting in uneven distribution of reactants, increased cell voltage, and decreased efficiency, which affects the continuous operating life and economic benefits of the equipment.
Design a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame, using a rotary valve island mechanism to allow the electrolyte to be switched to the first or second flow channel. Flexible switching of the flow channels is achieved through a common inlet manifold and outlet manifold, avoiding downtime for cleaning.
It enables uninterrupted operation, extends the continuous operating time of the equipment, improves the availability and economic efficiency of the equipment, and reduces the frequency of downtime maintenance due to blockage.
Smart Images
Figure CN224548570U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrolytic cell technology, specifically a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame. Background Technology
[0002] Electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen is a key technological path to achieve "green hydrogen" production and promote the transformation of the energy structure. Among these processes, the electrolyzer, as the core reaction device, directly determines the technological level and economic viability of the entire hydrogen production system through its performance, efficiency, and reliability. The supporting electrode frame is a core structural and functional component in the electrolyzer stack, typically located on either side of the membrane electrode or the electrode itself. Currently, commercially available and research-based electrolyzer supporting electrode frames are usually designed with a single flow channel. That is, the inlet and outlet of each electrode frame form a fixed and unchangeable flow path with the internal flow channel. In actual operation, especially when dealing with complex operating conditions and pursuing long-term high performance, the following significant drawbacks have been exposed: Electrolytes, especially alkaline electrolytes or water, may contain trace impurities and metal ions. During operation, these impurities are prone to precipitation, crystallization, or formation of precipitates such as hydroxides and carbonates in the flow channels, particularly in dead zones with low flow rates. These contaminants gradually clog the flow channels, leading to uneven distribution of reactants, the formation of local hot spots, increased cell voltage, and decreased efficiency. Ultimately, this forces the equipment to be shut down for cleaning or replacement of the electrode frames, severely impacting the continuous operating life and economic benefits of the equipment.
[0003] To address these issues, we provide a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame includes a frame body fixed on a support frame. The frame body has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in parallel. The support frame is provided with a common inlet manifold for receiving electrolyte from an external system and a common outlet manifold for discharging a gas-liquid mixture to an external separation system. The support frame is provided with a rotary valve island mechanism, which allows the electrolyte in the common inlet manifold to be switched to be delivered to either the first flow channel or the second flow channel for operation, and finally discharged to the outside through the common outlet manifold.
[0006] A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame as described above: The rotary valve island mechanism includes an inlet valve sleeve and an outlet valve sleeve fixed on the support frame. An inlet valve core is rotatably nested inside the inlet valve sleeve, and an outlet valve core is rotatably nested inside the outlet valve sleeve. An inlet adapter pipe and an outlet adapter pipe are rotatably disposed on the support frame. The two ends of the inlet adapter pipe are respectively connected to the inlet valve core and a common inlet manifold. The two ends of the outlet adapter pipe are respectively connected to the outlet valve core and a common outlet manifold. The inlet valve sleeve is provided with a first interface connected to a first flow channel and a second interface connected to a second flow channel. The outlet valve sleeve is provided with a third interface connected to the first flow channel and a fourth interface connected to the first flow channel. An inlet flow channel is opened on the inlet valve core, and an outlet flow channel is opened on the outlet valve core.
[0007] As described above, a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame has the following configuration: one end of the inlet adapter is fixed to the inlet valve core, and the other end is rotatably connected to the common inlet manifold; one end of the outlet adapter is fixed to the outlet valve core, and the other end is rotatably connected to the common outlet manifold.
[0008] As described above, a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame is provided with an active toothed pulley on the inlet adapter pipe and a driven toothed pulley on the outlet adapter pipe. The active toothed pulley and the driven toothed pulley are driven by a toothed belt.
[0009] As described above, a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame is provided with the inlet flow channel passing through the inlet valve core, the connection ports of the first interface and the second interface to the inlet valve sleeve being arranged at 90° perpendicularly, and the connection ports of the third interface and the fourth interface to the outlet valve sleeve being arranged at 90° perpendicularly.
[0010] As described above, a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame has the following characteristics: the outer dimensions of the inlet valve core are adapted to the inner dimensions of the inlet valve sleeve, and the outer surface of the inlet valve core is in close contact with the inner wall of the inlet valve sleeve after being nested inside the inlet valve sleeve; the outer dimensions of the outlet valve core are adapted to the inner dimensions of the outlet valve sleeve, and the outer surface of the outlet valve core is in close contact with the inner wall of the outlet valve sleeve after being nested inside the outlet valve sleeve.
[0011] As described above, a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame is provided with an operating handle on the inlet adapter pipe.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In use, the electrode frame body has a first flow channel and a second flow channel arranged in parallel. The common inlet manifold is used to receive electrolyte from the external system, and the common outlet manifold is used to discharge the gas-liquid mixture to the external separation system. A rotary valve island mechanism is provided on the support frame, which allows the electrolyte in the common inlet manifold to be switched to be transported to the first flow channel or the second flow channel for operation. The electrolyte and products after the reaction are finally discharged outward through the second flow channel. Thus, by setting two independent electrolyte flow channels in the electrode frame body, when the working flow channel shows signs of performance degradation or blockage due to long-term operation, it can be switched to another completely new flow channel by simply rotating the valve island structure to continue working, realizing non-stop operation and greatly improving the continuous operation time and availability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame from a first-view perspective.
[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame from a second perspective.
[0015] Figure 3 For a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after partial cross-section of the polar frame body.
[0016] Figure 4 For a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposed part of the structure.
[0017] Figure 5 For a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame Figure 4 A structural diagram from another perspective.
[0018] Figure 6 For a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the decomposed part of the structure.
[0019] Figure 7 For a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame Figure 6 A structural diagram from another perspective.
[0020] In the diagram: 1. Support frame; 2. Pole frame body; 3. Common inlet manifold; 4. Common outlet manifold; 5. First flow channel; 6. Second flow channel; 7. Inlet valve sleeve; 8. First interface; 9. Second interface; 10. Inlet valve core; 11. Inlet adapter pipe; 12. Outlet valve sleeve; 13. Third interface; 14. Fourth interface; 15. Outlet valve core; 16. Outlet adapter pipe; 17. Driving toothed pulley; 18. Driven toothed pulley; 19. Toothed belt; 20. Inlet flow channel; 21. Outlet flow channel; 22. Operating handle. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 7 As an embodiment of this utility model, a multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame includes a frame body 2 fixed on a support frame 1. The frame body 2 has a first flow channel 5 and a second flow channel 6 arranged in parallel. The support frame 1 is provided with a common inlet manifold 3 for receiving electrolyte from an external system and a common outlet manifold 4 for discharging a gas-liquid mixture to an external separation system. The support frame 1 is provided with a rotary valve island mechanism, which allows the electrolyte in the common inlet manifold 3 to be switched to be transported to the first flow channel 5 or the second flow channel 6 for operation, and finally discharged to the outside through the common outlet manifold 4.
[0023] In this embodiment, during use, the electrode frame body 2 is installed on both sides of the electrode. The electrode frame body 2 has a first flow channel 5 and a second flow channel 6 arranged in parallel. The electrolyte from the external system is transported to the common inlet manifold 3 and then enters the first flow channel 5 or the second flow channel 6 to react with the electrode. The resulting gas-liquid mixture is discharged to the external separation system through the common outlet manifold 4. When the electrolyte from the external system is transported to the common inlet manifold 3, a rotary valve island mechanism is provided on the support frame 1. This mechanism allows the electrolyte in the common inlet manifold 3 to be switched to be transported to the first flow channel 5 or the second flow channel 6 for operation. The reacted electrolyte and products are finally discharged to the outside through the common outlet manifold 4.
[0024] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the rotary valve island mechanism includes an inlet valve sleeve 7 and an outlet valve sleeve 12 fixed on a support frame 1. An inlet valve core 10 is rotatably nested inside the inlet valve sleeve 7, and an outlet valve core 15 is rotatably nested inside the outlet valve sleeve 12. An inlet adapter pipe 11 and an outlet adapter pipe 16 are rotatably disposed on the support frame 1. The two ends of the inlet adapter pipe 11 are respectively connected to the inlet valve core 10 and the common inlet manifold 3. The two ends of the outlet adapter pipe 16 are respectively connected to the outlet valve core 15 and the common outlet manifold 4. The inlet valve sleeve 7 is provided with a first interface 8 connected to the first flow channel 5 and a second interface 9 connected to the second flow channel 6. The outlet valve sleeve 12 is provided with a third interface 13 connected to the first flow channel 5 and a fourth interface 14 connected to the first flow channel 5. An inlet flow channel 20 is opened on the inlet valve core 10, and an outlet flow channel 21 is opened on the outlet valve core 15.
[0025] In this embodiment, after the external electrolyte is delivered to the common inlet manifold 3, it can enter the inlet adapter 11 and then the inlet valve core 10. Rotating the inlet valve core 10 allows its inlet flow channel 20 to selectively align with the first interface 8 or the second interface 9, thereby guiding the fluid electrolyte to the first flow channel 5 or the second flow channel 6. The synchronous switching principle on the outlet side is the same. Rotating the outlet valve core 15 allows its outlet flow channel 21 to selectively align with the third interface 13 or the fourth interface 14. The electrolyte in the first flow channel 5 enters the outlet valve core 15 through the third interface 13 and is then delivered to the common outlet manifold 4 by the outlet adapter 16. The electrolyte in the second flow channel 6 enters the outlet valve core 15 through the fourth interface 14 and is then delivered to the common outlet manifold 4 by the outlet adapter 16.
[0026] As a further embodiment of this utility model, one end of the inlet adapter pipe 11 is fixed to the inlet valve core 10, and the other end is rotatably connected to the common inlet manifold 3. One end of the outlet adapter pipe 16 is fixed to the outlet valve core 15, and the other end is rotatably connected to the common outlet manifold 4.
[0027] In this embodiment, this design ensures that when the inlet adapter 11 and the outlet adapter 16 are driven to rotate, the inlet valve core 10 and the outlet valve core 15 rotate synchronously, while the common inlet manifold 3 and the common outlet manifold 4 are rotatably connected to the inlet adapter 11 and the outlet adapter 16 respectively, and can remain stationary.
[0028] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the inlet adapter pipe 11 is provided with a driving toothed pulley 17, and the outlet adapter pipe 16 is provided with a driven toothed pulley 18. The driving toothed pulley 17 and the driven toothed pulley 18 are driven by a toothed belt 19.
[0029] In this embodiment, through the synchronous transmission design of pulleys and belts, the user or actuator can drive the inlet adapter pipe 11 on the inlet side to rotate using a motor, and the outlet adapter pipe 16 on the outlet side can be driven by the toothed belt 19 to achieve a completely synchronous equal-angle rotation, ensuring the consistency of the switching action of the inlet valve island and the outlet valve island, and avoiding the problem of flow path crosstalk or blockage caused by asynchronous switching at both ends.
[0030] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the inlet flow channel 20 is provided through the inlet valve core 10, the connection ports of the first interface 8 and the second interface 9 with the inlet valve sleeve 7 are set at 90° perpendicularly, and the connection ports of the third interface 13 and the fourth interface 14 with the outlet valve sleeve 12 are set at 90° perpendicularly.
[0031] In this embodiment, this geometric layout is the core of realizing the dual-station 90° rotation switching function. When the inlet valve core 10 rotates 90°, the inlet flow channel 20 can be completely switched from one interface to another. The vertically set interface ensures the shortest and smoothest flow channel switching path, minimizing flow resistance and dead zone volume.
[0032] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the outer dimensions of the inlet valve core 10 are adapted to the inner dimensions of the inlet valve sleeve 7. After the inlet valve core 10 is nested inside the inlet valve sleeve 7, its outer surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the inlet valve sleeve 7. The outer dimensions of the outlet valve core 15 are adapted to the inner dimensions of the outlet valve sleeve 12. After the outlet valve core 15 is nested inside the outlet valve sleeve 12, its outer surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the outlet valve sleeve 12.
[0033] In this embodiment, the tight contact ensures the stable rotation of the inlet valve core 10 and the outlet valve core 15, ensuring that the mating gaps between the inlet valve core 10 and the inlet valve sleeve 7 and between the outlet valve core 15 and the outlet valve sleeve 12 can be effectively sealed under the working pressure of the electrolytic cell, preventing electrolyte cross-contamination or leakage, and ensuring the reliability of the switching function.
[0034] As a further embodiment of this utility model, an operating handle 22 is provided on the inlet adapter pipe 11.
[0035] In this embodiment, the operating handle 22 provides the user with a simple and direct manual operation point. The user can easily rotate the inlet adapter pipe 11 by moving the operating handle 22, thereby driving the outlet adapter pipe 16 to rotate synchronously and realize the switching of the flow channel network. No complicated tools are required, making the operation convenient.
[0036] Initially, the first flow channel operates as if it were in operation. At this time, one end of the inlet valve core 10 is connected to the common inlet manifold 3 via the inlet adapter 11, and the other end is connected to the first interface 8 via the inlet flow channel 20. The first interface 8 is connected to the first flow channel 5, allowing the electrolyte to enter the first flow channel 5. One end of the outlet valve core 15 is connected to the third interface 13 via the outlet flow channel 21, and the other end is connected to the common outlet manifold 4 via the outlet adapter 16. The third interface 13 is connected to the first flow channel 5, and the gas-liquid mixture reacting in the first flow channel 5 is discharged from the common outlet manifold 4. When the first flow channel shows signs of performance degradation or blockage and the second flow channel needs to be switched to operation, the operator moves the operating handle 22, rotating the inlet adapter 11 and the inlet valve core 10 by 90°, simultaneously through the active gear... The toothed pulley 17, toothed belt 19, and driven toothed pulley 18 drive the outlet adapter pipe 16 and outlet valve core 15 to rotate synchronously by 90°. After the rotation is completed, the inlet flow channel 20 of the inlet valve core 10 is connected to the second interface 9, and the electrolyte is introduced into the second flow channel 6. The outlet flow channel 21 of the outlet valve core 15 is connected to the fourth interface 14, and the gas-liquid mixture is discharged from the second flow channel 6 to the common outlet manifold 4. The first flow channel 5 is completely isolated, thereby realizing the switching of the electrolyte flow channel without stopping the machine, which greatly improves the continuous operation capability of the equipment. After the reaction is completed, the two flow channels can be backwashed by the backwash water introduced from the common outlet manifold 4 in conjunction with the rotary valve island mechanism to remove the blockage. The cleaned wastewater is then discharged out through the common inlet manifold 3.
[0037] The above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. Therefore, without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model, any technical solutions that can be implemented in other specific forms are included in this utility model.
Claims
1. A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame, comprising a frame body (2) fixed on a support frame (1), characterized in that, The pole frame body (2) has a first flow channel (5) and a second flow channel (6) arranged in parallel. The support frame (1) is provided with a common inlet manifold (3) for receiving electrolyte from an external system and a common outlet manifold (4) for discharging the gas-liquid mixture to an external separation system. The support frame (1) is provided with a rotary valve island mechanism, which allows the electrolyte in the common inlet manifold (3) to be switched to be transported to the first flow channel (5) or the second flow channel (6) for operation, and finally discharged to the outside through the common outlet manifold (4).
2. The multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary valve island mechanism includes an inlet valve sleeve (7) and an outlet valve sleeve (12) fixed on a support frame (1). An inlet valve core (10) is rotatably nested inside the inlet valve sleeve (7), and an outlet valve core (15) is rotatably nested inside the outlet valve sleeve (12). An inlet adapter pipe (11) and an outlet adapter pipe (16) are rotatably disposed on the support frame (1). The two ends of the inlet adapter pipe (11) are respectively connected to the inlet valve core (10) and the common inlet manifold (3). The two ends of the outlet adapter pipe (16) are respectively connected to the inlet valve core (10) and the common inlet manifold (3). The inlet valve sleeve (7) is provided with a first interface (8) connected to the first flow channel (5) and a second interface (9) connected to the second flow channel (6). The outlet valve sleeve (12) is provided with a third interface (13) connected to the first flow channel (5) and a fourth interface (14) connected to the first flow channel (5). The inlet valve core (10) is provided with an inlet flow channel (20), and the outlet valve core (15) is provided with an outlet flow channel (21).
3. The multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the inlet adapter pipe (11) is fixed to the inlet valve core (10), and the other end is rotatably connected to the common inlet manifold (3). One end of the outlet adapter pipe (16) is fixed to the outlet valve core (15), and the other end is rotatably connected to the common outlet manifold (4).
4. The multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet adapter (11) is provided with a drive toothed pulley (17), and the outlet adapter (16) is provided with a driven toothed pulley (18). The drive toothed pulley (17) and the driven toothed pulley (18) are driven by a toothed belt (19).
5. A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet flow channel (20) is set through the inlet valve core (10). The connection ports of the first interface (8), the second interface (9) and the inlet valve sleeve (7) are set at 90° perpendicularly. The connection ports of the third interface (13) and the fourth interface (14) and the outlet valve sleeve (12) are set at 90° perpendicularly.
6. A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer dimensions of the inlet valve core (10) are adapted to the inner dimensions of the inlet valve sleeve (7). After the inlet valve core (10) is nested inside the inlet valve sleeve (7), its outer surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the inlet valve sleeve (7). The outer dimensions of the outlet valve core (15) are adapted to the inner dimensions of the outlet valve sleeve (12). After the outlet valve core (15) is nested inside the outlet valve sleeve (12), its outer surface is in close contact with the inner wall of the outlet valve sleeve (12).
7. A multi-channel switchable electrolytic cell support frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, An operating handle (22) is provided on the inlet transfer pipe (11).