An integrated pad type flow channel-free electrode plate electrolytic cell

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of electrolytic cell, concretely relates to an integrated gasket plate type runnerless polar plate electrolytic cell, including cathode end plate and the cathode plate fixed in the inner surface of cathode end plate, anode end plate and the anode plate fixed in the inner surface of anode end plate, and cathode end plate and anode end plate are opposite setting, bipolar plate, at least one bipolar plate is arranged between cathode plate and anode plate, and with the arrangement of multiple bipolar plates, the separation of cathode plate and anode plate forms several electrolytic cells, and several electrolytic cells constitute multilayer electrolytic cell, and cathode end plate and cathode plate are provided with cathode insulation sealing gasket, and anode end plate and anode plate are provided with anode insulation gasket. The utility model can simplify electrolytic cell structure, improve the voltage resistance and stability of electrolytic cell, improve the pressure-bearing capacity of electrolytic cell, reduce internal resistance, effectively reduce use and maintenance cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrolytic cell technology, specifically relating to an integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] An electrolyzer is a device that uses an applied electric current to drive an electrochemical reaction in an electrolyte. It is widely used in hydrogen production, metal refining, and chemical synthesis. Its working principle is based on the conductivity of the electrolyte solution; when current is introduced through the electrodes, it triggers a redox reaction of ions on the electrode surface, thereby achieving the decomposition or synthesis of substances.

[0003] The current electrolyzers commonly employ a layered assembly structure, distributing functions such as fluid distribution, sealing support, and electrode reactions across multiple independent components. While this modular structure is simple and easy to process and mass-produce, as the number of stacked layers increases, the sealing contact surface becomes larger, increasing costs and posing sealing challenges for high-pressure applications such as water electrolysis for hydrogen production. Firstly, the accumulation of assembly tolerances between multiple layers leads to interface mismatches, especially under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, where differences in thermal expansion of different materials exacerbate interface misalignment. Secondly, the physical separation of the flow channel structure and the sealing system necessitates additional sealing measures at their boundaries, occupying valuable space and causing uneven distribution of sealing stress. As the operating pressure of electrolyzers continues to increase, the redundancy of the sealing interface caused by modularization becomes increasingly prominent, severely restricting the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0004] With the development of technology, the demand for improving the reliability and service life of equipment is constantly increasing, and the requirements for the overall structure of electrolytic cells are also constantly being raised. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell, which simplifies the structure of the electrolytic cell, improves its pressure resistance and stability, enhances its pressure bearing capacity, reduces internal resistance, and effectively reduces usage and maintenance costs.

[0006] The specific technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: An integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate and electrolytic cell include a cathode end plate and a cathode plate fixed to the inner surface of the cathode end plate; an anode end plate and an anode plate fixed to the inner surface of the anode end plate, wherein the cathode end plate and the anode end plate are arranged opposite to each other; and bipolar plates, at least one of the bipolar plates is arranged between the cathode plate and the anode plate, and with the arrangement of multiple bipolar plates, the cathode plate and the anode plate are separated to form a plurality of electrolytic cells, wherein the plurality of electrolytic cells constitute a multilayer electrolytic cell.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, a cathode insulating gasket is provided between the cathode end plate and the cathode plate, and an anode insulating gasket is provided between the anode end plate and the anode plate.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the electrolysis chamber is provided with a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode, a gasket, a diaphragm, a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode, and a bipolar plate arranged in sequence. The three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode is embedded in the cathode plate, and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode is embedded in the bipolar plate. The gasket and the bipolar plate form a closed flow channel and are fixed and sealed by bolts. When two adjacent electrolysis chambers share a single bipolar plate, the bipolar plate contains a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode at the tail end of one electrolysis chamber and a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode at the head of the other electrolysis chamber. This serves to connect the channels between the adjacent electrolysis chambers and guide catalysis and conductivity.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, slots are provided on the opposite sides of the anode plate and the cathode plate, as well as in the middle of the bipolar plate, for filling the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode. All of the aforementioned plates are channelless flat plates.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the cathode plate, bipolar plate, anode plate, and gasket are provided with symmetrical flow channel holes, and the cathode plate, bipolar plate, and anode plate are provided with grooves. The flow channel holes and grooves are used to guide the electrolytic cell fluid into or out.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cathode plate and bipolar plate have a flow channel on one side connecting the cathode alkali inlet, an empty channel connecting the alkali and hydrogen outlets; the anode plate and bipolar plate have a flow channel on the other side connecting the anode alkali inlet, an empty channel connecting the alkali and oxygen outlets.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode have an internal porous structure.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane comprises any one of an ion-type homogeneous membrane, a porous polymer membrane, or an inorganic porous membrane.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the two end plates, two electrode plates, gaskets, and bipolar plates are provided with screw fixing holes near the edge of the annular surface.

[0015] The technical effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: In this application, the integrated pad structure simplifies the electrolytic cell structure, reduces the sealing surface, improves the pressure-bearing capacity of the electrolytic cell, reduces internal resistance, and lowers sealing costs and subsequent maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separation structure of the electrolytic cell in this practical application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the separation structure of the negative end plate and the positive end plate in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode plate structure in this practical application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the anode plate in this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bipolar plate used in this application. The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Cathode end plate; 2a. Cathode insulating gasket; 2b. Anode insulating gasket; 3. Cathode plate; 4a. Three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode; 4b. Three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode; 5. Gasket; 6. Diaphragm; 7. Bipolar plate; 8. Anode plate; 9. Anode end plate. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The specific implementation of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0019] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of this utility model. The phrase "in a preferred embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that mutually excludes other embodiments.

[0020] Secondly, this utility model is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of this utility model, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, actual manufacturing should include the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0021] Please see the appendix Figures 1-5As shown, this utility model provides an integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate and electrolytic cell, including a cathode end plate 1, an anode end plate 9, and a bipolar plate 7, a cathode plate 3 fixed to the inner surface of the cathode end plate 1, and an anode plate 8 fixed to the inner surface of the anode end plate 9. The cathode end plate 1 and the anode end plate 9 are arranged opposite to each other. At least one bipolar plate 7 is arranged between the cathode plate 3 and the anode plate 8. With the arrangement of multiple bipolar plates 7, the cathode plate 3 and the anode plate 8 are separated to form a plurality of electrolytic cells. The plurality of electrolytic cells constitute a multilayer electrolytic cell.

[0022] Please see the appendix Figure 1 As shown, a cathode insulating gasket 2a is provided between the cathode end plate 1 and the cathode plate 3, and an anode insulating gasket 2b is provided between the anode end plate 9 and the anode plate 8. The cathode insulating gasket 2a and the anode insulating gasket 2b in the electrolytic cell serve the dual functions of insulation and sealing to prevent current leakage and electrolyte overflow.

[0023] Please see the appendix Figures 3-5 As shown, the electrolysis chamber is arranged with a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a, a gasket 5, a diaphragm 6, a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b, and a bipolar plate 7 arranged in sequence. The cathode plate 3 embeds the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a, and the bipolar plate 7 embeds the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b. The gasket 5 and the bipolar plate 7 form a closed flow channel and are fixed and sealed by bolts. When two adjacent electrolysis chambers share a bipolar plate 7, the bipolar plate 7 embeds the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b at the end of one electrolysis chamber and the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a at the head of the other electrolysis chamber, which is used to connect the channels of the adjacent two electrolysis chambers and guide catalysis and conduction.

[0024] Specifically, the diaphragm 6 can prevent the gases generated on both sides of two adjacent electrolysis chambers from mixing. At the same time, the diaphragm 6 also has good ion conduction properties, ensuring the separation or synthesis of substances under the action of an electric field and maintaining the charge balance in the electrolysis process.

[0025] More specifically, the gasket 5 is provided with a groove structure that matches the bipolar plate 7, ensuring that the alkaline solution flows along a preset path in the electrolysis chamber, avoiding short circuits or dead zones. The three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b are fixed in the cathode plate 3 and the bipolar plate 7, respectively, to improve the catalytic activity area and the uniformity of current distribution, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency and gas purity.

[0026] Please see the appendix Figures 3-5 As shown, slots are provided on the opposite sides of the anode plate 8 and the cathode plate 3, as well as in the middle of the bipolar plate 7, for filling the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b. All of the above plates are channelless flat plates.

[0027] Each electrolysis chamber in the above structure is equipped with a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a, a gasket 5, a diaphragm 6, a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b, and a bipolar plate 7. These are fixed between the end plates to form repeating units by stacking and pressing. The three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a has close contact with the electrode substrate, which reduces the interface resistance, improves the electron conduction efficiency, and forms a compact electrode-electrolyte interface with the diaphragm 6. The entire electrolyzer structure is compact, reliably sealed, and easy to modularly expand and maintain.

[0028] The cathode plate 3, bipolar plate 7, anode plate 8, and gasket 5 are provided with symmetrical flow channel holes. The cathode plate 3, bipolar plate 7, and anode plate 8 are provided with grooves. The flow channel holes and grooves are used to guide the electrolytic cell fluid into or out. One side of the cathode plate 3 and bipolar plate 7 has a flow channel connecting the cathode alkali inlet, the empty tank, and the alkali and hydrogen outlets. The other side of the anode plate 8 and bipolar plate 7 has a flow channel connecting the anode alkali inlet, the empty tank, and the alkali and oxygen outlets.

[0029] Among them, the flow channel holes of the cathode plate 3 and bipolar plate 7 and the groove of the anode plate 8 form an independent electrolyte flow channel with the empty groove, which is used for electrolyte to enter the electrolysis chamber and for electrolyte to diffuse evenly in the electrolysis chamber. The symmetrical flow channel holes set on the cathode plate 3, anode plate 8, bipolar plate 7 and gasket 5 are used for gas-liquid flow. The lower end of the cathode end plate 1 is provided with an electrolyte inlet and the upper end of the cathode end plate 1 is provided with a gas-liquid outlet.

[0030] Specifically, the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b have internal porous structures. The membrane 6 includes any one of an ion-type homogeneous membrane, a porous polymer, or an inorganic porous membrane. Both the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b have porous structures, which can improve the catalytic active area and mass transfer efficiency, and reduce the electrolysis overpotential. The membrane 6 adopts an enhanced composite ion exchange membrane, which effectively blocks gas cross-linking and promotes the directional migration of electric field charges.

[0031] The two end plates, two electrode plates, gasket 5, and bipolar plate 7 in the above structure are provided with screw fixing holes near the edge of the annular surface. The entire electrolytic cell is uniformly locked by external bolts to ensure consistent sealing pressure between layers, reduce internal resistance, and improve system operation stability and long-term durability.

[0032] It is worth noting that the plate structure on both sides and inside the electrolytic cell of this application is a square flat plate structure.

[0033] Example 1 This implementation is for a general-purpose high-voltage electrolytic cell. Figure 1 Its specific structure is as follows: The flow channel holes are distributed vertically on the cathode plate 3, anode plate 8, bipolar plate 7 and gasket 5, and the hollow slots in the cathode plate 3, anode plate 8 and bipolar plate 7 have flow grooves connected to the flow channel holes at a diagonal position.

[0034] The two electrolyte flow channels on the lower side of the cathode plate 3 are connected to the two gas-liquid outlets at the upper end. The electrolyte enters the anode flow channel and cathode flow channel of the electrolytic cell through the lower flow channel, and then enters the anode chamber and cathode chamber respectively. After electrolysis in the anode chamber and cathode chamber, the electrolyte enters the upper electrolyte and gas product flow channel and the electrolyte and gas product flow channel, and then flows out through the gas-liquid outlet at the upper end of the cathode plate 1.

[0035] Example 2 This implementation is an anion exchange membrane electrolysis water pressure-resistant electrolyzer, and its specific structure is as follows: The flow channel holes are distributed vertically on the cathode plate 3, anode plate 8, bipolar plate 7 and gasket 5, and the hollow slots in the cathode plate 3, anode plate 8 and bipolar plate 7 have flow grooves connected to the flow channel holes at a diagonal position.

[0036] In this process, the anode alkaline solution flow channel hole on the lower side of the cathode plate 3 is connected to the two gas-liquid outlets at the upper end. The alkaline solution enters the anode chamber through the anode flow channel hole of the electrolytic cell from the lower end flow channel hole. The anode chamber electrolyzes the alkaline solution to produce oxygen, which flows out from the oxygen gas-liquid outlet at the upper end of the cathode end plate 1 through the upper end alkaline solution and oxygen flow channel hole. The cathode chamber electrolyzes pure water through which the anion separator 6 permeates to generate hydrogen gas, which flows out from the gas-liquid outlet at the upper end of the cathode end plate 1 through the upper end hydrogen flow channel hole.

[0037] During assembly, the following components are arranged and installed in the following order: cathode end plate 1, cathode insulating sealing gasket 2a, cathode plate 3, [three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a, gasket 5, diaphragm 6, three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b, and bipolar plate 7] N, three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a, gasket 5, diaphragm 6, three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b, anode plate 8, anode insulating gasket 2b, and anode end plate 9, where N is the value of the small chamber unit to be added, which can be increased or decreased as needed.

[0038] Based on the above structure, during installation, a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a or a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b should be placed in the empty slot in the middle of each electrode plate. The three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b should be tightly attached to the diaphragm 6, the two electrode plates or the bipolar plate 7. In order to ensure tight attachment to both ends, the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b needs to have a certain deformation, which should be 0% to 10% of the thickness of the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b.

[0039] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: First, connect the alkali inlet at the lower end of the cathode end plate 1 to the alkali pool, and connect the gas-liquid outlet at the upper end of the cathode end plate 1 to the gas-liquid separation and collection device. Then, turn on the alkali pump to pump alkali into the electrolytic cell. Next, connect the cathode plate 3 to the power anode and the anode plate 8 to the power cathode, and turn on the power. At this time, the electrolytic cell begins to work. The alkali enters the alkali flow channel inside the electrolytic cell through the alkali inlet on the right side of the lower end of the cathode end plate 1, then enters the anode electrolysis chamber through the flow channel at the lower end of the electrode plate, and diffuses in the anode electrolysis chamber through the flow channel on the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode 4b. The alkali in the anode electrolysis chamber generates oxygen and water through the electrolysis reaction, flows into the gas-liquid flow channel in the electrolytic cell through the flow channel at the upper end of the pad, and then flows out of the electrolytic cell through the gas-liquid outlet on the left side of the upper end of the cathode end plate 1. The alkaline solution enters the internal alkaline channel of the electrolytic cell through the alkaline inlet on the lower left side of the cathode end plate 1, then flows through the channel at the lower end of the pad into the cathode electrolysis chamber, and diffuses within the cathode electrolysis chamber through the channel on the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode 4a. The alkaline solution in the cathode electrolysis chamber undergoes an electrolytic reaction to generate hydrogen and OH-. OH- permeates through the diaphragm 6 into the anode electrolysis chamber, while hydrogen flows through the channel at the upper end of the pad into the uppermost gas-liquid channel of the electrolytic cell, and then flows out of the electrolytic cell through the gas-liquid outlet on the upper right side of the cathode end plate 1.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented using conventional methods in the art.

Claims

1. An integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell, characterized in that, include: The cathode end plate (1) and the cathode plate (3) fixed to the inner surface of the cathode end plate (1). Anode plate (9) and anode plate (8) fixed to the inner surface of the anode plate (9), wherein the cathode plate (1) and the anode plate (9) are arranged opposite to each other; Bipolar plates (7), at least one of the bipolar plates (7) are arranged between the cathode plate (3) and the anode plate (8), and with the arrangement of multiple bipolar plates (7), the cathode plate (3) and the anode plate (8) are separated to form a plurality of electrolytic cells, and the plurality of electrolytic cells constitute a multilayer electrolytic cell.

2. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cathode insulating gasket (2a) is provided between the cathode end plate (1) and the cathode plate (3), and an anode insulating gasket (2b) is provided between the anode end plate (9) and the anode plate (8).

3. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolysis chamber is arranged with a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode (4a), a gasket (5), a diaphragm (6), a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode (4b), and a bipolar plate (7) arranged in sequence. The cathode plate (3) is embedded with the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode (4a), and the bipolar plate (7) is embedded with the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode (4b). The gasket (5) and the bipolar plate (7) form a closed flow channel and are sealed by bolts. When two adjacent electrolysis chambers share a single bipolar plate (7), the bipolar plate (7) contains a three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode (4b) at the tail of one electrolysis chamber and a three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode (4a) at the head of another electrolysis chamber, which is used to connect the channels of the adjacent electrolysis chambers and guide catalysis and conduction.

4. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 3, characterized in that: The opposite sides of the anode plate (8) and the cathode plate (3), as well as the middle of the bipolar plate (7), are provided with slots for filling the three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode (4a) and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode (4b). All of the aforementioned plates are channelless flat plates.

5. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Symmetrical flow channel holes are provided on the cathode plate (3), bipolar plate (7), anode plate (8) and gasket (5), and grooves are provided on the cathode plate (3), bipolar plate (7) and anode plate (8). The flow channel holes and grooves are used to guide the electrolytic cell fluid into or out.

6. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode plate (3) and bipolar plate (7) have a flow channel on one side connecting the cathode alkali inlet, the empty tank and the alkali and hydrogen outlet; the anode plate (8) and bipolar plate (7) have a flow channel on the other side connecting the anode alkali inlet, the empty tank and the alkali and oxygen outlet.

7. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: The three-dimensional cathode catalytic electrode (4a) and the three-dimensional anode catalytic electrode (4b) have an internal porous structure.

8. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diaphragm (6) is any one of an ion-type homogeneous diaphragm, a porous polymer, or an inorganic porous diaphragm.

9. The integrated pad-type channelless electrode plate electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode plate (1), anode plate (9), cathode plate (3), anode plate (8), gasket (5), and bipolar plate (7) are provided with screw fixing holes near the edge of the annular surface.

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