A PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system

Abstract

This invention discloses a PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system. The system includes an electrolyzer module A, consisting of an electrolysis power source A and a PEM electrolyzer A. The electrolysis power source A supplies power to the PEM electrolyzer A, which has an inlet, an outlet, and a gas outlet. A pure water module supplies pure water to the PEM electrolyzer A, including a constant-temperature water storage tank with a circulating water inlet and outlet, and a purification column connected to the outlet of the constant-temperature water storage tank via a connecting pipe. The outlet of the PEM electrolyzer A is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant-temperature water storage tank, and a hydrogen sensor for monitoring the permeated hydrogen concentration is installed on the connecting pipe. This PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system can monitor the permeated hydrogen content at the outlet of the PEM electrolyzer A in real time, increasing testing safety and reducing overall system cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a PEM electrolyzer catalyst testing system, and more particularly to a PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system. Background Technology

[0002] The global goal of carbon neutrality is driving the clean energy transition, and green hydrogen (hydrogen produced by electrolyzing water using renewable energy) has become an important alternative to fossil fuels. Compared to traditional alkaline electrolyzers, PEM electrolyzers are more suitable for fluctuating renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar power), offering faster dynamic response, a wider load range (20%-100%), and a more compact size.

[0003] In PEM electrolyzers, catalysts can significantly reduce hydrogen evolution / oxygen evolution overpotentials, and catalyst lifetime and stability are crucial indicators for mass production. Therefore, before commercializing PEM electrolyzers, simulation tests under different environments are necessary to verify catalyst performance data.

[0004] Deionized water (also known as pure water) is the raw material for PEM water electrolysis and also circulates at the anode to remove oxygen and heat generated within the electrolyzer. During this continuous circulation, the pure water in the electrolyzer dissolves a large amount of hydrogen. The accumulating hydrogen and high-pressure environment during circulation pose a safety hazard to the PEM electrolyzer catalyst testing system. Furthermore, existing test bench technology for PEM electrolyzer catalyst testing can only perform tests under ideal laboratory conditions. The test results differ significantly from actual operating conditions, and the data cannot reflect real-world operation, thus reducing its reference value and reliability.

[0005] Based on this, we have designed a PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system to increase testing safety, reduce costs, and simultaneously conduct tests and comparisons under laboratory and simulated actual working conditions, which facilitates data analysis and increases data reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Purpose of the utility model: The purpose of this utility model is to provide a PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system that improves safety while taking into account experimental conditions and conforming to actual working conditions.

[0007] Technical solution: The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system of this utility model, as the first solution, includes: Electrolytic cell module A includes an electrolytic power supply A and a PEM electrolytic cell A. The electrolytic power supply A is used to supply power to the PEM electrolytic cell A. The PEM electrolytic cell A is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and a gas outlet. A pure water module is used to supply pure water to PEM electrolyzer A, including a constant temperature water storage tank with a circulating water inlet and outlet, and a purification column on a connecting pipe at the outlet of the constant temperature water storage tank. The outlet of PEM electrolyzer A is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant temperature water storage tank, and a hydrogen sensor for monitoring the concentration of permeated hydrogen is installed on the connecting pipe between the two.

[0008] The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system of this utility model, as a second scheme, includes: Electrolytic cell module A includes an electrolytic power supply A and a PEM electrolytic cell A. The electrolytic power supply A is used to supply power to the PEM electrolytic cell A. The PEM electrolytic cell A is provided with a water inlet, a water outlet and a gas outlet. Electrolytic cell module B includes electrolytic power supply B and PEM electrolytic cell B. Electrolytic power supply B is used to supply power to PEM electrolytic cell B. PEM electrolytic cell B is also equipped with a water inlet, a water outlet and a gas outlet. A pure water module is used to supply pure water to PEM electrolyzer A and PEM electrolyzer B. It includes a constant temperature water storage tank with a circulating water inlet and outlet, and a purification column on the connecting pipe at the outlet of the constant temperature water storage tank. The outlet of PEM electrolyzer A is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant temperature water storage tank, and a hydrogen sensor is installed on the connecting pipe between the two to monitor the concentration of permeated hydrogen at the outlet. The outlet of PEM electrolyzer B is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant temperature water storage tank, and a hydrogen sensor is installed on the connecting pipe between the two to monitor the concentration of permeated hydrogen at the outlet. The pipeline connecting PEM electrolyzer B to the purification column is equipped with a branched pipeline, which is connected to a metering pump to change the water quality by adding ions and simulate different water quality conditions.

[0009] Furthermore, based on the first scheme, a peristaltic pump is installed on the pipeline connecting PEM electrolyzer A and the purification column.

[0010] Furthermore, based on the first scheme, the gas outlet of PEM electrolyzer A is connected to a gas-water separator.

[0011] Furthermore, based on the first approach, the testing system also includes a heating device connected to the PEM electrolyzer A for heating it.

[0012] Furthermore, based on the first scheme, back pressure valves are installed on the water outlet and gas outlet connecting pipes of PEM electrolyzer A.

[0013] Furthermore, based on the second scheme, a peristaltic pump is installed on the pipeline connecting PEM electrolyzer A and the purification column, and a variable frequency peristaltic pump is installed on the pipeline connecting PEM electrolyzer B and the purification column.

[0014] Furthermore, based on the second scheme, the gas outlet of PEM electrolyzer A is connected to a gas-water separator, and the gas outlet of PEM electrolyzer B is also connected to a gas-water separator.

[0015] Furthermore, based on the second scheme, the testing system also includes heating devices connected to PEM electrolyzer A and PEM electrolyzer B for heating them.

[0016] Furthermore, based on the second scheme, back pressure valves are installed on the water outlet and gas outlet connecting pipes of PEM electrolyzer A and PEM electrolyzer B.

[0017] Furthermore, based on the first or second scheme, the constant temperature water storage tank is equipped with a conductivity meter and a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor extends into the interior of the constant temperature water storage tank.

[0018] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are: the system can conduct long-term continuous stability testing of PEM electrolyzer catalysts and has low system cost, and can monitor the permeated hydrogen content in real time to increase test safety; in addition, it can simultaneously conduct test comparisons in laboratory environment and simulated actual application conditions, improving the comprehensiveness of data and facilitating data analysis. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system of this utility model. Figure 1 (Electrolytic cell module A); Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system of this utility model. Figure 2 (Electrolytic cell module A + Electrolytic cell module B); Among them, 1-Electrolysis power supply A; 2-PEM electrolytic cell A; 3-Constant temperature water storage tank; 4-Purification column; 5-Hydrogen sensor; 6-Electrolysis power supply B; 7-PEM electrolytic cell B; 8-Metering pump; 9-Peristaltic pump; 10-Variable frequency peristaltic pump; 11-Gas-water separator; 12-Heating equipment; 13-Conductivity meter; 14-Temperature sensor; 15-Back pressure valve. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The manufacturers or sources of the equipment used in this utility model are shown in Table 1 below.

[0022] Table 1 Equipment Source Serial Number Component Name Corresponding device name or source 1 Electrolytic power source A Keruiyuan KA3005D power supply 2 Electrolytic power source B ITECH power supply IT6722A 3 Thermostatic water storage tank Kuang Sheng Industrial Double-Layer Glass Reactor 4 Purification column High-temperature resistant purification column of Liaocheng Jiajianfa Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. 5 hydrogen sensor Keercon Hydrogen Gas Analyzer 6 metering pump New Dowtz metering pump DFD-01-07-M 7 peristaltic pump Rongbai constant flow pump 8 Variable frequency peristaltic pump BT600F peristaltic pump 9 Heating equipment Shengernuo single-cell heating equipment 10 conductivity meter Hangzhou Meikong Conductivity Tester 11 Temperature sensor Temperature test of reactor equipment 12 Back pressure valve Swagelok back pressure valve The gas-water separator of this invention has a structure in which a gas outlet port is set on the water storage tank to allow gas to escape and achieve the separation of water and hydrogen. Example 1

[0023] The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system of Example 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the stability of the catalyst in a PEM electrolyzer was tested under experimental conditions of pure water, constant temperature, and constant water pressure. Specifically, the testing system includes an electrolyzer module A and a pure water module that provides pure water to the electrolyzer module A.

[0024] The electrolysis module A includes a PEM electrolysis cell A2 and an electrolysis power supply A1 that powers the PEM electrolysis cell A2. The lower right end of the PEM electrolysis cell A2 has a water inlet, the upper right end has a water outlet, and the lower left end has a gas outlet. The pure water module includes a constant temperature water storage tank 3, which has a circulating water inlet at the top and a water outlet at the bottom. A temperature sensor 14 is installed on the constant temperature water storage tank 3, extending into the tank to monitor the water temperature in real time. If the temperature drops below a set value, the heating element on the tank 3 will raise the temperature. A conductivity meter 13 is installed at the lower left end of the constant temperature water storage tank 3, which monitors the conductivity of the pure water in the tank in real time. The outlet of the constant temperature water storage tank 3 is connected to the inlet of the PEM electrolysis cell A2 via a pipeline. A purification column 4 and a peristaltic pump 9 are sequentially installed along the water flow direction from the constant temperature water storage tank 3 to the PEM electrolysis cell A2 on this pipeline. The purification column 4 and the conductivity meter 13 ensure that the water entering the PEM electrolysis cell A2 is pure water, and the peristaltic pump 9 ensures stable water pressure.

[0025] The outlet of PEM electrolyzer A2 is connected to the circulating water inlet of constant temperature water storage tank 3 via a pipe. A back pressure valve 15 and a hydrogen sensor 5 are sequentially installed along the water flow direction from PEM electrolyzer A2 to constant temperature water storage tank 3 on this connecting pipe. The hydrogen sensor 5 monitors the concentration of permeated hydrogen on PEM electrolyzer A2 in real time, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of the stability test. If the hydrogen concentration exceeds the preset value, indicating hydrogen permeation, the test will be temporarily suspended. The gas outlet of PEM electrolyzer A2 is connected to gas-water separator 11 via a gas pipe, and a back pressure valve 15 is installed on the gas pipe. A heating device 12 is installed on PEM electrolyzer A2, and the two are connected via a heating rod to compensate for the water temperature. Example 2

[0026] This second embodiment is based on the first embodiment, with the electrolyzer module B connected in parallel to simultaneously assess the stability of the PEM electrolyzer catalyst under both experimental and simulated real-world operating conditions. Specifically, the testing system is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it includes an electrolytic cell module A, an electrolytic cell module B, and a pure water module that provides pure water to the electrolytic cell module A and the electrolytic cell module B.

[0027] Electrolysis module A includes a PEM electrolysis cell A2 and an electrolysis power supply A1 that powers the PEM electrolysis cell A2. The lower right end of the PEM electrolysis cell A2 is the water inlet, the upper right end is the water outlet, and the lower left end is the gas outlet. Electrolysis module B includes a PEM electrolysis cell B7 and an electrolysis power supply B6 that powers the PEM electrolysis cell B7. The lower left end of the PEM electrolysis cell B7 is the water inlet, the upper left end is the water outlet, and the lower right end is the gas outlet. The pure water module includes a constant temperature water storage tank 3, which has a circulating water inlet at the top and a water outlet at the bottom.

[0028] A temperature sensor 14 is installed on the constant temperature water storage tank 3, and the temperature sensor 14 extends into the interior of the constant temperature water storage tank 3 to monitor the water temperature in the tank in real time. Once the temperature is lower than the set value, the heating component on the constant temperature water storage tank 3 will raise the temperature. A conductivity meter 13 is installed at the lower left end of the constant temperature water storage tank 3, and the conductivity meter 13 will detect the conductivity of the pure water in the constant temperature water storage tank 3 in real time.

[0029] Two pipes extend from the outlet at the bottom of the constant temperature water storage tank 3. One pipe connects to the inlet of PEM electrolysis cell A2, and the other connects to the inlet of PEM electrolysis cell B7. A purification column 4 and a peristaltic pump 9 are sequentially installed along the water flow direction from the constant temperature water storage tank 3 to PEM electrolysis cell A2 on the pipe connected to the inlet of PEM electrolysis cell A2. The purification column 4 and conductivity meter 13 ensure that the water entering PEM electrolysis cell A2 is pure water, and the peristaltic pump 9 stabilizes the water pressure. A purification column 4 and a variable frequency peristaltic pump 10 are sequentially installed along the water flow direction from the constant temperature water storage tank 3 to the PEM electrolysis cell B7 on the pipeline connected to the inlet of the PEM electrolysis cell B7. A branch pipe extends from the pipeline between the purification column 4 and the variable frequency peristaltic pump 10, and a metering pump 8 is connected to this branch pipe to change the water quality by adding ions, simulating different water quality conditions. In other words, through the branch pipe and the variable frequency peristaltic pump 10, the water quality and water pressure can be adjusted according to different actual testing conditions to obtain more realistic stability test data.

[0030] The constant-temperature water storage tank 3 also has two pipes at its top circulating water inlet: one connected to the outlet of PEM electrolysis cell A2, and the other connected to the outlet of PEM electrolysis cell B7. The outlet of PEM electrolysis cell A2 is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant-temperature water storage tank 3 via a pipe, and a back pressure valve 15 and a hydrogen sensor 5 are sequentially installed along the water flow direction from PEM electrolysis cell A2 to the constant-temperature water storage tank 3 along this connecting pipe. Similarly, the outlet of PEM electrolysis cell B7 is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant-temperature water storage tank 3 via a pipe, and a back pressure valve 15 and a hydrogen sensor 5 are sequentially installed along the water flow direction from PEM electrolysis cell A2 to the constant-temperature water storage tank 3 along this connecting pipe. The hydrogen sensor 5 monitors the hydrogen concentration at the outlets of PEM electrolysis cells A2 and B7 in real time, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of the monitoring. If the hydrogen concentration exceeds the preset value, it indicates hydrogen permeation, and the test will be temporarily suspended.

[0031] The outlet of PEM electrolysis cell A2 is connected to the gas-water separator 11 via a gas pipe, and a back pressure valve 15 is installed on the gas pipe. The outlet of PEM electrolysis cell B7 is connected to the gas-water separator 11 via a gas pipe, and a back pressure valve 15 is installed on the gas pipe. A heating device 12 is installed on PEM electrolysis cell A2, and the two are connected via heating rods to compensate for water temperature. A heating device 12 is installed on PEM electrolysis cell B7, and the two are connected via heating rods to compensate for water temperature.

[0032] With the help of the testing system of this utility model, different stability test results can be achieved under experimental conditions and / or actual application conditions. Flexible selection can be made according to needs, realizing a variety of options for a single device, which is low in cost, high in efficiency, and high in accuracy.

[0033] Furthermore, this utility model relates to the testing components of a testing system. The system control and data acquisition can be added as needed for subsequent applications, and are well-known technologies to those skilled in the art; therefore, they will not be described in detail here. For example, a controller with display functionality can be added, such as… Figure 1 and Figure 2 The computer 16 is connected to a power supply. The electrolytic power supply also includes a current detection element and a voltage detection element. The current detection element is used to detect the current and obtain a current signal; the voltage detection element is used to detect the voltage and obtain a voltage signal. Alternatively, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and other components can be correspondingly installed on the testing system and communicate with the computer 16 to collect relevant data.

[0034] This means that polarization curves and single-cell consistency tests are performed through current and voltage acquisition modules, and durability and fatigue tests are performed by setting continuous running time through controller steps. It can perform performance tests such as polarization curves, single-cell consistency, and fatigue tests on electrolytic cells, especially high-power electrolytic cells.

Claims

1. A catalyst stability testing system for a PEM electrolyzer, characterized in that, include: Electrolytic cell module A includes an electrolytic power supply A (1) and a PEM electrolytic cell A (2). The electrolytic power supply A (1) is used to supply power to the PEM electrolytic cell A (2). The PEM electrolytic cell A (2) is provided with an inlet, an outlet and a gas outlet. Electrolytic cell module B includes an electrolytic power supply B (6) and a PEM electrolytic cell B (7). The electrolytic power supply B (6) is used to supply power to the PEM electrolytic cell B (7). The PEM electrolytic cell B (7) is provided with an inlet, an outlet and a gas outlet. The pure water module is used to supply pure water to the PEM electrolyzer A (2) and PEM electrolyzer B (7), including a constant temperature water storage tank (3) with a circulating water inlet and an outlet, and a purification column (4) on the pipeline connected to the outlet of the constant temperature water storage tank (3). The outlet of the PEM electrolysis cell A (2) is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant temperature water storage tank (3), and a hydrogen sensor (5) is provided on the connecting pipe between the two to monitor the concentration of hydrogen permeation at the outlet. The outlet of the PEM electrolysis cell B (7) is connected to the circulating water inlet of the constant temperature water storage tank (3), and a hydrogen sensor (5) for monitoring the concentration of permeated hydrogen is provided on the connecting pipe between the two. The PEM electrolysis cell B (7) is connected to the purification column (4) by a branch pipe, which is connected to a metering pump (8) to change the water quality by adding ions and simulate different water quality conditions.

2. The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A peristaltic pump (9) is provided on the pipe connecting the PEM electrolysis cell A (2) and the purification column (4), and a variable frequency peristaltic pump (10) is provided on the pipe connecting the PEM electrolysis cell B (7) and the purification column (4).

3. The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas outlet of the PEM electrolyzer A (2) is connected to the gas-water separator (11), and the gas outlet of the PEM electrolyzer B (7) is also connected to the gas-water separator (11).

4. The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The testing system also includes heating equipment (12) connected to PEM electrolytic cell A (2) and PEM electrolytic cell B (7) for heating them.

5. The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant temperature water tank (3) is equipped with a conductivity meter (13) and a temperature sensor (14), and the temperature sensor (14) extends into the constant temperature water tank (3).

6. The PEM electrolyzer catalyst stability testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Back pressure valves (15) are provided on the water outlet and gas outlet connecting pipes of PEM electrolysis cell A (2) and PEM electrolysis cell B (7).

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