Protective structure of rectangular electrolytic cell

Abstract

A protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell is provided that is added for structural reinforcement with the aim of strengthening the sealing reliability and structural reliability of the electrolytic cell against localized stress concentration positions in the rectangular electrolytic cell. [Solution] A protective structure installed on the electrolytic cell body, the electrolytic cell body includes an electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 and an end plate 2, with multiple electrolytic cell electrode frames installed between the two end plates, the four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame being located on the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body, and the protective structure includes an L-shaped structural member 3, with one L-shaped structural member installed on each of the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body to hold down the electrolytic cell electrode frame, and both ends of the L-shaped structural member being fixedly installed on the end plates on both sides.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and in particular to a protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell and a rectangular electrolytic cell. [Background technology]

[0002] The statements in this section provide background information related to the present invention and may not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] The electrolyzers include ALK alkaline water electrolysis and PEM water electrolysis, both of which are in a series configuration with a plate frame filter press structure. The electrolyzer is the core device of hydrogen-to-electricity conversion and where the electrochemical reaction for producing green hydrogen through electrolysis takes place.

[0004] Electrolyzers are generally exposed to shock and vibration in various application scenarios, such as hanging, transportation, vehicle movement, loading and unloading, and installation. The bipolar plates, diaphragms, electrodes, and seal assemblies that make up electrolyzers may fall off from the plate frame structure of the electrolyzer during the system's shock and vibration process, resulting in problems such as poor sealing, structural deformation, and material damage. With the increasingly widespread application of electrolyzers, there is an urgent need to design structures and functional components that can improve the electrolyzer's shock and vibration resistance.

[0005] Among these, rectangular electrolytic cells have a higher material utilization rate and lower cost, but the four corners of the rectangular structure are subject to stress concentration when subjected to internal cell pressure and assembly force, resulting in significant corner stress and stress deformation. A related problem is that when rectangular electrolytic cells are used under high-pressure operating conditions, stress concentration at the corners can cause sealing defects. The present invention addresses these drawbacks. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell and a rectangular electrolytic cell, which can achieve the purpose of enhancing the sealing reliability and structural reliability of the electrolytic cell by adding a protective structure for structural reinforcement to areas of the rectangular electrolytic cell where local stress concentration occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technical means adopted by this invention are as follows:

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell, in which the protective structure is provided on the electrolytic cell body, the electrolytic cell body includes an electrolytic cell electrode frame and an end plate, a plurality of the electrolytic cell electrode frames are provided between two of the end plates, the four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame are respectively located on the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body, the protective structure includes an L-shaped structural member, one L-shaped structural member is provided on each of the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body to press down the electrolytic cell electrode frame, and both ends of the L-shaped structural member are fixedly installed on the end plates on both sides, respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, outer rounded corners are provided at all four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame, and inner rounded corners that match the outer rounded corners are provided on the inside of the L-shaped structural member.

[0010] Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the L-shaped structural member and the electrolytic cell electrode frame are fitted together using a mortise and tenon structure.

[0011] Furthermore, a first insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the L-shaped structural member.

[0012] Furthermore, a second insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the end plate, and the material of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer is an insulating polymer.

[0013] Furthermore, the protective structure further includes a fixing assembly, and the end of the L-shaped structural section is fixedly installed to the end plate via the fixing assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixing assembly includes an L-shaped corner guard, a first screw, and a second screw for pressing the L-shaped structural member. The inside of the L-shaped corner guard has an L-shaped opening groove that fits the L-shaped structural member. Both ends of the L-shaped corner guard are each provided with a connecting seat located on one side of the L-shaped opening groove. The connecting seat has a first through hole that fits the first screw. The end plate has a first screw hole that fits the first screw. Each of the two groove openings of the L-shaped opening groove has a second screw hole that fits one of the second screws.

[0015] Furthermore, protruding support corner guards are integrally molded at all four corners of the end plate, and the support corner guards are provided with mounting grooves that fit the L-shaped structural member, and a third screw is attached to the support corner guards to press the L-shaped structural member against them, and the support corner guards are provided with third screw holes that fit the third screws, and the third screw holes face the mounting grooves.

[0016] Furthermore, a countersunk hole for hanging is provided on the outer surface of the end plate, and a hanging ring is attached in the countersunk hole for hanging.

[0017] According to a second aspect, there is provided a prismatic electrolytic cell including the protective structure for the prismatic electrolytic cell described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. An L-shaped structural member is added as a structural support, and the L-shaped structural member spans the entire electrolytic cell, effectively supporting and protecting the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body. The ends of the L-shaped structural member are fixed to the end plates, ensuring the shock and vibration resistance of the entire structure and better enhancing the sealing reliability and structural reliability of the electrolytic cell.

[0020] 2. The inner wall of the L-shaped structural member that fits tightly against the electrolytic cell and the outer wall of the electrolytic cell that contacts it have an inner R-angle and an outer R-angle that fit together. The tight fit of the inner and outer R-angles distributes stress concentration at the force-receiving points, preventing structural damage at the stress-concentrating points when the bipolar plates and membrane electrodes inside the rectangular electrolytic cell are subjected to external shocks and vibrations.

[0021] 3. By adopting an insulating structure and material design and adding an insulating layer to the outer surfaces of the L-shaped structural section and end plate, this invention is not only applicable to electrolytic cell designs that use insulating materials for the pole frames, but also to electrolytic cell designs that use metal pole frames.

[0022] 4. The end of an L-shaped structural member can be fixed using a fixing assembly (L-shaped corner guard, first screw, and second screw), or by adding a third screw to a supporting corner guard designed integrally with the end plate. Either way, the end of the L-shaped structural member can be easily fixed to the end plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an L-shaped corner guard according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an end plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an end plate and a supporting corner guard integrally formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a partial structure in which the contact surface of the L-shaped structural member and the electrolytic cell pole frame is fitted with a mortise and tenon joint structure in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0025] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] In order to more clearly describe the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly describe the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can also obtain other drawings from these drawings without any creative efforts.

[0027] In order to clarify the implementation purpose, technical means and advantages of the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an embodiment of the present invention provides a protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell. The protective structure is provided on the electrolytic cell body. The electrolytic cell body includes an electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 and an end plate 2, with multiple electrolytic cell electrode frames 1 arranged between the two end plates 2. The four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 are located on the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body. The protective structure includes an L-shaped structural member 3. One L-shaped structural member 3 is provided on each of the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body, and holds down the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1. Both ends of the L-shaped structural member 3 are fixedly installed to the end plates 2 on both sides.

[0029] In the above technical means, by adding the L-shaped structural member 3 spanning the entire electrolytic cell as a structural support, the four ridge lines of the electrolytic cell body can be effectively supported and protected. That is, the four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 can be supported and protected. Since the L-shaped structural member 3 can press against the corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1, it can be ensured that there is no displacement of the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 relative to the L-shaped structural member 3 in the situation where the rectangular electrolytic cell is subjected to impact and vibration. At the same time, the end of the L-shaped structural member 3 is fixedly installed on the end plate 2, and there is also no relative displacement between the end plate 2 and the L-shaped structural member 3. Thereby, the impact and vibration resistance of the entire structure can be ensured, and the sealing reliability and structural reliability of the electrolytic cell can be further improved.

[0030] In order to ensure a better support and protection effect, the L-shaped structural member 3 of this embodiment selects a structural member with high strength (three-point bending strength ≥ 450 MPa) and high toughness. The structural member materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, carbon fiber, glass fiber composite materials, etc.

[0031] In this embodiment, the rectangular electrolytic cell achieves the purpose of clamping the intermediate electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 and preventing the deviation of its relative position by tightening and clamping the bolt holes of both end plates 2 with the fastening screw rod 4.

[0032] As a preferred technical means, outer R corners 5 are provided at the four corners of the above-mentioned electrolytic cell electrode frame 1, and inner R corners 6 adapted to the outer R corners 5 are provided inside the above-mentioned L-shaped structural member 3. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the L-shaped structural member 3 in close contact with the electrolytic cell and the outer wall of the electrolytic cell in contact with it have an R corner design in which the inner R corner 6 and the outer R corner 5 fit together. As shown in FIG. 5, by the close fitting of the inner and outer layer R corners, the stress concentration at the force application point is dispersed, and when the bipolar plate and the membrane electrode in the rectangular electrolytic cell are subjected to the impact and vibration of external forces, the structural failure at the stress concentration action point is prevented. In a specific implementation, it is preferable that the range of the local R corner is 1 mm < R < 100 mm.

[0033] As a preferred technical measure, the contact surfaces between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 employ a mortise and tenon structure. In this embodiment, the mortise and tenon structure between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 not only allows for closer contact between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1, but also prevents misalignment of the L-shaped structural member 3 and the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 relative to each other. In a specific implementation, the insulation of the contact surfaces may be achieved by insulating the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 itself or by locally inserting an insulating material. The mortise and tenon structure of this embodiment employs a sawtooth interlocking structure 7, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0034] In some embodiments, a portion of the contact surface between the electrolytic cell pole frame 1 and the L-shaped structural member 3 may be connected by screws. After both ends of the L-shaped structural member 3 are fixed to the end plates 2, it presses against the surface of the electrolytic cell pole frame 1. Because the electrolytic cell is long, screw holes may be added to the side of one or more of the intermediate electrolytic cell pole frames 1. Through holes may be added to the L-shaped structural member 3 that face the screw holes on the side of the electrolytic cell pole frame 1, and the L-shaped structural member 3 may then be fixed to the electrolytic cell pole frame 1 by screws. A portion of the contact surface between the electrolytic cell pole frame 1 and the L-shaped structural member 3 may be connected by screws to bring the L-shaped structural member 3 into closer contact with the electrolytic cell pole frame 1 and press it down, thereby enhancing the support and protection effect for the electrolytic cell pole frame 1.

[0035] Compared with a screw connection, the adoption of a fitting structure has less effect on the structural strength of the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1, and can improve the structural reliability of the entire electrolytic cell.

[0036] As a preferred technical measure, a first insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the L-shaped structural section 3. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer is coated on the L-shaped structural section 3, with the purpose of ensuring reliable insulation between the L-shaped structural section 3 and the end plate 2. In a specific implementation, the insulating layer may be coated only on the contact surface between the L-shaped structural section 3 and the end plate 2, or the insulating layer may be coated on the entire L-shaped structural section 3, as long as the contact surface between the L-shaped structural section 3 and the end plate 2 is effectively insulated.

[0037] To ensure better insulation between the L-shaped structural section 3 and the end plate 2, a second insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the end plate 2. The materials for the first and second insulating layers are insulating polymers. In this embodiment, insulating layers are provided on both the outer surfaces of the L-shaped structural section 3 and the end plate 2, forming a double insulating layer between the L-shaped structural section 3 and the end plate 2, thereby ensuring reliable insulation. In this embodiment, the first and second insulating layers may be made of insulating polymers such as PP, PE, PTFE, PFA, FEP, FKM, PEEK, and PPS, or may be made of composite polymer insulating materials containing organic or inorganic additives (e.g., PVDF, modified polyvinylidene fluoride, ABS, silicon dioxide, silicon, titanium oxide, nickel oxide, nickel, tantalum, and cerium oxide). In a specific implementation, the insulating materials for the first and second insulating layers may be the same or different.

[0038] In some embodiments, an insulating liner may be laid between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the outer wall of the electrolytic cell, or an insulating tape with an adhesive backing may be directly applied to the outer surface of the L-shaped structural member 3. Insulating tape made of PI, PAI, polyester, PVC, PES, etc. may be used. Furthermore, when the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 uses an outer frame made of polymer plastic, the L-shaped structural member 3 may be directly and tightly fitted to the outer wall of the electrolytic cell without using an insulating layer or insulating liner.

[0039] Due to the above-mentioned insulation structure and material design, the present invention is not only applicable to electrolytic cell designs that use insulating materials for the pole frames, but also to electrolytic cell designs that use metal pole frames.

[0040] As a preferred technical measure, the protective structure further includes a fixing assembly, through which the end of the L-shaped structural member 3 is fixedly installed to the end plate 2. In this embodiment, the fixing assembly removably fixes the end of the L-shaped structural member 3 to the end plate 2, thereby facilitating assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0041] Specifically, the fixing assembly includes an L-shaped corner guard 8, a first screw 9, and a second screw 10 for pressing the L-shaped structural member 3. An L-shaped groove 11 is formed inside the L-shaped corner guard 8 to fit into the L-shaped structural member 3. A connecting seat 12 is provided on each end of the L-shaped corner guard 8, located on one side of the L-shaped groove 11. The connecting seat 12 has a first through-hole 13 that fits into the first screw 9. The end plate 2 has a first screw hole 14 that fits into the first screw 9. A second screw hole 15 that fits into one of the second screws 10 is formed in each of the two groove openings of the L-shaped groove 11. In this embodiment, during assembly, the end of the L-shaped structural member 3 fits exactly into the L-shaped groove 11 and is located between the L-shaped corner guard 8 and the end plate 2. The first screw 9 is threaded through the through hole of the connecting seat 12 and then threaded into the first threaded hole 14 to secure the L-shaped corner guard 8 to the end plate 2. When the second screw 10 is threaded into the second threaded hole 15, the tip of the second screw 10 presses against the L-shaped structural member 3, which in turn presses down on the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1. In this embodiment, the pressure that the second screw 10 applies to the L-shaped structural member 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the tightness of the second screw 10, thereby adjusting the degree to which the L-shaped structural member 3 presses down on the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1, thereby better adapting to various actual situations. In this embodiment, the tip of the second screw 10 abuts against the side wall of the L-shaped structural member 3, and an insulating layer is designed on the contact surface, thereby ensuring reliable insulation between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the end plate 2 and electrolytic cell electrode frame 1. The structural diagram of the L-shaped corner guard 8 of this embodiment is as shown in FIG. 2, and the structural diagram of the end plate 2 is as shown in FIG.

[0042] In this embodiment, the aforementioned L-shaped structural member 3 is disposed at each of the four corners of the electrolytic cell, providing reliable protection against acceleration in each direction of the electrolytic cell. The outer structure of the electrolytic cell pole frame 1 is in close contact with the L-shaped structural member 3. Screws pass through the hole structure of the L-shaped corner guard 8 to fasten and press the outer surface of the L-shaped structural member 3, thereby achieving close contact between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the electrolytic cell outer frame (i.e., the electrolytic cell pole frame 1). The above-mentioned fastening assembly (L-shaped corner guard 8, first screw 9, second screw 10) effectively fastens the end of the L-shaped structural member 3 to the end plate 2. This prevents relative displacement between the L-shaped structural member 3 and the end plate 2 even when the rectangular electrolytic cell is subjected to impact or vibration, thereby further ensuring the impact and vibration resistance of the entire structure. In a specific implementation, materials used for the L-shaped corner guard 8 include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, carbon fiber, and glass fiber composite materials.

[0043] As another preferred technical measure, as shown in Fig. 4, protruding support corner guards 16 are integrally formed at all four corners of the end plate 2. The support corner guards 16 are provided with mounting grooves 17 that fit into the L-shaped structural member 3, and third screws are attached to the support corner guards 16 for pressing the L-shaped structural member 3. The support corner guards 16 are provided with third screw holes 18 that face the mounting grooves 17 and fit into the third screws. In this embodiment, during assembly, the end of the L-shaped structural member 3 fits exactly into the mounting grooves 17 of the support corner guards 16. When the third screws are screwed into the third screw holes 18, the tips of the third screws press the L-shaped structural member 3, which in turn presses the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1. In this embodiment, by adjusting the tightness of the third screw, the pressure that the third screw applies to the L-shaped structural member 3 can be adjusted, and thus the degree to which the L-shaped structural member 3 presses against the electrolytic cell electrode frame 1 can be adjusted, so as to better accommodate various different actual situations. In this embodiment, the mounting groove 17 of the support corner guard 16 may or may not penetrate the end plate 2, and this groove faces one side of the L-shaped structural member 3, facilitating the mounting of the end of the L-shaped structural member 3.

[0044] In specific implementation, the second screw 10 and the third screw may both be directly set screws, which can be used to easily press the L-shaped structural section 3 together.

[0045] As a preferred technical measure, as shown in Figure 1, a counterbore hole for suspension is provided on the outer surface of the end plate 2, and a suspension ring 19 is attached to the counterbore hole for suspension. In this embodiment, a counterbore hole for suspension is provided on the outer surface (i.e., the surface closer to the outside) of the end plate 2 of the electrolytic cell, and a suspension ring 19 can be attached. After adding the protective structure of the L-shaped structural member 3 described above, the rectangular electrolytic cell may adopt a single-side suspension or double-side simultaneous suspension method.

[0046] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a prismatic electrolytic cell, which includes the protective structure of the prismatic electrolytic cell described above.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis, and for parts not described in detail in one embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0048] Any parts not mentioned in the above embodiments are the same as or can be realized by adopting conventional technology, and therefore will not be further described here.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the technical means described in each of the above embodiments, or some technical features therein can be replaced with equivalents, and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical means to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical invention of each of the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1: Electrolytic cell pole frame 2: End plate 3: L-shaped structural member 4: Fastening screw rod 5:Outside R angle 6:Inner R angle 7: Saw-tooth interlocking structure 8: L-shaped corner guard 9: First screw 10: Second screw 11: L-shaped opening groove 12: Connecting seat 13: First through hole 14: First screw hole 15: Second screw hole 16: Support corner guard 17: Mounting groove 18: 3rd screw hole 19: Hanging ring

Claims

1. A protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell, The electrolytic cell body is provided with a protective structure, The electrolytic cell body includes an electrolytic cell electrode frame and an end plate, A plurality of the electrolytic cell electrode frames are provided between the two end plates, The four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame are located on the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body, respectively; the protective structure includes an L-shaped structural profile; the L-shaped structural member for pressing down the electrolytic cell electrode frame is provided on each of the four ridges of the electrolytic cell body; Both ends of the L-shaped structural member are fixed to the end plates on both sides, A protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell.

2. An outer R angle is provided at each of the four corners of the electrolytic cell electrode frame, and an inner R angle that matches the outer R angle is provided on the inside of the L-shaped structural member.

2. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 1.

3. The contact surfaces of the L-shaped structural member and the electrolytic cell electrode frame are fitted with a mortise and tenon structure.

2. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 1.

4. A first insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the L-shaped structural member.

2. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 1.

5. a second insulating layer is provided on the outer surface of the end plate, and the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are made of an insulating polymer; 5. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 4.

6. the protective structure further includes a securing assembly; The end of the L-shaped structural member is fixed to the end plate via the fixing assembly.

2. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 1.

7. the fixing assembly includes an L-shaped corner guard, a first screw, and a second screw for pressing the L-shaped structural section; An L-shaped opening groove that fits the L-shaped structural member is provided on the inside of the L-shaped corner guard, The L-shaped corner guard has a connecting seat at each end thereof, the connecting seat being located on one side of the L-shaped opening groove. The connecting seat is provided with a first through hole that fits the first screw, The end plate has a first screw hole that is adapted to receive the first screw; Each of the two groove openings of the L-shaped opening groove is provided with a second screw hole that fits one of the second screws.

7. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 6.

8. The end plates are each integrally formed with a protruding support corner guard at each of their four corners. The support corner guard is provided with a mounting groove that fits the L-shaped structural member, A third screw is attached to the support corner guard to press the L-shaped structural member, The support corner guard has a third screw hole that fits the third screw, the third screw hole faces the mounting groove; 2. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 1.

9. A counterbore hole for hanging is provided on the outer surface of the end plate, and a hanging ring is attached in the counterbore hole for hanging.

2. The protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to claim 1.

10. A rectangular electrolytic cell comprising the protective structure for a rectangular electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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