Electrolyzer and water electrolysis hydrogen production system

By using force sensors to monitor load changes in the electrolytic cell, the problem of decreased sealing performance caused by insufficient or excessive locking force during electrolytic cell assembly was solved, thus improving the reliability and lifespan of the electrolytic cell.

WO2026001501A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-02XIAN LONGI HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2025/097268
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-24
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2026-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electrolytic cells are prone to insufficient or excessive locking force during assembly, and creep of the sealing gasket leads to a decrease in sealing performance, affecting reliability and lifespan.

Method used

Fastening components including force sensors are used to monitor load changes on the tie rod in real time. Control units and alarm units ensure the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell and prevent problems such as liquid leakage and gas leakage.

Benefits of technology

This improves the reliability and lifespan of the electrolytic cell, ensures good sealing performance, and avoids leakage problems in subsequent working processes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An electrolyzer and a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. The electrolyzer comprises two end press plates (1) which are arranged opposite to each other, electrolytic units being provided therebetween; a plurality of tie rods (2) distributed in the circumferential direction of the end press plates, the plurality of tie rods (2) being connected to the two end press plates (1), and at least one end of each tie rod (2) passing through the corresponding end press plate (1); at least one end of each tie rod (2) that passes through an end press plate is provided with a fastening member, the fastening members being used for fastening the end press plates, the electrolytic units, sealing gaskets and other components so as to lock the electrolytic units between the two end press plates, at least one fastening member comprising a force sensor (3), and the force sensor (3) being used for measuring a load on the tie rod (2). During assembly and operation of the electrolyzer, an operator can monitor in real time load changes on the tie rods, and determine, on the basis of the load changes, whether tightening or loosening of the electrolyzer is required, thus ensuring good sealing performance of the electrolyzer, avoiding problems such as liquid leakage and gas leakage of the electrolyzer, and improving the operational reliability and service life of the electrolyzer.
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Description

Electrolytic cell and water electrolysis hydrogen production system

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] The present application claims priority to the patent application No. 202421455519.4, filed on June 24, 2024, with the Chinese Patent Office and entitled "Electrolytic cell and water electrolysis hydrogen production system", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of hydrogen production electrolytic cell, in particular to an electrolytic cell and a water electrolysis hydrogen production system. BACKGROUND

[0004] The electrolytic cell is the core equipment of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system, and the performance of the electrolytic cell directly affects the hydrogen production quality and efficiency of the entire hydrogen production system. The cell body of the electrolytic cell mainly includes a pole frame, electrodes, a diaphragm, sealing gaskets and end pressure plates, etc. A plurality of pull rods are evenly distributed along the outer side of the pole frame and penetrate through the two end pressure plates. During the assembly process of the electrolytic cell, the nuts on the outer side of the end pressure plates are used to tighten the pull rods, so as to lock the plurality of electrolytic units in the electrolytic cell inside the two end pressure plates.

[0005] However, the current electrolytic cell is prone to problems such as uneven assembly, insufficient locking force or excessive locking force during the assembly process, or the sealing gasket will creep during long-term use of the electrolytic cell, and the crept sealing gasket is difficult to recover, which leads to a continuous decrease in the pre-tightening force between the pole frames of the electrolytic cell. The above problems will all lead to a decrease in the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell, and further lead to problems such as liquid leakage and gas leakage during the subsequent hydrogen production process of the electrolytic cell, which seriously affects the use reliability and service life of the electrolytic cell. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides an electrolytic cell and a water electrolysis hydrogen production system to at least solve the problems of insufficient locking force, excessive locking force and difficulty in ensuring the sealing performance of the current electrolytic cell, which further affects the use reliability and service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the present application is as follows:

[0008] The present application provides an electrolytic cell, comprising:

[0009] Two oppositely arranged end pressure plates with electrolytic units arranged therebetween;

[0010] A plurality of pull rods distributed circumferentially along the end pressure plates, both ends of the plurality of pull rods being connected with the two end pressure plates respectively, and at least one end of each pull rod penetrating through the corresponding end pressure plate;

[0011] The pull rod is provided with a fastening component at the at least one end of the end pressing plate, the fastening component is used for locking the electrolysis unit between the two end pressing plates, wherein at least one of the fastening components comprises a force sensor used for detecting the load on the pull rod.

[0012] Optionally, the at least one fastening component further comprises an elastic member sleeved on the pull rod, the elastic member is located between the force sensor and the end pressing plate.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one fastening component further comprises a first limiting ring sleeved on the pull rod, the first limiting ring is located between the elastic member and the force sensor, and / or a second limiting ring sleeved on the pull rod, the second limiting ring is located between the elastic member and the end pressing plate.

[0014] Optionally, the at least one fastening component further comprises a guide tube sleeved on the pull rod, and the elastic member is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube.

[0015] Optionally, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube under no-load condition is L2, the maximum compression displacement of the elastic member is S, and the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition: L2-0.8S≤L1.

[0016] Optionally, a limiting groove is arranged on the first limiting ring or the second limiting ring, one end of the guide tube is clamped in the limiting groove, the depth of the limiting groove is H1, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube under no-load condition is L2, and the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition: L1≤0.9(L2+H1).

[0017] Or, limiting grooves are arranged on the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring, respectively, two ends of the guide tube are clamped in the limiting grooves, respectively, the depths of the two limiting grooves are H2 and H3, respectively, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube under no-load condition is L2, and the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition: L1≤0.9(L2+H2+H3).

[0018] Optionally, the first limiting ring or the second limiting ring is integrally arranged with the guide tube.

[0019] Optionally, the number of the force sensors is multiple, and the multiple force sensors are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the electrolytic cell.

[0020] Optionally, the force sensor is a ring-shaped pressure sensor, and the ring-shaped pressure sensor is sleeved on the pull rod.

[0021] Optionally, an inner wall of the annular pressure sensor is provided with a thread, an outer wall of the pull rod is provided with a thread, and the annular pressure sensor is threadedly connected with the pull rod to lock the electrolytic cell between the two end pressure plates.

[0022] Optionally, the at least one fastening component further comprises: a nut sleeved on the pull rod, an outer wall of the pull rod is provided with a thread, the nut is threadedly connected with the pull rod, and the force sensor is arranged between the nut and the end pressure plate; or a stud head integrally formed with the pull rod, and the force sensor is arranged between the stud head and the end pressure plate.

[0023] The application also provides a water electrolysis hydrogen production system comprising the electrolytic cell of any one of the preceding.

[0024] Optionally, the system further comprises a control unit and an alarm unit, the control unit is electrically connected with the force sensor and the alarm unit respectively, and the control unit is configured to acquire the load detected by the force sensor and control the alarm unit to alarm when the load is not within a preset load range.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the electrolytic cell and the water electrolysis hydrogen production system have the following advantages:

[0026] The electrolytic cell comprises two oppositely arranged end pressure plates with an electrolytic cell arranged therebetween, a plurality of pull rods distributed circumferentially along the end pressure plates, the plurality of pull rods are arranged in connection with the two end pressure plates, at least one end of each of the pull rods penetrates through the corresponding end pressure plate, the at least one end of the pull rod penetrating through the end pressure plate is provided with a fastening component, the fastening component is used to fasten the end pressure plates, the electrolytic cell arranged in an overlapping manner, and a sealing gasket and other components, so as to lock the electrolytic cell between the two end pressure plates, at least one of the fastening components comprises a force sensor, and the force sensor is used to detect the load on the pull rod. Thus, during assembly and operation of the electrolytic cell, an operator can monitor the load change on the pull rod in real time, and determine whether the electrolytic cell needs to be tightened or loosened according to the load change, so as to ensure that the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell is good, and avoid problems such as liquid leakage and gas leakage in the subsequent working process of the electrolytic cell, thereby improving the use reliability and service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0027] The water electrolysis hydrogen production system has the same or similar advantages as the electrolytic cell described above, and details are not repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present application, are intended to provide further understanding of the present application, and the illustrative embodiments of the present application and their description serve the purpose of explaining the present application. The accompanying drawings should not be construed as an inappropriate limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a ring-shaped pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the ring-shaped pressure sensor of Fig. 2, taken along the direction A;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a first fastening component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the fastening component of Fig. 4;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a second fastening component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a third fastening component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a fourth fastening component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a fifth fastening component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the fastening component of Fig. 9;

[0039] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a sixth fastening component according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Legend of reference numerals: 1 - end plate, 2 - pull rod, 21 - stud head, 3 - force sensor, 301 - inner wall, 4 - nut, 5 - elastic member, 61 - first limiting ring, 62 - second limiting ring, 61a, 62a - limiting groove, 7 - guide tube, 8 - insulating gasket, 9 - electrolytic cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of the present application.

[0042] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the description and in the claims of the present application are used for distinguishing between similar objects and not necessarily for describing a specific sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the use of the terms so herein is intended to cover a selection of one of the specified features to the exclusion of the other and such features are normally optional unless specifically set forth herein as "required". Furthermore, the terms "and / or" and "or" as used herein are used to associate one or more items together with the conjunctive sense and refer to among the associated items at least one of the items is selected. The term " / " as used herein is generally used to indicate an "or" relationship between the associated objects.

[0043] It is to be understood that the terminology "in one embodiment" used throughout this specification means that a relevant feature, structure, or characteristic in the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0044] The electrolytic cell and the water electrolysis hydrogen production system provided by the present application are described in detail below by listing specific embodiments.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell provided by the present application includes two oppositely arranged end pressure plates 1, a plurality of pull rods 2, and fastening components. A plurality of electrolytic units 9 is arranged between the two end pressure plates 1, and the electrolytic water chemical reaction is completed in the plurality of electrolytic units 9. The plurality of pull rods 2 is distributed circumferentially along the end pressure plates, and the two ends of each pull rod 2 are connected to the two end pressure plates 1, respectively. At least one end of each pull rod 2 penetrates through the corresponding end pressure plate 1. The fastening components are arranged at the end of the pull rod 2 penetrating through the end pressure plate 1, and are used to fasten the overlapping arranged pole frame, sealing gasket and other components, so as to lock the electrolytic unit between the two end pressure plates, so as to ensure the sealing property of the electrolytic cell and avoid the phenomenon of liquid leakage or gas leakage. At least one of the fastening components includes a force sensor 3, and the force sensor 3 is used to detect the load on the pull rod 2.

[0046] Specifically, the pull rod 2 can penetrate through any one of the two end pressure plates 1, or can penetrate through both of the two end pressure plates 1. If the pull rod 2 penetrates through only any one of the two end pressure plates 1, the end of the pull rod 2 not penetrating through the end pressure plate 1 can be fixedly connected to the end pressure plate 1 by screwing, clamping, welding or the like, and the other end of the pull rod 2 penetrating through the end pressure plate 1 is provided with the fastening component. If the two ends of the pull rod 2 penetrate through the two end pressure plates 1, respectively, the two ends of the pull rod 2 are both provided with the fastening component.

[0047] In the assembly process, the tie rods and the fastening components need to provide appropriate load to compress the sealing gaskets in the electrolytic cell 9 to achieve the initial sealing of the electrolytic cell, and too small load will result in failure to seal; too large load will result in overpressure of the sealing gasket, which will greatly reduce the service life of the sealing gasket, and at the same time, other components may be damaged; too fast load loading is easy to cause local stress concentration of the sealing gasket, uneven assembly, etc., therefore, controlling the load loading in the assembly stage is one of the core processes. In addition, during the long-term operation of the electrolytic cell, the sealing gasket will creep, and the sealing gasket after creep is difficult to recover, resulting in continuous decrease of the pre-tightening force between the electrolytic cell pole frames, when the pre-tightening force is less than the minimum pre-tightening force required for the sealing of the electrolytic cell, the electrolytic cell may leak liquid or gas, etc.

[0048] Therefore, at least one of the fastening components in the embodiment includes a force sensor 3 for detecting the load on the tie rod 2. In the embodiment, one force sensor 3 is arranged on each tie rod 2, and in other embodiments, two or more force sensors 3 can be arranged on each tie rod 2 to improve the stability of system testing through redundant design, for example, one force sensor 3 is arranged at each end of each tie rod 2. During the assembly and operation of the electrolytic cell, the operator can monitor the load change on the tie rod 2 in real time, and determine whether the electrolytic cell needs to be tightened or loosened according to the load change, so as to ensure that the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell is good, avoid liquid leakage, gas leakage and other problems in the subsequent working process of the electrolytic cell, and thus improve the use reliability and service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0049] In the embodiment, the force sensor 3 can be any one of a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, an electronic pressure sensor, an electromagnetic pressure sensor, and a piezoelectric sensor, which can meet the detection needs of the load on the tie rod 2. The pressure detection range of the force sensor 3 can be 50N-100000KN, which can meet the load detection needs of the tie rod 2 in most electrolytic cells. The force sensor 3 can also be any shape such as circular, square, and conical, which can ensure that it is arranged on the tie rod 2 and performs normal load detection.

[0050] Optionally, the number of the force sensors 3 is multiple, and the multiple force sensors 3 are arranged on the tie rods 2 which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the end pressure plate 1. In this way, the use number of the force sensors 3 can be reduced while ensuring the accuracy of load monitoring, thereby saving costs. Specifically, the number of tie rods 2 spaced apart between adjacent two force sensors 3 can be one, two or more, which is set according to the number of tie rods 2, and the embodiment is not limited in this regard. In addition, the number of tie rods 2 spaced apart between adjacent two force sensors 3 is preferably the same. For example, if the number of tie rods 2 is 10, numbered 1-10, the force sensors 3 can be connected to the tie rods 2 numbered 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.

[0051] In some other embodiments, the plurality of force sensors 3 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the electrolytic cell, which can more accurately measure the load distribution around the circumference of the electrolytic cell, and help monitor and adjust the local load, thereby avoiding problems such as local stress concentration of the sealing gasket and uneven assembly.

[0052] Optionally, referring to FIGS. 1-3, in order to facilitate the installation and fixation of the force sensor, the force sensor 3 is a ring-shaped pressure sensor, which is sleeved on the pull rod 2.

[0053] Specifically, the structure of the force sensor 3 is shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the force sensor 3. The force sensor 3 is hollow inside, which can be directly sleeved on the pull rod 2, and is more convenient for connection and fixation with the pull rod 2. In some embodiments, the force sensor 3 can be a spoke-type force sensor. When the load on the pull rod 2 acts on the spoke, the spoke will bend and deform to generate strain. The strain is measured by the strain gauge pasted on the spoke. When the strain gauge is subjected to strain, its resistance value changes. By measuring the change of the resistance value, the value of the strain can be determined, and the value of the load on the pull rod 2 can be obtained by conversion.

[0054] Optionally, referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 11, the inner wall 301 of the force sensor 3 is provided with threads, and the outer wall of the pull rod 2 is provided with threads. The force sensor 3 is threadedly connected with the pull rod 2 to lock the electrolytic cell between the two end pressure plates.

[0055] Specifically, the inner wall 301 of the force sensor 3 refers to the circumferential surface of the hollow part of the force sensor 3. The pull rod 2 has an outer wall arranged around its axis direction, and the outer wall is provided with threads. The inner wall 301 of the force sensor 3 is in contact with the outer wall of the pull rod 2, as shown in FIG. 11. The inner wall 301 of the force sensor 3 is provided with threads, which are screwed with the threads on the outer wall of the pull rod 2, thereby fastening the components such as the polar frame and the sealing gasket arranged in overlap. In this embodiment, the force sensor 3 with threads on the inner wall 301 is selected, so that the force sensor 3 can directly act as a nut 4 to fasten the electrolytic cell, thereby eliminating the use of the nut 4, reducing the number of components of the electrolytic cell, and helping to simplify the fastening components and reduce the overall cost of the electrolytic cell.

[0056] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the fastening component further comprises a stud head 21 integrally formed with the pull rod 2, and the force sensor 3 is arranged between the stud head 21 and the end pressure plate 1.

[0057] In some other embodiments, referring to Figs. 6-8, the fastening component further comprises a nut 4 sleeved on the pull rod 2, the outer wall of the pull rod 2 is provided with a thread, the nut 4 is threadedly connected with the pull rod 2, and the force sensor 3 is arranged between the nut 4 and the end pressing plate 1.

[0058] Specifically, the inner wall 301 of the force sensor 3 is smooth, and the surface thereof is not provided with a thread. In this case, the fastening component further comprises a stud head 21 integrally formed with the pull rod 2, and the force sensor 3 is arranged between the stud head 21 and the end pressing plate 1. Alternatively, the fastening component further comprises a nut 4 sleeved on the pull rod 2 and threadedly connected with the thread on the outer wall of the pull rod 2, and the force sensor 3 is arranged between the nut 4 and the end pressing plate 1. The strain surface of the force sensor 3 can be arranged towards the stud head 21 or the nut 4, or towards the end pressing plate 1, and all of them can realize the measurement of the load on the pull rod 2.

[0059] Of course, when the electrolytic cell uses the force sensor 3 with the thread provided on the inner wall 301, the stud head 21 integrally formed with the pull rod 2 or the nut 4 can be arranged on the pull rod 2, and the stud head 21 or the nut 4 is used to realize double fastening, so as to ensure the reliability of the sealing of the electrolytic cell.

[0060] Optionally, referring to Figs. 4, 6-9, the fastening component further comprises an insulating gasket 8 sleeved on the pull rod 2, the insulating gasket 8 is arranged between the end pressing plate 1 and the force sensor 3, and is arranged in abutment with the surface of the end pressing plate 1.

[0061] Specifically, the insulating gasket 8 is arranged in abutment with the surface of the end pressing plate 1, so as to realize the electrical insulation between the end pressing plate 1 and the fastening component, and especially in the case where the force sensor 3 is arranged, the insulating gasket 8 can avoid the interference of the current leakage of the electrolytic cell body on the measurement accuracy of the force sensor 3. The material of the insulating gasket 8 can be selected from glass fiber reinforced resin, rubber and the like.

[0062] Optionally, referring to Figs. 6-8, the fastening component further comprises an elastic member 5 sleeved on the pull rod 2, the elastic member 5 is arranged between the force sensor 3 and the end pressing plate 1, and the stiffness of the elastic member 5 can be adjusted, so as to play a role in adjusting the load.

[0063] Specifically, the elastic member 5 can be a disc spring, a diaphragm spring or a wave spring, etc. The disc spring includes but is not limited to a slotted disc spring, a circular plate-shaped disc spring, a spiral disc spring, and the disc spring structure can be a non-supporting surface disc spring or a supporting surface disc spring. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, the force sensor 3 can be arranged on the side of the elastic member 5 away from the end pressing plate 1, as shown in Fig. 7, the force sensor 3 can also be arranged between the elastic members 5, and as shown in Fig. 8, the force sensor 3 can also be arranged on the side of the elastic member 5 close to the end pressing plate 1, and all of them can realize the detection of the load on the pull rod 2.

[0064] Optionally, referring to FIGS. 4-11, the fastening component further comprises a first limiting ring 61 and a second limiting ring 62 sleeved on the pull rod 2, the first limiting ring 61 is located between the elastic member 5 and the force sensor 3, and the second limiting ring 62 is located between the elastic member 5 and the end pressure plate 1.

[0065] Specifically, the first limiting ring 61 and the second limiting ring 62 can be the same product or different products, wherein if the limiting ring is located between the elastic member 5 and the force sensor 3, it is called the first limiting ring 61, and if the limiting ring is located between the elastic member 5 and the end pressure plate 1, it is called the second limiting ring 62. The fastening component can only include the first limiting ring 61, only include the second limiting ring 62, or include both the first limiting ring 61 and the second limiting ring 62. FIGS. 4-11 show schematic diagrams of the fastening component including two limiting rings, which can better guide the elastic member 5 and keep the elastic member 5 with better deformation ability. Of course, if one limiting ring is used, it is more helpful to control the processing cost and overall weight of the fastening component.

[0066] Optionally, referring to FIGS. 4-11, the fastening component further comprises a guide tube 7 sleeved on the pull rod 2, and the elastic member 5 is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 7.

[0067] The first limiting ring 61, the second limiting ring 62, and / or the guide tube 7 are used to ensure the coaxiality of the installation of multiple groups of the elastic member 5 and the pull rod 2. In addition, the first limiting ring 61 and the second limiting ring 62 can also bear part of the load and work together with the elastic member 5 to absorb and disperse the force generated by vibration or impact, thereby improving the measurement stability and accuracy of the force sensor 3.

[0068] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube 7 under no load condition is L2, the maximum compression displacement of the elastic member is S, and the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition: L2-0.8S≤L1. Wherein, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube 7 under no load condition refers to the natural length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube 7 when it is not subjected to any external force. When the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the above relationship, the elastic member 5 can reach the set deformation degree while not being failed due to excessive compression and not being able to play a role in adjusting the load.

[0069] Optionally, in the first embodiment, the first limiting ring 61 or the second limiting ring 62 is provided with a limiting groove, the limiting groove provided on the first limiting ring 61 is referred to as limiting groove 61a, and the limiting groove provided on the second limiting ring 62 is referred to as limiting groove 62a. It should be noted that the size and shape of the limiting groove 61a and the limiting groove 62a can be the same or different, and the present embodiment does not limit this. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a schematic view of the second limiting ring 62 provided with a limiting groove 62a. As shown in FIG. 5, the depth of the limiting groove 62a on the second limiting ring 62 is H1, one end of the guide pipe 7 is clamped in the limiting groove 62a, and the other end abuts against the first limiting ring 61. The projection length of the elastic member 5 in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7 under no load is L2, and the length L1 of the guide pipe 7 satisfies the following condition: L1≤0.9(L2+H1).

[0070] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the first limiting ring 61 and the second limiting ring 62 are both provided with a limiting groove. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a schematic view of the first limiting ring 61 and the second limiting ring 62 both provided with a limiting groove. As shown in FIG. 10, the depth of the limiting groove 61a on the first limiting ring 61 is H2, the depth of the limiting groove 62a on the second limiting ring 62 is H3, one end of the guide pipe 7 is clamped in the limiting groove 61a, and the other end is clamped in the limiting groove 62a. The projection length of the elastic member 5 in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7 under no load is L2, and the length L1 of the guide pipe 7 satisfies the following condition: L1≤0.9(L2+H2+H3).

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, the first limiting ring 61 and the second limiting ring 62 can also adopt the same product, that is, the depth H2 of the limiting groove 61a is the same as the depth H3 of the limiting groove 62a. When installing, the first limiting ring 61 is installed at the end of the guide pipe 7 away from the end plate 1, and the limiting groove 61a of the first limiting ring 61 is arranged towards the elastic member 5, and the end of the guide pipe 7 can be clamped in the limiting groove 61a. The second limiting ring 62 is installed at the end of the guide pipe 7 close to the end plate 1, and the limiting groove 62a of the second limiting ring 62 is arranged towards the elastic member 5, and the end of the guide pipe 7 can be clamped in the limiting groove 62a.

[0072] In addition, the depth H1 of the limiting groove 62a is the same as the depth H3 if the second limiting ring 62 is the same product, and the depth H1 of the limiting groove 62a can be different from the depth H3 if the second limiting ring 62 is a different product, which can be set according to the connection needs of the guide pipe 7, and the embodiment is not limited. The limiting groove 6a can better limit the guide pipe 7, that is, even if the guide pipe 7 is displaced in the axial direction of the pull rod 2, the installation coaxiality of the plurality of elastic members 5 and the pull rod 2 can be guaranteed. In addition, the above size relationship enables the elastic member 5 to achieve a set degree of deformation, thereby providing a load sufficient to achieve electrolytic cell sealing, that is, when L1>0.9(L2+H2+H3), the degree of deformation of the elastic member 5 is insufficient to provide the load required to achieve electrolytic cell sealing. It should be noted that the depths H1, H2 and H3 of the limiting grooves 61a and 62a are not greater than the thickness of the corresponding limiting ring in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7, and as a possible embodiment, the depth of the limiting groove is the same as the thickness of the corresponding limiting ring in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8 and 11, the limiting groove 61a penetrates the first limiting ring 61 in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7, that is, the depth H2 of the limiting groove 61a is the same as the thickness of the first limiting ring 61 in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7.

[0073] Optionally, the first limiting ring 61 or the second limiting ring 62 can be integrally arranged with the guide pipe 7, thereby further improving the stability and accuracy of the guide and limiting. In this case, the length of the guide pipe 7 is considered not to include the thickness of the first limiting ring 61 or the second limiting ring 62 integrally formed therewith in the axial direction of the guide pipe 7.

[0074] The embodiments of the present application also provide a water electrolysis hydrogen production system, which comprises the electrolytic cell of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0075] Specifically, the water electrolysis hydrogen production system comprises the electrolytic cell of any one of the preceding embodiments, and the water electrolysis hydrogen production system includes but is not limited to an alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production (AWE) system, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis hydrogen production system, a solid polymer anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis hydrogen production system, etc. The water electrolysis hydrogen production system adopts the electrolytic cell of any one of the preceding embodiments. During the assembly and operation of the electrolytic cell, the operator can monitor the load change on the pull rod in real time, and determine whether the electrolytic cell needs to be operated, such as tight slotting or slotting, according to the load change, so as to ensure that the sealing performance of the electrolytic cell is good, thereby improving the working stability of the water electrolysis hydrogen production system.

[0076] Optionally, the system further comprises a control unit and an alarm unit; the control unit is electrically connected with the force sensor 3 and the alarm unit respectively, and is configured to acquire the load detected by the force sensor 3 and control the alarm unit to alarm when the load is not within a preset load range. The preset load range can be set according to actual needs, and the preset load pressure range corresponding to different electrolytic cells can be different, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0077] Specifically, the control unit comprises a processor, an executor, a memory, a man-machine interface, etc., and is configured to control the electrolytic cell to work. The control unit is electrically connected with the force sensor 3 and the alarm unit respectively, and can acquire the load on the pull rod 2 detected by the force sensor 3, and control the alarm unit to alarm when the load is not within a preset load range. The alarm unit includes but is not limited to an indicator light, a loudspeaker, a display screen, etc. In some embodiments, the control unit comprises a display screen, the pre-tightening force directly acts on the force sensor when the electrolytic cell is assembled, and the corresponding pre-tightening force is displayed on the display screen, so as to monitor the assembly process. When the electrolytic cell is running normally, the temperature stress generated in the heating and cooling process and the load change caused by system fluctuation will also be displayed on the display screen, which can be used to monitor the system fluctuation.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the relational terms herein such as first and second, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, foreclose the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the recited element.

[0079] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell characterized in that, The electrolytic cell comprises: two oppositely arranged end pressing plates with an electrolytic unit arranged therebetween; a plurality of pull rods distributed circumferentially along the end pressing plates, two ends of each of the plurality of pull rods being connected with the two end pressing plates respectively, and at least one end of each of the pull rods penetrating through the corresponding end pressing plate; the at least one end of the pull rod penetrating through the end pressing plate is provided with a fastening component for locking the electrolytic unit between the two end pressing plates, wherein at least one of the fastening components comprises a force sensor for detecting the load on the pull rod.

2. The electrolytic cell of claim 1, wherein, The at least one fastening component further comprises: an elastic member sleeved on the pull rod, the elastic member being located between the force sensor and the end pressing plate.

3. The electrolytic cell of claim 2, wherein, The at least one fastening component further comprises: a first limiting ring sleeved on the pull rod, the first limiting ring being located between the elastic member and the force sensor, and / or a second limiting ring sleeved on the pull rod, the second limiting ring being located between the elastic member and the end pressing plate.

4. The electrolytic cell of claim 3, wherein, The at least one fastening component further comprises: a guide tube sleeved on the pull rod, and the elastic member is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube.

5. The electrolytic cell of claim 4, wherein, The projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube under no-load condition is L2, and the maximum compression displacement of the elastic member is S, the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition: L2-0.8S≤L1.

6. The electrolytic cell of claim 4, wherein, A limiting groove is arranged on the first limiting ring or the second limiting ring, one end of the guide tube is clamped in the limiting groove, the depth of the limiting groove is H1, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube under no-load condition is L2, and the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition: L1≤0.9(L2+H1); or, limiting grooves are arranged on the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring respectively, two ends of the guide tube are clamped in the limiting grooves respectively, the depths of the two limiting grooves are H2 and H3 respectively, the projection length of the elastic member in the axial direction of the guide tube under no-load condition is L2, and the length L1 of the guide tube satisfies the following condition:

7. The electrolytic cell of any one of claims 4-6, wherein, L1≤0.9(L2+H2+H3).

8. The electrolytic cell of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first limiting ring or the second limiting ring is integrally arranged with the guide tube.

9. The electrolytic cell of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The number of the force sensors is multiple, and the multiple force sensors are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the electrolytic cell.

10. The electrolytic cell of claim 9, wherein, The force sensor is a ring-shaped pressure sensor, and the ring-shaped pressure sensor is sleeved on the pull rod.

11. The electrolytic cell of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The inner wall of the ring-shaped pressure sensor is provided with a thread, the outer wall of the pull rod is provided with a thread, and the ring-shaped pressure sensor is threadedly connected with the pull rod to lock the electrolytic unit between the two end pressing plates. The at least one fastening component further comprises:

12. A hydrogen production system by water electrolysis, characterized by, a nut sleeved on the pull rod, the outer wall of the pull rod is provided with a thread, the nut is threadedly connected with the pull rod, and the force sensor is arranged between the nut and the end pressing plate; or a stud head integrally formed with the pull rod, and the force sensor is arranged between the stud head and the end pressing plate.

13. The water electrolysis hydrogen generation system of claim 12, wherein, The system further comprises a control unit and an alarm unit. The control unit is electrically connected with the force sensor and the alarm unit respectively, and is used for acquiring the load detected by the force sensor and controlling the alarm unit to alarm when the load is not within a preset load range.

Citation Information

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