CA2128980C - Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure - Google Patents
Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2128980C CA2128980C CA002128980A CA2128980A CA2128980C CA 2128980 C CA2128980 C CA 2128980C CA 002128980 A CA002128980 A CA 002128980A CA 2128980 A CA2128980 A CA 2128980A CA 2128980 C CA2128980 C CA 2128980C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- composite layer
- ede
- perforated plate
- electrolytic cell
- chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/60—Constructional parts of cells
- C25B9/65—Means for supplying current; Electrode connections; Electric inter-cell connections
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
- C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
- C25B9/77—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having diaphragms
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
- Electrodes For Compound Or Non-Metal Manufacture (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
Abstract
Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure, comprising a plurality of single cells arranged in a row, each single cell having an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber as well as a diaphragm placed therebetween, and being sealed from the adjacent cells by impermeable cell walls, so-called bipolar plates.
The anolyte chamber and the catholyte chamber are separated from each other by an electrode-diaphragm-electrode (EDE) composite layer, the bipolar plate installed on the anode side forms, by means of sintering or soldering, a stiff even support structure together with a corrugated grid arranged in the anolyte chamber and with a perforated plate lying flat on the anode of the EDE
composite layer, the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate being made of the same material, and the EDE composite layer is pressed against the perforated plate by means of a flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side between said EDE composite layer and the adjacent bipolar plate.
The anolyte chamber and the catholyte chamber are separated from each other by an electrode-diaphragm-electrode (EDE) composite layer, the bipolar plate installed on the anode side forms, by means of sintering or soldering, a stiff even support structure together with a corrugated grid arranged in the anolyte chamber and with a perforated plate lying flat on the anode of the EDE
composite layer, the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate being made of the same material, and the EDE composite layer is pressed against the perforated plate by means of a flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side between said EDE composite layer and the adjacent bipolar plate.
Description
TITLE: ELECTROLYTIC CELL SYSTEM WITH FILTER PRESS
STRUCTURE
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention relates to an electrolytic cell system with filter press structure, comprising a plurality of single cells arranged in a row, each single cell having an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber as well as a diaphragm placed therebetween, and being sealed from the adjacent cells by impermeable cell to walls, so-called bipolar plates.
In each case, an electrically conductive connection is to be established in the electrolyte chambers between the bipolar plate and the electrodes. The electrolyte surrounding the anode is called an anolyte and the electrolyte t 5 surrounding the cathode is called a catholyte.
Electrolysis is a procedure by means of which determined components are electro-chemically extracted from a watery solution of their compounds. In particular, the electrolysis of water and the connected production of hydrogen 2o constitutes an important element in the future hydrogen-power-producing industry. Depending on the intended application, the most different types of electrolytic cell structures are suitable. Electrolytic cells with liquid electrodes or rotating electrodes are known, for instance. In most cases and for commercial reasons, a plurality of individual cells are gathered into one unit.
2s Electrolytic cell systems with filter press structure are characterized by a layer like arrangement of the individual cells, with constant repetition of individual elements which are braced together, forming a complete arrangement.
Therefore, in spite of the tolerances dictated by the manufacturing process, a 3o perfect electrical contact must be ensured in the cell block. This requirement results in an alternating arrangement of rigid and flexible building elements in the cell. Ullmann's Encyclopaedia of Technical Chemistry, Volume 24, "Hydrogen" Chapter: Cell Construction, Page 278, describes a construction of cell partitions in a waffle-shaped stamped form. The formerly flat cell partition is stamped using the appropriate procedures, the stamping producing knob-like prominences on both sides. Seen from the side, the cell partition has prominences and depressions at regular distances.
s The patent EP-A 0 297 315 describes a procedure for the manufacture of a composite part comprised of a cerium layer and a porous metal layer on one or both sides of the cerium layer which serves as a diaphragm with electrode(s).
In the case of such a composite part comprising electrodes) and diaphragm, t o called (E)DE composite layer for short, the base material of the diaphragm is an oxide ceramic material with calcium titanate, and the electrodes consist of porous nickel, the base material in this case being nickel oxide. With these base materials and using a solvent or a binder, a three-layered foil is manufactured which is then sintered in a reducing atmosphere at approximately ~ s 1200°C. This produces a less than 1 mm thick membrane. Such a membrane has a "zero spacing" and contains a diaphragm which is stable in 40% by mass of KOH up to temperatures of 150°C. This EDE composite layer is not very ductile, it must however be electrically contacted and mechanically stabilized from both sides.
The object and purpose of the present invention is the construction of an electrolytic cell which meets the above-mentioned requirements.
According to the invention, this is achieved in that the anolyte chamber and the 2s catholyte chamber are separated from each other by an electrode-diaphragm-electrode (EDE) composite layer, the bipolar plate installed on the anode side forms, by means of sintering or soldering, a stiff even support structure together with a corrugated grid arranged in the anolyte chamber and with a perforated plate lying flat on the anode of the EDE composite layer, the bipolar 3o plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate being made of the same material, and the EDE composite layer is pressed against the perforated plate by means of a flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side between said EDE composite layer and the adjacent bipolar plate.
STRUCTURE
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention relates to an electrolytic cell system with filter press structure, comprising a plurality of single cells arranged in a row, each single cell having an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber as well as a diaphragm placed therebetween, and being sealed from the adjacent cells by impermeable cell to walls, so-called bipolar plates.
In each case, an electrically conductive connection is to be established in the electrolyte chambers between the bipolar plate and the electrodes. The electrolyte surrounding the anode is called an anolyte and the electrolyte t 5 surrounding the cathode is called a catholyte.
Electrolysis is a procedure by means of which determined components are electro-chemically extracted from a watery solution of their compounds. In particular, the electrolysis of water and the connected production of hydrogen 2o constitutes an important element in the future hydrogen-power-producing industry. Depending on the intended application, the most different types of electrolytic cell structures are suitable. Electrolytic cells with liquid electrodes or rotating electrodes are known, for instance. In most cases and for commercial reasons, a plurality of individual cells are gathered into one unit.
2s Electrolytic cell systems with filter press structure are characterized by a layer like arrangement of the individual cells, with constant repetition of individual elements which are braced together, forming a complete arrangement.
Therefore, in spite of the tolerances dictated by the manufacturing process, a 3o perfect electrical contact must be ensured in the cell block. This requirement results in an alternating arrangement of rigid and flexible building elements in the cell. Ullmann's Encyclopaedia of Technical Chemistry, Volume 24, "Hydrogen" Chapter: Cell Construction, Page 278, describes a construction of cell partitions in a waffle-shaped stamped form. The formerly flat cell partition is stamped using the appropriate procedures, the stamping producing knob-like prominences on both sides. Seen from the side, the cell partition has prominences and depressions at regular distances.
s The patent EP-A 0 297 315 describes a procedure for the manufacture of a composite part comprised of a cerium layer and a porous metal layer on one or both sides of the cerium layer which serves as a diaphragm with electrode(s).
In the case of such a composite part comprising electrodes) and diaphragm, t o called (E)DE composite layer for short, the base material of the diaphragm is an oxide ceramic material with calcium titanate, and the electrodes consist of porous nickel, the base material in this case being nickel oxide. With these base materials and using a solvent or a binder, a three-layered foil is manufactured which is then sintered in a reducing atmosphere at approximately ~ s 1200°C. This produces a less than 1 mm thick membrane. Such a membrane has a "zero spacing" and contains a diaphragm which is stable in 40% by mass of KOH up to temperatures of 150°C. This EDE composite layer is not very ductile, it must however be electrically contacted and mechanically stabilized from both sides.
The object and purpose of the present invention is the construction of an electrolytic cell which meets the above-mentioned requirements.
According to the invention, this is achieved in that the anolyte chamber and the 2s catholyte chamber are separated from each other by an electrode-diaphragm-electrode (EDE) composite layer, the bipolar plate installed on the anode side forms, by means of sintering or soldering, a stiff even support structure together with a corrugated grid arranged in the anolyte chamber and with a perforated plate lying flat on the anode of the EDE composite layer, the bipolar 3o plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate being made of the same material, and the EDE composite layer is pressed against the perforated plate by means of a flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side between said EDE composite layer and the adjacent bipolar plate.
The electrolytic cell according to the invention allows establishing an electrical contact in a relatively simple manner, as well as effecting the mechanical stabilization of the EDE composite layer. Because of the oxidizing effect of oxygen, the contact points on the anode side must be sintered or soldered, since s otherwise the contact resistance would be too high, due to the continuing oxidation. During sintering, a "sandwich" is created, consisting of the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate, which is very stiff. Due to the different expansion coefficients of ceramics and nickel, a spatial curvature would occur after cooling-off in the case of larger cells in which the EDE
to composite layer is sintered or soldered directly to the corrugated grid, leading to unacceptable mechanical tensions in the cell block. In the electrolyte cell construction according to the invention, this is prevented by means of the perforated plate arranged between the corrugated grid and the EDE composite layer. The perforated plate is fused or soldered only to the corrugated grid, but ~ s not to the EDE composite layer. In this fashion, the differences in the expansion coefficients of the EDE composite layer and of the "sandwich"
consisting of the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate, do not cause unacceptable spatial curvatures within the cell block. The flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side makes it possible 2o to press the EDE composite layer firmly against the perforated plate.
One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate are made of pure nickel, and the flexible electrically conductive element consists of a nickel wire netting.
In particular the use of pure nickel for the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate and the use of nickel wire netting for the flexible electrically conductive element have proven to be specially advantageous, while involving comparatively low costs.
In a further development of the invention, it is suggested that the composite layer consist only of the diaphragm and the cathode.
to composite layer is sintered or soldered directly to the corrugated grid, leading to unacceptable mechanical tensions in the cell block. In the electrolyte cell construction according to the invention, this is prevented by means of the perforated plate arranged between the corrugated grid and the EDE composite layer. The perforated plate is fused or soldered only to the corrugated grid, but ~ s not to the EDE composite layer. In this fashion, the differences in the expansion coefficients of the EDE composite layer and of the "sandwich"
consisting of the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate, do not cause unacceptable spatial curvatures within the cell block. The flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side makes it possible 2o to press the EDE composite layer firmly against the perforated plate.
One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate are made of pure nickel, and the flexible electrically conductive element consists of a nickel wire netting.
In particular the use of pure nickel for the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate and the use of nickel wire netting for the flexible electrically conductive element have proven to be specially advantageous, while involving comparatively low costs.
In a further development of the invention, it is suggested that the composite layer consist only of the diaphragm and the cathode.
In this embodiment of the invention, the perforated plate resting flat against the composite layer on the anode side fulfils the function of the anode.
The electrolytic cell system with filter press structure according to the invention is explained in more detail with reference to Figure 1. Each individual electrolytic cell is defined by two bipolar plates 1. The perforated plate 3 made of pure nickel is placed on the EDE composite layer 2 on the anode side. The mechanical stabilization of the EDE composite layer 2 is accomplished by means of the corrugated grid 4. The EDE composite layer 2 t o and the perforated plate 3 are pressed flat against each other by means of the flexible nickel wire netting 5 on the cathode side.
The electrolytic cell system with filter press structure according to the invention is explained in more detail with reference to Figure 1. Each individual electrolytic cell is defined by two bipolar plates 1. The perforated plate 3 made of pure nickel is placed on the EDE composite layer 2 on the anode side. The mechanical stabilization of the EDE composite layer 2 is accomplished by means of the corrugated grid 4. The EDE composite layer 2 t o and the perforated plate 3 are pressed flat against each other by means of the flexible nickel wire netting 5 on the cathode side.
Claims (3)
1. Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure, comprising a plurality of single cells arranged in a row, each single cell having an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber as well as a diaphragm placed therebetween, and being sealed from the adjacent cells by impermeable cell walls, so-called bipolar plates, in which the anolyte chamber and the catholyte chamber are separated from each other by an electrode-diaphragm-electrode (EDE) composite layer, the bipolar plate installed on the anode side forms, by means of sintering or soldering, a stiff even support structure together with a corrugated grid arranged in the anolyte chamber and with a perforated plate lying flat on the anode of the EDE composite layer, the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate being made of the same material, and the EDE composite layer is pressed against the perforated plate by means of a flexible electrically conductive element arranged on the cathode side between said EDE composite layer and the adjacent bipolar plate.
2. Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure as defined in Claim 1, in which the bipolar plate, the corrugated grid and the perforated plate are made of pure nickel, and the flexible electrically conductive element consists of a nickel wire netting.
3. Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the composite layer consists only of a diaphragm and a cathode.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4325705.4 | 1993-07-30 | ||
| DE4325705A DE4325705C2 (en) | 1993-07-30 | 1993-07-30 | Electrolysis cell arrangement in filter press design |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2128980A1 CA2128980A1 (en) | 1995-01-31 |
| CA2128980C true CA2128980C (en) | 2006-06-06 |
Family
ID=6494140
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002128980A Expired - Fee Related CA2128980C (en) | 1993-07-30 | 1994-07-27 | Electrolytic cell system with filter press structure |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3360100B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2128980C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4325705C2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2708629B1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO315712B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103498167A (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2014-01-08 | 苏州竞立制氢设备有限公司 | Plate net water electrolysis tank |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITMI20012538A1 (en) | 2001-12-03 | 2003-06-03 | Uhdenora Technologies Srl | ELASTIC CURRENT COLLECTOR |
| DE102013207075A1 (en) * | 2013-04-19 | 2014-10-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Bipolar plate concept with integrated power distributors for electrolysers |
| PT2957659T (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2019-05-31 | Siemens Ag | Gas diffusion layer, pem electrolysis cell with such a gas diffusion layer and electrolyser |
| CN116536687A (en) * | 2023-06-30 | 2023-08-04 | 中石油深圳新能源研究院有限公司 | Electrolytic cell |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4340452A (en) * | 1979-08-03 | 1982-07-20 | Oronzio deNora Elettrochimici S.p.A. | Novel electrolysis cell |
| ATE98145T1 (en) * | 1987-07-01 | 1993-12-15 | Deutsche Aerospace | PROCESS FOR MAKING A COMPOSITION OF A CERMET LAYER AND A POROUS METAL LAYER ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE CERMET LAYER AS A DIAPHRAGM WITH ELECTRODE(S). |
| DE4120359C2 (en) * | 1990-06-21 | 1993-11-18 | Deutsche Aerospace | Process for the production of an electrochemical cell and its use |
| US5599430A (en) * | 1992-01-14 | 1997-02-04 | The Dow Chemical Company | Mattress for electrochemical cells |
-
1993
- 1993-07-30 DE DE4325705A patent/DE4325705C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-07-18 JP JP18684194A patent/JP3360100B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-26 FR FR9409226A patent/FR2708629B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-27 CA CA002128980A patent/CA2128980C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-29 NO NO19942826A patent/NO315712B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103498167A (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2014-01-08 | 苏州竞立制氢设备有限公司 | Plate net water electrolysis tank |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3360100B2 (en) | 2002-12-24 |
| FR2708629B1 (en) | 1996-03-22 |
| NO942826D0 (en) | 1994-07-29 |
| DE4325705C2 (en) | 2002-06-27 |
| FR2708629A1 (en) | 1995-02-10 |
| CA2128980A1 (en) | 1995-01-31 |
| DE4325705A1 (en) | 1995-02-02 |
| NO942826L (en) | 1995-01-31 |
| NO315712B1 (en) | 2003-10-13 |
| JPH0762582A (en) | 1995-03-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |