DE102009044144A1 - Electrolysis device for producing gases from water, comprises a housing made of plastic or other insulating material, having vertically arranged plate electrodes and cells in which each cell has a housing frame made from plastic - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrolysis device, comprises a housing made of plastic or other insulating material, having vertically arranged plate electrodes of which the outer plate electrode is connected to a power source, and cells (1) in which each cell has a housing frame (2) made from plastic or other insulating material and both sides of the cells are sealed with fixed plate electrodes made from metal, where each plate electrode is embedded with a defined peripheral area and each cell has an inlet (5) for electrolyte and/or water and a gas outlet (8) that opens into or is connected to a separate gas room. The electrolysis device comprises a housing made of plastic or other insulating material, having vertically arranged plate electrodes of which the outer plate electrode is connected to a power source, and cells (1) in which each cell has a housing frame (2) made from plastic or other insulating material and both sides of the cells are sealed with fixed plate electrodes made from metal, where each plate electrode is embedded with a defined peripheral area and each cell has an inlet (5) for electrolyte and/or water and a gas outlet (8) that opens into or is connected to a separate gas room. The housing comprises an inlet for electrolytes and/or water and an outlet for the gas obtained by electrolysis. The cells are lined up together to a packet, where the adjoining cells of the plate electrodes lie directly to each other or contact a surface electrode through interposition and the outer plate electrode of the resulting package is connected with one of the poles of the power source. The adjacent cells are separated only by plate electrodes and the outer plate electrodes of the formed packets are connected with the poles of the power source. The housing frame is connected together positively, frictionally or in a material fit manner and is interposed at a distance in the packets of cells. The housing frame comprises two housing parts in that annular grooves are present in positively-, frictionally and/or in material fit manner. The connection of the housing frame is used for sealing the plate electrodes, where only one electrode separates the adjacent cells. The outside of the cover wall is made from plastic or other insulating material that has a cable outlet. A channel is introduced into the bottom of the housing frame that has branches into which cavities (6) of the cells open and are connected with a reservoir above or to the side of the cells or the individual channels are introduced which open into the cavity of the cells and the other end of collection channel is connected to the reservoir above or to the side of the cells and the channel-shaped outlet opens directly into a joint channel incorporated in the housing frame or as single channel in the reservoir or over an interconnector above the outlet in liquid level range. The housing frame is designed such that a cavity is formed above the cavities of the cell that is separated from the cavity of the cell and forms the reservoir and the reservoir comprises a refilling and a gas outlet. The refilling and/or the gas outlet are arranged at the top side or to the side or in housing frame at a wall or covering wall. The channels are connected with the housing frame or formed in side wall of the reservoir for the electrolyte-water-mixture or water and the reservoir is provided with a gas outlet. The housing frame between the both plate electrodes defines the width and the shape of the cavity and comprises both sides of the seal edges and/or O-seals in which the plate electrodes are applicable and the plate electrodes are made from metal or conductive plastic or carbon fiber. The electrolyte and/or water is/are supplied from the reservoir to the cell via a pump. The packet of the cells is surrounded by a watertight housing and/or screwed or congruent bored using anchoring or clamped together or welded. The housing frame comprises an arch structure in the corner areas and/or in the side regions and/or over the upper and lower running longsides, where the arc in the side region is convex and the arc in the longside is concave and the inlets and outlets are present in the connection points of the two arcs. The cell in the side view is quadratic, rectangular, round, oval or in free form.

Description

The invention relates to a water electrolyzer with the features specified in the preamble of claim 1.

An electrolyzer with cylindrical, nested electrodes is from the DE 10 2008 003 126 A1 and the WO 2009/018814 A2 It is known to produce a so-called Brownian gas, which contains essentially hydrogen, from water by introducing an electrolyte and applying a voltage to the electrodes. With such a gas can, for. B. the efficiency of an internal combustion engine can be increased by introducing a fuel enriched with the extracted hydrogen fuel into the combustion chamber. The electrolyte used is, for example, water-dilute potassium hydroxide in a concentration of more than 25%. Nickel electrodes with a specific electrical resistance below 0.090 μm ² m ^-1 , preferably below 0.086 mm ² m ^{-1 are used} . The operating temperature of the electrolysis tank is below 85 ° C.

From the EP 1 397 583 B1 a combination of an electrolyzer with a water tank is known, wherein a controller is provided to allow a continuous supply of water into the electrolysis room. This device also serves to generate hydrogen in order to add it to the fuel in the internal combustion engine before the combustion process.

From the DE 20 2007 005 963 U1 For example, a generator of water and oxygen is known in which the electrolyte can generate cations and anions by applying a direct current to the electrodes to convert the water to water and oxygen. The device comprises an electrolytic bath, which is designed as a closed receiving space and having an inlet for the introduction of the electrolyte and the water and an outlet for the discharge of water and oxygen. The electrolytic device has, on the outside, a first electrode plate which is made tubular by sintered metallurgy. In this sleeve-shaped electrode, a second tubular electrode is arranged, which is also produced by sintered metallurgy and forms a second electrode. Between the first and second electrodes, an insulating body is arranged to isolate the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate.

From the WO 2004/097072 A1 It is known, in a cylindrical housing, the electrodes in a sleeve-shaped design mounted in each other to install, wherein between the electrodes defined gaps are given. The inner and outer electrodes are each connected to a pole of a DC power source. The sleeve-shaped electrodes are mounted in annular groove sections in a base cross and a cross head, which are interconnected.

From the US 2004/0112739 A1 For example, an electrolyzer is known in which a certain number of electrode plates are gathered in parallel in an electrode set and housed in a housing into which electrolyte and water are introduced. To enable the electrolysis, the two outer electrodes are connected to a positive and negative pole of a DC voltage source. In conventional electrolyzers, the electrolyte is usually diluted with water from bottom to top circulated by a pump, whereby the bubbles forming on the plate electrodes easily detach and get to the electrolyte mirror, above which collect the gases before they over a Outlet exit the housing. The conventional electrolyzers have a relatively low efficiency in gas production. A high proportion of the electrical energy used is consumed for the - usually undesirable - heating of the electrolyte. In the case of the conventional electrolysis cells, the electrolyte spaces between the electrodes are also open at the top, that is to say that the gas produced during the electrolysis rises through the electrolyte, collects above the electrolyte level and leaves the electrolytic cell via an outlet opening.

For some time now z. B. so-called dry cells presented on the Internet platform YouTube, which differ from the traditional electrolysis cells in that the outer contour of the electrodes against the electrolyte by means of O-ring o. Ä. Is sealed and the gases are not in the same housing in which the Are electrodes, collect, but rise through an outlet via a pipe or a channel up in an overlying so-called reservoir. This contains electrolyte and above it a gas space in which the ascended gases can collect before they leave the gas space through an outlet. From the reservoir leads a pipe (pipe, channel, hose) in the lower part of the dry cell. With the onset of electrolysis, the ascending gases create a suction which draws electrolyte from the reservoir, so that the electrodes flow through from bottom to top, which aids in detaching the gas bubbles from the electrodes and increases the gas yield. Such a cell usually consists of a plurality of plate electrodes, which are connected by a respective common inlet and outlet opening and associated lines, pipes, hoses and / or channels with the reservoir. In the known electrode arrangements has proved to be a significant disadvantage that an electron jump at the edges of the parallel electrode plates, an undesirable change in the contact resistance and a high power loss are given. In addition, it has been found that in these devices increased oxyhydrogen gas is formed, although the production of brown gas is sought.

The present invention has for its object to make an electrolyzer so that it can be expanded at will, that the elements are easy to handle and that a high efficiency is given. Furthermore, the electrolysis tank should be designed so that it can be produced inexpensively and easily changed.

The object is achieved by the invention by designing a generic electrolysis device with the specified in claim 1 technical teaching. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in detail in the dependent subclaims.

As far as is not differentiated in the following between electrolyte and water, should be understood by electrolyte with water usually very dilute acids or alkalis. In the electrolysis of water is a splitting of water into its gaseous components, whereby only the water content is consumed, the acidic or basic ion carrier, the actual electrolyte remains unchanged or the consumption is negligible, so that an exchange is necessary only after a long period of operation or Additional dosing will be required. This can also be done by adding diluted with water electrolyte.

As far as hereinafter referred to by electrolysis cell, this is understood to mean a unit in which the gas formation takes place between the voltage-loaded electrodes.

The term "electrolyzer" is intended to mean the entirety of all assemblies for splitting water, ie electrolysis cell or cells, control, reservoirs for water and electrolyte, pumps, gas filters, valves, liquid cutters and tempering devices, such as heating and cooling elements.

An electrolyzer according to the invention is characterized in that the electrolysis device consists of at least one cell, each having a housing frame made of plastic or other insulating material and on both sides thereof or sealed therein fixed metal plate electrodes, each plate electrode is embedded with a defined peripheral region, in that the one plate electrode is connected to the negative pole and the other plate electrode is connected to the positive pole of a DC supply source and that each cell has at least one separate inlet for the electrolyte and / or for the water and / or a mixture thereof and at least one gas outlet which is in one separate gas space opens or is connected to such.

The individual cells are relatively narrow. However, the active area of the plate electrodes is very large. This leads to a faster and better gas formation. Furthermore, only a small amount of electrolyte is used in each case. The dosage can therefore be set to a minimum.

This applies both in the case of the separate supply of the electrolyte and for the amount of water from separate containers. In general, however, always a mixture of both, namely distilled water and alkali or acid, fed to the extent of gas production. The supply can be effected depending on the arrangement of a reservoir by gravity or pump pressure. It has proven to be advantageous to provide not only an inlet at the bottom in the housing frame of the cell and / or on the sides, preferably in the lower region, but a plurality of such inlets to achieve the most uniform flow through the cell, whereby by electrolysis The gas bubbles arising from the plate electrodes are removed and removed. The water consumption is dosed compensated by water is replenished as needed in the reservoir. The total volume of liquid in the cell is relatively low during gas formation, favoring gas formation. Since the reservoir also serves as a surge tank, it can be ensured that during the gas formation so much liquid is refilled that the cell is filled with electrolyte and no gas space is given in the upper area.

It has been found that with such a cell, the energy efficiency, expressed in terms of per liter of brown gas to be applied energy (Wh / l), can be significantly improved. Primarily, this may be due to the fact that flushing the cell, the gas formed quickly detached from the electrode plates and transported into the reservoir and its outlet to the gas consumer, while without purging gas bubbles adhere to the plates longer and reduce the effective surface area.

Since the entire reaction space in the cell with liquid (electrolyte and water) is filled, a gas pressure build-up in the cell and thus the risk of explosion is significantly reduced. Also, a flashback from the outside in the filled cell is practically impossible. The structural arrangement according to the invention also has the advantage that the electrolyte container and the water tank can be placed remotely from the cell and the required quantities of liquid are introduced via regulators by gravity or by means of pumps. In the case that the containers are mounted above the cell, a liquid supply via a control valve is sufficient to make the dosage continuously. If such an arrangement is not possible, adjustable pumps must be used in the supply line. In this context, it is advantageous that the electrolyte and / or water supply is provided on the bottom side via at least one inlet by means of a connecting piece in the cavity of the cell. The individual cells can also be joined together in a simple manner and combined to form a composite, wherein the outer electrodes are connected to the power supply source. This can significantly increase gas production.

The invention is characterized in particular by a modular structure. This is realized in the one embodiment in that the individual cells are simply joined together and positively connected with each other. As far as the housings are designed so that a welding is possible, the cells can also be welded together. The cells may also be separated from each other by a single plate electrode. In this case, the sealing edges are to be interpreted in the housing frame so that a seal of adjacent cells is given in each case and also the electrode ensures a seal of the two lateral cavities. This can be done in various ways, eg. For example, it is possible to accomplish this by welding or bonding the individual cells or else by clamping connections or screw clamp connections, whereby a stack of individual cells is joined together. The case frame can also be composed of halves, z. B. a lower half and an upper half, wherein first the lower package is assembled and the housing frame parts are connected together. They then form grooves in the sealing edges into which the electrodes can be inserted in a self-sealing manner. The attachable housing half, which can also be hingedly attached thereto, is constructed in the same way and engages with the grooves on the freestanding plate electrodes. The two halves are then joined together. Even so, the modular design is ensured. The housing halves need not be composed of individual frame parts, they can also be made for example as a plastic injection molded part. But the entrapment of the electrodes ensures a tightness already. In addition, however, an additional seal to the groove can be made even after the insertion of the individual electrodes. In any case, an inlet for the electrolyte-water mixture is provided in the individual cells, which are created in this modular structure, at least on the bottom side. It is also possible for a plurality of such inlets to be distributed in the lower region in order to allow optimum flow through the cell during gas formation. On the upper side, the gas outlets are provided, which can be brought together, for example, in a channel and then introduced into a separate gas space. The plurality of cells can also be connected to each other in a surface next to each other or distributed arbitrarily spatially by pure circuit. The first and the last cell are connected to the plus or minus pole of the power source and the positive pole of each next cell to the negative pole of the previous cell.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous to combine a cell stack directly with a reservoir for the electrolyte-water mixture or for water. This can be done in such a way that in the bottom of the housing a channel is introduced, which has branches which open into the cavities of the cells and are connected to a port in the reservoir above or to the side of the cells. In addition, a single channel can be led to each cell for the supply line, which is then connected to the reservoir via a separate connection. This reservoir, that is a container for this liquid, which is adapted in volume to the consumption of the cells, can be added to the cells laterally or arranged above it or else arranged offset. In the latter case, connection lines are required in order to be able to supply the electrolyte-water mixture to the cell.

It has also proven to be very advantageous to use this reservoir at the same time as a gas space for the gas exiting from the cells on the top side via outlets. Again, the individual outlets can be connected to each other via a channel, which in turn is connected to a port of the reservoir. However, it is also possible for the gas outlets to be connected individually via channels or connections to the reservoir. Conveniently, the gas is introduced into the reservoir at a level which is below a minimum liquid level so that entrained electrolyte is automatically returned to the liquid and the gas undergoes a pre-cleaning as it passes through the electrolyte-water mixture in the reservoir. In the cavity above the liquid level, the gas collects and is discharged via an outlet of the reservoir. Conveniently, the gas is then subjected to a further filtering. This will be specified later in detail. The reservoir thus also provides a surge tank to the cells, whereby by forming a slight negative pressure in the cells, caused by the gas production and the rising Gas bubbles, an electrolyte-water mixture tracking is done automatically and the cell is filled.

The reservoir may also be partially arranged below, laterally or above the cells. Further, in the housing of the electrolyzer, a vane pump may be integrated, which is in Elektrolytzuführstrom or -abführstrom and is so broad that it covers all the inlets, presses the electrolyte uniformly through the inlets into the cavities between the plate electrodes or sucks through the outlets.

A package of individual cells or even a package, which is formed by a housing with grooves, can be laterally complete with side walls. In these cases care must be taken that it is possible to make contact with the outer electrodes of a package via cable inlets. Also, individual packages may be interconnected by interposing a partition. This partition can then also have, for example, an outlet and / or an inlet which is branched via channels to the individual inlets of the cells.

The housing frame construction also has the great advantage that the channels can already be formed when spraying a housing frame part made of plastic. Likewise, the container or the reservoir is formed by opening in the frame above the cells with. The housing frames are only joined together, wherein after inserting the electrodes at the same time also the channels are formed. The channels can thus have a U-structure. By placing the electrodes that fully cover the sealing edge, the channels are formed. In the inlet region, the electrolyte and in the outlet region, the gas can be removed or open the channels already in the reservoir at a correspondingly positioned position, these parts are then completely formed by formations of the attached housing part. The reservoir is thus formed from cut-free cavities in the housing frame as the cells and has corresponding imprints for channeling. The frame structure for the cell also ensures that the plate electrode edge is adjusted over its entire circumference or inserted in a groove, whereby voltage spikes on edges and uncontrolled gas formation are avoided. A distance of the plate electrodes of ≥ 3 mm has proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to efficient gas formation.

By connecting or disconnecting cells, the temperature can also be lowered or increased in the case of shutting down cells. The performance of the electrolyzer is increased by the addition of plate electrodes as the effective electrode total surface area increases. The individual electrodes of a cell should have a voltage in the range of 1.1V to 2.5V. The voltage applied to the outer electrodes is divided by the total number of cells. It can therefore be seen that, for example, the operation of a cell pack of six to eight cells with a 12 V battery or rechargeable battery is possible, or a 24 V battery can be used when 12 to 16 cells are assembled.

In principle, a pulsed electrolysis current, an alternating current or a direct current can be applied to the outer plate electrodes, depending on the design of the electrolyzer.

A particularly simple assembly and manufacture of the cells are given by the frame construction. The frame encloses the cavity defined by the framed surface and the thickness of the frame in the region between the electrodes. The frame also defines the shape. For example, the cavity may be round, have a diameter of 15 cm to 20 cm, and the inner width or thickness of the frame may be 6 mm to 12 mm. These values are given by way of example only. Depending on the size, they can also vary. An angular version is also possible. It is also possible a freeform. To be particularly advantageous, it has proven to form the frame in the corner areas and / or in the side area and / or over the upper and lower longitudinal sides extending in an arcuate structure, wherein the arches are convex in the side areas and the arcs on the longitudinal sides and concave at the junctions of two adjacent arches the inlets and the outlets are provided. The arch shapes that define the cavity ensure good gas flow through the liquid in the cavity. With the design, electrolyte and gas are supplied and removed very resistance-free. The funnel-shaped outlets and inlets favor the flow behavior. This design ensures that a uniform, the gas bubbles peeling electrolyte flow over the entire plate surface is formed out, whereby more free electrode surface is available for gas production. Better efficiency is the result. The basic shape can be chosen high and narrow or high and wide, but also in height lower versions may have this structure.

The cavity is thus defined by the frame blank. The frame has on both sides sealing edges, which are formed so that the plate electrodes, which are made of metal or conductive plastic or carbon fibers, are simply pressed only into the frame need to be sealing in the frame to form the cavity. The plate electrodes can also be glued or welded, if appropriate spacers are introduced or bead-shaped projections border the plate electrodes. The plate electrodes should be z. B. be made of nickel or stainless steel or precious metal coated, should have such a thickness or be matched to the receiving frame so that they complete with the frame outer edge or slightly survive, so that the cells after assembly into a multicellular unit with each other are also contacted electrically. If these conditions are not met, a good contact can also be achieved by an interposed metal plate, which is to be adapted in the contour of the plate electrodes. However, these plates can also have connections for the power source. However, such connections may also be provided on the outer plate electrodes of a multi-cell package. The outer shape of the plate electrode may be adapted to the cavity shape, but it may also have a different circumferential shape thereof. In any case, it should be designed so large that it can be inserted into the sealing edge. Also, the cell itself may have a cross-sectional shape, which may be round or oval deviating from a square or rectangular shape or may also have a free form.

In order to improve the flow through a cell, a structure promoting the flow of the electrolyte and of the water can also be introduced between the adjacent plate electrodes of a cell. For example, at least in part, an intermediate wall having channels parallel to the plate electrodes may be inserted in the cavity. The channels can run so that they improve the flow.

Inlet and outlet can be realized by connecting pieces, which are screwed into a bore of the frame with a thread and open into the bore or into the cavity of the cell. Thus, the gas obtained by electrolysis can escape, for. As for adding to the air fuel mixture in the combustion in an internal combustion engine, at least one outlet is provided with a connecting piece in the top of the frame. The gas produced by the electrolysis is, when the cell is completely filled with electrolyte, taken along by the electrolyte flowing through the cell via an outlet with connecting pieces at the top of the cell in the reservoir. If funnel-shaped outlets are given, so several outlets, namely at the sinks, provided.

A package formed from a plurality of cells can be used in a surrounding housing and / or held together by screwing and / or clamping holes used in congruent bores. Appropriately, through holes are provided parallel to the center axis in the corner regions of the frame through which, for example, a threaded rod or a screw with a certain length can be inserted, on which then a nut is screwed.

In any case, it is recommended that an outlet opens above the liquid level of the reservoir in the foam space of the smallest possible volume there, which is provided with an inserted filter arrangement which has a membrane function which allows the gas produced by electrolysis to pass through, moisture and foam but withholds. However, if a foam space is present in the cell or such arises during gas generation, it should be kept as small as possible in order to reduce the risk of explosion, as described above.

If a plurality of outlets are provided, even in the case of a packet of cells, they can be connected in parallel to a reservoir in which the gas is stored. In such a reservoir temperature sensors may be provided for determining the working temperature. An associated control unit distributes the energy in case of need only to the standard cells or to additional additional cells or cell packets. When a certain temperature is exceeded, cells can be switched on and switched off when falling below. In this way, the temperature of the electrolysis process can be kept constant and adjusted to the level of the ambient temperature, without further cooling measures are required. Additional cooling is useful if the ambient temperature is higher than 50 ° C. But the cooling can also be done by means of a Peltier element or other device for cooling, possibly also for heating, in order to adjust the reactor system on climatic or local changes thereto.

If multiple outlets are provided, they may be interconnected from cell to cell in cascade or star shape, or arranged in parallel from a collector or extending to a collector.

The outlets of the cells can be connected to the inputs of a gas filter and / or a gas reservoir, wherein a common gas discharge is provided on the gas filter and / or on the gas reservoir. The reservoir should have a pressure relief valve to avoid pressure buildup-related explosions, the low maintenance and reliable as well as self-resetting. Minimum safety standard is a place seal that bursts in case of overpressure. But this has the disadvantage that it is not automatically reset. It is therefore advisable to use a pressure relief valve having a metal ball of magnetizable metal sealingly closes an outlet opening of the valve and is attracted by a magnet for sealing. When the built-up pressure rises, the valve opens automatically, the pressure drops, the ball falls back to the edge of the opening and closes it. Of course, a cone or a truncated cone can be used instead of a sphere.

The level in the reservoir can be kept at an optimum level by an additional surge tank to keep the gas-filled reaction space in the gas separator, ie in the reservoir, as low as possible. The level should not be kept too high or too low. If the level is too high, fluid is entrained when the gas is supplied to, for example, an engine for combustion improvement. At the same time, a water separator can be coupled to the pressure relief valve, through which the gas is passed to the entrainment of electrolyte z. B. in the air filter of an engine in a motor vehicle or in the nozzle of a welding machine to prevent. The pressure relief valve ensures that no overpressure in the separator housing can build up, which in the worst case would lead to an explosion.

So that a gas generator consisting of a plurality of electrolytic cells can be suspended free of vibrations, for example in a motor vehicle, a further embodiment provides that mechanical damping members are attached to the housing or composite, by means of which the electrolyzer is fastened in the body. By suitable dampers, such as oil gas dampers, rubber cables or vibration, it is achieved that the electrolyzer is decoupled from the vibration source.

The electrolyzer according to the invention can be used in conjunction with a welding or experimental device as well as in motor vehicles to supply the Brownian gas to the engine to optimize the combustion process. It is also suitable for use in combustion processes.

The invention will be explained in the following with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

In the drawings show:

1 in a perspective view a frame of a cell,

2 a side view of the frame shown in a different scale 1 with inserted plate electrodes,

3 a package of six cells in perspective for connection to a 12V power source,

4 a frame for a cell having a specially shaped cavity,

5 a partial section of the frame in 4 in an enlarged but not to scale representation,

6 an example of a pressure relief valve,

7 a variant of an electrolyzer of a plurality of cells directly connected to a reservoir,

8th the lower part of a housing with the cells and a plate electrode,

9 the embodiment according to 7 in disassembled condition,

10 an electrolyzer having a double cell stack with a central spacer wall for coupling a plurality of cell stacks and side cover walls,

11 the spacer wall for coupling a plurality of cell stacks and for discharging the gas contained in the package in FIG 10 is used,

12 a housing frame, which contains both a cavity for the cell and a cavity for a reservoir and in which channels are incorporated in the side view,

13 a sectional view along the section line BB in 12 showing the cell structure and the cover walls as well as the spacer or partition wall,

14 a section along the section line CC in

12 showing the channel structure in the upper area and the feed opening in the end walls,

15 a top view of the in 12 illustrated cell packet and

16 a front view of the embodiment according to 12 with dashed box frame cells and reservoir.

In 1 is the frame 2 a housing of a cell 1 shown. This is an approximately square executed frame 2 made of plastic, the broken corners, an inlet 5 at the bottom, which has a through hole in the frame wall to the cavity 6 ranges, and an outlet 8th at the top, which is of similar construction, has. In the frame 2 are also through holes 9 introduced to the housing with adjacent cells 1 easy to connect by means of screws, what made 3 is apparent.

In the relatively narrow frame 2 whose cavity 6 is executed round and whose width is only a few millimeters, z. B. 8 mm, is in the margin area 12 incorporated a sealing edge, which is designed so that the plate electrodes 3 . 4 , like out 2 can be seen, used and kept sealed therein. The two plate electrodes 3 . 4 , consisting of nickel or stainless steel or even carbon fibers, can be pressed into the sealing ring and / or welded and / or glued therein. In the cell 1 will be over the inlet 5 both the electrolyte, which may be, for example, aqueous sodium or potassium hydroxide solution, and water, which is to be converted into the Brownian gas entered. When the cell 1 to a reservoir 29 connected, from which an electrolyte-water mixture by gravity or by means of a pump in the cell 1 is pressed, so does the cell 1 over the inlet 5 and the outlet 8th with electrolyte, for. As sodium or potassium hydroxide solution of low concentration, rinsed out of the reservoir. The width of such a cell 1 is between 10 mm to 15 mm. Due to the small distance between the two plate electrodes 3 . 4 Optimal gas formation takes place when a voltage is applied to the two electrodes. The voltage of the power source should be 1.45V to 2.1V. The power consumption itself depends essentially on the size of the plates. The power consumption is also dependent on the electrolyte temperature and the concentration. The temperature can be, for example, by a temperature control, in the container 29 is included, easily set or even fixed.

3 shows a package of six single cells 1 , The package is by screw members 10 screwed together and forms a modular unit. The plate electrodes 3 . 4 between the neighboring cells 1 lie close to each other, so that not only the electrical resistance is very low, but also a heat dissipation or heat transfer between the cells 1 is guaranteed. The two outer plate electrodes 3 . 4 are connected to the power source.

In 4 is a cell 1 with three inlets 5 and three outlets 8th shown, which is flatter, but an arcuate shape of the cavity 6 having. Also this frame 2 has a sealing edge 7 on, which is rectangular in shape and in which a plate electrode 3 . 4 can be used. On both sides of such a sealing edge is provided. The special feature is that in the side area of the cell 1 the cavity 6 has convex arch structures and on the longitudinal sides concave arc sections with funnel-shaped inlet zones and outlet zones at the joints 14 ,

An enlarged section is in 5 shown. The structural arrangement promotes the flow behavior of the flowing through the aqueous electrolyte solution and thus promotes the reaction process in the gas splitting. The gas gets over the outlets 8th delivered together with the flowing electrolyte to a reservoir, preferably with a pressure relief valve according to 6 Is provided. This magnetic valve has a rubberized metal ball 15 on that on a sealing surface 17 is applied, which separates the upper, secured by a cap space from the plenum, located below the partition wall in the valve housing 16 located and a flow opening 18 having. The magnet 19 attracts the ball with a certain magnetic force. If this is overcome by the gas pressure, the ball lifts from the sealing surface 17 so that gas can escape, minimizing the risk of explosion in the reservoir itself.

In the 7 . 8th and 9 an embodiment is shown in which the housing frame 2 are divided and joined together to form a stack. It practically creates a lower housing half 25 and an upper shell half 26 , The sealing surfaces to the plate electrode edges are characterized by the grooves formed during stacking or injection molding o. Ä 27 realized. These are dimensioned so that when inserting the plate electrodes 3 . 4 a seal is given. It can be seen, however, that even with this construction no edges of the plate electrodes 3 . 4 in the cavity formed between two adjacent plates, which is filled with electrolyte, are given. At the same time, this stack also has a lower channel 32 in which the inlets of each cell 1 open, with molded or inserted. Top side, like out 9 is also a common channel 33 provided the outlets of the cells 1 connects with each other. Both channels 32 . 33 flow into a reservoir 29 in which there is diluted electrolyte with distilled water. In the embodiment, the upper channel 33 relatively high. But it can also lead to a channel in the reservoir 29 is arranged and has an outlet below the liquid level. In any case, above the liquid level in the reservoir 29 given a gas space. The gas is via a gas outlet 31 discharged and fed to its use. The gas outlet 31 may be coupled to the previously described filter and the pressure safety devices. Of course, instead of a stack of individual housing frames 2 the lower half of the housing 25 and the upper half of the housing 26 also ever as a whole z. B. are made by injection molding of plastic, with associated channels 32 . 33 can be molded with. In this case eliminates the provided for securing screw members 10 , The contacting of the outer electrodes can be carried out as already described, but it can also be provided a lateral cover wall, in which a bore is introduced, through which a cable can be inserted in order to connect to the contacting points can. Not shown is the seal, the assembled housing halves ( 25 . 26 ) to the outside, z. B. by welding or by means of a sealing ring in the then to be formed as a screw flange contact surface of the lower housing half 25 and the upper half of the housing 26 , which are then to be supplemented by shared lateral cover walls to close the screw flange edge frontally.

7 shows that the embodiment is very compact and is also easy to use, for example, in a motor vehicle to be able to supply the generated Brownian gas to improve the combustion of the internal combustion engine the air-gas mixture can.

In the 10 to 16 another embodiment is shown, which shows that it is also possible, using the frame construction, next to a cell stack at the same time above the cells 1 a reservoir 29 to build.

Out 10 it can be seen that two cell packets 22 . 23 from case frame 2 are formed. These are, for example, plastic frames, as in the embodiment in 1 a sealing edge 7 around a cavity 6 which is a breakthrough in the frame. Additionally, in the frame structure is the bottom for the inlet 5 a connection channel 34 in the frame wall, for example, U-shaped, incorporated. Another channel-shaped outlet 36 is incorporated in the same design. Both channels 32 . 33 open into the cavity provided on top 35 , which is intended as a breakthrough and together with the joined together housing frame 2 a reservoir 29 forms. The structure of the adjacent frame is constructed so that after inserting the plate electrode and placing the next case frame, both a hermetic seal of a cell 1 takes place as well as the channels 32 . 33 get their final expression, so that over the connection channel 34 from the reservoir 29 the electrolyte can flow and the cell fills up completely and the gas resulting from the electrolysis in the reservoir 29 flows. When the electrolyte level is high enough in the reservoir, the electrolyte entrained with the gas directly becomes the electrolyte-water mixture in the reservoir 29 fed and cleaned the gas. The gas can collect in the gas space above it. In the event that the outlet 8th opens on top, it may come through the gas with transported parts of the electrolyte to a foaming. In this case, it is recommended to enter the gas outlet 31 to use a membrane filter. Every cell package 22 has the same structure. Between the two cell packets is also a spacer wall 24 as they are in 11 is shown inserted. This has the same basic structure as the housing frame 2 , namely a breakthrough 35 to form a common reservoir 29 that from the 12 . 13 and 14 is apparent. The rectangular plate electrode in this embodiment is placed on the large-area sealing edge given here and forms a side electrode, the spacer wall 24 has a cable feedthrough centrally in the lower panel receiving the plate electrode 28 so that the cable can be inserted from the outside via a lateral bore and connected to the electrode. On the other side of this insulating body is the other electrode of the neighboring package 22 . 23 so that even this package can be contacted.

Out 11 It can also be seen that a channel is at the top 33 is formed in which a gas outlet 31 flows, so that the gas is in the reservoir 29 accumulates above the liquid level formed gas space. By means of the spacer wall 24 Any number of cell packages can be combined to form one unit. Not shown is the case that only a single cell package is needed: One of the frontal cover walls 20 is in this case up with a gas outlet 31 provided The sectional drawing in 14 shows the channel passing through all the other enclosure frames 2 is guided.

The sectional drawing in 13 shows the outlet 31 who is in the channel 33 empties. Of course, sealants such as gaskets 38 at the individual case frame 2 as well as the distance wall 24 be provided to produce a seal to the neighboring frame. But if these parts are welded or made of such plastic, the inherent elasticity has and thus enables a seal, such a package is in a simple way over the holes provided 37 , which are provided circumferentially at the edge region, connectable. Rods are inserted into the bores, onto which screws can be screwed, so that the entire structure is held together, at the same time each cell is sealed off from the other and the reservoir 29 arises simultaneously. On the outside are two cover walls 20 attached to the cable glands 28 have the contacts on the outer plate electrodes 3 . 4 to be able to make.

Further show 10 to 16 that also has a refill opening 30 is provided to refill electrolyte and / or water can. Not shown, for example, temperature sensors, which are the temperature of the electrolyte-water mixture in the reservoir 29 measure, for example, turn on tempering, not shown, to maintain the temperature.

The entirety of the upper rectangular openings or cavities 6 forms the reservoir 29 for the water-diluted electrolyte solution with a gas space above. The gas passes over the channel-shaped outlet 36 in the case frame 2 in the reservoir 29 so that the electrolytes entrained with the gas bubbles can settle again. Through the circuit a suction is created, so that over the channel 34 automatically electrolyte from the reservoir 29 is sucked. This will initiate and maintain a flow necessary for rapid separation of the gas bubbles from the plate electrodes 3 . 4 ensures and for a constant exchange of between the plate electrodes 3 . 4 working electrolyte, when the external electrodes, the power source is connected. Due to the constant exchange of the electrolyte-water mixture between the plate electrodes, a heating of the electrolyte is minimized at the same time. According to this design principle, each cell has a separate electrolyte inflow and outflow. By embedding the edges of the plate electrodes 3 . 4 No voltage peaks can be effective. A structure of the cell package is possible with any number of individual cells. The cell package is compact, easy to assemble and cost-effective to produce in mass production.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

cell

2

housing frame

3

plate electrode

4

plate electrode

5

inlet

6

cavity

7

sealing edge

8th

outlet

9

drilling

10

said screw

11

corner area

12

Side edge region

13

bow

14

junction

fifteen

Bullet

16

valve housing

17

sealing surface

18

Flow opening

19

magnet

20

cover wall

22

package

23

package

24

distance wall

25

lower half of the housing

26

upper half of the housing

27

groove

28

Grommet

29

reservoir

30

refill

31

gas outlet

32

channel

33

channel

34

connecting channel

35

cavity

36

channel-shaped outlet

37

drilling

38

sealing ring

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008003126 A1 [0002]
• WO 2009/018814 A2 [0002]
• EP 1397583 B1 [0003]
• DE 202007005963 U1 [0004]
• WO 2004/097072 A1 [0005]
• US 2004/0112739 A1 [0006]

Claims (36)

An electrolyzer for generating one or more gases from water having a housing of plastic or other insulating material having plate electrodes disposed therein, the outer plate electrodes being connected to a power source, the housing having at least one inlet for an electrolyte and / or water and / or a mixture thereof and at least one outlet for the gas obtained by electrolysis, characterized in that the electrolyzer consists of at least one cell ( 1 ), each having a housing frame ( 2 ) made of plastic or other insulating material and on both sides of it or sealed therein fixed plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) of metal, each plate electrode ( 3 . 4 ) is embedded with a defined peripheral area and that each cell ( 1 ) at least one own inlet ( 5 ) for the electrolyte and / or for the water and / or a mixture thereof and at least one gas outlet ( 8th ), which opens into a separate gas space or is connected to such. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of cells ( 1 ) are strung together in a package, the plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) of adjacent cells ( 1 ) are directly adjacent to each other or are contacted by interposing a surface electrode, and that the outer plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) of the packet thus formed are each connected to one of the poles of the power source. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of cells ( 1 ) are strung together in a package, with the neighboring cells ( 1 ) only by one plate electrode ( 3 . 4 ) and that the outer plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) of the packet thus formed are each connected to one of the poles of the power source. Electrolyser according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing frame ( 2 ) are connected to one another in a form-fitting, non-positive or material-locking manner and that between two packages ( 22 . 23 ) of cells ( 1 ) a spacer wall ( 24 ) is interposed. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing frame ( 2 ) of two housing halves ( 25 . 26 ) in which annular grooves ( 27 ) are provided in the prior to the positive and / or non-positive and / or material-locking connection of the two housing halves ( 25 . 26 ) Plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) are sealed, with only one electrode, the adjacent cells ( 1 ) separates. Electrolyser according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that on the outside at least one cover wall ( 20 ) is attached from plastic or another insulating material, which is a cable gland ( 28 ) having. Electrolyser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the housing frame ( 2 ) at least one channel at the bottom ( 32 ) having branches which are located in the cavities ( 6 ) of the cells ( 1 ) and with a connection to a reservoir ( 29 ) above or to the side of the cells ( 1 ) or that individual channels ( 34 ) are introduced, each one end in the cavity ( 6 ) of a cell ( 1 ) and in each case their other end individually or via a collecting channel with the reservoir ( 29 ) above or to the side of the cells ( 1 ) and that channel-shaped outlets ( 36 ) in a housing frame ( 2 ) incorporated common channel ( 33 ) or as a single channel ( 36 ) in the reservoir ( 29 ) open directly or via a connecting line above the outlet in the liquid level range. Electrolyser according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 7, characterized in that the housing frame ( 2 ) is formed such that above the cavity ( 6 ) of the cell ( 1 ) a cavity ( 35 ) given by the cavity ( 6 ) of the cell ( 1 ) and the reservoir ( 29 ) and that the reservoir ( 29 ) a refill opening ( 30 ) and at least one gas outlet ( 31 ) having. Electrolyser according to claim 4 and 8, characterized in that the refill opening ( 30 ) and / or the gas outlet ( 31 ) on the top or side in or on the housing frame ( 2 ) of the spacer wall ( 24 ) or the cover wall ( 20 ) are arranged. Electrolyser according to claim 1 or 5 in conjunction with claim 7, characterized in that the channels ( 32 . 33 ) with a on the frame ( 2 ) or formed on a side wall or with a remote therefrom arranged reservoir ( 29 ) for the electrolyte-water mixture or for the water and that at the reservoir ( 29 ) at least one gas outlet ( 31 ) is provided. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing frame ( 2 ) between the two plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) the width and the shape of the cavity ( 6 ) and sealing edges on both sides ( 7 ) and / or O-seals into which the plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) and that the plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) made of metal or conductive plastic or carbon fibers. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolyte and / or the water from the reservoir ( 29 ) by means of pump of the cell ( 1 ) can be fed. Electrolyser according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the packet of cells ( 1 ) is surrounded by a watertight housing and / or by screw and / or in congruent holes ( 9 ) or held together by means of clamping devices or welded together. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame ( 2 ) in the corner areas ( 11 ) and / or in the page area ( 12 ) and / or extending over the upper and lower longitudinal sides has an arch structure, wherein the arches in the side areas ( 12 ) convex and the arches ( 13 ) are concave on the longitudinal sides and at the connection points ( 14 ) of two adjacent arches ( 11 . 13 ) the inlets ( 5 ) and the outlets ( 8th ) are provided. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that a cell ( 1 ) is substantially square in side view ( 1 and 3 ) or rectangular shape ( 4 ), has a round, an oval or a freeform. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the width dimension of a cell is 10 mm to 18 mm, wherein the cavity width is 0.5 mm to 12 mm. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that above the liquid level in the cavity ( 6 ) of the cell ( 1 ) there is a foam space of defined size into which an outlet ( 8th ) opens with an inserted filter assembly which has a membrane function which allows the gas produced by electrolysis to pass but retains moisture and foam. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate electrode ( 3 . 4 ) obliquely inclined in the housing frame ( 2 ) is arranged and the cavity ( 6 ) of the cell ( 1 ) runs obliquely. Electrolyser according to claim 10, characterized in that the reservoir ( 29 ) a gas filter over the outlet ( 8th ) and that a common gas discharge is provided on the gas filter and / or on the gas reservoir. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir ( 29 ) is used as a reservoir, the filling mass is substantially greater than that of the individual cells. Electrolyser according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing or the stacking block is provided with oil, gas or rubber dampers, via which the housing or block in a motor vehicle or other vehicle or in another room on walls or body parts can be fastened , Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual cells ( 1 ) can be acted upon by a voltage of ≥ 1.45 V and ≤ 2.1 V. Electrolyser according to Claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the ambient temperature and the temperature in each of the cells ( 1 ) and / or in the reservoir ( 29 ) and that a tempering device in the cells ( 1 ) and / or in the reservoir ( 29 ) is provided. Electrolyser according to claim 23, characterized in that a Peltier element is provided for cooling. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that with the outlet ( 8th ) at the reservoir ( 29 ) a water separator is connected, through which the gas flows. Electrolyser according to claim 1 or 25, characterized in that the water separator is followed by an overpressure protection. Electrolyser according to claim 1 or 23, characterized in that in the reservoir ( 29 ) a temperature sensor is provided which is connected to a control device, via which the tempering device is adjustable, and that when a certain temperature is exceeded cells ( 1 ) are switched on and turned off when falling below. Electrolyser according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contacting of individual cells ( 1 ) or cell packets with the power source via interposed plate electrodes or via connections on the plate electrodes. Electrolyser according to claim 26, characterized in that a pressure relief valve in the form of a solenoid valve is provided as an overpressure protection and serves as an explosion protection flap. Electrolyser according to Claim 29, characterized in that the explosion protection flap is a rubberized, ferromagnetic ball ( 15 ) or a sealing cone in the valve housing ( 16 ) is provided, which closes the flow opening in the valve under the influence of a magnet and is aufstoßbar at elevated pressure. Electrolyser according to claim 11, characterized in that the plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) are coated with gold, silver, platinum or rhodium. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity ( 6 ) between the plate electrodes ( 3 ) from the electrolyte from a reservoir ( 29 ) by gravity or pump pressure via an inlet ( 5 ) and at least one outlet ( 8th ) is flowed through as uniformly as possible and by the electrolysis at the surface of the plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) resulting gas bubbles and in the reservoir ( 29 ) over the outlet ( 8th ) and that the gas through the electrolyte in the reservoir ( 29 ) is at least prepurified deductible. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that in the cell 1 between the adjacent plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) is introduced a structure favoring the flow of the electrolyte and the water. Electrolyser according to claim 33, characterized in that in the cavity ( 6 ) at least partially an intermediate wall with channels is introduced. Electrolyser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir ( 29 ) partially below, laterally or above the cells ( 1 ) and that in the housing of the electrolyzer integrated vane pump, which lies in the electrolyte feed stream or discharge and is so wide that they all inlets ( 5 ) sweeps the electrolyte evenly across the inlets ( 5 ) in the cavities ( 6 ) between the plate electrodes ( 3 . 4 ) or via the outlets ( 8th ) sucks. Electrolyser according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of cells ( 1 ) are connected together in a surface next to each other or arbitrarily spatially distributed by series connection, wherein the first and last cell with the plus or minus pole of the power source and the positive pole of each subsequent cell ( 1 ) with the negative pole of the previous cell ( 1 ) are connected.

Images