EP1337691A2 - Method for operating an electrolyser - Google Patents

Method for operating an electrolyser

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Publication number
EP1337691A2
EP1337691A2 EP01998672A EP01998672A EP1337691A2 EP 1337691 A2 EP1337691 A2 EP 1337691A2 EP 01998672 A EP01998672 A EP 01998672A EP 01998672 A EP01998672 A EP 01998672A EP 1337691 A2 EP1337691 A2 EP 1337691A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
operating
fill level
level sensor
electrolyser
fill
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01998672A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Rolf Reichel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Original Assignee
Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH filed Critical Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
Publication of EP1337691A2 publication Critical patent/EP1337691A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating an electrolyzer.
  • An electrolyser generally has a large number of electrolysis cells (cells) connected in series, as can be seen from the publication DE 196 07 235 Cl.
  • Equipment is supplied to the cells via one or more channels, also called equipment supply lines.
  • a single cell of an electrolyzer consists of two electrodes and a diaphragm in between.
  • a room in which an electrode is located is called an electrode room.
  • a device is added to an electrolyte, fed to the electrodes and broken down into its components (e.g. product gases).
  • the gas or gases produced can be passed on in gas separators and from there to a storage device (eg hydrogen tank, hydride storage element) using pressure. From there, the gas can be bottled via extraction stations.
  • the equipment can also be fed directly into the gas separator via the equipment feed lines of the electrolyzer.
  • the product gases are also separated from the electrolyte.
  • water is added as the operating medium, which is then also referred to as feed water. Hydrogen and oxygen are generated. The gases are separated in the gas separators from the potassium hydroxide solution (30% KOH) serving as the electrolyte.
  • the level of the electrolyte in the gas separators is regularly determined for operational and safety reasons.
  • the fill level is used to control the amount of equipment to be dosed via the equipment supply lines.
  • feed water is metered in when the KOH fill level is too low.
  • the electrolyser's emergency shutdown system can also be based on measuring the level.
  • the correct measurement of the level is therefore essential for the safety of an electrolyser.
  • level sensors In the prior art, for example, floating bodies or mostly rod-shaped ceramic or Teflon-coated level sensors are used as level sensors, which capacitively measure the level.
  • Level sensors working on changing the capacity offer the advantage of being able to withstand high operating pressures of 60-200 bar with a small size. High operating pressures serve the compact construction of the electrolyte seurs, since the post-compression of gases to be filled can be omitted. The efficiency of the electrolyzer is increased.
  • Teflon-coated and ceramic level sensors are advantageously largely inert to the chemical components of the reactants of an electrolyser. At the same time, these level sensors withstand high pressures at operating temperatures of up to 500 ° C.
  • Particles can disadvantageously deposit on these level sensors. Deposits of components of the electrodes and diaphragms as well as of the electrolyte on the level sensors disadvantageously cause the incorrect level levels to be displayed.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a simple method for the permanent operation of an electrolyzer. This includes the correct measurement of the
  • the fill level sensors of the electrolyser are cleaned with operating resources. This removes adhering particles from the level sensor. The level is then measured.
  • Operating resources preferably mean a starting material to be decomposed by electrolysis.
  • the equipment is added again after it has decomposed. It then advantageously also serves as a solvent or cleaning agent for adhering particles on the level sensors.
  • feed water is provided as the operating medium (claim 2).
  • the feed water to be supplied is specifically sprayed onto the level sensors during dosing.
  • the feed water then advantageously also serves to clean the level sensors from adhering KOH. This will be replaced.
  • the level can be measured correctly.
  • the principle of cleaning the level sensors with operating resources can also be transferred to other electrolysers and electrolysis processes, e.g. B. on the electrolytic refining of metals and on the synthesis of chlorine gases.
  • the level sensors are advantageously cleaned during operation of the electrolyzer (claim 3).
  • the electrolyser can therefore continue to be operated while the level sensors are being cleaned, because the level sensors are cleaned with the metering of the equipment. Switching off the electrolyzer and removing level sensors for cleaning is no longer necessary.
  • the level sensor according to the independent claim comprises means for cleaning the level sensor with operating means (claim 4).
  • a fill level sensor is advantageously provided, which can be cleaned with operating means in a simple manner during operation of the electrolyzer.
  • a nozzle of an operating medium feed line directed towards the fill level sensor can be provided (claim 5).
  • An equipment supply line can, for example, reach as far as the fill level sensor and at its end the nozzle, in the simplest case a small hole, can be aimed specifically at the fill level sensor.
  • the level sensor is thus cleaned with operating means, in the case of an alkaline water electroyseurs, with feed water via the nozzle or a nozzle ring.
  • the equipment supply line for spraying the level sensor can also be in several pieces. It then advantageously has connecting means for fastening to the remaining operating means supply system of the electrolyzer in the gas separator.
  • the equipment is preferably sprayed onto the fill level sensor such that particles adhering to the fill level sensors, e.g. B. KOH and / or other particles originating from the electrolysis operation, on the entire surface of which are rinsed off.
  • the operating medium feed line can be routed to the end of the fill level sensor which is not immersed in the electrolyte.
  • Equipment sprayed onto the fill level sensor under pressure through the feed line then cleans the fill level sensor on its entire surface, with the particles and feed water flowing into the electrolyte.
  • the object is further achieved by an electrolyzer according to the subclaim.
  • the electrolyser includes gas separators and equipment feed lines into the gas separators. It is characterized by at least one fill level sensor with means for cleaning by means of operating means (claim 6). As a result, the electrolyzer has all the advantages of the sophisticated level sensor.
  • An electrolyzer advantageously comprises means in the operating medium supply lines which prevent a mixing of the product gases in the operating medium supply lines (claim 7).
  • Non-return flaps or valves are provided in particular. Such means can be installed in the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening of the equipment feed line to one of the gas separators. It advantageously prevents the mixing of product gases in the equipment supply system.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically an alkaline water electrolyzer.
  • the gas separator 1 shown as a circle contains the oxygen originating from the electrolysis of the water, the gas separator 11 contains the hydrogen.
  • the product gases hydrogen and oxygen are compressed under high pressure.
  • Gas separators each have a rod-shaped fill level sensor 3, 13 arranged centrally for measuring the fill level.
  • the fill level sensors 3, 13 are immersed in the electrolyte (30% KOH).
  • the level sensors 3, 13 are teflon-coated. The level is measured capacitively.
  • the electrolyzer comprises operating material supply lines made of stainless steel 2, 12, at the end of which there are nozzles in each of the gas separators 1, 11 for spraying the level sensors 3, 13 with feed water.
  • two feed lines 2 and 12 and 12, each with a nozzle are brought up to sensors 3, 13.
  • the feed water is sprayed onto the fill level sensors 3, 13 through these lines.
  • the inside diameter of the supply lines is adapted to the performance of the electrolyser and its operating pressure.
  • Such a supply line is also suitable for use in high-pressure electrolysers.
  • the feed water is pumped from a tank (not shown in the figure) to the gas separators 1, 11 by a pump 6 and sprayed onto the upper part of the rod-shaped fill level sensors 3, 13 which are suspended vertically in the gas separators. KOH adhering to the fill level sensors 3, 13 and other particles originating from the electrolysis operation are rinsed off over their entire surface and flow into the electrolyte.
  • the feed water passes through the feed line to the gas separators 1, 11, among other things, the safety-related T-piece 5.
  • a T-piece 5 can potentially cause an oxyhydrogen reaction, e.g. B. if there is a lack of water in the gas separators 1, 11. Then oxygen and hydrogen can be pressed through the feed lines 2, 12 up to the T-piece 5 and the detonating gas reaction take place. Therefore there are check valves 4 and 14 between the T-piece 5 and the feed lines 2, 12 to the gas separators 1 and 11. These prevent the mixing of the product gases and thereby the detonating gas reaction.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an electrolyser, said method comprising the accurate measurement of fill levels. The method is characterised by the following steps: fill level sensors are cleaned using operating fluid; adherent particles are dissolved from the fill level sensor; the fill level is measured. The solubility of the particles in the operating fluid allows them to be dissolved from the fill level sensor and a correct fill level to be measured. If the fill levels are too low, operating fluid can be added in good time, or the electrolyser can be subjected to an emergency shutdown. This increases the operating safety of the electrolyser. The fill level sensors can be cleaned with the operating fluid during the operation of the electrolyser. The invention also relates to a fill level sensor comprising means for cleaning the fill level sensor using operating fluid, e.g. a nozzle directed at the fill level sensor that is located at the end of an operating-fluid supply line.

Description

B e s c h r e i b u n g Description
Verfahren zum Betreiben eines ElektrolyseursMethod of operating an electrolyzer
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Elektrolyseurs.The invention relates to a method for operating an electrolyzer.
Ein Elektrolyseur weist in der Regel eine Vielzahl von hintereinander geschalteten Elektrolysezellen (Zellen) auf, wie der Druckschrift DE 196 07 235 Cl zu entnehmen ist. Über einen oder mehrere Kanäle, auch Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen genannt, werden den Zellen Betriebsmittel zugeleitet .An electrolyser generally has a large number of electrolysis cells (cells) connected in series, as can be seen from the publication DE 196 07 235 Cl. Equipment is supplied to the cells via one or more channels, also called equipment supply lines.
Eine einzelne Zelle eines Elektrolyseurs besteht aus zwei Elektroden und einem dazwischen liegenden Diaphragma. Ein Raum, in dem sich eine Elektrode befindet, wird Elektrodenraum genannt. Ein Betriebsmittel wird einem Elektrolyten zugegeben, den Elektroden zugeführt und in seine Bestandteile (z. B. Produktgase) zerlegt. Das oder die produzierten Gase können in Gasabscheidern und von dort aus an einen Speicher (z. B. Wasserstoff- tank, Hydridspeicherelement) unter Anwendung von Druck weitergeleitet werden. Das Gas kann von dort über Entnahmestationen in Flaschen abgefüllt werden.A single cell of an electrolyzer consists of two electrodes and a diaphragm in between. A room in which an electrode is located is called an electrode room. A device is added to an electrolyte, fed to the electrodes and broken down into its components (e.g. product gases). The gas or gases produced can be passed on in gas separators and from there to a storage device (eg hydrogen tank, hydride storage element) using pressure. From there, the gas can be bottled via extraction stations.
Die Betriebsmittel können auch direkt in die Gasabscheider über die Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen des Elektrolyseurs zugeführt werden. In den Gasabscheidern werden zusätzlich die Produktgase vom Elektrolyt getrennt .The equipment can also be fed directly into the gas separator via the equipment feed lines of the electrolyzer. In the gas separators the product gases are also separated from the electrolyte.
Im Falle eines Wasser-Elektroyseurs wird als Betriebsmittel Wasser zugegeben, welches dann auch als Speisewasser bezeichnet wird. Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff werden erzeugt. Die Gase werden in den Gasabscheidern von der als Elektrolyt dienenden Kalilauge (30 %-ige KOH) getrennt .In the case of a water electroyseur, water is added as the operating medium, which is then also referred to as feed water. Hydrogen and oxygen are generated. The gases are separated in the gas separators from the potassium hydroxide solution (30% KOH) serving as the electrolyte.
Während der Elektrolyse wird regelmäßig aus betriebe- und sicherheitstechnischen Gründen der Füllstand des Elektrolyts in den Gasabscheidern ermittelt. Die Füllstandhöhe wird genutzt, um die zu dosierende Betriebs- mittelmenge über die Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen zu steuern. In einem Wasser-Elektrolyseur wird beispielsweise bei einem zu niedrigen KOH-Füllstand Speisewasser zudosiert .During electrolysis, the level of the electrolyte in the gas separators is regularly determined for operational and safety reasons. The fill level is used to control the amount of equipment to be dosed via the equipment supply lines. In a water electrolyser, for example, feed water is metered in when the KOH fill level is too low.
Auch das Notabschaltsystem des Elektrolyseurs kann auf der Messung der Füllstandhöhe beruhen. Die korrekte Messung der Füllstandhöhe ist somit für die Sicherheit eines Elektrolyseurs unerlässlich.The electrolyser's emergency shutdown system can also be based on measuring the level. The correct measurement of the level is therefore essential for the safety of an electrolyser.
Als Füllstandsensoren werden im Stand der Technik bei- spielsweise Schwimmkörper oder meist stabförmige keramische bzw. teflonummantelte Füllstandsensoren eingesetzt, die die Füllstandhöhe kapazitiv messen. Auf Änderung der Kapazität arbeitende Füllstandsensoren bieten den Vorteil, bei kleiner Baugröße hohen Betriebs- drücken von 60-200 bar Stand zu halten. Hohe Betriebsdrücke dienen der kompakten Bauweise des Elektroly- seurs, da die Nachverdichtung abzufüllender Gase entfallen kann. Der Wirkungsgrad des Elektrolyseurs wird erhöht .In the prior art, for example, floating bodies or mostly rod-shaped ceramic or Teflon-coated level sensors are used as level sensors, which capacitively measure the level. Level sensors working on changing the capacity offer the advantage of being able to withstand high operating pressures of 60-200 bar with a small size. High operating pressures serve the compact construction of the electrolyte seurs, since the post-compression of gases to be filled can be omitted. The efficiency of the electrolyzer is increased.
Teflonummantelte sowie keramische Füllstandsensoren sind vorteilhaft weitgehend inert gegenüber den chemischen Bestandteilen der Reaktanden eines Elektrolyseurs. Gleichzeitig halten diese Füllstandsensoren hohen Drücken bei Betriebstemperaturen von bis zu 500 °C stand.Teflon-coated and ceramic level sensors are advantageously largely inert to the chemical components of the reactants of an electrolyser. At the same time, these level sensors withstand high pressures at operating temperatures of up to 500 ° C.
Nachteilig können sich an diesen Füllstandsensoren Partikel ablagern. Ablagerungen von Bestandteilen der Elektroden und Diaphragmen sowie auch des Elektrolyts an den Füllstandsensoren bewirken nachteilig die Anzeige falscher Füllstandhöhen.Particles can disadvantageously deposit on these level sensors. Deposits of components of the electrodes and diaphragms as well as of the electrolyte on the level sensors disadvantageously cause the incorrect level levels to be displayed.
Im Falle eines alkalischen Wasser-Elektrolyseurs kann beispielsweise nachteilig durch Ablagerung von KOH an den Füllstandsensoren ein höherer Füllstand angezeigt werden als tatsächlich gegeben ist. Dies gefährdet die Sicherheit des Elektrolyseurs.In the case of an alkaline water electrolyser, a higher fill level than is actually the case can disadvantageously be displayed by depositing KOH on the fill level sensors. This endangers the safety of the electrolyser.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, ein einfaches Verfahren zum dauerhaften Betrieb eines Elektrolyseurs be- reitzustellen. Dieses umfaßt die korrekte Messung derThe object of the invention is therefore to provide a simple method for the permanent operation of an electrolyzer. This includes the correct measurement of the
Füllstandhöhe. Ein solches Verfahren stellt eine Grundlage für einen dauerhaften und sicheren Betrieb eines Elektrolyseurs dar. Weiterhin ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung, einen Füllstandsensor sowie einen Elektrolyseur bereitzustellen, die die genannten Nachteile regelmäßig verringern. Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Hauptanspruchs sowie durch einen Füllstandsensor und einen Elektrolyseur gemäß der Nebenansprüche gelöst . Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen ergeben sich aus den jeweils rückbezogenen Unteransprüchen.Filling level. Such a method forms the basis for permanent and safe operation of an electrolyzer. It is also an object of the invention to provide a fill level sensor and an electrolyzer which regularly reduce the disadvantages mentioned. The object is achieved by a method having the features of the main claim and by a level sensor and an electrolyzer according to the subclaims. Advantageous configurations result from the respective subordinate claims.
Verfahrensgemäß werden die FüllStandsensoren des Elektrolyseurs mit Betriebsmitteln gereinigt . Dadurch werden anhaftende Partikel vom Füllstandsensor abge- löst. Anschließend wird die Füllstandhδhe gemessen.The fill level sensors of the electrolyser are cleaned with operating resources. This removes adhering particles from the level sensor. The level is then measured.
Mit Betriebsmitteln ist vorzugsweise ein durch Elektrolyse zu zersetzendes Edukt gemeint. Das Betriebsmittel wird nach dessen Zersetzung entsprechend wieder zudosiert. Es dient dann vorteilhaft auch als Lösungs- bzw. Reinigungsmittel für anhaftende Partikel an den Füll- standsensoren. Es ist aber auch denkbar, nicht ein Edukt, sondern ein anderes im Betrieb benötigtes Betriebsmittel zusätzlich als Reinigungsmittel einzusetzen, solange dies den Elektrolysebetrieb nicht beein- trächtigt.Operating resources preferably mean a starting material to be decomposed by electrolysis. The equipment is added again after it has decomposed. It then advantageously also serves as a solvent or cleaning agent for adhering particles on the level sensors. However, it is also conceivable not to use an educt but also another piece of equipment required in operation as a cleaning agent as long as this does not impair the electrolysis operation.
Im Falle eines alkalischen Wasser-Elektroyseurs ist als Betriebsmittel Speisewasser vorgesehen (Anspruch 2) .In the case of an alkaline water electroyseur, feed water is provided as the operating medium (claim 2).
Das zuzuführende Speisewasser wird während der Dosie- rung gezielt auf die Füllstandsensoren gespritzt. Das Speisewasser dient dann vorteilhaft auch zur Reinigung der Füllstandsensoren von anhaftender KOH. Diese wird abgelöst. Die Füllstandhöhe kann korrekt gemessen werden. Ohne Einschränkung der Erfindung kann das Prinzip der Reinigung der Füllstandsensoren mit Betriebsmitteln auch auf andere Elektrolyseure und Elektrolyse- Verfahren übertragen werden, z. B. auf die elektrolyti- sehe Raffination von Metallen und auf die Synthese von Chlor-Gasen.The feed water to be supplied is specifically sprayed onto the level sensors during dosing. The feed water then advantageously also serves to clean the level sensors from adhering KOH. This will be replaced. The level can be measured correctly. Without restricting the invention, the principle of cleaning the level sensors with operating resources can also be transferred to other electrolysers and electrolysis processes, e.g. B. on the electrolytic refining of metals and on the synthesis of chlorine gases.
Vorteilhaft erfolgt im Betrieb des Elektrolyseurs die Reinigung der Füllstandsensoren (Anspruch 3) .The level sensors are advantageously cleaned during operation of the electrolyzer (claim 3).
Während der Reinigung der Füllstandsensoren kann also der Elektrolyseur weiterbetrieben werden, denn die Reinigung der Füllstandsensoren erfolgt mit der Dosierung des Betriebsmittels. Das Abschalten des Elektrolyseurs und der Ausbau von Füllstandsensoren zwecks Reinigung entfällt .The electrolyser can therefore continue to be operated while the level sensors are being cleaned, because the level sensors are cleaned with the metering of the equipment. Switching off the electrolyzer and removing level sensors for cleaning is no longer necessary.
Der Füllstandsensor gemäß Nebenanspruch umfaßt Mittel zur Reinigung des Füllstandsensors mit Betriebsmitteln (Anspruch 4) .The level sensor according to the independent claim comprises means for cleaning the level sensor with operating means (claim 4).
Dadurch wird vorteilhaft ein Füllstandsensor bereit ge- stellt, der auf einfache Weise im Betrieb des Elektrolyseurs mit Betriebsmitteln gereinigt werden kann.As a result, a fill level sensor is advantageously provided, which can be cleaned with operating means in a simple manner during operation of the electrolyzer.
Als Mittel kann eine auf den Füllstandsensor gerichtete Düse einer Betriebsmittel-Zuleitung vorgesehen sein (Anspruch 5) .A nozzle of an operating medium feed line directed towards the fill level sensor can be provided (claim 5).
Eine Betriebsmittel-Zuleitung kann beispielsweise bis an den Füllstandsensor heranreichen und an ihrem Ende kann die Düse, im einfachsten Fall ein kleines Loch, gezielt auf den Füllstandsensor gerichtet sein. Über die Düse oder auch einen Dusenkranz wird somit der Füllstandsensor mit Betriebsmitteln, im Falle eines alkalischen Wasser-Elektroyseurs mit Speisewasser, gereinigt.An equipment supply line can, for example, reach as far as the fill level sensor and at its end the nozzle, in the simplest case a small hole, can be aimed specifically at the fill level sensor. The level sensor is thus cleaned with operating means, in the case of an alkaline water electroyseurs, with feed water via the nozzle or a nozzle ring.
Die Betriebsmittel-Zuleitung zum Bespritzen des Füllstandsensors kann auch mehrstückig sein. Sie weist dann vorteilhaft Verbindungsmittel zum Befestigen an das übrige Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungssystem des Elektroly- seurs in die Gasabscheider auf.The equipment supply line for spraying the level sensor can also be in several pieces. It then advantageously has connecting means for fastening to the remaining operating means supply system of the electrolyzer in the gas separator.
Das Betriebsmittel wird vorzugsweise derart an den Füllstandsensor gespritzt, daß an den Füllstandsensoren anhaftende Partikel, z. B. KOH und/oder andere aus dem Elektrolysebetrieb stammende Partikel, an dessen gesam- ter Oberfläche abgespült werden.The equipment is preferably sprayed onto the fill level sensor such that particles adhering to the fill level sensors, e.g. B. KOH and / or other particles originating from the electrolysis operation, on the entire surface of which are rinsed off.
Im Falle eines stabförmigen Füllstandsensors kann beispielsweise die Betriebsmittel-Zuleitung an das Ende des Füllstandsensors herangeführt sein, welches nicht in den Elektrolyten eintaucht . Unter Druck durch die Betriebsmittel-Zuleitung auf den Füllstandsensor gespritztes Betriebsmittel reinigt dann den Füllstandsensor auf dessen gesamter Oberfläche, wobei die Partikel samt Speisewasser in den Elektrolyten fließen.In the case of a rod-shaped fill level sensor, for example, the operating medium feed line can be routed to the end of the fill level sensor which is not immersed in the electrolyte. Equipment sprayed onto the fill level sensor under pressure through the feed line then cleans the fill level sensor on its entire surface, with the particles and feed water flowing into the electrolyte.
Die Aufgabe wird weiterhin durch einen Elektrolyseur gemäß des Nebenanspruchs gelöst . Der Elektrolyseur umfaßt Gasabscheider und Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen in die Gasabscheider. Er ist durch mindestens einen Füll- standsensor mit Mitteln zur Reinigung durch Betriebsmittel gekennzeichnet (Anspruch 6) . Der Elektrolyseur weist dadurch alle Vorteile des anspruchsgemäßen Füllstandsensors auf.The object is further achieved by an electrolyzer according to the subclaim. The electrolyser includes gas separators and equipment feed lines into the gas separators. It is characterized by at least one fill level sensor with means for cleaning by means of operating means (claim 6). As a result, the electrolyzer has all the advantages of the sophisticated level sensor.
Vorteilhaft umfaßt ein Elektrolyseur Mittel in den Be- triebsmittel-Zuleitungen, die eine Mischung der Produktgase in den Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen verhindern (Anspruch 7) .An electrolyzer advantageously comprises means in the operating medium supply lines which prevent a mixing of the product gases in the operating medium supply lines (claim 7).
Als Mittel sind insbesondere Rückschlagklappen oder Ventile vorgesehen. Solche Mittel können in unmittelba- rer Nähe der Eintrittsöffnung der Betriebsmittel- Zuleitung zu einem der Gasabscheider eingebaut werden. Es verhindert vorteilhaft die Mischung von Produktgasen im Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungssystem.Non-return flaps or valves are provided in particular. Such means can be installed in the immediate vicinity of the inlet opening of the equipment feed line to one of the gas separators. It advantageously prevents the mixing of product gases in the equipment supply system.
Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand der Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die beigefügte Figur erläutert.The invention is explained below on the basis of the description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached figure.
Figur 1 zeigt schematisch einen alkalischen Wasser- Elektrolyseur.Figure 1 shows schematically an alkaline water electrolyzer.
Der als Kreis dargestellte Gasabscheider 1 enthält den aus der Elektrolyse des Wassers stammenden Sauerstoff, der Gasabscheider 11 den Wasserstoff. In den Gasabscheidern 1, 11 sind die Produktgase Wasserstoff und Sauerstoff unter hohem Druck komprimiert. In beidenThe gas separator 1 shown as a circle contains the oxygen originating from the electrolysis of the water, the gas separator 11 contains the hydrogen. In the gas separators 1, 11, the product gases hydrogen and oxygen are compressed under high pressure. In both
Gasabscheidern ist jeweils ein stabförmiger Füllstandsensor 3, 13 zentral zur Messung der Füllstandhόhe angeordnet. Die Füllstandsensoren 3, 13 tauchen in den Elektrolyten (30%-ige KOH) ein. Die Füllstandsensoren 3, 13 sind teflonummantelt. Die Messung der Füllstand- hδhe erfolgt kapazitiv. Um den Wasser-Elektrolyseur dauerhaft und sicher betreiben zu können, müssen die KOH-Füllstände in den Gasabscheidern 1 und 11 korrekt gemessen werden. Hierzu umfasst der Elektrolyseur Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen aus Edelstahl 2, 12, an deren Ende in den Gasabscheidern 1, 11 sich jeweils Düsen zum Bespritzen der Füllstandsensoren 3, 13 mit Speisewasser befinden. Je Füllstandsensor 3, 13 werden zwei Zuleitungen 2 bzw. 12 mit je einer Düse an die Sensoren 3, 13 herangeführt. Durch diese Leitungen wird das Speisewasser auf die Füllstandsensoren 3, 13 gespritzt. Der Innendurchmesser der Zuleitungen ist an die Leistung des Elektrolyseurs und seines Betriebsdrucks angepaßt. Eine solche Zuleitung ist geeignet, auch in Hochdruck- Elektrolyseuren eingesetzt zu werden. Das Speisewasser wird aus einem nicht in der Figur ein- gezeichneten Tank durch eine Pumpe 6 zu den Gasabscheidern 1, 11 gepumpt und an den jeweils oberen Teil der senkrecht in den Gasabscheidern aufgehängten stabförmi- gen Füllstandsensoren 3, 13 gespritzt. An den Füllstandsensoren 3, 13 anhaftende KOH und andere aus dem Elektrolysebetrieb stammende Partikel werden über deren gesamte Oberfläche abgespült und fließen in den Elektrolyten.Gas separators each have a rod-shaped fill level sensor 3, 13 arranged centrally for measuring the fill level. The fill level sensors 3, 13 are immersed in the electrolyte (30% KOH). The level sensors 3, 13 are teflon-coated. The level is measured capacitively. In order to be able to operate the water electrolyzer permanently and safely, the KOH levels in gas separators 1 and 11 can be measured correctly. For this purpose, the electrolyzer comprises operating material supply lines made of stainless steel 2, 12, at the end of which there are nozzles in each of the gas separators 1, 11 for spraying the level sensors 3, 13 with feed water. For each level sensor 3, 13, two feed lines 2 and 12, each with a nozzle, are brought up to sensors 3, 13. The feed water is sprayed onto the fill level sensors 3, 13 through these lines. The inside diameter of the supply lines is adapted to the performance of the electrolyser and its operating pressure. Such a supply line is also suitable for use in high-pressure electrolysers. The feed water is pumped from a tank (not shown in the figure) to the gas separators 1, 11 by a pump 6 and sprayed onto the upper part of the rod-shaped fill level sensors 3, 13 which are suspended vertically in the gas separators. KOH adhering to the fill level sensors 3, 13 and other particles originating from the electrolysis operation are rinsed off over their entire surface and flow into the electrolyte.
Das Speisewasser passiert bei der Zuleitung zu den Gasabscheidern 1, 11 unter anderem das sicherheitstech- nisch relevante T-Stück 5. An T-Stück 5 kann potentiell eine Knallgasreaktion entstehen, z. B. bei Wassermangel in den Gasabscheidern 1, 11. Dann können Sauerstoff und Wasserstoff durch die Zuleitungen 2, 12 bis an das T- Stück 5 gedrückt werden und die Knallgasreaktion ablau- fen. Deshalb befinden sich zwischen T-Stück 5 und den Zuleitungen 2, 12 zu den Gasabscheidern 1 und 11 Rückschlagklappen 4 und 14. Diese verhindern die Mischung der Produktgase und dadurch die Knallgasreaktion. The feed water passes through the feed line to the gas separators 1, 11, among other things, the safety-related T-piece 5. A T-piece 5 can potentially cause an oxyhydrogen reaction, e.g. B. if there is a lack of water in the gas separators 1, 11. Then oxygen and hydrogen can be pressed through the feed lines 2, 12 up to the T-piece 5 and the detonating gas reaction take place. Therefore there are check valves 4 and 14 between the T-piece 5 and the feed lines 2, 12 to the gas separators 1 and 11. These prevent the mixing of the product gases and thereby the detonating gas reaction.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e Patent claims
1. Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Elektrolyseurs, gekennzeichnet durch die Schritte :1. Method for operating an electrolyser, characterized by the steps:
- Füllstandsensoren (3, 13) werden mit Betriebsmitteln gereinigt, - anhaftende Partikel werden von den Füllstandsensoren (3, 13) abgelöst,- Level sensors (3, 13) are cleaned with equipment, - adhering particles are detached from the level sensors (3, 13),
- die Füllstandhöhe wird gemessen.- The level is measured.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als Betriebsmittel Speisewasser vorgesehen ist.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that feed water is provided as the operating medium.
3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß im Betrieb des Elektrolyseurs die Reinigung der Füllstandsensoren erfolgt.3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the level sensors are cleaned during operation of the electrolyzer.
4. Füllstandsensor, umfassend Mittel zur Reinigung des Füllstandsensors (3, 13) mit Betriebsmitteln.4. level sensor, comprising means for cleaning the level sensor (3, 13) with operating resources.
5. Füllstandsensor nach vorhergehendem Anspruch, umfassend eine auf den Füllstandsensor gerichtete Düse einer Betriebsmittel-Zuleitung.5. fill level sensor according to the preceding claim, comprising a nozzle directed towards the fill level sensor of an operating medium feed line.
6. Elektrolyseur, umfassend Gasabscheider (1, 11) und Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen (2, 12) in die Gasabscheider (1, 11), gekennzeichnet durch mindestens einen Füllstandsensor (3, 13) gemäß An- spruch 4 oder 5. Elektrolyseur nach Anspruch 6, umfassend Mittel in den Betriebsmittel-Zuleitungen (2, 12), die eine Mischung der Produktgase in den Betriebsmittel- Zuleitungen (2, 12) verhindern. 6. Electrolyser, comprising gas separators (1, 11) and operating material feed lines (2, 12) into the gas separators (1, 11), characterized by at least one level sensor (3, 13) according to claim 4 or 5. Electrolyser according to claim 6, comprising means in the operating medium supply lines (2, 12), which prevent mixing of the product gases in the operating medium supply lines (2, 12).
EP01998672A 2000-11-30 2001-11-27 Method for operating an electrolyser Withdrawn EP1337691A2 (en)

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DE10059432 2000-11-30
DE2000159432 DE10059432A1 (en) 2000-11-30 2000-11-30 Method of operating an electrolyzer
PCT/DE2001/004496 WO2002044442A2 (en) 2000-11-30 2001-11-27 Method for operating an electrolyser

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4103552A (en) * 1976-05-24 1978-08-01 United States Steel Corporation In-service cleaning of a liquid level sensor
US5035140A (en) * 1988-11-03 1991-07-30 The Boeing Company Self cleaning liquid level detector
DE3837354A1 (en) * 1988-11-03 1990-05-10 Werner Ziem Method and appliance for safeguarding a high-pressure water electrolysis system
US5037518A (en) * 1989-09-08 1991-08-06 Packard Instrument Company Apparatus and method for generating hydrogen and oxygen by electrolytic dissociation of water
DE19607235C1 (en) * 1996-02-27 1997-07-17 Forschungszentrum Juelich Gmbh Electrolysis unit
DE19645693C1 (en) * 1996-11-06 1998-05-14 Deutsch Zentr Luft & Raumfahrt Controlling introduction of replacement especially water to electrolytic process

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Title
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