KR200285556Y1 - Electrolyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrolytic cell that minimizes internal resistance, effectively blocks parasitic currents not used for electrolysis, and maximizes active electrode surface area per unit volume to obtain high electrolysis efficiency. Electrolyzer according to the present invention is composed of a plurality of stacked state between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, each unit is formed with a second surface and a plurality of protrusions are formed a plurality of protrusions in contact with the surface of the positive electrode A first feeder having a first surface; An anode electrode corresponding to the first feeder and in contact with a plurality of protrusions formed on the first surface of the first feeder; The center portion is formed with an opening in which the feeder and the anode electrode are positioned, and two through holes are formed in the upper and lower frames, respectively, and one of the two through holes respectively formed in the upper and lower portions is formed with an incision connected to the opening. Anodized frame; A separator assembly disposed at an edge of the separator in contact with the anode electrode and a frame fixing the separator at an edge thereof, the separator assembly having two through holes respectively formed at upper and lower portions of the frame corresponding to each through hole of the anode frame; An opening is formed in the center portion, and two through holes corresponding to the through holes formed in the frame of the membrane assembly are formed in the upper and lower frames, respectively. The through hole formed at the opposite position includes a cathode frame having a cutout portion connected to the opening portion; A cathode electrode positioned in the opening of the cathode frame and having one surface contacting the separator of the separator assembly; A second feeder comprising a first surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed and a second surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed; And a plate positioned at the edge of the metal plate and the metal plate on one side of which the second feeder contacts and the other side of the adjacent unit feeder, and two through-holes are formed in the upper and lower portions of the frame, respectively. It includes.

Description

Electrolyzer {Electrolyzer}

The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell, and more particularly, to a bipolar electrolytic cell for producing high purity hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by electrolysis of an alkaline aqueous solution.

Known bipolar electrolysers used for electrolysis of water include a plurality of electrodes each having a positive electrode and a negative electrode connected to an external power source at both ends of the electrolytic cell, and having one side of the anode and the other side of the cathode between the anode and the cathode. The plates have a laminated structure supported by an insulating frame.

Each electrode plate is isolated from each other by a separation membrane which is a gas separation means. Conduits for circulating and supplying the electrolyte are formed in the lower part of the insulating frame, and conduits for discharging the generated gas and electrolyte are respectively formed in the lower part of the insulating frame, and the conduits are connected to each of the anode and cathode chambers in the electrolyzer. Therefore, when DC power is applied to the cathode and the anode of both ends of the electrolyzer, gas is generated from each electrode plate, and the generated gas (oxygen and hydrogen gas, in which the electrolyte is contained) is guided to each conduit to the outside of the electrolyzer. It is discharged to the installed gas-electrolyte separator. The gas-electrolyte separator separates the gas and the electrolyte, and the separated gas is collected and the electrolyte is supplied back into the electrolytic cell through the piping and the electrolyte supply conduit.

Pure water has a very small electrical conductivity, so an aqueous solution in which about 20 to 30% of the alkaline electrolyte is dissolved is used for electrolysis. At each cathode surface, hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) are transferred from the water to the adjacent anode surface through the electrolyte and the separator to generate oxygen gas and convert to electrons. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode of both ends of the electrolyzer, gas is generated on each surface of the plurality of horizontally stacked electrodes, and charges (ions or electrons) are transferred between neighboring electrodes, so that current flows from one end of the electrolyzer to another. Will flow.

At this time, gas is generated in proportion to the amount of current flowing, and assuming that the energy conversion efficiency is 100%, electrical energy of about 3.6 Kw is required to generate 1,000 liters of hydrogen gas per hour. Therefore, in the field of electrolysis in terms of energy consumption and economics, a technique for producing a large amount of gas with small electric energy is indispensable.

The power consumption of electrolyzers currently commercially developed and in use varies somewhat between manufacturers, but it takes about 5.5 to 6.0 Kw of electrical energy to produce 1,000 liters of hydrogen gas. The energy conversion efficiency of converting electrical energy into hydrogen and oxygen gas is about 60%, which is not economical in terms of energy loss and high operating costs. In addition, the remaining about 40% of the electrical energy that does not contribute to the production of gas in the electrolytic cell is converted to heat, thereby increasing the temperature of the electrolytic cell, which is a factor that weakens the electrolytic cell durability.

The main energy loss factors associated with electrolysis include the large spacing between the anode and cathode, the low active surface area of the electrode, the resistance to inter-electrode ion flow, and the inefficient electrolytic cell structure.

The spacing between the anode and cathode separated by the separator is proportional to the electrical energy required for ion conduction. By reducing the gap between the anode and the cathode, minimizing the internal resistance to reduce the energy loss, and the high surface area per unit volume of the electrode can increase the gas generation efficiency, and can also downsize the electrolyzer.

The current in the electrolysis process flows through the electrolyte and the separator and flows from the electrode having one polarity to the electrode having the opposite opposite polarity, so that the more easily the ion flow with the electrical charge between the electrodes occurs, the lower the energy loss. This flow of current between the electrodes occurs because the electrolyte is decomposed into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. On the other hand, in the electrolytic cell, a current flow that does not contribute to electrolysis occurs. As described above, a conduit for supplying the electrolyte is formed in the lower part of the electrolytic cell in the longitudinal direction, and a conduit for discharging the electrolytic product is formed in the upper part so that the flow of current is concentrated in these conduits. This is because the peripheral inner portion of the electrode plate opening forming the conduit in the electrolytic cell is exposed inside the conduit through which the electrolyte flows, and this parasitic current reduces energy efficiency and reduces the purity of the generated gas. Act as a cause.

As the prior art having a bipolar electrolytic cell structure, the electrolytic cell described in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 2001-241572 can be mentioned. The electrolyzer consists of a structure in which a plurality of unit sets in which a gasket, an electrode plate, a diaphragm fixing ring, a diaphragm, and a cell frame are sequentially stacked are fixed, and a cathode and an anode are fixed to both ends of the stacked structure of the unit sets. The electrolyzer of this structure can be produced by separating hydrogen and oxygen gas, has the advantage of excellent airtightness of the electrolyzer and easily adjust the gas production capacity according to the increase and decrease of the cell frame.

However, the electrolyzer described above has a limit in maximizing energy conversion efficiency. The electrolyzer is arranged in the form of a cathode-separator-anode, and the electrolyte is filled in the space between the cathode and the separator and between the separator and the anode. Due to this structure, gas is generated by the electrolysis reaction, and the electrolyte solution contains pores in the generated gas phase. That is, there are two phases of electrolyte-gas. The electrolyte promotes the conduction of ions, whereas the gas phase has little electrical conductivity of the ions, so the flow of current (ions) from the surface of the cathode does not occur smoothly due to the increase in internal resistance, resulting in the electrical energy required for electrolysis. Increase consumption.

Furthermore, there is a limit to increase the effective surface area per unit volume since the gas generating electrode is in the form of a plate. The current density per effective area of the electrode is closely related to the gas production rate and the corrosion rate of the electrode member. Increasing the current density increases the gas production rate, but has a problem in that the durability of the electrolytic cell is reduced due to electrode corrosion. As a result, it is necessary to increase the effective electrolytic surface area per unit volume of the electrode to increase the gas production, and to ensure the miniaturization and durability of the electrolyzer.

In addition, the structure of the electrolytic cell described above is not suitable for controlling the flow of current through the conduit for supplying and discharging the electrolyte. In particular, the conduit communicating with the lower part of the electrolytic cell in the longitudinal direction to supply the electrolyte solution has a structure for supplying the electrolyte solution to the anode chamber and the adjacent anode chamber alternately stacked. Such a structure causes parasitic current flow between the cathode and the adjacent anode through the connection conduit under the electrolyzer, and causes a low energy efficiency.

Hydrogen gas is used extensively as a raw material for chemicals and as a process gas for chemical plants, and today it is becoming increasingly important as a future alternative energy source or clean energy medium when anticipating severe environmental pollution and depletion of fossil fuels. Therefore, there is a need for an excellent electrolytic cell that can solve various problems of the electrolytic cell described above and enable efficient hydrogen production at low cost.

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the electrolytic cell as described above, and to provide an electrolytic cell capable of producing high purity hydrogen gas and oxygen gas at a low cost by minimizing energy loss.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic cell that can minimize internal resistance, effectively block parasitic currents not used for electrolysis, and maximize active electrode surface area per unit volume to obtain high electrolysis efficiency.

Electrolyzer according to the present invention for achieving this purpose is composed of a plurality of units are stacked between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, each unit, the second surface and the plurality of the plurality of protrusions are formed in contact with the surface of the positive electrode A first feeder having a first surface on which a protrusion is formed; An anode electrode corresponding to the first feeder and in contact with a plurality of protrusions formed on the first surface of the first feeder; The center portion is formed with an opening in which the feeder and the anode electrode are positioned, and two through holes are formed in the upper and lower frames, respectively, and one of the two through holes respectively formed in the upper and lower portions is formed with an incision connected to the opening. Anodized frame; A separator assembly disposed at an edge of the separator and a membrane in contact with the anode electrode, and configured to fix the separator, the separator assembly having two through holes respectively formed at upper and lower portions of the frame corresponding to each through hole of the anode frame; An opening is formed in the center portion, and two through holes corresponding to the through holes formed in the frame of the membrane assembly are formed in the upper and lower frames, respectively. The through hole formed at the opposite position includes a cathode frame having a cutout portion connected to the opening portion; A cathode electrode positioned in the opening of the cathode frame and having one surface contacting the separator of the separator assembly; A second feeder comprising a first surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed in contact with a surface of the cathode electrode and a second surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed; And a plate positioned at the edge of the metal plate and the metal plate on one side of which the second feeder contacts and the other side of the adjacent unit feeder, and two through-holes are formed in the upper and lower portions of the frame, respectively. It includes.

Each of the negative electrode and the positive electrode in the present invention is a metal mesh woven from a metal wire having excellent conductivity, and is woven in a twill form in which a horizontal metal wire and a vertical metal wire cross two or more wires, and a gap between the metal wires (F) and the metal wire. The ratio (E) of about is about 1.5: 1.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings of the present invention will be described in detail.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing each member constituting the electrolytic cell according to the present invention.

2A is a perspective view of the membrane assembly.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2b-2b in FIG. 2A. FIG.

3A and 3B are perspective views of the anode frame and the cathode frame.

4 is a detailed view of a positive electrode and a negative electrode;

5A and 5B are front and rear perspective views of the feeder;

5C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5C-5C in FIG. 5A.

6A is a perspective view of a separator plate assembly.

6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6b-6b of FIG. 6A.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of an electrolytic cell configured by assembling each member.

8 shows an electrolyzer and peripheral devices.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing each member constituting the electrolytic cell according to the present invention, and shows two unit units A and B disposed between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 2, but constitutes an electrolytic cell. The number of units to be used is not limited.

Each unit unit (A and B) is the first feeder 10, the positive electrode 20, the positive electrode frame 30, the membrane assembly 40, the negative electrode frame 50, the negative electrode 60, the second grade It consists of a total of 70 and a separator plate assembly 80 positioned at the boundary of two units A and B, with the positive electrode 1 in front of the unit A at the front end and the negative electrode at the rear of the unit B at the rear end. (2) are located respectively. The configuration of the members constituting each unit A and B will be described in detail.

Membrane assembly (40)

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the membrane assembly, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2b-2b of FIG. 2A, showing the configuration of the membrane assembly 40 in detail. The separator assembly 40 includes a separator 41 and a frame 42 for fixing and supporting the separator 41.

Holes for penetrating bolts (h) are formed at each corner of the frame 42 having a quadrangular shape, and through holes H1 (hereinafter referred to as "first through holes") for discharging oxygen gas at the upper end of the frame 42. And through holes H2 (hereinafter referred to as "second through holes") for discharging hydrogen gas. In addition, two through holes H3 and H4 (hereinafter referred to as "third and fourth through holes") are formed at the lower end of the frame 42 to supply the electrolyte.

The frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40 is made of an electrically insulating elastic member, and a pair of elastic members are pressed against the edges of the separator 41 before and after. The center portion of the frame 42 having a quadrangular shape is open, and thus the separator 41 supported by the frame 42 is exposed to the outside.

The electrically insulating member constituting the frame 42 is formed in a single structure that can completely adhere the outer portion of the separator 41 to perform the function of the gasket during assembly. It is preferable that the elastic member has chemical resistance and elasticity to the electrolyte solution, and suitable materials thereof include hydrocarbon chlorides such as ethylene-propylene copolymers. The frame 42 and the separator 41 of the elastic member can be integrated using, for example, an organic solvent such as ethylene tetrachloride.

Electrode (anode and cathode) frames 30 and 50

3A and 3B are perspective views of the anode frame and the cathode frame, wherein the electrode frames 30 and 50 positioned at the front and the rear of the membrane assembly 40 are the same rectangular shape as the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40. As an open portion, open portions 31 and 51 are formed. Bolting holes h are formed at each corner of the frames 30 and 50. The overall shape of the anode frame 30 and the cathode frame 50 is identical to each other, the difference being the position of the hole for discharging the electrolytic product.

On the upper left side of the anode frame 30, a through hole H1 (hereinafter referred to as a “first through hole”) for discharging the electrolytic product, that is, a gas, is flowed to the right side of the cathode chamber 30. Through holes H2 (hereinafter referred to as "second through holes") are respectively formed. In addition, the lower left side has a through hole H4 (hereinafter referred to as a "fourth through hole") for the flow of the electrolyte, and the right side has a through hole H3 (hereinafter referred to as a "third through hole") for the electrolyte supply. Formed. On the other hand, the first through hole (H1) for the discharge of the electrolytic product in the upper portion and the third through hole (H3) for supplying the electrolyte solution in the lower portion incision (H1-1, H3- connected to the open portion 31 of the central portion) 1) are formed respectively.

On the contrary, a second through hole H2 for discharging the electrolytic product is formed on the upper right side of the cathode frame 50, and a first through hole H1 for the flow of the electrolytic product of the anode chamber, which will be described later, is formed on the left side of the cathode frame 50. . In addition, the lower right side has a third through hole H3 for the flow of the electrolyte, and the fourth through hole H4 for supplying the electrolyte is formed at the left side. Meanwhile, incisions H2-1 and H4- connected to the opening part 51 of the central portion are formed in the second through hole H2 for discharging the electrolyte product at the upper part and the fourth through hole H4 for supplying the electrolyte solution at the lower part. 1) are formed respectively. 3A and 3B, rotating 180 degrees about a vertical line crossing the center of the anode frame 30 is the same as the shape of the cathode frame 50.

Electrodes 20 and 60 (anode and cathode)

The anode electrode 20 and the cathode electrode 60 located at the front of the anode frame 30 and at the rear of the cathode frame 50 (where the front and the back are based on FIG. 1) have a large surface area per unit volume. It consists of a conductive metal mesh. 4 is a detailed view of the positive electrode and the negative electrode 20 and 60, and the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 60 have the same configuration.

The anode electrode 20 and the cathode electrode 60 of a network structure woven of a linear metal having a constant diameter (hereinafter referred to as "metal wire") as shown in FIG. 4 are more per unit volume compared to the flat metal electrode. A large surface area can be obtained. In Fig. 4, "E" represents the diameter of the metal wire constituting the net, "F" represents the gap between the metal wire and the metal wire, and "G" represents the space formed between the metal wires, respectively. The metal mesh can form a larger surface area per unit volume than a conventional flat electrode by properly setting the ratio of the distance F between the metal wires and the diameter E of the metal wires. When the ratio of the distance (F) between the metal wires and the diameter (E) of the metal wires is set to 1.5: 1, and the ratio of the space G formed between the metal wires is about 35%, it is about 4 compared to the flat electrode of the same volume. It has about twice as much surface area. For example, weaving a 70 mesh net with a 0.24mm diameter metal wire can have a surface area of 4.08 per square centimeter, where the ratio of the spacing (F) between the metal wires and the diameter (E) of the metal wires is 1.51: 1, and the space G ratio formed between the metal wires is 36%.

The spacing ratio is an important factor in electrodes using meshes woven from metal wires with set diameters. The gas generated at the electrode is easily released from the electrode surface, and electrolysis can be effectively performed only when the electrolyte is quickly contacted with the electrode surface. If the space ratio is high, the flow of gas and electrolyte easily occurs at the electrode surface, but it is preferable to select a network structure having an appropriate space ratio since the effective surface area of the electrode required for electrolysis is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 4, the metal nets constituting the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 60 are woven in a twill form in which a horizontal metal line and a vertical metal line cross two or more lines. As described above, in order for the metal mesh to have a large surface area, the ratio of the distance between the metal wires (F) and the diameter (E) of the metal wires should be maintained at about 1.5: 1. Weave the net. Therefore, in order to reduce the fatigue hardening by increasing the angle of refraction of the metal wire constituting the metal mesh, it is preferable to use a mesh woven in a twill form in which the horizontal metal wire and the vertical metal wire cross two or more metal wires to each other.

The electrode of the network structure used in the present invention effectively provides a larger surface area than the flat electrode, thereby improving gas generation efficiency. The amount of current flowing per unit area of the electrode determines the gas generation amount and durability of the electrode. The current density of the electrode used for electrolysis varies depending on the material of the electrode, but is typically 15 to 20 A per square centimeter. Therefore, by increasing the effective surface area of the electrode at the same current density it is possible to maintain a high amount of generated gas, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the electrolytic cell.

Feeder (10 and 70)

The power supplies 10 and 70 positioned at the front of the positive electrode 20 and the rear of the negative electrode 60 respectively transmit the current supplied from the outside evenly from the surface of each electrode 20 and 60, and the electrode 20 And 60) to smoothly flow the gas and the electrolyte generated.

In order to evenly conduct current to each electrode surface, the feeders 10 and 70 must have multiple contact points. The feeders 10 and 70 constituted by molding a thin metal plate having high electrical conductivity are placed in parallel in a vertical state in the electrolytic cell to contact each electrode and the separator.

5A is a front perspective view of the feeder, FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5c-5c of FIG. 5A, and the feeder shown in FIG. 1 has the same shape, and thus FIG. 5. Reference numerals in parentheses denote constituent members of the power feeder 70 in contact with the cathode electrode 60.

The feeders 10 and 70 are provided with projections (contacting portions) of different shapes on the front and rear surfaces thereof, respectively. The semi-cylindrical protrusions 11 and 71 having a constant length are formed in a plurality of rows on the first surfaces of the feeders 10 and 70, and the protrusions 11 and 71 constituting each row are at regular intervals. Has The projections 11 and 71 of each row are staggered by corresponding to the space formed between the projections of adjacent rows. Each of the protrusions 11 and 71 is convexly pushed up in a state in which the front and rear ends of the specific area of the plate member constituting the feeders 10 and 70 are cut out. As shown in FIG. 5C, the upper surfaces of the protrusions 11 and 71 formed on the first surface form a curved surface.

Although a plurality of protrusions 12 and 72 are formed on the second surface, which is another surface of the feeders 10 and 70, the shape is somewhat different from the protrusions 11 and 71 formed on the first surface. The protrusions 12 and 72 of the second surface having a constant length are also convexly pushed up in a state in which the front end and the rear end of a specific area of the plate member constituting the feeders 10 and 70 are cut out, and FIG. 5C. As shown in the top surface of each protrusion 12 and 72 is planar. The protrusions 12 and 72 are formed in a state of forming a plurality of rows, and the protrusions 12 and 72 of each row maintain a constant interval. The protrusions 12 and 72 of each row are staggered by corresponding to the space formed between the adjacent protrusions of another row, and each of the protrusions 12 and 72 formed on the second face is a protrusion 11 and 71 formed on the first face. It corresponds to the space between them.

Specific functions of the power supplies 10 and 70 will be described. In the following description, two power supplies 10 and 70 constituting the front unit A shown in FIG. 1 will be described by way of example.

On the front of the positive electrode 20 and the rear of the negative electrode 60, respectively, the feeders 10 and 70; in the following description, the feeder 10 corresponding to the front of the anode electrode 20 is referred to as a "first feeder". And the feeder 70 corresponding to the rear surface of the cathode electrode 60 are referred to as "second feeder". The first surface of the first feeder 10 corresponds to the anode electrode 20, and the second surface corresponds to the anode 1. Therefore, the curved surface of each of the protrusions 11 formed on the first surface of the first feeder 10 contacts the anode electrode 20, and the plane of the top of each of the protrusions 12 formed on the second surface is the positive electrode 1. ).

In addition, the first surface of the second feeder 70 corresponds to the cathode electrode 60, and the second surface corresponds to the separator plate 81 of the separator plate assembly 80, and thus the second feeder 70. The curved surface of the upper end of each protrusion 71 formed on the first side of the contact with the cathode electrode 60, the plane of the upper end of each protrusion 72 formed on the second side of the separation plate assembly (80) 81).

Each of the feeders 10 and 70 of the present invention has a positive electrode 20 and a negative electrode (6) in order to form many contact points with the electrode without disturbing gas generation at the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 60. And a portion 12 contacting the separator plate 81 to direct current through the separator plate 81 of the separator plate assembly 80 to the electrode surface of opposite polarity of the adjacent unit. 72) in a planar configuration. Further, through the recesses formed between the protrusions 11 and 71, 12, and 72 formed on each of the first and second surfaces, the supply of the electrolyte solution required for electrolysis and the flow of the generated gas are facilitated.

Separator plate 80

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the separator plate assembly, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6b-6b of FIG. 6A, in which the separator plate is formed by integrating the frame 82 of the electrically insulating elastic member at the edge of the rectangular metal plate 81. Assembly 80 is constructed. This separator plate assembly 80 is located between two units A and B, and after assembly of the electrolytic cell, the frame 82 of the elastic member acts as a gasket against the electrolytic chamber frame.

The bolt through hole h is formed at each corner of the frame 82, and the through hole H1 for oxygen gas discharge and the through hole H2 for hydrogen gas discharge are formed in the upper portion. Further, two electrolyte hole supply holes H3 and H4 are formed in the lower portion.

The assembling state and respective functions of the members described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of an electrolytic cell configured by assembling each member, and shows only two unit units A and B shown in FIG. Although the unit units A and B shown in FIG. 7 are disposed at left and right centering on the separator plate assembly 80, the functions of each unit are the same, and thus, only the left unit A is illustrated in the following description for convenience. Listen and explain.

The unit A is separated into the anode chamber and the cathode chamber according to the polarity of the current applied by being mounted around the membrane assembly 40, that is, according to the anode electrode 20 and the cathode electrode 60. The anode chamber is applied to the left side of the anode chamber and the cathode current is applied to the cathode chamber.

Two electrode (anode and cathode) frames 30 and 50 are placed in close contact with the front and rear surfaces of the membrane assembly 40 (the separator assembly 40, the anode frame 30, and the cathode in FIG. 7). Frame 50 is shown as one). The positive and negative frames 30 and 50 are in close contact with the front and the rear of the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40, and bolt-holes h formed at each corner of the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40 and The bolt through holes h formed at each corner of the anode and cathode frames 30 and 50 coincide. In addition, the first through fourth through holes H1 through H4 formed in the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40 may include the first through fourth through holes H1 through H4 formed in the anode and cathode frames 30 and 50. Corresponds to

In the state where the anode frame 30 and the cathode frame 50 are in close contact with each other, the anode electrode 10 and the first feeder 20 are disposed on the front surface of the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40, and the cathode electrode 60 is disposed on the rear surface thereof. And the second feeder 70 are sequentially positioned. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the anode and cathode electrodes 20 and 60 and the first and second feeders 10 and 70 may have an area of the separator 42 of the separator assembly 40 and each electrode frame 30. And 50) smaller than the areas of the openings 31 and 51 formed in the central portion, so that the two electrodes 20 and 60 are in close contact with both surfaces of the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40, respectively. In addition, the first and second feeders 10 and 70 remain in close contact with the surfaces of the corresponding electrodes 20 and 60.

As described in connection with FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the semi-cylindrical protrusion 11 having a constant length has a plurality of rows on the first surface of the first feeder 10 corresponding to the anode electrode 20. The curved top surfaces of the protrusions 11 are in contact with the surface of the anode electrode 20. Further, curved top surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 71 formed on the first surface of the second feeder 70 corresponding to the cathode electrode 60 also contact the cathode electrode 60. The top plane of the protrusion 12 formed on the second surface of the first feeder 10 corresponding to the positive electrode 20 is the positive electrode 1 and the second feeder 70 corresponding to the negative electrode 60. The top plane of the protrusions 72 formed on the second surface of the contact with the separator plates 81 of the separator plate assembly 80, respectively.

As such, the anode 1, the first feeder 10, the anode electrode 20, the anode frame 30, the separator assembly 40, the cathode frame 50, the cathode electrode 60, and the second feeder In the state in which the 70 and the separator plate assembly 80 are in close contact with each other, the fixing bolts are attached to each corner of the anode 1, each corner of the anode frame 30, each corner of the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40, One unit A is formed by fastening to the bolt through hole h formed at each corner of the cathode frame 50 and each corner of the frame 82 of the separator plate 80.

On the other hand, another unit (B) consisting of another first feeder, the positive electrode, the positive electrode frame, the separator assembly, the negative electrode frame, the negative electrode, the second feeder and the separator plate assembly is separated from the first unit (A) Placed in a stacked form on the back of the assembly 80 constitutes an electrolytic cell in which a plurality of units are arranged in a horizontal stacked form. Here, of course, the anode 1 and the cathode 2 are located at both ends of the electrolytic cell. Thereafter, the electrolytic cell 100 as shown in FIG. 8 is completed by fastening bolts to each of the bolt through holes formed in the corners of the anode, the edge of the frame of the membrane assembly of each unit, the corner of the separator plate, and the corner of the cathode. do.

The electrolysis in the electrolytic cell configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first unit A shown in the left part of FIG. 7, the left portion where the anode electrode 20 is positioned around the separator assembly 40 is referred to as “anode chamber” and the right portion where the cathode electrode 60 is located. Called the "cathode chamber", the supply path of the electrolyte required for electrolysis and the discharge path of oxygen and hydrogen gas generated by electrolysis are referred to as the first unit (A) and the second unit (B) shown in FIG. An example is demonstrated.

Electrolyte Supply Process

A line 1A (hereinafter referred to as a “gas discharge line”) for discharging oxygen gas and electrolyte generated in the anode chamber is connected to the upper left side of the anode 1 positioned at one end of the electrolytic cell, and the anode is connected to the lower right side. A line 1B (hereinafter referred to as an "electrolyte supply line") for supplying an electrolyte solution to the yarn is connected. The gas discharge line 1A includes the first through hole H1 of the anode frame 30 constituting the first unit A, the first through hole H1 of the membrane assembly 40, and the cathode frame 50. The first through hole of the positive electrode frame constituting the first through hole H1, the first through hole H1 of the separator plate assembly 80, and the second unit B, the first through hole of the separator assembly, and the negative electrode frame. Corresponding to the first through-hole of the. In addition, the electrolyte supply line 1B includes a third through hole H3 of the anode frame 30 constituting the first unit A, a third through hole H3 of the membrane assembly 40 frame 42, A third through hole of the anode frame constituting the third through hole H3 of the cathode frame 50, the third through hole H3 of the frame 82 of the separator plate assembly 80, and the second unit B, It is connected to the third through hole of the membrane assembly, the third through hole of the cathode frame.

The electrolyte flowing through the electrolyte supply line 1B of the anode 1 passes through the third through hole H3 of the anode frame 30 of the first unit A in the third through hole H3. A space formed between the anode chamber, that is, the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40, and the anode 1 through the formed cutout portion H3-1 (in the anode chamber, the anode electrode 20 and the first feeder 10 ) Is located). Even after the electrolyte solution is supplied to the anode chamber of the first unit A, the electrolyte solution continues to flow into the third through hole H3 of the membrane assembly 40, the third through hole H3 of the cathode frame 50, and the separator plate. After passing through the third through hole H3 of the assembly 80, it is supplied to the anode chamber of the second unit through a cutout formed in the third through hole of the anode frame of the second unit B. At this time, since the third through hole formed in the negative electrode frame constituting the negative electrode chambers of the units A and B and the frame of the separator plate assembly is hermetically closed without an incision, the electrolyte supply line 1B of the positive electrode 1 is provided. The supplied electrolyte is not supplied to the cathode chamber.

The upper right side of the cathode 2 located at the other end of the electrolytic cell is connected with a line 2A (hereinafter referred to as a "gas discharge line") for discharging hydrogen gas and electrolyte generated in the cathode chamber, and the lower left side. A line 2B (hereinafter referred to as an "electrolyte supply line") for supplying an electrolyte solution to the cathode chamber is connected. The gas discharge line 2A has a second through hole of the cathode frame constituting the second unit B, a second through hole of the membrane assembly, a second through hole of the anode frame, and a second through hole of the separator plate 80. The second through hole H2 of the cathode frame 50 constituting the hole H2 and the first unit A, the second through hole H2 of the membrane assembly 40, and the second of the anode frame 30. It is connected to the through hole (H2). In addition, the electrolyte supply line 2B includes a fourth through hole of the negative electrode frame constituting the second unit B, a fourth through hole of the membrane assembly, a fourth through hole of the positive electrode frame, and a second plate of the separator plate 80. Fourth through hole H4 of the negative electrode frame 50 constituting the fourth through hole H4 and the first unit B, the fourth through hole H4 of the membrane assembly 40, and the positive electrode frame 30. It is connected to the fourth through hole H4.

The electrolyte introduced through the electrolyte supply line 2B of the cathode 2 passes through the fourth through hole of the cathode frame of the second unit B, and thus, through the cutout formed in the fourth through hole, that is, the separator. It flows into the space formed between the separator and the cathode of the assembly, and, of course, the cathode electrode and the second feeder are located in this cathode chamber. Even after the electrolyte solution is supplied to the cathode chamber of the second unit, the electrolyte solution continues to flow through the fourth through hole of the membrane assembly, the fourth through hole of the positive electrode frame, and the third through hole of the separator plate assembly. It is supplied to the cathode chamber of the first unit A through the cutout H4-1 formed in the fourth through hole H4 of the cathode frame 50 of A). At this time, the cathode frame 30 constituting the anode chamber of each of the units (A and B) and the fourth through hole (H4) formed in the frame 42 of the separator plate assembly 40 are closed because there is no cutout and thus the cathode The electrolyte solution supplied through the electrolyte solution supply line 2B of (2) is not supplied to the anode chamber.

Through this process, the electrolyte is supplied to the cathode chamber and the anode chamber of each unit A and B, and electrolysis is performed in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber by applying power to the anode and the cathode.

Discharge path of gas generated by electrolysis

When power is applied to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, electrolysis of the electrolytic solution proceeds in the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 60 in the positive and negative chambers of the units A and B, and as a result, oxygen gas and hydrogen Gas is generated.

As described above, the gas discharge line 1A connected to the upper left side of the anode 1 positioned at one end of the electrolytic cell has a first through hole H1 of the anode frame 30 constituting the first unit A, The first through hole H1 of the membrane assembly 40, the first through hole H1 of the cathode frame 50, the first through hole H1 of the separator plate assembly 80, and the second unit B are disposed. The first through hole of the positive electrode frame, the first through hole of the membrane assembly, and the first through hole of the negative electrode frame are configured.

Therefore, the oxygen gas generated in the space between the anode chamber of the first unit A, that is, the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40 and the anode 1 (containing electrolyte), is the anode frame 30. Flows into the first through hole H1 through a cutout H1-1 connecting the first through hole H1 and the central opening 31 formed in the first through hole H1, and then discharges gas from the upper left side of the anode 1; Discharge to the outside via line 1A. Similarly, the oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber of the second unit B is introduced into the first through hole through a cutout connecting the first through hole formed in the anode frame and the opening, and then in the anode chamber of the first unit A. Together with the generated oxygen gas, it is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge line 1A connected to the upper left side of the anode 1.

Meanwhile, the first through hole H1 of the cathode frame 50 constituting the cathode chambers of the first and second units A and B and the first through hole H1 of the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40. Since the first through-hole H1 of the frame 82 of the separator plate assembly 80 is closed without an incision, the hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chambers of the first and second units A and B is positively connected to the anode 1. ) Does not flow into the gas discharge line 1A.

When power is applied to the cathode 2 at the same time as the anode 1, electrolysis of the electrolyte proceeds at the cathode electrode 60 in the cathode chambers of the units A and B, and hydrogen gas is generated as a result.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas discharge line 2A connected to the upper right side of the cathode 2 positioned at one end of the electrolytic cell is connected to the second through hole of the cathode frame constituting the second unit B, and the separator assembly. The cathode frame 50 constituting the second through hole, the second through hole of the cathode frame, the second through hole of the anode frame, the second through hole H2 of the separator plate assembly 80 and the first unit A Is connected to the second through hole H2 of the separator assembly 40, the second through hole H2 of the membrane assembly 40, and the second through hole H2 of the positive electrode frame 30.

Accordingly, the hydrogen gas generated in the space between the cathode chamber of the second unit B, that is, the separator and the cathode electrode of the separator assembly (containing electrolyte) is incised to connect the second through hole formed in the cathode frame and the opening. It is introduced into the second through hole through the portion, and is then discharged to the outside through the gas discharge line 2A connected to the upper right side of the cathode (2). Similarly, the hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber of the first unit A is made through the cutout H2-1 connecting the second through hole H2 formed in the cathode frame 50 and the opening 51. 2 is introduced into the through hole (H2), and is then discharged to the outside through the gas discharge line (2A) of the cathode 2 together with the hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber of the second unit (B).

Meanwhile, the second through hole H2 of the anode frame 30 constituting the anode chambers of the first and second units A and B, and the second through hole H2 of the frame 42 of the membrane assembly 40. And the second through hole H2 of the frame 82 of the separator plate assembly 80 is closed without an incision, so that oxygen gas generated in the anode chambers of the units A and B is discharged from the cathode 2. It does not flow into line 2A.

As described above, the oxygen gas and the hydrogen gas (which contain the electrolyte solution) discharged through the gas discharge lines 1A and 2A of the anode 1 and the cathode 2 are respectively as shown in FIG. 8. 101, 102). The gas from which the electrolyte is separated in the gas-liquid separators 101 and 102 is stored in a gas storage tank, and the electrolyte is filtered and then flowed back into the electrolytic cell 100.

The function of each member in the above-described electrolyte supply process and discharge of the generated gas will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(a) As described above, the positive electrode 1, the first feeder 10, the positive electrode 20, the positive electrode frame 30, the membrane assembly 40, and the negative electrode which constitute the single units A and B. The frame 50, the cathode electrode 60, the second feeder 70, and the separator plate assembly 80 are fastened by a plurality of fixing bolts. In the state where each member is fastened, the first feeder 10 and the positive electrode 20 are positioned in the space (that is, the positive electrode chamber) formed between the positive electrode 1 and the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40. In addition, the anode frame 30 serves as a gasket to completely block this space from the outside. Similarly, the second feeder 70 and the cathode electrode 60 are spaces formed between the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40 and the separator 81 of the separator assembly 80 (that is, the cathode chamber). ), The cathode frame 50 serves as a gasket to completely block this space from the outside. Therefore, each gas generated in the cathode electrode 60 and the anode electrode 20 does not leak in any other path except the corresponding gas discharge line.

(b) The power supplies 10 and 70 positioned at the front of the positive electrode 20 and the rear of the negative electrode 60 respectively perform a function of uniformly transferring current from the electrode surface to the other electrode surface. The feeders 10 and 70 form a space between the anode electrode 20 and the cathode electrode 60 and the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40 to supply the electrolyte solution supplied to the space to the electrode surface. It also serves as a passage for transferring the gas generated in the cathode chamber or anode chamber to the gas discharge line through the cutout of each frame.

From one electrode surface, through the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40 or the metal plate 81 (separator plate) of the separator assembly 80, a power source (I) is used to uniformly conduct current to the adjacent electrode surface having the opposite polarity. 10 and 70 have a plurality of contact points 11, 12 and 71, 72. Each of the feeders 10 and 70 made of a thin metal plate having high electrical conductivity has different types of contacts 11, 12, 71, 72 on the front and back sides, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. Each is formed. The curved top surfaces of the semi-cylindrical protrusions 11 and 71 formed on the first surface contact the surfaces of the electrodes 20 and 60 to form many points of contact with the electrodes 20 and 60, while at the electrodes 20 and 60, respectively. It may not interfere with gas generation. In addition, the upper surface of the plane of the protrusions 12 and 72 formed on the second surface is applied to the electrode surface of the opposite polarity through the separator 41 of the separator assembly 40 and the separator 81 of the separator assembly 80. Can be sent more smoothly. Through the recesses formed between the protrusions 11, 12, and 71, 72, the electrolyte and the generated gas required for each electrode smoothly flow.

In the electrolytic cell according to the present invention as described above, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are located close to each other with the separator assembly therebetween, thereby minimizing the gap between the two electrodes to facilitate the flow of ions having electrical charge between the electrodes, therefore It can lower the resistance and increase the energy conversion efficiency of electrolysis. In addition, through holes are formed on the upper and lower portions of the electrolytic cell (each frame) for supplying electrolyte to the cathode chamber and the anode chamber and discharging the generated gas, and the periphery of the separator plate assembly and the membrane assembly where the through holes are formed are integrated with an insulating elastic member. This prevents the flow of current through each through hole. Therefore, the flow of current through the through-holes in the electrolytic cell is blocked, and the current flows only through the anode electrode and the cathode electrode based on the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, thereby increasing the purity of the generated gas and reducing energy loss.

In addition, in the present invention, the amount of gas generated can be increased by providing a larger surface area per unit volume than the flat electrode by using a cathode and an anode electrode of a mesh type woven from a metal wire having a constant diameter.

Claims (7)

A plurality of units are stacked between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein each unit, A first feeder including a second surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed to contact the surface of the anode and a first surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed; An anode electrode corresponding to the first feeder and in contact with a plurality of protrusions formed on the first surface of the first feeder; An opening portion in which the feeder and the anode electrode are positioned is formed in the center portion, and two through holes are formed in the upper and lower frames, respectively, and any one of the two through holes respectively formed in the upper and lower portions is a cut portion connected to the opening portion. An anode frame formed; A separator assembly disposed on the separator and the membrane at which the anode electrode is in contact with each other to fix the separator, wherein a separator assembly having two through holes respectively formed at upper and lower portions of the frame corresponding to each through hole of the anode frame; An open part is formed in the center part, and two through holes corresponding to the through holes formed in the frame of the separator assembly are formed in the upper and lower frames, respectively. The through hole formed in a position opposite to the ball is a cathode frame is formed with a cutout connected to the opening; A cathode electrode positioned in the opening of the cathode frame and having one surface contacting the separator of the separator assembly; A second feeder including a first surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed to contact the surface of the cathode electrode and a second surface on which a plurality of protrusions are formed; And One side is composed of a metal plate and a frame located at the edge of the metal plate and the second surface is in contact with the second feeder and the other side of the feeder of the adjacent unit, the separation plate is formed with two through holes in the upper and lower portions of the frame An electrolytic cell comprising an assembly. The method of claim 1, wherein the membrane assembly is a pair of frames made of an electrically insulating elastic member is formed in the form of pressing the edge of the membrane before and after, the elastic member is characterized in that the electrolytic cell having a chemical resistance to the electrolyte and elasticity . The method of claim 1, wherein each of the feeders is made of a thin metal plate having a high electrical conductivity, and the first surface corresponding to the positive electrode or the negative electrode, the plurality of semi-cylindrical protrusions are formed in a state of forming a plurality of rows and curved The upper surface is in contact with the surface of the electrode, and the second surface corresponding to the metal plate or the cathode (or anode) is formed in the form of a plurality of protrusions to form a column so that the top surface of the plane is in contact with the surface of the metal plate or cathode (or anode) An electrolytic cell, characterized in that the contact. 4. The protrusions of claim 3, wherein the protrusions formed on both sides of each feeder are spaced apart from adjacent protrusions, and the protrusions of each row are staggered corresponding to the space formed between the protrusions of the adjacent rows, and the protrusions formed on the second surface. Electrolyzer, characterized in that corresponding to the space between the protrusions formed on the first surface. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the cathode electrode and the anode electrode is in the form of a metal mesh woven from a metal wire having excellent conductivity, the horizontal metal wire and the vertical metal wire is woven in a twill form of two or more wires crossing each other, the interval between the metal wire (F The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the ratio (E) of the metal wire to the diameter (E) is about 1.5: 1. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode frame and the negative electrode frame have opposite positions of the cutouts connecting the openings in the center and the through holes for moving the electrolyte and the cutouts connecting the through holes for gas movement. 2. The electrolytic cell of claim 1, wherein the separator plate assembly is formed by integrating a frame made of an electrically insulating elastic member on a rectangular metal plate rim, and positioned between two units so that the frame acts as a gasket after assembly of the electrolytic cell. .