WO2024257090A1 - Électrolyseur, systèmes et utilisations associés - Google Patents

Électrolyseur, systèmes et utilisations associés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024257090A1
WO2024257090A1 PCT/IL2024/050571 IL2024050571W WO2024257090A1 WO 2024257090 A1 WO2024257090 A1 WO 2024257090A1 IL 2024050571 W IL2024050571 W IL 2024050571W WO 2024257090 A1 WO2024257090 A1 WO 2024257090A1
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Prior art keywords
electrolyzer
electrolysis
electrolyte
cells
electrolysis cells
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PCT/IL2024/050571
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English (en)
Inventor
Hen DOTAN
Gideon Grader
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H2pro Ltd
Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd
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H2pro Ltd
Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd
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Publication of WO2024257090A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024257090A1/fr
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    • 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
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/01—Products
    • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
    • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
    • 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
    • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
    • C25B1/50—Processes
    • 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
    • C25B15/08—Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytes; Regeneration of electrolytes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/01—Electrolytic cells characterised by shape or form
    • C25B9/015—Cylindrical cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/07—Common duct cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells

Definitions

  • the invention generally contemplates an electrolyzer and systems implementing same.
  • Electrolyzers are electrochemical devices that are used to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. Construction of an electrolyzer as a cell stack operating in an electrical series arrangement typically requires presence of bipolar elements. As the electrolyte solution is a good electrical conductor, some of the electrical current applied to the stack may follow a path through the fluid rather than through the electrolytic cells, resulting in a reduction in the electrolyzer efficiency. These undesired currents are called “stray currents” or “shunt currents”. The reduced efficiency of the electrolyzer can be enhanced by current flow between the conductive electrodes through the moving fluid streams in contact with the electrodes, from each respective cell and into a reservoir into which all flows are combined. Such currents can give rise to local corrosion and water electrolysis causing generation of both hydrogen and oxygen gases.
  • a bipolar plate forming a physical barrier between cells is one of the means used to serve as means to reduce the shunt or stray currents.
  • a way to avoid use of a bipolar plate has been implemented in a system [1] configured such that an electrolyte is allowed to flow uninterruptedly through a connector that is not a bipolar plate, positioned between any two electrochemical cells, or any two stacks of electrochemical cells, while maintaining a cell activity in terms of totally avoiding or minimizing leakage currents.
  • the inventors of the technology disclosed herein have developed a novel gravitational electrolyzer that minimizes shunt currents and provides a better management of thermal losses by providing electrical isolation in the gas phase.
  • the flow configuration involves generation of drops that prevent continuous uninterrupted flow of the electrolyte solution, thereby ensuring electrical isolation.
  • An electrolyzer of the invention is structured of a plurality of electrolysis cells, which may be vertically stacked or horizontally arranged, with each of the cells being independently designed to receive an electrolyte solution through a top plate, which may be a perforated top plate positioned for each cell separately as a top wall. Fluid from each of the cells cascades into a bottom plate and is compartmentalized therein, thereby avoiding mixing of excess fluids from other cells. This permits an interruption of the flow path of the electrolyte solution and causes an increase in the resistance of the path. By feeding the electrolyte solution through the perforated top plate of each cell, a cascaded gravitational flow of drops of the solution is achieved, ensuring gas isolation and minimization or elimination of the shunt currents.
  • Electrolyte solution is introduced into the electrolyzer through one or more supply tubes.
  • the flow of electrolyte solution into and out of the supply tubes may be assisted by means such as an external pump that pushes the solution into the supply tubes.
  • the solution can enter either from the top or the bottom of the electrolyzer.
  • fluid outlets provided on the supply tubes allow the solution to flow onto the electrolysis cells and subsequently flow gravitationally downward through top perforated plates.
  • the invention provides an electrolyzer (or an electrolysis apparatus) comprising a plurality of electrolysis cells (or cells- which may be vertically stacked) and one or more electrolyte solution supply tubes passing through said plurality of electrolysis cells and configured to receive and flow an electrolyte solution, the one or more supply tubes having a plurality of fluid outlets configured to discharge the electrolyte solution from said one or more electrolyte supply tubes to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells; and a plurality of electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through the electrolyte solution introduced into said electrolysis cells via said outlets.
  • the one or more supply tubes being configured to receive and flow the electrolyte solution is/are configured to receive the electrolyte solution from a top end or a bottom end thereof. In some embodiments, where two or more supply tubes are present, each may receive the electrolyte solution from same end(s) or from opposite end(s).
  • an electrolyzer of the invention is provided with a plurality of electrolysis cells (or cells- which may be vertically stacked) and one or more electrolyte solution supply tubes passing through said plurality of electrolysis cells and configured to receive an electrolyte solution from a top end thereof, the one or more supply tubes having a plurality of fluid outlets configured to discharge the electrolyte solution from said one or more electrolyte supply tubes to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells.
  • the number of electrolysis cells in a given electrolyzer, or a given stack is unlimited and may be determined based on practical considerations.
  • the number of cells in the plurality of cells may vary. In some cases, the number of cells may be between 1 and more than 100 in each electrolyzer unit, in some embodiments, the number of cells may be between 1 and 100, or 1 and 80, or 1 to 70, or 1 to 60, or 1 to 50 or 10 to 100, or 20 to 100, or 30 to 100, or 40 to 100, or 50 to 100, or 60 to 100, or 70 to 100, or 80 to 100, or 90 to 100, or 30 to 90, or 40 to 80, or 50 to 70 or any other number of cells per electrolyzer unit.
  • the invention further provides an electrolyzer (or an electrolysis apparatus or a reactor) comprising a plurality of vertically stacked electrolysis cells and one or more electrolyte supply tubes passing through said plurality of electrolysis cells and configured to receive an electrolyte solution from a top or bottom end of the one or more supply tubes, the one or more supply tubes having a plurality of fluid outlets configured to discharge the electrolyte solution from said one or more electrolyte supply tubes to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells having a perforated top wall to permit gravitational flow of the electrolyte solution therethrough and into a bottom fluid chamber; and a plurality of electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through the electrolyte solution introduced into said electrolysis cells via said outlets.
  • an electrolyzer or an electrolysis apparatus or a reactor
  • the invention further provides an electrolyzer (or an electrolysis apparatus or a reactor) comprising a plurality of vertically stacked electrolysis cells, each being configured to independently receive an electrolyte solution from one or more electrolyte supply tubes passing through each of said plurality of electrolysis cells and configured to receive and flow an electrolyte solution from a top or bottom end thereof, the one or more supply tubes having a plurality of fluid outlets each configured to discharge the electrolyte solution to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells, wherein a perforated top wall of each one of the plurality of electrolysis cells permits gravitational flow of the solution from a top electrolysis cell to bottom fluid chamber; and a plurality of electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through the electrolyte solution introduced into said electrolysis cells via said outlets.
  • each of the one or more of the electrolyte supply tubes may have between 1 and 5 fluid outlets that directionally flow the electrolyte solution into each of the electrolysis cells.
  • the size and shape of the outlets may differ in the various tubes or may differ based on the position of the outlet along the supply tube.
  • An outlet may be in the shape of a tube that has several sub outlets.
  • the size of the outlet holes may be adjustable to deliver a similar flow of electrolyte to other cells that are either above or below a given cell.
  • each one of the electrolyte supply tubes having a single fluid outlet that is configured to flow the solution into a respective cell.
  • the number of outlets making up the plurality of fluid outlets is equal or greater than the number of electrolysis cells.
  • the outlets of the supply tubes may be designed in a way that the liquid flow onto the top cell is similar to the flow into the bottom fluid chamber in the stack, thus taking into account the hydrostatic pressure difference between them.
  • the electrolyzer, apparatus or system of the invention is typically provided in a housing that is configured to accommodate the plurality of the electrolysis cells.
  • the cells connected in series (in some embodiments, stacked one on top of the other, or in horizontal fashion) and provided with one or more, in some embodiments, one electrolyte supply tube that passes through a bore or an opening provided in each of the electrolysis cells and separately supplies each of the cells with the electrolyte solution.
  • One or more or all of the electrolysis cells is/are provided with an electrode assembly that at least partially encircles a portion of the electrolyte supply tube inside each of the electrolysis cells.
  • Each of the cells is provided with a top wall which may be a perforated top wall.
  • the electrolyte solution exiting the supply tubes through the fluid outlets is delivered onto the perforated top wall, such that each of the cells receives the electrolyte solution by gravity and in a form of drops.
  • a top wall of each of the plurality of electrolysis cells is or comprises a perforated pod or tray that is configured to receive the electrolyte solution discharged from a fluid outlet of the electrolyte supply tube and gravitationally discharge the electrolyte solution through its perforations as a plurality of drops.
  • Each electrolysis cell is provided with one or more respective fluid outlet(s) that is/are positioned immediately above the top wall or perforated tray.
  • the electrolyte solution cannot flow into the cells in any other way. Flow through the perforated wall is gravitational.
  • the top wall of each one of the cells in the plurality of electrolysis cells comprises a plurality of circumferential apertures arranged about the surface of the perforated tray and configured for discharging the electrolysis products, e.g., gases, from each of the electrolysis cells into a product chamber defined above said top wall or above the stacked cells in communication, e.g., gaseous communication, with one or more discharge apertures that are not fluid apertures.
  • the electrolysis products e.g., gases
  • each of the cells may be additionally provided with one or more fluid apertures.
  • Fluid or excess fluid from each of the cells may be regulated in each of the cells through a level-regulating side-aperture that is configured to allow electrolyte overflow thereinside.
  • a flow-regulating side-aperture may also be provided in each of the cells to guarantee a desired outflow of the electrolyte solution therefrom.
  • the fluid side apertures permit flow of fluid from within each of the cells into a bottom fluid chamber, that is compartmentalized or sectioned. The flow from each cell into a respective sectioned chamber ensures that solutions from different cells are not mixed.
  • the flow is through a plurality of vertical fluid channels that extend the full length of the apparatus.
  • the vertical fluid channels are configured to direct fluid from each cell into a respective compartment or section of the bottom fluid chamber. In some embodiments, this may be achieved in a configuration wherein each of the plurality of electrolysis cells defines a plurality of vertical fluid channels that extend a long a length of said apparatus, wherein each of said plurality of electrolysis cells is in fluid communication with one or more respective vertical fluid channel(s) from said plurality of vertical fluid channels via its respective side-apertures. In some embodiments, the number of vertical fluid channels is equal to or greater than the number of electrolysis cells in said apparatus.
  • one or more additional vertical channels are provided which are not configured to receive or flow a fluid therethrough.
  • Each of the plurality of electrolysis cells is thus configured to define a plurality of discharge apertures for passage of electrolysis products, typically gaseous products, from each of said electrolysis cell into a respective plurality of the vertical channels that are not in fluid communication with the side-apertures; namely that are not designed nor configured to permit flow of excess fluid therethrough.
  • a collector tube is provided that is in communication, e.g., gaseous communication, with at least some of the vertical channels for discharging the electrolysis products, e.g., gases, from said apparatus.
  • the gas pressure generated by the evolving gaseous products, within the assembly of cells is uniform throughout.
  • the gases generated in the different cells at the same pressure rise in the electrolyte solution within each cell and flow outward.
  • each of the electrolysis cells maintains a gas phase that is at the same pressure.
  • the plurality of vertical channels i.e., both those configured for discharging electrolyte fluid and those configured for discharging the electrolysis products, are formed or defined between external wall surfaces of the electrolysis cells and internal wall surfaces of the housing.
  • fluid or excess fluid flowing from each of the cells is collected in a bottom fluid chamber that is a compartmentalized fluid collector cell, provided or located at the bottom of the apparatus, under the plurality of electrolysis cells, and which is in fluid communication with the respective vertical fluid channels that are in fluid communication with the side-apertures of the electrolyte cells, for receiving the electrolyte discharged into said vertical fluid channels via the side-apertures.
  • the fluid collector cell comprises a plurality of compartments each configured to receive electrolyte from a respective one (or a set) of the vertical fluid channels that are in fluid communication with the side-apertures of the electrolyte cells.
  • the bottom wall of the fluid collector cell comprises a plurality of openings for discharging the electrolyte from said apparatus.
  • An electrolyzer of the invention may implement one to many electrolysis cells. Each cell may be configured to receive an electrolyte solution from one or more electrolyte supply tubes passing therethrough and may comprise an electrode assembly that is connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through the electrolyte solution present in the cell. As the cell arrangement dictates, the electrode assembly (comprising an anode and a cathode) is fully contained within the cell, at least partially or fully encircling at least one of the supply tubes.
  • each cell may be configured to receive an electrolyte solution from a single electrolyte supply tube and the electrode assembly (comprising an anode and a cathode) is fully contained within the cell, at least partially or fully encircling the single supply tube.
  • Each of the cells may be shaped as a cup or a vessel or a tray and have a size and shape dictated by the dimensions of the apparatus or system or by the volume of electrolyte it is configured to contain.
  • an electrolysis cell comprises:
  • cup-shaped vessel having a bore or a plurality of bores (that are formed through the surface of the vessel and may be positioned centrally or in any other pattern), each configured for receiving or for passage of an electrolyte supply tube(s) therethrough;
  • Electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through electrolyte introduced into said electrolysis cell via one or more fluid outlets provided in said electrolyte supply tube(s);
  • cover element having a bore (or a plurality of bores, e.g., centrally positioned) configured for passage of the electrolyte supply tube(s) therethrough and for covering a top opening of said cup-shaped vessel, wherein said cover element comprises an optionally perforated pod or tray or top wall configured to receive the electrolyte discharged from said one or more fluid outlets of the electrolyte supply tube for passage (e.g., through its perforations) into said cupshaped vessel by gravity (wherein the electrolyte passes through the perforations to provide a plurality of drops).
  • an apparatus of the invention comprises one or more stacked electrolysis cells (or cells associated in series) arranged around a common (and at times central) electrolyte supply tube, wherein each of the one or more stacked electrolysis cells is a cup-shaped vessel having a bore (optionally a central bore) configured for passage of the electrolyte supply tube therethrough; one or more electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through electrolyte introduced into said electrolysis cell via one or more fluid outlets provided in said electrolyte supply tube; and a cover element having a bore (optionally a central bore) configured for passage of the electrolyte supply tube therethrough and for covering a top opening of said cup- shaped vessel, wherein said cover element comprises a perforated pod, tray or surface configured to receive the electrolyte discharged from said one or more fluid outlets of the electrolyte supply tube for passage through its perforations in a form of drops into said cup-shaped vessel by gravity.
  • the electrodes are configured to at least partially encircle a portion of the electrolyte supply tube passing through the cup-shaped vessel.
  • an apparatus of the invention comprises one or more stacked electrolysis cells arranged around a common and optionally central electrolyte supply tube (or plurality of tubes), wherein each of the one or more stacked electrolysis cells is a cup-shaped vessel having a bore (optionally a central bore) configured for passage of the electrolyte supply tube therethrough; one or more electrodes at least partially encircling a portion of the electrolyte supply tube and connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through electrolyte introduced into said electrolysis cell via one or more fluid outlets provided in said electrolyte supply tube(s); and a cover element having a bore (optionally a central bore) configured for passage of the electrolyte supply tube(s) therethrough and for covering a top opening of said cup-shaped vessel, wherein said cover element comprises a perforated pod/tray or surface configured to receive the electrolyte discharged from said one or more fluid outlets of the electrolyte supply tube for passage through its perforations into said cup
  • the electrode(s) may be configured in a variety of forms, shapes and sizes. In some configurations, the electrode(s) may be in a form of a flat electrode, a rolled electrode, or may be provided such that each cell contains a different type of electrode. In some configurations, the system of the invention comprises a stacked arrangement of electrodes.
  • the cover element comprises a plurality of circumferential apertures arranged about the perforated pod/tray or surface and configured to discharge electrolysis products, e.g., gases, from said cup-shaped vessel.
  • the cup-shaped vessel comprises a level-regulating sideaperture configured to prevent electrolyte overflow.
  • the cupshaped vessel comprises a flow-regulating side-aperture configured to guarantee a desired outflow of the electrolyte therethrough.
  • the system may be equipped with a flow -regulating valve that is configured and operable to completely prevent or stop outflow of the electrolyte solution.
  • the electrolysis cell comprises a bottom lip. In some embodiments, said electrolysis cell is configured to define a fluid chamber between its cover element, a bottom wall and the bottom lip of a cup-shaped vessel of another such electrolysis cell placed thereabove.
  • the electrolysis cell is configured to define a plurality of vertical fluid channels extending a long a length thereof, at least one of said plurality of vertical fluid channels is in fluid communication with the side-apertures of the cup-shaped vessel of said electrolysis cell.
  • the electrolysis cell comprises a plurality of discharge apertures provided in the bottom lip to fluidly communicate between a plurality of the vertical channels thereof that are not in fluid communication with the side-apertures and a fluid chamber defined between a bottom wall and the bottom lip of the cup- shaped vessel of said electrolysis cell and a cover element of another such electrolysis cell placed therebelow.
  • each of the plurality of the vertical fluid channels that are not in fluid communication with the side-apertures comprises top and bottom apertures fluidly communicating to such plurality of vertical fluid channels that are not in fluid communication with side-apertures of other such electrolysis cells placed above and/or below said electrolysis cell.
  • the electrolysis cell comprises one or more electrode supports formed on inner surfaces of a bottom wall of the cup-shaped vessel.
  • the invention further provides a system according to the invention comprising a plurality of electrolyzers or electrolyzer units, each being an electrolyzer as disclosed herein.
  • Systems of the invention may comprise one or more electrolyzer units. The number of units may vary and be modified.
  • the system may be arranged such that some of the units are configured and operable for generating one type of an electrolysis product, while others are configured and operable for generating another type of an electrolysis product.
  • the system may be configured and operable to generate a single type of electrolysis product.
  • the system comprising a plurality of electrolyzer units may be configured to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases. In some configurations, some units are operable for generating hydrogen gas and others operable for generating oxygen gas.
  • a system of the invention is configured for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in spatially and/or temporally separated production steps.
  • the system of the invention may be configured and operated to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in separate electrolyzer units, simultaneously; or generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas sequentially in the same units.
  • the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases, namely as a mixture or combination of gases, in the same units and at the same time, is not safe and is thus not within the scope of the invention.
  • a system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in spatially (different cells) and/or temporally (different times) separated production steps, the system comprising a plurality of electrolyzer units, each electrolyzer unit comprises a plurality of electrolysis cells (or cells) connected serially or provided as a stack of cells; and one or more electrolyte supply tubes passing through said plurality of electrolysis cells and having a plurality of fluid outlets configured to discharge an electrolyte solution (or an electrolyte) from said one or more electrolyte supply tubes to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells; and a plurality of electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through the electrolyte solution introduced into said electrolysis cells via said outlets, wherein the system is configured and operable to generate hydrogen gas in one or more electrolyzer units of the plurality of electrolyzer units and oxygen gas in one or more different electrolyzer units of the plurality of electrolyzer units; or wherein the system is configured and operable to generate hydrogen gas in one or more electroly
  • the system or electrolysis apparatus of the invention may be configured as any purpose-constructed or purpose-oriented electrochemical system.
  • the electrochemical system may be fully electrochemical (for both hydrogen and oxygen generation), or an electrochemical thermally activated chemical cell (E-TAC), or a mixed system, where some of the O2 is generated thermally and some electrochemically, or a system comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells, as disclosed herein.
  • E-TAC electrochemical thermally activated chemical cell
  • Each of the cells is configured to allow generation of electrolysis products in a form of hydrogen gas and/or oxygen gas in spatially and/or temporally separated steps, with or without changing the polarity of the system.
  • Cells and/or systems of the invention and methods described herein for operating these cells and/or systems permit control not only on the type of gases that would be produced, i.e., hydrogen gas or oxygen gas, but also on the ability to produce either one or both of the gases in a continuous, uninterrupted fashion.
  • the invention therefore also provides an electrochemical thermally activated chemical cell (E-TAC) system for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in spatially and/or temporally separated production steps, the system comprising a plurality of electrolyzer units, each unit comprises a plurality of electrolysis cells (or cells) connected serially or provided as a stack of cells; and one or more electrolyte supply tubes passing through said plurality of electrolysis cells and having a plurality of fluid outlets configured to discharge an electrolyte solution (or an electrolyte) from said one or more electrolyte supply tubes to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells; and a plurality of electrodes connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through the electrolyte solution introduced into said electrolysis cells via said outlets, wherein the system is configured and operable to generate hydrogen gas in one or more electrolyzer units of the plurality of electrolyzer units and oxygen gas in one or more different electrolyzer units of the plurality of electrolyzer units; or wherein the system is configured and operable to generate
  • the plurality of electrolyzer units may include between 1 and several units, e.g., between 1 and 100 electrolyzer units, 1 and 50, 1 and 10 electrolyzer units or between 1 and 12 electrolyzer units.
  • Each electrolyzer unit may have a duplicate unit that is hydraulically connected to it in parallel, and electrically connected to it in parallel or in series. Such a multiplicity of electrolyzer units connected hydraulically in parallel would be called a set.
  • An exemplary system of the invention may comprise a stack of 50 trays, each tray including 4 electrolysis cells.
  • the total number of cells is 200 in a single electrolyzer unit.
  • Such a unit where the cells are connected in series operates at 400 V.
  • Each system may include a minimum of eight separate electrolyzer units.
  • each system in the arrangement may be electrically connected in series and filled and drained at the same time.
  • the voltage of the power supply can be 800 volts, and the total number of electrolyzer units may be doubled, i.e. 16, 20 or 24 or more.
  • the number of electrolyzer units in a system of the invention is at least 2.
  • systems of the invention may comprise between 1 and 100 (or between 2 and 100) electrolyzer units, each being as defined herein; wherein the electrolyzer units are operated in spatially (different cells) and/or temporally (different times) production steps to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases.
  • the invention further provides a method of water electrolysis, the method comprises:
  • an electrolyte solution comprising water and electrolytes, as known in the art
  • electrolysis cells connected in series (or stacked one on top of the other or in parallel one besides each other);
  • each one of said one or more electrolysis cells a level-regulated stream of the electrolyte solution for continuous circulation of said electrolyte solution in said electrolysis cell; and a level-regulated stream of the electrolyte solution whenever a level of the electrolyte solution in said electrolysis cell exceeds a defined permissible level value, wherein said streams of the electrolyte solutions are flown downwardly by gravity via a respective fluid channel of each one of said one or more electrolysis cells; and
  • electrolysis products e.g., gases (hydrogen or oxygen) from each of one of said one or more electrolysis cells to propagate via one or more channels other than the fluid channels.
  • the gases may propagate via a space between the cells and the inner wall of the electrolyzer. Since the electrolyte solution continuously flows downwardly by gravity, the bottom section of the electrolyzer may be configured to allow the electrolysis products, namely gases, to emerge either from the bottom section, or from the top section of the electrolyzer.
  • the method is for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas in spatially and/or temporally separated production steps.
  • the method is carried out in an electrolyzer according to the invention.
  • the electrolyzer is an electrolyzer unit of a system comprising a plurality of electrolyzer units.
  • hydrogen gas for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein hydrogen gas is generated in one or more electrolyzer unit of a plurality of electrolyzer units and oxygen gas is generated in one or more different electrolyzer unit of the plurality of electrolyzer units; or wherein hydrogen gas is generated in one or more electrolyzer units of the plurality of electrolyzer units and oxygen gas generated in the same one of more electrolyzer units of the plurality of electrolyzer units at a different time point.
  • the term “plurality” refers to a number of elements or features or units, which may be between 1 and several. The actual number, unless specifically indicated, is unlimited. Typically, the term encompasses between 1 and 100, 1 and 80, 1 and 10, 1 and 5, etc.
  • Figs. 1A-B depict an arrangement of electrolysis cells in an apparatus implementing three cells.
  • Fig. 1A depicts an apparatus, not showing an external housing;
  • Fig. IB depicts a cross-section of the apparatus according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Figs. 2A-B depict top (A) and side (B) views of a cell according to some embodiments of the invention
  • Fig. 3 depicts a perforated pod according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Figs. 4A-B depict top (A) and bottom (B) views of a fluid collector cell according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Figs. 1A and IB generally depict an electrolysis apparatus (30) and a cross-section of the apparatus, respectively.
  • the apparatus (30) comprises a plurality of electrolysis cells (33) vertically stacked one on top of the other. In the configuration shown, three stacked cells are depicted.
  • An electrolyte supply tube (31) is configured to introduce an electrolyte solution into the electrolysis cells from a top end of the stack. The solution may be pumped in or introduced under pressure. Once in the tube (31), the solution is gravitationally flown through the cells.
  • the tube (31) passes through said plurality of electrolysis cells (33) and has a plurality of fluid outlets (lu) configured to discharge the electrolyte solution from said electrolyte supply tube (31) to each of said plurality of electrolysis cells (33).
  • the tube (31) passes through a bore (11, Fig. 2A) that is provided in the depicted embodiment at the center of each cell (33). In other configurations (not shown), multiple tubes may be present, each passing through a respective bore formed in the cells.
  • Each of the cells (33) is configured to receive one or more electrodes (not shown) that are connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through electrolyte introduced into said electrolysis cells via said outlets.
  • the apparatus (30) may be provided within a housing (35) configured to accommodate the plurality of electrolysis cells (33).
  • each of the cells making up a plurality of electrolysis cells (33) comprises a level-regulating sideaperture (14, Fig. 1A; 14a, Figs. 2A-B) configured to allow a desired electrolyte flow thereinside.
  • Each of the plurality of electrolysis cells further comprises a flow-regulating side-aperture (14b) that is configured to guarantee a desired outflow of the electrolyte therefrom.
  • the plurality of electrolysis cells (33) is configured to define a plurality of vertical channels (13 and 14, Figs.
  • each of said electrolysis cells is in fluid communication with a respective vertical fluid channel (13) from said plurality of vertical channels (13 and 14) via its respective side-apertures (14a and 14b).
  • Each one of the electrolysis cells is further configured to define a plurality of channels (13) and discharge apertures (13e), shown in Fig. 2B, for passage of electrolysis products, e.g., gases, therethrough, from said electrolysis cell into a respective number of vertical channels (13) that are not in fluid communication with the side-apertures.
  • a top wall of each of the plurality of electrolysis cells (33) comprises a perforated pod (23, Fig. IB and Fig. 3) that is configured to receive the electrolyte discharged from one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets (lu, Fig. IB) of the electrolyte supply tube (31) for passage through its perforations (23r) into said electrolysis cell by gravity, as shown in Fig. IB and Fig. 3.
  • the top wall of each one of the electrolysis cells (33) comprises a plurality of circumferential apertures (20q, Fig. 1A and Fig.
  • the apparatus or system of the invention further comprises a fluid collector cell (34) that is located under the plurality of electrolysis cells (33) and which is in fluid communication with the respective vertical fluid channels (14) that are in fluid communication with the sideapertures (14a and 14b) of the electrolyte cells for receiving the electrolyte discharged into said vertical fluid channels (13) via the side-apertures (14a and 14b).
  • the fluid collector cell (34) comprises a plurality compartments (34p), each configured to receive electrolyte from a respective one of the vertical fluid channels (14) that are in fluid communication with the side-apertures (14a and 14b) of the electrolyte cells.
  • a bottom wall of the fluid collector cell (34) comprises a plurality of openings (34i) or holes or perforations for discharging the electrolyte solution from said apparatus.
  • the electrolysis cell (33) may comprise: a cup-shaped vessel (10) having a central bore (11) that is configured for passage of an electrolyte supply tube (31 shown in Fig. 1) therethrough; one or more electrodes (not shown) connectable to one or more electrical power sources and configured to pass electric current through electrolyte introduced into said electrolysis cell via one or more fluid outlets (lu shown in Fig. 1) provided in said electrolyte supply tube (31); and a cover element (20) as exemplified in Fig.
  • cover element (20) comprises a perforated pod (23) configured to receive the electrolyte discharged from said one or more fluid outlets (lu) of the electrolyte supply tube (31) for passage through its perforations (23r) into said cup-shaped vessel (10) by gravity.
  • the cover element (20) comprises a plurality of circumferential apertures (20q) arranged about the perforated pod (23) and configured to discharge electrolysis products, e.g., gases, from said cup-shaped vessel (10).
  • the cup-shaped vessel (10) comprises a level-regulating side-aperture (14a) configured to prevent electrolyte overflow thereinside and a flow-regulating side-aperture (14b) configured to guarantee a desired outflow of the electrolyte therethrough.
  • Each of the electrolysis cells comprises a bottom lip (10m).
  • the electrolysis cell is configured to define a chamber (29) between its cover element (20), a bottom wall and the bottom lip (10m shown in Fig. 2B) of a cup-shaped vessel (10) of another such electrolysis cell (33) placed thereabove.
  • Each of the plurality of the vertical fluid channels (13) that are not in fluid communication with the side-apertures (14a and 14b) comprises top and bottom apertures (13q) communicating to such plurality of vertical channels (13) that are not in fluid communication with side-apertures (14a and 14b) of other such electrolysis cells placed above and/or below said electrolysis cell.
  • the electrolysis cell further comprises one or more electrode supports (12 shown in Fig. 2A) formed on inner surfaces of a bottom wall of the cup-shaped vessel (10).

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

La technologie objet de la présente demande concerne un électrolyseur comprenant une pluralité de cellules d'électrolyse et un procédé de génération d'hydrogène et de gaz d'oxygène.
PCT/IL2024/050571 2023-06-12 2024-06-10 Électrolyseur, systèmes et utilisations associés Ceased WO2024257090A1 (fr)

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US202363472447P 2023-06-12 2023-06-12
US63/472,447 2023-06-12

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2025257827A1 (fr) 2024-06-10 2025-12-18 H2Pro Ltd Réacteur et appareil électrolyseur à écoulement gravitationnel réglable de fluide électrolytique entre des réacteurs empilés

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7258779B2 (en) * 2001-11-13 2007-08-21 Alan Patrick Casey Method and means for hydrogen and oxygen generation
US20170271706A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2017-09-21 Jomi Leman Electrochemical device for storing electrical energy and producing hydrogen, and method for producing hydrogen
CN111139496A (zh) * 2020-01-20 2020-05-12 中科院大连化学物理研究所张家港产业技术研究院有限公司 适于中部进液的电解室及其电解槽

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7258779B2 (en) * 2001-11-13 2007-08-21 Alan Patrick Casey Method and means for hydrogen and oxygen generation
US20170271706A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2017-09-21 Jomi Leman Electrochemical device for storing electrical energy and producing hydrogen, and method for producing hydrogen
CN111139496A (zh) * 2020-01-20 2020-05-12 中科院大连化学物理研究所张家港产业技术研究院有限公司 适于中部进液的电解室及其电解槽

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2025257827A1 (fr) 2024-06-10 2025-12-18 H2Pro Ltd Réacteur et appareil électrolyseur à écoulement gravitationnel réglable de fluide électrolytique entre des réacteurs empilés

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