KR20020032272A - An oxyhydrogen gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is to improve the structure of the electrolytic cell to effectively use the current supplied, and to provide a cooling device for preventing the temperature rise of the electrolyte solution in the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator that can mass-produce oxygen and hydrogen gas at low cost An electrolyzer comprising a plurality of electrode plates provided at predetermined intervals therein and receiving power from an electric converter and electrolyzing the mixed oxygen / hydrogen gas using an electrolyte stored therein; Insulating means attached to an inner wall surface of the electrolytic cell and having an uneven portion for fixing an electrode plate on at least one surface thereof; A water supply unit connected to one side of the electrolytic cell and configured to replenish water consumed in the electrolytic cell; Gas storage means connected to the other side of the electrolytic cell and storing oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generated in the electrolytic cell; And connected to the other side of the electrolytic cell, to provide an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator comprising a cooling means for circulating and cooling the electrolyte to maintain the internal temperature of the electrolytic cell at a constant level.

Description

Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator {AN OXYHYDROGEN GAS GENERATOR}

The present invention relates to an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator, and more particularly, to improve the structure of the electrolytic cell so as to effectively use the supplied current, and to provide a cooling device for preventing the temperature rise of the electrolyte, oxygen and hydrogen gas It relates to an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator that can be mass-produced at low cost.

In general, the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator is a device for producing oxygen and hydrogen, which are products obtained by electrolysis of water, in which a small amount of electrolyte is added to an electrolytic cell in which positive and negative electrodes are installed. By supplying water and applying a DC voltage, oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas, which is a pollution-free energy source, is generated. Usually, an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas mixed at a mole ratio of hydrogen: oxygen = 2: 1 is generated. The importance of such oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generators is emerging due to the growing interest in environmental problems.

Accordingly, researches on oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator have been made, and oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generators have been proposed for more efficiently producing a larger amount of oxygen and hydrogen.

As a conventional oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator, an electrolyzer disclosed in Utility Model No. 1998-117445 is briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2C. As shown in the drawing, a conventional oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator is formed by alternately stacking a rectangular electrode plate 101 and a spacer 102 made of a synthetic resin, and attaching an electrolytic finish plate 103 to both sides of the longitudinal direction. An electrolytic cell 100 is formed by fastening with the bolt 104 and the nut 105.

Here, an O-ring 106 made of rubber is inserted into the inner circumferential surface of the spacer 102, and the space formed by the O-ring 106 and the electrode plate 101 becomes the gas generating chamber 110. The gas passage hole 101a and the electrolyte passage hole 101b are formed at one side and the other side of the electrode plate 101, respectively, and the gas passage hole 101a and the outer surface of the electrolytic finish plate 103 are respectively formed. A gas connection nipple 107 and an electrolyte connection nipple 108 communicating with the electrolyte passage hole 101b are installed, and a current connection bolt 109 for supplying power is mounted.

In the conventional electrolytic cell 100 configured as described above, when power is applied through the current connection bolt 109, the electrolyte in the gas generating chamber 110 is electrolyzed to generate oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas, The generated oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas is discharged through the gas passage hole 101a and stored in an external gas storage tank, and water consumed in the electrolysis process is supplied through the electrolyte passage hole 101b.

However, in the conventional electrolytic cell 100, the gas generating chamber 110 is formed in a space surrounded by the electrode plate 101 and the O-ring 106, and the outer end of the electrode plate 101 serves as a heat sink. Since the gas generation chamber 7 is smaller than the area of the electrode plate 101, the gas generation rate is limited.

In addition, the conventional electrolytic cell is a structure that dissipates heat generated during electrolysis by air cooling, so that the electrolytic cell 100 cannot be cooled effectively, and is produced due to leakage between the O-ring 106 and the electrode plate 101. There is a problem that the quality of the hydrogen / oxygen mixed gas is reduced.

On the other hand, Utility Model Registration No. 0196437 is provided with an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator for controlling the temperature of the electrolytic cell having a separate cooling device, briefly described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

As described above, the conventional electrolytic cell for oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator 200 has a plurality of heat dissipation fins 201a formed in parallel in the longitudinal direction to dissipate heat generated during electrolysis. A cathode and an anode terminal 203 disposed in parallel in the longitudinal direction on the inner housing 202 installed in contact with the inner wall of the outer housing 201 and the left and right inner walls of the inner housing 202, respectively. 204 and a plurality of negative electrode plates 205 and positive electrode plates connected in parallel to the negative electrode and the positive electrode terminals 203 and 204, respectively, in order to electrolyze the electrolyte solution filled in the inner housing 202 into an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas. 206).

Here, the negative electrode plate 205 and the positive electrode plate 206 are configured to be alternately connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode terminal (203, 204).

In addition, the electrolytic cell 200 is provided with a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the electrolyte, and provided with a solenoid valve and an electrolyte circulation pump that opens when the temperature of the electrolyte rises above a certain temperature, the electrolyte maintains a predetermined temperature It becomes possible.

However, the conventional electrolytic cell 200 as described above has a monopolar structure in which the negative electrode plate 205 and the positive electrode plate 206 are connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode terminals 203 and 204, respectively, so that the applied operating power is low voltage. And a large current.

Therefore, the present invention devised to solve the above problems is provided with a cooling device capable of actively controlling the temperature of the electrolytic cell, so that the electrolysis is performed on the entire surface of each electrode plate connected in series, The purpose of the present invention is to provide an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generating device which increases production efficiency of oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas in an electrolytic cell of the same size and does not cause leakage of electrolyte.

1 is an assembly configuration showing an example of an electrolytic cell included in the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator according to the prior art.

2A is a partial assembly view of FIG.

2B and 2C are partial detail views of FIG. 2A;

Figure 3 is an assembly configuration showing another example of the electrolytic cell included in the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator according to the prior art.

4 is an internal cross-sectional view of FIG.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator according to the present invention.

Figure 6a is a front sectional view showing an embodiment configuration of an electrolytic cell which is the main configuration of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is a plan sectional view of Fig. 6A.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of the electrode plate included in the electrolytic cell shown in Figure 6a.

Fig. 8A is a sectional plan view showing another embodiment of the electrolytic cell which is the main part of the present invention.

Fig. 8B is a side sectional view of Fig. 8A.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

301: electrolytic cell 302: electrolysis chamber

303: mixing chamber 304: collection chamber

305: level gauge 306: drain valve

307: negative electrode 308: positive electrode

309: temperature sensor 310: pressure sensor

311: water supply line 312: water supply valve

314: water supply tank 316: electric converter

317: gas valve 318: gas supply line

319: gas using part 320, 323, 325: valve

322, 324: flashback arrestor 326: gas burner

327: circulation pipe 329: circulation valve

330: circulation pump 331: cooling chamber

336: compressor 338: cooling fan

339: condenser 340: automatic expansion valve

341: filter drier 342: cooler

343: control panel 344: control panel

345: negative terminal 346: positive terminal

347: return pipe 348: electrode plate

359: gas tank

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with a plurality of electrode plates at a predetermined interval therein, an electrolytic cell for receiving an electric power from an electric converter and electrolyzing into an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas using an electrolyte stored therein; Insulating means attached to an inner wall surface of the electrolytic cell and having an uneven portion for fixing an electrode plate on at least one surface thereof; A water supply unit connected to one side of the electrolytic cell and configured to replenish water consumed in the electrolytic cell; Gas storage means connected to the other side of the electrolytic cell, for storing an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generated in the electrolytic cell; And connected to the other side of the electrolytic cell, to provide an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator comprising a cooling means for circulating and cooling the electrolyte to maintain the internal temperature of the electrolytic cell at a constant level.

The above objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the present invention includes an electric converter 316 having cathode and anode terminals 345 and 346 on one side thereof; An electrolyzer 301 for receiving an electric power supplied from the electric converter 316 through the cathode and anode terminals 345 and 346 to electrolyze and store an electrolyte as an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas; A water supply device 314 for replenishing water consumed in the electrolytic cell 301; A gas supply device 319 for storing and consuming an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas supplied from the electrolyzer 301; It is largely composed of a cooler 342 for maintaining a constant temperature in the electrolytic cell 301.

Here, the electrical converter 316 is composed of a control panel 344 and the control panel 343 for controlling the overall operation of each component.

In addition, the electrolytic cell 301, as shown in Figure 6a and 6b, the box-shaped electrolyzer body 357; Corrosion-resistant insulators 355a to 355f made of rubber or synthetic resin attached to the front, rear, left, right, and top and bottom surfaces of the electrolyzer body 357, and a predetermined space below the inside of the electrolyzer body 357, have a predetermined level of electrolyte solution 360 ) Is filled with an electrolysis chamber 302; A plurality of fixing grooves 355g, 355h, and 355i formed at predetermined intervals on the inner facing surfaces of the insulators 355c, 355d, and 355f attached to the left and right and bottom surfaces of the electrolysis chamber 302, and both sides and the bottom thereof. A plurality of electrode plates 348 whose ends are fitted into and fixed in the fixing grooves 355g, 355h, and 355i of the insulators 355c, 355d, and 355f; A mixing chamber 303 formed of a predetermined space above the electrolysis chamber 302 and mixing oxygen and hydrogen gas generated in the electrolysis chamber 202; A stabilizer plate 353 mounted above the mixing chamber 303 and having a plurality of discharge ports 354 formed at predetermined positions thereof; It consists of a space between the stabilizer plate 353 and the inner upper surface of the electrolytic cell body 357, and consists of a collection chamber 304 for collecting the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas homogeneously mixed in the mixing chamber 303. .

Here, one side of the electrolysis chamber 302 is equipped with a level gauge 305 equipped with a sensor for detecting the level of the electrolyte, and one side of the upper surface of the collection chamber 304 in the electrolytic cell 301 A pressure sensor 310 is mounted to detect the pressure of the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas, and a temperature sensor 309 is mounted on the other side of the upper surface of the collection chamber 304 to detect the temperature inside the electrolyzer 301. .

In addition, the electrolysis chamber 302 is connected to the cooler 342 through a circulation conduit 327 and a return conduit 347, a drain valve 306 is installed at the lower part of the water supply sensor (top) 358 is installed.

In addition, a water supply line 311 for replenishing water and a gas supply line 318 for delivering the collected oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas to the gas use unit 319 are connected to an upper side of the collection chamber 304. .

6A and 7, the electrode plate 348 is fitted to the fixing bolt 350 so as to be alternately stacked with the O-ring 351, and is fixed by the nut 352. Electrode plates 348a and 348b positioned at outermost sides of the electrode plate 348 are connected to the negative electrode terminal 345 and the positive electrode terminal 346 via the negative electrode 307 and the positive electrode 308, respectively.

In addition, a plurality of electrolyte distribution holes 361 are formed at a predetermined position of the electrode plate 348, and a protective ring 349 of a non-corrosive material having a penetration inner diameter 349a formed at a center thereof in the electrolyte distribution hole 361. ) Is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cooler 331 is conventional, and regulates a circulation pump 330 for circulating the electrolyte solution 360 of the electrolysis chamber 301 and a circulation flow rate of the electrolyte solution 360. A circulation valve 329, a cooling chamber 331 for cooling the electrolyte 360 circulated by the circulation pump 330, and a compressor for compressing the refrigerant vaporized in the cooling chamber 331 ( 336, a condenser 339 having a cooling fan 338 for condensing the compressed refrigerant, a filter drier 341 for separating the condensed refrigerant into a gas component and a liquid component, and a refrigerant in a liquid state. It is composed of an automatic expansion valve 340 for expanding in a fog state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gas supply device 319 is connected to the collection chamber 304 through a gas supply line 318, and has a gas tank 359 having a flashback prevention function and the gas tank. A combustor 326 for receiving and combusting a mixed oxygen / hydrogen gas from 359; a plurality of flashback arrestors 322 and 324 installed on a supply line connecting the gas tank 359 and the combustor 326; It consists of valves 320, 323, and 325.

Referring to the operating state of the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator according to the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

When the power switch is turned ON, power is supplied to the electric converter 316 to operate the control panel 344, and set to the required operating conditions using various switches mounted on the control panel 343. When it starts working, it works as follows.

When power is applied to the negative electrode 307 and the positive electrode 308, the electrolyte 360 is electrolyzed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gas in a mole ratio of hydrogen: oxygen = 2: 1. The mixed hydrogen gas is mixed in the mixing chamber 303 at an equal ratio and flows into the gas collecting chamber 304. At this time, the mixed gas is introduced into the gas collection chamber 304 through the outlet 354 formed in the stabilizer plate 353, thereby reducing the bubbles generated by mixing oxygen and hydrogen, the gas collection chamber 304 It is possible to prevent the flow of air bubbles, and since the insulator 355 of a corrosion-resistant material such as rubber or synthetic resin is attached to the inner wall surface of the electrolytic cell 301, it is possible to prevent waste of power and corrosion of the electrolytic cell. .

The pressure of the gas collected in the gas collection chamber 304 is sensed by the pressure sensor 310, and when the set pressure is reached, the gas valve 317 installed on the gas supply line 318 is opened to open the gas. The tank 359 is filled with an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas. In addition, the filled gas is sent to the gas burner 326 according to the opening and closing of the valve 320, and at this time, the flashback arrestor 322, 324 and the valve (between the gas tank 359 and the gas burner 326). Since 323 and 325 are provided, flames are prevented from flowing back to the gas tank 359 side.

On the other hand, when the temperature sensor 309 detects that the electrolysis is performed in the electrolysis chamber 302 and the temperature of the electrolytic cell 301 is raised above a set temperature, the circulation pump 330 is operated to perform electricity. The electrolyte is circulated in the decomposition chamber 302, and the electrolyte is cooled in the cooling chamber 331 and re-supplied to the electrolysis chamber 302 while being circulated, so that the temperature of the electrolytic cell 301 is maintained at or below a set temperature. It becomes possible. Accordingly, it is possible to continuously produce oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas regardless of the operating time, and to maintain the proper temperature, thereby increasing the electrolysis efficiency and the life of the device.

In addition, when water is consumed by electrolysis and the water level of the electrolytic cell 301 is lower than the set value, the water supply sensor 358 detects this, and the water supply valve 312 is opened and stored in the water supply tank 314. Water is automatically supplied to the electrolytic cell 301, and when water is supplied by the amount set by the level gauge 305 equipped with the sensor, the water supply valve 312 is closed so that the level of the electrolytic cell 301 is constant. Is maintained.

Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, since the lower and both ends of the electrode plate 302 are inserted into and fixed to the fixing groove 355a of the insulator 355, the electrode plate 302 is positioned at a predetermined position of the electrode plate 348 for circulation of the electrolyte. Although a plurality of electrolyte distribution holes 361 are formed, the arrangement of the electrode plates may be adjusted to circulate the electrolyte without the electrolyte distribution holes 361.

8A and 8B are planar cross-sectional and side cross-sectional views showing another embodiment configuration of an electrolysis chamber that is a main component of the present invention, in which electrode plates are alternately mounted to form an electrolyte circulation path.

As shown, the electrolytic cell of the present embodiment is attached to the box-shaped electrolyzer main body 801 and the inner bottom and both sides of the electrolyzer main body 801, a plurality of fixing grooves 802a, at predetermined intervals on the inner facing surface thereof. Corrosion resistant insulators 802d, 802e, and 802f made of rubber or synthetic resin formed with 802b and 802c; An insulator 802d having a lower end thereof fitted into a fixing groove 802c of an insulator 802f attached to an inner bottom surface of the electrolyzer body 801, and having one end thereof attached to both inner surfaces of the electrolyzer body 801; A plurality of electrode plates 803 which are inserted into and fixed to the fixing grooves 802a and 802b of 802e alternately; The negative electrode 804 and the positive electrode 805 for applying a current to the electrode plate 803 are configured.

Here, the electrode plate 803 is fitted to the plurality of fixing bolts 807 so as to be alternately stacked with the O-ring 806 is fixed by a nut 808.

In addition, a return pipe line 809 through which an electrolyte cooled by a cooler (not shown) is supplied to a lower portion of one side of the electrolytic cell main body 801, and a circulation pipe 810 through which an electrolyte is transferred to the cooler. ) Is connected.

In the electrolytic cell of this embodiment configured as described above, when the temperature inside the electrolytic cell is increased due to electrolysis, the cooled electrolyte is supplied through the return pipe 809, and the electrolyte inside the fluid is circulated through the circulation pipe 810. Outflow to the cooler.

In this case, a predetermined interval is formed between the insulators 802d and 802e attached to both inner side surfaces of the electrolyzer body 801 and one side or the other end of each electrode plate 803, and thus, through the return pipe line 809. The introduced electrolyte may be smoothly circulated in the electrolytic cell, and since the electrolyte flows in the entire space between the electrode plates 803, the internal temperature of the electrolytic cell may be maintained evenly.

The oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator according to the present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the accompanying drawings, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

According to the present invention configured and operated as described above, a plurality of electrode plates stacked on the inner wall of the electrolytic cell blocked by the insulator so that the electrode plate is located inside the electrolyte solution, and the electrolyte cooling device so that the temperature of the electrolytic cell is kept constant It is possible to efficiently use the area of the electrode plate, and to prevent the waste of power and corrosion of the electrolytic cell, the structure is simple and inexpensive, so that the capacity increase and mass production are easy, and the electrolysis efficiency is improved. By increasing the reduction rate and has the effect of improving the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generation amount.

Claims (12)

An electrolytic cell having a plurality of electrode plates provided at predetermined intervals therein and electrolyzing into an oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas using an electrolytic solution stored therein by receiving power from an electric converter; Insulating means attached to an inner wall surface of the electrolytic cell and having an uneven portion for fixing an electrode plate on at least one surface thereof; A water supply unit connected to one side of the electrolytic cell and configured to replenish water consumed in the electrolytic cell; Gas storage means connected to the other side of the electrolytic cell and storing oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generated in the electrolytic cell; And Is connected to the other side of the electrolytic cell, cooling means for circulating and cooling the electrolyte to maintain the internal temperature of the electrolytic cell at a certain level Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator comprising a. The method of claim 1, The electrolytic cell further includes a water level detecting means for detecting the level of the electrolyte solution therein, The water supply means further includes a water supply valve that opens and closes according to an input signal from the water level sensing means to adjust the water level in the electrolytic cell. Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The electrolyzer further includes a pressure sensing means for sensing the pressure of the collected oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas therein, The gas storage means further includes a gas valve that is opened and closed in response to an input signal from the pressure sensing means to adjust the pressure in the electrolytic cell. Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator. The method of claim 1, The electrolyzer Box-shaped electrolyzer body, An electrolysis chamber formed of a predetermined space in the lower side of the electrolytic cell body, and filled with an electrolyte solution; A plurality of electrode plates sandwiched by fixing bolts so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined interval, and at least one end of both side and upper and lower ends of the plurality of electrode plates inserted into the uneven portion of the insulating means; A negative electrode and a positive electrode, respectively, connected to the negative terminal and the positive terminal of the electric converter to apply current to the electrode plate. Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator comprising a. The method of claim 4, wherein At least one electrolyte distribution hole for circulating the electrolyte solution is formed at a predetermined position of the electrode plate to maintain the temperature of the electrolyte uniformly Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator. The method of claim 5, The electrode plate is It is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the electrolyte distribution hole, and further comprises a protective ring of a non-corrosive material formed in the center of the through-diameter Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator. The method of claim 4, wherein Each of the plurality of electrode plates is mounted such that one side or the other end of the plurality of electrode plates is alternately alternately formed in the uneven parts of the insulating means attached to one side and the other inner surface of the electrolytic cell main body so that the spaces between the electrode plates communicate with each other. Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, The electrolyzer A mixing chamber formed of a predetermined space above the electrolysis chamber and mixing oxygen and hydrogen gas generated in the electrolysis chamber; A collection chamber made up of a predetermined space above the mixing chamber, for collecting the oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas homogeneously mixed in the mixing chamber. Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator further comprising. The method of claim 8, The electrolyzer A stabilizer plate is provided to divide the mixing chamber and the collection chamber, the plurality of discharge holes formed to prevent the flow of bubbles into the collection chamber at the predetermined position Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator further comprising. The method of claim 1, The cooling means further includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the electrolytic solution of the electrolytic cell Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator The method according to claim 1 or 10, The cooling means A circulation pipe connected to one side and the other side of the electrolytic cell, A circulation pump installed on the circulation pipe to operate when the temperature inside the electrolytic cell rises above the set temperature to circulate the electrolyte; A circulation valve which opens and closes according to the temperature inside the electrolyzer, to apply or block the circulation of the electrolyte; Cooler installed on the circulation pipe to cool the electrolyte circulated Oxygen / hydrogen mixed gas generator comprising a. The method of claim 1, And a plurality of flashback arrestors installed in a connection path between the gas burners connected to the gas storage means to prevent the flame from flowing back to the gas storage means.