An electrolysis apparatus for the production of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen by water electrolysis, with:
- an electrolyzer comprising a plurality of cells arranged next to each other to form a cell stack,
- wherein each cell includes an anode plate and a cathode plate,
- wherein the electrolyzer also includes an anode end plate and a cathode end plate, and the cell stack (116) is clamped between said anode end plate and cathode end plate,
- wherein an active chamber is integrated in the electrolyzer, the electrolysis reaction of water contained in an electrolyte solution with which the electrolyzer is fed taking place in said active chamber, wherein said active chamber is formed by a plurality of main openings, each opening being formed in a respective anode plate and a respective cathode plate of each of the cells of the cell stack,
- wherein the electrolyzer (100) further comprises a first liquid/gas phase separator (104) integrated in the electrolyzer for separating oxygen gas from the electrolytic solution, said first liquid/gas phase separator being formed by a plurality of first secondary openings, each of said first secondary openings being formed in a respective anode plate and in a respective cathode plate of each of the cells of the cell stack, and a second liquid/gas phase separator for separating hydrogen gas from the electrolyte solution, said second liquid/gas phase separator being formed by a plurality of second secondary openings, each of said second secondary openings being formed in a respective anode plate and in a respective cathode plate of each of the cells of the cell stack, and
- wherein the electrolyzer also includes a plurality of sensors mounted on at least one of said anode and cathode end plates and configured to detect appropriate operating parameters of said first and second liquid/gas phase separator;
- a control unit configured to control operation of the apparatus based on signals received from said sensors mounted on the electrolyzer;
- a first return conduit that extends outside the electrolyzer and is connected both with said first liquid/gas phase separator and with said active chamber of the cell stack to cause the electrolyte solution recovered from said first liquid/gas phase separator to return to said active chamber;
- a second return conduit that extends outside the electrolyzer and is connected both with said second liquid/gas phase separator and with said active chamber of the cell stack to cause the electrolyte solution recovered from said second liquid/gas phase separator to return to said active chamber;
- a first fluid circulation system associated with said first return conduit to generate a forced flow of electrolyte solution in said first return conduit, and
- a second fluid circulation system associated with said second return conduit to generate a forced flow of electrolyte solution in said second return conduit.