Active water molecule electrolysis apparatus in limited space, and device

By combining ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane and one-way moisture-permeable coating membrane, the problems of fogging and oxygen-rich corrosion caused by humidity changes in electronic equipment are solved, achieving internal drying and safe electrostatic dehumidification, thus improving the reliability and lifespan of the equipment.

WO2025246212A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-04DELIGHTSTREAM ELECTRONIC TECH (CHANGZHOU) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/134091
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-28
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2025-12-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies for electronic devices within confined spaces, humidity changes can lead to fogging, condensation, and casing expansion and deformation, resulting in insulation failure, short circuits, and the risk of spontaneous combustion of electronic components. Furthermore, electrolysis components based on the principle of water electrolysis pose a risk of corrosion and hydrogen accumulation in oxygen-rich environments, making it difficult to meet reliability requirements.

Method used

The membrane employs an ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane and a continuously unidirectional moisture-permeable coating membrane. By utilizing the difference in moisture permeability, water vapor can be discharged in one direction. Combined with the membrane electrode assembly and catalyst layer, a unidirectional moisture-permeable but air-permeable protective layer is formed, which discharges cathode electrolysis products and prevents external contamination, while maintaining an internal dry state.

Benefits of technology

It effectively removes water vapor, prevents oxygen-rich corrosion and hydrogen accumulation, reduces failure rate, extends equipment life, avoids the risk of spontaneous combustion, maintains internal dryness, and improves the reliability and safety of electronic equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is an active water molecule electrolysis apparatus in a limited space, comprising a housing having an airflow channel, wherein a membrane electrode assembly is disposed in the housing; the membrane electrode assembly divides the airflow channel into an air inlet end and an exhaust end, the air inlet end being provided with a continuous unidirectional moisture-permeable coating membrane, and the exhaust end being provided with an ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane; and the housing is provided with an oxygen discharge channel that communicates the air inlet end with the outside. A device, comprising the active water molecule electrolysis apparatus, the internal space of the device being in communication with the air inlet end of the active water molecule electrolysis apparatus. In this way, the active water molecule electrolysis apparatus in a limited space and the device of the present invention utilize the difference in moisture permeability between the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane and the continuous unidirectional moisture-permeable coating membrane to realize continuous unidirectional discharge of water vapor from the inside to the outside environment, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of electrolytic dehumidification.
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Description

Active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment in a confined space Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dehumidification devices, and in particular to an active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment for use in a confined space. Background Technology

[0002] Products and equipment with sealed housings containing electronic components, such as smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, lidar detection sensors, and marine engineering equipment electrical cabinets, experience internal temperature increases during operation and decreases when not in use. Under external temperature and humidity changes (such as heavy fog or rain), the internal humidity and air pressure of these sealed housings with electronic components may increase due to these temperature and humidity variations. This can lead to fogging, condensation, and even housing expansion and deformation of the transparent face shield or lenses. Such phenomena can cause insulation failure and short circuits in electronic components, and in severe cases, fire or explosion. These risks can result in incalculable serious consequences for operators or personnel approaching these sealed housings or equipment with electronic components, including distorted image signals, poor lighting, and loss of life and property.

[0003] Currently, various sectors in China typically use desiccants or heated fans to dehumidify and reduce internal moisture content in order to solve this problem. However, desiccants have low moisture absorption rates, are not waterproof, and have short lifespans, requiring periodic drying before reuse. If they come into contact with water, they need to be replaced with new desiccants. Heated fans consume high current, require waterproofing, and generate noise, making them difficult to meet the requirements of engineering applications.

[0004] Currently, electrolysis components based on the principle of water electrolysis can cause excessively high oxygen concentrations inside smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors. The oxygen atoms or molecules released during electrolysis can cause poor contact and corrosion of internal electrical components and circuits (internal chips, integrated circuits, electronic components, circuits, PI insulation layers, etc.) in an oxygen-rich environment. Continuous electrolysis can lead to excessive accumulation of oxygen concentration inside, posing a risk of spontaneous combustion. Hydrogen accumulation on the cathode side can also pose a risk of hydrogen explosion. Frequent electrical failures also make it difficult to meet users' requirements for reliable operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem solved by this invention is to provide an active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment in a limited space. By utilizing the difference in moisture permeability between the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane and the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane, water vapor can be continuously discharged from the inside to the external environment, effectively maximizing the efficiency of electrolysis dehumidification.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide an active water molecule electrolysis device in a limited space, including a shell with an air flow channel, a membrane electrode assembly provided inside the shell, the membrane electrode assembly dividing the air flow channel into an air inlet end and an air outlet end, the air inlet end being provided with a continuously unidirectional moisture-permeable coating membrane, the air outlet end being provided with an ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane, and an oxygen exhaust channel opening on the shell to connect the air inlet end with the outside.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a PET protective layer with through holes is also bonded to the outer side of the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly faces the inlet end, and the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly faces the outlet end.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the membrane electrode assembly includes a conductive carbon paper diffusion layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a proton exchange membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and an anode porous foil mesh arranged sequentially.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode catalyst layer is a cathode platinum-carbon Pt / C catalyst layer, the proton exchange membrane is a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane or a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane reinforced with an ePTFE microporous membrane, the anode catalyst layer is an anode platinum-carbon Pt / C catalyst layer, and the anode porous foil is an anode platinum-titanium Pt / Ti porous foil.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing is further provided with a DC anode conductor and a DC cathode conductor, the DC anode conductor being connected to a porous platinum-titanium (Pt / Ti) foil mesh, and the DC cathode conductor being connected to a conductive carbon paper diffusion layer.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing is further provided with an elastic sealing ring and an insulating sealing element that cooperate with the DC anode conductor and the DC cathode conductor.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust end is provided with a through-hole cover plate, and the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane is disposed on the end face of the cover plate.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer side of the housing has external threads.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a device having the above-mentioned active water molecule electrolysis device, wherein the internal space of the device is connected to the air inlet end of the active water molecule electrolysis device.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment in the limited space of this invention, the different permeation directions of the two moisture permeation directions lead to different moisture permeation amounts. By utilizing the difference in moisture permeation amounts between the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane and the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane, water vapor is continuously discharged. Furthermore, when the temperature inside the shell is high, the hydrophilic polymer chain segments of the coating are more active, and the adsorption, diffusion, and desorption of water vapor molecules are faster.

[0017] This invention relates to an active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment within a confined space. The ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane forms a filter and breathable protective layer, expelling the hydrogen gas produced by cathode electrolysis and the water molecule gas synthesized by the catalyst and oxygen in the atmosphere. On the other hand, it prevents rainwater, dust, oil, and other pollutants from the external environment from entering the cathode cavity, protecting the cathode and catalyst layer from the risk of external environmental pollution. This results in a longer lifespan for the electrolysis device and effectively maximizes the efficiency of electrolytic dehumidification.

[0018] This invention relates to an active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment within a confined space. Under the action of a platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side, water molecules electrolyze and release oxygen atoms or molecules, hydrogen protons, and electrons. The oxygen and oxygen atoms released into the anode chamber by the water molecules under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side are continuously released into the external atmospheric environment through small channels. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the active water molecule electrolysis device in a limited space according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 along line AA.

[0021] The components in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1. Housing, 2. Insulating seal, 3. Elastic sealing ring, 4. Through-hole cover plate, 5. Membrane electrode assembly, 6. ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane, 7. PET protective layer with through holes, 8. Conductive carbon paper diffusion layer, 9. Cathode catalyst layer, 10. Proton exchange membrane, 11. Anode catalyst layer, 12. Anode porous foil, 13. DC cathode conductor, 14. Continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane, 15. DC anode conductor, 16. Oxygen exhaust channel, 17. Inlet end, 18. Exhaust end, 19. Equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of the present invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effects and objectives of the present invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" used in this specification are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an active water molecule electrolysis device within a confined space includes a housing 1 with an airflow channel. A membrane electrode assembly 5 is disposed within the housing 1, dividing the airflow channel into an inlet end 17 and an outlet end 18. The anode side of the membrane electrode assembly 5 faces the inlet end 17, and the cathode side faces the outlet end. An oxygen exhaust channel 16 is provided on the housing 1, connecting the inlet end 17 to the outside, through which oxygen generated during the reaction process is discharged.

[0024] The air inlet 17 is equipped with a continuously unidirectional moisture-permeable coating membrane 14, and the exhaust end 18 is equipped with an ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane 6. The ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane 6 forms a filter and breathable protective layer on the one hand, allowing the hydrogen gas produced by cathode electrolysis and the water molecule gas synthesized by the catalyst and oxygen in the atmosphere to be discharged; on the other hand, it prevents rainwater, dust and oil stains from entering the cathode cavity, protecting the cathode and catalyst layer from the risk of external environmental pollution, thus extending the life of this electrolysis device and effectively exerting the efficiency of electrolytic dehumidification.

[0025] The continuously unidirectionally permeable coating film 14 uses a polyurethane emulsion coating agent (see patent CN103862728B for details). Polyurethane is a high molecular compound containing -NHCOO- units in its molecular structure. Its main principle is to introduce an appropriate amount of hydrophilic groups on the polymer chain, which spontaneously disperse to form an emulsion under certain conditions. PU macromolecules contain a large number of polar groups and have strong intermolecular forces, resulting in excellent film-forming properties. It can form a tough and durable film on fabrics and also has a certain degree of moisture permeability. The reason is twofold: Firstly, the polar or hydrophilic groups in PU, such as —OH, —NHCOO—, —COOH, and organosilicon microparticles, act as "chemical stepping stones," causing water vapor molecules to migrate from the high-humidity side to the low-humidity side along a stepping stone. Theoretically, polymer chains mainly contain hydrophilic groups, and as long as the content and arrangement of these hydrophilic groups are appropriate, they can interact with water molecules. Through hydrogen bonds and other intermolecular forces, they adsorb moisture on the high-humidity side and then transfer it to the low-humidity side for desorption via the hydrophilic groups on the polymer chain. Therefore, moisture permeation is essentially a process of "adsorption-diffusion-transfer-desorption." The hydrophilic groups are called "chemical stepping stones," and under the presence of a pressure difference, moisture is directionally transferred from one side to the other. This process is also known as unidirectional moisture permeation.

[0026] The continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 is formed by rolling a polyurethane emulsion coating agent containing hydrophilic groups onto one side of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. After drying the coating at 80℃~100℃ and storing it at room temperature for 24 hours, the coating is cured on the surface of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, forming a dense and durable coating. This coating contains hydrophilic groups, which interact with water molecules. Through hydrogen bonds and other intermolecular forces, it adsorbs water on the high humidity side and then transfers it to the low humidity side for desorption through the hydrophilic groups on the polymer chain. Therefore, moisture permeation is essentially a process in which water vapor molecules are "adsorbed" on the surface of the hydrophilic polyurethane coating; water molecules "diffuse" from inside the hydrophilic polyurethane coating to the outside; water molecules "desorb" at the interface between the hydrophilic polyurethane coating and the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane; and water molecules enter the densely packed micropores of the ePTFE membrane and expel moisture into the external environment. The hydrophilic groups are called "chemical step stones," and under a pressure difference, micro-moisture is directionally transferred from the side with higher concentration to the side with lower humidity. This process is also known as unidirectional moisture permeation.

[0027] Extensive testing of the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 revealed that the amount of water vapor permeating from the coating side to the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane side is greater than the amount permeating from the ePTFE membrane side to the coating side. This difference in permeability between the two directions results in a difference in permeability; the amount of water vapor permeating from the coating side outwards is approximately 30% greater than the amount permeating from the ePTFE membrane side into the housing 1. Utilizing this significant difference in permeability between the two directions, this coating membrane is applied to electrical (vehicle lighting) electronic equipment. The coating side of this membrane faces the automotive electrical (vehicle lighting) electronic equipment, while the ePTFE membrane side faces the external atmosphere. In this way, water vapor is continuously discharged from the housing of the electrical (vehicle lighting) electronic equipment, exhibiting the characteristic of continuously discharging water vapor unidirectionally from the inside of the housing 1 to the external environment. When the electrical (vehicle lighting) electronic equipment is operating, the higher the temperature inside the housing 1, the more active the hydrophilic polymer chains of the coating become, and the faster the adsorption, diffusion, and desorption of water vapor molecules.

[0028] The continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 has the function of being permeable to moisture but not airtight. The function of the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 is to separate the anode electrolysis chamber into a chamber connected to the external atmospheric environment. Water molecules in this separated anode chamber, under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side, electrolyze and release oxygen atoms or molecules, hydrogen protons, and electrons. The released oxygen atoms or molecules are continuously released into the external atmospheric environment through small pores. Under the action of electrolysis, this separated anode chamber presents a low-humidity, slightly positive-pressure dry environment. Water molecules in the humid and hot air inside smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors migrate, permeate, diffuse, and desorb into this anode chamber through the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane and are electrolyzed. (Permeability is essentially a process of "adsorption-diffusion-transfer-desorption." The hydrophilic groups are called "chemical step stones." Under the presence of a pressure difference, micro-water molecules directionally move from the side with higher concentration to the side with lower concentration.) The moisture is transferred to the other side where the temperature is low. This process is also known as the one-way moisture permeation process. The coating film 14, which is continuously one-way permeable, has the function of one-way moisture permeability and air impermeability, which prevents the electrical components and circuits inside from being corroded by oxygen-rich atoms. The internal oxygen concentration level is maintained at the same level as the atmospheric concentration, avoiding the risk of spontaneous combustion caused by excessive internal oxygen concentration. The moisture content in the internal air is also continuously reduced under the action of the electrolysis device, and the humidity value continues to decrease, keeping the inside dry. Even if the dew point of the external environment is very low, there is no fogging or condensation on the smooth mirror surfaces of the smart helmet display, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors. This is an important new and major innovation of the device. This makes the chips, integrated circuits and other electronic components, circuits, PI insulation layers and other components inside the smart helmet display, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors free from corrosion in the oxygen-rich environment. Their electrical performance is more reliable, the failure rate is lower, and the lifespan is longer.

[0029] The outer side of the housing has external threads for mounting the membrane electrode assembly 5 and connecting it to devices such as smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors. The exhaust end 18 has a through-hole cover plate 4, which can be fixed to the housing support by welding or adhesive. An ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane 6 is disposed on the end face of the cover plate. A perforated PET protective layer 7 is also bonded to the outer side of the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane 6, and the two supports can be connected by adhesive. The perforated PET protective layer 7 increases the strength of the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane 6.

[0030] The elastic sealing ring 3 presses the membrane electrode assembly 5, improving the conductivity of the electrolysis circuit. The membrane electrode assembly 5 includes a conductive carbon paper diffusion layer 8, a cathode catalyst layer 9, a proton exchange membrane 10, an anode catalyst layer 11, and an anode porous foil 12 arranged sequentially. The cathode catalyst layer 9 is a cathode platinum-carbon Pt / C catalyst layer, the proton exchange membrane 10 is a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane or a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane reinforced with an ePTFE microporous membrane, the anode catalyst layer 11 is an anode platinum-carbon Pt / C catalyst layer, and the anode porous foil 12 is an anode platinum-titanium Pt / Ti porous foil 12. A DC anode conductor 15 and a DC cathode conductor 13 are also provided inside the housing. The DC anode conductor 15 is connected to the anode platinum-titanium Pt / Ti porous foil 13, and the DC cathode conductor 13 is connected to the conductive carbon paper diffusion layer 8. The DC anode conductor 15 and the DC cathode conductor 13 form a conductive electrolysis reaction circuit.

[0031] The conductive carbon paper diffusion layer 8 is a conductor in the electrolysis circuit. This conductor has micropores and through-holes, through which hydrogen gas electrolyzed from the cathode and water molecule gas synthesized from oxygen in the atmosphere under the action of the catalyst diffuse out.

[0032] The cathode platinum-carbon (Pt / C) catalyst layer is the cathode-side catalyst layer. H₂ is produced by electrolysis under the action of the anode-side platinum-carbon catalyst. + Under the influence of DC voltage, the H+ ions flow through a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane or a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane reinforced with ePTFE microporous membrane to the cathode side. There, under the action of a platinum-carbon catalyst on the cathode side, H+ ions react to form hydrogen or water molecules as follows:

[0033] 4H + +4e—2H2, O2+4H + +4e - —2H2O;H + Under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the cathode side, the following reaction occurs, generating hydrogen or water molecules. These molecules are then released into the external atmosphere through convection with the external atmosphere via the ePTFE microporous membrane and the components such as smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar sensors. This results in an extremely low hydrogen concentration on the cathode side, maintaining a safe state.

[0034] Perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membranes, or perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membranes reinforced with ePTFE microporous membranes, are H... + Under the influence of the electric field force generated by the voltage between the anode and cathode, H + Conducted to the cathode side, this type of proton exchange membrane only allows H10 to pass through. + By blocking electrons from passing through, electrons flow through the conductor circuit and the DC power supply, forming a closed conductive system circuit.

[0035] Perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membranes (PFSEs) or PFSEs reinforced with ePTFE microporous membranes electrolyze water molecules within the internal space of smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors, reducing their internal humidity. Even at very low dew points, no condensation or fogging occurs, as condensation is caused by the internal micro-moisture content. The innovative structure uses a proton exchange membrane 10, which possesses excellent chemical stability, proton conductivity, and gas separation properties, as a solid electrolyte, effectively preventing electron transfer. Oxygen atoms electrolyzed at the anode are continuously released into the external atmosphere through small pores, eliminating the hazardous hazards of electrolyzed oxygen atoms and oxygen gas in the anode chamber. Hydrogen atoms electrolyzed at the cathode, along with their synthesized water molecules and hydrogen gas, diffuse through the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane 6 with the external air via convection, eliminating the explosive hazards of hydrogen gas accumulation in the cathode chamber. This innovative structure enhances the safety of the electrolysis device and its engineering applications.

[0036] The anode platinum-carbon (Pt / C) catalyst layer, designated as anode catalyst layer 11, contains water molecules that move at high speeds and randomly. Some of these molecules collide with the anode-side platinum-carbon catalyst and the platinum-titanium conductive mesh, resulting in an electrolytic reaction. The electrolytic decomposition reaction equation for water molecules under the action of the anode-side platinum-carbon catalyst is: 2H₂O → O₂ + 4H₂O + +4e - Electrolysis releases oxygen atoms or molecules, hydrogen protons, and electrons.

[0037] The housing also includes an elastic sealing ring 3 and an insulating seal 2 that mate with the DC anode conductor 15 and the DC cathode conductor 13. The insulating seal 2 prevents humidity from the external atmosphere from seeping into the interior of the smart helmet display, headlights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar detection sensors.

[0038] The platinum-titanium (Pt / Ti) porous foil anode enhances the efficiency of water molecule electrolysis at the anode and increases the area of ​​water molecule collision with the anode, thus increasing the chances of water molecule electrolysis.

[0039] The device is assembled and connected to a smart helmet display, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detectors, and lidar sensors. Connection methods include threaded connections, flange screw connections, and bayonet mounting. A DC voltage of 1.23V to 3V is applied to the anode and cathode of the device. Water molecules within the internal spaces of the smart helmet display, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detectors, and lidar sensors move at high speeds and randomly. Some collide with the platinum-carbon catalyst and platinum-titanium conductive mesh on the anode side, undergoing an electrolytic reaction. The electrolytic decomposition reaction equation of water molecules under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side is as follows:

[0040] 2H₂O—O₂+4H+ +4e - Electrolysis releases oxygen atoms or molecules, hydrogen protons, and electrons, etc.

[0041] Under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side, water molecules release oxygen and oxygen atoms into the anode chamber, which are then continuously released into the external atmosphere through small pores. The continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 has the function of being permeable to moisture but impermeable to air. The function of the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 is to separate the anode electrolysis chamber into a chamber connected to the external atmosphere. In this separated anode chamber, water molecules, under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side, electrolyze and release oxygen atoms or molecules, hydrogen protons, and electrons, etc. Oxygen atoms or molecules are continuously released into the external atmosphere through small pores. The separated anode chamber, under the action of electrolysis, presents a low-humidity, slightly positive-pressure dry environment. Water molecules in the humid air inside smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detectors, and lidar sensors migrate, diffuse, and desorb into the anode chamber through a one-way permeable coating membrane, where they are electrolyzed. (Permeability is essentially a process of "adsorption-diffusion-transfer-desorption." The hydrophilic groups are called "chemical steppes.") Under pressure differentials, trace moisture flows directionally from the side with higher concentration to the side with lower humidity. This process is known as unidirectional moisture permeation. The continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane 14 possesses the function of being permeable to moisture but not airtight, preventing the internal electrical components and circuits from being corroded by oxygen-rich atoms. Its internal oxygen concentration is maintained at the same level as atmospheric oxygen, avoiding the risk of spontaneous combustion caused by excessive internal oxygen concentration. The trace moisture content in the internal air also continuously decreases under the action of the electrolysis device, resulting in a continuously decreasing humidity value and maintaining a dry internal state. Even when the external dew point is very low, smooth surfaces such as smart helmet displays, headlights, monitoring probes, image detectors, and lidar sensors do not experience fogging or condensation. This is a significant new innovation of the device, which protects the internal electronic components such as chips, integrated circuits, circuits, and PI insulation layers of smart helmet displays, headlights, monitoring probes, image detectors, and lidar sensors from corrosion in oxygen-rich environments. This results in more reliable electrical performance, lower failure rates, and longer lifespans. The H+ ions generated by electrolysis under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the anode side flow through the perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane or the perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane reinforced with ePTFE microporous membrane under the action of DC voltage to reach the cathode side. Under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the cathode side, the H+ ions form hydrogen molecules or water molecules in the following reaction:

[0042] 4H + +4e—2H2, O2+4H + +4e - —2H2O;H +Under the action of the platinum-carbon catalyst on the cathode side, the following reaction occurs, generating hydrogen or water molecules. These molecules are then released into the external atmosphere through convection with the external atmosphere via the ePTFE microporous membrane and the components such as smart helmet displays, vehicle lights, monitoring probes, image detection, and lidar sensors. This results in an extremely low hydrogen concentration on the cathode side, maintaining a safe state.

[0043] An apparatus having the above-mentioned active water molecule electrolysis device, wherein the internal space of the apparatus is connected to the air inlet 17 of the active water molecule electrolysis device.

[0044] This invention's active water molecule electrolysis device within a confined space maintains a low internal oxygen concentration, preventing corrosion damage to internal electrical components and circuits from oxygen-rich atoms and avoiding the risk of spontaneous combustion due to excessive internal oxygen concentration. The micro-moisture content in the air inside the shell is continuously reduced under the action of the electrolysis device, resulting in a consistently low humidity level and a dry interior. Even with a low dew point in the external environment, smooth surfaces such as smart helmet displays, headlights, monitoring probes, image detectors, and lidar sensors do not experience fogging or condensation. This is a significant new innovation of the device. This protects internal electronic components such as chips, integrated circuits, circuits, and PI insulation layers from corrosion in oxygen-rich environments, resulting in more reliable electrical performance, lower failure rates, and longer lifespans. Furthermore, the cathode chamber of this device uses an ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane. On the one hand, it forms a breathable protective layer that circulates with the atmosphere, continuously discharging the hydrogen gas produced by cathode electrolysis and the water molecules synthesized from oxygen in the atmosphere under the action of the catalyst, thus eliminating the risk of hydrogen explosion due to hydrogen accumulation on the cathode side. On the other hand, it prevents rainwater, dust, oil, and other contaminants from entering the cathode chamber, protecting the cathode and catalyst layer from the risk of external environmental pollution. This results in a longer lifespan for the electrolysis device and effectively maximizes the efficiency of electrolytic dehumidification.

[0045] This invention will provide a new device for eliminating the hazards of fogging and condensation in my country's new energy vehicles, intelligent driving, and safety management and monitoring. It will help improve the competitiveness of new energy vehicles, intelligent driving, and safety management, making them safer, more reliable, and with a longer maintenance-free life. The company will therefore achieve good economic and social benefits from this invention.

[0046] Unlike existing technologies, the active water molecule electrolysis device and equipment of this invention in a limited space utilizes the difference in moisture permeability between the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane and the continuously unidirectionally permeable coating membrane to achieve continuous unidirectional discharge of water vapor from the inside to the external environment, effectively maximizing the efficiency of electrolytic dehumidification.

[0047] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An active water molecule electrolysis device within a confined space, comprising a housing with an airflow channel, wherein a membrane electrode assembly is disposed within the housing, the membrane electrode assembly dividing the airflow channel into an air inlet and an air outlet, characterized in that, The air inlet is provided with a continuously unidirectional moisture-permeable coating membrane, the exhaust end is provided with an ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane, and the housing is provided with an oxygen exhaust channel that connects the air inlet end to the outside.

2. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane is also bonded with a PET protective layer with through holes.

3. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anode side of the membrane electrode assembly faces the inlet end, and the cathode side of the membrane electrode assembly faces the outlet end.

4. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 3, characterized in that, The membrane electrode assembly includes a conductive carbon paper diffusion layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a proton exchange membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and an anode porous foil mesh arranged sequentially.

5. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cathode catalyst layer is a cathode platinum-carbon Pt / C catalyst layer, the proton exchange membrane is a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane or a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane reinforced with an ePTFE microporous membrane, the anode catalyst layer is an anode platinum-carbon Pt / C catalyst layer, and the anode porous foil is an anode platinum-titanium Pt / Ti porous foil.

6. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing also contains a DC anode conductor and a DC cathode conductor. The DC anode conductor is connected to the anode platinum-titanium (Pt / Ti) porous foil mesh, and the DC cathode conductor is connected to the conductive carbon paper diffusion layer.

7. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing is also equipped with an elastic sealing ring and an insulating sealing element that cooperate with the DC anode conductor and the DC cathode conductor.

8. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The exhaust end is provided with a through-hole cover plate, and the ePTFE microporous breathable protective membrane is disposed on the end face of the through-hole cover plate.

9. The active water molecule electrolysis device in a confined space according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer side of the housing has external threads.

10. A device, characterized in that, The device comprises an active water molecule electrolysis device according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the internal space of the device is connected to the air inlet of the active water molecule electrolysis device.

Citation Information

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