Laminar flow electrolysis device

Abstract

A system including an electrolysis device includes an anode configured for connection to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode configured to be connected to a second pole of the voltage source; a fluid inlet configured to allow a flow of fluid to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet configured to allow the flow to exit the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device configured to cause the flow to have a flow velocity profile along a flow axis, the flow velocity profile having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the fluid outlet is configured to allow the flow to exit the electrolysis device, and wherein the fluid outlet is configured to allow the flow to exit the electrolysis device. The flow velocity becomes relatively low at a location away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, where the electrolysis device has an entry length such that the flow velocity profile is an at least partially developing laminar flow when the flow reaches the anode or the cathode.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to EP application 22187647.7 filed on July 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The description herein generally relates to electrolysis devices for separating fluid components. More specifically, the present invention includes compact and efficient electrolysis devices that utilize dynamic diaphragms and other design features to obtain improved fluid output. Background Art

[0004] Electrolyzers can be used to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen by applying an electric field between a cathode and an anode. In recent years, interest in electrolyzers has grown significantly due to the expected role of hydrogen in energy conversion. At the same time, hydrogen from electrolyzers (called "green hydrogen") can be used as a component for chemical processes such as fertilizer production. The current state of the art for such applications is "grey hydrogen" made from natural gas (CH4). Summary of the invention

[0005] A system including an electrolysis device is disclosed. In one aspect, a system including an electrolysis device includes: an anode configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode configured to be connected to a second pole of a voltage source; a fluid inlet configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device being configured to cause the flow to have a flow velocity profile along a flow axis between the anode and the cathode having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively low at a location away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolysis device has an entry length such that the flow velocity profile is at least partially developed laminar flow when the flow reaches the anode or the cathode.

[0006] In some variations, the flow velocity profile may be partially developed laminar flow or fully developed laminar flow.

[0007] In some variations, the cathode fluid guide may be configured to guide a flow close to the cathode to a first fluid outlet; and the anode fluid guide may be configured to guide a flow close to the anode to a second fluid outlet. The fluid outlet may include a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, the first fluid outlet being disposed in the electrolysis device to receive a flow close to the cathode, and the second outlet being disposed in the electrolysis device to receive a flow close to the anode. The first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet may be disposed along the longitudinal direction of the electrolysis device. The fluid outlet may also include a third fluid outlet, wherein the second fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet are disposed on either side of the first fluid outlet.

[0008] In some variations, the electrolyzer may be elongated and substantially thinner in the transverse direction of the flow than in the longitudinal direction. The anode and cathode may have a spacing between 0.5 mm and 12 mm. The spacing may be between 1 mm and 3 mm. The electrolyzer may have a height between 10 mm and 70 mm along the flow axis. The anode and / or cathode may have an uneven surface profile. The surface profile may include a corrugated portion perpendicular to the fluid flow.

[0009] In some variations, the fluid may be seawater, and the electrolysis device produces a first fluid output having a reduced saltwater content from a second fluid outlet by separating salt from the fluid using an anode and a cathode.

[0010] In a related aspect, an electrolysis device may include: an anode, which is configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode, which is configured to be connected to a second pole of the voltage source; a fluid inlet, which is configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet, which is configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device is configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis with a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, and the electrolysis device also includes a separator, which is configured to direct a first fluid output to a first fluid outlet and a second fluid output to a second fluid outlet, wherein the separator extends parallel to the flow axis and has an upstream edge that terminates approximately at a downstream anode edge of the anode or approximately at a downstream cathode edge of the cathode, so that the separator causes at least partial separation of the flow.

[0011] In some variations, the upstream edge of the separator may be proximate to and downstream of the downstream cathode edge or the downstream anode edge.The separator may be a knife edge including a sharp edge that facilitates separation of fluids.

[0012] In a related aspect, a plurality of electrolysis devices are arranged in a parallel stack, each of the plurality of electrolysis devices comprising: an anode configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode configured to be connected to a second pole of a voltage source; a fluid inlet configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device being configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, the system being configured to: receive a plurality of portions of an input flow of fluid from a common fluid input source to a fluid inlet of each of the plurality of electrolysis devices; output a first fluid output from a first fluid outlet in each of the plurality of electrolysis devices; and output a second fluid output from a second fluid outlet in each of the plurality of electrolysis devices.

[0013] In some variations, the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet can be configured to direct the flow in the same direction parallel to the stacking direction of the parallel stack. The system can be configured so that the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet direct the first fluid output and the second fluid output in different directions parallel to the stacking direction of the parallel stack. The system can also include a second parallel stack, wherein the system is further configured to provide the first fluid output and / or the second fluid output from the parallel stack to a fluid inlet of an electrolysis device in the second parallel stack.

[0014] In a related aspect, an electrolysis device may include: an anode, which is configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode, which is configured to be connected to a second pole of the voltage source; a fluid inlet, which is configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet, which is configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device being configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis with a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolysis device is configured to operate at a fluid pressure greater than 1 bar and at a temperature greater than 25°C that does not exceed the boiling point of the fluid at the fluid pressure.

[0015] In some variations, the electrolyzer may be configured to operate at a temperature of at least 100° C. The electrolyzer may be configured to operate at a temperature of at least 200° C. The electrolyzer may be configured to operate at a fluid pressure of between 20 bar and 30 bar to prevent boiling of the fluid.

[0016] In some variations, the system may be connected to a power source including one or more of a solar panel, a wind turbine, a hydro turbine, or a wave energy capture system. The electrolysis device may be configured to disable or de-energize the anode and / or cathode within 10 seconds of shutting off the power supply that energizes the anode and cathode. The system may be configured to cut off the power to the anode and / or cathode when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted. The system may be configured to stop the flow of fluid through the electrolysis device when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted for at least a first period of time. The first period of time may be at least 10 minutes. The system may be configured to stop heating the electrolysis device when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted for at least a second period of time. The second period of time may be at least two hours. The system may be configured to energize the anode and / or cathode using an alternative power source when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the embodiments, help explain some principles associated with the disclosed embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a simplified electrolysis apparatus.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the evolution of fluid flow from a constant flow profile to a fully developed laminar flow.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cathode side view of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the schematic diagram illustrating a fluid outlet guide above the cathode.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an anode side view of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the schematic diagram illustrating a fluid outlet guide above the anode.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a separator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a separator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of electrolysis devices arranged as parallel stacks according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a simplified electrolysis device. An electrolysis device (e.g., electrolysis device 100) can be used to separate water 110 into a fluid containing, for example, a higher concentration of hydrogen 112 or oxygen 114 by applying an electric field between a cathode 120 and an anode 130. The electric field can be generated by a power source 140, which can generate a potential difference between the cathode 120 and the anode 130. Some electrolysis devices can be referred to as alkaline, where OH- ions cross from the cathode to the anode. Other electrolysis devices can be referred to as acidic, where H+ ions cross from the anode 130 to the cathode 120. Some electrolysis devices can include a separator 150, typically between the cathode 120 and the anode 130, which can be used to separate hydrogen and oxygen suspended in the output fluid.

[0027] Figure 2 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid flow evolving from a constant flow profile to a fully developed laminar flow. As a fluid (e.g., fresh water, seawater, etc.) flows through an electrolyzer, the flow profile may evolve from a constant flow 210 to a partially developed laminar flow 220 to a fully developed laminar flow 230. While the constant flow 210 may be, for example, a flat velocity flow profile as shown, it may also include some turbulent regions. The partially developed laminar flow 220 may be an intermediate situation, where there may be reduced (or even substantially no) turbulent regions, and also have a velocity flow profile that generally reaches a peak, such as Figure 2 In contrast, a fully developed laminar flow 230 may have a velocity flow profile that is parabolic in shape.

[0028] As used herein, when referring to a flow or flow profile that is "partially developed laminar flow" or "fully developed laminar flow", it should be understood that the present invention encompasses slight variations in flow profiles, such that, for example, fully developed laminar flow need not be exactly or perfectly parabolic - and thus partially developed laminar flow would (incorrectly) exclude only exact or perfectly parabolic flow profiles. Rather, one skilled in the art would be able to evaluate a given flow profile and characterize the given flow profile as "partially developed" laminar flow or "fully developed" laminar flow. Furthermore, some degree of turbulence may be present (but need not necessarily be present) in either of the described scenarios, with any turbulence generally decreasing as laminar flow develops.

[0029] Figure 3300 is a schematic diagram of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Electrolysis device 300 is depicted as an open configuration to better illustrate the internal components and structure of some embodiments of the disclosed electrolysis device. In some embodiments, a system may include an electrolysis device 300 having: an anode 330, the anode 330 being configured to be connected to a first pole 342 of a voltage source 340; a cathode 320, the cathode 320 being configured to be connected to a second pole 344 of the voltage source 340; a fluid inlet 310, the fluid inlet 310 being configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device 300; and a fluid outlet 312, the fluid outlet 312 being configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device 300. The voltage source 340 is depicted in a simplified manner, wherein only the leads / contact points from the voltage source 340 connected to the cathode 320 and the anode 330 are shown to illustrate the circuit. Although the simplified leads and voltage source 340 may be part of the disclosed electrolysis device system, they do not have to be part of the electrolysis device 300 itself. Some embodiments may also include a separator 350 configured to facilitate separation of fluid to the first fluid outlet 316 (associated with the cathode 320 ) and the second / third fluid outlets 314 / 315 (associated with the anode 330 ).

[0030] The lower left inset depicts a simplified diagram of the electrolysis device 300 and an exemplary partially developed laminar flow. The inset shows that in some embodiments, the electrolysis device 300 can be configured to have a flow velocity profile 370 along the flow axis 360, wherein the flow velocity profile 370 has a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis 360 between the anode 330 and the cathode 320, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively low at a position away from the flow axis 360 and closer to the anode 330 and the cathode 320. In some embodiments, the electrolysis device 300 can have an entry length L2 that makes the flow velocity profile a partially developed laminar flow when the flow reaches the anode 330 or the cathode 320. The entry length L2 corresponds to the straight-line distance between the fluid inlet 310 and the cathode 320 and / or the anode 330. In some embodiments, L2 can be between 50 mm and 200 mm, for example, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 250 mm, 175 mm, or 200 mm. In some embodiments, the flow rate at the inlet can be between 1000 liters / hour and 3000 liters / hour, such as 1000 liters / hour, 1500 liters / hour, 2000 liters / hour, 2160 liters / hour, 2500 liters / hour, or 3000 liters / hour. In various embodiments, the selection of the entry length L2 and other geometries of the electrolyzer and the stream entering the fluid inlet 310 can help to make the stream partially laminar when it arrives at the anode 330 or cathode 320. However, this can produce numerous designs with specific geometric dimensions. Therefore, it is not believed that the specific dimensions of the disclosed system are required.

[0031] Figure 4 316 is a schematic diagram of a cathode side view of an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention, the schematic diagram illustrating a fluid outlet guide above the cathode. In some embodiments, the electrolyzer system may include a cathode fluid guide 422 configured to direct flow approaching the cathode 320 to the first fluid outlet 316. The cathode fluid guide 422 may be a recess oriented above the cathode 320 that is shaped to funnel the fluid after it has passed through the cathode 320. Figure 4Additional electrolyzer dimensions are also shown in . L1 corresponds to the length of the electrode (cathode or anode) along the flow direction. In some embodiments, L1 can be between 10 mm and 30 mm, for example, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm. Although L1 can be the same for both cathode 320 and anode 330, it can be different in some embodiments. D1 corresponds to the depth of the electrode in the longitudinal direction along the electrolyzer. In some embodiments, D1 can be between 100 mm and 500 mm, for example, 100 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, or 500 mm. In Figure 4 (and Figure 5 ) also shows a cathode contact point 420 and an anode contact point 430 that can be connected to a voltage source 340.

[0032] Figure 5 314 is a schematic diagram of an anode side view of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the schematic diagram illustrating a fluid outlet guide above the anode. In some embodiments, the electrolysis device 300 may also include an anode fluid guide 522, which is configured to guide the flow approaching the anode 330 to the second fluid outlet 314. The anode fluid guide 522 can be a recess oriented above the anode 330, which is shaped to funnel the fluid after the fluid has passed through the anode 330. As shown in this embodiment, there can be two anode fluid guides, wherein the other anode fluid guide guides some of the fluid to the third fluid outlet 315.

[0033] In some embodiments, Figures 3 to 5 As depicted, fluid outlet 312 may include a first fluid outlet 316 disposed in electrolysis device 300 to receive the flow proximate cathode 320 and a second fluid outlet 314 disposed in electrolysis device 300 to receive the flow proximate anode 330 .

[0034] In some embodiments, the first fluid outlet 316 and the second fluid outlet 314 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the electrolysis device 300. This is depicted in FIG. Figures 3 to 5 , wherein, although the fluid outlets are generally arranged lengthwise in the electrolysis device 300, they are not necessarily at the same height in various embodiments. Figures 3 to 5 It is also shown in FIG. 3 that in some embodiments, the fluid outlet 312 may further include a third fluid outlet 316 , wherein the second fluid outlet 314 and the third fluid outlet 315 are disposed on either side of the first fluid outlet 316 .

[0035] As from Figure 3As will be apparent in the drawings, the electrolyzer 300 can be elongated and can be substantially thinner in the transverse direction of the flow (i.e., the direction in which the electrolyzer 300 is narrowest) than in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction in which the electrolyzer 300 is longest). For example, some embodiments of the electrolyzer 300 can be 5 mm to 20 mm in the transverse direction and 250 mm in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the anode 330 and cathode 320 can have a spacing between 0.5 mm and 12 mm, between 1 mm and 3 mm, etc. In addition, some embodiments of the electrolyzer 300 can have a height along the flow axis 360 between 10 mm and 70 mm.

[0036] In some embodiments, electrodes such as anode 330 and / or cathode 320 may have an uneven surface profile. For example, the uneven surface profile may include corrugations perpendicular to the fluid flow, cross-textures, or other protrusions that can increase the surface area of ​​the electrode. With the improvements disclosed herein, electrolysis device 300 may be applied to a variety of applications. One example is desalination, where the fluid may be seawater, and the electrolysis device generates a first fluid output having a reduced saltwater content from a second fluid outlet by separating salt in the fluid using an anode and a cathode.

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a separator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a separator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As depicted in , electrolysis device 300 may also include a separator 350 configured to direct the first fluid output to a first fluid outlet and the second fluid output to a second fluid outlet. See also the perspective view of an exemplary separator 350. Figure 3 The separator may extend parallel to the flow axis (see Figure 3 In some embodiments, such as Figure 6, the separator 350 can have an upstream edge 352 that terminates approximately at the downstream anode edge 332 of the anode 330 or approximately at the downstream cathode edge 322 of the cathode 320, such that the separator 350 causes at least partial separation of the flow. As used herein, the term at "approximately" the downstream / upstream edge means that the separator 350 is close enough to have a quantifiable effect on the flow profile at the downstream cathode / anode edge. In contrast, if the upstream edge 352 is located much further downstream or upstream than the cathode / anode downstream edge, the effect of fluid separation caused by the separator 350 will not be noticed. Also as used herein, the term "upstream / downstream" is with reference to fluid flow. For example, in the case where a fluid passes through the fluid inlet 310 and flows over the cathode 320, the zone before reaching the cathode is "upstream" of the cathode, and the zone after reaching the cathode is "downstream" of the cathode. In some embodiments, the upstream edge 352 can be within 2 mm of the downstream cathode / anode edge. In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 , the upstream edge 352 of the separator 350 can be proximate to and downstream of the downstream cathode edge 322 or the downstream anode edge 332. In some embodiments, the separator 350 can be a knife edge that includes a sharp edge (i.e., converging surfaces, such as surfaces / blades that converge to a point or nearly so) for promoting separation of fluids.

[0038] Figure 8 800 is a schematic diagram of electrolysis devices arranged in a parallel stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention contemplates that any of the disclosed embodiments of electrolysis devices can be arranged in a parallel stack 800. Each of the electrolysis devices (300A to 300N, where these represent 1, 2, 3, ... N electrolysis devices) can include features described herein (e.g., see Figures 3 to 7 The above illustration shows a simplified diagram of one electrolyzer (e.g., 300A). In addition, in some embodiments, a system having such a parallel stack can enable each of the electrolyzers 300A to 300N to be configured to receive multiple portions of an input flow (e.g., water) of a fluid from a common fluid input source 810 to a fluid inlet of each of the electrolyzers. The system can also be configured to output a first fluid output (e.g., H2+water) from a first fluid outlet 822 in each of the electrolyzers and a second fluid output (e.g., O2+water) from a second fluid outlet 824 in each of the electrolyzers.

[0039] like Figure 8As depicted in FIG. 8 , the first fluid outlet 822 and the second fluid outlet 824 can be configured to direct the flow in the same direction parallel to the stacking direction of the parallel stack 800 (e.g., from left to right or from right to left). In some embodiments, the system can be configured so that the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet direct the first fluid output and the second fluid output in different directions parallel to the stacking direction of the parallel stack (e.g., one fluid output to the right and the other fluid output to the left).

[0040] In some embodiments, the system may include a second parallel stack, wherein the system may be further configured to provide the first fluid output and / or the second fluid output from the parallel stack to a fluid inlet of an electrolyzer in the second parallel stack. Thus, the present invention contemplates that the output of any number of electrolyzers may be directed to the input of other electrolyzers (whether or not in a parallel stack). Such configurations may utilize conduits for such connections, may include inverter AC electrolyzers, and the like.

[0041] Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may also include additional features that improve the performance / efficiency of the (multiple) electrolyzers. For example, the electrolyzer may be configured to operate at a fluid pressure greater than 1 bar and at a temperature greater than 25°C that does not exceed the boiling point of the fluid at the fluid pressure. In some embodiments, this may include operating at a fluid pressure between 20 bar and 30 bar at a temperature of at least 100°C, at least 200°C to prevent the fluid from boiling, etc. Thus, various embodiments may include operating generally at a higher pressure that permits operation at a higher temperature that may exceed the boiling point of the fluid at standard pressure. These embodiments may be implemented by using materials with lower coefficients of thermal expansion, fastening seals and fasteners between components so that the electrolyzer does not fail when a pressurized fluid is introduced, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system can be connected to a power source such as a solar panel, a wind turbine, a hydro turbine, or a wave energy capture system. While such systems have the advantage of being sustainable and having a reduced carbon footprint, such systems may suffer from intermittent or variable power production. Therefore, the present invention encompasses numerous features that improve the failure of the anode / cathode when power is lost from the voltage source 340, and also improve stable / continuous operation in the event of such power loss.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrolysis device can be configured to disable the anode and / or cathode within 10 seconds of shutting off the power supply energizing the anode and cathode.

[0044] In some embodiments, the system can be configured to cut off the power to the anode and / or cathode when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to stop the flow of fluid through the electrolysis device when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted for at least a first period of time (e.g., at least 10 minutes, at least 5 minutes, etc.). In some embodiments, the system can be configured to stop heating the electrolysis device when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted for at least a second period of time (e.g., at least two hours, at least one hour, etc.). In some embodiments, the system can be configured to energize the anode and / or cathode using an alternative power supply when the power supply that provides power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted. Examples of alternative power supplies can include, for example, batteries, capacitors, etc.

[0045] The combinations and sub-combinations of the components disclosed herein constitute separate embodiments and are provided as examples only. In addition, the above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made as described without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.

[0046] In the following, other features, characteristics, and exemplary technical solutions of the present disclosure will be described in terms of aspects optionally claimed in any combination:

[0047] Aspect 1: A system including an electrolysis device having: an anode, which is configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode, which is configured to be connected to a second pole of a voltage source; a fluid inlet, which is configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet, which is configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, wherein the electrolysis device is configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis between the anode and the cathode having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolysis device has an entry length such that the flow velocity profile is at least partially developed laminar flow when the flow reaches the anode or the cathode.

[0048] Aspect 2: The system of Aspect 1, wherein the flow velocity profile is partially developed laminar flow.

[0049] Aspect 3: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the flow velocity profile is fully developed laminar flow.

[0050] Aspect 4: The system as described in any of the preceding aspects further includes: a cathode fluid guide, which is configured to guide the flow near the cathode to the first fluid outlet; and an anode fluid guide, which is configured to guide the flow near the anode to the second fluid outlet.

[0051] Aspect 5: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the fluid outlet comprises a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, the first fluid outlet being disposed in the electrolysis device to receive a flow proximate to the cathode, and the second fluid outlet being disposed in the electrolysis device to receive a flow proximate to the anode.

[0052] Aspect 6: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the electrolysis device.

[0053] Aspect 7: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the fluid outlet further comprises a third fluid outlet, wherein the second fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet are disposed on either side of the first fluid outlet.

[0054] Aspect 8: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrolysis device is elongated and substantially thinner in a transverse direction of flow than in a longitudinal direction.

[0055] Aspect 9: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the anode and cathode have a spacing between 0.5 mm and 12 mm.

[0056] Aspect 10: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the spacing is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0057] Aspect 11: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrolysis device has a height along the flow axis of between 10 mm and 70 mm.

[0058] Aspect 12: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the anode and / or cathode has a non-planar surface profile.

[0059] Aspect 13: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the surface profile comprises corrugations perpendicular to the fluid flow.

[0060] Aspect 14: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the fluid is seawater and the electrolysis device produces a first fluid output having a reduced saltwater content from a second fluid outlet by separating salt in the fluid using an anode and a cathode.

[0061] Aspect 15: A system as described in any of the preceding aspects, comprising an electrolysis device, the electrolysis device having: an anode, the anode being configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode, the cathode being configured to be connected to a second pole of a voltage source; a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet being configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device being configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, the electrolysis device also comprising a separator, the separator being configured to direct a first fluid output to a first fluid outlet and a second fluid output to a second fluid outlet, wherein the separator extends parallel to the flow axis and has an upstream edge, the upstream edge terminating approximately at a downstream anode edge of the anode or approximately at a downstream cathode edge of the cathode, such that the separator causes at least partial separation of the flow.

[0062] Aspect 16: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the upstream edge of the separator is proximate to and downstream of the downstream cathode edge or the downstream anode edge.

[0063] Aspect 17: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the separator is a knife edge comprising a sharp edge that facilitates separation of the fluid.

[0064] Aspect 18: A system as described in any of the preceding aspects, comprising a plurality of electrolysis devices arranged in a parallel stack, each of the plurality of electrolysis devices comprising: an anode, the anode being configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode, the cathode being configured to be connected to a second pole of a voltage source; a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet being configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device being configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, the system being configured to: receive a plurality of portions of an input flow of fluid from a common fluid input source to a fluid inlet of each of the plurality of electrolysis devices; output a first fluid output from a first fluid outlet in each of the plurality of electrolysis devices; and output a second fluid output from a second fluid outlet in each of the plurality of electrolysis devices.

[0065] Aspect 19: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet are configured to direct the flow in a same direction parallel to a stacking direction of the parallel stacks.

[0066] Aspect 20: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is configured such that the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet direct the first fluid output and the second fluid output in different directions parallel to a stacking direction of the parallel stack.

[0067] Aspect 21: The system of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising a second parallel stack, wherein the system is further configured to provide the first fluid output and / or the second fluid output from the parallel stack to a fluid inlet of an electrolysis device in the second parallel stack.

[0068] Aspect 22: A system as described in any of the preceding aspects, comprising an electrolysis device, the electrolysis device having: an anode, the anode being configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode, the cathode being configured to be connected to a second pole of a voltage source; a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet being configured to allow the flow to leave the electrolysis device, the electrolysis device being configured so that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolysis device is configured to operate at a fluid pressure greater than 1 bar and at a temperature greater than 25°C that does not exceed the boiling point of the fluid at the fluid pressure.

[0069] Aspect 23: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrolysis device is configured to operate at a temperature of at least 100°C.

[0070] Aspect 24: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrolysis device is configured to operate at a temperature of at least 200°C.

[0071] Aspect 25: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrolysis device is configured to operate at a fluid pressure between 20 bar and 30 bar to prevent boiling of the fluid.

[0072] Aspect 26: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is connected to a power source comprising one or more of solar panels, wind turbines, hydro turbines, or a wave energy capture system.

[0073] Aspect 27: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrolysis device is configured to disable the anode and / or cathode within 10 seconds of shutting off power energizing the anode and cathode.

[0074] Aspect 28: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is configured to cut off power to the anode and / or cathode when a power source providing power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted.

[0075] Aspect 29: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is configured to stop fluid flow through the electrolysis device when a power source providing electrical energy to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted for at least a first period of time.

[0076] Aspect 30: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first period of time is at least 10 minutes.

[0077] Aspect 31: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is configured to stop heating the electrolysis device when power to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted for at least a second period of time.

[0078] Aspect 32: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the second period of time is at least two hours.

[0079] Aspect 33: The system of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the system is configured to energize the anode and / or cathode using an alternative power source when a power source providing electrical energy to the anode and / or cathode is interrupted.

Claims

1. A system comprising an electrolysis device, having: an anode configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode configured to be connected to a second pole of the voltage source; a fluid inlet configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; as well as a fluid outlet configured to allow the flow to exit the electrolysis device, The electrolysis device is configured such that the flow has a flow velocity profile along a flow axis, wherein the flow velocity profile has a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolysis device has an entry length such that the flow velocity profile is at least partially developed laminar flow when the flow reaches the anode or the cathode.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The flow velocity profile is a partially developed laminar flow.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a cathode fluid guide configured to direct the flow proximate the cathode to a first fluid outlet; as well as An anode fluid guide is configured to direct the flow proximate the anode to a second fluid outlet.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid outlet comprises a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, wherein the first fluid outlet is disposed in the electrolysis device to receive the flow near the cathode, and the second outlet is disposed in the electrolysis device to receive the flow near the anode.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein: The first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrolysis device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein: The electrolysis device is elongated and substantially thinner in a transverse direction of the flow than in a longitudinal direction.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein: The anode and the cathode have a spacing of between 0.5 mm and 12 mm.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: The spacing is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein: The electrolysis device has a height along the flow axis of between 10 mm and 70 mm.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein: The anode and / or the cathode has an uneven surface profile.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: The surface profile includes corrugations perpendicular to the fluid flow.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The fluid is seawater, and the electrolysis device produces a first fluid output having a reduced salt water content from a second fluid outlet by separating salt in the fluid using the anode and the cathode.

13. A system comprising an electrolysis device, having: an anode configured to be connected to a first pole of a voltage source; a cathode configured to be connected to a second pole of the voltage source; a fluid inlet configured to allow a fluid flow to enter the electrolysis device; as well as a fluid outlet configured to allow the flow to exit the electrolysis device, The electrolysis device is configured to cause the flow to have a flow velocity profile along a flow axis, the flow velocity profile having a relatively high flow velocity at the flow axis between the anode and the cathode, and wherein the flow velocity becomes relatively lower at a position away from the flow axis and closer to the anode and the cathode, the electrolysis device also includes a separator, the separator is configured to direct the first fluid output to a first fluid outlet and the second fluid output to a second fluid outlet, wherein the separator extends parallel to the flow axis and has an upstream edge, the upstream edge terminates approximately at a downstream anode edge of the anode or approximately at a downstream cathode edge of the cathode, so that the separator causes at least partial separation of the flow.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein: The upstream edge of the separator is proximate to and downstream of the downstream cathode edge or the downstream anode edge.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein: The separator is a knife edge comprising a sharp edge that facilitates separation of the fluid.

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