Device for providing a gas component and vehicle with such a device

Abstract

Device (10) for providing a gas component (11, 12), comprising: an electrolysis unit (20) having a first chamber (21) and a second chamber (22), wherein the first chamber (21) is separated from the second chamber (22) by a separation unit (23); wherein the separation unit (23) has a membrane structure with pores; wherein the first chamber (21) is designed to receive an electrolyte (13) and to provide a first gas component (11); wherein the second chamber (22) is adapted to provide a second gas component (12); wherein a pressure within the second chamber (22) is greater than a pressure within the first chamber (21); wherein an electrolyte flow of the electrolyte (13) occurs only in the first chamber (21) and a passage of the electrolyte (13) into the second chamber (22) is prevented in order to thus keep the provided second gas component (12) separate from the electrolyte (13); a phase separation unit (30) designed to separate the first gas component (11) from the electrolyte (13) to thereby provide the first gas component (11).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to electrolysis systems with asymmetric circulation operable under high-pressure conditions. In particular, the invention relates to a device for providing a gas component and a vehicle with such a device. Background of the invention

[0002] High-pressure gas storage is an essential component for the use of hydrogen-powered systems. Conventional electrolysis systems for the production of hydrogen operate at maximum pressures of up to 40 bar, requiring additional pressurization for subsequent storage of the hydrogen to effectively store it. This leads to a reduction in efficiency and reliability, as well as an increase in the mass and volume of the hydrogen-powered systems. Furthermore, complex feed pumps are typically required to provide a reactant for electrolysis, which in turn can lead to increased weight and reduced system reliability. Likewise, existing electrolysis systems cannot operate under microgravity conditions, which limits the possible applications of such systems.

[0003] EP 2 463 407 B1 and US 2013 / 0 313 126 A1 describe an electrolysis process using an electrode-membrane-electrode assembly comprising two porous electrodes with a porous intermediate membrane or an ion exchange membrane. The liquid electrolyte is fed directly into the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of systems for the electrolytic provision of gas components.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] According to one aspect, a device for providing a gas component is provided. The device comprises an electrolysis unit with a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is separated from the second chamber by a separation unit. The first chamber is designed to accommodate an electrolyte, for example together with a reactant in the form of water, and to provide a first gas component, for example hydrogen. The second chamber is designed to provide a second gas component, for example oxygen. A pressure within the second chamber is greater than a pressure within the first chamber, wherein an electrolyte flow of the electrolyte occurs only in the first chamber and a passage of the electrolyte into the second chamber is prevented in order to thus keep the provided second gas component separate from the electrolyte.The device further comprises a phase separation unit designed to separate the first gas component from the electrolyte, thus providing the first gas component, for example, in pure form. After separation, the first gas component can be supplied, for example, to a storage device or a consumer, and the electrolyte can be returned to the electrolysis unit after separation. Likewise, the second gas component can also be supplied to a storage device or a consumer after provision.

[0007] The above-mentioned device, including the electrolysis unit, can be operated at high pressures of, for example, over 50 bar or even over 100 bar, thus avoiding or simplifying additional pressurization before storing the provided gas components. Likewise, very high gas quality or purity can be achieved for both the first gas component and the second gas component. Any water vapor that may occur during electrolysis can also be reduced.

[0008] The device according to the invention achieves, in particular, greater system efficiency by eliminating the need for additional pressurization components, since the electrolysis itself can be operated at the pressure required for a specific application. In other words, using the device, phase separation can be achieved during electrolysis under high pressure. For example, the electrolyte in liquid form, which is located only in the first chamber, can be kept separate from the second gas component located in the second chamber.

[0009] With the device according to the invention, electrolyte circulation is thus provided only within the first chamber, whereas no electrolyte circulation takes place within the second chamber. In other words, asymmetric electrolyte circulation is provided. A two-phase flow of liquid electrolyte and the first gas component contained therein can be formed in the first chamber.

[0010] The electrolysis unit can be provided in the form of a cell comprising a closed unit with an electrolyte inlet and two outlets, the first outlet being provided for a combined electrolyte-gas component outlet and the second outlet being provided for a pure gas outlet. The combined electrolyte-gas component outlet can comprise the removal of the electrolyte together with the first gas component provided by the electrolysis from the first chamber. The second outlet can comprise the removal of the provided second gas component from the second chamber. The electrolysis unit can have a frame structure surrounding the two chambers. This frame structure can be designed to absorb structural loads, for example to form a type of pressure vessel.

[0011] The electrolysis unit can further comprise two electrodes, i.e. a cathode and an anode. A reaction can take place at each of the electrodes to form the first and second gas components, in order to subsequently make them available. The cathode can be arranged in the first chamber and the anode can be arranged in the second chamber. Accordingly, the first chamber can be referred to as the cathode chamber and the second chamber as the anode chamber. However, it can also be provided that the anode is arranged in the first chamber and the cathode in the second chamber, and thus the electrolyte is present on the anode side or the electrolyte circulation takes place only in the anode chamber, while the cathode chamber is kept free of electrolyte.In any case, the electrolysis unit can be operated with asymmetric circulation, meaning that either the anode chamber or the cathode chamber is free of electrolyte and contains only a gas component. In other words, electrolyte only circulates in one of the two chambers, while the other side remains essentially "dry." If the second gas component is oxygen, for example, a pressure level of approximately 100 bar can be maintained to provide "dry" or pure oxygen in the second chamber.

[0012] Within the electrolysis unit, the separation unit can also be provided in the form of a partition wall that spatially separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The separation unit can have a membrane structure that is designed to keep the electrolyte in the first chamber and thus keep the second chamber free of electrolyte. For this purpose, a pressure is provided within the second chamber that exceeds a pressure within the first chamber, whereby the electrolyte flow of the electrolyte only occurs in the first chamber and passage of the electrolyte into the second chamber is prevented. The separation unit can be designed to ensure ionic charge transport in order to be able to provide the second gas component in the second chamber.

[0013] In the first chamber, the first gas component is provided through an electrolysis process. When hydrogen (H2) is provided using a potassium hydroxide solution (KOH + H2O) as the electrolyte, the following chemical reaction can occur in the electrolysis unit: H2O → H2 + 1 / 2O2. In this case, oxygen (O2) is provided as the second gas component in the second chamber.

[0014] It can be provided that the second gas component is removed from the second chamber in pure or almost pure form for further use. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first gas component is removed from the electrolysis unit together with a portion of the electrolyte supplied to the first chamber, wherein a phase separation of the electrolyte in liquid form and the first gas component in gaseous form then takes place in the phase separation unit. Before this phase separation, the first gas component can be present in bubble form within the removed electrolyte. The phase separation in the phase separation unit can take place, for example, by gravimetry, using a centrifuge or by means of a membrane. Phase separation by means of a membrane will be explained in more detail below. It should be understood that other phase separation techniques can also be used.

[0015] The first gas component separated from the electrolyte in the phase separation unit can then be fed to a storage device or a consumer for further use. If hydrogen is used as the first gas component, this can then serve, for example, as an energy carrier or fuel for a drive unit. The very high pressure level that can be provided in the electrolysis unit and in the separation unit, which can be greater than 50 bar, for example, can be advantageously used for storage, since no or only a slight further pressure increase would be required to effectively store the first gas component after its provision.

[0016] It is possible to provide multiple electrolysis units, as described above and below, in the device. The multiple electrolysis units can be arranged, for example, in a parallel arrangement in an electrolyte circuit of the device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber generated via the separation unit causes the electrolyte to be located only in the first chamber in an operating state of the electrolysis unit and the second chamber to contain no electrolyte.

[0018] In other words, a continuous overpressure of the second gas component relative to the first gas component can be provided. The pressure difference between the two chambers can be arbitrary, although structural properties of the electrolysis unit, in particular the separation unit, can influence the respective intended pressures. Likewise, the pressure difference is selected to ensure the separation of the electrolyte in the first chamber and the second gas component in the second chamber, thus preventing contamination of the second gas component. The following pressure characteristic can be provided for the electrolysis unit, where p indicates the pressure: p(second gas component)>p(electrolyte circuit)≥p(first gas component)>>p(ambient)

[0019] According to one embodiment, the device is operable at a pressure of at least 50 bar.

[0020] It can be provided that the entire device, including the electrolysis unit and the phase separation unit, can be operated at a pressure of at least 50 bar. In particular, it can be provided that the electrolysis unit together with the phase separation unit can be operated at a pressure of at least 50 bar. The pressure at which the device is operable can furthermore be at least 60 bar, at least 80 bar, or at least 100 bar. It can also be provided that the device can be operated at an elevated temperature, which is, for example, greater than room temperature. A temperature range for possible operating temperatures can be 20°C to 200°C.

[0021] The separation unit has a membrane structure with pores.

[0022] In other words, the separation unit that separates the first from the second chamber can comprise a membrane. This can be a fabric made of polyphenylene sulfide with a coating of polymer and zirconium oxide. For example, this is Zirfon Perl. ® UTP 500. The membrane can have a thickness of 500 micrometers, a porosity of 55 percent, and a pore size of less than 0.05 micrometers. The bubble pressure in the membrane can be 2 bar. This bubble pressure can depend on the pore size in the membrane. Higher bubble pressures can be achieved, for example, by using smaller pores, which allows for a larger pressure difference between the first and second chambers. The pressure difference between the first and second chambers, created across the membrane, can be designed to be no greater than the bubble pressure.

[0023] In one illustrative example, the separation unit has a membrane structure without pores, which is designed to enable transport of a liquid and prevent transport of a gas component.

[0024] In other words, this is a gas-tight membrane that nevertheless has the ability to transport liquid. This membrane can have a high ionic conductivity, for example for OH - -ions. For example, it is an Ionomr Aemion ®Membrane. The membrane can have a thickness of 50 micrometers. For this alternative, the pressures in the first and second chambers can also be freely selected, as long as this does not compromise the stability of the membrane between the chambers, through which the pressure difference is created. In particular, a closed membrane without pores can be provided, so that no pressure difference is necessary to keep the electrolyte on one side, i.e., in one of the two chambers.

[0025] It can further be provided that the separation unit or the membrane has stiffening elements, whereby the achievable pressure difference between the first and the second chamber can be increased.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the phase separation unit has a membrane structure designed to separate the first gas component from the electrolyte in order to thus provide the first gas component, so that the first gas component can subsequently be supplied to a storage unit or a consumer.

[0027] As previously mentioned, the effluent from the electrolysis unit can be a combination of electrolyte and the first gas component, with the first gas component dissolved and contained in the liquid electrolyte in the form of bubbles. The phase separation unit can then completely separate the first gas component from the electrolyte, allowing pure electrolyte to be returned to the circuit and thus to the electrolysis unit. Phase separation is achieved by a membrane structure, e.g., a hollow fiber membrane structure, which makes the device suitable for use under microgravity conditions. Furthermore, this can reduce electrolyte loss during phase separation.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the device is operable under microgravity conditions, so that upon the occurrence of a microgravity condition, the separation of the first gas component from the electrolyte in the phase separation unit is ensured in order to thus provide the first gas component.

[0029] In other words, the phase separation unit can ensure that the first gas component can be separated from the electrolyte even in zero gravity, making the device particularly suitable for use in spacecraft. To achieve this, the phase separation unit can have a membrane through which the first gas component can be separated from the electrolyte.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises an electrolyte circuit and a supply unit, wherein the supply unit is designed to provide a reactant to the electrolyte circuit using osmosis.

[0031] This avoids the need for a pump to provide the reactant, i.e., to feed the reactant into the electrolysis circuit. This is advantageous because, if a pump were used, the high pressure present in the circuit, as described above, would first have to be applied by the pump. This application of a high pressure of, for example, 100 bar by a pump can thus be avoided. When osmosis is used, a pressure difference within the feed unit is created by adjusting a difference in the electrolyte concentration on different sides of a membrane in the feed unit. This is explained in more detail in the description of the figures. The reactant can be, for example, water.

[0032] However, it should be noted that instead of using osmosis, a pump can be used as the reactant supply unit.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first gas component is hydrogen H2 and / or the second gas component is oxygen O2. However, it should be understood that other suitable gas components can also be produced using the device according to the invention. This may depend on the selection of the supplied reactant.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the electrolysis unit has a frame structure, wherein the phase separation unit is integrated into the frame structure of the electrolysis unit.

[0035] A frame structure can, for example, comprise a casing or other structural elements suitable for forming or at least partially forming a closed form of the electrolysis unit. For example, the phase separation unit is directly adjacent to an outer wall of the electrolysis unit with an outer wall. Integrating the phase separation unit into the electrolysis unit offers advantages in terms of space savings, weight savings, etc. For example, the use of pipes and other hydraulic components can be reduced or even completely avoided in this way. Scaling with regard to the number of electrolysis cells used is thus made possible. A key advantage of this structural integration is that it also allows all device units, i.e., the electrolysis unit, the phase separation unit, etc., and any accessory components such as piping elements, can be used in a closed high-pressure environment.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a heat exchanger which is integrated into the electrolysis unit.

[0037] This also results in the previously mentioned advantages of structural integration. Another advantage is that heat can be removed more effectively from the electrolysis unit if the heat exchanger is also integrated into the electrolysis unit. Structural integration can mean that the respective components are separated from one another by a maximum of one additional component, such as a partition wall. For example, the heat exchanger has an outer wall directly adjacent to an outer wall of the electrolysis unit. The heat exchanger can be used to thermally control the device, in particular to control the temperature in the electrolyte circuit.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided with the device for providing a gas component described above and below.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is an aircraft with the device for providing a gas component described above and below. The aircraft can be a manned or unmanned aircraft. The aircraft can be an airplane, in particular a transport aircraft or a passenger aircraft. However, the aircraft can also be any other flying vehicle.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a spacecraft with the device for providing a gas component described above and below. The spacecraft can be a manned or unmanned spacecraft. The spacecraft can be a satellite, a rocket, or the like. With regard to the use of the device according to the invention in a spacecraft, the advantage arises that, as described above, the function of the device, in particular of the phase separation unit, can be ensured even under microgravity conditions, i.e., under weightlessness.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the device described above and below is designed to be used in a stationary application. In other words, a stationary or fixed platform can be provided with the device according to the invention.

[0042] Numerous advantages arise from the previously outlined properties of the device according to the invention. In particular, a gas component, for example, hydrogen, can be provided at very high pressures of approximately 100 bar or even more, which can significantly improve storage density and thus system efficiency, for example, in hydrogen storage and propulsion systems. Furthermore, the gas purity of the generated gas components can be increased, and any resulting water vapor content can be reduced. In summary, the device according to the invention can offer advantages in terms of reduced system complexity, lower failure risks, lower energy consumption, lower masses and volumes due to fewer components required for electrolyte circulation, etc.Due to the osmotic feed of reactants, the use of pumps is not necessary, which in turn reduces the complexity, energy consumption and failure risks of the overall system, as fewer moving or complex parts are used. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 shows a device for providing a gas component according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a part of the device of Fig. 1 with a reactant supply using a pump according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a part of the device of Fig. 1 with a reactant supply using osmosis according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a supply unit with an osmosis membrane according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an aircraft with the device of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a device for providing a gas component with a plurality of electrolysis units according to an embodiment. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0043] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference symbols are used in different figures in the following description, they refer to identical or similar elements. Identical or similar elements may also be designated by different reference symbols.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for providing a gas component 11, 12. The device comprises an electrolysis unit 20 with a first chamber 21 and a second chamber 22, wherein the first chamber 21 is separated from the second chamber 22 by a separation unit 23. An electrode 28 and a flow field 29 are each located in the chambers 21, 22. The separation unit 23 can be in the form of a porous or non-porous membrane. An electrolyte 13 is supplied to the electrolysis unit 20 via a line circuit 80. The electrolyte 13 can, for example, be an aqueous solution, e.g., a potassium hydroxide solution. The electrolyte 13 flows within the line circuit 80, wherein a reactant 14 consumed during the electrolysis, for example water, is introduced from a reactant supply unit 53 via a feed unit 50 into the electrolyte 13 already located in the circuit 80.In this way, it is ensured that a sufficient amount of reactant 14 can always be supplied to the electrolyte 13 and thus to the electrolysis unit 20.

[0045] The electrolyte 13 passes from the circuit 80 into the first chamber 21 of the electrolysis unit 20, where a chemical reaction takes place in the chamber, producing a first gas component 11 that is present alongside the electrolyte 13 in the first chamber 21. In other words, a circulation of electrolyte 13 takes place within the first chamber 21, and the chemical reaction can provide the first gas component 11, which is then discharged from the electrolysis unit 20 via an outlet 82 together with a portion of the electrolyte 13. The discharged portion of the electrolyte 13 is smaller than the amount of electrolyte 13 that is supplied to the electrolysis unit 20 via the inlet 81.

[0046] In the second chamber 22, a second gas component 12 (in Fig. 1 not shown). This second gas component 12 is in turn discharged from the electrolysis unit 23 via the further outlet 83 and is made available for further use in a consumer 40 or for storage in a storage unit 40 at high pressure and in pure form.

[0047] A pressure within the second chamber 22 is greater than a pressure within the first chamber 21, so that an electrolyte flow of the electrolyte 13 only occurs in the first chamber 21 and a passage of the electrolyte 13 into the second chamber 22 is prevented in order to thus keep the provided second gas component 12 separate from the electrolyte 13. The separating device 23, together with the aforementioned pressure difference, prevents the electrolyte 13 from passing from the first chamber 21 into the second chamber 22. The pressure difference generated between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 via the separating unit 23 therefore has the effect that, in an operating state of the electrolysis unit 20, the electrolyte 13 is only located in the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 does not contain any electrolyte 13, but rather only the second gas component 12 with a high degree of purity.

[0048] Furthermore, a phase separation unit 30 is integrated into the circuit 80, which is designed to separate the first gas component 11 from the electrolyte 13 in order to provide the first gas component 11 at high pressure and in pure form for further use in a consumer 41 or for storage in a reservoir 41. The pressure at which the device 10, including the electrolysis unit 20, the phase separation unit 30, and the line circuit 80, can be operated can be approximately 100 bar, whereby it should be ensured that the aforementioned pressure difference between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 is maintained. Even a small pressure difference can be sufficient for this pressure difference.

[0049] The electrolysis unit 20 may have one or more frames 26 with separating plates 25 (e.g., bipolar plates). Together with end flanges 27, the frames 26 ensure that the electrolysis unit 20 is sealed from the environment, except for the inlet 81 and the outlets 82, 83.

[0050] The device 10 further comprises a heat exchanger 60 for discharging heat from the electrolyte circuit 80 and a pump 70 for circulating the electrolyte 13 within the circuit 80. The pump 70 is arranged in the line circuit 80 and conveys the electrolyte 13 into the electrolysis unit 20. Although in Fig. 1, the phase separation unit 30 and / or the heat exchanger 60 can be integrated into the electrolysis unit 20.

[0051] As an additional example, Fig. 6 shows an electrolysis cell arrangement 90 with three electrolysis units 20 or electrolysis cells 20. It should be understood that the number of electrolysis cells 20 present in the arrangement 90 can be chosen arbitrarily.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a part of the device 10 of Fig. 1, wherein a reactant supply 50 is provided using a pump 51. The pump 51 is fed with reactant 14 from a reactant supply 53. The pump 51 increases the pressure of the electrolyte 13 circulating in the line circuit 80 to the desired system pressure. Also shown is the pump 70, which transports the electrolyte 13 in the circuit 80 or moves the electrolyte 13 into the electrolysis unit 20.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a part of the device 10 of Fig. 1 with a feedstock feed 50 using osmosis and thus an alternative to Fig. 2 shown configuration. In Fig. 3 is therefore an osmosis reactant supply 52 instead of the one in Fig. 2. The desired pressure for the circuit 80, for example, 100 bar, is provided via an osmotic process in the osmosis reactant supply 52. ​​Thus, it can be provided that the pump 70 is the only pump within the device 10.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows the osmosis reactant supply 52 from Fig. 3 in a schematic detailed view. The osmosis reactant supply 52 has a membrane 54, which can also be referred to as an osmosis membrane. The pressure of the reactant in circuit 80 (cf. Fig. 3) is achieved by a concentration difference in the electrolyte concentration between the supply side 53 and the circuit side 80. This concentration difference is created via a concentration gradient across the osmosis membrane 54. The concentration of electrolyte 13 on the supply side 53 is significantly lower than on the circuit side 80, or this concentration is zero, which would mean that pure reactant 14 is present on the supply side 53. In one example, this creates a pressure of approximately one bar on the supply side 53, while a pressure of approximately 100 bar develops on the circuit side 80.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the electrolyte 13 can be formed by an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution (KOH + H2O). In this case, the concentration of potassium hydroxide relative to the water content on the supply side 53 would be very low, whereas the concentration of potassium hydroxide relative to the water content on the circuit side 80 would be significantly higher. As a result, a significantly lower osmotic pressure develops on the supply side 53 than on the circuit side 80. The osmosis membrane 54 is selectively permeable to water, allowing the water content of the potassium hydroxide solution to migrate across the membrane 54. Furthermore, the osmotic pressure of the potassium hydroxide solution is always dependent on the temperature. Thus, the osmotic pressure is a quantity that depends on the temperature on the one hand and the concentration of electrolyte 13 on the other.The pressure difference between the supply side 53 and the circuit side 80, which is caused by osmosis, represents the difference between the osmotic pressure of the electrolyte 13 on the supply side 53 and the osmotic pressure of the electrolyte 13 on the circuit side 80. In the example shown in . Fig. 4, the osmotic pressure on the circuit side 80 is significantly higher than on the supply side 53. In one example, the osmotic pressure of the electrolyte 13 on the circuit side 80 is approximately 100 bar and the osmotic pressure of the electrolyte 13 on the supply side 53 is approximately one bar or ambient pressure.

[0056] It may be provided that these are in relation to Fig. 4 is combined with a storage unit (not shown) on the circuit side 80, wherein the storage unit serves as a reservoir for the electrolyte 13 in order to always be able to provide sufficient electrolyte 13 in the circuit 80 at high pressure. It can further be provided that the area of ​​the osmosis membrane 54, i.e., the area of ​​the membrane 54 relevant for mass transfer, is sufficiently large that sufficient electrolyte 13 and reactant 14 can always be made available for the electrolysis unit 20.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows an aircraft 100, in particular an airplane with the device 10 of Fig. 1. The device 10 can form part of a propulsion system of the aircraft 10, in particular supply the propulsion system with a fuel, for example hydrogen.

[0058] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "one" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 463 407 B1

[0003] US 2013 / 0 313 126 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for providing a gas component (11, 12), comprising: an electrolysis unit (20) having a first chamber (21) and a second chamber (22), wherein the first chamber (21) is separated from the second chamber (22) by a separation unit (23); wherein the separation unit (23) has a membrane structure with pores; wherein the first chamber (21) is designed to receive an electrolyte (13) and to provide a first gas component (11); wherein the second chamber (22) is designed to provide a second gas component (12); wherein a pressure within the second chamber (22) is greater than a pressure within the first chamber (21); wherein an electrolyte flow of the electrolyte (13) occurs only in the first chamber (21) and a passage of the electrolyte (13) into the second chamber (22) is prevented in order to thus keep the provided second gas component (12) separate from the electrolyte (13); a phase separation unit (30) designed to separate the first gas component (11) from the electrolyte (13) to thereby provide the first gas component (11). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a pressure difference generated via the separation unit (23) between the first chamber (21) and the second chamber (22) causes the electrolyte (13) to be located only in the first chamber (21) in an operating state of the electrolysis unit (20) and the second chamber (22) does not comprise any electrolyte (13). [3] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is operable at a pressure of at least 50 bar. [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the phase separation unit (30) has a membrane structure which is designed to separate the first gas component (11) from the electrolyte (13) in order to thus provide the first gas component (11) so that the first gas component (11) can be supplied to a storage unit (41) or a consumer (41). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is operable under microgravity conditions, so that upon the occurrence of a microgravity state, the separation of the first gas component (11) from the electrolyte (13) in the phase separation unit (30) is ensured in order to thus provide the first gas component (11). [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an electrolyte circuit (80) and a supply unit (50), wherein the supply unit (50) is designed to provide the electrolyte circuit (80) with a reactant (14) using osmosis. [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gas component (11) is hydrogen and the second gas component (12) is oxygen. [8] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrolysis unit (20) has a frame structure, wherein the phase separation unit (30) is integrated into the frame structure of the electrolysis unit (20). [9] Device (10) according to claim 8, comprising: a heat exchanger (60) which is integrated into the electrolysis unit (20). [10] Vehicle (100) with a device (10) for providing a gas component (11, 12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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