Degradation protection for electrochemical cells and stacks

EP4761845A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-24ELECTRIC HYDROGEN CO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
ELECTRIC HYDROGEN CO
Filing Date
2024-08-15
Publication Date
2026-06-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Electrochemical systems face challenges in minimizing degradation and extending the operational life of electrochemical cells and stacks, particularly during periods when hydrogen generation is not desired but complete shutdown is also undesirable.

Method used

The implementation of a controller that manages the operation of electrochemical cells and stacks by switching between an operating state for hydrogen generation and a shielding state, where a non-faradaic voltage is applied to prevent depolarization and discharge, thereby reducing degradation.

Benefits of technology

This approach effectively extends the operational life of electrochemical cells and stacks by protecting them from degradation during non-operational periods, while also reducing energy costs and maintaining system readiness for quick resumption of hydrogen generation.

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Abstract

The following disclosure relates to electrochemical cell and stacks and components thereof. More specifically, the following disclosure relates to components or systems configured to protect the degradation of an electrochemical cell or stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells. This may be accomplished by operating the cell or stack in a shielding state, instead of completely shutting down operation of the cell or stack. In the shielding state, the at least one electrochemical cell no longer receives enough voltage to generate gas via electrolysis, but still receives enough voltage to maintain a charged capacitance and protect the at least one electrochemical cell from depolarization or discharge.
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