Oxygen partial pressure control device and method for controlling same

Abstract

An oxygen partial pressure control device and a method for controlling same may be provided. Specifically, an oxygen partial pressure control device may be provided, the device comprising: an electrochemical cell; a sensor; a power source; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: set a target partial pressure of oxygen in a storage chamber; control the sensor to measure an initial partial pressure of oxygen in the storage chamber; control the sensor to measure a first change in the partial pressure of oxygen over time after a first time point at which the electrochemical cell is operated; control the sensor to measure a second change in the partial pressure of oxygen caused by air flowing into the storage chamber from the outside, thereby generating an oxygen partial pressure change function; generate an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the partial pressure of oxygen in the storage chamber; calculate a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen in the storage chamber; and control the power source to apply the current to the electrochemical cell, thereby maintaining the partial pressure of oxygen in the storage chamber.

Description

Oxygen partial pressure control device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oxygen partial pressure control device and a control method thereof. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technique for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of a storage tank using an electrochemical cell.

[0002] A storage facility is a place for preserving food. There are various techniques for preserving food in storage facilities. Methods for preserving food in storage facilities include refrigeration, freezing, drying, and vacuum packaging. These food preservation methods inhibit microbial growth or reduce oxidation reactions between food and oxygen, allowing for long-term storage.

[0003] Conventional storage methods have been used to reduce oxidation reactions, including the addition of antioxidants, packaging, and oxygen absorbers. However, these methods do not easily remove oxygen from the storage space over long periods of time.

[0004] Furthermore, to reduce oxidation reactions in storage, it is crucial to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen in the storage at a value lower than that of air. Existing methods applied to storage facilities struggle to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen within the desired range.

[0005] An oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrochemical cell, a sensor, a power source, and a processor. The processor according to the present disclosure may set a target oxygen partial pressure of a storage. The processor according to the present disclosure may control the sensor to measure an initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage. The processor according to the present disclosure may control the sensor to measure a first change in the oxygen partial pressure over time after a first time point of driving the electrochemical cell. The processor according to the present disclosure may control the sensor to measure a second change in the oxygen partial pressure due to air flowing into the storage from the outside, thereby generating an oxygen partial pressure change function. The processor according to the present disclosure may generate an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage. The processor according to the present disclosure may calculate a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage. The processor according to the present disclosure may control the power source to apply a current to the electrochemical cell to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage.

[0006] A control method of an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: setting a target oxygen partial pressure of a storage; measuring an initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage; measuring a first change in oxygen partial pressure over time after a first time point of driving an electrochemical cell; generating an oxygen partial pressure change function by measuring a second change in oxygen partial pressure due to air flowing into the storage from the outside; generating an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage; calculating a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage; and maintaining the oxygen partial pressure of the storage by applying the current to the electrochemical cell.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a storage facility equipped with an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an oxygen partial pressure control device including an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure controlling the partial pressure of oxygen in a storage tank.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a reaction formula occurring in an electrochemical cell of an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the oxygen partial pressure over time in a storage room equipped with an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change function of oxygen partial pressure in a storage room equipped with an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an oxygen partial pressure control function of a storage facility provided with an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a current to be applied to an electrochemical cell of an oxygen partial pressure control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0017] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0018] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0020] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0021] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0022] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0023] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0024] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0025] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a storage unit (100) provided with an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The storage unit (100) may be a facility or device having an internal space of a certain volume. The internal space of the storage unit (100) may be a space separated from the outside. The internal space of the storage unit (100) may not be an ideal sealed space, but may be a space through which outside air may diffuse inside. For example, the storage unit (100) may have a gap, causing outside air to leak into the internal space of the storage unit (100). The storage unit (100) may be at least one of a refrigerator, a food storage unit, and a crop storage unit. The storage unit (100) may store food (101). For example, the storage unit (100) may store food (101) that may spoil due to oxygen, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the storage unit (100) may also store crops, organic matter sensitive to oxygen, or items requiring long-term storage.

[0028] An oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may be provided in the storage (100). For example, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may be installed inside the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may control the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may control the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) so that the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) falls within a specified range. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may reduce the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) to a target oxygen partial pressure that is lower than the oxygen partial pressure of air. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at the target oxygen partial pressure. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can perform a protocol for controlling the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode by controlling the current applied to the electrochemical cell in order to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at the target oxygen partial pressure.

[0029] Since the internal space of the storage (100) is not an ideal sealed system, when the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) controls the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100), the air outside the storage (100) may diffuse into the internal space of the storage (100). If there is a difference between the oxygen partial pressure of the internal space of the storage (100) and the oxygen partial pressure outside the storage (100), the air outside the storage (100) may diffuse into the internal space of the storage (100) in order to reduce the difference in the oxygen partial pressure between the internal space of the storage (100) and the external space of the storage (100). If the air outside the storage (100) diffuses into the internal space of the storage (100), it may not be easy to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at the target oxygen partial pressure.

[0030] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure can analyze external factors affecting the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure changes in the oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing in from the outside. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can offset changes in the oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing in from the outside. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure by offsetting changes in the oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing in from the outside.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may include an electrochemical cell (210) and an electrochemical control device (220).

[0032] The electrochemical cell (210) can perform an oxygen reduction reaction. The electrochemical cell (210) can perform an oxygen reduction reaction to control the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The electrochemical cell (210) can receive a current for performing the oxygen reduction reaction. The speed of the oxygen reduction reaction performed in the electrochemical cell (210) can be controlled depending on the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210). For example, as the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210) increases, the speed of the oxygen reduction reaction performed in the electrochemical cell (210) can increase. For example, as the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210) decreases, the speed of the oxygen reduction reaction performed in the electrochemical cell (210) can decrease.

[0033] An electrochemical control device (220) can control an oxygen reduction reaction in an electrochemical cell (210). The electrochemical control device (220) can include a sensor (221), a power source (222), and a processor (223).

[0034] The sensor (221) can measure the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The sensor (221) can measure the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) under the control of the processor (223). The sensor (221) can measure the initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The sensor (221) can measure the change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The sensor (221) can transmit the result of measuring the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) to the processor (223).

[0035] The power source (222) can apply current to the electrochemical cell (210). The power source (222) can apply current to the electrochemical cell (210) under the control of the processor (223). The power source (222) can apply a current of a strength determined by the processor (223) to the electrochemical cell (210).

[0036] The processor (223) can control the overall operation of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110). The processor (223) can obtain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) through the sensor (221). The processor (223) can analyze the influence of the oxygen partial pressure caused by the air flowing in from the outside of the storage (100) based on the obtained oxygen partial pressure. The processor (223) can determine the intensity of the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) can determine the intensity of the current that can offset the influence of the oxygen partial pressure caused by the air flowing in from the outside. The processor (223) can control the power source (222) to apply the determined intensity of the current to the electrochemical cell (210).

[0037] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure can control the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure. The processor (223) can control the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) to perform a protocol for controlling the oxygen partial pressure by applying a current capable of offsetting the influence of the oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing in from the outside to the electrochemical cell (210). The oxygen processor (223) can perform the operations described below to perform the protocol for controlling the oxygen partial pressure.

[0038] The processor (223) can set a target oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The target oxygen partial pressure may be an oxygen partial pressure that must be maintained in the internal space of the storage (100) in order to store food (101) in the storage (100).

[0039] The processor (223) can control the sensor (221) to measure the initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) can measure the initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) using the sensor (221).

[0040] The processor (223) can control the sensor (221) to measure a first change in oxygen partial pressure over time after a first time point of driving the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) can drive the electrochemical cell (210) to perform an oxygen reduction reaction in the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) can drive the electrochemical cell (210) to reduce the oxygen partial pressure. The processor (223) can measure a change trend in oxygen partial pressure over time after a time point of driving the electrochemical cell (210) using the sensor (221).

[0041] The processor (223) can generate an oxygen partial pressure change function by controlling the sensor (221) to measure a second change in the oxygen partial pressure due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside. The oxygen partial pressure change function can be a function representing a change trend in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) can change due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside. The processor (223) can measure a change trend in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside using the sensor (221). The processor (223) can generate an oxygen partial pressure change function based on a change trend in the oxygen partial pressure due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside.

[0042] The processor (223) may generate an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure control function may be a function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure. The processor (223) may generate an oxygen partial pressure control function so that the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) operates according to the oxygen partial pressure control function.

[0043] The processor (223) can calculate the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The electrochemical cell (210) can receive the current and perform an oxygen reduction reaction. The speed of the oxygen reduction reaction performed in the electrochemical cell (210) can be controlled according to the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) can calculate the intensity of the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100).

[0044] The processor (223) can control the power source (222) to apply a current to the electrochemical cell (210) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) can control the power source (222) to apply a current to the electrochemical cell (210) to offset an external solute that affects the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100).

[0045] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an oxygen partial pressure control device (e.g., the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) of FIG. 2) including an electrochemical cell (210) and an electrochemical control device (220) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure controlling the partial pressure of oxygen in a storage (100).

[0046] The electrochemical cell (210) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may include an anode (211) and a cathode (212). The anode (211) may be a pole where an oxidation reaction occurs in the electrochemical cell (210). The cathode (212) may be a pole where a reduction reaction occurs in the electrochemical cell (210). The electrochemical cell (210) may control the partial pressure of oxygen in the storage (100) by using the oxidation reaction and the reduction reaction.

[0047] The partial pressure of oxygen in the air (310) existing outside the storage (100) may be higher than the partial pressure of oxygen in the internal space of the storage (100). The air (310) existing outside the storage (100) may diffuse (320) into the internal space of the storage (100). The partial pressure of oxygen in the internal space of the storage (100) may increase due to the diffusion (320).

[0048] The storage (100) can be connected to a hydrogen supply device (330). The hydrogen supply device (330) can be connected to the anode (211) of the electrochemical cell (210) via a hydrogen transfer line (340). The hydrogen supply device (330) can supply hydrogen to the anode (211) of the electrochemical cell (210) via the hydrogen transfer line (340).

[0049] At the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210), reduction (350) of oxygen may occur. The oxygen partial pressure in the internal space of the storage (100) may decrease due to the reduction (350) of oxygen. The oxygen partial pressure in the internal space of the storage (100) may be maintained at a target oxygen partial pressure due to the reduction (350) of oxygen.

[0050] The oxygen partial pressure in the internal space of the storage (100) can be determined according to the amount of oxygen removed due to the oxygen reduction reaction of the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210) and the amount of oxygen increased due to the inflow of air from the outside of the storage (100). The processor of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) (e.g., the processor (223) of FIG. 2)

[0051] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) by controlling the oxidation reaction of hydrogen generated at the anode (211) of the electrochemical cell (210) and the reduction reaction of oxygen generated at the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210). The technology for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the internal space of the storage (100) through the electrochemical cell (210) can be environmentally friendly. The technology for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the internal space of the storage (100) through the electrochemical cell (210) can be used for a long period of time.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a reaction formula occurring in an electrochemical cell (210) of an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Hydrogen can be supplied to the anode (211) of the electrochemical cell (210). Hydrogen cations and electrons can be generated through an oxidation reaction of hydrogen at the anode (211) of the electrochemical cell (210). The hydrogen cations can be transferred to the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210) through the electrolyte membrane of the electrochemical cell (210). The electrons can be transferred to the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210) along a circuit connected to a current collector of the electrochemical cell (210).

[0054] At the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210), oxygen can be reduced. At the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210), water can be produced by reacting with hydrogen cations and electrons. At the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210), oxygen can be continuously removed through an oxygen reduction reaction.

[0055] In the electrochemical cell (210), hydrogen and oxygen can react to produce water. The electrochemical cell (210) can receive hydrogen through the anode and remove oxygen through the cathode.

[0056] Since the storage unit (100) in which the electrochemical cell (210) controls the oxygen partial pressure is not an ideal sealed system, air may flow in from outside the storage unit (100) and thus the oxygen partial pressure may change. The processor (e.g., the processor (223) of FIG. 2) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (e.g., the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) of FIG. 2) according to the present disclosure may apply a current to the electrochemical cell (210) that can offset the effect of the oxygen partial pressure change due to the air flow in from outside.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] In operation 510, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can set a target oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can set a target value of the oxygen partial pressure to be maintained in the internal space of the storage (100). The target oxygen partial pressure may be 0.1% or more and 19% or less. For example, if the storage (100) stores food (101) for two weeks and an oxygen partial pressure of 15% must be maintained in order to store the food (101) for two weeks, the processor (223) can set the target oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) to 15%.

[0059] In operation 520, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can measure the initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) before driving the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the sensor (221) to measure the initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100).

[0060] In operation 530, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can measure a first change in oxygen partial pressure over time after a first time point of driving the electrochemical cell (210). The oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) can change due to a redox reaction of the electrochemical cell (210) after the first time point of driving the electrochemical cell (210). The oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) can decrease due to the oxygen reduction reaction of the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210). The sensor (221) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) decreasing over time. The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the sensor (221) to measure the first change in oxygen partial pressure over time after the first time point.

[0061] In operation 540, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may generate an oxygen partial pressure change function by measuring a second change in the oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside. The oxygen partial pressure change function may be a function representing a change trend in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure of the air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside may be higher than the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) may increase due to the air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside. The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may control the sensor (221) to measure the second change in the oxygen partial pressure caused by the air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside. The processor (223) may generate an oxygen partial pressure change function based on the result of measuring the second change.

[0062] In operation 550, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may generate an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The generated oxygen partial pressure control function may be a function that controls the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure. The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) may accurately determine the amount of oxygen removed from the internal space of the storage (100) by the electrochemical cell (210) based on the oxygen partial pressure control function. The processor (223) may accurately determine the amount of oxygen increase due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside based on the oxygen partial pressure control function. The processor (223) may control the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) so that the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) operates according to the generated oxygen partial pressure control function.

[0063] In operation 560, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can calculate a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can calculate a removal rate of oxygen to be removed from the electrochemical cell (210) to offset the increase rate of oxygen due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside based on the oxygen partial pressure control function. The processor (223) can calculate the intensity of the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) to remove oxygen from the electrochemical cell (210) at the calculated removal rate.

[0064] In operation 570, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) by applying a current to the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the power source (222) to apply a current to the electrochemical cell (210) at the intensity of the calculated current.

[0065] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure can measure the oxygen partial pressure inside the storage (100) after driving the electrochemical cell (210). The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can accurately calculate the amount and removal rate of oxygen removed from the cathode (212) of the electrochemical cell (210), excluding the influence of the initial oxygen partial pressure and the inflow of air from the outside. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can apply a current of a strength capable of maintaining the oxygen partial pressure inside the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure to the electrochemical cell (210) based on the calculated result. Accordingly, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure can provide a protocol for maintaining the oxygen partial pressure inside the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the oxygen partial pressure over time of a storage unit (100) equipped with an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the change in oxygen partial pressure over time after driving the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can drive the electrochemical cell (210) at a first time point (t1). Since the initial oxygen partial pressure (P1) is the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) before driving the electrochemical cell (210), the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at the first time point (t1) may be the initial oxygen partial pressure (P1). The processor (223) can drive the electrochemical cell (210) at the first time point (t1) to reduce the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) to less than the initial oxygen partial pressure (P1). The processor (223) can control the sensor (221) to measure the change in oxygen partial pressure over time after the first time point (t1). The processor (223) can obtain data from the sensor (221) showing the change trend of oxygen partial pressure in the storage (100) over time in the form of a first graph (610).

[0068] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the first change in real time from a first time point (t1) to a second time point (t2) at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is maintained constant. The second time point (t2) may be a time point at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is changed to be close to a target oxygen partial pressure by driving the electrochemical cell (210). From the second time point (t2), the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) can be maintained at the target oxygen partial pressure. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure in real time the change trend of the oxygen partial pressure from the first time point (t1) at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is changed by driving the electrochemical cell (210) to the second time point (t2). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the sensor (221) to measure in real time the change trend of the oxygen partial pressure from the first time point (t1) to the second time point (t2). The processor (223) can receive the result of measuring the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) from the first time point (t1) to the second time point (t2) from the sensor (221) in the form of the first graph (610).

[0069] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the rate of change in the oxygen partial pressure at the first time point (t1). The rate of change in the oxygen partial pressure at the first time point (t1) can be determined according to the rate at which the electrochemical cell (210) removes oxygen from the storage (100) at the first time point (t1). The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the rate at which the electrochemical cell (210) removes oxygen from the storage (100) at the first time point (t1) by measuring the rate of change in the oxygen partial pressure at the first time point (t1). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the sensor (221) to measure the rate of change in the oxygen partial pressure at the first time point (t1). The processor (223) can receive the result of measuring the rate of change in the oxygen partial pressure at the first time point (t1) from the sensor (221) in the form of a second graph (620).

[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an oxygen partial pressure change function (710) of a storage unit (100) equipped with an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the second change to generate an oxygen partial pressure change function (710). The second change may be a change trend of the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) due to the diffusion of outside air. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can stop the operation of the electrochemical cell (210) to measure the second change. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the second change in real time after the operation of the electrochemical cell (210) is stopped. The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can measure the change trend of the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) due to the diffusion of outside air, excluding the change of the oxygen partial pressure due to the operation of the electrochemical cell (210).

[0072] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can generate an oxygen partial pressure change function (710) based on Fick's law. Fick's law refers to Fick's law of diffusion. Fick's law of diffusion is a law that states that when a substance is distributed in two adjacent systems with different concentrations (e.g., density, partial pressure), and diffusion of the substance occurs between the two systems, the speed of diffusion is proportional to the difference in the concentration values ​​of the substance in each of the two systems. For example, according to Fick's law of diffusion, oxygen outside the storage (100) can diffuse into the internal space of the storage (100) in proportion to the difference between the oxygen partial pressure outside the storage (100) and the oxygen partial pressure in the internal space of the storage (100). According to Fick's law of diffusion, as the difference in the concentration values ​​of the substance in each of the two systems increases, the speed at which the substance diffuses can increase. For example, according to Pick's law of diffusion, as the difference between the oxygen partial pressure outside the storage (100) and the oxygen partial pressure inside the space of the storage (100) increases, the rate at which oxygen outside the storage (100) diffuses into the space inside the storage (100) may increase.

[0073] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can calculate the rate at which oxygen outside the storage (100) diffuses into the internal space of the storage (100) based on Pick's law. The processor (223) can calculate the change in oxygen partial pressure due to diffusion, excluding the influence of the operation of the electrochemical cell (210).

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an oxygen partial pressure control function (810) of a storage unit (100) provided with an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The oxygen partial pressure control function (810) may be a function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage unit.

[0075] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can generate an oxygen partial pressure control function (810) based on the initial oxygen partial pressure, the first change, and the oxygen partial pressure change function. The oxygen partial pressure control function (810) is a function of the total oxygen partial pressure (O) of the storage (100). 2, total ) is the cell oxygen partial pressure (O ) at the initial oxygen partial pressure. 2, 셀 ) after subtracting the diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) can be a function that indicates that the value is the sum of the two.

[0076] Total oxygen partial pressure (O 2, total ) may be the overall oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The total oxygen partial pressure (O 2, total ) may be the oxygen partial pressure obtained by measuring the result of driving the electrochemical cell (210) at the first time point (t1). The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) measures the total oxygen partial pressure (O ) based on the result of measuring the first change. 2, total ) can be obtained.

[0077] Cell oxygen pressure (O 2, 셀 ) may be the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) that decreases by the operation of the electrochemical cell (210). Cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) is the total oxygen partial pressure (O 2, total ), initial oxygen partial pressure, and diffusive oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) can be obtained by using the oxygen partial pressure control function (810).

[0078] Diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) may be the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) that increases as oxygen outside the storage (100) diffuses into the internal space of the storage (100). Diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) can be obtained based on the result of measuring the second change. The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) measures the diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O ) based on the result of measuring the second change after stopping the operation of the electrochemical cell (210). 2, 확산) can be obtained. Specifically, the processor (223) integrates the change in oxygen partial pressure due to diffusion calculated from the oxygen partial pressure change function (710) generated based on Fick's law, thereby obtaining the diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) can be produced.

[0079] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) uses the oxygen partial pressure control function (810) to control the cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) can be produced. The processor (223) can calculate the total oxygen partial pressure (O ) from the initial oxygen partial pressure. 2, total ), after subtracting the diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) and added to the cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) can be produced.

[0080] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a current (910) to be applied to an electrochemical cell (210) of an oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) calculates the cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) can be expressed as a function of time and current. The processor (223) can output the total oxygen partial pressure (O 2, total ) can be differentiated. The processor (223) differentiates the oxygen partial pressure control function (810) to obtain the cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) and the time-dependent change in the partial pressure of oxygen (O 2, 확산 ) is the same as the change in total oxygen partial pressure (O 2, total ) can produce a result in which the change in time is 0. The processor (223) can calculate the total oxygen partial pressure (O 2, total ) is 0, it can be determined that the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is maintained at a constant level at the target oxygen partial pressure.

[0082] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can set the size of the current to offset the influence of the air flowing into the storage (100). The processor (223) controls the diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O) based on the target oxygen partial pressure. 2, 확산 ) can be set to change over time. The processor (223) sets the set diffusion oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 확산 ) to equal the change in cell oxygen partial pressure (O ) over time. 2, 셀 ) can be set to change over time. Cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) may be a function related to the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) may set the cell oxygen partial pressure (O 2, 셀 ) can be determined based on the amount of change over time. The processor (223) can control the power source (222) to apply current to the electrochemical cell (210) at the determined intensity.

[0083] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can identify whether the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) has reached the target oxygen partial pressure through the sensor (221). If the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) has reached the target oxygen partial pressure, the processor (223) can control the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210) so that the oxygen removal rate of the electrochemical cell (210) is the same as the rate at which oxygen diffuses from the outside into the internal space of the storage (100). If the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) has not reached the target oxygen partial pressure, the processor (223) can increase the intensity of the applied current to increase the oxygen removal rate of the electrochemical cell (210).

[0084] The processor (223) can control the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210) based on the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). If the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is lower than or equal to a critical partial pressure, the processor (223) can reduce the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210). If the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is lower than or equal to a critical partial pressure, even if the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210) is increased, the oxidation-reduction reaction rate can be maintained lower than or equal to the critical rate. The processor (223) can reduce the intensity of the current applied to prevent unnecessarily high current from being supplied to the electrochemical cell (210).

[0085] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the hydrogen supply rate of the hydrogen supply device (330) (e.g., the hydrogen supply device (330) of FIG. 3) to control the oxygen removal rate of the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) can control the hydrogen supply rate of the hydrogen supply device (330) by applying a duty operation method to the hydrogen supply device (330).

[0086] The processor (223) can control the hydrogen supply rate of the hydrogen supply device (330) based on the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). If the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is below the critical partial pressure, the processor (223) can reduce the hydrogen supply rate of the hydrogen supply device (330). If the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) is below the critical partial pressure, even if the hydrogen supply rate is increased, the redox reaction rate can be maintained below the critical rate. The processor (223) can reduce the hydrogen supply rate of the hydrogen supply device (330) to prevent unnecessary supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen supply device (330).

[0087] The oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure can maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at a target oxygen partial pressure by using an electrochemical cell (210). In particular, the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure can determine the intensity of the current applied to the electrochemical cell (210) by considering the influence of diffusion when a change in the oxygen partial pressure occurs due to diffusion in the storage (100), and can maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at the target oxygen partial pressure.

[0088] The processor (223) of the oxygen partial pressure control device (110) can control the sensor (221) to measure a third change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) due to the food (101) stored in the storage (100). For example, the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) can increase or decrease depending on the type of the food (101) stored in the storage (100). The processor (223) can reflect the change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) due to the food (101) in the oxygen partial pressure change function.

[0089] The processor (223) can correct the calculated current based on the oxygen partial pressure change function that reflects the third change. The processor (223) can determine the intensity of the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) by reflecting the change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) due to the food (101). The processor (233) can control the power source (222) to apply the current to the electrochemical cell (210). Accordingly, even if the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) changes due to the food (101), the processor (223) can determine the intensity of the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) by considering the influence of the food (101) and maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) at the target oxygen partial pressure.

[0090] The oxygen partial pressure control device and its control method according to the present disclosure are intended to easily maintain the oxygen partial pressure at a target oxygen partial pressure even in an actual storage facility where leakage of external air occurs through gaps rather than a completely sealed system.

[0091] An oxygen partial pressure control device (110) according to the present disclosure may include an electrochemical cell (210), a sensor (221), a power source (222), and a processor (223). The processor (223) according to the present disclosure may set a target oxygen partial pressure of a storage (100). The processor (223) according to the present disclosure may control the sensor (221) to measure an initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) according to the present disclosure may control the sensor (221) to measure a first change in oxygen partial pressure over time after a first time point of driving the electrochemical cell (210). The processor (223) according to the present disclosure may control the sensor (221) to measure a second change in oxygen partial pressure due to air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside, thereby generating an oxygen partial pressure change function. The processor (223) according to the present disclosure can generate an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) according to the present disclosure can calculate a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100). The processor (223) according to the present disclosure can control the power source (220) to apply a current to the electrochemical cell (210) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100).

[0092] An electrochemical cell (210) according to the present disclosure may include an anode (211) and a cathode (212). A processor (223) according to the present disclosure may control the oxygen partial pressure of a storage (100) by controlling an oxidation reaction of hydrogen generated at the anode (211) and a reduction reaction of oxygen generated at the cathode (212).

[0093] The target oxygen partial pressure according to the present disclosure may be 0.1% or more and 19% or less.

[0094] The processor according to the present disclosure can measure the first change in real time from the first time point to the second time point at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage is maintained constant.

[0095] The processor according to the present disclosure can measure the rate of change of oxygen partial pressure at the first point in time.

[0096] The processor according to the present disclosure can measure the second change in real time after stopping the operation of the electrochemical cell.

[0097] The processor according to the present disclosure can generate the oxygen partial pressure change function based on Fick's law.

[0098] The processor according to the present disclosure can generate the oxygen partial pressure control function based on the initial oxygen partial pressure, the first change, and the oxygen partial pressure change function.

[0099] The processor according to the present disclosure can set the magnitude of the current to offset the influence of the air flowing into the storage.

[0100] The processor according to the present disclosure can control the sensor to measure a third change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage unit due to food stored in the storage unit, reflect the result of measuring the third change in the oxygen partial pressure change function, correct the current calculated based on the oxygen partial pressure change function in which the third change is reflected, and control the power source to apply the corrected current to the electrochemical cell.

[0101] An oxygen partial pressure control method according to the present disclosure may include: an operation of setting a target oxygen partial pressure of a storage; an operation of measuring an initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage; an operation of measuring a first change in the oxygen partial pressure over time after a first time point of driving an electrochemical cell; an operation of measuring a second change in the oxygen partial pressure due to air flowing into the storage from the outside to generate an oxygen partial pressure change function; an operation of generating an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage; an operation of calculating a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage; and an operation of applying the current to the electrochemical cell to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage.

[0102] The oxygen partial pressure control method according to the present disclosure may include an operation of controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage tank by controlling the oxidation reaction of hydrogen generated at the anode of the electrochemical cell and the reduction reaction of oxygen generated at the cathode of the electrochemical cell.

[0103] In the oxygen partial pressure control method according to the present disclosure, the target oxygen partial pressure may be 0.1% or more and 19% or less.

[0104] The operation of measuring the first change according to the present disclosure may include an operation of measuring the first change in real time from the first time point to a second time point at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage is maintained constant.

[0105] The operation of measuring the first change according to the present disclosure may include an operation of measuring a rate of change in oxygen partial pressure at the first point in time.

[0106] The operation of generating the oxygen partial pressure change function according to the present disclosure may include an operation of measuring the second change in real time after stopping the operation of the electrochemical cell.

[0107] The operation of generating the oxygen partial pressure change function according to the present disclosure may include an operation of generating the oxygen partial pressure change function based on Fick's law.

[0108] The operation of generating the oxygen partial pressure control function according to the present disclosure may include an operation of generating the oxygen partial pressure control function based on the initial oxygen partial pressure, the first change, and the oxygen partial pressure change function.

[0109] The operation of calculating the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell according to the present disclosure may include an operation of setting the magnitude of the current so as to offset the influence of the air flowing into the storage.

[0110] The oxygen partial pressure control method according to the present disclosure may include an operation of measuring a third change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage unit due to food stored in the storage unit; an operation of reflecting a result of measuring the third change in the oxygen partial pressure change function; an operation of correcting the current calculated based on the oxygen partial pressure change function in which the third change is reflected; and an operation of applying the corrected current to the electrochemical cell.

[0111] The oxygen partial pressure control device and its control method according to the present disclosure can offset the change in oxygen partial pressure due to the inflow of air from the outside in an actual storage room into which air is introduced from the outside by applying a current of a determined intensity to an electrochemical cell, and maintain the oxygen partial pressure at a target oxygen partial pressure.

[0112] A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present disclosure or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0113] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented as a computer program or computer program product containing computer-executable instructions, such as a computer program that is executed by a computer.

[0114] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. Electrochemical cell (210); Sensor (221); Power source (222); and Contains a processor (223), The above processor (223) Set the target oxygen partial pressure of the storage tank (100), Controlling the sensor (221) to measure the initial oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100), Controlling the sensor (221) to measure a first change in oxygen partial pressure over time after the first time point at which the electrochemical cell (210) is driven, The sensor (221) is controlled to measure the second change in oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing into the storage (100) from the outside, thereby generating an oxygen partial pressure change function. Generate an oxygen partial pressure control function to control the oxygen partial pressure of the above storage (100), In order to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the above storage (100), the current to be applied to the electrochemical cell (210) is calculated, An oxygen partial pressure control device (110) that controls the power source (222) to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage tank by applying the current to the electrochemical cell (210).

2. In paragraph 1, The above electrochemical cell (210) includes an anode (211) and a cathode (212), The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device (110) that controls the oxygen partial pressure of the storage (100) by controlling the oxidation reaction of hydrogen generated at the anode (211) and the reduction reaction of oxygen generated at the cathode (212).

3. In one of the clauses 1 and 2, An oxygen partial pressure control device, wherein the target oxygen partial pressure is 0.1% or more and 19% or less.

4. In at least one of clauses 1 to 3, The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device that measures the first change in real time from the first time point to the second time point at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage is maintained constant.

5. In at least one of clauses 1 to 4, The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device which measures the rate of change in oxygen partial pressure at the first point in time.

6. In at least one of clauses 1 to 5, The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device that measures the second change in real time after stopping the operation of the electrochemical cell.

7. In at least one of clauses 1 to 6, The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device that generates the oxygen partial pressure change function based on Fick's law.

8. In at least one of clauses 1 to 7, The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device that generates the oxygen partial pressure control function based on the initial oxygen partial pressure, the first change, and the oxygen partial pressure change function.

9. In at least one of clauses 1 to 8, The above processor, An oxygen partial pressure control device that sets the size of the current so as to offset the influence of the air flowing into the storage.

10. In at least one of clauses 1 to 9, The above processor, Controlling the sensor to measure a third change in the oxygen partial pressure of the storage unit due to food stored in the storage unit; The results of measuring the above third change are reflected in the oxygen partial pressure change function, Correcting the current calculated based on the oxygen partial pressure change function reflecting the third change, An oxygen partial pressure control device that controls the power source to apply the corrected current to the electrochemical cell.

11. Action to set the target oxygen pressure of the storage tank; An operation of measuring the initial oxygen partial pressure of the above storage tank; The act of measuring a first change in oxygen partial pressure with time after a first time point in which the electrochemical cell is driven; An operation of generating an oxygen partial pressure change function by measuring a second change in oxygen partial pressure caused by air flowing into the storage from the outside; An operation for generating an oxygen partial pressure control function for controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the above storage tank; An operation of generating a current to be applied to the electrochemical cell to maintain the oxygen partial pressure of the storage tank; and An oxygen partial pressure control method, comprising an operation of maintaining the oxygen partial pressure of the storage tank by applying the current to the electrochemical cell.

12. In paragraph 11, A method for controlling oxygen partial pressure, further comprising an operation of controlling the oxygen partial pressure of the storage tank by controlling an oxidation reaction of hydrogen generated at the anode of the electrochemical cell and a reduction reaction of oxygen generated at the cathode of the electrochemical cell.

13. In one of the clauses 11 and 12, A method for controlling oxygen partial pressure, wherein the target oxygen partial pressure is 0.1% or more and 19% or less.

14. In at least one of clauses 11 to 13, The operation of measuring the first change is as follows: An oxygen partial pressure control method, comprising an operation of measuring the first change in real time from the first time point to a second time point at which the oxygen partial pressure of the storage is maintained constant.

15. In at least one of clauses 11 to 14, The operation of measuring the first change is as follows: An oxygen partial pressure control method, comprising an operation of measuring a rate of change in oxygen partial pressure at the first point in time.

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