Method and device for the contactless measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the contactless measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis system for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the following steps: - (S1) a magnetic field is generated by generating an alternating current and passing it through a coil, - (S2) the component is introduced into the magnetic field, - (S3) changes in the magnetic field caused by the component are detected by at least one sensor, and - (S4) the detected magnetic field data are used to calculate the electrical resistance of the component.

Description

[0001] 2024PF00946

[0002] Description

[0003] Method and apparatus for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant

[0004] The invention relates to a method for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The invention further relates to a device for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen.

[0005] The electrical resistance of components plays a crucial role in the performance and efficiency of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems.

[0006] The gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates are of particular importance. Gas diffusion layers ensure a uniform distribution of the gases and conduct the electrical current, while bipolar plates electrically connect the cells and distribute the reactants. High electrical resistance in these components can lead to significant energy losses, reduce the efficiency of hydrogen production, and shorten the lifespan of the electrolysis system. Therefore, it is essential to select materials and designs with minimal electrical resistance to optimize the overall performance of the PEM electrolysis system and reduce operating costs.

[0007] Currently, the electrical resistance of components in PEM electrolysis systems is often measured using two contacts on a universal testing machine. This method requires the test probes to make direct contact with the component to measure the resistance. However, this can lead to problems: the contact itself, as well as 2024PF00946

[0008] The pressure exerted during this process can mechanically stress and potentially damage the component. This is particularly critical for sensitive or thin materials, such as those used in gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates in PEM electrolysis systems. Such damage can impair the structural integrity and electrical conductivity of the components, leading to reduced efficiency and a shorter lifespan for the entire system.

[0009] Another major problem with this measuring principle is the measuring setup. The dies require a complex coating process (usually with gold). This makes them very susceptible to scratches and causes them to wear out quickly. This leads to inaccurate measurements or necessitates regular maintenance. Adjusting the dies is also difficult. They must be perfectly parallel to each other to obtain comparable results. In the past, this often resulted in different measurements depending on the operator.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to offer an alternative method or device for measuring the electrical resistance of components of an electrolysis system, which enables a precise and gentle determination of the electrical resistance.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the following steps:

[0012] - A magnetic field is generated by generating alternating current and passing it through a coil,

[0013] - the component is placed in the magnetic field,

[0014] - Changes in the magnetic field caused by the component are detected by at least one sensor, and - the detected magnetic field data are used to calculate the electrical resistance of the component. 2024PF00946

[0015] 3

[0016] The problem is further solved according to the invention by a device for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising: means for generating a magnetic field by generating and passing alternating current through a coil; a component that is positioned in the magnetic field; at least one sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the component; and a computing unit for calculating the electrical resistance based on the detected magnetic field data.

[0017] The advantages and preferred embodiments listed below with regard to the method can be applied analogously to the device.

[0018] The term "a component" here does not only refer to the singular, but also denotes at least one component, meaning the method is applicable to a large number of parts or components.

[0019] The invention provides for measuring the electrical resistance of PEM electrolysis system components without requiring mechanical contact. Instead, a non-contact measurement based on magnetic field measurements induced by alternating current is used. This technique works by passing an alternating current through the coil, thereby generating a magnetic field. When the PEM electrolysis system component is positioned within this magnetic field, the field changes. Sensors detect these changes, and the component's electrical resistance is determined from the measured data.

[0020] The advantages of this method are numerous: It eliminates the risk of damage to sensitive layers and coatings that can occur through mechanical contact. Furthermore, the measurement is faster and less complex. 2024PF00946

[0021] 4

[0022] than the usual methods, which increases the efficiency of the entire process.

[0023] One technique for non-contact or non-destructive measurement of electrical resistance is magnetoresistance, in which the resistance of a material is measured as a function of an applied magnetic field. When an electric current flows through a material and an external magnetic field is applied, the material's resistance can change. This change can be used to obtain information about the material's structure and properties.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrolysis system component is selected from the group comprising gas diffusion layers, microporous layers, and bipolar plates. The electrical resistance of these components is crucial for the efficiency of the PEM electrolysis system and must therefore be known. The microporous layers, like the gas diffusion layers, must conduct electricity and fluids. Additionally, they must provide electrical and mechanical contact with the catalyst and mechanical support for the membrane. On the anode side, the microporous layers are made of, for example, titanium; on the cathode side, they are made of titanium, stainless steel, or carbon.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, a large number of components are provided, and the electrical resistance is determined for more than 80%, and in particular 100%, of the components. A large number of components here refers both to a significant number of the same type of component (e.g., during the manufacturing of this component type) and to a number of different component types. It is possible to integrate this technique into a fully automated continuous process system. The non-contact technique preserves the integrity of the components, leading to higher reliability and a longer service life for the PEM electrolysis system. Furthermore, this method enables a larger 2024PF00946

[0026] Sample size of up to 100% of the components provided and a high degree of automation in series production, which improves quality assurance and reduces production costs.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. The single figure in this drawing schematically shows:

[0028] FIG a process diagram of a method for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant.

[0029] According to the method shown in FIG., in a first step (Sl ) a magnetic field is generated by generating alternating current and passing it through a coil. For this purpose, an alternating current source (function generator, AG source) and the induction coil are provided.

[0030] In a second step (S2), the component is introduced into the magnetic field, thereby changing the magnetic field. The component can be a gas diffusion layer, a bipolar plate, or a microporous layer.

[0031] In a third step (S3), the changes in the magnetic field caused by the component are detected by at least one sensor, possibly by several sensors, and magnetic field data are generated.

[0032] In the final step (S4), the acquired magnetic field data are used to calculate the electrical resistance of the component. A processing unit is provided to calculate the electrical resistance based on the acquired magnetic field data for the third and fourth steps (S3) and (S4). 2024PF00946

[0033] 6

[0034] The process enables a high degree of automation in the mass production of electrolysis components through a large sample size, up to 100% of the components produced. The electrical resistance of components already in use can also be determined non-destructively during the maintenance of existing PEM electrolysis systems.

[0035] Previously, electrical resistance was measured using a test system that involved mechanical contact with the components. This measurement could only be performed on small sample components and was usually destructive. The method described above, however, provides a non-contact, and therefore non-destructive, automatable test.

Claims

2024PF00946 Patent claims 1. Method for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the following steps: (51) a magnetic field is generated by generating alternating current and passing it through a coil, (52) the component is placed in the magnetic field, (53) changes in the magnetic field caused by the component are detected by at least one sensor, and (54) the recorded magnetic field data are used to calculate the electrical resistance of the component.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the component of the electrolysis system is selected from the group comprising gas diffusion layers, microporous layers and bipolar plates.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of components is provided and the electrical resistance is determined at more than 80%, in particular at 100% of the components.

4. Device for non-contact measurement of the electrical resistance of a component of an electrolysis plant for the electrochemical decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising: means for generating a magnetic field by generating and passing alternating current through a coil; a component positioned in the magnetic field; at least one sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the component; and a computing unit for calculating the electrical resistance based on the detected magnetic field data.

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