Axial Flow Electrolytic Cell With Bubble-Driven Water Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolysis systems are inefficient, bulky, and require separate pumps, leading to high initial and maintenance costs, and the traditional axial flow electrolytic cell can be further improved for better efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
An axial flow electrolytic cell with a coaxial configuration of three layers - an outer layer made of electrically insulated material, a middle layer and an inside layer, both made of metal, with no electrical contact between layers, and a bubble generator design that uses gas bubbles to pump water without moving parts, allowing for horizontal or vertical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional plate electrode electrolysis systems are used, then electrolysis function is achieved, but the system requires separate pumps and large tanks increasing device complexity and maintenance cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolysis cell and pump functions into a single integrated device. The electrolytic cell housing serves as the pump chamber, and the bubble generator integrated into the outlet manifold provides pumping action through gas bubble rise, eliminating the need for separate pumps and large external tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: electrolysis of water, generation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles, pumping of water through the system, and filtration. The single integrated housing accommodates all these functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrolysis systems with separate pumps are used, then water flow can be maintained, but initial cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pump and electrolysis cell into one unit, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This integration lowers initial manufacturing costs and eliminates maintenance requirements for separate pump components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the gas bubbles generated during electrolysis to provide pumping action automatically. The rising bubbles create suction that draws water through the cell, eliminating the need for external power-driven pumps and reducing both initial and maintenance costs.
3Reliability
If axial flow electrolytic cell is used, then water can be pumped without moving parts, but the design can be further improved for better efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolytic cell into distinct functional zones: anode chamber, cathode chamber, bubble generator outlet manifold, and flow channels. This segmentation optimizes fluid flow patterns and gas bubble generation, improving electrolysis efficiency while maintaining the no-moving-parts design for durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates three-dimensional flow channels and bubble generator structures that optimize water circulation in multiple directions. The outlet manifold is configured to generate rising bubbles that create suction forces, enhancing water flow through the cell in a vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal flow paths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently generates hydrogen and oxygen while pumping water with no moving parts, suitable for industrial applications such as water purification and microorganism elimination, with improved efficiency, durability, and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A variety of machines can apply voltage to electrodes for electrolysis. Electrolysis of water generates hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
The bubbles of gas rise and pull in more water into the cell. The bubble byproducts rise and provide pumping with no moving parts
Data Source
AI summary
An axial flow electrolytic cell includes an outer layer made of a polyolefin material and formed as a tube. The outer layer liner is formed as a metal tube. A middle layer is mounted inside the outer layer. The middle layer further includes a middle flow inlet and a middle flow outlet. The middle layer is formed as a metal tube. An inside layer is mounted inside the middle layer. The inside layer has an inside flow inlet and an inside flow outlet. The inside layer is formed as a middle tube. The first electrical connector is mounted to the middle layer at a middle layer connection. The first electrical connector passes through the outer layer and outer layer liner at an outer layer opening. A second electrical connector mounts to the outer layer liner and the inside layer.