Electrolysis Cell Separator Geometry for Insulation Under Stack Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolysis cell stacks face challenges in achieving a larger number of contacting possibilities while maintaining mechanical stability, particularly due to deformations and electrical insulation issues under pressure and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A separator body with complementary contact surfaces is introduced, designed to counteract deformations and ensure electrical insulation by using materials with high compressive and flexural strength, and optimized thickness and shape to accommodate various configurations and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separator body with complementary contact surfaces is introduced, then electrical insulation and mechanical stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator body acts as an intermediary component placed between adjacent electrolysis cells to provide electrical insulation. It includes contact surfaces that complementarily match the cell surfaces, ensuring stable electrical isolation without requiring fundamental changes to the cell design.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator body is designed as a distinct segmented component that can be independently manufactured and positioned between cells. This segmentation allows the insulation function to be added without redesigning the entire cell stack structure.
2Reliability
If separator body thickness is increased to prevent flashovers, then electrical insulation is improved, but mechanical space and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separator body's thickness and material properties are optimized to provide sufficient electrical insulation distance to prevent flashovers while maintaining a compact form factor. The contact surfaces are shaped to maximize insulation effectiveness at minimal thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness uniformly in one dimension, the separator uses shaped contact surfaces that extend in lateral dimensions to provide adequate insulation paths while keeping the overall separator profile compact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separators are used to create varied electrical configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separator body is designed as a universal component with standardized contact surfaces that can be used in various positions and configurations within the cell stack. The same separator design can accommodate different electrical connection arrangements, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5j
AI summary
The invention relates to a separator (14) for the electrical insulation of cell component stacks (5, 6) of an electrolysis cell stack, and to an electrolysis cell stack with at least one separator (14). The separator (14) has a separator body with two opposing sides on which contact surfaces for electrolysis cells or end plates of cell component stacks (5, 6) are formed. The separator body is made entirely of an electrically insulating material or partially of different such materials.