CO2 Electrolysis Cell Conductivity Control for Salt Precipitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon dioxide electrolytic devices face challenges in maintaining long-term cell output efficiency due to deterioration issues and increased cell voltage during prolonged CO2 reduction reactions, leading to reduced production amounts.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide electrolytic device and method that includes an electrolysis cell with a cathode for CO2 reduction, an anode for water oxidation, a carbon dioxide supply path, a solution supply path, and a separator, along with a rinse solution system controlled by conductivity meters to maintain optimal electrolytic performance by stopping the rinse solution supply when electric conductivity meets specific criteria, thereby preventing salt precipitation and maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If carbon dioxide reduction reaction is performed for a long period of time using conventional electrolysis cell, then production amount of CO decreases and cell voltage increases, but cell output deteriorates and operation efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic refreshing of the electrolyte solution in the electrolysis cell. The control unit periodically stops the electrolysis reaction, drains the electrolyte solution, and replaces it with fresh electrolyte solution. This periodic action prevents the accumulation of substances that cause performance degradation, thereby maintaining stable cell output over extended operation periods while preventing the deterioration described in the contradiction.
2Productivity
If electrolysis cell operates continuously for extended period, then production amount of CO reduces and cell voltage increases, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous productive operation by implementing periodic refreshing cycles that are integrated into the overall operation. Rather than long interruptions, the system performs brief refreshing cycles that quickly restore electrolyte performance, allowing the electrolysis cell to maintain high CO production rates over extended periods. This approach ensures continuity of useful action by minimizing downtime while preventing performance degradation.
3Reliability
If conventional electrolysis cell is used for long-term operation, then cell voltage increases and production amount decreases, but no effective control mechanism exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors the electrolysis cell's operation and implements feedback control. The control unit tracks operational parameters and automatically triggers refreshing cycles based on predetermined criteria or time intervals. This feedback mechanism maintains stable cell output by proactively managing electrolyte condition, preventing voltage increases and production decreases without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control systems.
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 solution effectively suppresses cell output deterioration, allowing for efficient operation of the electrolysis cell over a long period by controlling the rinse solution supply based on electric conductivity measurements, reducing salt precipitation and maintaining optimal electrolytic performance.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode to reduce carbon dioxide and thus produce a carbon compound
Implementation Method 2
an anode to oxidize water and thus produce oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a first electric conductivity meter provided on a discharge port side from the electrolysis cell of at least one of the solution supply flow path and the carbon dioxide supply flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A carbon dioxide electrolytic device of an arrangement includes: an electrolysis cell including a cathode, an anode, a carbon dioxide supply flow path, solution supply flow paths, and a separator; a rinse solution source which supplies a rinse solution to at least one of the solution supply flow paths and the carbon dioxide supply flow path; a first electric conductivity meter provided on a discharge port side from the electrolysis cell of at least one of the solution supply flow paths and the carbon dioxide supply flow path; and a rinse solution supply controller which controls stop operation of the rinse solution source according to a measurement result of the first electric conductivity meter.