CO2 Electrolysis Cell Condensation Layout for Salt Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of salts within carbon dioxide electrolysis devices due to side reactions during electrolysis leads to reduced productivity and efficiency, blocking inlets and outlets, and necessitating additional equipment and operations for removal.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide electrolysis device and method that includes a condensation part in the discharge line to convert supplied water vapor into water, which dissolves and removes salts produced during electrolysis, eliminating the need for additional salt removal devices or operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide electrolysis is performed using an electrolyte, then electrochemical conversion efficiency is improved, but salts are produced and accumulated in the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful salt accumulation into a beneficial process by using the salt-containing electrolyte solution as a feedstock for salt production. The electrolyte solution containing salts is directed to a salt production unit where salts are crystallized and collected as valuable products, transforming the waste problem into an economic benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the electrolyte solution as waste, the patent recovers valuable salts from it. The electrolyte solution is transported to a salt production unit where salts are extracted and crystallized, achieving both waste reduction and resource recovery simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If salts are not removed from the device, then device complexity is reduced, but inlets and outlets are blocked reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolysis function with salt production by integrating a salt production unit with the electrolysis cell. The electrolyte solution circulation system connects both processes, allowing simultaneous electrochemical conversion and salt crystallization without requiring separate complex removal systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte solution serves multiple functions: it acts as the electrolyte for electrochemical reactions, a transport medium for salts, and a feedstock for salt production. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate salt removal equipment while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If additional equipment is added to remove salts, then salt removal effectiveness is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The salt production unit is integrated with the electrolysis cell structure, sharing common components such as the electrolyte solution circulation system. This merging approach achieves effective salt removal without proportionally increasing device volume, as the salt production process utilizes existing spatial and structural resources.
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
Enables continuous operation without salt blockages, reduces device volume, and maintains production efficiency by condensing water vapor into water to dissolve salts, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for additional facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation part configured to condense the water vapor discharged through the discharge line
Implementation Method 2
water formed by condensing the water vapor...dissolve and remove a salt, which is produced by side reactions of the electrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a carbon dioxide electrolysis device including: a carbon dioxide electrolysis cell including an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The carbon dioxide electrolysis device further includes; a supply line configured to supply gaseous carbon dioxide and water vapor to the cathode; and a discharge line configured to discharge, into the outside of the carbon dioxide electrolysis cell, the water vapor and a product produced by the electrolysis reaction of the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the carbon dioxide electrolysis cell, wherein the discharge line includes a condensation part configured to condense the water vapor discharged through the discharge line.