CO2 Electrolyzer Cooling Flow Path for Stable Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carbon dioxide electrolytic devices face performance degradation over time, leading to decreased production of carbon monoxide and increased cell voltage, making it challenging to maintain stable electrolysis efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a cooling flow path parallel to the anode flow path and optimizing the flow path structure to efficiently manage temperature uniformity and electrolyte circulation, using catalyst materials like platinum and silver nanoparticles to enhance reaction efficiency, and controlling the anode and cathode catalyst layers for reduced overvoltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a carbon dioxide electrolytic device operates for a long time, then carbon monoxide production continues, but cell performance degrades with decreased production amount and increased cell voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation durationVSAvoidcell performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls and optimizes operating parameters including temperature (maintaining 20-80°C through cooling flow paths), pressure (0.1-10 MPa), and flow rates of electrolyte and carbon dioxide gas to maintain stable cell performance during prolonged operation. The cooling flow path specifically controls temperature to prevent performance degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares catalyst layers with specific compositions and structures before operation to ensure stable performance. The anode catalyst layer containing platinum and the cathode catalyst layer containing silver nanoparticles are pre-formed with optimized structures to maintain activity throughout extended operation periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If electricity is stored in storage batteries, then renewable energy can be stored, but storage costs and energy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidstorage loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrochemical energy storage (batteries) with chemical energy storage through carbon dioxide electrolysis. Electrical energy from renewable sources is converted into chemical energy stored in carbon monoxide and other carbon compounds, eliminating the energy losses associated with battery charging and discharging cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes electrolysis conditions including applying controlled voltage (1.2-2.4 V), maintaining specific temperature ranges (20-80°C), and controlling gas flow rates to maximize energy conversion efficiency and minimize energy loss during the electrolysis process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If a cooling flow path is added parallel to the anode flow path, then temperature uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature uniformityVSAvoidflow path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cooling function with the existing flow path structure by integrating cooling flow paths alongside the anode and cathode flow paths. This merged approach allows temperature control without adding completely separate cooling systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining temperature uniformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling flow paths serve multiple functions: they remove excess heat from the cell, maintain uniform temperature distribution across the electrodes, and can potentially serve as additional fluid circulation channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 performance degradation, maintaining high electrolysis efficiency and selectivity for carbon dioxide reduction, with improved cell lifetime and reduced energy losses.

Implementation Method 1

an anode configured to oxidize water and thus form oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a cathode configured to reduce carbon dioxide and thus form a carbon compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

a cooling flow path provided opposite to the anode flow path or the cathode flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11781231B2Carbon dioxide electrolytic device and method of electrolyzing carbon dioxide

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

A carbon dioxide electrolytic device, includes: an electrolysis cell including an anode to oxidize water and thus form oxygen, an anode flow path facing the anode, a cathode to reduce carbon dioxide and thus form a carbon compound, a cathode flow path facing the cathode, and a separator between the anode and the cathode; a cooling flow path provided opposite to the anode flow path or the cathode flow path and connected in parallel to the anode flow path; an anode inflow path connecting an inlet of the anode flow path, an inlet of the cooling flow path, and an outlet of a liquid tank to store a liquid containing water; an anode outflow path connecting an outlet of the anode flow path, an outlet of the cooling flow path, and an inlet of the liquid tank; and a cooler to cool the anode outflow path.