CO2 Electrolyzer Flow Path with Reversible Rinse Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon dioxide electrolytic devices face challenges in maintaining stable output due to salt precipitation in the CO2 gas flow path, leading to reduced production and increased cell voltage over time, which is exacerbated by the difficulty in supplying a fixed amount of rinse solution to stacked electrolysis cells.
Innovation Solution
The carbon dioxide electrolytic device incorporates a gas supply flow path with an auxiliary flow path and a switching mechanism to reverse the flow of rinse material, allowing for efficient salt dissolution and prevention of flooding, thereby maintaining reaction efficiency and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rinse solution is introduced into the CO2 gas flow path to dissolve salt precipitation, then salt dissolution and flow path refresh are improved, but flooding of the rinse solution into the gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer occurs, causing disturbance of CO2 supply and decrease in reaction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the rinse solution from the outlet side of the CO2 gas flow path and makes it flow backward toward the inlet side. This reverse flow direction allows the rinse solution to dissolve salt precipitation without penetrating into the gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer, thereby preventing flooding while maintaining salt dissolution effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a backward flow path dimension to the CO2 gas flow path, creating a dual-directional flow system. The rinse solution flows in the opposite direction to CO2 gas flow, utilizing the same flow path in reverse to achieve salt dissolution without requiring additional flow paths that could lead to flooding
2Productivity
If multiple electrolysis cells are stacked to configure an electrolytic device, then production capacity is improved, but it becomes difficult to supply a fixed amount of rinse solution to each CO2 gas flow path due to pressure loss variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the rinse solution from the outlet side and makes it flow backward through the CO2 gas flow path. This reverse flow approach ensures that the rinse solution reaches all cells in stacked configurations with more uniform pressure distribution, allowing fixed amount supply to each cell even in multi-cell stacked devices
Solution Approach 2:
The rinse solution flow system is designed to automatically distribute the solution to multiple stacked cells through the backward flow mechanism. The pressure gradient naturally drives the rinse solution through each cell's CO2 flow path in reverse direction, enabling self-regulating distribution without complex external control mechanisms
3Productivity
If CO2 electrolysis is performed for a long period of time, then production amount accumulates, but deterioration of cell outputs occurs due to salt precipitation, including reduction in CO production amount and increase in cell voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic introduction of rinse solution into the CO2 gas flow path at predetermined time intervals during continuous electrolysis operation. This periodic refresh prevents salt precipitation from reaching critical levels that would cause cell output deterioration, maintaining stable CO production and cell voltage over extended operation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The rinse solution is introduced periodically to prevent salt precipitation before it causes harmful effects. By performing preliminary cleaning action, the system maintains flow path畅通 and prevents the formation of salt deposits that would lead to cell output deterioration and reaction efficiency decrease
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
This configuration effectively maintains the production of carbon compounds by preventing salt precipitation and ensuring consistent rinse solution supply across stacked cells, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the electrolysis process.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode to reduce carbon dioxide to produce a carbon compound
Implementation Method 2
an anode to oxidize water to produce oxygen
Implementation Method 3
a rinse material supply unit to supply a rinse material to the gas supply flow path... efficient salt dissolution
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide electrolytic device of an embodiment includes: an electrolysis cell including a cathode, an anode, a gas supply flow path, a solution supply flow path, and a separator; a CO2 gas supply unit configured to supply CO2 gas to the gas supply flow path; an electrolytic solution supply unit configured to supply an electrolytic solution to the solution supply flow path; and a rinse material supply unit configured to supply a rinse material to the gas supply flow path. The gas supply flow path has a first opening, a second opening, and an auxiliary flow path provided to a part of a flow path between the first opening and the second opening, and configured to make at least the rinse material flow therethrough. A switching mechanism configured to switch a flow direction of the rinse material in the auxiliary flow path is connected to the gas supply flow path.