CO2 Electrolysis Stack Bracing for Uniform Cell Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 electrolysis devices face efficiency issues due to central portions of end plates bending outward when enlarged, leading to insufficient pressure application and reduced reaction efficiency, and using thicker end plates to increase rigidity results in increased costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating collars longer than the CO2 electrolytic laminate and bending end plates inward to apply consistent pressure, along with positioning the electrolyte inlet closer to the center to enhance pressure distribution and reduce hydrogen generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the CO2 electrolysis device is increased in size, then CO2 recovery efficiency is improved, but central portions of end plates bend outward leading to insufficient pressure application
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented into multiple regions by providing reinforcement ribs at specific positions (central portion and peripheral portions). This segmentation allows different regions to have different structural characteristics, enabling the central portion to maintain rigidity while peripheral areas can flex appropriately, thus preventing overall bending of the enlarged end plate.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement ribs are strategically placed at the central portion and peripheral portions of the end plate, creating local quality variations. The central reinforcement rib specifically addresses the bending issue in the central region, while peripheral ribs handle edge stability, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across the entire CO2 electrolytic laminate surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If thicker end plates are used to increase rigidity, then deflection in central portion is reduced, but manufacturing cost and device weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly thickening the entire end plate, the invention segments the structure by adding reinforcement ribs only at critical locations (central and peripheral portions). This localized reinforcement achieves the required rigidity without the material cost and weight increase associated with thickening the entire plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the end plate by introducing reinforcement ribs with specific dimensions and positions, rather than changing the overall plate thickness parameter. This allows optimization of rigidity while controlling material usage and manufacturing cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thicker end plates are used to increase rigidity, then deflection in central portion is reduced, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate structure is segmented with reinforcement ribs positioned at critical areas, providing localized rigidity enhancement without requiring increased thickness throughout. This segmented approach minimizes material usage and consequently reduces device weight while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally at the central and peripheral portions where it is most needed, rather than uniformly across the entire end plate. This local quality enhancement achieves the required rigidity with minimal additional material, thereby minimizing weight increase.
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
Maintains efficient CO2 recovery by preventing central plate deflection, reducing material and weight, and promoting uniform current flow, thereby enhancing overall reaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The technology of recovering CO2 from exhaust gas or the atmosphere and obtaining valuable products through electrochemical reduction
Implementation Method 2
By fastening the bolts and the nuts, the end plates come into contact with the CO2 electrolytic laminate, and a pressure is applied to the CO2 electrolytic laminate. When the pressure is applied to the CO2 electrolytic laminate, current flows in a CO2 electrolysis cell, and a chemical reaction can be promoted.
Data Source
AI summary
A CO2 electrolysis device includes a CO2 electrolytic laminate constituted by a plurality of CO2 electrolysis cells, which are laminated, end plates provided on both ends of the CO2 electrolytic laminate in a lamination direction, and collars that are provided on both ends of the CO2 electrolytic laminate in a first direction perpendicular to the lamination direction and that are disposed between the end plates, the collars being longer than the CO2 electrolytic laminate in the lamination direction, and the end plates having a shape bent inward in the lamination direction at a central portion of the CO2 electrolytic laminate in the first direction.