Complex Impedance Analysis for Electrolysis State Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrolysis devices face challenges in efficiently converting renewable energy into chemical substances like carbon monoxide and hydrogen, with limited diagnostic tools for monitoring their operational state and potential deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A state diagnosis system is introduced, comprising an impedance measuring device, processing units, and memory units to analyze complex impedance data, diagnose the state of electrolysis devices, and provide diagnostic data based on prior information, enabling effective monitoring and optimization of the electrolysis process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrolysis devices are used to convert renewable energy into chemical substances, then energy storage and chemical production are achieved, but limited diagnostic tools exist for monitoring operational state and deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational state monitoringVSAvoiddiagnostic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical inspection and complex diagnostic procedures with electrical impedance measurement. By measuring impedance characteristics of the electrolysis device components (membrane, electrodes, seals), the system electronically detects operational state and deterioration without mechanical disassembly or complex diagnostic tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces impedance measurement as an intermediary diagnostic method. Instead of directly monitoring chemical reactions or physical degradation, the system uses impedance characteristics as an intermediate parameter that reflects the operational state and deterioration of internal components, enabling indirect but effective monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If cell stacks are formed by stacking electrolysis cells to save space and improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but diagnostic capability for individual cells becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidindividual cell state detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by measuring impedance characteristics of individual cells within the cell stack separately. Instead of measuring the entire stack as one unit, the system can isolate and diagnose each cell's membrane, electrodes, and seals independently, enabling targeted identification of problematic cells while maintaining the productivity benefits of stacked configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enhances the efficiency and reliability of electrolysis processes by providing real-time diagnostics and optimizing operations, ensuring high yields of desired products like carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Implementation Method 1

an impedance measuring device configured to measure a complex impedance of the electrolysis device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

an electrolysis device (electrochemical reaction device) such as a carbon dioxide electrolysis device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

The cathode reduces carbon dioxide to produce a carbon compound such as carbon monoxide (CO)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction reaction: Reduction

Implementation Method 4

an anode that oxidizes water (H2O)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation reaction: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4621108A1State diagnosis system, state diagnosis method, and electrolysis system
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4621108A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621108A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4621108A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A diagnosis system of an electrolysis device, includes: a device to output an impedance data indicating a measurement result of a complex impedance; a first memory unit to store prior data including a relation data indicating a relation between state of the device and a diagnosis result of a state of the device; a first processing unit to analyze the impedance data, judge validity of an analysis result, and output an analysis data indicating the analysis result in which data indicating at least a part of a frequency region of the measurement result is determined valid; a second processing unit to output a state data indicating the state based on first data including the analysis data; a second memory unit to store second data including the state data; and a third processing unit to output a diagnosis data based on data including the prior data and the second data.