Concentric Electrode Configuration for Compact Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical devices for storing electrical energy and producing hydrogen face challenges such as large volume requirements, inhomogeneous metal deposits leading to reduced performance, and electrode short-circuiting due to metal dendrite formation, especially in high power applications.
Innovation Solution
The design features a reversible electrochemical device with a tubular central electrode and concentrically arranged additional electrodes, which are bipolar and made of materials resistant to chemical and gas attacks, allowing for compact storage of energy and efficient hydrogen production by optimizing electrode configuration and electrolyte circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional electrolysis devices are used to store electrical energy, then hydrogen production is achieved, but the device volume becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested electrode configuration where multiple electrodes are arranged concentrically within each other. A central electrode is surrounded by an intermediate electrode, which is in turn surrounded by an outer electrode, creating a compact multi-electrode system that maximizes active surface area within a limited volume, thereby increasing energy storage capacity without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangements to a three-dimensional concentric cylindrical configuration. The electrodes are arranged along the radial dimension with different radii, creating multiple electrochemical reaction zones simultaneously within the same axial length, thus increasing storage capacity while maintaining compact volume.
2Power
If high power applications are used, then electrical energy storage increases, but metal deposits become inhomogeneous reducing electrochemical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different local electrochemical environments at different radial positions within the reactor. Each electrode experiences different current densities and mass transport conditions, allowing optimized metal deposition at each location. The concentric arrangement ensures that inner and outer surfaces of each electrode receive appropriate current distribution, preventing inhomogeneous deposits even at high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrochemical reaction space into multiple segmented zones using several electrodes arranged concentrically. Each electrode acts as an independent reaction zone with controlled current density, preventing the formation of large inhomogeneous deposits that would occur in single-electrode high-power systems. The segmentation allows better control of deposition uniformity across the entire system.
3Power
If high power applications are used, then electrical energy storage increases, but metal dendrites form causing electrode short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates controlled local electrochemical conditions at each electrode surface through the concentric arrangement. By optimizing the radial positioning and surface area of each electrode, the system maintains appropriate current density distribution that prevents localized excessive deposition and dendrite formation, even during high-power operation, thereby maintaining electrode reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the high-power electrochemical process into multiple lower-current-density zones distributed across several electrodes. This segmentation prevents the formation of high current density hotspots that would lead to dendrite growth and short-circuits, distributing the stress across multiple reaction zones and maintaining system reliability at high power levels.
4Device complexity
If conventional electrode arrangements are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy storage volume efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested concentric electrode configuration where electrodes are arranged one within another like Russian dolls. This geometric arrangement maximizes the active surface area for electrochemical reactions within a compact cylindrical volume, dramatically improving volume efficiency without requiring complex three-dimensional structures or multiple reactor vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by arranging electrodes at different radii from a central axis, creating a three-dimensional utilization of space that is far more efficient than planar arrangements. This dimensional approach allows multiple electrochemical cells to occupy the same axial footprint, reducing the overall reactor volume required for a given energy storage capacity.
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 enables the storage of larger quantities of electrical energy in a reduced volume, reduces electrode deformation, and ensures homogeneous metal deposits, improving electrochemical performance and preventing short-circuits, while allowing for efficient hydrogen production and energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolysis of metals which have a high energy content such as zinc or manganese
Implementation Method 2
a phase of electricity storage by electrolysis of a solution of an electrolyzable metal and formation of an electrolyzable metal-hydrogen battery
Implementation Method 3
a phase of electricity recovery and generation of hydrogen by operation of said battery
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrochemical device (1) designed for storing electrical energy, comprising: a reactor (2), the wall of the reactor (2) being designed so as to form a first electrode (3) and the reactor (2) being provided with an electrolyte inlet (4) and an electrolyte outlet (5); a central electrode (6) arranged in the centre of the reactor (2); and additional electrodes Ex, where x is a whole number from 1 to n, the additional electrodes Ex being tubular and arranged around the central electrode (6).