Continuous Gas Generation via Segmented Redox Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical thermally activated chemical cells (E-TAC) operate in batch-swing mode, leading to intrinsic fluctuations in hydrogen and oxygen gas production, as each cell alternates between producing H2 and O2, disrupting continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electrochemical device with a redox-active material and a separate regeneration device allows continuous gas generation by controlling the oxidation-reduction states of the active material, enabling simultaneous production of hydrogen and oxygen gases without interrupting the system's operation. The redox-active material is transferred between the devices, maintaining a constant reduced form in the electrochemical device and an oxidized form in the regeneration device, ensuring steady-state gas production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrochemical cells operate in batch-swing mode to produce hydrogen and oxygen alternately, then gas production is achieved, but continuous operation is disrupted and fluctuations in gas production occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas productionVSAvoidcontinuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the electrochemical cell into two separate compartments: an electrochemical compartment for hydrogen production and a regeneration compartment for oxygen production. The redox-active material is segmented between these compartments, with the reduced form in the electrochemical compartment and the oxidized form in the regeneration compartment, allowing continuous operation without batch-swing interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A redox-active material acts as an intermediary carrier between the two compartments. This material shuttles electrons chemically between compartments, enabling the decoupling of hydrogen and oxygen production processes. The redox-active material transports chemical energy from the electrochemical compartment to the regeneration compartment, facilitating continuous gas generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single electrochemical cell alternates between charging and regeneration modes, then hydrogen and oxygen are produced, but the system must be shut down and restarted between modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual gas productionVSAvoidshutdown time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous useful action by operating the electrochemical and regeneration compartments simultaneously and independently. While the electrochemical compartment continuously produces hydrogen, the regeneration compartment continuously produces oxygen, eliminating idle shutdown time between modes. Both compartments operate in parallel, ensuring uninterrupted dual gas production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochemical cell is segmented into functionally independent compartments that can operate simultaneously. The electrochemical compartment handles hydrogen production while the regeneration compartment handles oxygen production, allowing the system to maintain adaptability for dual gas production without requiring shutdowns for mode switching

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

This approach enables continuous and uninterrupted production of hydrogen and oxygen gases, eliminating the need for cell shutdowns and maintaining a stable gas output, with the redox-active material's flow rate and residence time optimized for effective operation.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention is based on the development of an electrochemical device configured to allow a continuous generation of hydrogen gas and/or oxygen gas by utilizing a redox-active material and specifically by controlling oxidation-reduction and movement of the redox-active material in its different oxidation states throughout the device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

hydrogen gas is generated in an electrochemical step on a cathode electrode while charging the anode electrode, optionally by water reduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

The redox-active material or active material is transferred, transported or flown from the electrochemical device to the regeneration section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdvection: Advection

Data Source

PatentUS20230313391A1Systems and methods for continuous generation of gases

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 H2PRO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a system for continuous generation of gases, the system including an electrochemical device and an active- material regeneration device.