Electrochemical Outlet Backflow Suppression Using Orifice and Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety mechanisms for hydrogen and oxygen mixtures in electrochemical devices fail due to mechanical failures, posing catastrophic safety risks when pressure differentials cause gas backflow.
Innovation Solution
A backflow suppression system with an orifice plate, valve, sensor, and controller that regulates fluid flow based on sensor readings to prevent mixing of gases by using a restricted orifice and isolating devices in case of pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is used downstream from the electrolyser to prevent backflow, then backflow suppression is improved, but mechanical failure can occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the moving parts from the safety mechanism by replacing the check valve with a fixed orifice plate. The orifice plate provides backflow suppression through its restricted opening without any moving components, thereby eliminating mechanical failure risks while maintaining backflow suppression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical check valve system with a static orifice plate system controlled by sensors and a controller. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that could fail, using instead a combination of fixed geometry (orifice plate) and electronic control (sensors and controller) to achieve more reliable backflow suppression.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a restricted orifice is used to limit backflow, then safety is improved by preventing gas mixing, but fluid flow restriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the system dynamic by introducing sensors and a controller that can adjust the valve position based on real-time conditions. This allows the restricted orifice to adapt its flow characteristics - maintaining high flow during normal operation and restricting flow only when backflow is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between flow restriction and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a valve as an intermediary element between the restricted orifice and the pipeline. This valve acts as a mediator that can fully open during normal operation to maintain productivity, and close or restrict flow when backflow is detected, thus resolving the conflict between flow restriction for safety and open flow for productivity.
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
Effectively limits gas backflow and prevents unsafe mixtures by isolating compartments, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of ignition.
Implementation Method 1
the orifice plate comprising a restricted orifice for restricting fluid flow through the pipeline
Implementation Method 2
a valve arranged to be connected in the outlet pipeline between the electrochemical device and the orifice plate, the valve being operable to regulate fluid flow along the outlet pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a backflow suppression system for an electrochemical device, the system comprising: an orifice plate arranged to be connected in an outlet pipeline of an electrochemical device, the orifice plate comprising a restricted orifice for restricting fluid flow through the pipeline: a valve arranged to be connected in the outlet pipeline between the electrochemical device and the orifice plate, the valve being operable to regulate fluid flow along the outlet pipeline; at least one sensor arranged to be connected along the outlet pipeline; and a controller arranged to receive information relating to readings of the sensor and to operate the valve in dependence on the information. The present disclosure also relates to a system comprising the backflow suppression system and at least one electrochemical device.