Electrochemical Reaction Device Modular Series-Parallel Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical reaction devices for converting sunlight to chemical energy have low conversion efficiency due to the two-stage excitation process required for carbon dioxide reduction, leading to inefficiencies in energy storage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical reaction device is designed with a plurality of electrochemical reaction units grouped serially and in parallel, featuring electrolytic tanks with separate storage parts for reduction and oxidation reactions, connected via flow paths to manage pH values and ion flow, enhancing the conversion efficiency from light to chemical substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a two-electrode device with separate oxidation and reduction electrodes is used, then the device can perform electrochemical conversion of sunlight to chemical substances, but the conversion efficiency from sunlight to chemical energy is low due to two-stage excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oxidation electrode and reduction electrode into a single integrated electrode structure. The electrode includes both an oxidation reaction site and a reduction reaction site, allowing simultaneous occurrence of water oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction in one component. This eliminates the need for separate electrodes and the associated two-stage excitation process, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency while reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple electrochemical reaction units are connected in series and parallel, then conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrochemical reaction device into multiple independent electrochemical reaction units, where each unit contains a complete set of oxidation and reduction reaction sites. These modular units can be connected in series and parallel configurations to scale up the system while maintaining efficient reaction pathways. This segmentation allows for optimized conversion efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as each module is self-contained and standardized.
3Reliability
If separate storage parts for reduction and oxidation reactions are provided, then pH value variations are managed effectively, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate storage parts within the electrode structure specifically for managing pH variations in different reaction zones. The oxidation reaction site has a dedicated storage part for handling acid generation, while the reduction reaction site has a separate storage part for managing base generation. This localized pH management approach maintains reliable electrochemical reactions without requiring complex external pH control systems, as each reaction zone independently manages its own pH conditions.
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 improves the conversion efficiency from sunlight to chemical energy by minimizing variations in reaction rates and device area, reducing manufacturing costs, and maintaining efficient energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion layer (33)
Implementation Method 2
The electrode on a light irradiated side oxidizes water (2H2O) using light energy to produce oxygen (O2) and hydrogen ions (4H|)
Implementation Method 3
the electrode having the reduction catalyst obtains the potential from the electrode that causes the oxidation reaction, thereby reducing carbon dioxide to produce formic acid (HCOOH) or the like
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical reaction device includes a first unit group having a plurality of first electrochemical reaction units and a second unit group having a plurality of second electrochemical reaction units. Respective electrolytic tanks of the plurality of first electrochemical reaction units are serially connected with each other. Respective electrolytic tanks of the plurality of second electrochemical reaction units are serially connected with each other. The electrolytic tanks of the plurality of second electrochemical reaction units are parallelly connected to the electrolytic tanks of the plurality of first electrochemical reaction units.