Electroconductive Bolt Anode Mounting for Alkaline Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zero-gap alkaline water electrolysis vessels face challenges in easily replacing anodes due to the oxidative conditions at the anode, leading to catalyst degradation and increased maintenance costs, as well as the need for specialized facilities for anode replacement.
Innovation Solution
The electrolysis element features a removably fixed anode using electroconductive bolts, allowing for easy replacement and reduction in maintenance time and costs, with a design that includes electroconductive bolts and structural elements to securely attach the anode to the separating wall, enabling straightforward installation and removal without requiring extensive facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anode is fixed using conventional welding methods, then the anode is securely attached to the separating wall, but the anode cannot be easily replaced due to catalyst degradation from oxidative conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The anode assembly is segmented into replaceable components: the anode body with catalyst layer can be independently removed from the separating wall by unscrewing the electroconductive bolt, while the bolt and sealing structure remain fixed. This segmentation enables easy replacement of the degraded anode without replacing the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism transitions from a permanent welded connection to a dynamic, adjustable bolted connection. The electroconductive bolt can be screwed in and out, allowing the anode to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed when catalyst degradation occurs, adapting to the changing operational requirements.
2Reliability
If specialized facilities are used for anode replacement, then proper catalyst handling and system integrity are maintained, but maintenance time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis vessel is designed to enable self-service maintenance of the anode. The electroconductive bolt and sealing structure allow operators to remove and replace the anode directly at the installation location without requiring external specialized facilities, reducing maintenance complexity and downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroconductive bolt acts as an intermediary element that provides both electrical connection and mechanical fastening. This single component enables easy anode replacement while maintaining system integrity, eliminating the need for complex specialized replacement facilities.
3Reliability
If the anode is permanently fixed to the separating wall, then electrical connection and mechanical support are ensured, but catalyst degradation from oxidative conditions cannot be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into the permanently fixed electroconductive bolt (providing stable electrical connection) and the replaceable anode (providing catalytic function). This allows the stable electrical connection to be maintained while the anode can be replaced when its service life is exhausted due to catalyst degradation.
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 design facilitates easy and cost-effective anode replacement, reducing downtime and maintenance expenses by allowing on-site anode changes without the need for specialized facilities, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
electroconductive bolts fixing the anode to the separating wall
Implementation Method 2
an electroconductive elastic body 9060 that is arranged in contact with the current collector 9050. The periphery of the cathode 9070 and the periphery of the electroconductive elastic body 9060 are fixed to the periphery of the current collector 9050. In the zero-gap electrolysis vessel 9000, in every two adjacent electrode chamber units 9010, 9010, the electroconductive elastic body 9060 pushes the flexible cathode 9070 toward the separating membrane 9020
Implementation Method 3
an ion-permeable separating membrane 9020 arranged therebetween
Implementation Method 4
hydrogen gas is generated at a cathode and oxygen gas is generated at an anode by electrolyzing water with a basic solution (alkaline water) where an alkali metal hydroxide (such as NaOH and KOH) dissolves, used as an electrolytic solution
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolysis element for alkaline water electrolysis includes: an electroconductive separating wall including a first face and a second face; an anode for generating oxygen; a cathode for generating hydrogen; a first connecting means fixing the anode to the separating wall such that the anode faces the first face of the separating wall at a first distance, and electrically connecting the anode to the separating wall; an electroconductive elastic body supporting the cathode; and a cathode current collector supporting the elastic body, the cathode current collector being fixed to the separating wall, to face the second face of the separating wall at a second distance, and being electrically connected to the separating wall, the first connecting means including: an electroconductive bolt including at least a shaft, wherein the anode is removably fixed to the separating wall by means of the electroconductive bolt.