Electrolyser Interconnecting Plates for Thermal Homogenisation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical reactors face challenges with non-negligible electrical resistance, leading to exothermic overall reactions and thermal shocks, which require inefficient heat management, increased material costs, and reduced mechanical strength, especially at high temperatures above 700°C.
Innovation Solution
Integration of internal heat exchangers within the electrochemical reactor's interconnecting plates allows for direct heating and cooling of gases before they reach the electrodes, reducing temperature gradients and eliminating the need for high-temperature external exchangers, thereby improving temperature uniformity and reducing material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external heat exchangers are used to heat incoming gases, then thermal shock to ceramic elements is avoided, but temperature uniformity within the electrolyser deteriorates and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger function directly into the interconnecting plates by integrating cooling channels within the plate structure. This eliminates the need for separate external heat exchangers and enables direct thermal management at the source of temperature gradients, thereby achieving both thermal shock avoidance and improved temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting plates serve as intermediary thermal management components, conducting heat away from high-temperature zones through integrated channels. This mediator approach allows controlled heat redistribution throughout the electrolyser structure, preventing both thermal shock and excessive temperature variations.
2Reliability
If external heat exchangers are used, then thermal shock is prevented, but installation complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger functionality is merged into the interconnecting plates themselves, which are already essential structural and electrical components. This integration eliminates separate heat exchanger units, reducing installation complexity and overall system volume while maintaining thermal shock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnecting plates perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection between cells, mechanical support, gas sealing, and thermal management through integrated channels. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying installation and reducing volume.
3Strength
If high-temperature materials are used above 700°C, then mechanical strength is maintained, but cost increases tenfold and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter distribution within the electrolyser by implementing active thermal management through integrated cooling channels. This allows operation at lower average temperatures or maintains strength requirements with reduced material specifications, thereby reducing cost and assembly difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are strategically positioned to provide localized thermal management where temperature gradients are most severe. This targeted approach maintains mechanical strength in critical areas without requiring expensive high-temperature materials throughout the entire structure.
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 solution enhances the operational efficiency and longevity of the reactor by maintaining uniform temperatures, reducing material costs, and minimizing thermal stress on components, while also simplifying the installation and reducing heat losses.
Implementation Method 1
said interconnecting plate being in electrical contact with an electrode of an elementary cell and an electrode of a following elementary cell... means able to ensure the circulation of at least one pneumatic fluid intended to come into contact with the cathodes and/or the anodes... in order to heat it before bringing it into contact with the cathodes and/or the anodes
Implementation Method 2
means able to ensure the circulation of at least one pneumatic fluid intended to come into contact with the cathodes and/or the anodes in the electrochemical reactor in order to heat it before bringing it into contact with the cathodes and/or the anodes
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrolyser including a stack of a plurality of elementary electrolysis cells (C1, C2), each cell (C1, C2) including a cathode (2.1, 2.2), an anode (4.1, 4.2) and an electrolyte (6.1, 6.2) provided between the cathode (2.1, 2.2) and the anode (4.1, 4.2), an interconnection plate (8) provided between each anode (4.1) of an elementary cell (C1) and a cathode (2.2) of a following elementary cell (C2), said interconnection plate (8) being in electric contact with the anode (4.1) and the cathode (2.2), wherein steam is to be brought into contact with the cathodes, and wherein the electrolyser includes means capable of ensuring the flow of steam in the electrolyser for heating it up before contacting the same with the cathodes.