3D-Printed Electrolyser Plate Assembly for Embedded Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical systems face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy for temperature while requiring minimal space, particularly in stacked electrochemical cells like electrolysis cells.
Innovation Solution
A plate arrangement with 3D-printed elements featuring layers with varying perforation fineness, incorporating a temperature sensor through multiple layers via a narrow mounting channel, allowing sensitive temperature detection with minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is installed in a stacked electrochemical system, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the plate element structure during additive manufacturing, merging the sensing function with the structural component. This eliminates separate mounting hardware and reduces installation complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is nested within the plate element structure, with the sensor body positioned in recesses and connected through channels formed within the plate. This nesting approach minimizes external space requirements and simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor with cable is installed in the plate arrangement, then temperature monitoring is improved, but the space required for cable routing and sensor mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is routed through channels formed in the third dimension (through the thickness of the plate) rather than requiring lateral space. This vertical routing approach minimizes the horizontal footprint and overall volume required for sensor installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is nested within channels formed in the plate structure, with the cable running through pre-formed pathways that are integrated into the plate's internal geometry. This eliminates the need for external cable management and reduces overall installation volume.
3Volume of moving object
If the temperature sensor is placed on coarsely perforated layers, then installation space is reduced, but measurement sensitivity to temperature changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate element has non-uniform perforation distribution with different regions optimized for different functions: coarsely perforated areas for fluid flow and finely perforated areas for temperature sensing. The sensor is specifically positioned in the finely perforated region to maximize temperature sensitivity while the overall plate structure maintains efficient fluid distribution.
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
The solution provides accurate temperature measurement with minimal space consumption, enhancing sensitivity to temperature changes in electrochemical cells.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor connected to a cable which runs through several of the aforementioned layers borders the layer which has the finest perforations
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A plate arrangement (1) of a stack of electrochemical cells (2) comprises a plate element (3) designed at least partially as a 3D printed element, in which several layers (6, 7, 8) are arranged parallel to each other, each having perforated structures suitable for the passage of a fluid, wherein the fineness of the perforations (17) varies from layer (6, 7, 8) to layer (6, 7, 8), and wherein a temperature sensor (19) connected to a cable (20) which runs through several of the said layers (6, 7, 8) borders the layer (8) which has the finest perforations (17).