Electrolysis Device with Concentric Cooling Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-chamber electrolysis devices for producing hypochlorous acid face challenges with heat management, production output, quality, and purity due to limited radiating surface, thermal insulation needs, and uneven current density distribution, leading to potential leaks and unsatisfactory end product quality.

Innovation Solution

A device design where the cathode is surrounded by a cavity for efficient heat management and dilution, using a static mixing element to combine the diluent and product, ensuring uniform flow and high pressure resistance, thus enhancing product quality and throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single-chamber electrolysis is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but heat management becomes difficult due to limited radiating surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolysis system structureVSAvoidheat management
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The single-chamber electrolysis system is segmented into an inner electrolysis chamber and an outer cooling chamber, allowing independent optimization of electrolysis function and heat dissipation function while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner electrolysis chamber is nested within the outer cooling chamber, creating a compact concentric structure where the cooling chamber's inner surface serves as the heat radiating surface for the electrolysis chamber, effectively using limited space for dual purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Temperature

If thermal insulation is applied to protect against heat, then temperature control is improved, but production output is limited due to heat accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidproduction output
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A cooling medium is introduced as an intermediary substance that absorbs heat from the electrolysis chamber through the shared wall, enabling temperature control without direct thermal insulation that would trap heat and limit production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling medium circulating in the outer chamber serves the dual function of cooling the electrolysis chamber and can be subsequently used for diluting the hypochlorous acid product, eliminating the need for separate cooling and dilution systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If current density is increased to improve electrolysis efficiency, then productivity increases, but uneven distribution occurs leading to quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidproduct quality and purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode surfaces are designed with specific geometries and the cooling medium flow is optimized to create localized cooling zones that correspond to high current density areas, ensuring uniform temperature and current distribution across different regions of the electrolysis chamber

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling medium circulation system provides continuous heat removal from the electrolysis chamber, creating a feedback mechanism that maintains stable temperature conditions necessary for uniform current density distribution and consistent product quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Quantity of substance

If dilution is performed after electrolysis to produce hypochlorous acid, then product concentration is adjusted, but additional equipment and steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehypochlorous acid concentrationVSAvoiddilution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling medium circulating in the outer chamber serves multiple functions: it cools the electrolysis chamber, absorbs generated heat, and is subsequently used as the diluent for hypochlorous acid production, eliminating the need for separate dilution water supply systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling function and dilution function are merged into a single integrated system where the same cooling medium that removes heat from the electrolysis chamber is directly used to dilute the produced hypochlorous acid, reducing equipment complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves efficient heat management, high electrolysis performance, and improved product quality and purity, reducing maintenance and risk of overheating, while allowing for continuous operation and efficient dilution of hypochlorous acid.

Implementation Method 1

Device and method for producing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

atoms, molecules, and/or ions are converted to different oxidation states through oxidation or reduction in a redox reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

one inlet and at least one outlet are provided to allow a reaction medium to flow through the electrolysis volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

a reaction medium is guided along a flow direction between an anode and a cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4053306A1Device and method for producing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 STEINKLAUBER INDBET & VERMOGENSVERWALTUNG
  • EP4053306A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4053306A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4053306A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for the continuous production of a product such as hypochlorous acid by electrolysis, comprising an anode (3) and a cathode (4) as electrodes (2), wherein one of the electrodes (2) is at least partially surrounded by the other electrode (2) to form an electrolysis volume (11), wherein at least one inlet (5) and at least one outlet (6) are provided to allow a reaction medium to flow through the electrolysis volume (11) to form the product. According to the invention, one electrode (2), like the cathode (4), is surrounded by a cavity (9) through which a diluent (19) can be conducted, and a mixing element (25) is provided with which the diluent (19) and the product are miscible before the outlet (6).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a dilute product such as hypochlorous acid by electrolysis, in particular using such a device (1).