Differential Pressure Electrolysis Cell Pressing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure hydrogen generation in differential pressure water electrolysis apparatuses can cause separation of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and cathode current collector, leading to decreased electrolysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pressing mechanism is implemented to stack high-pressure water electrolysis cells, with a member having openings to contact the electrolyte membrane, and a load-applying mechanism using an elastic member to press the cathode current collector against the membrane, minimizing the gap between them and maintaining electrolysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure hydrogen is generated in the cathode chamber, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and cathode current collector separate from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a preliminary counteracting force by introducing oxygen pressure into the cathode chamber to counterbalance the high-pressure hydrogen before it can cause separation. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of membrane-current collector separation while allowing high-pressure hydrogen generation to proceed efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter in the cathode chamber by introducing oxygen at a controlled pressure (0.1-10 MPa) to balance the hydrogen pressure. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both high hydrogen production efficiency and reliable contact between the membrane and current collector.
2Productivity
If the space between solid polymer electrolyte membrane and cathode current collector is minimized, then electrolysis efficiency is improved, but the membrane may elongate and thin under high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses oxygen pressure as a counterweight force to balance the high-pressure hydrogen in the cathode chamber. This counterbalancing pressure prevents the membrane from elongating and thinning under hydrogen pressure, thereby maintaining both electrolysis efficiency and membrane structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the oxygen pressure parameter (0.1-10 MPa) to match the hydrogen pressure, creating a balanced pressure environment. This parameter control allows the membrane to maintain its thickness and strength while minimizing the space between the membrane and current collector for efficient electrolysis.
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 effectively suppresses the elongation and thickness reduction of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane under high-pressure conditions, ensuring continued efficient water electrolysis operations.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic body that urges the piston in a direction toward the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is disposed in the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A pressure-receiving area of the piston that receives the pressure from the high-pressure hydrogen gas in the cylinder
Implementation Method 3
water is supplied to an anode current collector of each of the water electrolysis cells. Accordingly, the water is decomposed on an anode side of an electrolyte membrane/electrode structure of each of the water electrolysis cells, resulting in generation of hydrogen ions (protons), which move to a cathode side by passing through a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and combine with electrons in a cathode current collector, so that hydrogen is generated
Data Source
AI summary
A differential pressure water electrolysis apparatus includes high-pressure water electrolysis cells and a pressing mechanism. The high-pressure water electrolysis cells are stacked in a stacking direction. Each of the high-pressure water electrolysis cells includes an electrolyte membrane, a member, an anode current collector, a cathode current collector, an anode separator, and a cathode separator. The electrolyte membrane has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the stacking direction. The member has a surface which has an opening and which is in contact with the electrolyte membrane. The anode current collector is disposed on the first side of the electrolyte membrane. The cathode current collector is disposed on the second side of the electrolyte membrane. The anode separator has an anode chamber in which the anode current collector is accommodated. The pressing mechanism is to press the high-pressure water electrolysis cells in the stacking direction.