Differential pressure electrolysis cell and differential pressure electrolysis stack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing differential pressure electrolysis cells and stacks suffer from inefficiencies and reduced durability due to varying surface pressures on the electrolyte membrane, power loss, and metal ion elution, which degrade performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A differential pressure electrolysis cell design featuring a pressing member with an elastically deformable, electrically insulating polymer sheet portion that maintains consistent pressure on the electrolyte membrane, preventing metal ion elution and power loss, and includes a conductive member to manage gas pressure effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional pressing member is used to apply pressure to the electrolyte membrane, then gas pressure can be maintained higher than fluid pressure, but the surface pressure on the electrolyte membrane varies causing metal ion elution and power loss

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is changed from a conventional rigid structure to one made of elastically deformable polymer material, changing its physical parameters to enable it to maintain constant surface pressure on the electrolyte membrane while preventing metal ion elution and reducing power loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member is constructed as a composite structure combining polymer material with electrical insulating properties and elastic deformability, integrating multiple functional characteristics to simultaneously achieve pressure stabilization, electrical isolation, and durability enhancement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If a conventional pressing member is used, then gas generation can occur, but metal ion elution occurs due to varying surface pressure on the electrolyte membrane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas generationVSAvoidmetal ion elution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member material is changed to elastically deformable polymer that maintains constant surface pressure on the electrolyte membrane, preventing metal ion elution while allowing gas to pass through to the collection space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member acts as an intermediary between the gas generation process and the electrolyte membrane, providing mechanical pressure stabilization that prevents harmful metal ion elution while permitting beneficial gas passage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If a conventional pressing member is used, then pressure can be applied, but electrical current is lost due to conductivity of the pressing member

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepressureVSAvoidelectrical current loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is constructed from polymer material with electrical insulating properties, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides mechanical pressure and electrical isolation to prevent current loss while maintaining gas permeability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Improves electrolysis efficiency and durability by stabilizing membrane pressure, reducing power loss, and preventing corrosion, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the electrolysis process.

Implementation Method 1

the pressing member includes a sheet portion that is formed of a polymer material having an electrical insulating property so as to be elastically deformable, and is disposed between the second current collector and the second separator in a state of being compressed and deformed in a stacking direction of the membrane electrode assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the pressing member includes a sheet portion that is formed of a polymer material having an electrical insulating property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

the differential pressure electrolysis cell applies a voltage between the first current collector and the second current collector to electrolyze a fluid supplied to the membrane electrode assembly and thereby generate a gas in the second electrode catalyst layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20260062818A1Differential pressure electrolysis cell and differential pressure electrolysis stack

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A differential pressure electrolysis cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, a second separator, a first current collector, a second current collector, and a pressing member. The pressing member includes a sheet portion that is formed of a polymer material having an electrical insulating property so as to be elastically deformable, and is disposed between the second current collector and the second separator in a state of being compressed and deformed in a stacking direction of the membrane electrode assembly.