Electrolysis Electrode Laminate Renewal via Weak Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrolyzers face challenges in renewing electrodes, which are complex and inefficient, leading to poor electrolytic performance and membrane damage due to the fixed nature of anodes and cathodes, making it difficult to maintain or improve electrolysis performance over time.

Innovation Solution

A laminate structure is developed that allows for easier handling and renewal of electrodes by bonding them to membranes with a weak force, enabling simpler replacement and integration with ion exchange and microporous membranes, and using gaskets to secure the laminate, thus improving work efficiency and electrolytic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrodes are fixed to electrolytic cell by welding and folding, then electrode stability is improved, but electrode renewing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidelectrode renewing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the electrode system into separable components: the electrode plate and the electrolytic cell body. The electrode can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire cell, simplifying renewal operations while maintaining operational reliability through proper reassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is extracted as a removable component from the electrolytic cell structure. This allows the electrode to be taken out for replacement without dismantling the entire cell, reducing renewing complexity while maintaining the stability needed during operation through secure installation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If membrane and electrode are integrated via thermal compression, then handling ease is improved, but electrolytic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidelectrolytic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the membrane and electrode as distinct components rather than integrating them through thermal compression. This maintains the electrolytic performance of both components while allowing them to be handled and replaced independently, achieving handling ease through modular design rather than physical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a separator or positioning structure as an intermediary between the membrane and electrode. This intermediary maintains proper spacing and alignment, ensuring both components function optimally while allowing easy handling and replacement of the electrode without affecting membrane performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If electrode is fixed firmly to electrolytic cell, then electrode stability is improved, but renewing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidrenewing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed as a separate modular component that can be quickly removed and replaced. Standardized interfaces and simple fixation methods allow the electrode to be securely held during operation but rapidly exchanged during maintenance, reducing renewing time while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode and electrolytic cell are designed with pre-configured interfaces and positioning features. This preliminary design allows for quick alignment and secure attachment during installation, reducing the time required for electrode renewal while ensuring stable operation once installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3604618B1Laminate and wound body
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • EP3604618B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3604618B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3604618B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(b)

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode for electrolysis, a laminate, a wound body, an electrolyzer, a method for producing an electrolyzer, a method for renewing an electrode, a method for renewing a laminate, and a method for producing a wound body. An electrode for electrolysis according to one aspect of the present invention has a mass per unit area of 48 mg/cm2 or less and a force applied per unit mass-unit area of 0.08 N/mg·cm2 or more.