Electrolysis Gas Generation Device with Segmented Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustion gas generation devices using electrolysis are inefficient, leading to large and heavy devices that cannot be used as portable or on-vehicle power sources, as they struggle with achieving satisfactory efficiency, substance adhesion to electrodes, and effective separation of hydrogen and oxygen gas from the electrolytic solution.
Innovation Solution
A combustion gas generation device with an electrolytic cell, insulated intermediate electrodes, a power source for high voltage application, and a gas-liquid separation unit, along with a natural circulation cooling system to prevent electrode adhesion and maintain efficient electrolysis, allowing for continuous generation and miniaturization of hydrogen and oxygen gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional electrolysis devices are used to generate hydrogen and oxygen gas, then gas generation is achieved, but the device size and weight increase significantly, making it unsuitable for portable or on-vehicle use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent electrolytic cells, each containing its own electrodes and electrolytic solution. This segmentation allows the system to generate large amounts of gas through parallel operation of multiple small units rather than requiring a single large unit, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining high gas generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a pulsed power source that applies high-voltage pulses to the electrolytic cells, dramatically increasing the electrolysis efficiency during pulse periods. This parameter change (from continuous low voltage to pulsed high voltage) enables rapid gas generation in a compact device, achieving high gas output without increasing device weight.
2Productivity
If conventional electrolysis devices are used, then gas generation is achieved, but the efficiency is insufficient due to substance adhesion to electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous circulation of the electrolytic solution through each cell, ensuring that substances produced during electrolysis are constantly moved away from the electrode surfaces. This continuous action prevents adhesion and maintains stable electrode performance over extended operation periods, thereby ensuring reliability while sustaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of substance adhesion to electrodes is extracted and removed by circulating the electrolytic solution through external pathways. The solution is taken out from the cell, passed through circulation channels where adhesion-prone substances are removed or redistributed, and then returned to the cell, thereby maintaining electrode efficiency and reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If gas is generated by electrolysis, then hydrogen and oxygen are produced, but the gas and liquid remain mixed, making the combustion gas unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
Each electrolytic cell is equipped with a dedicated gas-liquid separation chamber that segments the gas-liquid mixture into separate phases. The separation chamber divides the mixed output into a gas phase (containing hydrogen and oxygen) and a liquid phase (electrolytic solution), enabling easy collection of dry combustion gas while the liquid is returned for continuous circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas-liquid separation chamber acts as an intermediary between the electrolytic cell and the gas collection system. This intermediary component receives the mixed gas-liquid output, performs separation through controlled flow paths and phase differentiation, and delivers purified gas to the combustion system while returning liquid to circulation, thereby simplifying the overall operation.
4Productivity
If electrolysis is performed without efficient circulation, then simple device structure is maintained, but substances adhere to electrodes reducing electrolysis efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is merged with the existing cell structure by using the cell housing and internal components to form circulation pathways. The electrolytic solution is circulated through channels integrated into the cell design, eliminating the need for separate external circulation loops and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous electrolysis efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic cell is designed to circulate its own electrolytic solution using the flow dynamics generated during electrolysis itself. The gas evolution and pressure differential created during operation drive the solution circulation automatically, making the system self-servicing without requiring external pumps or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring continuous efficient operation.
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 device efficiently generates a large amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas, enabling miniaturization and use as a portable on-vehicle power source, with effective gas-liquid separation and continuous operation with minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a power source unit which applies a DC or AC voltage across the two electrodes... for the efficient electrolyzation of water and the continuous generation of a large amount of a gas
Implementation Method 2
a gas-liquid separation unit arranged between the upper part of the electrolytic cell and the sealing cover so that the electrolytic solution is separated from the gas mixture generated in a bubble-like state
Data Source
AI summary
A large amount of a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen can be effectively generated over a long time. A positive electrode and a negative electrode are immersed in an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolytic solution, and a DC or AC voltage is applied across the two electrodes. A plurality of intermediate electrodes are arranged between the two electrodes. The electrolytic cell is sealed by a sealing cover. The gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis is taken out through a discharge opening provided in the sealing cover.