Systems, methods and apparatus for producing an electrolysis gas, hydrogen gas, a hydrogen storage and delivery system and storage canister
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolysis systems are bulky, expensive, and prone to material erosion, requiring frequent replacement of electrolysis cell plates, which increases operational costs and reduces reliability, and they require high-pressure hydrogen storage that poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrolysis cell apparatus with a novel configuration of electrolysis cell plates and enclosures that concentrate electrolyte ions, using dielectric materials and a specific electrolyte composition to reduce erosion, and a hydrogen storage system using titanium carbide powder to store hydrogen at lower pressures, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrolysis cell plates made of stainless steel or titanium are used, then the system can perform electrolysis, but the plates erode over time requiring replacement and increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of electrolysis cell plates from conventional stainless steel or titanium to copper or copper alloy materials. This parameter change fundamentally alters the electrochemical behavior during electrolysis, preventing the erosion and degradation that occurs with conventional materials, thereby extending operational life and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copper or copper alloy composite materials for electrolysis cell plates, combining the beneficial properties of copper (high electrical conductivity, resistance to electrolytic erosion) with alloying elements that enhance durability and reduce cost compared to titanium or stainless steel.
2Reliability
If expensive materials such as stainless steel or titanium are used for electrolysis cell plates, then the electrolysis process can be performed, but the assembly cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts copper or copper alloy electrolysis cell plates that are less expensive than titanium or stainless steel. Although copper is softer, the material's resistance to electrolytic erosion means it maintains performance over time without requiring expensive replacement, effectively providing a cost-effective alternative that reduces both initial assembly cost and long-term operational expenses.
3Reliability
If conventional electrolysis cell arrangements are constructed, then electrolysis can occur, but the fabrication process is tedious and time consuming taking multiple weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple electrolysis cell plates and components into a unified assembly structure where copper cell plates are systematically arranged with spacers and end plates. This merged configuration allows the entire electrolysis assembly to be constructed more efficiently as a coordinated unit rather than assembling numerous separate components, reducing fabrication time from multiple weeks to a more manageable process.
4Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored at very high pressure such as 10,000 PSI, then hydrogen storage capacity is increased, but the risk of explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the storage parameter from high pressure (10,000 PSI) to low pressure by using titanium carbide powder as a hydrogen storage medium. The titanium carbide forms a solid solution with hydrogen, allowing substantial hydrogen storage capacity at atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressures, thereby eliminating the explosion risks associated with high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage.
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 results in a more reliable, cost-effective, and safer system for generating and storing hydrogen, with reduced material degradation and lower storage pressures, enabling efficient hydrogen production and storage for fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a cell plate enclosure disposed within the outer enclosure that at least partially encloses the plurality of electrolysis cell plates, wherein the cell plate enclosure is adapted to concentrate electrolyte ions in close proximity to the plurality of electrolysis cell plates in use
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrolysis cell plates forming at least one electrolysis region in which electrolysis occurs
Implementation Method 3
each cell plate section is spaced by an interconnecting spacer made of a dielectric material designed to house and locate the cell plate enclosure
Implementation Method 4
a hydrogen storage module for receiving the hydrogen gas wherein the hydrogen storage module includes one or more storage canisters containing a hydrogen storage compound for bonding with the received hydrogen gas to store hydrogen in a stable environment
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an electrolysis cell apparatus (2000) comprising an outer enclosure (100) for containing an electrolyte solution, the outer enclosure (100) has a first end (100A), a second end (100B) and an intermediate enclosure section (100M) located between the first and second end (100A), (100B) a plurality of electrolysis cell plates (80) forming at least one electrolysis region in which electrolysis occurs, housed within the outer enclosure (100) and at least partially immersed in an electrolyte solution; and a cell plate enclosure (8000) disposed within the outer enclosure (100) that at least partially encloses the plurality of electrolysis cell plates (80), wherein the cell plate enclosure (8000) is adapted to concentrate electrolyte ions in close proximity to the plurality of electrolysis cell plates (80) in use.