Electrolysis Membrane with Capillary Channels for Passive Water Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating electrolytic cells for water splitting require significant equipment and energy expenditure due to the need for active water supply systems, such as pumps, to prevent membrane drying and ensure efficient water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A passive water supply system is implemented using a membrane with a channel structure and capillary effect, allowing water to be absorbed and distributed without external energy, utilizing a membrane designed with a coarse-pored inner area and fine-pored outer area to facilitate water transport and distribution within the electrolytic cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump or active conveying device is used to supply water to the membrane, then water supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to supply its own water needs passively through capillary forces and adhesion forces inherent in the membrane material, eliminating the need for external pumps or conveying devices. The membrane structure itself performs the water supply function that would otherwise require separate active equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with physical forces inherent in the membrane material (capillary forces, adhesion forces). This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical complexity while maintaining water supply functionality through the membrane's intrinsic properties.
2Reliability
If a pump is used to convey water to the membrane, then water distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane autonomously distributes water through its internal capillary channel structure without requiring external energy input. The water distribution function is achieved through the membrane's own physical structure and forces, making the system self-sufficient and energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the energy-consuming pump mechanism with passive capillary action and adhesion forces within the membrane material. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical energy to drive water conveyance while maintaining effective water distribution to the electrolysis contact zones.
3Reliability
If a large amount of water is introduced into the electrolytic cell by flooding gas spaces, then membrane humidification is ensured, but equipment space and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water supply function from the bulk electrolyte and gas flooding system, concentrating it instead into the membrane structure itself. The membrane's capillary channels are specifically designed to hold and transport the necessary water amount, separating the humidification function from the overall cell flooding approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized water supply within the membrane structure through capillary channels, rather than requiring global flooding of the entire cell. The water is precisely delivered where needed at the contact zones between membrane and electrodes, optimizing humidification efficiency while minimizing water volume requirements.
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
This approach reduces equipment outlay and energy consumption by eliminating the need for pumps and enhancing water distribution efficiency, ensuring reliable water supply to the electrolytic cell even at maximum power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
transport water from the water reservoir into an inner area of the membrane by means of physical forces of a membrane material, in particular adhesion forces of inner and outer surfaces of the membrane material
Implementation Method 2
water is introduced into the membrane from a water reservoir without a pump by means of a capillary effect in at least one cavity structure of the at least one membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves supplying a membrane (20) with the liquid water in a passive manner. The water is distributed within the membrane by forming a channel structure (26) in the membrane. The water from a water reservoir is introduced into the membrane without a pump. The water is introduced into the membrane with a capillary pressure of 25 mbar. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) an electrolytic system; (2) an electrolytic cell for electrolytic system; and (3) a method for producing membrane of electrolytic cell.