Water Electrolysis Apparatus Surface Pressure Applying Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water electrolysis apparatuses face damage due to differential pressure fluctuations between the start and end of hydrogen generation, leading to wrinkles and potential damage in the electrolyte membrane assembly.
Innovation Solution
A water electrolysis apparatus design featuring a surface pressure applying member between the seal member and pressure resistant member, converting pressing forces into surface pressure to maintain membrane electrode assembly stability, preventing positional displacement and wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member is used to prevent hydrogen leakage in high pressure differential conditions, then sealing performance is improved, but the seal member deforms and causes wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane when pressure equalizes
Solution Approach 1:
A backup ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the seal member and the pressure resistant member. This backup ring receives the pressing force from the seal member and transmits it to the membrane electrode assembly, preventing the seal member from directly deforming and causing wrinkles in the electrolyte membrane when pressure equalizes
2Productivity
If high pressure hydrogen is generated in the cathode electrode catalyst layer, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but differential pressure causes seal member deformation and gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring serves as a mediator that absorbs and distributes the pressing force generated by high pressure hydrogen, preventing the seal member from deforming and forming gaps with the pressure resistant member while maintaining effective sealing
3Reliability
If the seal member is pressed against the pressure resistant member to maintain sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the electrolyte membrane experiences differential pressure damage
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring acts as a force distribution intermediary, receiving concentrated pressing force from the seal member and distributing it as surface pressure across the membrane electrode assembly, preventing localized damage to the electrolyte membrane while maintaining sealing effectiveness
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 effectively prevents wrinkles and damage to the membrane electrode assembly by maintaining consistent pressure on the electrolyte membrane, enhancing its durability even with repeated pressure fluctuations during hydrogen generation and cessation.
Implementation Method 1
The protons thereamong permeate through the electrolyte membrane, migrate to the cathode electrode catalyst layer
Implementation Method 2
a surface pressure applying member interposed between the seal member and the pressure resistant member, and which receives a pressing force from the seal member, and applies pressure to the membrane electrode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A differential pressure type high pressure water electrolysis apparatus includes a seal member, which is sandwiched between a cathode side separator and a membrane electrode assembly, and surrounds a cathode electrode catalyst layer, and a pressure resistant member surrounding the seal member from an outer side thereof. A surface pressure applying member is interposed between the seal member and the pressure resistant member. The surface pressure applying member receives a pressing force from the seal member, and applies pressure to the membrane electrode assembly.