Single-Type Water Electrolysis Separator for Unclogged Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water electrolysis stacks face issues with clogged connection channels due to swollen gaskets, complicating the manufacturing process, reducing productivity, and increasing costs, while requiring separate anode and cathode separators, which further complicates the structure and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A single-type separator with integrated first and second plate members and channel patterns forms connection channels as holes, avoiding gasket obstruction and allowing stable fluid flow, simplifying manufacturing through injection molding, and using a single separator for both anode and cathode functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaskets are used to seal the separator, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but connection channels become clogged and fluid flow stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gasket component entirely from the sealing system. Instead of using a separate gasket that could swell and clog channels, the sealing function is integrated directly into the separator structure through molded sealing portions, eliminating the source of the clogging problem while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the separator structure itself. The sealing portions are formed as an integral part of the separator through injection molding, combining the separator and sealing elements into a single component, thereby eliminating the need for separate gaskets and preventing channel clogging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate anode and cathode separators are used, then functional requirements are met, but device structure and manufacturing process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal separator structure that can serve both anode and cathode functions. By using the same basic separator design for both electrodes, the system achieves multi-functionality, reducing the number of different component types needed while still meeting the distinct functional requirements of anode and cathode compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing separate specialized separators for anode and cathode, the patent inverts the approach by designing a single versatile separator that can be configured for either function. This inversion simplifies the overall system architecture by reducing component variety while maintaining functional differentiation through configuration rather than structural design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate anode and cathode separators are used, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing process complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal separator structure that can serve both anode and cathode functions. By using the same basic separator design for both electrodes, the system achieves multi-functionality, reducing the number of different component types needed while still meeting the distinct functional requirements of anode and cathode compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the separator structure itself. The sealing portions are formed as an integral part of the separator through injection molding, combining the separator and sealing elements into a single component, thereby eliminating the need for separate gaskets and preventing channel clogging.
4Reliability
If complex sealing processes are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but productivity and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing portions are pre-formed as an integral part of the separator during the injection molding process itself, before assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate sealing installation steps, reducing assembly complexity and improving production efficiency while ensuring consistent sealing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the separator structure itself. The sealing portions are formed as an integral part of the separator through injection molding, combining the separator and sealing elements into a single component, thereby eliminating the need for separate gaskets and preventing channel clogging.
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 design ensures stable fluid flow, simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances productivity by preventing channel clogging and eliminating the need for separate anode and cathode separators.
Implementation Method 1
A water electrolysis stack, which is an electrochemical device, refers to a device that produces hydrogen and oxygen by electrochemically decomposing water
Data Source
AI summary
A water electrolysis separator includes a first plate member having a reaction part configured to define a reaction region in which a reaction is produce by a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The first plate member has first manifold flow paths spaced apart from the reaction part and first channel patterns extending from edges of the first manifold flow paths and defining first connection channels configured to connect the reaction part and the first manifold flow paths. The separator includes a second plate member stacked on the first plate member, configured to cover the first connection channels, and including a through portion corresponding to the reaction part and second manifold flow paths corresponding to the first manifold flow paths. The separator includes a sealing member configured to seal a portion between the first plate member and the second plate member.