Electrolysis Stack Adjustable Capacity via Spring Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, which are unstable and intermittent, pose challenges for hydrogen generation through water electrolysis due to inefficiencies and increased capital costs associated with power electronics stabilization in existing electrolyzers.

Innovation Solution

An electrolysis stack device with an adjustable operating capacity, featuring a copper bar, electrolysis polar panels, an electricity connector, and a pressing connector, allows for variable panel inclusion in the electric circuit, minimizing friction and ensuring a secure connection, thus enabling effective operation with unstable power inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power electronics are used to stabilize electricity input from renewable sources, then the reliability of electrolysis operation is improved, but the capital cost and energy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolysis operation stabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolysis stack dynamically adjusts its operating capacity by selectively connecting different numbers of cells in series based on the instantaneous renewable energy input. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to directly accommodate variable power input without requiring power electronics for stabilization, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding energy losses associated with power conversion devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolysis stack is divided into multiple independently connectable cells. By segmenting the stack into discrete units that can be selectively engaged, the system can adjust its total capacity in discrete steps to match the available renewable energy input, eliminating the need for continuous power regulation and reducing energy losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the capacity of electrolysis stack is adjusted using traditional mechanical methods (step motor and guiding rail), then the adaptability to variable power input is improved, but the friction and wear of moving parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmoving parts lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (step motors and guiding rails) with a spring-based mechanical advantage system. The spring-loaded connector uses elastic deformation and mechanical leverage to achieve capacity adjustment with minimal friction and no complex moving parts, thereby maintaining adaptability while significantly improving reliability and extending component lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If more electrolysis cells are connected in series to increase capacity, then the hydrogen production rate is improved, but the required electricity input increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production rateVSAvoidelectricity input requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically matches the number of connected cells to the instantaneous renewable energy input. When more energy is available, more cells are connected in series to increase hydrogen production; when energy availability decreases, fewer cells remain connected. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal productivity at each moment while fully utilizing the variable renewable energy input without requiring excess energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 stabilizes electricity connections, extends the lifespan of moving parts, and enhances the utilization of renewable energy in hydrogen generation systems by allowing adjustable capacity adjustments without efficiency loss.

Implementation Method 1

One of the technologies for generating hydrogen is water electrolysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

The pressing connector is configured to press on the electricity connector, to ensure a smooth electricity connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9428839B1Electrolysis stack device with adjustable operating capacity

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 NANTONG ANGSTROM RENEWABLE CO LTD

AI summary

A configuration for an electrolysis stack device with adjustable operating capacity, including a specially shaped polar panel, an electricity connector and a pressing connector. A connection part of the polar panel and a pressing connector ensure that the electrical current can flow smoothly from a power source, via the electricity connector, to the electrolysis stack and back to the power source. In various embodiments, a zigzag track may help an electricity connector move to the correct position to vary the operating capacity of the electrolysis stack device.