Electrolytic Cell Channel Structure for Rapid Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alkaline electrolysis systems with fixed electrolytes require inert gas flushing to stop the diffusion process when switched off, leading to sluggish control and potential dilution of the electrolyte solution.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic cell design with a porous membrane and channel structure allows direct supply of water and electrolyte to the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly, eliminating the need for inert gas flushing and enabling quick process switching and reduced inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is transferred into the electrode-membrane-electrode system by diffusion via a hydrophobic porous membrane, then the electrolyte solution is fixed in the pores by capillary forces, but when the electrolytic cell is switched off the diffusion process can only be stopped by flushing out the entire water reservoir with an inert gas, leading to sluggish control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water supply function from the diffusion-based membrane system and implements a dedicated water supply channel structure directly in the membrane. This allows water to be supplied directly to the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly through controlled channels, enabling rapid on/off switching without requiring inert gas flushing of the entire water reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a channel structure as an intermediary element within the membrane to transport water directly to the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly. This channel structure acts as a mediator between the water reservoir and the electrolyte system, enabling precise control of water supply and rapid process switching.
2Stability of the object's composition
If water is supplied by diffusion through a hydrophobic porous membrane, then the electrolyte remains immobilized, but the control is quite sluggish due to temperature-controlled diffusion processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a hydraulic approach by implementing channel structures within the membrane to directly supply water to the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly. This hydraulic system replaces the slow diffusion-based water supply with a controlled fluid delivery system, enabling rapid response while maintaining electrolyte immobilization through capillary forces in the porous structure.
3Reliability
If the entire water reservoir is flushed with inert gas to stop the diffusion process, then dilution of the electrolyte solution is prevented, but the system complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the water supply path by implementing dedicated channel structures within the membrane that directly deliver water to the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large water reservoir and inert gas flushing system, maintaining electrolyte concentration reliability while reducing system complexity.
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 allows for rapid switching of the electrolysis process, reduces electrolyte dilution, and enhances control responsiveness, achieving higher current densities and eliminating the need for gas/liquid separation in polymer membrane cells.
Implementation Method 1
with an electrolyte solution being fixed in the pores of the electrodes and membrane by capillary forces
Implementation Method 2
the water is transferred into an electrode-membrane-electrode system by diffusion via a hydrophobic porous membrane
Implementation Method 3
the electrolysis of water with fixed alkaline electrolyte
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves arranging electrode-membrane electrode assembly comprising two porous electrodes (3,6) with intermediate porous membrane filled with liquid electrolyte (22) such as potassium hydroxide solution or with intermediate ion exchange membrane. The liquid electrolyte is guided directly into the electrode-membrane electrode assembly. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) electrolytic cell; and (2) arrangement of electrolytic cells.