Electrolytic Cell Separator Geometry for Membrane-Free Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical systems for producing hydrogen and oxygen are inefficient due to high maintenance costs, low energy conversion efficiency, and the risk of spontaneous fires or explosions from mixing hydrogen and oxygen, which are exacerbated by the use of expensive semi-permeable membranes and porous electrodes that are prone to degradation and poisoning by impurities.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic cell design featuring a containment vessel with inclined surfaces in the separator to direct gas flow away from the anode, allowing for efficient separation and circulation of electrolyte, reducing the risk of gas mixing and enhancing ion delivery to electrodes, thus improving energy utilization and reducing operational hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semi-permeable membrane separation is used to separate hydrogen and oxygen, then gas mixing is prevented, but cost increases and membrane degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the membrane component entirely from the system, replacing it with a mechanical separator design that uses physical geometry (inclined surfaces and collection zones) to separate gases without requiring semi-permeable membranes, thereby eliminating membrane-related costs and degradation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inclined separator surface as an intermediary mechanical structure that mediates gas separation through density differences and gravitational flow, replacing the need for complex membrane-based separation while maintaining safety
2Reliability
If porous electrodes with membranes are used, then gas separation is achieved, but electrode efficiency decreases due to polarization losses and gas accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the membrane layer from the electrode structure, allowing direct gas release into collection zones without passing through a membrane interface, thereby eliminating polarization losses and gas accumulation at the membrane-electrode interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension with inclined surfaces and three-dimensional collection zones that facilitate gas removal from electrode surfaces, preventing gas accumulation and improving electrode efficiency through enhanced mass transport
3Reliability
If membranes are used for gas separation, then hydrogen and oxygen mixing is prevented, but maintenance costs increase due to membrane degradation and poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the membrane component from the system, replacing it with a robust mechanical separator that has no consumable parts requiring replacement, thereby eliminating maintenance costs associated with membrane degradation and poisoning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile membranes with simple, durable mechanical structures that can withstand harsh operating conditions without degradation, effectively using a 'cheap and durable' alternative to replace expensive consumable components
4Productivity
If high pressure electrolysis is used, then production efficiency increases, but safety hazards increase due to membrane rupture risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable membrane component that could rupture under high pressure, replacing it with a mechanical separator design that inherently withstands pressure differences through its structural geometry, thereby maintaining safety at high pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the separator with inclined surfaces and collection zones that preemptively direct gas flow away from the electrode interface, preventing gas mixing before it can occur and eliminating the need for pressure-containing membranes
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 design enhances energy efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents undesirable side reactions by efficiently separating and directing gases, while tolerating impurities and promoting rapid ion replenishment, leading to improved electrical efficiency and safer operation.
Implementation Method 1
the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.