Electrolyzed Water Generator Segmented Membrane Gas Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrolyzed water generators experience a decrease in electrolyzed water concentration due to retained gases acting as insulators between the anode and cathode, requiring increased voltage to maintain desired concentrations, which can lead to inefficient operation and scale formation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cation exchange membrane with membrane holes and a high electrical resistance material on the cathode's inner surface, along with gaps for water flow between the anode, cation exchange membrane, and cathode, to prevent gas retention and reduce voltage requirements by ensuring efficient gas mixing into the water stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the anode and cation exchange membrane are provided in contact with each other, then the device structure is compact, but gas is retained in the gap and acts as an insulator causing voltage to be progressively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface between the anode and cation exchange membrane is segmented into multiple contact points rather than continuous contact. This segmentation allows gas to escape through the gaps between contact points while maintaining sufficient electrical contact for current flow, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and gas retention prevention.
2Device complexity
If the cation exchange membrane and cathode are provided in contact with each other, then the device structure is compact, but gas is retained in the gap and acts as an insulator causing voltage to be progressively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface between the cation exchange membrane and cathode is segmented into multiple contact points rather than continuous contact. This segmentation allows gas to escape through the gaps between contact points while maintaining sufficient electrical contact for current flow, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and gas retention prevention.
3Reliability
If voltage applied between anode and cathode is progressively increased to maintain electrolyzed water concentration, then desired concentration is maintained, but energy consumption increases and scale formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gaps between contact points, which initially cause gas retention problems, are converted into beneficial gas escape channels. By designing the contact structure to include these intentional gaps, gas can escape smoothly without forming insulating layers, thereby maintaining stable electrolyzed water concentration without requiring progressive voltage increases.
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 configuration maintains electrolyzed water concentration by preventing gas retention, reducing the need for increased voltage and minimizing scale formation, thereby enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the electrolyzed water generation process.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyzed water generator includes an anode, a cathode, and a cation exchange membrane provided between the anode and the cathode
Implementation Method 2
The cathode hole of the cathode is provided with a high electrical resistance material having an electrical resistance value higher than an electrical resistance value of the cathode
Implementation Method 3
A gap in which a flow of water occurs is present between the cation exchange membrane and at least one of the anode and the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyzed water generator includes anode, cathode, and cation exchange membrane provided between anode and cathode so as to be in contact with at least one of anode and cathode. Gaps in which a flow of water occurs are present between cation exchange membrane and at least one of anode and cathode.