Electrolyzer Electrode Coating Assessment From Operation History

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficient recovery and reuse of rare metals from electrodes in electrolyzers is challenging due to high costs and environmental impact, necessitating a non-invasive method to assess the remaining amount of precious metals in electrodes.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that predict the remaining amount of precious metal coating on electrolyzer electrodes using operation history information, machine learning, and actual measurement data, allowing for efficient recovery and reuse of rare metals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional methods are used to recover rare metals from electrodes, then recovery can be achieved, but the process is costly and has negative environmental impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverare metal recovery efficiencyVSAvoidrecovery cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of rare metal remaining amounts in electrodes before recovery operations begin. By using operation history information and machine learning models to predict metal degradation levels in advance, the system enables proactive planning of recovery operations, allowing for more efficient resource allocation and cost management while maximizing metal recovery before it becomes critical

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring operation history data and comparing actual metal degradation patterns against predicted values. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of recovery strategies based on real-world performance, improving both recovery efficiency and cost-effectiveness over time through data-driven optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If frequent recovery operations are performed to maximize rare metal reuse, then sustainability improves, but costs increase due to repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode service lifeVSAvoidrecovery operation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of recovery timing from fixed-schedule to condition-based. By continuously monitoring operation history data and predicting metal degradation patterns, the system determines the optimal moment for recovery operations based on actual electrode state rather than predetermined intervals, thereby extending electrode service life while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If non-invasive assessment methods are used to measure remaining precious metal, then electrode integrity is preserved, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode integrityVSAvoidremaining metal amount accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces operation history information as an intermediary between the electrode and the assessment process. Rather than directly measuring metal degradation on the electrode itself, the system uses operational data (current, voltage, time, conditions) as a mediator to infer metal remaining amounts through machine learning models, thereby preserving electrode integrity while achieving accurate assessments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct physical measurement methods with a data-driven computational approach. Instead of using mechanical or chemical methods that would require physical contact with or extraction of electrode material, the system substitutes these with machine learning algorithms that process operation history data to predict metal degradation, eliminating the need for invasive procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250347017A1Apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

AI summary

It is an object to provide an apparatus and a method for assessing a remaining amount of rare metals included in an electrode included in an electrolyzer in a non-invasive manner. The apparatus includes a remaining amount predicting unit that predicts, based on operation history information of an electrolyzer including one or more electrolytic cells, a remaining amount of precious metal coating on an electrode included in the electrolytic cells of the electrolyzer.