Electrolyzer Frame Structure for High-Pressure Sealing and Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyzers face challenges in ensuring effective sealing at high pressures while optimizing electrolyte distribution and heat dissipation, particularly in large rectangular cells, which are crucial for efficient hydrogen and oxygen production.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with aligned manifold ports and sealing bands, incorporating a sealing film and relief channels, ensures optimal electrolyte circulation and sealing under high pressure by aligning sealing bands and channels to distribute and discharge electrolytes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cells are made larger to generate more gas, then productivity increases, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to increased difficulty in ensuring good sealing for the electrolyte
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple functional zones with dedicated sealing bands: a first sealing band for the inlet manifold port, a second sealing band for the outlet manifold port, and a third sealing band for the central housing. This segmentation allows each sealing band to independently seal specific regions, ensuring reliable electrolyte containment even in large-scale cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the frame are assigned different sealing properties through strategically placed sealing bands at critical locations (inlet port, outlet port, central housing). Each sealing band is positioned to address specific sealing requirements in its local region, ensuring optimal sealing performance across the entire large-scale cell structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If rectangular components are used to minimize material losses, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but sealing complexity increases to ensure good sealing from compartment to entry into porous element
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single frame structure through the integration of three sealing bands directly formed on the frame body. This combines the sealing functionality that would otherwise require separate components, maintaining rectangular geometry for ease of manufacture while achieving comprehensive sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes electrolyte through manifold ports, and ensures sealing through integrated sealing bands. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional sealing components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining effective sealing.
3Reliability
If sealing bands are positioned to align with relief channels for load transfer, then sealing performance under high pressure improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relief channels are pre-formed with raised portions that automatically position the sealing bands in the correct location during the molding process. This preliminary structuring of the frame ensures proper alignment between sealing bands and relief channels without requiring post-manufacturing adjustment, reducing precision requirements while maintaining effective sealing under high pressure.
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 provides robust sealing and efficient electrolyte distribution, reducing frame thickness and enhancing performance of electrolyzers and redox batteries under high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a portion, notably a longitudinal portion, of the seventh sealing band of the second frame is aligned with at least a portion of the second channels of the first frame in order to provide a transfer of load on the relief elements of the second channels of the first frame when the frames are stacked
Implementation Method 2
each frame enabling the diffusion of an electrolyte through a porous element
Implementation Method 3
each frame enabling the diffusion of an electrolyte through a porous element
Implementation Method 4
An electrolyzer for water electrolysis constitutes an electrochemical reactor configured to subject water to an electromotive force so as to generate dioxygen and dihydrogen through water electrolysis
Implementation Method 5
the electrolyte, of which the water is intended to be electrolyzed, is also used as a vector for discharging the heat energy generated by the electrolysis reaction from the stack
Implementation Method 6
the electrolyte, of which the water is intended to be electrolyzed, is also used as a vector for discharging the heat energy generated by the electrolysis reaction from the stack
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a structure of an electrolyzer or redox battery, having a first frame and a second frame which are intended to be stacked in an electrolyzer or in a redox battery and are each provided with a distribution face for distributing a first electrolyte, respectively a second electrolyte, and with a bearing face.