Flow Passage Forming Member for High-Pressure Electrolysis Membrane Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In differential pressure type high pressure water electrolysis apparatuses, the high-pressure hydrogen generated can cause significant deflection of the electrolyte membrane, leading to reduced contact surface pressure between the pressure resistant member and the membrane, which may result in seal member damage and airtightness impairment.
Innovation Solution
The water electrolysis apparatus incorporates a flow passage forming member with a distributing path and a converging path positioned offset from the seal member, supporting the electrolyte membrane and preventing large elastic deformation, thus maintaining contact surface pressure and preventing seal member damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogen is generated at extremely high pressure in the cathode electrode catalyst layer, then the productivity and efficiency of the water electrolysis apparatus is improved, but the seal member experiences increased pressing force against the pressure resistant member and electrolyte membrane, causing large deflection and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage forming member acts as an intermediary structural element between the high-pressure hydrogen generation zone and the seal member. It provides a rigid framework that distributes and absorbs the mechanical stress, preventing direct transmission of excessive pressing force to the seal member while maintaining the high-pressure environment necessary for productive hydrogen generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage forming member is designed with sufficient thickness and structural rigidity to beforehand cushion and absorb the pressing force generated by high-pressure hydrogen. This pre-engineered structural buffer prevents the seal member from experiencing damaging levels of stress, allowing the system to operate at high pressures without compromising seal integrity.
2Reliability
If the pressing force of the seal member against the electrolyte membrane is increased to maintain airtightness at high pressure, then the airtightness is improved, but the electrolyte membrane experiences large deflection which may impair contact surface pressure and lead to seal member damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage forming member provides localized structural support to the electrolyte membrane in the regions where flow passages are formed. This creates areas of enhanced rigidity and reduced deflection, allowing the membrane to maintain proper shape and contact surface pressure even under the increased pressing forces necessary for maintaining airtightness at high operating pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the membrane deflection problem by introducing a third dimensional element - the flow passage forming member with its thickness dimension. This additional structural dimension provides the necessary rigidity to counteract deflection forces, allowing the thin electrolyte membrane to maintain its shape while the system operates at high pressures requiring increased seal pressing force.
3Shape
If a flow passage forming member is added to support the electrolyte membrane and reduce deflection, then the membrane shape stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage forming member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to reduce electrolyte membrane deflection, forms the flow passages for water and gas transport, and acts as a pressure distribution element. By combining these functions into a single component, the invention achieves membrane shape stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the flow passage formation function with the structural support function into a single integrated flow passage forming member. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing overall device complexity while still achieving the goal of improving electrolyte membrane shape stability through the member's inherent rigidity and geometric design.
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 effectively suppresses membrane deflection and maintains airtightness by supporting the electrolyte membrane, preventing seal member damage and ensuring reliable operation under high pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The protons thereamong permeate through the electrolyte membrane, migrate to the cathode electrode catalyst layer
Implementation Method 2
the water is subjected to electrolysis in the anode electrode catalyst layer, thereby generating hydrogen ions (protons) and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
A differential pressure type high pressure water electrolysis apparatus has a flow passage forming member for supplying water to an anode. In the flow passage forming member, there are formed a water receiving section for receiving water supplied from the exterior, a distributing path for distributing the water that has flowed into the water receiving section, a converging path into which a surplus supplied amount of water flows, and a water discharging section for receiving the water inside the converging path and discharging it to the exterior. The positions of the distributing path and the converging path are offset from an opposing position where a seal member faces toward a pressure resistant member that surrounds the seal member from the exterior.