Method and apparatus for determining hydrogenation degree of aqueous reaction system of formate salt components, hydrogen carbonate salt, and carbonate salt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the degree of hydrogenation and absolute hydrogen storage density in hydrogen carrier systems are time-consuming and costly, and they do not allow for by-product analysis or accurate determination in multi-component systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using simple measuring devices like oscillation measurements to determine the degree of hydrogenation and absolute total salt concentration in an aqueous hydrogen carrier solution based on functional relationships between material properties and concentrations of formate, hydrogen carbonate, and carbonate salts, allowing for rapid and cost-effective analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If established analytical methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy are used to determine the degree of hydrogenation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of hydrogenationVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex spectroscopic methods (nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy) with simple oscillation measurements using a vibration meter. This substitution of measurement principles dramatically reduces analysis time and cost while maintaining sufficient precision for process control applications. The oscillation frequency of a vibrating element changes with the density of the aqueous reaction system, which correlates to the degree of hydrogenation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in material properties (density, oscillation frequency) of the aqueous reaction system as the degree of hydrogenation changes. By measuring oscillation frequency at different hydrogenation states and establishing functional relationships, the system enables rapid determination of hydrogenation degree without time-consuming spectroscopic analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If established analytical methods are used to determine the degree of hydrogenation, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of hydrogenationVSAvoidanalysis cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive spectroscopic instrumentation with simple, low-cost oscillation measurement devices. The vibration meter used in the invention is significantly cheaper than nuclear magnetic resonance or infrared spectroscopy equipment, enabling cost-effective analysis suitable for industrial process control while maintaining adequate measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive measurement devices (vibration meter, oscillation measurement setup) that can be easily manufactured or acquired, replacing expensive, complex spectroscopic instruments. This approach makes the analysis method accessible for routine industrial use without requiring expensive equipment investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If simple measuring devices are used to determine concentration in multi-component systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement deviceVSAvoidcomponent concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures multiple distinct material properties (density, electrical conductivity, oscillation frequency) of the aqueous reaction system and uses these segmented measurements to determine concentrations of different components (formate, bicarbonate, carbonate). By combining multiple simple measurements rather than relying on a single complex measurement, the system achieves precise component analysis using simple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-dimension measurements to multi-dimensional characterization by measuring multiple material properties (density, conductivity, oscillation frequency). This multi-dimensional approach enables differentiation and quantification of multiple components in the reaction system using simple measurement devices, overcoming the limitation of single-property measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables rapid and cost-effective determination of hydrogenation degree and hydrogen storage density in hydrogen carrier systems, facilitating efficient process control and by-product analysis.

Implementation Method 1

using simple measuring devices, such as an oscillation measurement for density determination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation measurement: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4610219A1Method and apparatus for determining hydrogenation degree of aqueous reaction system of formate salt components, hydrogen carbonate salt, and carbonate salt
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 AKROS ENERGY GMBH
  • EP4610219A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4610219A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4610219A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining the hydrogen content of a reversible hydrogen storage system based on formate and carbonate salts in an aqueous reaction system and to a device for detecting the hydrogen content.