Gas-liquid separation device for hydrogen production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogen/oxygen-producing apparatuses require dehumidifiers to lower the dew point of water vapor, leading to deteriorated dehumidifying performance, increased equipment complexity, and operational inefficiencies, especially when supplying hydrogen and oxygen to fuel cells, which results in reduced fuel cell output due to air contamination and the need for inert gas purging.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen/oxygen-producing apparatus with a gas-liquid separation device featuring a first and second chamber separated by a partition wall, where the lower part of the first chamber and the second chamber are communicated, allowing air to be compressed and trapped, eliminating the need for dehumidifiers and inert gas purging by maintaining the dew point of water vapor equal to the temperature of the pure water, thus ensuring high concentrations of hydrogen and oxygen from the early phase of electrolysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dehumidifiers are used to lower the dew point of water vapor, then the dew point is reduced, but the dehumidifying performance deteriorates and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the dehumidifier component from the system by using a gas-liquid separation device that naturally separates hydrogen gas from water through density differences, thereby removing the need for active dehumidification equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-liquid separation device acts as an intermediary between the electrolysis cell and the storage tank, performing both gas-liquid separation and dehumidification functions simultaneously, which simplifies the system by consolidating multiple functions into a single component
2Quantity of substance
If dehumidifiers are used to remove water vapor, then water vapor is removed, but operational efficiency decreases due to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid separation device operates autonomously using natural density differences between gas and liquid phases, requiring no external power source or maintenance, thereby maintaining continuous operational efficiency while effectively separating and removing water vapor from hydrogen gas
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inert gas purging is performed to prevent air contamination, then air contamination is prevented, but hydrogen concentration decreases and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filling of the storage tank with pure water before hydrogen production begins, which displaces air from the tank and prevents contamination, eliminating the need for subsequent inert gas purging and maintaining high hydrogen concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of air contamination into a benefit by using water as a sealing medium that naturally prevents air ingress, thereby eliminating the need for complex purging systems while maintaining hydrogen purity
4Reliability
If flow channels are filled with pure water before operation, then proper operation is ensured, but water must be removed and dew point lowered afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid separation device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the initial filling medium reservoir and the continuous dehumidification system, eliminating the need for separate dehumidification equipment by universality of function
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 solution allows for the continuous collection of high-pressure, high-concentration hydrogen and oxygen with minimal contamination, maintaining fuel cell performance equivalent to using pure hydrogen and oxygen, without the need for dehumidifiers or inert gas purging, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing equipment complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis cell that produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis of water
Implementation Method 2
a gas-liquid separation device that is connected to the electrolysis cell and that receives the water and the hydrogen or the oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-producing apparatus that produces hydrogen or oxygen, includes: an electrolysis cell that produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis of water; and a gas-liquid separation device that is connected to the electrolysis cell and that receives the water and the hydrogen or the oxygen, wherein the gas-liquid separation device includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a partition wall, and a lower part of the first chamber and a lower part of the second chamber communicate with one another.