Hydrogen Production Apparatus Ventilation Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrogen production apparatus configurations are complex and costly due to the need for separate chambers and ventilation paths, which increases the risk of hydrogen gas leaking into electrical equipment chambers.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen production apparatus with a simplified configuration, where the water electrolysis, storage, and supply units are formed as separate entities, with distinct ventilation paths that prevent hydrogen gas from flowing into the electrical equipment chamber, ensuring a low-cost and effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate chambers and ventilation paths are formed inside the case, then hydrogen gas can be prevented from flowing into the electrical equipment chamber, but the configuration becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of hydrogen gas flow into electrical equipment chamberVSAvoidconfiguration complexity inside the case
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the case into distinct functional sections: a hydrogen gas handling section (containing water electrolysis apparatus, storage chamber, and supply chamber) and an electrical equipment section. This segmentation creates natural spatial separation that prevents hydrogen gas from reaching electrical equipment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical equipment from the hydrogen gas environment by positioning it in a separate section of the case that is not part of the hydrogen gas flow path. This extraction ensures that even if hydrogen gas leaks, it cannot reach the electrical equipment chamber, achieving safety without requiring complex additional barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If separate chambers and ventilation paths are formed inside the case, then hydrogen gas can be prevented from flowing into the electrical equipment chamber, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of hydrogen gas flow into electrical equipment chamberVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The case is segmented into functional zones using simple partition walls rather than complex sealed chambers. The hydrogen gas section and electrical equipment section are separated by structural divisions that serve both mechanical support and safety functions, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The case structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines operational zones, and inherently prevents hydrogen gas migration to electrical equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the electrical equipment chamber is positioned downstream in the ventilation flow path, then hydrogen gas may flow into the electrical equipment chamber, but the configuration is simpler

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidhydrogen gas leakage risk to electrical equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into distinct sections where the electrical equipment is positioned in a section that is structurally separated from the hydrogen gas flow path. This segmentation ensures that even with simplified configuration, hydrogen gas cannot reach the electrical equipment chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical equipment is extracted from the potential hydrogen gas environment by placing it in a section of the case that is not connected to the hydrogen gas flow path. This extraction positioning provides inherent safety without requiring complex additional protection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effectively prevents hydrogen gas from entering the electrical equipment chamber, maintaining a simple and cost-effective configuration while ensuring safety and efficiency in hydrogen production.

Implementation Method 1

a water electrolysis apparatus configured to electrolyze water to generate hydrogen gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a first ventilation flow path configured to cause air to flow through the electrical equipment chamber and a housing chamber... and a second ventilation flow path configured to cause air to flow through at least one of the water electrolysis chamber, the storage chamber, and the supply chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11214876B2Hydrogen production apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11214876B2 patent drawing
  • US11214876B2 patent drawing
  • US11214876B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydrogen production apparatus includes a water electrolysis unit, a storage unit, a supply unit, and an electrical equipment unit. A first ventilation flow path causes air to flow through an electrical equipment chamber and a storage chamber, which is formed by at least one of a water electrolysis chamber, a storage chamber, and a supply chamber. A second ventilation flow path causes air to flow through at least one of the water electrolysis chamber, the storage chamber, and the supply chamber that is not the storage chamber. The electrical equipment chamber is positioned farthest upstream in the first ventilation flow path, and the first ventilation flow path and the second ventilation flow path are separated from each other.