Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressor With Check Valve Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrogen compressing systems face inefficiencies due to the need to maintain cathode gas pressure higher than anode gas pressure, which can lead to damage to the electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layer, reducing the overall efficiency of the electrochemical hydrogen pump.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen system design that includes a compressor with a check valve or on/off valve in the flow channels to equalize anode and cathode gas pressures by automatically opening the valve when hydrogen is supplied, preventing damage and maintaining efficient compression operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cathode gas pressure is maintained higher than anode gas pressure, then hydrogen compressing operation efficiency is improved, but damage to electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layer occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen compressing operation efficiencyVSAvoidintegrity of electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve is pre-installed in the anode gas supply line before operation begins. When hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode, the check valve automatically opens to equalize pressure between anode and cathode sides, preventing pressure differential damage before it can occur. This preliminary protective measure allows the system to maintain high cathode pressure for efficient compression while protecting vulnerable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve acts as an intermediary device between the anode gas supply system and the membrane electrode assembly. It mediates the pressure differential by automatically opening when hydrogen-containing gas reaches the anode, allowing gas to flow through to the cathode side and equalize pressure, thus protecting the electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layer from excessive pressure stress while still enabling efficient compression operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If check valve is added to equalize gas pressures, then protection of electrolyte membrane is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layerVSAvoidnumber of components in flow channel system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve is designed to operate automatically based on pressure differential without requiring external control systems. When hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode and pressure builds up, the check valve self-activates to open and equalize pressure between anode and cathode sides. This self-service capability protects the electrolyte membrane while avoiding the need for additional controllers, sensors, or complex control logic that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure equalization function is extracted from the main control system and implemented as a standalone check valve component in the anode gas supply line. This separate, simple mechanical device handles the pressure balancing task independently, protecting the electrolyte membrane without requiring integration into the complex electrochemical control system, thus minimizing added device complexity.

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

This configuration enhances the efficiency of the hydrogen compressing operation by equalizing gas pressures, reducing the risk of damage to the electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layer, and ensuring stable hydrogen supply.

Implementation Method 1

causes, by application of a voltage between an anode and a cathode, hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move to the cathode through an electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Implementation Method 2

hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move to the cathode through an electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport through membrane: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 3

a check valve that is provided in the second flow channel and prevents a flow in a direction opposite to a flow of the hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the cathode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential control: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20230290969A1Hydrogen system and hydrogen system operating method

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A hydrogen system includes: a compressor that causes, by application of a voltage between an anode and a cathode, hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode to move to the cathode through an electrolyte membrane and compresses the hydrogen; a first flow channel that supplies the hydrogen-containing gas to the anode; a second flow channel that branches off from the first flow channel and supplies the hydrogen-containing gas to the cathode; and a check valve that is provided in the second flow channel and prevents a flow in a direction opposite to a flow of the hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the cathode.