Hydrogen Supply System Dew Point Control for Proton Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of hydrogen supply operations in electrochemical hydrogen pumps is hindered by inadequate humidification of hydrogen-containing gases, leading to decreased proton conductivity and potential blockages due to condensate water, which affects the overall performance and efficiency of hydrogen supply systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dew point adjuster that adjusts the humidity levels of mixed gases by using a humidifier or condenser to maintain optimal moisture levels, preventing proton conductivity degradation and gas flow path blockages, and utilizing a gas-liquid separator to manage excess moisture effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydrogen-containing gas is not humidified, then the gas flow path is clear, but the proton conductivity of the electrolyte membrane decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas is humidified in advance before being supplied to the electrolyte membrane, ensuring that the membrane maintains adequate moisture and proton conductivity during operation, while preventing condensate water from forming and blocking gas flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The dew point of the hydrogen-containing gas is adjusted to an optimal range to balance moisture content, ensuring sufficient proton conductivity without excessive condensate water formation that would block gas flow paths
2Reliability
If the dew point of the hydrogen-containing gas is increased, then the proton conductivity is improved, but the condensate water increases causing flow path blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors and controls the dew point of the hydrogen-containing gas to maintain it within an optimal range, balancing proton conductivity improvement with prevention of excessive condensate water formation that would block gas flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The dew point of the hydrogen-containing gas is adjusted to an optimal range to balance moisture content, ensuring sufficient proton conductivity without excessive condensate water formation that would block gas flow paths
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 proposed solution enhances the efficiency of hydrogen supply operations by maintaining appropriate humidity levels, reducing the likelihood of proton conductivity degradation and gas flow instability, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of hydrogen supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte membrane; an anode provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane opposite to the first surface
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical hydrogen pump which performs a hydrogen supply operation by allowing a current to flow between the anode and the cathode
Implementation Method 3
a dew point adjuster adjusting a dew point of a mixed gas in which a hydrogen-containing gas which is discharged from the anode side and a hydrogen-containing gas which is supplied from an outside are mixed together
Implementation Method 4
when hydrogen is electrochemically purified, and the pressure thereof is boosted, since water permeates from an anode to a cathode together with hydrogen
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A hydrogen supply system includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump which includes: an electrolyte membrane; an anode provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane opposite to the first surface; and a current adjuster adjusting a current amount flowing between the anode and the cathode, and which performs a hydrogen supply operation by allowing a current to flow between the anode and the cathode using the current adjuster so as to boost the pressure of hydrogen which is supplied to an anode side at a cathode side and to supply the pressure-boosted hydrogen to a hydrogen demander; and a dew point adjuster adjusting a dew point of a mixed gas in which a hydrogen-containing gas which is discharged from the anode side and a hydrogen-containing gas which is supplied from an outside are mixed together.