Aircraft Fluid Management via Hydrogen Peroxide Anodic Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing fluids in aircraft, such as oxygen and water, face challenges including high storage volume, mass, energy consumption, and water quality issues, with fuel cells having inefficiencies and requiring additional devices for remineralization and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A process involving anodic oxidation of hydrogen peroxide to produce oxygen, water, and hydrogen cations using an electric current, allowing for the simultaneous production of essential fluids for aircraft operation, with hydrogen peroxide stored on board and used for fuel cell electricity generation, reducing storage and energy needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen is stored on board the aircraft, then oxygen supply is ensured, but storage volume and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the state of oxygen from stored compressed gas to on-demand generated gas through electrolysis of water, transforming the parameter of oxygen availability from static storage to dynamic production
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the aircraft's own water resources and electrical power to generate oxygen onboard, making the system self-sufficient without external oxygen storage or ground-based oxygen supplies
2Reliability
If water is stored on board the aircraft, then water supply is ensured, but storage volume and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
Water serves multiple functions: as a reactant for oxygen generation through electrolysis, as drinking water for passengers, and as a source of hydrogen for fuel cells, eliminating the need for separate storage systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms water from a static stored resource to a dynamic multi-functional resource that is continuously processed and regenerated through electrolysis and fuel cell reactions
3Use of energy by moving object
If fuel cells are used to produce electricity, then energy efficiency is improved, but additional devices for remineralization and treatment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the electrolysis cell for oxygen production and the fuel cell for electricity generation into an integrated system that shares common components (water storage, heat exchange, control systems), reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Water acts as an intermediary substance that connects the electrolysis and fuel cell processes, serving as both reactant and product carrier, and eliminating the need for separate treatment systems
4Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is used as energy source, then oxygen requirement is reduced, but heat release and energy efficiency issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the waste heat generated by fuel cells into useful thermal energy for heating water and cabin heating, transforming a harmful thermal byproduct into a beneficial resource
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the fuel cell to optimize the balance between electrical energy output and thermal energy recovery, adjusting the load and reactant flow rates to match demand
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 process efficiently produces oxygen and treated water on demand, reduces storage volume and mass, and enhances energy production while minimizing waste and maintenance costs, offering a comprehensive solution for fluid management in aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
an operation of anodic oxidation of a solution of hydrogen peroxide for the production of oxygen, water and hydrogen cations by subjecting said solution to an electric current produced by a power source
Implementation Method 2
These devices are required to produce electrical energy by at least partially replacing the batteries
Implementation Method 3
produced in flight by electrolysis of water which requires more energy than a fuel cell can produce
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for managing fluids necessary for the operation of a vehicle, wherein said method is characterized in that it includes an operation comprising anodic oxidation of a solution of hydrogen peroxide (P) for the purpose of producing dioxygen, water and hydrogen cations by subjecting said solution to an electric current produced by an electric power source. The invention also relates to a device that allows the method to be implemented. Applications of the invention include the management of fluids necessary for the operation of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft.