Electrochemical Hydrogen Pump Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydrogen supply systems for electrochemical hydrogen pumps lack efficiency in managing current flow between electrodes, leading to unnecessary hydrogen supply and increased electric energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen supply system with a controller and an electrochemical hydrogen pump featuring an electrolyte membrane, electrodes, and a current adjuster that controls the current flowing between electrodes based on cumulative hydrogen supply amounts, reducing unnecessary hydrogen supply and optimizing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a high current is continuously applied to the electrochemical hydrogen pump to ensure sufficient hydrogen supply, then the hydrogen supply amount is increased, but the electric energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen supply amountVSAvoidelectric energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic current adjustment by switching between first and second current values based on real-time hydrogen supply status. The controller dynamically changes the current applied to the electrochemical hydrogen pump: using a higher first current value when hydrogen supply is insufficient, and reducing to a lower second current value when hydrogen supply meets demand, thereby optimizing energy consumption while ensuring adequate hydrogen supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller monitors the hydrogen supply amount from the electrochemical hydrogen pump and adjusts the current accordingly. The controller compares the actual hydrogen supply with the required amount and modifies the current input to the pump, creating a closed-loop system that balances hydrogen production with energy consumption based on actual demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the current flowing between electrodes is increased to boost hydrogen production rate, then the hydrogen supply speed is improved, but unnecessary hydrogen supply occurs leading to reduced operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen supply speedVSAvoidoperational efficiency loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using two distinct current levels rather than a constant high current. The first current value provides sufficient hydrogen production capacity when needed, while the second, lower current value is used when hydrogen supply requirements are met, avoiding excessive hydrogen production and the associated energy waste while maintaining the capability to increase production when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If a constant high current is applied to ensure rapid hydrogen supply, then the response time is reduced, but the cumulative energy consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen supply response timeVSAvoidcumulative energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through alternating current application patterns. The controller periodically switches between the first current value (higher) and second current value (lower) based on hydrogen supply status. This periodic adjustment allows the system to maintain rapid response capability when hydrogen supply is critical while reducing energy consumption during periods when supply requirements are satisfied, optimizing the balance between response time and cumulative energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 system improves the efficiency of hydrogen supply operations by reducing unnecessary hydrogen supply and minimizing electric energy consumption, while maintaining stable and efficient operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochemical hydrogen pump including an electrolyte membrane; a pair of electrodes provided on two surfaces of the electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

a current adjuster adjusting a current flowing between the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10722841B2Hydrogen supply system

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A hydrogen supply system includes: a controller; and an electrochemical hydrogen pump including: an electrolyte membrane; a pair of electrodes provided on two surfaces of the electrolyte membrane; and a current adjuster adjusting a current flowing between the electrodes, the electrochemical hydrogen pump performs a hydrogen supply operation supplying pressure-boosted hydrogen to a hydrogen demander by allowing a current to flow between the electrodes by the current adjuster; and when a cumulative hydrogen supply amount which is supplied to the hydrogen demander from start to completion of the hydrogen supply operation to the hydrogen demander from the electrochemical hydrogen pump is smaller than a cumulative hydrogen supply amount in another hydrogen supply operation, the controller controls the current adjuster so that the current flowing between the electrodes is decreased to be smaller than that in the another hydrogen supply operation.