Electrochemical Hydrogen Pump Heating Using Electrolyzer Waste Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogen systems do not fully utilize heat exchange between the water electrolysis apparatus and the electrochemical hydrogen pump, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and operation.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen system that includes a water electrolysis apparatus, an electrochemical hydrogen pump, and a heat medium flow path to facilitate heat exchange between the waste heat from the water electrolysis apparatus and the electrochemical hydrogen pump, optimizing energy efficiency by using waste heat to heat the electrochemical hydrogen pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If waste heat from the water electrolysis apparatus is not utilized, then the system structure remains simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary energy consumption by the electrochemical hydrogen pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function of the water electrolysis apparatus with the heating function of the electrochemical hydrogen pump by connecting their heat medium flow paths. The heat medium that has cooled the electrolysis apparatus (containing waste heat) is directly supplied to the pump, combining two thermal management functions into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat (harmful factor) from the water electrolysis apparatus into a useful resource by supplying it to the electrochemical hydrogen pump. The heat medium that would otherwise be discarded is instead utilized to heat the pump, improving overall energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electrochemical hydrogen pump is heated using external energy sources, then the heating function is reliable, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by using the waste heat generated from the water electrolysis apparatus itself to heat the electrochemical hydrogen pump. The heat medium circulates from the electrolysis apparatus to the pump, creating a self-sustaining thermal management system that reduces external energy requirements.
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 energy efficiency by reducing the energy consumed by the electric heater and improving the proton conductivity and reactivity of the electrode catalyst, leading to a more efficient hydrogen compression process.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path through which a first heat medium that is a liquid and has collected waste heat of the water electrolysis cell flows, in which the electrochemical hydrogen pump is capable of performing heat exchange with the first heat medium having collected waste heat of the water electrolysis cell
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen system includes: a water electrolysis apparatus including a water electrolysis cell; an electrochemical hydrogen pump that increases the pressure of hydrogen-containing gas produced by the water electrolysis apparatus; a gas flow path that supplies the hydrogen-containing gas produced by the water electrolysis apparatus to the electrochemical hydrogen pump; and a first flow path through which a first heat medium that is a liquid and has collected waste heat of the water electrolysis cell flows. The electrochemical hydrogen pump is capable of performing heat exchange with the first heat medium having collected waste heat of the water electrolysis cell.