Hydrogen Recycle Heating After Condensation in Water Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing water electrolysis devices, hydrogen generated at the fuel electrode is mixed with water vapor and recirculated, leading to potential condensation in blowers due to saturated water vapor, causing performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A water electrolysis device with a condenser to condense water vapor and a temperature increasing portion to elevate the temperature of generated hydrogen between the condenser and the blower, preventing condensation and maintaining blower performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water vapor is supplied to the fuel electrode and recirculated, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but water vapor condenses in the blower causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is positioned upstream in the recirculation path to preemptively condense water vapor from the generated hydrogen before it reaches the blower. This preliminary removal of harmful moisture prevents subsequent condensation issues in the blower while maintaining continuous hydrogen recirculation for efficient production
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser extracts and removes water vapor from the generated hydrogen stream through condensation. By separating and removing the harmful water component before the gas enters the blower, the system maintains high hydrogen recirculation rates without compromising blower reliability
2Reliability
If a condenser is added to remove water vapor, then blower reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is integrated into the existing recirculation passage structure, merging the condensation function with the hydrogen recirculation system. This consolidation adds the necessary water removal capability without creating entirely separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser utilizes the temperature differential between the warm generated hydrogen and the surrounding environment to naturally condense water vapor. By leveraging existing thermal conditions rather than requiring active cooling systems, the solution maintains simplicity while effectively protecting the blower
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
Prevents condensation in blowers, reducing performance degradation and deterioration, while efficiently utilizing internal heat to maintain blower efficiency without additional heating components.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser configured to condense water vapor contained in the generated hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
a temperature increasing portion configured to increase a temperature of the generated hydrogen between the condenser and the blower
Data Source
AI summary
A water electrolysis device includes a water electrolysis module that generates hydrogen by water vapor electrolysis. The water electrolysis device includes: a blower configured to supply hydrogen to the water electrolysis module; a recycle passage configured to supply generated hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis module from the water electrolysis module to an intake port of the blower; a condenser configured to condense water vapor contained in the generated hydrogen; and a temperature increasing portion configured to increase a temperature of the generated hydrogen between the condenser and the blower.