Hydrogen Storage in Deep Sealed Production Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current green energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectricity face challenges in storing electrical energy efficiently when there is a surplus, as there is no economical way to store energy generated by these methods.
Innovation Solution
The system employs electrolysis to convert excess electricity into hydrogen and oxygen gases, using deep sealed production chambers that withstand high pressures to store and transport these gases without the need for compressors, powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels and windmills, allowing for efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen and oxygen under constant high pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrolysis is used to convert excess electricity into hydrogen and oxygen gases, then energy storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for electrolyzers and pressure management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolysis cell with the storage chamber into a single integrated system. The electrolyzer is positioned at the bottom of the storage chamber, and the generated gases are stored directly in the same chamber under hydrostatic pressure, eliminating the need for separate compression and storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of water itself to provide the pressure needed for gas storage and transport. The hydrostatic pressure from the water column automatically compresses and moves the hydrogen and oxygen gases without requiring external compressors or pumps, making the system self-regulating.
2Ease of operation
If deep sealed production chambers are used to store gases under high pressure without compressors, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to the need for deep underground structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as an intermediary medium that serves multiple functions: it provides hydrostatic pressure for gas compression, acts as a seal to maintain pressure, and serves as the working fluid for the electrolysis process. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical compressors and simplifies the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic pressure from the water column to compress and transport gases. The hydrostatic pressure naturally generated by the water depth provides the necessary force for gas compression and movement through pipes, replacing mechanical compression systems.
3Stress or pressure
If water is supplied to the bottom of the production chamber under hydrostatic pressure, then pressure management is improved, but loss of substance increases due to potential water leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is integrated with the storage chamber itself. The water is not just supplied to the chamber but forms part of the chamber structure, creating a sealed system where water leakage would compromise the entire structure, thus ensuring minimal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a floating seal made of inexpensive materials that can be easily replaced if needed. This seal prevents water leakage at the interface between the water column and the gas storage area, maintaining pressure while allowing for simple maintenance.
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 method enables the efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen and oxygen gases, allowing for the potential energy of electricity to be stored and utilized as needed, reducing the need for pumps and compressors, and providing a clean waste product of water, thus addressing the storage challenge of green energy surpluses.
Implementation Method 1
The process uses a known procedure of electrolysis to break water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas
Implementation Method 2
water under high pressure is provided at the bottom of the production chamber
Implementation Method 3
supplying water by gravity flow to the bottom of the production chamber
Implementation Method 4
This is a floating seal within the production chamber is used to separate the pressurized hydrogen gas storage area from the water in the lower section
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the manufacture, storage and transportation of hydrogen and oxygen gas wherein deep sealed production chambers (10) capable of withstanding high pressures are provided and water is fed by gravity from a water source to the bottom of the deep sealed production chamber (10) thereby producing water(16) in the bottom of the production chamber (10) under substantial pressure. Hydrogen and oxygen gas are produced in the water at the bottom of the production chamber (10) with electrolysis and the produced oxygen is captured in an oxygen escape pipe (18) extending from the bottom of the production chamber (10) to the exterior (19) of the production chamber (10), the oxygen escape pipe (18) containing a positive anode electrode (25) for the electrolysis in the bottom end of the oxygen pipe. The hydrogen gas is collected under pressure at the upper storage area (22) of the production chamber (10).