Intermediate Gas Store With Dynamic Diaphragm Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrolysis systems lack flexibility and stability in operation, particularly during transient processes, due to inadequate pressure regulation and absorption of rapid pressure fluctuations, which is critical for large-scale atmospheric water electrolysis and downstream hydrogen processing.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate gas store with a pressure control device, comprising a membrane and an actuator, allows for dynamic pressure regulation by changing the storage volume to maintain a constant pressure target, decoupling electrolysis from downstream compression processes and stabilizing the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive membrane store is used to absorb pressure fluctuations, then the system structure is simple, but the pressure regulation capability is insufficient and operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static passive membrane store into a dynamic system by introducing an actuator that actively adjusts the membrane position. This enables the storage vessel to dynamically change its volume in response to pressure fluctuations, providing active pressure regulation rather than passive absorption. The actuator allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain desired pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where pressure sensors monitor the pressure inside the storage vessel and feed this information to a control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the actuator position accordingly to maintain target pressure levels. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise pressure regulation and compensates for rapid pressure changes.
2Quantity of substance
If the storage vessel volume is increased to absorb more pressure fluctuations, then the pressure absorption capacity increases, but the response time to rapid pressure changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic actuator system that can rapidly adjust the membrane position to respond to sudden pressure changes. This active adjustment mechanism provides fast response time compared to passive volume-based absorption. The actuator can quickly modify the storage vessel volume to compensate for rapid pressure fluctuations, maintaining both capacity and speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the membrane from a passive flexible barrier to an actively controlled element. By adjusting the membrane position through the actuator, the system can dynamically alter the storage vessel volume parameter in response to pressure changes, enabling both high absorption capacity and fast response time through coordinated parameter adjustment.
3Quantity of substance
If the operating pressure is increased to improve hydrogen density, then the storage efficiency increases, but the risk of membrane damage from pressure fluctuations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure sensors and feedback control to continuously monitor and regulate the operating pressure within safe limits. The feedback mechanism detects pressure deviations and activates the actuator to adjust the storage vessel volume, preventing excessive pressure buildup that could damage the membrane. This enables operation at optimized pressure levels while protecting against harmful fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the storage vessel with an actuator and control system that can proactively counteract pressure fluctuations before they reach damaging levels. The system maintains a buffer volume that can be dynamically adjusted to absorb pressure variations, cushioning the membrane against harmful pressure shocks while allowing efficient operation at elevated pressures.
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 effectively compensates for small and rapid pressure fluctuations, ensuring stable operation and preventing damage to electrolysis membranes, while allowing flexible and efficient hydrogen storage and compression.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane (42) serves to separate the storage space (106) into two compartments and serves to allow gas (20) to pass through the membrane (42) from one compartment to the other compartment under certain conditions
Implementation Method 2
The actuator (44) acts on the membrane (42) such that the pressure target value is settable
Implementation Method 3
Electrolysis involves using electric current to initiate a chemical reaction, in particular a redox reaction, with electrical energy being converted into chemical energy
Implementation Method 4
Electrolysis involves using electric current to initiate a chemical reaction, in particular a redox reaction
Implementation Method 5
conduction is achieved at least partly through a proton exchange membrane permeable to positively charged protons
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an intermediate gas store for an electrolysis system, more particularly for low-pressure proton exchange electrolysis, including a storage vessel which has a storage space into which a channel of a gas removal unit leads, via which channel gas produced during the electrolysis can be introduced into the storage space. The storage vessel has a pressure control device, by means of which a pressure setpoint value can be applied to the gas introduced into the storage space. The pressure control device includes a diaphragm and an actuator, the actuator acting on the membrane in such a way that the pressure setpoint value can be established. The invention also relates to an electrolysis system having an intermediate gas store and to a method for operating an electrolysis system.