Electrolyzer Matrix Cells with Selective Product Gas Degassing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyzer systems face challenges in effectively separating and managing product gases, leading to inefficiencies and potential risks such as gas accumulation and inhomogeneous electrolyte concentration, particularly in alkaline and PEM electrolyzers.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a matrix cell design with separate electrolyte, cathodic, and anodic gas spaces, each separated by membranes, and a degassing device that allows selective emergence of product gases into these spaces, combined with ultrasound and field generation to enhance gas transport and electrolyte homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external gas separation system is used, then product gas separation is achieved, but the water space and gas space are not separated leading to potential gas accumulation and inhomogeneous electrolyte concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyzer is divided into multiple independent matrix cells, each with its own electrolyte space, cathodic gas space, and anodic gas space separated by membranes. This segmentation allows independent control and management of each cell's electrolyte and gas phases, preventing gas accumulation and maintaining uniform electrolyte concentration throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Membranes are introduced as intermediary elements between the electrolyte space and gas spaces. These membranes selectively separate gases from the electrolyte while allowing controlled interaction between adjacent spaces, enabling effective gas separation without compromising electrolyte homogeneity.
2Reliability
If circulation is used for gas separation, then product gas separation is improved, but the system complexity increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gas separation function is merged into the basic matrix cell structure itself rather than requiring separate external systems. Each matrix cell inherently contains integrated cathodic and anodic gas spaces separated by membranes, eliminating the need for additional circulation systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix cell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: electrolysis, gas generation, gas separation, and electrolyte management. The integrated design allows the same components to perform multiple roles, reducing the need for specialized separate systems.
3Device complexity
If the water space is used as gas space, then device complexity is reduced, but effective gas separation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The internal volume of each matrix cell is segmented into distinct electrolyte space and gas spaces using membranes. This segmentation allows the gas spaces to be physically separated from the electrolyte space, enabling effective gas separation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring external systems.
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 design effectively separates and manages product gases, reducing the risk of gas accumulation and maintaining electrolyte homogeneity, thereby improving the regeneration capacity and efficiency of electrolyzer systems.
Implementation Method 1
a gastight first membrane, the cathodic gas space and the cathode electrode being configured in such a way that energizing of the cathode electrode allows a cathodic product gas to be generated at an interface of the cathode electrode with the first membrane in such a way that it is flowable into the cathodic gas space
Implementation Method 2
a, preferably electrolyte-tight, degassing device, which is designed to allow selective emergence of product gas located in the electrolyte space into at least one of the gas spaces
Implementation Method 3
the degassing device is disposed in a degassing aperture formed in at least one membrane, in order to provide selective passage for the product gas from the electrolyte space into at least one of the gas spaces
Data Source
AI summary
Matrix cells are used for regeneration in an electrolyzer system. The electrolyte is electrolyzed in the matrix cell. Gas (predominantly product gas) which has unwantedly accessed the electrolyte space is transported off from the electrolyte space into the gas space envisioned therefor by a degassing device. Additional measures such as ultrasonic transducers and field electrodes may realize electrolyte flow and improved transporting-off of gas. A pump may be used to move the electrolyte, and the pump may move the electrolyte by generating bubbles.