Membrane-Electrode-Gasket Assembly for Zero-Gap Alkaline Electrolysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zero-gap electrolysis vessels for alkaline water electrolysis face increased operating voltage due to non-zero-gap contact along the periphery of the separating membrane, leading to higher energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-electrode-gasket assembly that ensures the separating membrane is in direct contact with the electrodes along its entire periphery, achieved by using an insulating gasket that holds the membrane and electrodes as one body, with a slit part receiving the entire periphery and continuous parts sealing the outer end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional gasket configuration is used, then assembly is simple, but the separating membrane is not in direct contact with electrodes along the periphery, causing increased solution resistance and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is divided into multiple functional parts: a first part with a first face for contacting the anode-side frame, a second part with a second face for contacting the cathode-side frame, and a continuous part uniting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while achieving the overall goal of zero-gap contact between electrodes and membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket structure embeds the separating membrane and electrodes within the confines of the gasket body. The slit part receives the entire periphery of the separating membrane and electrodes, effectively nesting them within the gasket structure to ensure proper positioning and contact.
2Reliability
If the separating membrane is held firmly to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but direct contact with electrodes along the periphery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the gasket have different functions: the first and second parts provide structural support and electrical isolation, while the continuous part ensures sealing. The slit part specifically receives the periphery of the membrane and electrodes to maintain contact, while other areas provide sealing. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both sealing and electrical contact 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 reduces operating voltage and energy loss by maintaining direct contact between the membrane and electrodes, facilitating easier assembly and preventing electrolyte and gas leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating gasket holding the separating membrane and the electrode as one body
Implementation Method 2
an ionic-permeable separating membrane
Implementation Method 3
water is electrolyzed using a basic solution (alkaline water) in which an alkali metal hydroxide (such as NaOH and KOH) dissolves as an electrolytic solution, to generate hydrogen gas at a cathode and oxygen gas at an anode
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane-electrode-gasket assembly for alkaline water electrolysis, the assembly including: a separating membrane having first and second membrane faces; a first electrode arranged in contact with the first membrane face; and an insulating gasket holding the membrane and the electrode as one body, the gasket including: first and second faces for contacting with anode- and cathode-side frames respectively; a slit part opening toward an inner side of the gasket and receiving the entire peripheries of the membrane and the electrode; first and second parts facing with each other across the slit part; and a continuous part arranged on an outer periphery side of the slit part, uniting the first and second parts into one body, and sealing an outer periphery end of the slit part, wherein the first and second parts sandwich therebetween to hold the entire peripheries of the membrane and the electrode received in the slit part into one body.