Membrane Electrolyzer for Renewable Hydrogen Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The variability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar poses challenges in storing energy effectively, as existing electrolyzers are costly and impractical for long-term operation, necessitating a cost-effective and practical solution for converting variable energy into a storable form like hydrogen.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrolyzer system with a membrane electrolytic cell configuration, including a first electrode within an interior channel and a second electrode outside, utilizing an ionic membrane with catalyst layers for oxygen and hydrogen evolution, and electronics connecting multiple electrolytic cells to various energy sources for efficient energy distribution and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electrolyzers are used to convert renewable energy to hydrogen, then energy storage capability is achieved, but operating cost becomes prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capabilityVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyzer is divided into multiple independent electrolytic cells, each with its own membrane and electrode structure. This segmentation allows for modular scaling and optimized resource utilization, reducing overall system cost while maintaining energy storage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs non-ceramic ionic membranes with specific catalyst layers and alters the geometric parameters of electrodes and channels to optimize electrochemical efficiency. These parameter changes improve energy conversion efficiency, reducing operating costs while maintaining storage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If electrolyzers operate continuously for long-term energy storage, then energy availability is improved, but operational practicality deteriorates due to high costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidoperational practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolytic cell design with multiple electrodes and membranes enables the system to handle various operational modes and energy source variations, improving adaptability for long-term operation while maintaining practicality through standardized modular components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of non-ceramic ionic membranes and optimized catalyst layers creates components that are more cost-effective and potentially replaceable, allowing practical long-term operation through modular replacement rather than complete system replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If membrane geometry is optimized for electrochemical efficiency, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is designed with a curved surface geometry that optimizes flow distribution and electrochemical reaction efficiency. This curvature improves energy conversion by enhancing mass transport and reaction kinetics while the design maintains manufacturability through standardized forming processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enables efficient conversion of renewable energy into hydrogen, providing a practical and cost-effective means of energy storage, extending the operational time of renewable energy systems beyond battery capacity and allowing for flexible energy use.

Implementation Method 1

the membrane comprises at least one catalyst for oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution of opposing faces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

Electrolyzers can use electricity generated from renewable energy sources to convert precursor into a fuel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

the membrane includes a cationically conductive separator that surrounds the first electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11873567B2System for managing fuel generation

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 H2U TECH INC

AI summary

An electrolyzer has an electrolytic cell with a membrane that surrounds an interior channel. The electrolytic cell also has a first electrode positioned in the interior channel such that the membrane surrounds the first electrode. The electrolytic cell also includes a second electrode positioned such that the membrane is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.