Water Electrolysis Apparatus with Mesh Electrode Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water electrolysis systems face challenges in reducing pressure loss and increasing flow rate within a small apparatus size, particularly when using square metal mesh electrodes, and require efficient sterilization and decomposition of harmful substances in wastewater.
Innovation Solution
A water electrolysis apparatus with a polymer electrolyte membrane and mesh electrodes, where the anode and cathode sides have shared inlets and outlets, and the electrodes are arranged to maximize cross-sectional flow area, reducing pressure loss and allowing for efficient electrolysis with fewer pipes, while generating advanced oxidation water for sterilization and decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a square metal mesh electrode is used in a water electrolysis cell, then ozone can be atomized and brought into contact with water, but the apparatus size increases and pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water electrolysis cell is divided into multiple compartments with separate inlet and outlet paths for anode-side and cathode-side electrolytic water. This segmentation allows independent flow control and reduces the overall apparatus volume while maintaining effective ozone-water contact in the anode compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional flow path structure with inner side openings and outer peripheral openings at different spatial locations. Water flows through multiple dimensions (entering from outer peripheral opening, flowing inward, exiting from inner side opening), maximizing contact efficiency without increasing apparatus footprint.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a square metal mesh electrode is used in a water electrolysis cell, then ozone can be generated, but the number of pipes increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inlet and outlet functions into a single integrated electrode structure. Each electrode has both an outer peripheral opening and an inner side opening, combining multiple flow path functions into one component, thereby reducing the number of separate pipes and connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes serve multiple functions: they generate ozone through electrolysis, provide flow paths for water through their openings, and act as structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Volume of stationary object
If the water electrolysis cell is made smaller, then apparatus size is reduced, but pressure loss increases and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the local flow characteristics by creating specific flow paths through the electrode openings. Water flows from the outer peripheral opening through the electrode structure to the inner side opening, creating efficient local flow patterns that minimize pressure loss despite the compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing three-dimensional flow paths within the compact electrode structure, the patent achieves efficient water flow with minimal pressure loss. The multi-dimensional flow paths maximize the use of available space, maintaining high flow rates in a small apparatus volume.
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 apparatus achieves a high flow rate of functional water with reduced pressure loss and fewer pipes, enabling efficient sterilization and decomposition of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and harmful substances, with advanced oxidation water effectively reducing ATP values and decomposing organic matter and ammonia.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer electrolyte membrane provided in the thickness direction of the anode
Implementation Method 2
a polymer electrolyte membrane provided in the thickness direction of the anode and in which an inner side opening that is connected to the inlet is formed
Implementation Method 3
water electrolysis portion interposed between the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets, wherein the water electrolysis portion includes: an anode; a polymer electrolyte membrane provided in the thickness direction of the anode
Implementation Method 4
anode side electrolytic domain that is formed between the anode and the polymer electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 5
sterilization and cleaning method and method for decomposing/removing harmful substance, each using water electrolysis apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
In an anode side electrolytic domain (130), a radial flow is formed from an outer peripheral opening (131) to an inner side opening (141) of an anode side mesh electrode (140). Flows horizontal to the electrode surface of the anode side mesh electrode 140 are formed. Gases such as ozone generated from water electrolysis in the anode side electrolytic domain (130) are dissolved in raw water in the anode side electrolytic domain (130), and anode side electrolytic water is generated. Gas such as ozone that has been atomized by the anode side mesh electrode (140) comes into contact with the raw water, and high concentration anode side electrolytic water is generated. The anode side electrolytic water generated in the anode side electrolytic domain (130) flows in the inner side opening (141) of the anode side mesh electrode (140).