Monolithic Oxygen Generator with Alternating Electrode Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable oxygen generators are often loud, energy-inefficient, and require frequent maintenance due to nitrogen saturation in PSA systems or high electricity consumption in electrolysis methods, limiting their oxygen production capacity and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic body with alternating electrode and counter-electrode channels that allows for continuous oxygen production without regeneration, using a dense ceramic structure and electrolyte to facilitate ion transmission, reducing the need for expensive cylinders and loud compressors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PSA system with molecular sieve is used, then high purity oxygen is produced, but the sieve becomes saturated with nitrogen requiring purging and/or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous oxygen production by circulating fluid through multiple channels with electrodes that continuously generate oxygen via electrolysis, eliminating the need for periodic purging or replacement of saturation-prone molecular sieves. The system maintains continuous operation without interruption for regeneration.
2Reliability
If multiple sieves are used in rotation to overcome saturation, then continuous operation is enabled, but the system becomes relatively costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the molecular sieve component entirely, replacing it with an electrolysis-based system using electrodes and electrolyte solution. This removes the need for multiple sieves in rotation, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining continuous operation capability.
3Productivity
If compressors are used to accelerate gases through sieves, then oxygen production rate is improved, but the compressors are relatively noisy and require substantial energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor system with an electrochemical system. Oxygen is generated in-situ through electrolysis at electrodes, eliminating the need for external compressors to force gas through sieves. This substitution removes the source of noise and excessive energy consumption while maintaining oxygen production capability.
4Productivity
If electrolysis of water is used to generate oxygen, then oxygen production is achieved, but more electricity is required than many other methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrolysis system by using specific electrode materials and electrolyte solutions that improve electrical efficiency. The system parameters (electrode configuration, electrolyte composition, temperature) are controlled to minimize electricity consumption while maintaining high oxygen production rates, making it more energy-efficient than conventional electrolysis 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
The solution enables high-volume, pure oxygen production from a compact, lightweight device, reducing maintenance needs and energy consumption while maintaining high efficiency and purity.
Implementation Method 1
using a dense ceramic structure and electrolyte to facilitate ion transmission
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygen generator includes a monolithic body having first and second channels extending longitudinally therein. An electrode is operatively disposed in the first channels and a counter-electrode is operatively disposed in the second channels. The second channels are formed in the monolithic body so each second channel is electrically isolated from, yet adjacent to a first channel, resulting in an alternating configuration of first and second channels. The first channels have fluid or oxygen flowing therethrough, while the second channels have the other of oxygen or fluid flowing therethrough. An output manifold, having an oxygen collection area separated from a fluid collection area, operatively engages with the monolithic body. The oxygen collection area receives substantially pure oxygen from one of the second or first channels, and the fluid collection area receives oxygen-depleted fluid from the other of the first or second channels.