Multi-Junction PV Electrolyser With Direct Power Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolysis processes face inefficiencies and high costs due to spatial decoupling of energy generation and electrolysis product production, requiring extensive infrastructure and energy losses through external power grids.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyser system incorporating a multi-junction photovoltaic cell and a regulation assembly to directly convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, optimizing energy supply to an electrolysis assembly, reducing the need for external power grids and infrastructure, and utilizing a DC/DC-converter to match energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If renewable energy plants are placed at locations with available area and connected via external power grid to electrolyser, then energy generation capacity is improved, but energy losses and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photovoltaic energy generation function and electrolysis function into a single integrated device. The photovoltaic cell array is directly coupled to the electrolysis cell assembly, eliminating the need for external power grid connection. This spatial and functional integration resolves the contradiction by removing energy transmission losses while maintaining high energy generation capacity for hydrogen production.
2Power
If renewable energy plants are placed at locations with available area and connected via external power grid to electrolyser, then energy generation capacity is improved, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of photovoltaic cells directly with the electrolysis assembly eliminates the need for separate infrastructure components including external power grid connections, conductors, and energy conversion equipment. This merging of functions reduces both the physical footprint and the complexity of infrastructure required, while maintaining the capability for substantial hydrogen production.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic cell array is directly coupled to electrolysis cell assembly, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a photovoltaic cell array for energy generation, a regulation assembly for power management, and an electrolysis cell assembly for hydrogen production. This modular segmentation allows for optimized energy conversion efficiency within each module while managing overall device complexity through standardized interfaces and independent operation of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulation assembly provides dynamic control of the electrical power delivered from the photovoltaic cells to the electrolysis cells. It adjusts operating parameters in real-time to match the variable output of the photovoltaic cells with the requirements of the electrolysis process, maximizing energy conversion efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than fixed mechanical connections.
4Productivity
If multi-junction photovoltaic cells are used, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic function is segmented into multiple independent junctions within the cell structure. Each junction is designed to capture specific portions of the solar spectrum, and these junctions are manufactured as integrated components. This segmentation approach achieves high energy conversion efficiency through spectral division while managing manufacturing complexity by treating each junction as a modular unit within the overall cell fabrication process.
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
Enhances efficiency by up to 40-50% and reduces the footprint area by 10-50%, allowing for autonomous operation in regions with scarce or expensive installation space, while minimizing energy losses and infrastructure costs.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-junction photovoltaic cell comprises multiple p-n junctions and is configured to convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the electrolysis cell converts water into H2 and O2; or CO2 and water into CO, small hydrocarbons or small oxygenates
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyser includes an electrolysis assembly having an electrolysis cell configured to generate an electrolysis product from a supply medium. The electrolyser has a multi-junction photovoltaic cell having multiple p-n junctions and a regulation assembly having an electric power converter configured to convert at least a part of the electrical energy generated by the multi-junction photovoltaic cell according to requirements of the electrolysis assembly so as to provide an energy supply for the electrolysis assembly.