Multi-Triggered Electrodes for Scalable Decoupled Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical storage systems for hydrogen and oxygen production are inefficient and lack scalability, as they typically consist of single electrodes and cannot be easily assembled into multi-cell arrays, leading to high diffusive losses and over-potentials, and require significant electrical storage capacity for independent battery and electrolyser operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-triggered electrode system with proton and hydroxyl storage electrodes, allowing for simultaneous hydrogen and oxygen production, optimized ion-flow, and controlled release, using a single control unit to manage all electrodes, reducing diffusive losses and over-potentials, and enabling decoupled electrolysis for efficient energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard single-electrode electrochemical systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but scalability to multi-cell arrays is limited and diffusive losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrochemical cell into multiple independent electrode pairs (working electrode, counter electrode, sense electrode, reference electrode) that can be independently controlled and combined into multi-cell arrays. Each electrode pair functions as a separate unit that can be replicated and connected in series or parallel configurations, enabling scalable system design while maintaining standardized modular components.
2Productivity
If conventional electrochemical cells are used, then basic hydrogen production is achieved, but diffusive losses and over-potentials are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces passive diffusion-based mass transport with active electrochemical reactions controlled by multiple electrodes. The working electrode drives the desired reaction (hydrogen evolution), while the counter electrode handles opposing reactions, and the sense electrode monitors potential without drawing current. This substitution of passive diffusion with controlled electrochemical processes reduces diffusive losses and minimizes over-potentials by maintaining optimal local concentrations and potentials.
3Ease of operation
If independent battery and electrolyser operation is used, then complete control over hydrogen production is achieved, but electrical storage capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of battery storage and electrolysis into a single integrated electrochemical cell. The same electrochemical cell can operate in charging mode (storing electrical energy as chemical energy in the electrodes) or discharging mode (producing hydrogen through electrolysis). This integration eliminates the need for separate battery and electrolyser systems, reducing the total electrical storage capacity required by approximately 80% while maintaining complete control over hydrogen production timing and rate.
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 approach reduces electrical storage capacity by 80% compared to independent systems, allows for flexible energy management, and enables efficient production and storage of hydrogen and oxygen, making it suitable for large-scale applications like ammonia production and renewable energy integration.
Implementation Method 1
Electrolysis of a species as water relates to decomposition of the species (water) into its constituents (oxygen and hydrogen) by providing an electric current through said species
Implementation Method 2
The present invention is in the field of an electrochemical hydrogen storage system for forming a chemical fuel, and for storing electricity
Implementation Method 3
The electrode assembly may be arranged in a way to benefit from convection caused by gas production to decrease diffusive losses
Implementation Method 4
The multi-dimensional ion-flow inside the structure can to be optimised to reduce over-potentials
Data Source
Figure 1a~3c
Figure 4a~6
Figure 5~10
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of an electrochemical hydrogen storage system for forming a chemical fuel, such as by electrolysis of water thereby forming hydrogen, and for storing electricity, such as during daylight, and for delivering electricity and/or hydrogen during night, as well as to a method of operating said electrochemical hydrogen and/or oxygen storage system, a battery with cells of the system, and a chemical production unit.