Integrated Oxygen Pump Anode for Compact Oxide Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolysis devices for producing oxygen from oxide-containing materials are not compact or user-friendly, particularly for space applications where resources like lunar or Martian regolith need to be utilized efficiently, and they often require consumables and have high maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrolysis device with an integrated selective oxygen pump that combines the functions of a pump and anode, using a solid electrolyte like zirconium oxide to efficiently produce oxygen from oxide-containing materials, minimizing anode degradation and reducing component count, with a design suitable for space-grade applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrolysis devices are used for oxygen production from oxide-containing materials, then oxygen can be produced, but the device size is large and maintenance requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anode and oxygen pump into a single integrated component. The anode serves dual functions: as the electrochemical reaction site and as the oxygen pump structure, eliminating the need for separate pump components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining oxygen production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The anode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the electrochemical anode for oxygen ion extraction, provides the structural framework for the oxygen pump, and serves as the collection point for produced oxygen. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure
2Volume of moving object
If conventional electrolysis devices are used, then oxygen production is achieved, but the device is not compact and requires consumables
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the oxygen pump functionality into the anode structure, the device achieves a compact design where the oxygen extraction, transport, and collection functions are all integrated within the electrochemical cell itself, eliminating the need for separate pump assemblies and reducing overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated anode-pump structure operates autonomously using the electrochemical reactions occurring at the anode. The oxygen ions extracted during electrolysis are automatically pumped through the solid electrolyte membrane by the same electrochemical potential that drives the electrolysis, without requiring additional energy input or consumable materials
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 device achieves efficient, low-maintenance oxygen production directly from oxide-containing materials with minimal anode degradation, using a compact design and solid electrolyte for selective oxygen pumping, suitable for space applications without consumables, and can operate under varying gravity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The selective oxygen pump has a solid electrolyte, in particular a zirconium oxide element, which is provided for the selective transfer of oxygen from the receiving area into a pumping chamber
Implementation Method 2
an electrolysis device for the electrolytic production of oxygen from oxide-containing starting material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrolysis device for the electrolytic production of oxygen from oxide-containing feed material, comprising at least one cathode (12a; 12b) which at least partially defines a receiving area (14a; 14b) which, in at least one operating state, is provided for receiving the oxide-containing feed material, and comprising at least one anode (16a; 16b). It is proposed that the electrolysis device includes at least one selective oxygen pump (18a; 18b) formed at least partially integrally with the anode (16a; 16b).