Electrochemical Ozone Generator with Segmented Solid Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical ozone generators in pure and dirty water applications face inefficiencies due to direct contact between electrodes and solid electrolytes, which obstructs clean flow and ozone production, and require complex electrode fixation and higher voltages to overcome electrode spacing, leading to reduced reaction efficiency and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cell structure with a solid electrolyte that connects flat electrodes conductively while forming flow channels, separating anode and cathode areas and maintaining the electric field to the effective surfaces, using fluorinated polysulfonic acid membranes with additives like Montmorillonite and cerium/manganese oxides for enhanced ozone yield and membrane longevity, and allowing for modular expandability and high packing density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrodes are in direct contact with solid electrolyte, then electrical conduction is achieved, but flow channels are obstructed and ozone production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple flat electrodes that are connected in series, with each electrode forming a separate functional unit with the solid electrolyte membrane. This segmentation allows water to flow through channels between the electrodes while maintaining electrical conduction through the membrane, resolving the conflict between electrical contact and flow channel clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid electrolyte membrane acts as an intermediary between the electrodes, providing both electrical conduction and structural support for forming flow channels. The membrane's dual function eliminates the need for complex fixation mechanisms while enabling efficient ozone generation through proper fluid flow.
2Productivity
If larger electrode spacing is used, then flow channels are improved, but higher voltages are required to maintain electric field
Solution Approach 1:
The electric field distribution is optimized by positioning the solid electrolyte membrane at specific locations between electrodes, creating localized high-field regions where ozone generation occurs most efficiently. This local optimization allows effective ozone production without requiring uniformly high voltages across the entire electrode spacing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular cell structure is implemented, then expandability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone generator is divided into identical modular cells, each comprising electrodes and solid electrolyte membranes arranged in a standardized configuration. These modules can be stacked or connected in series to achieve desired production capacities, simplifying both manufacturing and system expansion while maintaining consistent performance characteristics.
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 configuration achieves high current yields, efficient ozone production, and simplified modular design, enabling effective germ killing and organic substance oxidation in water supply systems with reduced space requirements and complex fixation needs.
Implementation Method 1
A cation-conducting membrane, chemically stable to ozone, is used as the solid electrolyte... which are only for protons, positively charged hydrogen ions H+
Implementation Method 2
The electrochemical generation of ozone in water is based on two essential factors: 1. OH' excess of anode and H+... A reaction is built up in a stable manner, with ozone being produced at the anode: 3H2O -> O3 + 6H+
Implementation Method 3
The electric driving field only acts between the membranes... The necessary fixation of the electrodes... Thus the electric field acts entirely on the water
Data Source
AI summary
The electrochemical ozone generator (10) comprise an anode, a cathode and an interposed full-surface, cation-conductive, chemically stable ozone membrane as a solid electrolyte in a cell. The membrane, anode and a cathode are conductively connected to each other for forming flow channels for water. The flow channels are separated from each other as anode and cathode compartments. The membrane extends between the anode and the cathode in the form of a saw-tooth, trapezoidal, rectangular or sinusoidal shape. The electrochemical ozone generator (10) comprise an anode, a cathode and an interposed full-surface, cation-conductive, chemically stable ozone membrane as a solid electrolyte in a cell. The membrane, anode and a cathode are conductively connected to each other for forming flow channels for water. The flow channels are separated from each other as anode and cathode compartments. The membrane extends between the anode and the cathode in the form of a saw-tooth, trapezoidal, rectangular or sinusoidal shape. A curved shape of the membrane is caused by a support such as a mesh or a unidirectional fabric applied to the membrane. The membrane is a self-supporting shaped membrane. The ozone generator further comprises a multilayer structure having the cells, which are stacked side by side. The cell is constructed as a spiral wound module with an outer tube and an inner tube. The spiral wound module comprises a hydrogen-collecting container.