Perforated Electrode Cell for Hydrogen Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolytic cells for hydrogen production require costly semi-permeable membranes and saline bridges to separate hydrogen and oxygen, which increase energy consumption and overall costs.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic cell design that eliminates the need for a saline bridge or semi-permeable membrane by using two half-cells with external recirculation circuits and degasifiers, where the aqueous solution and gases are separated through continuous recirculation and electrolysis occurring only during the second passage through perforated electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semi-permeable membranes and saline bridges are used to separate hydrogen and oxygen, then gas separation is achieved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the saline bridge and semi-permeable membrane components from the electrolytic cell system. Instead of using these separate components for ion passage and gas separation, the invention integrates these functions into the electrode structure itself, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming components while maintaining effective gas separation and ion transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the electrode structure: the perforated electrodes simultaneously serve as gas separation barriers, ion transport pathways, and electrochemical reaction sites. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate saline bridges and semi-permeable membranes, reducing device complexity and energy consumption while maintaining reliable gas separation
2Reliability
If semi-permeable membranes are used to separate gases, then hydrogen and oxygen separation is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the semi-permeable membrane component from the system. The gas separation function previously performed by the membrane is now achieved through the perforated electrode structure and fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for complex membrane assemblies and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated electrodes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they conduct electricity for electrochemical reactions, physically separate hydrogen and oxygen gases through their perforated structure, and guide fluid flow patterns. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate dedicated components, significantly reducing device complexity
3Reliability
If saline bridges are used for ion passage, then ionic current flow is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ion passage function with the electrode structure itself. The perforated electrodes and fluid circulation system work together to enable ion transport without requiring a separate saline bridge, thereby eliminating the energy consumption associated with maintaining a saline bridge while ensuring reliable ionic current flow between half-cells
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 design achieves efficient gas separation without additional partitions, reducing energy consumption and costs while maintaining effective ion passage between half-cells, ensuring the separation of hydrogen and oxygen produced during electrolysis.
Implementation Method 1
by means of electrolysis it is possible to decompose water into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
two external recirculation circuits (4) for recirculating the aqueous solution, each of which comprises a respective degasifier (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrolytic cell (1) for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution comprising an electrolysis chamber (C) and two electrodes (10) housed in the electrolysis chamber. Each of the electrodes (10) consists of a metal sheet (11) in which a plurality of apertures (12) are obtained having lateral walls defining active electrolysis surfaces. The electrolytic cell further comprises means (4) for continuous recirculation of the aqueous solution inside the electrolysis chamber (C).