Measuring device for electrolysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring the electrical voltage of many stack levels in high-temperature electrolysis systems are inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with stacks of over 900 levels, as they require manual welding and are not suitable for high-temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device with a pivotable measuring plate and elastically deformable contact elements that can be preloaded to make contact with multiple interconnectors simultaneously, allowing for simultaneous voltage measurement across multiple levels without the need for manual contact welding, and is designed to operate effectively at high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual welding of contact elements to each stack level is performed, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the measurement process becomes extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring plate is divided into multiple independent contact elements arranged in rows and columns, each capable of independently contacting different stack levels. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple levels without manual welding, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and measurement speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual welding process with a mechanical pressing system. The measuring plate with elastic contact elements is pressed against the stack levels, establishing electrical connections through mechanical contact rather than thermal welding. This substitution dramatically reduces measurement time while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional measuring devices are used on stacks with 900 or more levels, then complete coverage is achieved, but the measurement process takes weeks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of measurable levelsVSAvoidmeasurement duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple contact elements are merged into a single measuring plate structure that can contact numerous stack levels simultaneously. The plate contains rows and columns of contact elements that can be pressed against the stack to measure hundreds of levels in one operation, reducing measurement time from weeks to minutes while maintaining complete coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear sequential measurement to two-dimensional parallel measurement. Contact elements are arranged in rows and columns on the measuring plate, enabling simultaneous measurement across multiple stack levels in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional change allows measuring 900+ levels in parallel rather than sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If elastically deformable contact elements are used, then automatic contact establishment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact establishment easeVSAvoidmeasuring device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact elements are designed with specific elastic properties and deformation characteristics. By changing the material parameters and geometric dimensions of the contact elements, they can automatically deform to establish reliable electrical contact with stack levels. This parameter optimization enables automatic contact establishment while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution simplifies quality control during manufacturing, enables efficient and automated voltage measurement across numerous stack levels, and is suitable for high-temperature environments, significantly reducing the time and labor required for measurement processes.

Implementation Method 1

The contact elements are designed to be elastically deformable. In the measuring position, the contact elements rest against the contact surfaces under prestress.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4418374A1Measuring device for electrolysis

Publication Date: 2024.08.21 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

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Figure 3

AI summary

Measuring device for electrical voltage measurement in a stack of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) arranged one above the other in planes, each of which has at least one contact surface for voltage measurement which is accessible on the outside of the stack, wherein the measuring device has a holder in which a pivotable measuring plate with separate contact elements is mounted, a plurality of which are electrically connected to a measurement evaluation via a contact line in order to apply the electrical voltage applied to the respective contact element to the measurement evaluation, wherein the measuring plate can be pivoted in the holder into a measuring position and the contact elements are elastically deformable and bear against the contact surfaces under tension in the measuring position.