Planar Solid Electrolyte Oxygen Separator for Simpler Cell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen generators with honeycomb structures are complex to assemble due to their multi-walled, multi-holed design, and often result in non-uniform conductive layer thicknesses using dip-coating methods.
Innovation Solution
A planar solid electrolyte oxygen separator is designed with a first and second end plate, multiple solid electrolyte cells, and planar interconnectors, featuring a metal-oxide-based electrolyte layer and a simplified structure to improve assembly and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a honeycomb structure with multiple walls and through-holes is used, then oxygen production rate is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid electrolyte stack is divided into multiple planar cells arranged in series between two end plates. Each cell contains simplified planar channels and electrodes, avoiding the complex three-dimensional honeycomb structure while maintaining oxygen production capability through sequential arrangement of multiple units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional honeycomb pattern to a three-dimensional stacked configuration of planar cells. Multiple planar layers are arranged along the vertical axis, creating oxygen production capacity through dimensional stacking rather than through complex in-plane patterns
2Productivity
If dip-coating method is used to form conductive layers, then oxygen production rate is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to non-uniform thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The planar electrode and electrolyte layers are formed using tape casting or screen printing methods that create uniform thin films through controlled material deposition. This replaces the dip-coating process with techniques that provide better thickness control and uniformity across the planar surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters by using tape casting or screen printing instead of dip-coating. These alternative methods allow for controlled material application with consistent thickness, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining the functional performance of the conductive layers
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 planar design simplifies assembly, reduces complexity, and allows for uniform thickness control of the electrolyte and electrode layers, enhancing oxygen production efficiency and purity.
Implementation Method 1
an ion transport membrane (ITM) made of a ceramic material is capable of transporting oxygen ions at high temperature
Implementation Method 2
a bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) material doubly stabilized with Y2O3 and ZrO2... capable of transporting oxygen ions
Data Source
AI summary
A planar solid electrolyte oxygen separator includes a first end plate formed with an oxygen outlet, a second end plate, two solid electrolyte cells disposed between the first and second end plates, and a planar interconnector disposed between the solid electrolyte cells. Each of the solid electrolyte cells includes two electrode layers, a metal-oxide-based electrolyte layer, and a through hole that is aligned with the oxygen outlet. The planar interconnector includes an upper portion having upper main channels and an upper passage, a lower portion having lower channels, and a connecting passage fluidly connected to the upper passage and the lower channels.