Photovoltaic-Electrolysis Unit with Integrated Overlapping Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic electrolysis units face challenges in minimizing ohmic losses due to ion and electron transport paths, and require costly and complex wiring, which also limits their scalability and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates integrated photovoltaic electrolysis modules with overlapping electrodes and separators that minimize ion transport distances, using porous metal foams and ion-conductive separators, and a housing that allows for efficient gas and electrolyte circulation, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and enabling scalable expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If photovoltaic modules are connected to electrolyzer cells using cables, then electrical connection is achieved, but material usage increases and thermal coupling is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photovoltaic module and electrolyzer cell into an integrated PV-EC module where the backside contacts of solar cells directly contact the electrodes of the electrolyzer cell. This eliminates the need for separate cables and enables direct thermal coupling between the modules, resolving both the material usage and thermal coupling efficiency issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal as an intermediary component that serves dual functions: providing electrical insulation between the backside contacts and electrodes while enabling thermal coupling through its thermally conductive structure. This mediator allows thermal energy transfer while maintaining electrical isolation.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrode transport paths are lengthened, then assembly is simplified, but ohmic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where electrodes are arranged in alternating layers with separators. This vertical stacking minimizes ion transport distances between electrodes while maintaining simple assembly through the layered structure, effectively resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and ohmic losses.
3Ease of manufacture
If wiring complexity is reduced, then manufacturing cost decreases, but electrical connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mechanical assembly structure by directly contacting the backside contacts of solar cells with the electrodes of the electrolyzer cell. This integration eliminates complex wiring while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the direct contact interface, resolved by the seal's insulation properties.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the unit is made scalable, then expansion capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photovoltaic electrolysis unit into modular PV-EC modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation enables scalable expansion while keeping individual module manufacturing complexity manageable, as each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces.
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 significantly reduces ohmic losses, allows for cost-effective and simple assembly, and enables the photovoltaic electrolysis unit to be expanded while maintaining optimal performance, addressing the limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical energy required for this is supplied by photovoltaic modules, which convert the energy of solar radiation (solar energy) into electrical energy (electricity)
Implementation Method 2
The separators divide the electrolyzer cells into two chambers with oppositely polarized electrodes. Complementary half-reactions (reduction, e.g., formation of hydrogen, and oxidation, e.g., formation of oxygen) take place in the electrolyte at each chamber
Implementation Method 3
The electrodes are designed in such a way that gas bubbles are able to detach easily from the electrode surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic electrolysis unit (PE unit) comprising two integrated photovoltaic electrolysis modules (PV-EC module) and a housing with four openings. One PV-EC module includes an electrolyzer cell comprising an electrolyte, a separator and a first and second flat, liquid-permeable electrode for different polarity. The electrodes accordingly comprise a first and second catalyst material, and are mutually spaced apart next to each other in a first direction. The PV-EC module further includes a photovoltaic module, which comprises a light-permeable substrate and a solar cell, with one negative pole and one positive pole. One negative pole is connected to the first electrode via a first electrical contact region and one positive pole is connected to the second electrode via a second electrical contact region. The electrodes and the solar cells are interconnected in series. The PV-EC module further includes a seal, which comprises electrically conductive contact regions for connecting the electrodes to poles of the one solar cell and an insulator region. The PV-EC modules are arranged in the PE unit in such a way that the polarity of the electrodes of adjacent modules alternates in the first direction and, in sections, the electrodes are configured in such a way that electrodes arranged directly adjacent to one another in the first direction are in contact with one another via a positive-locking fit and partially overlap. Together with the insulator regions and the housing, the separators form chambers for gas production. Contact pressure can be exerted on the overlapping regions of the electrodes by means of the housing.