Recirculating Flushing Media in High-Temperature Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature electrolysis systems face inefficiencies due to energy-intensive compression requirements, thermomechanical loads, and continuous media consumption, leading to increased costs and reduced profitability, particularly when handling hydrogen or carbon monoxide gases.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recirculating inert flushing media to reduce oxygen partial pressure at the anode and hydrogen or carbon monoxide partial pressure at the cathode, utilizing a separating device to separate and reintroduce these gases back into the electrolysis cell, thereby reducing energy consumption and maintaining thermal energy and pressure utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If recirculating flushing media is used to reduce oxygen partial pressure at the anode and hydrogen partial pressure at the cathode, then electrolysis efficiency is improved and power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to the need for separating devices and recirculation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flushing function with the product gas removal function into a single integrated system. The flushing media serves dual purposes: it reduces partial pressures of reactive gases (oxygen at anode, hydrogen at cathode) to improve efficiency and simultaneously carries away product gases for separation and recirculation. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate complex systems while achieving multiple objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing media acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the electrolysis process and the product gas handling system. It temporarily carries the product gases from the electrolysis cell to the separating device, enabling efficient gas management without direct connection between the electrolysis chamber and product gas processing equipment. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If compression is applied to maintain elevated pressure in high-temperature electrolysis, then energy efficiency is improved by avoiding post-electrolysis compression, but thermomechanical loads on the electrolysis cell increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls and adjusts pressure parameters within optimal ranges that balance energy efficiency and cell durability. By maintaining elevated but controlled pressure levels during electrolysis, the system achieves energy efficiency benefits while the recirculation system compensates for any pressure-induced stresses on the cell structure, effectively managing the trade-off between energy savings and mechanical strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system provides feedback control for pressure management within the electrolysis cell. By continuously circulating flushing media and adjusting flow rates based on system conditions, the system maintains optimal pressure levels that maximize energy efficiency while preventing excessive thermomechanical loads that could compromise cell durability. This feedback mechanism dynamically balances the competing requirements.
3Reliability
If flushing media is continuously supplied to transport away oxygen and hydrogen, then safety is improved by reducing chemical reactions, but media consumption increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculation system that recovers and reuses the flushing media after it has performed its safety function of transporting away oxygen and hydrogen. The media is separated from the product gases and returned to the electrolysis cell for continued use. This recovery approach dramatically reduces media consumption compared to continuous fresh media supply, while maintaining the safety benefits of reduced chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system ensures continuous useful action of the flushing media by constantly circulating it through the electrolysis cell and separation system. The media continuously performs its dual function of reducing partial pressures for safety and carrying product gases for recovery, creating a sustained efficient process that minimizes waste while maintaining high safety standards throughout operation.
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 approach enhances the overall efficiency of the electrolysis system by minimizing power consumption, reducing chemical reactions, and extending the lifespan of electrolysis cells, while lowering maintenance and investment costs through continuous flushing and reduced media consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Electrolysis is a method in which an electric current forces a redox reaction. Since, during electrolysis, some of the electrical energy used is converted into chemical energy
Implementation Method 2
an electric current forces a redox reaction
Implementation Method 3
the oxygen formed in the electrolysis cells on the anode side is diluted by means of a stream of steam or another gas stream inert towards the materials used
Implementation Method 4
the cathode is supplied with a cathode flushing medium for an at least partial transport away of the hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide from the cathode
Implementation Method 5
at least partially separating the flushing medium/product gas mixture in a separating device into the components product gas and at least the flushing medium
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolysis method comprising an electrolysis cell (4), which method uses at least one recirculating flushing medium (50, 60). The invention further relates to an electrolysis system, in particular for carrying out the electrolysis method.