Segmented Electrochemical Reactor Assembly for CO and H2 Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) require extensive and expensive separation and purification processes, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A reactor assembly comprising multiple electrochemical reactors with an anode, a cathode, and a membrane, where the anode or cathode forms a fluid passage with a high surface area relative to the inlet and outlet, and the reactors are closely packed without interconnects, allowing for efficient electrochemical production of CO and H2 without the need for electricity or extensive purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional separation and purification processes are used to produce CO and H2, then the products can be obtained, but the process becomes extensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor assembly is divided into multiple individual electrochemical reactors, each containing an anode, cathode, and membrane. These segmented reactors can be closely packed without requiring complex interconnects, simplifying the overall system while maintaining production capacity for CO and H2
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for extensive separation and purification processes by using electrochemical reactions that directly produce CO and H2 in a controlled manner, removing the complex conventional purification steps from the process
2Productivity
If conventional electrochemical reactors are used, then CO and H2 can be produced, but extensive and expensive purification is required
Solution Approach 1:
Each electrochemical reactor is designed with specific local qualities - the anode and cathode are positioned to facilitate direct electrochemical production of CO and H2 respectively, with the membrane creating localized reaction zones that eliminate the need for extensive purification
3Productivity
If reactors are closely packed to increase productivity, then production efficiency improves, but heat dissipation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor assembly utilizes asymmetric thermal management where the closely packed reactors are arranged to optimize heat dissipation pathways, with the membrane and electrode structures designed to facilitate controlled heat transfer while maintaining high productivity
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 enables cost-effective and efficient production of CO and H2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and allowing for on-site production, suitable for various chemical processes without further purification requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogen may be produced from electrolysis of water
Implementation Method 2
efficient electrochemical pathways
Data Source
AI summary
A reactor assembly includes a multiplicity of electrochemical reactors, wherein each of the electrochemical reactors comprises an anode, a cathode, and a membrane between and in contact with the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode or the cathode forms a fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the surface area of the fluid passage in contact with the anode or cathode is at least 25 times of the combined cross-sectional area of the inlet and the outlet; wherein the minimum distance between the reactors is no greater than 2 cm; and wherein the reactors have no interconnects and no direct contact with one another.