Multistack Electrolysis Arrangement With Shared Gas-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale electrolysis systems face inefficiencies due to the need for enlarged electrolyte distributors and collectors, which reduce the active area of electrolysis cells, thereby decreasing capacity.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement comprises two electrolysis cells units with separate end plates and outlets for electrolysis products, allowing for independent operation and connection to a shared power supply and separator, optimizing electrolyte distribution and product collection to increase capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of electrolysis cells is increased to enhance capacity, then the production output is improved, but the electrolyte distributor and collectors must be enlarged which reduces the active area of each electrolysis cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolysis stack into two separate electrolysis cell units, each with its own end plates and outlet terminals. This segmentation allows each unit to have independent electrolyte distribution and gas collection systems, eliminating the need for a single large distributor and collector that would reduce active cell area. Each unit can be optimized with appropriate distributor/collector sizes while maintaining high capacity through the combined output of multiple cells across both units.
2Productivity
If the electrolyte distributor and collectors are enlarged to accommodate more electrolysis cells, then the capacity is improved, but the active area of each electrolysis cell is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dimensional arrangement by placing outlet terminals in the end plates of the electrolysis cell units. This spatial configuration allows gas collection to occur at the boundaries (end plates) rather than requiring large internal collector structures within the active cell area. The electrolyte distributor and collectors are positioned in the end plates, effectively using the vertical and lateral dimensions of the stack structure to accommodate distribution and collection functions without encroaching on the horizontal active electrode area.
3Productivity
If more electrolysis cells are installed in an electrolysis stack, then the production output is improved, but the number and quality of gaskets required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrolysis cells into two compact units with shared end plates and integrated outlet terminals. By combining the gas collection function for multiple cells into centralized outlets located in the end plates, the patent reduces the number of separate gasketed connections required. The integrated design allows electrolyte and gas flow paths to be consolidated, thereby reducing the total number of gaskets needed compared to having individual collectors for each cell.
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 enhances electrolysis capacity by maintaining active cell area while reducing equipment size, cost, and maintenance effort, particularly suitable for high-pressure alkaline electrolysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first separator that is connected fluidly to the first outlets of both electrolysis cells units and to the second outlets of both electrolysis cells units, and that has a separator gas outlet and a separator liquid outlet
Implementation Method 2
a power supply that is connected electrically to both electrolysis cells units for powering an electrolysis therein
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Arrangement (1) comprising: - a first electrolysis cells unit (2) and a second electrolysis cells unit (3), each respectively having a first end plate (4), a second end plate (5) and a plurality of electrolysis cells (6) arranged adjacent to each other between the first end plate (4) and the second end plate (5), a first inlet (7) for introducing an electrolyte, a first outlet (9) arranged in the first end plate (4) for discharging a first electrolysis product and a second outlet (10) arranged in the second end plate (5) for discharging the first electrolysis product, wherein each of the electrolysis cells (6) respectively has an anode space (13) with an anode (14), a cathode space (15) with a cathode (16) and a diaphragm (17) that separates the anode space (13) from the cathode space (15), - a first separator (18) that is connected fluidly to the first outlets (9) of both electrolysis cells units (2,3) and to the second outlets (10) of both electrolysis cells units (2,3), and that has a separator gas outlet (21) and a separator liquid outlet (22), - a power supply (23) that is connected electrically to both electrolysis cells units (2,3) for powering an electrolysis therein.