Steam Electrolysis with Partial Steam Conversion for Lower Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen production methods, particularly water electrolysis using renewable energy, are costly due to high electricity consumption, and steam electrolysis methods require improvements in energy efficiency to be viable for large-scale hydrogen production.
Innovation Solution
A steam electrolysis device and method that supplies steam in excess of twice the amount of hydrogen generated to electrode chambers, with only 50% or less being electrolyzed, utilizing proton conductors at 300°C to 650°C and oxide ion conductors at 700°C or higher, incorporating heat exchange and overheating parts, and using geothermal or solar thermal energy for steam generation and overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam electrolysis is performed by electrolyzing most of the supplied steam, then hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by electrolyzing only a portion (50% or less) of the supplied steam rather than all of it. This partial electrolysis reduces electrical energy consumption while still achieving hydrogen production. The remaining steam serves as a heat source for heating water to generate steam, creating a thermal energy cycle that improves overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by controlling the electrolysis rate to be 50% or less of the supplied steam. This parameter adjustment allows the system to operate in a regime where both hydrogen production and energy consumption are optimized, rather than maximizing electrolysis extent.
2Productivity
If steam is supplied in large amounts to electrode chambers, then hydrogen generation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by creating a closed-loop system where non-electrolyzed steam continuously circulates and serves multiple purposes: it provides heat for water heating, generates steam supply, and maintains thermal energy in the system. This continuous thermal energy utilization improves overall energy efficiency while supporting sustained hydrogen generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the non-electrolyzed steam to automatically heat water and generate steam for continued electrolysis. The steam that is not converted to hydrogen serves the function of heating the feed water, creating a self-sustaining thermal cycle that reduces external energy input requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional steam electrolysis is used, then hydrogen production is achieved, but production cost is high due to high electricity consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts what would normally be wasted thermal energy (hot exhaust steam) into a useful resource for heating feed water. By capturing and utilizing the thermal energy from non-electrolyzed steam, the system reduces the external energy input needed, thereby lowering operational costs while maintaining hydrogen production.
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 method reduces electrical energy consumption by 15% to 25% compared to conventional steam electrolysis, making it a more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production process.
Implementation Method 1
an ion conductor disposed between these electrode chambers
Implementation Method 2
an anode side steam generation part that supplies steam to the anode electrode chamber
Implementation Method 3
the anode side heat exchange part heats the steam to be supplied to the anode electrode chamber by gas-gas heat exchange
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a steam electrolysis device and a steam electrolysis method, which have high energy efficiency. The present invention relates to: a steam electrolysis device, comprising an anode electrode chamber, a cathode electrode chamber, and an ion conductor disposed between these electrode chambers, wherein steam in an amount more than twice the amount of hydrogen generated is supplied to at least one selected from the anode electrode chamber and the cathode electrode chamber, and 50% or less of the supplied steam is electrolyzed; and a steam electrolysis method using the steam electrolysis device.