Tubular Reversible Electrochemical Cell for High Packing Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolysers face high costs due to expensive materials and complex assembly, and they have low packing density, requiring large membrane areas for high currents, limiting their scalability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device with a tubular or spiral structure that integrates an ion exchange membrane as a separator, using a central tubular electrode surrounded by gas diffusion layers and catalyst-coated membranes, allowing for high packing density and efficient gas separation without separate compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional flat membrane electrolysers are used, then gas separation is achieved, but packing density is low and device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from flat 2D membrane arrangement to a 3D tubular structure where the membrane is wrapped around a central electrode. This dimensional change allows the membrane to utilize the entire surface area of the electrode, significantly increasing packing density and reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the required membrane area for high current operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane and electrodes are arranged in a nested configuration where the membrane is wrapped around the central electrode, and the outer electrode surrounds the membrane. This nested structure maximizes the use of space within the device, allowing high packing density without increasing device footprint.
2Use of energy by moving object
If large membrane areas are used for high currents, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular repeating units, each consisting of a central electrode, membrane, and outer electrode assembly. These modular segments can be stacked or arranged to achieve the required total membrane area for high current operation, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If separate compartments are used for gas collection, then gas separation is achieved, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas collection function with the electrode structure itself. The central electrode with its cavity and holes serves as both the electrical conductor and the gas collection chamber, eliminating the need for separate gas collection compartments. The membrane provides gas separation while the electrode structure handles gas collection, merging multiple functions into fewer components.
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 device operates at high energy efficiency with reduced weight and size, enabling modular hydrogen production and self-pressurization, simplifying assembly, and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The PEM membrane allows the selective transport of protons or the AEM membranes allow the transport of hydroxyl ions, respectively from the anode to the cathode and from the cathode to the anode of the electrolytic cell
Implementation Method 2
Both types of membranes, PEM and AEM, perform a barrier effect towards the gases produced (only H2 and O2 for the electrolysis of water) so to allow their separation
Implementation Method 3
A method of producing hydrogen is the electrolysis of water which uses electricity without the use of toxic reagents and the production of polluting by-products or CO2 emissions
Implementation Method 4
There are also ion exchange membranes covered on both sides with a layer of catalyst (Catalyst Coated Membrane, CCM)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical device suitable to work both as electrolyser and fuel cell has a housing (10), a central tubular electrode (11) provided with a plurality of through holes (13) and having a first electrical connector (6) that is connected to an electrical supply or an electrical load, a first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), a catalyst coated membrane for exchanging of ionic species or CCM (3), which is wound on the first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), a second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4), wound on the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3) and provided with a second electrical connector (5). The first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3), and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) are suitable to surround the central tubular electrode (11) for at least 360°.