Water Electrolysis Stack with Pulsating Flow for Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolysis systems fail to efficiently separate air bubbles on the surface of the current collector without positively mixing air bubbles with water introduced into the water electrolysis stack, leading to decreased electrolysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A water electrolysis stack design incorporating a membrane electrode assembly, a water introduction unit, a water flow path member, and a pumping unit that pulsates water flow to separate air bubbles from the current collector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air bubbles are allowed to remain on the current collector surface, then the structure remains simple, but electrolysis efficiency decreases due to bubble adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsation of water flow through the water flow path member to achieve periodic detachment of air bubbles from the current collector surface. The pumping unit varies the water flow rate periodically, creating alternating wetting and drying cycles that effectively remove bubbles without requiring continuous high-velocity flow, thus maintaining electrolysis efficiency while avoiding overly complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the electrolysis process itself to generate the gas bubbles that are then removed by the pulsating water flow. The water flow path member and pumping unit work together to create a self-cleaning effect where the produced bubbles are automatically detached and removed by the periodic water pulsation, eliminating the need for external bubble removal mechanisms
2Productivity
If water flow rate is increased to remove air bubbles, then bubble adhesion is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuously high water flow rates, the system uses periodic pulsation where the pumping unit varies the flow rate in cycles. During the pulsation phase, higher flow removes bubbles; during the pause phase, flow reduces to minimal levels. This periodic action achieves effective bubble removal while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous high-flow systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the water flow rate parameter over time rather than maintaining a constant high value. The pumping unit adjusts the flow rate to optimal levels for bubble detachment during pulsation phases, then reduces it during non-pulsation phases, thereby achieving the required electrolysis efficiency with lower overall energy input
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 pulsation of water effectively separates air bubbles from the current collector, maintaining electrolysis efficiency by continuously changing the water's pumping amount and flow direction, thereby preventing bubble adhesion and enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
the pumping unit continuously changes a pumping amount of the water, thereby pulsating the water flowing through the water flow path along the surface direction of the current collector
Data Source
AI summary
A water electrolysis stack includes: a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and a plate-shaped current collector provided on one of both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction thereof; a water introduction unit for introducing water from the outside; a water flow path member disposed so as to face the current collector and provided with a water flow path for guiding, along the surface direction of the current collector, the water introduced into the water introduction unit; and a pumping unit for pumping the water to the water introduction unit. The pumping unit continuously changes the pumping amount of the water, thereby pulsating the water flowing through the water flow path along the surface direction of the current collector.