Water Electrolysis Water Level Error Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water electrolysis systems face difficulties in accurately calculating the detection error of the water level in gas-liquid separators, leading to potential overfilling or underfilling, which can affect system performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A water electrolysis system that includes a water level detector, a pressure detector, and a CPU with memory to calculate the water level error based on the pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator, using a correction coefficient to correct the weight detected by a weight sensor, allowing for precise control of the water level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electrostatic capacity-type water level sensor is used to detect the water level in the gas-liquid separator, then the water level can be detected, but the detection error of the water level cannot be calculated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater level detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection error information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces pressure detection as an intermediary measurement method. By detecting the pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator and using it as a reference, the system can calculate the detection error of the electrostatic capacity-type water level sensor. The pressure detection serves as a mediator that provides alternative information to evaluate and correct the water level detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected pressure value is used to calculate the detection error of the water level sensor. This error information is then fed back to correct or compensate for the water level detection, improving the overall measurement precision. The system continuously monitors and adjusts based on the pressure-derived error calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If a weight sensor is used to detect the water level, then the detection is simple, but the detection error cannot be corrected without expensive sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidwater level detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct water level measurement to pressure measurement of the gas phase. By measuring pressure (a different physical parameter) and using it to infer water level information, the system achieves both simplicity and accuracy. This parameter substitution allows error correction without requiring expensive electrostatic capacity sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex electrostatic capacity sensors with a combination of simple pressure detection and calculation. The mechanical pressure measurement system substitutes for the more complex electrical field-based water level sensing, achieving similar or better performance while reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables accurate and efficient calculation and control of the water level in the gas-liquid separator, preventing errors and maintaining optimal system performance without the need for expensive sensors like electrostatic capacity-type water level sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure detector configured to detect a pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

uses an electrostatic capacity-type water level sensor for detecting the water level in the gas-liquid separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic capacity: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a water electrolyzer configured to electrolyze water to generate gas including oxygen and hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11629075B2Water electrolysis system and water level error calculation apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A water electrolysis system includes: a water electrolyzer configured to electrolyze water to generate gas including oxygen and hydrogen; a gas-liquid separator configured to separate gas phase including hydrogen from liquid phase of the gas generated by the water electrolyzer; a water level detector configured to detect a water level in the gas-liquid separator; a pressure detector configured to detect a pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator; and a CPU and a memory coupled to the CPU. The CPU is configured to perform: calculating an error of the water level in the gas-liquid separator detected by the water level detector based on the pressure of the gas phase in the gas-liquid separator detected by the pressure detector.