Electrolysis Cell and Method for Operating the Same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer cell and method for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, where the water supply is provided only to the cathode side. Water is then transported by diffusion through the proton-conductive membrane to the anode, eliminating the need for a separate water supply and complex flow structures on the anode side. This simplifies the structure and operation of the electrolyzer, enabling a more compact and cost-effective system.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial hydrogen production for energy storage, chemical synthesis, or fuel generation
• Power-to-gas applications using renewable electricity (e.g., solar or wind) to generate hydrogen
• On-site hydrogen generation systems for fueling stations
• Decentralized hydrogen generation for backup power systems or microgrids
• Integration with photovoltaic systems for direct solar-driven hydrogen production

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Simplified electrolyzer design reduces manufacturing and assembly complexity and cost
• No need for water supply or flow field structures on the anode side, enabling smaller system footprints
• Potential elimination of gas/liquid separators for oxygen, reducing component count and maintenance requirements
• Maintains compatibility with existing membrane and catalyst materials
• Flexible operation under various pressures and temperatures without added system complexity
• Improved integration with renewable energy sources due to compactness and reduced balance-of-plant

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Patent Abstract

According to the invention, it is provided to completely dispense with the media supply on the anode side during the electrolysis of oxygen and hydrogen from water. Since the proton-conductive membrane transports water in a diffusive manner, it has been found to be sufficient when the water provided for the decomposition is fed exclusively to the cathode side or the cathode space of the electrolysis cell. The water needed for decomposition is then directed to the anode in a purely diffusive manner by the PEM electrolyte membrane in order to react there to oxygen under proton delivery. The protons formed there diffuse again to the cathode side, where they recombine to form hydrogen. The invention is based on the concept that, during operation of a PEM electrolysis cell or a PEM electrolysis stack, the use of an anodic media supply, i.e. the supply of water, should be completely dispensed with and only the cathodic supply should be used. The water needed for decomposition is fed exclusively to the cathode.