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Electrolyzer apparatus and method of making it

  • US 8,808,512 B2
  • Filed: 01/22/2013
  • Issued: 08/19/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, the apparatus comprising:

  • a first hemi-enclosure;

    a second hemi-enclosure that is separable from and not integral with the first hemi-enclosure;

    a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising;

    a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side;

    a first plurality of electrodes in the vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm;

    a second plurality of electrodes in the vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm;

    a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed;

    contacts, for electrically contacting the first and second pluralities of electrodes; and

    pathways, configured to separately remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure, the pathways including;

    a first headspace comprising a barrier associated with the first hemi-enclosure that is impermeable to ions, gases, and water;

    a first pipe communicatively-coupled to the first headspace that receives gas generated within the first headspace and routes that received gas;

    outside of the first hemi-enclosure and the first headspace;

    then back inside of the first hemi-enclosure;

    then through a substantial portion of fluid contained within the first hemi-enclosure; and

    then back outside of the first hemi-enclosure through a bottom portion of the first hemi-enclosure;

    a second headspace comprising a barrier associated with the second hemi-enclosure that is impermeable to ions, gases, and water;

    a second pipe communicatively-coupled to the second headspace that receives gas generated within the second headspace and routes that received gas;

    outside of the second hemi-enclosure and the second headspace;

    then back inside of the second hemi-enclosure;

    then through a substantial portion of fluid contained within the second hemi-enclosure; and

    then back outside of the second hemi-enclosure through a bottom portion of the second hemi-enclosure.

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