Electrochemical refrigeration systems and appliances

Abstract

Refrigeration systems and appliances are provided. A refrigeration system includes a refrigerant, the refrigerant including a working fluid and an electrochemically active fluid. The refrigeration system further includes a condenser, an evaporator, and an electrochemical compressor in fluid communication with the condenser and the evaporator. The refrigeration system can further include various components which advantageously reduce the energy consumption and increase the predicatability and efficiency of the refrigeration system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to electrochemical refrigeration systems, i.e. refrigeration systems that utilize electrochemical compressors, and to appliance which utilize such refrigeration systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various types of refrigeration systems are utilized in a variety of settings for a variety of purposes, including for example cooling chambers of appliances. For example, refrigeration systems are utilized in water heaters such as heat pump water heaters, and to cool fresh food chambers and freezer chambers of refrigerator appliances. In general, a refrigeration system removes heat from a heat source and rejects that heat to a heat sink. While many thermodynamic effects have been exploited in the development of refrigeration systems, one of the most popular today utilizes the vapor compression approach. This approach is sometimes called mechanical refrigeration because a mechanical compressor is used in the cycle.[00...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a refrigeration system that uses a refrigerant with both a working fluid and an electrochemically active fluid. The system includes a condenser, an evaporator, and an electrochemical compressor. A phase separator is also included to separate the two fluids. The system can be used in an appliance to heat or cool the appliance's compartment. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more efficient and effective refrigeration system that utilizes the unique properties of electrochemical fluids.

Problems solved by technology

However, the vapor compression approach to a refrigeration system has disadvantages.

However, presently known electrochemical refrigeration systems can also have disadvantages.

The energy required to move both components of the refrigerant within the system is relatively significant, with a significant amount of this energy wasted relative to the amount of work produced.

Further, during expansion of the refrigerant in a typical electrochemical refrigeration cycle, the behavior of the electrochemically active fluid can be difficult to predict and control.

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