A self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system. The system includes an electroosmotic power generation device and a seawater desalination device. The electroosmotic power generation device includes a first power generation unit and a second power generation unit. A first electrode is disposed in the first power generation unit, and a second electrode is disposed in the second power generation unit. A cation selection channel is provided between the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit. Cations in the first power generation unit migrate directionally to the second power generation unit through the cation selection channel to form an ion flux, and electrons in the first power generation unit flow to the second electrode through the first electrode to form electrical energy. The seawater desalination device is used to desalinate seawater and deliver fresh water to the second power generation unit to maintain the concentration difference between the solutions in the second power generation unit and the first power generation unit, enabling the electroosmotic power generation device to operate in a self-circulating manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of power generation technology, specifically relating to a self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy and solar energy are characterized by their wide distribution, high energy density, and clean, pollution-free nature, making them common renewable energy sources. Wave energy, occurring in the form of mechanical energy, is the highest-grade energy source within the ocean, thus becoming a hot topic in ocean energy power generation applications and research. Salinity gradient energy, occurring in a chemical form, can be converted into electricity. Given my country's numerous rivers and seas with large runoff volumes, salinity gradient energy generation also holds promising prospects. Furthermore, islands face a scarcity of freshwater resources, primarily relying on groundwater and rainwater storage, which are heavily influenced by natural factors. Therefore, utilizing renewable wave energy, salinity gradient energy, and solar energy to continuously obtain electricity and freshwater has significant application value.

[0003] Ion electroosmosis power generation is a power generation technology that generally consists of three parts: a high-concentration side, a nanomembrane, and a low-concentration side. Its working principle involves charged ions on the high-concentration side migrating selectively to the low-concentration side within selectively porous nanopores, driven by electrolyte concentration gradients, temperature gradients, and pressure gradients, generating an ionic current. This technology can directly convert chemical energy, mechanical energy, and thermal energy into electrical energy, offering advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency and being environmentally friendly. Currently, ion electroosmosis power generation is mainly enhanced by increasing the driving force and improving the structural characteristics of the nanomembrane, such as ion selectivity, permeability, and rectification capabilities. Existing technologies typically increase the concentration gradient to enhance the driving force or modify the surface of the nanopores within the nanomembrane to increase ion selectivity. However, these existing technologies reduce the ion permeability of the nanomembrane, resulting in electroosmosis power generation efficiency far below the theoretical limit, and increase equipment costs, making large-scale application difficult.

[0004] Solar-powered interfacial evaporation is a seawater desalination method, with the interfacial evaporator as its main functional component. The solution at the bottom is partially drawn to the upper surface by the interfacial evaporator. The upper surface absorbs solar energy and converts it into heat, evaporating the surface liquid. Simultaneously, the interface increases the thermal resistance between the evaporating surface and the lower seawater, maintaining the high temperature of the upper surface. Compared to direct heating evaporation, solar-powered interfacial evaporation reduces heat loss, increases evaporation efficiency, and lowers the cost of seawater desalination.

[0005] Existing electroosmotic power generation methods suffer from drawbacks such as the use of various types of membranes, low solar energy utilization efficiency, a single power source, and the need for periodic manual solution replacement to maintain concentration gradients for system operation. Therefore, improving the utilization efficiency of solar and wave energy, maintaining the system's self-circulating operation, and achieving self-sufficiency in electricity and freshwater resources are of great significance.

[0006] The information disclosed in the background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system. The system includes a power generation device and a seawater desalination device. The power generation device generates electricity by utilizing solar energy and solution concentration differences. The seawater desalination device is used to desalinate seawater and replenish the power generation device with the collected fresh water, thereby enabling the power generation device to achieve self-circulating power generation.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides the following technical solutions:

[0009] A self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system, the system comprising an electroosmotic power generation device and a seawater desalination device, wherein,

[0010] The electroosmotic power generation device includes a first power generation unit and a second power generation unit. A first electrode is provided in the first power generation unit and a second electrode is provided in the second power generation unit. A cation selection channel is provided between the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit. Cations in the first power generation unit migrate directionally to the second power generation unit through the cation selection channel to form ion flux. Electrons in the first power generation unit flow from the first electrode to the second electrode to form electrical energy.

[0011] The seawater desalination device is used to desalinate seawater and deliver fresh water to the second power generation unit to maintain the concentration difference of the solution in the second power generation unit and the first power generation unit so that the electroosmotic power generation device can operate in a self-circulating manner.

[0012] Preferably, the first power generation unit includes a light-transmitting layer and a light-absorbing layer, and a high-refractive-index transparent support is disposed between the light-transmitting layer and the light-absorbing layer.

[0013] Preferably, the inner surface of the light-transmitting layer below sea level is coated with a reflective coating.

[0014] Preferably, the high-refractive-index transparent bracket and the reflective coating work together to increase the heat collection area of ​​the first power generation unit.

[0015] Preferably, the cation-selective channel is an asymmetric nanofilm, comprising a support layer and a sensitive layer, wherein one side of the support layer is connected to a first power generation unit and the other side is connected to the sensitive layer, and the other side of the sensitive layer is connected to a second power generation unit.

[0016] Preferably, the seawater desalination device includes a seawater storage chamber and a steam chamber, and an interface evaporator is provided between the seawater storage chamber and the steam chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the interface evaporator is a cylindrical wooden cavity.

[0018] Preferably, the seawater desalination device further includes a first condenser tube, one side of which is connected to a steam chamber and the other side is connected to a second power generation unit.

[0019] Preferably, the seawater desalination device further includes a second condenser tube, one side of which is connected to an interface evaporator, and the other side is connected to a freshwater collection device via a smart water pump.

[0020] Preferably, the system further includes a power distribution control device for storing electrical energy and regulating the electrical energy.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0022] 1. This disclosure effectively combines electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination, which can simultaneously obtain high-grade electrical energy and fresh water. Part of the obtained fresh water flows into the second power generation unit to maintain the concentration gradient on both sides of the asymmetric nanomembrane, thereby realizing the continuous operation of the electroosmotic power generation device. Part of the obtained electrical energy supplies the intelligent water pump to regulate the discharge rate of condensate to improve the efficiency of the seawater desalination device, thereby realizing the overall high-efficiency self-circulation of the system.

[0023] 2. This disclosure utilizes a reflective coating and a high-refractive-index transparent support to alter the path of incident sunlight, allowing it to irradiate the heat-absorbing layer below the sea surface. This increases the area of ​​the heat collection tube section. At the same time, the use of a vacuum layer reduces heat loss from the heat collection surface, enhancing the heat collection effect, increasing the temperature of the incoming seawater, and strengthening the temperature gradient.

[0024] 3. The first power generation unit can directly utilize the wave energy of seawater to generate a pressure gradient to drive cations to convect and migrate within the asymmetric nanomembrane channel, forming ion flux and directly converting wave energy into electrical energy, thus realizing wave energy ion electroosmosis power generation.

[0025] 4. The asymmetric nanomembrane used in this disclosure is a cation-selective membrane with asymmetric structure and surface charge, which can significantly improve the ion selectivity, rectification characteristics and permeability within the nanopores. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system provided in one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the electroosmosis power generation unit and the seawater desalination unit;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of asymmetric nanofilms;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first power generation unit;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the specific application of the system shown;

[0031] The markings in the attached diagram are explained as follows:

[0032] 1. External circuit; 2. Steam chamber; 3. First power generation unit; 4. Asymmetric nanofilm; 5. Second power generation unit; 6. First condenser; 7. Interfacial evaporator; 8. Seawater storage chamber; 9. Second condenser; 10. Intelligent water pump; 11. Freshwater collection device; 12. Circuit controller; 13. Lithium battery storage pack; 14. First switch; 15. Second switch; 16. Inverter; 17. Distribution box; 18. Lighting circuit; 19. Transparent layer; 20. Cation selective channel; 21. Drain outlet; 22. High refractive index transparent support; 23. Light absorption layer; 24. Reflective coating; 25. First electrode; 26. Support layer; 27. Sensitive layer; 28. Second electrode; 29. ​​Float. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following will refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 5 Specific embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail. While specific embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0034] It should be noted that certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that different terms may be used to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in terminology, but rather on differences in function. The terms "comprising" or "including" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." The following descriptions are preferred embodiments for carrying out this disclosure; however, these descriptions are for the purpose of understanding the general principles of the specification and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, further explanations and descriptions will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure provides an electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system, the system comprising an electroosmotic power generation device and a seawater desalination device, wherein,

[0037] The electroosmotic power generation device includes a first power generation unit 3 and a second power generation unit 5. A first electrode 25 is provided in the first power generation unit 3 and a second electrode 28 is provided in the second power generation unit 5. A cation selection channel 20 is provided between the first power generation unit 3 and the second power generation unit 5. Cations in the first power generation unit 3 migrate directionally to the second power generation unit 5 through the cation selection channel 20 to form ion flux. Electrons in the first power generation unit 3 flow to the second electrode 28 through the first electrode 25 to form electrical energy.

[0038] The seawater desalination device is used to desalinate seawater and transport fresh water to the second power generation unit 5 to maintain the concentration difference between the solutions in the second power generation unit 5 and the first power generation unit 3, so that the electroosmotic power generation device can operate in a self-circulating manner.

[0039] The above embodiments constitute the complete technical solution of this disclosure. By effectively combining electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination, high-grade electrical energy and fresh water can be obtained simultaneously. Part of the obtained fresh water flows into the second power generation unit to maintain the concentration gradient on both sides of the asymmetric nanomembrane, thereby realizing the continuous operation of the electroosmotic power generation device and achieving efficient self-circulation of the system as a whole.

[0040] In another embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first power generation unit 3 includes a light-transmitting layer 19 and a light-absorbing layer 23. A high-refractive-index transparent support 22 is provided between the light-transmitting layer 19 and the light-absorbing layer 23, and the inner surface of the portion of the light-transmitting layer 19 below the sea level is coated with a reflective coating 24.

[0041] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting layer 19 is made of a high-transmittance, high-hardness material, which reduces solar energy transmission loss while enhancing the impact resistance and corrosion resistance of the first power generation unit 3. Sunlight passing through the light-transmitting layer 19 and irradiating the light-absorbing layer 23 coated with a light-absorbing material is converted into heat energy, thereby raising the temperature of the seawater inside the cavity. Sunlight entering between the light-transmitting layer 19 and the light-absorbing layer 23 is first refracted on the high-refractive-index transparent support 22. The refracted light is then reflected by the reflective coating 24, made of materials such as aluminum and mercury, coated on the inner surface of the light-transmitting layer 19, before irradiating the light-absorbing layer 23 located below the sea level. The high-refractive-index transparent support 22 and the reflective coating 24, when used together, can at least double the overall heat collection area of ​​the first power generation unit 3. Experiments show that irradiation at 1 times the light intensity for 2 hours can increase the average temperature of the seawater inside the first power generation unit 3 by 2.95°C compared to traditional heat collection methods, increasing the heat collection efficiency by 57.28%.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, three high-refractive-index transparent supports 22 are arranged between the light-transmitting layer 19 and the light-absorbing layer 23 to provide fixed support and refraction for the light-absorbing layer 23. The supports are spaced at angles of 45-90° to prevent the light-absorbing layer 23 from swaying under the impact of waves when the angle is less than 45°, thus preventing the loss of its fixed support function, and to prevent it from failing to cooperate with the reflective coating 24 to achieve the refraction function when the angle is greater than 90°. The remaining space between the two layers, excluding the heat transfer medium air, is a vacuum environment, which can effectively reduce heat loss in the first power generation unit 3. Through experiments, irradiation at 1 times the light intensity for 2 hours can increase the average temperature of the seawater in the first power generation unit 3 by 3.3°C.

[0043] In another embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cation selection channel 20 is an asymmetric nanofilm, including a support layer 26 and a sensitive layer 27. One side of the support layer 26 is connected to the first power generation unit 3, and the other side is connected to the sensitive layer 27. The other side of the sensitive layer 27 is connected to the second power generation unit 5.

[0044] In this embodiment, the asymmetric nanomembrane 4 is a cation-selective membrane with a thickness of no more than 500 nm. Its structure and surface charge distribution are asymmetric. Specifically, the channel diameter of the support layer 26 is 20-40 nm, and the channel surface carries a negative charge, attracting cations from the solution in the first power generation unit 3 into the second power generation unit 5, thereby achieving selective cation transport. The channel diameter of the sensitive layer 27 is 5-15 nm, and the channel surface carries a positive charge, preventing cations from the solution in the second power generation unit 5 from entering the first power generation unit 3. By employing the asymmetric nanomembrane 4, cations migrate unidirectionally from the first power generation unit 3 to the second power generation unit 5, thereby generating ion flux to produce a larger net ion current and improving the rectification characteristics of the nanomembrane.

[0045] Experiments showed that the power density of a single pore of the cation-selective membrane with uniform and symmetrical channels was 188 W / m², with an energy conversion efficiency of 8.6% and a lifespan of 15 days. In contrast, the power density of a single pore of the nanomembrane 4 with a uniformly asymmetric charge structure was 3500 W / m². 2 The energy conversion efficiency is 35.3%, and the service life is 60 days, all of which are far superior to those of symmetric cation-selective membranes. This is because the cation-selective nanomembrane, with its asymmetric charge structure, enhances the ion selectivity and rectification characteristics of the nanochannels, allowing only unidirectional migration of cations in seawater from the high-concentration side to the low-concentration side, resulting in a larger net current and thus achieving higher power density and energy conversion efficiency.

[0046] In another embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seawater desalination device includes a seawater storage chamber 8 and a steam chamber 2, and an interface evaporator 7 is provided between the seawater storage chamber 8 and the steam chamber 2.

[0047] In this embodiment, both the seawater storage chamber 8 and the steam chamber 2 are made of high-hardness, high-transmittance materials. The seawater storage chamber 8 floats on the sea surface, while the steam chamber 2 is hemispherical and sealed to the seawater storage chamber 8 to prevent external liquids from entering the evaporation interface. The interface evaporator 7 draws the seawater stored in the seawater storage chamber 8 to its surface, where it is converted into heat energy by sunlight irradiated by the steam chamber 2 to evaporate the seawater on its surface, generating steam. The steam rises to the top of the steam chamber 2, encounters resistance, and flows back for further recycling.

[0048] In another embodiment, the interface evaporator 7 is a cylindrical wooden cavity.

[0049] In this embodiment, the interface evaporator 7 is a wooden cylinder with a density less than water, and its diameter is the same as the inner diameter of the seawater storage chamber 8. The upper surface of the interface evaporator 7 is carbonized by uniformly burning it with an alcohol lamp at a temperature of 700-800℃ for 1 minute, with a carbonization thickness of about 1-3 mm, so that the total solar energy absorption rate of the upper surface reaches more than 95%. The interior of the interface evaporator 7 is a cylindrical cavity, concentric with the interface evaporator 7, and its volume is 75% of that of the interface evaporator. The cavity is filled with air. The low thermal conductivity of air increases the thermal resistance of the interface evaporator 7, thereby confining the heat to the surface of the interface evaporator 7 for seawater evaporation. Compared with existing interface evaporators, the interface evaporator described in this embodiment can increase the evaporation efficiency from 24% to 85%, and the evaporation rate can reach 1.4 kg / (m³). 2 ·h), which greatly improves the evaporation rate.

[0050] It should be noted that wood was chosen as the material for the interface evaporator 7 because wood has a lower density than water, allowing the entire seawater storage chamber 8 to float on the sea surface due to its own buoyancy. In addition, wood naturally has oriented micron-scale pores, which serve as natural water transport channels. Furthermore, wood is inexpensive and easy to carbonize, which can significantly reduce the cost of the interface evaporator while achieving efficient interface evaporation, thus facilitating its application in industrial production.

[0051] In another embodiment, the seawater desalination device further includes a first condenser 6, one side of which is connected to the steam chamber 2 and the other side is connected to the second power generation unit 5.

[0052] In this embodiment, the steam that flows back into the steam chamber 2 enters the first condenser tube 6 and condenses into liquid fresh water, which then flows into the second power generation unit 5. The liquid fresh water flowing into the second power generation unit 5 mixes with the solution therein and can maintain its low concentration, so that the concentration difference between it and the seawater in the first power generation unit 3 is always kept within a stable range, thereby realizing the self-circulation operation of the electroosmotic power generation device. In addition, if too much fresh water flows in, it can be discharged through the drain outlet 21 set on the second power generation unit 5.

[0053] In another embodiment, the seawater desalination device further includes a second condenser 9, one side of which is connected to an interface evaporator 7, and the other side is connected to a freshwater collection device 11 via a smart water pump 10.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second condenser tube 9 is placed inside the cavity of the interface evaporator 7. After some of the recirculated steam enters the interface evaporator 7, it is condensed into liquid fresh water by the second condenser tube 9 and then sent by the intelligent water pump 10 to the fresh water collection device 11 that floats on the sea surface by the float 29.

[0055] In another embodiment, the system further includes a power distribution control device.

[0056] In this embodiment, by setting up a power distribution control device, the power generation system can be applied to the actual circuit. For example, in a specific application, the power generation system can be used for lighting circuit 18, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the power distribution control device includes a circuit controller 12, a lithium battery storage group 13 for storing excess electrical energy, a first switch 14 for controlling the operation of the lithium battery storage group 13, a second switch 15 for controlling the lighting circuit 18 and the intelligent water pump 10, an inverter 16 for converting DC power to AC power, and a distribution box 17 for rectifying and distributing electrical energy. The distribution box 17 is connected to the lighting circuit 18. In this circuit, the electrical energy generated by the electroosmotic power generation device is connected to the distribution box 17, inverter 16, circuit controller 12, lithium battery storage group 13, and lighting circuit 18 through an external circuit 1. The circuit controller 12 controls the operation of the entire circuit, and the inverter 16 converts the DC current generated by the electroosmotic power generation into AC power, which is then distributed to the lighting circuit 18, which maintains the nighttime lighting needs, through the distribution box 17.

[0057] Alternatively, the intelligent water pump 10 can be intelligently controlled by a power distribution control device. The power distribution control device regulates the speed of the intelligent water pump 10 by adjusting the power, thereby controlling the discharge rate of fresh water in the second condenser 9.

[0058] The present disclosure has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present disclosure. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present disclosure. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A self-circulating electroosmotic power generation and seawater desalination system, the system comprising an electroosmotic power generation device and a seawater desalination device, wherein, The electroosmotic power generation device includes a first power generation unit and a second power generation unit. A first electrode is provided in the first power generation unit and a second electrode is provided in the second power generation unit. A cation selection channel is provided between the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit. Cations in the first power generation unit migrate directionally to the second power generation unit through the cation selection channel to form ion flux. Electrons in the first power generation unit flow from the first electrode to the second electrode to form electrical energy. The first power generation unit includes a light-transmitting layer and a light-absorbing layer, and three high-refractive-index transparent supports are disposed between the light-transmitting layer and the light-absorbing layer, with the supports spaced at an angle of 45-90°. The inner surface of the portion of the light-transmitting layer below sea level is coated with a reflective coating. The cation-selective channel is an asymmetric nanofilm, which has a support layer, a sensitive layer, and dual asymmetry in structure and surface charge. The seawater desalination device includes a seawater storage chamber, an interface evaporator, a steam chamber, a first condenser, and a second condenser. The interface evaporator is connected to a freshwater collection device via a smart water pump and forms a material closed loop with the electroosmotic power generation device. The seawater desalination device is used to desalinate seawater and deliver fresh water to the second power generation unit to maintain the concentration difference of the solution in the second power generation unit and the first power generation unit so that the electroosmotic power generation device can operate in a self-circulating manner. The system utilizes the pressure gradient, temperature gradient, and concentration gradient formed by wave energy as a composite driving force to drive ion migration and maintain the power generation process.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The high-refractive-index transparent support and the reflective coating work together to increase the heat collection area of ​​the first power generation unit.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, One side of the support layer is connected to the first power generation unit, and the other side is connected to the sensitive layer. The other side of the sensitive layer is connected to the second power generation unit.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The interface evaporator is a cylindrical wooden cavity.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, One side of the first condenser tube is connected to the steam chamber, and the other side is connected to the second power generation unit.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, One side of the second condenser is connected to the interface evaporator, and the other side is connected to the freshwater collection device via a smart water pump.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system also includes a power distribution control device for storing and regulating electrical energy.

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