Electrochemical gas-dynamic cell
By combining an electrochemical pressure generator with a gas storage container and a hydraulic device, the mobility and safety issues of traditional pneumatic robot grippers have been solved, enabling safe and controllable transmission and rapid response of high-pressure gas, thus broadening the application range of robot equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing pneumatic robot grippers suffer from limited mobility, poor safety, difficulty in control, and a high risk of explosion due to the use of traditional pneumatic pressure generators. In particular, pneumatic batteries based on chemical reactions pose a risk of leakage of hydrogen and oxygen mixtures in high-pressure mode, leading to film degradation and shortened lifespan.
An electrochemical pressure generator is used, combined with a power supply, an electrochemical pressure generator, a gas storage container, and a hydraulic device. High-pressure gas is generated through an electrochemical reaction. By utilizing non-rigid separation elements and a gas storage container design for incompressible fluids, safe and controllable transmission of high-pressure gas is achieved, avoiding the generation of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures.
It achieves safe, controllable, and high-pressure gas generation, reduces the risk of thin-film degradation, improves system stability and lifespan, and provides efficient energy conversion and rapid pressure response, making it suitable for a variety of robotic devices.
Smart Images

Figure CN115023547B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates primarily to pneumatics and hydraulics, and more specifically to an electrochemical pneumatic battery, such as an electrochemical pressure generator, providing a portable, tetherless hybrid pneumatic / hydraulic solution. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional pneumatic robot grippers are tethered devices connected to existing pneumatic pressure generators, such as compressors, compressed gas tanks, or pressurized gas supply lines. Therefore, such grippers are only suitable for stationary operations with limited mobility. In contrast, continuous untethered operation requires the use of pneumatic batteries (i.e., pressure generators) to generate onboard pressure. These pressure generators should be compact, lightweight, quiet, safe (for workers and the environment), and capable of generating high pressure. Traditional pneumatic batteries utilize mechanical compression, storage of pre-compressed gases, phase change materials, and chemical reactions. Among these traditional pneumatic batteries, chemical reaction-based pneumatic batteries exhibit excellent compactness, light weight, high power density, and low noise levels. However, such batteries often require violent reactions, such as explosive combustion and reactive gas decomposition, which are difficult to conduct in a controlled and safe manner.
[0003] Compared to purely chemical reactions, electrochemical reactions are easier to control electrically and are therefore safer. A typical electrochemical pressure generator is a hydrogen fuel cell that utilizes an electrochemical reaction based on water electrolysis. In high-pressure mode, liquid water is decomposed into gaseous hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) on a catalyst by a power source, causing a sharp increase in pressure within the pressure generator chamber. In low-pressure mode, the gaseous hydrogen and oxygen spontaneously recombine into liquid water on different catalysts. However, the gaseous products (i.e., the H2-O2 mixture) produced by such an electrochemical pressure generator are explosive within the generator's operating parameters. To address this safety issue, a gas-impermeable membrane (e.g., a proton exchange membrane) is required to separate the produced hydrogen and oxygen. However, hydrogen cross-contamination (i.e., hydrogen leakage from the hydrogen chamber to the oxygen chamber) still occurs from time to time, especially under partial load conditions (i.e., when the reaction does not proceed at a high speed) and during membrane degradation (i.e., when oxygen gradually oxidizes the gas-impermeable membrane). Although some of the load during high-voltage mode can be mitigated by controlling the drive voltage source, membrane degradation is inevitable because the coexistence of oxygen and catalyst can generate highly oxidizing reactive oxygen species, which will oxidize and degrade the membrane, thereby shortening the life of the water electrolyzer.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a safe, controllable, and high-pressure electrochemical pressure generator that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the background of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention
[0005] According to at least one aspect of this embodiment, a gas storage electrochemical pressure generator is provided. The electrochemical pressure generator includes a power source, an electrochemical pressure generator, one or more gas storage containers, and a hydraulic device. The electrochemical pressure generator is selectively connected to the power source, and the power source is configured to supply power to the electrochemical pressure generator in high-pressure mode operation to convert solid hydrogen or oxygen within the electrochemical pressure generator into a high-pressure gas having a first pressure when connected. One or more gas storage containers are in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator, and each gas storage container includes a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in series. The first chamber of each of the one or more gas storage containers is in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and includes a first surface having a non-rigid separation element with a first area, and the second chamber of each of the one or more gas storage containers includes a second surface having a non-rigid separation element with a second area, the second surface being mechanically connected to the first surface via the non-rigid separation element to generate a second pressure. The hydraulic device is coupled to the second chamber and transmits the second pressure to a load.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present embodiment, a dual gas storage electrochemical pressure generator is provided. The system includes a power source, an electrochemical pressure generator, a first gas storage container, a second gas storage container, a hydraulic device, a plurality of valves, and a control device. The electrochemical pressure generator is selectively connected to the power source, and the power source is configured to supply power to the electrochemical pressure generator to generate high-pressure gas with a first pressure P1 from solid hydrogen or oxygen within the electrochemical pressure generator. The electrochemical pressure generator is configured to convert the high-pressure gas into solid hydrogen or oxygen, generating a second pressure P2. The first gas storage container is in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and includes a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in series. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the high-pressure gas having the first pressure and includes a first surface on a first non-rigid separating element that separates the first chamber from the second chamber, the first surface having an area S1. The second chamber is filled with an incompressible fluid and includes a second surface of the non-rigid separating element having an area S1' to generate a pressure P1', where S1 > S1' and P1 < P1'. The second gas storage container is in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and includes a third and a fourth chamber arranged in series. The third chamber is in fluid communication with the gas having the second pressure P2 and includes a third surface of a second non-rigid separating element that separates the third chamber from the fourth chamber, the third surface having an area S2. The fourth chamber is filled with an incompressible fluid and includes a fourth surface in contact with the third surface having an area S2' to output a pressure P2', where S2 < S1' and P2 > P2'. The hydraulic device is selectively coupled to the second chamber and the fourth chamber for transmitting the pressures P1' and P2' to a load. The plurality of valves control the gas flow from the electrochemical pressure generator to the first and third chambers and control the pressure flow from the second and fourth chambers to the hydraulic device. And, the control device is coupled to the plurality of valves and is configured to control the transmission of the pressures P1' and P2' to the load. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The drawings are used to illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present embodiment. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or functionally similar elements in each view, and the drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification.
[0008] Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicting a first variant of the electrochemical pressure generator in accordance with the present embodiment;
[0009] Figure 2 A schematic diagram depicting a second variant of the electrochemical pressure generator in accordance with the present embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3, including Figure 3A and 3B depicts, in accordance with the present embodiment, being used as Figure 1or Figure 2 A diagram of the bellows of the expandable gas storage container in an electrochemical pressure generator, wherein, Figure 3A A side plan view of the bellows is depicted. Figure 3B A bottom perspective view of the bellows is depicted;
[0011] Figure 4 The illustration depicts the oxygen-based electrochemical pressure generator reaction under two different conditions according to this embodiment; and
[0012] Figure 5 The hydrogen-based electrochemical pressure generator reaction according to this embodiment is described.
[0013] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily depicted to scale. Detailed Implementation
[0014] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be limited by the foregoing background art or any theory set forth in the following detailed description. The object of this embodiment is to provide an electrochemical pressure generator that has many advantages compared to prior art electrochemical pressure generators.
[0015] Although fluid actuation has advantages over electric actuation, its low portability, requiring bulky accessories such as pumps and compressors, hinders its adoption in many fields. Electrochemical pressure generators, high-pressure pneumatic batteries, offer direct energy conversion from electricity to mechanics, eliminating the need for pumps and compressors, and could significantly broaden the applications of fluid actuation devices and robotics.
[0016] The electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment is tethered to the fluid, meaning it does not require connection to an external pressure generator. Therefore, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment is self-sufficient, making it easier to deploy in practical situations with minimal logistical impact. Furthermore, since electrical energy is directly converted into mechanical energy without the need for a motor, pump, or compressor, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment is compact and lightweight, achieving excellent portability and adaptability, as well as quiet and vibration-free operation.
[0017] Furthermore, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment provides much higher pressure than that provided by typical compressed gas lines, thus bringing unique advantages to robotic devices. For example, in the case where the actuator is a gripper, even a small gripper requiring true conformal contact with the object being gripped will generate a huge gripping force with the high pressure provided according to this embodiment.
[0018] Furthermore, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment is safe because it generates only a small amount of high-pressure gas as needed, without storing large quantities of high-pressure gas or explosive gas mixtures. Moreover, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment involves only gaseous and solid materials, not liquid materials, which ensures stable performance regardless of the orientation of the electrochemical pressure generator. Additionally, due to the use of a pneumatic / hydraulic hybrid scheme, the operating speed is fast: pressure is generated in the form of compressed gas, while the power transmission from the electrochemical pressure generator to the clamp is hydraulic, thus reducing the dead zone volume occupied by compressible fluids and therefore reducing the delay in pressure build-up. Because no chemicals or gases are emitted into the environment, operation is also clean and green; for example, when restoring low pressure, since the power supply is DC, there is no electromagnetic noise, mechanical noise, or vibration.
[0019] Furthermore, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment can be used as a general-purpose portable pressure generator capable of driving various robotic devices requiring fluid actuation. For example, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment can be used to drive autonomous and biomimetic robotic devices, surgical robotic devices for manipulating robotic endoscopes or actuating surgical instruments, wearable robotic devices such as exoskeletons for assisting the elderly or neurological patients, wearable systems for human enhancement such as those for heavy-duty industrial systems, and tactile devices such as those for force-sensing wearable systems.
[0020] refer to Figure 1 Schematic diagram 100 depicts a first variant of the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment. The electrochemical pressure generator includes a reactor 110 and a pressure amplifier or booster 150. Referring to reactor 110, the electrochemical pressure generation method utilizes a single gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) coupled to a transition metal hydroxide via an electrochemical reaction. Reactor 110 is a rigid chamber comprising a top electrode 112 (preferably a metal electrode), a bottom electrode 114 (preferably a carbon electrode with a permeable structure), and a solid electrolyte 116 sandwiched therebetween. The rigid chamber may be constructed from a metal frame with an inner surface having a chemically resistant and electrically insulating (e.g., Teflon) coating. A power source 120 is optionally coupled to the top electrode 112 and the bottom electrode 114 for supplying power thereto. During high-pressure mode, the electrochemical pressure generator is driven by a power supply 120 coupled between the top electrode 112 and the bottom electrode 114 to generate high-pressure gas (hydrogen or oxygen) from the electrolyte 116, which passes through the permeable structure of the bottom electrode 114 and the gas-permeable hydrophobic membrane 118 to be stored in a gas storage container 152 with a first pressure P1.
[0021] The electrochemical reactor 110 does not require an external power source to operate in low-pressure mode. The reaction is automatic and generates electricity. In low-pressure mode, reactor 110 is connected to an electrical energy storage device 122. Any electrical energy storage device 122 can be used, such as a battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, or hybrid battery-capacitor. In this low-pressure mode, as the gas converts back to a solid, the pressure P1 decreases, and simultaneously, the electrochemical pressure generator charges the energy storage device 122, regenerating some of the energy consumed from the power source 120 during high-pressure mode. The energy stored in the energy storage device 122 can be reused by the power source 120 during high-pressure mode.
[0022] Note that energy generated during low-voltage mode can also be stored in power supply 120. For example, power supply 120 may include a stack of three batteries, and energy storage device 122 may be one of the three batteries. A computer device (not shown) may be used to facilitate control and charging of the electrical energy storage device 122 during low-voltage mode.
[0023] A pressure booster 150 is mounted in series on the electrochemical reactor 110. The pressure booster 150 includes a first chamber, i.e., a gas storage container 152, and a second chamber 160. Each chamber is in mechanical contact with one side of a non-rigid separation element 154. The two contact surfaces of the gas storage container 152 and the second chamber 160 with the non-rigid separation element 154 have different areas, with the former being larger than the latter to achieve pressure boosting. The gas storage container 152 (i.e., the first chamber) is in fluid communication with the gas generated by the electrochemical pressure generator and has a surface area S1 on the non-rigid separation element 154, while the second chamber 160 has a surface S1' on the non-rigid separation element 154. Pressure P1 is applied to surface S1 of the non-rigid separation element 154, which in turn is in mechanical contact with surface S1' of the non-rigid separation element 154 to which pressure P1' is applied. If the stiffness of the two chambers 152 and 160 is negligible, the pressure P1 will be amplified to P1', where P' = P1·S1 / S1'. If S1 is greater than S1', a larger output pressure is generated. Thus, the output pressure P1' is controlled by the power supply 120 according to the application requirements. In a preferred embodiment, both the first chamber 152 and the second chamber 160 use... Figure 3A and 3B The bellows (or bellows) shown are implemented. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that one or two bellows can be replaced by other equivalent devices, including, for example, pistons, rolling diaphragm pistons, and combinations thereof, as well as the number of bellows and pistons on either side of the non-rigid separating element 154.
[0024] Furthermore, the second chamber 160 can be conveniently filled with an incompressible fluid, such as silicone or mineral oil, or even water. In this way, the pneumatically generated pressure is transmitted to the load via a hydraulic system, thereby reducing the dead zone volume of the fluid path and improving the system's responsiveness in changing the output pressure according to variations in the input pressure generated by the electrochemical pressure generator.
[0025] As shown in Figure 100, the first embodiment has the advantage of being compact and small in size. However, the rate of pressure increase and decrease (i.e., charging and discharging of the pressure generator) is limited by the reaction kinetics of the low-pressure mode (discharge process). To improve the charging / discharging rate, and thus the overall operating frequency of the electrochemical pressure generator, in Figure 2 Schematic diagram 200 depicts a second variant of the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment. The electrochemical pressure generator of Figure 200 includes a reactor 110, and, in addition to having a newly introduced pressure storage vessel, namely a third chamber 252, the electrochemical pressure generator is similar to that of Figure 100 (…). Figure 1 The first variant operates in a very similar manner. The third chamber 252 is arranged in series with the fourth chamber 260 and is in mechanical contact. This arrangement of the third chamber 252 and the fourth chamber 260 can be fluidly parallel to the first chamber 152 and the second chamber 160. Furthermore, the third chamber 252 is in fluid communication with the gas in the reactor 110 of the electrochemical pressure generator and has a surface S2 on the non-rigid separation element 254. During high-pressure mode, the electrochemical pressure generator, driven by the power supply 120, generates high-pressure gas, which is stored in a high-pressure storage container (i.e., the first chamber 152 with pressure P1). During low-pressure mode, the electrochemical pressure generator reduces the pressure P2 in the third chamber 252 by converting the gas in the third chamber 252 back to the electrolyte 116, and then stores the low-pressure gas in a low-pressure storage container (i.e., the third chamber 252 with pressure P2).
[0026] In low-pressure mode, the electrochemical pressure generator charges the energy storage device 122, regenerating a portion of the energy consumed by the power source 120 in high-pressure mode. Pressure P2 is applied to surface S2 of the non-rigid partition element 254. The resulting force is counteracted by pressure P2', which is applied to surface S2' of the fourth chamber 260 on the other side of the non-rigid partition element 254. Computer-controlled valves 270 and 275 can be installed at the connections between reactor 110 and the first chamber 152 and the third chamber 252, respectively, to automatically select high-pressure or low-pressure mode based on pressure feedback from the storage device (or chambers 152, 252). The electrochemical pressure generator remains operational to maintain pressures P1 and P2, thereby ensuring that the stored high-pressure and low-pressure gases are always available for transmission to the load via hydraulic devices through outlet valves 280 and 285, respectively.
[0027] refer to Figure 3A Side view 300 depicts bellows 310 used as any or all of the first chamber 152, second chamber 160, third chamber 252 or fourth chamber 260. Figure 3B The image depicts a bottom perspective view 350 of bellows 310. Because bellows 310 can expand and contract longitudinally with minimal radial deformation, it is preferably used in the first chamber 152, the second chamber 160, the third chamber 252, and / or the fourth chamber 260. It should be understood that all or part of the bellows can be replaced by a piston, a rolling diaphragm piston, or a combination thereof.
[0028] Figure 4 Figure 400 depicts the oxygen-based electrochemical pressure generator reaction. In high-pressure mode, zinc oxide (ZnO) or zinc hydroxide [Zn(OH)2] is reduced to zinc metal at the zinc metal electrode (cathode) via Equation 1, simultaneously generating hydroxide ions (OH-). -1 ).
[0029]
[0030] OH -1 Ions are transported through solid electrolyte 116 (e.g., potassium hydroxide gel) and oxidized at the anode (e.g., carbon electrode 114) to produce oxygen (O2), which increases the pressure. The overall reaction is shown in Equation 2.
[0031]
[0032] The anode can also be any stable metal anode, such as a nickel anode. In low-pressure mode, Zn is oxidized to Zn(OH)2 or ZnO at the anode, while O2 is reduced to OH- ions at the cathode, resulting in a pressure reduction. The overall low-pressure reaction is shown in Equation 3.
[0033]
[0034] Ions are confined within a solid gel electrolyte 116. A superhydrophobic gas-permeable membrane 118 is used to confine water molecules within reactor 110 while allowing gas transport in and out of reactor 100. In high-pressure mode, trace amounts of hydrogen gas generated at the Zn cathode by a parasitic reaction (hydrogen evolution reaction) passes through... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hydrogen-permeable membrane 124 shown (e.g., a microporous silica membrane) that allows hydrogen to pass through while blocking oxygen releases into the environment. This significantly improves the safety of the electrochemical pressure generator by preventing the formation of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures. Oxygen-based electrochemical power generation is safe; however, the oxygen reduction reaction has slow kinetics, which limits the rate of gas consumption.
[0035] therefore, Figure 5 Figure 500 presents a hydrogen-based electrochemical pressure generation method. In high-pressure mode, nickel hydroxide [Ni(OH)₂] is oxidized to nickel hydroxide (NiOOH) at the nickel anode, while water is reduced to hydrogen at the cathode. The cathode can be a platinum-coated carbon electrode 114. This increases the pressure. The overall reaction is shown in Equation 4.
[0036]
[0037] In the low-pressure mode, NiOOH is reduced to Ni(OH)2 at the nickel anode, while H2 is oxidized to water at the cathode. Therefore, the pressure decreases. The overall reaction is shown in Equation 5.
[0038]
[0039] Hydrogen is difficult to confine, especially under high pressure. Therefore, constructing hydrogen-based electrochemical pressure generators is very expensive. However, the reduction / oxidation kinetics of hydrogen are much faster than those of oxygen, thus providing rapid gas generation and consumption rates, leading to fast charging / discharging of the gas-driven battery (i.e., the pressure generator). Furthermore, a hydrogen molecule requires two electrons, half the four electrons required by an oxygen molecule. Therefore, hydrogen-based electrochemical pressure generators are more efficient than oxygen-based ones.
[0040] The electrochemical reaction according to this embodiment can include many metal-metal oxide / hydroxide / hydroxyoxide pairs, such as iron, cobalt, aluminum, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, tin, lithium, and non-metallic elements, such as silicon, and is therefore not limited to Zn-ZnO or Ni(OH)2-NiOOH. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, more than one metal can be used, such as NiCo(OH)2 / NiCoOOH and NiFeCo(OH)2 / NiFeCoOOH.
[0041] Table 1 summarizes the advantages of this embodiment compared to the latest pressure generators. Compared to conventional methods that generate pressure using a centralized compressor and then distribute it to the workplace via gas pipelines, the electrochemical pressure generator is smaller, safer, and quieter. Furthermore, the electrochemical pressure generator is portable and capable of generating higher pressures than commonly used five- to six-bar gas pipelines. Compared to the latest chemical and electrochemical generators, the electrochemical pressure generator according to this embodiment is safer due to its single-component gas operation and more efficient due to its regenerative low-pressure mode.
[0042]
[0043] Table 1
[0044] While fluid actuation offers advantages over electric actuation, its low portability, requiring bulky accessories such as pumps and compressors, hinders its adoption in certain fields. The high-pressure pneumatic battery of this embodiment offers a direct energy conversion from electromechanical to mechanical applications, eliminating the need for pumps and compressors, and significantly broadening the applications of fluid actuation devices and robots. One industrial application is powering fluid-actuated robotic grippers. However, the electrochemical pressure generator of this embodiment also holds promise for allowing the development of entirely tethered fluid actuation systems. Therefore, in addition to industrial automation, the electrochemical pressure generator will also benefit autonomous and biomimetic robots, surgical robots, wearable robotic devices, and haptic systems. In conclusion, the self-sufficient, electrically driven, portable pressure generator of this embodiment will have a significant impact on several branches of robotics and automation, where the use of efficient, lightweight, quiet, and compact actuation devices is considered advantageous.
[0045] Therefore, it can be seen that this embodiment provides a safe, controllable, high-speed, and high-pressure electrochemical pressure generator that is self-sufficient for easier deployment in practical situations with minimal logistical impact. Furthermore, this embodiment provides an electrochemical pressure generator that is compact and lightweight, achieving excellent portability and quiet operation because electrical energy is directly converted into mechanical energy without the need for motors, pumps, or compressors. This embodiment also provides electrochemically generated high pressure, which is much higher than the pressure provided by typical compressed gas pipelines, thus offering unique advantages for robotic devices. Moreover, this embodiment provides clean and green operation because no chemicals or gases are emitted into the environment, and there is no electromagnetic noise because the power supply is DC, and no acoustic noise because there are no motors, compressors, or pumps.
[0046] While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of these embodiments, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the invention, and it should be understood that various changes can be made to the functionality and arrangement of the steps and methods of operation described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A gas storage electrochemical pressure generator comprising: a power source; an electrochemical pressure generator selectively connected to the power source, wherein, the power source is configured to power the electrochemical pressure generator in a high pressure mode of operation to convert a solid state hydrogen or oxygen within the electrochemical pressure generator to a high pressure gas having a first pressure when connected to the electrochemical pressure generator; one or more gas storage vessels in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and each comprising a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in series, wherein the first chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels is in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and comprises a first surface of a non-rigid partition element having a first area, and wherein the second chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a second surface of the non-rigid partition element having a second area, the second surface being mechanically connected to the first surface by the non-rigid partition element to produce a second pressure; and a hydraulic device coupled to the second chamber for transmitting the second pressure to a load.
2. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 1, further comprising: an energy storage device coupled to the electrochemical pressure generator, wherein the electrochemical pressure generator is configured to charge the energy storage device when converting the high pressure gas to a solid state.
3. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 2, wherein, the power source comprises the energy storage device.
4. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 1, wherein, the first chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a first expandable chamber.
5. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 4, wherein, the first expandable chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a bellows.
6. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 4, wherein, the first expandable chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a piston.
7. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 1, wherein, the second chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a second expandable chamber.
8. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 7, wherein, the second expandable chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a bellows.
9. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 7, wherein, the second expandable chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels comprises a piston.
10. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 1, wherein, the second chamber of each of the one or more gas storage vessels is filled with an incompressible fluid.
11. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 10, wherein, the incompressible fluid comprises a fluid selected from a group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, and water.
12. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 1, wherein, the one or more gas storage vessels comprise a single gas storage vessel in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator to receive the high pressure gas, and wherein the first area of the first surface is greater than the second area of the second surface to produce a second pressure at a value greater than the first pressure, and wherein a difference between the first area of the first surface and the second area of the second surface is determined according to requirements of a desired application to provide the value of the second pressure to a load.
13. The gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 1, wherein, the electrochemical pressure generator is further configured to operate in a low pressure mode to convert the high pressure gas back to the solid state, and the power source is configured to power the electrochemical pressure generator in the low pressure mode of operation to charge the energy storage device. wherein the one or more gas reservoirs include a first gas reservoir and a second gas reservoir, the first gas reservoir and the second gas reservoir are each in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator, and wherein the first area of the first surface of the first chamber of the first gas reservoir is greater than the second area of the second surface of the second chamber of the first gas reservoir, and the second pressure within the second chamber of the first gas reservoir is greater than the first pressure within the first chamber of the first gas reservoir, and wherein the first area of the first surface of the first chamber of the second gas reservoir is less than the second area of the second surface of the second chamber of the second gas reservoir, and the second pressure within the second chamber of the second gas reservoir is less than the first pressure within the first chamber of the first gas reservoir, the gas electrochemical pressure generator further includes a plurality of valves configured to control pressure transmitted to a load by the hydraulic device, wherein a first portion of the plurality of valves is located between the electrochemical pressure generator and each of the first gas reservoir and the second gas reservoir, and a second portion of the plurality of valves is located between each of the first gas reservoir and the second gas reservoir and the hydraulic device; and the gas electrochemical pressure generator further includes a control device coupled to each of the plurality of valves and configured to alternate gas flow between the first gas reservoir and the second gas reservoir and to the hydraulic device as operation of the electrochemical pressure generator alternates between the high pressure mode and the low pressure mode.
14. A dual gas reservoir electrochemical pressure generator, comprising: a power source; an electrochemical pressure generator selectively connected to the power source, wherein, the power source is configured to power the electrochemical pressure generator to generate a high pressure gas having a first pressure P1 from solid state hydrogen or oxygen within the electrochemical pressure generator, and wherein the electrochemical pressure generator is configured to convert the high pressure gas to the solid state hydrogen and oxygen, generating a second pressure P2; a first gas reservoir in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and including a first chamber and a second chamber arranged in series, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the high pressure gas having the first pressure and includes a first surface on a first non-rigid partition element separating the first chamber from the second chamber, the first surface having an area S1, and wherein the second chamber is filled with an incompressible fluid and includes a second surface of the first non-rigid partition element having an area S1’ to generate a pressure P1’, and wherein S1 > S1’ and P1 < P1’; a second gas reservoir in fluid communication with the electrochemical pressure generator and including a third chamber and a fourth chamber arranged in series, wherein the third chamber is in fluid communication with the high pressure gas having the first pressure and includes a first surface on a second non-rigid partition element separating the third chamber from the fourth chamber, the first surface having an area S2, and wherein the fourth chamber is filled with an incompressible fluid and includes a second surface of the second non-rigid partition element having an area S2’ to generate a pressure P2’, and wherein S2 < S2’ and P2 < P2’; and a control device coupled to each of the plurality of valves and configured to alternate gas flow between the first gas reservoir and the second gas reservoir and to the hydraulic device as operation of the electrochemical pressure generator alternates between the high pressure mode and the low pressure mode. wherein said third chamber is in fluid communication with a gas having said second pressure P2, and comprises a third surface of a second non-rigid separation element separating said third chamber from said fourth chamber, said third surface having an area S2, and wherein said fourth chamber is filled with an incompressible fluid, and comprises a fourth surface having an area S2' in contact with said third surface, to output a pressure P2', and wherein S2 < S1' and P2 > P2'; a hydraulic device, said hydraulic device being selectively coupled to said second chamber and to said fourth chamber, for transmitting said pressure P1' and said pressure P2' to a load; a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of gas from said electrochemical pressure generator to said first chamber and to said third chamber, and for controlling the flow of said pressures from said second chamber and said fourth chamber to said hydraulic device; and a control device, said control device being coupled to said plurality of valves and being configured for controlling the transmission of said pressures P1' and P2' to a load.
15. The dual gas storage electrochemical pressure generator of claim 14, further comprising: an energy storage device, wherein said electrochemical pressure generator is configured to charge said energy storage device upon conversion of said high pressure gas to a solid state. a hydraulic device, said hydraulic device being selectively coupled to said second chamber and to said fourth chamber, for transmitting said pressure P1' and said pressure P2' to a load; a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of gas from said electrochemical pressure generator to said first chamber and to said third chamber, and for controlling the flow of said pressures from said second chamber and said fourth chamber to said hydraulic device; and a control device, said control device being coupled to said plurality of valves and being configured for controlling the transmission of said pressures P1' and P2' to a load. an energy storage device, wherein said electrochemical pressure generator is configured to charge said energy storage device upon conversion of said high pressure gas to a solid state.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Electrochemical pressure transducer
DE3316258A1
Electrochemical actuator and method of making same
US5671905A