A thermo-electrochemical cycle system for marine submersibles and its operation method

Abstract

This invention discloses a thermoelectric chemical cycle system and its operation method for marine submersibles, belonging to the field of marine submersible technology. It includes a thermoelectric chemical cycle device and a power generation control system installed on the submersible. The thermoelectric chemical cycle device includes a redox battery and an energy storage unit. The power generation control system includes a control unit and a temperature sensor, with the temperature sensor connected to the control unit. Both the redox battery and the energy storage unit are connected to the control unit. In this invention, the redox battery has voltages of opposite signs and similar magnitudes at seabed and sea surface ambient temperatures, causing the submersible to spontaneously undergo opposite discharge reactions when reaching the sea surface and seabed. The control unit, based on the temperature sensor signal, activates the circuit at the corresponding temperature point, storing electrical energy in the energy storage unit to power the submersible. Utilizing the natural temperature difference of the ocean to drive the thermoelectric chemical cycle, it enables the marine submersible to operate without external power supply, extending its underwater operation time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine submersibles, and in particular to a thermo-electrochemical cycle system for marine submersibles and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] Submersible vehicles (UVs) have wide applications in marine exploration, environmental monitoring, and military reconnaissance. However, their continuous operation has long been severely constrained by energy supply issues. Currently, traditional UVs, especially those used for seabed signal collection, typically rely on battery power.

[0003] Battery power supply has inherent drawbacks such as limited energy density, short endurance, difficulty in charging, and environmental pollution. The capacity of batteries limits the operating time of marine submersibles, and the submersibles need to frequently return to the mother ship for charging or battery replacement, which greatly reduces their operational efficiency and increases operating costs and complexity. Long-term operation on the seabed requires frequent recovery and charging, which increases the difficulty and cost of operation, and the disposal of batteries may cause environmental pollution.

[0004] Although there are technological concepts for utilizing ocean thermal energy, such as ocean thermal power generation (OTEC), such systems are usually large in scale, complex in structure, have low energy conversion efficiency, and are difficult to integrate directly into small and medium-sized marine submersible platforms.

[0005] Based on the above problems, a thermo-electrochemical cycle driven by the ambient temperature difference (the temperature difference between the sea surface and the seabed) is proposed to provide continuous power to the marine submersible, thereby enabling long-term underwater operations without external power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermo-electrochemical cycle system for marine submersibles and its operation method, in order to solve the problems in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a thermo-electrochemical cycle system for a marine submersible, comprising a thermo-electrochemical cycle device and a power generation control system installed inside the marine submersible by fasteners. The thermo-electrochemical cycle device includes a redox battery and an energy storage unit. The power generation control system includes a control unit and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is used to continuously monitor the temperature and is connected to the control unit. The output terminal of the redox battery is connected to the input terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal of the control unit is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage unit.

[0008] Preferably, the control unit is used to receive signals transmitted by the temperature sensor, control the opening and closing state of the circuit, and the polarity conversion.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit controls the redox battery to discharge in different directions based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor; When the temperature reaches the first ambient temperature, the circuit connected to the redox battery discharges in the first direction and charges the energy storage unit; when the temperature reaches the second ambient temperature, the circuit connected to the redox battery discharges in the reverse direction and charges the energy storage unit.

[0010] Preferably, the redox battery includes a first electrolyte storage tank, a first electrode, a second electrolyte storage tank, and a second electrode. The first electrolyte storage tank contains a first electrolyte, and the second electrolyte storage tank contains a second electrolyte. The first electrolyte storage tank and the second electrolyte storage tank are separated by an ion exchange membrane.

[0011] Preferably, the solutes in both the first and second electrolytes are one or more of potassium iodide, elemental iodine, potassium ferricyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, cesium chloride, and guanidine hydrochloride, and the solvents are one or a mixture of water and tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

[0012] Preferably, the solute of the first electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium ferrocyanide, potassium ferrocyanide and guanidine hydrochloride, and the solvent is water; the solute of the second electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium iodide, elemental iodine and cesium chloride, and the solvent is water.

[0013] Preferably, the first electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide, with water as the solvent; the second electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide, with water and tetrabutylammonium fluoride as the solvent.

[0014] Preferably, the redox battery has a first reaction potential and performs a discharge reaction in a first direction at a first ambient temperature, and has a second reaction potential that is similar in magnitude to the first reaction potential but opposite in direction at a second ambient temperature and performs a discharge reaction in a second direction.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for operating the above-mentioned thermo-electrochemical cycle system for marine submersibles, comprising the following steps: S1. Continuously monitor the temperature of the environment in which the marine submersible is located through a temperature sensor and transmit the temperature data to the control unit; S2. When the temperature is detected to reach the first ambient temperature, the control unit connects to the circuit of the redox battery to carry out the redox reaction in the first direction and generate electricity, storing the electrical energy in the energy storage unit. S3. After the first preset condition is met, the control unit disconnects the power generation circuit and keeps the redox battery in a short-circuit state. S4. When the temperature reaches the second ambient temperature, the control unit connects to the circuit of the redox battery to carry out a redox reaction in the second direction opposite to the first direction and generate electricity, storing electrical energy in the energy storage unit. S5. After the second preset condition is met, the control unit disconnects the power generation circuit and keeps the redox battery in a short-circuit state. S6. Repeat steps S2 to S5 to achieve a thermo-electrochemical cycle.

[0016] Preferably, in S2, the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature at which the underwater vehicle reaches the sea surface.

[0017] Preferably, in S4, the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature at which the marine submersible is located when it descends to the seabed.

[0018] Preferably, both the first and second preset conditions are: the energy storage unit reaches a preset charging state, or the marine submersible completes the signal collection and transmission task in the current thermosphere.

[0019] Preferably, in S3 and S5, when the circuit is in a short-circuit state, excess electricity is released until the open-circuit voltage of the thermoelectrochemical cycle system is close to or equal to 0V. The purpose is to avoid affecting the subsequent power generation efficiency and reduce energy loss.

[0020] Preferably, when the battery temperature is the arithmetic mean of the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature, the open-circuit voltage of the battery is approximately 0V; when the battery temperature is the first ambient temperature, the battery voltage is negative; when the battery temperature is the second ambient temperature, the battery voltage is positive, and the magnitudes of the positive and negative values ​​are approximately equal. At this time, when the battery is at the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature, the battery can spontaneously discharge, but the discharge current direction is different. The reaction products are the reactants for the next stage of discharge, ensuring the normal progress of the reaction.

[0021] Therefore, the thermo-electrochemical cycle system and its operation method for marine submersibles of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: (1) This invention introduces thermo-electrochemical cycle into the energy system of marine submersibles, directly using the natural temperature difference between the sea surface and the seabed experienced by the submersible during the ascent and descent as the driving force, so that the electrochemical battery alternately discharges in the forward and reverse directions, thereby continuously generating electrical energy; fundamentally getting rid of the dependence on battery life or external cables, extending its operating time; and the energy required for system operation comes entirely from the natural temperature gradient that is widely present in the ocean, without consuming fossil fuels or producing any emissions, which is a clean, green, and renewable energy utilization method.

[0022] (2) Compared with traditional ocean thermal power generation devices, the thermo-electrochemical cycle device of this system has a compact structure, does not require complex mechanical transmission components (such as turbines) and working fluid circulation system, is easier to integrate and deploy on ocean submersibles with limited space, has higher reliability and lower maintenance requirements.

[0023] (3) The power generation process is precisely controlled by the operation control system (temperature sensor and control unit). The circuit is connected for charging only when a specific temperature is reached, and the battery is kept short-circuited after completion. This effectively manages the generation and storage of energy, avoids the ineffective dissipation of energy, and ensures the stability and efficiency of the system cycle.

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a thermoelectrochemical cycle system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection circuit of the electrochemical cycle system in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the redox battery in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure label: 1. Redox battery; 2. Control unit; 3. Temperature sensor; 4. Energy storage unit; 5. First electrolyte storage tank; 6. First electrode; 7. Ion exchange membrane; 8. Second electrode; 9. Second electrolyte storage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments.

[0028] Example like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a thermo-electrochemical cycle system for marine submersibles, which is a core component for achieving continuous power generation in marine submersibles. It includes a thermo-electrochemical cycle device and a power generation control system, both fastened inside the marine submersible. The thermo-electrochemical cycle device includes a redox battery 1 and an energy storage unit 4. The power generation control system includes a control unit 2 and a temperature sensor 3. The temperature sensor 3 is used to continuously monitor the temperature and is connected to the control unit 2. Figure 2As shown, the output terminal of the redox battery 1 is connected to the input terminal of the control unit 2, and the output terminal of the control unit 2 is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage unit 4.

[0029] The control unit 2 controls the redox battery 1 to discharge in different directions based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor 3. It utilizes a thermoelectric cycle to ensure that the thermoelectric cycle device has similar but opposite reaction potentials at sea surface temperature (first ambient temperature, T1) and seabed temperature (second ambient temperature, T2), allowing the reaction to proceed spontaneously. Specifically: when the temperature reaches the first ambient temperature, the control unit 2 connects the circuit of the redox battery 1 to discharge in the first direction and charge the energy storage unit 4; when the temperature reaches the second ambient temperature, it connects the circuit of the redox battery 1 to discharge in the reverse second direction and charge the energy storage unit 4.

[0030] In the above process, the reaction products become the reactants for the next stage of discharge, ensuring the normal progress of the reaction. Thus, as the submersible alternates between surface and seabed movement, the operation control system causes the thermoelectric cycle device to discharge alternately in both forward and reverse directions, storing electrical energy in storage unit 4 to power the submersible's movement and other operations. Introducing a thermoelectric cycle into the submersible utilizes the temperature differences caused by its trajectory for staged discharge, achieving the elimination of external power supply and significantly extending the submersible's operating time. The above thermoelectric cycle system's operation method is based on fundamental strategies such as battery configuration and discharge control. Figure 3 As shown, the battery configuration is as follows: the redox battery 1 includes a first electrolyte storage tank 5, a first electrode 6, a second electrolyte storage tank 9, and a second electrode 8. In this embodiment, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 8 are configured as carbon felt electrodes. The first electrolyte storage tank 5 contains a first electrolyte, and the second electrolyte storage tank contains a second electrolyte. The first electrolyte storage tank 5 and the second electrolyte storage tank 9 are separated by an ion exchange membrane 7. In this embodiment, the ion exchange membrane 7 is a Nafion 212 membrane, which separates the two mixed solutions and inhibits cross-diffusion of ions. The first electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium ferrocyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, and the additive guanidine hydrochloride, with water as the solvent; the second electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium iodide, elemental iodine, and the additive cesium chloride, with water as the solvent. In the electrolyte, when the concentrations of potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide are both 0.4M, the guanidine hydrochloride additive is 0.25M, the concentrations of potassium iodide and elemental iodine are 0.6M and 0.06M respectively, and the cesium chloride additive is 0.5M, the voltages of redox cell 1 at 5℃, 10℃, 15℃, 20℃, 25℃, 30℃, and 35℃ are 0.0334V, 0.0182V, 0.0021V, -0.0185V, -0.0376V, -0.0507V, and -0.0637V respectively. When the first ambient temperature T1 is 5℃ and the second ambient temperature T2 is 25℃, the thermoelectric chemical cycle system can operate stably.

[0031] In other embodiments, the first electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide, with water as the solvent; the second electrolyte is a mixed solution of potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide, with water and tetrabutylammonium fluoride as the solvent. The voltage of the redox battery 1 is 0.0575V and -0.0617V at 15°C and 25°C, respectively. When the first ambient temperature T1 is 15°C and the second ambient temperature T2 is 25°C, the thermoelectric chemical cycle system can operate stably.

[0032] When the battery temperature is the arithmetic mean of the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature, the open-circuit voltage of the battery is approximately 0V. When the battery temperature is the first ambient temperature, the battery voltage is negative, and when the battery temperature is the second ambient temperature, the battery voltage is positive, and the magnitudes of the positive and negative values ​​are approximately equal. At this time, when the battery is at both the first and second ambient temperatures, it can spontaneously discharge, but the discharge current directions are different. The reaction products become the reactants for the next stage of discharge, ensuring the normal progress of the reaction.

[0033] The discharge control strategy is as follows: The redox battery 1 has a first reaction potential at a first ambient temperature and performs a discharge reaction in a first direction, and has a second reaction potential at a second ambient temperature that is similar in magnitude to the first reaction potential but opposite in direction and performs a discharge reaction in a second direction.

[0034] Specifically, its operation method includes the following steps: S1. The thermo-electrochemical cycle system first continuously monitors the temperature of the environment where the marine submersible is located through temperature sensor 3 and transmits the temperature data to control unit 2; S2. When the submersible reaches the sea surface, i.e., when the ambient temperature monitored by temperature sensor 3 reaches the first temperature (T1), control unit 2 activates the thermoelectric chemical cycle system, connects the circuit of redox battery 1, performs a redox reaction in the first direction, and generates electricity. During this process, the redox reaction occurring between the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte is as follows: ; The generated electrical energy is stored in energy storage unit 4.

[0035] S3. Control unit 2 monitors the charge or open-circuit voltage of energy storage unit 4. When the first preset condition is met, that is, energy storage unit 4 reaches the preset charging state, or the marine submersible completes the signal collection and transmission task of the current temperature layer, the power generation circuit is disconnected, so that the redox battery 1 is kept in the short-circuit state, and the excess charge is released until the open-circuit voltage of the thermoelectric chemical cycle system is close to or equal to 0V.

[0036] S4. After completing the predetermined task or after a period of time, the underwater vehicle begins to descend to the seabed. Temperature sensor 3 monitors the temperature and, once it reaches the second ambient temperature (T2), control unit 2 connects to the circuit of redox battery 1 to generate electricity in reverse and store electrical energy. During this process, the redox reactions involved are as follows: ; S5. After the second preset condition is met, that is, when the energy storage unit 4 reaches the preset charging state, or when the marine submersible completes the signal collection and transmission task of the current temperature layer, the power generation circuit is disconnected, the circuit is kept in a short-circuit state, and the excess power is released until the open circuit voltage of the thermochemical cycle system is close to or equal to 0V.

[0037] S6. Afterwards, the underwater vehicle returns to the surface and repeats steps S2 to S5 to achieve a thermo-electrochemical cycle.

[0038] During the above process, the concentration of the electrolyte and the additives can be adjusted according to the surface and seabed temperatures of the corresponding sea area.

[0039] Therefore, the present invention provides a thermo-electrochemical cycle system and its operation method for marine submersibles, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional marine submersibles that rely on battery power, and to achieve longer endurance, lower maintenance costs, and a more environmentally friendly operating method. By utilizing the idea of ​​generating electricity while reacting and regenerating reactants in different temperature environments at the sea surface and seabed, a flexible power generation mode is constructed, which can at least partially meet the need for long-term external power supply. This invention realizes a rechargeable marine submersible. Utilizing the characteristics of thermoelectrochemical cycles, it can generate and store electricity at different temperatures on the seabed and sea surface, continuously providing power for the operation of the marine submersible, thereby enabling long-term underwater operations without external power supply and improving work efficiency.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermo-electrochemical cycle system for marine submersibles, characterized in that: The invention includes a thermoelectric chemical cycle device and a power generation control system installed on a marine submersible. The thermoelectric chemical cycle device includes a redox battery and an energy storage unit. The power generation control system includes a control unit and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is used to continuously monitor the temperature and is connected to the control unit. The output terminal of the redox battery is connected to the input terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal of the control unit is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage unit. The control unit controls the redox battery to discharge in different directions based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor; When the temperature reaches the first ambient temperature, the circuit connected to the redox battery discharges in the first direction and charges the energy storage unit; when the temperature reaches the second ambient temperature, the circuit connected to the redox battery discharges in the reverse second direction and charges the energy storage unit. The redox cell is configured to have a first open-circuit voltage at a first ambient temperature and a second open-circuit voltage at a second ambient temperature that is similar in magnitude to the first open-circuit voltage but opposite in direction. The control unit is also used to control the redox battery to switch and maintain a short-circuit state after the redox battery has finished discharging, until its open-circuit voltage is equal to or close to 0V, and then wait for the next discharge when the temperature is reached. When an underwater vehicle surfaces or dives between the sea surface and the seabed, the redox batteries installed on the underwater vehicle move with the entire underwater vehicle from the temperature layer of the first ambient temperature to the temperature layer of the second ambient temperature, or from the temperature layer of the second ambient temperature to the temperature layer of the first ambient temperature, and discharge in opposite directions at the corresponding ambient temperatures.

2. The thermo-electrochemical cycle system for a marine submersible according to claim 1, characterized in that: The redox battery includes a first electrolyte storage tank, a first electrode, a second electrolyte storage tank, and a second electrode. The first electrolyte storage tank contains a first electrolyte, and the second electrolyte storage tank contains a second electrolyte. The first electrolyte storage tank and the second electrolyte storage tank are separated by an ion exchange membrane.

3. The thermo-electrochemical cycle system for a marine submersible according to claim 2, characterized in that: The solutes in both the first and second electrolytes are one or more of potassium iodide, elemental iodine, potassium ferricyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, cesium chloride, and guanidine hydrochloride, and the solvents are one or a mixture of water and tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

4. The thermo-electrochemical cycle system for a marine submersible according to claim 3, characterized in that: The redox battery has a first reaction potential at a first ambient temperature and performs a discharge reaction in a first direction, and has a second reaction potential at a second ambient temperature that is similar in magnitude to the first reaction potential but opposite in direction and performs a discharge reaction in a second direction.

5. A method for operating a thermo-electrochemical cycle system for a marine submersible as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Continuously monitor the temperature of the environment in which the marine submersible is located through a temperature sensor and transmit the temperature data to the control unit; S2. When the temperature is detected to reach the first ambient temperature, the control unit connects to the circuit of the redox battery to carry out the redox reaction in the first direction and generate electricity, storing the electrical energy in the energy storage unit; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature at which the marine submersible reaches the sea surface. S3. After the first preset condition is met, the control unit disconnects the power generation circuit and keeps the redox battery in a short-circuit state; the first preset condition is that the energy storage unit reaches the preset charging state, or the marine submersible completes the signal collection and transmission task in the current temperature layer. S4. When the temperature reaches the second ambient temperature, the control unit connects to the circuit of the redox battery to carry out a redox reaction in the second direction opposite to the first direction and generate electricity, storing electrical energy in the energy storage unit. The second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature at which the ocean submersible is located when it descends to the seabed. S5. After the second preset condition is met, the control unit disconnects the power generation circuit and keeps the redox battery in a short-circuit state; the second preset condition is that the energy storage unit reaches the preset charging state, or the marine submersible completes the signal collection and transmission task in the current temperature layer. S6. Repeat steps S2 to S5 to achieve a thermo-electrochemical cycle; In S3 and S5, when the circuit is in a short-circuit state, excess electricity is released until the open-circuit voltage of the thermoelectrochemical cycle system is equal to 0V. When the battery temperature is the arithmetic mean of the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature, the open-circuit voltage of the battery is approximately 0V; when the battery temperature is the first ambient temperature, the battery voltage is negative; when the battery temperature is the second ambient temperature, the battery voltage is positive, and the magnitudes of the positive and negative values ​​are approximately equal. At this time, when the battery is at the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature, the battery can spontaneously discharge, but the discharge current direction is different. The reaction products are the reactants for the next stage of discharge, ensuring the normal progress of the reaction.

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