Carbon-Oxygen Battery Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face limitations in energy density and efficiency due to the storage of energy in expensive metal atoms, and existing fuel cells are not suitable for storing electrical energy, requiring external refueling and having low efficiency and high storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device that stores electrical energy in chemical bonds of carbon and oxygen molecules, using a stack of electrochemical cells to convert and store carbon dioxide into solid carbon, optimizing heat exchange and efficiency, with the means for conversion and storage integrated into the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy is stored in metal atoms in electrodes, then rechargeable batteries can store electrical energy, but the energy density is limited and expensive metals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from metal atoms in electrodes and transfers it to carbon and oxygen molecules stored in external reservoirs. The electrodes now only contain catalysts and conductive materials, while the bulk energy storage is externalized to inexpensive carbon-based molecules, dramatically reducing metal content and increasing energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, limited-capacity metal atoms with inexpensive carbon and oxygen molecules that can be continuously supplied from external reservoirs. The carbon-based energy carriers are far cheaper and can provide higher energy density per unit volume and mass.
2Power
If fuel cells are used to convert fuel into electrical energy, then continuous power generation is possible, but they require voluminous tanks to store reactants making energy density low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide (gas to liquid to solid) to achieve compact storage. By operating at elevated pressures and temperatures, CO2 can be stored in liquid or solid phases, dramatically reducing the volume required compared to gaseous storage, while maintaining continuous power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters (pressure, temperature) of the carbon dioxide storage system to optimize energy density. By maintaining CO2 in liquid or supercritical phases through parameter control, the storage volume is minimized while still allowing continuous flow to the electrochemical cells for power generation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If reversible fuel cells are used to store electrical energy, then energy can be stored in hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels, but the efficiency is low compared to batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical conversion process of traditional fuel cells with a direct electrochemical conversion system. Electrical energy is directly converted to chemical energy in CO2 molecules during charging, and directly converted back to electrical energy during discharging, eliminating the inefficient thermal cycle and achieving battery-like or superior efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent operates the electrochemical cells at optimized temperature and pressure parameters to maximize efficiency. The system can operate in different modes (electrolysis vs. fuel cell mode) by adjusting parameters, allowing optimal efficiency for both charging and discharging operations, surpassing conventional reversible fuel cell efficiency.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If solid carbon fuel is used in fuel cells, then continuous power generation can be maintained, but the carbon fuel needs to be refilled from external sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel storage reservoirs with the electrochemical cell system into an integrated rechargeable battery unit. The carbon and oxygen molecules are cycled internally between storage reservoirs and reaction zones, eliminating the need for external refueling operations while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-refueling by cycling carbon dioxide between liquid/gas phases and converting it between storage reservoirs and electrochemical cells. The closed-loop internal circulation eliminates dependence on external fuel supply, making the system self-sufficient for continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Achieves high energy density and efficiency, with a maximum theoretical efficiency of 100% and expected efficiency of 80-95%, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of electrical energy, reducing the need for expensive metals and improving safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into solid carbon and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into solid carbon and oxygen
Implementation Method 3
optimizing heat exchange and efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rechargeable battery and a method to operate a rechargeable battery having high efficiency and high energy density for storing energy. The battery stores electrical energy in the bonds of carbon and oxygen atoms by converting carbon dioxide into solid carbon and oxygen.