Scalable Chemical Reactor With 2D Intersecting Circuit Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-scale chemical reactors face limitations in enabling efficient N pairwise fluid contacts among k chemical fluids, particularly in achieving scalable and controlled heat and mass transfer for applications in photovoltaic apparatuses and microelectronic packaging.
Innovation Solution
A chemical reactor design featuring a 2D reaction layer with intersecting circuit portions for pairwise fluid contacts, a fluid distribution circuit with alternating inlet and outlet orifices, and optional features like periodic arrays and manifolds for efficient fluid management, enabling N pairwise fluid contacts among k chemical fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional micro-scale reactor designs are used, then high rates of heat and mass transfer can be achieved, but the ability to enable efficient N pairwise fluid contacts among k chemical fluids is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into multiple independent chemical cells arranged in a 2D array, where each cell contains intersecting circuit portions that enable pairwise fluid contacts. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high transfer rates in each cell while the overall array provides versatility for N pairwise contacts among k fluids by activating different cell combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional 1D or 3D reactor designs to a 2D array configuration where chemical cells are arranged in rows and columns. This 2D arrangement enables multiple pairwise fluid contacts by selecting different rows and columns, providing N contacts among k fluids while maintaining high transfer rates through the planar geometry of each cell.
2Power
If the reactor design is scaled up to achieve larger power footprints, then power density increases, but heat transfer efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor scales by adding more chemical cells to the 2D array rather than enlarging individual cells. Each cell maintains its optimized dimensions for efficient heat transfer, while the array expansion increases total power output. This modular segmentation allows power scaling without compromising heat transfer efficiency in any individual cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor achieves scaling by replicating identical chemical cell designs across the 2D array. Each copied cell maintains the optimal geometry and flow characteristics for heat transfer efficiency, while the cumulative effect of multiple copied cells increases overall power density. This copying strategy ensures that heat transfer performance is preserved during scaling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex fluid distribution systems are implemented to achieve N pairwise contacts, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system uses universal inlet and outlet manifolds that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same manifold structure distributes fluids to multiple rows and columns, enabling N pairwise contacts without requiring dedicated distribution channels for each contact pair. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intersecting circuit portions within each chemical cell automatically route fluids through the cell when inlet and outlet manifolds are activated. The circuit portions self-organize to enable pairwise contacts based on which rows and columns are active, eliminating the need for complex valves or switches. This self-service mechanism reduces device complexity while enabling versatile fluid contact configurations.
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
This design enhances scalability, power density, and heat transfer efficiency, achieving power footprints larger than 0.1 W/cm2 for microfluidic electrochemical conversion, suitable for applications in photovoltaic systems and microelectronic packaging.
Implementation Method 1
Micro-scale reactors are known, which provide high rates of heat and mass transfer
Implementation Method 2
well-controlled laminar flows can be achieved, thanks to known techniques
Implementation Method 3
The demonstration of microfluidic electrochemical energy conversion was first reported in 2002
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic apparatus comprising: at least one photovoltaic surface electrically connected to a set of photovoltaic electrodes; and a chemical reactor electrically connected to the set of photovoltaic electrodes. The chemical reactor enables N pairwise fluid contacts among k chemical fluids, with k≥2 and N≥4 and comprises: a reaction layer extending in a plane subtended by two directions; N chemical cells, each including two circuit portions, designed for enabling circulation of two of the k chemical fluids, respectively, the two circuit portions intersecting each other, thereby enabling one pairwise fluid contact for the two of the k chemical fluids; and a fluid distribution circuit comprising: k sets of inlet orifices sequentially alternating along lines parallel to one of the two directions; and k sets of outlet orifices sequentially alternating along lines parallel to the inlet orifices, and wherein, each circuit portion connects an inlet orifice to an outlet orifice.