Concentration Cell Heat Integration for Low-Loss Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical devices for energy production and storage face challenges such as high construction costs, low efficiency due to heat loss, and cumbersome electrode maintenance methods.

Innovation Solution

The proposed electrochemical device system integrates concentration cell operation with evaporator-condenser functions within a single unit, allowing for cost-effective construction, reduced heat losses, and improved heat-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If external distillation system is employed to regenerate anolyte and catholyte, then concentration cell operation is achieved, but significant heat is lost to the environment reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidheat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the distillation system and electrochemical cell into a single integrated device where the condenser is thermally coupled to the cell. The condensation of evaporated solvent occurs within the same device structure, allowing heat recovered from condensation to be directly used for driving the electrochemical reaction, thereby eliminating the need for external distillation systems and reducing heat loss to the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful heat loss during condensation into a beneficial resource by thermally coupling the condenser to the electrochemical cell. The heat that would otherwise be lost to the environment during solvent condensation is now used to drive the endothermic electrochemical reaction, improving overall energy efficiency and converting a waste stream into a useful energy source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If external distillation system is used for regeneration, then concentration gradient is maintained, but construction cost relative to power generation rate is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration gradient maintenanceVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the distillation and electrochemical cell functions into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate external distillation systems. This integration reduces the number of components required, simplifies the overall system architecture, and lowers construction costs while maintaining the ability to sustain concentration gradients through internal solvent evaporation and condensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an electrochemical cell for power generation and a distillation system for concentration maintenance. The same structural components serve dual purposes, with the condenser serving both as a heat exchange device and as part of the electrochemical cell assembly, thereby reducing overall construction cost relative to power generation rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If fins or water cooling is employed for condensation, then solvent condensation is achieved, but all heat of condensation is lost to ambient resulting in low thermal to electrical conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation mechanismVSAvoidheat of condensation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously wasted heat of condensation into a useful energy source by thermally coupling the condenser to the electrochemical cell. The heat that would have been lost to the ambient environment is now harnessed to drive the endothermic electrochemical reaction, improving thermal to electrical conversion efficiency while maintaining effective condensation through the same condenser structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the condensation function with the electrochemical reaction function in a single thermally coupled system. The condenser is integrated with the cell structure, allowing the heat released during condensation to be directly transferred to drive the electrochemical reaction, thereby eliminating energy loss while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If high temperature operation is used for concentration cell, then electrochemical reaction rate is improved, but expensive materials of construction are required and heat losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical reaction rateVSAvoidmaterials cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a continuous internal heat circulation system where heat from solvent evaporation and condensation is continuously utilized to drive the electrochemical reaction. This continuous thermal coupling allows the system to operate at optimized temperatures without requiring expensive high-temperature materials, as the heat is continuously recycled within the integrated device rather than being lost to the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 integrated system achieves cost-effective conversion of heat to electricity and energy storage by reducing heat losses and enhancing efficiency, while also simplifying electrode maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the solvent is vapourized and condensed within the concentration cell to generate two solutions of differing electrochemical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapourization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the solvent is vapourized and condensed within the concentration cell to generate two solutions of differing electrochemical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

Heat is transferred from the first concentration cell to the second concentration cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the concentration gradient is used to generate electrical energy by the principle of the concentration cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic cell reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS20250038315A1Electrochemical device, system, and method

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 DOBNEY DAVID TIMOTHY

AI summary

The present specification relates generally to electrochemical energy production and storage, and more specifically to an electrochemical device system and method of using an electrochemical device system.The electrochemical device system may include at least two concentration cells that exchange heat with each other.The electrochemical device system may include a concentration cell wherein in a first cycle the first compartment is a cathode compartment while the second compartment is an anode compartment and wherein in a second cycle the second compartment is a cathode compartment while the first compartment is an anode compartment.A method of using an electrochemical device system may include vapourizing solution, collecting condensate, causing the condensed solvent and the heated solution to be in contact with a first side and second side of an ion transferer, extracting electrical energy via electrodes, subsequently operating with reversed function of electrodes.