Laminated Donnan-Effect Generator With Multi-Ion Electrolyte Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse electrodialysis technologies face limitations in increasing power density due to the presence of low-concentration electrolytes, which also lead to unstable electrical energy generation and the need for continuous external pumping to maintain concentration differences.
Innovation Solution
An electricity generation device with a laminated structure using a selectively permeable membrane and two high-concentration electrolytes with different ion compositions or concentrations, but similar total concentrations, to achieve a quasi-equilibrium state and enhance electrochemical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-concentration electrolyte is used in reverse electrodialysis, then concentration difference can be maintained, but power density remains low due to low-density ionic currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of electrolytes from low-concentration (0.01 M) to high-concentration (0.5 M or similar to seawater), while maintaining the concentration difference through natural osmotic pressure. This parameter change enables high-density ionic currents and dramatically improves power density while eliminating the need for external pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of strong osmotic pressure (which rapidly reduces concentration difference) into a beneficial self-circulating flow that maintains the concentration difference naturally. The strong osmotic pressure between high-concentration and low-concentration electrolytes creates a self-sustaining circulation system without external pumps.
2Power
If high-concentration electrolyte with large concentration difference is used, then power density increases, but concentration difference rapidly reduces due to rapid ion flow and strong osmotic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic self-circulating system where high-concentration and low-concentration electrolytes continuously flow through the system driven by osmotic pressure. This dynamic circulation prevents concentration equalization by constantly replenishing the concentration difference, maintaining both high power density and stable composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own osmotic pressure to drive the circulation of electrolytes without external assistance. The strong osmotic pressure between high-concentration and low-concentration electrolytes creates a self-sustaining flow that automatically maintains the concentration difference, making the system self-regulating and stable.
3Reliability
If external pump device is used to maintain concentration difference, then electrical energy generation can be stabilized, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates external pump devices by using the system's own osmotic pressure to drive electrolyte circulation. The high-concentration and low-concentration electrolytes automatically circulate through the membrane stack driven by osmotic pressure differences, stabilizing electrical energy generation without any external mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the external pump device from the system, replacing it with a passive osmotic-driven circulation system. This simplifies the device structure, reduces operational complexity, and eliminates the need for external energy input while maintaining stable electrical energy generation.
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
The device achieves higher current and power density compared to existing reverse electrodialysis technologies, while maintaining excellent electrochemical stability and reducing the burden of external pumping.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention relates to an electricity generation device using multi-ion control based on the Donnan effect
Implementation Method 2
a selectively permeable membrane with high permeability to specific ions contained in the two electrolytes is placed adjacent to the electrolytes
Implementation Method 3
ions flowing along the concentration gradient and the rapid flow of water due to strong osmotic pressure
Implementation Method 4
the rapid flow of water due to strong osmotic pressure
Implementation Method 5
The obtained larger electric potential causes a redox reaction in the electrode when inserting an electrode into electrolytes at opposite ends of the entire laminated structure, thereby supplying electrical energy to an external circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electricity generation device. The present invention provides an electricity generation device, including: a first electrolyte, selectively permeable membrane, and second electrolyte in a chamber thereof, wherein each of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte includes at least two types of ions, and at least three types of ions are included in the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte, the selectively permeable membrane selectively permeates at least one type of ions among the at least three types of ions to cause Donnan effect between the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte.