Electrochemical Compressor Reactant Conduit Without Hydrogen Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical compressors require hydrogen gas to generate protons, leading to complexities in heat exchangers and reduced system efficiency due to hydrogen not changing phases.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical compressor that decomposes a working fluid, such as water, into an ionic component and a reactant, where the ionic component is transported through an ion conducting media and the reactant through a conduit to react on the cathode, eliminating the need for hydrogen by using an electrically driven electrolysis process and a venturi nozzle to transfer the reactant from the anode to the cathode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen gas is used to generate protons in electrochemical compressors, then the electrochemical reaction can proceed, but the system complexity increases and efficiency decreases due to phase change complexities in heat exchangers and expansion valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts hydrogen from the working fluid composition, using it only as a proton source in the electrochemical cell rather than as part of the refrigerant cycle. This separation eliminates the need for hydrogen to undergo phase changes in heat exchangers and expansion valves, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining electrochemical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the electrochemical cell where hydrogen generates protons, the ion-exchange membrane for proton transport, and the refrigerant circulation system. This segmentation allows hydrogen to be confined to the electrochemical reaction zone, preventing it from entering the thermal management components and causing complexity
2Reliability
If hydrogen is used as a working fluid component, then protons can be generated for electrochemical compression, but overall system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrogen is extracted from the refrigerant mixture and dedicated solely to proton generation in the electrochemical cell. This prevents energy losses associated with hydrogen phase changes and thermal management, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliable proton supply for electrochemical compression
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 solution enhances system efficiency by eliminating the need for hydrogen and simplifying the process, allowing for the reformation of the working fluid without the phase change complexities, thereby improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
water may be decomposed into protons and oxygen through an electrically driven electrolysis process in the presence of a catalyst
Implementation Method 2
The protons are transferred through an electrolyte, such as an ionomer
Implementation Method 3
a venturi nozzle to transfer the reactant from the anode to the cathode
Implementation Method 4
in the presence of a catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical compressor incorporates an electrochemical cell having an anode and a cathode that reacts a working on the anode side into an ionic component and a reactant. The ionic component is transported through an ion conducting media to the cathode. At least a portion of the reactant passes through a reactant conduit that extends from the anode to the cathode. A transfer device, such as a pump or venturi valve configured along the reactant conduit allows the reactant to flow from the anode to the cathode. The reactant and the ionic component are reacted on the cathode to reform the working fluid. A reactant separator may be configured to selectively allow reactant into the reactant conduit. A reactant separator may be a perm-selective layer or a fluid that has high reactant solubility. The working fluid may be water with the ionic component protons and the reactant oxygen.