Electrochemical Heating for Underwater Loads Using Waste Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating solutions for underwater and water-surface applications require significant energy expenditure and storage space, and most techniques either generate power or heat but not both simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A thermal management system that utilizes an electrochemical power source to simultaneously generate electrical power and heat, with the heat being transported to water-surface or sub-water loads via an electrolyte, either directly or through a heat exchanger, using methods such as conduction, convection, or radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional heating solutions (electric heaters, fueled heaters, chemical reactions) are used, then heating function is provided, but energy expenditure and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidstorage space for chemicals and equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power generation and heating functions into a single electrochemical system. The electrochemical cell generates electricity while simultaneously producing waste heat that is captured and directed to the load, eliminating the need for separate heating equipment and chemical storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously wasted thermal energy from electrochemical power generation into a useful heating resource. The waste heat that would normally be discarded is now captured and utilized to provide thermal energy to the load, turning a harmful byproduct into a beneficial resource.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Reliability

If separate systems for power generation and heating are used, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochemical cell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating electrical power and producing thermal energy. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require two separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both power and heating capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power generation system and heating system into a single integrated unit. The electrochemical cell serves as both the power source and heat source, with thermal management components capturing and directing the waste heat, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If waste heat from electrochemical power sources is not utilized, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste heat utilizationVSAvoidthermal management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures and utilizes the waste heat that would otherwise be lost from the electrochemical power generation process. Thermal management components are introduced to extract this thermal energy and direct it to the load, converting energy loss into useful heating capability.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal management components as intermediaries between the electrochemical cell and the load. These components facilitate the transfer and utilization of waste heat, acting as a bridge that connects the thermal output of the power source to the heating requirements of the load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system efficiently co-generates power and heat, saving resources and enabling new mission profiles by utilizing excess heat generated as a byproduct of power production, thereby providing a compact and efficient heating solution for applications like diver suits and equipment.

Implementation Method 1

electrochemical power source configured to simultaneously generate electrical power and generate heat as a byproduct or coproduct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

the electrolyte configured to transport the heat that is generated by the electrochemical power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the heat is transported by direct conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12011389B2Heating using electrochemical power source

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 L3HARRIS OPEN WATER POWER INC

AI summary

A thermal management system and a method of heating a water-surface load or sub-water load. The system includes an electrochemical power source which generates electrical power and heat as a byproduct or coproduct. The electrolyte contained in the electrochemical power source is configured to transport the heat that is generated by the electrochemical power source to at least one water-surface load or sub-water load.