Electrochemical HFO Compressor Using Proton Exchange Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for processing hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) face inefficiencies in pressure manipulation and energy management, particularly in heating/cooling and power generation cycles, as they rely on mechanical components and valving, which can be cumbersome and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device employing a proton exchange membrane between electrodes, using hydrogen carrier gas to form cations with HFOs, allowing for pressure alteration through electric field manipulation, functioning as a compressor, expander, or pump without moving parts, optimizing pressure and energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If mechanical components and valving are used for pressure manipulation in HFO processing systems, then pressure control can be achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression and expansion components with an electrochemical device that uses electric fields to manipulate HFO pressure. The device combines HFO with protons from a hydrogen carrier gas to form cations, then transports these cations through a proton exchange membrane using an applied electric field, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electrochemical device (electric field strength, flow rate, temperature) to achieve different pressure outcomes. By adjusting these parameters, the system can operate in compression mode (higher outlet pressure), expansion mode (lower outlet pressure), or pumping mode, replacing multiple mechanical components with a single dynamically controllable device.
2Stress or pressure
If mechanical components are used in HFO processing systems, then pressure manipulation is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical device performs multiple functions (compression, expansion, and pumping) within a single integrated structure. The device includes a proton exchange membrane disposed between opposing electrodes with catalysts, allowing it to operate in different modes by adjusting operational parameters rather than requiring separate mechanical components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assemblies with an electrochemical system based on ionic transport through a membrane. This substitution eliminates mechanical linkages, bearings, seals, and valving while achieving the same pressure manipulation goals through electrochemical reactions and electric field-driven ion transport.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrochemical processing is implemented, then energy efficiency improves and mechanical components are eliminated, but the system requires new operational mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical device uses the HFO molecules themselves as the working medium for ionic transport. The HFO combines with protons to form cations that are naturally transported through the proton exchange membrane by the electric field, then dissociate on the other side to reform HFO and release the pressure effect. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external mechanical actuators.
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 electrochemical device efficiently manages pressure and energy in HFO-based systems, enhancing performance and efficiency by eliminating mechanical components, thereby improving the operation of heating/cooling and power generation cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochemical device combines HFO fluid with protons from a hydrogen carrier gas to form cations and then transports the cations through a proton exchange membrane
Implementation Method 2
transporting the cations through the membrane in the presence of an electric field applied between the pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 3
Each of the pair of electrodes comprises a respective catalyst. The outlet side is opposite to the inlet side. The method further comprises dissociating the transported combination to re-form the fluid and carrier gas
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) fluid can be transported through an electrochemical device, which has a proton exchange membrane (PEM) disposed between a pair of gas-permeable electrodes that include respective catalysts. At an inlet side, the catalyst facilitates reaction of HFO with hydrogen carrier gas. The resulting cation is transported across PEM in the presence of an electric field applied to the electrodes. At an outlet side, the catalyst of the opposing electrode facilitates dissociation of the cation back into HFO and hydrogen. In some embodiments, the transported HFO has a higher pressure than that before the electrochemical device. In some embodiments, the electrochemical device can be operated in reverse to expand HFO fluid and/or to recapture power. The electrochemical device can thus be used as a compressor or expander for vapor-phase HFO or as a pump or expander for liquid-phase HFO, for example, in power generation or heating/cooling cycles.