Internal Convection Cell Using Oxygen Bubbles for Electrolyte Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cell systems utilizing a liquid ionically conductive medium require complex and costly flow pumps to circulate the medium, increasing system size and expense, and may lead to shunt currents and stratification issues.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical cell design incorporating a permeable fuel electrode, an oxidant reduction electrode, and a gas bubble flow generator to create convective flow of the ionically conductive medium through the use of buoyant oxygen bubbles, eliminating the need for external pumps and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow pump is used to circulate the ionically conductive medium, then the medium can be circulated effectively, but the system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell uses its own electrochemical reactions to generate gas bubbles that provide the lifting force for circulating the ionically conductive medium. The cell serves itself by using the products of its charging operation (gas bubbles) to drive the flow, eliminating the need for external pumps and making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow pump system with a gas-driven natural convection system. Instead of using mechanical force from a pump to circulate the medium, the system uses the buoyancy force of gas bubbles generated electrochemically to lift and circulate the ionically conductive medium through the cell.
2Productivity
If a flow pump is used to circulate the ionically conductive medium, then the medium can be circulated effectively, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own electrochemical reactions to generate the circulation mechanism, eliminating the need for expensive external pumping equipment. The cell produces its own driving force through gas evolution during charging, reducing manufacturing costs and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas bubbles (a transient, low-cost byproduct of electrochemical reaction) as the circulation mechanism instead of expensive, durable mechanical pumps. The gas bubbles are inexpensive and naturally generated, providing a cost-effective solution for medium circulation.
3Productivity
If multiple cells are fluidly joined in a common flow path, then the ionically conductive medium can be circulated among cells, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into independent, modular electrochemical cells that each have their own internal circulation paths. Instead of connecting multiple cells in a large common flow path, each cell is segmented and self-contained, allowing circulation within smaller volumes while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables vertical circulation within each cell using gas bubble lift, utilizing the vertical dimension for flow rather than requiring horizontal expansion through common flow paths. This allows multiple cells to be stacked or arranged without requiring proportionally larger circulation infrastructure.
4Productivity
If gas bubbles are used to create lifting action, then the ionically conductive medium can be circulated, but the system requires gas generation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical cell uses its own electrochemical reactions during charging to generate the gas bubbles needed for circulation. The system produces its own lifting medium through water electrolysis or similar reactions at the electrodes, making the gas generation capability inherent to the cell's normal operation rather than requiring separate gas generation equipment.
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 convective flow design enhances ion flow and reduces system complexity and cost by utilizing buoyant oxygen bubbles to circulate the ionically conductive medium, improving discharge kinetics and preventing stratification without the need for external pumps.
Implementation Method 1
a gas bubble flow generator configured to evolve gaseous oxygen bubbles that generate a flow of the ionically conductive medium during a charging operation
Implementation Method 2
The convective flow design enhances ion flow and reduces system complexity and cost by utilizing buoyant oxygen bubbles to circulate the ionically conductive medium
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell includes a permeable fuel electrode configured to support a metal fuel thereon, and an oxidant reduction electrode spaced from the fuel electrode. An ionically conductive medium is provided for conducting ions between the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes, to support electrochemical reactions at the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes. A charging electrode is also included, selected from the group consisting of (a) the oxidant reduction electrode, (b) a separate charging electrode spaced from the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes, and (c) a portion of the permeable fuel electrode. The charging electrode is configured to evolve gaseous oxygen bubbles that generate a flow of the ionically conductive medium. One or more flow diverters are also provided in the electrochemical cell, and configured to direct the flow of the ionically conductive medium at least partially through the permeable fuel electrode.