Ionic air cooling device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse-electro-dialysis and pressure retarded osmosis systems face inefficiencies due to the need for continuous replenishment of ionic solutions, membrane fouling by impurities, and low power density, which limits their electrical output and increases greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A closed system utilizing a buffering tank and heat exchangers to generate a concentrated ionic solution and a diluted solution, which are then reconstituted and recycled through a reversed-dialysis or pressure retarded osmosis unit, with an external industrial heat source to enhance salinity differential and power density, and using high-efficiency membranes and electrode materials to increase ionic flow and reduce heat footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If open-ended reversed-dialysis systems continuously replenish ionic solutions from natural sources, then electrical output is generated, but membrane fouling occurs and efficiency is reduced due to impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the concentrated brine solution to elevated temperatures (e.g., 80-100°C) to alter its physical and chemical properties. This thermal parameter change enables crystallization of salt upon cooling and pasteurization to eliminate impurities, thereby maintaining membrane efficiency while continuing to generate electrical output through the RED system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by separating and removing crystallized salt from the heated brine solution. The crystallized salt is discarded or recovered separately, while the purified brine is recycled back into the RED system. This process removes impurities that would otherwise foul membranes, maintaining system reliability while preserving electrical productivity
2Reliability
If contained systems eliminate continuous replenishment of ionic solutions, then membrane fouling is reduced, but power density and electrical output decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing thermal cycling of the brine solution through heating and cooling phases. Heating to 80-100°C concentrates the solution and kills impurities, while subsequent cooling causes salt crystallization. This parameter change maintains high ionic concentration and purity in the contained system, preserving both membrane efficiency and power density without requiring external replenishment
3Ease of operation
If natural fresh water and saltwater sources are used for ionic solutions, then system operation is simplified, but impurities damage and reduce efficiency of membrane stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the brine solution to automatically purify itself through thermal processing. The contained system heats the brine to pasteurize and concentrate it, then cools it to crystallize impurities. This self-purification mechanism eliminates the need for external water sources while maintaining membrane efficiency, and the automated thermal cycling requires minimal operational intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by separating impurities from the brine solution through crystallization during cooling. The crystallized impurities are removed from the system, while the purified brine is recovered and recycled. This process eliminates the need for external water sources while maintaining membrane efficiency and simplifying operation
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 system achieves a high electrical output with a low carbon footprint, generating 1 megawatt/min of air cooling while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining efficiency through recycling and optimized fluid dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
passing the solutions through a Reversed-Electro-Dialysis membrane stack, the dilute and concentrated solutions entering on either side of the membrane layer, causing solute to pass from the concentrated side to the dilute side, creating the generation of an electrical output
Implementation Method 2
reversed-electro-dialysis or pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) processes
Implementation Method 3
passing this concentrated solution through a reversed-dialysis unit or pressure retarded osmosis unit; generating a cold-side, diluted ionic solution
Data Source
AI summary
An ionic air cooling device that uses a salinity differential heat engine having a heat pump as the primary heat source is provided. The devices uses a closed loop thermodynamic cycle which produces a high thermodynamic efficiency in heat to energy conversion with a low temperature differential between the high and low sides, in addition to a net ambient temperature cooling effect by directly or indirectly converting ambient temperature/environmental low grade heat to electricity or potential kinetic energy or mechanical work.