Ionic Liquid Fuel Flammability Control via Electrochemical Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high energy density fuels pose risks due to self-sustaining combustion and difficulty in extinguishing, while room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are nonflammable but require separation of fuel and oxidizer for combustion termination.

Innovation Solution

Dynamically manipulating the volatility of thermally stable RTILs by applying a voltage to convert them into flammable liquids and reversing this process to extinguish the flame, allowing for on-demand control of flammability without separating fuel and oxidizer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional high energy density fuels are used, then energy density is improved, but safety and controllability deteriorate due to self-sustaining combustion and difficulty in extinguishing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsafety and controllability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the flammability of ionic liquid fuels dynamically controllable through electrochemical means. The system transitions from static flammability (conventional fuels that always burn) to dynamic flammability (ionic liquids that can be switched between flammable and non-flammable states), allowing real-time control over combustion based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the volatility parameter of ionic liquids through electrochemical modulation. By applying voltage, the system alters the volatility of the ionic liquid, transforming it from a non-volatile, non-flammable state to a volatile, flammable state. This parameter change enables control over combustion without sacrificing energy density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If room temperature ionic liquids are used for combustion termination, then flammability is reduced, but device complexity increases due to requirement for separation of fuel and oxidizer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflammability controlVSAvoidseparation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the combustion control function from mechanical separation mechanisms and transfers it to electrochemical modulation. Instead of physically separating fuel and oxidizer to control combustion, the system extracts and controls the volatility parameter electrochemically, eliminating the need for complex separation mechanisms while maintaining flammability control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical separation systems with electrochemical modulation. The mechanical approach of physically separating fuel and oxidizer is substituted with an electrochemical approach that controls flammability through voltage application, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If volatility of ionic liquid is increased to enable combustion, then flammability is improved, but safety during storage and transportation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion efficiencyVSAvoidstorage and transportation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making volatility controllable rather than fixed. The ionic liquid maintains low volatility during storage and transportation for safety, then dynamically increases volatility when combustion is required. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between safety and combustion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the ionic liquid in a non-volatile, safe state during storage and transportation. The volatility increase is prepared and activated only when combustion is required, ensuring safety during handling while enabling efficient combustion when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables safe storage and transportation of energy-dense fuels by controlling flammability, achieving efficient energy release with minimal energy penalty, and providing a simple fuel metering scheme for condensed phase propellants.

Implementation Method 1

applying a voltage across a nonvolatile ionic liquid to convert the nonvolatile ionic liquid into a flammable liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical decomposition: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

removing the applied voltage across the nonvolatile ionic liquid to revert the flammable liquid back to the nonvolatile ionic liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

dynamically manipulating the volatility of a nominally volatile and thermally stable RTIL

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatility modulation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20240279822A1Electrochemical modulation of the flammability of ionic liquid fuels

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A method, a system, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium for controlling flammability of a fuel. The method includes applying a voltage across a nonvolatile ionic liquid to convert the nonvolatile ionic liquid into a flammable liquid; and removing the applied voltage across the nonvolatile ionic liquid to revert the flammable liquid back to the nonvolatile ionic liquid.