Mobile Electrolyte Galvanic Membrane Electrode Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cells face limitations in electrical current density due to high electrode resistance, which restricts energy storage capacity and power density, and require separate electrolyte circulation paths for series-connected cells, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrodes with a novel architecture that incorporates a freely permeable galvanic membrane and a single electrolyte circulation path, allowing for high voltage generation in series-connected cells with reduced resistance and enhanced ion mobility through Taylor Vortex Flow (TVF) convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional electrodes with high resistance are used, then electrode stability is maintained, but electrical current density and power density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous electrode structures that allow mobile electrolyte penetration and Taylor Vortex Flow convection, reducing resistance while maintaining structural stability. The porous architecture enables enhanced ion transport pathways without compromising the electrode's mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mobile electrolyte circulation with Taylor Vortex Flow convection to actively transport ions through the electrode structure. This fluid dynamic approach replaces static electrolyte systems, reducing resistance and enhancing current density while maintaining electrode stability through controlled flow patterns
2Ease of operation
If separate electrolyte circulation paths are used for series-connected cells, then each cell can be independently controlled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrolyte circulation paths into a single shared circulation system that serves series-connected cells. The mobile electrolyte flows through all cells in sequence, eliminating the need for separate pumps and circulation loops for each cell, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrolyte circulation path serves multiple functions across series-connected cells, acting as both the electrolyte supply and waste removal system for all cells simultaneously. This universal circulation approach replaces multiple specialized systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to control each cell's electrochemical reactions
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 approach significantly reduces electrode resistance, enabling higher current density and power density while eliminating the need for separate electrolyte circulation paths, thereby improving energy storage and power output while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced ion mobility through Taylor Vortex Flow (TVF) convection
Implementation Method 2
enhanced ion mobility through Taylor Vortex Flow (TVF) convection
Implementation Method 3
freely permeable galvanic membrane
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode comprising galvanic membranes having a thickness defined by an average length of vectors normal to a membrane first surface and extending to where said vectors intersect a membrane uncompressed second surface; a non-porous metal sheet having first and second surfaces; a non-porous dielectric sheet having first and second surfaces; square weave metal wire screens having a wire diameter slightly greater than one half the at least one galvanic membrane thickness dimension; wherein, at least one galvanic membrane is adjacent the metal wire screen on the at least one galvanic membrane first and second surfaces in a stack of membranes and screens; the metal wire screen is adjacent the first surface of the non-porous dielectric sheet; the second surfaces of non-porous metal sheets have a sustained pressure of at least 7 million Pascal; and; the metal wire screen is collectively in incompressible vertical alignment with another metal wire screen.