Osmotic Power Generator Using 2D Material Membranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current osmotic power generation technologies face challenges in achieving high energy conversion efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness due to the complexity and expense of manufacturing membranes, particularly those using nanotubes, which limits their application in renewable energy sources and ultra-low power devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of an osmotic power generator utilizing a thin layer of 2D materials with controlled pore size distribution, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) or Xenes, integrated into a housing with electrodes to harness osmotic gradients for efficient energy conversion, enabling scalable and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If nanotube membranes are used to generate streaming potential, then power generation performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, difficult-to-manufacture nanotube membranes with cheaper, easily fabricable 2D material membranes that can be produced through scalable processes like chemical vapor deposition, making the system economically viable for mass production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter from nanotube structures to 2D material layers with controlled thickness and pore size, achieving similar or superior performance through different physical parameters that are easier to control and scale

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If nanotube membranes are used for osmotic power generation, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing scalability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical assembly process of nanotube membranes with a chemical deposition process for 2D materials, enabling continuous, scalable manufacturing through techniques like chemical vapor deposition that can be easily scaled up

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses porous 2D material membranes with controlled pore size and distribution that can be fabricated through scalable processes, maintaining the necessary transport properties for osmotic power generation while enabling mass production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Power

If complex nanotube membrane structures are used, then streaming potential generation is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestreaming potential generationVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive 2D material membranes that can be produced at low cost through established fabrication techniques, eliminating the need for expensive nanotube manufacturing while maintaining functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite 2D material structures combining different materials or functional layers to achieve the desired streaming potential generation at lower cost than pure nanotube systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 results in a high-power density osmotic power generator capable of generating several kW/m², suitable for nanoscale devices and mass production, with improved energy conversion efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

the active membrane including at least one pore allowing ions to pass between the first and second sides of the membrane under osmosis due to an osmotic gradient between the first and second electrolyte liquids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOsmosis: Osmosis

Implementation Method 2

Some attempts of producing current through the triggering of an electrokinetic phenomenon known as 'streaming potential' when an electrolyte is driven through single nanofluidic channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStreaming potential:

Data Source

PatentUS10801478B2Osmotic power generator

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)

AI summary

An osmotic power generator comprising an active membrane supported in a housing, at least a first chamber portion disposed on a first side of the active membrane for receiving a first electrolyte liquid and a second chamber portion disposed on a second side of the active membrane for receiving a second electrolyte liquid, a generator circuit comprising at least a first electrode electrically coupled to said first chamber, and at least a second electrode electrically coupled to said second chamber, the first and second electrodes configured to be connected together through a generator load receiving electrical power generated by a difference in potential and an ionic current between the first and second electrodes. The active membrane includes at least one pore allowing ions to pass between the first and second sides of the membrane under osmosis due to an osmotic gradient between the first and second electrolyte liquids to generate said difference in potential and ionic current between the first and second electrodes.