Sealed Electrochemical System Using Liquefied Halogen Reactant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical energy generation systems face inefficiencies and complexities due to the need for compressors for gaseous halogen reactants and separate storage, as well as the requirement for membranes or separators in reaction zones, which can limit performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A sealed electrochemical energy generation system utilizing a pressurized vessel with a liquefied halogen reactant and metal halide electrolyte in a closed loop circuit, where the halogen reactant and electrolyte share the same flow path without a membrane or separator, allowing for efficient energy generation and reduced system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaseous halogen reactants are used in existing electrochemical energy generation systems, then the system can operate, but compressors are required which increase device complexity and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the halogen reactant from gaseous to liquid form by operating at elevated pressures above the vapor pressure of the halogen. This parameter change eliminates the need for compressors while maintaining system operation, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability.
2Reliability
If separate storage is used for halogen reactants, then the system can maintain proper reactant supply, but the system requires separate storage components which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function into the reaction chamber itself by maintaining the halogen reactant in liquid form within the same chamber where electrochemical reactions occur. This integration eliminates separate storage components while ensuring continuous reactant supply, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising supply stability.
3Reliability
If membranes or separators are placed in reaction zones, then electrode separation is achieved, but performance is limited and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes membranes and separators from the reaction zones entirely. Instead, it uses a liquid halogen reactant that naturally fills the space between electrodes, providing ionic conductivity and enabling electrochemical reactions without physical barriers. This extraction of separators eliminates performance limitations and reduces device complexity while maintaining proper electrode separation through the liquid medium.
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 configuration eliminates the need for compressors and separate storage, enhances energy efficiency, and provides a reliable, uninterrupted power supply by maintaining pressure above liquefaction levels and using liquefied halogen reactants, such as chlorine, to facilitate efficient reduction and oxidation reactions.
Implementation Method 1
the halogen reactant is reduced at the positive electrode to form a halogen ion rich electrolyte mixture
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical energy generation system
Implementation Method 3
at least one metal halide electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical energy generation system can include a sealed vessel that contains inside (i) at least one electrochemical cell, which has two electrodes and a reaction zone between them; (ii) a liquefied halogen reactant, such as a liquefied molecular chlorine; (iii) at least one metal halide electrolyte; and (iv) a flow circuit that can be used for delivering the halogen reactant and the electrolyte to the at least one cell. The sealed vessel can maintain an inside pressure above a liquefication pressure for the halogen reactant. Also disclosed are methods of using and methods of making for electrochemical energy generation systems.