Solid Electrolyte Power Generation Element for Maintenance-Free Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermo-electrochemical cells using liquid electrolytes face issues with leakage, loss, and maintenance requirements due to solvent evaporation and depletion, limiting their efficiency and usability in environments where maintenance is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A power generation element utilizing an inorganic solid electrolyte, such as smectite, to conduct ions generated by water splitting between two electrodes, eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes and maintaining power generation without requiring maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If liquid electrolytes are used in thermo-electrochemical cells, then power generation can be achieved through electrochemical reactions, but leakage, loss, and maintenance requirements occur due to solvent evaporation and depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid form. The solid electrolyte disk maintains ionic conductivity while eliminating the problems of evaporation, leakage, and depletion associated with liquid electrolytes, thereby achieving maintenance-free operation without sacrificing power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a solid electrolyte disk containing redox couples embedded in a solid matrix. This composite material combines the electrochemical activity of redox couples with the structural stability of solid electrolyte, enabling both power generation and reliability
2Power
If liquid electrolytes are used in thermo-electrochemical cells, then electrochemical reactions can occur, but efficiency decreases due to solvent evaporation and depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte from liquid to solid form, which eliminates evaporation and depletion losses. The solid electrolyte disk maintains stable composition and mass over time, preventing the substance loss that occurs with liquid electrolytes and thereby maintaining consistent power generation efficiency
3Reliability
If solid electrolyte is used instead of liquid electrolyte, then maintenance-free operation is achieved, but power generation capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite solid electrolyte material that incorporates redox couples within a solid electrolyte matrix. This composite structure maintains the electrochemical reactivity needed for power generation while benefiting from the stability and maintenance-free characteristics of solid electrolytes
Solution Approach 2:
The solid electrolyte acts as an intermediary medium that enables ion transport between electrodes while containing the redox couples. This intermediary structure facilitates electrochemical reactions without requiring liquid electrolyte, thereby maintaining power generation capability while achieving maintenance-free 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 solid electrolyte-based power generation element generates electricity efficiently and reliably using ambient water, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing usability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an inorganic solid electrolyte that is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and through which ions generated by the splitting of water at the first electrode are conducted toward the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode that splits water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a novel power generation element that is advantageous from the viewpoint of being maintenance-free. A power generation element according to the present disclosure includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an inorganic solid electrolyte. The first electrode splits water. The inorganic solid electrolyte is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Ions generated by the splitting of water at the first electrode are conducted through the inorganic solid electrolyte toward the second electrode. The inorganic solid electrolyte contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a water molecule and a hydroxide ion.