An environmental control system employs an electrolysis cell utilizing an anion conducting membrane, A power supply is coupled across the anode and cathode of the electrolysis cell to drive reactions to reduce oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in an output gas flow. A cathode enclosure may be coupled with the electrolysis cell and provide an input gas flow and receive the output gas flow. A first electrolysis cell may be utilized to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in an output flow that is directed to a second electrolysis cell, that reduces the concentration of oxygen. The oxygen and/or carbon dioxide may be vented from the system and used for an auxiliary purpose. An electrolyte solution may be configured in a loop from a reservoir to the anode, to provide a flow of electrolyte solution to the anode. Moisture from the cathode may be collected and provided to the anode.
B01D 53/00 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols
An electrochemical system utilizes an anion conducting layer disposed between an anode and a cathode for transporting a working fluid. The working fluid may include carbon dioxide that is dissolved in water and is partially converted to carbonic acid that is equilibrium with bicarbonate anion. An electrical potential across the anode and cathode creates a pH gradient that drives the bicarbonate anion across the anion conducting layer to the cathode, wherein it is reformed into carbon dioxide. Therefore, carbon dioxide is pumped across the anion conducting layer.
B01D 53/32 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by electrical effects other than those provided for in group
C25B 13/08 - DiaphragmsSpacing elements characterised by the material based on organic materials
B01D 71/72 - Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, not provided for in a single one of groups
F25B 9/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
C25B 9/23 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodesAssemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms comprising ion-exchange membranes in or on which electrode material is embedded
C25B 11/081 - Electrodes formed of electrocatalysts on a substrate or carrier characterised by the electrocatalysts material consisting of a single catalytic element or catalytic compound the element being a noble metal
H02K 9/10 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by gaseous cooling medium flowing in closed circuit, a part of which is external to the machine casing
C08G 61/10 - Macromolecular compounds containing only carbon atoms in the main chain of the macromolecule, e.g. polyxylylenes only aromatic carbon atoms, e.g. polyphenylenes
B01D 67/00 - Processes specially adapted for manufacturing semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus
B01D 69/02 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or propertiesManufacturing processes specially adapted therefor characterised by their properties
C08G 61/02 - Macromolecular compounds containing only carbon atoms in the main chain of the macromolecule, e.g. polyxylylenes
A regenerative fuel cell produces hydrogen that is stored in a reservoir on the storage side of a membrane electrode assembly when operating in a hydrogen pumping mode and this stored hydrogen is reacted and moved back through the membrane electrode assembly to form water when operating in a fuel cell mode. A metal hydride forming alloy may be configured in the hydrogen storage reservoir and may be coupled to the membrane electrode assembly. An integral metal hydride electrode having a metal hydride forming alloy may be configured on the storage side of the membrane electrode assembly and may have a catalyst or an ion conductive media incorporated therewith.
H01M 8/18 - Regenerative fuel cells, e.g. redox flow batteries or secondary fuel cells
H01M 8/1004 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
C01B 3/06 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
H01M 8/04082 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
H01M 8/04007 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
C01B 3/00 - HydrogenGaseous mixtures containing hydrogenSeparation of hydrogen from mixtures containing itPurification of hydrogen
A heating/cooling system for furnishing employs an electrochemical heat transfer device. An electrochemical heat transfer device may be an electrochemical hydrogen compressor that pumps hydrogen into and out of a tank having a metal hydride forming alloy therein. The absorption of hydrogen by the metal hydride forming alloy is exothermic, produces heat, and the desorption of the hydrogen from the metal hydride forming, alloy is endothermic and draws heat in. An electrochemical hydrogen compressor may be configured between the tanks and pump hydrogen back and forth to form a heat transfer device. A heat exchange device may be coupled with the tank or may comprise the outer surface of the tank to transfer heat to an object or to the surroundings. A closed loop may be configured having two tanks and one or two electrochemical hydrogen compressors to pump the hydrogen in a loop around the system.
F25B 15/09 - Sorption machines, plants or systems, operating continuously, e.g. absorption type without inert gas the refrigerant being hydrogen desorbed from a hydride
F25B 17/12 - Sorption machines, plants or systems, operating intermittently, e.g. absorption or adsorption type using desorption of hydrogen from a hydride
A47C 7/74 - Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like for ventilation, heating or cooling
An environment control system utilizes-oxygen and humidity control devices that are coupled with an enclosure to independently control the oxygen concentration and the humidity level within the enclosure. An oxygen depletion device may be an oxygen depletion electrolyzer cell that reacts with oxygen, within the cell and produces water through electrochemical reactions. A desiccating device may be g, a dehumidification electrolyzer cell a desiccator, a membrane desiccator or a condenser. A controller may control the amount of voltage and/or current provided to the oxygen depletion electrolyzer cell, and therefore the rate of oxygen reduction and may control the amount of voltage and/or current provided to the dehumidification electrolyzer cell and therefore the rate of humidity reduction. The oxygen level may be determined by the measurement of voltage and a limiting current of the oxygen depletion electrolyzer cell. The enclosure may be a food or artificial enclosure.
C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
C25B 9/00 - Cells or assemblies of cellsConstructional parts of cellsAssemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assembliesProcess-related cell features
C25B 9/10 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms including an ion-exchange membrane in or on which electrode material is embedded
C25B 13/08 - DiaphragmsSpacing elements characterised by the material based on organic materials
F24F 3/14 - Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatmentApparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidificationAir-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatmentApparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by dehumidification
F25D 17/04 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection
A61M 16/10 - Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
6.
Electrochemical compressor refrigeration appartus with integral leak detection system
An electrochemical compressor system, such as an electrochemical refrigeration system includes a sealed vessel that reduces leak issues related to the electrochemical cell. The sealed vessel may be molded or formed from a polymer or a composite polymer having reinforcing materials, such as fibers therein. The sealed vessel may be plated with metal to reduce gas permeation through the wall of the vessel and to accommodate and improve the attachment of conduits, including metal conduits thereto. A metal conduit may be brazed onto a vessel and the brazing material may be selected for polymer to metal joining and for reduced contamination potential of the system. The electrochemical compressor system incorporates a leak sensor configured at least partially within the sealed rigid vessel that measures the pressure within the vessel.
F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
C25B 9/00 - Cells or assemblies of cellsConstructional parts of cellsAssemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assembliesProcess-related cell features
7.
Electrochemical system with real time modification of composition and use of complex wave form in same
An electrochemical system having an electrochemical compressor with an operating voltage that is controlled by a controller is described. The operating voltage between a first and second electrodes separated by an ion conducting material, such as a proton conducting polymer, may be oscillated in a waveform. The controller may reduce the voltage to low pressure side of the electrochemical compressor to initiate electrolysis for a set time interval and then may change the operating voltage to operate the electrochemical cell in a compressor mode. When the electrochemical cell is operating in an electrolysis mode, in situ hydrogen is produced on the low pressure side that may be used as a electrochemically active component of the working fluid when the electrochemical cell is switched to a compressor mode. The controller may have a control program that automatically controls the operating waveform as a function of sensor input.
F04B 1/00 - Multi-cylinder machines or pumps characterised by number or arrangement of cylinders
F04B 37/02 - Pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups for evacuating by absorption or adsorption
An electrochemical compressor Includes one or more electrochemical cells through which a working fluid flows, and an externa! electrical energy source electrically connected to the electrochemical cell. Each electrochemical cell includes an anode connected to the electrical energy source; a cathode connected to the electrical energy source; an ion exchange.membrane disposed between and in electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass an eiectrochemicaliy motive material of the working fluid from the anode to the cathode, the ion exchange membrane comprising polar ionic groups attached to nonpolar chains; and a non-aqueous solvent comprising polar molecules, the polar molecules of the non-aqueous solvent being associated, with and electrostatically attracted to the polar ionic groups of the ion exchange membrane.
An electrochemical system includes an electrochemical compressor through which a working fluid that includes a component that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component flows; a sealed vessel in which the electrochemical compressor is housed; an inlet conduit for passing working fluid into the vessel; and an outlet conduit for passing fluid out of the vessel. The working fluid that leaks from the electrochemical compressor is contained within the vessel.
A heat transfer system includes a working fluid and an electrochemical compressor. The working fluid is made up of a polar solvent that primarily acts as a condensable refrigerant and hydrogen that primarily acts as an electrochemically-active component. The electrochemical compressor includes an inlet fluidly coupled to an evaporator to receive the working fluid; an outlet fluidly coupled to a condenser; and one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply. Each electrochemical cell includes a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass the working fluid.
F25B 21/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
C25B 9/00 - Cells or assemblies of cellsConstructional parts of cellsAssemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assembliesProcess-related cell features
F04B 37/00 - Pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups
H01M 8/04 - Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
A heat transfer system includes an electrochemical compressor including at least one electrochemical cell having an electrolytic membrane disposed between a cathode and an anode. The heat transfer system also includes a tubular system that receives at least one electrochemically-active component of a working fluid from an output of the electrochemical compressor and, if present, other components of the working fluid that bypass the electrochemical compressor. The tubular system has a geometry that enables at least a portion of the received working fluid to be imparted with a gain in kinetic energy as it moves through the tubular system.
F25B 21/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
F25B 9/04 - Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point using Joule-Thompson effectCompression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point using vortex effect using vortex effect
12.
SELF-CONTAINED ELECTROCHEMICAL HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM
A self-contained heat transfer system includes a hermetically-sealed housing that defines an enclosure; a first heat transfer device having an exposed surface configured to be in thermal communication with a first heat reservoir; a second heat transfer device having an exposed surface configured to be in thermal communication with a second heat reservoir; and an electrochemical compressor within the enclosure and between the first and second heat transfer devices.
F25B 17/08 - Sorption machines, plants or systems, operating intermittently, e.g. absorption or adsorption type the absorbent or adsorbent being a solid, e.g. salt
F25B 27/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy
F17C 11/00 - Use of gas-solvents or gas-sorbents in vessels
A refrigeration system includes a first heat transfer device that transfers heat from the first heat reservoir to the working fluid, a second heat transfer device that transfers heat from the working fluid to the second heat reservoir, and an electrochemical compressor that performs an electrochemical process. The electrochemical compressor includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolytic membrane in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode. A working fluid contained within the refrigeration system includes a condensable refrigerant that bypasses the electrochemical process and an electrochemically active fluid that participates in the electrochemical process.
patents
