CN1759494A - Electrochemical energy conversion - Google Patents
Electrochemical energy conversion Download PDFInfo
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- CN1759494A CN1759494A CNA2003801101531A CN200380110153A CN1759494A CN 1759494 A CN1759494 A CN 1759494A CN A2003801101531 A CNA2003801101531 A CN A2003801101531A CN 200380110153 A CN200380110153 A CN 200380110153A CN 1759494 A CN1759494 A CN 1759494A
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
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Abstract
Various devices and methods for achieving electrochemical energy conversion are presented. In accordance with one embodiment, an energy conversion cell is configured to enable the first and second reactant supplies to communicate selectively with first and second catalytic electrodes of the cell. The selective communication of the first and second reactant supplies with the first and second catalytic electrodes may be attributable to alteration of the reactant supply flow paths or to movement of the first and second catalytic electrodes.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.60/439,247, filed on 10/1/2003.
Background
[0002]The present invention relates to the conversion of chemical energy of a reaction into electrical energy. The present invention relates to a certain extent to fuel cell technology, in which chemical energy of a reaction is also converted into electrical energy. The three main components that make up the core of a fuel cell are the fuel electrode (anode), the oxygen electrode (cathode), and the electrolyte. Extensive continuing design issues related to durability, water management, thermal management, fuel storage, fuel supply, air delivery, coolant delivery, and energy regulation have limited improvements in fuel cell technology to some extent. Although the scope of the present invention is not directed to an apparatus including particular advantages or solving any particular problems, it is noted that various embodiments of the present invention may be utilized to address one or more of these design problems.
Disclosure of Invention
[0003]Various devices and methods for achieving electrochemical energy conversion are provided in detail herein. Other devices and methods not specifically disclosed herein may be gleaned from the various descriptions in this specification. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical energy conversion cell is provided. The cell includes first and second cell portions, and first and second reactant supplies. The first cell portion includes a first catalytic electrode and a first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the first catalytic electrode. The second cell portion includes a second catalytic electrode and a second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the second catalytic electrode. The electrochemical conversion cell is configured such that substantially all ions are prevented from migrating from the first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion to the second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion. The first and second reactant supplies are in communication with the first catalytic electrode and the second catalytic electrode. The energy conversion cell is configured such that the first and second reactant supplies are in selective communication with the first and second catalytic electrodes. The selective communication of the first and second reactant supplies with the first and second catalytic electrodes may be due to the alternation of the reactant supply flow paths or the movement of the first and second catalytic electrodes.
[0004]In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical energy conversion cell is provided. The battery includes first and second battery portions. The first cell portion includes a first catalytic electrode and a first electrolytic or polarizabledielectric portion connected to the first catalytic electrode. The second cell portion includes a second catalytic electrode and a second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the second catalytic electrode. An ion transfer barrier is connected to and disposed between the first and second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portions.
[0005]According to other embodiments of the present invention, there are provided methods of operating a device comprising an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the present invention.
[0006]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved conversion of chemical energy of a reaction into electrical energy. Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description of the invention embodied herein.
Drawings
[0007]The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
[0008]fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the present invention;
[0009]fig. 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of two different operating states of an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0010]fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the invention;
[0011]fig. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of different operating states of an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0012]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an alternative electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the invention, with particular emphasis on a suitable reactant supply for the cell;
[0013]FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic views of a rotary-type electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the present invention;
[0014]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a reactant treatment system and an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the present invention; and
[0015]FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a fuel processing system and an electrochemical energy conversion cell according to the present invention.
Description of the preferred embodiments
[0016]Referring initially to fig. 1, a schematic diagram of an electrochemical energy conversion cell 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. Generally, the electrochemical conversion cell 10 includes first and second cell portions 20, 30 and first and second reactant supplies R1、R2. The first battery part 20 includes a second battery partA catalytic electrode 22 and a first electrolytic portion 24 connected to the first catalytic electrode 22. Likewise, the second cell portion 30 includes a second catalytic electrode 32 and a second electrolytic portion 34 connected to the second catalytic electrode 32. As disclosed in detail below with reference to fig. 2 and 3, the second layer may be formed by an ion transfer barrierThe first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 are separated and the ion transfer barrier substantially prevents all ion transfer between the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34. Alternatively, as disclosed in detail below with reference to fig. 5A and 5B, only the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 are defined as one non-ion conducting electrolytic material or two halves of a non-ion conducting polarizable insulating material. Thus, the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 are only schematically illustrated in fig. 1 without reference to the particular structure that would prevent ion migration between the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34.
[0017]As will be described in detail below with respect to fig. 2, 3, 5A, and 5B, the operability of the electrochemical conversion cell 10 is independent of, or does not require, migration of ions through the cell 10 from the first electrolytic portion 24 of the cell 10 to the second electrolytic portion 34 of the cell 10. The cell 10 is specifically configured so as to inhibit the migration of ions from the first electrolytic portion 24 to the second electrolytic portion 34. Although each of the electrolytic portions 24, 34 supports redistribution of charge within the electrolyte material, ions do not migrate through the battery 10 from the first electrolytic portion 24 to the second electrolytic portion 34.
[0018]The first and second reactant supplies R1, R2 are placed in communication with the first catalytic electrode 22 and the second catalytic electrode 32. As will be disclosed in detail below, according to an alternative embodiment illustrated in fig. 6-8, the energy conversion cell 10 is configured such that the first and second reactant supplies R1, R2 are in selective communication with the first catalytic electrode 22 and the second catalytic electrode 32. More particularly, the electrochemical energy conversion cell 10 is configured such that the first catalytic electrode 22 and the second catalytic electrode 32 are in alternating communication between the first and second reactant supplies R1, R2.
[0019]The first and second reactant supplies R1, R2 are in selective communication with the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 or may be attributable to the alternating of the flow paths of the first and second reactant supplies R1, R2 or to the movement of the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32. Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a manner by which flow path alternation may be provided, and fig. 7-8 illustrate schematic diagrams for moving the first and second catalytic electrodes. Each of these figures will be discussed in detail below. It is noted that the schemes illustrated in fig. 6-8 are provided for illustrative purposes only, and that other schemes for providing flow path alternation and electrode movement are within the scope of the present invention.
[0020]Turning now to fig. 2 and 3, wherein like structure is illustrated with like reference numerals, an enlarged portion of an electrochemical conversion cell in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The first reactant supply R1 includes an anode reactant source containing hydrogen. The second reactant supply R2 includes a cathode reactant source that includes oxygen. As illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, the anode reactant source R1 is in communication with the first catalytic electrode 22 in fig. 2 and the second catalytic electrode 32 in fig. 3. In contrast, the cathode reactant source R2 is in communication with the second catalytic electrode 32 in FIG. 2 and the first catalytic electrode 22 in FIG. 3.
[0021]With regard to the structure of the catalytic electrodes 22, 32, a number of suitable electrode configurations are taught in the field of electrochemical energy conversion. For example, as illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, each electrode 22, 32 may include a layer of a high surface area conductive material, such as carbon, having catalyst particles, such as platinum, dispersed thereon.
[0022]Wherein the anode reactant source R1 includes hydrogen, the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 are configured to catalyze the following reactions:
[0023]wherein the cathode reactant source R2 includes oxygen, the first and second catalytic electrodes configured to catalyze the following reaction:
[0024]as schematically illustrated in fig. 2, current is passed through resistive load 40 by directing oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas to the second catalytic electrode 32 and hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas to the first catalytic electrode 22.
[0025]More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 2, when hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas R1 is directed toward the first catalytic electrode 22, the following reaction is catalyzed:
[0026]when oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas R2 is directed to the second catalytic electrode 32, the following reaction is catalyzed:
[0027]the presence of two reactions at two different electrodes 22, 32 results in the generation of a current through a load 40, the first reaction providing electrons and the second reaction taking electrons, the load 40 being electrically connected between the electrodes 22, 32.
[0028]Referring next to fig. 3, by directing hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas R1 to the second catalytic electrode 32, the following reaction is catalyzed:
and by directing oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas R2 to the first catalytic electrode 22, the following reactions are catalyzed:
causing a back-emf current to flow through load 40.
[0029]The presence of two reactions at two different electrodes 22, 32, the first providing electrons and the second taking electrons, in turn, results in the generation of a counter-potential current through the load 40.
[0030]In the manner described above, continuously directing hydrogen and oxygen alternately to first catalytic electrode 22 and continuously directing oxygen and hydrogen alternately to second catalytic electrode 32 will result in continuously generating an alternating type of current across resistive load 40. As will be appreciated by those practicing the present invention, operation of the catalytic electrodes 22, 32 in either the anodic or cathodic operating states is a function of the first and second reactant supplies R1, R2 in communication with the first catalytic electrode 22 and the second catalytic electrode 32. By directing hydrogen and oxygen to the first and second catalytic electrodes 22 in an alternating sequence, the electrodes 22, 32 alternate between operating states such that the first catalytic electrode alternates between (i) an anode operating state when the second catalytic electrode operates in a cathode operating state and (ii) a cathode operating state when the second catalytic electrode operates in an anode operating state. To optimize efficiency, the electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 are in substantially separate communication with the different first and second reactant supplies R1, R2.
[0031]It is important to note that the generation of the alternating type of current is independent of humidification of the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 or independent of migration of water molecules or ions through the electrolytic portions 24, 34. As a result, the family of potentially suitable electrolytic materials for practicing the present invention is relatively large and may include more durable and lower cost materials. In addition, there is a reduced likelihood that design constraints introduced by the need for humidification of the electrolyte will limit the operating temperature of the cell 10. Higher operating temperatures may also result in increased cell efficiency.
[0032]As described above, directing the reactants R1, R2 toward the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 may be accomplished by any of a number of suitable approaches. For example, it is contemplated that a reactant controller may be provided and configured to direct the reactants R1, R2 to the different first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 by changing the flow paths of the anode and cathode reactants or by changing the position of the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32. It is contemplated that cell efficiency may be optimized if the reactant controller is configured to direct the anode and cathode reactants R1, R2 to the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 such that the reactions described above occur simultaneously at the different first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32.
[0033]Although the present invention is described herein with specific reference to hydrogen and oxygen as the anode and cathode reactants, it is contemplated that a variety of reactants may be used within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, suitable anode reactants may include, but are not limited to, carbon monoxide or any other reactant that supports the following general reaction types in an electrochemical energy conversion cell:
wherein A and B may comprise one or more reactants (one comprising a non-charged molecule or atom and the other comprising an ion), xe-Representing a large number of electrons. Likewise, suitable cathode reactants may include, but are not limited to, chlorine, nitric oxide, or any other reactant that supports the following general reaction types in an electrochemical energy conversion cell:
wherein C and D may include one or more reactants xe-Representing a large number of electrons.
[0034]As illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, the electrochemical energy conversion cell 10 is configured to define respective interfaces of the first electrolytic portion 24 and the first catalytic electrode 22 and the second electrolytic portion 34 and the second catalytic electrode 32. The spacing between each electrolytic portion 24, 34 and its respective electrode 22, 32 is illustrated schematically in fig. 2 and 3, but as will be appreciated by those practicing the invention, is a natural consequence of interface materials that are not uniform and/or not uniform in their boundaries.
[0035]The charge balance capacitor structure is defined by separating the first and second battery portions 20, 30 from the charge balance film 42. As illustrated in fig. 2 and 3, the charge balance film 42 may include a pair of carbon-containing layers and a support layer 45, or may include any type of structure configured to separate the electrolytic portions 24, 34 of the first and second cell portions 22, 32 and to function as a charge balance capacitor. The charge balance film 42 acts as an ion transfer barrier by substantially preventing the transfer of all ions between the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34. This effect is particularly useful when the electrolytic portion promotes ion migration through the cell 10. The film 42 may comprise, for example, a carbon-containing film, an insulating film, a suitable electrolytic or non-electrolytic material, or any substantially non-ionically conductive material.
[0036]As described above, even though the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 do promote ion migration through the cell 10, a carbon-containing membrane or another type of electrolytic or non-electrolytic ion migration barrier may be provided between the first and second cell portions 20, 30 to serve as an ion migration barrier and define the first electrolytic portion 24 and the second electrolytic portion 34.
[0037]In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, first and second diffusion media electrodes are provided21. 31 to define electrical connections to the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 and flow fields that serve as channels for the reactants R1, R2. The particular configuration of the diffusion media electrodes 21, 31 is beyond the scope of the present invention and can be readily derived from the teachings in the field of electrochemical conversion, particularly hydrogen/oxygen driven fuel cells. The first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 are illustrated in fig. 4 as being supported by a single laminate that includes a pair of carbonaceous layers 44 and a support layer 45. It is noted, however, that there are a variety of suitable structures that can be used in place of the three layers, so long as they impart some structural integrity to the device and, if desired, help prevent migration of ionsbetween the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34. With particular reference to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, it is noted that the thickness dimension may be on the order of about 10 microns for the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32, and on the order of about 3-5 microns for the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34. The carbon-containing layer 44 may include high surface area carbon (greater than about 1000m 2)/g)。
[0038]Referring to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 5A and 5B, wherein like structure is illustrated with like reference numerals, the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 illustrated in fig. 2 and 3 may be replaced with an electrolytic or polarizable dielectric ion-transfer barrier material 25, i.e., a material that does not promote ion transfer through the cell 10. The ion transfer barrier material 25 is connected to the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 and may comprise a suitable electrolytic or polarizable material having a high dielectric constant.
[0039]As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the magnitude and polarity of the generated current and the anions An in the first and second electrolytic portions-And cation Ca+Depending on which of the reactants R1, R2 is directed to the different first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32. In particular, referring to FIG. 5A, a high current flow condition from the first catalytic electrode 22 to the second catalytic electrode 32 is illustrated. In fig. 5A, hydrogen as the first reactant R1 is directed to the first catalytic electrode 22, which was previously exposed to oxygen. On the other side of the cell, oxygen, as the second reactant R2, was directed to the second catalytic electrode 32, which was previously exposed to hydrogen. The reactions occurring at the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 are similar to those described above with reference to fig. 2 and 3, except that the hydrogen ions H + do not enter or pass through the electrolytic or insulating ion transfer barrier material 25. In contrast, hydrogen ion H+Remains in the region of the first catalytic electrode 22, while the anions An in the electrolyte-And cation Ca+Exhibits a distribution which balances the hydrogen ions H in the second catalytic electrode 32+And oxygen ion O-2Of the charge of (c).
[0040]When successively exposed to the first and second reactants R1, R2, the resulting reaction depletes the available hydrogen ions H+And oxygen ion O-2Resulting in a reduction of current flow and electricityAnions An in the electrolyte-And cation Ca+Redistribution of (1) is performed. Referring to fig. 5B, when the magnitude of the current approaches zero, the reactant supply source is controlled to direct hydrogen as the first reactant R1 to the second catalytic electrode 32 and oxygen as the second reactant R2 to the first catalytic electrode 32. The resulting reaction completes the second of the alternating current signal, as illustrated in fig. 5A and 5BAnd again redistribute the anions An in the ion transfer barrier material 25-And cation Ca+。
[0041]In the embodiment of fig. 6, respective non-catalytic layers 26, 36 of, for example, high surface area carbon, are connected to the first and second electrolytic sections 24, 34 adjacent the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32, respectively. Further, an ion transfer barrier charge balance film 42 interposed therebetween is disposed between the two non-catalytic layers 26, 36. In addition, first and second reactant distributors 28, 38 are provided in communication with the first and second diffusion media electrodes 21, 31 to produce a substantially uniform distribution of reactant gas across the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32. Fig. 6 also illustratesan embodiment of a manner by which flow path alternation may be provided, as outlined above. The reactant controller 50 is provided so as to be communicated with the series of solenoid valves 52, thereby enabling control of the introduction of the reactants R1, R2 to each of the first and second battery portions 20, 30 through the solenoid valves.
[0042]Reference is now made to an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 7 and 8. An alternative is illustrated for placing the reactant supplies R1, R2 in selective communication with the first and second cell portions 20, 30 by moving the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32. In particular, in the embodiment of fig. 7 and 8, the electrochemical energy conversion cell 10 includes a layer of conductive material forming the first catalytic electrode 22 and the second catalytic electrode 32. The first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 are formed on an electrolytic support layer that forms the first and second electrolytic portions 24, 34 of the cell 10.
[0043]The layer of conductive material forming the first and second catalytic electrodes 22, 32 is referred to herein as a rotating electrode because it is rotatable through two distinct reactant zones R1, R2 defined by the presence of the reactants R1, R2. As the conductive layer rotates, a portion of the conductive material layer is in substantially isolated communication with the first reactant supply R1, while the other portion of the conductive material layer is in substantially isolated communication with the second reactant supply R2. Successive portions of the layer of conductive material are in substantially separate communication with the first and second reactant supplies R1, R2 at successive points of rotation of the rotatable electrode. The dynamic physical boundaries of the first catalytic electrode 22 are thus defined depending on which portion of the conductive layer is in communication with the first reactant supply R1. Likewise, the dynamic physical boundaries of the second catalytic electrode 32 are defined based on which portion of the conductive layer is in communication with the second reactant supply R2. The reactions that occur at each electrode as described above in the description of the static electrode embodiment of the invention, the resulting current flows through load 40 as electrons are collected and distributed at the terminals schematically represented at T1, T2. Terminals T1, T2 are configured such that when the substantially planar rotatable electrode structure is rotated, electrons are collected from first catalytic electrode 22 and ions are distributed across second catalytic electrode 32.
[0044]It is noted that a proton attracting (proton attracting) hydrophobic material may be provided adjacent to one or both of the catalytic electrodes of the present invention to further enhance performance. In particular, the rate of migration of ions to the first and second catalytic electrodes may be enhanced by the presence of the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials, as the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials accept ions from the reactant supply. In addition, the presence of the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials may prevent some water from the reactant supply from entering the first and second catalytic electrodes. Thus, the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials may prevent the catalyst on the first and second catalytic electrodes from becoming flooded, thereby preventing the catalytic activity of the first and second catalytic electrodes from being reduced.
[0045]The proton attracting hydrophobic material may be incorporated or distributed on the catalytic electrode, with the material being disposed adjacent to the catalytic electrode, or more typically only adjacent to the first or second catalytic electrode, so as to be at least sufficiently close to the catalytic electrode to result in an increased attraction of the catalytic electrode to protons. The proton attracting hydrophobic material may be, for example, a single layer bonded to the first or second catalytic electrode. Of course, the presence of such proton attracting hydrophobic materials should not be considered a critical or essential part of the present invention.
[0046]The proton attracting hydrophobic material should include a compound having at least one strong proton attraction area and at least one hydrophobic group, such as a hydrophobic inorganic compound having at least one strong proton attraction area. The proton attracting hydrophobic material may comprise a compound that is electronically configured to bind (bind) water and has at least one region of strong proton attraction. More generally, the proton attracting hydrophobic material may include at least one molecule capable of attracting protons and having hydrophobic characteristics. For the purposes of disclosing and defining the present invention, it is noted that a molecule is characterized by "proton attraction" if it includes at least one moiety characterized by a strong proton attraction relative to another region of the molecule or relative to a material adjacent to the molecule. A molecule is characterized as "hydrophobic" if it includes at least one moiety that repels, is unable to absorb, or otherwise lacks affinity for water, or at least one moiety that is electronically configured to bind water at a particular location, thereby further inhibiting water migration.
[0047]The region of proton attraction may be located on the molecule. In addition, a region of strong proton attraction can be provided by the addition of a strong base functional group. For example, the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials can have strong Bronsted base functionality. The first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials typically have an ionization constant greater than about 12.5 pKa.
[0048]The hydrophobic characteristics of the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials may be provided in any suitable manner. For example, the molecule may have a hydrophobic organic backbone or a hydrophobic inorganic component. The molecule may have hydrophobic groups incorporated into the structure of the strong proton attracting region. The molecule may also be electronically configured to bind water at specific locations, thereby further inhibiting water migration. In addition, the first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials may be complexed with a noble metal to provide a molecule with a catalyst site at the immediate transfer site of the proton. The first and second proton attracting hydrophobic materials are typically selected to be stable under the operating conditions of the device.
[0049]Suitable organic protonsExamples of hydrophobic attracting materials 20 include, but are not limited to, 1, 6-diazabicyclo [4.4.4]]Tetradecane and tricyclotetramine [ 2]6]Adamantane. Examples of suitable inorganic proton attracting hydrophobic materials 20 include, but are not limited to, phosphane and carborane. Examples of suitable proton attracting hydrophobic materials 20 that complex with noble metals include, but are not limited to, 1, 8-bis (diorganophosphino) napthaleneplatinum (II) complexes and [ { eta (6)6H3(CH3)-5-[CH2-2-C6F4P(C6F5)CH2](2)-1，3}RuCl]+ complex. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that suitable proton attracting hydrophobic materials can be designed to have the desired strong proton attracting region and hydrophobic characteristics.
[0050]The apparatus of the present invention may also include a reactant treatment system 60. For example, referring to fig.9, a reactant treatment system 60 for supplying hydrogen to the electrochemical energy conversion cell 10 of the present invention is illustrated. Hydrogen H can be removed from the reactor 62, the water-gas shift reactor 64 and the final scrubber 662Is supplied to the battery 10. In the primary reactor 62, a reactant mixture R, which may include a hydrocarbon fuel stream and an oxygen-containing stream, is flowed into the primary reactor 62. The oxygen-containing stream may include air, steam, and combinations thereof. The reactant mixture R can be formed by mixing a hydrocarbon fuel with a preheated air and steam input stream prior to flowing the reactant mixture into the primary reactor. After the reactant mixture R flows into the primary reactor 62, the reactant mixture R passes through at least one reaction zone having at least one reforming catalyst and catalytically produces a product gas stream containing hydrogen. To reduce impurities such as carbon monoxide, the product gas stream may be passed through a water-gas shift reactor 64 and a final stage scrubber 66. Once the impurities are removed, hydrogen stream H2 may be used as a fuel for fuel cell 10.
[0051]Referring to fig. 10, the apparatus of the present invention may be a vehicle 70 that may have a vehicle body 72 and at least one electrochemical catalytic reaction cell comprising an electrochemical energy conversion cell 10. The battery 10 is configured to at least partially power the vehicle body 72. The vehicle 70 may also have a reactant treatment system 60 for providing reactants to the fuel cell 10. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the battery 10 and fuel processing system 60 are shown schematically and may be used or placed in the vehicle body 72 in any suitable manner.
[0052]It is noted that terms like "preferably," "commonly," and "typically" are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or toimply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
[0053]For the purposes of disclosing and defining the present invention, it is noted that the term "substantially" is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the principal function of the subject matter at issue.
[0054]Having disclosed the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example, although the invention has been described with reference to one electrochemical energy conversion cell, it is noted that a device according to the invention may comprise a plurality of electrically interconnected cells. Likewise, although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to particular reactants R1, R2 and catalyst materials such as platinum, a variety of similarly functioning reactants and catalysts may be used. Further, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.
Claims (67)
1. An apparatus comprising an electrochemical energy conversion cell,wherein the electrochemical energy conversion cell comprises:
a first battery part including
A first catalytic electrode, and
a first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the first catalytic electrode;
a second battery part including
A second catalytic electrode, and
a second electrolytic or polarizable insulating portion connected to said second catalytic electrode, wherein said electrochemical conversion cell is configured to inhibit substantially all ion migration from said first electrolytic or polarizable insulating portion to said second electrolytic or polarizable insulating portion; and
first and second reactant supplies are in communication with the first catalytic electrode and the second catalytic electrode, wherein the energy conversion cell is configured such that the first and second reactant supplies are in selective communication with the first catalytic electrode and the second catalytic electrode.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second reactant supplies comprise a changeable flow path and said selective communication of said first and second reactant supplies with said first and second catalytic electrodes is due to alternation of said flow path.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second catalytic electrodes are movable and said selective communication of said first and second reactant supplies with said first and second catalytic electrodes is due to the movability of said first and second catalytic electrodes.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid electrochemical energy conversion cell is further configured to alternate communication of said first and second catalytic electrodes between said first and second reactant supplies.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured to alternate said communication between said first and second reactant supplies by changing the flow paths of said first and second reactant supplies.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured to alternate said communication between said first and second reactant supplies by moving said first and second catalytic electrodes.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first reactant supply comprises an anode reactant supply and said second reactant supply comprises a cathode reactant supply.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said anode reactant source is in selective communication with said first and second catalytic electrodes and said cathode reactant source is in selective communication with said first and second catalytic electrodes.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said anode reactant source comprises hydrogen.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first and second catalytic electrodes are configured to catalyze the following reaction:
11. an apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cathode reactant source comprises oxygen.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first and second catalytic electrodes are configured to catalyze the following reaction:
13. the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a reactant controller configured to:
directing an anode reactant and a cathode reactant to the first catalytic electrode in an alternating sequence; and
directing a cathode reactant and an anode reactant to the second catalytic electrode in an alternating sequence.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said reactant controller is configured to direct said reactants by changing the flow path of said anode and cathode reactants.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said reactant controller is configured to direct said reactant by changing the position of said first and second catalytic electrodes.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a reactant controller configured to direct anode and cathode reactants to said first and second catalytic electrodes such that the following reactions occur simultaneously at different said first and second catalytic electrodes:
A→B+xe-
C+xe-→D
wherein A, B, C and D each comprise one or more reactants, xe-Representing a large number of electrons.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said anode reactant comprises hydrogen and said cathode reactant comprises oxygen.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said reactant controller is configured to direct said anode and cathode reactants to said first and second catalytic electrodes such that said reaction a → B + xe-Comprising at least one of the following reactions:
19. an apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said reactant controller is configured to direct said anode and cathode reactants to said first and second catalytic electrodes such that said reaction C + xe-→ D includes at least one of the following reactions:
20. an apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said reactant controller is further configured to:
directing a cathode reactant to said second catalytic electrode and said anode reactant to said first catalytic electrode; and
directing an anode reactant to said second catalytic electrode and directing said cathode reactant to said first catalytic electrode.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that said first and second catalytic electrodes are substantially separately connected to different ones of said first and second reactant supplies.
22. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion and said second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion are defined by different portions of a common membrane.
23. A device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the conventional membrane does not transport ions from one catalytic layer through to the opposite catalytic layer.
24. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion and said second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion are defined by respective separate films.
25. A device as claimed in claim 24 wherein said separate electrolytic membranes are separated by an ion transfer barrier.
26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein each of said separate electrolytic membranes is separated by a carbonaceous material.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configuredsuch that said first and second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portions are not subjected to substantial humidification.
28. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first cell portion of said energy conversion cell is separated from said second cell portion of said energy conversion cell by an ion transfer barrier.
29. A device as claimed in claim 28 wherein said ion transfer barrier comprises a thin film.
30. A device as claimed in claim 28 wherein said ion transfer barrier comprises an electrolytic material.
31. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein said ion transfer barrier comprises a carbon-containing material.
32. A device as claimed in claim 28 wherein said ion transfer barrier is configured to comprise a charge balance capacitor.
33. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first cell portion of said energy conversion cell is connected to said second cell portion of said energy conversion cell by a conventional electrolytic membrane.
34. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said conventional electrolytic membrane comprises an electrolytic material configured to substantially prevent all ion migration therebetween.
35. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said conventional electrolytic membrane is connected to said first and second catalytic electrodes.
36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first battery portion of said energy conversion battery is mechanically connected to said second battery portion of said energy conversion battery.
37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that the generation of electrochemical energy therefrom is independent of the humidification of said first and second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portions.
38. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portions inhibit migration therethrough of water molecules.
39. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said energy conversion cell is configured such that said first and second catalytic electrodes are alternated between operating states such that said first catalytic electrode alternates between (i) an anode operating state when said second catalytic electrode is operating in a cathode operating state and (ii) a cathode operating state when said second catalytic electrode is operating in an anode operating state.
40. An apparatus as claimed in claim 39 wherein said energy conversion cell is configured such that operation of said catalytic electrodes is a function of said first and second reactant supplies in communication with said first catalytic electrode and said second catalytic electrode for a given one of said anode and cathode operating conditions.
41. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell comprises a first layer of electrically conductive material forming at leasta portion of said first catalytic electrode and a second layer of electrically conductive material forming at least a portion of said second catalytic electrode.
42. A device as claimed in claim 41 wherein said first and second layers of conductive material are separated by an ion transport barrier.
43. A device as claimed in claim 41 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that said first and second layers of electrically conductive material are in substantially separate communication with different ones of said first and second reactant supplies.
44. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell comprises a layer of electrically conductive material forming said first catalytic electrode and said second catalytic electrode.
45. A device as claimed in claim 44 wherein the layer of conductive material is formed over an ion transport barrier.
46. A device as claimed in claim 44 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that portions of said layer of electrically conductive material are in substantially separate communication with said first reactant supply and other portions of said layer of electrically conductive material are in substantially separate communication with said second reactant supply.
47. A device as claimed in claim 44 wherein said layer of conductive material comprises a rotating electrode.
48. A device as claimed in claim 47 wherein saidlayer of conductive material comprises a substantially planar rotating electrode.
49. An apparatus as claimed in claim 47 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that at any given point of rotation of said rotatable electrode, a portion of said layer of electrically conductive material is in substantially separate communication with said first reactant supply and another portion of said layer of electrically conductive material is in substantially separate communication with said second reactant supply.
50. An apparatus as claimed in claim 49 wherein said electrochemical energy conversion cell is configured such that at successive points of rotation of said rotatable electrode successive portions of said layer of conductive material are in substantially separate communication with said first and second reactant supplies.
51. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second cell portions further comprises a proton attracting hydrophobic material comprising at least one proton attracting hydrophobic molecule and disposed adjacent at least one of said first and second catalytic electrodes.
52. An apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein both of said first and second cell portions comprise a proton attracting hydrophobic material comprising at least one proton attracting hydrophobic molecule and are disposed adjacent said first and second catalytic electrodes.
53. An apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein said proton attracting hydrophobic material is bonded to a catalytic electrode positioned adjacent thereto.
54. An apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein said proton attracting hydrophobic material comprises a compound having at least one region of strong proton attraction and at least one hydrophobic group.
55. An apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein said proton attracting hydrophobic material comprises a hydrophobic inorganic compound having at least one region of strong proton attraction.
56. An apparatus as claimed in claim 51 wherein said proton attracting hydrophobic material comprises a compound that is electronically configured to bind water and that has at least one region of strong proton attraction.
57. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device comprises a plurality of said electrochemical energy conversion cells.
58. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus further comprises a reactant treatment system in communication with at least one of said first and second reactant supplies.
59. An apparatus as claimed in claim 58 wherein said reactant treatment system is configured to provide hydrogen.
60. An apparatus as claimed in claim 59 wherein said reactant treatment system comprises a main reactor, a water-gas shift reactor and a final stage scrubber.
61. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the apparatus further includes a body and a power mechanism configured to move the body in response to the supply of electrical energy; and
configuring the electrochemical energy conversion cell to provide the electrical energy.
62. An apparatus as claimed in claim 61 wherein said apparatus further comprises a reactant treatment system in communication with said electrochemical energy conversion cell.
63. An apparatus comprising an electrochemical energy conversion cell, wherein the electrochemical energy conversion cell comprises:
a first battery part including
A first catalytic electrode, and
a first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the first catalytic electrode;
a second battery part including
A second catalytic electrode, and
a second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to said second catalytic electrode, wherein said electrochemical conversion cell is configured to inhibit migration of substantially all ions from said first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion to said second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion; and
an ion transfer barrier connected to or disposed between the first and second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portions, wherein the ion transfer barrier comprises a charge balance capacitor structure.
64. An apparatus comprising an electrochemical energy conversion cell, wherein the electrochemical energy conversion cell comprises:
a first battery part including
A first catalytic electrode, and
a first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the first catalytic electrode;
a second battery part including
A second catalytic electrode, and
a second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the second catalytic electrode; and
first and second reactant supplies in communication with said first catalytic electrode and said second catalytic electrode, wherein said apparatus is configured such that said first and second reactant supplies are in selective communication with said first catalytic electrode and said second catalytic electrode.
65. A method of operating a device comprising an electrochemical energy conversion cell, the method comprising acts of:
designating first and second cell portions of said electrochemical energy conversion cell, said first cell portion comprising
A first catalytic electrode, and
a first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to the first catalytic electrode, and
the second battery part comprising
A second catalytic electrode, and
a second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion connected to said second catalytic electrode, wherein said electrochemical conversion cell is configured to inhibit migration of substantially all ions from said first electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion to said second electrolytic or polarizable dielectric portion; and
operating first and second reactant supplies in communication with the first catalytic electrode and the second catalytic electrode such that the first and second reactant supplies are in selective communication with the first catalytic electrode and the second catalytic electrode.
66. A method as claimed in claim 65 wherein said first and second reactant supplies are placed in selective communication with said first and second catalytic electrodes by varying the flow paths of said first and second reactant supplies.
67. A method as claimed in claim 65 wherein said first and second reactant supplies are placed in selective communication with said first and second catalytic electrodes by moving said first and second catalytic electrodes.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US43924703P | 2003-01-10 | 2003-01-10 | |
| US60/439,247 | 2003-01-10 | ||
| US10/732,499 | 2003-12-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1759494A true CN1759494A (en) | 2006-04-12 |
Family
ID=36704045
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA2003801101531A Pending CN1759494A (en) | 2003-01-10 | 2003-12-18 | Electrochemical energy conversion |
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Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104221197A (en) * | 2012-02-03 | 2014-12-17 | 华盛顿大学商业中心 | Methods and devices for generating electricity from fuel and oxidant by using capacitor |
| CN109786803A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-21 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical appliance |
| CN109802199A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-24 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical reaction implementation method |
| CN109802200A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-24 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical reaction implementation method |
| CN109802202A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-24 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical appliance |
-
2003
- 2003-12-18 CN CNA2003801101531A patent/CN1759494A/en active Pending
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104221197A (en) * | 2012-02-03 | 2014-12-17 | 华盛顿大学商业中心 | Methods and devices for generating electricity from fuel and oxidant by using capacitor |
| CN109786803A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-21 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical appliance |
| CN109802199A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-24 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical reaction implementation method |
| CN109802200A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-24 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical reaction implementation method |
| CN109802202A (en) * | 2018-08-26 | 2019-05-24 | 熵零技术逻辑工程院集团股份有限公司 | A kind of electrochemical appliance |
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