ELECTROCHEMICAL COMPRESSOR UTILIZING A PREHEATER

摘要

An electrochemical compression system utilizes a preheater to heat an electrochemically active working fluid to a superheated temperature delta prior compression. Heating the electrochemically active working fluid to a superheated temperature ensures there will be no condensation before the fluid reaches the condenser and therefore increases efficiency and effectiveness of the system. A preheater may be configured in a chamber upstream of the electrochemical compressor and one or more valves may control the delivery of the superheated fluid to the compressor. A preheater may be configured in an enclosure, having a valve at the inlet and outlet and retain the electrochemically active fluid at a superheated temperature. A preheater may be configured within or attached to a gas diffusion media, flow-filed or current collector and may be in direct communication with the fluid.

主权项

1. An electrochemical compressor system through which an electrochemically active working fluid flows, the electrochemical compressor system comprising:
a. an electrical power supply; b. one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through the power supply, each electrochemical cell comprising:
i. a gas pervious anode,ii. a gas pervious cathode,iii. an electrolyte disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode; c. an electrochemical compressor input; d. an electrochemical compressor output; e. a conduit configured in a closed loop to transfer a working fluid from the electrochemical compressor output to the electrochemical input;
wherein the working fluid comprises a condensable refrigerant;wherein the working fluid comprises an electrochemically active fluid that participates in the electrochemical process within the electrochemical compressors; f. a preheater configured proximal to the electrochemical compressor input and configured to heat the working fluid to a superheated temperature delta of at least 5° C.;
wherein an output pressure on the electrochemical compressor output is greater than an input pressure on the electrochemical compressor input.