METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM A FUEL AND AN OXIDANT USING A CAPACITOR

摘要

Devices and methods are provided for generating electrical power using a capacitor. The capacitor has a catalytic working electrode, a dielectric, and a counter electrode. Power is generated by flowing a fuel (e.g., hydrogen gas) over the working electrode, charging the capacitor (e.g. by applying a voltage), flowing an oxidant (e.g., oxygen gas) over the working electrode, and connecting the electrodes to a resistive load, which allows current to flow through the load, between the electrodes. The inverse device (i.e., oxidant first, then fuel) functions similarly.

主权项

1. A system configured to generate electricity from a fuel and an oxidant, the system comprising:
a first capacitor, comprising:
a first working electrode, wherein the first working electrode comprises a catalyst for the electrochemical reaction between the fuel and the oxidant and wherein the first working electrode is configured to adsorb the fuel or the oxidant;a first counter electrode; anda first dielectric configured to physically and electrically separate the first working electrode and the first counter electrode; wherein the system is configured to provide a first switchable electrical connection to the first working electrode and the first counter electrode, the first switchable electrical connection being configured to switch between a first electrical load circuit, a first polarization circuit, and no electrical connection.