Joule-Thomson refrigeration cycle employing a reversible drive electrochemical compressor.

摘要

A Joule-Thomson refrigeration cycle (10) is disclosed having an electrochemical compressor (12) with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (38). The cycle (10) includes a reversible drive power source (14) for pumping working fluid in opposite directions through the compressor (12), thereby insuring that the membrane (38) is continuously hydrated. <IMAGE>