Electrolytic conversion of waste water to potable water
OwnerJohn M. Lambieinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for converting waste water into potable water using power from an electrical grid. The method comprises flowing the waste water through an electrolysis cell coupled to the grid, and, when power availability on the grid is above an upper threshold, biasing the electrolysis cell to form hydrogen. Hydrogen evolved in the electrolysis is then provided as fuel to one or more fuel cells. When the power availability on the grid is below a lower threshold, electric current and potable water are drawn from the one or more fuel cells.
Claims20
A method for converting waste water into potable water using power from an electrical grid, the method comprising:
- flowing the waste water through an electrolysis cell coupled to the electrical grid, the electrical grid configured to receive power from an intermittent power source;
- when a power availability on the grid is above an upper threshold, biasing the electrolysis cell to form hydrogen;
- distributing the hydrogen to one or more fuel cells;
- and
- when the power availability on the grid is below a lower threshold, drawing electric current and potable water from the one or more fuel cells.
The method of claim 14 further comprising pressurizing and readmiting an anode off gas from the electrolysis cell into the portion of the waste water not converted to potable water.
A method for converting waste water into potable water using power from an electrical grid, the method comprising:
- during a first condition, drawing electric current from a first fuel cell arranged upstream of a potable-water reservoir;
- during a second condition, drawing electric current from a second fuel cell arranged to provide heat and electricity at a point of use;
- flowing the waste water through an electrolysis cell coupled to the electrical grid, the electrical grid configured to receive power from an intermittent power source;
- flowing the waste water through an electrolysis cell;
- during a third condition, biasing the electrolysis cell with power from the electrical grid to form hydrogen;
- distributing the hydrogen to the first or second fuel cells.
A water-treatment system comprising:
- an electrolysis cell configured to receive waste water, discharge sanitized water, and evolve hydrogen, the cell biased with power from an electrical grid, the grid configured to receive power from an intermittent power source;
- and
- a fuel cell configured to receive the hydrogen, receive also oxygen, and discharge potable water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.