Flowing electrochemical cells
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsAndrew Clarke, Adam Colbourne
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Abstract
An electrochemical cell wherein electrolyte flows through the cell, as in a redox flow battery or a fuel cell, uses electrolyte(s) which are in a state of elastic turbulence in contact with the electrode(s). The elastic turbulence enhances transport of electrochemically reactive species to the surfaces of the electrode(s) and the transport of reaction products away from those surfaces.
Claims20
A system comprising an electrochemical half-cell which comprises:
- an electrode;
- a fluid containing a constituent able to undergo electrochemical reaction at the electrode;
- structure defining a fluid flow path carrying flow of the fluid into contact with the electrode, and at least one pump for propelling the fluid along the flow path, wherein the fluid contains a solute enabling the fluid to display elastic turbulence, and the flow path in contact with the electrode is configured to compel changes in the direction of fluid flow, to cause elastic turbulence within flow of the fluid in contact with the electrode.
A method of operating a flowing electrochemical half-cell with an electrode in contact with a flow path for a fluid containing a constituent able to undergo electrochemical reaction at the electrode, wherein:
- the fluid contains a solute enabling the fluid to display elastic turbulence,
- the flow path in contact with the electrode causes changes in the direction of flow, and
- the method comprises pumping the fluid along the flow path with the fluid in a condition of elastic turbulence while it is in contact with the electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.