Device and method for producing electrical energy that uses solutions with different ionic concentration

A method for generating electrical energy with a device comprising:

• a cell configured to contain a liquid comprising one or more of a solution having a higher ionic concentration and a solution having a lower ionic concentration, the cell comprising at least two electrodes made of a conductive material with a gap between the electrodes, wherein during use the electrodes are at least partially immersed in said liquid;
• at least one pump configured to alternately fill the gap between the electrodes with the solution having a higher ionic concentration and the solution having a lower ionic concentration or vice versa, wherein the ionic concentration of said liquid in which said electrodes are immersed is modified in succeeding phases, by substituting or mixing said liquid with said solutions;
• and
• a switch configured to switch between at least a charge phase in which said electrodes are electrically charged, and at least a discharge phase in which said electrodes are electrically discharged completely or partially,
• wherein the device is configured to produce a net increase in electric energy,
• wherein the method comprises successively contacting said electrodes with the solution having a higher ionic concentration and the solution having a lower ionic concentration, and said contacting comprises:
• opening the switch and filling the cell with the solution having a higher ionic concentration;
• closing the switch such that current flows through the electrodes, powering a load;
• opening the switch and filling the cell with the solution having a lower ionic concentration;
• and
• closing the switch such that current flows through the electrodes, powering the load.