Energy generation from salinity gradients using asymmetrically porous electrodes
US11742509B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/30
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a system and method for energy generation from salinity gradients using asymmetrically porous electrodes. In certain embodiments, an energy generation system includes at least one pair of asymmetrically porous electrodes positioned within a chamber in selective fluidic communication with a freshwater source (e.g., a river) and a saltwater source (e.g., an ocean). Asymmetry between a first average percent volume per unit pore-width of a first electrode and a second average percent volume per unit pore-width of a second electrode creates differing interfacial potentials between the first electrode and the second electrode when such electrodes are immersed in freshwater and saltwater. By cyclically immersing the electrodes in freshwater and saltwater, energy is harvested from Gibbs free energy from mixing saltwater and freshwater. Such a system does not require a membrane or an external charge source. Methods of generating energy using asymmetrically porous electrodes are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.