Systems and Methods for Magnetic Buoyancy Enhanced Electrolysis and Boiling Systems

Abstract

A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system includes a water pump, an electrolysis cell, a magnetic phase separator, and a plurality of conduits configured to facilitate fluid communication between the water pump, the electrolysis cell, and the magnetic phase separator. The electrolysis cell includes an electrode and one or more magnets that cause gas bubbles to detach from the electrode to create a two-phase flow of water and the gas bubbles. The phase separator includes one or more magnets that collect the gas bubbles from the two-phase flow.

Claims

1. An electrolysis cell comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; an electrode; and one or more magnets configured to passively detach gas bubbles from the electrode.

2. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are disposed: adjacent to or around the fluid outlet and spaced apart from the electrode; or on a first side of the electrode opposite a fluid reservoir in the electrolysis cell.

3. (canceled)

4. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets comprise neodymium magnets.

5. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are configured to cause gas bubbles that form on the electrode to detach from the electrode.

6. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 1, further comprising a fluid reservoir disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

7. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 1, further comprising a barrier disposed over the outlet, the barrier being configured to allow gases to flow therethrough while preventing liquids from passing therethrough, such that the electrolysis cell functions as a phase separator.

8. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system comprising: a water pump; an electrolysis cell; a magnetic phase separator; and a plurality of conduits configured to facilitate fluid communication between the water pump, the electrolysis cell, and the magnetic phase separator.

9. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 8, wherein the electrolysis cell comprises: a fluid reservoir; a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; an electrode at least partially disposed within the fluid reservoir; and one or more magnets configured to passively detach gas bubbles from the electrode.

10. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 9, wherein the one or more magnets are disposed: adjacent to the fluid outlet; around the fluid outlet; on a first side of the electrode and the fluid reservoir is disposed on an opposing side of the electrode.

11. (canceled)

12. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 9, wherein the one or more magnets comprise neodymium magnets.

13. (canceled)

14. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 8, wherein the magnetic phase separator comprises: a fluid reservoir; a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; and one or more magnets.

15. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 14, wherein the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator are disposed inside the fluid reservoir of the magnetic phase separator between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the magnetic phase separator.

16. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 14, wherein the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator are disposed outside the fluid reservoir of the magnetic phase separator.

17. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 14, wherein the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator are configured to attract gas bubbles within a two-phase flow and cause the gas bubbles to collect on or around the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator.

18. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 14, wherein the magnetic phase separator further comprising a gas outlet.

19. A magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system as recited in claim 18, wherein the fluid reservoir has a trough shape, with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet disposed adjacent a vertex thereof, the one or more magnets being disposed opposite to the vertex, and the gas outlet being disposed adjacent to the one or more magnets.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. An electrolysis cell comprising: a fluid reservoir; a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; an electrode disposed at least partially within the fluid reservoir; and one or more magnets disposed adjacent to the electrode, the one or more magnets being configured to attract a liquid in the fluid reservoir towards the electrode, thereby causing gas bubbles on the electrode to become detached from the electrode.

23. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 22, wherein the one or more magnets are disposed on a first side of the electrode opposite the fluid reservoir in the electrolysis cell.

24. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 22, wherein the one or more magnets comprise neodymium magnets.

25. An electrolysis cell as recited in claim 22, further comprising a barrier disposed over the fluid outlet, the barrier being configured to allow gases to flow therethrough while preventing liquids from passing therethrough, such that the electrolysis cell functions as a phase separator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the presently disclosed embodiments, a more particular description thereof will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale. The disclosed embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example magnetic electrolysis cell.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example magnetic electrolysis cell.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example magnetic phase separator.

[0019] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate cross-sectional views of another example of a magnetic phase separator combined with a surface-tension based implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic manipulation of two-phase flows in electrolytic cells and boiling devices. The system makes use of a phenomenon known as magnetic buoyancy, that arises when an inhomogeneous magnetic field is applied on a mixture of substances with different magnetic susceptibilities. The system can be used in low-gravity environments to (i) induce the detachment of products from the electrodes or hot surfaces, (ii) improve the efficiency and productivity of the device, and/or (iii) separate products and reactants. The same benefits may be obtained in terrestrial environments if reactants with high magnetic susceptibility, such as ferrofluids, are employed. Passive, unpowered, lightweight, robust, and reliable electrolytic cells, boiling surfaces, and phase separators may be obtained with the principles disclosed herein.

[0021] Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. No inference should therefore be drawn from the drawings as to the dimensions of any embodiment or element. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed embodiments. It will be obvious, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known aspects of relevant devices and methods have not been described in particular detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presently disclosed embodiments.

[0022] The inherent diamagnetic properties of water and associated electrolytes may be employed to induce the natural detachment of gas bubbles off of an electrode in an electrolysis cell and/or collection of the gas bubbles. As discussed herein, this technology may be used to create passive, lightweight, reliable, and unpowered magnetic phase separators. Further benefits may be obtained by applying a magnetic field on an electrolytic cell to induce a convective flow on the layer of bubbles, enlarging the effective electrode surface, minimizing the ohmic resistance, and reducing the cell voltage.

[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example embodiment of a magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a closed water circuit with a magnetic phase separator 102, a low-power water pump 104, and a magnetic electrolysis cell 106. The magnetic phase separator 102, the low-power water pump 104, and the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 are in fluid communication via conduits 108a, 108b, 108c. In particular, the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 is in fluid communication with the magnetic phase separator 102 via conduit 108a, the magnetic phase separator 102 is in fluid communication with the water pump 104 via conduit 108b, and the water pump 104 is in fluid communication with the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 via conduit 108c. The water pump 104 circulates fluids (water, gases, etc.) within the system 100.

[0024] The magnetic electrolysis cell 106 employs a cathode-feed configuration that produces a small volume of H.sub.2. The H.sub.2 is liberated to the circuit via conduit 108a. In addition to the H.sub.2, water flows through the circuit, including through conduit 108a. The water and H.sub.2 form a two-phase flow. The cathode side of the electrolysis cell 106 is left open, liberating a negligible amount of O.sub.2 to a separate circuit. While the present embodiments are described as cathode-feed configurations that produce H.sub.2, the present disclosure can be applied to anode-feed configurations that produce a mixed water/O.sub.2 flow.

[0025] As will be discussed in further detail below, the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 may include an electrode and one or more magnetics that help detach H.sub.2 bubbles from the electrode. As also discussed below, the H.sub.2 bubbles may be collected within the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 or in a separate phase separator.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnetic electrolysis cell 106. As can be seen, the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 includes an electrode (cathode) 110, an inlet 112 (in fluid communication with conduit 108c from FIGS. 1A and 1B), and an outlet 114 (in fluid communication with conduit 108a from FIGS. 1A and 1B). The electrode 110 may be disposed entirely or at least partially within a fluid reservoir of the magnetic electrolysis cell 106. As also shown in FIG. 2, one or more neodymium magnets 116 are disposed by or around the outlet 114 and/or are spaced apart from the electrode 110. The magnet(s) 116 create a magnetic field within the electrolysis cell 106 that repels the water therein and/or attract the H.sub.2 bubbles that form on the electrode 110, thereby dislodging the H.sub.2 bubbles from the electrode 110.

[0027] As the water pump 104 circulates the water in the system 100, the H.sub.2 bubbles that are dislodged from the electrode 110 can flow with the water that is circulated through the system 100, thereby creating a two-phase flow. In some embodiments, the two-phase flow (e.g., water and H.sub.2 bubbles) flows out of the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 through the outlet 114, through conduit 108a, and into the phase separator 102 (which will be discussed in greater detail below).

[0028] In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the electrolysis cell 106 includes a barrier 118 at the outlet 114. The barrier 118 may allow for the H.sub.2 bubbles to flow out of the magnetic electrolysis cell 106 while preventing water from passing therethrough. The magnetic electrolysis cell 106 may therefore facilitate the detachment of the H.sub.2 bubbles from the electrode 110 and also function or act as a phase separator by collecting the H.sub.2 bubbles and allowing the H.sub.2 bubbles to flow out without water.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetic electrolysis cell 122 that may be used in place of magnetic electrolysis cell 106. Similar to the electrolysis cell 106, the electrolysis cell 122 includes an electrode 124 (that may be disposed entirely or at least partially within a fluid reservoir of the magnetic electrolysis cell 122), an inlet 126 (in fluid communication with conduit 108c of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and an outlet 128 (in fluid communication with conduit 108a of FIGS. 1A and 1B). As also shown in FIG. 3, one or more neodymium magnets 130 are disposed adjacent to the electrode 124 on an opposing side of the electrode opposite to the reservoir in which the para/ferromagnetic liquid is located. The magnet 130 creates a magnetic field within the electrolysis cell 122 that attracts the para/ferromagnetic liquid (such as a water-based ferrofluid) therein and/or repels the H.sub.2 bubbles that form on the electrode 124. As a result, the magnetic field dislodges or causes the H.sub.2 bubbles to become detached from the electrode 124. The H.sub.2 bubbles may exit the electrolysis cell 122 through the outlet 128.

[0030] In the event that an electrolysis cell is used that does not collect the H.sub.2 or otherwise separate the H.sub.2 bubbles from the water, a separate phase separator can be used for such purpose. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnetic phase separator 102 from FIGS. 1A and 1B, which may perform such function. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the magnetic phase separator 102 includes an inlet 132 and an outlet 134. The inlet 132 is in fluid communication with the conduit 108a (from FIGS. 1A and 1B). The two-phase flow generated in the electrolysis cell 106 can enter the phase separator 102 through the inlet 132. The outlet 134 is in fluid communication with the conduit 108b (from FIGS. 1A and 1B).

[0031] One or more magnets 136 may be disposed within the phase separator 102 or adjacent to an outer surface thereof (either inside or outside the phase separator 102). The one or more magnets 136 may create a magnetic field within the phase separator 102 and attract the H.sub.2 bubbles and/or repel the water within the two-phase flow. The H.sub.2 bubbles may accumulate on or around the one or more magnets 136, thereby leaving the water to flow out of the outlet 134 without the H.sub.2 bubbles. The water can then flow through the conduit 108b, the water pump 104, the conduit 108c, and back into the electrolysis cell 106 (via inlet 112) to collect additional H.sub.2 bubbles from the electrode 110.

[0032] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate cross-sectional views of another magnetic phase separator 140 that could be used in the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B in addition to or instead of phase separator 102. As can be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the magnetic phase separator 140 includes a fluid reservoir with an inlet 142, a fluid outlet 144, and a gas outlet 146. The inlet 142 is in fluid communication with the conduit 108a (from FIGS. 1A and 1B). The two-phase flow generated in the electrolysis cell 106 can enter the phase separator 140 through the inlet 142. The fluid outlet 144 is in fluid communication with the conduit 108b (from FIGS. 1A and 1B).

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid reservoir has a trough shape, with the fluid inlet 142 and the fluid outlet 144 disposed adjacent a vertex thereof. One or more magnets 148 may be disposed on or within the top of the phase separator 140 (opposite to the vertex). The gas outlet 146 may be disposed adjacent to the one or more magnets 148.

[0034] The one or more magnets 148 may create a magnetic field within the phase separator 140 and attract the H.sub.2 bubbles and/or repel the water within the two-phase flow. The H.sub.2 bubbles may accumulate on or around the one or more magnets 148 near the top of the phase separator 140, thereby leaving the water to flow out of the fluid outlet 144 without the H.sub.2 bubbles. The water can then flow through the conduit 108b, the water pump 104, the conduit 108c, and back into the electrolysis cell 106 (via inlet 112) to collect additional H.sub.2 bubbles from the electrode 110. The H.sub.2 may exit the phase separator 140 through the gas outlet 146.

[0035] The magnetic phase separator 140 takes the form of a surface-tension/magnetic phase separator. The bubbles in microgravity tend to be spherical. When the bubbles are stretched with the wedge geometry of the fluid reservoir, they tend to displace to the open end by exerting pressure in the walls. The magnets 148 help separate small bubbles which do not touch the walls, and exert an additional force on those that do touch the walls.

[0036] The systems as described herein may provide various functions and benefits over previous electrolysis. For instance, (neodymium) magnets may be used to passively detach gas (e.g., H.sub.2 or O.sub.2) bubbles from an electrode (cathode or anode) of an electrolysis cell (as a function of flow rate). Removing gas bubbles from the electrode may improve the current-voltage cell efficiency curve/thermodynamic efficiency of the magnetic electrolysis cell, particularly in microgravity, without requiring additional systems/components that may increase the complexity of the overall system and introduce other disadvantages. The magnetic electrolytic cells described herein may also reduce the diameter of the bubbles that detach from the electrode. Additionally, (neodymium) magnets may induce liquid/gas phase separation in low-gravity. In some embodiments, the magnets are the same magnets that facilitate passive detachment of the gas from the electrode. In other embodiments, the magnets are part of a separate phase separator.

[0037] In light of the disclosure herein, it will be appreciated that one embodiment of an electrolysis cell may include a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, an electrode, and one or more magnets configured to passively detach gas bubbles from the electrode.

[0038] In some embodiments, the one or more magnets may be disposed adjacent to or around the fluid outlet and spaced apart from the electrode. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets may be disposed on a first side of the electrode opposite a fluid reservoir in the electrolysis cell. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets comprise neodymium magnets. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are configured to cause gas bubbles that form on the electrode to detach from the electrode.

[0039] In some embodiments, the electrolysis cell also includes a fluid reservoir disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0040] In some embodiments, the electrolysis cell also includes a barrier disposed over the outlet. The barrier may be being configured to allow gases to flow therethrough while preventing liquids from passing therethrough, such that the electrolysis cell functions as a phase separator.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a magnetic buoyancy enhanced electrolysis system includes a water pump, an electrolysis cell, a magnetic phase separator, and a plurality of conduits configured to facilitate fluid communication between the water pump, the electrolysis cell, and the magnetic phase separator.

[0042] In some embodiments, the electrolysis cell includes a fluid reservoir, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, an electrode at least partially disposed within the fluid reservoir, and one or more magnets configured to passively detach gas bubbles from the electrode.

[0043] In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are disposed adjacent to the fluid outlet. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are disposed around the fluid outlet. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets comprise neodymium magnets. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are disposed on a first side of the electrode and the fluid reservoir is disposed on an opposing side of the electrode.

[0044] In some embodiments, the magnetic phase separator includes a fluid reservoir, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and one or more magnets. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator are disposed inside the fluid reservoir of the magnetic phase separator between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the magnetic phase separator. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator are disposed outside the fluid reservoir of the magnetic phase separator. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator are configured to attract gas bubbles within a two-phase flow and cause the gas bubbles to collect on or around the one or more magnets of the magnetic phase separator. In some embodiments, the magnetic phase separator further comprises a gas outlet.

[0045] In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir has a trough shape, with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet disposed adjacent a vertex thereof, the one or more magnets being disposed opposite to the vertex, and the gas outlet being disposed adjacent to the one or more magnets.

[0046] In another embodiment, an electrolysis method includes forming gas bubbles on an electrode of an electrolysis cell, detaching the gas bubbles from the electrode using a magnetic field created with one or more magnets associated with the electrolysis cell, creating a two-phase flow with the gas bubbles and water, communicating the two-phase flow to a phase separator, separating the two-phase flow into water and gas bubbles by collecting the gas bubbles on or around one or more magnets associated with the phase separator, and communicating the water back to the electrolysis cell.

[0047] In another embodiment, an electrolysis method includes forming gas bubbles on an electrode of an electrolysis cell, detaching the gas bubbles from the electrode using a magnetic field created with one or more magnets associated with the electrolysis cell, creating a two-phase flow with the gas bubbles and water, and separating the two-phase flow into water and gas bubbles by collecting the gas bubbles on or around one or more magnets associated with the electrolysis cell.

[0048] In still another embodiment, an electrolysis cell includes a fluid reservoir, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, an electrode disposed at least partially within the fluid reservoir, and one or more magnets disposed adjacent to the electrode. The one or more magnets may be configured to attract a liquid in the fluid reservoir towards the electrode, thereby causing gas bubbles on the electrode to become detached from the electrode. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are disposed on a first side of the electrode opposite the fluid reservoir in the electrolysis cell.

[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more magnets comprise neodymium magnets. In some embodiments, the electrolysis cell also includes barrier disposed over the fluid outlet, the barrier being configured to allow gases to flow therethrough while preventing liquids from passing therethrough, such that the electrolysis cell functions as a phase separator.

[0050] Unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, constituents, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are to be understood as optionally being modified by the term “about” or its synonyms. When the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like are used in conjunction with a stated amount, value, or condition, it may be taken to mean an amount, value or condition that deviates by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% of the stated amount, value, or condition.

[0051] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.