Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
  • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
  • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J5/00—Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
  • H02J7/02—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
  • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
  • H02M7/02—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal
  • H02M7/04—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
  • H02M7/06—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes without control electrode or semiconductor devices without control electrode
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
  • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
  • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
  • H01M10/44—Methods for charging or discharging
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
  • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
  • H02M7/02—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal
  • H02M7/04—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
  • H02M7/05—Capacitor coupled rectifiers
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
  • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

• the invention relates to a conversion circuit for converting an alternating current into a feed current for an electrochemical process, which conversion circuit is provided with at least one supply terminal for supplying an alternating feed current; a rectifier circuit for rectifying a supplied alternating feed current ; and an output stage for supplying the rectified current to a device in which the electrochemical process is taking place.
• the invention also relates to a system for carrying out an electrochemical process, suitable for placing a device in which an electrochemical process is running and comprising such a conversion circuit .
• the invention also relates to a method of carrying out an electrochemical process using such a conversion circuit .
• Examples of a conversion circuit, system and method as described above are known from GB 2 197 551.
• a battery charger is described. This battery charger may be used for charging miniature batteries.
• the input impedance of the known battery charger is substantially resistive in nature.
• the known battery charger has an input stage having a capacitor connected in series between the rectifier circuit and the power supply terminals. In the known battery charger, the capacitor serves to bring about a voltage drop, in order that the voltage across the terminals of the battery doesn't become too high.
• a disadvantage of the known apparatus is that the performance of the electrochemical process that takes place when charging the battery takes a relatively long time. It is an object of the invention to provide a conversion circuit, system for carrying out an electrochemical process and method of carrying out an electrochemical process that can accelerate that process and show a relatively high level of efficiency.
• the conversion circuit in use, thus has an input impedance of which the reactive component is higher than the resistive component.
• the input stage By using the input stage it is possible to supply more power to the electrochemical process, without the apparent power uptake increasing appreciably.
• a reactive input impedance in combination with power supply from an alternating feed current, a pulsating power is supplied to the electrochemical process, because the electrical and magnetic component of the electromagnetic waves propagating through conductors in the conversion circuit are out of phase.
• the invention is based on the idea that by thus separating the two components, the charge carriers which are involved in the electrochemical process acquire a higher mobility. In this way, the efficiency of the electrochemical process, and thus its speed, increases.
• the input stage comprises at least one capacitor connected in series between the supply terminals and the rectifier circuit, and more particularly, the input stage is comprised of a capacitor bank, which comprises one or more capacitors connected in parallel .
• the supply terminals are suitable for connection of the conversion circuit to the mains network, amongst others. If the conversion circuit is connected directly to the mains network, it is simple to use in many places. Therefore, no separate alternating current power source is needed. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for carrying out an electrochemical process, suitable for placing a device in which an electrochemical process is running and comprising a conversion circuit according to any one of the claims .
• the system is suitable for use of a device in which the electrochemical process is taking place that comprises a container for an electrolyte solution, wherein the system is provided with means for generating pressure waves in the electrolyte solution present in the container of a device placed in the system.
• the pressure waves improve the transport of the charge carriers that are involved in the electrochemical process. Additionally, they ensure a rapid removal of gasses released in the electrochemical process, so that the concentration thereof in the electrolyte solution is lower. This enhances the operation of the conversion circuit according to the invention, so that the electrochemical process executes even faster.
• An additional effect is that any crystallised electrolyte dissolves again more rapidly.
• a regenerative effect is obtained that is particularly advantageous if the electrochemical process is taking place in a relatively cold environment or has previously run in the opposite direction, because crystallisation of the electrolyte occurs most often in those cases.
• the system comprises a fluid bath, in which the container can be placed and is provided with means for generating pressure waves in the fluid bath when filled with fluid.
• the invention provides a method of carrying out an electrochemical process, wherein us is made of a conversion circuit according to the invention. This method has the advantage of being of relatively short duration.
• the method comprises having the electrochemical process take place in a container filled with an electrolyte solution, and generating pressure waves in the electrolyte solution present in the container.
• the pressure waves improve the transport of the charge carriers involved in the electrochemical process. This enhances the operation of the conversion circuit according to the invention, so that the electrochemical process runs even faster.
• the method comprises generating pressure waves having a frequency in the range of 20 kHz and higher.
• FIG. 1A and IB schematic top and side plan views are shown respectively of an example of a system according to the invention
• Fig. 2 a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the conversion circuit according to the invention is shown.
• the system according to the invention comprises a conversion circuit and a vessel 2 filled with water 1 forming a fluid bath.
• an electrolysis device 3 has been placed in the fluid bath.
• the electrolysis device 3 comprises a fluid container 4, with a duality of electrodes 5 therein, which are immersed in an electrolyte solution 6.
• the electrodes 5 are connected to positive and negative poles 7,8 of the electrolysis device 3.
• the invention is generally suitable for any type of electrochemical process.
• the example that is detailed herein concerns electrolysis, for example of a sodium chloride solution to win chlorine.
• a system according to the invention forms part of the drive train of a vehicle.
• This drive train further comprises a power source for driving the vehicle, which power source uses the product of the electrolysis as a source of energy.
• the power source may for instance consist of an internal combustion engine or a Stirling-motor running on hydrogen, but also of a combination of fuel cells and one or more electric motors.
• a generator supplying the alternating supply current to the conversion circuit according to the invention may consist of a dynamo and optionally be used to recoup energy when slowing down the vehicle.
• the system comprised of the generator for generating alternating current, the conversion circuit according to the invention, the electrochemical cell in which an electrochemical process is taking place and a power source using the product of the electrochemical process, provides an especially efficient and rapidly responding system for vehicle propulsion.
• the invention is, however, also suitable for charging batteries and accumulators.
• the invention is even suitable for charging batteries of types that cannot be recharged with conventional charging apparatus, such as carbon batteries.
• the invention is particularly suitable for recharging lead sulphate batteries, such as are used in cars and lorries, for instance. There, the problem occurs that through repeated overcharging and deep discharging (in combination with low temperatures) , sulphate is deposited on the electrode plates, as a result of which the capacity of the accumulator decreases over its lifetime.
• the electrolysis device 3 is placed on a pedestal 9 in the vessel 2 filled with water 1, wherein the fluid level is set such that the poles 7,8 just surface above the water 3.
• the poles 7,8 are connected to leads 10,11, for example by means of alligator clips (not shown) or other suitable connection means.
• the electronics of the conversion circuit according to the invention are accommodated in a housing 12.
• the system according to the invention in this example is comprised of the conversion circuit, the housing 12 with the electronics accommodated therein, and the fluid bath, of which the function will be described in more detail further on.
• the conversion circuit according to the invention is preferably powered from the mains, although another source of alternating current could be used in principle, which in the context of the invention should also be taken to mean sources of polyphase current (three-phase current) , such as a power current network.
• a suitable source is an alternating current generator such as a car dynamo or an emergency backup power generator. It would also be possible to use a source of direct current coupled to a converter for converting the direct current into an alternating current.
• the conversion circuit according to the invention is usable separately from the fluid bath, for example in a vehicle, to charge the accumulator whilst driving.
• the depicted conversion circuit is provided with plugs 13,14, which constitute a supply terminal for supplying the alternating current from the socket.
• the supplied alternating current is first passed through an input stage, which in this example is comprised of a capacitor bank 15.
• the capacitor bank 15 comprises three capacitors 16 connected in parallel .
• the capacity of the capacitor bank 15 as a whole is adjustable by means of switches placed before the capacitors 15.
• the input impedance is always adjusted to the frequency of the power supply.
• the frequency will be much higher, for example around 600 Hz.
• the input impedance of the conversion circuit according to the invention is then again substantially reactive, through an appropriate choice of capacitors 16.
• the input stage is thus always adapted to the properties of the alternating feed current (which should also be taken to mean polyphase current) , such that the input stage confers upon the circuit a substantially reactive input impedance in use .
• the current is only rectified by a bridge circuit 17 connected to the input stage.
• the rectified current is supplied to the electrolysis device 3 through connector clamps 18,19, attached to the positive and negative poles 7,8 of the electrolysis device 3. Because the conversion circuit is essentially comprised of the input stage with an almost purely reactive input impedance and the bridge circuit 17, a pulsating power is supplied to the electrolysis device 3.
• rectifier circuits than the bridge circuit 17 shown in Fig. 2 are possible within the scope of the invention.
• a half-wave rectifier circuit is possible, but it is preferable, with a view to having the electrochemical process run faster and more efficiently, to use a full-wave rectifier circuit.
• the choice of rectifier circuit determines whether and which harmonics of the alternating current frequency are passed. In an electrochemical process, only even harmonics are involved. This is an additional advantageous effect of the circuit according to the invention, as odd harmonics are undesirable.
• the presence of the electrochemical process causes those components, usually responsible amongst others for problems such as overheating, to be eliminated.
• the harmonic components enhance the accelerating effect on the electrochemical process.
• vibrations in the electrolysis device can also be generated by other means, for example by means of a vibratory pad in the pedestal 9, pressure waves are preferably generated in the water 1, by means of an actuator 20 attached to the vessel 2.
• the actuator 20 could be a piezo actuator, but specially adapted loudspeakers driven by means of a magnet and solenoid are equally possible.
• ultrasonic pressure waves are generated, preferably with a frequency of 20 kHz or more. The range above 25 kHz has proved to be particularly advantageous. It has been established experimentally that the effect of the pressure waves is largest between 20 kHz and 50 kHz. When using an electrolyte solution with water as component, the range of 38-46 kHz, and within that range
• the actuator generates a pressure wave with a plane wave front 30 propagating in a direction A towards the fluid container 4.
• the pressure wave impinges perpendicularly on a wall of the fluid container. This wall starts to vibrate and thus transmits the pressure wave to the electrolyte solution 6.
• the electrodes 5 also start to vibrate.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Electrochemistry (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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• 2003
  • 2003-02-26 NL NL1022786A patent/NL1022786C2/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2004
  • 2004-02-25 CN CNA2004800053747A patent/CN1754300A/zh active Pending
  • 2004-02-25 AU AU2004215028A patent/AU2004215028A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-02-25 WO PCT/NL2004/000142 patent/WO2004076723A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2004-02-25 EP EP04714515A patent/EP1597815A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2004-02-25 CA CA002515442A patent/CA2515442A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2005
  • 2005-08-26 US US11/213,123 patent/US20060076240A1/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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