TWI695534B - Portable water-activated power generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable water-activated power generating device, comprising a first supporting structure, a second supporting structure, a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a water-absorbent sheet, and a soft container. The second electrode plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the water-absorbent sheet surrounds the second electrode plate and is in contact with the first surface and the second surface. The soft container is used for accommodating the second electrode plate and the water-absorbent sheet. The first electrode plate and the soft container are disposed between the first supporting structure and the second supporting structure.

Description

Portable water-actuated power generation device

The invention relates to a power generation device. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable water-actuated power generation device.

Consumer-available batteries on the market (such as button batteries and carbon-zinc batteries) are often referred to as disposable batteries. These batteries are designed to be discarded after a single use. However, the heavy metals and organic solvents contained in the disposable batteries are harmful to the environment, and will pollute the environment when discarded. For example, if the organic solvent contained in the disposable battery leaks, it will chemically react with water to produce toxic substances.

In recent years, there has been substantial progress in the research of alternatives to traditional primary batteries. A water-actuated power generation device (generally called a water battery) is an example of a traditional primary battery alternative. Unlike traditional disposable batteries, water batteries are made of environmentally friendly materials, which means that when water batteries are discarded, the materials contained in the water batteries can be simply recycled without generating toxic substances.

However, the conventional water battery has disadvantages. A conventional water battery usually has a container for containing water, and the container needs to be carefully sealed to prevent water from leaking out. The water in the container reduces the portability of the conventional water battery, because users need to pay more attention to avoid water leakage when carrying precious items and containers filled with water.

Another disadvantage of the conventional water battery is that the waste generated during the chemical reaction is usually deposited in the container of the water battery, and the waste will further affect the efficiency of the chemical reaction, thereby reducing the overall life of the water battery. Furthermore, these wastes are often difficult to clean up. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a water-actuated power generation device that can overcome the above problems.

Each device of the present invention has several aspects, none of which is solely responsible for the attributes desired by the present invention. Before limiting the scope of the present invention, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, especially after reading the section titled [Embodiment], a person of ordinary knowledge will understand why the features of the present invention are superior to other water batteries.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable water-actuated power generation device. The portable water-actuated power generation device includes a first support structure, a second support structure, a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a water-absorbing sheet and a soft container. The second electrode plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The water-absorbing sheet surrounds the second electrode plate and contacts the first surface and the second surface. The soft container is used to accommodate the second electrode plate and the water-absorbing sheet. The first electrode plate and the soft container are disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure.

In some embodiments, the first support structure includes a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the second support structure includes a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the portable water-actuated power generation device further includes a first holding element and a second holding element for holding the first support structure and the second support structure.

The following detailed description is directed to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the invention can be implemented in many different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, in which corresponding parts are assigned numbers.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode module of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the elements shown in Figure 1 are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode module 100 includes an electrode plate 102, a connection end 104 and a wire 110. The electrode plate 102 is substantially a rectangular shape, and it is conceivable that the electrode plate 102 may include shapes other than the above shapes. The connection end 104 is made of conductive material and fixed on the electrode plate 102. The connection end 104 and the wire 110 can conduct current to an external electronic device when a chemical reaction occurs within the portable water-actuated power generation device.

The electrode plate 102 may be, but is not limited to, a carbon (C) electrode plate 102. In one embodiment, the electrode plate 102 includes carbon (C), nickel (Ni), and a conductive grid (not shown in the figure). In some embodiments, the electrode plate 102 may include at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), superconductive carbon black, and graphite. The above-mentioned materials can cause the electrode plate 102 to produce a more complete chemical reaction and prolong the life of the portable water-actuated power generation device. In some embodiments, the electrode plate 102 has flexibility. In some embodiments, the connecting end 104 is made of a metal material, and it is treated to be acid and alkali resistant. In some embodiments, the connection end 104 is treated to resist rust. In some embodiments, the connection end 104 is made of stainless steel material.

2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a fuel module of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the components shown in Figures 2A and 2B are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Referring to FIG. 2A, the fuel module 200 includes an electrode plate 202 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2, a water absorbing sheet 204, a soft container 206, a connecting end 208, and a wire 210.

In some embodiments, the electrode plate 202 is a magnesium (Mg) electrode plate 202. In some embodiments, the electrode plate 202 is made of magnesium aluminum alloy, which includes aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg). In some embodiments, the composition percentage of aluminum (Al) in the electrode plate 202 is about 2% to 3%. In some embodiments, the composition percentage of aluminum (Al) in the electrode plate 202 is about 3% to 4%. In some embodiments, the percentage of aluminum (Al) in the electrode plate 202 is less than 5%.

2A, the connection end 208 is fixed on the electrode plate 202. In some embodiments, the connecting end 208 is made of a metal material, and it is treated to resist acid and alkali. In some embodiments, the connection end 208 is treated to resist rust. In some embodiments, the connection end 208 is made of stainless steel material. The connection end 208 and the wire 210 can conduct current to an external electronic device when a chemical reaction occurs inside the portable water-actuated power generation device.

2A and 2B, the water-absorbing sheet 204 surrounds the electrode plate 202 and contacts the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. In some embodiments, at least one layer of water-absorbing sheet 204 is disposed on the first surface S1. In some embodiments, at least one layer of water-absorbing sheet 204 is disposed on the second surface S2. In some embodiments, the three-layer absorbent sheet 204 is disposed on the first surface S1. In some embodiments, the three-layer absorbent sheet 204 is disposed on the second surface S2.

In some embodiments, the absorbent sheet 204 is made of absorbent paper. The amount of water absorbed by absorbent paper is 2.5 times that of ordinary paper. Because the absorbent paper is extremely thin and has a high degree of water absorption, the portable water-actuated power generation device can have a smaller volume compared to the conventional water battery. In one embodiment, the water-absorbing sheet 204 is processed to contain sodium (Na) ions. The sodium ions in the water-absorbing sheet 204 can promote the chemical reaction in the portable water-actuated power generation device. Further, the user only needs to add a small amount of water to the portable water-actuated power generation device to generate electricity without additional electrolyte.

2A and 2B, the soft container 206 accommodates the electrode plate 202 and the water-absorbing sheet 204. In some embodiments, the waste generated by the electrode plate 202 is deposited in the soft container 206 during the chemical reaction. Therefore, when a user finds that the power generation of the portable water-actuated power generation device decreases, the user can easily replace the used fuel module 200 with a new one. The soft container 206 can prevent waste generated during the chemical reaction of the electrode plate 202 from contaminating other elements in the portable water-actuated power generation device. In some embodiments, the flexible container 206 is a bag made of paper.

3A is a schematic diagram of a supporting structure of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the elements shown in FIG. 3A are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Referring to FIG. 3A, the supporting structure 300 is substantially a rectangular shape and includes two grooves 302 and a plurality of holes 304. It is conceivable that the support structure 300 may have a shape other than substantially rectangular. The plurality of holes 304 are substantially circular. It is conceivable that the plurality of holes 304 may have a shape other than substantially circular.

In some embodiments, the support structure 300 is made of electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the support structure 300 is made of waterproof material. In some embodiments, the support structure 300 is made of acrylic material or plastic material. Air or gas can pass through the plurality of holes 304 when the portable water-actuated power generation device performs a chemical reaction. In some embodiments, two adjacent holes of the plurality of holes 304 are arranged at an equal distance in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.

3B is a schematic diagram of a holding element of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the elements shown in FIG. 3B are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Referring to FIG. 3B, the holding element 320 includes a main body portion 322, a first end 324 and a second end 326. In some embodiments, the body portion 322 is flexible and stretchable. In some embodiments, the first end 324 is detachably buckled in the groove 302 of one support structure 300, and the second end 326 is detachably buckled in the groove 302 of another support structure 300'. In some embodiments, the first end 324 is fixed to the groove 302 of one support structure 300, and the second end 326 is detachably snapped into the groove 302 of another support structure 300'.

4 is an exploded schematic view of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the elements shown in Figure 4 are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Referring to FIG. 4, the portable water-actuated power generation device 400 includes two support structures 300 and 300 ′, an electrode module 100, a fuel module 200 and two holding elements 320 and 320 ′. The electrode module 100 and the fuel module 200 are disposed between the two support structures 300 and 300'. The two holding elements 320 and 320' are used to hold the two support structures 300 and 300' and the electrode module 100 and the fuel module 200 therebetween.

After a small amount of water is injected into the fuel module 200, the water-absorbing sheet 204 absorbs and stores water therein. The water in the water-absorbing sheet 204 serves as a suitable medium for the electrode plates 102 and 202 to perform chemical reactions. When the surfaces of the electrode plates 102, 202 are exposed to water, the electrode plate 202 releases anions (negatively charged ions) and the electrode plate 102 releases cations (positively charged ions), and the interaction between the anions and cations generates a potential difference. When the portable water-actuated power generation device 400 generates electricity, the electrode plate 102 functions as a cathode and the electrode plate 202 functions as an anode.

Referring to FIG. 4, both ends of the holding elements 320 and 320 ′ are detachably snapped into the grooves 302 of the support structures 300 and 300 ′. Therefore, when a user finds that the power generation power drops, the user can simply disassemble the portable water-actuated power generation device 400 and replace the used fuel module 200 with a new one. The holding element 320 and the supporting structure 300 can prevent the electrode plate 102 from being deformed during the chemical reaction, and can also ensure that the electrode module 100 and the fuel module 200 can maintain good contact during the chemical reaction.

5 is a schematic diagram of a supporting structure and a holding element of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the elements shown in Figure 5 are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the first ends 324 of the two holding elements 320 and 320' are fixed to the top and bottom of the support structure 300', respectively, and the second ends 326 of the two holding elements 320 and 320' are detachable The ground buckles in the groove 302 of the support structure 300.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein, this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments can be modified and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The invention is intended to include all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

100‧‧‧electrode module 102‧‧‧electrode plate 104‧‧‧ first connection end 110‧‧‧lead 200‧‧‧fuel module 202‧‧‧electrode plate 204‧‧‧absorbent sheet 206‧‧‧soft Container 208‧‧‧Second connection end 210‧‧‧Wire 300‧‧‧Support structure 300′‧‧‧Support structure 302‧‧‧Groove 304‧‧‧Hole 320‧‧‧ Holding element 320′‧‧‧‧ Retaining element 322‧‧‧Main part 324‧‧‧First end 326‧‧‧Second end 400‧‧‧‧Portable water-actuated power generation device S1‧‧‧First surface S2‧‧‧Second surface

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode module of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a fuel module of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A is a schematic diagram of a supporting structure of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3B is a schematic diagram of a holding element of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an exploded schematic view of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a schematic diagram of a supporting structure and a holding element of a portable water-actuated power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

100: electrode module

102: electrode plate

104: connector

110: wire

200: Fuel module

210: wire

300: support structure

300': support structure

302: groove

304: Hole

320: holding element

320': holding element

400: Portable water-actuated power generation device

Claims (18)

A portable water-actuated power generation device includes: a first support structure; a second support structure; a first electrode plate; a second electrode plate having a first surface and opposite to the first surface A second surface; a water-absorbing sheet that surrounds the second electrode plate and contacts the first surface and the second surface; and a soft container for accommodating the second electrode plate and the water-absorbing sheet; wherein the The first electrode plate and the soft container are disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure, wherein the second electrode plate is made of magnesium aluminum alloy and the percentage of aluminum in the second electrode plate is less than 5%. The device of claim 1, wherein the first support structure includes a plurality of holes. The device of claim 2, wherein the second support structure includes a plurality of holes. The device of claim 2, wherein two adjacent holes in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction in the plurality of holes in the first support structure are arranged at an equal distance. The device of claim 1, further comprising a structure for holding the first support structure and the second A first holding element and a second holding element of the support structure. The device of claim 5, wherein a first end of the first holding element is fixed on the top of the first support structure, and a first end of the second holding element is fixed on the bottom of the first support structure. The device of claim 5, wherein a first end of the first holding element is detachably buckled in a first groove on the top of the first support structure, and a first end of the second holding element is Removably buckled in a second groove of the bottom of the first support structure. The device of claim 6, wherein a second end of the first holding element is detachably buckled in a first groove on the top of the second support structure, and a second end of the second holding element is A second groove in the bottom of the second support structure is detachably buckled. The device of claim 7, wherein a second end of the first holding element is detachably buckled in a first groove on the top of the second support structure, and a second end of the second holding element is A second groove in the bottom of the second support structure is detachably buckled. The device according to claim 5, wherein a main body portion of the first holding element and the second holding element has flexibility. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first connection terminal provided on the first electrode plate and a second connection terminal provided on the second electrode plate. The device of claim 1, wherein the water-absorbing sheet has three layers on the first surface of the second electrode plate. The device of claim 12, wherein the water-absorbing sheet has three layers on the second surface of the second electrode plate. The device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode plate includes at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), superconducting carbon black, and graphite. The device of claim 1, wherein the water-absorbing sheet is made of water-absorbing paper and contains sodium (Na) ions. The device of claim 1, wherein the flexible container is a bag made of paper. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition percentage of aluminum (Al) in the second electrode plate is about 2% to 3%. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition percentage of aluminum (Al) in the second electrode plate is about 3% to 4%.

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