Using Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) to Revolutionize Refrigeration

摘要

Xergy's invention characterizes a new category of refrigeration, cooling and heat-pump compressor for vapor-compression cycles. This new compressor is based on Proton Exchange (or Polymer Electrolyte) Membranes (PEMs), is termed an Electro-Chemical Compressor (ECC), is essentially a proton-pump, has no moving parts, is more efficient than existing technology and uses green refrigerants. This is a revolutionary and disruptive technology in many markets and industrial sectors. Xergy's ECC invention (project name: Kuel-cell™) is a sealed, continuous cycle, gas compressor only requiring electricity to operate. The continuous cycle presents hydrogen to the anode, followed by lightly compressed hydrogen at the cathode. In so doing, a polar refrigerant can be propelled, as if a mechanical pump, but within the "Solvation-shell" (aka "Solubility-shell") of the protons. ECC's are well established from a technology standpoint and have demonstrated Exergetic efficiencies in excess of 75%. Thus devices and appliances utilizing ECC's are (ⅰ) significantly more efficient than traditional, motor-driven compressors. ECC's can (ⅱ) operate with "green" refrigerants (ie. do not employ ozone depleting refrigerants). Additionally, since there are no motors or moving parts, they are (ⅲ) noiseless and (ⅳ) vibration free, (ⅴ) offer simpler manufacturing and (ⅵ) less maintenance whilst in operation. They are also (ⅶ) modular, due to their motor-less form-factor, and are (viii) scalable. Importantly they also have the (ⅸ) durability and (ⅹ) longevity to perform as well, if not better, than existing technology. There are numerous other second-order benefits depending on the specific applications in which they are employed, for instance silent, low-maintenance, high-efficiency, highly effective, distributed-cooling for buildings is now a possibility. Thus the workhorse of the refrigeration, cooling and heat-pump industry, for over 100 years (the venerable, yet polluting, electro-mechanical compressor, made in the 100's of million each year) is set to be replaced by a modern, clean, green alternative. This paper seeks to explain how ECC's operate and explores several commercial applications such as heat pump and within refrigeration systems.