12 November 2019

Electrochemical Membrane Technologies for use in Energy Systems

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This article concerns the electrochemical compressor, which is a mass transport device capable of compressing gases via a chemical process, rather than a mechanical process. Solid-state pumping for a variety of working fluids is attainable through electrochemical processes in membranes. Similar principles that work to generate electricity in fuel cells may also have practical applications in heat pumping and air conditioning, as they can be exploited to reliably transfer selected gases from reservoirs of low concentration to those of high concentration. In this article, we present two such technologies: electrochemical ammonia compression and electrochemical dehumidification, as well as some of their potential uses. We present empirical findings, which detail the performance of these technologies as well as strategies to use these technologies most effectively.