Experimental investigation on electrochemical ammonia compressor

Ye Tao, Hoseong Lee, Yunho Hwang, Reinhard Radermacher, Chunsheng Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of vapor compression cycles has become a leading topic among the energy society. Current mechanical compressors have inherent thermodynamic limits, especially in small capacity systems. To overcome these limitations, an electrochemical compressor was suggested, and its performance was investigated in this study. The electrochemical compressor was designed based on the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and utilizes hydrogen as a carrier gas to transfer ammonia across the membrane. In this study, ammonia was selected as the working fluid because of its high latent heat and electrochemical interaction with hydrogen and the proton exchange membrane. Fundamental studies were performed to study the transfer ratio between hydrogen and ammonia, as well as the effects of temperature and relative humidity on flow rates. In addition to the potential efficiency improvement, an electrochemical compressor working with ammonia can be an environmentally friendly option, and could have a much simpler design without using any moving parts or lubrication oil.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Natural Working Fluids Conference, GL 2016
PublisherInternational Institute of Refrigeration
Pages122-129
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9782362150180
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event12th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Natural Working Fluids Conference, GL 2016 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 2016 Aug 212016 Aug 24

Publication series

NameRefrigeration Science and Technology
ISSN (Print)0151-1637

Conference

Conference12th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Natural Working Fluids Conference, GL 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period16/8/2116/8/24

Keywords

  • Ammonia
  • Electrochemical compressor
  • Proton exchange membrane

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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