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Enhancing the mass transfer performance of the CuHCF/Cu based thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle cell through structural optimization

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  • He, Dongliang
  • Tang, Xin
  • Li, Guiqiang

Abstract

The zero-carbonization of buildings represents a significant trend in contemporary development. The availability of low-grade heat is substantial and presents considerable potential when effectively integrated into building systems. Recent advancements in electrochemical technologies, particularly the thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC), have demonstrated significant promise in this regard. The material system of CuHCF/Cu is a typical TREC cell, and the structural configuration of the channels plays a critical role in facilitating ion diffusion. This study provides guidance on the structural design of the reaction channel through experimental methodologies and simulations. Under the temperature differences of 303.15–333.15 K, it has been established that channels characterized by reduced distance and increased diameter are more conducive to ion diffusion and electrochemical reaction. Notably, when the inter-electrode distance is maintained at 10 mm and the channel diameter is also 10 mm, the TREC cell can produce a net work output of 0.243 mJ per cycle. The efficiency of the heat-to-electricity conversion is calculated to be 0.73 %, corresponding to a relative Carnot efficiency of 8.07 %. This paper aims to provide insights into the channel design of CuHCF/Cu based TREC cells and elucidates the mass transfer processes within the TREC cell. Moreover, the methodologies and research concepts presented herein may be applicable to other TREC cell configurations exhibiting similar structural characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Dongliang & Tang, Xin & Li, Guiqiang, 2025. "Enhancing the mass transfer performance of the CuHCF/Cu based thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle cell through structural optimization," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:253:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125012790
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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