Optimization of Cell Configuration for Maximizing Performance of a Cu/Cu2+ Aqueous Thermogalvanic Cell

Abstract

This paper presents experimental results and analysis of a new high-power Cu/Cu2+ thermogalvanic cell and its comparison with previous results. Past researches were mostly focused on finding the best redox couples and electrode materials [1, 2], however, they generally lacked a comparison of power conversion efficiency (η) dependence on cell geometry. This inspired our interest in exploring the relation of η, internal resistance, maximum power, and cell geometry. Based on previous results [3], a low internal resistance, variable orientation thermogalvanic cell was designed to achieve the highest power output. Experimental results of the Seebeck coefficient (α = ∂E/∂T), power density, and η of Cu/Cu2+ electrolytes in various molar concentrations showed that 0.7M CuSO4 electrolyte has maximum α and power output of 0.7196 mV/°C and 3.17 μW/cm2, respectively. Power output of the new cell has significant improvement which is 219 times greater than previous research. This paper also presents economical aspects of Cu/Cu2+ thermogalvanic cells relative to ferri/ferrocyanide cells.

Thermoelectrochemistry using conventional and novel gelled electrolytes in heat-to-current thermocells

“…[14] However, they can also leak and suffer from parasitic heat transport, frustrating the formation of sharp and stable temperature gradients. [20][21][22] Gelled electrolytes represent an attractive and tuneable middle ground, retaining flexibility and potentially high ionic conductivity while frustrating bulk heat conduction and preventing leakage issues.…”

Flexible thermo-electrochemical cells using Iodolyte HI-30 for conversion of low-grade heat to electrical energy

“…Overall, the proposed thermo-electric cell generates an output electrical power in the range between 25 mW m À2 to 300 mW m À2 in the temperature difference range 5 to 50 C. The power conversion efficiency of thermo-electric cells depends not only on the Seebeck coefficient (a) but also on the electrical/ionic and thermal conductivities of the cell. 17 Although solution-based thermo-electric cells have shown very promising values of a, the electrical conductivity of the cell hinders the maximum power output of such cells. The electrical conductivity of the iodide/tri-iodide (redox concentration 30 mM in acetonitrile) as a function of temperature is shown in Fig.…”