Osmosis Process and Device for Carrying Out Such a Process

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a process and device that combines osmosis (including forward osmosis and related methods) with an electrochemical cell, such as an electrolyzer or fuel cell. Water is drawn from a feed solution (e.g., seawater or wastewater) through a semipermeable membrane into a draw solution. The diluted draw solution is then used in an electrochemical cell, where water is extracted (for example, split into hydrogen and oxygen), re-concentrating the draw solution, which is then cycled back to the osmotic cell. The system allows for efficient water purification and supply for electrochemical processes, even in remote or resource-limited locations.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Supplying purified water for hydrogen production via electrolysis in locations with only seawater or wastewater available (e.g., offshore wind farms, desert solar parks, ships).
• Generating drinking water as a byproduct of energy production, particularly in arid regions or on vessels at sea.
• Operating direct methanol or ammonia fuel cells using water drawn from impure sources.
• Concentrating liquid foods, valuable chemicals, or waste streams for industrial processing.
• Treating and reusing wastewater in industrial or municipal settings where water resources are limited.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables production of purified water from challenging sources like seawater or wastewater, reducing dependence on freshwater.
• Improves efficiency and economic viability of water electrolysis and fuel cell systems by directly integrating water purification with energy conversion.
• Reduces membrane fouling compared to reverse osmosis, decreasing maintenance and operational costs.
• Allows efficient operation of electrochemical devices in remote or water-scarce locations, supporting renewable energy infrastructure.
• Offers additional flexibility to concentrate liquids for various industrial processes alongside water purification.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to an osmosis process in which water from a feed solution passes through a semipermeable membrane (7) of at least one osmosis cell (2) into a draw solution, characterized in that, after being diluted in the at least one osmosis cell (2), the draw solution is used for operating at least one electrochemical cell (3), in which water is extracted from the draw solution, and in that the draw solution, concentrated after leaving the electrochemical cell (3), is fed once again to the at least one osmosis cell (2) as a draw solution after leaving the electrochemical cell (3). The invention also relates to a device (1) for carrying out the process.