Thermodynamic analysis of an electrochemical refrigeration cycle

The coupling of a water-based electrochemical cell and fuel cell are discussed as a means to form a refrigeration cycle. In the proposed configuration, the process fluids can be passively driven through the flow circuits. The cycle requires low direct current voltages for driving the cycle. Current densities must be maintained sufficiently low in the electrochemical cell in order to operate below neutral voltage levels. Overall, the cycle's operational limit for the configuration described is close to Carnot efficiency.