System dynamics and metrics of an electrochemical refrigerator based on the Brayton cycle

Development of alternative refrigeration technologies that are efficient and have zero global warming potential is a promising pathway to reduce the effect of the rising global cooling demand on climate change. We use lessons from flow batteries and thermally regenerative electrochemical cycles to introduce an electrochemical refrigeration technology based on the Brayton cycle: Brayton electrochemical refrigeration (BECR). Although the proof of concept is demonstrated elsewhere, here we report an analytical framework that elucidates the key parameters involved in BECR and how it may be elevated on the technology readiness scale. We first analyze the ideal BECR cycle to demonstrate the technology’s performance (cooling load and coefficient of performance) in the reversible limit, identify two main practical considerations, and then analyze the non-ideal BECR cycle to simulate realistic performance. Whenever possible, we introduce dimensionless figures of merit to help streamline future concerted research efforts that seek to improve the state of the art.