Patent ID: 8795525

Claim:
A method of operating an electrochemical generator, comprising the steps of: providing a separation unit configured for separating a dilute salt solution using at least one of electrical energy or thermal energy; providing a membrane module in fluid communication with the separation unit; introducing the dilute salt solution to the separation unit; introducing at least one of electrical energy or thermal energy to the separation unit to separate the dilute salt solution into a dilute working fluid and a concentrated draw solution; directing the dilute working fluid to a first storage tank; directing the concentrated draw solution to a second storage tank; maintaining the first and second storage tanks in fluidic isolation; providing means for interconnecting the membrane module and the first and second storage tanks, wherein the means for interconnecting comprises a controller and a valve; in response to a power demand signal, interconnecting the first and second storage tanks with the membrane module, pressurizing a first side of the membrane module, wherein the first side of the membrane module receives the concentrated draw solution from the second storage tank, and fluxing at least a portion of the dilute working fluid across the membrane to produce a pressurized dilute draw solution; directing the pressurized dilute draw solution to a pressure exchanger; pressurizing a separate working fluid with the pressure exchanger; and directing the pressurized separate working fluid to a turbine to generate electrical power.