US Patent 7883802 Systems and methods for electrochemical power generation

Electrochemical power generation systems in which the oxidizable reactant is non-carbon constituents of a fossil fuel are provided. The fossil fuel may be coal, which is contacted with an aqueous electrolyte medium used in the systems. The electrolyte may, in certain aspects, be acid mine drainage. Aspects of the invention include systems and methods for remediation of acid mine drainage, where the systems are configured to raise the pH of acid mine drainage. Aspects of the invention also include regenerating the electrolyte using an external electricity source and recirculating the electrolyte to the system.