Refuelable electrochemical power source capable of maintaining in constantly full and method of using same

Abstract

A refuelable electrochemical power source includes one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes. The one or more cells include a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanic device adjacent or within the flow path capable of filling the electroactive zone or maintaining the electroactive zone in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition. A method for filling or maintaining one or more cells of a refuelable electrochemical power source at a constantly full condition includes providing the above-described apparatus and constantly, periodically, or intermittently circulating particulate material and fluid through the flow path in the one or more cells, past the fluid mechanic device, so that the electroactive zone of the one or more electrochemical cells is maintained in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition.

Description

field of invention [0001] The present invention relates generally to a refuelable electrochemical power source, and more particularly to a refuelable electrochemical power source capable of being maintained in a substantially charged or most electrically active state. Background technique [0002] One of the more promising alternatives to existing conventional power sources is the metal / air fuel cell. Because these batteries are economical, environmentally safe and completely renewable, they have great potential. Metal / air fuel cells can be used in both stationary and mobile applications, and are particularly suitable for use in all types of electric vehicles. [0003] Metal / air fuel cells and batteries produce electricity by electrochemically combining metal with oxygen from the air. Metals that can be used include zinc, iron, lithium and aluminum. Oxidizing agents other than air, such as pure oxygen, bromine or hydrogen peroxide, may also be used. Zinc / air fuel cells a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These problems are: 1) there is a large electrolytic bypass current flowing between the cells via the feed tube when refueling, and 2) the charging process requires a careful balance of flow rate and zinc volume ratio in order to avoid channel blockage. While maximizing the zinc transfer rate, 3) relatively long charging times (10 to 20 minutes for typical applications) are required even with the best zinc transfer rate, 4) the hopper volume within the battery unit cannot be used to generate The active volume of electricity, 5) the need to measure the level of zinc in each hopper to obtain a fully reliable measurement of remaining fuel, and 6) the difficulty of adequately performing a mechanical seal between the feed tube and the cell wall to prevent refilling Dendrite growth between processes

[0014] Another disadvantage of this conventional method is that the fuel to be consumed is stored within the fuel cell, i.e. in a hopper

Images