A Metal-Air battery with electrolyte level control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal-air battery, and more specifically, the metal-air battery generates by-products in proportion to power generation and operating time. By controlling the liquid electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer to control the power generation amount according to the load of the metal-air battery, the electrode reaction area according to the load can be efficiently controlled, thereby minimizing the loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products. In particular, by utilizing a plurality of pre-set performance curve standards based on the measured voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack section, the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer is lowered or raised when the current density in the metal-air battery stack section is higher or lower than a specific standard value. This allows for efficient control of the electrode reaction area according to the load, thereby minimizing the loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products. Furthermore, by positioning the inlet and outlet for circulating the electrolyte in the metal-air battery stack section at the bottom of the stack section, and arranging the electrolyte tank section so that it is positioned below the metal-air battery stack section or such that the top of the electrolyte tank section is not positioned above the bottom of the inlet of the metal-air battery stack section, the system configuration and piping are simplified, and the collection and discharge of by-products are facilitated. This relates to a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal-air battery, and more specifically, the metal-air battery generates by-products in proportion to power generation and operating time. By controlling the liquid electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer to control the power generation amount according to the load of the metal-air battery, the electrode reaction area according to the load can be efficiently controlled, thereby minimizing the loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products. In particular, by utilizing a plurality of pre-set performance curve standards based on the measured voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack section, the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer is lowered or raised when the current density in the metal-air battery stack section is higher or lower than a specific standard value. This allows for efficient control of the electrode reaction area according to the load, thereby minimizing the loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products. Furthermore, by positioning the inlet and outlet for circulating the electrolyte in the metal-air battery stack section at the bottom of the stack section, and arranging the electrolyte tank section so that it is positioned below the metal-air battery stack section or such that the top of the electrolyte tank section is not positioned above the bottom of the inlet of the metal-air battery stack section, the system configuration and piping are simplified, and the collection and discharge of by-products are facilitated. This relates to a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level. Background Technology

[0002] In general, metal-air batteries are batteries that use metal as the negative electrode active material and air as the positive electrode active material, possessing a very high electrical potential. Furthermore, unlike other hydrogen fuel cells, they do not use precious metal catalysts and utilize inexpensive electrolytes as the medium; therefore, they are known as a clean energy source that is cost-effective to manufacture, environmentally friendly, and does not generate harmful gases.

[0003] Since the performance of metal-air batteries is significantly influenced by the energy density of the air anode and the reaction characteristics between the metal cathode and the electrolyte, metal materials that consider the correlation between the metal type and the electrolyte are used. It has been reported that aluminum exhibits the best output characteristics in sodium hydroxide-based electrolytes, magnesium exhibits the best output characteristics in sodium chloride electrolytes, and zinc exhibits the best output characteristics in potassium hydroxide electrolytes. Furthermore, because they generate almost no harmful substances and are chemically stable, they are evaluated as very safe batteries for use. In particular, aluminum-air, magnesium-air, and zinc-air fuel cells have high energy densities, enabling the manufacture of high-capacity batteries. Additionally, the reactants—aluminum, magnesium, and zinc—and the electrolyte solutions—sodium hydroxide, brine, and potassium hydroxide—are inexpensive and environmentally friendly, making them suitable for use as high-capacity batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

[0004] These metal-air batteries are characterized by the generation of byproducts in proportion to power generation and operating time. As these generated byproducts circulate and aggregate, they adhere to the metal cathode and air anode, causing problems such as reduced output, shortened lifespan, and damage to the air anode.

[0005] The problem caused by the generation of these byproducts is exacerbated, particularly because the electrolyte is always in contact with the entire surface of both electrodes, causing the generated byproducts to affect the entire electrode surface.

[0006] <Patent Literature>

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2025-0103033 (Published July 7, 2025) "Stacked Metal-Air Battery Cell and Metal-Air Battery Electrolyte Circulation System"

[0008] In the case of the prior art disclosed in the above <Patent Document>, a system for circulating the electrolyte is presented to solve the problem of the liquid electrolyte being heated due to the generation of solid by-products, causing steam to leak along with hydrogen and the electrolyte to become cloudy; however, this is related only to simple electrolyte circulation (flow) and is unrelated to controlling the liquid level of the electrolyte within the battery. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems,

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level, which minimizes the loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load through a method of controlling the liquid electrolyte level of the electrolyte layer to control the amount of power generated according to the load of the metal-air battery, thereby minimizing by-products in proportion to the power generation and operating time of the metal-air battery.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level, which simplifies the system configuration and piping while facilitating the collection and discharge of byproducts, by positioning an inlet and an outlet for circulating the electrolyte in the metal-air battery stack at the lower side of the stack, and positioning the electrolyte tank so that it is positioned below the metal-air battery stack or such that the uppermost part of the electrolyte tank is not positioned above the lowermost part of the inlet of the metal-air battery stack.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level, which minimizes metal material loss and byproduct generation by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load amount through controlling the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer by lowering or raising it when the current density in the metal-air battery stack is higher or lower than a specific reference value, using a plurality of preset performance curve standards based on a measured voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack. means of solving the problem

[0013] The present invention is implemented by an embodiment having the following configuration to achieve the aforementioned objective.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level according to the present invention comprises: a metal-air battery stack portion comprising a negative electrode layer composed of metal, a positive electrode layer into which air is introduced and reacts, and an electrolyte layer filled with a liquid electrolyte located between the negative electrode layer and the positive electrode layer; an electrolyte tank portion that receives the electrolyte and supplies the electrolyte to the electrolyte layer of the metal-air battery stack portion; and a control portion that transmits and receives information to and from the battery stack portion and the electrolyte tank portion, and controls the electrolyte tank portion to adjust the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer according to the load of the metal-air battery based on a voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack portion.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the metal-air battery stack portion of the present invention comprises an inlet into which an electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte tank portion flows, and a first discharge portion and a second discharge portion for discharging the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte layer to the electrolyte tank portion, wherein the first discharge portion and the inlet portion are positioned on the lower side of the metal-air battery stack portion and the second discharge portion is positioned on the upper side of the metal-air battery stack portion, wherein the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first discharge portion has a cross-sectional area that is 10 to 30 percent smaller than the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet portion, and the sum of the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first discharge portion and the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the second discharge portion is equal to the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet portion.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte tank portion is positioned below the metal-air battery stack portion or such that the uppermost part of the electrolyte tank portion is not positioned above the lowermost part of the inlet of the metal-air battery stack portion, and the volume of the electrolyte tank portion is formed within the combined range of 1.5 to 2 times the volume of the electrolyte layer and 3 to 4 times the volume of the negative electrode layer.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit of the present invention comprises a state measurement module that measures and provides a voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack, and a level control module that controls to lower the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer when the current density in the metal-air battery stack is higher than a first reference value and controls to raise the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer when the current density is lower than a second reference value, using a plurality of preset performance curve standards based on information provided by the state measurement module.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the performance curve standard in the present invention includes a performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, a performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and a performance curve standard according to electrode condition, and each performance curve standard includes a performance curve standard representing a current density value according to each voltage for three or more types of conditions.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first reference value in the present invention is set as the maximum value among current density values ​​corresponding to the maximum voltage of 0.9V of the performance curve standard selected according to the current state of the metal-air battery stack in each of the three or more state-specific performance curve standards included in the performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, the performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and the performance curve standard according to electrode state, and the second reference value is set as the minimum value among current density values ​​corresponding to the minimum voltage of 0.45V of the performance curve standard selected according to the current state of the metal-air battery stack in each of the three or more state-specific performance curve standards included in the performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, the performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and the performance curve standard according to electrode state.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid level control module in the present invention comprises: a performance curve standard selection module that selects an optimal performance curve standard based on the electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode condition of the metal-air battery stack portion based on information provided by the state measurement module; a state monitoring module that monitors the voltage and current density values ​​of the metal-air battery stack portion connected to a load and operating while the electrolyte tank portion is in operation; a first control module that controls the electrolyte tank portion to lower the electrolyte liquid level in the electrolyte layer when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack portion is higher than the first standard value based on information from the performance curve standard selection module and the state monitoring module; and a second control module that controls the electrolyte tank portion to raise the electrolyte liquid level in the electrolyte layer when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack portion is lower than the second standard value based on information from the performance curve standard selection module and the state monitoring module. Effects of the invention

[0021] The present invention can achieve the following effects through the combination and usage relationship of the embodiments described above and the configuration described below.

[0022] The present invention has the effect of minimizing loss of metal materials and minimizing the generation of by-products by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load amount through a method of controlling the liquid electrolyte level of the electrolyte layer to control the amount of power generated according to the load of the metal-air battery, which generates by-products in proportion to the power generation and operating time of the metal-air battery.

[0023] The present invention has the effect of simplifying the system configuration and piping while facilitating the collection and discharge of by-products by positioning an inlet and an outlet for circulating an electrolyte in the metal-air battery stack at the lower side of the stack, and arranging the electrolyte tank so that it is positioned below the metal-air battery stack or so that the uppermost part of the electrolyte tank is not positioned above the lowermost part of the inlet of the metal-air battery stack.

[0024] The present invention has the effect of minimizing the loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load amount through controlling the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer by lowering or raising it when the current density in the metal-air battery stack is higher or lower than a specific reference value, using a plurality of preset performance curve standards based on the measured voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] FIG. 1 is a reference drawing illustrating an embodiment of a metal-air battery stack structure. FIG. 2 is a reference drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inlet / outlet structure in a metal-air battery stack. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a metal-air battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of a metal-air battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a detailed configuration diagram of the control unit Figure 6 is a reference diagram illustrating an example of a performance curve standard. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] Preferred embodiments of a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical components in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals wherever possible. Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms in this specification have the same general meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and in the event of a conflict with the meaning of a term used in this specification, the definition used in this specification shall prevail. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part," "...module," etc., described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 and the like, a metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a metal-air battery stack (10) comprising a negative electrode layer (110) composed of metal, a positive electrode layer (120) into which air is introduced and reacts, and an electrolyte layer (130) filled with a liquid electrolyte located between the negative electrode layer (110) and the positive electrode layer (120); an electrolyte tank (30) that receives the electrolyte and supplies the electrolyte to the electrolyte layer (130) of the metal-air battery stack (10); and a control unit (50) that transmits and receives information to and from the air-air battery stack (10) and the electrolyte tank (30), and controls the electrolyte tank (30) to control the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) according to the load of the metal-air battery based on the voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack (10). As previously explained, metal-air batteries are batteries that use metal as the negative electrode active material and air as the positive electrode active material, possessing a very high electrical potential. Furthermore, unlike other hydrogen fuel cells, they do not use precious metal catalysts and utilize inexpensive electrolytes as the medium, making them low-cost to manufacture and environmentally clean, and capable of serving as a clean energy source that does not generate harmful gases. However, metal-air batteries generate byproducts in proportion to their power generation and operating time. These byproducts circulate and aggregate, adhering to the metal negative electrode and air positive electrode, which causes problems such as reduced output, shortened lifespan, and damage to the air positive electrode. The impact of these byproducts is particularly amplified because the electrolyte is always in contact with the entire surface of both electrodes, causing the generated byproducts to affect the entire electrode surface.Accordingly, the main feature of the present invention is that it enables the minimization of metal material loss and byproduct generation by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load through a method of controlling the liquid electrolyte level of the electrolyte layer to control the power generation amount according to the load of a metal-air battery. Below, the detailed configuration and functions for this purpose will be described in detail.

[0029] The above metal-air battery stack section (10) is a metal-air battery configuration in which a plurality of modularized metal-air batteries are combined (bonded) to form a stack, and includes a negative electrode layer (110) composed of metal that forms the main component of the metal-air battery, a positive electrode layer (120) into which air is introduced and reacts, and an electrolyte layer (130) filled with a liquid electrolyte located between the negative electrode layer (110) and the positive electrode layer (120).

[0030] The above-mentioned negative electrode layer (110) is composed of a metal that loses electrons and undergoes an oxidation reaction as it becomes ionized. Metals such as zinc, aluminum, and lithium are used as the metals forming the negative electrode layer (110). Since a stable metal is used instead of a chemical oxidizer inside the battery, it is characterized by not having to worry about explosions or fires compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

[0031] The anode layer (120) is configured such that oxygen in the air moves to the anode, accepts electrons, causes a reduction reaction, and is generated as hydroxide ions. Since the anode layer (120) utilizes oxygen from the air introduced from the outside, it has the advantage of not requiring oxygen to be added in advance, making it lightweight and capable of having a high energy density per unit mass. The air supplied to the anode layer (120) may be supplied by natural convection due to a concentration difference of surrounding air, or by using a method such as forcibly supplying air by applying an air manifold structure.

[0032] The above electrolyte layer (130) is positioned between the cathode layer (110) and the anode layer (120) and is configured to be filled with a liquid electrolyte. Here, metal ions generated at the cathode and hydroxide ions generated at the anode move through the electrolyte to complete the overall circuit. In other words, the electrolyte serves as a pathway for the movement of ions for the reaction between the cathode and the anode. Neutral or alkaline electrolytes are commonly used, for example, KOH, NaOH, NaCl, etc. are used as electrolytes.

[0033] The above electrolyte tank section (30) is configured to receive an electrolyte and supply the electrolyte to the electrolyte layer (130) of the metal-air battery stack section (10), and the interior is filled with an electrolyte that is supplied to the electrolyte layer (130) or recovered from the electrolyte layer (130), and the operation can be carried out under the control of the control section (50) to be described later. As previously explained, the present invention is characterized by enabling the minimization of loss of metal materials and the generation of by-products by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load amount through a method of controlling the liquid electrolyte level of the electrolyte layer (130) to control the amount of power generated according to the load of the metal-air battery. To this end, the metal-air battery stack section (10) is equipped with a configuration (structure) of an inlet (140), a first outlet (150), and a second outlet (160) for efficiently controlling the inflow / outflow of the electrolyte, and together with this, the location of the electrolyte tank section (30) is specified. More specifically, the metal-air battery stack section (10) includes an inlet (140) into which the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte tank section (30) flows in, and a first outlet (150) and a second outlet (160) for discharging the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte layer (130) to the electrolyte tank section (30). At this time, the The first discharge port (150) and the inlet port (140) are positioned on the lower side of the metal-air battery stack portion (10) (more specifically, each electrolyte layer (130)), and the second discharge port (160) is positioned on the upper side of the metal-air battery stack portion (10) (more specifically, each electrolyte layer (130)) (see FIG. 2). At this time, the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first discharge port (150) has a cross-sectional area that is 10 to 30 percent smaller than the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet port (140), and the sum of the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first discharge port (150) and the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the second discharge port (160) is formed to be equal to the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet port (140).

[0034] Meanwhile, at this time, the electrolyte tank section (30) is positioned so as not to be located below the metal-air battery stack section (10) or so as not to be located above the bottom of the inlet (140) of the metal-air battery stack section (10) (see FIG. 4). At this time, it is preferable that the volume of the electrolyte tank section (30) be formed within the combined range of 1.5 to 2 times the volume of the electrolyte layer (130) and 3 to 4 times the volume of the negative electrode layer (110). This is so that when the metal-air battery is not in use, all the electrolyte in the electrolyte layer (130) can be collected in the electrolyte tank section (30). Additionally, since the volume of by-products resulting from the reaction of the metal-air battery increases by several times, this is so that the electrolyte tank section (30) can cover all of this increase in by-products. To this end, the volume of the electrolyte tank section (30) is formed within the combined range of 1.5 to 2 times the volume of the electrolyte layer (130) and 3 to 4 times the volume of the negative electrode layer (110). If it is larger than this, the overall volume of the battery increases excessively due to the excessive increase in volume, and if it is smaller, the electrolyte continues to exist in the electrolyte layer (130) even when the metal-air battery is not in use.

[0035] That is, in order to precisely control the liquid electrolyte level of the electrolyte layer (130), the inlet (140) and the first outlet (150), which are configured to introduce / discharge the liquid electrolyte into / outflow the electrolyte layer (130), are both positioned at the lower side of each electrolyte layer (130). Furthermore, the electrolyte tank section (30), which supplies and recovers the electrolyte, is positioned lower than the metal-air battery stack section (10), or the uppermost part of the electrolyte tank section (30) is positioned so that it is not located higher than the lowermost part of the inlet (140) of the metal-air battery stack section (10). As a result, the rise in the liquid level due to the supply of electrolyte from the electrolyte tank section (30) to the electrolyte layer (130) or the drop in the liquid level due to the discharge of electrolyte from the electrolyte layer (130) to the electrolyte tank section (30) can be achieved immediately and quickly. First, the discharge of the electrolyte from the electrolyte layer (130) is primarily carried out through the first outlet (150). To this end, the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet (150) is formed to have a cross-sectional area that is 10 to 30 percent smaller than the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (140), while having a cross-sectional area that is relatively much larger than the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the second outlet (160) to be described later. Meanwhile, the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the second outlet (160) is formed to be equal to the difference between the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet (140) and the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet (150). This is to ensure that the electrolyte flow rate is controlled so that there is no loss even under full load conditions of the metal-air battery. Additionally, a separate vent section (not shown) may be additionally included in the second outlet (160). This is formed to discharge a very small amount of hydrogen, which is generated as a reaction byproduct of the metal-air battery. Relief valves or bubble removal valves can be utilized.

[0036] The above control unit (50) transmits and receives information to and from the air battery stack unit (10) and the electrolyte tank unit (30), and is configured to control the electrolyte tank unit (30) to adjust the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) according to the load of the metal-air battery based on the voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack unit (10). To this end, the control unit (50) may more specifically include a state measurement module (510) that measures and provides the voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack unit (10), and a level control module (520) that controls the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) to be lowered when the current density in the metal-air battery stack unit (10) is higher than a first reference value and controls the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) to be raised when the current density is lower than a second reference value, using a plurality of pre-set performance curve standards based on the information provided by the state measurement module (510).

[0037] The above state measurement module (510) is configured to measure and provide a voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack section (10), that is, it measures a real-time voltage or current value in each negative electrode layer (110) and positive electrode layer (120) of the metal-air battery stack section (10) and provides it to the level control module (520), etc., to be described later.

[0038] The above-described level control module (520) is configured to control the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) according to the load of the metal-air battery based on the voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack section (10). It controls the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) to be lowered when the current density in the metal-air battery stack section (10) is higher than a first reference value, and controls the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) to be raised when the current density is lower than a second reference value, using a plurality of pre-set performance curve standards based on information provided by the state measurement module (510).

[0039] In the present invention, the performance curve standard is a reference curve in which characteristic values ​​such as voltage and current density are established in the standardized state of the metal-air battery, that is, in the standard state. In particular, the present invention is characterized by applying multiple performance curve standards to accurately reflect the fact that the performance curve changes according to concentration and temperature depending on the electrolyte state or electrode state due to the characteristics of the metal-air battery. Specifically, the performance curve standard may include a performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, a performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and a performance curve standard according to electrode state. In this way, by utilizing three types of performance curve standards according to electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode state, the data of each performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode state corresponding to the current state (of the metal-air battery) are compared to select and utilize the optimal performance curve standard.

[0040] Meanwhile, each of the above performance curve criteria may include performance curve criteria representing current density values ​​according to voltage for three or more states. That is, the performance curve criteria according to electrolyte concentration may include performance curve criteria representing current density values ​​according to voltage for three or more electrolyte concentrations, the performance curve criteria according to electrolyte temperature may include performance curve criteria representing current density values ​​according to voltage for three or more electrolyte temperatures, and the performance curve criteria according to electrode state may include performance curve criteria representing current density values ​​according to voltage for three or more electrode states. (See Fig. 6)

[0041] Meanwhile, the first reference value is set as the maximum value among the current density values ​​corresponding to the maximum voltage of 0.9V of the performance curve standard selected according to the current state of the metal-air battery stack in each of the three or more state-specific performance curve standards included in the performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, the performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and the performance curve standard according to electrode condition. This is set as a maximum value that does not exceed 0.9V because self-corrosion of the electrode occurs at 0.9V or higher. Additionally, the second reference value is set as the minimum value among the current density values ​​corresponding to the minimum voltage of 0.45V of the performance curve standard selected according to the current state of the metal-air battery stack in each of the three or more state-specific performance curve standards included in the performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, the performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and the performance curve standard according to electrode condition. This is set as a minimum value so as not to fall below 0.45V because below 0.45V, the amount of hydrogen generated increases, the corrosion rate of each electrode increases, and the amount of heat generated increases, making it much more likely that system problems will occur.

[0042] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned water level control module (520) more specifically comprises: a performance curve standard selection module (521) that selects an optimal performance curve standard based on the electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode condition of the metal-air battery stack section (10) based on information provided by the state measurement module (510); a state monitoring module (522) that monitors the voltage and current density values ​​of the metal-air battery stack section (10) which is connected to a load and operated while the electrolyte tank section (30) is in operation; a first control module (523) that controls the electrolyte tank section (30) so that the electrolyte water level in the electrolyte layer (130) is lowered when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section (10) is higher than the first standard value based on the information of the performance curve standard selection module (521) and the state monitoring module (522); and the performance curve standard selection module (521) and Based on information from the state monitoring module (522), a second control module (524) may be included to control the electrolyte tank section (30) so that the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) is raised when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section (10) is lower than the second reference value.

[0043] The above performance curve standard selection module (521) is configured to select an optimal performance curve standard based on the electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode condition of the metal-air battery stack (10) according to the information provided by the above state measurement module (510). Preferably, by selecting the performance curve standard based on the variable showing the lowest performance among the electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode condition of the metal-air battery stack (10) identified (analyzed) based on the information provided by the above state measurement module (510), optimal operation control of the metal-air battery can be achieved through optimal electrolyte level control that reflects the current state of the metal-air battery.

[0044] The above state monitoring module (522) is configured to monitor the voltage and current density values ​​of the metal-air battery stack (10) which is connected to and operated by a load while the electrolyte tank (30) is in operation. That is, the above state monitoring module (522) monitors the voltage and current density values ​​of each electrode in real time while the electrolyte tank (30) is in operation, i.e., while the metal-air battery is in operation, and provides the corresponding information.

[0045] The first control module (523) is configured to control the electrolyte tank section (30) so that the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) is lowered when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section (10) is higher than the first reference value based on information from the performance curve reference selection module (521) and the state monitoring module (522). That is, when comparing based on the performance curve reference optimally selected by the performance curve reference selection module (521) according to the current state of the metal-air battery, if the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section (10) measured by the current state monitoring module (522) is higher than the first reference value, it indicates that the metal-air battery is operating excessively, and as a result, self-corrosion of the electrode or increased heat generation or hydrogen generation may occur. Therefore, the electrolyte tank section (30) is controlled to immediately lower the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) to prevent this. For example, by controlling the pump output, etc., connected to the electrolyte tank section (30), the amount of electrolyte flowing in through the inlet (140) is reduced while the amount of electrolyte flowing out through the first outlet (150) is increased, thereby controlling the electrolyte level to be lowered.

[0046] The second control module (524) is configured to control the electrolyte tank section (30) so that the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) is raised when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section (10) is lower than the second reference value based on information from the performance curve reference selection module (521) and the state monitoring module (522). That is, when comparing based on the performance curve reference optimally selected by the performance curve reference selection module (521) according to the current state of the metal-air battery, if the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section (10) measured by the current state monitoring module (522) is lower than the second reference value, it means that the metal-air battery is operating too insignificantly compared to the required load and is not fully utilizing its current performance. Therefore, in order to ensure efficient operation by utilizing optimal performance without putting strain on the metal-air battery, the electrolyte in the electrolyte layer (130) is immediately The above electrolyte tank section (30) is controlled to raise the water level (for example, by controlling the output of a pump connected to the electrolyte tank section (30)), thereby increasing the amount of electrolyte flowing in through the inlet (140) while decreasing the amount of electrolyte flowing out through the first outlet (150), so that the electrolyte water level is raised.

[0047] In this way, the present invention enables the efficient operation of the metal-air battery while minimizing loss of metal materials and minimizing the generation of by-products by efficiently controlling the electrode reaction area according to the load amount through real-time control via the first control module (523) and the second control module (524), and by controlling the lowering or raising of the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer (130) based on a plurality of pre-set performance curve standards according to the voltage or current value measured in real-time in the metal-air battery stack section (10) when the current density in the metal-air battery stack section (10) is higher or lower than a specific standard value.

[0049] Although the applicant has described various embodiments of the present invention above, such embodiments are merely examples of implementing the technical concept of the present invention, and any modification or alteration that implements the technical concept of the present invention should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0050] 10: Metal-air battery stack section 110: Cathode layer 120: Anode layer 130: Electrolyte layer 140: Inlet 150: First outlet 160: Second outlet 30: Electrolyte tank section 310: First electrolyte part 311: First body part 312: First cover part 313: 1st Connecting Section 314: 2nd Connecting Section 315: By-product Screening Section 316: Sealing Section 320: Second electrolytic section 321: Third connecting section 330: Backflow prevention valve 50: Control unit 510: Status measurement module 520: Water level control module 521: Performance Curve Criteria Selection Module 522: Status Monitoring Module 523: 1st control module 524: 2nd control module

Claims

Claim 1 A metal-air battery stack portion comprising a negative electrode layer composed of metal, an anode layer into which air is introduced and reacts, and an electrolyte layer filled with a liquid electrolyte located between the negative electrode layer and the anode layer; and an electrolyte tank portion that receives the electrolyte and supplies the electrolyte to the electrolyte layer of the metal-air battery stack portion. and a control unit that transmits and receives information to and from the air battery stack unit and the electrolyte tank unit, and controls the electrolyte tank unit to adjust the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer according to the load of the metal-air battery based on the voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack unit; wherein the control unit includes a state measurement module that measures and provides the voltage or current value in the metal-air battery stack unit, and a level control module that controls to lower the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer when the current density in the metal-air battery stack unit is higher than a first reference value and controls to raise the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer when the current density is lower than a second reference value using a plurality of preset performance curve standards based on the information provided by the state measurement module, wherein the performance curve standards include a performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, a performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and a performance curve standard according to electrode condition, and each performance curve standard includes a performance curve standard representing a current density value according to the voltage for each of three or more types of conditions, and the first reference value is according to the electrolyte concentration The second reference value is set as the maximum value among the current density values ​​corresponding to the maximum voltage of 0.9V of the performance curve standard selected according to the current state of the metal-air battery stack from three or more state-specific performance curve standards included in each of the performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, the performance curve standard according to electrolyte condition, and the performance curve standard according to electrode condition, and the second reference value is the minimum voltage of 0.0V of the performance curve standard selected according to the current state of the metal-air battery stack from three or more state-specific performance curve standards included in each of the performance curve standard according to electrolyte concentration, the performance curve standard according to electrolyte temperature, and the performance curve standard according to electrode condition.The electrolyte level control is set to the lowest value among current density values ​​corresponding to 45V, and the level control module comprises: a performance curve standard selection module that selects an optimal performance curve standard based on the electrolyte concentration, electrolyte temperature, and electrode condition of the metal-air battery stack section based on information provided by the state measurement module; a state monitoring module that monitors the voltage and current density values ​​of the metal-air battery stack section connected to a load and operating while the electrolyte tank section is in operation; a first control module that controls the electrolyte tank section to lower the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section is higher than the first standard value based on information from the performance curve standard selection module and the state monitoring module; and a second control module that controls the electrolyte tank section to raise the electrolyte level in the electrolyte layer when the current density value in the metal-air battery stack section is lower than the second standard value based on information from the performance curve standard selection module and the state monitoring module. Metal-air battery. Claim 2 A metal-air battery capable of controlling electrolyte level according to claim 1, wherein the metal-air battery stack portion comprises an inlet into which an electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte tank portion flows, and a first outlet and a second outlet for discharging the electrolyte filled in the electrolyte layer to the electrolyte tank portion, wherein the first outlet and the inlet are positioned on the lower side of the metal-air battery stack portion and the second outlet is positioned on the upper side of the metal-air battery stack portion, wherein the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet has a cross-sectional area that is 10 to 30 percent smaller than the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet, and the sum of the inner diameter cross-sectional areas of the first outlet and the second outlet is equal to the inner diameter cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet. Claim 3 A metal-air battery capable of controlling the electrolyte level according to claim 2, wherein the electrolyte tank portion is positioned lower than the metal-air battery stack portion or such that the uppermost part of the electrolyte tank portion is not positioned higher than the lowermost part of the inlet of the metal-air battery stack portion, and the volume of the electrolyte tank portion is formed within a combined range of 1.5 to 2 times the volume of the electrolyte layer and 3 to 4 times the volume of the negative electrode layer. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete

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