A refillable aluminum fuel cell integrated device with hydrogen utilization function

Abstract

A rechargeable aluminum fuel cell integrated device with hydrogen utilization function consists of a battery core, an electrolyte circulation system, an air circulation system, a hydrogen fuel cell, and a hydrogen storage facility; the battery core further consists of a cylindrical battery cell, a battery cell integrated base, a battery cell integrated chamber, an electrolyte sealing cover, an air sealing cover, a hydrogen sealing cover, an electrolyte outlet sedimentation box, an electrolyte inlet chamber, a hose, and an exciter; the cylindrical battery cell consists of a cylindrical cathode and a cylindrical anode, the cylindrical cathode further consists of a cathode electrode, a cathode support frame, and a cathode electrical connector, while the cylindrical anode further consists of an anode conductive frame, an anode membrane mesh, aluminum fuel, etc.; the battery integrated device uses a strong alkaline NaOH aqueous solution as the electrolyte, which will make it possible to mechanically charge the aluminum fuel cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field related to metal-air batteries, in particular to an aluminum fuel cell. Its relevance to hydrogen fuel cells lies in that hydrogen generated when the aluminum fuel cell is discharged is used as fuel for the hydrogen fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] An aluminum fuel cell is a battery formed by an electrochemical reaction between metal and air, generating electricity by oxidation of aluminum at the anode and reduction of oxygen at the cathode. Typically, the air cathode is a sheet-like membrane with two opposing sides in contact with the air and electrolyte, respectively.

[0003] Several patents have been published regarding aluminum fuel cells, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,655, U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,123, U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,399, U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,980, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,744. These patents describe flat-plate or semi-wedge-shaped electrode structures and methods for replacing consumed aluminum anodes. However, these flat-plate cell structures are insufficient to bring aluminum fuel cells to a widespread industrial market. To achieve large-scale industrial application of aluminum fuel cells in industries like electric vehicles, the following issues must be addressed:

[0004] (1) The hydrogen generated during the discharge of aluminum fuel cells can be hazardous under certain conditions. Therefore, a new battery structure must be designed to separate the hydrogen from the battery electrolyte and air and utilize it in a safe manner.

[0005] (2) The electrolyte channel requires a new special design to improve the conductivity of the electrolyte ions in the electrolyte ion conduction chamber and reduce the accumulation of aluminate ions Al(OH)4- on the anode aluminum surface.

[0006] (3) For the flat electrode structure, as the aluminum anode is consumed during battery discharge, the gap between the air cathode and the aluminum anode will increase, which will increase the internal resistance of the battery and reduce the battery discharge efficiency. Therefore, a new electrode structure is needed to solve this problem.

[0007] Accordingly, the objectives of the present invention patent are: to provide a new battery and battery core structure so that hydrogen can be collected and used as a supply source for hydrogen fuel cells; to construct a new electrolyte circulation channel to increase the conductivity of electrolyte ions; to adopt a new battery electrode structure so that the gap between the cathode and anode of the battery remains unchanged during discharge; and to provide a structurally reliable, compact, integrated battery core structure for high-power aluminum fuel cells.

[0008] The present invention will be useful for various environmentally friendly transportation vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, manned and unmanned vehicles on water or underwater, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The battery integration device of the present invention consists of an aqueous electrolyte aluminum fuel cell and a hydrogen recovery and utilization system. The aluminum fuel cell further comprises a battery core, an electrolyte circulation system, and an air circulation system. The hydrogen recovery and utilization system further comprises a hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen storage facilities. The hydrogen required for the hydrogen fuel cell is generated by the aluminum fuel cell during discharge. The aqueous electrolyte in the aluminum fuel cell uses strongly alkaline sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a solute, and the materials used to manufacture the battery must be resistant to corrosion from the electrolyte.

[0010] Once the aluminum anode reacts with the cathode oxygen in the aqueous electrolyte, forming hydrous aluminum oxide and being consumed, the battery can no longer discharge. However, the battery can be recharged in an industrialized manner, which recycles the hydrous aluminum oxide and converts it into aluminum anode. This recycling process is key to the widespread industrial application of aluminum batteries. Therefore, the present invention uses a strong alkaline electrolyte, NaOH, in aluminum fuel cells so that the discharged electrolyte can be recharged in an industrialized process.

[0011] A battery core consists of cylindrical battery cells, a cell assembly base, a cell assembly chamber, electrolyte sealing covers, air sealing covers, hydrogen sealing covers, an electrolyte outlet settling tank, an electrolyte inlet chamber, flexible hoses of various diameters, and a vibration generator. These components are assembled together to form hydrogen and electrolyte channels, and an air channel shared by all battery cells. The battery core can be rectangular, cubic, prism-shaped, or cylindrical.

[0012] Furthermore, each battery cell consists of a large-diameter cathode and a small-diameter anode. The cylindrical annular space between the cathode and anode defines an electrolyte ion conduction chamber, which is separated by a number of vertical support beams. Each cathode is composed of a multi-layer cathode electrode, a cathode support frame, and a cathode electrical connector. The cathode support frame is made of a non-conductive, electrolyte-corrosion-resistant material and serves as a structure to support and strengthen the cathode electrode, as well as a protective structure to prevent short circuits between the cathode and anode. Typically, each cathode electrode consists of a catalytic activation layer, a hydrophobic diffusion layer, and a current collection layer. The catalytic activation layer provides a place where gas, electrolyte, and catalyst combine to enable oxygen reduction reactions. The hydrophobic diffusion layer provides reactant gas to the catalytic activation layer and prevents electrolyte leakage through the cathode. The current collection layer is typically a nickel mesh. The cathode electrode can also be other composite materials. At the top of the cylindrical cathode, there is a cathode terminal connected to the current collection layer. Inside the battery cell integrated chamber, between the cathodes and outside the cathode, there is a residual space not occupied by the cathode. This residual space filled with reaction gas is defined as the cathode air chamber. Inside the cathode, the electrolyte can flow through the electrolyte ion conduction chamber.

[0013] Each anode consists of an anode conductive frame, an anode membrane mesh, anode terminals, a mechanical spring cover, and aluminum fuel loaded within the anode conductive frame. The anode conductive frame is a double-layer cylindrical conductive metal structure with a shell thickness of approximately 3% of the cylindrical shell diameter. The material should be resistant to electrolyte corrosion. The annular cylindrical space between the double-layer cylindrical shells is designed to store the aluminum fuel. This annular cylindrical space is defined as the aluminum fuel reaction chamber, where the aluminum fuel oxidation reaction occurs. At the bottom of the double-layer cylindrical shell, an annular flat end plate connects and reinforces the inner and outer cylindrical shells to prevent the aluminum fuel from falling out of the aluminum fuel reaction chamber. This annular flat end plate is machined into a porous plate to allow seed crystals in the electrolyte to pass through the pores in the porous plate. The pore size of the porous plate is 1.0 to 5.0 microns. The purpose of adding seed crystals to the electrolyte is to assist the precipitation of aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 from the electrolyte. The seed crystals in the electrolyte can be added externally or reduced by oxidation reaction of the aluminum fuel in the aluminum fuel reaction chamber. The height of the inner cylindrical shell in the double-layer cylindrical shell should be consistent with the height of the cathode. The size of this height depends on the output current requirement of the battery cell. A conical cap is designed at the top of the inner cylindrical shell. The cylindrical space below the conical cap and inside the inner cylindrical shell is called the cylindrical electrolyte channel space. The disc-shaped opening at the lower end of the inner cylindrical shell is called the electrode electrolyte inlet. The electrolyte circulates from the electrode electrolyte inlet into the cylindrical electrolyte channel space. The inner and outer cylindrical shells of the double-layer cylindrical shell are both processed into porous structures. Through these pores and the gaps between the aluminum fuel solid, the electrolyte will further circulate from the cylindrical electrolyte channel space into the electrolyte ion conductive chamber mentioned above. The aluminum fuel described above is a porous honeycomb aluminum or granular aluminum or other forms of aluminum that can be filled, allows electrolyte to flow, and is electronically conductive. The porous honeycomb aluminum can be a whole piece of filled cylindrical strip. All battery cells are mounted on a battery cell integrated base. The electrode electrolyte outlet is formed by an annular multi-hole on the battery cell integrated base below the electrolyte ion conduction chamber. The electrolyte flows out of the battery cell through the electrode electrolyte outlet and into the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank. The pore diameters of the inner and outer cylindrical shells of the double-layer cylindrical shell vary, from a bottom diameter of approximately 2.5 mm to a top diameter of approximately 5.0 mm. This height-dependent porosity variation is used to control the flow pattern of the electrolyte in the electrolyte ion conduction chamber. The design of the aforementioned anode electrolyte circulation channel is intended to allow the electrolyte to enter the electrolyte ion conduction chamber parallel to the direction of movement of the conductive ions in the electrolyte, thereby improving the conductivity of the electrolyte ions and allowing aluminate ions to easily diffuse away from the surface of the aluminum fuel. The inner surface of the inner cylindrical shell and the outer surface of the outer cylindrical shell of the double-layer cylindrical shell are respectively covered with a cylindrical membrane net concentric with the cylindrical shell, namely the anode membrane net. The membrane net is made of a conductive material resistant to electrolyte corrosion and is connected to the anode conductive frame in a conductive manner. The gap of the anode membrane net is controlled at 1.0 to 5.0 microns.Vertical connecting beams (typically three) are designed between the inner and outer cylindrical shells of the double-layered cylindrical shell to increase the strength and conductivity of the anode conductive frame. Typically, the diameter of the aluminum fuel before loading or the collapsed aluminum fuel after loading is larger than the aperture in the annular planar end plate and the gap in the anode membrane mesh, but smaller than the distance between the two cylindrical shells of the aluminum fuel reaction chamber.

[0014] To extract current and hydrogen, and to increase the aluminum fuel storage capacity and thus the power output of the battery cell, the outer shell of the double-layer cylindrical shell of the anode conductive frame must be extended upward from the conical cap of the inner shell. This means that the outer shell can be divided into two parts: the lower shell, which is the same height as the aluminum fuel reaction chamber and submerged in the electrolyte, and the upper part, called the current and hydrogen extraction cylindrical shell. Typically, the shell plate of this current and hydrogen extraction cylindrical shell is thicker than the lower shell. Threads are machined at different locations on it as needed. Using these threads and matching nuts and sealing tape, and through the battery cell integration base, electrolyte sealing cover, air sealing cover, and hydrogen sealing cover, the current and hydrogen extraction cylindrical shell can be used to seal the electrolyte, air, and hydrogen. The interior space of the current and hydrogen extraction cylindrical shell forms an aluminum fuel storage space, which is used to supply fresh aluminum fuel to the aluminum fuel reaction chamber to replenish consumed aluminum fuel and also serves as a fuel loading channel. At the top of the current hydrogen gas outlet cylindrical shell, there is a mechanical spring cover that can apply pressure to the aluminum fuel. This can ensure close contact between the aluminum fuel solids and between the aluminum fuel solids and the anode conductive frame, thereby increasing the conductivity of the aluminum fuel. The mechanical spring cover has small holes to allow hydrogen to flow upward. A number of small holes are opened in the outer cylindrical shell of the double-layer cylindrical shell at the same level as the top of the electrolyte ion conductive chamber. These small holes allow hydrogen to precipitate from the electrolyte ion conductive chamber and enter the current hydrogen gas outlet cylindrical shell. Anode terminals are designed at appropriate locations on the upper part of the current hydrogen gas outlet cylindrical shell. The cross-sectional shape of the battery cell can be partially square or rectangular, such as the non-threaded sealing portion can be square or rectangular.

[0015] All battery cells are assembled and integrated on the battery cell integrated base, and the electrolyte inlet chamber, electrolyte outlet sedimentation box, battery cell integrated base, battery cell integrated chamber, electrolyte sealing cover, air sealing cover and hydrogen sealing cover are integrated in order from bottom to top to form a battery core. On the right side of the electrolyte inlet chamber, there are two core electrolyte inlets, from which the electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyte inlet chamber; from the electrolyte inlet chamber, the electrolyte is further introduced into the electrode electrolyte inlet under the battery cell integrated base and the electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle connected thereto through multiple hoses passing through the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank; from the electrode electrolyte inlet, the electrolyte flows through the anode electrolyte circulation channel and the electrolyte ion conduction chamber, and then enters the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank through a group of electrode electrolyte outlets under the battery cell integrated base and the electrolyte outlet holes connected thereto; on the right side of the electrolyte inlet chamber, there are two core electrolyte outlets, which are connected to the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank through two hoses. From the core electrolyte outlet, the electrolyte flows out of the battery core and enters the electrolyte circulation system.

[0016] On the right side of the electrolyte inlet chamber, there are two core air inlets. From these two core air inlets, air is introduced into the sedimentation tank air inlet chamber through two hoses. From the sedimentation tank air inlet chamber, air further flows into the cathode air chamber through a set of hoses connected to the air inlet pipe nipples located under the battery cell integrated base. There are some holes on the electrolyte sealing cover to facilitate the passage of the cathode terminals. These holes are also used to allow air from the cathode air chamber to flow into the terminal air chamber. The terminal air chamber is defined as the space between the electrolyte sealing cover and the air sealing cover. Air flows out of the terminal air chamber through the air outlet pipe nipple under the flange of the electrolyte sealing cover. At this point, there are two ways to control the direction of air circulation: one is to allow the air to flow directly into the atmosphere, and the other is to allow the air to be collected into the air collection pipe under the edge of the electrolyte inlet chamber through a set of hoses connected between the air collection pipe and the air outlet pipe nipple. From the air collection pipe, the air flows out of the core through the core air outlet and enters the air circulation system outside the core. In this way, the pressure of the air circulation can be better controlled. In addition, in the terminal air chamber, the cathode terminal and the anode terminal are connected in series, and the series connection is then led out and connected to the core terminal under the electrolyte sealing cover flange.

[0017] The space formed between the air sealing cover and the hydrogen sealing cover is called the hydrogen collection chamber. The hydrogen generated in the electrolyte ion conduction chamber and the aluminum fuel reaction chamber rises to the hydrogen collection chamber through the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell, and then is discharged to the hydrogen recovery and utilization system outside the battery core through the hydrogen outlet pipe nozzle above the hydrogen sealing cover.

[0018] The battery core is mounted on the base of a vehicle (such as a car) via vibration isolators. A vibrator is installed below the electrolyte inlet chamber of the battery core. This vibrator has two main functions: first, to vibrate the battery core when necessary to prevent clogging of small holes in the cathode or anode membrane mesh; second, to maintain close contact between the aluminum and fuel in the aluminum-fuel reaction chamber through vibration, thereby increasing its conductivity. Various sensors are installed within the battery core to measure pressure, temperature, voltage, current, and other parameters within the core, enabling the operation of the battery assembly to be controlled using various external circulation systems outside the core.

[0019] The electrolyte circulation system is located outside the battery core and mainly includes pipelines, gate valves, powder and water mixing pumps, precipitate filtration pumps, heat exchangers, various storage boxes, etc. Its main functions are to maintain electrolyte circulation, regulate electrolyte pressure and temperature, filter out aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 precipitate from the electrolyte, make fresh electrolyte with water and sodium hydroxide powder, add bauxite (aluminum oxide) seeds to the electrolyte to promote the crystallization of aluminate ions to form insoluble Al(OH)3, and enable rapid shutdown and startup of the battery by electrolyte removal and injection.

[0020] The air circulation system mainly includes pipelines, gate valves, air pumps, air heat exchangers, etc. Its main function is to maintain air circulation and regulate air pressure, temperature and flow rate by controlling the control units therein (such as gate valves, air pumps, air heat exchangers, etc.).

[0021] The hydrogen recovery and utilization system consists of a hydrogen fuel cell and a hydrogen storage facility. The hydrogen fuel cell (HFB) has a structure similar to that of the aluminum fuel cell (AAB). A hydrogen fuel cell (HFB) unit can be obtained by making the following changes to the aluminum fuel cell (AAB): (1) the electrolyte inlet channel of the aluminum fuel cell (AAB) is used as the hydrogen inlet channel of the hydrogen fuel cell (HFB); (2) the inner cylindrical shell of the anode frame of the aluminum fuel cell (AAB) is extended upward to form the hydrogen outlet channel of the hydrogen fuel cell (HFB); (3) the aluminum fuel, the anode outer membrane mesh, and the anode inner membrane mesh of the aluminum fuel cell (AAB) are replaced with the hydrogen diffusion electrode of the hydrogen fuel cell (HFB); at the same time, the following changes are made to the battery core: (1) the electrolyte inlet chamber of the aluminum fuel cell (AAB) is used as the hydrogen inlet chamber of the hydrogen fuel cell (HFB); (2) an electrolyte outlet sealing cover of the hydrogen fuel cell (HFB) is added between the air sealing cover and the hydrogen sealing cover of the aluminum fuel cell (AAB). Hydrogen storage facilities include pipelines, gate valves, air pumps, hydrogen storage tanks, etc. The functions of the hydrogen recovery and utilization system include regulating the power demand of vehicles powered by aluminum fuel cells (AAB), storing excess hydrogen in hydrogen storage tanks, regulating the hydrogen supply pressure, etc.

[0022] The battery principle and structure described above are applicable not only to aluminum fuel cells but also to other metal-air batteries, such as zinc fuel cells. Simply replace the aluminum fuel in the anode with zinc fuel. Other electrolytes, such as potassium hydroxide, can also be used, but this may make industrial recharging of these batteries unusable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Definitions of directions in the drawings of the specification: up and down directions are defined as the positive and negative directions of the Z axis, respectively; left and right directions are defined as the positive and negative directions of the X axis, respectively; and forward and backward directions are defined as the positive and negative directions of the Y axis, respectively.

[0024] Leading arrows in drawings in the specification may refer to: an entire component or assembly, the space within the indicated area, or the direction of flow in a fluid channel (or the movement of aluminum fuel). The specific reference can be determined based on the context or the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an aluminum fuel cell and hydrogen recovery and utilization system, showing the principles of the present invention and the relationship between different components (or parts).

[0026] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a cell stack core after integration of an aluminum fuel cell embodying the present invention (some hoses are not integrated in the figure for clarity); Figure 2A Some integration is not fully in place Figure 2 , the purpose is to show the battery cells inside the battery core; Figure 2B are the various hoses that are not integrated into the battery core.

[0027] Figure 3 It is an integrated cylindrical battery cell; Figure 3A The cathode and anode are in a position ready for integration; Figure 3B It is a cylindrical battery cell with the cathode and anode in a semi-integrated position; Figure 3C yes Figure 3 sectional view of Figure 3D yes Figure 3C A partial enlarged view of the upper part; Figure 3E yes Figure 3C A magnified view of the lower part.

[0028] Figure 4 It is the cathode after integration; Figure 4A yes Figure 4 sectional view of Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A partial enlarged view of the upper part; Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A magnified view of the lower part.

[0029] Figure 5 This is the integrated anode, in which the aluminum fuel has not yet been loaded; Figure 5A The anode frame and the anode outer membrane mesh are in a position ready for integration; Figure 5B The anode frame and the anode inner membrane mesh are in a position ready for integration, wherein the anode outer membrane mesh has been integrated into its working position; Figure 5C It is the outer membrane-like network of the anode; Figure 5D It is a membrane-like network within the anode; Figure 5E It is the anode terminal; Figure 5F It is the anode frame of the anode (i.e. one of the components of the anode); Figure 5G yes Figure 5F sectional view of Figure 5H yes Figure 5G A partial enlarged view of the upper part; Figure 5I yes Figure 5G A partial enlarged view of the lower part; Figure 5J Yes Remove Figure 5F The part above the 5a-5a position Figure 5F Partial view of; Figure 5K yes Figure 5J A partial enlarged view of the upper part; Figure 5L Yes Remove Figure 5F The part above the 5b-5b position Figure 5F Partial view of; Figure 5M Yes Remove Figure 5F The part above the 5c-5c position Figure 5F Partial view.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a battery unit integrated base; Figure 6A yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of the left front part; Figure 6B The battery unit integrated base is seen from the lower viewing position; Figure 6C yes Figure 6B A partial enlarged view of the left front part; Figure 6D This is the battery unit integrated base seen from the top; Figure 6E This is the battery unit integration base seen from the bottom.

[0031] Figure 7 It shows a cylindrical battery cell integrated on a battery cell integration base; Figure 7A Shows seven cylindrical battery cells integrated on a battery cell integration base.

[0032] Figure 8 It is the battery unit integration room.

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 7A The integrated components shown are further integrated with the battery cell integration chamber.

[0034] Figure 10 It is the electrolyte sealing cover; Figure 10A It is the electrolyte sealing cover after removing the air sealing side plate; Figure 10B It is the air sealing side plate of the electrolyte sealing cover; Figure 10C After the perspective moves further up Figure 10A A partial enlarged view of the left front part; Figure 10D Seen from the bottom perspective Figure 10A ; Figure 10E yes Figure 10D A partial enlarged view of the left front part; Figure 10F yes Figure 10A A partial enlarged view of the left front part; Figure 10G Seen from the upper right perspective Figure 10A A partial enlarged view of the right front part; Figure 10H The air outlet nozzle is configured upwards Figure 10A .

[0035] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The integrated component shown is further integrated with the electrolyte sealing cover; Figure 11A The electrolyte sealing cover is in Figure 9 Schematic diagram when preparing the integration location; Figure 11B Seen from directly above Figure 11 .

[0036] Figure 12 It is an airtight cover.

[0037] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The integrated component shown is further integrated with an airtight cover; Figure 13A The air seal cover is in Figure 11 Schematic diagram when preparing the integration location.

[0038] Figure 14 It is a hydrogen sealing cover; Figure 14A Seen from the bottom perspective Figure 14 .

[0039] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 The integrated component shown is further integrated with a hydrogen sealing cover; Figure 15A The hydrogen sealing cover is in Figure 13 Schematic diagram when preparing the integration location; Figure 15B Seen from the bottom perspective Figure 15 .

[0040] Figure 16 It is the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank; Figure 16ASeen from the bottom perspective Figure 16 ; Figure 16B The air sealing plate is in the position ready for integration Figure 16 ; Figure 16D After removing the air seal plate Figure 16A ; Figure 16C Seen from an upper perspective Figure 16D ; Figure 16E Seen from directly above Figure 16D ; Figure 16F It is seen from the perspective of the bottom Figure 16D .

[0041] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 The integrated components shown are further integrated with the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank; Figure 17A The electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank is located at Figure 15 Schematic diagram when preparing the integration location.

[0042] Figure 18 is the electrolyte inlet chamber; Figure 18A It is the electrolyte inlet chamber after the air collecting tube is removed; Figure 18B It is an air collection pipe; Figure 18C Seen from the upper left perspective Figure 18A ; Figure 18D Seen from the lower right perspective Figure 18A .

[0043] Figure 19 The electrolyte inlet chamber is located at Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the preparation for integration, and the fully integrated view is shown in Figure 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1The battery integrated device of the present invention is mainly composed of two parts separated by a dotted line: an aluminum fuel cell 1000 and a hydrogen recovery and utilization system 3000. The aluminum fuel cell 1000 provides hydrogen to the hydrogen recovery and utilization system 3000 through a pipeline 1016, and the hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen fuel cell 3001 through an air pump 1036, a gate valve 1029, and a gate valve 3005 to generate electricity. The unconsumed hydrogen flowing out of the hydrogen fuel cell 3001 will be compressed into a reserve pressure vessel 3003 through a pressure pump 3002 and a gate valve 3004 (the gate valve 3006 is closed at this time); if the hydrogen supply generated by the aluminum fuel cell 1000 exceeds the power demand, the hydrogen can be discharged through the gate valve 3006, the pressure pump 3003, and the gate valve 3004. 02 is stored in the pressure vessel 3003; if the hydrogen supply generated by the aluminum fuel cell 1000 is insufficient to meet the power demand, hydrogen can be provided to the hydrogen fuel cell 3001 through the gate valve 3005, the gate valve 3007, and the pump 3008; in some cases, if the hydrogen fuel cell 3001 is not needed to provide power, the hydrogen generated by the aluminum fuel cell 1000 can be stored in the pressure vessel 3003 through the pipeline 3009, the gate valve 3006, the gate valve 1029, and the pressure pump 3002 (the gate valves 3005, 3004, and 3007 are closed at this time).

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery core 1001 of the aluminum fuel cell 1000 is connected to the electrolyte circulation system through the inlet pipe 1013 and the outlet pipe 1011. During the normal battery discharge process, the electrolyte circulates through the gate valve 1021, the water distillation device 1003, the gas heat exchanger 1002, the sedimentation liquid filter pump 1005, the gate valve 1042, the gate valve 1043, the powder and water mixing pump (i.e., the pressure pump) 1006, the electrolyte heater 1035, and the gate valve 1023. During this process, the gate valves 1022, 1038, 1018, 1031 and the gate valve 1039 are closed; during the normal battery discharge process When necessary, bauxite (i.e., aluminum oxide) seeds can be added to the electrolyte through the aluminum oxide powder container 1033, the powder supply device 1032, and the powder water mixing pump 1006; during normal battery discharge, the water-containing aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 precipitate can be separated by the precipitate filter pump 1005, and after the water in the water-containing precipitate is further removed by the water distillation device 1003, it is stored in the precipitate collection box 1009 through the pipeline 1015 and the gate valve 1024, wherein the water distillation device 1003 can use the heat in the higher temperature electrolyte to distill and remove water.

[0046] During fresh electrolyte injection, water from water tank 1008 and sodium hydroxide solute from sodium hydroxide powder container 1007 and powder supply device 1030 are mixed by powder-water mixing pump 1006 to produce fresh electrolyte. This fresh electrolyte is then injected into battery core 1001 via electrolyte heater 1035 and gate valve 1023 (gate valves 1038 and 1039 are closed). To remove used electrolyte, only gate valves 1022 and 1039 need to be opened, while gate valves 1023, 1038, and gate valve 1021 are closed.

[0047] During the battery shutdown process, the electrolyte flows out of the battery core 1001 through the pipeline 1011 and the gate valve 1021, and then is quickly injected into the electrolyte storage tank 1019 through the water distillation device 1003, the gas heat exchanger 1002, the precipitate filter pump 1005, the gate valve 1042, and the gate valve 1018. During this process, the gate valve 1039 is opened and the gate valves 1022, 1038, 1024, and 1043 are closed.

[0048] During the battery startup process, the electrolyte flows out of the electrolyte storage tank 1019 through the pipeline 1047, the gate valve 1018 and the gate valve 1043, and then the electrolyte is quickly injected into the battery core 1001 through the pressure pump 1006, the electrolyte heater 1035, the gate valve 1038 and the pipeline 1011. During this process, the gate valves 1021, 1022, 1042, 1031 and the gate valve 1023 are closed.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, fresh air is sucked into the battery core 1001 of the aluminum fuel cell 1000 through the inlet pipe 1012, the gate valve 1026, and the air pump 1010, and the unused air is discharged from the battery core 1001 through the outlet pipe 1017 and the gate valve 1028; in some cases when it is necessary to control the temperature of the air entering the battery core 1001, fresh air can enter through the pipeline 1044, pass through the air heat exchanger 1002 (the heat source comes from the hot electrolyte) for heating, and then pass through the gate valve 1027 and the air pump 1010 to be injected into the battery core 1001, at which time the gate valves 1026 and 1046 are closed or half-open as appropriate; in addition, the hot air from the pipeline 1045 can pass through the gate valve 1046 to provide heating to the interior of the vehicle (such as a car) as an air conditioner.

[0050] The key equipment of the present invention is as follows Figure 2 The battery core 1001 shown is mainly composed of Figure 2A The cylindrical battery cell 112, the battery cell integrated base 13, the battery cell integrated chamber 15, the electrolyte sealing cover 16, the air sealing cover 17, the hydrogen sealing cover 18, the electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19, the electrolyte inlet chamber 20, Figure 2BThe hoses 21 of various diameters are shown and comprised of a vibration exciter not shown in the above figures.

[0051] Figure 3 Shown is an integrated cylindrical battery cell 112, which consists of Figure 3A The cathode 11 and the anode 12 shown are composed of Figure 3B It is a cylindrical battery cell 112 with cathode 11 and anode 12 in a semi-integrated position, Figure 3C yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of Figure 3D yes Figure 3C The upper part of the enlarged view, Figure 3E yes Figure 3C The lower part of the enlarged view is Figure 3E and Figure 3D It can be seen that the electrolyte ion conduction chamber 11207 is a cylindrical annular gap space between the cathode 11 and the anode 12. Figure 3D , Figure 3E , Figure 5K and Figure 5L It can be seen that the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206 is a cylindrical annular gap space formed between the outer cylindrical shell 12101 and the inner cylindrical shell 12102, wherein the outer cylindrical shell 12101 and the inner cylindrical shell 12102 are Figure 5M and Figure 5L See more clearly.

[0052] exist Figure 3E In the figure, the guide line arrow 11203 points to the electrode electrolyte inlet, and the arrow shows the direction of the electrolyte circulation into the battery cell 112; the guide line arrow 11204 points to the electrode electrolyte outlet, and the arrow shows the direction of the electrolyte circulation out of the battery cell 112; the electrolyte first enters the cylindrical channel space 11205, flows into the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206 through the small hole 12108 on the anode cylindrical surface (as stated in the invention content, an anode electrolyte circulation channel is formed between the inner and outer anode cylindrical surfaces), and then flows out of the electrolyte ion conduction chamber 11207 through the annular gap 11209 between the cathode 11 and the anode 12 at the bottom of the battery cell 112, and then flows out of the battery cell 112 through the electrolyte channel space 11210 at the electrode electrolyte outlet 11204.

[0053] exist Figure 3D In the figure, the guide line arrow 11201 shows the direction of aluminum fuel loading, and the guide line arrow 11202 shows the direction of hydrogen flowing out of the aluminum fuel storage space 11200. Figure 3D It can be seen that the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105 is located above the conical cap 12104 of the inner cylindrical shell 12102, wherein the inner cylindrical shell 12102 can be Figure 5G 、 Figure 5L 、 Figure 5M It can be seen more clearly in the figure; the internal space of the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell constitutes the storage space 11200 of the aluminum fuel. When the aluminum fuel in the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206 is consumed during the discharge process, the aluminum fuel in the storage space 11200 will automatically fill into the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206 and replace the consumed aluminum fuel. At the same time, the storage space 11200 also provides a channel for loading the aluminum fuel. At the top of the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105, there is a Figure 3D The mechanical spring cover is not shown in the figure, and one or more small holes are opened on the spring cover so that hydrogen can flow upward from the small holes; Figure 3D In the electrolyte ion conduction chamber 11207, the outer cylindrical shell 12101 (composed of Figure 5G 、 Figure 5L 、 Figure 5M It can be seen more clearly that a semicircular hole 11208 is opened on the outer cylindrical shell 12101. This semicircular hole 11208 provides a hydrogen outlet channel for hydrogen to flow out of the electrolyte ion conduction chamber 11207 and into the storage space 11200 in the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105.

[0054] Figure 4 The cathode 11 after integration is shown, which is composed of a cathode electrode 1101, a cathode support frame and a cathode electrical connector; Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C As shown, the cathode support frame is composed of an upper support ring 1105, a vertical support beam 1104 and a lower support ring 1106. On the lower support ring 1106, there is a positioning notch 1108 for assembling with the anode; Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B As shown, the cathode electrical connector is composed of a conductive ring 1102 and a cathode terminal 1103.

[0055] Figure 5 The anode 12 is shown in a state where the aluminum fuel has not yet been loaded. Figures 5A to 5E As shown, the anode 12 of each battery cell 112 is typically composed of an anode conductive frame 121 (also called an anode frame 121), an anode outer membrane-like mesh 1202, an anode inner membrane-like mesh 1203, an anode terminal 1204, and a mechanical spring cover. The mechanical spring cover is not shown in the figure, and the aluminum fuel is not shown in the figure. In addition to the aluminum fuel, the anode is made of a metal that is inactive to the electrolyte. Figure 5F is the anode frame 121, consisting of Figures 5G to 5MIt can be seen that the anode conductive frame 121 has a double-layer cylindrical shell structure consisting of an inner cylindrical shell 12102 and an outer cylindrical shell 12101. The cylindrical annular space between the inner cylindrical shell 12102 and the outer cylindrical shell 12101 is used to load aluminum fuel. This cylindrical annular space is called the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206. Aluminum oxidation reaction will occur in the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206. Figure 5G 、 Figure 5I and Figure 5M As shown, at the bottom of the double-layer cylindrical shell, there is an annular flat end plate 12106, which has two functions: one is to serve as a connecting structure between the inner cylindrical shell 12102 and the outer cylindrical shell 12101, and the other is to serve as a loading structure to prevent the aluminum fuel from leaking from the aluminum fuel reaction chamber 11206; the annular flat end plate 12106 is provided with a plurality of small holes, which are too small to be visible in the figure, but allow the crystal seeds in the electrolyte to pass through, thereby forming a channel for the crystal seeds. At the top of the inner cylindrical shell 12102, there is a conical cap 12104. Below this conical cap 12104, the space formed by the interior of the inner cylindrical shell 12102 forms a cylindrical electrolyte channel space 11205. The electrolyte can circulate into the cylindrical electrolyte channel space 11205 from the electrode electrolyte inlet 11203 at the bottom of the inner cylindrical shell 12102; through the small holes 12108 on the inner cylindrical shell 12102 and the outer cylindrical shell 12101, and through the gap between the aluminum fuel, the electrolyte further circulates from the cylindrical electrolyte channel space 11205 into the electrolyte ion conductive chamber 11207 (see Figure 3E and Figure 3D ), the channel mentioned above is the anode electrolyte circulation channel. Figures 5J to 5M 、 Figure 5H As shown, in order to strengthen the strength of the anode frame 121 and to increase the conductivity of the anode frame 121, a plurality of (typically three) vertical connecting beams 12103 connecting the inner cylindrical shell 12102 and the outer cylindrical shell 12101 are designed; in order to facilitate assembly with the cathode, a positioning pin 12107 is designed at the bottom of the anode frame 121. Figure 5H As shown, a current and hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105 is designed to extend upward from the outer cylindrical shell 12101 on the upper part of the anode frame 121, and the internal space of this current and hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105 forms a storage space 11200 for the aluminum fuel; in addition, threads are processed at appropriate positions on the current and hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105, and the current and hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105 can be used to seal the electrolyte, air, and hydrogen through nuts, the battery cell integrated base 13, and the electrolyte sealing cover 16, air sealing cover 17, hydrogen sealing cover 18, etc. at the corresponding positions of the threads. The nuts are not drawn in the figure.

[0056] Figure 6Shown is a rectangular battery cell integrated base 13, such as Figure 6A In order to facilitate the integration of the battery core 1001, flanges 1301, flange holes 1305, and sealing grooves 1304 are designed around the edges of the battery unit integration base; Figures 6 to 6E In the specific embodiment shown, there are 12 rows and 13 columns, a total of 156 battery cell mounting bases; Figures 6A to 6E As shown, each battery cell mounting seat is composed of a cathode mounting seat 1302, an anode mounting seat 1303, an electrolyte inlet hole 1309, an electrolyte outlet hole 1306, and an electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle 1307; Figures 6B to 6E As shown, in the middle portion of the battery unit integration base 13 , there are designed 5 rows by 6 columns, a total of 30 air inlet pipe nozzles 1308 and 30 air inlet holes 1310 .

[0057] All battery cells 112 are integrated on the battery cell integration base 13, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 2A As shown, the electrolyte inlet chamber 20, electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19, battery cell integration base 13, battery cell integration chamber 15, electrolyte sealing cover 16, air sealing cover 17, and hydrogen sealing cover 18 are sequentially integrated from the bottom to the top of the battery core 1101. The electrolyte circulation path is: the electrolyte is introduced from the electrolyte inlet chamber 20, connected by a hose 21, and passes through the electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19 to the electrode electrolyte inlet 11203 (see Figure 3E , Figure 5I ) and the electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle 1307 under the battery cell integrated base 13 (see Figure 6B , Figure 6C Then, the electrolyte flows through the anode electrolyte circulation channel (this anode electrolyte circulation channel refers to the cylindrical electrolyte channel space 11205, the gap between the aluminum fuel, the small holes 12108 on the inner cylindrical shell 12102 and the outer cylindrical shell 12101) and the electrolyte ion conductive chamber 11207 (see Figure 3E , Figure 3D ); Finally, through a set of electrode electrolyte outlets 11204 (see Figure 3E ) and the electrolyte outflow hole 1306 (see FIG. 1306 ) connected to the outlet 11204 and under the battery cell integrated base. Figure 6C , Figure 6E ) flows into the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank 19.

[0058] Figure 7 The image shows one cylindrical battery cell 112 integrated into the battery cell integration base 13. Integrating all 156 battery cells 112 into the battery cell integration base 13 will result in a blurred view. Therefore, in order to make the view clear, Figure 7A In the embodiment, only seven cylindrical battery cells 112 are integrated on the battery cell integrated base 13. During assembly, a sealing gasket is installed between the lower support ring 1106 of the battery cell 112 and the cathode mounting seat 1302 of the battery cell integrated base 13.

[0059] Figure 8 What is shown is the battery unit integration chamber 15, which consists of an integration chamber wall 1501, an upper flange 1502, a lower flange 1503, a sealing groove 1504, and a flange hole 1505. The flange and flange hole are for facilitating the integration of the battery core 1001; a latch pile 1506 is designed on the integration chamber 15, and this latch is for facilitating the installation, fixation and disassembly of the hydrogen sealing cover 18 and the automatic aluminum fuel filling device.

[0060] like Figure 9 As shown, seven cylindrical battery cells 112 and a battery cell integration chamber 15 are integrated and assembled on a battery cell integration base 13 to form a partial integrated component 115. Within the battery cell integration chamber 15 and between the cathodes 11 outside the cathodes of the battery cells 112, there is a residual space, referred to as a cathode air chamber 1151. This cathode air chamber 1151 is filled with a reaction gas (such as air) to maintain the oxygen reduction reaction on the gas diffusion cathode 11.

[0061] In order to confine the electrolyte to the electrolyte ion conduction chamber 11207, it is necessary to design a Figure 10 The electrolyte sealing cover 16 shown; Figure 10A 、 10B As shown, the electrolyte sealing cover 16 is composed of an electrolyte sealing cover body 160, air sealing front and rear side plates 161, and air sealing left and right side plates 162. In order to facilitate the integrated assembly of the battery core 1001, flanges 1600, flange holes 1605 and other flanges are designed around the edges of the electrolyte sealing cover body 160. Figure 10A The sealing groove 1604 shown. Figure 10A 、 Figures 10C to 10G In the specific embodiment shown, there are 12 rows and 13 columns, for a total of 156 anode terminal-hydrogen outlet holes 1601; Figure 10E As shown, in order to facilitate the integrated assembly of the battery unit 112, a corresponding cathode mounting seat 1611 is designed for each anode terminal-hydrogen outlet hole 1601 under the electrolyte sealing cover 16; these anode terminal-hydrogen outlet holes 1601 allow the current and hydrogen to be led out of the cylindrical shell 12105 (see Figure 5H ) passes through the electrolyte sealing cover 16 and is sealed with a nut; the anode current is also led out to the anode terminal 1204 through the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell 12105. Figure 10A 、 Figure 10CIt can be seen that in the specific embodiment of the present invention, there are 12 rows and 13 columns, a total of 156 cathode terminal-air outlet holes 1609. These cathode terminal-air outlet holes 1609 allow the cathode terminal 1103 to pass through the electrolyte sealing cover 16, so that the multiple battery cells 112 can be electrically connected to each other; these cathode terminal-air outlet holes 1609 also allow air to pass through the electrolyte sealing cover 16 and enter the terminal air chamber 1617. This terminal air chamber 1617 is a space defined by the space between the electrolyte sealing cover 16 and the air sealing cover 17. Figure 10C 、 10F and Figure 10G In FIG, the terminal air chamber 1617 is the space indicated by the guide line arrow 1617. Figure 10E 、 10F and Figure 10G As shown, the air in the terminal air chamber 1617 enters the air circulation slot 1610 through the bypass hole 1612 and then passes through the Figure 10D The air outlet pipe connection 1608 under the flange 1600 of the electrolyte sealing cover 16 shown in the figure flows out through the air circulation groove 1610; this method can reliably control the air circulation, and the air in the air circulation groove 1610 flows to the air collection pipe 202 under the edge of the electrolyte inlet chamber 20 (see FIG. 2 ) through the hose connected between the air collection pipe 202 and the air outlet pipe connection 1608. Figure 18B ); In some cases where accurate control of air circulation is not required, such as Figure 10H As shown, the air outlet nozzle 1608 can be designed to extend upward, so that the air in the air circulation slot 1610 can be simply injected into the surrounding atmosphere through the air outlet nozzle 1608.

[0062] In the terminal air chamber 1617, the cathode terminal 1103 (see Figure 4A ) and anode terminal 1204 (see Figure 5B ) are electrically connected in series, such as Figure 10A 、 10D As shown in FIG10G , the first cathode terminal cable is led out from the positive terminal post 1603 of the battery core through the bypass hole 1614, and the last anode terminal cable is led out from the negative terminal post 1602 of the battery core through the bypass hole 1613; two signal cables for controlling the battery core are led out from the signal cable terminals 1607 and 1606 through the bypass holes 1616 and 1615.

[0063] like Figure 11 、 Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B As shown, seven cylindrical battery cells 112, a battery cell integration chamber 15, and an electrolyte sealing cover 16 are integrated and assembled on a battery cell integration base 13 to form a partial integration component 116. Figure 11B It can be seen that the cathode terminal 1103 and the anode terminal 1204 can be easily connected in series in the terminal air chamber 1617. During assembly, a sealing gasket is installed between the upper support ring 1105 of the battery cell 112 and the cathode mounting seat 1611 of the electrolyte sealing cover 16.

[0064] Figure 12 The air sealing cover 17 includes a flange 1701 for integrated installation of the battery core 1001, a flange hole 1705 and a flange for connecting with the battery core 1001. Figure 14A The sealing groove 1804 shown cooperates with the upwardly raised sealing lip 1703; Figure 12 There are 12 rows and 13 columns, a total of 156 anode aluminum-hydrogen holes 1702, which allow the current hydrogen to be discharged from the cylindrical shell 12105 through the air sealing cover 17 and sealed to the air by the nut on the mechanical spring cover; the holes on the mechanical spring cover allow the hydrogen in the current hydrogen to be discharged from the cylindrical shell 12105 to enter the hydrogen collection chamber 1706, which is a space formed between the air sealing cover 17 and the hydrogen sealing cover 18; when the mechanical spring cover is removed, the aluminum fuel can be loaded Figure 3D 、 Figure 5H Storage space 11200 is shown.

[0065] like Figure 13 、 Figure 13A As shown, seven cylindrical battery cells 112, a battery cell integration chamber 15, an electrolyte sealing cover 16, and an air sealing cover 17 are integrated and assembled on the battery cell integration base 13 to form a partial integration component 117. Figure 13 It can be seen that only the threaded ends of the battery cells 112 are exposed above the airtight cover 17 so that the mechanical spring cover can be tightened.

[0066] Figure 14 The hydrogen sealing cover 18 comprises a cover body 1801, a sealing groove 1804 protruding from the bottom of the cover body 1801, a hydrogen collecting protrusion 1802 forming an upper hydrogen collecting chamber 1806, a hydrogen outlet pipe nozzle 1803, and a Figure 8 The buckle pile 1506 is shown to match the buckle seat 1805. The sealing groove 1804 filled with a sealing gasket and the upwardly protruding lip 1703 are pressed together to prevent hydrogen from leaking from the hydrogen collection chamber 1706.

[0067] like Figure 15 、 Figure 15A 、 Figure 15BAs shown, seven cylindrical battery cells 112, a battery cell integration chamber 15, an electrolyte sealing cover 16, an air sealing cover 17, and a hydrogen sealing cover 18 are integrated and assembled on the battery cell integration base 13 to form a partial integration component 118. Figure 15 、 Figure 15A It can be seen that the hydrogen sealing cover 18 can be connected by connecting the buckle seat 1805 (see Figure 14 ) and the latch pile 1506 (see Figure 8 ) is easily removed by means of a spring buckle (the spring buckle is not shown in the figure). Once the hydrogen sealing cover 18 is removed, the automatic aluminum fuel filling device can be installed and positioned on the battery core 1001 through the upwardly protruding lip 1703 on the air sealing cover 17 and the buckle pile 1506 on the battery unit integration chamber 15. In this way, a transportation vehicle (such as a car) equipped with an aluminum fuel cell can be refilled with aluminum fuel as quickly as refueling a car. Figure 15B It can be seen that, so far, it has not been explained how the electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19, the electrolyte inlet chamber 20 and the electrolyte outlet hole 1306, the electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle 1307, and the air inlet pipe nozzle 1308 are related to each other. These connection relationships are described below.

[0068] Figure 16 It is the electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19, such as Figure 16A 、 Figure 16B As shown, it consists of an electrolyte outlet sedimentation box body 190 and an air sealing plate 192. The electrolyte outlet sedimentation box body 190 is designed with a flange 1900, a sealing groove 1904, and a flange hole 1905 for facilitating the integrated assembly of the battery core 1001. FIG. 16C to FIG. 16F As shown, after removing the air sealing plate 192, the three internal channels can be seen more clearly, namely electrolyte inflow, electrolyte outflow, and air intake.

[0069] The first group of 156 sedimentation tank electrolyte suction holes 1901 form a U-shaped hole group on the funnel-shaped shell 1910. Under the funnel-shaped shell 1910, there are designed 156 sedimentation tank electrolyte suction pipe nozzles 1911 connected to the sedimentation tank electrolyte suction holes 1901. When the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank 19 is integrated and assembled into the partial integrated component 118, 156 hoses 21 of appropriate diameter are designed. These hoses connect the sedimentation tank electrolyte suction pipe nozzles 1911 to the electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle 1307. These connecting hoses allow the electrolyte to circulate through the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank 19 into the cylindrical battery unit 1 12; The electrolyte circulates out of the battery cell 112 through the electrolyte outflow hole 1306 under the battery cell integrated base 13 and enters the funnel-shaped electrolyte chamber 1919 and the electrolyte precipitation chamber 1906; the funnel-shaped electrolyte chamber 1919 is a space formed by the funnel-shaped shell 1910, and the electrolyte precipitation chamber 1906 is a space formed by the rectangular electrolyte tank 1916; on the right side of the rectangular electrolyte tank 1916, there are two large electrolyte holes 1903 in the precipitation tank, which are connected to the electrolyte outlet pipe nozzle 1913 of the precipitation tank outside the rectangular electrolyte tank 1916. It should be noted that for redundancy design considerations, the number of electrolyte inlet holes 1901 in the precipitation tank shown in the figure is greater than 156.

[0070] The second group of 30 sedimentation tank air intake holes 1902 form a smaller U-shaped hole group below the funnel-shaped shell 1910. Below the funnel-shaped shell 1910, there is an air intake box 1917. Inside this air intake box 1917, there are 30 sedimentation tank air intake pipe nozzles 1912 connected to the 30 sedimentation tank air intake holes 1902. There is a U-shaped space defined by the air intake box 1917, the rectangular electrolyte box 1916 and the air sealing plate 192. This U-shaped space is called the sedimentation tank air intake chamber 1907. On the right side of the air intake box 1917, Two large air inlets 1908 for the sedimentation tank are connected to two large air pipe nipples 1918 for the sedimentation tank. When the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank 19 is integrated and assembled into the partially integrated component 118, 30 hoses 21 of appropriate diameter are provided to connect the sedimentation tank air intake pipe nipples 1912 to the air inlet pipe nipples 1308 under the battery cell integrated base 13. Air circulates from the large air pipe nipples 1918 into the sedimentation tank air intake chamber 1907. The air in the sedimentation tank air intake chamber 1907 then passes through the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank 19 and enters the cathode air chamber 1151 within the battery cell integrated chamber 15. The air intake box 1917 is designed with a sealing groove 1914 and a bolt hole 1915 to facilitate the integrated sealing of the air sealing plate 192.

[0071] like Figure 17、 Figure 17A As shown, seven cylindrical battery cells 112, a battery cell integrated chamber 15, an electrolyte sealing cover 16, an air sealing cover 17, a hydrogen sealing cover 18, and an electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19 are integrated and assembled on the battery cell integrated base 13 to form a partial integrated component 119. Figure 17 、 Figure 17A It can be seen that the sedimentation tank electrolyte outlet pipe nozzle 1913 and the sedimentation tank air pipe nozzle 1918 have not yet been explained how they are interconnected with the electrolyte inlet chamber 20. These connection relationships are described below.

[0072] Figure 18 is the electrolyte inlet chamber 20, which consists of Figure 18A The electrolyte inlet chamber body 200 shown and Figure 18B The air collecting pipe 202 is composed of four air collecting pipes 202 as shown. The air collecting pipe 202 is designed with an air collecting inlet pipe nozzle 2021, an air collecting pipe nozzle 2023, an air collecting pipe body 2022, a mounting plate 2024, and a bolt hole 2025 so that the air collecting pipe 202 can pass through the air collecting pipe 202. Figure 18D The mounting bracket 2014 and bolt hole 2015 shown are fixed on the electrolyte inlet chamber main body 200. The four air collection pipes 202 can be connected through a hose 21 of appropriate diameter to form two core air outlet pipe nozzles. These two core air outlet pipe nozzles are two of the eight air collection pipe nozzles 2023.

[0073] The electrolyte inlet chamber body 200 is designed with a flange 2000, a sealing groove 2004, and a flange hole 2005 for the integrated assembly of the battery core 1001. A battery core base 2007 and bolt holes 2008 are also designed for the battery core 1001 to be installed and fixed on a vehicle such as a car. Figure 18C 、 18D As shown, the two core electrolyte inlets 2001, two core electrolyte outlets 2003, and two core air inlets 2002 are connected to two core electrolyte inlet pipe nozzles 2011, two core electrolyte outlet pipe nozzles 2013, and two core air inlet pipe nozzles 2012, respectively, thereby forming electrolyte inflow channels, electrolyte outflow channels, and air intake channels. The electrolyte flows through the core electrolyte inlets 2001 and core electrolyte inlet pipe nozzles 2011 into the electrolyte inlet box 2006, which is a space confined between the electrolyte inlet chamber 20 and the electrolyte outlet settling tank 19. A vibration exciter (not shown) is designed to be fixed between the two battery core bases 2007 below the air manifold 202.

[0074] like Figure 19 、 Figure 2As shown, 7 cylindrical battery cells 112, a battery cell integrated chamber 15, an electrolyte sealing cover 16, an air sealing cover 17, a hydrogen sealing cover 18, an electrolyte outlet sedimentation box 19, and an electrolyte inlet chamber 20 are integrated and assembled on a battery cell integrated base 13 to form an integrated battery core 1001. Figure 19 As can be seen, the sedimentation tank electrolyte outlet nozzle 1913 and the sedimentation tank large air nozzle 1918 are connected to the core electrolyte outlet nozzle 2013 and the core air inlet nozzle 2012, respectively, via flexible tubes 21 of appropriate diameter. During assembly, each sealing groove is filled with a gasket; each sealing cap and battery cell are sealed with sealing tape, compressed by a threaded nut; and each nozzle and flexible tube are sealed with sealing tape, compressed by a threaded nut.

[0075] The path of electrolyte circulation in the battery core 1001 is described as follows: starting from the core electrolyte inlet pipe nipple 2011 of the electrolyte inlet chamber 20, the electrolyte enters the electrolyte inlet box 2006; through the hose 21 connected from the electrolyte suction pipe nipple 1911 of the sedimentation box to the electrolyte inlet pipe nipple 1307, the electrolyte flows into the anode electrolyte circulation channel (i.e., the cylindrical channel space 11205, the small hole 12108, the aluminum fuel gap, etc.), and flows through the electrolyte ion Conductive chamber 11207; then, through a set of electrode electrolyte outlets 11204 and the electrolyte outflow holes 1306 on the battery unit integrated base connected thereto, the electrolyte flows into the funnel-shaped electrolyte chamber 1919 of the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank 19; through the hose 21 connecting the electrolyte outlet pipe nozzle 1913 of the sedimentation tank to the core electrolyte outlet pipe nozzle 2013, the electrolyte further flows out of the electrolyte sedimentation chamber 1906 to the outside of the battery core 1001. Outside the battery core 1001, the core electrolyte outlet pipe nozzle 2013 and the core electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle 2011 are respectively connected to the following: Figure 1 The electrolyte circulation system shown has an outlet pipe 1011 and an inlet pipe 1013.

[0076] The path of air circulation in the battery core 1001 is described as follows: the air first flows into the sedimentation tank air suction chamber 1907 through the hose 21 connected from the core air inlet pipe nozzle 2012 to the sedimentation tank air large pipe nozzle 1918; then flows into the cathode air chamber 1151 through the hose connected from the sedimentation tank air suction pipe nozzle 1912 to the air inlet pipe nozzle 1308; then, through the cathode terminal-air lead-out hole 1609 and the bypass hole 1612, flows into the terminal air chamber 1617 and the air circulation groove 1610; further, through the hose connected from the air outlet pipe nozzle 1608 to the air collection inlet pipe nozzle 2021, the air flows into the air collection pipe 202; the core air outlet pipe nozzles (2 of the 8 air collection pipe nozzles 2023) and the core air inlet pipe nozzle 2012 are respectively connected to the following: Figure 1 The air circulation system is shown with an outlet pipe 1017 and an inlet pipe 1012.

[0077] The path of hydrogen circulation in the battery core 1001 is as follows: hydrogen is generated in the cylindrical battery unit 112, it first flows into the hydrogen collection chamber 1706, and then passes through the Figure 1 The outlet pipe 1016 shown is connected to the hydrogen outlet pipe nozzle 1803 and transports hydrogen to the hydrogen recovery system 3000.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention, aluminum fuel can be quickly loaded into the cylindrical battery cells 112 of the battery stack 1001 using an automatic aluminum fuel loading device. If the aluminum fuel is already stored in the trunk of a vehicle (such as a car), the aluminum fuel can also be easily loaded into the battery stack 1001 manually.

[0079] Application Example 1:

[0080] 297 cylindrical battery cells are integrated into a battery core and connected in series to form a 30-kilowatt aluminum fuel cell. The dimensions of this battery core are 1.273 meters long × 0.591 meters wide × 0.830 meters high. Similarly, the dimensions of a 20-kilowatt battery core assembled from 198 cylindrical battery cells are 0.899 meters long × 0.591 meters wide × 0.830 meters high. The power density of the electrodes in the above battery design is 0.252 watts per square centimeter. The total power of two 30-kW aluminum fuel cells and one 20-kW aluminum fuel cell group is 80 kW, which is the power requirement of a typical family car. The aluminum fuel loaded in the above battery pack can provide a power capacity of 1432.0 kilowatt-hours; during the battery discharge process, the hydrogen generated by the battery pack can be stored in a 40 MPa 105-liter pressure vessel. This 40 MPa 105-liter hydrogen can be provided to an auxiliary 5-kW hydrogen fuel cell for 17.9 hours. The power capacity of this 89.5-kilowatt-hour hydrogen fuel cell is not included in the power capacity of the 1432.0-kilowatt-hour aluminum fuel cell.

[0081] Application Example 2:

[0082] In this application example, two 30-kW aluminum fuel cells and a 20-kW hydrogen fuel cell form an 80-kW stack. Hydrogen is pre-charged into a 40-MPa, 350-liter pressure vessel to ensure the fuel cell can provide power during the initial discharge of the aluminum fuel cells. The 30-kW aluminum fuel cell core measures 1.273 meters long, 0.591 meters wide, and 0.741 meters high. This stack is shorter than in Application Example 1, but the electrode power density is the same. In this scenario, the aluminum fuel and 40-MPa, 350-liter hydrogen filling the two 30-kW cores provides 1,160 kilowatt-hours of power. Hydrogen generated during discharge by the two 30-kW cores can be refilled into the 40-MPa, 350-liter pressure vessel, but the electricity generated by this hydrogen is not counted towards the 1,160-kilowatt-hour power capacity.

[0083] Application Example 3:

[0084] In this application example, 775 cylindrical battery cells are integrated and assembled in a battery core and connected in series to form an 80-kilowatt aluminum fuel cell. The dimensions of the battery core are 1.443 meters long × 1.187 meters wide × 0.830 meters high. This single battery provides a power capacity of 1432.0 kilowatt-hours. Other parameters are the same as those in Application Example 1.

Claims

1. A battery core, characterized in that: The invention provides a novel cylindrical battery cell, wherein the cylindrical battery cell is composed of a cylindrical cathode and a cylindrical anode, the anode includes an anode conductive frame and aluminum fuel, the anode conductive frame has a double-layer cylindrical shell structure composed of an inner cylindrical shell and an outer cylindrical shell, the cylindrical annular space between the inner cylindrical shell and the outer cylindrical shell forms an aluminum fuel reaction chamber, the bottom of the double-layer cylindrical shell structure is provided with an annular plane end plate, the annular plane end plate is provided with a plurality of micropores, each micropore constitutes a channel for crystal seeds in the electrolyte, the top of the inner cylindrical shell is provided with a conical cap, and the space below the conical cap and formed by the interior of the inner cylindrical shell forms a cylindrical electrolyte channel space, the inner cylindrical shell and the outer cylindrical shell are provided with a plurality of small holes, the cylindrical annular gap space between the cathode and the anode forms an electrolyte ion conductive chamber, the upper part of the anode conductive frame extends upward from the outer cylindrical shell and is provided with a current hydrogen derivation cylindrical shell, the electrode The current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell is located above the conical cap. The interior space of the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell forms an aluminum fuel storage space. The conical cap separates the cylindrical electrolyte channel space from the aluminum fuel storage space. The aluminum fuel storage space is provided with a channel for loading aluminum fuel. When the aluminum fuel in the aluminum fuel reaction chamber is consumed during the discharge process, the aluminum fuel in the aluminum fuel storage space is automatically filled into the aluminum fuel reaction chamber to replace the consumed aluminum fuel. A semicircular hole is provided on the outer cylindrical shell at the same level as the top of the electrolyte ion conduction chamber. The semicircular hole allows hydrogen to flow out of the electrolyte ion conduction chamber and into the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell. A mechanical spring cover is provided on the top of the current hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell. The mechanical spring cover is provided with one or more small holes to allow hydrogen to flow upward through the small holes and ultimately lead the hydrogen to a hydrogen recovery system outside the battery core. The electrolyte first circulates into the cylindrical electrolyte channel space from the electrode electrolyte inlet at the bottom of the inner cylindrical shell, then flows into the aluminum fuel reaction chamber through the small holes on the inner cylindrical shell and the outer cylindrical shell, then passes through the electrolyte ion conduction chamber, and finally flows out of the electrolyte ion conduction chamber through the annular gap between the cathode and anode at the bottom of the battery cell.

2. The battery core according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cathode is composed of a cathode support frame, a cathode electrode and a cathode electrical connector; the cathode electrode is composed of a multi-layer structure consisting of a catalytic activation layer, a hydrophobic diffusion layer and a current collection layer, the catalytic activation layer provides a place where gas, electrolyte and catalyst are combined, so that the oxygen reduction reaction can occur, the hydrophobic diffusion layer provides reaction gas to the catalytic activation layer and prevents the electrolyte from seeping through the cathode; the cathode support frame is made of a non-conductive material that is inactive to the electrolyte and is composed of an upper support ring, a lower support ring and a plurality of vertical support beams, the electrolyte ion conduction chamber is separated by a plurality of vertical support beams, the upper support ring and the lower support ring are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of each vertical support beam, and a positioning notch is opened on the lower support ring for assembly with the anode; the cathode electrical connector is composed of a conductive ring and a cathode terminal, the conductive ring is electrically connected to the current collection layer, and a cathode terminal electrically connected to the current collection layer is provided on the upper part of the cathode.

3. The battery core according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode further comprises an anode inner film-shaped net, an anode outer film-shaped net and an anode terminal.

4. The battery core according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aluminum fuel is porous honeycomb aluminum or granular aluminum that allows electrolyte to flow and electrons to conduct.

5. The battery core according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the micropores on the annular planar end plate is between 1.0 and 5.0 microns.

6. The battery core according to claim 1, characterized in that: All battery cells are integrated on the battery cell integrated base, and the electrolyte inlet chamber, electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank, battery cell integrated base, battery cell integrated chamber, electrolyte sealing cover, air sealing cover, and hydrogen sealing cover are integrated sequentially from the bottom to the top of the battery core; the electrolyte is introduced from the electrolyte inlet chamber through a hose passing through the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank to the electrode electrolyte inlet and the electrolyte inlet pipe nozzle located under the battery cell integrated base, and then the electrolyte flows through the cylindrical electrolyte channel space, the gap between the aluminum fuels, the small holes on the inner cylindrical shell and the outer cylindrical shell, and the electrolyte ion conductive chamber, and finally, through a group of electrode electrolyte outlets and the electrolyte outlet holes connected to the electrode electrolyte outlets, it flows into the electrolyte outlet sedimentation tank, and the electrolyte outlet holes are located under the battery cell integrated base.

7. The battery core according to claim 6, characterized in that: The current and hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell is processed with threads. Through the nut, the battery unit integrated base and the electrolyte sealing cover, air sealing cover and hydrogen sealing cover at the corresponding positions of the threads, the current and hydrogen outlet cylindrical shell can be used to seal the electrolyte, air and hydrogen.

8. The battery core according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vibration exciter is installed at the lower part of the electrolyte inlet chamber of the battery core, and the vibration exciter can excite the vibration of the battery core.

9. A battery integration device, characterized in that: It comprises a separated aluminum fuel cell and a hydrogen recovery and utilization system; the aluminum fuel cell comprises a battery core according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an electrolyte circulation system connected to the battery core; the hydrogen recovery and utilization system comprises a hydrogen fuel cell and a pressure vessel; the aluminum fuel cell provides hydrogen to the hydrogen recovery and utilization system through a pipeline, the hydrogen flowing out of the hydrogen fuel cell can be compressed into the pressure vessel, and the hydrogen in the pressure vessel can provide hydrogen to the hydrogen fuel cell.

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