Configuration of battery module and system interface for metal-air battery

Abstract

According to one aspect, a power storage system may include a housing and one or more modules disposed in the housing. Each of the one or more modules may include a plurality of electrochemical cells electrically coupled to each other, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells including an oxygen evolution electrode (OEE), an anode, a gas diffusion electrode (GDE), an electrolyte, and a container, and within the container, the OEE, the anode, and the GDE are at least partially immersed in the electrolyte.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 373,297, filed on August 23, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 373,299, filed on August 23, 2022, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Energy storage technologies play an increasingly important role in the power grid. These energy storage assets provide smoothing to better match power generation and demand in the grid. The services provided by energy storage devices are beneficial to the power grid on multiple time scales (from milliseconds to years). Today, there are energy storage technologies that can support time scales from milliseconds to hours, but there is a need to improve the availability, reliability, and / or resilience of energy storage systems while reducing their costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, an electrical energy storage system may include a housing and one or more modules disposed within the housing, each of the one or more modules including a plurality of electrochemical cells electrically coupled to each other, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells including an oxygen evolution electrode (OEE), an anode, a gas diffusion electrode (GDE), an electrolyte, and a container, and within the container, the OEE, the anode, and the GDE are at least partially immersed in the electrolyte.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a lid, the lid being supported on the container, and the orientation of the PCB being perpendicular to the lid.

[0006] In certain embodiments, each of the one or more modules may include a cell-to-cell bus, the cell-to-cell bus including cables and / or busbars.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrochemical cells may be arranged in at least two columns, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells including a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and the positive terminals of the plurality of electrochemical cells in the first column are electrically connected to the negative terminals of the plurality of electrochemical cells in the second column by two cables.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may include a printed circuit board (PCB), and each of the one or more modules may further include a cover located on the PCB of the plurality of electrochemical cells that may be in a corresponding one of the one or more modules.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may include a printed circuit board (PCB), a lid, and a protective cover, where the lid is supported on the container, the PCB is supported on the lid, and the protective cover may be located on the lid to cover the PCB.

[0010] In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may further include a flexible grommet for sealing a given electrochemical cell in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrical energy storage system may further include a plenum and a gasket, where the gasket is placed between the plenum and the tops of at least some of the plurality of electrochemical cells.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the container of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may include a side port through which the electrolyte of a given electrochemical cell may overflow from the container during a charging cycle.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may include a float valve that may be triggered to prevent overfilling of the container with the electrolyte.

[0014] In certain embodiments, in the module, the plurality of electrochemical cells may be collectively provided with cooling channels therebetween through which forced air flow may pass between the plurality of electrochemical cells.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the one or more modules may further include a tray, end plates, and a strapping band. The plurality of electrochemical cells may be supported on the tray in two columns. The end plates are detachably fixed to the tray at the front and rear ends of each of the two columns, and the strapping band holds the two columns of the plurality of electrochemical cells and the end plates together on the tray. As an example, the tray may be provided with notches, and the end plates are detachably fixed to the tray through the notches. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more modules may further include a tension member, and each tension member connects one of the end plates to the center of the tray through a pin connection. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more modules may further include a bracket, and the tension member may be mechanically coupled to the bracket through the pin connection.

[0016] In certain embodiments, each of the one or more modules may support the plurality of electrochemical cells such that forced air can flow between adjacent electrochemical cells.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the one or more modules may support the plurality of electrochemical cells such that forced air can flow through portions of the plurality of electrochemical cells toward the outside of a given module.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the plurality of electrochemical cells may form blocks within each of the one or more modules, and forced air can flow between the blocks within the one or more modules.

[0019] In some embodiments, the one or more modules may include a plurality of modules, and each of the plurality of modules supports a plurality of electrochemical cells in two columns. Each of the plurality of modules within the housing is spaced apart from each other such that forced air can flow through the electrochemical cell entities at the ends of each column of each of the plurality of modules.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the electrochemical cells may include iron-air battery pack cells, zinc-air battery pack cells, and / or lithium-air battery pack cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a system block diagram of a power generation system according to multiple embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 is a system block diagram of a power generation system according to multiple embodiments.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell assembly.

[0024] Figure 4A Perspective view of the exterior portion of an electrochemical cell.

[0025] Figure 4B Is Figure 4A Exploded view of the interior portion of an electrochemical cell.

[0026] Figure 5A Schematic diagram of a module including a plurality of electrochemical cell entities, showing the height (z dimension) of the plurality of electrochemical cell entities looking down from a top view and a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in multiple rows from the front to the back of the module, with the depth dimension of each of the plurality of electrodes parallel to the side-to-side dimension of the module, such that the plurality of electrochemical cells form a square footprint within the module.

[0027] Figure 5B Schematic diagram of a module including a plurality of electrochemical cell entities, showing the height (z dimension) of the plurality of electrochemical cell entities looking down from a top view and a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in multiple rows from side to side of the module, with the depth dimension of each of the plurality of electrodes perpendicular to the side-to-side dimension of the module, such that the plurality of electrochemical cells form a rectangular footprint within the module.

[0028] Figure 5C Schematic diagram of a module including a plurality of electrochemical cell entities, showing the height (z dimension) of the plurality of electrochemical cell entities looking down from a top view, with the plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in a single row, and the depth dimension of the plurality of electrochemical cells perpendicular to the side-to-side dimension of the module, such that the plurality of electrochemical cells form a rectangular footprint within the module.

[0029] Figure 5D Schematic diagram of a module including a plurality of electrochemical cell entities, showing the height (z dimension) of the plurality of electrochemical cell entities looking down from a top view, with the plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in multiple rows from side to side, and the depth dimension of each of the plurality of electrodes perpendicular to the side-to-side dimension of the module, such that the plurality of electrochemical cells form a square footprint of the module.

[0030] Figure 6A Perspective view of the housing of one or more module entities of FIG. 5.

[0031] Figure 6B Is Figure 6A Perspective view of the housing, shown in a state after the door is removed.

[0032] Figure 6C Is Figure 6A Perspective view of the lower structure of the housing.

[0033] Figure 7ASchematic diagram of the top view of the housing, showing the auxiliary area within the housing and co-located with multiple module entities.

[0034] Figure 7B Schematic diagram of the top view of a system including a housing, where each housing supports multiple module entities, and each housing is supported by a shared auxiliary area.

[0035] Figure 7C Schematic diagram of the top view of a system including a housing, where each housing has an auxiliary area, and each housing is connected to a shared auxiliary area.

[0036] Figures 8A to 8E Schematic diagram of an exemplary layout of multiple module entities within the housing.

[0037] Figures 9A to 9F Schematic diagram of an exemplary layout of multiple module entities within the housing.

[0038] Figures 10A to 10E Schematic diagram of an exemplary layout of multiple module entities within the housing.

[0039] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of a module including multiple electrochemical cells.

[0040] Figure 12A Top view of a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted perpendicular to the lid of the electrochemical cell.

[0041] Figure 12B Is Figure 12A Side view of the PCB mounted perpendicular to the lid in

[0042] Figure 13A Top view of an electrochemical cell stack, where four cables connect each of the four cell positive terminals on the PCB of the electrochemical cell to the four cell negative terminals on the next electrochemical cell in the stack.

[0043] Figure 13B Top view of an electrochemical cell stack, where busbars are used to connect each of the four cell positive terminals on the PCB of the electrochemical cell to the four cell negative terminals on the next electrochemical cell in the stack.

[0044] Figure 13C Schematic diagram of the electrical connection between electrochemical cell groups in the module.

[0045] Figures 14A to 14B Schematic diagram of the cover of the electrochemical cell PCB.

[0046] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of a flexible overmolded grommet for sealing the air supply pipe of the module.

[0047] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of a module including a gasket between the module and the gas collection chamber.

[0048] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram for electrolyte level management of an electrochemical cell.

[0049] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of a system for passively controlling the electrolyte volume level.

[0050] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram of a thermal management component in a battery pack module.

[0051] Figures 20A to 20B It is a schematic diagram of a module structure that provides protection and support to the electrochemical cells of the module.

[0052] Figure 21 It is a schematic diagram of a tray of the module, the tray including components for positioning and holding the electrochemical cells and end plates.

[0053] Figures 22 to 39 It is the computational fluid dynamics / finite element analysis simulation results related to various aspects of thermal management of a module of a metal-air battery pack. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0054] Multiple embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout all the figures to refer to the same or similar parts. The references to specific examples and embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The following description of the embodiments is not intended to be limiting, but rather to enable those skilled in the art to make and use these embodiments or combinations thereof.

[0055] The multiple embodiments of the systems, devices, technologies, methods, activities, and operations described in this specification can be used in a variety of other activities and other fields beyond what is described herein. Additionally, for example, these embodiments can be used in conjunction with: other devices or activities that may be developed in the future; and existing devices or activities that can be partially modified based on the teachings of this specification. Moreover, the multiple embodiments and examples described in this specification can be used together (in whole or in part), and can be used in different multiple combinations. Thus, the configurations provided in the multiple embodiments of this specification can be used together. For example, according to the disclosure provided herein, the components of an embodiment having A, A', and B and the components of an embodiment having A'', C, and D can be used together in various combinations, such as A, C, D and A, A'', C, and D, etc. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the specific embodiments, the configurations or arrangements set forth in the specific embodiments, examples, or embodiments of the specific figures.

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include systems, methods, and devices for electrochemical energy storage systems such as metal-air battery systems. The systems and methods of multiple embodiments may provide the construction and configuration of electrodes and / or battery components of a metal-air battery system.

[0057] Multiple embodiments may provide devices and / or methods for long-duration and ultra-long-duration low-cost energy storage (including for multi-day energy storage). As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "long-duration" and "ultra-long-duration" and similar such terms shall be given their broadest possible meaning, including energy storage durations of 8 hours or longer, such as an energy storage duration of 8 hours, an energy storage duration of 8 to 20 hours, an energy storage duration of 20 hours, an energy storage duration of 20 to 24 hours, an energy storage duration of 24 hours, an energy storage duration of 24 hours to one week, an energy storage duration of one week to one year (e.g., days to weeks to months), etc., and may encompass long-duration energy storage (LODES) systems. Additionally, unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "long-duration" and "ultra-long-duration", "energy storage battery" (including "electrochemical battery") and similar such terms shall be given their broadest possible meaning; including electrochemical batteries that can be configured to store energy over time spans of days, weeks, or quarters, such as electrochemical batteries sometimes referred to as multi-day energy storage (MDS) batteries. By definition, the term "duration" represents the ratio of the energy of an energy storage system to its power. For example, a system with a rated energy of 24 MWh and a rated power of 8 MW has a duration of 3 hours; a system with a rated energy of 24 MWh and a rated power of 1 MW has a duration of 24 hours. Physically, this can be interpreted as the operating time of the energy storage system at its maximum power.

[0058] Generally, in one embodiment, a long-duration energy storage battery may be a long-duration electrochemical battery. Generally, such a long-duration electrochemical battery may store electrical power generated by a power generation system provided that: (i) the energy source or fuel for power generation is available, abundant, inexpensive, and combinations and variations thereof; (ii) when the power requirements or electrical demand of the power grid, a customer, or other user is less than the amount of electrical power generated by the power generation system, the price paid for providing such electrical power to the power grid, a customer, or other user is less than the economic efficiency point of generating such electrical power (e.g., the cost of power generation exceeds the market price of the electrical power), and combinations and variations thereof; and (iii) combinations and variations of (i) and (ii) and other reasons. Then, such electrical power stored in the long-duration electrochemical battery may be delivered to the power grid, a customer, or other user when it is affordable or when there is other need. For example, an electrochemical battery may be configured to store energy generated by a solar cell during summer months when there is abundant sunlight and solar power generation exceeds the grid demand, and release the stored energy during winter months when sunlight may be insufficient to meet the grid demand.

[0059] Multiple embodiments can provide devices and / or methods for large-scale energy storage systems (e.g., long-duration energy storage (LODES) systems (e.g., multi-day energy storage (MDS) systems), short-duration energy storage (SDES) systems, etc.). As an example, multiple embodiments can provide configurations and controls for battery packs (e.g., battery packs for LODES systems) for large-scale energy storage systems.

[0060] Although multiple examples are discussed with reference to Li-ion and / or Fe-air, the discussion of Li-ion and / or Fe-air is only used as an example, and multiple embodiments include other combinations and arrangements of storage technologies that can replace the exemplary solar + Li-ion + Fe-air discussion herein. For example, various metal-air storage technologies can be used as battery packs in multiple embodiments, such as zinc-air, lithium-air, sodium-air, etc.

[0061] As used herein, the term "module" can refer to a unit electrochemical cell string (e.g., a battery pack string). Multiple modules (or multiple units or electrochemical cells) can be connected together to form a battery pack string.

[0062] Unless the context otherwise indicates or clearly states, any element recited in the singular shall be understood to be intended to cover embodiments including one or more such elements, and the separate recitation of "one or more" is typically omitted for clarity and readability. Thus, for example, reciting a LODES system 104 shall be understood to include one or more LODES systems, etc.

[0063] Figure 1 is a system block diagram of a power generation system 101 according to multiple embodiments. The power generation system 101 can be a power plant including a power source 102, a LODES system 104 (e.g., a multi-day energy storage (MDS) system), and an SDES system 160. As an example, the power source 102 can include a renewable power source, a non-renewable power source, a combination of a renewable power source and a non-renewable power source, etc. Examples of the power source 102 include wind turbines, solar generators, geothermal generators, nuclear generators, etc. The LODES system 104 can include electrochemical cells (e.g., one or more battery packs). The battery packs of the LODES system 104 can be any type of battery pack, such as rechargable secondary batteries, refuellable primary batteries, a combination of primary and secondary battery packs, etc. The battery pack chemistry can be any suitable chemistry, such as Al, AlCl 3 、Fe、FeO x (OH) y 、Na x Sy , SiO x (OH) y , AlO x (OH) y , metal-air and / or any suitable type of battery chemistry. The SDES system 160 can include one or more electrochemical cells (e.g., one or more battery packs). The battery packs of the SDES system 160 can be any type of battery pack, such as rechargeable secondary battery packs, replenishable primary battery packs, a combination of primary and secondary battery packs, etc. The battery chemistry can be any suitable chemistry, such as Li-ion, Na-ion, NiMH, Mg-ion, and / or any suitable type of battery chemistry.

[0064] In multiple embodiments, the operation of the power source 102 can be controlled by the first control system 106. The first control system 106 can include an engine, a pump, a fan, a switch, a relay, or any other type of device that can control the power generation of the power source 102. In multiple embodiments, the operation of the LODES system 104 can be controlled by the second control system 108. The second control system 108 can include an engine, a pump, a fan, a switch, a relay, or any other type of device that can control the discharging and / or electricity storage of the LODES system. In multiple embodiments, the operation of the SDES system 160 can be controlled by the third control system 158. The third control system 158 can include an engine, a pump, a fan, a switch, a relay, or any other type of device that can control the discharging and / or electricity storage of the SDES system 160. The first control system 106, the second control system 108, and the third control system 158 can each be connected to the power plant controller 112. The power plant controller 112 can monitor the overall operation of the power generation system 101, generate control signals, and send control signals to the first control system 106, the second control system 108, and the third control system 158 to control the operation of the power source 102, the LODES system 104, and / or the SDES system 160.

[0065] In power generation system 101, power source 102, LODES system 104, and SDES system 160 can each be connected to power control device 110. Power control device 110 can be connected to power grid 115 or other transmission facilities. Power control device 110 can include switches, inverters (e.g., AC to DC inverters, DC to AC inverters, etc.), relays, power electronics, and any other type of device that can control the power flow to / from power source 102, LODES system 104, SDES system 160, and / or power grid 115. Additionally or alternatively, power generation system 101 can include transmission facility 130 that connects power generation, transmission, and the power generation system 101 to power grid 115. As an example, transmission facility 130 can be connected between power control device 110 and power grid 115 such that power can flow between power generation system 101 and power grid 115. Transmission facility 130 can include transmission lines, distribution lines, cables, switches, relays, transformers, and any other type of device that can support the power flow between power generation system 101 and power grid 115. Power control device 110 and / or transmission facility 130 can be connected to power plant controller 112. Power plant controller 112 can monitor and control the operation of power control device 110 and / or transmission facility 130, for example, via a plurality of control signals. As an example, power plant controller 112 can control power control device 110 and / or transmission facility 130 to supply power from power source 102 to power grid 115, supply power from LODES system 104 to power grid 115, supply power from power source 102 and LODES system 104 to power grid 115, supply power from power source 102 to LODES system 104, supply power from power grid 115 to LODES system 104, supply power from SDES system 160 to power grid 115, supply power from power source 102 and SDES system 160 to power grid 115, supply power from power source 102 to SDES system 160, supply power from power grid 115 to SDES system 160, supply power from SDES system 160 and LODES system 104 to power grid 115, and / or supply power from power source 102, SDES system 160, and LODES system 104 to power grid 115. In multiple embodiments, power source 102 can selectively charge LODES system 104 and / or SDES system 160, and LODES system 104 and / or SDES system 160 can selectively discharge to power grid 115. In this way, the energy generated by power source 102 (e.g., renewable energy, non-renewable energy, etc.) can be output from LODES system 104 and / or SDES system 160 to power grid 115 at some time after generation.

[0066] In various embodiments, the power plant controller 112 may communicate with a network 120 (e.g., a 3G network, a 4G network, a 5G network, a core network, the Internet, combinations thereof, etc.). Using the connection to the network 120, the power plant controller 112 may exchange data with the network 120 and with devices connected to the network 120 (such as the power plant management system 121 or any other device connected to the network 120). The power plant management system 121 may include one or more computing devices, such as the computing device 124 and the server 122. The computing device 124 and the server 122 may be directly connected to each other and / or connected via connection to the network 120. The various connections of the power plant controller 112 and the devices of the power plant management system 121 to the network 120 may be wired connections and / or wireless connections.

[0067] In various embodiments, the computing device 124 of the power plant management system 121 may provide a user interface that facilitates providing user-defined inputs to the power plant management system 121 and / or the power generation system 101, receiving indications related to the power plant management system 121 and / or the power generation system 101, and / or otherwise controlling the operation of the power plant management system 121 and / or the power generation system 101.

[0068] Although shown as two separate devices 124 and 122, the functions of the computing device 124 and the server 122 described herein may be integrated into a single computing device or may be distributed among more than two devices. Additionally or alternatively, although shown as part of the power plant management system 121, the functions of one or both of the computing device 124 and the server 122 may be performed in whole or in part by a remote computing device such as a cloud-based computing system. Additionally or alternatively, although shown as communicating with a single power generation system 101 entity, the power plant management system 121 may communicate with multiple power generation system 101 entities.

[0069] Although Figure 1Power generation source 102, LODES system 104, and SDES system 160 are shown as being located together, but in multiple embodiments, they can be physically separated from each other. For example, the LODES system 104 can be located downstream of a transmission constraint, such as downstream of a part of the power grid 115, downstream of the power generation source 102 and the SDES system 160, etc. In this way, by placing the LODES system 104 downstream of the transmission constraint, charging the LODES system 104 when capacity is abundant, and discharging the LODES system 104 when transmission is insufficient, overbuilding of underutilized transmission facilities can be reduced or even avoided. Additionally or alternatively, the LODES system 104 can arbitrate electricity based on prevailing market prices to reduce the final electricity cost for customers.

[0070] Figure 2 is a system block diagram of a power generation system 201, where, according to multiple embodiments, multiple components of the power generation system 201 can be physically separated from each other. For the sake of clear and concise description, unless otherwise specified or clearly stated in the context, Figure 2 has the same numbered components as those Figure 1 with the last two digits in Figure 1 should be understood to be similar or interchangeable with each other, so the same features will not be elaborated further, and only the differences and / or emphasized specific features will be described. For example, unless the context indicates or clearly states the opposite purpose, the power generation system 101 (

[0071] ) should be understood to be similar to and / or interchangeable with the power generation system 201.

[0071] As an example, the power generation system 201 can include a power generation source 202 and one or more large-capacity energy storage systems, such as the LODES system 204 and / or the SDES system 260. The power generation source 202, the LODES system 204, and / or the SDES system 160 can be separated in power plants 231A, 231B, 231C. Although the power plants 231A, 231B, 231C can be separated from each other, the power generation system 201 and the power plant management system 121 can operate with reference to the operation of the power generation system 101 and the power plant management system 121 ( Figure 1 ) as described above. The power plants 231A, 231B, and 231C can be in the same location or geographically separated from each other. The power plants 231A, 231B, and 231C can be connected to the power grid 215 at different locations. For example, the power plant 231A can be connected to the power grid 215 upstream of the connection of the power plant 231B.

[0072] In some embodiments, the power plant 231A associated with the power source 202 may include dedicated equipment for controlling the power plant 231A and / or for transmitting power to / from the power plant 231A. For example, the power plant 231A may include a power plant controller 212A and a power controller 110A and / or a transmission facility 230A. The power controller 210A and / or the transmission facility 230 may be electrically communicatively connected to the power plant controller 112A. For example, the power plant controller 212A may monitor and control the operation of the power controller 210A and / or the transmission facility 230A, for example, via a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 212A may control the power controller 210A and / or the transmission facility 230A to supply power from the power source 202 to the power grid 215 and the like.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the power plant 231B associated with the LODES system 204 may include dedicated equipment for controlling the power plant 231B and / or for transmitting power to / from the power plant 231B. For example, the power plant 231B associated with the LODES system 204 may include a power plant controller 112B, a power controller 210B and / or a transmission facility 230B. The power controller 210B and / or the transmission facility 230B may be connected to the power plant controller 212B. The power plant controller 212B may monitor and control the operation of the power controller 210B and / or the transmission facility 230B, for example, via a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 212B may control the power controller 210B and / or the transmission facility 230B to supply power from the LODES system 204 to the power grid 215 and / or to supply power from the power grid 215 to the LODES system 204 and the like.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the power plant 231C associated with the SDES system 260 may include dedicated equipment for controlling the power plant 231C and / or for transmitting power to / from the power plant 231C. For example, the power plant 231C associated with the SDES system 260 may include a power plant controller 212C, a power controller 210C, and / or a transmission facility 230C. The power controller 210C and / or the transmission facility 230C may be connected to the power plant controller 212C. The power plant controller 212C may monitor and control the operation of the power controller 210C and / or the transmission facility 230C, for example, via a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 212C may monitor and control the operation of the power controller 210C and / or the transmission facility 230C, for example, via a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 212 may control the power controller 210C and / or the transmission facility 230C to supply power from the SDES system 260 to the power grid 215 and / or to supply power from the power grid 215 to the SDES system 260, etc.

[0075] In multiple embodiments, the power plant controllers 212A, 212B, 212C may communicate with each other and / or communicate with the network 220. Using the connection to the network 220, the power plant controllers 212A, 212B, 212C may exchange data with the network 220 and one or more devices connected to the network 220 (such as the power plant management system 221), exchange data with each other, or exchange data with any other device connected to the network 220. In multiple embodiments, the operation of the power plant controllers 212A, 212B, 212C may be monitored by the power plant management system 221, and the operation of the power plant controllers 212A, 212B, 212C may be controlled by the power plant management system 221. Thus, the operation of the power generation system 201 may be controlled by the power plant management system 221.

[0076] Figure 3 may be used for one or more of the LODES systems described herein (e.g., Figure 1 the LODES system 204 in Figure 2Schematic diagram of a battery pack 370 of the LODES system 204 in FIG. 3 . Battery pack 370 may include a container 371, a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) 372, an anode 373, an electrolyte 374, and a current collector 375. GDE 372, anode 373, electrolyte 374, and current collector 375 may each be placed in container 371. Anode 373 may include a metal electrode (e.g., an iron electrode, a lithium electrode, a zinc electrode, or other type of suitable metal). Electrolyte 374 may separate GDE 372 from anode 373. In addition, specific examples of battery packs that can be used for large-capacity energy storage systems such as the LODES system of the present disclosure, such as battery packs similar to battery pack 370, are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2021 / 0028457, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As an example, battery pack 370 may be a metal-air type battery pack, such as an iron-air battery pack, a lithium-air battery pack, a zinc-air battery pack, and the like. Although multiple examples are discussed with reference to metal-air batteries, other types of batteries may be used in addition or alternatively in the multiple examples provided herein unless the context dictates otherwise or explicitly states. The battery pack 370 may be a single battery or unit, and multiple battery pack 370 entities (i.e., multiple units or batteries) may be connected together to form a module. Multiple modules may be connected to each other to form a battery string.

[0077] In various embodiments, the anode 373 can be solid and the electrolyte can be excluded from the anode. In various embodiments, the anode 373 can be porous and the electrolyte 374 can be geometrically interpenetrated with the anode 373, creating a larger interfacial surface area for reaction. Additionally or alternatively, the air electrode 203 can be porous and the electrolyte 374 can be geometrically interpenetrated with the anode 373, creating a larger interfacial surface area for reaction. Additionally or alternatively, the GDE 372 can be located between the electrolyte 374 and the gas headspace ( Figure 3 For example, the gas head space can be sealed in the shell. In addition or alternatively, the shell can be unsealed and the gas head space can be an open system that can freely exchange substances with the environment.

[0078] Anode 373 may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn) or iron (Fe), or an alloy consisting essentially of one or more of the foregoing metal elements, such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy (e.g., FeAl, FeZn, FeMg, etc.) that can undergo an oxidation reaction for discharge. Therefore, anode 373 may be referred to herein as a metal electrode.

[0079] In some embodiments, the battery pack 370 can be rechargeable, and when the battery pack 370 is charged, the anode 373 can undergo a reduction reaction. The anode 373 can be a solid (including a dense solid or a porous solid), or a mesh or foam, or a collection of particles or granules, or can be a slurry, ink, suspension, or paste deposited within a casing. In various embodiments, the components of the anode 373 can be selected such that the anode 373 and the electrolyte 374 do not mix to any substantial extent, allowing only a small solubility that does not affect the performance of the battery pack 370. For example, the anode 373 can be a metal electrode that can be a bulk solid. Additionally or alternatively, the anode 373 can include a collection of particles in a suspension, such as small particles or large volume particles, and the buoyancy of the collection of particles may not be sufficient to escape from the suspension into the electrolyte. Additionally or alternatively, the anode 373 can include particles that do not float in the electrolyte 374.

[0080] The GDE 372 can support a reaction with oxygen. As an example, the GDE 372 can be a solid and can be located at the interface of the gas headspace and the electrolyte 374. During discharge, the GDE 372 can support the reduction of oxygen from the gas headspace, i.e., the so-called oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In some embodiments, the battery pack 370 can be rechargeable, and a reverse reaction can occur, i.e., the GDE supports the reaction of oxygen evolution from the battery pack, i.e., the so-called oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The OER and ORR reactions are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0081] In various embodiments, the electrolyte 374 can be a liquid electrolyte. For example, the electrolyte 374 can be an aqueous solution, a non-aqueous solution, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the electrolyte 374 can be an aqueous solution, which can be acidic (low pH), neutral (intermediate pH), or basic (high pH; also referred to as alkaline or caustic). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 374 can contain a cationic element, such as Li, K, Na, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid electrolyte can be basic, i.e., the pH is greater than 7. In some embodiments, the pH of the electrolyte can be greater than 10 (e.g., greater than 12). For example, the electrolyte 374 can contain potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a concentration of 6 M (mol / liter). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 374 can contain a combination of components such as 5.5 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.5 M lithium hydroxide (LiOH). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 374 can contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at a concentration of 6 M (mol / liter). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 374 can contain 5 M (mol / liter) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0082] In some embodiments, the battery pack 370 (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) can be discharged by reducing oxygen (O 2 ) typically from air. This may require a three-phase contact between gaseous oxygen, an electrochemically active conductor that provides electrons for the reduction reaction, and an electrolyte 374 that contains the product of the reduction step. For example, in some embodiments involving an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, oxygen from air can be reduced via the half-reaction O 2 + 2H 2 O + 4e - → 4OH - to form hydroxide ions. Thus, delivering oxygen to the metal-air battery can involve gas handling and maintaining a triple point. In some embodiments, the GDE 372 can be located at the gas-liquid interface to facilitate and maintain the three-phase boundary, sometimes referred to as a “normal air-breathing” configuration. The GDE 372 can be placed vertically, horizontally, or at any intermediate angle with respect to gravity and maintain the “normal air-breathing” configuration. In these “normal air-breathing” configurations, the gas phase is at atmospheric pressure (i.e., the gas phase is unpressurized except for the effects of gravity).

[0083] Figure 3 The battery pack 370 in is merely an example of one electrochemical cell according to multiple embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Other configurations such as electrochemical cells with different types of containers and / or without a container 371, electrochemical cells with different types of air electrodes and / or without a GDE 372, electrochemical cells with different types of current collectors and / or without a current collector 375, electrochemical cells with different types of anodes and / or without an anode 373, and / or electrochemical cells with different types of electrolytes and / or without an electrolyte 374 can replace the exemplary configuration of the battery pack 370, and other arrangements are consistent with the multiple embodiments.

[0084] In multiple embodiments, the container 371 can be made of a polymer such as polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), polypropylene, and / or other polymers. In some embodiments, the container 371 and / or the casing for the battery pack 370 can be made of a metal such as nickel, steel, anodized aluminum, nickel-plated steel, nickel-plated aluminum, or other metals.

[0085] In multiple embodiments, a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 370) can include three electrodes - an anode (e.g., anode 373) and a dual cathode (e.g., GDE 372 includes two parts, such as a first cathode and a second cathode). The electrodes can have a limited service life and can be mechanically replaced. For example, the anode can be replaced seasonally. The first cathode of the dual cathode can be divided into two parts, with the first part having a hydrophilic surface and the second part having a hydrophobic surface. For example, the hydrophobic surface can have polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., ) hydrophobic surface.

[0086] For example, the second part with the hydrophobic surface can include a microporous layer of PTFE and high surface area carbon, while the first part with the hydrophilic surface can include carbon fibers partially coated with PTFE. As another example, the second part can include a microporous layer of PTFE and carbon black, and the first part can include about 33 wt% of PTFE. As a further example, the second part can include a microporous layer of 23 wt% of PTFE and 77 wt% of carbon black, and the first part can include a low-loading microporous layer. The anode can be an iron (Fe) electrode or an iron alloy (Fe alloy) electrode (e.g., FeAl, FeZn, FeMg, etc.). The second cathode of the dual cathode can include a hydrophilic surface. The second cathode of the dual cathode can include a metal substrate coated with nickel (Ni), such as carbon (C), titanium (Ti), steel, etc. An electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 140) can be placed between the three electrodes. The electrolyte can penetrate into one or more of the three electrodes.

[0087] A battery pack system can include multiple batteries in series and / or parallel in a shared electrolyte bath and contained within a housing.

[0088] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4B , Figure 4A, according to various embodiments, the electrochemical cell 400 may include at least one cell stack, such as at least one cell stack 200 entity. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 400 may include a container 401 (e.g., such as container 371), in which an air electrode (e.g., cathode) such as GDE 372, a negative electrode (e.g., anode) such as anode 373, and an electrolyte such as electrolyte 374 are placed. The electrolyte such as electrolyte 374 may rise to a given liquid level within the container 401, and a headspace may be formed between the top of the container 401 and the liquid level of the electrolyte in the electrochemical cell 400. The container 401 may have a height (e.g., z dimension), a width (e.g., y dimension), and a depth (e.g., x dimension). In an exemplary configuration, the height may be greater than the width and the depth, and the width may be greater than the depth, such that the container 401 is generally a rectangular parallelepiped. The container 401 may include one or more different connectors, such as electrical connectors, electrolyte connectors, gas connectors (e.g., air connectors), ventilation holes, etc. Through the connectors, two or more electrochemical cells (e.g., two or more electrochemical cell 400 entities) may be connected together, such as in series and / or in parallel, to form a module.

[0089] In a module formed by a plurality of electrochemical cell 400 entities, each electrochemical cell 400 entity may be a self - contained unit that supports its respective air electrode (e.g., GDE 372), anode electrode (e.g., anode 373), and electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 374). The module structure may support the container 401 of the electrochemical cell 400 placed within a given module.

[0090] The container 401 may have placed therein one or more anode assembly 402 entities (e.g., one or more anode 373 entities), one or more cathode entities (e.g., air electrode 203), and an electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 374). As an example, each cathode assembly entity may include its respective oxygen evolution electrode (OEE) 403 entity and gas diffusion electrode (GDE) 404 entity. A cell stack including at least one OEE 403 entity and at least one GDE 404 entity may be referred to as a multi - cathode cell stack cell.

[0091] The OEE 403 can be placed within the container 401, between the anode assembly 402 and the GDE 404. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 400 can include an electronics structure 450, which can include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), a circuit housing, etc., which can be used to support multiple electronic devices (e.g., controllers, sensors, switches, wiring buses, etc.) that can control and / or manage one or more operations of the electrochemical cell 400. The electrochemical cell 400 can additionally or alternatively include a lid 455 and an electrode support 454 on opposite sides along the length dimension of the container 401. A strap 453 can secure the lid 455 and the electrode support 454 to the container 401. In some configurations, the electronics structure 450 can be supported on the lid 455.

[0092] Generally, the OEE 403, the anode assembly 402, and the GDE 404 can each be placed in the electrolyte 497 within the volume of the container 401 of the electrochemical cell 400. As discussed herein, the GDE 404 can include a two-part electrode, having two sides with a three-sided seal to form a double-sided bag-like configuration that defines a central air channel between the two sides. Compared to other configurations, by fabricating a 2-sided GDE (air in the middle, active faces on both sides), the amount of inactive material used in the GDE 404 construction (e.g., flow field, epoxy "grooves" or frames) can be reduced.

[0093] Reference Figures 1 to 4B and Figure 5A , the module 501 is presented in a top-down perspective along the height (e.g., z-dimension) direction of multiple electrochemical cell 400 entities. The module 501 can generally be in a square configuration, with the lengths of the front, back, and sides of the module 501 being substantially the same. In the module 501, multiple electrochemical cell 400 entities can be arranged in two rows such that the respective width dimensions of the multiple electrochemical cell entities are parallel to the sides of the module 501, and the respective depths of the containers 401 are parallel to the front and back of the module 501. In the configuration of the module 501, the combined width of the two rows of multiple electrochemical cell 400 entities, as well as any spacing between the two rows and between the front and back of the module, can generally determine the length of each side of the module 501. The number of electrochemical cell 400 entities in each row, the depth dimension of each container 401 entity, the spacing between the container 401 entities in each row, and the spacing between each row and the sides of the module 501 can generally determine the length of the module 501 from the front to the back. As described in more detail below, other arrangements of multiple electrochemical cell 400 entities can additionally or alternatively form modules with other footprints.

[0094] As another example, although module 501 has been described as having an electro-chemical cell with a specific arrangement to form a specific occupied space, it should be understood that electro-chemical cells with other arrangements may additionally or alternatively form the module. As an example, now refer to Figure 5B , the configuration of module 502 may include a plurality of electro-chemical cell 400 entities according to a plurality of embodiments. The configuration of module 502 may generally be in a rectangular configuration, with the sides of module 502 being longer than the back and front of module 502. In module 502, two rows of electro-chemical cell 400 entities may be arranged such that the width of the plurality of electro-chemical cell 400 entities is parallel to the front and back of module 502, and the depth of the plurality of electro-chemical cell 400 entities is parallel to the sides of module 502. In the configuration of module 502, the width of two electro-chemical cell 400 entities (and any spacing between the rows of electro-chemical cell 400 entities and the spacing between each row and the sides of module 502) may generally determine the length of the front and back of module 502. The number of entities in each row of electro-chemical cells 400 and the depth of the plurality of electro-chemical cell 400 entities (and the spacing between each row of the plurality of electro-chemical cell 400 entities and the spacing between each row and the front and back of module 502) may generally determine the length of the sides of module 502.

[0095] As another example, now refer to Figure 5C , the configuration of module 503 may include a plurality of electro-chemical cell 400 entities according to a plurality of embodiments. Module 503 may generally be in a rectangular configuration, with the sides of module 503 being longer than the back and front of module 503. In module 503, a single row of electro-chemical cell 400 entities may be arranged such that the width of the electro-chemical cell 400 entities is parallel to the front and back of module 503, and the depth of the electro-chemical cell 400 entities is parallel to the sides of module 502. In module 503, the width of the single row of electro-chemical cell 400 entities (and any spacing between the sides of module 503) may generally determine the length of the front and back of module 503. The number of entities in the row of electro-chemical cells 400 and the depth of the electro-chemical cell 400 entities (and the spacing between the entities in the row of electro-chemical cells 400 and the spacing between the front and back of module 503) may generally determine the length of the sides of module 503.

[0096] As yet another example, now refer to Figure 5D, the module 504 may generally be square, with the lengths of the front, back, and sides of the module 504 being substantially the same. In the module 504, two rows of electrochemical cell 400 entities may be arranged such that the width of the electrochemical cell 400 entities is parallel to the front and back of the module 504, and the depth of the electrochemical cell 400 entities is parallel to the sides of the module 504. In the module 504, the width of two electrochemical cell 400 entities (as well as any spacing between the rows of electrochemical cell 400 entities and the spacing between each row and the sides of the module 504) can generally determine the length of the front and back of the module 504. The number of entities in each row of the electrochemical cells 400 and the depth of the electrochemical cell 400 entities (as well as the spacing between each row of electrochemical cell 400 entities and the spacing between each row and the front and back of the module 504) can generally determine the length of the sides of the module 504.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, other configurations of multiple electrochemical cell entities may be employed, such as modules with more or fewer rows, modules with non-linearly arranged electrochemical cells, modules with more or fewer electrochemical cells, etc., which can replace the exemplary configurations of the above modules, and the other configurations are consistent with multiple embodiments.

[0098] In multiple embodiments, a battery pack module having an electrochemical cell string may be encapsulated in a housing. The housing may accommodate one or more module entities, where each module entity has an electrochemical cell string therein. In the following description, the housing is described in terms of multiple module 501 ( Figure 5A ) entities. However, it should be understood that this is for clarity and effective illustration. That is, unless the context otherwise indicates or clearly states, any reference to the module 501 ( Figure 5A ) in the housing should be understood to equally apply to any other arrangement of electrochemical cells in the module, and thus should be understood to equally apply to the module 502 ( Figure 5B ), the module 503 ( Figure 5C ), and the module 504 ( Figure 5D ).

[0099] Field-deployed instances of the module 501 may need to be protected from elements such as wind, dust, snow, rain, seismic activity, etc. Additionally or alternatively, instances of the module 501 may need to be fixed to the ground to reduce the likelihood of movement during high winds and / or seismic activity. Personnel also need protection from high voltages, corrosive fluids, and any other hazardous situations associated with the operation of the battery pack system. Several auxiliary systems may also be required to support the operation of the battery energy storage system, including secondary protection, thermal management, hydrogen management, gas diffusion electrode (GDE) support, air supply, electrolyte / water management, etc.

[0100] Now refer to Figures 1 to 5A and Figures 6A to 6C, one or more module 501 entities may be located within the enclosure 605. As an example, the enclosure 605 may include a lower structure 602, walls 603, 604, 606, 607, a top 611, and doors 612, 614.

[0101] In some embodiments, the lower structure 602 may support the entire weight of multiple module 501 entities for transportation and installation. If secondary protection is included in the design, the secondary protection may be fabricated into the lower structure 602, for example, for handling possible spills and fire water. Lifting points may be provided in the lower structure 602 such that the lower structure 602 can be lifted by the corners or include additional lifting points along its length. The bottom of the lower structure 602 may include attachment points to facilitate securing one or more module 501 entities to the enclosure 605, for example, to support transportation, seismic damping, etc. To facilitate protecting one or more module 501 entities during installation and / or transportation, the enclosure 605 may include doors 612 and 614. Additionally, other doors and / or hatches may be installed along other walls and / or the top of the enclosure 605. Figures 6A to 6C The illustrated configuration of the enclosure 605 shows a configuration of at least seven modules, but it should be understood that more or fewer modules may be present within the enclosure 605 depending on the enclosure size and / or configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure 605 may include attachment points for attachment to various on-site installation structures during on-site deployment, such as foundation beams, piles, helical piles, foundations, etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, the enclosure 605 may include an auxiliary area 608. As an example, the auxiliary area 608 may be at one end of the enclosure 605. Additionally or alternatively, auxiliary equipment may be installed in the auxiliary area to support the operation of one or more module 501 entities. The auxiliary equipment may include pumps, blowers, controllers, switches, connectors, pipes, conduits, heaters, coolers, filters, reservoirs, storage tanks, electronics, or any other type of equipment that can support the operation of one or more module 501 entities within the enclosure 605. Support subsystems may be housed in the auxiliary area 608 and connected to one or more module 501 entities. The support subsystems may include a GDE air system, a thermal management system, a heating system, a hydrogen management system, a water and / or electrolyte management system, a power electronics system, a control electronics system, a communication system, telemetry sensors and equipment, and / or be disconnected from plant-level services, and any other type of subsystem. Additionally or alternatively, the bottom of the enclosure 605 may define perforations to allow for the stubbing of electrical, water, or any other required connections during on-site installation. The perforations may maintain the secondary protection requirements of the lower structure 602.

[0103] The walls 603, 604, 606, and 607 can be connected to the lower structure 602 and, in some cases, can support the snow load borne by the top 611 and / or can handle the wind load on the enclosure 605. Additionally or alternatively, the structural shell formed by the walls 603, 604, 506, and 607 attached to the lower structure 602 can provide a base for auxiliary subsystems that need to operate throughout the enclosure 605 to support the operation of one or more module 501 entities. Although in some cases the walls 603, 604, 606, and 607 and the top 611 can each be metallic, it should be understood that all or part of the walls 603, 604, 606, and 607 and / or the top 611 can be formed of other materials such as fabric, cloth, etc.

[0104] In multiple embodiments, the enclosure 605 can form different regions, such as an auxiliary region 608 and a module bay 616. In multiple embodiments, the auxiliary region 608 can be covered by a door 612 on one or both long sides of the enclosure 605, and the module bay 616 can be covered by a door 614 on one or both long sides of the enclosure 605. The door 612 and / or the door 614 can facilitate access to auxiliary equipment and / or one or more module 501 entities for maintenance, repair, and / or replacement. In some embodiments, perforations 610 can be defined by the wall 606 and / or by the top 611 to facilitate air exchange from the environment to the enclosure 605 and vice versa. The perforations 610 can include, for example, filter grilles. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure 605 can maintain low dust ingress and / or be rainproof.

[0105] Now referring Figure 7A , the auxiliary region 608 can be within the enclosure 605 and co-located with one or more module 501 entities within the module bay 616. Although the enclosure 605 is shown as including seven module 501 entities, it should be understood that more or fewer module 501 entities can be placed in the enclosure 605, which can be used to accommodate different end-use cases.

[0106] Now referring Figure 7B , the system 702 can include multiple enclosure 710 entities that support multiple module 501 entities. A shared auxiliary region 703 can support multiple enclosure 710 entities. The shared auxiliary region 703 can be connected to each of the multiple module 501 entities via one or more connectors 715, and the shared auxiliary region 703 can provide subsystem services to the multiple enclosure 710 entities and the multiple module 501 entities therein, such as services for a GDE air system, a thermal management system, a hydrogen management system, a water and / or electrolyte management system, a power electronics system, a control electronics system, telemetry sensors and equipment, and / or disconnection from power plant-level services, and any other type of subsystem. Although Figure 7BFour enclosure 710 entities are shown, but more or fewer enclosure 710 entities can be connected to the shared auxiliary area 703, and the size of the shared auxiliary area 703 can be varied according to the number of enclosures to be supported and the number of modules within the enclosures.

[0107] Now referring to Figure 7C , system 750 can include a shared auxiliary area 703, the enclosures of which are connected to a plurality of enclosure 605 entities, each of which has an auxiliary area 608. In this way, some auxiliary system functions can be offloaded in whole or in part to the shared auxiliary area 705, and some auxiliary system functions can be located in whole or in part at the level of the enclosures 605.

[0108] Figures 8A to 8E is a schematic diagram of an exemplary layout of a plurality of module 501 entities within an enclosure 605. In each layout shown in Figures 8A to 8E , two module 501 entities are arranged front to back within a given bay of the enclosure 605. In these layouts, electrical runs can be provided, and all wiring can be on the short ends of the enclosure 605. Additionally, space can be provided within the enclosure 605 to facilitate removal of the module 501 entities. Additionally or alternatively, the width of the electrodes of the electrochemical cells of the module 501 can be related to the minimum dimension of the enclosure 605. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal spacing of the electrochemical cells of the module 501 and / or the plurality of module 501 entities relative to each other can be related to the minimum dimension of the enclosure 605. Certain layouts can include connecting and / or not connecting the back portions of one or more module entities in each bay of the enclosure 605. Additionally or alternatively, the layout can facilitate some activities by personnel within the enclosure 605.

[0109] Now referring to Figure 8B , a thermal management conduit / plumbing system 803 can be within the enclosure 605 to facilitate installation and / or removal of one or more module 501 entities. Now referring to Figure 8C , an electrical system connection configuration 804 and electrical connectors 805 can be within the enclosure 605 to facilitate installation and / or removal of one or more module 501 entities. Now referring to Figure 8D , a GDE air system 806 and air connectors 807 can be within the enclosure 605 to facilitate installation and / or removal of one or more module 501 entities. Now referring to Figure 8E , a water and / or electrolyte system 808 and fluid connectors 809 can be within the enclosure 605 to facilitate installation and / or removal of one or more module 501 entities.

[0110] Figures 9A to 9F is a schematic diagram of an exemplary layout of a plurality of module 502 entities within an enclosure 605. In each layout, module connectors can be on the door of the module 502. Now referring to Figure 9B, the thermal management conduit / piping system configuration 902 can be within the housing 605. Now refer to Figure 9C , the electrical system connector 904 can be within the housing 605. Now refer to Figure 9D , the GDE air system connector 906 can be within the housing 605. Now refer to Figure 9E , the water and / or electrolyte system connector 908 can be within the housing 605. Now refer to Figure 9F , the second electrical system connector 910 can be within the housing 605. The second electrical system connector 910 can include blind mating on the back side and front side connectors of each module 502 entity.

[0111] Figures 10A to 10E is a schematic diagram of an exemplary layout of multiple module 504 entities within the housing 605. In each layout, two module 504 entities can be arranged from the front to the back within the compartment of the housing 605. In these layouts, space can be provided within the housing 605 to facilitate the removal of one module 504 entity. Additionally or alternatively, in these layouts, the electrode width of the electrochemical cells in each module 504 entity can be independent of the width of the housing 605. These layouts can include connecting and / or not connecting the back side of one of the two module 504 entities in each compartment. Additionally or alternatively, these layouts can facilitate certain activities of personnel within the housing 605.

[0112] Now refer to Figure 10B , the thermal management conduit / piping system 1003 can be within the housing 605. Now refer to Figure 10C , the electrical system 1004 and electrical connectors 1005 can be within the housing 605 to facilitate the installation and / or removal of one or more module 504 entities. Now refer to Figure 10D , the GDE air system 1006 and air connectors 1007 can be within the housing 605 to facilitate the installation and / or removal of one or more module 504 entities. Now refer to Figure 10E , the water and / or electrolyte system 1008 and fluid connectors 1009 can be within the housing 605 to facilitate the installation and / or removal of one or more module 504 entities.

[0113] Although Figures 8A to 10E represents various configurations of the housings and the modules within these housings, Figures 8A to 10E the layouts shown in

[0114] Figure 11 are shown for modules containing multiple electrochemical cells in a battery pack system. Refer to Figures 1 to 11 , the module 1100 can include two rows of metal-air battery packs (e.g., two rowsFigures 4A to 4B the electrochemical cell 400 entity in

[0115] Within each cell, a cell-level control printed circuit board (PCB) can make physical contact with all electrode tabs while also allowing access to air ports and any electrical connectors. In some embodiments, the PCB can be placed parallel to the lid of the electrochemical cell. However, this placement orientation may make the PCB particularly vulnerable to damage from water, fog, or condensate because liquid may accumulate on top of the PCB, causing a short circuit between components. Additionally or alternatively, when the PCB is placed parallel to the lid of the electrochemical cell, fluid leaking from the lid can drain directly onto components at the bottom of the PCB. Thus, in multiple embodiments, the electrochemical cell can include a PCB placed perpendicular to the lid rather than parallel to it.

[0116] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are a top view and a side view, respectively, of the lid 1255 of the electrochemical cell 1200. The electrochemical cell 1200 can include a PCB 1202 placed perpendicular to the lid 1255. In some embodiments, such a configuration can facilitate easy access to air ports and / or other electrical or tubing connectors on the lid 1255 of the electrochemical cell 1200. Additionally or alternatively, any condensate or other liquid may drip from the PCB 1202 due to gravity.

[0117] Based on the implemented distributed switches, the electrochemical cells of multiple embodiments can effectively have four cell positive terminals and four cell negative terminals. Thus, the series or parallel electrochemical cells can have four connectors.

[0118] Figures 13A to 13B is a schematic diagram of a way to connect stacked electrochemical cells. Due to the aspect ratio of the cells, a short bus distance can be achieved by stacking the electrochemical cells, improving the system efficiency compared to other arrangements of electrochemical cells.

[0119] Figure 13A is a top view of a stack 1300 of electrochemical cells (e.g., Figures 4A to 4B the electrochemical cell 400 in

[0120] Figure 13B is a top view of a stack 1350 of electrochemical cells (e.g., Figures 4A to 4B the electrochemical cell 400 in

[0121] Figure 13C is a schematic diagram of an electrical connection between electrochemical battery packs in module 1370, which includes a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in at least two columns. At the module level, each electrochemical cell can be connected in series to form a U-shape, as shown in module 1370. Additionally or alternatively, to connect one column to the next, two cables 1371a and 1371b can connect the positive electrode terminal 1374 of the cells in one column to the negative electrode terminal 1376 of the cells in the next column. Additionally, module 1370 can be connected to adjacent modules ( Figure 13C not shown in the figure).

[0122] The PCB of the electrochemical cell may be vulnerable to environmental effects and potential physical wear. Additionally or alternatively, if the seal of the electrochemical cell lid fails, the PCB may be exposed to electrolyte mist. Therefore, as Figures 14A to 14B shown, multiple physical protection components can be used for the PCB in multiple embodiments. For example, the PCB can be conformally coated with a layer of acrylic to help isolate the PCB from potential chemical exposure. The conformal coating can be transparent and can cover almost the entire PCB.

[0123] Now referring to Figure 14A , module 1400 can include a module-level cover 1402 to protect the individual PCBs of each electrochemical cell from shock or other physical damage. In some embodiments, the module-level cover 1402 can have a roof shape to facilitate natural convection for cooling the PCB. In some embodiments, the module-level cover 1402 can be made of metal instead of plastic.

[0124] Now referring to Figure 14B , the electrochemical cell 1450 (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B the electrochemical cell 400 in the figure) can include a protective cover 1452, which is provided with an opening 1451 for electrical connections at the module level.

[0125] Now referring to Figure 15 , the housing 1500 of the module can include grommets 1502 (e.g., overmolded grommets), which can withstand the backpressure required to provide sufficient air for the gas diffusion electrodes within a given module, while compensating for misalignment between cells along the length of the module. In some embodiments, each grommet 1502 instance can have a tapered top to facilitate insertion of the grommet 1502 into an air duct 1504 having a defined preformed hole. Additionally or alternatively, each grommet 1502 instance can include an interlock groove 1506 around the perimeter to serve as a mechanical interlock for the air duct 1504.

[0126] Now referring to Figure 16 , in some embodiments, the housing may include a low-pressure compression gasket between the module and the plenum chamber. For example, module 1600 may include gasket 1602, which may form a seal between plenum chamber 1604 and the top of an electrochemical cell (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B electrochemical cell 400 therein), such that air can be concentrated between the cooling channels of the electrochemical cell container. Gasket 1602 may be a low-pressure compression gasket, which may exert a relatively small reaction force on plenum chamber 1604, thus facilitating the use of only a portion of the electrochemical cells of module 1600 as mounts to achieve an airtight seal. The top of plenum chamber 1604 may be provided with an additional gasket to facilitate fluid communication of plenum chamber 1604 with the piping system at the system level. In multiple embodiments, gasket 1602 may accommodate some variations in the height of the electrochemical cells of module 1600.

[0127] Now referring to Figure 17 , system 1700 may manage the electrolyte level of an electrochemical cell. For example, in system 1700, the container 401 for the electrochemical cell may include a port 1701 on the side such that overflow can pass through a tee 1702 during a charging cycle. When gas is generated in the volume of the electrochemical cell of system 1700, the electrolyte may expand until the electrolyte overflows from port 1701 and drips through an orifice plate in tee 1702 to create Rayleigh instability. The orifice plate may cut off any continuous electrolyte flow to mitigate parasitic losses due to shunt current. Additionally, the overflow through port 1701 may reduce the likelihood that the electrochemical cell may be overfilled, and this can be achieved without a float valve. The bottom of tee 1702 may be fluidly coupled to a manifold 1704 such that after the overflow drips out of the electrochemical cell, manifold 1704 can convey all of the overflow to a central reservoir 1706, which is used to periodically replenish the electrolyte level through a straw 1708. Additionally or alternatively, if needed, straw 1708 may be used to drain electrolyte from the electrochemical cell.

[0128] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a system for passively controlling the volume level of an electrolyte. For example, system 1800 may include a float valve 1801 that is fluidly connected to the top of the container 401 of electrochemical cell 400 to reduce the likelihood of overfilling container 401. In this configuration, the fill port 1802 of each instance of electrochemical cell 400 may be fluidly connected to a reservoir 1804, which may be used to reduce or eliminate the need for a manifold to collect overflow and convey it back to the reservoir.

[0129] During operation, the reactions within the electrochemical cells described herein generate heat. Maintaining the temperature of these electrochemical cells within a given temperature range is important for the performance of the electrochemical cells. However, since multiple electrochemical cells are stacked adjacent to each other in a module, the electrochemical cells that are not at the ends of the module typically have minimal contact with the surrounding air and thus receive minimal cooling from the surrounding air. Accordingly, during normal cycling, the electrochemical cells at the center of the module may exceed their rated operating temperature.

[0130] Now referring Figure 19 , in some embodiments, cooling channels and forced air flow between the electrochemical cells in the module can be used to control the cell temperature within an ideal operating window. For example, module 1900 can include a plurality of electrochemical cells 1950 (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B instances of the plurality of electrochemical cells 400), and the containers 1901 of each instance of the plurality of electrochemical cells 1950 are dimensioned along the length of the container 1901 with cooling channels 1902 of different sizes. Specifically, the cooling channels can be optimized to be smaller at the bottom of the container 1901 and larger at the top of the container 1901. This design can both maximize the strength along the bottom of the container 1901 and additionally or alternatively facilitate increasing (or maximizing) the cooling area at the top of the container 1901, where the electrochemical cells 1950 tend to warm due to convection within the electrochemical cells 1950. For example, the height of the cooling channels 1902 can range from 8 mm at the bottom of the container 1901 to 35 mm at the top of the container 1901.

[0131] To facilitate cost reduction, the containers of the electrochemical cells can be manufactured using as little material as possible. Thus, in some cases, when the containers of the electrochemical cells are filled with electrolyte, the containers may not be strong enough to withstand the full hydrostatic pressure. Additionally or alternatively, since the containers of the electrochemical cells can be made of very little material, the containers of the electrochemical cells may be prone to damage during transportation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, additional rigidity and protection from shipping loads can be provided to the electrochemical cells by the plurality of components that support the electrochemical cells within the module.

[0132] Figures 20A to 20B is a schematic diagram of a module structure that provides protection and support to the electrochemical cells of a module. For example, module 2000 can include a tray 2002, tension members 2004, end plates 2006, and tie straps 2008. In some embodiments, the tray 2002 can secure two columns of electrochemical cells (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn the electrochemical cell 400), the electrochemical cells are tightly stacked together. Each column may include 27 electrochemical cells (54 cells in total in module 2000). This two-column layout can facilitate the integration of the thermal management system, but the number of cells in each row can vary according to space requirements. Additionally or alternatively, the tray 2002 may include features for positioning the electrochemical cells and the end plate 2006 and may be compatible with forklifts and pallet jacks.

[0133] The end plate 2006 can be fitted at the start and end of the columns of electrochemical cells in module 2000 and cooperate with the tray 2002. The end plate 2006 can be supported by the strapping 2008 and can withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the electrochemical cells in module 2000. The strapping 2008 can fix the columns of electrochemical cells and the end plate 2006 together. In some embodiments, the strapping 2008 can include steel straps and / or plastics.

[0134] Although the strapping 2008 can keep the electrochemical cells parallel to each other, the strapping 2008 cannot keep the electrochemical cells upright. However, the tension member 2004 can reduce the likelihood of the electrochemical cells tilting. The tension member 2004 of module 2000 can be a hollow steel pipe that connects the end plate 2006 to the center of module 2000 through the pin connection 2010, such that the tension member 2004 can act as a load-bearing member in multiple embodiments. When a moment is applied to the end plate 2006 (e.g., when module 2000 is lifted for transportation), the moment can be converted into the tension or pressure of the tension member 2004, thereby reducing the likelihood of the stack of electrochemical cells in module 2000 rotating. In multiple embodiments, the tension member 2004 can be located only in the middle of the module and thus does not interfere with the maintenance work of module 2000. That is, to replace each individual electrochemical cell, only the strapping 2008 may need to be removed.

[0135] Now referring to Figure 21 In multiple embodiments, as Figure 21 shown, the tray of the module can have features for positioning and fixing the electrochemical cells and the end plate. For example, the tray 2100 can be provided with cutouts 2102 to facilitate defining the position of the end plate 2104, leaving only one degree of freedom. Additionally, the cutouts 2102 can reduce the weight of the tray 2100 and can be used to save transportation costs.

[0136] The decking 2106 of the tray 2100 is the surface on which the electrochemical cells are located. The decking 2106 can be made of a bent metal plate coated with epoxy resin to prevent damage caused by electrolyte spillage during the injection process. Although the decking 2106 can be segmented in some embodiments, in other embodiments the decking 2106 can be a single-piece continuously rolled plate, which may be more cost-effective on a large scale. In multiple embodiments, the decking 2106 can position adjacent electrochemical cells according to the needs of the thermal management system. Additionally or alternatively, arranging the electrochemical cells closely together can counteract the hydrostatic pressure, so only the end plates 2104 are required to withstand the hydrostatic pressure.

[0137] In some embodiments, the bracket 2108 can be placed in the middle of the tray 2100 to facilitate the installation of tension members (e.g., Figure 20B the tension member 2004 in ). In some embodiments, the tray 2100 can include vertical rails 2110 as a hard limit for the electrochemical cells along the tray 2100.

[0138] Multiple embodiments can include systems and methods for thermal management of modules including metal-air battery packs, such as systems and methods for thermal management of modules 501, 502, 503, 504, 1100, 1370, 1400, 1600, 1900, 2000, etc. Multiple embodiments can facilitate the implementation of a cost-effective module-level thermal management architecture with acceptable control limits.

[0139] Figures 22 to 39 are computational fluid dynamics / finite element analysis simulation results related to various aspects of the thermal management of modules of metal-air battery packs according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 39 , Figure 22 is a diagram of the simulation results of the maximum temperature with and without electrolyte evaporation. According to these simulations, the maximum temperature of the module with electrolyte evaporation can reach about 100 °C, while the maximum temperature of the module without electrolyte evaporation can reach about 150 °C. The electrolyte can boil at about 112 °C. The plastic of the module can transform into a rubber state at about 108 °C, and the plastic softens and / or creeps at temperatures greater than about 85 °C. The performance of the module may degrade at temperatures greater than about 60 °C. Therefore, in modules including large metal-air electrochemical cells, thermal management to control the maximum temperature of the module is a challenge.

[0140] A thermal management method according to multiple embodiments can include adjacent electrochemical cell containers in a module (e.g., modules 501, 502, 503, 504, 1100, 1370, 1400, 1600, 1900, 2000), such as Figure 4AForced air convection between adjacent container 401 instances). The cooling design can be based on adding air channels between adjacent electrochemical cell containers.

[0141] Figures 23 to 33 is a graphical representation of aspects of a computational fluid dynamics / finite element analysis simulation of a module having air channels between adjacent electrochemical cell container instances. In the simulation, the module is modeled as having air channels 3 mm wide, with 1 / 2 mm thick acrylic plates forming the walls on both sides of the air channels between adjacent electrochemical cell containers. The air flow is modeled as flowing from between the electrochemical cell rows of the module to the outside of the module (this direction is reversed in subsequent simulations). Additionally, in these simulations, it is assumed that a fan or blower is used to blow air across the surfaces between the module rows and the outer surface. A partition of the simulated module is assumed to have a temperature 5 °C higher than the ambient temperature of 20 °C between the module rows to account for the confinement effect between the electrochemical cell rows of the module. It is assumed that the inlet air temperature in the air channels is equal to the temperature between the electrochemical cell rows of the module, corresponding to the flow direction. To account for confinement, the heat transfer coefficient of the inner-facing surface between the electrochemical cell rows of the module is assumed to be 20 W / (m 2 K), and the heat transfer coefficient of the outer surface is 30 W / (m 2 K). A heat transfer coefficient of 50 W / (m 2 K) for the outer surface was also implemented, but the results did not show significant differences.

[0142] The heat transfer coefficients selected for cooling with a fan or blower are described here. Air velocities of 4 m / s, 2 m / s, and 1 m / s were used in the simulation. The Reynolds numbers associated with these velocities are in the laminar flow regime. In the simulation, this cooling strategy both reduces the maximum temperature of the module and limits the temperature variation between cells to approximately 16 °C. Multiple embodiments can include blowing air through the air channels in a direction from the outside of the module to the center between the electrochemical cell rows of the module. This causes the outlet air to be suctioned out from between the electrochemical cell rows of the module. These simulation results indicate that the target air velocity is 2.7 m / s.

[0143] Figure 28 is a comparison of the test results of an air flow configuration with a computational fluid dynamics / finite element analysis simulation in which forced air enters from the outside of the module and passes through the center of the module to provide forced air cooling between the electrochemical cells of the module. In the tests conducted on this design, 183 thermocouples were embedded to spatially map the internal temperature of the module. The measured maximum internal temperature rise of this forced air cooling design is less than 15 °C compared to the ambient temperature. The accuracy of the simulation model was verified, with the deviation between the simulation model of the module and the experimental test results within 5 °C. The temperature uniformity is very good, and the maximum temperature variation across the entire module was measured to be only 3 °C. Figure 28The figure in [[ ]] shows the temperature variation between cells measured on the test module and simulated using the thermal model of the module.

[0144] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of forced convection cooling with outdoor ambient air directly entering the module. Airflow channels are provided between each electrochemical cell to improve convective heat transfer and improve the temperature uniformity between cells. Compared with exhausting air along other parts of the module, exhausting air from the center of the module subdivided in the middle can improve the temperature uniformity inside the cell, reduce the blower pressure requirement, and / or reduce the air flow requirement (e.g., reduce the energy requirement of the auxiliary system).

[0145] Other thermal management methods according to multiple embodiments may include air cooling using fans mounted on the outer side rather than the end faces of the module. The motivation for this strategy is that simulations show that the electrochemical cells at the ends of the module are cooler than other cells. These simulations are based on a natural convective heat transfer coefficient of 5 W / (m 2 K) on the end faces, while forced convective heat transfer is used on the remaining surfaces as before, and the results are as Figure 34 shown.

[0146] Other thermal management methods according to multiple embodiments may include external forced air convection, where forced air convection is provided on all outer surfaces (including the top and bottom surfaces). This arrangement was simulated with external forced convection boundary conditions of a heat transfer coefficient of 50 W / (m 2 K) and an ambient temperature of 20 °C. Simulating the top and bottom surfaces as insulated resulted in an increase in the simulated temperature, as Figure 35 shown.

[0147] Other thermal management methods according to multiple embodiments may include using an external liquid or air cooling jacket. The cooling jacket on the outer surface was simulated with a constant temperature boundary condition of 20 °C on the side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces simulated as insulated. The results of this simulation are as Figure 36 shown.

[0148] Other thermal management methods according to multiple embodiments may include a module having forced air cooling channels around the battery block as shown in Figure 37 This arrangement simulated forced air convection on all four sides of every five-cell partition (an overestimated forced convective heat transfer coefficient of 50 W / (m 2 K) and an ambient temperature of 20 °C). The top and bottom of the module were simulated as insulated. As Figure 37 shown, this solution reduced the simulated maximum temperature at the center of the module.

[0149] Other thermal management methods according to various embodiments may include providing metal cooling fins between the cells. A fin thickness of 3 mm between adjacent cells and external fins up to 20 cm in length outside the module were used to simulate fin cooling. The simulation results show that, as Figure 38 shown, only about 3 cm of fin length was utilized and heat transfer was limited by the internal heat conduction in the module. The following materials were used for the fins and simulated: stainless steel (SS316), aluminum (anodized to reduce corrosion due to electrolyte contact), and carbon steel.

[0150] Other thermal management methods according to various embodiments may include using shorter cell string lengths in the module. As Figure 39 shown, the thermal effect of shorter string lengths on the module temperature was considered and simulated. The analysis shows that using fewer module cells can reduce the central heat accumulation without forced cooling. Figure 39 The simulated temperature profile of the partition of a module with 8 cells (including 2 rows of 4 cells each) is shown. In this simulation, heat dissipation was through natural convection of air over the outer surface at a heat transfer coefficient of 5 W / (m 2 K) and an ambient temperature of 220 °C.

[0151] The foregoing method descriptions and process flow diagrams are provided only as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments should be performed in the order presented. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as "thereafter", "then", "next", etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are only used to guide the reader through the method description. Additionally, any reference to a claim element in the singular (e.g., using an article (indefinite article ("a", "an") or definite article ("the"))) should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular. In this document, "about" may refer to a range of + / - 5%.

[0152] Furthermore, any step of any embodiment described herein may be used in any other embodiment. The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A power storage system, comprising: a housing; and one or more modules disposed within the housing, each of the one or more modules comprising a plurality of electrochemical cells electrically coupled to each other, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprising an oxygen evolution electrode (OEE), an anode, a gas diffusion electrode (GDE), an electrolyte, and a container, and within the container, the OEE, the anode, and the GDE are at least partially immersed in the electrolyte.

2. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) and a lid, the lid being supported on the container, and the PCB being oriented perpendicular to the lid.

3. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more modules comprises a cell-to-cell bus, the cell-to-cell bus comprising a cable and / or a bus bar.

4. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrochemical cells are arranged in at least two columns, each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprising a cell positive terminal and a cell negative terminal, and the cell positive terminals of the plurality of electrochemical cells in a first column are electrically connected to the cell negative terminals of the plurality of electrochemical cells in a second column by two cables.

5. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), and each of the one or more modules further comprises a cover that may be located on the PCB of the plurality of electrochemical cells in a corresponding one of the one or more modules.

6. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), a lid, and a protective cover, the lid being supported on the container, the PCB being supported on the lid, and the protective cover being locatable on the lid to cover the PCB.

7. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrochemical cells further comprises a flexible grommet for sealing a given electrochemical cell in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit.

8. The power storage system of claim 1, further comprising a gas collection chamber and a gasket, wherein the gasket is placed between the gas collection chamber and the tops of at least some of the plurality of electrochemical cells.

9. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the container of each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a side port through which the electrolyte of a given electrochemical cell may overflow from the container during a charging cycle.

10. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrochemical cells comprises a float valve that may be triggered to prevent overfilling of the container with the electrolyte.

11. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein, within the module, the plurality of electrochemical cells are collectively provided with cooling channels therebetween, and a forced air flow may pass through the cooling channels and flow between the plurality of electrochemical cells.

12. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more modules further comprises a tray, end plates, and a strapping band, the plurality of electrochemical cells can be supported on the tray in two columns, the end plates are detachably fixed to the tray at the front and rear ends of each of the two columns, and the strapping band fixes the two columns of the plurality of electrochemical cells and the end plates together on the tray.

13. The power storage system according to claim 12, wherein the tray is provided with a notch, and the end plate is detachably fixed to the tray through the notch.

14. The power storage system according to claim 12, wherein each of the one or more modules further comprises a tension member, and each tension member connects one of the end plates to the center of the tray through a pin connection.

15. The power storage system according to claim 14, wherein each of the one or more modules further comprises a bracket, and the tension member can be mechanically coupled to the bracket through the pin connection.

16. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more modules supports the plurality of electrochemical cells such that forced air can flow between adjacent electrochemical cells.

17. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more modules supports the plurality of electrochemical cells such that forced air can flow through a portion of the plurality of electrochemical cells toward the outside of a given module.

18. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrochemical cells form a block within each of the one or more modules, and forced air can flow between the blocks within the one or more modules.

19. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more modules comprise a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules supports a plurality of electrochemical cells in two columns, and each of the plurality of modules within the housing is spaced apart from each other such that forced air can flow through the electrochemical cell entities at the ends of each column of the two columns of each of the plurality of modules.

20. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrochemical cells comprise iron-air battery pack cells, zinc-air battery pack cells, and / or lithium-air battery pack cells.

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