Double-cavity integrated series-connection circulation-free metal fuel cell

Abstract

The invention discloses a double-cavity integrated series-connection circulation-free metal fuel cell which is characterized in that double reaction cavities are integrated into a single main shell, a redundant air electrode structure is omitted, and the size of a single machine is reduced by more than 40%; the cathode quick-assembly cover is integrated with a limiting groove, a control circuit board, an integrated butt joint terminal, a quick-plug connector and a stepped sealing ring, so that the installation and fixation of the metal cathode, the series connection of double-cavity circuits and the gas-liquid sealing are synchronously completed by single plugging action, the replacement efficiency of the metal cathode is improved by more than 90%, and meanwhile, the external connection quick-plug connector is arranged at the top of the cathode quick-assembly cover to support the multi-stage series-parallel connection; vertical separation ribs are arranged in the electrolyte storage cabin and form a plurality of independent electrolyte separation cabins together with sealing pressing strips of an upper cover of the electrolyte storage cabin, one-time filling of the electrolyte, pump-free conveying of the electrolyte of a plurality of reaction cavities and liquid level self-balance are achieved, the mixing rate is smaller than 0.1%, and a circulating liquid path is omitted, so that the fault rate is reduced by 90%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a dual-chamber integrated series-connected non-circulating metal fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] A metal fuel cell is a device that uses metal as fuel, converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, a metal fuel cell uses a metal (such as aluminum, zinc, and magnesium) as the anode fuel, which reacts with an oxidant (such as oxygen) in an electrolyte or electrolyte to generate electricity.

[0003] Metal fuel cells are considered a promising clean energy source due to their high energy density, excellent safety, and environmental friendliness. However, their large-scale application is limited by the following technical bottlenecks: 1. The voltage-volume conflict: The operating voltage of a single cell is typically below 1.2V, requiring multiple cells to be connected in series to meet load requirements. However, the existing symmetrical dual-air cathode structure (two air electrodes sandwiching a metal anode) requires air diffusion space on both sides, resulting in a bulky single cell. Stacking multiple cells significantly increases the system size. 2. High maintenance complexity: Replacing the metal anode relies on mechanical fastening with bolts / snaps, requiring manual disassembly and reconnection, which is time-consuming and prone to poor contact. 3. Electrolyte management challenges: Using a static, non-circulating solution can lead to electrolyte degradation due to the accumulation of side reaction products, and independent refilling of multiple chambers is complex and prone to mixing. Using a circulating solution requires pumps, valves, and pipelines, but the corrosive nature of the electrolyte can easily lead to crystallization and blockage in the pipelines, resulting in a high failure rate and a sharp increase in operation and maintenance costs. The current mainstream technology is to alleviate the volume problem through modular packaging, but it has not broken through the coupled design bottleneck of "electrode layout-circuit topology-liquid supply path", such as: the external grid of the air electrode and the separate seal of the cavity further squeeze the space; the negative electrode fixation and circuit conduction are operated in steps, making it difficult to achieve "plug and play"; the electrolyte supply relies on multi-pump branching or passive diffusion, and cannot take into account the anti-mixing and on-demand liquid supply and one-time liquid addition under non-circulation conditions.

[0004] In summary, a dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell is needed to address the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a dual-chamber integrated series non-circulation metal fuel cell, aiming to solve the above problems.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell, comprising a main shell, an air positive electrode, a metal negative electrode, a negative electrode quick-release cover, an electrolyte storage tank, and a storage tank sealing cover. Two reaction chambers are arranged in the main shell, and the air positive electrode is symmetrically installed on both sides of the main shell reaction chamber. The metal negative electrode is fixedly connected to the negative electrode quick-release cover, and the negative electrode quick-release cover is detachably connected to the main shell. An electrolyte storage tank is arranged on one side of the main shell and is fixedly connected to the main shell. A storage tank sealing cover is arranged above the electrolyte storage tank and is detachably connected to the electrolyte storage tank.

[0007] Optionally, a limiting groove and a stepped sealing ring are provided at the bottom of the negative quick-release cover, the limiting groove is fixedly connected to the metal negative electrode, a control circuit board is provided inside the negative quick-release cover, the control circuit board is fixedly connected to the negative quick-release cover, and quick-plug connectors connected to the main shell and the control circuit board are provided at both ends of the negative quick-release cover.

[0008] Optionally, an integrated docking terminal is provided on the top of the limiting groove, and the integrated docking terminal is fixedly connected to the metal negative electrode and the control circuit board. An external connection quick plug connector is provided on the top of the control circuit board.

[0009] Optionally, vertical dividing ribs are provided in the electrolyte storage tank, the vertical dividing ribs are fixedly connected to the electrolyte storage tank, the vertical dividing ribs and the electrolyte storage tank form a plurality of electrolyte compartments, the electrolyte compartments correspond to the main shell reaction chamber, an electrolyte connection channel is provided on one side of the electrolyte storage tank, and the electrolyte compartments are connected to the main shell reaction chamber through the electrolyte connection channel.

[0010] Optionally, a plurality of sealing strips are provided at the bottom of the liquid storage tank sealing cover, the sealing strips are fixedly connected to the liquid storage tank sealing cover, and the sealing strips correspond to vertical dividing ribs in the electrolyte storage tank.

[0011] Optionally, a through-hole interlayer cavity is provided on the liquid storage compartment sealing cover, a waterproof breathable hole is provided in the through-hole interlayer cavity, and an anti-leakage cover is provided on the through-hole interlayer cavity.

[0012] Optionally, a middle partition is provided in the main shell to form two reaction chambers, and the middle partition is fixedly connected to the main shell.

[0013] Optionally, air guide protection grilles are provided on both sides of the main shell, and mounting slots are provided between the air guide protection grilles and the main shell.

[0014] Optionally, circuit interface mounting grooves are provided at both ends of the top of the main shell, and quick-plug connectors are provided in the circuit interface mounting grooves for detachable connection with the negative electrode quick-release cover.

[0015] Optionally, a negative electrode plug-in channel is provided on the top of the reaction chamber of the main shell, and the negative electrode plug-in channel corresponds to the negative electrode quick-install cover.

[0016] Beneficial effects of the present invention: In the present invention, by integrating the dual reaction chambers into a single main housing and omitting the redundant air electrode structure, the volume of a single unit is reduced by more than 40%. At the same time, the dual-chamber series circuit increases the output voltage to 1.8-2.5 times that of a traditional single-chamber battery, reducing dependence on an external boost module and improving boost efficiency. The negative electrode quick-release cover separately seals the reaction chamber, and the control circuit board is integrated into the quick-release cover and epoxy-potted to isolate it from electrolyte and steam corrosion. The use of a dynamic sealing ring and a stepped redundant sealing interface improves the gas-liquid sealing effect. In the present invention, the negative electrode quick-release cover integrates a limit groove, a control circuit board, an integrated docking terminal, a quick-plug connector, and a stepped sealing ring. A single plug-in and pull-out action simultaneously completes the installation and fixation of the metal negative electrode, the series connection of the dual-cavity circuit, and the gas-liquid sealing of the reaction chamber. The efficiency of replacing the metal negative electrode is improved by more than 90%. The external connection quick-plug connector is provided on the top of the quick-release cover to support multi-stage series and parallel connection. The output voltage and current range can be expanded as needed to adapt to the power elasticity requirements of complex scenarios. In the present invention, vertical partition ribs are arranged in the electrolyte storage tank and the sealing strips on the upper cover of the storage tank together form multiple independent electrolyte compartments, so as to realize one-time filling of electrolyte, pumpless delivery of electrolyte in multiple reaction chambers and self-balancing of liquid level. The mutual mixing rate is less than 0.1%, while the traditional solution is greater than 5%. Under the same reaction chamber volume, the sustainable operation time of a single filling of electrolyte is increased by 70%, and the elimination of the circulating liquid circuit reduces the failure rate by 90%. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion of the overall structure of a battery of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main housing structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion of a negative electrode quick-release cover of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of a negative electrode quick-install cover of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an electrolyte storage tank of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a side view of an electrolyte storage tank of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electrolyte storage tank and its sealing cover according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a diagram of a metal fuel cell series embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a diagram of a parallel metal fuel cell embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure: 1. Main housing; 101. Reaction chamber; 102. Female quick-connect connector; 103. Middle partition; 104. Air positive electrode mounting slot; 105. Negative electrode plug-in / out channel; 106. Circuit interface mounting slot; 107. Electrolyte connection channel; 108. Air guide protection grille; 2. Air positive electrode; 3. Metal negative electrode; 4. Negative electrode quick-release cover; 401. Limiting slot; 402. Male quick-connect connector; 403. Control circuit board; 404. External connection Quick-connect connector; 405, integrated docking terminal; 406, circuit connection hole; 407, quick-release cover stepped sealing ring; 5, electrolyte storage tank; 501, vertical partition rib; 502, electrolyte compartment; 503, electrolyte connection channel; 504, sealing ring mounting groove; 505, storage tank stepped sealing ring; 6, storage tank sealing cover; 601, sealing strip; 602, through-hole interlayer cavity; 603, waterproof vent; 604, anti-leakage cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of the invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a dual-chamber, integrated, series-connected, non-circulating metal fuel cell comprises a main housing 1, an air positive electrode 2, a metal negative electrode 3, a negative electrode quick-release cover 4, an electrolyte reservoir 5, and a reservoir sealing cover 6. The interior of the main housing 1 is divided into two independent reaction chambers 101. The air positive electrodes 2 are symmetrically located in the reaction chambers on either side of the main housing 1 and connected to female quick-release connectors 102. The negative electrode quick-release cover 4 is equipped with a retaining groove 401, a male quick-release connector 402, a control circuit board 403, an external quick-release connector 404, an integrated docking terminal 405, and a stepped seal ring 407 for the quick-release cover. The metal negative electrode 3 is fixed to the main housing 1 via the negative electrode quick-release cover 4 in a plug-and-play manner, conducting the circuit and sealing the reaction chamber 101. The electrolyte reservoir 5 is formed into multiple independent electrolyte compartments 502 by vertical partition ribs 501. The reservoir sealing cover 6 is equipped with a sealing strip 601 that engages with the vertical partition ribs 501 to separate the electrolyte compartments.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the main shell 1 is divided into two symmetrically distributed and electrically independent reaction chambers 101 by a middle partition 103, and the side wall of the reaction chamber 101 is provided with an air positive electrode mounting groove 104; the top of the main shell is provided with a negative electrode plug-in channel 105 and a circuit interface mounting groove 106; the top of the reaction chamber 101 is provided with a metal negative electrode 3 through the negative electrode plug-in channel 105, and is arranged opposite to the air positive electrode 2 to form a power generation gap; the air positive electrode 2, the metal negative electrode 3 and the reaction chamber 101 together constitute the minimum power generation unit of the metal fuel cell.

[0022] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the circuit interface mounting groove 106 has a built-in quick-connect female connector 102, and the quick-connect female connector 102 includes two interfaces, which can be used to connect the air positive electrode 2 and the external load respectively; the negative electrode quick-connect cover 4 is provided with a limiting groove 401, and the top of the limiting groove 401 is provided with an integrated docking terminal 405 for fixing the metal negative electrode and connecting the circuit, so as to realize the positioning and anti-detachment and circuit conduction after the metal negative electrode 3 is inserted; the negative electrode quick-connect cover 4 is provided with a control circuit board 403, and the control circuit board 403 is provided with a plurality of circuit connection holes 406 that can be connected to the quick-connect connector; the negative electrode quick-connect cover 4 is provided with quick-connect male connectors 402 on both sides. When two pieces of metal negative electrodes 3 are installed on the negative electrode quick-connect cover 4 and inserted into the main shell 1, the circuit series connection between the two independent reaction chambers 101 can be realized, so that the external output voltage is doubled.

[0023] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the external loads that can be connected to the quick-plug connector female head 102 include fans, temperature sensors, etc. After such external loads are connected to the quick-plug connector female head 102, they are then connected to the quick-plug connector male head 402, the control circuit board 403, and the external connection quick-plug connector 404 through plugging and unplugging, so as to achieve circuit conduction and signal transmission; the type and quantity of the external connection quick-plug connector 404 can be flexibly set as needed, and the connection objects include the air positive electrode 2, the metal negative electrode 3 and the positive and negative electrodes of external loads such as fans and temperature sensors, signal transmission terminals, etc.

[0024] In this embodiment, the female quick-connect connector 102, male quick-connect connector 402, external quick-connect connector 404, and integrated docking terminal 405 include one or more combinations of plug-in, screw-type, spring-loaded, or welded terminals. It should be noted that the specific terminal types shown in this embodiment and its accompanying drawings are merely illustrative, intended to clarify the implementation of the technical solution, and do not limit the scope of protection of the claims. In actual applications, the appropriate terminal type can be selected based on the current carrying capacity, installation environment, and maintenance requirements.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, an air guide protection grille 108 is provided on the outside of the air positive electrode 2, which is fixed to the side wall of the main shell 1 by one or more methods such as snapping, pasting, welding, etc., and multiple air guide grooves are distributed on the surface of the grille to balance gas diffusion and prevent mechanical damage to the electrode.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner wall of the negative electrode plug-in channel 105 is provided with a sealing ring groove, and the periphery of the limiting groove 401 of the negative electrode quick-release cover 4 is provided with a quick-release cover stepped sealing ring 407. When the negative electrode quick-release cover 4 is inserted into the main shell 1, dynamic gas-liquid sealing of the reaction chambers 101 on both sides of the main shell 1 can be achieved; an electrolyte connection channel 107 is provided on the side of the reaction chamber 101, which can be connected to the electrolyte storage tank 5 externally.

[0027] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the negative electrode quick-release cover 4 is a bipolar integrated quick-release cover, and two limiting grooves 401 are provided at the bottom thereof for simultaneously fixing two metal negative electrodes 3.

[0028] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the interior of the multi-compartment liquid storage tank 5 is divided into multiple independent electrolyte compartments 502 by multi-level vertical partition ribs 501. Each electrolyte compartment 502 is provided with an electrolyte connection channel 503 connected to the corresponding reaction chamber. The top height of the multi-level vertical partition ribs 501 is lower than the upper edge of the liquid storage tank. With this structure, when the liquid storage tank sealing cover 6 is not covered, the electrolyte compartments are connected at the top, and liquid can be added at one time to evenly fill the four independent electrolyte compartments and the corresponding reaction chambers.

[0029] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, a sealing strip 601 corresponding to the multi-level vertical partition ribs 501 is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage compartment sealing cover 6, and a sealing guide groove is provided at the top of the multi-level vertical partition ribs 501. When the sealing cover is closed, the sealing strip is engaged with the partition rib sealing guide groove to achieve isolation between the electrolyte compartments 502, and prevent the mixing of electrolytes through physical isolation.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the top periphery of the multi-compartment liquid storage tank 5 is further provided with a sealing ring installation groove 504, in which a liquid storage tank stepped sealing ring 505 is embedded, forming a redundant sealing interface with the edge of the liquid storage tank sealing cover 6; the top of the liquid storage tank sealing cover 6 is provided with a through-hole interlayer 602, a waterproof air-permeable hole 603, and an anti-leakage cover 604, which can prevent leakage of the electrolyte and discharge the gas released during the reaction process when closed.

[0031] In this embodiment, a multi-level vertical ribbed partition structure is used to construct the liquid storage tank 5 into four independent electrolyte chambers 502. Coupled with two main housings 1, this forms a modular battery pack (containing four power generation units). This combination is merely illustrative. The proposed architecture supports stacking and expansion of the main housings and layering of the liquid storage tanks. By coordinating the number of electrolyte chambers and the volume of the liquid storage tanks, the topological reconstruction of the power generation unit matrix is ​​achieved, meeting the engineering requirements for gradient power output from watts to hundreds of watts. The size and number of waterproof vents 603 can be adjusted as needed based on the volume and number of the electrolyte compartments and reaction chambers.

[0032] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the two main housings 1 are interconnected via a female quick-connect connector 102. When the positive and negative terminals are connected end to end, a series configuration is achieved; if the positive terminals are connected to the positive terminals and the negative terminals are connected to the negative terminals, a parallel system is formed. The quick-connect connector 102 supports bidirectional electrical connection, allowing flexible selection of series / parallel topologies based on the application scenario.

[0033] In this embodiment, a modular circuit architecture is constructed based on the quick-connect connectors. The main housing 1 interconnects the units via the female quick-connect connectors 102, and system-level expansion is achieved through the external quick-connect connectors 404. Based on a dual-cavity topology, each housing can be flexibly reconfigured into a multi-stage series, parallel, or hybrid array, supporting the topological adaptation requirements of high-voltage transmission, high-current output, and multi-stage power distribution scenarios.

[0034] The present invention integrates dual reaction chambers into a single main shell, omitting the redundant air electrode structure, and reducing the volume of a single machine by more than 40%; the negative electrode quick-release cover integrates a limit groove, a control circuit board, an integrated docking terminal, a quick-plug connector, and a stepped sealing ring, so that a single plug-in and pull-out action can simultaneously complete the installation and fixation of the metal negative electrode, the series connection of the dual-cavity circuit, and the gas-liquid sealing, and the efficiency of metal negative electrode replacement is improved by more than 90%. At the same time, an external connection quick-plug connector is provided on the top of the negative electrode quick-release cover to support multi-stage series and parallel connection; vertical partition ribs are provided in the electrolyte storage tank and the sealing strips on the upper cover of the storage tank together form multiple independent electrolyte compartments, realizing one-time filling of electrolyte, pumpless delivery of electrolyte in multiple reaction chambers, and self-balancing of liquid level, with a mutual mixing rate of less than 0.1%. The cancellation of the circulating liquid circuit reduces the failure rate by 90%.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell, characterized in that: It includes a main shell, an air positive electrode, a metal negative electrode, a negative electrode quick-release cover, an electrolyte storage tank, and a storage tank sealing cover. Two reaction chambers are set in the main shell, and the air positive electrode is symmetrically installed on both sides of the main shell reaction chamber. The metal negative electrode is fixedly connected to the negative electrode quick-release cover, and the negative electrode quick-release cover is detachably connected to the main shell. An electrolyte storage tank is set on one side of the main shell and is fixedly connected to the main shell. A storage tank sealing cover is set above the electrolyte storage tank and is detachably connected to the electrolyte storage tank.

2. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting groove and a stepped sealing ring are provided at the bottom of the negative quick-release cover, and the limiting groove is fixedly connected to the metal negative electrode. A control circuit board is provided inside the negative quick-release cover, and the control circuit board is fixedly connected to the negative quick-release cover. Quick-plug connectors connected to the main shell and the control circuit board are provided at both ends of the negative quick-release cover.

3. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: An integrated docking terminal is provided on the top of the limiting groove, and the integrated docking terminal is fixedly connected to the metal negative electrode and the control circuit board. An external connection quick plug connector is provided on the top of the control circuit board.

4. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Vertical dividing ribs are provided in the electrolyte storage tank, and the vertical dividing ribs are fixedly connected to the electrolyte storage tank. The vertical dividing ribs and the electrolyte storage tank form a plurality of electrolyte compartments, and the electrolyte compartments correspond to the reaction chamber of the main shell. An electrolyte connection channel is provided on one side of the electrolyte storage tank, and the electrolyte compartments are connected to the reaction chamber of the main shell through the electrolyte connection channel.

5. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of sealing strips are provided at the bottom of the liquid storage tank sealing cover, the sealing strips are fixedly connected to the liquid storage tank sealing cover, and the sealing strips correspond to the vertical dividing ribs in the electrolyte storage tank.

6. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A through-hole interlayer cavity is provided on the liquid storage compartment sealing cover, a waterproof air-permeable hole is provided in the through-hole interlayer cavity, and an anti-leakage cover is provided on the through-hole interlayer cavity.

7. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A middle partition is arranged in the main shell to form two reaction chambers, and the middle partition is fixedly connected to the main shell.

8. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Air guide protection grilles are provided on both sides of the main shell, and mounting slots are provided between the air guide protection grilles and the main shell.

9. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: Circuit interface mounting grooves are provided at both ends of the top of the main shell, and quick-plug connectors are provided in the circuit interface mounting grooves for detachable connection with the negative electrode quick-install cover.

10. The dual-chamber integrated series non-circulating metal fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: A negative electrode plug-in channel is provided on the top of the reaction chamber of the main shell, and the negative electrode plug-in channel corresponds to the negative electrode quick-install cover.

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