Aluminium-air battery system for high altitudes

Abstract

The application relates to the field of battery monomers, and discloses an aluminum-air battery system for highlands, which comprises a plurality of battery monomers connected in series, each of the battery monomers comprises a battery shell, electrolyte is arranged in the battery shell, an aluminum plate is detachably connected to the battery, the aluminum plate serves as an anode, and the battery monomer is mechanically charged by replacing the aluminum anode and the electrolyte. The application is suitable for use in highland areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery cells, and more specifically to an aluminum-air battery system for use at high altitudes. Background Technology

[0002] In high-altitude areas, ordinary secondary batteries often suffer from problems such as capacity decay, cycle performance degradation, and battery aging, which affect the normal use of secondary batteries and reduce their efficiency.

[0003] As a new type of energy storage device, battery cells have advantages such as high energy density, low cost and environmental friendliness, but the low oxygen content in high-altitude areas can cause a decrease in system power.

[0004] Therefore, a battery cell system suitable for high-altitude environments is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an aluminum-air battery system for use in high-altitude areas.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications, comprising several battery cells connected in series, each battery cell including a battery casing containing an electrolyte, and an aluminum electrode plate detachably connected to the battery, the aluminum electrode plate serving as the anode, and the battery cells being mechanically charged by replacing the aluminum anode and electrolyte.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this plan are:

[0008] 1. The battery cell uses aluminum as the anode material, air as the cathode material, and solutions with different high conductivity as electrolytes to generate electrical energy through electrochemical reactions.

[0009] In this solution, the battery cells are mechanically charged by replacing the aluminum anode and electrolyte, thereby ensuring that the battery cycle performance and capacity do not decrease when used in high-altitude areas.

[0010] 2. This invention includes several battery cells connected in series. By increasing the number of cells, the maximum output power is increased by 160% (when using five battery cells) to avoid the problem of insufficient system power caused by low oxygen content in high-altitude areas.

[0011] Furthermore, the casing contains an internal resistance of the battery, which releases heat when a single battery cell discharges.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a liquid tank, and the battery cell also includes a manifold and a return liquid pipe. The manifold, battery casing, bottom, return liquid pipe and liquid tank are connected in sequence to form a circulation loop for the electrolyte.

[0013] Furthermore, the electrolyte tank is located below the battery casing, and a pump is installed inside the tank. The pump is used to send the electrolyte from the tank into the battery casing; when the pump is turned off, the electrolyte automatically flows back into the tank.

[0014] Furthermore, a sealing cover is installed on the top of the battery casing, and the sealing cover has holes into which aluminum plates are inserted.

[0015] Furthermore, a cover plate is provided on the upper side of the liquid tank, and a rotating liquid filling cap is provided on the cover plate, which can be opened by rotating.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a housing, in which several battery casings are housed, and air channels are formed between adjacent battery casings. Ventilation holes are opened on the sides of the housing and distributed on both sides of the air channels. A fan is installed on the top of the housing to carry out hydrogen gas, a byproduct of battery discharge, out of the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, the enclosure contains an interconnected DC power supply and a starting power supply. The DC power supply is used to transform the output voltage of the individual battery cells, and it is also used to charge the starting power supply during the operation of the individual battery cells.

[0018] Furthermore, air electrodes are provided on both sides of the battery casing, and a guide strip is provided on the upper side of the air electrode. A positive terminal is provided at the end of the guide strip, and a negative terminal is sandwiched on the aluminum plate. The negative terminal and the positive terminal are electrically connected.

[0019] Furthermore, the negative terminal is U-shaped, and there is a conductive spring inside the negative terminal. A spring is provided between the conductive spring and the inside of the negative terminal.

[0020] This solution also has the following effects:

[0021] 1. This invention avoids the problem of system power reduction caused by low oxygen content at high altitudes through redundant power design.

[0022] 2. The self-heating principle of the electrolyte in aluminum-air batteries during the preparation and discharge processes effectively avoids the problem of insufficient battery output power caused by low ambient temperature.

[0023] 3. This invention adopts a compact design that integrates the battery system, cycle system, electronic control system and air duct management system. The overall structure is simple, the size is small, the manufacturing cost is low, and the aluminum fuel plates can be quickly replaced. It is widely applicable to power supply use in high-altitude areas.

[0024] 4. Aluminum-air batteries have a theoretical specific energy of up to 8100Wh / kg. Even though the current actual specific energy is only 350Wh / kg, this value is still 7-8 times that of lead-acid batteries, 5.8 times that of nickel-metal hydride batteries, and 2.3 times that of lithium batteries. They also have advantages such as being lightweight and environmentally friendly.

[0025] 5. The electrolyte in aluminum-air batteries is an alkaline electrolyte. When the solid electrolyte dissolves in water, it releases a lot of heat. Furthermore, the aluminum-air battery system generates self-heating during discharge due to the internal resistance of the battery. This ensures that the electrolyte does not freeze during the cycle, thus avoiding the problem of insufficient output power caused by low temperature.

[0026] 6. The battery cell is injection molded in one piece, and aluminum plates are installed inside the battery casing. The bottom of the battery cell is connected to the manifold, and the lower end of the manifold and the pipe are connected to the pump. The pump's wires and switch are connected to the starting power supply, which is used to start the pump. The battery cell is connected to the return pipe, which passes through the hole above the liquid tank and enters the liquid tank. When the battery is working, the pump is started and the switch is turned on. The electrolyte enters the manifold through the pipe and is distributed to the five battery cells. It then flows back to the liquid tank through the overflow port, thus realizing the circulation of the electrolyte.

[0027] 7. A sealing cover is installed on the top of the battery casing, and a sealing strip is installed between the inside of the sealing cover and the battery casing.

[0028] 8. During normal operation, the fan installed on top of the enclosure blows out air from inside the enclosure, creating convection between the old and new air. At the same time, it can carry out hydrogen gas, a byproduct of battery discharge, out of the enclosure, ensuring the safety of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is the front view of Example 1;

[0030] Figure 2 This is the right view of Example 1;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of Example 1;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a front view of the internal structure of Example 1;

[0033] Figure 5 Right view of the internal structure of Example 1;

[0034] Figure 6 Example 1 is Figure 5 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of Example 2;

[0036] Figure 8 This is the left view of Example 2;

[0037] Figure 9 This is the front view of Example 2;

[0038] Figure 10 The right view and cross-sectional view are of Example 2;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the negative end of Example 2;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the conductive spring structure in Example 2;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the spring mounting structure in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0043] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: battery housing 1, liquid tank 2, output terminal 3, control terminal 4, front panel 5, liquid level gauge 6, drain port 7, air outlet 8, air inlet 9, filling cap 10, exhaust fan 11, DC power supply 12, power supply module 13, pipe 14, pump 15, manifold 16.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Example 1 is basically as follows Figures 1-6 As shown: An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications includes five battery cells connected in series. Each battery cell is an aluminum-air battery. During discharge, the battery casing 1 contains electrolyte. An aluminum electrode plate is detachably connected to the battery, serving as the anode. The battery cells are mechanically charged by replacing the aluminum anode and electrolyte.

[0046] It also includes a liquid tank 2, output terminal 3, control terminal 4, front panel 5, liquid level gauge 6, drain port 7, air outlet 8, air inlet 9, liquid filling cover 10, exhaust fan 11, DC power supply 12, power supply module 13, pipe 14, pump 15, and manifold 16.

[0047] The electrolyte is an alkaline electrolyte. Solid electrolytes release a large amount of heat when dissolved in water, and the aluminum-air battery system exhibits self-heating during discharge due to internal resistance. This ensures the electrolyte does not freeze during circulation, thus avoiding insufficient output power caused by low temperatures. The battery cell is integrally injection molded, with aluminum plates installed inside the battery casing 1. The bottom of the battery cell is connected to a manifold, one end of which is connected to a pipe 14 to a pump 15. The pump 15's wires and switch are connected to the starting DC power supply 12. The battery cell's overflow port is connected to a return pipe, which passes through a hole in the top of the liquid tank 2. When the battery is working, the pump 15 is activated, and the electrolyte flows through the pipe into the manifold to distribute the liquid. The electrolyte flows into the five individual battery cells and then returns to the electrolyte tank 2 through the overflow port, thus achieving electrolyte circulation. Each battery cell has a sealing cap with a sealing strip inside. The cap has a hole in the center and an insertion hole at the bottom of the aluminum electrode plate. A negative terminal is installed on the aluminum electrode plate for quick replacement. The front of the electrolyte tank 2 has a transparent liquid level display panel for observing the liquid level. The bottom of the tank 2 has a drain port 7, which is sealed with a plug. A removable cover is installed on top of the tank 2, with a rotating filling cap 10. During use, rotating the filling cap 10 opens the filling cap 10 of the electrolyte tank 2, and electrolyte is added using a funnel. When the battery discharges completely, the pump 15 switch is turned off, and the internal battery... The electrolyte flows back to tank 2 through pipelines under gravity, achieving automatic electrolyte reflux. A casing is installed above tank 2, with elongated openings distributed on both sides of the air passage of the battery cells. During normal operation, a fan installed above the casing blows air from inside the casing, creating convection between fresh and old air, and simultaneously carrying away hydrogen gas, a byproduct of battery discharge, from the casing, ensuring system safety. A switchable cover is installed on the front of the casing, allowing for the opening and closing of the tank 2 cover, thus enabling electrolyte filling. A DC-DC power supply 12 is installed inside the casing to transform the battery output voltage to meet operating voltage requirements. A starting DC power supply 12 is installed next to the CDC power supply 12, which enables the battery system to be started without electrolyte. The output of the DC-DC power supply 12 is connected to the starting DC power supply 12, which can charge the starting DC power supply 12 during battery operation, thus ensuring that the starting DC power supply 12 is in a sufficient charge state to start normally the next time it is used. An output terminal 3 is installed on the top of the housing, and the output terminal 3 is fixed to the front panel 5 by a clip. A control terminal 4 is installed below the output terminal 3, and the control terminal 4 is fixed to the front panel 5 by a clip. The output terminal 3 and the control terminal 4 are connected, and the control terminal 4 is connected to the device control terminal, thus realizing the quick installation of the device.

[0048] The liquid tank 2 has a positioning hole on the top, which matches the hole on the inside of the tank shell and is fixed by bolts;

[0049] The front of tank 2 is equipped with a liquid level display panel made of transparent acrylic.

[0050] A drain hole is installed at the bottom of liquid tank 2, which is made of polytetrafluoroethylene rubber and is sealed by a tight fit.

[0051] A removable cover plate is installed on top of the liquid tank 2 and is fixed with bolts; a rotatable cover plate is installed on the removable cover plate and is installed by means of misalignment holes; the rotatable cover plate has strip holes on both sides, which can be used to seal the liquid tank 2 and position the liquid inlet pipe and pump 15 wires by cooperating with the inlet pipe wires.

[0052] The outer shell of the box has long strip-shaped openings on both sides, and the positions of the openings correspond to the air passages of the individual battery cells;

[0053] The top of the outer shell of the box has an exhaust vent, and an exhaust fan 11 is installed inside and fixed with bolts;

[0054] The top of the enclosure is fitted with a DC power supply module with output terminals 3 and control terminals 4, which are secured with bolts.

[0055] The front of the enclosure is fitted with a closable operating window, which is secured with bolts.

[0056] The enclosure contains 12 DC-DC power modules and 12 starting DC power modules, which are secured with bolts.

[0057] The individual battery cells are fixed together by connecting rods;

[0058] Each battery cell has a sealing cap on top, which achieves a sealing effect through an internal sealing ring.

[0059] The aluminum electrode plate is connected to the positive terminal of the previous battery cell via the negative terminal and is secured to the battery cell with bolts.

[0060] A liquid distribution pipe is installed at the bottom of the battery casing 1. The liquid distribution pipe consists of one main liquid inlet and five liquid outlets, which are connected and fixed by a polytetrafluoroethylene rubber tube. The five liquid outlets are respectively connected to the lower ends of the five battery casings 1.

[0061] The separator and pipe 14 are connected by a polytetrafluoroethylene rubber tube, and pipe 14 is connected to pump 15, thereby realizing the circulation of electrolyte.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] Example 2 is basically as follows Figures 7-13As shown, each battery cell includes a battery casing, an air electrode, a negative terminal, a negative electrode, and an aluminum electrode plate that can be inserted into the battery casing. Inner grids are provided on both sides of the battery casing, and air channels are formed between adjacent inner grids of adjacent battery cells. The inner grids are used to isolate the positive and negative electrodes, keep the air cell flat, and prevent short circuits. Air channels are formed between the inner grids of adjacent battery casings. Positive terminals are provided on both sides of the battery casing, and the aluminum electrode plate is connected to the negative electrode via the negative terminal. The air electrode is located inside the inner grid. The inner grid is bonded and sealed to the air electrode and battery casing with alkali-resistant adhesive to ensure that the battery casing does not leak. It also includes a positive electrode and a positive electrode lead. The height of the positive electrode lead is higher than the top of the overflow port. A positive electrode lead groove is also provided on the outside of the inner grid, through which the positive electrode lead of the air electrode connects to the outside of the battery cell and to the positive terminal.

[0064] In this embodiment, the negative terminal includes an insulating shell, a spring, a connecting wire, and a conductive spring. The insulating shell wraps around the conductive spring, which is connected to the positive terminal via the connecting wire. The aluminum plate has a connecting end with a slot. The conductive spring and the slot engage with each other. A spring is located below the conductive spring, with its two ends abutting against the conductive spring and the insulating shell, respectively. The conductive spring has a U-shaped cross-section with a chamfered front and a groove with a semi-cylindrical cross-section on its top. The rear of the conductive spring is a hollow cylinder. In this embodiment, the distance between the two ends of the conductive spring is greater than the thickness of the connecting end. After the connecting end is inserted between the conductive springs, the spring drives the two ends of the conductive spring to clamp the connecting end. The conductive spring also has a protruding structure in the middle and beveled structures on both front ends.

[0065] Support strips are distributed on the upper outer side of the inner grille, with a gas flow channel in the middle of each strip. These strips can be fitted with the support strip of an adjacent battery cell. One side of each support strip has a raised structure, while the other side has a recessed structure that engages with the raised structure, ensuring even spacing between battery cells. The battery casing also has a top cover with a rectangular hole. The connecting end snaps into this hole, and a detachable sealing cap made of PTFE rubber is attached. Multiple sealing caps of different sizes are available, each fitting tightly to a different negative electrode thickness through the rectangular hole. This allows for sealing the internal cavity and replacement of different negative electrode thicknesses. Different thickness sealing caps can be selected for each battery cell, allowing for the installation of aluminum electrode plates of varying thicknesses and reducing material waste. Below the top cover is a recessed structure with a sealing ring. This ring seals the space between the battery casing and the top cover, sealing the cavity and enabling rapid negative electrode connection.

[0066] Each battery casing has a flow guide channel with an inlet at the end. The flow guide channel is sloping, and its depth increases with distance from the inlet, reaching its maximum depth at the inlet. The flow guide channel extends through the entire bottom of the battery casing, and its width is less than the thickness of the negative electrode. The bottom of the negative electrode aligns flush with the edge of the flow guide channel at the bottom of the battery casing to ensure horizontal mounting of the negative electrode. An outlet is located on the bottom of the other side of the battery casing. Each side of the battery casing has at least one fastening mechanism. One side of the fastening mechanism has a protruding structure, and the other side has a recessed structure that engages with the protruding structure. The fastening mechanism achieves engagement through the protruding and recessed structures on both sides. The inlet transmits the electrolyte to the inner side of the inner grid and fills the reaction chamber of the battery cell, providing an internal space for the battery reaction. In this embodiment, the inlet is a pipe with an inner diameter of 10mm. The outflow channel of the inlet connects to the pump outlet to guide the electrolyte into the battery cell. In this embodiment, the guide channel is a reduced flow channel used to guide the electrolyte. Its width and tilt length are adjusted according to the length of the battery cell. If the negative electrode tilts after installation, the width of the guide channel needs to be adjusted.

[0067] It also includes a return pipe, and an overflow port is provided on the upper part of the battery casing. The overflow port is connected to the return pipe. A guide strip is provided on the air electrode. The guide strip of the air electrode is connected to the positive terminal. The guide strip of the air electrode is higher than the overflow port. It also includes a positive electrode and a positive electrode lead. The height of the positive electrode lead is higher than the top of the overflow port. When the positive electrode lead comes into contact with the electrolyte during the reaction, the height of the overflow port from the lower edge of the grid needs to be adjusted to increase the spacing at this point, so as to avoid the positive electrode lead being corroded by the electrolyte and ensure the orderly progress of the battery reaction. In this embodiment, the width of the overflow port is 2.5mm. It can be understood that the width of the overflow port can be, but is not limited to, this value. If the electrolyte cannot be discharged in time after entering the battery casing and liquid overflows from the vent at the top of the battery casing, the width of the overflow port needs to be adjusted to ensure the stable circulation of the electrolyte.

[0068] It also includes a venting pipe, and the battery casing is also equipped with an exhaust port, which is connected to the venting pipe. The exhaust port can collect and discharge the hydrogen gas during the discharge process in a timely manner, increasing the reliability of the battery cell. The venting pipe has a "T" shaped structure, and the bottom of the venting pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the battery casing. There is a protrusion on one side of the outer wall of the venting pipe and a recess on the other side. The protruding side of the venting pipe is connected to the recess of another cell's venting pipe. The venting pipe is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which not only seals the gas channel but also ensures the collection of internal reaction gases.

[0069] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention. Commonly known technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solution of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications, characterized in that: It includes several battery cells connected in series. Each battery cell includes a battery casing containing electrolyte. An aluminum electrode plate is detachably connected to the battery, serving as the anode. The battery cell is mechanically charged by replacing the aluminum anode and electrolyte.

2. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 1, characterized in that: The casing contains an internal resistance of the battery. When a single battery cell discharges, the internal resistance of the battery releases heat.

3. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid tank, and the battery cell also includes a manifold and a return liquid pipe. The manifold, battery casing, bottom, return liquid pipe and liquid tank are connected in sequence to form a circulation loop for the electrolyte.

4. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electrolyte tank is located below the battery casing, and a pump is installed inside the tank. The pump is used to send the electrolyte from the tank into the battery casing; when the pump is turned off, the electrolyte automatically flows back into the tank.

5. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing cover is installed on the top of the battery casing, and the sealing cover has holes into which aluminum plates are inserted.

6. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid tank is equipped with a cover plate on the upper side, and the cover plate is equipped with a rotating liquid filling cap, which can be opened by rotating.

7. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a housing, in which several battery casings are housed, and air channels are formed between adjacent battery casings. Ventilation holes are opened on the side of the housing and distributed on both sides of the air channels. A fan is installed on the top of the housing to carry out hydrogen gas, a byproduct of battery discharge, out of the housing.

8. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 7, characterized in that: The enclosure contains an interconnected DC power supply and a starting power supply. The DC power supply is used to transform the output voltage of the individual battery cells, and it is also used to charge the starting power supply during the operation of the individual battery cells.

9. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 8, characterized in that: Air electrodes are provided on both sides of the battery casing. A guide bar is provided on the upper side of the air electrode. A positive terminal is provided at the end of the guide bar. A negative terminal is sandwiched on the aluminum plate. The negative terminal and the positive terminal are electrically connected.

10. An aluminum-air battery system for high-altitude applications according to claim 9, characterized in that: The negative terminal is U-shaped, and there is a conductive spring inside the negative terminal. A spring is provided between the conductive spring and the inside of the negative terminal.

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