A rotating microchannel metal-air stack

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of rotating microchannel type metal air electric pile, it includes at least 2 metal air battery monomer and adjustable intercommunicator;The metal air battery monomer includes shell, anode plate and cathode sheet;The shell is flat and inside is cavity structure, its bottom is equipped with T type liquid inlet passage;The anode plate is pluggably arranged in the shell cavity along window;The adjustable intercommunicator inside is hollow structure, and opening is equipped on its outer peripheral wall, which is communicated with the T type liquid inlet passage of shell bottom;Wherein, the bottom liquid inlet passage of adjacent shell is communicated each other to form liquid inlet main pipeline, and the adjustable intercommunicator is rotatably inserted into liquid inlet main pipeline.The metal air electric pile of the utility model can not only realize fast and uniform liquid injection in liquid injection stage, but also can significantly improve the voltage consistency of each battery monomer in working stage;It is suitable for maintenance-free scene such as communication standby power, outdoor emergency power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of metal-air fuel cells, and more particularly to a rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] In aluminum-air fuel cell stacks with non-circulating electrolyte, the bottom of each cell typically uses the same interconnecting conduit for electrolyte injection and level balancing. This conduit has a large cross-sectional area, resulting in rapid electrolyte injection and good liquid level consistency, but it also provides low-resistivity ion channels for adjacent cells. During discharge, leakage current occurs within the electrolyte, causing a drop in cell voltage and an increase in stack energy loss; for example, ... Figure 1 The existing technology shown theoretically produces a voltage of 1.88V for both cells, but the actual voltage is 1.67V due to the large-area interconnection of the electrolyte. To suppress the voltage drop caused by leakage current, measures such as external valves, baffles, or reduced pipe diameters are used, which either increase system complexity, extend the electrolyte injection time, or cause uneven electrolyte levels, making it difficult to balance injection efficiency and electrical performance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a structure that can maintain unobstructed flow during the electrolyte injection phase while significantly reducing the interconnection cross-sectional area during operation, thereby reducing internal losses and improving voltage consistency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a rotating microchannel metal-air battery stack to solve the technical problems of traditional metal-air battery stacks, such as the formation of ion short-circuit channels between metal-air battery cells due to the excessively large cross-sectional area of ​​the interconnected liquid inlet pipe at the bottom of the casing, resulting in a significant drop in the voltage of each cell, and thus high energy loss and poor voltage consistency of the battery stack.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A rotating microchannel metal-air battery stack includes at least two metal-air battery cells and an adjustable connector. Each metal-air battery cell includes a housing, an anode plate, and a cathode plate. The housing is flat and has an internal cavity structure. Its top has a window for free insertion of the anode plate, at least one side wall is perforated, and its bottom has a T-shaped liquid inlet channel. The anode plate is detachably disposed within the cavity of the housing along the window. The cathode plate is disposed on the perforated side wall. The adjustable connector has a hollow internal structure, and its outer peripheral wall has an opening communicating with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel at the bottom of the housing. The bottom liquid inlet channels of adjacent housings are interconnected to form a main liquid inlet pipe, and the adjustable connector can be rotatably inserted into the main liquid inlet pipe.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution, one end of the adjustable communicating vessel is provided with a sealing end plate; the sealing end plate is provided with a gripping part.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution, a limiting cover plate is also provided at the bottom of the housing near the adjustable communicating vessel end plate; the gripping part provided on the end plate extends outward through the limiting cover plate; the limiting cover plate has a fan-shaped notch symmetrically arranged in the center.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the adjustable communicating vessel has a cylindrical plug at the inlet end away from the cap plate; the outer peripheral wall of the plug is provided with an O-ring.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the adjustable communicating vessel has at least one O-ring on the outer peripheral wall near the end plate of the cover.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the adjustable communicating vessel is provided with two O-rings on the outer peripheral wall near the end plate of the cover.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the shell is either integrally formed or assembled from two half-shells.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, after two adjacent housings are assembled, a certain gap is left between the two adjacent housings near the cathode plate.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the top of the anode plate is also provided with an insulating cover plate that matches the top window of the housing; the insulating cover plate is provided with a handle.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention relates to a rotating microchannel metal-air battery stack. It innovatively incorporates a rotatable, adjustable connector at the bottom of the stack. During the liquid injection phase, the opening on the outer wall of the connector aligns with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel, ensuring rapid and uniform liquid inflow over a large cross-sectional area. During the discharge phase, the connector is rotated, causing the opening to misalign with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel, maintaining only a tiny gap for communication. This effectively reduces ion channels between individual metal-air battery cells, preventing voltage drops and significantly improving overall stack voltage consistency. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for external valves, pumps, or control systems, simplifying the system structure and reducing costs. Simultaneously, the double O-rings provide continuous sealing during rotation, ensuring leak-free operation over long-term cycles. Additionally, the fan-shaped notch on the limiting cover engages with the gripping part of the end plate, providing visible mechanical limiting and preventing over-rotation. The overall solution is compatible with existing metal-air battery casing sizes and can directly replace existing static connecting pipes, meeting the needs of communication backup power, outdoor emergency power supplies, and other applications requiring highly consistent, maintenance-free metal-air battery stacks. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the actual voltage during discharge of a metal-air fuel cell in the prior art, as an example.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3a and Figure 3b These are cross-sectional views of the internal structure before and after the adjustable communicating vessel is inserted into the liquid inlet main pipe formed at the bottom of the metal-air battery cell housing of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly relationship between the limiting cover plate and the holding part of the sealing end plate of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5a and Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the adjustable communicating vessel of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the adjustable communicating vessel of this utility model.

[0022] Among them, there are metal-air battery cell 1, adjustable connector 2, opening 2a, limiting cover 3, plug 4, shell 11, T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a, liquid inlet main pipe 11b, cathode plate 12, insulating cover 13, sealing end plate 21, and holding part 22. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art.

[0024] Example

[0025] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, this embodiment of the rotating microchannel metal-air battery stack includes three metal-air battery cells 1 and one adjustable connector 2. Each metal-air battery cell 1 includes a housing 11, an anode plate (not shown), and a cathode plate 12. The housing 11 is flat and has a hollow internal structure. Its top has a window for the anode plate to be freely inserted, at least one side wall is hollow, and its bottom has a T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a. The anode plate is detachably disposed in the cavity of the housing 11 along the window. The cathode plate 12 is disposed on the hollow side wall. The adjustable connector 2 has a hollow internal structure, and its outer peripheral wall has an opening 2a that communicates with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a at the bottom of the housing 11. The bottom liquid inlet channels of adjacent housings 11 are interconnected to form a main liquid inlet pipe 11b, and the adjustable connector 2 can be rotatably inserted into the main liquid inlet pipe 11b. When the opening 2a on the outer peripheral wall of the adjustable connector 2 is rotated to connect with the liquid inlet channel at the bottom of the housing 11, the electrolyte can quickly enter the cavity of the housing 11 through the adjustable connector 2, completing the uniform injection of the metal-air battery cell 1. After the metal-air battery cell 1 is uniformly injected, the adjustable connector 2 is rotated so that the opening 2a on its outer peripheral wall is misaligned with the liquid inlet channel at the bottom of the housing 11, leaving only a small gap for connection. The adjustable connector 2 has two O-rings on its outer peripheral wall near the end plate 21 of the cap to ensure a sealing relationship between the adjustable connector 2 and the main liquid inlet pipe 11b, preventing the electrolyte from leaking out of the metal-air battery stack along the opening 2a. The T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a includes a transverse through channel and a vertical channel that is perpendicular to the transverse through channel; the transverse through channels in the bottom liquid inlet channels of adjacent housings 11 are interconnected to form the main liquid inlet pipe 11b, and the vertical channel is connected to the cavity inside the housing 11. The materials of the anode plate and cathode plate 12 can be selected from conventional techniques in the field, and there are no special restrictions in this utility model. For example, the anode plate can be selected from one of magnesium plate, aluminum plate, and zinc plate, with aluminum plate being preferred. The cathode plate 12 has the function of catalytic oxidation of oxygen molecules in the air, and it can be any material used in the prior art, with silver and manganese dioxide composite catalyst or cathode material composed of catalytic material and waterproof and breathable layer being preferred.

[0026] In one preferred embodiment, one end of the adjustable communicating vessel 2 is provided with a capping end plate 21; the capping end plate 21 is provided with a gripping part 22. The operator can rotate the adjustable communicating vessel 2 at a certain angle within the liquid inlet main pipe 11b by twisting the gripping part 22.

[0027] In one preferred embodiment, a limiting cover plate 3 is also provided at the bottom of the housing 11 near the outer end plate 21 of the adjustable connector 2; the gripping part 22 provided on the end plate 21 extends outward through the limiting cover plate 3; the limiting cover plate 3 has a symmetrically arranged fan-shaped notch at 90 degrees. The limiting cover plate 3 with the fan-shaped notch ensures that the adjustable connector 2 can rotate within a limited angle range, enabling the metal-air battery stack to achieve rapid and uniform liquid injection during startup, and ensuring the consistency of voltage of each metal-air battery cell 1 after liquid injection, reducing voltage drop. More preferably, markings such as "liquid injection" and "working" are engraved on the limiting cover plate 3 so that the operator can clearly identify the working state of the adjustable connector 2's rotation position.

[0028] In one preferred embodiment, the adjustable connector 2 is provided with a cylindrical plug 4 at the liquid inlet end away from the cap end plate 21; the outer peripheral wall of the plug 4 is provided with an O-ring seal, which is located between the outer peripheral wall of the plug 4 and the inner wall of the liquid inlet main pipe 11b, effectively preventing liquid leakage from the metal air stack.

[0029] In one preferred embodiment, the housing 11 is either integrally formed or assembled from two half-shells.

[0030] In one preferred embodiment, after two adjacent housings 11 are assembled, a certain gap is left between the two adjacent housings 11 near the cathode plate 12. The effective setting of the gap ensures air circulation on the cathode plate 12 side, and with sufficient air entering the cathode plate 12, the normal discharge operation of the metal-air battery cell 1 is guaranteed.

[0031] In one preferred embodiment, the top of the anode plate is further provided with an insulating cover plate 13 that matches the top window of the housing 11; the insulating cover plate 13 is provided with a handle. The insulating cover plate 13 and the handle ensure the flexibility of anode plate installation and replacement.

[0032] The operation process of this utility model metal-air fuel cell is as follows:

[0033] (1) Liquid injection stage: Insert the adjustable connector 2 into the main liquid inlet pipe 11b and turn it to the "liquid injection" position (the opening 2a is aligned with the vertical channel in the T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a), and align the upper limit mark of the grip 22 with one side of the fan-shaped notch of the limit cover plate 3; at the same time, use the plug 4 to seal the other end of the adjustable connector 2; at this time, the electrolyte is injected from the top window of one of the shells 11 into the cavity of the metal-air battery cell 1; the liquid injection is completed when the liquid level in the three metal-air battery cells 1 reaches the set liquid level, and the liquid level in each metal-air battery cell 1 remains balanced.

[0034] (2) Discharge operation stage: After the liquid injection is completed, rotate the grip 22 by hand 90° to the "working" position. The other side of the notch of the limiting cover 3 blocks further rotation; the opening 2a is misaligned with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a, leaving only a micro gap to maintain liquid level balance, while significantly cutting off the ion short-circuit channel; at this time, insert the three anode plates into the cavity of each metal-air battery cell 1, and then complete the circuit wiring of the metal-air stack. At this time, when the stack is discharging, the voltage of each metal-air battery cell 1 remains consistent, and no obvious voltage drop occurs.

[0035] (3) Maintenance stage: When the electrolyte needs to be replaced or repaired, remove the plug 4 and rotate the adjustable connector 2 in the opposite direction to return to the "liquid injection" position to quickly drain and flush; the O-ring remains sealed throughout the rotation, with no leakage and no tool disassembly or assembly, achieving maintenance-free operation.

[0036] In summary, the adjustable connector 2 of this utility model can directly replace the traditional static interconnection pipeline. It not only maintains a large cross-section channel during the liquid injection stage to achieve rapid and uniform liquid injection, but also, during the working stage, the opening 2a is misaligned with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel 11a by rotating 90°, leaving only a micro-gap connection, which reduces the voltage drop between the metal-air battery cells 1 and significantly improves the voltage consistency of each battery cell. It is suitable for maintenance-free scenarios such as communication backup power and outdoor emergency power supply.

[0037] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack, characterized in that, The metal-air battery stack includes: at least two metal-air battery cells and an adjustable connector; each metal-air battery cell includes a housing, an anode plate, and a cathode plate; the housing is flat and has an internal cavity structure, with a window at the top for free insertion of the anode plate, at least one side wall being hollow, and a T-shaped liquid inlet channel at the bottom; the anode plate is detachably disposed within the cavity of the housing along the window; the cathode plate is disposed on the hollow side wall; the adjustable connector has a hollow internal structure, with an opening on its outer peripheral wall communicating with the T-shaped liquid inlet channel at the bottom of the housing; wherein the bottom liquid inlet channels of adjacent housings are interconnected to form a main liquid inlet pipe, and the adjustable connector is rotatably inserted into the main liquid inlet pipe.

2. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the adjustable communicating vessel is provided with a capped end plate; the capped end plate is provided with a gripping part.

3. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the housing is also provided with a limiting cover plate near the adjustable communicating vessel end plate; the grip portion provided on the end plate extends outward through the limiting cover plate; the limiting cover plate is provided with a fan-shaped notch symmetrically in the center.

4. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable connector has a plug at the inlet end away from the cap plate; the outer peripheral wall of the plug is provided with an O-ring seal.

5. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable connector has at least one O-ring on the outer peripheral wall near the end plate.

6. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable connector has two O-rings on the outer peripheral wall near the end plate.

7. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell can be formed in one piece or assembled from two half-shells.

8. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After two adjacent housings are assembled, a certain gap is left between the two housings near the cathode plate.

9. The rotating microchannel metal-air fuel cell stack as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the anode plate is also provided with an insulating cover plate that matches the top window of the housing; the insulating cover plate is provided with a handle.

Images