Electrosynthetic or Electrical Energy Cells with Liquid-Related Mechanisms

Abstract

An electric energy cell or electrosynthetic cell is disclosed that includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrode separator disposed between the cathode and the anode. A liquid electrolyte inlet supplies liquid electrolyte to the cell, and a liquid electrolyte outlet drains liquid electrolyte from the cell. The liquid electrolyte outlet includes an overflow weir over or through which excess liquid electrolyte flows out of the cell. In another embodiment, one or more drip devices are included as part of the liquid electrolyte inlet and / or liquid electrolyte outlet, and a drip chamber is disposed below the drip device. In another embodiment, one or more porous capillary structures are disposed in a liquid path within the cell, such as a liquid path provided by an overflow weir or adjacent to the drip device. In another embodiment, one or more restrictors are utilized that provide a pressure drop in the liquid electrolyte through the restrictor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrochemical cells containing liquids, for example for use as electrosynthetic or electrical energy cells. Exemplary embodiments relate to cell architectures that maintain a liquid level within the cell during operation while avoiding unwanted shunt currents. [Background technology]

[0002] An electric energy cell is an electrochemical cell that generates electrical power over extended periods of time for use outside the cell. Electric energy cells are distinguished from other galvanic cells in that they require a continuous supply of reactants from the outside. The products of the electrochemical reaction must also be continuously removed from such cells. Unlike batteries, electric energy cells do not store chemical or electrical energy within the electric energy cell.

[0003] Examples of electrical energy cells include, but are not limited to, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells, hydrogen-oxygen alkaline fuel cells, ammonia fuel cells, and the like.

[0004] Electrosynthesis cells can also be considered to be electrochemical cells that produce one or more chemicals over extended periods of time for use outside the cell. The chemicals can be in gas, liquid, or solid form. Like electrical energy cells, electrosynthesis cells also require a continuous supply of reactants and a continuous discharge of products. Electrosynthesis cells generally also require a continuous input of electrical energy.

[0005] Examples of electrosynthesis cells include, but are not limited to, water electrolyzers, chlor-alkali cells, and cells for producing hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and the like.

[0006] Another characteristic of electrosynthesis cells or electrical energy cells is the large amounts of reactants and products that are typically involved in their operation: such cells require a constant supply of significant amounts of reactants while at the same time constantly discharging significant amounts of products.

[0007] Due to the large amounts of electrical energy involved in the operation of electric energy batteries and electrosynthetic batteries, a major challenge in the development of such batteries is to make their operation as energy efficient as possible. This can be achieved, in part, by minimizing the electrical impedance of the batteries. Impedance is the resistance that a battery circuit presents to an electric current when a voltage is applied. One well-known way to minimize impedance is to employ a battery architecture in which the anode and cathode electrodes of the battery are placed as close to each other as possible, facing each other, without contact (contact would create a short circuit). And ideally, the gap between the two electrodes should also be occupied by an electrolyte with the highest possible conductivity. In general, liquid electrolytes, as a class, have the highest conductivity. The liquid electrolyte can be incorporated into a porous interelectrode spacer (also called a "separator") whose role is to prevent the electrodes from contacting each other.

[0008] Thus, many electrical energy cells or electrosynthetic cells employ a liquid electrolyte, which may be highly conductive, within the cell or half-cell itself. An important feature of such cells is the need to maintain the amount of liquid in the cell or half-cell, i.e., the need to maintain the level of the liquid in the cell or half-cell, thereby ensuring that there is no excessive drop or rise in the liquid level that may interfere with the operation of the cell. There are several mechanical or electronic methods for detecting and then automatically adjusting the level of the liquid in the cell or half-cell that constitutes the cell.

[0009] A further challenge with this type of electric energy cell or electrocomposite cell is that in industrial applications, this type of electric energy cell or electrocomposite cell is often "stacked" in electrical series with several other cells, thereby forming a "battery stack". This is typically achieved in a so-called "filter press" configuration (or "plate and frame filter press" configuration). In such a configuration, individual cells with a substantially flat profile are stacked between two end plates, which are then compressed towards each other. This ensures that the stacked cells in between (i) remain in electrical contact with each other (electrically in series), (ii) are held tightly within the stack, and (iii) form a single electric energy device or electrocomposite device, i.e., a filter press type battery stack. This results in a battery stack that has the output of all the batteries incorporated and their combined consumption. For example, there may be 100 or more batteries in a single battery stack. Furthermore, the batteries may be thin, e.g., less than 1 cm thick. In addition, the batteries may contain highly corrosive electrolytes, such as strong alkaline or acidic electrolytes. When the individual cells are held securely in a filter press configuration, the cell stack can be treated as a single device, with the products it produces and the reactants it consumes being handled by only a few appropriate external systems. In this way, it may be possible to collect the large amounts of reactants and products involved in an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell into a single external product and / or reactant stream that is easier to manage than multiple smaller streams.

[0010] A further challenge is that one or more masses of liquid electrolyte in each cell or half-cell in such a stack may be connected to each other. That is, there may be successive or adjacent masses of common liquid electrolyte present in all or many of the cells. In such cases, unwanted "shunt" currents (also called "bypass" or "parasitic" currents) may result. Shunt currents typically flow between electrodes in different cells in the stack. Shunt currents are often due to voltage differences that are greater than the voltage difference between the two electrodes in each cell. Thus, the shunt currents bypass and compete with the desired current path between the two electrodes in each cell. Shunt currents can cause significant losses in efficiency, as well as corrosion and uneven cell performance. Shunt currents can also act on one or more surfaces in the electrochemical system.

[0011] Thus, a need exists to address or ameliorate one or more of these problems, for example, to maintain the amount or level of liquid within an electrical energy cell or half-cell or electrosynthetic cell or half-cell without complex or otherwise unnecessary electronic or mechanical sensing devices, while simultaneously avoiding or reducing the presence of shunt currents between the cells or half-cells.

[0012] Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or to any known matter is not, and should not be construed as, an acknowledgment, admission, or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification pertains. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify all key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0014] In various exemplary aspects, the embodiments relate to an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell comprising a liquid electrolyte whose level in the cell needs to be controlled. Preferably, such an embodiment comprises at least one liquid electrolyte inlet and at least one liquid electrolyte outlet. Preferably, in one embodiment, the at least one liquid electrolyte outlet comprises an overflow weir, which may also be called a waterfall, overflow dam, overflow dike, overflow barrier, overflow cataract, overflow boom, or overflow wall, over which excess liquid electrolyte flows. Preferably, the height of the overflow weir (i.e., waterfall, dam, dike, dike, barrier, cataract, boom, or wall) sets the level of liquid electrolyte in the electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell, for example in the whole cell or in half cells that make up the cell.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell is provided that comprises a cathode and an anode, a liquid electrolyte inlet for supplying liquid electrolyte to the cell, and a liquid electrolyte outlet for draining the liquid electrolyte from the cell, the liquid electrolyte outlet may comprise an overflow weir over which excess liquid electrolyte flows.

[0016] Preferably, the weir over which excess liquid electrolyte flows has a porous capillary structure located across or near the mouth of the point at which the liquid overflows the weir. A "porous capillary structure" is a porous material that utilizes capillary action to draw and retain liquid electrolyte therein. Such a porous capillary structure retains liquid electrolyte therein by capillary pressure, thereby facilitating the movement of liquid electrolyte into and through the porous capillary structure, but inhibits the movement and entrainment of gas into and through the porous capillary structure. Preferably, the porous capillary structure prevents gas from above the level of the liquid in the cell or half-cell from being drawn into and mixing with the flow of liquid passing over the weir. Preferably, the liquid passing over the weir exits as a homogenous liquid phase free of entrained gas. A first porous capillary structure may be disposed at or downstream of the first weir and / or a second porous capillary structure may be disposed at or downstream of the second weir.

[0017] In another exemplary aspect, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell is provided that includes a cathode and an anode, a liquid electrolyte inlet for supplying liquid electrolyte to the cell, and a liquid electrolyte outlet for draining the liquid electrolyte from the cell, wherein the liquid electrolyte inlet and / or the liquid electrolyte outlet are in fluid communication with a dripping device.

[0018] In another exemplary aspect, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell is provided that comprises a cathode and an anode, a liquid electrolyte inlet for supplying liquid electrolyte to the cell, and a liquid electrolyte outlet for draining liquid electrolyte from the cell, the liquid electrolyte outlet comprising an overflow weir over which excess liquid electrolyte flows, the liquid electrolyte inlet and / or the liquid electrolyte outlet being in fluid communication with a dripping device.

[0019] A "dropper" is a device that reliably and if not invariably breaks a stream of liquid passing through the dropper into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, slugs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with a gas gap (e.g., air gap) therebetween, over a relatively long period of continuous or intermittent operation. Preferably, the gas gap (e.g., air gap) constitutes an electrically non-conductive gas void (i.e., a non-conductive gas void) that, in effect, destroys the electrical conductivity of the incoming stream of liquid electrolyte that is otherwise electrically conductive along the incoming stream. That is, if the liquid passing through the dripping device is a conductive electrolyte, preferably, the liquid electrolyte mass on one side of the dripping device does not make conductive contact with the liquid electrolyte mass on the other side of the dripping device due to the dripping device reliably, if not invariably, and reliably breaking the stream of liquid passing through the dripping device into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of the liquid electrolyte with a gas gap (e.g., an air gap) therebetween.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the electrical resistance between the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dispensing apparatus and the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on the other side of the dispensing apparatus is greater than 1 Ω, greater than 10 Ω, greater than 50 Ω, greater than 100 Ω, greater than 400 Ω, greater than 700 Ω, greater than 900 Ω, greater than 1 kΩ, greater than 5 kΩ, greater than 10 kΩ, greater than 50 kΩ, greater than 100 kΩ, greater than 1 MΩ, greater than 5 MΩ, greater than 10 MΩ, greater than 50 MΩ, greater than 100 MΩ, or greater than 1,000 MΩ.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one liquid electrolyte inlet provides a flow of liquid electrolyte to the battery that is sufficiently large such that the level of liquid electrolyte within the battery or half-cells that make up the battery established by the liquid electrolyte outlet remains constant or substantially constant during operation of the battery.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one liquid electrolyte inlet to a battery or half-cell making up a battery is in fluid communication with at least one "dripping device" for breaking the flow of liquid electrolyte into one or a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) therebetween, i.e., at least one dripping device is disposed in line with the liquid electrolyte inlet.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one liquid electrolyte outlet of a battery or half-cell constituting a battery comprises at least one "dripping device" for breaking a stream of liquid electrolyte exiting the battery into one or a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with interspersed gas gaps (e.g., air gaps). That is, at least one liquid electrolyte outlet comprises at least one dripping device. Preferably, the gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) constitute electrically non-conductive voids (i.e., non-conductive gas voids) that in effect break the electrical conductivity of the exiting stream of liquid electrolyte that is inherently conductive along the exiting stream. Preferably, the dripping device reliably and if not invariably breaks the liquid stream passing through the dripping device into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) therebetween over a relatively long period of time.

[0024] In another exemplary aspect, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell is provided that includes a cathode half-cell that includes a cathode, a liquid catholyte inlet section having a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to the cathode half-cell, and a liquid catholyte outlet section having a liquid catholyte outlet for discharging the liquid catholyte from the cathode half-cell. The cell also includes an anode half-cell that includes an anode, a liquid anolyte inlet section having a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to the anode half-cell, and a liquid anolyte outlet section having a liquid anolyte outlet for discharging the liquid anolyte from the anode half-cell. An electrode separator is disposed between the cathode and the anode. A dripping device is disposed in line with the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, or the liquid anolyte outlet section. The dripping device breaks the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte into droplets that are received in a dripping chamber disposed below the dripping device. Preferably, in one example, the drip chamber has a height of less than 50mm.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell is provided that includes a cathode half-cell that includes a cathode, a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to the cathode half-cell, and a liquid catholyte outlet that provides a first overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte flows from the cathode half-cell. The first overflow weir is disposed at a first liquid level in the cathode half-cell that is higher than the liquid catholyte inlet. The cell also includes an anode half-cell that includes an anode, a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to the anode half-cell, and a liquid anolyte outlet that provides a second overflow weir over which excess liquid anolyte flows from the anode half-cell. The second overflow weir is disposed at a second liquid level in the anode half-cell that is higher than the liquid anolyte inlet. An electrode separator is disposed between the cathode and the anode.

[0026] In another exemplary aspect, the flow of liquid electrolyte into and out of the cell is disrupted such that the liquid electrolyte in the cell or half-cell is substantially isolated from the liquid electrolyte in adjacent cells or half-cells or other parts of the system. The liquid electrolyte in the cell may also be isolated from the liquid electrolyte outside the cell. Preferably, electrically isolating the liquid electrolyte in the cell effectively prevents electrodes or surfaces in the cell from participating in shunt currents with electrodes or surfaces in other cells or elsewhere in the system.

[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the electrical resistance between the liquid electrolyte inside the battery and the liquid electrolyte outside the battery is greater than 1 Ω, greater than 10 Ω, greater than 50 Ω, greater than 100 Ω, greater than 400 Ω, greater than 700 Ω, greater than 900 Ω, greater than 1 kΩ, greater than 5 kΩ, greater than 10 kΩ, greater than 50 kΩ, greater than 100 kΩ, greater than 1 MΩ, greater than 5 MΩ, greater than 10 MΩ, greater than 50 MΩ, greater than 100 MΩ, or greater than 1,000 MΩ due to the flow of liquid electrolyte into and out of the battery being disrupted.

[0028] In another exemplary aspect, a liquid electrolyte inlet section having a liquid electrolyte inlet, a liquid electrolyte outlet section having a liquid electrolyte outlet, and a drip device for disrupting the flow of liquid electrolyte into and out of the battery are miniaturized.

[0029] In another exemplary embodiment, the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet section, liquid electrolyte inlet, liquid electrolyte outlet section, and / or liquid electrolyte outlet and associated devices for breaking the flow of liquid electrolyte into drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid with interspersed air or gas gaps (i.e., dripping apparatus and / or dripping chambers) are small in size, having a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet section, liquid electrolyte inlet, liquid electrolyte outlet section, and / or liquid electrolyte outlet and associated devices for breaking the liquid electrolyte stream into drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid with interspersed air or gas gaps (i.e., dripping apparatus and / or dripping chamber) incorporate at least one opening (e.g., at least one small opening) or channel that reliably, if not always, breaks the stream into small droplets. Preferably, the at least one opening or channel has a diameter of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm.

[0031] Preferably, the liquid drops, droplets, globules, or other portions (i.e., drops, droplets, or globules) interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) created by at least one dripping device in line with the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet and at least one dripping device in line with the battery's liquid electrolyte outlet are small, having a diameter or thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm.

[0032] In another exemplary embodiment, the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet and / or liquid electrolyte outlet and associated device for breaking the flow of liquid electrolyte (i.e., the dripping device) breaks the flow of liquid electrolyte into one or a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) as soon as the flow leaves the dripping device. That is, preferably, the flow of liquid in the gas-filled dripping chamber below the dripping device is discontinuous immediately below the dripping device due to one or a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid interspersed with air gaps (e.g., gas gaps). Preferably, this feature, in conjunction with the small size of the droplets created by the dripping device, allows the height and width of the gas-filled dripping chamber below the dripping device to be small. Preferably, but not exclusively, the dripping device channel itself is filled with liquid electrolyte during the dripping action.

[0033] Preferably, the drip chamber located below the drip device (e.g., a gas-filled drip chamber) has a height of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 9 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm.

[0034] Preferably, the drip chamber (e.g., a gas-filled drip chamber) located below the drip device has a diameter or width of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

[0035] Preferably, the drip chamber below the dripping device is filled with gas and includes a drip chamber gas line that ensures that the drip chamber remains filled with gas. Preferably, a gas gap is provided via the drip chamber gas line. Preferably, the gas in the drip chamber is not an isolated small, fixed volume of gas whose pressure fluctuations would affect the dripping action.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet and / or liquid electrolyte outlet and associated device for breaking the liquid electrolyte stream into drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid with air or gas gaps interspersed therebetween (i.e., dripping apparatus) comprise, abut, or are adjacent to and co-located on the liquid flow stream that feeds the dripping apparatus with a porous capillary structure. Preferably, the porous capillary structure prevents gas from a gas-filled dripping chamber below the dripping apparatus from ascending through the dripping apparatus and entering the liquid flow stream that feeds the dripping apparatus.

[0037] Preferably, the drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) recombine into a homogenous liquid phase at the bottom of the gas-filled drip chamber below the drip device. Preferably, the liquid in the homogenous liquid phase at the bottom of the gas-filled drip chamber below the drip device flows out of the gas-filled drip chamber at its bottom.

[0038] Optionally, the gas-filled drip chamber may be configured as a "blob chamber" where drops, droplets, or other portions of liquid interspersed with air or gas gaps take the form of globs of liquid that contact the walls of the glob chamber as they flow through the glob chamber. Optionally, the globs may be created by mixing a homogenous liquid phase flowing from the dripper with a homogenous gas phase flowing from a glob chamber gas line located near the dripper outlet at the glob chamber.

[0039] Optionally, a second drip device and associated gas-filled drip or bolus chamber may be incorporated in the liquid path above or below the first drip device and associated gas-filled drip or bolus chamber, thereby improving isolation.

[0040] Optionally, multiple drip devices and associated gas-filled drip or bolus chambers may be incorporated into the fluid paths into or out of the battery.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one dripping device in-line with the at least one liquid electrolyte inlet and / or the at least one liquid electrolyte outlet comprises a polymeric material. Preferably, the dripping device is injection molded or machined.

[0042] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one drip device in line with at least one liquid electrolyte inlet and / or at least one liquid electrolyte outlet comprises an aperture or portion of an aperture that is lined with a metal, preferably the metal being insulated from other metals in the battery and grounded.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one drip device disposed in line with the at least one liquid electrolyte inlet and / or the at least one liquid electrolyte outlet is not susceptible to corrosive liquid electrolytes.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment, a further dripping device and a further dripping chamber disposed below the further dripping device are provided in fluid communication with the dripping device and the dripping chamber. Preferably, the further dripping device and the further dripping chamber are disposed in line with the dripping device and the dripping chamber in the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, or the liquid anolyte outlet section.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, a liquid electrolyte inlet for blocking liquid electrolyte from entering or leaving the battery, a liquid electrolyte outlet, and a drip device for breaking the flow of liquid electrolyte into and out of the battery, and / or an overflow weir for maintaining the liquid level within the battery / half-cell, and / or other liquid-related features as described above are incorporated into the frame of the battery. Preferably, the liquid pathways are incorporated into the battery frame.

[0046] In another example, the liquid electrolyte inlet is an opening or aperture at an end of the liquid electrolyte inlet section. The liquid electrolyte inlet section can be a pipe, a conduit, a channel, etc. The at least one dripping device can be disposed in the liquid electrolyte inlet section, e.g., inside of or in line with the liquid electrolyte inlet section.

[0047] In another example, the liquid electrolyte outlet is an opening at an end of the liquid electrolyte outlet section. The liquid electrolyte outlet section can be a pipe, a conduit, a channel, etc. The at least one dripping device can be disposed in the liquid electrolyte outlet section, for example, inside the liquid electrolyte outlet section, in-line with the liquid electrolyte outlet section.

[0048] Preferably, the battery frame comprises a polymeric material. Preferably, the battery frame is injection molded or machined.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, batteries incorporating fluid-related features of the type described above are stacked in a battery stack, preferably a filter press type battery stack.

[0050] Preferably, the battery frame is essentially flat, or at least of uniform thickness. Preferably, the battery frame is thin. Preferably, the battery frame has a thickness of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

[0051] Optionally, the liquid pathways in the battery frame may be formed as open-sided cavities on the faces of the battery frame. Optionally, such liquid pathways may be sealed against leakage by fastening a cover thereover. Optionally, such liquid pathways may be sealed against leakage by stacking and compressing the batteries in a filter press configuration.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, the liquid inlet header of the cells in the stack is pressurized to a pressure higher than the liquid in each cell. Preferably, the header is in fluid communication with each cell in the stack. Preferably, the pressure of the outlet header of the cells in the stack is lower than the pressure of the liquid in each cell. Preferably, but not exclusively, liquid passing from a high pressure region to a low pressure region passes first through a restrictor and then through a dripper, thereby breaking the liquid stream. Preferably, but not exclusively, the restrictor provides a pressure drop that has the effect of ensuring that each cell in a battery stack containing two or more cells has an equal or substantially equal amount of liquid entering, exiting, or passing therethrough during operation. Preferably, the restrictor is a molded polymer. Preferably, the restrictor is an injection molded or machined polymer. Preferably, the restrictor is located upstream of the dripper.

[0053] Optionally, the battery having the liquid-related features described above is an electrical energy battery, such as (i) a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, including a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell or an alkaline fuel cell, (ii) a direct alcohol fuel cell, including a direct methanol or direct ethanol fuel cell, (iii) a phosphoric acid fuel cell, or (iv) an ammonia fuel cell.

[0054] Optionally, the battery having the liquid-related features described above is an electrosynthesis battery, such as (i) a water electrolyser, (ii) a chlor-alkali electrolyser, (iii) a battery for ammonia production, or (iv) a CO2 electrolyser including a combination of carbon capture and CO2 electrolyser.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Various exemplary embodiments will become apparent on reading the following description, given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred exemplary embodiment electrical energy cell or electrosynthesis cell. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the preferred exemplary embodiment electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of FIG. 1, but fitted with a porous capillary structure to prevent gas entrainment in the liquid pathway. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary dispensing device, shown as a polymeric fitting with small openings, for breaking a stream of liquid electrolyte into a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid with air or gas gaps interspersed therebetween. [Figure 4] 1 shows water streaming through a metal opening in a syringe tip with a diameter of 0.51 mm at different flow rates. [Diagram 5] It shows the measured relationship between the velocity of the liquid stream through the orifice (x-axis) and the diameter (or thickness) of the droplets formed (y-axis). [Figure 6] An example of a "leaf-type dripping device" is shown below. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary "blob" flow. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary combination of a restrictor, a blob chamber, and a drip device. [Figure 9] 1 shows an example of the use of a gas-filled elbow in a liquid line. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates how an exemplary miniaturized "dropper" fitting can be incorporated into the polymer frame of an exemplary electrochemical cell. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates, diagrammatically, how multiple cells in a battery stack can be induced to have equal, or substantially equal, volumes of liquid (e.g., water) passing therethrough. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates generally how the components of an exemplary capillary-based electrosynthesis cell or electrical energy cell may be assembled. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates generally how exemplary capillary-based electrosynthesis or electrical energy cells can be stacked into an exemplary battery stack. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a schematic of the fluid-related features of an exemplary battery stack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The following modes, features, or aspects are described, by way of example only, to provide a more thorough understanding of the subject matter of one or more preferred embodiments.

[0058] definition A "reactant" is a chemical that is consumed during an electrochemical reaction.

[0059] "Products" are chemicals produced during an electrochemical reaction.

[0060] A "liquid electrolyte" is a liquid containing dissolved ions that has the ability to conduct electricity.

[0061] "Room temperature" is defined herein as 21°C.

[0062] A "liquid-gas" cell is defined as an electrochemical cell having at least one liquid phase reactant or product and at least one gas phase reactant or product.

[0063] An "electrical energy cell" is an electrochemical cell that generates electrical power, intermittently or continuously, during operation for an indefinite period of time for use outside the cell. An electrical energy cell may require a constant external supply of reactants during operation. Such a cell may also continuously drain products of the electrochemical reaction during operation. An electrical energy cell may be a liquid-gas cell. An example of an electrical energy cell is a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. This example is also a liquid-gas cell.

[0064] An "electrosynthesis cell" is an electrochemical cell that produces one or more chemicals intermittently or continuously during operation for an indefinite period of time for use outside the cell. The chemicals may be in gas, liquid, or solid form. Like an electrical energy cell, an electrosynthesis cell may also require a constant supply of reactants and a constant discharge of products during operation. An electrosynthesis cell generally also requires a constant input of electrical energy during operation. An electrosynthesis cell may be a liquid-gas cell. An example of an electrosynthesis cell is a water electrolysis cell. This example is also a liquid-gas cell.

[0065] Electrical energy cells and electrosynthetic cells differ from other types of electrochemical cells, such as batteries, sensors, etc., in that they do not incorporate all / part of the reactants required for operation, nor all / part of the products produced during operation, within the cell body. Instead, they can be continuously transported into the cell or drained out of the cell during operation. For example, electrical energy cells are distinguished from galvanic cells in that galvanic cells store reactants and products within the cell body. Unlike batteries, electrical energy cells do not store chemical or electrical energy internally. Similarly, some electrochemical sensors consume reactants and produce products in limited amounts during sensing operations, but all / part of these are stored within the cell body itself.

[0066] The "energy efficiency" of an electrosynthetic cell is defined herein as the net energy present in a single unit output of chemical product, expressed as a percentage, divided by the net energy consumed by the cell to produce that same unit output of chemical product. The "energy efficiency" of an electric energy cell is defined herein as the energy produced by the cell per unit time, divided by the theoretical maximum energy that can be produced by the cell per unit time, expressed as a percentage.

[0067] An "overflow dike" should be read as also being or being called an overflow opening, overflow waterfall, overflow dam, overflow dike, overflow barrier, overflow cataract, overflow boom, or overflow wall over or through which excess liquid electrolyte flows when the liquid electrolyte level exceeds the extent, location, or height of the overflow dike.

[0068] A "dropper" is defined herein as a device that consistently and reliably breaks a relatively constant liquid flow into a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other segments of liquid interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) over a relatively long period of continuous or intermittent operation. In doing so, the dropper breaks a conductive path through a stream of liquid electrolyte, when the liquid is a conductive liquid electrolyte. References to drops should be interpreted as referring to drops, droplets, globs, or other segments of liquid interspersed with gas gaps. References to "relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation" should be interpreted to include continuous or intermittent operation for periods of hours, days, weeks, months, or years. Preferably, the gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) constitute electrically non-conductive voids (i.e., non-conductive gas voids), which in effect break the electrical conductivity of an incoming stream of liquid electrolyte that is inherently conductive along the incoming stream. That is, if the liquid passing through the dripping device is conductive, then preferably the liquid mass on one side of the dripping device does not make conductive contact with the liquid mass on the other side of the dripping device due to the breaking of the stream of liquid through the dripping device into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of the liquid electrolyte through the dripping device with a gas gap (e.g., air gap) therebetween. To adequately break the conductive path, the action of the dripping device is preferably reliable and consistent, if not generally consistent, over a relatively long period of continuous or intermittent operation. It should be understood that the dripping device is an engineered device in which the action of consistently, reliably, and repeatedly breaking the stream of liquid over a relatively long period of time is critical to the functionality of the dripping device. That is, preferably, the dispensing device should reliably, if not invariably, and / or break the stream of liquid passing through the dispensing device into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with a gas gap (e.g., an air gap) therebetween, over relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation.Furthermore, it should be understood that not all devices that form droplets from a stream of liquid are considered to be "droppers" as defined herein. For example, a device that occasionally or occasionally forms droplets from a stream of liquid is not a "dropper". Other devices that "mostly", "frequently", "very frequently", or even accidentally break a stream of liquid into droplets are also not included in "droppers" as defined herein, since insulation may not be consistently maintained throughout the device over relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation with a conductive electrolyte. Similarly, devices that break a stream of liquid irregularly and / or with varying frequencies and / or durations are also not included in droppers as defined herein, since insulation between the liquid electrolyte bodies on either side of the device may not be consistently maintained over relatively long periods of time. Furthermore, droppers as defined herein rely for their action on a relatively constant flow of liquid through relatively small openings or channels that reliably, reliably and uniformly break the stream over relatively long periods of time. As such, other types of devices employing other or different droplet formation principles (e.g., intravenous injection type dripping systems and chambers, or agricultural dripping systems and chambers) that may be unreliable over relatively long periods of time when applied to electrical energy cells or electrosynthesis cells are not included in the term "dripping apparatus" as defined herein.

[0069] A "liquid electrolyte inlet" is an opening at an end of a "liquid electrolyte inlet section." The liquid electrolyte inlet section can be a pipe, a conduit, a channel, or the like.

[0070] A "liquid electrolyte outlet" is an opening at an end of a "liquid electrolyte outlet section." The liquid electrolyte outlet section can be a pipe, a conduit, a channel, or the like.

[0071] A "porous capillary structure" is defined as a porous material that utilizes capillary action to draw and hold liquid electrolyte therein by capillary pressure. A structure is a porous capillary structure if it exhibits a "bubble point", defined as the non-zero gas pressure required to push liquid out of the largest capillary in the porous material. A "porous capillary structure" may have a porous membrane, a porous plug, or any other form factor. Alternatively, a "porous capillary structure" may be described as a "porous membrane", a "porous hydrophilic membrane", a "porous plug", a "porous hydrophilic plug", a "structure with fluid passages", a "hydrophilic structure with fluid passages", or a "porous structure with fluid passages".

[0072] A "homogeneous liquid phase" is defined as a liquid mass or liquid stream that does not contain entrained gas bubbles.

[0073] A "homogeneous gas phase" is defined as a gas mass or stream that does not contain entrained liquid droplets.

[0074] "Co-mingled liquid and gas phase" is defined as a liquid mass or stream that contains entrained gas bubbles, or a gas mass or stream that contains entrained liquid drops, droplets, or globules.

[0075] A "drip chamber" is defined as a gas-filled cavity through which passes one or a series of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of liquid electrolyte interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps). A drip chamber may be provided as a separate cavity or chamber, or as a section of a channel, pipe, conduit, or similar structure.

[0076] A "drip chamber gas line" is defined as a channel, pipe, conduit, or similar structure that maintains fluid contact between the gas in the drip chamber and the gas in another gas-filled space. The "drip chamber gas line" is typically intended to maintain the gas atmosphere of the drip chamber that may otherwise be lost during relatively long periods of operation. By providing a path for gas transfer between the larger gas mass and the gas in the drip chamber, the "drip chamber gas line" may also prevent or mitigate pressure fluctuations in the gas in the drip chamber during dripping. Such pressure fluctuations may affect the reliability of the drip action.

[0077] A "blob" is a portion of liquid that is in contact with the walls of the chamber and has gas above and below it. A "blob chamber" is defined as a cavity through which a blob of liquid passes, with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) interspersed between them. As the liquid blob passes, it contacts the walls of the blob chamber. A blob chamber is an example of a type of drip chamber.

[0078] A "blob chamber gas line" is defined as a channel, pipe, conduit, or similar structure that contains a gas and opens into a blob chamber. A liquid passing through a blob chamber attached to such a gas line may draw gas from the gas line and entrain it in the path of the liquid flow, breaking the liquid flow into blobs. The Venturi effect may be utilized to generate a blob flow in a blob chamber attached to a blob chamber gas line. A blob chamber gas line is an example of a type of drip chamber gas line.

[0079] A "liquid pathway" is defined as a channel, pipe, conduit, or similar structure through which a liquid is intended to flow.

[0080] A "battery stack" is defined as an assembly of batteries in which the batteries are stacked adjacent or abutting one another along a single dimensional axis.

[0081] The battery stack may take the form of a "filter press" configuration, which is defined as a battery stack in which the batteries are substantially flat and compressed together between the end plates in the assembled state and / or during operation.

[0082] "Header" means a channel, tube, chamber, or trough formed by the combination of openings of individual cells in a battery stack for transporting fluid through the entire thickness of the battery stack.

[0083] A "header opening" is an opening in a cell that mates with a comparable header opening in another cell in a stack to form a corresponding "header."

[0084] A "manifold" is one or more pipes, tubes, chambers, or channels with multiple openings for transporting a fluid. A header may be a manifold.

[0085] A battery is "stackable" if it is designed to be arranged in a battery stack. For example, in a filter press type battery stack, the battery may include openings that interface with openings of other batteries in the stack to form headers or manifolds.

[0086] A "restrictor" is defined as a liquid-carrying channel that creates a pressure drop for the liquid passing through the restrictor. A restrictor may also slow down and / or regulate the flow rate of the liquid along the liquid channel. A restrictor may comprise a liquid-carrying channel that has multiple bends in the restrictor, i.e., a tortuous path restrictor. A restrictor may also comprise a microscopic structure that requires a certain pressure for the liquid to pass through. A restrictor may typically be a polymeric or metallic structure (e.g., a sintered metal structure).

[0087] "Shunt current" is defined as current in the fluid paths of the system that avoids the desired inter-electrode currents in each cell. Shunt currents are also known as "bypass" currents.

[0088] The "energy efficiency" of an electrosynthetic cell is defined herein as the net energy present in a single unit output of chemical product, expressed as a percentage, divided by the net energy consumed by the cell to produce that same unit output of chemical product. The "energy efficiency" of an electric energy cell is defined herein as the energy produced by the cell per unit time, divided by the theoretical maximum energy that can be produced by the cell per unit time, expressed as a percentage.

[0089] Inter-electrode porous capillary spacers, also known as inter-electrode porous capillary separators, are defined as described in International Publication Nos. 2022056603, 2022056604, 2022056605, and 2022056606, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] Preferred Embodiments The inventors have discovered that the volume of liquid electrolyte in an electrosynthetic cell or half-cell or electric energy cell or half-cell, preferably a thin, laminateable, machined or injection molded polymer electrosynthetic cell or half-cell or electric energy cell or half-cell, can be maintained at a constant level (i.e., constant or substantially constant volume) while being insulated from liquid electrolyte in other cells. The level (and volume) of liquid electrolyte in a cell or half-cell can be adjusted by passing excess liquid electrolyte into and out of the cell (or half-cell) over a weir that forms or is part of the cell's (or half-cell) liquid electrolyte outlet. The height (or extent) of the weir sets the level (and volume) of liquid electrolyte in the cell (or half-cell). The weir is a mechanism over which liquid electrolyte flows from one area or level of the cell to another area or level outside the cell (or half-cell). The height or position of the overflow weir is relative to the inner bottom (i.e., bottom or floor) of the cell on which the liquid electrolyte rests due to gravity. The cell is oriented vertically with respect to gravity. The overflow weir may be small in its physical dimensions. Isolation may be achieved by passing a broken stream of liquid electrolyte into or out of the cell or half-cell. A broken stream is a flow of liquid electrolyte in which the liquid electrolyte is passed through a "dropper", preferably a small "dropper", which breaks the liquid electrolyte into a series of droplets (i.e., small droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid) interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps). The effect of the gas gap is to break the conductive path through the liquid electrolyte stream.

[0091] The inventors have developed a dripping device that can cut off the flow of liquid electrolyte as soon as it leaves the dripping device outlet. That is, the flow of liquid electrolyte can be discontinuous as soon as the liquid electrolyte leaves the dripping device. The dripping device itself can remain filled with liquid electrolyte throughout its operation. Furthermore, the dripping device can be configured to reliably, if not invariably, control the size of the formed drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) over a relatively long period of time. For example, the drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte (all referred to herein as "drops") can be consistently and uniformly formed to be very small, even over a relatively long period of time, such as days, weeks, or months of continuous operation. The combination of quickly breaking the flow of liquid electrolyte and creating small size drops can reduce the height and lateral dimensions of a gas-filled "dripping chamber" located below the dripping device. That is, the components necessary to form the overflow weir and the broken stream of liquid electrolyte can be miniaturized to make them suitable for use in thin, flat electrochemical cells, such as those typically employed in industrial electrosynthesis "cell stacks" or electrical energy "cell stacks" (e.g., the "filter press" type cell stacks used in commercial electrolyzers, fuel cells, etc.).

[0092] Thus, exemplary embodiments may be implemented using one or more overflow weirs (e.g., one or more mini overflow weirs) of small dimensions to reliably regulate the level and volume of liquid electrolyte in the cell (or half-cell), and one or more drippers and drip chambers (e.g., one or more mini drippers and drip chambers) of small dimensions to reliably, if not consistently, form broken or divided streams or flows of liquid electrolyte with drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid electrolyte interspersed with air or gas gaps. Additionally, electrochemical cells incorporating these features may also be "stackable" and may be of a machined or molded (e.g., injection molded) polymeric nature.

[0093] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electrochemical cell 1 in schematic cross-sectional view. The cell 1 comprises an electrode separator 10 disposed, preferably sandwiched, between a cathode 20 (i.e., first electrode 20) and an anode 30 (i.e., second electrode 30). The cell 1 has a power supply or receiver 6 with a first conductor 7 and a second conductor 8 (i.e., conductors 7, 8) that connect to the cathode 20 and anode 30, respectively. The cathode 20 may optionally be configured to be in direct contact with a catholyte liquid electrolyte 21 (i.e., liquid catholyte 21) as shown in FIG. 1. The anode 30 may optionally be configured to be in direct contact with an anolyte liquid electrolyte 31 (i.e., liquid anolyte 31) as shown in FIG. 1. (As explained in International Publication Nos. WO2022056603, WO2022056604, WO2022056605, and WO2022056606, which are incorporated herein by reference, the cathode 20 and anode 30 may optionally not be in direct contact with the catholyte or anolyte liquid electrolyte, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1). Thus, the cell 1 is divided into two half-cells, namely, the cathode half-cell 200 and the anode half-cell 300. The cathode half-cell 200 may require the liquid catholyte 21 to be maintained at a first liquid level 201 (or first height 201) at all times of operation. The anode half-cell 300 may require the liquid anolyte 31 to be maintained at a second liquid level 301 (or second height 301) at all times of operation.

[0094] Preferably, the first liquid level 201 is different from the second liquid level 301 as shown in Figure 1, although in some examples, the first liquid level 201 may be equal to the second liquid level 301. It should be noted that in the exemplary cell 1 of Figure 1, the first liquid level 201 (associated with the cathode half-cell 200) is shown higher than the second liquid level 301 (associated with the anode half-cell 300), but in other exemplary cells, the first liquid level 201 (associated with the cathode half-cell 200) may be lower than the second liquid level 301 (associated with the anode half-cell 300).

[0095] That is, in various instances, (i) a first liquid level in a first weir (associated with the cathode half-cell) is higher than a second liquid level in a second weir (associated with the anode half-cell); (ii) a first liquid level in a first weir (associated with the cathode half-cell) is lower than a second liquid level in a second weir (associated with the anode half-cell); or (iii) a first liquid level in a first overflow weir (associated with the cathode half-cell) is equal to a second liquid level in a second overflow weir (associated with the anode half-cell).

[0096] Thus, referring to Fig. 1, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell 1 is provided, comprising a cathode half-cell 200 and an anode half-cell 300. The cathode half-cell 200 comprises a cathode 20, which is optionally configured to contact a liquid catholyte 21. The catholyte inlet second section 25 (i.e. the electrolyte inlet section providing the catholyte inlet) is for supplying the liquid catholyte 21 to the cathode half-cell 200. The catholyte outlet first section 26 is for discharging the liquid catholyte 21 from the cathode half-cell 200. The input or opening of the catholyte outlet first section 26 (i.e. the electrolyte outlet section providing the catholyte outlet) is located at a first liquid level (or height) 201 in the cathode half-cell 200, which is higher than the output or opening of the catholyte inlet second section 25 (i.e. the catholyte inlet). The catholyte outlet first section 26 (ie, the catholyte outlet) provides a first overflow weir 261 over or through which excess liquid catholyte 21 flows out of the cathode half-cell 200 .

[0097] The anode half-cell 300 comprises an anode 30, which is optionally configured to contact liquid anolyte 31. The anolyte inlet second section 35 (i.e., the electrolyte inlet section providing the anolyte inlet) is for supplying liquid anolyte 31 to the anode half-cell 300. The anolyte outlet first section 36 (i.e., the electrolyte outlet section providing the anolyte outlet) is for discharging liquid anolyte 31 from the anode half-cell 300. The input or opening of the anolyte outlet first section 36 (i.e., the anolyte outlet) is disposed at a second liquid level (or height) 301 in the anode half-cell 300 that is higher than the output or opening of the anolyte inlet second section 35 (i.e., the anolyte inlet). The anolyte outlet first section 36 (i.e., the anolyte outlet) provides a second overflow weir 361 over or through which excess liquid anolyte 31 flows out of the anode half-cell 300. An electrode separator 10 is disposed between the cathode 20 and the anode 30 .

[0098] In one example, the inlets and outlets are openings at the ends of the inlet and outlet pipes. Any inlet and / or outlet can be provided as openings or other types of ends in the inlet and / or outlet sections, which can be provided as pipes, channels, conduits, tubes, or similar structures for directing the flow of liquid. The liquid catholyte level 201 can be created and maintained indefinitely by placing the outlet pipe 26 (i.e., catholyte outlet first section 26) in the cathode half-cell 200 and then continuously pumping excess liquid catholyte 21 from the inlet pipe 25 (i.e., catholyte inlet second section 25) into the cathode half-cell 200.

[0099] The liquid electrolyte inlet is provided as an opening at the end of the liquid electrolyte inlet section (e.g., catholyte inlet second section 25 and anolyte inlet second section 35). The liquid electrolyte inlet section can be a pipe, a conduit, a channel, etc. At least one dripping device (e.g., dripping device 23, 33) is disposed in the liquid electrolyte inlet section, for example, can be disposed inside and in line with the liquid electrolyte inlet section. That is, the at least one dripping device (e.g., dripping device 23, 33) is in fluid communication with the liquid electrolyte inlet.

[0100] A liquid electrolyte outlet is provided as an opening at the end of the liquid electrolyte outlet section (e.g., catholyte outlet first section 26 and anolyte outlet first section 36). The liquid electrolyte outlet section can be a pipe, a conduit, a channel, etc. At least one dripping device (e.g., dripping device 27, 37) is disposed in the liquid electrolyte outlet section, for example, can be disposed inside and in line with the liquid electrolyte outlet section. That is, the at least one dripping device (e.g., dripping device 27, 37) is in fluid communication with the liquid electrolyte outlet.

[0101] That is, the outlet pipe 26 forms an overflow weir 261 over which excess liquid catholyte 21 continually flows to maintain the liquid catholyte level 201 of the liquid catholyte 21 in the cathode half-cell 200 constant indefinitely.

[0102] Similarly, the liquid anolyte level 301 can be formed and maintained indefinitely by placing an outlet pipe 36 (i.e., anolyte outlet first section 36) in the anode half-cell 300 and then continuously pumping excess liquid anolyte 31 into the anode half-cell 300 through an inlet pipe 35 (i.e., anolyte inlet second section 35).

[0103] That is, the outlet pipe 36 forms an overflow weir 361 over which excess liquid anolyte 31 continually flows to maintain a constant liquid anolyte level 301 of the liquid anolyte 31 in the anode half-cell 300 indefinitely.

[0104] In this manner, the amount and level of liquid electrolyte (i.e., liquid catholyte and / or liquid anolyte) in each half-cell can be reliably maintained at a predetermined level or height without the need for electronic or mechanical level sensors. In addition, corrosive electrolytes can be contained by using corrosion resistant materials and piping. Most electronic level sensors and many mechanical level sensors cannot operate indefinitely with corrosive electrolytes.

[0105] Although separate inlets and outlets are shown for each of the two different half-cells in FIG. 1, it should be understood that in other examples, only a single inlet may be used in the battery. For example, if the interelectrode separator 10 is porous and allows the liquid electrolyte to pass freely and the electrodes (cathode 20 and anode 30) are porous and allow the liquid to pass through, having a single inlet (e.g., an inlet to the cathode half-cell or an inlet to the anode half-cell) may allow the liquid electrolyte level in the battery to be adjusted. Similarly, in other examples, the liquid electrolyte level in the battery may be adjusted by having a single outlet (e.g., to the cathode half-cell or the anode half-cell) if only one half-cell requires adjustment of its liquid electrolyte level or if the liquid level in the two half-cells must be maintained at the same level. A variety of inlet and outlet configurations are possible depending on the nature of the battery, its components, and the electrochemical reaction itself. Such variations are within the scope of the preferred embodiments and are included herein.

[0106] The desired current in this type of electrochemical cell 1 flows from one electrode in the cell to the other, for example, from cathode 20 to anode 30 or from anode 30 to cathode 20. However, if catholyte 21 is in fluid communication with catholyte in another cell (not shown in FIG. 1) and the cathode in such a separate cell is polarized at a significantly different voltage than cathode 20, the voltage difference may cause an undesired current to flow between the two cathodes. Such a current is called a "shunt" current (also called a "bypass" current or a "corrosion" current).

[0107] Similarly, if anolyte 31 is in fluid communication with an anolyte in another cell (not shown in FIG. 1) and the anode in such separate cell is polarized at a significantly different voltage than anode 30, the voltage difference can cause a shunt current to flow between the two anodes.

[0108] Shunt currents are undesirable currents that can reduce the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, induce undesirable electrochemical effects such as the formation of the wrong products (or no products) in unexpected locations, or induce undesirable corrosion, shortening the life of the battery.

[0109] It should also be understood that shunt currents may flow between any conductive surfaces or electrodes in an electrochemical system at significantly different voltages, provided only that the conductive surfaces or electrodes are shared and in contact via a common / adjacent liquid electrolyte.

[0110] The present inventors have realised that shunt currents can be prevented by breaking potential conductive paths in the shared or common liquid electrolyte.

[0111] FIG. 1 illustrates how a potential conduction path through a shared or common liquid electrolyte can be broken, thereby isolating battery 1 from other batteries or other parts of the electrochemical system and avoiding shunt currents.

[0112] To help insulate the cathode 20 and the liquid catholyte 21, the liquid catholyte flowing into the cathode half-cell 200 via the catholyte inlet first section 22 is passed through a first dripping device 23 (or multiple dripping devices (not shown)). The first dripping device 23 (or multiple dripping devices (not shown)) breaks the stream or flow of liquid into droplets 24 (or small droplets, globs, or other segments of liquid) with interspersed gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) in a gas-filled first dripping chamber 231 located below the first dripping device 23. The droplets 24 fall through the gas 232 in the first dripping chamber 231 and then recombine at the bottom of the first dripping chamber 231 into a bulk homogenous liquid phase that flows into the cell 1 through the catholyte inlet second section 25. Since gas is non-conductive, there is no conductive path between the liquid catholyte in the catholyte inlet first section 22 and the liquid catholyte in the catholyte inlet second section 25. That is, the conductive path between the liquid catholyte in the catholyte inlet first section 22 and the liquid catholyte in the catholyte inlet second section 25 is broken by the effect of the dripping action. The first dripping device 23 and the first dripping chamber 231 are arranged in line between the catholyte inlet first section 22 and the catholyte inlet second section 25.

[0113] To help completely insulate the cathode 20 and the liquid catholyte 21, the liquid electrolyte (i.e., liquid catholyte 21) flowing out of the cathode half-cell 200 through the catholyte outlet first section 26 is passed through a second dripping device 27 (or dripping devices (not shown)). The second dripping device 27 (or dripping devices (not shown)) breaks the liquid stream into droplets 28 (or small droplets, globs, or other segments of liquid) with interspersed gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) in a second dripping chamber 271 filled with gas 272 and located below the second dripping device 27. The droplets 28 fall through the gas 272 and then recombine at the bottom of the second dripping chamber 271 into a bulk homogenous liquid phase that flows out of the cathode half-cell 200 and out of the cell 1 through the catholyte outlet second section 29. Since gas is non-conductive, there is no conductive path between the liquid catholyte in the catholyte outlet first section 26 and the liquid catholyte in the catholyte outlet second section 29. That is, the conductive path between the liquid catholyte in the catholyte outlet first section 26 and the liquid catholyte in the catholyte outlet second section 29 is broken by the effect of the dripping action. The second dripping device 27 and the second dripping chamber 271 are arranged in line between the catholyte outlet first section 26 and the catholyte outlet second section 29.

[0114] Similarly, the anode 30 and the liquid anolyte 31 may be insulated by introducing a third drip device 33 and a fourth drip device 37 into the anolyte inlet and anolyte outlet, respectively.

[0115] To help insulate the anode 30 and the liquid anolyte 31, the liquid anolyte flowing into the anode half-cell 300 via the anolyte inlet first section 32 is passed through a third dripping device 33 (or multiple dripping devices, not shown). The third dripping device 33 (or multiple dripping devices, not shown) breaks the liquid stream into droplets 34 (or small droplets, globs, or other segments of liquid) with interspersed gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) in a third gas-filled dripping chamber 331 located below the third dripping device 33. The droplets 34 fall through the gas 332 in the third dripping chamber 331 and then recombine at the bottom of the third dripping chamber 331 into a bulk homogenous liquid phase that flows into the cell 1 through the anolyte inlet second section 35. Since gas is non-conductive, there is no conductive path between the liquid anolyte in the first anolyte inlet section 32 and the liquid anolyte in the second anolyte inlet section 35. That is, the conductive path between the liquid anolyte in the first anolyte inlet section 32 and the liquid anolyte in the second anolyte inlet section 35 is broken by the effect of the dripping action. The third dripping device 33 and the third dripping chamber 331 are arranged in line between the first anolyte inlet section 32 and the second anolyte inlet section 35.

[0116] To help completely insulate the anode 30 and the liquid anolyte 31, the liquid electrolyte (e.g., liquid anolyte 31) exiting the anode half-cell 300 through the anolyte outlet first section 36 is passed through a fourth dripping device 37 (or multiple dripping devices (not shown)). The fourth dripping device 37 (or multiple dripping devices (not shown)) is filled with gas 372 and breaks the liquid stream into droplets 38 (or small droplets, globs, or other segments of liquid) with interspersed gas gaps (i.e., air gaps) in a fourth dripping chamber 371 located below the fourth dripping device 37. The droplets 38 fall through the gas 372 and then recombine at the bottom of the fourth dripping chamber 371 into a bulk homogenous liquid phase that exits the anode half-cell 300 and the cell 1 through the anolyte outlet second section 39. Since gas is non-conductive, there is no conductive path between the liquid anolyte in the anolyte outlet first section 36 and the liquid anolyte in the anolyte outlet second section 39. That is, the conductive path between the liquid anolyte in the anolyte outlet first section 36 and the liquid anolyte in the anolyte outlet second section 39 is broken by the effect of the dripping action. The fourth dripping device 37 and the fourth dripping chamber 371 are arranged in line between the anolyte outlet first section 36 and the anolyte outlet second section 39.

[0117] In this manner, it is possible to prevent shunt currents between components within battery 1 and other portions of the electrochemical system, including other batteries. However, this depends on the inherent ability of each dispensing device to reliably, if not consistently, and reliably break the stream of liquid passing through the dispensing device into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with a gas gap (e.g., air gap) therebetween over a relatively long period of time.

[0118] Preferably, the gas gap (e.g., air gap) constitutes an electrically non-conductive void (i.e., a non-conductive gas void) that effectively breaks the electrical conductivity of the incoming stream of liquid electrolyte that is inherently conductive along the incoming stream. That is, preferably, a conductive liquid electrolyte mass on one side of the dripping device does not make conductive contact with a conductive liquid electrolyte mass on the other side of the dripping device due to the dripping device breaking the liquid stream into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with the gas gap (e.g., air gap) therebetween. To adequately break the conductive path, the action of the dripping device is preferably reliable and consistent, if not generally consistent, over a relatively long period of continuous or intermittent operation.

[0119] Thus, with reference to Figure 1, there is provided an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell comprising a cathode and an anode, having a liquid electrolyte inlet for supplying liquid electrolyte to the cell, and a liquid electrolyte outlet for draining liquid electrolyte from the cell, the liquid electrolyte outlet comprising an overflow weir over which excess liquid electrolyte flows.

[0120] In another embodiment, referring to Figure 1, an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell comprises a cathode and an anode, and has a liquid electrolyte inlet for supplying liquid electrolyte to the cell and a liquid electrolyte outlet for draining the liquid electrolyte from the cell. The liquid electrolyte inlet and / or liquid electrolyte outlet are portions (e.g., ends) of a liquid electrolyte inlet section and a liquid electrolyte outlet section, each or both of which may comprise at least one dripping device.

[0121] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , an electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell comprises a cathode and an anode, has a liquid electrolyte inlet for supplying liquid electrolyte to the cell, and a liquid electrolyte outlet for draining liquid electrolyte from the cell, the liquid electrolyte outlet forming or comprising an overflow weir over which excess liquid electrolyte flows, and the liquid electrolyte inlet and / or liquid electrolyte outlet being in fluid communication with at least one dripping device.

[0122] In one example, the liquid electrolyte outlet comprises an overflow weir over which excess liquid electrolyte flows.

[0123] In another example, the liquid electrolyte is liquid catholyte, the liquid electrolyte inlet is a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to the cathode half-cell, the liquid electrolyte outlet is a liquid catholyte outlet for draining the liquid catholyte from the cathode half-cell, and the liquid catholyte outlet forms or includes an overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte flows.

[0124] In another example, the liquid electrolyte is liquid anolyte, the liquid electrolyte inlet is a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to the anode half-cell, the liquid electrolyte outlet is a liquid anolyte outlet for draining the liquid anolyte from the anode half-cell, and the liquid anolyte outlet forms or comprises an overflow weir over which excess liquid anolyte flows.

[0125] In other examples, an overflow weir sets the level of liquid electrolyte in the cell, an overflow weir sets the level of liquid catholyte in the cathode half-cell, and / or an overflow weir sets the level of liquid anolyte in the anode half-cell.

[0126] In other examples, the liquid electrolyte inlet section comprises a dripping device, the liquid electrolyte outlet section comprises a dripping device, the liquid catholyte inlet section comprises a dripping device, and / or the liquid catholyte outlet section comprises a dripping device, the liquid anolyte inlet section comprises a dripping device, and / or the liquid anolyte outlet section comprises a dripping device, and / or the dripping device breaks the liquid electrolyte stream into droplets of liquid electrolyte interspersed with gas gaps between them.

[0127] In another exemplary embodiment, the drip chamber need not be a distinct or separate cavity or chamber, but may instead be a section or part of a channel, pipe, conduit, or similar structure. In this case, the height of the drip chamber may be defined as the distance between the end point from which the drip of the drip device exits and the surface of the liquid below the drip device. For example, the first drip chamber 231 may be provided as a part or section of the catholyte inlet pipe, still being arranged in line between the catholyte inlet first section 22 and the catholyte inlet second section 25. For example, the second drip chamber 271 may be provided as a part or section of the catholyte outlet pipe, still being arranged in line between the catholyte outlet first section 26 and the catholyte outlet second section 29. For example, the third drip chamber 331 may be provided as a part or section of the anolyte inlet pipe, still being arranged in line between the anolyte inlet first section 32 and the anolyte inlet second section 35. For example, the fourth drip chamber 371 may be provided as part or section of the anolyte outlet pipe and is still arranged in-line between the anolyte outlet first section 36 and the anolyte outlet second section 39 .

[0128] In another exemplary embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1), a further dripping device and a further dripping chamber disposed below the further dripping device are provided in fluid communication with the dripping device and the dripping chamber. Preferably, the further dripping device and the further dripping chamber are disposed in line with the dripping device and the dripping chamber (e.g., disposed either above or below the dripping device and the dripping chamber) at the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, or the liquid anolyte outlet section. That is, in some examples, two or more dripping devices and associated dripping chambers may be disposed in line with the liquid electrolyte channel or conduit, e.g., in line with the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, and / or the liquid anolyte outlet section.

[0129] In other examples, the gas gap is an air gap, or the gas gap is a non-conductive gas void. The gas gap can be provided via a drip chamber gas line.

[0130] In another example, the level of liquid electrolyte within the battery or half-cells that make up the battery is maintained substantially constant during operation of the battery. The liquid electrolyte within the battery may be insulated from the liquid electrolyte outside the battery. The liquid electrolyte on one side of the dripping device may be insulated from the liquid electrolyte on the other side of the dripping device. The liquid electrolyte within the battery may be insulated from the liquid electrolyte in an adjacent battery.

[0131] In some examples, the electrical resistance between the liquid electrolyte on one side of the dispensing apparatus and the liquid electrolyte on the other side of the dispensing apparatus is greater than 1 Ω, greater than 10 Ω, greater than 50 Ω, greater than 100 Ω, greater than 400 Ω, greater than 700 Ω, greater than 900 Ω, greater than 1 kΩ, greater than 5 kΩ, greater than 10 kΩ, greater than 50 kΩ, greater than 100 kΩ, greater than 1 MΩ, greater than 5 MΩ, greater than 10 MΩ, greater than 50 MΩ, greater than 100 MΩ, or greater than 1,000 MΩ.

[0132] In some examples, the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet section, liquid electrolyte inlet, liquid electrolyte outlet section, or liquid electrolyte outlet and associated devices for breaking the flow of liquid electrolyte into drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid interspersed with air or gas gaps (i.e., dripping apparatus and / or dripping chamber) are small in size, having a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

[0133] In some examples, the battery's liquid electrolyte inlet and / or liquid electrolyte outlet and associated device for breaking the liquid electrolyte stream into drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid interspersed with air or gas gaps (i.e., drippers) incorporate small openings that break the stream into small droplets. Preferably, the openings have a thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm.

[0134] In some examples, the liquid drops, droplets, globules, or other portions interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) created by the at least one dripping device in the liquid electrolyte inlet section and the at least one dripping device in the liquid electrolyte outlet section of the battery are small, having a diameter or thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm.

[0135] In some examples, the gas-filled drip chamber located below the drip device has a height of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 9 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm.

[0136] Preferably, the gas-filled drip chamber located below the dripping device has a diameter or width of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

[0137] In another example, the dripping device is not susceptible to corrosive liquid electrolyte. In another example, the liquid electrolyte inlet, liquid electrolyte inlet section, liquid electrolyte outlet, liquid electrolyte outlet section, and dripping device are miniaturized. In another example, the liquid electrolyte inlet, liquid electrolyte inlet section, liquid electrolyte outlet, liquid electrolyte outlet section, and dripping device are integrated into the frame of the cell.

[0138] porous capillary structure The inventors have further discovered a means for preventing gas in the system from entering and becoming entrained in the liquid paths of the battery.

[0139] For example, the gas in the drip chamber is effectively below the associated drip device and the liquid in the associated liquid path above the drip device. To prevent gas from the drip chamber from migrating up into the liquid path and mixing with the liquid path, a porous capillary structure having a bubble point above the pressure of the gas on the liquid may be provided in the liquid path above the drip chamber. For example, the porous capillary structure may be included in the drip device, may be located immediately above and against the drip device, or may be located in the liquid path at a location that prevents gas from entering the liquid path and mixing with the liquid.

[0140] A "porous capillary structure" is a porous material that draws and holds liquid therein by capillary action, and has a "bubble point" that is higher than the pressure exerted by a gas entering a stream of liquid. The bubble point is defined as the non-zero gas pressure required to force a liquid out of the largest capillary in the porous structure. In effect, the porous capillary structure facilitates the ingress of liquid but resists or prevents the ingress of gas. Non-limiting examples of porous capillary structures include various porous hydrophilic membranes, porous hydrophilic plugs, and the like. For example, the SUPOR® polyethersulfonate water purification membrane sold by Pall Corporation may include a porous hydrophilic membrane that acts as a porous capillary structure.

[0141] Figure 2 shows the battery 1 of Figure 1, but in addition a first porous capillary structure 233 is installed in the liquid path provided by the catholyte inlet first section 22 and positioned above, and preferably in abutment with, the first dripping device 23, thereby ensuring that gas 232 does not enter the liquid path provided by the first dripping device 23, the first porous capillary structure 233 and the catholyte inlet first section 22.

[0142] Figure 2 also shows a second porous capillary structure 273 similarly installed and positioned above, and preferably abutting, the second dripping device 27 in the liquid path provided by the catholyte outlet first section 26, thereby ensuring that gas 272 does not enter the second dripping device 27, the second porous capillary structure 273, and the liquid path provided by the catholyte outlet first section 26.

[0143] Figure 2 also shows a third porous capillary structure 333 similarly installed and positioned above, and preferably abutting, the third dripping device 33 in the liquid path provided by the anolyte inlet first section 32, thereby ensuring that gas 332 does not enter the third dripping device 33, the third porous capillary structure 333, and the liquid path provided by the anolyte inlet first section 32.

[0144] Figure 2 also shows a fourth porous capillary structure 373 similarly installed and positioned above, and preferably abutting, the fourth dripping device 37 in the liquid path provided by the anolyte outlet first section 36, thereby ensuring that gas 372 does not enter the fourth dripping device 37, the fourth porous capillary structure 373, and the liquid path provided by the anolyte outlet first section 36.

[0145] In some examples, any one or more of the drip devices may incorporate or comprise a porous capillary structure, or the drip devices may be positioned adjacent, preferably abutting or in contact with, the porous capillary structure.

[0146] Gas can also be entrained in the liquid that overflows the weir, thereby becoming entrained and mixed with the liquid stream. To prevent this, a porous capillary structure can be included in the liquid path of the weir, having a bubble point above the pressure of the gas on the liquid. For example, the porous capillary structure can be included at the mouth of the weir, or it can be located in the liquid path just below and against the weir, or it can be located in a location that prevents gas from entering and mixing with the liquid passing over the weir.

[0147] FIG. 2 shows the cell of FIG. 1, but in addition a porous capillary structure 263 is disposed in the liquid pathway provided by catholyte outlet first section 26 (i.e., weir 261), at the mouth or opening of weir 261 or below, thereby ensuring that gas 202 (above liquid level 201) is not drawn over weir 261 and mixed with the stream of liquid passing along the liquid pathway provided by catholyte outlet first section 26.

[0148] 2 also shows a porous capillary structure 363 disposed at the mouth or opening of the anolyte outlet first section 36 (i.e. weir 361) to ensure that gas 302 (above the liquid level 301) is not drawn over the weir 361 into and mixed with the stream of liquid passing along the liquid path provided by the anolyte outlet first section 36. Thus, there is provided a first porous capillary structure disposed at or downstream of the first overflow weir, and a second porous capillary structure disposed at or downstream of the second overflow weir.

[0149] Exemplary Dropping Device for Breaking a Liquid Stream The dripping device 23, 27, 33, or 37 has the property of breaking the liquid stream into a series of drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps). Preferably, the liquid stream breaks immediately after leaving the dripping device and entering the gas atmosphere of the dripping chamber, thereby minimizing the height of the gas-filled dripping chamber required below. Preferably, the liquid stream breaks into drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid having controlled sizes interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps). Preferably, the drops, droplets, globs, or other portions of liquid having interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps) have small sizes, thereby minimizing the width or thickness of the gas-filled dripping chamber. These features can be realized in many ways. Preferably, the drip device reliably and reliably, if not invariably, breaks the stream of liquid passing through the drip device into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with a gas gap (e.g., an air gap) therebetween, over relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation.

[0150] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary dropper 250 (shown as a half-piece for illustrative purposes, mated with another similar half-piece to form a complete dropper) with a very fine internal opening with a diameter d (e.g., 0.2 mm diameter) through which liquid electrolyte passes. The dropper 250 has an outer diameter D (e.g., 3.0 mm diameter). The dropper 250 has a length L (e.g., 10 mm length). When liquid electrolyte flows through the internal opening with diameter d at a certain rate, the liquid electrolyte is induced to break into droplets separated by a gas gap (e.g., air gap). Preferably, in another example, the dropper has an internal opening with a diameter d of 0.2 mm or less, the dropper has an outer diameter D of 3.0 mm or less, and the dropper has a length L of 10 mm or less. By varying the diameter d of the opening and / or by varying the flow rate of liquid electrolyte through the dropper opening, the size of the droplets (i.e., the diameter of the droplets or the thickness of the droplets) can be controlled, reduced, or minimized.

[0151] For example, FIG. 4 shows liquid electrolyte passing through a metallic opening in the tip of a syringe with a diameter of 0.51 mm and into the gaseous atmosphere of a gas-filled drip chamber. As shown, when flowing into a space containing gas at less than 7 mL / min, the stream breaks into drops (leftmost image) separated by a gas gap. Because gas is essentially non-conductive, the conduction path between the liquid in the opening and the liquid in the bottommost drop (droplet) is broken. However, by increasing the flow rate through the opening to 8 mL / min, 9 mL / min, 10 mL / min, and finally to 11 mL / min (rightmost image), the drops (droplets) gradually combine and eventually form a continuous stream of liquid, which does not contain a gas gap and therefore does not break the conduction path.

[0152] This technique may also be used to "engineer" the size of the drops (or droplets) formed. For example, FIG. 5 shows a measured relationship of the diameter (or thickness) of the falling drop (or droplets) (shown on the y-axis) to the velocity (shown on the x-axis) of liquid electrolyte (6M KOH) through an aperture. As shown, drops (or droplets) as small as 0.3 mm in diameter can be reliably and reproducibly produced over a temperature range of 20° C. to 80° C. Such a dispensing apparatus may operate reliably and reliably, if not invariably, over relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation to break a stream of liquid electrolyte passing through the dispensing apparatus into a continuous, consistent, uniform, and / or regular stream of drops, droplets, globules, or other portions of liquid electrolyte with a gas gap (e.g., air gap) therebetween.

[0153] Preferably, the gas in the drip chamber is not a relatively small, fixed volume of isolated gas, since the ingress of a liquid stream into such a volume would induce pressure fluctuations that would affect and alter the drip action, thereby affecting the reliability and reliability of the drip action. Drip systems that rely on the presence of a relatively small, fixed volume of gas in the drip chamber, such as intravenous drip systems and chambers, are generally unreliable in electrosynthesis or electrical energy cells, since although initially constant, the volume of gas usually changes over time, which affects the reliability and reliability of the drip action. To avoid a constant and small volume of gas in the drip chamber, a gas line from a larger gas mass to the drip chamber may be incorporated, as described below. Such a gas line allows free flow of gas between the larger gas mass and the drip chamber, thereby maintaining the gas atmosphere in the drip chamber. Such gas flow may also avoid or mitigate pressure fluctuations within the gas in the drip chamber, thereby avoiding the possibility that such pressure fluctuations may affect or alter the drip action, affecting its robustness and reliability as discussed above.

[0154] In this manner, the use of a narrow aperture in combination with a predetermined constant flow rate can be used to form a stream of liquid that is reliably and repeatedly broken into non-electrically conducting drops (or droplets) over continuous, relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation.

[0155] Other exemplary embodiments that may be utilized as a drip device and / or employed to break or introduce a non-conductive gas into a liquid stream include the following: (1) Leaf Dropper: By directing a stream of liquid over a structure that terminates in a sharp tip, the stream can be broken into drops (or droplets). Figure 6 shows this type of "leaf dropper," in which the liquid is directed over a structure with a sharp tip that causes the stream to break into a series of drops (or droplets). (2) Blob flow: By forcing liquid into a tubular "blob chamber" 800 that connects to a gas bolus via a "blob chamber gas line" 801, a liquid stream can be broken into liquid boluses (e.g., liquid boluses or blobs 802) interspersed with gas boluses (e.g., gas boluses 803). Figure 7 shows a schematic of this type of fitting, where liquid flowing through a dropper 804 (e.g., a syringe needle) at 9 mL / min passes into a vertically positioned blob chamber 800 that is 3 mm in diameter (or in other examples, 3 mm in diameter or less), which has a horizontally positioned blob chamber gas line 801 with an opening size of 2.5 mm in diameter (or in other examples, 2.5 mm in diameter or less) near the tip of the dropper 804. Gas drawn through horizontal blob chamber gas line 801 by liquid stream 805 causes liquid stream 805 to break into "blobs" (e.g., blobs 802) separated by gas gaps (e.g., gas gap 803) that can break a conductive path through the stream of liquid in blob chamber 800. The blobs (e.g., blobs 802) include drops or droplets that can contact the walls of blob chamber 800. A blob chamber that produces non-uniform blobs of liquid and gas may break or introduce non-conductive gas into the liquid stream, but may not be suitable as a "dropper" that can reliably, if not consistently, break a conductive path over relatively long periods of continuous or intermittent operation. (3) Restrictor: A "restrictor" is a narrow channel that may have multiple bends (i.e., a serpentine opening) and may have the effect of creating a pressure drop for the liquid passing through the restrictor. The restrictor may also slow and / or adjust the flow rate along the liquid path. The restrictor may be used to create a better controlled flow of drops, droplets, or globs out of the dropper. FIG. 8 shows a schematic of an exemplary restrictor 91 that has a serpentine narrow zigzag channel. The liquid inlet 90 leads to the restrictor 91. The restrictor may also have a bubble point (i.e., the pressure required for the gas to push the liquid out of the serpentine opening). The restrictor may be made of a polymer or metal (e.g., an injection molded polymer restrictor or a sintered metal restrictor). Preferably, the restrictor is located upstream of the dropper. (4) Combination of restrictor, blob chamber, and dripper: A combination of restrictor and / or blob chamber and / or dripper may be used to break up the liquid stream in a more controlled manner. For example, a restrictor may be combined with a blob chamber to better control the flow and uniformity of the blobs produced. In another example, a blob chamber may be combined with a dripper to better control the flow and size of the drops or droplets exiting the dripper. Similarly, a dripper may be combined with a blob chamber to better control the flow and size of the blobs exiting the blob chamber. Alternatively, a restrictor and a blob chamber may be used to better control the flow and size of the drops or droplets exiting the dripper. A restrictor, a blob chamber, and a dripper may be used simultaneously. In this regard, it should be understood that any combination of restrictor, blob chamber, and / or dripper may be used. A non-limiting example is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8. A liquid inlet 90 leads to a restrictor 91 comprising a serpentine, thin, zigzag structure. The restrictor 91 provides a pressure drop to the liquid passing therethrough and may slow and / or regulate the flow rate. Thus, for example, liquid passing through the restrictor may go from having a higher pressure at the inlet 90 to a lower pressure and more controlled flow as it travels down the restrictor 91. The restrictor is located upstream of the blob chamber and dripper. The restrictor 91 admits liquid to a blob chamber 93 comprising a blob chamber gas line 92. The blob chamber gas line 92 directs the flow of liquid entering the blob chamber 93 to be consistently broken up into uniformly sized liquid blobs 933 interspersed with uniformly sized gas blobs 934, including liquid blobs 933 separated by gas gaps 934. This stream of globs is then passed through an orifice-based dripper 94 which converts the stream into droplets / droplets 951 in drip chamber 95, as shown in Figure 8. Drip chamber 95 includes a drip chamber gas line 96 to ensure drip chamber 95 remains filled with gas. Droplets 951 recombine into a homogenous liquid 97 at the bottom of drip chamber 95, which flows through liquid channel 98. Thus, in one example, a restrictor 91 is provided that is positioned above a blob chamber 93 having a blob chamber gas line 92, which is positioned above a drip device 94 that is positioned above a drip chamber 95 having a drip chamber gas line 96. The dripper, blob chamber, and restrictor may be formed from polymer or metal (e.g., injection molded polymer dripper, blob chamber, and restrictor, or sintered metal dripper, blob chamber, and restrictor). The dripper, blob chamber, and restrictor may be fabricated separately and then assembled into the battery or battery frame after fabrication. (5) Gas-filled elbow in liquid line: In order to insulate the liquid electrolyte mass and provide a "self-filling" capability, the incorporation of a gas bubble at an elbow in the liquid line may be used. FIG. 9 (left side) shows a cross-sectional view of a spherical half-cell 80 containing a liquid electrolyte 81 filled to a liquid level 82. The liquid level 82 is set by the height of an elbow 83 in a liquid electrolyte outlet tube 84 connected to the right side of the half-cell 80. A liquid electrolyte inlet tube 85 is also attached to the half-cell 80 (to the left side of the half-cell 80). A gas volume 86 present in an elbow 87 in the liquid electrolyte inlet tube 85 can be used to break a conductive path between the liquid 81 in the half-cell 80 and the liquid 88 in the liquid electrolyte inlet tube 85. Referring to FIG. 9 (right side), during operation of the half-cell 80, as the liquid electrolyte (e.g., water) is consumed, the liquid level can drop. This reconfigures the gas volume 86 above the elbow 87 in the liquid electrolyte inlet tube 85, drawing liquid into the battery 80 over the elbow 87 in the liquid electrolyte inlet tube 85. Liquid flows over the elbow 87 until the battery liquid level is restored to its original level 82 (i.e., height), after which the gas volume 86 in the elbow 87 is again readjusted to again break the conductive path.

[0156] Compact size and built into battery frame The ability to design drippers such that they form droplets (or globules or globules) of extremely small size allows them to be readily miniaturized. As noted above, the overflow weirs can also be miniaturized. Such miniaturization allows these devices to be incorporated into the cell frames used industrially in many electrochemical cells. Such cells and their frames are flat and can be as thin as 1 cm or less, making them "stackable" - that is, these devices can be stacked into multi-cell stacks (e.g., filter press type cell stacks). The cell frames are preferably flat.

[0157] Figure 10 shows an exemplary polymer battery frame 1000 for electrochemical cells to be stacked in a filter press configuration of the type used in the electrochemical industry. The frame is flat and square, and in one particular example is only 8 mm thick (or in other examples 8 mm or less). The frame is intended to be stacked with other identical battery frames (e.g., frame 1001 and frame 1002), as shown diagrammatically in the top left of Figure 10. When stacked, the frames are tightly compressed against each other to form the filter press configuration.

[0158] The battery frame 1000 includes a central window 1003 in which an interelectrode separator is fixed. The interelectrode separator, in one example 0.5 mm thick, is heat bonded onto a ledge 1004. The anode and cathode electrodes are fitted into the central window on opposite sides of the interelectrode separator. The anode electrode, in one example 0.5 mm thick, is flush with the interelectrode separator, for example within 4 mm of cut 1005. The cathode electrode, in one example 0.5 mm thick, is flush with the interelectrode separator, for example within 4 mm of cut 1006. In another example, the anode electrode is 0.5 mm thick or less and the cathode electrode is 0.5 mm thick or less.

[0159] The cell frame has liquid header openings 1007 for carrying liquid electrolyte to the cells. When other cell frames (e.g., 1001 and 1002) are compressed against the cell frame 1000, the liquid header openings 1007 mate with equivalent liquid header openings of the other cell frames to form a liquid carrying "header" that is a pipe, channel, or conduit through all the cells in the filter press configuration formed by the union of the above mentioned liquid header openings 1007 of all the cells in the cell stack. The header is in fluid communication with each cell in the stack of cells.

[0160] In the battery frame 1000, the liquid header openings 1007 are connected to liquid path channels 1008 that are cut or formed into a surface 1009 of the battery frame 1000. When the battery frame 1002 is pressed tightly against the battery frame 1000, as shown in the top left of Figure 10, the channels 1008 are sealed and become liquid path pipes or liquid conduits. The battery frame 1000 is flat.

[0161] The channel 1008 connects a small porous capillary structure 1010 and a small dripping device 1011 that is fabricated separately and inserted into the cell frame 1000. Liquid electrolyte flowing from the liquid electrolyte inlet header opening 1007 passes along a pipe or conduit formed by the channel 1008 through the porous capillary structure 1010 and into the dripping device 1011. The dripping device 1011 breaks the incoming liquid stream into small droplets interspersed with gas gaps as the liquid flow passes through the dripping device 1011 and into the gas-filled dripping chamber 1012. The purpose of the porous capillary structure 1010 is to prevent gas in the gas-filled dripping chamber 1012 from migrating through the dripping device 1011 to the channel 1008. That is, the porous capillary structure 1010 has a "bubble point" high enough to prevent gas from migrating through it to the channel 1008. After passing through the dripping device 1011, the liquid droplets fall to the bottom of the gas-filled dripping chamber 1012 and then flow into the inlet channel 1013, which admits the liquid electrolyte into the anolyte chamber formed within the thickness of the cut 1005. The anolyte chamber fills to a liquid level 1015, after which the excess liquid electrolyte flows over the overflow weir formed by the outlet 1014 into the outlet channel 1016. At or near the outlet 1014, another porous capillary structure 1141 may be positioned to prevent gas from above the liquid level 1015 from being drawn into the stream of liquid in the outlet channel 1016. At the base of the outlet channel 1016, there may be another porous capillary structure and a dripping device (not shown) that breaks the liquid stream into droplets interspersed with gas gaps to drop into the outlet header opening 1017. The purpose of the porous capillary structure in this location is to prevent gas from above the liquid level in the header 1017 from rising through the dripper into the outlet channel 1016 .

[0162] To avoid unreliable dripping action due to the presence of a small, constant volume of gas in drip chamber 1012 (as discussed above), drip chamber 1012 may incorporate a gas line (conduit) between drip chamber 1012 and a mass of gas above liquid level 1015. Although not shown in FIG. 10 , such a gas line provides for gas flow between the mass of gas above liquid level 1015 and the gas in drip chamber 1012, thereby preventing or mitigating pressure fluctuations in the gas volume in drip chamber 1012 that may cause unreliable dripping action by drip device 1011.

[0163] In a filter press configuration of cells compressed together, as shown diagrammatically for cells 1000, 1001, and 1002 in the upper left of FIG. 10, the individual cells are therefore (i) insulated against shunt currents, and (ii) maintain liquid anolyte at liquid level 1015 during operation, provided only that a small amount of excess liquid electrolyte is continually supplied to the cells via inlet header opening 1007.

[0164] In the context of this specification, the above components may be considered "compact" if they fit within the following dimensions: - Batteries such as battery 1001, 1002, or 1003 having a width or thickness of less than 50 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.25 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 5 mm. A liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte outlet, such as an overflow dike 1014, having a width, thickness, or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. A liquid anolyte inlet or liquid catholyte inlet, such as channel 1008 or channel 1013, having a width, thickness, or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. A dripping device, such as dripping device 1011, having a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. - a dripping device such as dripping device 1011 having an opening through which a stream of liquid passes and is broken. The opening has a diameter of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm. A dropper, such as dropper 1011, that produces drops having a diameter or thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm. A drip chamber, such as drip chamber 1012, having a height of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 9 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm. A drip chamber, such as drip chamber 1012, having a diameter or width of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. - A porous capillary structure such as the porous capillary structure 1010 or 1141 having a diameter or width of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

[0165] Ensuring uniform flow of electrolyte to multiple stacked batteries in a battery stack Preferably, for efficient operation, the cell configurations discussed above should have equal amounts of liquid flowing through each of the cells stacked together in a filter press configuration. A typical problem in this regard is that the cells closest to the water inlet of the cell stack may have a faster rate of liquid passing through them than the cells furthest from the water inlet. This may be due to differences in the pressure changes experienced by the liquid as it passes through different cells. That is, the cell through which the liquid passes with the greatest pressure drop may have the greatest flow of liquid through it.

[0166] One way to overcome this problem is shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows in schematic form a battery stack 1100 including three cells, a first cell 1101, a second cell 1102, and a third cell 1103, in a filter press type battery stack. Three cells are shown for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, and in various examples the battery stack may have a different number of cells. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the upper liquid inlet header 1107 is pressurized to a pressure higher than the liquid in each of the first cell 1101, the second cell 1102, and the third cell 1103, while the pressure in the lower liquid outlet header 1108 is lower than the pressure in each cell. The effect of such a configuration is that each cell 1101, 1102, and 1103 in the battery stack 1100 is induced to have equal or substantially equal amounts of liquid passing therethrough, since the pressure drop experienced by the liquid passing through each cell is substantially the same. That is, the configuration shown in FIG. 11 minimizes the differential pressure drop experienced by the fluid passing through each of the cells.

[0167] Considering FIG. 11 in detail, the liquid in the upper liquid inlet header 1107 is pressurized to a pressure higher than the pressure in each cell itself (i.e., the first cell 1101, the second cell 1102, and the third cell 1103), and higher than in the lower liquid outlet header 1108. The liquid inlet channels to each cell (the first cell 1101, the second cell 1102, and the third cell 1103) can also be patterned into restrictors 1104 (which are very thin channels, with channels having many sharp bends). Structure 91 in FIG. 8 shows one example of a restrictor. The restrictor has the effect of creating a pressure drop for the liquid passing therethrough. For example, the liquid passing through the restrictor in FIG. 11 goes from the high pressure of the upper liquid inlet header 1107 to the low pressure of the cell.

[0168] After passing through the restrictor 1104, the liquid is passed through a porous capillary structure and a dripper 1105, causing the liquid stream to break into a series of drops, droplets, globs, or portions of liquid interspersed with gas gaps (e.g., air gaps). The effect of the dripper 1105 is to break continuity between the cell liquid (e.g., the liquid below the cell liquid level 1109) (liquid level 1015 in FIG. 10) and the header liquid (e.g., the liquid at the upper liquid inlet header 1107 (formed by header 1007 in FIG. 10)).

[0169] After entering the battery and helping to maintain the battery liquid level 1109 within the battery, excess liquid flows over an outlet weir (e.g., outlet weir 1016 in FIG. 10) into the liquid outlet channel. The liquid in the liquid outlet channel can then pass through a second restrictor (not shown in FIG. 11) and a second dripper 1106 (with associated porous capillary structure) into a lower liquid outlet header 1108 (e.g., header 1017 in FIG. 10). The lower liquid outlet header 1108 (e.g., 1017 in FIG. 10) is pressurized to a pressure lower than the battery pressure.

[0170] The effect of the configuration of the battery stack 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is that the upper liquid supply header 1107 (e.g., header 1007 in FIG. 10) is pressurized to a higher pressure than the liquid in the battery 1101 (e.g., liquid below the liquid level 1015 in FIG. 10), so that an equal or substantially equal amount of liquid per unit time passes through each of the first dripping devices 1105 in the batteries 1101, 1102, and 1103. Similarly, the pressure in the batteries 1101, 1102, and 1103 (e.g., liquid below the liquid level 1015 in FIG. 10) is higher than the pressure in the lower liquid outlet header 1108 (e.g., header 1017 in FIG. 10), so that an equal or substantially equal amount of liquid per unit time passes through each of the lower dripping devices 1106 in the batteries 1101, 1102, and 1103.

[0171] By these means, extremely thin battery stacks in a filter press configuration can reliably maintain a predetermined level of liquid electrolyte during operation without the need for electronic or mechanical level sensors, while at the same time avoiding shunt currents.

[0172] electrolyte In the above examples, 6M KOH in water was used as the liquid electrolyte, however, a wide variety of other liquids can be employed as the electrolyte, including but not limited to: -Na of concentration ranging from 0.001 to 14M, but not limited to this + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , O.H. - , SO4 2- , HSO4 - , Cl - , NO3 - , ClO4 - , phosphate (HPO4 - ), carbonate (HCO3 - PF6 - , BF4 - , (CF3SO2)2N -or polymer electrolytes, including polymers with functional groups (including but not limited to polystyrene sulfonates, DNA, polypeptides, etc.). - Non-aqueous liquids containing solutes such as, but not limited to, propylene carbonate or dimethoxyethane, or propionitrile liquids containing solutes such as, but not limited to, LiClO4 or Bu4NPF6. Conductive liquids such as, but not limited to, room temperature molten salts or ionic liquids including alkyl-substituted ammonium, imidazolium, or pyridinium cations paired with suitable anions. EXAMPLES

[0173] Example: Capillary-based battery The following examples relate to capillary-based electrosynthesis cells or electric energy cells, for example of the type described in WO 2022056603, WO 2022056604, WO 2022056605, and WO 2022056606, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0174] Before describing the fluid-related mechanisms in such a capillary-based battery, it is necessary to explain how the battery may be assembled. Figure 12 shows, in schematic form, how the components of an exemplary preferred embodiment capillary-based electrosynthesis battery or electrical energy battery 1190 may be assembled.

[0175] 12 along row A, the battery comprises a polymer battery frame 1110 with a relatively large open window (i.e., a window-like cutout) in its center, and an inter-electrode porous capillary spacer 1120 (also referred to as an inter-electrode porous capillary separator 1120) that can pull liquid up by capillary action from a reservoir at the bottom of the battery. Preferably, but not exclusively, the base material of the inter-electrode porous capillary spacer 1120 comprises the same or substantially similar polymer material as the construction material of the battery frame 1110.

[0176] Column B of FIG. 12 shows how the interelectrode porous capillary spacer 1120 is welded to the battery frame 1110 to form an assembly 1121. Other elements in the exploded view shown along column B of FIG. 12 include electrodes 1130 and 1140, which may be porous and have a metal base. The electrodes 1130 and 1140 are pre-cut to fit windows in the battery frame 1110. On the outside of the electrodes are conductive metallic compression (e.g., spring-like) elements 1150 and 1160, which are also cut to fit windows in the battery frame 1110. On the outside of the exploded view in column B of FIG. 12 are solid metal bipolar plates 1170 and 1180, which are pre-cut to be larger than the windows and to overlap the outside of the battery frame 1121, including the top, bottom, and side edges of the frame 1110.

[0177] Row C of Figure 12 shows the next stage of assembly: the electrodes 1130 and 1140 are placed flush on either side of the inter-electrode porous capillary spacer 1120, which is welded to the battery frame 1110, and placed within a window in the battery frame 1121. The assembly of the battery frame 1110, the inter-electrode porous capillary spacer 1120, and the electrodes 1130 and 1140 is labeled assembly 1112.

[0178] As shown in the image in column C, the compression (e.g., spring-like) elements 1150 and 1160 are about to be inserted into the windows of the battery frame 1112. The metal bipolar plates 1170 and 1180 are then securely fastened, for example by ultrasonic or platen welding, to the uncoated exposed polymer surfaces of the front and back of the battery frame 1110 around its top, bottom, and sides, thereby sealing the battery. Another effect of fastening the bipolar plates 1170 and 1180 to the battery frame assembly 1112 is that the compression (e.g., spring-like) elements 1150 and 1160, which are disposed between the bipolar plates 1170 and 1180 and the electrodes 1130 and 1140, respectively, then also exert a clamping force on the electrodes 1130 and 1140, respectively, compressing them tightly against both sides of the inter-electrode porous capillary separator 1120.

[0179] The bottom right image of FIG. 12 shows a fully assembled battery 1190, which is a flat, thin battery that may be used, for example, in a filter press battery stack.

[0180] The following can be seen from Figure 12: (1) To the extent that compression of the electrodes 1130 and 1140 against either side of the interelectrode porous capillary spacer 1120 is required, the battery 1190 is partially or fully compressed by firmly fastening the bipolar plates 1170 and 1180 around the top, bottom, and sides of the battery frame 1110 to its front and back uncoated exposed polymer surfaces, respectively. In doing so, the compressive (e.g., spring-like) elements 1150 and 1160 are compressed against the electrodes 1130 and 1140, respectively. (2) To the extent that the battery 1190 can be sealed, it is sealed as completely as possible at this stage by firmly fastening the bipolar plates 1170 and 1180 to the uncoated exposed polymer surfaces on the front and back, respectively, around the top, bottom, and sides of the battery frame 1110.

[0181] 13 shows a schematic of how exemplary capillary-based electrosynthesis cells or electrical energy cells 1190 can be stacked into a battery stack 2100. Header openings located at the top of each cell (e.g., header openings 2120, 2130, and 2140) and header openings located at the bottom of each cell (e.g., header openings 2150 and 2160) line up with different cells in the stack, thereby forming substantially top and bottom headers through the battery stack 2100.

[0182] In a filter press type battery stack, the headers, such as those formed by header openings 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, and 2160, are typically sealed together by tightly compressing the cells of the stack between two end plates and then maintaining such compression. Compression is typically required to ensure that liquids and / or gases in the headers cannot flow into the spaces between the cells.

[0183] Additionally, via the electrical series connection of the bipolar plates in the stack, an electric current can be applied through the stack such that the stack functions as an assembly operating together as an electrosynthetic cell or electrical energy cell.

[0184] Figure 14 shows a schematic of the liquid related features of such a battery 1190. Figure 14 shows how an inter-electrode porous capillary spacer 1120 is welded to a battery frame 1110 to form an assembly 1121 of a single battery 1190. The series of images in Figures 14(a) through 14(f) show how liquid electrolyte may pass through such a capillary fed cell 1190 in such a battery stack 2100. Liquid is shown as filled areas. In one particular example, the battery frame has an outer diameter of 23 cm, and the features are shown to proportional size.

[0185] In FIG. 14(a), liquid enters from a liquid inlet header 3100 and passes through a restrictor 3110 that is injection molded into the polymer cell frame.

[0186] In FIG. 14(b), liquid passes from the restrictor 3110 into the liquid pathway channel 3120, then into the porous capillary structure 3130 and into a drip device below the porous capillary structure.

[0187] 14(c), a dripping device below the porous capillary structure 3130 breaks the liquid stream into droplets 3140 (i.e., small droplets) that fall through a gas-filled dripping chamber 3150. The dripping chamber has a drip chamber gas line 3151 that connects to an area where a larger gas mass resides, thereby maintaining a gas atmosphere within the drip chamber and preventing gas pressure fluctuations within the gas chamber that may affect the reliability of the drip action.

[0188] 14(d), the droplets 3140 coalesce into a homogenous liquid phase at the bottom of the drip chamber 3150 and flow into the liquid pathway channel 3160 and then to the bottom of the cell, forming a reservoir 3170 in front of the porous capillary spacer 1120. The liquid in the reservoir 3170 is drawn up in the porous capillary spacer 1120 in the direction 3180, filling the porous capillary spacer 1120 with liquid.

[0189] In Figure 14(e) the height of the reservoir 3170 is set by the height of the overflow weir 3190 over which excess liquid passes into the liquid flow channel 3200. A porous capillary structure is incorporated into the mouth of the overflow weir 3190. This ensures that the liquid level 3171 in the reservoir 3170 remains constant.

[0190] 14(f), liquid in channel 3200 flows into porous capillary structure 3210 adjacent to dripper 3220. The dripper breaks the liquid stream into droplets 3230 (i.e., small droplets), which fall through a gas-filled drip chamber located partially above liquid outlet header 3240.

[0191] When the cell operates as an electrosynthesis cell and gas is generated in the half-cell shown in Figure 14, the gas escapes from the half-cell along the gas channels (arrows) towards the gas header 3190 in Figure 14(d).

[0192] The fluid channels shown along the paths shown in Figures 14(a)-14(f) may be sealed by stacking multiple such cells into a stack and then compressing them together, or they may be sealed by welding a cover, such as a thin polymeric cover, over them.

[0193] 14 can be repeated for the other half-cell on the other side of the assembly 1121. In this way, it can be ensured that the liquid level in the reservoir 3170 at the bottom of the cell 3190 is kept constant while at the same time the liquid in the reservoir 3170 is electrically isolated from the liquid in the reservoirs of the other cells 1190 of the stack 2100, thereby also eliminating shunt currents.

[0194] In a further particular embodiment, the following is provided: (i) A battery having at least one drip device and at least one weir, the battery being an alkaline water electrolyser or a fuel cell, the electrolyte being a hydroxide with a pH above 12. (ii) A battery having at least one dripping device and at least one weir with an electrode separator less than 0.2 mm thick. (iii) A battery having at least one dripping device and at least one weir, compressing the electrodes of the electrode separator at more than 2 bar. (iv) A battery having at least one drip device and at least one weir, the battery being an alkaline water electrolyser or fuel cell, the electrolyte being a hydroxide with a pH greater than 12, together with an electrode separator less than 200 microns thick. (v) A battery having at least one drip device and at least one weir, the battery being an alkaline water electrolyser or fuel cell, the electrolyte being a hydroxide with a pH greater than 12, and the electrodes of the electrode separator compressed at greater than 2 bar. (vi) A battery having at least one drip device and at least one weir, the battery being an alkaline water electrolyser or fuel cell, the electrolyte being a hydroxide with a pH greater than 12, together with an electrode separator less than 200 microns thick, the electrodes of the electrode separator being compressed at greater than 2 bar.

[0195] Electrosynthetic Cells and Electric Energy Cells Optionally, the battery having the liquid-related features described above is an electrical energy battery, such as (i) a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, including a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell or an alkaline fuel cell, (ii) a direct alcohol fuel cell, including a direct methanol or direct ethanol fuel cell, (iii) a phosphoric acid fuel cell, or (iv) an ammonia fuel cell.

[0196] Optionally, the battery having the liquid-related features described above is an electrosynthesis battery, such as (i) a water electrolyser, (ii) a chlor-alkali electrolyser, (iii) a battery for ammonia production, or (iv) a CO2 electrolyser including a combination of carbon capture and CO2 electrolyser.

[0197] Combination of features According to various non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the following points disclose feature combinations that provide various exemplary batteries, multi-cell stacks, systems, and / or exemplary methods of operation. 1. A cathode half-cell comprising: A cathode; a liquid catholyte inlet section having a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to the cathode half-cell; a liquid catholyte outlet section having a liquid catholyte outlet for discharging the liquid catholyte from the cathode half-cell; a cathode half-cell comprising: An anode half-cell comprising: An anode; a liquid anolyte inlet section having a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to the anode half-cell; a liquid anolyte outlet section having a liquid anolyte outlet for discharging the liquid anolyte from the anode half-cell; an anode half-cell comprising: an electrode separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; a dripping device arranged in line with the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, or the liquid anolyte outlet section, the dripping device breaking the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte into droplets, the droplets being received in a drip chamber arranged below the dripping device, the drip chamber having a height of less than 50 mm; An electric energy battery or an electrosynthetic battery comprising: 2. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to point 1, in which the drip chamber is provided with a drip chamber gas line. 3. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to points 1 or 2, in which the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dripping device is insulated from the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on the other side of the dripping device. 4. The dripping device is a first dripping device disposed in the liquid catholyte inlet section; a second dripping device is disposed in the liquid catholyte outlet section; a third dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte inlet section; and / or A fourth dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte outlet section. The electric energy battery or the electrosynthesis battery according to any one of points 1 to 3, which is at least one of the above. 5. An electric energy battery or electrosynthetic battery according to any one of points 1 to 4, in which the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte within the battery are insulated from the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte, respectively, outside the battery. 6. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 5, in which the dropper breaks the stream of liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte into droplets interspersed with gas gaps. 7. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 6, in which the gas gap is an air gap. 8. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 7, wherein the gas gap is a non-conductive gas void. 9. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 8, wherein the gas gap is supplied via a drip chamber gas line. 10. An electric energy battery or an electrosynthetic battery according to any one of points 1 to 9, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet, the liquid catholyte outlet, the liquid anolyte inlet and the liquid anolyte outlet have a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm or less than 0.25 mm, respectively. 11. The electric energy battery or electrosynthetic battery according to any one of points 1 to 10, wherein the dripping device has a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. 12. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 11, wherein the dripping device has an opening with a diameter of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm. 13. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 12, in which the droplets have a diameter or thickness of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm. 14. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 13, wherein the drip chamber has a height of less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 9 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm. 15. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 14, wherein the drip chamber has a diameter or width of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. 16. An electric energy cell or electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 15, in which the electrical resistance between the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dropping device and the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte, respectively, on the other side of the dropping device is greater than 1 Ω, greater than 10 Ω, greater than 50 Ω, greater than 100 Ω, greater than 400 Ω, greater than 700 Ω, greater than 900 Ω, greater than 1 kΩ, greater than 5 kΩ, greater than 10 kΩ, greater than 50 kΩ, greater than 100 kΩ, greater than 1 MΩ, greater than 5 MΩ, greater than 10 MΩ, greater than 50 MΩ, greater than 100 MΩ, or greater than 1,000 MΩ. 17. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 16, wherein a further dripping device and a further dripping chamber arranged below the further dripping device are provided in fluid communication with the dripping device and the dripping chamber. 18. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 17, wherein a further dripping device and a further dripping chamber are arranged in line with the dripping device and the dripping chamber in the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section or the liquid anolyte outlet section. 19. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 18, wherein the drop chamber is a bolus chamber and the drop is a bolus. 20. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 19, wherein the drip chamber gas line is a bolus chamber gas line. 21. An electric energy battery or an electrosynthetic battery according to any one of points 1 to 20, further comprising a limiter. 22. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 21, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section or the liquid anolyte outlet section comprises or is in fluid communication with a restrictor which provides a pressure drop in the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte through the restrictor. 23. An electric energy cell or electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 22, wherein the restrictor is a molded or machined polymer and comprises a plurality of bends. 24. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 23, wherein the restrictor is arranged above the blob chamber provided with a blob chamber gas line, and the blob chamber is arranged above a dripping device arranged above the dripping chamber provided with a drip chamber gas line. 25. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 24, wherein the liquid catholyte outlet and / or the liquid anolyte outlet provide an overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte and / or excess liquid anolyte flows out of the cell. 26. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 25, wherein the liquid catholyte outlet provides a first overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte flows out of the cathode half-cell, the first overflow weir being positioned at a first liquid level in the cathode half-cell that is higher than the liquid catholyte inlet. 27. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 26, wherein the liquid anolyte outlet provides a second overflow weir over which excess liquid anolyte flows out of the anode half-cell, the second overflow weir being positioned at a second liquid level in the anode half-cell that is higher than the liquid anolyte inlet. 28. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 27, in which the liquid catholyte level and the liquid anolyte level remain substantially constant during operation of the cell. 29. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 28, wherein the porous capillary structure is arranged above the dripping device in line with the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section or the liquid anolyte outlet section. 30. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 29, in which the dripping device incorporates or abuts a porous capillary structure. 31. A porous capillary structure comprising: a first porous capillary structure disposed in the catholyte inlet section and positioned above the first dripping device; a second porous capillary structure disposed in the catholyte outlet section and positioned above the second dripping device; a third porous capillary structure disposed in the anolyte inlet section and positioned above a third dripping device; and / or a fourth porous capillary structure disposed in the anolyte outlet section and disposed above a fourth dripping device; The electric energy battery or the electrosynthetic battery according to any one of points 1 to 30, further comprising at least one of the following: 32. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 31, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, the liquid anolyte outlet section, the dripping device and the dripping chamber are formed in one or more frames of the cell. 33. A cathode half-cell comprising: A cathode; a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to the cathode half-cell; a liquid catholyte outlet providing a first overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte may flow from the cathode half-cell; In a cathode half-cell comprising: a cathode half-cell, the first overflow weir being disposed at a first liquid level in the cathode half-cell that is higher than the liquid catholyte inlet; An anode half-cell comprising: An anode; a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to the anode half-cell; a liquid anolyte outlet that provides a second overflow weir over which excess liquid anolyte can flow from the anode half-cell; In an anode half-cell comprising: an anode half-cell, the second overflow weir being disposed at a second liquid level in the anode half-cell that is higher than the liquid anolyte inlet; an electrode separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; An electric energy battery or an electrosynthetic battery comprising: 34. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 33, further comprising a first porous capillary structure arranged at the first overflow weir or downstream of the first overflow weir. 35. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 34, further comprising a second porous capillary structure arranged at the second overflow weir or downstream of the second overflow weir. 36. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 35, in which the liquid catholyte outlet and the liquid anolyte outlet have a diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. 37. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 36, wherein the first overflow weir sets a first liquid level of the liquid catholyte in the cathode half-cell. 38. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 37, wherein a second overflow weir sets a second liquid level of the liquid anolyte in the anode half-cell. 39. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 38, in which the first liquid level is higher than the second liquid level. 40. An electric energy cell or an electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 39, wherein the first liquid level is lower than the second liquid level. 41. An electric energy cell or electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 40, in which the first liquid level is equal to the second liquid level. 42. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 41, in which during operation the liquid catholyte is maintained at a first liquid level and the liquid anolyte is maintained at a second liquid level. 43. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 42, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet, the liquid catholyte outlet, the liquid anolyte inlet and / or the liquid anolyte outlet are in fluid communication with a dripping device. 44. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 43, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet is an opening in the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet is an opening in the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet is an opening in the liquid anolyte inlet section and the liquid anolyte outlet is an opening in the liquid anolyte outlet section. 45. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 44, wherein a dripping device is arranged in the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section and / or the liquid anolyte outlet section. 46. ​​An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 45, wherein the dripping device breaks the stream of liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte into droplets which are received in a dripping chamber located below the dripping device. 47. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 46, wherein the drip chamber is provided with a drip chamber gas line. 48. A liquid catholyte inlet is in fluid communication with the first dripping device; the liquid catholyte outlet is in fluid communication with the second drip device; the liquid anolyte inlet is in fluid communication with a third drip device; and / or 48. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 47, wherein the liquid anolyte outlet is in fluid communication with a fourth dripping device. 49. A first dripping device is disposed in the liquid catholyte inlet section; a second dripping device is disposed in the liquid catholyte outlet section; a third dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte inlet section; and / or 49. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 48, wherein a fourth dripping device is arranged in the liquid anolyte outlet section. 50. An electric energy cell or electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 49, in which the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dripping device is insulated from the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on the other side of the dripping device. 51. An electric energy battery or electrosynthetic battery according to any one of points 1 to 50, in which the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte within the battery are insulated from the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte, respectively, outside the battery. 52. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 51, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section and / or the liquid anolyte outlet section are provided with or in fluid communication with a restrictor which provides a pressure drop in the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte through the restrictor. 53. An electric energy cell or electrosynthetic cell according to any one of points 1 to 52, wherein the restrictor is a molded or machined polymer and has a plurality of bends. 54. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of points 1 to 53, wherein a restrictor is arranged upstream of the dripping device. 55. A plurality of electric energy batteries or electrosynthetic batteries according to any one of points 1 to 54. 1. An electrical energy cell or electrosynthesis cell stack comprising: 56. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthesis cells according to point 55, in which the stack is formed into a filter press configuration. 57. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthetic cells according to point 55 or 56, comprising a header in fluid communication with each cell in the stack. 58. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthesis cells according to any one of points 55 to 57, in which the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte in the header is pressurized to a higher pressure than the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte in each cell, respectively. 59. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthetic cells according to any one of points 55 to 58, wherein the cells of the stack are formed using a flat battery frame. 60. A stack of electric energy batteries or electrosynthetic batteries according to any one of points 55 to 59, wherein the battery frame has a thickness of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm. 61. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthetic cells according to any one of points 55 to 60, in which the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte in one cell of the stack are insulated from the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte, respectively, in adjacent cells of the stack.

[0198] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" should be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integers or steps or group of integers or steps.

[0199] Optional embodiments may also be said to broadly include the parts, elements, and features referred to or shown in this specification, either individually or collectively in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements, or features, and specific wholes having known equivalents in the art to which the invention pertains are referred to herein, and such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0200] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that many modifications, changes, substitutions, or alterations may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1 Electrochemical Cell 6 Power receiving section 7 First Conductor 8 Second Conductor 10 Electrode separator 20 Cathode, first electrode 21 Liquid catholyte 22 Catholyte Entrance Section 1 23 First Dropping Device 24 drops 25 Catholyte Entrance Section 2 26 Catholyte Exit Section 1 27 Second Dropping Device 28 drops 29 Catholyte Exit Section 2 30 Anode, second electrode 31 Liquid Anolyte 32 Anolight Entrance Section 1 33 Third Dropping Device 34 drops 35 Anolight Entrance Section 2 36 Anolight Exit Section 1 37 Fourth Dropping Device 38 drops 39 Anolight Exit Section 2 80 batteries, half batteries 81 Liquid electrolyte 82 Liquid level 83 Elbow 84 Liquid electrolyte outlet tube 85 Liquid electrolyte inlet tube 86 Gas Volume 87 Elbow 88 liquid 90 Liquid inlet 91 Structure, Restrictor 92 Blob chamber gas line 93 Blob Chamber 94 Dripping device 95 Drip Chamber 96 Drip chamber gas line 97 liquid 98 Liquid Channel 200 Cathode half cell 201 First Liquid Level 231 First drip chamber 232 Gas 233 First porous capillary structure 250 Dripping device 261 First Overflow Weir 263 Porous capillary structure 271 Second Drip Chamber 272 Gas 273 Second Porous Capillary Structure 300 Anode half cell 301 Second Liquid Level 302 Gas 331 Third drip chamber 332 Gas 333 The third porous capillary structure 361 Second Overflow Weir 363 Porous capillary structure 371 Fourth Drip Chamber 372 Gas 373 The fourth porous capillary structure 800 Blob Chamber 801 Blob Chamber Gas Line 802 Nodules 803 Gas gap, gas mass 804 Dripping device 933 Liquid globule 934 Gas gap, gas mass 951 Droplets 1003 Central window 1004 Ledge 1005 Cut 1006 Cut 1007 Liquid electrolyte inlet header opening 1008 Liquid path channel 1009 Surface 1010 Porous capillary structure 1011 Dripping device 1012 Drip chamber 1013 Entrance Channel 1014 Exit 1015 Liquid level 1016 Exit Channel 1017 Outlet header opening 1100 Battery stack 1101 First Battery 1102 Second Battery 1103 Third Battery 1104 Limiter 1105 First Dropping Device 1106 Second Dropping Device 1107 Top Liquid Inlet Header 1108 Lower Liquid Outlet Header 1109 Liquid level 1110 Battery frame 1112 Battery Frame Assembly 1120 Interelectrode porous capillary spacer, interelectrode porous capillary separator 1121 Assembly 1130 Electrode 1140 electrode 1141 Porous capillary structure 1150 compression element 1160 Compression Element 1170 Bipolar Plate 1180 Bipolar Plate 1190 battery 2100 Laminate 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160 Header opening 3100 Liquid Inlet Header 3110 Limiter 3120 Liquid Path Channel 3130 Porous capillary structure 3140 drops 3150 Drip Chamber 3151 Drip chamber gas line 3160 Liquid Path Channel 3170 Reservoir 3171 Liquid level 3180 direction 3190 battery 3190 Overflow weir 3190 Gas Header 3200 Liquid flow channel 3210 Porous capillary structure 3220 Dripping device 3230 drops 3240 Liquid Outlet Header d diameter D Outer diameter

Claims

1. A cathode half-cell comprising: A cathode; a liquid catholyte inlet section having a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to said cathode half-cell; a liquid catholyte outlet section having a liquid catholyte outlet for discharging liquid catholyte from said cathode half-cell; a cathode half-cell comprising: An anode half-cell comprising: An anode; a liquid anolyte inlet section having a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to said anode half-cell; a liquid anolyte outlet section having a liquid anolyte outlet for discharging liquid anolyte from said anode half-cell; an anode half-cell comprising: an electrode separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; a dripping device disposed in line with the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, or the liquid anolyte outlet section; In an electric energy battery or an electrosynthetic battery, 1. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell, wherein the dripping device breaks the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte into droplets, the droplets being received in a drip chamber located below the dripping device, the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dripping device being insulated from the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on the other side of the dripping device, and the drip chamber having a height of less than 50 mm.

2. 2. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 1, wherein the drip chamber comprises a drip chamber gas line.

3. The dropping device is a first dripping device disposed in the liquid catholyte inlet section; a second dripping device is disposed in the liquid catholyte outlet section; a third dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte inlet section; and / or A fourth dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte outlet section.

3. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cell is at least one of:

4. 4. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 3, wherein the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte within the cell is insulated from the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte, respectively, outside the cell.

5. 5. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dripping device breaks the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte stream into droplets interspersed with gas gaps.

6. 6. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 5, wherein the gas gap is an air gap.

7. 6. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 5, wherein the gas gap is a non-conductive gas void.

8. 6. Electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 5 when taken from claim 2, in which the gas gap is supplied via the drip chamber gas line.

9. 9. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the Liquid Catholyte inlet, the Liquid Catholyte outlet, the Liquid anolyte inlet and the Liquid anolyte outlet each have a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm or less than 0.25 mm.

10. 10. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dripping device has a thickness or diameter of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

11. 11. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dripping device comprises an opening having a diameter of less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.025 mm.

12. 12. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the droplets have a diameter or thickness of less than 5mm, less than 3mm, less than 2mm, less than 1mm, less than 0.8mm, less than 0.6mm, less than 0.4mm, less than 0.2mm, less than 0.1mm, less than 0.05mm, or less than 0.025mm.

13. 13. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the drip chamber has a height of less than 30mm, less than 20mm, less than 15mm, less than 12mm, less than 10mm, less than 9mm, less than 8mm, less than 7mm, less than 6mm, less than 5mm, or less than 3mm.

14. 14. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drip chamber has a diameter or width of less than 50mm, less than 30mm, less than 20mm, less than 10mm, less than 8mm, less than 6mm, less than 4mm, less than 2mm, less than 1mm, less than 0.5mm or less than 0.25mm.

15. 15. Electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electrical resistance between the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dropping device and the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte, respectively, on the other side of the dropping device is greater than 1 Ω, greater than 10 Ω, greater than 50 Ω, greater than 100 Ω, greater than 400 Ω, greater than 700 Ω, greater than 900 Ω, greater than 1 kΩ, greater than 5 kΩ, greater than 10 kΩ, greater than 50 kΩ, greater than 100 kΩ, greater than 1 MΩ, greater than 5 MΩ, greater than 10 MΩ, greater than 50 MΩ, greater than 100 MΩ or greater than 1,000 MΩ.

16. 16. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a further dripping device and a further dripping chamber arranged below said further dripping device are provided in fluid communication with said dripping device and said dripping chamber.

17. 17. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 16, wherein the further dripping device and the further dripping chamber are arranged in line with the dripping device and the dripping chamber at the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section or the liquid anolyte outlet section.

18. 18. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the drop chamber is a bolus chamber and the drop is a bolus.

19. 19. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 18, when taken from claim 2, wherein the drip chamber gas line is a bolus chamber gas line.

20. 20. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a limiter.

21. 21. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 20, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, or the liquid anolyte outlet section comprises or is in fluid communication with a restrictor that provides a pressure drop in the liquid catholyte or the liquid anolyte through the restrictor.

22. 22. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the restrictor is a moulded or machined polymer and comprises a plurality of bends.

23. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 20, which is based on claim 18, which is based on claim 2, wherein the restrictor is disposed above a bolus chamber provided with a bolus chamber gas line, and the bolus chamber is disposed above the dripping device disposed above the dripping chamber provided with the dripping chamber gas line.

24. 24. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the liquid catholyte outlet and / or the liquid anolyte outlet provide an overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte and / or excess liquid anolyte flows out of the cell.

25. 25. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the liquid catholyte outlet provides a first overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte flows out of the cathode half-cell, the first overflow weir being located at a first liquid level in the cathode half-cell that is higher than the liquid catholyte inlet.

26. 26. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 25, wherein the liquid anolyte outlet provides a second overflow weir over which excess liquid anolyte flows from the anode half-cell, the second overflow weir being disposed at a second liquid level in the anode half-cell that is higher than the liquid anolyte inlet.

27. 27. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 26, wherein the liquid catholyte level and the liquid anolyte level remain substantially constant during operation of the cell.

28. 28. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein a porous capillary structure is positioned above the dripping device in line with the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section or the liquid anolyte outlet section.

29. 30. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell as claimed in claim 28, wherein the dripping device incorporates or abuts the porous capillary structure.

30. The porous capillary structure is a first porous capillary structure disposed in the liquid catholyte inlet section and above the first dripping device; a second porous capillary structure disposed in the liquid catholyte outlet section and above the second dripping device; a third porous capillary structure disposed in the liquid anolyte inlet section and disposed above the third dripping device; and / or a fourth porous capillary structure disposed in the liquid anolyte outlet section and disposed above the fourth dripping device; 30. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 28 which recites claim 3 or claim 29 which recites claim 28 which recites claim 3, further comprising at least one of the following:

31. 31. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section, the liquid anolyte outlet section, the dripping device and the dripping chamber are formed in one or more frames of the cell.

32. A cathode half-cell comprising: A cathode; a liquid catholyte inlet for supplying liquid catholyte to the cathode half-cell; a liquid catholyte outlet providing a first overflow weir over which excess liquid catholyte may flow from said cathode half-cell; In a cathode half-cell comprising: a cathode half-cell, the first overflow weir being disposed at a first liquid level in the cathode half-cell that is higher than the liquid catholyte inlet; An anode half-cell comprising: An anode; a liquid anolyte inlet for supplying liquid anolyte to the anode half-cell; a liquid anolyte outlet providing a second overflow weir over which excess liquid anolyte may flow from said anode half-cell; In an anode half-cell comprising: an anode half-cell, the second overflow weir being disposed at a second liquid level in the anode half-cell that is higher than the liquid anolyte inlet; an electrode separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; An electric energy battery or an electrosynthetic battery comprising:

33. 33. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell as claimed in claim 32, further comprising a first porous capillary structure disposed at or downstream of said first weir.

34. 34. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 32 or 33, further comprising a second porous capillary structure located at or downstream of the second weir.

35. 35. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the liquid catholyte outlet and the liquid anolyte outlet have a diameter of less than 50mm, less than 30mm, less than 20mm, less than 10mm, less than 8mm, less than 6mm, less than 4mm, less than 2mm, less than 1mm, less than 0.5mm or less than 0.25mm.

36. 36. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the first overflow weir establishes the first level of the liquid catholyte in the cathode half-cell.

37. 37. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the second overflow weir establishes the second liquid level of the liquid anolyte in the anode half-cell.

38. 38. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the first liquid level is higher than the second liquid level.

39. 38. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the first liquid level is lower than the second liquid level.

40. 38. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the first liquid level is equal to the second liquid level.

41. 41. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 40, wherein during operation, the liquid catholyte is maintained at the first liquid level and the liquid anolyte is maintained at the second liquid level.

42. 42. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 41, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet, the liquid catholyte outlet, the liquid anolyte inlet and / or the liquid anolyte outlet are in fluid communication with a dripping device.

43. 43. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell as claimed in claim 42, wherein the Liquid Catholyte inlet is an opening in a Liquid Catholyte inlet section, the Liquid Catholyte outlet is an opening in a Liquid Catholyte outlet section, the Liquid anolyte inlet is an opening in a Liquid anolyte inlet section, and the Liquid anolyte outlet is an opening in a Liquid anolyte outlet section.

44. 44. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 43, wherein the dripping devices are arranged at the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section and / or the liquid anolyte outlet section.

45. 43. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 42, wherein the dripping device breaks the stream of liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte into droplets that are received in a drip chamber located below the dripping device.

46. 46. ​​The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 45, wherein the drip chamber comprises a drip chamber gas line.

47. the liquid catholyte inlet is in fluid communication with a first drip device; the liquid catholyte outlet is in fluid communication with a second drip device; the liquid anolyte inlet is in fluid communication with a third drip device; and / or 47. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 46, wherein the liquid anolyte outlet is in fluid communication with a fourth drip device.

48. a first dripping device disposed in the liquid catholyte inlet section; a second dripping device is disposed in the liquid catholyte outlet section; a third dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte inlet section; and / or 44. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 43, wherein a fourth dripping device is disposed in the liquid anolyte outlet section.

49. 43. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell as claimed in claim 42, wherein the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on one side of the dripping apparatus is insulated from the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte on the other side of the dripping apparatus.

50. 49. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 47 or 48, wherein the liquid catholyte and the liquid anolyte within the cell are insulated from the liquid catholyte and the liquid anolyte respectively outside the cell.

51. 51. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to any one of claims 32 to 50, wherein the liquid catholyte inlet section, the liquid catholyte outlet section, the liquid anolyte inlet section and / or the liquid anolyte outlet section comprises or is in fluid communication with a restrictor which provides a pressure drop in the liquid catholyte or the liquid anolyte through the restrictor.

52. 52. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell of claim 51 , wherein the restrictor is a molded or machined polymer and comprises a plurality of bends.

53. 53. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the restrictor is located upstream of the dripping device.

54. A stack of electric energy batteries or electrosynthetic batteries comprising a plurality of electric energy batteries or electrosynthetic batteries according to any one of claims 1 to 53.

55. 55. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell stack of claim 54, wherein the stack is formed into a filter press configuration.

56. 56. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthesis cells according to claim 54 or 55, comprising a header in fluid communication with each cell in the stack.

57. 57. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthesis cells according to claim 56, wherein the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte in the header is pressurised to a higher pressure than the liquid catholyte or liquid anolyte in each cell, respectively.

58. 58. An electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell stack according to any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein the cells of the stack are formed using a flat cell frame.

59. 60. The electric energy cell or electrosynthesis cell stack of claim 58, wherein the battery frame has a thickness of less than 50 mm, less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.25 mm.

60. 60. A stack of electric energy cells or electrosynthesis cells according to any one of claims 54 to 59, wherein the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte in one cell of the stack are insulated from the liquid catholyte and liquid anolyte, respectively, in an adjacent cell of the stack.

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