Transportation vehicle battery assembly and pump

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a battery assembly.SOLUTION: The battery assembly includes a plurality of stiffener assemblies. Each reinforcement assembly in the plurality of reinforcement assemblies comprises a reinforcement body, an inner surface of the reinforcement body forming a hollow channel through the reinforcement body, a cathode assembly, and an anode assembly. The battery assembly further includes a pump in fluid communication with the hollow channel of the stiffener body, the pump configured to circulate an electrolyte through the hollow channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to transportation vehicles, and more particularly to transportation vehicle battery assemblies and pumps. [Background technology]

[0002] The transition to electric vehicles is becoming ubiquitous across nearly all transportation sectors, in both commercial and military applications. The benefits are widely understood to be reduced emissions, reduced refueling logistics, reduced maintenance, and reduced lifetime operating costs. One of the constraints to achieving widespread adoption of electric vehicles is battery energy density (e.g., kilowatt-hours of available energy for a given battery mass). Currently, electric vehicles, particularly aircraft, have reduced range and payload capacity compared to petroleum-fueled vehicles due to the limited energy density associated with current state-of-the-art battery technology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Current electric vehicles, particularly aircraft, have reduced range and payload compared to petroleum-fueled vehicles due to the limited energy densities associated with current state-of-the-art battery technology. Furthermore, high energy density batteries such as metal-air batteries are not yet compatible with larger and more complex transportation vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The systems and methods described herein provide practical applications and technical advantages that address the above-mentioned technical problems. In one embodiment, a battery assembly is provided that can be incorporated into the structure of various transportation vehicles (e.g., aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, land vehicles, rail vehicles, etc.). In some embodiments, the provided battery assembly is configured to house at least one battery. For example, the battery assembly can include one or more rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, lithium gas batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, aluminum-ion batteries, etc.) or one or more metal-air batteries (e.g., zinc-air batteries, aluminum-air batteries, iron-air batteries, lithium-air batteries, etc.). The provided battery assembly can be advantageously incorporated into the structure of the transportation vehicle as a reinforcing element to minimize the amount of "dead weight" associated with the battery assembly within the structure. The battery assembly can be configured to house batteries with higher energy densities, such as metal-air batteries. In this manner, the battery assembly can improve the energy density and structural integrity of the transportation vehicle. Additionally, incorporating the battery assembly into the structure of the transportation vehicle can increase the payload capacity of the transportation vehicle. For example, rather than storing the battery assembly in the cargo structure of the transport vehicle, as described herein, the battery assembly can be integrated into the transport vehicle structure, thereby increasing cargo space. Additionally, the provided battery assemblies and transport vehicles can include one or more access ports that allow for efficient replacement of the anodes of the metal-air battery or maintenance of one or more rechargeable batteries. The systems and methods described herein also provide pumps and pump circuits that manage the flow of electrolyte through the battery assembly to maximize the performance of the metal-air battery.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a battery assembly for a transportation vehicle. The battery assembly includes a cross node assembly. The cross node assembly includes a cross node body, an inner surface of the cross node body forming a hollow interior, and a plurality of openings in the cross node body in fluid communication with the hollow interior. The battery assembly includes a plurality of stiffener assemblies. The stiffener assembly can include a stiffener body and an inner surface of the stiffener body forming a hollow passage through the stiffener body, the hollow passage being in fluid communication with a particular opening of the plurality of openings in the cross node body. The stiffener assembly can include at least one battery.

[0006] In one embodiment, the at least one battery comprises a metal-air battery. The metal-air battery includes a cathode assembly disposed between a hollow flow channel of the stiffener body and air external to the stiffener body. The cathode assembly includes a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer, a catalyst layer, and a current collector. The metal-air battery also includes an anode assembly disposed within the hollow flow channel of the stiffener body. The anode assembly includes a housing having a housing body disposed between a first end cap and a second end cap. The housing body is porous and configured to allow electrolyte to pass through the housing body. The housing body includes at least one anode disposed within the housing body.

[0007] In another embodiment, the at least one battery includes a rechargeable battery. For example, the stiffener body can include a housing disposed within the hollow channel of the stiffener body. The housing can have a housing body disposed between a first end cap and a second end cap. The housing body can include at least one rechargeable battery disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a transportation vehicle. The transportation vehicle includes a vehicle body including an interior surface. The transportation vehicle includes a battery assembly coupled to the interior surface of the vehicle body. The transportation vehicle can include a pump in fluid communication with a hollow passage of one or more of the plurality of stiffener assemblies, the pump configured to circulate an electrolyte through the hollow passage of the one or more of the plurality of stiffener assemblies.

[0009] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of these advantages. These advantages and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a transportation vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the transportation vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the battery assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 1 is an anode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] 1 is a first connector bar connecting two anode assemblies according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a second connector bar connecting two anode assemblies according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 3 showing the first and second connector bars of FIGS. 7-8. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 3 showing removal of the anode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a front view of the battery assembly taken along the arrow YY in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 10 is a side view of the battery assembly taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a ball and socket joint for a connector bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the ball-and-socket joint of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an access hatch for a transportation vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 16 illustrates the anode assembly being inserted and removed through the access hatch of the transport vehicle of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 10 illustrates an anode assembly being removed from an access hatch located at the rear of a transportation vehicle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a housing with a rechargeable battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 19 illustrates the housing of FIG. 18 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a battery assembly including a rechargeable battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1 illustrates a pump circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 22 shows the pump circuit of FIG. 21 with a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] 1 illustrates a transportation vehicle panel assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] As discussed above, current electric vehicles, particularly aircraft, have reduced range and payload compared to petroleum-fueled vehicles due to the limited energy densities associated with current state-of-the-art battery technology. Furthermore, high energy density batteries such as metal-air batteries are not yet compatible with larger and more complex transportation vehicles.

[0013] The systems and methods described herein provide practical applications and technical advantages that address the technical problems discussed above. In one embodiment, a battery assembly is provided that can be integrated into the structure of various transportation vehicles (e.g., aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, land vehicles, rail vehicles, etc.). The present disclosure also provides a transportation vehicle including the battery assembly. In some embodiments, the battery assembly is configured to house at least one battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery or a metal-air battery). The battery assembly can be advantageously integrated into the transportation vehicle structure as a reinforcing element to minimize the amount of "dead weight" associated with the battery assembly within the structure. In this manner, the battery assembly can improve the energy density and structural integrity of the transportation vehicle. Additionally, integrating the battery assembly into the transportation vehicle structure can increase the payload capacity of the transportation vehicle. For example, rather than storing the battery assembly within the cargo structure of the transportation vehicle, the battery assembly can be integrated into the transportation vehicle structure as described herein. Additionally, the battery assemblies and transportation vehicles provided may include one or more access ports that allow for efficient replacement of the anodes of the metal-air batteries. The systems and methods described herein also provide pumps and pumping circuits that manage the flow of electrolyte through the battery assemblies to maximize the performance of the metal-air batteries or to provide coolant cooling for rechargeable batteries.

[0014] 1-2 illustrate a transportation vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the transportation vehicle 100 is an aircraft including a vehicle body 102 (e.g., fuselage) having an interior surface 104. The vehicle body 102 may include wings 106 coupled to the vehicle body 102. The transportation vehicle 100 may include a cockpit 108 located at the front of the transportation vehicle 100, and a vertical stabilizer 110 and a horizontal stabilizer 112 located at the rear of the transportation vehicle 100. The vertical stabilizer 110 is configured to stabilize the yaw (e.g., ability to turn left or right) of the transportation vehicle 100 and includes a rudder. The horizontal stabilizer 112 is configured to stabilize the pitch (e.g., ability to tilt up or down) of the transportation vehicle 100. The transportation vehicle 100 may include a propeller 114 and / or an engine for generating thrust to propel the transportation vehicle 100 forward. The transportation vehicle 100 is not limited to the aircraft shown in Figures 1-2, but may include any suitable transportation vehicle 100, including, but not limited to, spacecraft (e.g., any vehicle designed to travel in space, such as a satellite, cargo spacecraft, space probe, space telescope, lander, space capsule, spaceplane, space shuttle, etc.), watercraft (e.g., vehicles designed to travel across or through water, such as a boat, ship, hovercraft, submersible, submarine, etc.), land vehicles (vehicles designed to travel on land, such as an automobile, truck, tractor, agricultural vehicle, etc.), and railroad vehicles.

[0015] 2 , the transportation vehicle 100 may include a battery assembly 116. The battery assembly 116 may be coupled to the inner surface 104 of the vehicle body 102. In some embodiments, the battery assembly 116 includes a plurality of stiffener assemblies 118 coupled to the inner surface 104 of the vehicle body 102. The stiffener assemblies 118 may be configured to extend along the inner surface 104 of the vehicle body 102, with at least a portion of the stiffener assemblies 118 intersecting at a plurality of intersecting node assemblies 120.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the stiffener assemblies 118 is arranged in a cylindrical configuration. For example, a first portion of the stiffener assembly 118 can be configured to extend helically in a clockwise direction along the inner surface 104 of the vehicle body 102, and a second portion of the stiffener assembly 118 can be configured to extend helically in a counterclockwise direction. The first portion of the stiffener assembly 118 extending in a clockwise direction is configured to intersect with the second portion of the stiffener assembly 118 extending in a counterclockwise direction at an intersecting node assembly 120. In this manner, at least a portion of the stiffener assemblies 118 are coupled to the inner surface 104 of the transportation vehicle 100 in an anisotropic grid configuration, with the counterclockwise and clockwise extending stiffener assemblies 118 intersecting at the intersecting node assembly 120. In some embodiments, the battery assembly 116 includes a third portion of the stiffener assembly 118 arranged in a linear configuration. A third portion of the stiffener assembly 118 may be coupled in a cylindrical shape and extend toward the aft end of the vehicle body 102 (eg, the aft end of an aircraft).

[0017] Referring to FIG. 3 , the cross node assembly 120 comprises a cross node body 122. The cross node body 122 includes an inner surface 124 that forms a hollow interior 126 within the cross node body 122. As shown in FIG. 4 , the cross node body 122 includes a plurality of openings 128 within the cross node body 122 that are in fluid communication with the hollow interior 126. The battery assembly 116 includes a stiffener assembly 118 that intersects each of the respective cross node assemblies 120. In some embodiments, the stiffener assembly 118 comprises a stiffener body 130. The stiffener body 130 has an inner surface 132 that forms a hollow passage 134 that extends therethrough. In some embodiments, the hollow passage 134 of the stiffener body 130 is in fluid communication with a particular opening 128 in the cross node body 122, and the hollow passage 134 is disposed in fluid communication with the hollow interior 126 of the cross node body 122. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the stiffener body 130 of the battery assembly 116 extends between two adjacent cross node assemblies 120 of the battery assembly 116. Also shown in Figure 4 are a cathode lead 156, an anode lead 157, a plurality of connector bars 180, and a plurality of rails, which are described in more detail below.

[0018] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the top of the stiffener body 130 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape can include an edge 136 that tapers downward from the top to the bottom of the stiffener body 130. The edge 136 tapers downward to form a first support base 138 on a first side of the stiffener body 130 and a second support base 140 on an opposite side of the stiffener body 130. The stiffener body 130 can be bonded to the inner surface 104 of the transportation vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the inner surface 104 of the transportation vehicle 100 is a thermoset or thermoplastic composite material, and the stiffener body 130 can be an electrically insulating material (e.g., polyetherimide). In some embodiments, the stiffener body 130 is thermally bonded to the inner surface 104 or can be directly bonded to the inner surface 104. In some embodiments, the stiffener body 130 is manufactured using an automated fiber placement and compaction roller.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a partial exploded view of the battery assembly 116 from FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the battery assembly 116 can include at least one battery 142 (e.g., at least one electrochemical cell). In some embodiments, the at least one battery 142 includes a metal-air battery. Generally, a metal-air battery includes a cathode assembly 144, an anode assembly 164, and an electrolyte 103 configured to be in fluid communication with the hollow channels 134 of the stiffener body 130 and the hollow interiors 126 of the intersecting node bodies 122. When the at least one battery 142 is a metal-air battery, the transportation vehicle 100 can include a pump 101 (shown in FIG. 1 ) configured to circulate the electrolyte 103 through the hollow channels 134 of the stiffener body 130 and the hollow interiors 126 of the intersecting node bodies 122. The electrolyte 103 can be an alkaline aqueous solution. The electrolyte 103 can include, but is not limited to, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The electrolyte 103 can include additives (e.g., anti-corrosion additives) that can include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide, tin oxide, ethylene glycol, sodium citrate, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, during operation, the anode assembly 164 includes one or more metal anodes 174 (see FIG. 5 ), which are converted to ions in the electrolyte 103, and oxygen from the air 145 is converted to hydroxide ions at the cathode assembly 144. This process releases electrons that generate an electric current, which flows from the cathode assembly 144 to the anode 174 and can be used to power one or more operating systems (not shown) of the transportation vehicle 100.

[0020] The cathode assembly 144 can be located between the hollow channels 134 in the stiffener body 130 and air 145 external to the stiffener body 130. In some embodiments, the cathode assembly 144 can be a porous air electrode. For example, in some embodiments, the cathode assembly 144 includes a gas diffusion layer 146, a catalyst layer 148, a current collector 150, a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152, and an end cap 154. The cathode assembly 144 can be air permeable, allowing air 145 external to the battery assembly 116 to pass through the components of the cathode assembly 144 and contact the electrolyte 103 within the hollow channels 134 in the stiffener body 130.

[0021] In some embodiments, the gas diffusion layer 146 is the innermost layer of the cathode assembly 144, and the catalyst layer 148 is disposed between the gas diffusion layer 146 and the current collector 150. In some embodiments, the current collector 150 is disposed between the catalyst layer 148 and the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152 is located between the current collector 150 and an end cap 154, and the end cap 154 ​​is the outermost layer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the gas diffusion layer 146 is configured to allow air 145 outside the battery assembly 116 to flow through the gas diffusion layer 146. In some embodiments, the gas diffusion layer 146 comprises an air-permeable material, including but not limited to porous graphite or carbon cloth. In some embodiments, the gas diffusion layer 146 is also configured to allow the electrolyte 103 to flow from the hollow channels 134 of the stiffener body 130 to contact the catalyst layer 148. For example, the top of the stiffener body 130 includes a plurality of holes 158 that allow the electrolyte 103 to flow from the hollow channels 134 of the stiffener body 130 through the holes 158 and the gas diffusion layer 146 to contact the catalyst layer 148.

[0023] In some embodiments, the catalyst layer 148 is configured to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and / or the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a metal-air battery. In some embodiments, the catalyst layer 148 includes a support and a catalyst. The support can be a carbonaceous material, including, but not limited to, porous graphite or carbon cloth. The support material can include a catalyst dispersed throughout the support. The catalyst can include, but is not limited to, platinum (e.g., nanoparticle platinum), palladium, gold, silver, carbon black, or a combination thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the current collector 150 is configured to connect to a cathode lead 156 and transmit electrons therebetween during operation. The cathode lead 156 can be connected to a power source (not shown). The cathode lead 156 connected to the current collector 150 can be routed through a hole 158 disposed in the top of the cross node body 122. The casing of the cathode lead 156 can be bonded to the hole 158 to form a water-resistant seal configured to prevent the electrolyte 103 from leaking through the hole 158. In some embodiments, the current collector 150 is a conductive mesh material, a conductive perforated sheet, porous graphite, carbon cloth, or a combination thereof. The conductive mesh material or the conductive perforated sheet can include nickel, copper, stainless steel, or a combination thereof.

[0025] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152 is configured to allow air 145 outside the battery assembly 116 to flow through the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152. The hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152 comprises an air-permeable material, including, but not limited to, porous graphite or carbon cloth. The hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152 further comprises a hydrophobic binder (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene). The hydrophobic binder is configured to inhibit or otherwise prevent the electrolyte 103 from leaking through the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152. In this manner, the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152 is configured to confine the electrolyte 103 within the battery assembly 116 while allowing air 145 outside the battery assembly 116 to flow through the cathode assembly 144.

[0026] In some embodiments, the top of the stiffener body 130 includes a recessed trench 160 configured to receive the cathode assembly 144. The recessed trench 160 may include sidewalls extending downward from the top of the stiffener body 130 to a bottom surface of the recessed trench 160. The sidewalls and bottom surface of the recessed trench 160 may be sized to receive the cathode assembly 144. The recessed trench 160 may include holes 158. In some embodiments, when the end cap 154 ​​is assembled onto the hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152, the end cap 154 ​​may be flush or nearly flush with the top of the recessed trench 160 on the top of the stiffener body 130. The end cap 154 ​​may include a plurality of holes 162 that allow air 145 outside the end cap 154 ​​to pass through the end cap 154 ​​to the underlying layer of the cathode assembly 144. In some embodiments, the gas diffusion layer 146, catalyst layer 148, current collector 150, and hydrophobic gas diffusion layer 152 of the cathode assembly 144 can be combined and overlapped before being bonded (e.g., glued) to the recessed groove 160 of the reinforcement body 130.

[0027] In some embodiments, the battery assembly 116 may include a stiffener overwrap 151 configured to overlay the stiffener assembly 118 and the cross node assembly 120. In some embodiments, the stiffener overwrap 151 may be contoured to match the top surfaces of the stiffener assembly 118 and the cross node assembly 120. In some embodiments, the stiffener overwrap 151 includes holes 153 configured to allow air 145 outside the battery assembly 116 to pass through the holes 153 and be in fluid communication with the cathode assembly 144. The stiffener overwrap 151 may be positioned over the cathode assembly 144 such that the cathode assembly 144 is secured within the groove 160. In some embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., an edge) of the stiffener overwrap 151 may be bonded (e.g., thermally bonded or welded) to the inner surface 104 of the transportation vehicle 100. In some embodiments, automated fiber placement (AFP) is performed on top of the battery assembly 116, with the tow width designed to minimize gaps around the holes 153. The AFP layup process can create its own interspersed anisotropic grid lattice pattern on the composite reinforcement overlap 151, which is configured to avoid the holes 153. This may result in cost savings by avoiding composite material in low stress areas of the reinforcement assembly 118.

[0028] 4-6 , the anode assembly 164 can be disposed within the hollow channel 134 of the stiffener body 130. The anode assembly 164 can include a housing 166 including a housing body 168. The housing body 168 can be disposed between a first end cap 170 and a second end cap 172. The anode assembly 164 includes at least one anode 174 disposed within the housing body 168.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one anode 174 can include a metal anode. Metal anodes can include, but are not limited to, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, iron, or lithium. The anodes 174 can be disposed within the housing body 168 in shapes including, but not limited to, plates, sheets, discs, pellets, or powders. In one non-limiting example, the anode assembly 164 can include multiple anodes 174, at least some of which have a disk shape including a conical taper 176 on each respective outer surface thereof. In some embodiments, at least some of the anodes 174 are arranged in a stacked disk shape, with the conical tapers 176 on each outer surface arranged end-to-end to create gaps 178 between adjacent anodes 174. The gaps 178 can provide various benefits. First, the gaps 178 increase the surface area of ​​the anodes 174, allowing the electrolyte 103 to contact more exposed surfaces of the anodes 174, thereby facilitating the electrochemical reaction at the anodes 174. Second, the conical taper 176 and the gaps 178 allow the multiple anodes 174 to bend and / or flex within the housing 166. This allows the housing 166 to bend and / or flex to accommodate embodiments in which the stiffener body 130 is curved, such as the clockwise or counterclockwise spiral portion shown in FIG.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172 are made of nickel, stainless steel, or a nickel-stainless steel alloy. The first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172 can be bonded (e.g., welded or glued) to the housing body 168. The housing body 168 can be made of a mesh sleeve or perforated metal that allows the electrolyte 103 to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the housing body 168 is made of nickel, stainless steel, or a nickel-stainless steel alloy. The first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172 can be further bonded to a plurality of anodes 174. For example, the first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172 can be welded or bonded to each end of a stack of anodes 174 within the housing body 168. The first end cap 170, the second end cap 172, and the housing body 168 are sized to fit within the hollow channel 134 of the stiffener body.

[0031] 4 and 7-12, the battery assembly 116 may include a plurality of connector bars 180. When the battery assembly 116 is assembled, the connector bars 180 may be configured to extend through the cross node body 122 and couple each housing 166 between adjacent stiffener assemblies 118. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9-10 , each of the intersecting node bodies 122 can include a plurality of openings 128 (e.g., a first opening 128a, a second opening 128b, a third opening 128c, and a fourth opening 128d) that are in fluid communication with a respective hollow passage 134, which in turn are in fluid communication with a respective hollow passage 134 (e.g., a first hollow passage 134a, a second hollow passage 134b, a third hollow passage 134c, and a fourth hollow passage 134d) of a plurality of reinforcement assemblies (e.g., a first reinforcement assembly 118a, a second reinforcement assembly 118b, a third reinforcement assembly 118c, and a fourth reinforcement assembly 118d).

[0032] The first stiffener assembly 118a includes a first stiffener body 130a. The first stiffener body 130a has a first inner surface 132a that defines a first hollow channel 134a extending therethrough. The first hollow channel 134a is in fluid communication with the first opening 128a of the intersecting node body 122. The first stiffener assembly 118a includes a first housing 166a (shown in FIG. 7) that includes a first housing body 168a. The first housing 166a is disposed within the first hollow channel 134a of the first stiffener body 130a. The first housing body 168a includes a first end cap 170a coupled to at least a first connector bar 180a.

[0033] The second stiffener assembly 118b includes a second stiffener body 130b. The second stiffener body 130b has a second inner surface 132b that defines a second hollow channel 134b extending therethrough. The second hollow channel 134b is in fluid communication with the second opening 128b of the intersecting node body 122. The second opening 128b can be located opposite the first opening 128a. The second stiffener assembly 118b includes a second housing 166b (shown in FIG. 7) that includes a second housing body 168b. The second housing 166b is disposed within the second hollow channel 134b of the second stiffener body 130b. The second housing body 168b includes a second end cap 170b coupled to at least the first connector bar 180a. As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the first connector bar 180a is configured to extend through the cross node body 122.

[0034] The third stiffener assembly 118c includes a third stiffener body 130c. The third stiffener body 130c has a third inner surface 132c that defines a third hollow channel 134c extending therethrough. The third hollow channel 134c is in fluid communication with a third opening 128c in the intersecting node body 122. In some embodiments, the third opening 128c is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first opening 128a and the second opening 128b. The third stiffener assembly 118c includes a third housing 166c (shown in FIG. 8) that includes a third housing body 168c. The third housing 166c is disposed within the third hollow channel 134c. The third housing body 168c includes a third end cap 170c coupled to at least the second connector bar 180b.

[0035] The fourth stiffener assembly 118d includes a fourth stiffener body 130d. The fourth stiffener body 130d has a fourth inner surface 132d that defines a fourth hollow channel 134d extending therethrough. The fourth hollow channel 134d is in fluid communication with a fourth opening 128d in the intersecting node body 122. The fourth opening 128d is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first opening 128a and the second opening 128b. In some embodiments, the fourth opening 128d is located opposite the third opening 128c. The fourth stiffener assembly 118d includes a fourth housing 166d (shown in FIG. 8) that includes a fourth housing body 168d. The fourth housing 166d is disposed within the fourth hollow channel 134d. The fourth housing body 168d includes a fourth end cap 170d coupled to at least the second connector bar 180b.

[0036] In some embodiments, first connector bar 180a includes a first arcuate region 182a that extends toward a bottom of intersecting node body 122, and second connector bar 180b includes a second arcuate region 182b that extends toward an upper portion of intersecting node body 122. First arcuate region 182a and second arcuate region 182b can be configured to provide a bend relief feature sized to allow housing 166 to be pulled through intersecting node assembly 120 and respective stiffener assemblies 118 without binding (e.g., FIG. 10 shows third housing 166c, fourth housing 166d, and second connector bar 180b being pulled out of battery assembly 116 without being impeded by first connector bar 180a due to first arcuate region 182a). Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the first housing 166a, the second housing 166b, and the first connector bar 180a can be similarly withdrawn from the battery assembly 116 without being obstructed by the second connector bar 180b due to the second arcuate region 182b. The first arcuate region 182a can have a width greater than the width of the third housing 166c and greater than the width of the fourth housing 166d. The first arcuate region 182a includes a height greater than the radius of the third housing 166c and greater than the radius of the fourth housing 166d. The second arcuate region 182b can include a width greater than the width of the first housing 166a and greater than the width of the second housing 166b. The second arcuate region 182b can include a height greater than the radius of the first housing 166a and greater than the radius of the second housing 166b.

[0037] 11-12 , in some embodiments, the hollow channel 134 of the stiffener body 130 includes a plurality of rails 184 that extend along the inner surface 132 of the stiffener body 130. The plurality of rails 184 are configured to provide sliding guides that support the housing 166. For example, the housing 166 can be configured to slide along the top surfaces of the plurality of rails 184 within the stiffener body 130.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first arcuate region 182a of the first connector bar 180a includes a first slot 186a (shown in FIG. 7 ) extending through at least a portion of the first arcuate region 182a and sized to receive a respective rail 184. Similarly, the second arcuate region 182b of the second connector bar 180b includes a second slot 186b (shown in FIG. 8 ) extending through at least a portion of the second arcuate region 182b and sized to receive a respective rail 184. The first slot 186a and the second slot 186b can slide along the respective rail 184 in the stiffener body 130 to maintain the orientation of the connector bar 180 within the stiffener body 130 (e.g., an orientation of 0 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.). In this manner, the plurality of rails 184 are configured to provide sliding guides that maintain the rotational orientation of the first connector bar 180 a, the second connector bar 180 b, and the housings 166 a-166 d as these features traverse through the hollow flow passage 134. This helps allow the housings 166 a-166 d to be slidably removed without becoming stuck within the intersecting node body 122. Additionally, the gaps formed by the plurality of rails 184 allow electrolyte to flow around the anode assembly 164 but also absorb oxygen from the air 145 entering the stiffener body 130. In some embodiments, the housings 166 extending within the clockwise-oriented helical stiffener assembly 118 are positioned at 180 degrees (e.g., 180 degrees) relative to the housings 166 extending within the counterclockwise-oriented helical stiffener assembly 118 (e.g., 0 degrees). This prevents the housing 166 from becoming bogged down while passing through the cross node body 122 .

[0039] 4 , in some embodiments, the rail 184 enables the first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172 of each housing 166 of the anode assembly 164 to be positioned in electrical contact with an anode lead 157 that is connected to a power source (not shown). For example, the rail 184 may include a rail passage 185 extending therethrough and configured to receive the anode lead 157. The anode lead 157 may be routed through a hole 158 disposed in the top of the intersecting node body 122. The casing of the anode lead 157 may be bonded to the hole 158 in the intersecting node body 122 to form a watertight seal configured to prevent the electrolyte 103 from leaking through the hole 158. The rail 184 may be a separate piece of material from the inner surface 132 of the hollow channel 134, in which case the rail 184 is formed from a flexible metal sheet and includes a bellows spring against the flexible metal sheet. As the anode assembly 164 slides along the rails 184, the rails 184 can compress to provide electrical contact with the first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172. Alternatively, the rails 184 can incorporate a resilient member (e.g., a spring) to provide compression and ensure electrical contact.

[0040] Continuing with reference to FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the battery assembly 116 can include an airtight seal 187 disposed at the joint between the cross node body 122 and the stiffener body 130. For example, during assembly, a nickel or high-nickel stainless steel coupler can be press-fit, molded, and / or thermoformed to tightly fit the joint between the cross node body 122 and the stiffener body 130. An induction coil, resistance heating element, ultrasonic sonotrode, or laser beam is directed at the interior of the nickel or high-nickel stainless steel coupler to heat it below its melting temperature but slightly below or at the glass transition temperature of the surrounding thermoplastic material. Because laser beam welding methods do not have a direct line of sight during assembly, a prism or mirror set can be positioned at the bottom of the cross node body 122 to allow the laser beam to approach the entire inner circumference of the coupler. The airtight seal 187 can be created by mechanically interlocking a thermoplastic resin to the outer surface of a metal sleeve in addition to a limited amount of chemical bonding. The coupler has at least some extension in the shape of a rail 184 from the stiffener assembly 118. The rails 184 may be designed with chamfers to guide the anode assembly 164 and connector bar 180 so that they can more easily move into the next core during installation and replacement. The airtight seal 187 is advantageous in mitigating or otherwise preventing the electrolyte 103 from leaking out of the battery assembly 116.

[0041] In some embodiments, routing the cathode lead 156 and the anode lead 157 through the top of the cross node body 122 is advantageous because it allows the batteries 142 of each stiffener assembly 118 to be connected in parallel, in series, or a combination of both. The connector bar 180 of the battery assembly 116 functions as a bus bar connector for arranging the anode assemblies 164 in series and may be the negative side of the batteries. In some embodiments, the connector bar 180 may be configured to electrically insulate the anode assemblies 164 from one another. For example, FIGS. 13-14 show a ball-and-socket joint 186 coupled to the connector bar 180 and the first end cap 170. The ball-and-socket joint 186 may be encased by an electrically insulating material 188 incorporated into the first end cap 170. In one embodiment, the electrically insulating material 188 comprises silicon nitride. Silicon nitride may provide advantages because it has high tensile strength, toughness, and wear resistance. In some embodiments, first end cap 170 includes a ball-socket housing 190 that is a separate component from first end cap 170. Ball-socket housing 190 is configured to house an electrically insulating material 188 and a ball-socket joint 186. Ball-socket housing 190 can be coupled (e.g., welded or glued) to first end cap 170. In some embodiments, ball-socket joint 186 is configured to pivot within ball-socket housing 190, which can aid in removing or inserting housing 166 from stiffener body 130. Additionally, electrically insulating material 188 allows anode assemblies 164 to be wired in parallel as well as in series, if desired.

[0042] If the battery assembly 116 is configured for a metal-air battery, the anode 174 is typically consumed during discharge because most metal-air batteries are primary batteries (e.g., not electrically rechargeable). However, metal-air batteries are mechanically rechargeable, in that the anode 174 can be replaced after being partially or completely consumed. Referring to FIGS. 15-17 , the transportation vehicle 100 can include a plurality of inlet access ports 192 for inserting the anode assemblies 164 into the hollow passages 134 of the stiffener assembly 118, and a plurality of outlet access ports 194 for removing the anode assemblies 164 from the hollow passages 134. The inlet access ports 192 are sized to allow one or more anode assemblies 164 to be inserted into the one or more hollow passages 134 through the inlet access ports 192, and the outlet access ports 194 are sized to allow one or more anode assemblies 164 to be removed from the outlet access ports 194. The entrance access hatch 192 and the exit access hatch 194 may be located on the bottom or sides of the transport vehicle 100 .

[0043] In one non-limiting example, the ground support equipment of the transport vehicle 100 is brought near the transport vehicle 100 with a spool of new anode assemblies 164. The new anode assemblies 164 can be attached to the used anode assemblies 164 within the hollow flow passages 134 at the ends exposed when the inlet access hatches 192 are removed. The new anode assemblies 164 can be attached to the used anode assemblies 164 via the connector bars 180. As described above, the first portion of the stiffener assembly 118 of the transport vehicle 100 can be configured in a cylindrical shape formed by spiral loops 196 extending in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Each of the spiral loops 196 can be in fluid communication with a respective inlet access hatch 192 and a respective outlet access hatch 194. 14 illustrates an example in which a cylindrical shape includes at least a first portion of the stiffener assembly 118, the first portion being configured to extend along the cylindrical shape in at least a first helical loop 196a. A first inlet access port 192a is in fluid communication with the hollow channel 134 of the stiffener assembly 118 in the first helical loop 196a, and a first outlet access port 194a is in fluid communication with the hollow channel 134 of the stiffener assembly 118 in the first helical loop 196a.

[0044] To remove the used anode assembly 164 from the first spiral loop 196a, the second piece of ground support equipment can attach a guide wire or cable to the connector bar 180 of the first exit access hatch 194a of the first spiral loop 196a. The guide wire or cable from the second piece of ground support equipment can begin to pull the used anode assembly 164 out of the stiffener body 130 and wind the used anode assembly 164 onto the reel. The new anode assembly 164 wound onto the reel of the first piece of ground support equipment begins to unwind and is pulled into the stiffener body 130 through the first entrance access hatch 192a. Once the used anode assembly 164 has been completely removed by the second piece of ground support equipment, the new anode assembly 164 will be installed into place within the stiffener body 130. The used anode assembly 164 is removed from the new anode assembly 164, and the process can be repeated for each of the spiral loops 196 in the transport vehicle 100. For example, the process can be repeated for a second cylindrical spiral loop 196b. The second inlet access hatch 192b is in fluid communication with the hollow passage 134 of the stiffener assembly 118 of the second spiral loop 196b, and the second outlet access hatch 194b is in fluid communication with the hollow passage 134 of the stiffener assembly 118 of the second spiral loop 196b.

[0045] As described above, the third portion of the stiffener assembly 118 can be arranged in a linear configuration. The third portion of the stiffener assembly 118 can be joined to a cylindrical shape and extend toward the aft end of the transport vehicle 100 (e.g., the rear of an aircraft). The anodes 174 housed within the linear configuration of the tail cone of the transport vehicle 100 can be removed in other ways. For example, the transport vehicle can include a rear access hatch 198 defined in the aft tail cone 200 of the transport vehicle 100. To remove the anode assemblies 164 from the linear configuration of the aft tail cone 200, the third portion of the ground support equipment can be configured to lift a worker or robotic manipulator to an appropriate height. The aft access hatch 198 can have a cover that is removed, and the used anode assemblies 164 are pulled out and set aside. New anode assemblies 164 are installed one by one in the linear configuration from the aft tail cone 200.

[0046] As mentioned above, in alternative embodiments, at least one battery 142 in the stiffener assembly 118 can be a rechargeable battery. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18-20 , the battery assembly 116 can include a housing 202 disposed within the hollow channel 134 of the stiffener body 130. The housing 202 can include a housing body 204 disposed between a first end cap 206 and a second end cap 208. The housing 202 can include one or more batteries 142. For example, each of the batteries 142 can be a rechargeable battery disposed between the first end cap 206 and the second end cap 208. In some embodiments, the batteries 142 are rechargeable batteries, including, but not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium gas batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, aluminum-ion batteries, or combinations thereof. In some specific, non-limiting examples, the rechargeable batteries are Panasonic 2170 batteries or South 8 Technologies lithium gas batteries. The rechargeable battery can be arranged end-to-end (e.g., in a mini-pack) and is contained within the housing body 204. In some embodiments, the housing body 204 is a perforated or mesh sleeve that can be non-conductive (e.g., fiberglass) or partially conductive (e.g., fiberglass with embedded metal leads attached to the first end cap 206 or the second end cap 208).

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-conductive housing body 204 can be used when rechargeable batteries are configured in series (e.g., each battery 142 is connected end to end, with the positive terminal contacting the negative terminal of the next battery 142). For example, the first end cap 206 can be the negative terminal and the second end cap 208 can be the positive terminal. Leads 156, 157 can be connected to each end of the housing body 204 and to a power source.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the batteries 142 are arranged in parallel, a partially conductive housing body 204 can be used. Referring to FIG. 19 , when the batteries 142 are in a parallel configuration, the housing 202 can include separators 210 disposed between each battery 142 within the housing body 204. Each separator 210 can include a negative tab 212, a positive tab 214, and an insulator 216 disposed between the negative tab 212 and the positive tab 214. The negative tab 212 and the positive tab 214 can be any suitable conductive material, and the insulator 216 can be any suitable non-conductive material. The positive terminal of each battery 142 is configured to contact the positive tab 214 of its respective separator 210, and the negative terminal of each battery 142 is configured to contact the negative tab 212 of its respective separator 210. The housing body 204 includes a negative bus bar 218 made of a conductive material configured to contact each of the negative tabs 212 but not the positive tab 214. The housing body 204 includes a positive bus bar 220 made of a conductive material that is configured to contact each of the positive tabs 214 but not the negative tabs 212. In some embodiments, the negative bus bar 218 is welded to the negative tabs 212 and the positive bus bar 220 is welded to the positive tabs 214.

[0049] 20 , a first end cap 206 (e.g., a negative end cap) can contact the negative terminal of the outermost battery 142 at one end of the housing body 204, and a second end cap 208 (e.g., a positive end cap) can contact the outermost battery at the other end of the housing. The first end cap 206 and the second end cap 208 can be constructed of a conductive material. The first end cap 206 can connect to the negative lead wire 157, and the second end cap 208 can connect to the positive lead wire 156. In some embodiments, a connector bar 180 can be configured to connect the two positive end caps within the cross node body 122. The positive lead wire 156 can connect to the second end cap 208, and the negative lead wire 157 can connect to the first end cap 206. Positive lead 156 and negative lead 157 are connected with respective polarity leads from other cells in battery assembly 116 to obtain the desired number of batteries 142 in parallel. If battery 142 is a rechargeable battery, pump 101 may be configured to circulate a fluid through hollow passage 134 and hollow interior 126 of cross node body 122. The fluid may be a coolant (e.g., a water-glycol mixture). In an alternative embodiment, a fan may be configured to circulate air 145 through hollow passage 134 and hollow interior 126 of cross node body 122.

[0050] 2 and 21-22, the transportation vehicle 100 may include a pump circuit 221 for transporting a fluid through the battery assembly 116. The pump circuit 221 may include a pump 101 configured to circulate a fluid through the battery assembly 116. As described above, if one or more of the batteries 142 include a metal-air battery, the fluid may include an electrolyte 103. In an alternative embodiment, if one or more of the batteries 142 are rechargeable batteries, the fluid may include a coolant (e.g., a water-glycol mixture).

[0051] In some embodiments, the pump 101 has an outlet connected to an inlet of the outlet manifold 222. The outlet manifold 222 is configured to receive fluid from the pump 101 and is further configured to fluidly connect the outlet of the pump 101 to at least one inlet of the first distribution reservoir 224. As described above in FIG. 2 , a portion of the battery assembly 116 can be configured in a cylindrical shape within the transportation vehicle 100. The first distribution reservoir 224 can be located at an upper portion of the cylindrical shape of the battery assembly 116. In some embodiments, the first distribution reservoir 224 is a linear distribution reservoir extending along the apex of the cylindrical shape. The first distribution reservoir 224 includes at least one outlet that fluidly connects the first distribution reservoir 224 to at least one of the hollow channels 134 of the plurality of stiffener assemblies 118. Fluid can be configured to flow from the first distribution reservoir 224 down into one or more hollow channels 134 and the hollow interior 126 of the intersecting node body 122. In some embodiments, the first distribution reservoir 224 can extend along the length of the cylindrical shape of the battery assembly 116. By locating the first distribution reservoir at the top or apex of the cylindrical shape, the fluid flows down toward the lowest point of the transportation vehicle 100. The fluid can flow into the stiffener assemblies 118 arranged in a linear configuration connected to the cylindrical shape. That is, the fluid flows into the linear stiffener assemblies 118 with a positive pressure head, and the fluid can be directed toward the bottom of the transportation vehicle.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pump circuit 221 includes a second distribution reservoir 226 including at least one inlet configured to receive fluid from the stiffener assembly 118 in the battery assembly 116. The second distribution reservoir 226 can be located at the bottom of the cylindrical shape of the battery assembly 116. In some embodiments, the second distribution reservoir 226 is located at the bottom of the cylindrical shape such that fluid flows from the first distribution reservoir 224 downward through the battery assembly 116 to the second distribution reservoir 226. In some embodiments, the second distribution reservoir 226 includes a gas bubbler 227 configured to distribute gas (e.g., air or oxygen) upward from the second distribution reservoir 226 through the pump circuit 221. That is, the buoyancy of the gas allows the gas to flow against the downward flow of the fluid and allows the gas to flow upward through the pump circuit 221. The gas can be collected, separated, and / or recovered in the first distribution reservoir 224 through one or more outlets of the first distribution reservoir 224. The addition of gas can help improve the electrochemical reaction, remove by-products (e.g., hydrogen gas), and break down aluminum hydroxide deposits.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pump circuit 221 includes an inlet manifold 228 configured to fluidly connect at least one of the hollow passages 134 of the stiffener assembly 118 to an inlet to the pump 101, such that fluid can travel from the second distribution reservoir 226 through the inlet manifold 228 to the pump 101. In some embodiments, the pump circuit 221 can optionally include a heat exchanger 230 disposed between the second distribution reservoir 226 and the pump 101. The heat exchanger 230 can be configured to cool the fluid by exchanging heat with a coolant. For example, if the battery 142 is a rechargeable battery, it may be desirable to circulate the coolant through the hollow passages 134 of the stiffener assembly 118. The heat exchanger 230 can cool the coolant before circulating it through the stiffener assembly 118. If the pump circuit 221 includes a heat exchanger 230, the inlet manifold 228 can be configured to fluidly connect the second distribution reservoir 226 to the heat exchanger 230 and to fluidly connect the heat exchanger 230 to the pump 101.

[0054] 23 illustrates a battery assembly 116 disposed within a transport vehicle 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the transport vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 232 comprising a first panel 234 and a second panel 236. The interior surface 104 of the transport vehicle 100 includes a first interior surface 238 of the first panel 234 and a second interior surface 240 of the second panel 236. The frame assembly 232 may include a plurality of stiffener assemblies 118 coupled to the first interior surface 238 and the second interior surface 240 of the frame assembly 232. In one non-limiting example, the frame assembly 232 may be used in an automobile chassis or a lunar lander (e.g., a lunar lander deck, landing legs, and unloading ramp) configured to house a plurality of stiffener assemblies comprising one or more batteries 142, as described herein. In the case of the lunar lander, since the regolith contains aluminum and iron, the anode assembly 164 can be replaced with a new anode assembly 164 through in situ resource utilization (ISRU). The electrolyte 103 can also be replenished with water or oxygen mined from the ice.

[0055] While several embodiments are provided in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods can be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. The examples should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and are not limited to the details provided herein. For example, various elements or components can be combined or integrated into other systems, or certain features can be omitted or not implemented.

[0056] Additionally, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in various embodiments as separate or distinct may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Others shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled or in communication with each other may be indirectly coupled or in communication through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrical, mechanical, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations will be ascertainable by those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 101 Pump 102 Vehicle body 104 Interior 116 Battery assembly 118 Reinforcement assembly 120 Intersection Node Assembly

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: a plurality of stiffener assemblies, at least one of the plurality of stiffener assemblies comprising: A reinforcing material body; an inner surface of the reinforcement body forming a hollow passageway therethrough; a cathode assembly disposed between the hollow flow passage of the stiffener body and air outside the stiffener body, the cathode assembly comprising: a gas diffusion layer; A catalyst layer; a current collector layer; the cathode assembly having an anode assembly disposed within the hollow channel of the stiffener body, the anode assembly comprising: a housing including a housing body disposed between a first end cap and a second end cap, the housing body being porous and configured to allow electrolyte to pass through the housing body; at least one anode disposed within the housing body; the anode assembly having: a pump in fluid communication with the one or more hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies, the pump configured to circulate an electrolyte through the one or more hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies; and A battery assembly comprising:

2. a dispensing reservoir including at least one inlet configured to receive the electrolyte from the pump; 2. The battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the distribution reservoir includes at least one outlet that places the distribution reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies.

3. The system further includes a plurality of intersecting node assemblies, wherein at least one of the plurality of stiffener assemblies is configured to intersect at the plurality of intersecting node assemblies, and at least one of the plurality of intersecting node assemblies is configured to: an intersection node body; an inner surface of the cross node body forming a hollow interior; a plurality of openings in the cross node body, the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the hollow interior; Equipped with 2. The battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the hollow channel of the stiffener body of each of the plurality of stiffener assemblies is in fluid communication with a respective opening in the plurality of openings of the intersecting node body.

4. At least a portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are arranged in a cylindrical shape; a first portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies configured to extend helically in a clockwise direction; a second portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies configured to extend helically in a counterclockwise direction; 4. The battery assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second portions of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are configured to intersect at a plurality of intersecting node assemblies.

5. 5. The battery assembly of claim 4, further comprising a third portion of a stiffener assembly, the third portion of the stiffener assembly being arranged in a linear configuration, and the third portion of the stiffener assembly being coupled to the cylindrical configuration.

6. a dispensing reservoir including at least one inlet configured to receive the electrolyte from the pump; 5. The battery assembly of claim 4, wherein the distribution reservoir is disposed in an upper portion of the cylindrical shape and the pump is disposed in a lower portion of the cylindrical shape, and the electrolyte is configured to flow from the distribution reservoir in the upper portion through the hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to the pump in the lower portion of the cylindrical shape.

7. The pump an outlet manifold configured to fluidly connect the inlet to the distribution reservoir with the outlet of the pump; an inlet manifold configured to fluidly connect at least one of the hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to the inlet of the pump; The battery assembly of claim 2 further comprising:

8. a vehicle body, the vehicle body having an interior surface; a plurality of stiffener assemblies coupled to the interior surface of the vehicle body, at least one of the plurality of stiffener assemblies comprising: A reinforcing material body; an inner surface of the reinforcement body that defines a hollow passageway extending through the reinforcement body; a cathode assembly disposed between the hollow channel of the stiffener body and air outside the stiffener body, the cathode assembly comprising: a gas diffusion layer; A catalyst layer; a current collector layer; the cathode assembly comprising: an anode assembly disposed within the hollow channel of the stiffener body, the anode assembly comprising: a housing including a housing body disposed between a first end cap and a second end cap, the housing body being porous and configured to allow electrolyte to pass through the housing body; at least one anode disposed within the housing body; the anode assembly comprising: a pump in fluid communication with the one or more hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies, the pump configured to circulate an electrolyte through the one or more hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies; and A transportation vehicle comprising:

9. a dispensing reservoir including at least one inlet configured to receive the electrolyte from the pump; 9. The transportation vehicle of claim 8, wherein the distribution reservoir includes at least one outlet that places the distribution reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies.

10. a plurality of cross node assemblies coupled to the interior surface of the vehicle body; At least some of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are configured to intersect at the plurality of intersecting node assemblies, and at least one of the plurality of intersecting node assemblies is an intersection node body; an inner surface of the cross node body forming a hollow interior; a plurality of openings disposed in the cross node body, the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the hollow interior; Equipped with 9. The transportation vehicle of claim 8, wherein the hollow passages of the stiffener body of each of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are in fluid communication with respective openings of the plurality of openings in the intersecting node body.

11. At least a portion of the vehicle body has a cylindrical shape; At least a portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are arranged in the cylindrical shape; a first portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies configured to extend helically in a clockwise direction; a second portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies configured to extend helically in a counterclockwise direction; 9. The transportation vehicle of claim 8, wherein the first and second portions of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are configured to intersect at the plurality of intersecting node assemblies.

12. further comprising a third portion of stiffener assemblies of the plurality of stiffener assemblies; 12. The transportation vehicle of claim 11, wherein the third portion of the stiffener assembly is arranged in a linear configuration, and the third portion of the stiffener assembly is joined to the cylindrical configuration and extends toward the rear end of the transportation vehicle.

13. 10. The transportation vehicle of claim 9, wherein the distribution reservoir is located in an upper portion of the vehicle body and the pump is located in a lower portion of the vehicle body, and the electrolyte is configured to flow from the distribution reservoir in the upper portion through the hollow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to the pump in the lower portion of the vehicle body.

14. The pump an outlet manifold configured to fluidly connect the inlet to the distribution reservoir with an outlet of the pump; an inlet manifold configured to fluidly connect at least one of the hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to an inlet to the pump; 10. The transportation vehicle of claim 9, further comprising:

15. the vehicle body further comprises a frame assembly comprising a first panel and a second panel; the interior surface of the vehicle body further comprises a first interior surface of the first panel and a second interior surface of the second panel; 9. The transportation vehicle of claim 8, wherein at least some of the plurality of stiffener assemblies are coupled to the first inner surface of the first panel and the second inner surface of the second panel.

16. a vehicle body, the vehicle body having an interior surface; a plurality of stiffener assemblies coupled to the interior surface of the vehicle body; A transportation vehicle comprising: At least one of the plurality of stiffener assemblies comprises: A reinforcing material body; an inner surface of the reinforcement body forming a hollow passageway therethrough; a cathode assembly disposed between the hollow flow passage of the stiffener body and air outside the stiffener body, the cathode assembly comprising: a gas diffusion layer; A catalyst layer; a current collector layer; the cathode assembly comprising: an anode assembly disposed within the hollow channel of the stiffener body, the anode assembly comprising: a housing including a housing body disposed between a first end cap and a second end cap, the housing body being porous and configured to allow an electrolyte to pass through the housing body; at least one anode disposed within the housing body; the anode assembly comprising: Equipped with The vehicle body includes: a first access port in fluid communication with one or more of the hollow flow channels of the plurality of stiffener assemblies, the first access port being sized to allow the one or more anode assemblies of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to be inserted into the one or more of the hollow flow channels through the first access port; a first outlet port in fluid communication with the one or more of the hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies, the outlet port being sized to allow the one or more anode assemblies of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to be removed through the first outlet access port; The transportation vehicle further comprises:

17. At least a portion of the vehicle body has a cylindrical shape; a first portion of the plurality of stiffener assemblies comprising at least a first helical loop along the cylindrical shape; the first inlet access port is in fluid communication with the hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies of the first spiral loop; 17. The transportation vehicle of claim 16, wherein the first exit access hatch is in fluid communication with the hollow flow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies of the first spiral loop.

18. a second portion of the stiffener assembly configured to extend in at least a second helical loop along the cylindrical shape; The vehicle body includes: a second access port in fluid communication with the one or more hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies of the second spiral loop, the second access port being sized to allow the one or more anode assemblies of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to be inserted into the one or more hollow passages through the second access port; a second access port in fluid communication with the one or more of the hollow passages of the plurality of stiffener assemblies, the second access port being sized to allow the one or more anode assemblies of the plurality of stiffener assemblies to be removed from the first access port; 20. The transportation vehicle of claim 17, comprising:

19. the anode assembly includes a plurality of anodes disposed within the housing body; 20. The transportation vehicle of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of anodes comprise a disk shape, said disk shape including a conical taper on each side of said disk shape.

20. a plurality of cross node assemblies coupled to the interior surface of the vehicle body; the plurality of stiffener assemblies are configured to extend along the interior surface of the vehicle body and intersect at the plurality of intersecting node assemblies; Each cross node assembly of the plurality of cross node assemblies is an intersection node body; an inner surface of the cross node body forming a hollow interior; a plurality of openings in the cross node body, the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the hollow interior; 20. The transportation vehicle of claim 17, comprising:

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