Metal-Air Galvanic Engine

Abstract

A metal-air battery having a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies including first and second cathode disks flanking an anode disk, an actuator moving at least one cathode disk relative to the other cathode disk to facilitate sizing of the anode-cathode gap, and the anode disk having a hole that engages a power shaft that rotates the anode disk.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 130,473 (filed December 24, 2020), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Metal-air batteries offer a high-energy density power source that shows promising applications for mobile and stationary distributed power sources. With energy densities and conversion efficiencies approaching those of hydrocarbon fuels, metal-air batteries have the potential to replace internal combustion engines found in hybrid vehicles, locomotives, ships, and aircraft.

[0003] Metal-air batteries suffer from several problems that have prevented their use in the above areas to date. As the metal anode is consumed during the discharge of the battery, the distance between the cathode and anode increases over time. This change in electrode spacing leads to an increase in the I 2 R (electrical resistance) increases, lowering power output. Similarly, when a battery is operated at open circuit or without load, hydrogen gas rapidly forms in the electrolyte, which reduces I 2 This further increases R losses and prevents the battery from returning to full power when reconnected to a closed electrical circuit. Once the metal anode is consumed, the battery must be removed so that it can be mechanically recharged with a new metal anode before use. This process must be performed in a shop, and the time required makes frequent recharging and use of metal-air batteries an obstacle.

[0004]

[0004] Several attempts have been made to solve the above problem. There has been much research into electrolyte additive chemistries that can suppress hydrogen gas production during operation and when in open circuit, but with limited success. Several removable electrode designs incorporating protection from anode edge corrosion and gas production have been tested, but with limited success. Other designs have attempted to mount the anode on a moving device to reduce the increase in resistance due to the increased space between the electrode and cathode. These appear mechanically complex and limit the ability to quickly load new metal anodes into the battery. None of these solutions have been successfully applied in combination, and metal-air batteries have remained single-use and difficult to use for intermittent power applications. This has also made it difficult to scale metal-air batteries to thousands of high-power systems for application in large machinery or power systems.

[0005]

[0005] The above discussion is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006]

[0006] This disclosure relates to a high-power metal-air battery that provides rapid recharging of the cylinder power unit using an integrated automatic loading and unloading system. This disclosure also provides complete, rapid shutdown of power without parasitic corrosion and the production of dangerous hydrogen gas, using centrifugal force on the spinning anode disk and high-pressure jets from an air nozzle system. This disclosure also provides rapid restart to full power and the production of constant power output throughout the consumption of the metal anode. The system also uses mechanical, alternating brush sets to provide high-current, low-voltage AC power to a transformer to step up to a lower current, higher voltage output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007]

[0007] In a first embodiment, a metal-air battery is provided. The metal-air battery includes a housing having an opening with a keyed power shaft disposed in the opening, and a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies disposed within the housing, each anode-cathode disk assembly including a first cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a first circular hole in the first cathode disk, a second cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk, an actuator directly connected to both the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, and an actuator directly connected to the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk. and a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies comprising a rotating anode disk disposed between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the rotating anode disk having a keyed power shaft disposed within a keyed hole in the rotating anode disk such that rotation of the keyed power shaft rotates the rotating anode disk, the keyed hole being non-circular; and the housing further comprises at least one access port configured to provide liquid, gas, or electrical connection to the plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies.

[0008]

[0008] In a second embodiment, a metal-air battery is provided, the metal-air battery comprising: a housing having an opening with a keyed power shaft disposed in the opening; a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies disposed within the housing, each anode-cathode disk assembly being a first cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a first circular hole in the first cathode disk, the first cathode disk fixedly connected to the housing; a first cathode disk, a second cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk; a second cathode disk, an actuator directly connected to both the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk; and a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies, each comprising a rotating anode disk disposed between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, an actuator configured to change the size of the gap between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the rotating anode disk having a keyed power shaft disposed within a keyed hole in the rotating anode disk such that rotation of the keyed power shaft rotates the rotating anode disk, the keyed hole being non-circular; and the housing further comprises at least one access port configured to provide a liquid, gas, or electrical connection to the plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies.

[0009]

[0009] In a third embodiment, a metal-air battery is provided, the metal-air battery comprising: a housing having an opening with a power shaft disposed in the opening; and a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies disposed within the housing, each anode-cathode disk assembly comprising: a first cathode disk, the power shaft disposed within a first circular hole in the first cathode disk; a second cathode disk, the power shaft disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk; a second cathode disk, the power shaft disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk; an actuator directly connected to both the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk; and a gap size between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk. and a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies including a rotating anode disk disposed between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the power shaft disposed within a hole in the rotating anode disk and engaging the rotating anode disk such that rotation of the power shaft rotates the rotating anode disk without rotating the first cathode disk or the second cathode disk, the housing further comprising at least one access port configured to provide a liquid, gas, or electrical connection to the plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies.

[0010] This brief description of the present invention is intended only to provide a concise overview of the subject matter disclosed herein in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments, and does not serve as a guide for interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, an illustrative selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages discussed in the background.

[0011] So that the features of the present invention may be understood, the detailed description of the invention may be made with reference to specific embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the scope of the present invention encompasses other equally effective embodiments, and therefore, the drawings illustrate only specific embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis generally being placed on illustrating the features of specific embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Accordingly, for a further understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a metal-air battery in a cylindrical housing with a quarter of the anode-cathode disk assembly removed for illustration purposes. [Figure 2]

[0013] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a metal-air battery. [Figure 3]

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a metal-air battery within a strong-back support frame. [Figure 4A]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two metal-air batteries within a strong-back support frame. [Figure 4B]

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates one method for generating AC current. [Figure 5]

[0017] Figure 5A shows the addition of a new metal-air battery to a strong-back support frame, Figure 5B shows the addition of a new metal-air battery to a strong-back support frame, and Figure 5C shows the addition of a new metal-air battery to a strong-back support frame. [Figure 6]

[0018] Figure 6A is a diagram showing the removal of a used metal-air battery from a strong-back support frame. Figure 6B is a diagram showing the removal of a used metal-air battery from a strong-back support frame. Figure 6C is a diagram showing the removal of a used metal-air battery from a strong-back support frame. Figure 6D is a diagram showing the removal of a used metal-air battery from a strong-back support frame. Figure 6E is a diagram showing the removal of a used metal-air battery from a strong-back support frame. [Figure 7]

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an anode cathode disk assembly on a power shaft. [Figure 8]

[0020] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the anode cathode disk assembly on the power shaft. [Figure 9]

[0021] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a rotating anode disk.

[0022] FIG. 9B is a front view of the rotating anode disk. [Figure 10]

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotating anode disk on a power shaft with the cathode disk pair omitted for simplicity of illustration. [Figure 11]

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anode cathode disk assembly showing the actuator. [Figure 12]

[0025] Figure 12A shows an embodiment of an actuator, Figure 12B shows an embodiment of an actuator, and Figure 12C shows an embodiment of an actuator. [Figure 13]

[0026] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the cathode surface.

[0027] FIG. 13B is a front view of the cathode surface. [Figure 14]

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a stationary power plant. [Figure 15]

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates multiple arrays of galvanic engines in a power plant. [Figure 16]

[0030] Figure 16A shows a diagram of multiple galvanic engines used in a train; and Figure 16B shows a diagram of multiple galvanic engines used in a train. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013]

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 , the present disclosure relates to a metal-air battery 100 having multiple anode-cathode disk assemblies 102 installed within a housing 104. In one embodiment, the housing 104 is a cylindrical housing. Each housing 104 can be loaded into a galvanic engine 300 (see FIG. 3 ) for rapid loading and unloading of new and used housings 104. Each housing 104 (also referred to as a power unit) is designed for easy storage, unloading, and reloading of the anode-cathode disk assembly 102. Each housing 104 includes at least one access port 112 that provides liquid and / or gas to the anode-cathode disk assembly 102. The access port 112 can also provide electrical connection to the anode-cathode disk assembly 102.

[0014]

[0032] The bottom of the housing 104 has at least one forklift guide 106, which allows the housing 104 to be easily moved to and from the loading area. An upper half shell 108 on each housing 104 can be removed for quick access to the interior of the anode-cathode disk assembly 102. Each disk in the multiple anode-cathode disk assemblies 102 has a central bore 110 that accepts a power shaft 200 (see FIG. 2). As discussed in detail elsewhere herein, the power shaft 200 engages the rotating anode disk and causes rotation of the rotating anode disk without engaging the corresponding cathode disk, thereby rotating the cathode disk. The power shaft 200 has a curved end 202b that facilitates insertion into the central bore 110 and subsequent alignment of each disk. In one embodiment, the power shaft 200 is a keyed power shaft with at least one flat edge that engages a corresponding flat edge on the rotating anode disk. The power shaft 200 may be, for example, a cruciform keyed power shaft having a cruciform cross section. The power shaft 200 is electrically conductive and may be formed of a suitable conductive metal, such as brass, nickel-plated copper, or other corrosion-resistant metal. The housing 104 also includes an opening 114 that aligns with the central bore 110 to receive the power shaft 200.

[0015]

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a galvanic engine 300 comprising a strong-back support frame 302 housing at least one metal-air battery 100. The metal-air battery 100 is removably attached to the strong-back support frame 302. A power shaft 200 is rotatably mounted to the strong-back support frame 302. A drive motor 304 drives a transmission belt 306 that engages a pulley 202 (see FIG. 2) on the power shaft 200. This rotates the power shaft 200, which in turn rotates a rotating anode disk 700 (see FIG. 7) at the same rotational speed as the power shaft 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the power shaft 200 comprises two elongated rods that extend longitudinally symmetrically from the pulley, thus allowing two metal-air batteries 100 to be driven by the drive motor 304 (see FIG. 4A). 2 includes a proximal end and a distal end, with the pulley 202 disposed between the proximal and distal ends. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a drive motor 304 is mounted to the strong-back support frame 302.

[0016]

[0034] Beneath the strong-back support frame 302 is a collector tank 312 that receives spent electrolyte from each metal-air battery 100. The spent electrolyte exits the collector tank 312 through holes 314, and a pump 310 pumps the electrolyte into electrolyte tank(s) (not shown) for subsequent reuse. A mechanical arm 308, which articulates to load and unload the metal-air battery 100, is also mounted to the strong-back support frame 302. The strong-back support frame 302 may be mounted to a rigid base 500 (see FIG. 5A) or may be reinforced to transfer mechanical loads across the galvanic engine 300 to the front and rear structures, such as in a railroad locomotive. The pulley 202 has a flat disk surface 202a (see FIG. 2). Electric brushes (not shown) or other slip ring technology, including liquid metal, facilitate the transfer of electricity to the main bus.

[0017]

[0035] In one embodiment, pulley 202 has partitions that provide power to alternating brushes to generate AC current in the transformer windings. Referring to FIG. 4B, high amperage / low voltage AC current from battery 400 is routed to a center tap on the transformer coil and then stepped up to a high voltage / low amperage output. Mechanism 402 continuously changes the direction of the current during this operation. In one embodiment, this is done in pulley 202. In another embodiment, additional mechanical rotating brush sets connected to one or more metal-air batteries 100 are used.

[0018]

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, a new metal-air battery 100 can be added to a strong-back support frame 302. In FIG. 5A, the new metal-air battery 100 is positioned adjacent to the power shaft 200, so that a mechanical arm 308 secures the metal-air battery 100. In FIG. 5B, the mechanical arm 308 lifts and aligns the metal-air battery 100 with the power shaft 200, so that the central hole 110 of the anode-cathode disk assembly 102 is aligned with the power shaft 200. Alignment can be facilitated, for example, by the mechanical arm 308 (see FIG. 3), a robotic arm, a forklift, or other similar equipment. In FIG. 5C, the new metal-air battery 100 is moved inward so that each of the anode-cathode disk assemblies 102 is engaged by the power shaft 200. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, two metal-air batteries 100 are shown. In another embodiment, a single metal-air battery 100 is used for each strong-back support frame 302. Once the metal-air battery 100 is engaged with the strong-back support frame 302, power, fluid, and air connections are made using access ports 112 (see FIG. 1). Quick coupling connections are used to connect the access ports 112 to the strong-back support frame 302.

[0019]

[0037] 6A-6E, the spent metal-air battery 100 can be removed from the strong-back support frame 302. In FIG. 6A, the spent metal-air battery 100 is fully engaged with the strong-back support frame 302. In FIG. 6B, the metal-air battery 100 is moved outward using the mechanical arms 308, thereby disengaging each of the anode-cathode disk assemblies 102 from the power shaft 200. In FIG. 6C, the mechanical arms 308 are lowered so that the metal-air battery 100 is no longer aligned with the power shaft 200. For example, the metal-air battery 100 can be lowered to allow access by a forklift. Additionally or alternatively, re-seating can be facilitated by, for example, a robotic arm, a forklift, or other similar equipment. In FIG. 6D, the mechanical arms 308 are lifted and retracted, returning to their original positions within the strong-back support frame 302. In Figure 6E, one metal-air battery 100 has been removed so that a new metal-air battery 100 can now be added in its place (see Figures 5A-5C). The metal-air battery 100 is reusable; only the anode is consumed during operation.

[0020]

[0038] 7 and 8 show a single anode-cathode disk assembly 102 comprising a rotating anode disk 700 (eg, an aluminum anode) and a pair of cathode disks 702, 704.

[0021]

[0039] 9A and 9B show rotating anode disks 700. Each rotating anode disk 700 has a keyed hole 900 (e.g., a cross-shaped keyed hole) indexed to mate with the power shaft 200 so that rotation of the power shaft 200 rotates the rotating anode disk 700. The keyed holes 900 are non-circular.

[0022]

[0040] Around the periphery of the rotating anode disk 700 are notches 902 (e.g., four semicircular notches) that align with corresponding points in the central keyed hole 900. The notches 902 allow for alignment of multiple rotating anode disks 700 in a single housing 104 so that the power shaft 220 can slide into and load multiple rotating anode disks 700 at a time. The multiple rotating anode disks 700 are free to move laterally 1000 (see FIG. 10 ) parallel to the power shaft 200.

[0023]

[0041] Each rotating anode disk 700 has a central electrically conductive disk 904 (e.g., a brass conductor disk) embedded within a central circular hole in the rotating anode disk 700. The central electrically conductive disk 904 provides a keyed hole 900. During fabrication, the central electrically conductive disk 904 is shrunk by thermal contraction (e.g., cooling with liquid nitrogen). The central hole in the rotating anode disk 700 is enlarged by thermal expansion (e.g., heating to an appropriate temperature). The shrunk central electrically conductive disk 904 is then placed within the enlarged central hole of the rotating anode disk 700. Both the cooled central electrically conductive disk 904 and the heated rotating anode disk 700 are allowed to return to room temperature. The increase in size of the central electrically conductive disk 904 as it warms, along with the decrease in size of the hole in the rotating anode disk 700 as it cools, provides a highly conductive bond between the rotating anode disk 700 and the central electrically conductive disk 904 for low electrical resistance. Due to the high power output of the metal-air battery 100, highly conductive joints are highly desirable.

[0024]

[0042] Referring to FIG. 11 , the pair of cathode disks 702, 704 consists of a first cathode disk 1100 and a second cathode disk 1102. An actuator 1104 is connected to both the first cathode disk 1100 and the second cathode disk 1102, such that actuation of the actuator 1104 moves the second cathode disk 1102 longitudinally along the power shaft 200 relative to the first cathode disk 1100. Thus, the gap between the first cathode disk 1100 and the second cathode disk 1102 is controlled through actuation of the actuator. A rotating anode disk 700 is disposed between the first cathode disk 1100 and the second cathode disk 1102. As the rotating anode disk 700 thins due to consumption, the gap can be adjusted accordingly. The gap can be reduced to zero so that the rotating anode disk 700 is secured during loading and unloading of the metal-air battery 100. The gap can also be increased to facilitate replacement of a used rotating anode disk 700 with a new disk. In the embodiment of Figure 11, there are two actuators 1104 on opposite sides of each pair of cathode disks 702, 704. The central hole in each cathode disk is circular and is not keyed to the power shaft 200.

[0025]

[0043] In one embodiment, the first cathode disk 1100 is a stationary cathode disk that is fixedly connected to the housing 104 and does not have longitudinal movement. In such an embodiment, the second cathode disk 1102 is a movable cathode disk that is movably connected to the first cathode disk 1100 and does have longitudinal movement. In such an embodiment, the actuator 1104 may be fixedly connected to both the housing and the first cathode disk 1100.

[0026]

[0044] The actuator 1104 is connected to an access port 112 (see FIG. 1) in the housing 104 to receive liquid (e.g., electrolyte), gas (e.g., air and / or oxygen), and transfer power within the metal-air battery 100. The actuator 1104 provides a path for the flow of liquid, gas, and electricity from the first cathode disk 1100 to the second cathode disk 1102.

[0027]

[0045] 12A-12C show one embodiment of the actuator 1104. The actuator 1104 comprises a hollow cylinder 1200 with two hydraulic arms 1202 that are U-shaped. Introduction of actuating fluid into port 1204 causes engagement plunger 1206 to move hydraulic arms 1202 outward, thereby moving the cathode disks apart. In contrast, introduction of actuating fluid into port 1206 engages plunger 1206 in the opposite direction, thereby moving the cathode disks closer together.

[0028]

[0046] 13A and 13B, a cathode surface 1300 is shown. The cathode surface 1300 is used on both the first cathode disk 1100 and the second cathode disk 1102 and faces the rotating anode disk 700. The cathode surface 1300 has nozzles 1302 that inject electrolyte between the respective cathode disk and the rotating anode disk 700. The nozzles 1302 are disposed in shallow depressions 1304 (e.g., channels) on the cathode surface 1300. The nozzles 1302 are fluidly connected to the access ports 112. The depressions can be of many shapes to facilitate even distribution of the electrolyte. Each anode-cathode disk assembly 102 can have the electrolyte turned on or off independently to accommodate different power demands.

[0029]

[0047] During operation, the electrolyte is centrifugally ejected away from the rotating anode disc 700 and then falls into the collector tank 312 .

[0030]

[0048] To shut down a particular anode-cathode disk assembly 102, air, rather than electrolyte, is injected through the nozzles 1302. During normal operation, the rotating anode disk 700 rotates at a relatively slow speed (e.g., 10-30 rpm) to create a hydraulic action that diffuses the electrolyte into the gap to immerse the entire rotating anode disk 700 and the pair of cathode disks 702, 704, resulting in uniform erosion of the rotating anode disk 700. This liquid thrust bearing provides a constant distance (e.g., approximately 4 mm) between adjacent disks, and therefore a constant electrical resistance.

[0031]

[0049] At this low speed, along with the air jet nozzles, the rotating anode disks 700 can dry within about 15 seconds, rendering the rotating anode disks 700 inactive until needed again. During main engine shutdown, all rotating anode disks 700 rotate at several hundred rpm (e.g., 200-500 rpm) with air being applied through the nozzles 1302. This results in total drying for long-term storage.

[0032]

[0050] Galvani engines 300 can be arranged in series and / or parallel to provide the desired power for a particular application. In the case of a marine engine, multiple levels or tiers of Galvani engines 300 can provide in excess of 20,000 HP to power a ship or small city. Additional cylinders can be added to increase power as needed.

[0033]

[0051] 14 shows a power plant 1400 having six galvanic engines 300 (three of which are visible). A utility room 1402 is adjacent to the galvanic engines.

[0034]

[0052] Figure 15 shows three arrays of galvanic engines stacked on multiple floors of a power plant, each of which can be arranged in series and / or parallel.

[0035]

[0053] 16A and 16B show a train with six galvanic engines 300 (three of which are visible).

[0036]

[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, as well as to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and practicing any methods incorporated therein. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they have equivalent structural elements that have insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. a housing having an opening with a keyed power shaft disposed in the opening; a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies disposed within the housing, each anode-cathode disk assembly comprising: a first cathode disk, the keyed power shaft being disposed within a first circular hole in the first cathode disk; a second cathode disk, the keyed power shaft being disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk; an actuator directly connected to both the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the actuator configured to change a gap size between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk; and a rotating anode disk disposed between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a keyed hole in the rotating anode disk such that rotation of the keyed power shaft rotates the rotating anode disk, the keyed hole being non-circular. a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies comprising: Equipped with the housing further comprises at least one access port configured to provide fluid, gas, or electrical connection to the plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies; Metal-air battery.

2. 2. The metal-air battery of claim 1, wherein the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk each comprise a respective cathode surface facing the rotating anode disk, each of the cathode surfaces comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with the at least one access port such that a liquid thrust bearing is formed when liquid electrolyte is injected between each respective cathode surface and the rotating anode disk through the nozzle.

3. 2. The metal-air battery of claim 1, wherein the keyed power shaft is a cruciform keyed power shaft.

4. 4. The metal-air battery according to claim 3, wherein the keyed hole is a cross-shaped keyed hole.

5. 10. The metal-air battery of claim 1, wherein the rotating anode disk has an outer periphery with at least one notch.

6. 2. The metal-air battery of claim 1, wherein the rotating anode disk includes a central circular hole, an electrically conductive disk is disposed within the central circular hole, the keyed hole is disposed in the electrically conductive disk, and the rotating anode disk and the electrically conductive disk are two different metals.

7. 7. The metal-air battery of claim 6, wherein said rotating anode disk is aluminum and said electrically conductive disk is brass.

8. 10. The metal-air battery of claim 1, wherein the keyed power shaft further comprises a pulley having a flat disk surface.

9. A metal-air battery system comprising a strong-back support frame and the metal-air battery of claim 1 , wherein the metal-air battery is removably attached to the strong-back support frame.

10. 10. The metal-air battery system of claim 9, wherein the metal-air battery is removably attached to the strong-back support frame by a mechanical arm.

11. A metal-air galvanic engine comprising a first metal-air battery and a second metal-air battery, respectively, according to claim 1, the keyed power shaft comprises a proximal end and a distal end of the keyed power shaft, the proximal end being disposed in the first metal-air battery and the distal end being disposed in the second metal-air battery; Metal-air galvanic engine.

12. Further comprising a strong back support frame; the first metal-air battery and the second metal-air battery are each removably attached to the strong-back support frame; 12. The metal-air galvanic engine of claim 11.

13. 13. The metal-air galvanic engine of claim 12, wherein the first metal-air battery and the second metal-air battery are each removably attached to the strong-back support frame by a first mechanical arm and a second mechanical arm, respectively.

14. 12. The metal-air galvanic engine of claim 11, further comprising a drive motor for rotating said keyed power shaft.

15. 15. The metal-air galvanic engine of claim 14, wherein the drive motor is mounted to a strong-back support frame.

16. 12. An array of metal-air galvanic engines, comprising a plurality of the metal-air galvanic engines of claim 11.

17. a housing having an opening with a keyed power shaft disposed in the opening; a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies disposed within the housing, each anode-cathode disk assembly comprising: a first cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a first circular hole in the first cathode disk, the first cathode disk being fixedly connected to the housing; a second cathode disk, the keyed power shaft being disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk; an actuator directly connected to both the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the actuator configured to change a gap size between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk; and a rotating anode disk disposed between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the keyed power shaft disposed within a keyed hole in the rotating anode disk such that rotation of the keyed power shaft rotates the rotating anode disk, the keyed hole being non-circular. a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies comprising: Equipped with the housing further comprises at least one access port configured to provide fluid, gas, or electrical connection to the plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies; Metal-air battery.

18. 18. The metal-air battery of claim 17, wherein the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk each comprise a respective cathode surface facing the rotating anode disk, each of the cathode surfaces comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with the at least one access port such that a liquid thrust bearing is formed when liquid electrolyte is injected between each respective cathode surface and the rotating anode disk through the nozzle.

19. a housing having an opening with a power shaft disposed in the opening; a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies disposed within the housing, each anode-cathode disk assembly comprising: a first cathode disk, the power shaft being disposed within a first circular hole in the first cathode disk; a second cathode disk, the power shaft being disposed within a second circular hole in the second cathode disk; an actuator directly connected to both the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the actuator configured to change a gap size between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk; and a rotating anode disk disposed between the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk, the power shaft disposed within a hole in the rotating anode disk and engaging the rotating anode disk such that rotation of the power shaft rotates the rotating anode disk without rotating the first cathode disk or the second cathode disk; a plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies comprising: Equipped with the housing further comprises at least one access port configured to provide fluid, gas, or electrical connection to the plurality of anode-cathode disk assemblies; Metal-air battery.

20. 20. The metal-air battery of claim 19, wherein the first cathode disk and the second cathode disk each comprise a respective cathode surface facing the rotating anode disk, each of the cathode surfaces comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with the at least one access port such that a liquid thrust bearing is formed when liquid electrolyte is injected between each respective cathode surface and the rotating anode disk through the nozzle.