Metal-air battery device using impinging jet flow

Abstract

A metal-air battery device is disclosed. The metal-air battery device comprises: a metal electrode which releases metal ions; an air electrode which is disposed so as to face the metal electrode and uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material; and an electrolyte supply nozzle which expels an electrolyte onto at least any one of one surface of the metal electrode and one surface of the air electrode which face each other.

Description

Metal-air battery device using impinging jet flow

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal-air battery device utilizing an impinging jet flow, and more particularly, to a metal-air battery device utilizing an impinging jet flow that increases the flow complexity of an electrolyte within the metal-air battery device by utilizing an impinging jet flow, thereby improving the energy production efficiency of the battery.

[0002] Metal-air battery devices generate electricity by using metal and air as the cathode and anode of the battery. At the anode, reduction and oxidation reactions of externally supplied oxygen occur, while at the cathode, oxidation and reduction reactions of the metal occur. The chemical energy generated during this reaction is converted into electrical energy and extracted.

[0003] These metal-air battery devices absorb oxygen during discharge and release it during charging. They utilize oxygen present in the air and utilize readily available, low-explosive metals, making them economical and safe. Furthermore, the use of air electrodes allows for increased metal content, resulting in a high energy density per unit mass.

[0004] However, metal-air battery devices suffer from reduced energy production efficiency due to the accumulation of byproducts on the surfaces of the anode and cathode. Furthermore, hydrogen bubbles formed on the surface during the reaction at the anode impede electricity generation, and side reactions resulting from hydrogen generation can cause heat generation, decreased activity, and other risks. Furthermore, side reactions of the oxygen reduction reaction can lead to metal deposition on the cathode, and carbonate formation due to the dissolution of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to reduced output and stability of the metal-air battery device.

[0005] The present invention provides a metal-air battery device capable of removing corrosion products and hydrogen bubbles generated within the metal-air battery device.

[0006] In addition, the present invention provides a metal-air battery device that actively promotes eddy current and mixed flow of electrolyte.

[0007] In addition, the present invention provides a metal-air battery device that improves the uniformity of temperature within the metal-air battery device and controls the generation of heat to improve energy production efficiency.

[0008] A metal-air battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a metal electrode that emits metal ions; an air electrode that faces the metal electrode and uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material; and an electrolyte supply nozzle that discharges an electrolyte to at least one of one surface of the metal electrode and one surface of the air electrode that face each other.

[0009] In addition, the electrolyte supply nozzle is provided along the path between the metal electrode and the air electrode at a predetermined length, and a plurality of discharge ports through which the electrolyte is discharged can be formed.

[0010] Additionally, the discharge ports can discharge the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the surfaces.

[0011] Additionally, the discharge ports may be formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the electrolyte supply nozzle.

[0012] Additionally, the discharge ports may have different diameters.

[0013] In addition, the discharge ports may include a first discharge port that discharges the electrolyte in a direction perpendicular to one of the surfaces; a second discharge port that discharges the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the surfaces; and a third discharge port that is symmetrical with respect to the second discharge port and discharges the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the surfaces, with the first discharge port as the center.

[0014] In addition, the electrolyte supply nozzle includes a first region provided with a predetermined length and having a discharge port formed therein; a second region provided parallel to the first region and having a discharge port formed therein; and a third region provided parallel to the second region and having a discharge port formed therein, wherein the first region to the third region may be connected in parallel.

[0015] In addition, the electrolyte supply nozzle includes a first region provided with a predetermined length and having a discharge port formed therein; a second region provided parallel to the first region and having a discharge port formed therein; and a third region provided parallel to the second region and having a discharge port formed therein, wherein the first region to the third region may be connected in series.

[0016] In addition, the electrolyte supply nozzle may include a first supply nozzle that supplies the electrolyte to one side of the metal electrode; and a second supply nozzle that supplies the electrolyte to one side of the air electrode.

[0017] In addition, the battery may include a metal-air battery cell in which a metal electrode and an air electrode are arranged facing each other; and an electrolyte supply unit for supplying an electrolyte to a passage between the metal electrode and the air electrode, wherein the electrolyte supply unit includes an electrolyte supply line through which an electrolyte discharged from the passage between the metal electrode and the air electrode circulates and supplies the electrolyte to the passage between the metal electrode and the air electrode; a pump installed on the electrolyte supply line; and a heat exchanger for controlling a temperature of the electrolyte circulating along the electrolyte supply line; and an electrolyte supply nozzle connected to the electrolyte supply line for discharging the electrolyte to at least one of one surface of the metal electrode and one surface of the air electrode.

[0018] In addition, the electrolyte supply nozzle is provided along the path between the metal electrode and the air electrode at a predetermined length, and a plurality of discharge ports through which the electrolyte is discharged can be formed.

[0019] Additionally, the discharge ports can discharge the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the surfaces.

[0020] Additionally, the discharge ports may have different diameters.

[0021] According to the present invention, the metal-air battery device can remove corrosion products and hydrogen bubbles generated within the metal-air battery device by supplying the electrolyte in a collision jet manner.

[0022] In addition, according to the present invention, the metal-air battery device can actively promote vortex and mixed flow of the electrolyte by increasing the flow complexity of the electrolyte by applying an impinging jet flow structure.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, the metal-air battery device can improve the uniformity of temperature within the metal-air battery device through eddy current and mixed flow of the electrolyte, and control the generation of heat, thereby improving the energy production efficiency of the metal-air battery.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a metal-air battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the metal-air battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the operation of a metal-air battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the discharge of an electrolyte supply nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the discharge of an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an outlet of an electrolyte supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the arrangement of electrolyte supply nozzle outlets according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention when positioned at the bottom of a metal-air battery cell.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a right-hand side view showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] A metal-air battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a metal electrode that emits metal ions; an air electrode that faces the metal electrode and uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material; and an electrolyte supply nozzle that discharges an electrolyte to at least one of one surface of the metal electrode and one surface of the air electrode that face each other.

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments introduced herein are provided to ensure that the disclosed content is thorough and complete and to sufficiently convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0042] In this specification, when a component is referred to as being on another component, it means that it can be formed directly on the other component, or a third component may be interposed between them. In addition, in the drawings, the thicknesses of films and regions are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical contents.

[0043] Also, although terms such as first, second, and third have been used to describe various components in various embodiments of this specification, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, what is referred to as a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment. Each embodiment described and illustrated herein also includes its complementary embodiments. Also, the term "and / or" has been used herein to mean including at least one of the components listed before and after.

[0044] In the specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, component, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. In addition, the term "connection" is used in the present specification to mean both indirectly connecting multiple components and directly connecting them.

[0045] In addition, when describing the present invention below, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a metal-air battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a metal-air battery cell of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a right-side drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a metal-air battery device (10) produces electricity by electrochemically reacting metal and air.

[0049] A metal-air battery device (10) includes a metal-air battery cell (100) and an electrolyte supply unit (200).

[0050] A metal-air battery cell (100) generates electricity by reacting a metal electrode and an air electrode. A plurality of metal-air battery cells (100) are provided. Each metal-air battery cell (100) includes a metal electrode (110), an air electrode (120), and a separator (130).

[0051] The metal electrode (110) releases metal ions during discharge and accepts metal ions during charging. According to an embodiment, the metal electrode (110) may include zinc metal as a negative electrode active material. The zinc metal may be in the form of a plate, powder, or granule.

[0052] In addition, the metal electrode (110) may further include a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector collects the current of the negative electrode and may be any material having electrical conductivity. For example, one or more selected from the group consisting of carbon, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, iron, and titanium may be used, and more specifically, a carbon-coated aluminum current collector may be used. Using a carbon-coated aluminum substrate has superior adhesion to the active material, lower contact resistance, and can prevent corrosion by aluminum polysulfide compared to a non-carbon-coated substrate. The negative electrode current collector may have various forms such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous body, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0053] The air electrode (120) is positioned opposite the metal electrode (110) and uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material. The air electrode (120) reduces oxygen during discharge and releases oxygen during charging. According to an embodiment, the air electrode (120) may include a conductive material. For example, it may include a porous carbon material. The porous carbon material may be one or more selected from the group consisting of graphene, graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and activated carbon. The carbon black may be acetylene black, Denka black, Ketjen black, or carbon black.

[0054] The air electrode (120) may further include an oxygen reduction catalyst. Since the air electrode (120) uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material, it may include an oxygen reduction catalyst capable of promoting an oxygen reaction. The oxygen reduction catalyst may be one or more selected from the group consisting of noble metals, non-metals, metal oxides, and organometallic complexes, but is not limited thereto. The noble metal may be one or more selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), and silver (Ag), the non-metal may be one or more selected from the group consisting of boron (B), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S), the metal oxide may be one or more selected from the group consisting of manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), and the organometallic complex may be one or more selected from the group consisting of metal porphyrins and metal phthalocyanines.

[0055] In addition to the above catalyst, the air electrode (120) may further include one or more of a binder and a solvent for properly attaching the positive electrode active material to the air electrode (120), optionally together with a conductive material.

[0056] The conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it has electrical conductivity without causing a chemical change in the battery, and for example, carbon materials, conductive polymers, conductive fibers, or metal powders may be used alone or in combination. The carbon material may be any material that has a porous structure or a high specific surface area, and for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of mesoporous carbon, graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, fullerenes, and activated carbon may be used. The conductive fiber may be carbon fiber or metal fiber, the metal powder may be fluorocarbon, aluminum, or nickel powder, and the conductive polymer may be polyaniline, polythiophene, polyacetylene, or polypyrrole.

[0057] As the above binder, one or more selected from the group consisting of poly(vinyl acetate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkylated polyethylene oxide, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl ether, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyvinylidene fluoride, copolymers of polyhexafluoropropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, poly(ethyl acrylate), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylpyridine, polystyrene, derivatives, blends and copolymers thereof may be used.

[0058] In addition, the air electrode (120) may further include a positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector collects the current of the positive electrode and may be any material having electrical conductivity. For example, one or more selected from the group consisting of carbon, stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, iron, copper, and titanium may be used, and more specifically, a carbon-coated aluminum current collector may be used. Using a carbon-coated aluminum substrate has the advantages of excellent adhesion to the active material, low contact resistance, and prevention of corrosion by aluminum polysulfide compared to a non-carbon-coated substrate. The current collector may have various forms such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous body, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0059] The separator (130) separates the space between the metal electrode (110) and the air electrode (120) from each other and enables ion transport between the metal electrode (110) and the air electrode (120). Any separator (130) that can pass only ions and block the rest can be used. According to an embodiment, the separator (130) may be made of a porous non-conductive or insulating material. Specifically, it may be provided as a polymer non-woven fabric such as a non-woven fabric made of polypropylene or a non-woven fabric made of polyphenylene sulfide; a porous film made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene; and two or more types of these may be used in combination. The separator (130) may be provided as an independent member such as a film.

[0060] The electrolyte supply unit (200) supplies electrolyte to the metal-air battery cell (100), and controls the temperature of the electrolyte discharged from the metal-air battery cell (100) and supplies it back to the metal-air battery cell (100). According to an embodiment, the electrolyte may be an aqueous electrolyte or a non-aqueous electrolyte. The aqueous electrolyte may include water, and the non-aqueous electrolyte may include a non-aqueous organic solvent selected from the group consisting of carbonate-based, ester-based, ether-based, ketone-based, organosulfur-based, organophosphorous-based, aprotic solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0061] The above non-aqueous organic solvents are ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), dibutyl carbonate (DBC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), methyl propyl carbonate (MPC), ethyl propyl carbonate (EPC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), dibutyl ether, tetraglyme, diglyme, dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, 1,2-dibuoxyethane, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, methyl formate, ethyl formate, propyl formate, butyl Formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, butyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, propyl butyrate, butyl butyrate, γ-butyrolactone, 2-methyl-γ-butyrolactone, 3-methyl-γ-butyrolactone, 4-methyl-γ-butyrolactone, β-propiolactone, δ-valerolactone, trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) phosphate, tripropyl phosphate, triisopropyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, trihexyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tritolyl phosphate, It may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME) and combinations thereof.

[0062] The electrolyte supply unit (200) includes an electrolyte supply line (210), a tank (220), a pump (230), a heat exchanger (240), and an electrolyte supply nozzle (250).

[0063] The electrolyte supply line (210) circulates the electrolyte discharged from the metal-air battery cell (100) and supplies the electrolyte back to the metal-air battery cell (100).

[0064] The tank (220) stores the electrolyte discharged from the metal-air battery cell (100).

[0065] A pump (230) is installed on the electrolyte supply line (210) and applies pressure to the inside of the electrolyte supply line (210) to control the flow rate of the electrolyte stored in the tank (220) supplied to the heat exchanger (240).

[0066] The heat exchanger (240) controls the temperature of the electrolyte circulating along the electrolyte supply line (210).

[0067] A pair of electrolyte supply nozzles (250) having a predetermined length are provided in the metal-air battery cell (100). One electrolyte supply nozzle (250) discharges electrolyte toward the metal electrode (110), and the other electrolyte supply nozzle (250) discharges electrolyte toward the air electrode (120). The electrolyte supply nozzles (250) include a first supply nozzle (260) and a second supply nozzle (270).

[0068] The first supply nozzle (260) is provided along the flow path between the metal electrode (110) and the separator (130) at the top of the metal-air battery cell (100) and discharges the electrolyte toward the metal electrode (110). The first supply nozzle (260) includes a first region (261), a second region (262), a third region (263), and a fourth region (264). According to an embodiment, the first to fourth regions may be provided in a form of parallel connection, series connection, or a combination of parallel and series connection.

[0069] The first region (261) has a predetermined length and includes a plurality of outlets (261a, 261b, 쪋).

[0070] The second region (262) has a predetermined length, is provided parallel to the first region (261), and includes a plurality of discharge ports (262a, 262b, 쪋).

[0071] The third region (263) has a predetermined length, is provided parallel to the second region (262), and includes a plurality of discharge ports (263a, 263b, 쪋).

[0072] The fourth region (264) has a predetermined length, is provided in parallel with the third region (263), and includes a plurality of discharge ports (264a, 264b, 쪋). According to an embodiment, the discharge ports of the first to fourth regions may have different cross-sectional shapes, diameters, spacing intervals, and arrangements, and may be provided as a first discharge port that discharges an electrolyte in a direction perpendicular to one surface of a metal electrode, a second discharge port that discharges an electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one surface of a metal electrode, and a third discharge port that is symmetrical with respect to the second discharge port and discharges an electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one surface of a metal electrode with the first discharge port as the center.

[0073] The second supply nozzle (270) is provided along the path between the air electrode (120) and the separator (130) and discharges the electrolyte toward the air electrode (120). The second supply nozzle (270) is provided with the same structure as the first supply nozzle (260). Specifically, the second supply nozzle (270) includes a first region (261), a second region (262), a third region (263), and a fourth region (264). According to an embodiment, the first to fourth regions may be provided in a form of parallel connection, series connection, or a mixed form of parallel and series connection.

[0074] The first region (261) has a predetermined length and includes a plurality of outlets (261a, 261b, 쪋).

[0075] The second region (262) has a predetermined length, is provided parallel to the first region (261), and includes a plurality of discharge ports (262a, 262b, 쪋).

[0076] The third region (263) has a predetermined length, is provided parallel to the second region (262), and includes a plurality of discharge ports (263a, 263b, 쪋).

[0077] The fourth region (264) has a predetermined length, is provided in parallel with the third region (263), and includes a plurality of discharge ports (264a, 264b, 쪋). According to an embodiment, each of the discharge ports of the first to fourth regions may have different cross-sectional shapes, diameters, spacing intervals, and arrangements, and may be provided as a first discharge port that discharges an electrolyte in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the air electrode, a second discharge port that discharges an electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one surface of the air electrode, and a third discharge port that is symmetrical with respect to the second discharge port and discharges an electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one surface of the air electrode, with the first discharge port as the center.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the operation of a metal-air battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a metal-air battery device (10) supplies electrolyte to a metal-air battery cell (100) through a pair of electrolyte supply nozzles (250) having a predetermined length. One electrolyte supply nozzle (260) is provided along a path between a metal electrode (110) and a separator (130) to discharge electrolyte toward the metal electrode (110), and the other electrolyte supply nozzle (270) is provided along a path between an air electrode (120) and the separator (130) to discharge electrolyte toward the air electrode (120). In this process, the electrolyte discharged from the electrolyte supply nozzle (250) causes an array collision jet to remove corrosion products and hydrogen bubbles generated on the surface of the metal electrode (110) and the air electrode (120), and the collision jet flow generated by the array collision jet increases the flow complexity of the electrolyte in the metal-air battery cell (100) to activate the vortex and mixing flow of the electrolyte, thereby improving the energy production efficiency of the battery.

[0081] And, the supplied electrolyte is discharged from the metal-air battery cell (100) and stored in a tank (220) through an electrolyte supply line (210), and the electrolyte stored in the tank (220) is supplied to a heat exchanger (240) and its flow rate is controlled by applying pressure to a pump (230) installed in the electrolyte supply line (210). At this time, the pump (230) can change the flow rate of the electrolyte in the metal-air battery cell (100) by controlling the flow rate of the electrolyte.

[0082] The electrolyte transferred to the heat exchanger (240) is regulated to increase the temperature in the metal-air battery cell (100), thereby improving temperature uniformity. When the electrolyte reaches a preset temperature, it is supplied back to the metal-air battery cell (100) through the electrolyte supply line (210), and cooling performance is achieved through a cycle in which the electrolyte circulates.

[0083]

[0084] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the discharge of an electrolyte supply nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be confirmed that a plurality of discharge ports (261a, 261b, 쪋) formed obliquely in the electrolyte supply nozzle (261) discharge the electrolyte in an inclined direction toward the surface of the metal electrode (110) where the byproduct (300) and hydrogen bubbles (310) are generated, thereby widely and uniformly covering the surface of the metal electrode (110).

[0086]

[0087] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the discharge of an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that a plurality of discharge ports (411a, 411b, 쪋) formed vertically in the electrolyte supply nozzle (410) discharge the electrolyte vertically toward the surface of the metal electrode (110) where the byproduct (300) and hydrogen bubbles (310) are generated. It can be seen that this covers a narrower area of ​​the metal electrode (110) compared to the electrolyte supply nozzle discharge ports (261a, 261b, 쪋) of FIG. 5.

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing discharge ports of an electrolyte supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention. (A) shows discharge ports (421a, 421b, 421c) provided in the form of circles, (B) shows discharge ports (431a, 431b, 431c) having a larger diameter than (A), (C) shows discharge ports (441a, 441b) provided in a larger diameter and at a wider spacing than (A), (D) shows discharge ports (451a, 451b, 451c) provided in the form of squares, and (E) shows discharge ports (461a, 461b) provided in the form of rectangles.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 7, it can be seen that the discharge port of the electrolyte supply nozzle can be provided with various cross-sectional shapes, diameters, and arrangement intervals.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the arrangement of electrolyte supply nozzle outlets according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to Fig. 8, it can be seen that the discharge ports (471a, 471b, 471b) of the electrolyte supply nozzle are provided with multiple discharge ports of various sizes not only in the longitudinal direction but also in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle to the length, thereby discharging over a wider area.

[0095] The geometric shape and various configurations of these outlets can further promote the circulation of electrolyte within the metal-air battery cell, thereby improving energy production efficiency.

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention when positioned at the bottom of a metal-air battery cell.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, when the first supply nozzle (420) of the electrolyte supply nozzle is provided along the flow path between the metal electrode (110) and the separator (130) at the bottom of the metal-air battery cell (100) with a predetermined length, and the second supply nozzle (430) is provided along the flow path between the air electrode (120) and the separator (130) at the bottom of the metal-air battery cell (100) with a predetermined length, the vortex and mixed flow of the electrolyte of the metal-air battery cell (100) can be confirmed.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 10 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 10, the first supply nozzle includes a first region (481), a second region (482), a third region (483), and a fourth region (484), and it can be confirmed that the first region (481), the second region (482), the third region (483), and the fourth region (484) are connected in horizontal series.

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 11 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, the first supply nozzle includes a first region (481), a second region (482), a third region (483), and a fourth region (484), and it can be seen that the first region (481), the second region (482), the third region (483), and the fourth region (484) are connected vertically in series.

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 12 is a right-hand side view showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 12, the first supply nozzle includes a first region (481), a second region (482), a third region (483), and a fourth region (484), and the first region (481) and the second region (482) are connected in series, and the third region (483) and the fourth region (484) are connected in series. In addition, it can be confirmed that the first region (481) and the second region (482) that are connected in series and the third region (483) and the fourth region (484) that are connected in series are connected in parallel.

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 13 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 13, it can be seen that the first supply nozzle is provided as a pair of nozzles (481, 482), and each nozzle (481, 482) includes a plurality of branch regions (481a, 481b, 482a, 482b, 482).

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 14 is a right-hand drawing showing a first supply nozzle according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 14, the first supply nozzle is provided as a pair of nozzles (481, 482). Each nozzle (481, 482) includes a first region (481a, 482a) and a second region (481b, 482b), and it can be confirmed that the first region (481a, 482a) and the second region (481b, 482b) are connected in series.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 15, when the first supply nozzle (440) and the second supply nozzle (450) of the electrolyte supply nozzle are provided in the space between the metal electrode (110) and the separator (130) and the space between the air electrode (120) and the separator (130) at the top of the metal-air battery cell (100), respectively, and the electrolyte is supplied, the vortex and mixed flow of the electrolyte of the metal-air battery cell (100) can be confirmed.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electrolyte supply nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 16, when the first supply nozzle (460) and the second supply nozzle (470) of the electrolyte supply nozzle are provided in the space between the metal electrode (110) and the separator (130) and the space between the air electrode (120) and the separator (130) at the bottom of the metal-air battery cell (100), respectively, and the electrolyte is supplied, the vortex and mixed flow of the electrolyte of the metal-air battery cell (100) can be confirmed.

[0120]

[0121] While the present invention has been described in detail using preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and should be interpreted in accordance with the appended claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0122] The present invention can be used to improve the energy production efficiency of a metal-air battery.

Claims

1. A metal electrode that releases metal ions; An air electrode that faces the metal electrode and uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material; and A metal-air battery device comprising an electrolyte supply nozzle that discharges an electrolyte to at least one of one surface of the metal electrode and one surface of the air electrode facing each other.

2. In paragraph 1, A metal-air battery device in which the electrolyte supply nozzle is provided along a path between the metal electrode and the air electrode at a predetermined length, and a plurality of discharge ports through which the electrolyte is discharged are formed.

3. In paragraph 2, A metal-air battery device in which the above discharge ports discharge the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the above surfaces.

4. In paragraph 2, A metal-air battery device in which the above discharge ports are formed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the electrolyte supply nozzle.

5. In paragraph 2, A metal-air battery device wherein the above discharge ports have different diameters.

6. In paragraph 2, The above discharge ports are a first discharge port for discharging the electrolyte in a direction perpendicular to one of the above surfaces; A second discharge port for discharging the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the above surfaces; and A metal-air battery device including a third discharge port that is symmetrical with respect to the second discharge port with the first discharge port as the center and discharges the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the surfaces.

7. In paragraph 1, The above electrolyte supply nozzle, A first region provided with a predetermined length and having a discharge port formed therein; A second area provided parallel to the first area and having a discharge port formed therein; and A metal-air battery device comprising a third region provided in parallel with the second region and having a discharge port formed therein, wherein the first region to the third region are connected in parallel.

8. In paragraph 1, The above electrolyte supply nozzle, A first region provided with a predetermined length and having a discharge port formed therein; A second area provided parallel to the first area and having a discharge port formed therein; and A metal-air battery device comprising a third region provided in parallel with the second region and having a discharge port formed therein, wherein the first region to the third region are connected in series.

9. In paragraph 1, The above electrolyte supply nozzle, A first supply nozzle for supplying the electrolyte to one side of the metal electrode; and A metal-air battery device comprising a second supply nozzle for supplying the electrolyte to one side of the air electrode.

10. A metal-air battery cell in which metal electrodes and air electrodes are arranged facing each other; and Including an electrolyte supply unit that supplies an electrolyte between the metal electrode and the air electrode, The above electrolyte supply unit, An electrolyte supply line that circulates the electrolyte discharged from the path between the metal electrode and the air electrode, and supplies the electrolyte to the path between the metal electrode and the air electrode; A pump installed on the electrolyte supply line; and A heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the electrolyte circulating along the electrolyte supply line; A metal-air battery device comprising an electrolyte supply nozzle connected to the electrolyte supply line and discharging electrolyte to at least one of one surface of the metal electrode and one surface of the air electrode.

11. In Article 10, A metal-air battery device in which the electrolyte supply nozzle is provided along a path between the metal electrode and the air electrode at a predetermined length, and a plurality of discharge ports through which the electrolyte is discharged are formed.

12. In paragraph 11, A metal-air battery device in which the above discharge ports discharge the electrolyte in a direction obliquely inclined to one of the above surfaces.

13. In paragraph 11, A metal-air battery device wherein the above discharge ports have different diameters.

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