Hybrid Solid Fuel Battery Zinc Plates Electrolyte Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical power storage devices, such as lithium and lead acid batteries, are costly, hazardous, and inefficient, with limitations including high production costs, potential for fires or explosions, long recharge cycles, and internal leakage issues, making them unsuitable for widespread use, especially in applications like electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid solid fuel battery system that is refuelable and electrically rechargeable, comprising a power module with reactive fuel plates, insulating separators, and cathode rings, using an electrolyte solution and air bubbles to generate electricity, with a controller managing the flow of these components to optimize power generation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium batteries are used for electrical power storage, then energy density is improved, but safety deteriorates due to fire and explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the battery system by using zinc fuel plates instead of lithium, and employing an alkaline electrolyte solution with controlled composition (water, potassium hydroxide, and additives). This parameter change maintains high energy density while eliminating the safety risks associated with lithium batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable zinc fuel plates that can be quickly replaced when depleted. This approach allows the battery to maintain high energy density performance while improving safety, as the fuel plates are designed to be non-hazardous and can be safely disposed of or replaced without the risks associated with lithium battery handling.
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium batteries are used for electrical power storage, then energy density is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive zinc fuel plates that can be manufactured at low cost compared to lithium batteries. The zinc plates are replaced when depleted rather than requiring expensive recharging infrastructure, significantly reducing manufacturing and operational costs while maintaining competitive energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters to use abundant, low-cost materials (zinc, alkaline electrolyte) instead of expensive lithium compounds. This parameter change dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while preserving high energy density through optimized fuel plate design and electrolyte composition.
3Ease of manufacture
If lead acid batteries are used for electrical power storage, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lightweight zinc fuel plates instead of heavy lead plates. The zinc fuel plates are consumed and replaced rather than recharged, maintaining low manufacturing costs while achieving significant weight reduction compared to traditional lead acid batteries.
4Use of energy by moving object
If lithium batteries are used for electrical power storage, then energy density is improved, but recharge time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the recharge time issue by using replaceable zinc fuel plates. When the fuel is depleted, the plates are simply replaced rather than recharged, reducing the effective refuel time to minutes while maintaining high energy density performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hybrid solid fuel battery system offers reduced power generation costs, enhanced safety, and extended recharge cycles, with the ability to be refueled or recharged quickly, providing a reliable and efficient energy storage solution for various applications without the risks associated with traditional batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the controller permits the electrolyte solution in the container to flow through the first pipe to the interior of the module housing to facilitate an interaction between the electrolyte solution and exposed bottom portions of the stacked reactive fuel plates in the power module, thereby generating electrical power
Implementation Method 2
enables the air pump to generate air bubbles that flow to the interiors of the plurality of module housings
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid solid fuel battery system includes a power module having a module housing that stores reactive fuel plates, insulating separators and cathode rings. The reactive fuel plates are stacked together and electrically coupled together within the module housing. Each reactive fuel plate is partially covered by a non-reactive layer to form an exposed bottom portion. Each reactive fuel plate in the power module is separated from an adjacent reactive fuel plate by one of the insulating separators. Each cathode ring is secured around one of the reactive fuel plates within the module housing. A container storing an electrolyte solution is connected to the power module by a pipe. A controller connected to the container permits the electrolyte solution to flow to the interior of the module housing. This facilitates an interaction between the electrolyte solution and exposed bottom portions of the stacked reactive fuel plates, thereby generating electrical power.