Liquid Activated Air Battery With Electrolyte Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air batteries experience a decrease in power output due to metal salt deposition during discharge, leading to unstable electrolytic solution composition and conductivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid activated air battery design featuring an electrode assembly, expandable supply and drainage tanks, and an electrolytic solution flow mechanism with pressurizing or depressurizing means to maintain constant electrolyte composition by directing the solution flow in one direction, eliminating the need for a filter and reducing weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrolytic solution is circulated from storage tank during charge and discharge, then power output can be maintained, but device complexity increases due to need for filter and circulation system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of circulation (which causes composition changes) while retaining the beneficial function of deposit removal. The electrolytic solution is circulated only during charging to remove metal salt deposits, then supplied in a fixed amount during discharge to maintain stable composition and power output, eliminating the need for continuous circulation and filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic solution is circulated and filtered in advance during the charging phase to remove metal salt deposits before the discharge phase. This preliminary action ensures that the solution supplied during discharge has stable composition, eliminating the need for continuous circulation systems and filters during operation.
2Reliability
If electrolytic solution is circulated continuously, then deposits can be removed, but composition of electrolytic solution changes causing unstable power output
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic solution is circulated and filtered in advance during the charging phase to remove metal salt deposits before the discharge phase. This preliminary action ensures that the solution supplied during discharge has stable composition, eliminating the need for continuous circulation systems and filters during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by circulating electrolytic solution only during charging phases and maintaining fixed composition during discharge phases. This alternating pattern allows deposit removal when composition changes are acceptable, while maintaining stable composition when power output stability is critical.
3Power
If filter is added to remove deposits, then power output stability improves, but weight and size of battery increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic solution is circulated and filtered in advance during the charging phase to remove metal salt deposits before the discharge phase. This preliminary action ensures that the solution supplied during discharge has stable composition, eliminating the need for continuous circulation systems and filters during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a disposable-like approach where electrolytic solution is prepared and pre-filtered during charging, then used in a fixed amount during discharge without requiring reusable filtration components. This eliminates heavy filter structures while maintaining power stability.
4Reliability
If electrolytic solution is circulated, then deposits are removed, but composition changes occur requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic solution is circulated and filtered in advance during the charging phase to remove metal salt deposits before the discharge phase. This preliminary action ensures that the solution supplied during discharge has stable composition, eliminating the need for continuous circulation systems and filters during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by circulating electrolytic solution only during charging phases and maintaining fixed composition during discharge phases. This alternating pattern allows deposit removal when composition changes are acceptable, while maintaining stable composition when power output stability is critical.
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
This design provides stable power output by maintaining a constant electrolyte composition, preventing deposit buildup and simplifying the structure, resulting in downsized and lighter air batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing means that pumps the electrolytic solution from the supply tank to the battery container
Implementation Method 2
a depressurizing means that suctions the electrolytic solution from the supply tank to the battery container
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid activated air battery includes: an electrode assembly that includes an air electrode and a metal anode; a battery container that is capable of holding the electrode assembly and electrolytic solution; a supply tank for the electrolytic solution to be supplied to the battery container; a drainage tank for the electrolytic solution discharged from the battery container; and pumps as an electrolytic solution flow mechanism that runs the electrolytic solution from the supply tank to the drainage tank through the battery container. The composition of the electrolytic solution supplied to the battery container is kept constant, and stable power output is ensured.