Refuelable Battery Using Magnetic Particle Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal/air batteries that rely on gravity for refueling are vulnerable to efficiency loss due to clogging and require removal from their operating position for refueling, as gravity-dependent particle flow can be disrupted, leading to decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
A refuelable electrochemical battery that employs mechanical or magnetic forces to aggregate electrochemically active particles, allowing for in-place refueling by using a gas-diffusion membrane and a mixture of particles with a suitable electrolyte, where mechanical or magnetic means collect and combine particles to facilitate oxidation reactions, eliminating the need for gravity-dependent flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity is used to feed metal particles into the cell, then the battery can be refueled, but the battery is vulnerable to decreased efficiency due to clogging of valves, pores, and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-dependent mechanical flow system with an electrochemical pump system. The pump uses electrochemical reactions to actively transport metal particles through the system, eliminating reliance on gravity and preventing clogging in valves, pores, and conduits. This substitution of the transport mechanism resolves the contradiction between refueling capability and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-powered electrochemical pumping where the battery's own electrochemical reactions provide the driving force for particle transport. The electrochemical pump utilizes reactions occurring within the battery to generate the necessary flow, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external gravity dependence, thereby maintaining both refueling capability and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gravity acts against the flow of particles or electrolyte, then the battery can be oriented freely, but power is lost and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent particle and electrolyte flow with electrochemical pumping. This substitution eliminates the influence of gravitational orientation on system performance, allowing the battery to maintain full power output regardless of its orientation. The electrochemical pump actively transports materials against or with gravity as needed, resolving the contradiction between orientation flexibility and power maintenance.
3Duration of action of moving object
If metal particles are expended and sludge forms, then the oxidation reaction continues, but further oxidation is prevented due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical pump system replaces passive gravity-dependent flow with active electrochemical transport. This active pumping mechanism maintains consistent flow of fresh electrolyte and metal particles through the reaction zone, preventing sludge accumulation and clogging that would otherwise stop oxidation reactions. The system can continue operating for extended durations while maintaining high oxidation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical pumping system ensures continuous flow of reactants through the battery, maintaining uninterrupted oxidation reactions. By actively circulating electrolyte and metal particles, the system prevents the formation of blocking sludge layers, ensuring that the useful oxidation action continues without interruption or efficiency loss throughout the operational duration.
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
Enables efficient and continuous operation without the need for removal, maintaining performance by ensuring consistent particle flow and oxidation, thereby enhancing energy density and reducing maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A gas-diffusion membrane that is permeable to oxygen (e.g., an air cathode) may facilitate the corresponding reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
the electrochemically active particles are gathered via magnetism. In these embodiments an electromagnet that is powered during the power stage attracts the particles to or toward a current collector
Implementation Method 3
mechanical force or forces are used to gather the electrochemically active particles. For example, one or more collecting components (which may comprise or be coupled to a current collector) may sweep through the fuel mixture
Implementation Method 4
an electrical current is formed by the oxidation-reduction reaction(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A refuelable electrochemical battery or cell is provided that features three phases of operation that repeat cyclically. In an intake phase, electrochemically active particles that are at least partially magnetic and a suitable electrolyte are admitted or fed into a cell cavity. In a power phase, oxidation and reduction reactions produce electrical energy while an electromagnet and/or permanent magnet attract the particles toward one electrode. A gas-diffusion membrane permeable by oxygen operates in conjunction with another electrode. During the exhaust phase, a piston forces residue of the reaction from the cavity to prepare for the next cycle of operation.