Zinc-Air Battery Electrolyte Circulation for Dendrite Prevention

The patent employs a dynamic electrolyte management system where the electrolyte concentration is actively maintained through a controlled water addition mechanism. The water content in the electrolyte is regulated to prevent excessive concentration increase during discharge, thereby avoiding potassium hydroxide deposition while maintaining adequate ionic conductivity for sustained productivity.

The patent modifies the electrolyte composition parameters by controlling the water-to-potassium hydroxide ratio and adjusting the initial electrolyte concentration. By optimizing these parameters and dynamically adjusting water content during operation, the system maintains stable electrolyte concentration despite water consumption during discharge, preventing both deposition issues and concentration instability.

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the electrolyte composition is monitored during discharge operation. Based on the measured water consumption and concentration changes, the system adjusts water addition rates to maintain uniform electrolyte composition, preventing localized high concentration zones that would promote zinc dendrite formation while sustaining adequate discharge rates.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing water or dilute electrolyte solution to the electrolyte system before discharge begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures uniform electrolyte composition from the start of discharge, preventing rapid concentration changes and dendrite formation during the discharge process while maintaining productivity.

The patent employs a self-service approach where the electrolyte system automatically manages its own concentration through a simple water addition mechanism triggered by the discharge process itself. The system uses the discharge current or voltage as a trigger to add water, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring and control systems while maintaining electrode integrity through proper concentration management.

The patent introduces water or dilute electrolyte solution as an intermediary substance to manage the concentration balance. This intermediary is added in controlled amounts to counteract water consumption during discharge, preventing potassium hydroxide deposition on the air positive electrode without requiring complex circulation systems, thus maintaining electrode integrity with minimal added complexity.