Methods and apparatus for generating heat and electrical energy from aluminum

• US 4,198,475 A
• Filed: 06/20/1978
• Issued: 04/15/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aluminum Company of Egypt
• Original Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company (Howmet Aerospace, Inc.)
• Inventors: Zaromb, Solomon
• Primary Examiner(s): Skapars, Anthony
• Application Number:
  US05/917,406
• Time in Patent Office: 665 Days
• Field of Search: 429/23, 429/12-14, 429/27, 429/15, 429/17, 429/19
• US Class Current: 429/404
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 12/06 with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/02 Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/46 Alloys based on magnesium or aluminium
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/96 Carbon-based electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/06 Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues regenerative fuel cells H01M8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/225 Fuel cells in which the fuel is based on materials comprising particulate active material in the form of a suspension, a dispersion, a fluidised bed or a paste
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells

Abstract

Heat and electrical energy are generated from aluminum by introduction of aluminum particles on demand into a reaction chamber for reaction with an aqueous electrolyte solution with the concurrent formation of aluminum hydroxide. Improved packing of the aluminum is achieved by exertion of a positive downward pressure on a packed bed of aluminum by a weighted or spring-loaded piston, the pressure providing improved contact between the aluminum particles with resulting improved electrical continuity.

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating heat and electrical energy from the consumption of aluminum products which comprises:

(a) a reaction chamber containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, the reaction chamber being adapted for introduction of aluminum pieces of various shapes and sizes for effecting a chemical reaction between said aqueous electrolyte and said aluminum pieces to yield thermal and electrical energy and an aluminum hydroxide reaction product;

(b) means for feeding said aluminum pieces into said reaction chamber in small quantities upon demand;

(c) means for removing the heat generated in said chamber as a result of said reaction; and

(d) means for maintaining said aluminum pieces in the reaction chamber as a packed-bed by exertion of a positive downward pressure thereon.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said electrolyte solution is a basic electrolyte solution containing 2 to 10 moles/liter of an alkali metal hydroxide.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said downward pressure is exerted by a gravity weighted object.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 including means for removing and recovering said aluminum hydroxide reaction product and means for generating electricity as a by-product.

5. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said gravity weighted object comprises a fluid flow distributor provided with orifices adapted to permit electrolyte solution to flow therethrough, said fluid flow distributor further being serially connected to a plurality of weights designed to exert downward pressure on said fluid flow distributor, said weights being attached to a draw cord adapted to be withdrawn by mechanical means.

6. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said object is adapted for automatic withdrawal with introduction of additional pieces of aluminum to replenish the aluminum in said packed bed.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for exertion of positive downward pressure on said packed bed comprises a spring-loaded piston means.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said piston means has an opening therein for introduction of anolyte solution with a flow distributor at the lower end for dispersion of said anolyte solution into the bed of aluminum particles, said piston exerting pressure against the packed-bed.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein means are provided for automatic withdrawal of said spring-loaded piston to a point where additional particles of aluminum are added to said reaction chamber upon demand.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said reaction chamber includes an oxygen or hydrogen peroxide-depolarized cathode.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said cathode is a hydrogen peroxide-depolarized flowthrough cathode.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said cathode comprises a porous carbon layer affixed to a conductive wire grid, catholyte-filled spaces on both sides of said carbon layer through which a catholyte solution enters into and exits from the carbon, and a thin layer of a metal catalyst deposited on said carbon at the catholyte entrance side.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said metal catalyst comprises silver.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for generating electricity comprises a current-collecting grid in which said aluminum pieces are retained so as to form a packed-bed anode forming part of an electrochemical cell.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said feeding means is actuated by a voltage-sensing circuit causing said aluminum pieces to be fed to said anode when the voltage of said cell falls below a predetermined range.