Electrically recharged battery employing a packed/spouted bed metal particle electrode

• US 5,441,820 A
• Filed: 10/26/1993
• Issued: 08/15/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Salas-Morales, Juan, Evans, James W., Siu, Stanley C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Willis, Jr., Prince
• Assistant Examiner(s): NUZZOLILLO, MARIA
• Application Number:
  US08/143,570
• Time in Patent Office: 658 Days
• Field of Search: 429/15, 429/17, 429/27, 429/81
• US Class Current: 429/406
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 12/08 composed of a half-cell of a fuel-cell type and a half-cell of the secondary-cell type
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/02 Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
• 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

A secondary metal air cell, employing a spouted/packed metal particle bed and an air electrode. More specifically a zinc air cell well suited for use in electric vehicles which is capable of being either electrically or hydraulically recharged.

Claims

1. A hydraulically and electrically rechargeable metal air battery comprising:

a) A cell casing with a separating membrane which defines cell anode and cathode sides,

b) A metal particle bed disposed uniformly within the anode side of the cell casing,

c) A current collector/feeder located within the anode side,

d) An air electrode provided within the cathode side,

e) A current collector/feeder disposed within the cathode side,

f) An electrolyte provided uniformly within the anode and cathode sides, and

g) A series of flow baffles connected to the cell casing within the anode side.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1, additionally comprised of a flow regulator or regulators connected to said cell casing within the anode side.

3. The invention as recited in claim 2, wherein said flow regulator or regulators is a draft tube or tubes connected to said cell casing within the anode side.

4. The invention as recited in claim 1, further provided with a flow promoter connected to said anode side for circulating the electrolyte.

5. The invention as recited in claim 4, wherein said flow promoter is a pump connected to said anode side for circulating the electrolyte.

6. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein the electroactive material of said metal particle bed is zinc or a zinc alloy.

7. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said particles are an electroactive material deposited onto the surface of electrolyte inert carrier particles.

8. The invention as recited in claim 7, wherein the electroactive material deposited onto the carrier particles is zinc or a zinc alloy.

9. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said air electrode is bifunctional.

10. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said air electrode is monofunctional and a third electrode is provided within the cathode side.

11. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein said electrolyte is comprised of a potassium hydroxide solution.

12. The battery of claim 1, wherein a plurality of cells are connected in series through said current collector/feeders.