Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a pressure tolerant energy system. The pressure tolerant energy system may comprise a pressure tolerant cavity and an energy system enclosed in the pressure tolerant cavity configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle. The energy system may include one or more battery cells and a pressure tolerant, programmable management circuit. The pressure tolerant cavity may be filled with an electrically-inert liquid, such as mineral oil. In some embodiments, the electrically-inert liquid may be kept at a positive pressure relative to a pressure external to the pressure tolerant cavity. The energy system may further comprise a pressure venting system configured to maintain the pressure inside the pressure tolerant cavity within a range of pressures. The pressure tolerant cavity may be sealed to prevent water ingress.

Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.

Abstract: A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air.

Abstract: A thermal energy battery for cooling temperature sensitive components comprises a composite of a sorbent with ammonia, water, alcohol, amine or a fluorocarbon refrigerant absorbed thereon and incorporated on a substrate material. The composite is encased in a containment material configured to rupture or otherwise release refrigerant desorbed by the sorbent composition when internal battery pressure reaches a threshold ?P from the outside pressure, and thermal conduction means in thermal contact with the thermal energy battery and one or more temperature sensitive components for directing thermal energy therebetween to heat the composite and cool the temperature sensitive components.

Abstract: A method of operating a downhole component (for example a battery pack) comprising at least one electrolyte based element. The method comprising the steps of locating the component in a downhole environment and whilst the component is in the downhole environment subjecting the element to a pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure to suppress at least one of boiling and evaporation of electrolyte in the element. The component may then be operated at a temperature in excess of that which would be tolerated by the electrolyte based element if not subjected to a pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly including a membrane electrode assembly, an anode plate, a cathode plate, a removable fuel cartridge, and a fuel delivery system. The assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane having a fuel side and an oxygen side. The fuel cartridge includes an expandable fuel bladder for receiving liquid fuel, an expandable pressure member in contact with the bladder for maintaining a positive pressure on the bladder, and a sealable exit port in fluid communication with the bladder. The fuel delivery system delivers fuel from the cartridge to the fuel side of the membrane. An Interface, Control, and Regulator Circuit for Fuel Cell Powered Electronic Device.

Abstract: A seawater electric power system has a solar cell or wind generator for generating electromotive force, a battery including a plurality of electric double layer capacitors each having seawater therein as an electrolytic solution for storing the electric energy, a voltage regulator, and a seawater replenishment section for replenishing seawater into the electric double layer capacitors. A long term operation can be obtained by the seawater electric power system substantially without regular maintenance.

Abstract: An anode immersed in liquid electrolyte of a battery is threadily engaged with a plastic holder impervious to the corrosive action of the electrolyte. Electrical connection is made to the underside of the anode through a liquid-tight fitting which passes up through the underside of the holder. A sealing gasket is placed at the lower interface between the anode and its holder and the threads are provided with a sealing tape. Additional anode capacity may be provide with the provision of a threaded aperture on the surface of the anode for receiving a supplemental anode having a threaded projection which engages the aperture.

Abstract: A pressure tolerant high energy density battery (10) is described. The battery has a metal casing (12) having a pressure compensating means in the form of bellows (30) comprising a plurality of successive convolutions individually welded to one end of the battery opposite a terminal conductor (20). The conductor is mounted on the header (18) by a glass seal (22) and the active components for the battery comprise a cathode means (34) preferably made of either carbon or fluorinated carbon (CFx) and a binder sheeted on a metal foil and an anode means (36) preferably made by laminating battery grade lithium onto metal grids. A separator (38) is provided between the active battery components and the electrodes and separator are rolled into a spirally wound type formation and housed inside the battery, supported above the bellows.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved deferred actuated battery assembly including a plurality of electrochemical cells comprised of a hybrid cathode member and an anode member formed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and mixtures thereof attached to an inert intermediate dielectric layer or member and configured for gross electrolyte contact therebetween disposed between an anode plate and a cathode plate.

Abstract: A watertight battery box comprises an upwardly open base and a downwardly open lid which rests on the upper edges of the base. One edge of the base has a recess therein for receiving the battery cables, and the lid has a downwardly opening channel therein for receiving the cables. In use, water can rise around the battery box without entering the battery box, because the lid traps air beneath itself but has little or no buoyancy.

Abstract: A high energy multicell seawater activated battery with provision for unimly distributing a desired concentration of the electrolyte for maximum power output. When the battery is submerged to a predetermined depth, seawater is admitted into a mixing chamber where it flows through a plurality of intercommunicating compartments each containing an electrolyte of pelletized potassium hydroxide (KOH) which dilutes to form an ionized solution. The solution flows into a plurality of evacuated cells to establish an ionic flow from a nickel oxide hydroxide (Ni00H) cathode to a zinc (Zn) anode in each cell. An outlet valve in each cell releases the solution to reduce the internal cell pressure when the external pressure decreases as when the battery is retrieved. The quantity of pelletized electrolyte, seawater flow rate, and turbulence within the chamber are predetermined to insure uniform distribution of electrolyte in solution at a desired concentration.

Abstract: A submersible battery apparatus is set forth which has improved life and er performance capabilities. The apparatus includes a battery which has top and bottom casing ends with one of tha battery casing ends having an aperture. A housing is provided which also has top and bottom ends. The battery is mounted in the housing with the aperture in the battery casing 10 directed downwardly and facing the bottom end of the housing. The battery contains an electrolyte, and the housing contains a liquid which has a higher specific gravity than the electrolyte and is non-reactive therewith. The housing is pressure compensated so that the power of the battery is increased with increased submergence and yet gases generated by the battery are retained within the battery casing so that they will not corrode the housing and its associated terminals.

Abstract: A pack of ordinary, commercially-available batteries is provided with a con electrolyte-filled reservoir coupled to each battery by a small tube. The reservoir includes a compliant diaphragm which, when exposed to deep-sea pressure, applies the pressure to the reservoir electrolyte to force it into the battery. Forceful filling of the cells equalizes their internal and external pressures. Electrical discharge currents are reduced to a minimum by making the tubes as small as and as long as possible.