Abstract: Flowing electrolyte batteries capable of being selectively neutralized chemically; processes of selectively neutralizing flowing electrolyte batteries chemically; and processes of selectively restoring the electrical potential of flowing electrolyte batteries are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises an inlet and an outlet for an electrolyte flow, and two unipolar electrodes. Each electrode comprises a structure with a network of through-passages, surrounded by a solid frame. The electrolyte enters via inlets, circulates via the passages of the electrodes, passes through the space between the electrodes and leaves via an outlet. The structure and the frame are based on carbon.

Abstract: A method of forming passages of an integral manifold adjacent a cell stack of a flowing electrolyte battery provides enhanced sealing between the manifold and capillary tubes of the cell stack. The method includes forming a mould cavity adjacent the cell stack, with the mould cavity open to capillary openings of cells of the cell stack. A plurality of pins are then located in the mould cavity, with end regions of the pins being contiguous with the capillary openings. The mould cavity is then filled with material and the material is allowed to solidify into a moulded section. The pins are then removed from the moulded section, thereby forming passages in the moulded section which are in fluid communication with the capillary openings.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes and a container for receiving the electrode assembly inside thereof. The secondary battery also includes a cap assembly fixed to the container to seal the container and a gasket disposed between the container and the cap assembly. The gasket has at least one concavo-convex portion on a surface contacting the container and/or the cap assembly. This improved gasket structure enhances the air tightness of the secondary battery.

Abstract: An actuated galvanic cell is described which generated electric current responsive to introduction of electrolyte from a secondary containment means. Also housed within the containment means is a propellant which serves to drive the electrolyte from the containment means into the reaction chamber for electric current production. This propellant system is chosen from thermal, phase change, and other systems which as opposed to physical pumps impel the electrolyte into the reaction chamber without the need for additional introduction apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid electrolyte battery, which is preferably used in moving vehicles, such as e.g. in cars, boats or aircraft. The battery contains devices bringing about a circulation of the electrolyte. This circulation is produced by means producing a pumping action and consequently a flow during battery movement. Devices are also provided which bring about a circulation by thermal convection.

Abstract: A method of and system for flushing one or more cells or components thereof in a particle-based electrochemical power source is provided. Reaction solution is delivered to and withdrawn from the one or more cells when the electrochemical power source is in a standby mode of operation.

Abstract: Various devices and methods for achieving electrochemical energy conversion are presented. In accordance with one embodiment, an energy conversion cell is configured to enable the first and second reactant supplies to communicate selectively with first and second catalytic electrodes of the cell. The selective communication of the first and second reactant supplies with the first and second catalytic electrodes may be attributable to alteration of the reactant supply flow paths or to movement of the first and second catalytic electrodes.

Abstract: An actuated galvanic cell is described which generated electric current responsive to introduction of electrolyte from a secondary containment means. Also housed within the containment means is a propellant which serves to drive the electrolyte from the containment means into the reaction chamber for electric current production. This propellant system is chosen from thermal, phase change, and other systems which as opposed to physical pumps impel the electrolyte into the reaction chamber without the need for additional introduction apparatus.

Abstract: A method of mixing electrolyte in a wet cell battery using a pump to move electrolyte from a first level of said battery to a second level of said battery where the specific weight of the electrolyte is different from that at the first level. A device for mixing the electrolyte using a pump and a battery cell having such a device is also provided. The method of the present invention also provides an embodiment for pumping gas into the cell to mix the electrolyte.

Abstract: A refuelable electrochemical power source includes one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes. The one or more cells include a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanic device adjacent or within the flow path capable of filling the electroactive zone or maintaining the electroactive zone in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a recombinator and a method for using a recombinator, wherein the recombinator comprises a housing operatively associated with a zinc-bromine battery, wherein the housing comprises an outer wall that defines a reaction space therein, means for introducing hydrogen into the reaction space from the zinc-bromine battery, means for introducing bromine into the reaction space from the zinc-bromine battery, means for controlling the delivery of bromine into the reaction space, wherein the delivery control means comprises at least one flow channel associated with the inner surface of the outer wall, means for reacting the hydrogen and the bromine together so as to form hydrobromic acid; and means for distributing the hydrobromic acid back into the zinc-bromine battery for the reacidification of same.

Abstract: A battery system for electric vehicles in which replenishment of the energy content of the batteries is accomplished by pumping liquids into tanks on the vehicles from pumps at service stations, similar to, and in a comparable time to, the filling of the tanks of conventional vehicles. The system also extracts used liquids, which have been depleted of energy content, from the vehicles and returns them to the service station where they are recharged for subsequent supply to other vehicles.

Abstract: A fuel cell having an anode immersed in an electrolyte in an anode tank, and a cathode immersed in the electrolyte in the cathode tank, and the anode and the cathode connected to an external electrical load. Fuel is supplied to the anode tank and an oxidant to the cathode tank. Each electrode is a monolithic electrode, a composite electrode, or an internally coupled electrode having a catalyst surface. There may be an external reaction vessel for processing electrolyte before returning it to the tanks and conditioning and recycling of fuel. The impedance of the fuel cell is reduced substantially over fuel cells having an electrical path through the solution.

Abstract: A recombinator device and associated method for re-acidification of an electrolyte in a flowing electrolyte zinc-bromine battery. The recombinator device receives hydrogen, formed as a result of electrolysis within cell stacks of the zinc-bromine battery, as well as aqueous bromine from the zinc-bromine battery. Upon receipt, the hydrogen and bromine are introduced into a reaction chamber in the recombinator device so as to form hydrobromic acid. The hydrobromic acid is then reintroduced back into the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine battery for re-acidification of same.

Abstract: A battery system for electric vehicles in which replenishment of the energy content of the batteries is accomplished by pumping liquids into tanks on the vehicles from pumps at service stations, similar to, and in a comparable time to, the filling of the tanks of conventional vehicles. The system also extracts used liquids, which have been depleted of energy content, from the vehicles and returns them to the service station where they are recharged for subsequent supply to other vehicles.

Abstract: A refuelable electrochemical power source includes one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes. The one or more cells include a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanic device adjacent or within the flow path capable of filling the electroactive zone or maintaining the electroactive zone in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition.

Abstract: A refuelable electrochemical power source includes one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes. The one or more cells include a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanic device adjacent or within the flow path capable of filling the electroactive zone or maintaining the electroactive zone in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition.

Abstract: A spill and leak containment system for a liquid electrolyte battery such as a zinc-bromine battery. The system includes one-piece, electrolyte reservoirs with pump mountings and other openings positioned at or near the tops of each reservoir. Positioning the openings at the tops of the reservoirs reduces the amount of electrolyte that might spill out of them, in the event of a leak or breach in the seal between the opening and the component mounted therein. The pump openings are surrounded by sumps, which will catch and contain liquid if there is a leak. To help contain vapor leaks, the invention also includes a vapor recovery system coupled to reservoir when it is filled with or emptied of electrolyte. The vapor recovery system allows for an exchange of vapors to occur between an electrolyte container and the battery reservoir while electrolyte fluid is being transferred.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to obtain the agitation of the electrolyte inside a lead-acid storage battery comprising at least one canalization duct (4) of electrolyte which is immersed inside the storage battery. Said method consists in: connecting said canalization duct (4) of electrolyte with a device (50) realizing repetitive and alternative cycles of pressure decrease and of return to the initial pressure in the section of tube (40, 41) which connects said device to said canalization duct, said cycles causing the movement of the electrolyte being sucked and dropped respectively in said canalization duct.

Abstract: A novel fuel particle feeding mechanism that significantly improves operation of a refuelable electrochemical power source is provided. One embodiment of the mechanism provides an input of electrolyte and electrochemically active particles into one or more electrochemical cells through a feed tube. The feed tube has several embodiments that improve the flow of electrolyte and particles, and the even and complete settling of particles into individual cell cavities. Each cell cavity is completely filled, evenly and without clogging when open, and fluid communication between cell cavities is completely cut off when closed, to prevent short-circuiting of the power source during discharge or standby. Means are provided to prevent clogging of the feed tube with fuel particles, to promote complete filling of the cell cavities with fuel, and to prevent fuel particles from prematurely flowing out of the cell cavities. A method of operation is also described.

Abstract: A cell or battery which is environmentally benign and which has an electrolyte containing a solution of an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite, an anode of Mg or Al and an inert cathode.

Abstract: The state of charge of electrochemical batteries of different kinds is determined by measuring the incremental change in the total volume of the reactive masses in the battery. The invention is based on the principle that all electrochemical batteries, either primary or secondary (rechargeable), produce electricity through a chemical reaction with at least one electrode, and the chemical reactions produce certain changes in the composition and density of the electrode. The reactive masses of the electrodes, the electrolyte, and any separator or spacers are usually contained inside a battery casing of a certain volume. As the battery is used, or recharged, the specific volume of at least one of the electrode masses will change and, since the masses of the materials do not change considerably, the total volume occupied by at least one of the electrodes will change. These volume changes may be measured in many different ways and related to the state of charge in the battery.

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid reusable transport and storage vessel for retaining a plurality of anode cassettes of pressed zinc particles saturated with aqueous alkaline solution, and utilizable as an electric fuel in a zinc-air battery, the vessel having a sealably covered aperture and being provided with a hydrogen recombination device, the device being provided with an external surface at least part of which projects into the air surrounding the vessel for venting any hydrogen produced by the anode cassettes into the air surrounding the vessel, and the vessel being internally compartmentalized to contain a plurality of sealable internal compartments for retaining the plurality of anode cassettes, each of the internal compartments being provided with a gas non-return valve venting from the internal compartment to an interior space of the vessel for venting generated hydrogen from the cassettes via the gas non-return valve to the vessel for elimination via the hydrogen recombination device while preventing

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a housing containing a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, electrode terminals, and a liquid electrolyte; characterized in that the electrodes are in the form of unbonded granules located in separate compartments within the housing and separated by a separator; the granules filling their respective compartments and being subjected to a compressive force to produce good electrical contact between their outer surfaces; the electrolyte filling the interstitial spaces between the granules.

Abstract: A charge-retention battery includes in a cover a plurality of reservoirs corresponding to the cells of the battery. The cover has the lateral dimensions of a conventional battery case and shortened sides. Minimum length transfer tubes run between the reservoirs and the cells, through the lid of the battery. The tubes fit between adjacent battery plates, with only slight modification of the plates required. To remove electrolyte from the cells and prevent self-discharge, inert gas under pressure is fed to the cells. The gas forces the electrolyte from the cells, through the transfer tubes and into the reservoirs. To place battery in service, the gas is released and electrolyte flows from each of the reservoirs, through the transfer tubes to the associated cells.

Abstract: An electrochemical power generating system has a base unit and a replaceable fuel unit. The base unit comprises controller for controlling operation of the pump. The fuel unit comprises a second housing releasably connectable to the first housing and a row of metal-air cells in the second housing electrically inter-connected together. Each cell includes a casing, a metal anode within the casing, an air cathode, a spacer between the cathode and anode for preventing the anode from contacting the cathode, an electrolyte intake port and an electrolyte discharge port in the casing for passage of electrolyte through the casing and between the anode and cathode. The fuel unit further comprises a manifold, an electrolyte reservoir, and a fluid line. The manifold has an intake port and a plurality of discharge ports in fluid communication with the electrolyte intake ports of the cells so that electrolyte flowing through the manifold is directed through the intake ports of the cells.

Abstract: A lithium-water battery provides reliable power for long durations in the ocean at temperatures down to 0.degree. C. and pressures up to 680 atmospheres (10,000 psi) without the need for mechanical pumps or valves to admit reactant water from the ocean into the battery or to maintain a circulating electrolytic solution in the battery. The battery has a natural circulation, alkaline, aqueous electrolyte contained in the housing with a lithium anode and a cathode disposed in the electrolytic solution. A hydrophilic cation exchange membrane attached to the housing is disposed between the electrolytic solution and the ocean environment surrounding the battery for retaining the hydroxyl ions in the alkaline electrolytic solution while admitting water into the solution from the environment.Advantageously, a low power lithium-water battery can provide several watts at about 1.4-1.5 volts for up to a year or more anywhere in the ocean.

Abstract: A metal air cell comprising a flexible, recloseable, pouch made of a gas-permeable, electrolyte-impermeable, material forming the cathode of the cell, a metal plate anode in the pouch, and spacers physically isolating the anode from the interior of the flexible pouch cathode, the spacers separating the anode and the cathode by a predetermined spacing. A plurality of such cells are preferably stacked into a multicell battery, and compressed in a harness to maintain proper anode-cathode spacing as the anode is consumed. The stack can be incorporated as a replaceable part of a larger power system including a circulatory system for circulating an electrolyte solution through the cells in the stack. A controller controls the circulatory system, particularly during start-up and shut-down, to achieve a fast start up, and an efficient shut down.

Abstract: The invention provides a transport and storage vessel containing a slurry of zinc and an aqueous alkaline solution utilizable as an electric fuel for a zinc-air battery, the vessel being provided with at least one hydrogen vent for venting any H.sub.2 produced by said slurry.

Abstract: A device for delivering a water soluble electrolyte is provided comprising core of a solid electrolyte composition enclosed by a polymeric coating which is permeable to water. The coating has at least one hole to permit passage of an aqueous solution of the electrolyte. The device is useful to maintain the concentration of an electrolyte composition in an electrochemical apparatus such as a fuel cell or a battery.

Abstract: A battery charge indicator is disclosed which is permanently incorporated into a battery to indicate the state of charge. The indicator includes a compressible chamber such as a blister which is adapted to be installed in a battery as an assembly. The blister chamber is filled with a viscous gel and is exposed to the expandable cathode of the battery. As the battery discharges, the cathode expands thus causing the gel within the chamber to be extruded out through an outlet into a viewing channel in an overlying disk. The amount of gel flowing into the viewing channel is proportional to the amount of expansion of the cathode and, thus, indicates the amount of discharge and, conversely, the remaining life of the battery. A battery charge indicator is also disclosed in which the expansion of the cathode is adapted to apply localized pressure to a disk. The localized pressure applied to the disk causes stretching of the material of the disk, which causes a visual indication of the state of charge of the battery.

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: Improvements in the end block design for zinc/bromine batteries include modification of the end block configuration which previously has included rigid resin covers and end block plates with a honeycomb structure sandwiched therebetween. Such prior structures were used adjacent to terminal electrode frames. In the present invention, the terminal electrodes are preferably contained within the end plate, thereby eliminating two components used in prior zinc/bromine battery design and the end block itself is formed from two components by building a rib structure into the plate and cover and welding the two components together to join the ribs and form an integral and structurally sound unit. The end block configuration could be used for bipolar lead-acid batteries or other types of flowing or non-flowing batteries or capacitors.

Abstract: An activatable lithium/bromine trifluoride electrochemical cell comprising an anode of lithium or lithium alloy, a positive current collector based on carbon black, and an electrolyte based on bromine trifluoride, wherein the quantity of bromine trifluoride is not less than 200 ml per dm.sup.2 of anode area, and that means are provided for causing the electrolyte to circulate through said cell at a linear speed of not less than 0.5 cm/second. Discharge yield is doubled [curve B] compared with a prior art cell [curve A].

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, inlet and outlet manifolds for a forced electrolyte flow battery, the manifolds having nonuniform cross-sections. The inlet manifold extends along the base of the battery cells and tapers from a large cross-section at the inlet end thereof to a small cross-section at the closed opposite end of the manifold. The outlet manifold has electrolyte outlets at either end of the manifold and tapers from a small cross-section at the middle of the manifold to large cross-sections at the electrolyte outlets of the manifolds. The inlet and outlets to and from the inlet and outlet manifolds are arranged, respectively, such that the header connected to the inlet manifold is larger in cross-section than the cross-section of the inlet manifold at that point and the headers connected to the outlet manifold are larger in cross-section than the cross-sections of the outlet manifold at that point.

Abstract: A metal-air battery is described having recirculating electrolyte. The battery comprises: (a) a tank defining a reservoir for liquid electrolyte, (b) a support panel mounted in the tank above the electrolyte reservoir, (c) a plurality of individually removable metal-air cells mounted in side-by-side relationship on said support panel with air gaps therebetween, each cell comprising a pair of spaced-apart flat side walls joined by end faces and top and bottom faces, said side walls including air cathodes, a metal anode mounted between and spaced from said flat side walls, an electrolyte inlet connector below the lower edge of the anode and an electrolyte outlet connector, said connectors being adapted to removably extend through openings in said support panel, and said outlet connector being adapted to return electrolyte to the reservoir, and (d) circuit means for connecting said cells to an external load.

Abstract: A metal/air battery is described having gas bubbled through the electrolyte. It includes: (a) a tank defining a reservoir for liquid electrolyte; (b) one or more metal-air cells disposed for immersion in electrolyte, each cell including at least one air cathode having a first surface disposed for contact with electrolyte and a second surface exposed to air and a metal anode disposed for immersion in electrolyte in facing spaced relation to the first cathode surface to constitute therewith an anode-cathode pair electrically coupled by electrolyte, (c) a bubbler tube extending horizontally in the electrolyte reservoir beneath each cell and serving to inject gas bubbles into electrolyte between the anode and cathode of each cell, and (d) means for providing a pulsating flow of gas to the bubbler tube(s).

Abstract: A light weight deflection-resistant end block is provided for a battery and comprises a base member of a light weight, chemically inert and electrically resistive material which has one or more cavities adapted to receive low density, substantially rigid inserts such as honey-combed aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates electrical transmission from a flow battery to a load along a path of minimal electrical resistance. The terminal electrode comprises a metal screen encapsulated in plastic sheets, with a non-conductive plastic frame injection molded around the periphery thereof. One or more studs are soldered to the outward facing surface of the screen.

Abstract: A metal-air battery is described having recirculating electrolyte. The battery comprises: (a) a tank defining a reservoir for liquid electrolyte, (b) a support panel mounted in the tank above the electrolyte reservoir, (c) a plurality of individually removable metal-air cells mounted in side-by-side relationship on said support panel with air gaps therebetween, each cell comprising a pair of spaced-apart flat side walls joined by end faces and top and bottom faces, said side walls including air cathodes, a metal anode mounted between and spaced from said flat side walls, an electrolyte inlet connector below the lower edge of the anode and an electrolyte outlet connector, said connectors being adapted to removably extend through openings in said support panel, and said outlet connector being adapted to return electrolyte to the reservoir, and (d) circuit means for connecting said cells to an external load.

Abstract: A battery in accordance with the invention comprises: p1 an electrochemical block (3) constituted by a large number of electrochemical couples; p1 a network for irrigating said electrochemical couples with electrolyte; p1 a heat exchanger (7) for externally dumping the heat evolved during discharge; p1 a pump (5) for causing the electrolyte (10) to circulate through the irrigation network and said heat exchanger; and p1 a device (2) for storing electrolyte and transferring it to said electrochemical block (3) on activation, said device including a supply of electrolyte connected to a gas generator and also to an inlet to said pump.

Abstract: Batteries comprising an anode and liquid electrolyte produce an electrolyte effluent which may contain a solid particulate discharge. This discharge product inhibits the efficient generation of electrical power by the battery. It has been discovered that this solid particulate discharge may be effectively and economically separated from the electrolyte on a continuous basis by a solids separation means comprising a container having an axis and an impeller. This system provides for the efficient generation of electrical power.

Abstract: The electrode structure includes electrolyte injection and collector channels, and, on pairs of opposite sides of each battery cell (1), plates (2) for distributing electrolyte through said cells, said plates being disposed to ensure that the flow of electrolyte through each cell is substantially constant over any point of the area of said cell.

Abstract: A crystallizer which incorporates a lamella settler and which is particularly applicable for use in batteries and power cells for electric vehicles or stationary applications. The lamella settler can be utilized for coarse particle separation or for agglomeration, and is particularly applicable to aluminum-air batteries or power cells for solving the hydrargillite (aluminum-hydroxide) removal problems from such batteries. This invention provides the advantages of very low energy consumption, turbulence, shear, cost and maintenance. Thus, due to the low shear and low turbulence of this invention, it is particularly effective in the control of aluminum hydroxide particle size distribution in the various sections of an aluminum-air system, as will as in other elecrochemical systems requiring separation for phases of different densities.

Abstract: Batteries comprising an anode and liquid electrolyte produce an electrolyte effluent which may contain a solid particulate discharge. This discharge product inhibits the efficient generation of electrical power by the battery. It has been discovered that this solid particulate discharge may be effectively and economically separated from the electrolyte on a continuous basis by a solids separation means comprising a container having an axis and an impeller. This system provides for the efficient generation of electrical power.

Abstract: A rechargeable, electrochemical generation apparatus and method has bipolar nickel-zinc electrode cells in a stacked, serially connected configuration for providing improved reliability and charge-discharge cycling capability. The apparatus employs a rotatable container having mounted therein a plurality of the electrode cell assemblies. An electrolyte solution is circulated, preferably according to a pulsed circulation, through the electrolyte cells. The electrode cells have an anode and a cathode electrode element, and each element has a substantially planar surface in contact with the electrolyte solution. The cells are mounted so that the planar surfaces of the electrodes align with the radial direction of the centrifugal force created by rotation of the container. The container, and hence the cells, are rotated to create centrifugal forces on the order of one hundred times the pull of gravity at the outer rims of the cells.

Abstract: A zinc-bromine battery is disclosed which includes anode and cathode reaction tanks separated from each other by a separator membrane for preventing self-discharge, and an electrolyte storage tank storing an electrolyte with a bromine complexing agent added thereto. Catholytes and anolytes are circulated between the cathode reaction tank and the anode reaction tank, respectively, and the electrolyte storage tank. The bromine produced in the catholyte is complexed by a complexing agent and is stored. A first connection pipe and a second connection pipe are provided for the purpose of forcibly mixing part of the anolyte and catholyte with each other therethrough. The first connection pipe receives part of the catholyte which has flowed from the cathode reaction tank to the catholyte storage tank from a position which is remote from an inlet for the catholyte, and supplies it to the anolyte storage tank. The second connection pipe, on the other hand, supplies part of the anolyte to the catholyte.

Abstract: Selected saturated organic polymers having multiple ether linkages are useful in at least partially passivating the electrochemical reaction occurring at the reactive metal anode of an electrochemical cell using an aqueous electrolyte.Useful polymers are characterized as having a molecular weight in the range of about 100 to 1000 Daltons, as being at least partially miscible with the aqueous electrolyte, chemically inert with respect to the anode, cathode and electrolyte, and having an atomic ratio of carbon in the polymer to oxygen in the ether linkages of about 1 to 5:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytes circulation type cell stack secondary battery of the construction in which the electrolytes are circulated in a parallel manner. In order to absorb small shunt electrical currents, an electrode is arranged in the vicinity of each of the cathode electrolyte inlet and outlet channels of low-potential-side one of the secondary cells and the electrodes are connected to the cathode terminal of the cell stack secondary battery.