Abstract: A method of controlling a power generating system comprising a plurality of metal-air cells and a pump for circulating an electrolyte solution through the cells. The method comprises sensing an operating condition of the generating system, and selectively energizing the pump as a function of the sensed operating condition whereby energizing the pump causes the electrolyte solution to be circulated through the cells.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 5, 1995
Date of Patent:
October 22, 1996
Assignee:
Voltek, Inc.
Inventors:
Gordon R. Stone, Richard L. McGee, Douglas J. Amick
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 23, 1993
Date of Patent:
August 8, 1995
Assignee:
Voltek, Inc.
Inventors:
Gordon R. Stone, Richard L. McGee, Douglas J. Amick
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 2, 1992
Date of Patent:
May 16, 1995
Assignee:
Voltek, Inc.
Inventors:
Gordon R. Stone, Richard L. McGee, Douglas J. Amick