Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic drive system for a vehicle, which system comprises a hydraulic motor, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one low voltage electric motor, at least one low voltage battery and at least one low voltage fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic drive system for a vehicle, which system comprises a hydraulic motor, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one low voltage electric motor, at least one low voltage battery and at least one low voltage fuel cell.

Abstract: An energy conversion system, comprising: a reservoir container including at least two chambers of inversely variable volume for respectively storing a quantity of fuel and receiving a quantity of exhaust; a means for decreasing the volume of the first chamber while concurrently increasing the volume of the second chamber; at least one energy conversion device; first means for communicating fuel between the at least one energy conversion device and a first of the chambers in the reservoir container; and second means for communicating exhaust between the at least one energy conversion device and a second of the chambers in the reservoir container. The reservoir container may be transported to a recharging/refilling station or recharged in-situ. A particular application for metal-air fuel cell power systems is shown and described.

Abstract: A Metal air cell and cell system is provided. In general, the cell includes a cathode structure comprising opposing cathode portions and a space configured for receiving an anode structure. The anode structure includes a pair of rigid structures having plural apertures for allowing ionic communication and anode material between the rigid structures. A separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode to electrically isolate the anode and the cathode. The rigid structures of the anode structure facilitate removal of the anode structure from the cathode structure. In certain embodiments, anode structures are formed with bimodal gelling agents to promote an even distribution of anode material and electrolyte gel.

Abstract: Provided herein is a structure for use in an electrochemical cell system. The structure includes a dry component housing (180) including a plurality of dry components (110), including an anode (112) and a cathode (132). One end of the dry component housing comprises an electrolyte concentrate (solid or liquid) reservoir (150). The electrolyte concentrate reservoir and the dry components are in fluid communication via a flow control device (170), aperture (172) or system (170a). An electrochemical cell is formed using the structure, in addition to a source (262). When the water is added in the proximity of the electrolyte concentrate reservoir, diluted electrolyte is introduced through an electrolyte flow control device, structure or system, the cell is activated.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is comprised of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode electrically isolated from the second electrode. The cell system may be discharged upon application of a load across a discharge circuit, which is formed from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The cell may be recharged upon application of a voltage across a recharging circuit, which is formed of at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the third electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a refuelable and rechargeable metal air electrochemical cell includes a removable and rechargeable metal fuel anode, and air cathode, a third electrode, and a separator in ionic communication with at least a poriton of a major surface of the anode. In another embodiment, a refueable and rechargeable metal air electrochemical cell includes a discharging cell and a recharging cell. The discharging cell includes an air cathode structure adapted to receive a removable and rechargeable metal fuel anode that, when inserted in the air cathode structure, produces electrical energy during the process of electrochemical conversion of the metal fuel into a metal oxide.

Abstract: A nickel-zinc electrochemical cell is disclosed using a polymer matrix separator. The polymer matrix separator includes a polymerization product of one or more monomers selected from the group of water-soluble, ethylenically-unsaturated acids and acid derivatives, and a crosslinking agent, and serves as a primary or supplemental source of electrolyte ionic species for the electrochemistry. Ionic species is contained as a solution phase within the polymer matrix membrane, allowing it to behave as a liquid electrolyte without the disadvantages. In secondary batteries (i.e., rechargeable), polymer matrix membranes are particularly useful as both an electrolyte reservoir and as a dendrite resistant separator between the charging electrode and the zinc electrode. The polymer matrix membrane protects the electrodes from corrosion and prevents zinc oxidation product from the zinc electrode to contaminate the electrolyte.

Abstract: The rechargeable metal air electrochemical cell generally includes a pair of air cathode portions centrally disposed and attached to each other with a collapsible mechanism. Anodes are disposed in ionic communication with each air cathode portions via a suitable electrolyte. For recharging, a pair of third charging electrodes is provided ionic communication with the anode portions.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment system is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen from ambient air. The electrochemical cell extracts oxygen from ambient air based on hydroxide conduction. A mixer is provided in fluid communication with ambient air, and an outlet provides oxygen enriched air to a user or air-breathing apparatus. In further embodiments, a purification system is also included. The air enrichment system may be employed with suitable batteries to provide a portable air enrichment device.

Abstract: A modular electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes N+X individual electrochemical cell modules. N modules of the system are typically sufficient to provide an electrical discharge output or receive an electrical recharge input. A control system is also provided for detecting the condition of each module and determining the best N modules to provide the function needed for optimal performance during recharge or discharge. The control system may also control switching of the N+X modules. One or more of the extra X modules excluded from the control system determination are available for maintenance or refueling without interruption of the operation of the remaining N modules.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is comprised of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode electrically isolated from the second electrode. The cell system may be discharged upon application of a load across a discharge circuit, which is formed from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The cell may be recharged upon application of a voltage across a recharging circuit, which is formed of at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the third electrodes.

Abstract: A metal air cell system comprises a frame structure configured with variable airflow paths. The variable airflow paths provide alternatives between direct open loop airflow and semi-closed loop air flow, wherein air is at least partially circulated around the cell components. This is particularly useful for operation in different temperature environments. The open loop mode is useful for high temperature environments, and the semi-closed loop mode is useful for low temperature environments.

Abstract: Fuel cells (e.g., air-depolarized fuel cells) are stacked, supported and electrically interconnected into a battery structure with a connector block. The anode and cathode elements of each fuel cell are provided with conductive terminating elements (e.g., plug connectors), preferably extending in downward “U” shaped configuration from the upper ends of the anode and cathode elements respectively. The connector block comprises a series of conductive apertures, positioned and sized, to accommodate the conductive terminating elements of the anodes and cathodes therein. When the conductive terminating elements of the anodes and cathodes are slidably engaged with the conductive apertures of the connector block, the connector block mechanical support the anodes and cathode so engaged.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment system is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen from ambient air. The electrochemical cell extracts oxygen from ambient air based on hydroxide conduction. A mixer is provided in fluid communication with ambient air, and an outlet provides oxygen enriched air to a user or air-breathing apparatus. In further embodiments, a purification system is also included. The air enrichment system may be employed with suitable batteries to provide a portable air enrichment device.

Abstract: A novel battery construction including a plurality of discharging cells formed by a cathode structure having plurality of relatively small cathode elements on a cathode support structure, and an anode structure having one or more anode-contacting elements on an anode-contacting element support plate. Each discharging cell can be independently activated (i.e. enabled) using a transistor-based power switching element operated under the control of a switching controller. The novel battery construction may also include a plurality of recharging cells, spatially arranged with the plurality of discharging cells.

Abstract: An energy conversion system, comprising: a reservoir container including at least two chambers of inversely variable volume for respectively storing a quantity of fuel and receiving a quantity of exhaust; a means for decreasing the volume of the first chamber while concurrently increasing the volume of the second chamber; at least one energy conversion device; first means for communicating fuel between the at least one energy conversion device and a first of the chambers in the reservoir container; and second means for communicating exhaust between the at least one energy conversion device and a second of the chambers in the reservoir container. The reservoir container may be transported to a recharging/refilling station or recharged in-situ. A particular application for metal-air fuel cell power systems is shown and described.

Abstract: An anode structure is provided that compensates for anode expansion during cell discharge, maintains substantially uniform distance between the anode and cathode, and/or facilitates anode removal for refueling operations. The anode structure generally includes metal fuel, a current collector in electric contact with the metal fuel, and a compressible member in mechanical cooperation with the metal fuel and/or current collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing metal air cell systems. The method includes a thermoset molding step to integrate the cell structure with necessary cell components. This method offers reliable, stable structure and, most importantly, good bonding with porous components (e.g., air cathode, charging cathode) to prevent potential leakage.

Abstract: A device/system having an integrated refuelable and rechargable metal-air FCB based power supply unit for generating and providing electrical power to at least one electrical-energy-consuming load device disposed therein. An external power source is used to recharge the metal-air FCB subsystems embodied therein. A control subsystem automatically transitions between discharging mode (wherein at least one metal-air FCB subsystem supplies electrical power to the electrical power-consuming load device) and a recharging mode (wherein the external power source is electrically coupled to at least one metal-air FCB subsystem to thereby recharge the metal-air FCB subsystem(s). The metal-air FCB subsystem(s) are refueled by manually loading and unloading metal-fuel from the metal-air FCB subsystem(s). Preferably, electrical power provided to the at least one electrical power-consuming load device is supplied solely by electrical power generated by discharging metal-fuel in the metal-air fuel cell battery subsystem(s).