Abstract: A hybridization system (15) for use in a hybrid energy plant (35, 50, 60, 70) that includes a first thermal energy unit (10) powered by solar energy and a second non-solar thermal energy unit (11) for providing thermal energy to a user (16) via first and second heat transfer fluids (HTF) respectively. The hybridization system includes a mixing unit (45) for mixing the thermal energy of the first and second heat transfer fluids either directly or indirectly so as to form a unified heat transfer fluid that is fed to the user. In some embodiments a thermal energy storage unit (28) and mixing unit (45) are coupled directly or indirectly to the first and second thermal energy units for receiving, storing and mixing thermal energy from the thermal energy units, so as to form either directly or indirectly a unified heat transfer fluid that is fed to the user.

Abstract: A hybridization system (15) for use in a hybrid energy plant (35, 50, 60, 70) that includes a first thermal energy unit (10) powered by solar energy and a second non-solar thermal energy unit (11) for providing thermal energy to a user (16) via first and second heat transfer fluids (HTF) respectively. The hybridization system includes a mixing unit (45) for mixing the thermal energy of the first and second heat transfer fluids either directly or indirectly so as to form a unified heat transfer fluid that is fed to the user. In some embodiments a thermal energy storage unit (28) and mixing unit (45) are coupled directly or indirectly to the first and second thermal energy units for receiving, storing and mixing thermal energy from the thermal energy units, so as to form either directly or indirectly a unified heat transfer fluid that is fed to the user.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the effective life and utilization of CO.sub.2 -absorbent material in a scrubber system for removing carbon dioxide from an air inflow to a metal-air battery or fuel cell comprises providing, in such a battery, a housing including a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and at least one removable, gas-permeable container containing a CO.sub.2 -absorbent material, the container being positioned across the flow path of gas entering said inlet and exiting said outlet. After a predetermined utilization of the system, the at least one removable, gas-permeable container is removed therefrom and spent CO.sub.2 -absorbent material from the container is regenerated for reuse in the scrubber system, the regeneration including at least periodically removing accumulated Group 1a metal carbonate deposits.

Abstract: A mechanically-rechargeable single-cell consumer electric battery for generating up to two volts, the battery being capable of electrical recharge. The battery including a replaceable zinc anode, a housing containing the anode and provided with an aperture sealed by a removable closure, the aperture being sufficiently large to allow removal and replacement therethrough of at least the zinc anode, a cathode selected from the group including a manganese dioxide electrode, a nickel hydroxide electrode, a silver oxide electrode, and an air electrode also contained in the housing, a non-spillable electrolyte in contact with both cathode and anode, and a separator system physically separating the anode from the cathode.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-cell, sealed, cooled, zinc-oxygen battery, comprising a container containing a plurality of bi-cells, each cell having a housing provided with two major surfaces and accommodating a pair of oppositely-disposed, spaced-apart, air-permeable, liquid-impermeable cathodes in the form of oxygen-reduction electrodes, and defining between themselves a cavity configured to accommodate an anode of the battery and electrolyte, substantial portions of the major surfaces of the housing being removed, thus exposing major portions of the oxygen-reduction electrodes, and wherein two major surfaces are partly recessed in such a way as to form, in conjunction with a similarly-recessed outer surface of a major wall of an adjacent cell housing, an inter-cathode gas space between adjacent cells with a plurality of oxygen access openings leading thereto; an anode positioned within the cavity and comprising an active zinc anode component compacted into a rigid static bed of active anode material of ti

Abstract: A modular cell for a multi-cell metal-air battery system, comprises a relatively flat cell housing having two major surfaces and accommodating a pair of oppositely disposed, spaced-apart, air-permeable, liquid-impermeable cathodes in the form of air electrodes defining between themselves a space open towards the upper edges of the cell housing and closed at the lateral edges and the bottom of the cell housing, the space being configured to accommodate an anode of said battery, substantial portions of the major surfaces of the housing being removed, thus exposing major portions of the air electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-cell, sealed, zinc-oxygen battery, comprising a container containing (a) a plurality of bi-cells, each cell having a housing provided with two major surfaces and accommodating a pair of oppositely-disposed, spaced-apart, air-permeable, liquid-impermeable cathodes in the form of oxygen-reduction electrodes, and defining between themselves a cavity configured to accommodate an anode of the battery and electrolyte, substantial portions of the major surfaces of the housing being removed, thus exposing major portions of the oxygen electrodes, and wherein the two major surfaces are partly recessed in such a way as to form, in conjunction with a similarly-recessed outer surface of a major wall of an adjacent cell housing, an inter-cathode gas space between adjacent cells with a plurality of oxygen access openings leading thereto; (b) a dead space volume between inner surfaces of the housing and the plurality of bi-cells; and (c) pressurized oxygen supply means for feeding oxygen to the

Abstract: An electrochemically prepared, high-performance, zinc powder has an apparent density of about 0.2-2 g/cc and a surface area of about 0.5-6 m.sup.2 /gm and further has at least one corrosion inhibitor metal intrinsically alloyed therein.

Abstract: A mechanically rechargeable, electrochemical metal-air battery of the type having a plurality of metal-air cells, each of said cells comprising (a) a housing having a base, two major surfaces and two minor surfaces, defining an interior space for containing therein a replaceable metal electrode having an electrically conductive skeletal member encompassed by an active metal component, the interior space communicating with an opening opposite the base through which the replaceable metal electrode is selectively removed to enable the mechanical replacement thereof with a freshly charged metal electrode; (b) at least one generally planar, air permeable but liquid impermeable, air electrode, each of the electrodes being installed in a window-like opening provided in at least one of the major surfaces; and (c) an electrolyte in contact with the metal and air electrodes; the improvement comprising a first woven mesh separator attached to an inner, electrolyte-facing surface of each of the air electrodes and a secon

Abstract: A modular cell for a multi-cell metal-air battery system, comprises a relatively flat cell housing having two major surfaces and accommodating a pair of oppositely disposed, spaced-apart, air-permeable, liquid-impermeable cathodes in the form of air electrodes defining between themselves a space open towards the upper edges of the cell housing and closed at the lateral edges and the bottom of the cell housing, the space being configured to accommodate an anode of said battery, substantial portions of the major surfaces of the housing being removed, thus exposing major portions of the air electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical metal-air cell for multiple discharge and recharge cycles, includes a housing for accommodating a replaceable metal electrode having a generally planar electrically conductive skeletal member encompassed by an active metal component. At least one generally planar, air permeable but liquid impermeable air electrode is installed at at-least one of the sides of the housing. An electrolyte is provided in contact with the metal and the air electrodes. One or more auxiliary electrodes each constituting a charging anode is engaged when electric current is applied thereto for effecting the reduction and regeneration of the active metal component in one mode of operation, during which the air electrode is disengaged. The charging anode is disengaged in another mode of operation. The metal electrode is removed from the housing to enable the mechanical replacement thereof and is recharged in situ when electric current is applied to the auxiliary charging anode to reduce oxidized active metal thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogen pump for vacuum insulation jackets for a vessel or a pipe which holds or through which flows a hydrogen-containing medium at temperatures such that hydrogen permeates into the jacket, comprising a palladium or palladium alloy membrane exposed on one side to an oxidizing atmosphere and on its other side to the evacuated space within the jacket, wherein the membrane enables the flow of the hydrogen from the evacuated space through the membrane into the oxidizing atmosphere.