METHOD FOR OPERATING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

专利摘要:
electrochemical cell with stepped ark fuel tank anode. an electrochemical cell includes an electrode fuel configured to operate as an anode to oxidize a fuel when connected to a load and configured to operate as a cathode when connected to a power source. the electrode fuel comprises a plurality of frame electrode bodies, the frame electrode bodies being of decayed sizes. the electrode bodies are of a larger size in distal positions than a charge electrode configured to act as an anode when connected to the power supply, and of a smaller size in positions proximal to the charge electrode. when compared to a load. the electrode fuel that contains scaffold electrode bodies acts as an electrochemical cell anode and the electrodeposited fuel is oxidized.
公开号:BR112012032269B1
申请号:R112012032269-9
申请日:2011-06-24
公开日:2020-01-07
发明作者:Ramkumar Krishnan；Grant FRIESEN；Cody A. FRIESEN
申请人:Nantenergy, Inc.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for METHOD FOR OPERATING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL.
[001] The present application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Serial No. US 61 / 358,339, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD [002] The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell to generate power, and more particularly a cell that uses electrodeposited fuel.
BACKGROUND [003] Each of the U.S. Patent Application Publications
2009/0284229 A1 and 2011/0086278 A1 reveals a metal-air cell with an anode formed from a series of separate permeable electrode bodies. Metal fuel is reduced and electrodeposited on the electrode bodies. A challenge with this type of model is to ensure that growth does not prematurely shorten adjacent electrode bodies together, thereby shortening the opportunity for dense growth between bodies.
[004] The present application attempts to provide an improved cell configuration, which can be used with cells such as those described in the applications referenced above, in which the fuel is electrodeposited on the electrode bodies.
SUMMARY [005] One aspect of the invention provides a method of operating an electrochemical cell. The cell comprises a fuel electrode comprising a series of permeable electrode bodies disposed in a separate relationship, and an oxidizing electrode separate from the fuel electrode. A charging electrode is separated from the fuel electrode. The charge electrode is selected from the group
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 7/62
2/45 consisting of (a) the oxidizing electrode and (b) a separate charge electrode. That is, the charge electrode can be the oxidizing electrode, or it can be a third electrode in the system. An ionically conductive medium communicates ions between the electrodes. The ions can be in a free ionic form, or in a complex or molecular form. The series of permeable electrode bodies comprises a proximal permeable electrode body, proximal to the charge electrode, and a distal permeable electrode body, distal from the charge electrode. Along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the fuel electrode, an edge of the proximal permeable electrode body is located into an edge of the distal permeable electrode body. The method comprises:
[006] charge the electrochemical cell by:
[007] apply an electric current between the charge electrode and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies with the charge electrode that works as an anode and at least one permeable electrode body that works as a cathode, so that the ions reducible fuel are reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable fuel in at least one permeable electrode body;
[008] cause, from the said electrodeposition, growth of the fuel between the permeable electrode bodies so that the electrodeposited fuel establishes an electrical connection between the permeable electrode bodies; and [009] remove the electrical current to discontinue charging.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides an electrochemical cell. The cell comprises a fuel electrode comprising a series of permeable electrode bodies disposed in a separate relationship, and an oxidizing electrode separate from the fuel electrode. a
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 8/62
3/45 charge electrode is separated from the fuel electrode. The charge electrode is selected from the group consisting of (a) the oxidizing electrode and (b) a separate charging electrode. An ionically conductive medium assists in the transport of ions between the electrodes. The series of permeable electrode bodies comprises a proximal permeable electrode body, proximal to the charge electrode, and a distal permeable electrode body, distal from the charge electrode. Along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the fuel electrode, an edge of the proximal permeable electrode body is located into an edge of the distal permeable electrode body. In addition, the separate relationship of the permeable electrode bodies to the fuel electrode allows an electrical current to be applied between the charge electrode and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies. In such a configuration, the charge electrode would function as an anode and the at least one permeable electrode body would function as a cathode. This would result in the reducible fuel ions being reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable fuel in at least one permeable electrode body (acting as a cathode). Electrodeposition causes the fuel to grow between the permeable electrode bodies so that the electrodeposited fuel establishes an electrical connection between the permeable electrode bodies.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of operating an electrochemical cell. The cell comprises a fuel electrode comprising a series of permeable electrode bodies disposed in a separate relationship. An oxidizing electrode is separated from the fuel electrode. A charging electrode is also present. An ionically conductive medium communicates the electrodes. Along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the fuel electrode, the edges of the permeable electrode bodies are dissected
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 9/62
4/45 placed in a staggered configuration in a first direction. The method comprises:
[0012] load the electrochemical cell by:
[0013] apply an electric current between the charge electrode and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies of the fuel electrode with the charge electrode that functions as an anode and at least one permeable electrode body that functions as a cathode, so that reducible fuel ions are reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable fuel in at least one permeable electrode body;
[0014] cause, from the said electrodeposition, growth of the fuel between the permeable electrode bodies in the first direction so that the electrodeposited fuel establishes an electrical connection between the permeable electrode bodies; and [0015] remove the electric current to discontinue charging.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electrochemical cell. The cell comprises a fuel electrode comprising a series of permeable electrode bodies disposed in a separate relationship. An oxidizing electrode is separated from the fuel electrode. A charging electrode is present. An ionically conductive medium communicates the electrodes. Along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the fuel electrode, the edges of the permeable electrode bodies are arranged in an inwardly staggered configuration in a first direction. The separate relationship of the permeable electrode bodies of the fuel electrode allows an electric current to be applied between the charge electrode and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies of the fuel electrode with the charge electrode that functions as an anode and the hair. least a permeable electrode body that functions as a
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 10/62
5/45 cathode, so that reducible fuel ions are reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable fuel in at least one permeable electrode body, through which electrodeposition causes fuel to grow between the permeable electrode bodies in the first direction of so that the electrodeposited fuel establishes an electrical connection between the permeable electrode bodies.
[0017] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the attached drawings and the attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] Modalities of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrochemical cell system that includes two electrochemical cells;
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electrochemical cell system of Figure 1;
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates an electrode holder of one of the electrochemical cells of Figure 1;
[0022] Figure 4 illustrates the electrode holder of Figure 3 that supports a fuel electrode and a plurality of separators connected to the electrode holder;
[0023] Figure 5 illustrates one of the tabs in Figure 4 in greater detail;
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a connection between the separator of Figure and the electrode holder of Figure 3 in greater detail;
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a fluidization zone defined in part by the electrode holder of Figure 3 in greater detail;
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 11/62
6/45 [0026] Figure 8 is an isolated schematic view of an electrochemical cell modality that shows a plurality of electrode bodies and the growth of electrodeposited fuel in them;
[0027] Figure 9 shows the growth progression in Figure 8;
[0028] Figure 10 shows the continued growth progression in Figures 8 and 9;
[0029] Figure 11 is a schematic view similar to Figure
8, but which shows an alternative modality;
[0030] Figure 12 shows a schematic view similar to
Figure 8, but showing yet another alternative modality;
[0031] Figure 13 is an isolated schematic view of a portion of the electrode bodies of a cell similar to that in Figures 8 to 12, showing the growth of electrodeposited fuel in them, and which highlights harmful edge effects;
[0032] Figure 14 is an isolated schematic view of a portion of a cell embodiment of the present invention, in which the electrode bodies have a staggered scaffold configuration, showing the growth of electrodeposited fuel therein;
[0033] Figure 15 shows the growth progression in Figure
14;
[0034] Figure 16 shows the continued progression of growth in Figures 14 and 17;
[0035] Figure 17 shows a schematic view similar to
Figure 14, but showing yet another alternative modality;
[0036] Figure 18 is a schematic view similar to Figure
14, but which shows an alternative modality;
[0037] Figure 19 shows a schematic view similar to the
Figure 14, but showing yet another alternative modality;
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 12/62
7/45 [0038] Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 1, but showing an alternative modality with the staggered scaffold configuration;
[0039] Figure 21 shows an exploded view of the modality of
Figure 20;
[0040] Figures 22a to 22c show isolated schematic views of divergent modalities of the electrode bodies in cross-section and exploded views; and [0041] Figures 23a through 23c show alternative embodiments of the electrode bodies in Figures 22a through 22c, which have a different orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0042] The principles of the present invention can be widely applied to any electrochemical cell in which a fuel, such as a metal fuel, is electrodeposited on the anode. Such cells can include batteries, such as metal-air batteries, for example. The Figures illustrate modalities of various aspects of the claimed inventions. These modalities are in no way intended to be limiting, and are intended only as examples to facilitate an understanding of the principles of the claimed inventions.
[0043] For example, an electrochemical cell 10 with which the principles of the present invention can be used can have any construction or configuration, and the examples described in this document are not intended to be limiting. For example, the cell 10 may be constructed in accordance with any of the following patent applications, the entirety of each is incorporated herein by reference: 12 / 385,217 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011 / 0039181A1 ), 12 / 385,489 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009 / 0284229A1), 12 / 631,484 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 13/62
8/45
2010 / 0316935A1), 12 / 549,617 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010 / 0119895A1), 12 / 776,962 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010 / 0285375A1), 12 / 885,268 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011 / 0070506A1), 13 / 019,923, 12 / 901,410 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011 / 0086278A1), 13 / 083,929,
13 / 028.496, 13 / 085.714, 61 / 334.047, 61 / 365.645, 61 / 378.021,
61 / 439,759 61 / 394,954, and 61 / 383,510. The illustrated modalities show the applicability of the present invention to an electrochemical cell 10 that has a configuration similar to that found in document 12 / 901.410, however this should not be considered limiting in any way.
[0044] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an electrochemical cell system 100 that includes two electrochemical cells 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, each cell 10 includes a fuel electrode 12 and an oxidizing electrode 14 which is separate from the fuel electrode 12 (i.e., first and second electrodes respectively). The fuel electrode 12 is supported by an electrode holder 16. The electrochemical system 100 further includes a cover 19 which is used to cover the electrochemical cells 10 on one side of the system 100, while one of the electrode supports 16 is used to cover the opposite side of system 100, as shown in Figure 1.
[0045] In one embodiment, the fuel electrode 12 is a metal fuel electrode that functions as an anode when cell 10 operates in a discharge or electricity generation mode, as discussed in further detail below. In one embodiment, the fuel electrode 12 may comprise a permeable electrode body 12a, such as a screen that is made of any formation that has the ability to capture and retain, through electrodeposition, or otherwise, particles or ions of fuel
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 14/62
9/45 metal of an ionically conductive medium present in cell 10, as discussed in further detail below. In various embodiments, the fuel electrode 12 may comprise carbon fiber, brass, bronze, stainless steel, nickel, monel, any other material with high conductivity, or any other material.
[0046] The fuel can be a metal, such as iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium or lithium. By metal, this term is intended to encompass all elements considered metals in the periodic table, including, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, lanthanides, actinides and transition metals, in atomic, molecular (including metal hydrides) or alloy when collected in the electrode body. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific fuel, and others can be used. Fuel can be supplied to cell 10 as particles suspended in the ionically conductive medium.
[0047] The ionically conductive medium can be an aqueous solution. Examples of suitable media include aqueous solutions comprising sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, triflic acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, potassium nitrate or lithium chloride. In one embodiment, the ionically conductive medium may comprise an electrolyte. The medium can also use a non-aqueous solvent or an ionic liquid. In the non-limiting embodiment described in this document, the medium is aqueous potassium hydroxide.
[0048] Fuel can be oxidized at the fuel electrode when fuel electrode 12 is operating as an anode, and an oxidant, such as oxygen, can be reduced at oxidizing electrode 14 when oxidizing electrode 14 is operating as a cathode, which is when cell 10 is connected to a load and cell 10 is in a discharge or electricity generation mode, according to
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 15/62
10/45 me discussed in further detail below. The reactions that occur during the discharge mode generate by-product precipitates, for example, a type of reducible fuel, in the ionically conductive medium. For example, in modalities where the fuel is zinc, zinc oxide is generated as a precipitate of a by-product / reducible fuel species. During a refill mode, which is discussed in further detail below, by-product precipitates, for example, zinc oxide, can be reversibly reduced and deposited as the fuel, for example, zinc, on the fuel electrode 12, which works as a cathode during the recharge mode. During the charging mode, the oxidizing electrode 14, a separate charge electrode 70 (i.e., a third electrode), described below, or a body of the fuel electrode itself, also described below, functions as the anode. Switching between discharge and recharge modes is discussed in further detail below.
[0049] The electrode holder 16 defines a cavity 18 in which the fuel electrode 12 is held. Electrode holder 16 further defines an input 20 and an output 22 for cell 10. Input 20 is configured to allow the ionically conductive medium to enter cell 10 and / or recirculate through cell 10. Input 20 can be connected to cavity 18 via an input channel 24, and output 22 can be connected to cavity 18 via an output channel 26. As shown in Figure 3, both input channel 24 and output channel 26 can provide a tortuous path in meanders through which the ionically conductive medium can flow. The meandering path defined by the input channel 24 preferably does not include any sharp corners in which the flow of the medium can become stagnant or in which any particulates in the medium can collect. As discussed in further detail below, the length of channels 24, 26 can be designed to provide resistance
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 16/62
11/45 increased ionic between cells that are connected in a fluid way in series. Any construction or configuration can be used, and the mode described is not limiting.
[0050] For each cell 10, a permeable sealing member 17 can be connected between the sealing surface on the electrode holders 16 and / or the cover 19, as appropriate, to surround at least the fuel electrode 12 in the cavity 18. The sealing member 17 also covers the inlet and outlet channels 24, 26. The sealing member 17 is non-conductive and electrochemically inert, and is preferably designed to be permeable to the ionically conductive medium in the orthogonal direction (that is, through its thickness), without allowing lateral transport of the ionically conductive medium. This allows the ionically conductive medium to penetrate through the sealing member 17 to allow ionic conductivity with the oxidizing electrode 14 on the opposite side to sustain electrochemical reactions, without “draining” the ionically conductive medium laterally out of the cell
10. Some non-limiting examples of a suitable material for sealing member 17 are EPDM and TEFLON®.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 18 has a generally rectangular or square cross section that is substantially compatible with the shape of the fuel electrode 12. One side of the cavity 18, specifically, the side of the cavity 18 that is connected to the inlet 24, includes a plurality of fluidization zones 28 which are each connected to the inlet channel 24 via a conductor which includes a plurality of cavity inlets 34 so that when the ionically conductive and precipitated medium or reducible fuel species enters in cavity 18, the ionically conductive medium and fuel enter fluidization zones 28. As shown in greater detail in Figure 7, each fluidization zone 28 is partially defined by two surfaces 30, 32 which
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 17/62
12/45 are inclined with respect to each other but do not touch each other in order to define surfaces divergent in relation to a geometric axis extending from the entrance 34 through the center of the fluidization zone 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the surfaces 30, 32 substantially define a "V" with an open bottom that is open to entry 34, as shown in Figure 3. Although the illustrated embodiment shows surfaces 30, 32 as being relatively straight, the surfaces can be curved or partially curved, provided that the surfaces 30, 32 are divergent from the entrance 34.
[0052] Fluidization zones 28 are configured so that as the ionically conductive medium with particulates flows into the cavity 18 through the inlet channel 24, the particulates are fluidized in the ionically conductive medium, which allows the particulates are more evenly dispersed in the ionically conductive medium as the ionically conductive medium comes into contact with the fuel electrode 12. This is particularly advantageous when the electrochemical cell 10 is oriented with the open bottom of the V-shaped fluidization zones 28 pointing downwards, as shown in Figure 7. This is because gravity will tend to cause particulates to accumulate at the inlet end of cavity 18 between inlet channel 24 and outlet channel 26. Through the fluidization of particulates in the ionically conductive medium, and providing a pressure drop through cavity 18, as discussed in further detail below, the particulates will flow more evenly through cavity 18, with substantially less or no accumulation at the inlet end of cavity 18. This can improve the effectiveness of cell 10 by providing a more uniform distribution of particulates across the surface of the fuel electrode 12.
[0053] As illustrated in Figure 4, a plurality of sepa
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 18/62
13/45 rowers 40, each of which extends through the fuel electrode 12 in a separate relationship with each other, are connected to the electrode holder 16 so that the fuel electrode 12 can be held in place in relation to the holder electrode 16 and the oxidizing electrode 14. In one embodiment, the fuel electrode 12 may contain a plurality of permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c, as shown in Figure 2, which can be separated by sets of the plurality of separators 40, from so that each set of separators 40 is positioned between the adjacent electrode bodies to electrically isolate the electrode bodies 12a to 12c from each other. Within each set of separators 40 between the adjacent electrode bodies, the separators 40 are positioned in a separate relationship in a way that creates so-called "flow paths" 42 between them, as discussed in greater detail below. The flow paths 42 are three-dimensional and have a height that is substantially equal to the height of the separators 40. In one embodiment, the separators can be provided through a single frame that has cutouts that correspond to the flow paths. In one embodiment, the flow pathways may include a honeycomb or foam type structure that is configured to allow the ionically conductive medium to flow between them. In one embodiment, the flow paths may include a cluster of pines that are configured to interrupt the flow of the ionically conductive medium through the flow paths. The illustrated modality is not intended to be limiting in any way.
[0054] The separators 40 are non-conductive and electrochemically inert so that they are inactive in relation to the electrochemical reactions in cell 10. The separators 40 are preferably dimensioned so that when they are connected to the electrode holder 16, the separators 40 are in tension , which allows
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 19/62
14/45 separators 40 are pressed against the fuel electrode 12, or one of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c, in order to hold the fuel electrode 12 or bodies in a flat relationship with respect to the electrode holder 16. The separators 40 can be made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, noril, fluoropolymer, etc., which allows the separators 40 to be connected to the electrode holder 16 in tension.
[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, each separator has an elongated middle portion 44 and a shaped connection portion 46 at each end. The shaped connection portions 46 are configured to be supported by openings 48 that have substantially similar shapes in the electrode holder 16, as shown in Figure 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaped portions 46 and the openings 48 have a substantially triangular shape, although the illustrated format is not intended to be in any way limiting. The substantially triangular shape provides surfaces 50 on the opposite sides of the elongated portion 44 of the separator 40 that are configured to contact corresponding surfaces 52 on the electrode holder 16. As the surfaces 50, 52 are angled with respect to the major geometric axis MA of the elongated portion 44 of the separator 40 and the tension in the separator 40 will be along the main geometric axis MA, the forces created by the tension can be distributed across a larger surface, compared to a shaped portion that has a circular or square shape with the same area.
[0056] Since the separators 40 have been connected to the electrode holder 16 through the end portions 46, the flow paths 42 are defined through the cavity 18 of the electrode holder 16. The separators 40 are configured to essentially seal a path flow 42a of an adjacent flow path 42b, which is if
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 20/62
15/45 stopped by one of the separators 40 so that the ionically conductive medium is guided to flow generally in substantially one direction. Specifically, the ionically conductive medium can generally flow in a first FD direction through the fuel electrode 12, from the input channel 24 to the output channel 26. A suitable pressure drop is generated between the input channel 24 and the contact zones. fluidization 28 so that the ionically conductive medium can flow through the cavity 18 and into the outlet channel 26, even when the cell 10 is oriented so that the flow is substantially upward and against gravity. In one embodiment, the ionically conductive medium can further penetrate through the fuel electrode 12, or an individual permeable electrode body 12a to 12c, in a second SD direction and into a flow path that is on the opposite side the fuel electrode 12 or the permeable electrode body 12a to 12c.
[0057] Again, the illustrated mode is not limiting and shows merely an example of work for reference. The fuel electrode configuration discussed in this document can be used with any cell configuration.
[0058] In one embodiment, the fuel electrode 12 is connected to an external charge so that electrons released by the fuel as the fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode 12 flow to the external charge. The oxidizing electrode 14 functions as a cathode when the oxidizing electrode 14 is connected to the external charge and the cell 10 operates in discharge mode. When used as a cathode, the oxidizing electrode 14 is configured to receive electrons from the external charge and to reduce an oxidizer that comes into contact with the oxidizing electrode 14. In one embodiment, the oxidizing electrode 14 comprises an air breathing electrode and the oxidant comprises oxygen in the surrounding air.
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 21/62
16/45 [0059] The oxidizer can be delivered to the oxidizing electrode 14 via a passive transport system. For example, where oxygen present in ambient air is the oxidizer, simply expose the oxidizing electrode 14 to ambient air through openings in the cell, such as the openings that are provided by grooves 54 in cover 19 and grooves 56 in the electrode holder 16 provided at the center of the electrochemical cell system 100, it may be sufficient to allow diffusion / penetration of oxygen into the oxidizing electrode 14. Other suitable oxidants can be used and modalities described in this document are not limited to the use of oxygen as the oxidizer. A peripheral gasket 15 can be positioned between the periphery of the oxidizing electrode 14 and the cover 19 or electrode holder 16, as appropriate, to prevent the ionically conductive medium from leaking around the oxidizing electrode 14 and into the area in the grooves 54, 56 for exposure to air.
[0060] In other embodiments, a pump, such as an air blower, can be used to deliver the oxidizer to the oxidizing electrode 14 under pressure. The oxidant source can be a contained source of oxidant. In the same way, when the oxidant is oxygen from ambient air, the source of oxidant can be widely considered as the delivery mechanism, whether passive or active (for example, pumps, blowers, etc.), through which air is allowed to flow to the oxidizing electrode 14. Thus, the term "oxidant source" is intended to encompass both confined oxidizer and / or provisions to passively or actively deliver oxygen from ambient air to the oxidizing electrode
14.
[0061] Electricity that can be removed by the external charge is generated when the oxidizer on the oxidizing electrode 14 is reduced, while the fuel on the fuel electrode 12 is oxidized to an oxidized form. The electrical potential of cell 10 is depleted once
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 22/62
17/45 that the fuel in the fuel electrode 12 is entirely oxidized or oxidation is trapped due to passivation of the fuel electrode. A switch can be positioned between the oxidizing electrode 14 and the charge so that the oxidizing electrode 14 can be switched and disconnected from the charge, as desired.
[0062] To limit or suppress the evolution of hydrogen at the fuel electrode 12 during discharge mode and during dormant periods of time (open circuit), salts can be added to delay such a reaction. Stannous, lead, copper, mercury, indium, bismuth salts or any other material that has a high hydrogen overpotential can be used. In addition, tartrate, phosphate, citrate, succinate, ammonium salts or other hydrogen evolution suppression additives can be added. In one embodiment, fuel from metal alloys such as Al / Mg can be used to suppress hydrogen evolution.
[0063] After the fuel in cell 10 has been fully oxidized, or whenever it is desirable to regenerate the fuel in cell 10 by reducing the oxidized fuel ions back to fuel, fuel electrode 12 and oxidizing electrode 14 can be decoupled of the external charge, and the fuel electrode is a charge electrode (which may be the oxidizing electrode in some modalities) are coupled to a power source with the use of suitable switches. The power supply is configured to charge the cell 10 by applying a potential difference between the fuel electrode 12 and the charging electrode so that the reducible fuel species is reduced and electrodeposited on the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c and the corresponding oxidation reaction takes place at the charge electrode, which is typically oxidation of an oxidizable species to evolve oxygen, which can be degassed from cell 10. As described in detail in the Order
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 23/62
18/45 Patent No. US 12 / 385,489 range, filed on April 9, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference, only one of the permeable electrode bodies such as 12a, can be connected to the source of feeding so that the fuel is reduced in the permeable electrode body and progressively grows to and in the other permeable electrode bodies 12b to 12c, one by one. The switches can control when cell 10 operates in discharge mode and in charge mode, as described in greater detail below.
[0064] Any suitable control mechanism can be provided to control the action of the switches between the closed and open positions. For example, a relay switch that is tilted towards the open position can be used, with an induction coil attached to the power supply that causes the switch to shut down when charging begins. Solid state switches can also be used. In addition, a more complex switch that allows individual connection to permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c could be used to provide the connection / disconnection to and from each other, to and from the load.
[0065] Returning to Figure 4, after the ionically conductive medium has passed through the fuel electrode 12, the medium can flow in the outlet channel 26 which is connected to the outlet 36 of the cavity 18 of the electrode holder 16 and the outlet 22. Output 22 can be connected to input 20 in ways in which the medium is recirculated in cell 10, or to an input of an adjacent cell, as discussed in further detail below, when a plurality of cells 10 are connected in a fluid way in series . In one embodiment, outlet 22 can be connected to a container to collect the medium that was used in cell 10.
[0066] Cells 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 can be co
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 24/62
19/45 fluidly connected in series. Details cell arrangements which are connected in series are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. US 12 / 631,484, filed on December 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The output 22 of a first cell 10 can be fluidly connected to the input 20 of a second cell 10, and the output 22 of the second cell 10 can be connected to the input 20 of a third cell, and so on. Although the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two cells 10, additional cells can be stacked and fluidly connected to the illustrated cells. Due to the tortuous and meandering trajectories that are created by the input channel 24 and the output channel 26, described above and illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the length of the flow pathways to the middle through the channels 24, 26 is greater than the distance between the fuel electrode 12 and the oxidizing electrode 14 in each of the cells 10. This creates an ionic resistance between the pair of fluidly connected cells that is greater than an ionic resistance in an individual cell 10. This can reduce or minimize loss of the internal ionic resistance of the cell stack 100, as discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. US 12 / 631,484.
[0067] Cells can also be connected fluidly in parallel or in series by projected dispersing cameras to eliminate or reduce shunt currents, as described in the standard Patent Application No. US 61 / 439,759, incorporated herein as a reference. In operation, the fuel electrode 12, which already has metal fuel deposited in it, is connected to the load and the oxidizing electrode 14 is connected to the load. The ionically conductive medium enters the inlet 20 under positive pressure and flows through the inlet channel 24, through the inlets 34 of the cavity 18 and into the fluidization zones 28 of the flow paths 42. The medium
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 25/62
Ionically conductive 20/45 flows through permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c in flow paths 42 defined by elongated middle portions 22 of separators 40. The ionically conductive medium can also penetrate through permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c of the fuel electrode 12. The ionically conductive medium comes in contact with both the fuel electrode 12 and the oxidizing electrode 14, thus allowing the fuel to be oxidized and conduct electrons into the charge, while the oxidant is reduced in the oxidizing electrode 14 through the electrons that are led to the oxidizing electrode 14 by the charge. After the ionically conductive medium has passed through flow paths 42, the medium flows out of cavity 18 through outlet 36 of cavity 18, through outlet channel 24, and out of outlet 22 of cell 10.
[0068] When the potential of cell 10 has been exhausted or when it is otherwise desirable to recharge cell 10, fuel electrode 12 is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply and charge electrode, which may be oxidizing electrode 14 , the separate charge electrode 70 or a fuel electrode body 12 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply. In charging or refilling mode, the fuel electrode 12 becomes the cathode and the charge electrode 14, 70 becomes the anode. By supplying electrons to the fuel electrode 12, fuel ions can be reduced to fuel and redeposited in permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c, as described in greater detail below, while the ionically conductive medium circulates through cell 10 in the same manner as described above in relation to the discharge mode.
[0069] The optional flow paths 42 provide directionality and distribution of the ionically conductive medium through the fuel electrode 12. The optional fluidization zones 28 shake the particles.
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 26/62
21/45 culprits and precipitates that were formed during the cell 10 discharge mode in the ionically conductive medium and prevent the particles from settling out of the medium at the bottom of the cavity, which allows the particles to flow with the ionically conductive medium through the electrode Fuel 12. Flow paths 42 may also prevent particulates from settling and / or covering the electrodes. When cell 10 is in charging mode, the improved distribution of particulates through the fuel electrode 12 can allow a more uniform deposition of the reduced fuel on the fuel electrode 12, which improves the density of the fuel on the fuel electrode 12, and increases the capacity and energy density of cell 10, thereby intensifying the life cycle of cell 10. In addition, having the ability to control the distribution of precipitates or reaction by-products during discharge, deposition / early passivation of the by-product on the fuel electrode 12 can be avoided. Passivation leads to less fuel use and shorter life cycle, which is undesirable.
[0070] Cell 10 described above is presented in the present document to provide context for various aspects of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. Likewise, Figures 8 to 12 and their associated descriptions below are provided as background examples to illustrate in detail the electrodeposition of metal fuel on fuel electrode 12 in the context of previous configurations of fuel electrode 12 in cell 10. Following this In the description, Figure 13 represents inefficiencies that can arise with cell 10 when the fuel electrode 12 has a configuration similar to those represented in Figures 8 to
12. Figures 14 to 22 and their associated descriptions, however, present various aspects and modalities of the present invention that can, among other things, mitigate the inefficiencies represented in the
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 27/62
22/45
Figure 13. As in cell 10 provided for the above context, these last Figures represent a fuel electrode 12 having a series of permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c arranged in a separate relationship along a flow path. Despite the representation of three permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c, any number of permeable electrode bodies can be used. In addition, electrodeposition on the fuel electrode 12 as described in this document can be found in any type of electrochemical cell, and is not limited to the exemplary type of cell 10 described above. Thus, although electrodeposition is described below with reference to cell 10, this is not intended to be limiting. Where the same reference numbers are used between Figures, it should be understood that similar structures are referred to, and it is not necessary to repeat the description of those structures in this document.
[0071] Figures 8 to 10 show exaggerated views of an electrode 12 that has a configuration similar to that described above. Cell 10 of Figures 8 to 10 includes a charge electrode separate from the fuel electrode 12. As shown, the charge electrode can be a separate charge electrode 70 separate from both the fuel electrode 12 and the oxidizing electrode 14 described above. In some embodiments, the separate charge electrode 70 can be separated from the fuel electrode 12 on the same side as the oxidizing electrode 14, such as being positioned between the fuel electrode 12 and the oxidizing electrode 14. In another embodiment, the fuel electrode 12 can be between the oxidizing electrode 14 and the separate charging electrode 70. However, in some embodiments, the oxidizing electrode 14 can be used during charging as the charging electrode, and the presence of a separate electrode (that is, the electrode of charge) separate charge 70) dedicated to charging is not required. In another embodiment, one or more of the fuel electrode bodies
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 28/62
23/45 can function as the charge electrode, as will be discussed below. In the Figures, the separate charge electrode 70 is used as many electrodes suitable for functioning as an air breathing cathode do not perform well on the anodic role of a charge electrode. However, the invention is not intended to be limiting, and it is possible to select an oxidizing electrode that is bifunctional, meaning that it can dismantle both the role of an air breathing cathode during current generation and the role of a charge electrode anodic during charging. Thus, any reference in this document to a charge electrode can be considered to apply the oxidizing electrode 14 or a separate electrode 70 that functions as an anode during charging. More specifically, although the illustrated embodiment is described with reference to the charge electrode as the separate charge electrode 70, it should be understood that the same description could be used in which the oxidizing electrode 14 is the charging electrode; and it should be readily understood that the flow (if used) can be oriented accordingly.
[0072] Charging of the electrochemical cell 10 can be carried out by flowing the ionically conductive medium comprising reducible metal fuel ions along the flow path along the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c. In another embodiment, the ionically conductive medium can flow through the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c. Any suitable flow direction can be used in the present invention. Reducible fuel ions can be present in the ionically conductive medium in any suitable form, such as in ionic, atomic, molecular or complex form.
[0073] While the ionically conductive medium comprising reducible metal ions is flowing along the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c, an electrical current from an ex
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 29/62
Tender 24/45, which can be any power source that has the capacity to deliver electrical current, is applied between the charging electrode 70 and a terminal 12a of the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c with the charging electrode that functions as an anode and the terminal permeable electrode body 12a which functions as a cathode. As a result, the reducible metal fuel ions are reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable metal fuel in the terminal permeable electrode body 12a. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal permeable electrode body 12a is the electrode body distal to the charge electrode 70. Although this is preferred in the context of the illustrated embodiment, in other arrangements a different body among the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c may serve as the terminal permeable electrode body, as discussed below.
[0074] In a non-limiting mode, in which the fuel is zinc and the ionically conductive medium is potassium hydroxide (KOH), the zinc ions in the ionically conductive medium can be supplied in any suitable reducible form, and preferably in the form of zinc oxide (ZnO). This is advantageous, since zinc oxide is the by-product of the current generation operation described above in relation to the previous modality, and so the cell can be recharged using the reversible by-product of its own current generation operation. This eliminates the need to supply fuel from a fresh source for each load, since the current generation operation has already created the zinc oxide reducible in the ionically conductive medium. In such an embodiment, the reduction reaction occurs as follows at the reduction site:
ZnO + H2O + 2e Zn + 2OH (1) [0075] And the corresponding oxidation occurs at the charge electrode that functions as an anode (also referred to as an oxygen evolution electrode) as follows, oxidizing the oxygen species
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 30/62
25/45 to produce oxygen gas that can optionally be degassed in any suitable way:
2OH 2e + / O2 + H2O (2) [0076] However, the fuel does not need to be eliminated for zinc, and any other metal fuel, including any of those mentioned above in this order, can also be used. In the same way, the ionically conductive medium can be different, and can be alkaline or acidic in various ways. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the reducible fuel ions to be supplied by the by-product of the current generation operation, and it is within the scope of the invention to use fuels that create by-products that are not readily reversible. Thus, it is within the scope of the invention that the ionically conductive medium used to charge is supplied from a separate fuel source with the fuel ions in a form suitable for reduction and electrodeposition, whose fuel source is separated from the ionically conductive medium used during the generation of current and that accumulates the by-product. In the same way, the same ionically conductive medium could be used in both processes, but the fuel could be supplied separately from its own source during refilling.
[0077] During charging, the electrodeposition causes the metal fuel to grow in a flow-permeable morphology between the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c so that the electrodeposited metal fuel establishes an electrical connection between the terminal permeable body 12a and each subsequent permeable electrode body 12b to c. As a result of this growth, the reduction and electrodeposition occur in each subsequent permeable electrode body 12b to c by establishing the electrical connection.
[0078] By flow-permeable morphology, this term means that the morphology of the metal growth between the electrode bodies 12a to
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 31/62
26/45
12c is configured so that the ionically conductive medium still has the ability to flow along the electrode bodies 12a to 12c. Thus, the flow is allowed to continue to continue, and the growth does not exhibit dominant lateral characteristics in relation to the flow direction that would cause blockage or complete obstruction between the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c. The growth can have any such configuration, and the flow allowed can be in any direction. It is also possible to make the growth happen without any flow. As such, growth can happen towards or away from or in both directions of the anode depending on the electric field, direction of flow or other electrochemical conditions. In various modalities, growth can occur as dense branching morphology, dendritic growth morphologies, or other morphologies known to grow under transport-limited growth conditions. The growth may have sufficient directionality towards the next permeable electrode body, it may occur as a growth by generally uniform deposition, or in any other style.
[0079] In the illustrated modality, the growth displayed is dendritic, and the growth is in the direction that points to the charge electrode 70. The Figures illustrate the growth morphology in an exaggerated format to better understand the basic principles of operation. In a practical embodiment, the growth will typically be significantly more dense along the electrode bodies 12a to 12c.
[0080] In Figure 8, the initial reduction of the fuel ions and the electrodeposition of the metal fuel in a previous configuration of the fuel electrode 12 is shown. The dendrites are initially electrodeposited and initiate growth in the terminal electrode body 12a. This is because the electrode body 12a is connected to the color
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 32/62
27/45 close to the outside, and has a cathodic potential that causes the reduction of the fuel ions and electrodeposition of the fuel in it (while the charge electrode 70 is connected to the external charge and functions as the anode). In contrast, the remaining electrode bodies 12b to 12c are initially inactive and do not function as a reduction site, as they are not connected to the external current. The growth continues with the metal growing with a series of dendrites from the electrode body 12a towards the electrode body 12b. This then establishes an electrical connection between the electrode bodies 12a and 12b, which in turn causes the electrode body 12b to now also have the cathodic potential applied to it.
[0081] The growth subsequently continues with the fuel ions being reduced and electrodeposited as metal fuel in the electrode body 12b, as shown in Figure 9. This growth continues with the metal growing like another series of dendrites from the body electrode 12b towards the electrode body 12c. This then establishes an electrical connection between the electrode bodies 12a, 12b and 12c, which in turn causes the electrode body 12c to now have the cathodic potential applied to it.
[0082] Growth subsequently continues with the fuel ions being reduced and electrodeposited as metal fuel in the electrode body 12c, as shown in Figure 10. This growth continues with the metal growing like another series of dendrites from the body electrode 12c towards the charge electrode (ie, separate charge electrode 70). Regardless of the number of permeable electrode bodies, the growth pattern will continue along the permeable electrode bodies in the fuel electrode 12. Eventually, the growth in the last body 12c
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 33/62
28/45 can reach the charge electrode, thereby shortening the circuit and indicating completion of growth.
[0083] In modalities in which the flow is parallel to the electrode bodies 12a to 12c, or in which there is no flow, it would be preferable for the terminal electrode body to be that distal to the charge electrode (that is, the electrode that works such as the anode during recharge) so that the growth towards the charge electrode progresses through the multiple electrode bodies 12a to 12c through its natural tendency to grow towards the anode potential. In other embodiments, in which the flow passes through the electrode bodies 12a to 12c, it may be preferable to change the location of the terminal electrode body so that the flow alternately grows towards or away from the charge electrode.
[0084] Figures 11 and 12 show alternative modalities of the previous configuration in which each of the bodies 12a to 12c are coupled to the load. Using such an approach is desirable, since during power generation (ie, discharge), oxidation may be occurring along electrode 12, thus releasing electrons to conduct charge. By connecting terminals for current collection purposes to all electrode bodies 12a to 12c, these electrons can be collected directly from the electrode body. In addition, this arrangement is desirable, as it allows current collection from oxidation reactions in progress in electrode bodies that have become “disconnected” from other electrode bodies through consumption of growth between the bodies. Such a condition can occur during power generation or discharge based on several factors. In some embodiments, this may be preferred over the use of a single terminal for connection to the load, as discussed above.
[0085] Figure 11 shows a modality similar to Figure 8, but with the load selectively coupled to each of the bodies of
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 34/62
29/45 electrode 12a to 12c of fuel electrode 12, and also to oxidizing electrode 14 (which in this case is not the same as charge electrode 70 and is separated from the one shown). Thus, during the generation of current, the fuel in the fuel electrode 12 is oxidized, generating electrons that are conducted to feed the charge and then led to the oxidizing electrode 14 for reducing the oxidant (as discussed in more detail above). Figure 11 also schematically illustrates a power supply used for charge purposes coupled between the charge electrode 70 and the electrode body 12a. As discussed in more detail above, the power supply applies a potential difference between the terminal electrode body 12a and the charge electrode 70 so that the fuel is reduced and electrodeposited on the terminal electrode body 12a and the corresponding oxidation reaction happens on charge electrode 70. To ensure that growth occurs in the optional progressive manner from electrode body 12a in the direction that points to electrode body 12c as discussed above, one or more current isolators 90 are provided to isolate the other electrode bodies 12b to 12c of the circuit connected to the power supply.
[0086] Current isolators 90 prevent current from flowing between electrode bodies 12a to 12c, except as allowed by the progressive growth of fuel during charging. Current isolators 90 also isolate electrode bodies 12b to 12c of direct connection to the power supply, so that the only connection is that for progressive growth. In other words, insulators 90 prevent the power supply potential from being applied directly to those electrode bodies 12b to 12c through the circuit during charging. As such, the only way the electric current / potential can be applied to those electrode bodies 12b to 12c is through the electrodeposited growth as described in acciPetition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 35/62
30/45 ma.
[0087] Current insulators 90 can take any form, and no particular insulator should be considered as limiting. For example, a current isolator 90 may be provided by one or more diodes that are oriented to allow electrons to flow from electrode bodies 12a to 12c to the circuit portion comprising the charge, but to prevent any current from flowing in the opposite direction. Likewise, a current isolator 90 can be a switch that is closed during power / discharge generation to connect an electrode body 12a to 12c to the circuit portion comprising the charge, and which is opened during charging to disconnect and isolating the electrode body 12a to 12c from that circuit. Any suitable control mechanism can be provided to control the action of the switch between the open and closed positions. For example, a relay switch that is tilted towards the open position can be used, with an induction coil attached to the power supply that causes the switch to close when the load is initiated. In addition, a more complex switch that allows individual connection to a plurality of electrode bodies 12a to 12c could be used to provide the connection / disconnection to and from one of the gold, and to and from the load. In addition, the current isolators can be different elements, such as a switch for the current isolator 90 on the electrode body 12a, and unidirectional diodes on the other electrode bodies 12b to 12c. The electron flow is shown in solid, dashed arrows in Figure 11 to illustrate the general functionality of the current isolator (s). Any other suitable electrical component that provides such insulation can be used.
[0088] In addition, the configuration of Figure 11 can be changed to work with any of the alternative modalities with
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 36/62
31/45 as described in this document, or any other modalities covered by the scope of the invention. For example, if another electrode body (for example, body 12c) is used as the terminal electrode body during charging, then the power supply can be coupled to that electrode body and one or more current isolators can be used during charging to isolate the electrode body from the circuit comprising the charge and the other electrode bodies.
[0089] Figure 12 shows a modality in which the oxidizing electrode 14 is also the charge electrode (consequently, it was labeled as both 14 and 70 in the Figure). Thus, the oxidizing electrode 14 functions as the cathode during power generation / discharge, and as the anode during charging, as described above. In Figure 12, the charge is selectively coupled to each of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c of the fuel electrode 12, and also to the oxidizing electrode 14. Thus, during current generation, the fuel in the fuel electrode 12 is oxidized, generating electrons that are conducted to feed the charge and then led to the oxidizing electrode 14 for reducing the oxidant (as discussed in more detail above). Figure 12 also schematically illustrates a power supply used for charging purposes coupled between the oxidizing electrode 14 and the terminal electrode body 12a. As discussed in more detail above, the power supply applies a potential difference between the terminal electrode body 12a and the oxidizing electrode 14 so that the fuel is reduced and electrodeposited on the terminal electrode body 12a, and the corresponding oxidation reaction happens at the oxidizing electrode 14 (which works like the charge electrode). To ensure that growth occurs in a progressive manner from the electrode body 12a in the direction that points to the electrode body 12c as
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 37/62
32/45 discussed above, one or more current isolators 90 are provided to isolate the other electrode bodies 12b to 12c from the circuit connected to the power supply. In addition, one or more, in which case a pair of optional second current isolators 92 are provided to isolate the power supply from electrodes 12, 14/70 during power generation. An optional third current isolator 94 is provided to isolate the oxidizing electrode 14 and the power supply from the circuit comprising the charge and the other electrode bodies 12a to 12c during charging.
[0090] Similar to the current isolator in Figure
11, current isolators 90 in Figure 12 prevent current from flowing directly between the other electrode bodies 12b to 12c and the power supply through the circuit during charging, and also between the electrode bodies, except as allowed by progressive growth of the fuel. In other words, insulators 90 prevent the potential of the power supply from being applied directly to that electrode body 12b to 12c through the circuit during charging. Thus, the electric current / potential is only applied to the electrode bodies 12b to 12c through the electrodeposition growth as described above. Preferably, the current isolator 90 in Figure 12 is a switch that moves between open and closed positions, since a diode would not provide an isolation function in the illustrated model. Likewise, the second current isolators 92 prevent current from flowing between the electrodes and the power supply during power generation, but allow current to flow from the power supply during charging; and the third current isolator 94 prevents current from flowing between the oxidizing electrode and the circuit portion comprising the charge and the other electrode bodies 12a to 12c during charging, but allows current to flow from the charge to the oxidizing electrode
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 38/62
33/45 during power generation. These second and third current isolators can be omitted in some systems. As such, the only way for the electric current / potential to be applied to those electrode bodies 12b to 12c is through electrodeposited growth as described above. Current isolators can take any form, including those mentioned above, and no particular isolator should be considered as limiting.
[0091] It is also possible in any of the embodiments of the invention to apply the cathodic potential simultaneously to all electrode bodies of the anode, instead of just one to produce progressive melee growth. Progressive growth emanating from a terminal is advantageous as it provides more dense growth of electrodeposited fuel. Specifically, the growth in the previously connected electrode bodies continues as each subsequent body is connected by the progressing growth. However, progressive growth provides less active area for electrodeposition and consequently takes more time at potential or fixed current density than applying the cathodic potential to multiple electrode bodies simultaneously. With all electrode bodies subject to the same potential, growth will occur only until a short occurs between the 14/70 charge electrode and the electrode body next to it. Thus, it is possible, in this way, to have a faster growth, but less dense, which can be favorable to certain recharge needs.
[0092] Other embodiments of the present invention may have different electrical connections and circuitry, including other switching mechanisms that may make use of current isolators. For example, see the procedures identified in series Patent Application No. US 12 / 885,268, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 39/62
34/45 [0093] As mentioned in relation to some scaffold cells of the type described above, fuel growth during loading can be removed from fuel electrode 12 in a direction that points to charge electrode 70. Such a direction of Growth can also be seen in relation to cells in which the flow of the ionically conductive medium is parallel to the electrodes, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The reason for such a direction of fuel growth may include the direction of flow of the ionically conductive medium, and electric field lines present between the fuel electrode 12 and the charge electrode 70.
[0094] Cells 10 illustrated schematically in Figures 8 a were generally illustrated with electrode bodies 12a to 12c of fuel electrode 12 being of a similar flat size. As seen in Figure 13, in some cells 10 of this type, for reasons predominantly related to the electric field lines present between the fuel electrode 12 and the charge electrode 70, the growth may be greater at the edges of each of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c. Such intensified growth can cause electrical connections to form between each of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c at a faster than desirable rate. Intensified edge growth in the terminal electrode body 12a can cause electrical connections to form at the edges of the permeable electrode bodies, causing premature growth to begin in subsequent electrode bodies, reducing the dense growth in the inner region of the electrode bodies initials. For example, as Figure 13 represents, the edge growth electrically connected the permeable electrode body 12c to the permeable electrode body 12b, initiating growth in the electrode body 12c without having formed dense growth in the permeable electrode body 12b. To delay the formation of such premature electrical connections between the edges of the
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 40/62
35/45 electrode bodies 12a to 12c, such edge effects are corrected by the present invention, as described below.
[0095] To prevent the effects of this edge growth, a staggered scaffold configuration for the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c can be used, in which the flat sizes of the permeable electrode bodies are some smaller than the others in the direction of growth , so that the edge growth cannot contact and electrically connect the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c. As seen in the embodiment of Figure 14, the electrode bodies 12a to 12c can be arranged so that the permeable electrode body 12a is defined to be the terminal electrode body for charging the electrochemical cell, and is positioned distal from the charge electrode 70. A proximal electrode body seen in the embodiment illustrated as permeable electrode body 12c, is separated proximal to the charge electrode 70. In other embodiments, where there are less than three permeable electrode bodies, the distal electrode body could continue to be the electrode body 12a, but the proximal electrode body could be the electrode body 12b (for modalities with only two permeable electrode bodies on the fuel electrode 12). Likewise, if there are more than three permeable electrode bodies, the proximal electrode body could be, for example, the 12h electrode body (for modalities with eight permeable electrode bodies on the fuel electrode 12).
[0096] In the illustrated configuration, the distal electrode body, permeable electrode body 12a, would have the largest flat size of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c. In the direction of dendrite formation towards the charge electrode 70, each subsequent electrode body 12b to 12c would have a subsequently smaller flat size (flat size refers to the overall surface area defined by the body's periphery, and does not necessarily mean that is flat). For example, at modali
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 41/62
36/45 illustrated in Figure 14, the distal and terminal electrode body 12a has a flat size larger than the proximal electrode body positioned closest to the charge electrode 70, again shown in the Figures as the permeable electrode body 12c. In embodiments with more than two permeable electrode bodies, each subsequent electrode body in the direction of dendrite growth has a smaller flat size than the preceding electrode body, in which at least one edge of the larger electrode bodies extends in addition to the subsequent smaller electrode bodies. That is, each electrode body has a progressively smaller size in the distal to proximal direction, with the edges (on one or more sides) of each electrode body located inside the edge of the adjacent electrode body in a distal direction in a way progressive. In such a configuration, where along a peripheral edge of the fuel electrode 12, an edge of the proximal electrode body 12c is located inwardly of an edge of the distal electrode body 12a, a stepped scaffold appearance is formed. In some embodiments, only a subset of electrode bodies 12a to 12c would have the staggered configuration.
[0097] In numerous embodiments, insulating material can be supplied around some or all of the edges of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c. The insulating material can additionally protect against uneven or non-uniform growth at the edges of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c, such as the intensified growth described above. The insulating material is just a rim or rim cover, and thus ends inside the edge. Where the insulating material extends around the entire periphery of a body, it can be considered a rim. The insulating material can be of any suitable construction or configuration, including, but not limited to, insulating materials constructed of plastic, rubber or glass. In some modalities,
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 42/62
37/45 the insulating material can be applied as a coating material. In one embodiment, the insulating material may comprise epoxy or another form of polymer.
[0098] Figures 15 to 16 illustrate the growth morphology progressing from that of Figure 14 in an exaggerated format to better understand the basic principles of operation. In a practical embodiment, the growth will typically be more dense along the electrode bodies 12a to 12c.
[0099] During the initial reduction of the fuel ions and electrodeposition of the metal fuel, dendrites begin to grow in the terminal electrode body 12a. This is because the electrode body 12a is connected to the external current, and has a cathodic potential that causes the reduction of the fuel ions and the electrodeposition of the fuel in it (while the charge electrode 70 is connected to the external charge and works as the anode). In contrast, the remaining electrode bodies 12b to 12c are initially inactive and do not function as a reduction site, as they are not connected to the external current.
[00100] Growth continues with the metal growing as a series of dendrites from the electrode body 12a towards the electrode body 12b. This then establishes an electrical connection between the electrode bodies 12a and 12b, which in turn causes the electrode body 12b to now have the cathodic potential applied to it. The cathodic potential of the electrode body 12b allows the formation of dendrite in the direction that points towards the electrode body 12c, as seen in Figure 15. Due to the electric field that produces intensified growth at the edge of the electrode body 12b, electrical contact with the body of electrode 12c would have occurred at this stage of growth if the edge of the electrode body 12c had extended into the area of intensified growth. Since the trust
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 43/62
38/45 staggered scaffolding prevented such an overlap, the electrical connection between the electrode bodies 12b and 12c is delayed, delaying the application of the cathode potential to the electrode body 12c, and thus extending the period for growth in the electrode body 12b before to shorten the electrode body 12c. (The same delay also occurred between the electrode bodies 12a and 12b).
[00101] The growth subsequently continues with the fuel ions being reduced and electrodeposited as metal fuel in the electrode body 12b, eventually establishing a delayed electrical connection between the electrode bodies 12a, 12b and 12c. This, in turn, causes the electrode body 12c to now have the cathodic potential applied to it, initiating dendrite growth towards the charge electrode, as shown in Figure
16.
[00102] The growth then continues with the fuel ions being reduced and electrodeposited as metal fuel in the electrode body 12c, eventually establishing an electrical connection between the electrode bodies 12a, 12b and 12c. This, in turn, makes the electrode body 12c also have the cathodic potential applied to it, initiating dendrite growth towards the charge electrode. This growth pattern will continue throughout the permeable electrode bodies 12a to 12c at the fuel electrode 12. Eventually, the growth in the last body 12c may reach the charge electrode, shortening the circuit and indicating completion of growth.
[00103] The staggered scaffold configuration can be used with any of the alternative modalities as described in this document, or any other modalities in general. For example, as seen in Figure 17, charge electrode 70 can be scaled to be smaller than the electrode body that is most
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 44/62
39/45 near the charge electrode. In the illustrated embodiment, the charge electrode 70 is smaller than the smallest electrode body 12c. In one embodiment, the growth can be at an angle in accordance with the electric field between the fuel electrode 12 and the charge electrode 70. Such a mode can prevent premature shortening between the proximal electrode body 12c and the charge electrode, allowing denser growth in the proximal 12c electrode body. In an alternative embodiment, the charge electrode 70 can be sized to be larger than the electrode body that is closest to the charge electrode 70. In another embodiment, the charge electrode 70 can be the same size as the electrode body which is closest to the charge electrode 70. In the configuration with a separate oxidizing electrode 14, the size of the oxidizing electrode 14 can be chosen so that it is larger than the largest electrode body on which fuel is electrodeposited. This ensures complete oxidation of fuel during unloading.
[00104] For another example, as seen in Figure 18, the plurality of electrode bodies 12a to 12c can be coupled to the terminal electrode body 12a, while the electrode bodies 12a to 12c can be selectively coupled one or the other, or individually selected, through one or more current isolators 90, to be coupled to a load during the discharge of the electrochemical cell, as described above in relation to the modality of Figure 11. Similarly, in modalities such as that seen in Figure 19, where the oxidizing electrode 14 is also the charging electrode 70 (labeled as both 14 and 70), the scaffold configuration can be used in which a power supply used for charging purposes is coupled between the electrode body terminal 12a and oxidizing electrode 14 through one or more, in which case a pair of optional, second current isolators 92, which can disconnect the
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 45/62
40/45 power supply during the current generation operation. Such modality would be analogous to the modality described above in relation to the modality of Figure 12. Likewise, an optional third current isolator 94 can be used between the charge and the oxidizing electrode 14 / charge electrode 70 to prevent the current from flowing between the oxidizing electrode and the circuit portion comprising the charge and the other electrode bodies 12a to 12c during charging, but allows current to flow from the charge to the oxidizing electrode 14 during power generation.
[00105] Seen in Figures 20 and 21 is the staggered scaffold configuration as used in the configuration of the electrochemical cell system 100 first represented in Figures 1 and 2, which has electrode bodies 12a to 12c. As shown, the oxidizing electrode 14 (i.e., the air breathing cathode) can be larger than the largest of the permeable electrode bodies 12a. Although the charge electrode 70 is shown to be similar in size to the largest of the permeable electrode bodies 12a, in other embodiments the charge electrode 70 may be larger or smaller than the largest permeable electrode body 12a, or the smallest electrode body permeable electrode 12c, as mentioned above.
[00106] Finally, as seen in the non-limiting exemplary illustrations of Figures 22a to 22c, as in the modalities described above, the staggered scaffold configuration can, in various modalities, be applied to an edge of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c (Figure 22a ), two edges of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c (Figure 22b), or more (i.e., Figure 22c). Such variations in staggered scaffold configurations may be desired depending on the position and shape of the charge electrode 70, or the direction of flow of the ionically conductive medium in cell 10. Likewise, in such modalities, the orientation of the electrode bodies can be different.
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 46/62
41/45
As a non-limiting example, as seen in Figures 23a to 23c, the orientation can be horizontal, instead of vertical, for each of the electrode bodies 12a to 12c and charge electrode 70. In addition, in some embodiments, only a subgroup the electrode bodies 12a to 12c would have a staggered scaffold configuration (and the proximal and distal bodies would be identified in that subgroup).
[00107] In addition, in some modalities, the cells can be designed as "bicells". That term refers to a pair of air electrodes that are on opposite sides of a fuel electrode. During discharge, the air electrodes are generally at the same cathodic potential and the fuel electrode is at an anodic potential. Typically, a pair of dedicated charge electrodes can be arranged in the ionically conductive medium between the air electrodes and the fuel electrode (although the air electrodes could also be charge electrodes, as discussed above, or the charge electrodes could be fuel electrode bodies, as discussed below). During charging, the charging electrodes are generally at the same anodic potential, and the fuel electrode is at a cathodic potential (alternatively, the charging electrode can charge dynamically, as described above). Thus, air electrodes can share a common terminal, and the fuel electrode has its own terminal, and charge electrodes can also share a common terminal. As such, in electrochemical terms, such a bi-cell can be considered as a single cell (although in the bi-cell, certain aspects of the cell, such as bidirectional fuel growth, can cause a bi-cell to be considered as two cells for certain purposes; however, at a higher level for mode discharge and connection management, those aspects are less relevant and the bi-cell can be functionally seen as a single
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 47/62
42/45 ca cell). In one embodiment, the pair of air electrodes can correspond to the second electrode 12, the fuel electrode can correspond to the first electrode 12, and the pair of charge electrodes can correspond to the third electrode 70.
[00108] Furthermore, any of the switch modes described above (for example, to allow charging mode, and discharge mode) can also be used with a plurality of electrochemical cells that have an evolution fuel electrode / electrode (ie it is loading) of dynamically changing progressive oxygen as described in U.S. Patent Application No. US 61 / 383,510 range, filed on September 16, 2010 and incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. For example, as described in Provisional Patent Application No. US 61 / 383,510 series, each cell 10 may also have its own plurality of switches associated with the electrode body to allow fuel progressive growth.
[00109] For example, in one embodiment, during charging, the charging electrode of each cell 10 can be coupled to the fuel electrode 12 of the subsequent cell 10. In one embodiment, during charging, a first electrode body 12a of the fuel electrode 12 may have a cathodic potential and the rest of the electrode bodies and / or an optional separate charge electrode may have anodic potential, thereby making those bodies and any separate charging electrode collectively function as an electrode of cargo. In such an embodiment, during the progressive fuel growth of the fuel electrode 12, the fuel can grow in the fuel electrode body 12a which has the cathodic potential and cause a short with the adjacent electrode body 12b which has the anode potential. The adjacent electrode body 12b can then be disconnected from the anode potential source so that
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 48/62
43/45 through the electrical connection established by the electrodeposited metal, the adjacent electrode body 12b also has the cathodic potential. This process can continue with the rest of the electrode bodies until no further growth is possible (that is, the cathode potential has been shortened for the last electrode body of the fuel electrode 12 that has an anode potential or a separate charge electrode) . A plurality of switches can be provided to connect / disconnect the electrode bodies to each other and / or to sources of anodic or cathodic potential. Thus, in such modalities that have progressive fuel growth, the charge electrode can be a charge electrode separate from the fuel electrode 12 or it can be at least the electrode body adjacent to the first electrode 12, up to all other electrode bodies , which has anodic potential. In other words, the charge electrode can be a separate charge electrode, an electrode body of the individual fuel electrode 12 that has an anode potential located adjacent to at least one electrode body that has a cathode potential, and / or a group of electrode bodies of the fuel electrode that has anode potential located adjacent to at least one electrode body that has a cathode potential.
[00110] Thus, in the Figures shown, the charge electrode 70 could be considered part of the fuel electrode 12, and can initially be body 12b or bodies 12b and above, while the cathodic potential is applied to body 12a. Then, body 12b would be disconnected from anode potential, but it would be connected to cathode potential, and body 12c (or bodies 12c and above) would be charge electrode 70, and so on. Thus, the charge electrode, as that term is used in the broadest aspects of this order, does not necessarily have to be a static or dedicated electrode that only plays the role of anodic charging (although it can be), and
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 49/62
44/45 can sometimes be a body or bodies in the fuel electrode to which an anodic potential is applied. Consequently, the term dynamic is used to refer to the fact that the physical element (s) that function (s) as the charge electrode and receive an anode potential during charging can ( m) vary.
[00111] Where the electrodes are referred to in this document, it should be understood that several structures in some modalities can function as one or more electrodes in different ways depending on the operational mode of the device. For example, in some embodiments where the oxidizing electrode is bifunctional as a charging electrode, the same electrode structure acts as an oxidizing electrode during discharge and as a charging electrode during charging. Similarly, in the mode in which the charge electrode is a dynamic charge electrode, all fuel electrode bodies act as the fuel electrode during discharge; but during charging one or more of the bodies act as the fuel electrode by receiving electrodeposited fuel and one or more other bodies act as the charge electrode to evolve the oxidizer (eg, oxygen), and the fuel electrode grows as electrodeposited growth connects to more of the bodies. Thus, reference to an electrode is expressly defined as a distinct electrode structure or the functional role that a structure that has the capacity for multiple electrode functions can play during different operating modes of the cell (and thus the same multifunctional structure can be considered to satisfy multiple electrodes for that reason).
[00112] The aforementioned illustrated modalities have been provided only to illustrate the functional and structural principles of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the present invention can be practiced through the use of different
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 50/62
45/45 fuels, different oxidants, different ionically conductive media, and / or different materials or structural configuration in general. Thus, the present invention is intended to encompass all modifications, substitutions, alterations and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the following appended claims.

权利要求:
Claims (18)
[1]
1. Method for operating an electrochemical cell (10), in which the cell comprises:
a fuel electrode (12) comprising a series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) arranged in a separate relationship;
an oxidizing electrode (14) separate from the fuel electrode (12);
a charging electrode (70) separate from the fuel electrode (12), the charging electrode (70) being selected from the group consisting of (a) the oxidizing electrode (14), and (b) a charging electrode (70) separated from the oxidizing electrode (14);
an ionically conductive medium that communicates the electrodes;
the series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) of the fuel electrode (12) comprising:
a permeable electrode body proximal, proximal to the charge electrode (70);
a permeable electrode body distal, distal from the charge electrode (70);
characterized by the fact that the proximal electrode body has a smaller flat size than the distal permeable electrode body along at least a portion of a peripheral fuel electrode edge (12), an edge of the proximal permeable electrode body it is located inside an edge of the distal permeable electrode body;
where the method comprises the steps of:
charge the electrochemical cell (10) by:
i. apply an electric current between the charge electrode (70) and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) of the fuel electrode (12) with the charge electrode (70) fun
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 52/62
[2]
2/7 acting as an anode and at least one permeable electrode body functioning as a cathode, so that reduced fuel ions are reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable fuel in at least one permeable electrode body;
ii. cause, from the said electrodeposition, fuel growth between the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) so that the electrodeposited fuel establishes an electrical connection between the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c); and iii. remove electrical current to discontinue charging.
2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the method still comprises the steps of: generating electric current using the electrochemical cell (10) by oxidizing the fuel in the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) from the fuel electrode (12) which functions as an anode and reduce an oxidant in the oxidizing electrode (14) which functions as a cathode through which electrons are generated to conduct from the fuel electrode (12) to the oxidizing electrode (14) through a charge, and the oxidized fuel ions and reduced oxidizer ions react to form a by-product.
[3]
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the oxidizer comprises oxygen, and in which the oxidizing electrode (14) comprises an electrode configured to absorb and reduce atmospheric oxygen.
[4]
Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reducible fuel ions are reducible metal fuel ions and the electrodeposited fuel is electrodeposited metal fuel.
[5]
5. Method, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that during the loading of the electrochemical cell (10):
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 53/62
3/7 the electric current is applied to a terminal one of the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c), so that the reducible metal fuel ions are reduced and electrodeposited as oxidizable metal fuel in the electrode body terminal permeable;
where the electrodeposition causes the growth of the metal fuel between the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) so that the electrodeposited metal fuel establishes an electrical connection between the terminal electrode body and the proximal permeable electrode body with the said reduction and deposition that occur in the proximal permeable electrode body by establishing the electrical connection.
[6]
6. Method according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the fuel electrode (12) still comprises one or more intermediate permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c); in which the electrical connection between the terminal electrode body and the proximal permeable electrode body is established through each of the one or more intermediate permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) with the reduction and deposition occurring in each among the one or more intermediate permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) upon the establishment of said electrical connection.
[7]
7. Method according to any of the claims
1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the charge electrode (70) is the charge electrode (70) separated from the oxidizing electrode (14).
[8]
8. Method according to any of the claims
1 to 7, characterized by the fact that at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the fuel electrode (12) is coated in an insulating material.
[9]
9. Electrochemical cell (10) comprising:
a fuel electrode (12) comprising a series
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 54/62
4/7 series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) arranged in separate relation;
an oxidizing electrode (14) separate from the fuel electrode (12);
a charging electrode (70) separate from the fuel electrode (12), where the charging electrode (70) is selected from the group consisting of (a) the oxidizing electrode (14), and (b) a charging electrode (70) separated also separated from the oxidizing electrode (14);
an ionically conductive medium that communicates the electrodes;
the series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) of the fuel electrode (12) comprising:
a permeable electrode body proximal, proximal to the charge electrode (70);
a permeable electrode body distal, distal from the charge electrode (70);
characterized by the fact that the proximal permeable electrode body has a flat size smaller than the distal permeable electrode body, along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the fuel electrode (12), one edge of the permeable electrode body proximal (12a, 12b, 12c) is located inside an edge of the distal permeable electrode body (12a, 12b, 12c).
wherein the separate relationship of said permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) of the fuel electrode (12) allows an electric current to be applied between the charge electrode (70) and at least one of the permeable electrode bodies ( 12a, 12b, 12c) of the fuel electrode (12) with the charge electrode (70) functioning as an anode and at least one permeable electrode body (12a, 12b, 12c) functioning as a cathode, so that ions reducible fuel cells are reduced and electrodeposited as with
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 55/62
5/7 fuel in oxidizable form in at least one permeable electrode body (12a, 12b, 12c), where electrodeposition causes the fuel to grow between the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) so that the fuel electrodepositable establish an electrical connection between the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c).
[10]
10. Electrochemical cell (10), according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the fuel electrode (12) still comprises one or more permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c), the one or more intermediate permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) are in spaced relationship between the distal permeable electrode body and the proximal permeable electrode body, with each of the more permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) the charge electrode (70) has a flat size smaller than each of the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) most proximal to the charge electrode (70), so that along at least a portion of an edge peripheral of the fuel electrode (12), the edges of each of the intermediate and proximal permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) are located inside the edge of the adjacent electrode body in the distal direction in a progressive manner.
[11]
11. Electrochemical cell (10), according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the oxidizing electrode (14) is configured to, in a discharge mode, absorb and reduce atmospheric oxygen.
[12]
12. Electrochemical cell (10) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the charge electrode (70) is larger in area than any of the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) in the series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c).
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 56/62
6/7
[13]
13. Electrochemical cell (10) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the charge electrode (70) is smaller in area than any of the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) in a series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c).
[14]
14. Electrochemical cell (10) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the oxidizing electrode (14) is larger in area than any of the permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) in a series of permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c).
[15]
15. Electrochemical cell (10) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the fuel electrode (12) still comprises one or more permeable electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) intermediate between the distal electrode bodies and proximal (12a, 12b, 12c), with the electrode bodies (12a, 12b, 12c) being separated from each other, in the direction of growth towards the charge electrode (70), each subsequent electrode body has a flat size smaller than the electrode body which does it.
[16]
16. Electrochemical cell (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the reducible fuel ions are reducible metal fuel ions, and the electrodeposited fuel is electrodeposited metal fuel.
[17]
17. Electrochemical cell (10) according to any of claims 9 to 16, characterized by the fact that the charge electrode (70) is the charge electrode (70) separated from the oxidizing electrode (14).
[18]
18. Electrochemical cell (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 17, characterized by the fact that it still comprises an insulating material configured to insulate at least
Petition 870190043217, of 5/8/2019, p. 57/62
7/7 a portion of the peripheral edge of the fuel electrode (12).

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

BR112012032269B1|2020-01-07|METHOD FOR OPERATING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

---

US8632921B2|2014-01-21|Electrochemical cell with diffuser

---

ES2575858T3|2016-07-01|Electrochemical cell system with a progressive oxygen release electrode / fuel electrode

---

JP5734989B2|2015-06-17|Electrochemical battery with flow management system

---

ES2444765T3|2014-02-26|Eletrochemical cell, and particularly a cell with electrodeposited fuel

---

US8911910B2|2014-12-16|Multi-mode charging of hierarchical anode

---

ES2688521T3|2018-11-05|Battery reset processes for fuel electrode in frame

---

ES2751106T3|2020-03-30|Submersible gaseous oxidant cathode for electrochemical cell system

---

US20120015264A1|2012-01-19|Electrochemical cell with catch tray

---

US8658318B2|2014-02-25|Electrochemical cell with additive modulator

---

JP6522596B2|2019-05-29|Method of operating and conditioning an electrochemical cell containing electrodeposited fuel

---

JP2015207492A|2015-11-19|Metal-air battery housing and metal-air battery

---

US11245143B2|2022-02-08|Electrochemical cell having orthogonal arrangement of electrodes

---

KR101575211B1|2015-12-08|Metal air cell unit

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

MX2012015109A|2013-05-28|

---

EP2586092B1|2017-01-04|

---

JP5788502B2|2015-09-30|

---

JP2013534699A|2013-09-05|

---

AU2011270747B2|2015-06-11|

---

AU2011270747A1|2013-01-10|

---

CN102544638B|2015-07-15|

---

CA2802532C|2017-06-06|

---

BR112012032269A2|2016-11-29|

---

CA2802532A1|2011-12-29|

---

WO2011163553A1|2011-12-29|

---

CN202721244U|2013-02-06|

---

CN102544638A|2012-07-04|

---

EP2586092A1|2013-05-01|

---

ES2620238T3|2017-06-28|

---

US20110316485A1|2011-12-29|

---

MX339534B|2016-05-30|

---

US8659268B2|2014-02-25|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

---

US2083364A|1934-08-08|1937-06-08|Jr Charles B Cook|Shield for anodes|

---

NL270203A|1961-07-21|

---

US3223611A|1962-01-31|1965-12-14|W W Wells Ltd|Anode basket with dangler for electrolytic plating|

---

CH402091A|1963-05-30|1965-11-15|Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie|Low-temperature fuel element combined with an energy store|

---

US3525643A|1966-04-13|1970-08-25|Anita Ryhiner|Process for producing electrical energy in a fuel cell|

---

US3483036A|1966-08-19|1969-12-09|Harry P Gregor|Fuel cell with ion exchange electrolyte|

---

US3532548A|1966-10-25|1970-10-06|Yardney International Corp|Electrochemical cell utilizing three electrodes|

---

US3615843A|1968-09-03|1971-10-26|Gen Electric|Method of charging a metal-air cell|

---

US3615844A|1968-10-09|1971-10-26|Allis Chalmers Mfg Co|Method of operating a battery having consumable anode material|

---

BE756832A|1969-10-06|1971-03-30|Comp Generale Electricite|RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR WITH ALKALINE ELECTROLYTE|

---

US3650837A|1970-04-06|1972-03-21|Leesona Corp|Secondary metal/air cell|

---

US3717505A|1970-06-25|1973-02-20|Gulf Oil Corp|Electrochemical cell stack|

---

US3716413A|1970-07-15|1973-02-13|Norton Co|Rechargeable electrochemical power supply|

---

US3785868A|1970-11-20|1974-01-15|Gates Rubber Co|Zinc electrode|

---

US3840455A|1972-02-24|1974-10-08|Eastman Kodak Co|Electrolytic cell for recovering metals from solution|

---

US3728244A|1971-06-21|1973-04-17|A Cooley|High current density electrolytic cell|

---

US3713892A|1971-06-28|1973-01-30|Gen Electric|Method of charging secondary metal-air cell|

---

US3801376A|1971-08-16|1974-04-02|Svenska Utvecklings Ab|Auxiliary electrolyte system|

---

US3822149A|1972-02-17|1974-07-02|Du Pont|Rechargeable zinc electrochemical energy conversion device|

---

SE7303685L|1972-06-05|1973-12-06|United Aircraft Corp|

---

US3886426A|1973-03-16|1975-05-27|Eagle Picher Ind Inc|Battery switching circuit|

---

US3919062A|1974-04-29|1975-11-11|Grace W R & Co|Electrochemical system graduated porous bed sections|

---

US4119772A|1974-10-31|1978-10-10|Chloride Group Limited|Lead acid cells and batteries|

---

US3972727A|1975-08-13|1976-08-03|The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration|Rechargeable battery which combats shape change of the zinc anode|

---

US4340449A|1977-10-11|1982-07-20|Texas Instruments Incorporated|Method for selectively electroplating portions of articles|

---

CA1092056A|1977-10-11|1980-12-23|Victor A. Ettel|Electrowinning cell with bagged anode|

---

US4385101A|1980-04-28|1983-05-24|Catanzarite Vincent Owen|Electrochemical cell structure|

---

US4317863A|1980-06-03|1982-03-02|Universal Fuel Systems, Inc.|Fuel cell|

---

US4312927A|1980-06-27|1982-01-26|Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company|Energy conversion and storage process|

---

EP0058090A1|1981-02-09|1982-08-18|Ray-O-Vac Corporation|A cathode assembly for metal-air button cells|

---

US4385967A|1981-10-07|1983-05-31|Chemcut Corporation|Electroplating apparatus and method|

---

JPH0131668B2|1982-08-09|1989-06-27|Meidensha Electric Mfg Co Ltd|

---

US4447504A|1983-01-03|1984-05-08|Gte Products Corporation|Electrochemical cell with two rate battery stacks|

---

DE3401636A1|1984-01-19|1985-07-25|Hoechst Ag, 6230 Frankfurt|ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD FOR TREATING LIQUID ELECTROLYTE|

---

US4521497A|1984-05-18|1985-06-04|Lth Associates, Ltd.|Electrochemical generators and method for the operation thereof|

---

CA1218530A|1984-07-04|1987-03-03|Bernard H. Morrison|Treatment of anode slimes in a top blown rotaryconverter|

---

KR930000425B1|1984-10-17|1993-01-21|가부시기가이샤 히다찌세이사꾸쇼|Flexible fuel cell electrode plate|

---

JPH041657Y2|1984-12-10|1992-01-21|

---

FI78197C|1985-10-11|1989-06-12|Lth Associates Ltd|Electrochemical generator|

---

US4693946A|1986-03-11|1987-09-15|Eltech Systems Corporation|Battery with modular air cathode and anode cage|

---

CA1276972C|1986-10-22|1990-11-27|David S. Strong|Multi-cell metal/air battery|

---

AT388063B|1987-02-02|1989-04-25|Energiespeicher & Antriebssyst|METHOD FOR DEGREASING UNIFORM DEPOSITS ON ELECTRODES OF A BATTERY|

---

US5009755A|1990-01-22|1991-04-23|Shor Peter S|Refining method|

---

WO1992005598A1|1990-09-18|1992-04-02|Alcan International Limited|Aluminium battery|

---

US5185218A|1990-12-31|1993-02-09|Luz Electric Fuel Israel Ltd|Electrodes for metal/air batteries and fuel cells and metal/air batteries incorporating the same|

---

US5190833A|1990-12-31|1993-03-02|Luz Electric Fuel Israel Ltd.|Electrodes for metal/air batteries and fuel cells and bipolar metal/air batteries incorporating the same|

---

IL100625A|1992-01-10|1995-03-30|Electric Fuel Ltd|Electrically and mechanically rechargeable zinc/air battery|

---

DE9304575U1|1992-09-23|1993-05-27|Gesellschaft Fuer Befestigungstechnik Gebr. Titgemeyer Gmbh & Co. Kg, 4500 Osnabrueck, De|

---

US5415949A|1992-10-02|1995-05-16|Voltek, Inc.|Metal-air cell and power system using metal-air cells|

---

US5439758A|1992-10-02|1995-08-08|Voltek, Inc.|Electrochemical power generating system|

---

US5458988A|1993-08-10|1995-10-17|Matsi, Inc.|Metal-air-cells having improved anode assemblies|

---

US5434020A|1993-11-15|1995-07-18|The Regents Of The University Of California|Continuous-feed electrochemical cell with nonpacking particulate electrode|

---

US5431823A|1994-08-18|1995-07-11|Electric Fuel Ltd.|Process for supporting and cleaning a mesh anode bag|

---

US6057052A|1995-05-25|2000-05-02|Electric Fuel Ltd.|Cell for a metal-air battery|

---

US5650240A|1995-08-21|1997-07-22|Hughes Aircraft Company|Multicell battery system with individually controllable cell bypasses|

---

US5652068A|1995-11-14|1997-07-29|Northrop Grumman Corporation|Metal-air battery with improved air supply|

---

JPH09199138A|1996-01-19|1997-07-31|Toyota Motor Corp|Manufacture of electrode for fuel cell or electrode electrolytic film bonding body, and electrode for fuel cell|

---

US6239579B1|1996-07-05|2001-05-29|Estco Battery Management Inc.|Device for managing battery packs by selectively monitoring and assessing the operative capacity of the battery modules in the pack|

---

JP3351261B2|1996-09-30|2002-11-25|松下電器産業株式会社|Nickel positive electrode and nickel-metal hydride storage battery using it|

---

US5972531A|1996-12-24|1999-10-26|Canon Kabushiki Kaisha|Process and apparatus for recovering constituent components of battery|

---

JPH10191574A|1996-12-26|1998-07-21|Japan Tobacco Inc|Charging equipment|

---

JPH10304588A|1997-02-25|1998-11-13|Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd|Power source equipment|

---

FR2760567B1|1997-03-06|1999-04-16|Alsthom Cge Alcatel|POSITIVE ACTIVE MATERIAL FOR NICKEL ELECTRODE OF ALKALINE ELECTROLYTE BATTERY|

---

US5935728A|1997-04-04|1999-08-10|Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.|Electrochemical cell having multiplate and jellyroll electrodes with differing discharge rate regions|

---

US6677077B2|1997-04-04|2004-01-13|Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.|Electrochemical cell having multiplate electrodes with differing discharge rate regions|

---

US5935724A|1997-04-04|1999-08-10|Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.|Electrochemical cell having multiplate electrodes with differing discharge rate regions|

---

US5733677A|1997-05-19|1998-03-31|Aer Energy Resources, Inc.|Metal-air electrochemical cell with oxygen reservoir|

---

US6465638B2|1997-06-25|2002-10-15|Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.|Multiplexed PCR assay for detecting disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection|

---

US6046514A|1997-07-25|2000-04-04|3M Innovative Properties Company|Bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices|

---

US6569555B1|1997-10-06|2003-05-27|Reveo, Inc.|Refuelable and rechargeable metal-air fuel cell battery power supply unit for integration into an appliance|

---

US6451463B1|1997-10-06|2002-09-17|Reveo, Inc.|Electro-chemical power generation systems employing arrays of electronically-controllable discharging and/or recharging cells within a unity support structure|

---

US6641943B1|1997-10-06|2003-11-04|Reveo, Inc.|Metal-air fuel cell battery system having means for recording and reading operating parameters during discharging and recharging modes of operation|

---

US6228519B1|1997-10-06|2001-05-08|Reveo, Inc.|Metal-air fuel cell battery systems having mechanism for extending the path length of metal-fuel tape during discharging and recharging modes of operation|

---

US6306534B1|1997-10-06|2001-10-23|Reveo, Inc.|Metal-air fuel cell battery systems employing means for discharging and recharging metal-fuel cards|

---

US6296960B1|1997-10-06|2001-10-02|Reveo, Inc.|System and method for producing electrical power using metal-air fuel cell battery technology|

---

US6558829B1|1997-10-06|2003-05-06|Reveo, Inc.|Appliance with refuelable and rechargeable metal-air fuel cell battery power supply unit integrated therein|

---

US20040247969A1|1998-08-31|2004-12-09|Faris Sadeg M.|System and method for producing electrical power using metal-air fuel cell battery technology|

---

US6472093B2|1997-10-06|2002-10-29|Reveo, Inc.|Metal-air fuel cell battery systems having a metal-fuel card storage cartridge, insertable within a fuel cartridge insertion port, containing a supply of substantially planar discrete metal-fuel cards, and fuel card transport mechanisms therein|

---

US6348277B1|1997-10-06|2002-02-19|Reveo, Inc.|Method of and system for producing and supplying electrical power to an electrical power consuming device using a metal-air fuel cell battery module and a supply of metal-fuel cards|

---

GB9722124D0|1997-10-20|1997-12-17|European Community|A reactor|

---

US5938899A|1997-10-28|1999-08-17|Forand; James L.|Anode basket for continuous electroplating|

---

JPH11155241A|1997-11-21|1999-06-08|Hitachi Ltd|Pair-battery charging-current control circuit and pair-battery charging method|

---

US6034506A|1998-01-16|2000-03-07|Space Systems/Loral, Inc.|Lithium ion satellite battery charge control circuit|

---

JPH11234916A|1998-02-16|1999-08-27|Rohm Co Ltd|Lithium ion battery pack|

---

US6610440B1|1998-03-10|2003-08-26|Bipolar Technologies, Inc|Microscopic batteries for MEMS systems|

---

US6025696A|1998-03-27|2000-02-15|Space Systems/Loral, Inc.|Battery cell bypass module|

---

GB9815168D0|1998-07-13|1998-09-09|Eastman Kodak Co|Recovery of metal from solution|

---

US6277508B1|1998-07-17|2001-08-21|International Fuel Cells Corporation|Fuel cell power supply with exhaust recycling for improved water management|

---

US6091230A|1998-09-18|2000-07-18|Timex Corporation|Voltage recovery method for a zinc-air battery|

---

US6014013A|1998-12-16|2000-01-11|Space Systems/Loral, Inc.|Battery charge management architecture|

---

US6127061A|1999-01-26|2000-10-03|High-Density Energy, Inc.|Catalytic air cathode for air-metal batteries|

---

US6299998B1|1999-03-15|2001-10-09|Reveo, Inc.|Movable anode fuel cell battery|

---

JP3773694B2|1999-04-07|2006-05-10|三洋電機株式会社|Manufacturing method of nickel metal hydride storage battery|

---

EP1196957A1|1999-04-20|2002-04-17|Zinc Air Power Corporation|Lanthanum nickel compound/metal mixture as a third electrode in a metal-air battery|

---

US6132477A|1999-05-20|2000-10-17|Telcordia Technologies, Inc.|Method of making laminated polymeric rechargeable battery cells|

---

DE19924137C2|1999-05-26|2003-06-12|Fraunhofer Ges Forschung|Electrode unit for rechargeable electrochemical cells|

---

US6162555A|1999-07-15|2000-12-19|Metallic Power, Inc.|Particle feeding apparatus for electrochemical power source and method of making same|

---

US6355369B1|1999-10-29|2002-03-12|Eontech Group, Inc.|Ecologically clean mechanically rechargeable air-metal current source|

---

US6924058B2|1999-11-17|2005-08-02|Leroy J. Ohlsen|Hydrodynamic transport and flow channel passageways associated with fuel cell electrode structures and fuel cell electrode stack assemblies|

---

US6312846B1|1999-11-24|2001-11-06|Integrated Fuel Cell Technologies, Inc.|Fuel cell and power chip technology|

---

US6153328A|1999-11-24|2000-11-28|Metallic Power, Inc.|System and method for preventing the formation of dendrites in a metal/air fuel cell, battery or metal recovery apparatus|

---

US6211650B1|2000-01-12|2001-04-03|Lockheed Martin Corporation|Battery cell by-pass circuit|

---

US6296958B1|2000-03-08|2001-10-02|Metallic Power, Inc.|Refuelable electrochemical power source capable of being maintained in a substantially constant full condition and method of using the same|

---

JP3429741B2|2000-03-24|2003-07-22|松下電器産業株式会社|Paste positive electrode for alkaline storage batteries and nickel-metal hydride storage batteries|

---

CN100431214C|2000-03-24|2008-11-05|Cmr燃料电池有限公司|Mixed reactant fuel cells with magnetic curren channel porous electrode|

---

GB0007306D0|2000-03-24|2000-05-17|Scient Generics Ltd|Concept for a compact mixed-reactant fuel cell or battery|

---

BR0110164A|2000-04-18|2003-02-25|Celltech Power Inc|Electrochemical device and methods for energy conversion|

---

US6558825B1|2000-05-12|2003-05-06|Reveo, Inc.|Fuel containment and recycling system|

---

US6579637B1|2000-05-31|2003-06-17|General Motors Corporation|Fuel cell system having a compact water separator|

---

US6271646B1|2000-07-05|2001-08-07|The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration|Battery cell by-pass circuit|

---

CN1284261C|2000-07-06|2006-11-08|株式会社杰士汤浅|Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and its manufacture|

---

US6762587B1|2000-09-12|2004-07-13|Recon Industrial Controls Corp.|Device and method for monitoring fuel cell performance and controlling a fuel cell system|

---

US6265846B1|2000-10-03|2001-07-24|International Business Machines Corporation|Active bypass circuit for extending energy capacity and operational life of a multi-cell battery|

---

CA2327838A1|2000-12-07|2002-06-07|Alexander M. Iarochenko|A metal-air battery having in-situ generatable electrolyte|

---

US6866950B2|2000-12-08|2005-03-15|Questair Technologies Inc.|Methods and apparatuses for gas separation by pressure swing adsorption with partial gas product feed to fuel cell power source|

---

US20020076602A1|2000-12-18|2002-06-20|More Energy Ltd.|Direct liquid fuel cell and a novel binary electrode therefor|

---

US6802946B2|2000-12-21|2004-10-12|Nutool Inc.|Apparatus for controlling thickness uniformity of electroplated and electroetched layers|

---

US20020098398A1|2001-01-22|2002-07-25|Muguo Chen|Electrolyte balance in electrochemical cells|

---

WO2002073732A2|2001-03-08|2002-09-19|Evionyx, Inc.|Refuelable metal air electrochemical cell with replacable anode structure|

---

US20040175603A1|2001-11-20|2004-09-09|De-Qian Yang|Durable and an easy refueling metal-gas battery with soft pocket|

---

US6811903B2|2001-04-06|2004-11-02|Evlonyx, Inc.|Electrochemical cell recharging system|

---

US20050196656A1|2003-10-08|2005-09-08|Gomez Rodolfo A.M.|Fuel cell|

---

US7126310B1|2001-04-20|2006-10-24|Abiomed, Inc.|Apparatus and method for balanced charging of a multiple-cell battery pack|

---

TW543231B|2001-05-14|2003-07-21|Reveo Inc|Metal air cell incorporating ionic isolation systems|

---

US20030099882A1|2001-06-12|2003-05-29|Hampden-Smith Mark J.|Methods and materials for the preparation of a zinc anode useful for batteries and fuel cells|

---

US6822423B2|2001-09-03|2004-11-23|Gpe International Limited|Intelligent serial battery charger and charging block|

---

AU2002363502A1|2001-09-26|2003-05-19|Evionyx, Inc.|Rechargeable and refuelable metal air electrochemical cell|

---

US6911274B1|2001-10-19|2005-06-28|Metallic Power, Inc.|Fuel cell system|

---

US6756149B2|2001-10-23|2004-06-29|Ballard Power Systems Inc.|Electrochemical fuel cell with non-uniform fluid flow design|

---

US7020355B2|2001-11-02|2006-03-28|Massachusetts Institute Of Technology|Switchable surfaces|

---

US6586909B1|2001-12-21|2003-07-01|Ron Trepka|Parallel battery charging device|

---

AU2002364256A1|2001-12-31|2003-07-30|Evionyx, Inc.|Rechargeable metal air electrochemical cell incorporating collapsible cathode assembly|

---

US6713206B2|2002-01-14|2004-03-30|Board Of Trustees Of University Of Illinois|Electrochemical cells comprising laminar flow induced dynamic conducting interfaces, electronic devices comprising such cells, and methods employing same|

---

US7651797B2|2002-01-14|2010-01-26|The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois|Electrochemical cells comprising laminar flow induced dynamic conducting interfaces, electronic devices comprising such cells, and methods employing same|

---

US7252898B2|2002-01-14|2007-08-07|The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois|Fuel cells comprising laminar flow induced dynamic conducting interfaces, electronic devices comprising such cells, and methods employing same|

---

US7150933B1|2002-02-06|2006-12-19|Angstrom Power, Inc.|Method of manufacturing high power density fuel cell layers with micro structured components|

---

CA2477262A1|2002-03-14|2003-09-18|Questair Technologies Inc.|Gas separation by combined pressure swing and displacement purge|

---

US6908500B2|2002-04-08|2005-06-21|Motorola, Inc.|System and method for controlling gas transport in a fuel cell|

---

US20030198862A1|2002-04-19|2003-10-23|Enernext|Liquid gallium alkaline electrolyte fuel cell|

---

US20040058226A1|2002-04-25|2004-03-25|Lamarre Philip A.|Efficiency lateral micro fuel cell|

---

US7368190B2|2002-05-02|2008-05-06|Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.|Miniature biological fuel cell that is operational under physiological conditions, and associated devices and methods|

---

KR100446406B1|2002-05-14|2004-09-01|한국과학기술연구원|A Membraneless And Mediatorless Microbial Fuel Cell|

---

US6942105B2|2002-05-17|2005-09-13|Metallic Power, Inc.|In-line filtration for a particle-based electrochemical power system|

---

US6764588B2|2002-05-17|2004-07-20|Metallic Power, Inc.|Method of and system for flushing one or more cells in a particle-based electrochemical power source in standby mode|

---

US6838203B2|2002-06-19|2005-01-04|Yongjian Zheng|Monolithic fuel cell and method of manufacture of same|

---

US7270906B2|2002-06-24|2007-09-18|Delphi Technologies, Inc.|Solid-oxide fuel cell module for a fuel cell stack|

---

US6967064B2|2002-06-24|2005-11-22|Delphi Technologies, Inc.|Co-flow anode/cathode supply heat exchanger for a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly|

---

US6646418B1|2002-07-24|2003-11-11|Motorola, Inc.|Method and apparatus for fuel cell protection|

---

EP1385229A1|2002-07-26|2004-01-28|Yung-Jen Lin|Granular anode for metal-air fuel cell battery|

---

AU2003297435A1|2002-09-12|2004-04-30|Metallic Power, Inc.|Methods and devices for controlling flow and particle fluidization in a fuel cell|

---

US6787260B2|2002-09-12|2004-09-07|Metallic Power, Inc.|Electrolyte-particulate fuel cell anode|

---

US20040053132A1|2002-09-12|2004-03-18|Smedley Stuart I.|Improved fuel for a zinc-based fuel cell and regeneration thereof|

---

US20040058217A1|2002-09-20|2004-03-25|Ohlsen Leroy J.|Fuel cell systems having internal multistream laminar flow|

---

US7279245B1|2002-12-09|2007-10-09|Lockheed Martin Corporation|System for removal of inerts from fuel cell reactants|

---

US20040121208A1|2002-12-23|2004-06-24|Doug James|Tubular direct methanol fuel cell|

---

US7303835B2|2003-01-15|2007-12-04|General Motors Corporation|Diffusion media, fuel cells, and fuel cell powered systems|

---

US20040185323A1|2003-01-31|2004-09-23|Fowler Burt W.|Monolithic fuel cell structure and method of manufacture|

---

US20040157092A1|2003-02-07|2004-08-12|Serge Kimberg|Polygonal fuel cell|

---

US20040157101A1|2003-02-11|2004-08-12|Smedley Stuart I.|Fuel cell electrode assembly|

---

US7201857B2|2003-03-03|2007-04-10|Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems, Llc|Performance enhancing additive material for the nickel hydroxide positive electrode in rechargeable alkaline cells|

---

US20060269826A1|2003-03-03|2006-11-30|Eugenii Katz|Novel electrode with switchable and tunable power output and fuel cell using such electrode|

---

US20040180246A1|2003-03-10|2004-09-16|Smedley Stuart I.|Self-contained fuel cell|

---

AT510605T|2003-03-14|2011-06-15|Univ Columbia|SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BLOOD-BASED THERAPIES WITH A MEMBRANEOUS MICROFLUID EXCHANGE DEVICE|

---

US20060076295A1|2004-03-15|2006-04-13|The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York|Systems and methods of blood-based therapies having a microfluidic membraneless exchange device|

---

US20070237993A1|2003-03-21|2007-10-11|Karin Carlsson|Fuel cell reforming|

---

US20040185328A1|2003-03-21|2004-09-23|Lifun Lin|Chemoelectric generating|

---

WO2004095605A2|2003-04-22|2004-11-04|Benedetto Anthony Iacovelli|Fuel cell, components and systems|

---

US20040229107A1|2003-05-14|2004-11-18|Smedley Stuart I.|Combined fuel cell and battery|

---

US20050019634A1|2003-07-23|2005-01-27|Legg Larry K.|Device for extending zinc-air battery life for intermittent use|

---

US6998184B2|2003-08-07|2006-02-14|Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell, Llc|Hybrid fuel cell|

---

US7638216B2|2005-12-21|2009-12-29|General Electric Company|Fuel cell apparatus and associated method|

---

US7238440B2|2003-10-03|2007-07-03|E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company|Membrane free fuel cell|

---

US20050084737A1|2003-10-20|2005-04-21|Wine David W.|Fuel cells having cross directional laminar flowstreams|

---

NO325620B1|2003-10-21|2008-06-30|Revolt Technology Ltd|Electrode, Method of Preparation thereof, Metal / Air Fuel Cell and Metal Hydride Battery Cell|

---

JP2005166479A|2003-12-03|2005-06-23|Nissan Motor Co Ltd|Fuel cell system|

---

US7482081B2|2004-02-11|2009-01-27|Zongxuan Hong|Battery system with in-situ and on-time continuous regeneration of the electrodes|

---

CN1918741A|2004-02-16|2007-02-21|株式会社Meet|Collapsible metal air battery|

---

US20060024551A1|2004-02-20|2006-02-02|Nuvant Systems, Inc.|Array fuel cell reactors with a switching system|

---

JP4576856B2|2004-03-12|2010-11-10|パナソニック株式会社|Fuel cell system|

---

EP1726059A4|2004-03-15|2008-10-22|Univ St Louis|Microfluidic biofuel cell|

---

JP4701624B2|2004-04-08|2011-06-15|トヨタ自動車株式会社|Fuel cell system|

---

JP4575701B2|2004-04-20|2010-11-04|本田技研工業株式会社|Fuel cell system|

---

US7273541B2|2004-05-11|2007-09-25|The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois|Microfluid device and synthetic methods|

---

TWI258239B|2004-06-02|2006-07-11|High Tech Battery Inc|Air electrode constituting multilayer sintered structure and manufacturing method thereof|

---

US20060228622A1|2004-06-10|2006-10-12|Cohen Jamie L|Dual electrolyte membraneless microchannel fuel cells|

---

US7435503B2|2004-06-10|2008-10-14|Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.|Planar membraneless microchannel fuel cell|

---

FI116729B|2004-07-07|2006-02-15|Outokumpu Oy|Method and apparatus for treating anode slurry|

---

US7722988B2|2005-08-16|2010-05-25|Eveready Battery Company, Inc.|All-temperature LiFeS2 battery with ether and low concentration LiI electrolyte|

---

GB0420341D0|2004-09-13|2004-10-13|Isis Innovation|Fuel cell|

---

US8247135B2|2004-09-14|2012-08-21|Case Western Reserve University|Light-weight, flexible edge collected fuel cells|

---

WO2006044313A2|2004-10-12|2006-04-27|The Trustrees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Preparation of solid oxide fuel cell electrodes by electrodeposition|

---

US7291186B2|2004-11-01|2007-11-06|Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.|Solid porous zinc electrodes and methods of making same|

---

US20060292407A1|2004-12-15|2006-12-28|Dominic Gervasio|Microfluidic fuel cell system and method for portable energy applications|

---

US7670724B1|2005-01-05|2010-03-02|The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army|Alkali-hydroxide modified poly-vinylidene fluoride/polyethylene oxide lithium-air battery|

---

JP4196122B2|2005-02-25|2008-12-17|パナソニック株式会社|Battery pack|

---

US7635530B2|2005-03-21|2009-12-22|The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois|Membraneless electrochemical cell and microfluidic device without pH constraint|

---

KR20080011657A|2005-04-05|2008-02-05|에너지씨에스|Multiplexer and switch-based electrochemical cell monitor and management system and method|

---

US7892681B2|2005-07-19|2011-02-22|Pelton Walter E|System of distributed electrochemical cells integrated with microelectronic structures|

---

JP4787559B2|2005-07-26|2011-10-05|ルネサスエレクトロニクス株式会社|Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof|

---

US20070048577A1|2005-08-30|2007-03-01|The Government Of The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Naval Re|Scalable microbial fuel cell with fluidic and stacking capabilities|

---

US7559978B2|2005-09-19|2009-07-14|General Electric Company|Gas-liquid separator and method of operation|

---

CN101326675B|2005-12-06|2012-06-06|雷沃尔特科技有限公司|Bifunctionan air electrode|

---

US20070141450A1|2005-12-21|2007-06-21|General Electric Company|Rechargeable fuel cell with double cathode|

---

US20070141432A1|2005-12-21|2007-06-21|General Electric Company|Third electrode frame structure and method related thereto|

---

US20070141430A1|2005-12-21|2007-06-21|Qunjian Huang|Gas scrubber and method related thereto|

---

US20070141440A1|2005-12-21|2007-06-21|General Electric Company|Cylindrical structure fuel cell|

---

EP1814206A1|2006-01-27|2007-08-01|Berner Fachhochschule Hochschule für Technik und Architektur Biel|Battery balancing apparatus|

---

US20070224500A1|2006-03-22|2007-09-27|White Leo J|Zinc/air cell|

---

US20070264550A1|2006-03-30|2007-11-15|Magpower Systems Inc.|Air diffusion cathodes for fuel cells|

---

US7771884B2|2006-04-19|2010-08-10|Delphi Technololgies, Inc.|Solid oxide fuel cell stack having an integral gas distribution manifold|

---

US20080008911A1|2006-05-03|2008-01-10|Stroock Abraham D|Designs of fuel cell electrode with improved mass transfer from liquid fuels and oxidants|

---

US20070259234A1|2006-05-06|2007-11-08|David Chua|Metal-air semi-fuel cell with an aqueous acid based cathode|

---

US20070278107A1|2006-05-30|2007-12-06|Northwest Aluminum Technologies|Anode for use in aluminum producing electrolytic cell|

---

US8288999B2|2006-08-01|2012-10-16|Aeneas Energy Technology Co., Ltd.|Charging circuit for balance charging serially connected batteries|

---

EA018575B1|2006-09-13|2013-09-30|Юниверсити Оф Акрон|Catalysts compositions for use in fuel cells|

---

US8914090B2|2006-09-27|2014-12-16|The University Of Connecticut|Implantable biosensor and methods of use thereof|

---

US7466104B2|2006-10-13|2008-12-16|O2 Micro International Limited|System and method for balancing cells in a battery pack with selective bypass paths|

---

WO2008058165A2|2006-11-06|2008-05-15|Akermin, Inc.|Bioanode and biocathode stack assemblies|

---

US20080145721A1|2006-12-14|2008-06-19|General Electric Company|Fuel cell apparatus and associated method|

---

US7985505B2|2006-12-15|2011-07-26|General Electric Company|Fuel cell apparatus and associated method|

---

US8343687B2|2006-12-19|2013-01-01|General Electric Company|Rechargeable fuel cell system|

---

WO2008080075A1|2006-12-21|2008-07-03|Arizona Board Of Regents For And On Behalf Of Arizona State University|Fuel cell with transport flow across gap|

---

US7598706B2|2007-01-26|2009-10-06|General Electric Company|Cell balancing battery pack and method of balancing the cells of a battery|

---

US20080268341A1|2007-03-14|2008-10-30|Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.|High power batteries and electrochemical cells and methods of making same|

---

KR20090121402A|2007-03-20|2009-11-25|에네르델, 인코포레이티드|System and method for balancing a state of charge of series connected cells|

---

JP2008243740A|2007-03-28|2008-10-09|Toshiba Corp|Fuel cell|

---

JP5269372B2|2007-09-25|2013-08-21|株式会社東芝|Fuel cell|

---

US20090117429A1|2007-11-06|2009-05-07|Zillmer Andrew J|Direct carbon fuel cell having a separation device|

---

JP2009159726A|2007-12-26|2009-07-16|Honda Motor Co Ltd|Discharge control system|

---

US8168337B2|2008-04-04|2012-05-01|Arizona Board Of Regents For And On Behalf Of Arizona State University|Electrochemical cell, and particularly a metal fueled cell with non-parallel flow|

---

US20090286149A1|2008-05-13|2009-11-19|Board Of Regents Of The University Of Nebraska|Adaptive reconfigurable battery|

---

US8309259B2|2008-05-19|2012-11-13|Arizona Board Of Regents For And On Behalf Of Arizona State University|Electrochemical cell, and particularly a cell with electrodeposited fuel|

---

US8491763B2|2008-08-28|2013-07-23|Fluidic, Inc.|Oxygen recovery system and method for recovering oxygen in an electrochemical cell|

---

KR100968505B1|2008-09-08|2010-07-07|한국과학기술원|Metal supported solid oxide fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof|

---

US20100316935A1|2008-12-05|2010-12-16|Fluidic, Llc|Electrochemical cells connected in fluid flow series|

---

JP5986505B2|2009-05-11|2016-09-06|アリゾナ ボード オブ リージェンツ アクティング フォー アンド オン ビハーフ オブ アリゾナ ステイト ユニバーシティＡｒｉｚｏｎａ Ｂｏａｒｄ Ｏｆ Ｒｅｇｅｎｔｓ Ａｃｔｉｎｇ Ｆｏｒ Ａｎｄ Ｏｎ Ｂｅｈａｌｆ Ｏｆ Ａｒｉｚｏｎａ Ｓｔａｔｅ Ｕｎｉｖｅｒｓｉｔｙ|Metal-air low-temperature ionic liquid battery|

---

DE102009028154A1|2009-07-31|2011-02-03|Robert Bosch Gmbh|gear pump|

---

JP4942800B2|2009-08-18|2012-05-30|株式会社ニューフレアテクノロジー|Inspection device|

---

BR112012005186A2|2009-09-18|2016-03-08|Fluidic Inc|rechargeable electrochemical cell system with a charge-discharge electrode switching mode|

---

WO2011044528A1|2009-10-08|2011-04-14|Fluidic, Inc.|Rechargeable metal-air cell with flow management system|

---

US8632921B2|2010-02-04|2014-01-21|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell with diffuser|

---

EP2537205B1|2010-02-16|2014-04-30|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell, and particularly a cell with electro deposited fuel|

---

EP3352259B1|2010-04-13|2020-03-18|NantEnergy, Inc.|Metal-air electrochemical cell with high energy efficiency mode|

---

EP2583348B1|2010-06-15|2016-12-14|Fluidic, Inc.|Metal-air cell with tuned hydrophobicity|

---

WO2011163553A1|2010-06-24|2011-12-29|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell with stepped scaffold fuel anode|

---

US9269995B2|2010-07-19|2016-02-23|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell with catch tray|

---

CN202550031U|2010-09-16|2012-11-21|流体公司|Electrochemical battery system with gradual oxygen evolution electrode/fuel electrode|US8309259B2|2008-05-19|2012-11-13|Arizona Board Of Regents For And On Behalf Of Arizona State University|Electrochemical cell, and particularly a cell with electrodeposited fuel|

---

US7820321B2|2008-07-07|2010-10-26|Enervault Corporation|Redox flow battery system for distributed energy storage|

---

US8785023B2|2008-07-07|2014-07-22|Enervault Corparation|Cascade redox flow battery systems|

---

WO2011044528A1|2009-10-08|2011-04-14|Fluidic, Inc.|Rechargeable metal-air cell with flow management system|

---

US8632921B2|2010-02-04|2014-01-21|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell with diffuser|

---

EP3352259B1|2010-04-13|2020-03-18|NantEnergy, Inc.|Metal-air electrochemical cell with high energy efficiency mode|

---

WO2011163553A1|2010-06-24|2011-12-29|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell with stepped scaffold fuel anode|

---

US9269995B2|2010-07-19|2016-02-23|Fluidic, Inc.|Electrochemical cell with catch tray|

---

CN202550031U|2010-09-16|2012-11-21|流体公司|Electrochemical battery system with gradual oxygen evolution electrode/fuel electrode|

---

ES2549592T3|2010-10-20|2015-10-29|Fluidic, Inc.|Battery reset processes for fuel electrode in frame|

---

JP5908251B2|2010-11-17|2016-04-26|フルイディック，インク．Ｆｌｕｉｄｉｃ，Ｉｎｃ．|Multi-mode charging of hierarchical anode|

---

EP2671273B1|2011-02-04|2019-09-11|NantEnergy, Inc.|Electrochemical cell system with shunt current interrupt|

---

US8916281B2|2011-03-29|2014-12-23|Enervault Corporation|Rebalancing electrolytes in redox flow battery systems|

---

US8980484B2|2011-03-29|2015-03-17|Enervault Corporation|Monitoring electrolyte concentrations in redox flow battery systems|

---

WO2013013036A1|2011-07-19|2013-01-24|Fluidic, Inc.|Hygrophobic conductor layer for electrochemical cell|

---

US9214708B2|2011-08-05|2015-12-15|Fluidic, Inc.|Gas vent for electrochemical cell|

---

CN203225320U|2011-11-04|2013-10-02|流体公司|Electrochemical cell system|

---

US9444105B2|2011-11-04|2016-09-13|Fluidic, Inc.|Immersible gaseous oxidant cathode for electrochemical cell system|

---

US9413048B2|2011-11-04|2016-08-09|Fluidic, Inc.|Air cathode with graphite bonding/barrier layer|

---

JP6011799B2|2012-01-27|2016-10-19|日産自動車株式会社|Assembled battery|

---

JP6316322B2|2013-02-11|2018-04-25|フルイディック，インク．Ｆｌｕｉｄｉｃ，Ｉｎｃ．|Water recovery / recycling system for electrochemical cells|

---

AU2014244162B2|2013-03-13|2017-07-27|Fluidic, Inc.|Hetero-ionic aromatic additives for electrochemical cell|

---

US9269998B2|2013-03-13|2016-02-23|Fluidic, Inc.|Concave gas vent for electrochemical cell|

---

BR112015022630A2|2013-03-13|2017-07-18|Fluidic Inc|synergistic additives for electrochemical cells with electroplated fuel|

---

JP6200217B2|2013-06-14|2017-09-20|シャープ株式会社|Metal-air secondary battery|

---

JP6474725B2|2013-08-01|2019-02-27|シャープ株式会社|Metal electrode cartridge and metal air battery|

---

CN105765781B|2013-10-14|2019-04-19|南特能源公司|Operation and the method for adjusting the electrochemical cell including electro-deposition fuel|

---

MX367686B|2014-02-12|2019-09-02|Nantenergy Inc|Method of operating electrochemical cells comprising electrodeposited fuel.|

---

CN106030899A|2015-03-04|2016-10-12|陈忠伟|Tri-electrode zinc-air battery with flowing electrolyte|

---

ES2726715T3|2015-03-19|2019-10-08|Nantenergy Inc|Electrochemical cell comprising an electrodeposited fuel|

---

EP3278394B1|2015-03-30|2019-04-24|NantEnergy, Inc.|Water management system in electrochemical cells with vapor return comprising air electrodes|

---

WO2018018037A1|2016-07-22|2018-01-25|Fluidic, Inc.|Mist elimination system for electrochemical cells|

---

US11018387B2|2016-07-22|2021-05-25|Form Energy, Inc.|Moisture and carbon dioxide management system in electrochemical cells|

---

AU2018253052A1|2017-04-09|2019-05-30|Nantenergy, Inc.|Fast switching back-up power supply system employing rechargeable electrochemical cells|

---

KR20190026089A|2017-09-04|2019-03-13|현대자동차주식회사|Lithium air battery|

---

EP3966887A1|2019-05-10|2022-03-16|NantEnergy, Inc.|Nested annular metal-air cell and systems containing same|

法律状态:
2018-04-10| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

---

2019-03-12| B06T| Formal requirements before examination [chapter 6.20 patent gazette]|

---

2019-04-30| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: NANTENERGY, INC. (US) |

---

2019-11-12| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

---

2020-01-07| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 24/06/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

US35833910P| true| 2010-06-24|2010-06-24|

---

US61/358,339|2010-06-24|

---

PCT/US2011/041748|WO2011163553A1|2010-06-24|2011-06-24|Electrochemical cell with stepped scaffold fuel anode|

---