Reveo, Inc.

Evionyx, Inc.

William F Morris

Tsepin Tsai

Sadeg Mustafa Faris

Lin-Feng Li

Michael Rabin

Wayne Yao

Wenbin Yao

George Tzong-Chyi Tzeng

George Tzeng

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

Metal air cell incorporating air flow system

Fuel cells (e.g., air-depolarized fuel cells) are stacked, supported and electrically interconnected into a battery structure with a connector block. The anode and cathode elements of each fuel cell are provided with conductive terminating elements (e.g., plug connectors), preferably extending in downward &ldquo;U&rdquo; shaped configuration from the upper ends of the anode and cathode elements respectively. The connector block comprises a series of conductive apertures, positioned and sized, to accommodate the conductive terminating elements of the anodes and cathodes therein. When the conductive terminating elements of the anodes and cathodes are slidably engaged with the conductive apertures of the connector block, the connector block mechanical support the anodes and cathode so engaged. The connector block preferably comprises a electrically conductive elements to electrically connect the anodes and cathodes of the stacked cells in a desired electrical interconnection (serial, parallel and mixed serial and parallel segments). The interconnection between terminal conductor elements and the respective apertures further serves to support and orient the cells in a minimal volume and permits selective rapid cell removal for replacement or servicing. The cells are also provided with keyed members for keyed interlocking with a support tray having co-fitting keying elements to provide full structural integrity for the stacked cells. Lateral end elements extend between the connector block and support tray to complete an open enclosure and provide a support base for air circulating devices such as fans. Air is circulated through a duct defined by the connector block.

Fuel cell support and electrical interconnector

Flat plate fuel cells, particularly air-depolarized cells, are stacked and electrically interconnected into a battery structure with a connector block and tray. The anode and cathode elements of each cell are provided with extending terminal conductor elements (e.g., banana plugs), preferably extending in downward &ldquo;U&rdquo; shaped configuration from the upper ends of the anode and cathode elements respectively. The connector block comprises a series of conductive apertures, positioned and sized to accommodate the terminal conductor elements of the electrodes therein and the connector block comprises electrical interconductive elements to electrically connect- the electrodes of the stacked cells in a desired electrical interconnection (serial, parallel and mixed serial and parallel segments). The interconnection between terminal conductor elements and the respective apertures further serves to support and orient the cells in a minimal volume and permits selective rapid cell removal for replacement or servicing. The cells are also provided with keyed members for keyed interlocking with a support tray having co-fitting keying elements to provide full structural integrity for the stacked cells. Lateral end elements extend between the connector block and support tray to complete an open enclosure and provide a support base for air circulating devices such as fans. Air is circulated through a duct defined by the block and between the fuel cells.

A metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) system includes an electrolyte, air electrodes, and a movable anode having anode material deposited on two sides of an electrically conductive substrate. The anode can be, for example, either a rotating anode disk, or a linearly-movable anode, sandwiched between the two air electrodes. The air electrodes each have at least one recharging portion and at least one discharging portion. The anode movement, which can be, for example, rotational or linear, is relative to the recharging air electrode portion for recharging the anode material and relative to the discharging air electrode portion for discharging the anode material.

Movable anode fuel cell battery

A fuel cell battery having an electrolyte, and a moving anode having anode material deposited on two sides of an electrically conductive substrate, which can be either a rotating anode disk, or a linearly moving anode, sandwiched between two air electrodes wherein the air electrodes each have at least one recharging portion and at least one discharging portion. The recharging portion of the air electrode is designed for optimum recharging and the discharging portion of the air electrode is designed for optimum discharging such that the fuel cell battery performs to its maximum ability. The recharging air electrode area can be larger than the discharging air electrode area for faster recharge times. The recharging air electrode can be operated at lower current densities to prevent anode densification, anode shape change and dendrite growth. Discharging the anode material on both sides of the anode increases the depth of the discharge and increases the battery's capacity. The anode movement assures the anode is intermittently discharged to reduce passivation and further increase the depth of discharge. The motion of the anode helps to insure uniform replating during recharging. Further, the movement of the anode stirs the electrolyte assuring a uniform distribution of metal ions. As a result, the invention provides a metal/air Fuel Cell Battery with high energy density high power density and good rechargeability.

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Yonkers, NY, United States of America

William F Morris