CN1241286C - Metal-air fuel cell stack system with moving anode and cathode structure - Google Patents

Abstract

In an air-metal Fuel Cell Battery (FCB) system, wherein a metal-fuel tape, an ionically-conductive medium, and a cathode structure are transported at substantially the same speed during discharging and recharging modes of operation at points where the ionically-conductive medium contacts the moving cathode structure and the moving metal-fuel tape. In a first general embodiment of the invention, the ionically-conductive medium is implemented as an ionically-conductive tape, and the metal-fuel tape, the ionically-conductive tape, and the movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same speed during system operation at points where the ionically-conductive tape contacts each of the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure. In a second generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is implemented as a solid-state (e.g., gel-like) film layer integral with the metal-fuel tape, and the metal-fuel tape, the ionically-conductive film layer, and the movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same speed during system operation at the point where the ionically-conductive film layer contacts each of the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure. In a third general embodiment of the invention, the ionically-conductive medium is implemented as a solid-state thin film layer integral with the movable cathode structure, and the metal-fuel tape, the ionically-conductive thin film layer, and the movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same speed during system operation at the point where the ionically-conductive thin film layer contacts each of the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure. By transporting the moving cathode structure, ionically conductive medium, and metal-fuel tape within the system as described above during system operation, the frictional forces generated between these structures are minimized, thereby significantly reducing damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel tape.

Description

Metal-air fuel cell stack system with moving anode and cathode structure

Background Art of the Invention

technical field

The present invention relates to metal-air fuel battery systems designed to generate electrical power from a metal-fuel belt transported over a cathode structure in the system, and more particularly to the use of movable Such systems of cathode construction.

A brief introduction to prior art

In US Application No. 08/944507 entitled "High Power Density Metal-Air Fuel Cell Stack Systems," applicants disclose several types of novel metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) systems. During the generation of electrical power, a metal-fuel ribbon is conveyed over a stationary cathode structure in the presence of an ionically conductive medium such as an impregnated electrolyte gel (impregnated electrolyte membrane). According to known electrochemical principles, the transported metal-fuel strips are oxidized when electrical power is generated by the system.

One type of FCB power generation system disclosed in US Application No. 08/944507 has many advantages over prior art electrochemical power generation devices, such as the inclusion of selectable output voltages for specific electrical load conditions. Electric power is generated within a range of voltage magnitudes. In addition, the oxidized metal-fuel strips may be regenerated (ie, recharged) during battery charge cycles that occur during power generation, or otherwise regenerated.

In the pending US Application No. 09/074337 filed on May 7, 1998 entitled "Metal-Air Fuel Cell Stack System", the applicant disclosed several types of - Novel systems and methods for fuel belts. In theory, these technological improvements could enable metal-fuel belts to be quickly recharged in an energy-efficient manner for reuse in power generation cycles. These advances offer great promise in many fields of work requiring electrical power.

However, the greatest limitation of prior art metal-air FCB systems is the frictional forces (eg, shear forces) that arise when the metal-fuel ribbon is conveyed over the stationary cathode structure within these systems, causing many problems.

One problem is that these frictional forces increase the amount of electrical power required to transport the metal-fuel strip through the system.

Another problem is that these friction forces dislodge metal oxide particles from the metal-fuel ribbon during transport and become embedded in the porous structure of the cathode, thereby impeding ion transport between the cathode and the ionically conductive medium (known as "packing"). (blinding)"), and increases the probability of damaging (or destroying) the surface of the cathode structure and the metal-fuel belt.

Furthermore, it is very difficult to manufacture metal-air FCB systems characterized by high volumetric power densities (eg in kilowatts per cubic centimeter) when using prior art techniques. Thus, it is not possible to generate large amounts of electrical power from FCB systems occupying a relatively small volume of physical space.

Collectively, these problems tend to reduce the operating efficiency and utility of prior art metal-air FCB systems, as well as reduce the life of the cathode structure and the metal-fuel ribbon employed therein.

Accordingly, there is a great need in the art for improved metal-air fuel cell stack systems that avoid the deficiencies and disadvantages of prior art systems and methods.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) system which avoids the disadvantages and disadvantages of the systems and methods of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which both the metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the cathode structure are moved relative to each other during operation of the system so as to reduce the amount of friction between the cathode structure, the metal- Friction (eg, shear) due to relative movement between the fuel ribbon and the ionically conductive medium.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system, wherein the reduction of friction results in: reducing the amount of electrical power required to drive the cathode structure, metal-fuel strip and ionically conductive medium during system operation; exfoliated metal oxide particles and their embedding in the porous structure of the cathode; and reducing the likelihood of damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel ribbon employed in the system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system in which the delivery mechanism is adapted to substantially The cathode structure, ionically conductive medium and metal-fuel belt are conveyed at the same speed so as to minimize the friction generated between the movable cathode structure, metal-fuel belt and ionically conductive medium.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which velocity control of the metal-fuel belt, cathode structure and ionically conductive medium is achieved in various ways.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the cathode structure is realized as a rotating cathode cylinder with fine through-holes formed in its surface and with metal- The hollow center hole of the junction between the fuel ribbons.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the cylindrical cathode comprises a plastic hollow cylinder around which is attached a cathode member composed of a nickel mesh fabric for collecting current, embedded with carbon, catalytic and bonding materials.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the cylindrical cathode is rotated at a controlled angular velocity and the metal-fuel ribbon is conveyed over the surface of the rotating cathode so that the metal-fuel and cathode structures are in contact over an ionically conductive medium The metal-fuel belt and the location of each point of the cathode structure are transported at substantially the same speed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the ionically conductive medium is realized in the form of an ionically conductive belt and is conveyed (ie operated) between two or more conveying cylinders.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the ionically conductive belt is fabricated from an open-cell plastic material impregnated with an ionically conductive material which enables transport of ions between the cathode and anode structures of the system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein speed control is achieved in various ways, for example by driving the cylindrical cathode structure with a belt which is also used to convey the metal-fuel belt (i.e. in cassette type supply and take-up spools or supply and take-up hubs inside the device); or by using a set of speed-controlled electric motors, or spring-driven motors to drive the supply and take-up hubs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the ionically conductive medium is realized as a solid (e.g., gel-like) film applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical cathode structure, the metal-fuel strips as thin zinc strips, on polyester This is achieved in the form of zinc powder mixed with binder carried on the substrate or zinc powder impregnated inside the substrate of the tape itself.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system in which the rotatable cathode structure is realized as a cathode strip structure with extremely fine through-holes and a hollow central hole in its surface for enabling oxygen energy Transport to the interface between the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel belt transported thereon.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the cathode strip structure comprises an open-cell type plastic substrate inside which is placed a nickel mesh fabric with carbon and catalytic material.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein during operation of the system, the cathode belt structure is conveyed at a controlled speed between two or more conveying cylinders, and the metal-fuel belt is transported between the cathode belts. The transport is at substantially the same velocity above the surface of the structure at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel belt and the cathode structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein the ionically conductive medium in the system is realized in the form of an ionically conductive band structure that contacts the metal at the ionically conductive medium between the metal-fuel strip and the cathode structure - At the location of the various points of the fuel belt and the cathode structure, at substantially the same speed as the cathode belt structure and the metal-fuel belt.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the ionically conductive medium in the system is realized in the form of a thin film integral to the outer surface of the cathode belt structure so as to come into contact with the anode metal-fuel belt conveyed thereon .

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the metal-fuel tape is provided as a thin zinc tape, with zinc powder mixed with a binder on a polyester substrate, or with zinc impregnated inside the substrate of the tape itself. Available in powder form.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system in which the surface tension between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium is sufficiently high (due to wetting the metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the movable cathode structure) to create hydrostatic drag between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium, and between the cathode structure (such as a cylinder or strip) and the ionically conductive medium (such as a strip or layer), thus enabling the Coordinated movement with minimal slippage is possible between the metal-fuel ribbon, the cathode structure (eg cylinder or belt) and the ionically conductive medium (eg ribbon or layer).

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such an FCB system that utilizes the hydrostatic drag forces between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium, and between the moving cathode structure and the ionically conductive medium, so that by moving these systems One or more of the components (eg, using a spring driven motor) allow all 3 movable system components to be transported (or moved) within the system, thereby simplifying and reducing the cost of the system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel strip, cathode structure and ionically conductive medium are moved relative to each other so that the frictional forces developed between the metal-fuel strip, cathode structure and ionically conductive medium are significantly reduced , thereby reducing the electrical power required to drive the cathode, metal-fuel belt, and ion-conducting medium, as well as the delivery mechanism, and reducing the probability of damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel belt and allowing them to be reused after a large number of cycles without replacement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system having improved bulk power density (VPD) characteristics over prior art FCB systems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system wherein metal-fuel ribbons are conveyed over a plurality of moving cathode structures during operation of the system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system wherein the metal-fuel ribbon, ionically conductive medium, and cathode structure are in contact with the cathode structure and the metal-fuel ribbon during discharge and recharge. Conveying at substantially the same speed at each point of the system minimizes friction (such as shear) between the cathode structure, ionically conductive medium, and metal-fuel belt in the system, and thus reduces drive belt conveyance electrical power required by the mechanism; reduce metal-oxide particles shed from the metal-fuel ribbon, which particles may become embedded within the cathode structure; and reduce the likelihood of damage or destruction to the cathode structure and the metal-fuel ribbon.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the velocity synchronization of the metal-fuel belt, cathode structure and ionically conductive medium is accomplished in various ways.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system, wherein each mobile cathode structure is realized as a cylindrical rotating structure with ultra-fine through-holes formed in its surface and with a hollow air extending from one end to the other. Flow channels for oxygen delivery to the junction between the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel ribbon during system operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein each rotating cylinder cathode comprises a plastic hollow cylinder around which is attached a cathode consisting of a nickel mesh fabric (sponge) embedded with carbon and catalytic material part.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein, during power generating operation, each cylindrical cathode structure is rotated at a controlled angular velocity, above the surface of the rotating cathode cylinder according to the mutual relationship in the system A continuous supply of the metal-fuel strip is delivered by moving the metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the cathode cylinder at substantially the same speed at each point of contact (ie, location) therebetween.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the ionically conductive medium is realized in the form of ionically conductive strips on each rotating cathode cylinder in the system and on the surface of the cathode and on the surface of the cathode Transported metal-fuel runs between belts.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the ion-conducting belt is fabricated from an open-cell plastic material impregnated with an ion-conducting material capable of supporting the cathode and anode (metal-fuel) structures in the system. ion transport between them.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the ionically conductive medium is realized in the form of a solid film applied to the outer surface of each rotating cathode cylinder, the metal-fuel strips are realized in the form of zinc fuel strips, and the manner in which Available as thin strips of zinc, or zinc powder mixed with binder on a polyester substrate or zinc powder impregnated inside a substrate.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which each cathode structure is realized as a rotating cathode cylinder with ultrafine through-holes and a hollow central hole in its surface for oxygen energy delivery to the ionically conductive medium and The junction between the metal-fuel ribbon.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system, wherein each cylindrical cathode comprises a plastic hollow cylinder around which is attached a nickel mesh fabric embedded with carbon, catalytic material and bonding material (for collecting current). ) composed of cathode components.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system in which each cylindrical cathode is rotated at a controlled angular velocity and the metal-fuel ribbon is conveyed over the surface of the rotating cathode so that the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel ribbon and The metal-fuel strip and the cathode structure move at substantially the same speed at the location of each contact point of the cathode structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the ionically conductive medium is realized in the form of an ionically conductive belt conveyed (running) between two or more conveying cylinders.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the ionically conductive belt is fabricated from an open cell plastic material impregnated with an ionically conductive material which enables ion transport between moving cathode and anode structures in the system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system in which speed control is achieved in various ways such as: by driving each cylindrical cathode structure with gears adjacent to the cathode cylinder; by driving each cylinder with belts; cartridge cathode, which is also used to convey metal-fuel tape (i.e., between supply and take-up reels or supply and take-up hubs inside cassette-type equipment); or by utilizing a set of synchronously controlled electric motors to Drives the supply and take-up hubs in each of the cylindrical cathode structures and fuel cartridge type devices.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the ionically conductive medium is realized as a solid film applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical cathode structure, the metal-fuel strip as a thin zinc strip, mixed with a polyester substrate. This is done in the form of zinc powder with binder or zinc powder impregnated inside the substrate of the tape itself.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system in which each rotatable cathode structure is implemented as a cathode strip structure with ultrafine through-holes and a hollow central hole in its surface for allowing oxygen Can be transported to the junction between the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel belt.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein each cathode strip structure comprises an open cell plastic substrate within which is placed a nickel mesh or similar material with carbon and catalytic material.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein each cathode strip structure is conveyed between two or more conveying cylinders at a controlled rate during operation of the system while the metal-fuel strips are conveyed between the cathodes. The transport is at substantially the same velocity above the surface of the belt structure at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel belt and cathode structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein the ionically conductive medium in the system is realized in the form of an ionically conductive band structure that is transported between the metal-fuel band and each cathode band structure, where the ion At points where the conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel belt and the cathode belt structure, it is transported at substantially the same speed as the cathode belt structure and the metal-fuel belt.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the ionically conductive medium is realized as a solid film integral with the outer surface of the cathode belt structure to establish contact with the anode metal-fuel belt conveyed thereon.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the metal-fuel tape is in the form of thin zinc tape, zinc powder mixed with a binder on a polyester substrate, or zinc powder impregnated in the substrate itself accomplish.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel strip, cathode structure and ionically conductive medium are moved relative to each other such that the frictional forces (e.g. shear force) was significantly reduced.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system in which the metal-fuel is maintained between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium (such as a strip or layer) and between the cathode structure (such as a cylinder or strip) and The static drag between ionically conductive media (such as belts or layers) so that only those moving system components are actively conveyed or rotated when utilizing a prime mover (motor) driven by mechanical (such as a coiled spring), electrical, or pneumatic force When one or more of these three movable system components can be moved at substantially the same speed (at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel belt and cathode structure).

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system comprising a metal-fuel discharge subsystem in which discharge parameters such as cathode-anode voltage and current magnitude, discharge cathode The partial pressure of internal oxygen, the relative humidity at the cathode-electrolyte junction and, where applicable, the metal-fuel strip velocity, so that the control data signals used in controlling the discharge parameters are generated on a real-time basis so that the metal-fuel material can be time and Quantities are discharged in an efficient manner.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a metal-air fuel cell stack system that includes a metal-fuel recharging subsystem in which recharging parameters such as cathode-anode voltage and current magnitude, The partial pressure of oxygen inside the recharge cathode, the relative humidity at the cathode-electrolyte junction and, where applicable, the metal-fuel belt velocity to generate the control data signals used in controlling the recharge parameters on a real-time basis such that the discharge Metal-fuel materials can be recharged in a time- and energy-efficient manner.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the metal-fuel material to be discharged and/or recharged is contained inside a box-type device insertable into a storage bay of the system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel material to be discharged and/or recharged comprises a plurality of metal-fuel tracks for producing different output voltages from the system.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel apparatus in the form of a metal-air fuel cell stack system comprising a metal-fuel discharge subsystem and a metal-fuel recharge system managed by a system controller, wherein in the discharge mode of operation During the automatic detection and recording of discharge parameters, such as cathode-anode voltage and current magnitude, partial pressure of oxygen inside the discharge cathode, relative humidity at the cathode-electrolyte junction and, where applicable, metal-fuel belt velocity, and Automatically read and processed during charging mode of operation to generate control data signals for use in controlling recharging parameters so that discharged metal-fuel material can be recharged in a time and energy efficient manner.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein recharging parameters such as cathode-anode voltage and current magnitude, oxygen distribution inside the recharging cathode are automatically detected (e.g. sensed) and recorded during the recharging mode of operation. pressure, relative humidity at the cathode-electrolyte junction and, where applicable, metal-fuel strip velocity, and are automatically read and processed during the discharge mode of operation to generate control data signals for use in controlling the discharge parameters such that the metal-fuel The fuel material can be discharged in a time and energy efficient manner.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which each region or subsection in the metal-fuel material is marked by optical or magnetic means with a digital code for enabling recording of discharge-related data during the discharge mode of operation , for future access and use when performing various types of management operations including fast and efficient recharging operations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein during recharging operation the recorded load status information is read from the memory and used to set the current and voltage maintained at the recharging head portion of the system magnitude.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system and method wherein the state of discharge during discharge is recorded and used during charging operations to optimally recharge the discharged metal-fuel material.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein, during live discharge operation, barcode or similar patterning of each area along the metal-fuel material is carried out using a miniature optical reader built into the system Optical detection of markers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which barcoding of each area along the discharged metal-fuel material is carried out using a miniature optical reader built into the system during strip recharging operation Optical detection of data.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which information about the instantaneous load status along each zone (ie frame) of the metal-fuel material is recorded in memory by the system controller.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system having a discharge head assembly, each discharge head comprising a conductive cathode structure, an ionically conductive medium and an anode contact structure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system incorporating recharge head assemblies, each recharge head comprising a conductive cathode structure, an ionically conductive medium and an anode contact structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and system for generating electrical power from a metal-air fuel cell stack system such that the peak power demands of electrical loads connected thereto can be met in a satisfactory manner while overcoming prior Technical shortcomings and limitations.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power generation system according to metal-air fuel cell stack technology, which can be used as a power station and can be installed in practically any system, device and environment where it is necessary to satisfy the electrical load ( The peak power demand of eg engines, electric motors, appliances, machinery, tools, etc.), regardless of the total amount of unconsumed metal-fuel remaining within the power generation system.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein the metal-air fuel cell stack subsystem is connected to the output power bus structure and is associated with a web-based metal-fuel management (database) subsystem network control subsystem control.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system, for installation on a motor vehicle such as a transport, to power a plurality of electric motors for propelling the motor vehicle over long distances without having to recharge.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the electrical power generated and exported by selected metal-air fuel cell stack subsystems is controlled by enabling operation of the systems to supply output power bus structures in the system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the metal-fuel within each metal-air fuel cell stack subsystem is managed so that each such metal-air fuel cell stack subsystem averages With substantially the same amount of metal-fuel can be used to generate electrical power.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel in a network of metal-air fuel cell stack subsystems is managed according to the principle of metal-fuel parity, whereby each metal-air fuel cell stack subsystem The amount of metal-fuel available for discharge at any one time is, on average, substantially equal.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a power generation system that can be used as a power station that can be installed in virtually any system, device or environment where electrical loads (such as motors, appliances, machinery, tools, etc.) need to be met The peak power demand of is independent of the total amount of unconsumed metal-fuel remaining inside the power generation system.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which only one or a few metal-air fuels called power cylinders are used when the main system, such as a transport motor vehicle, is driven over long distances on flat ground or downhill. The battery pack subsystem is activated and put into operation, and when the main system tries to overtake another motor vehicle or travels uphill, several or all power cylinders are activated and put into operation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the metal-fuel in a network of metal-air fuel cell stack subsystems is managed so that Information related to the unconsumed (or not effectively consumed) amount of metal-fuel remaining within the battery pack subsystem and provided to a network-based metal-fuel management database, which is used by the network control subsystem to The unconsumed metal-fuel quantities are transferred to the discharge head assemblies in these subsystems, while metal-fuel consumption is managed according to metal-fuel parity principles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system in which the peak power demand of the main system can always be met regardless of the total amount of metal-fuel remaining within the network of metal-air fuel cell stack subsystems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the system can utilize all the metal-fuel contained in the network of metal-air fuel cell stack subsystems to generate electrical power in an amount sufficient to meet the peak power demand of the main system.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel contained in each metal-air fuel cell stack subsystem is implemented in the form of a supply strip of metal-fuel strips that can Bi-directional delivery through its discharge head assembly while automatically managing the availability of metal-fuel along the belt to enhance system performance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel strip to be discharged contains multiple metal-fuel channels for producing different output voltages from the metal-air fuel cell stack subsystem.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein each metal-fuel region or subsection along the length of each metal-fuel lane is marked by optical or magnetic means with a digital code for use in each metal-fuel lane. Discharge-related data can be recorded during discharge operation within the air fuel cell stack subsystem and the metal-fuel availability for each such region along the metal-fuel belt can be calculated.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the metal-fuel ribbon can be conveyed bi-directionally through its discharge head assembly while automatically managing the metal-oxide occurrence therealong for improved performance in each metal-air fuel cell stack The performance of the system during recharging work is realized in the sub.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein the oxidized metal-fuel strip to be recharged comprises a plurality of metal-fuel channels for producing different output voltages from a network of metal-air fuel cell stack subsystems .

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system wherein each metal-fuel region or subsection along the length of each metal-fuel lane is marked by optical or magnetic means with a digital code for use in each metal-fuel lane. During the recharging operation implemented by the air fuel cell stack subsystem, data related to recharging can be recorded and the presence of metal-oxides along each such region along the metal-fuel belt can be calculated.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent hereinafter and in the appended claims of the invention.

A brief introduction to the drawings

For a more complete understanding of the various objects of the present invention, the following detailed description of various illustrative embodiments of the present invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing a first schematic embodiment of a metal-air fuel cell (FCB) stack system of the present invention, wherein the ionically conductive medium is a viscous electrolyte that contacts the metal-fuel ribbon during system operation. and cathode structures are free to move at the same speed as the metal-fuel strips and cathode structures in the system;

Figure 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second schematic embodiment of the metal-air fuel cell (FCB) stack system of the present invention, wherein the ionically conductive medium is integral with the metal-fuel strip and is in contact with the metal-fuel strip during operation of the system. the location of the fuel belt and points of the cathode structure at substantially the same rate as the cathode structure;

Fig. 1C is a schematic diagram showing a third general embodiment of the system of the present invention, wherein the ionically conductive medium is integral to the cathode structure and in which the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel strip and the cathode structure at points during operation of the system according to Conveying at substantially the same speed as the metal-fuel belt;

Figure 2 shows a first illustrative embodiment of a metal-air fuel cell (FCB) stack system in which the metal-fuel belt has a rotating cathode circle on which an ionically conductive coating such as a gel-like or solid film is applied passing over the barrel, and wherein the anode contact structure in the system is bonded to the inner surface of the metal-fuel strip;

Figure 2A is a partially broken perspective view of the cylindrical cathode structure of the present invention shown in Figure 2 with an ionically conductive thin film layer applied to the outer surface of the cathode structure;

Fig. 2B is a sectional view taken along the section line 2B-2B in Fig. 2A of the cylindrical cathode structure shown in Fig. 2;

Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of a section of a metal-fuel ribbon employed in the system shown in Figure 2;

Figure 3 shows a second illustrative embodiment of a metal-air fuel-electric (FCB) stack system in which a metal-fuel strip passes over a cylindrical cathode structure as a second embodiment in the form of driven at an angular velocity equal to the velocity of the metal-fuel strip, and wherein the anode contact structure is bonded to an inner surface of the metal-fuel strip, the metal-fuel strip having an ionically conductive coating applied thereto;

Figure 3A is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the cylindrical cathode structure of the present invention shown in Figure 3 with its cathode structure exposed to the surrounding environment;

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 3B-3B in Figure 3A of the cylindrical cathode structure shown in Figure 3;

Figure 3C1 is a cross-sectional view showing a section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon usable in the system shown in Figure 3C, showing an ionically conductive thin film layer applied to the surface of the metal-fuel thin layer;

Figure 3C2 is a cross-sectional view showing a second type of metal-fuel strip section usable in the system shown in Figure 3C, showing a substrate material comprising an ionically conductive medium and metal-fuel particles;

4 is a third illustrative embodiment in an FCB system in which a metal-fuel ribbon passes over its cylindrical cathode structure, driven at an angular velocity equal to the metal-fuel ribbon velocity, and with an ionically conductive coating applied thereon, and wherein an anode-contact structure bonded to the outer surface of the metal-fuel strip;

Figure 4A is a partially broken perspective view of the cylindrical cathode structure of the present invention shown in Figure 4 with an ionically conductive coating applied thereto;

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 4B-4B in Figure 4A showing the cylindrical cathode structure shown in Figure 3;

Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view showing a section of a metal-fuel ribbon that may be used in the system shown in Figure 4;

Figure 5 is a fourth illustrative embodiment in the FCB system in which the metal-fuel ribbon passes over its cylindrical cathode structure as a fourth embodiment, the drive angular velocity is equal to the metal-fuel ribbon velocity, and wherein the anode-contact structurally bonded to an outer surface of the metal-fuel strip; and having an ionically conductive coating applied to the metal-fuel strip;

Figure 5A is a partially broken perspective view of the cylindrical cathode structure of the present invention shown in Figure 5 with the cathode structure exposed to the surrounding environment;

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 5B-5B in Figure 5A showing the cylindrical cathode structure shown in Figure 5;

Figure 5C1 is a cross-sectional view showing a section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon that may be used in the system shown in Figure 5C, showing an ionically conductive thin film layer applied to the surface of the thin metal-fuel layer;

Figure 5C2 is a cross-sectional view showing a second type of metal-fuel strip section usable in the system shown in Figure 5C, showing an ionically conductive medium contained within a substrate material containing metal-fuel particles;

Figure 6 is a fifth illustrative embodiment in the FCB system in which the metal-fuel ribbon passes over its cylindrical cathode structure as the second embodiment, driven at an angular velocity equal to the metal-fuel ribbon velocity while the ionically conductive ribbon is in the metal - transport between the fuel belt and the cylindrical cathode structure, and where the anode-contact structure is bonded to the outer surface of the metal-fuel belt;

Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the ion-conducting band structure shown in Figure 6;

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a first type of metal-fuel ribbon implemented in the form of metal-fuel sheets that may be used in the system shown in Figure 6;

Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view showing a second type of metal-fuel strip section that can be used in the system shown in Figure 6; the strip is realized by depositing metal powder and adhesive on a substrate;

Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view showing the section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that may be used in the system shown in Figure 6; the ribbon is realized by injecting metal powder and binder inside the substrate material;

7 is a sixth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which a metal-fuel ribbon is transported over an ion-conducting thin-film layer on a cathode belt structure where the ion-conducting membrane layer contacts each of the cathode belt structure and the metal-fuel belt. The location of the point is transported at substantially the same speed as the cathode belt structure, and where the anode-contacting structure is bonded to the outer surface of the metal-fuel belt between the cylindrical support structure and the cathode-contacting structure, and the cathode contacting a structure disposed opposite the anode-support structure and bonded to the inner surface of the cathode strip structure;

Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the cathode strip structure shown in Figure 7;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon implemented in the form of metal-fuel thin layers that may be used in the system shown in FIG. 7;

Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon that may be used in the system shown in Figure 7; the ribbon is realized by depositing metal powder and adhesive on a substrate;

Figure 7D is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 7; the ribbon is realized by injecting metal powder inside the substrate material;

8 is a seventh illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which the metal-fuel ribbon is conveyed over an ionically conductive solid film layer on the cathode ribbon structure, where the ionically conductive membrane layer contacts both the cathode ribbon structure and the metal-fuel ribbon Conveyed at substantially the same speed as the cathode belt structure at the locations of the points, and wherein the cathode-contact structure is joined to the outer surface of the cathode belt structure passing over the cylindrical cathode roll, and the anode-contact structure is disposed at adjacent to the cylindrical cathode roll and bonded to the inner surface of the cathode belt structure;

Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the cathode strip structure shown in Figure 8;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon implemented in the form of a thin metal-fuel layer that may be used in the system shown in FIG. 8;

Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon that may be used in the system shown in Figure 8; the ribbon is realized by depositing metal powder and binder on a substrate;

Figure 8D is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 8; the ribbon is realized by impregnating metal powder inside the substrate material.

9 is an eighth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which a metal-fuel strip with a solid ion-conducting thin-film layer applied thereon is above the cathode strip structure where the ion-conducting thin-film layer contacts both the metal-fuel strip and the cathode strip structure. conveyed at substantially the same speed as the cathode belt at each point of the location, and wherein the anode-contacting structure is bonded to the outer surface of the metal fuel belt between the cathode belt conveying cylinders, and the cathode contacting structure is provided between the cathode belt delivery cylinders opposite the anode-contact structure and bonded to the inner surface of the cathode belt structure;

Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the cathode strip structure shown in Figure 9;

Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon usable in the system shown in Figure 9, implemented in the form of a thin metal-fuel layer with an ionically conductive thin film layer;

Figure 9C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 9; agent achieved;

Figure 9D is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 9; the ribbon is realized by implanting metal powder inside a substrate material with an ionically conductive thin film layer of;

Figure 10 is a ninth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which the metal-fuel strip is conveyed over the cathode strip structure, the ionically conductive strip at points where the ionically conductive strip contacts both the metal-fuel strip and the cathode strip structure Conveying at substantially the same speed, and wherein the cathode-contacting structure is joined to the outer surface of the cathode belt structure passing over the cathode belt conveying cylinder, and the anode-contacting structure is disposed adjacent to the cathode belt conveying cylinder and bonded to the inner surface of the cathode strip structure;

Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a first type of cathode strip structure usable in the system shown in Figure 10;

Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a second type of cathode strip structure usable in the system shown in Figure 10;

Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 10; the ribbon is realized by being in the form of a metal-fuel thin layer;

Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 10; the ribbon is realized by depositing metal powder on a substrate;

Figure 10E is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 8; the ribbon is realized by injecting metal powder inside the substrate material;

11A is a schematic diagram showing a first illustrative embodiment of a metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system of the present invention, in which multiple cathode cylinders are rotatably mounted in a compact support fixture (i.e., housing), and employ The ionically conductive medium disposed between the metal-fuel strip and the cathode cylinders is stored in a cassette-type case at the points where the ionically conductive medium contacts each cathode cylinder and metal-fuel strip an inner metal-fuel belt conveyed over the surface of each rotatably mounted cathode cylinder;

11B is an elevational side view showing the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system shown in FIG. 11, showing the travel path of the metal-fuel ribbon through the compact support fixture, and the ribbon travel path guides location and its internally mounted cathode and anode contacting components, where the ionically conductive medium is applied either as a viscous gel to the rotating cathode cylinder or moving metal-fuel belt, or as a solid film with the metal-fuel belt or moving cathode cylinders are integral, that is, in accordance with the metal-fuel belt and moving cathode cylinder at the points where the ionically conductive medium contacts each cathode cylinder and metal-fuel belt during operation of the system Basically the same speed delivery;

Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of a first type of metal-fuel strip section that may be implemented in the form of metal-fuel sheets in the system shown in Figure 11;

Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 11; the ribbon is realized by depositing metal powder on a substrate;

Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 11; the ribbon is realized by injecting metal powder inside the substrate material;

Figure 12D is a cross-sectional view showing a cathode cylinder usable in the system shown in Figure 11, wherein an ionically conductive thin film layer is applied to the outer surface of the cathode cylinder;

13 is a schematic diagram showing a second illustrative embodiment of a metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system of the present invention, wherein a plurality of cathode cylinders are rotatably mounted within a compact support fixture and stored in a cassette case The metal-fuel ribbon inside the body is conveyed over the surface of the rotatably mounted cathode cylinders, while the ion-conducting ribbon structure is in accordance with the The metal-fuel belt and the moving cathode cylinder are conveyed at substantially the same speed;

Figure 13A is an elevational side view showing the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system shown in Figure 13, showing the travel path of the metal-fuel ribbon through the compact support fixture, and relative to the ionically conductive ribbon structure The location of the path guide and the cathode and anode contact parts installed inside it;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the section of the ion-conducting band employed in the system shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of a section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon that may be implemented in the form of metal-fuel sheets in the system shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 13; the ribbon is realized by depositing metal powder on a substrate;

Figure 15C is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Figure 13; the ribbon is realized by injecting metal powder inside the substrate material;

16 is a tenth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which the metal-fuel ribbon is conveyed over a plurality of cathode belt structures and at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel ribbon and the cathode belt structure in substantially Conveying at the same speed, and wherein each cathode-contacting structure is joined to an outer surface of the cathode belt structure, and each corresponding anode-contacting structure is disposed opposite the cathode contacting structure;

16A is an elevational side view showing the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system shown in FIG. 16;

Figure 16B is a perspective view, partially broken away, showing a pair of cathode and anode-contact structures employed in the system shown in Figure 16, showing the contact of the cathode strip structure and the metal-fuel strip with the ionically conductive medium disposed therebetween ;

Fig. 16C is a partially broken-away cross-sectional view of the cathode and anode contact structures employed in the system shown in Fig. 16B, showing the relative rotatable mounting of the cathode strip structure and the metal-fuel strip disposed therebetween;

Figure 17A is a cross-sectional view of a section of a first type of metal-fuel ribbon usable in the system shown in Figure 16, implemented as a thin metal-fuel layer, and in one instance coated with a thin layer of ionically conductive gel or solid film;

Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view of a second type of metal-fuel ribbon usable in the system shown in Figure 16 in the form of deposited metal powder and binder on a substrate and coated on one side with ion Conductive gel thin layer or solid film;

Fig. 17C is a cross-sectional view of a third type of metal-fuel ribbon that can be used in the system shown in Fig. Thin layer of glue or solid film;

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a first type of cathode strip structure usable in the system shown in Figure 16 with an ionically conductive adhesive gel coated thereon during operation of the system or applied during manufacture Ion-conducting solid-state films;

Figure 19 shows an eleventh illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which a double-sided metal-fuel belt is transported over a common solid-state ion-conducting belt structure which in turn transports ions over a plurality of cathode belt structures. The conductive strips are conveyed at substantially the same speed at points where they contact the metal-fuel strip and the cathode strip structure, and wherein each cathode-contact structure is bonded to the outer surface of the cathode strip structure and each corresponding anode-contact structure The structure is arranged opposite the cathode-contact structure;

19A is an elevational side view showing the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system shown in FIG. 19;

Figure 19B is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a pair of cathode and anode-contact structures employed in the system of Figure 19, showing the rotatable mounting relative to the cathode strip structure and the metal-fuel strip disposed therebetween;

Figure 20 shows a twelfth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which a double-sided metal-fuel ribbon contacts the metal-fuel ribbon and The locations of the points of the cathode belt structure are conveyed at substantially the same speed, and wherein each cathode-contact structure is joined to an outer surface of the cathode belt structure, each corresponding anode-contact structure is disposed on the cathode-contact structure opposite;

20A is an elevational side view showing the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system shown in FIG. 20;

Figure 20B is a partially cut away perspective view of a pair of cathode and anode-contact structures employed in the system shown in Figure 20, showing the cathode strip structure and metal-fuel strips in contact with the ionically conductive medium disposed therebetween;

Figure 21 shows a thirteenth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which a double-sided metal-fuel ribbon contacts the metal-fuel ribbon at an ion-conducting thin-film layer over a plurality of cathode ribbon structures, each coated with an ion-conducting thin-film layer and cathode belt structures at locations at points where both are transported at substantially the same velocity, and wherein a pair of cathode-contact structures is bonded to the outer surfaces of a pair of cathode belt structures between which a pair of ion The anode-contact part of the double-sided metal-fuel strip is inserted between the conductive strip and the double-sided metal-fuel strip;

Figure 21A is a partial cut away perspective view of a set of cathode and anode-contact structures employed in the system shown in Figure 24, showing the contact of the cathode strip structure with the ion-conducting strip and the metal-fuel strip disposed therebetween;

Figure 22 shows a fourteenth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system in which multiple metal-fuel belt streams are conveyed simultaneously over multiple cathode belt structures and are simultaneously taken up on the take-up reels during operation of the system so that Reduced bending of metal-fuel ribbons;

Figure 23A is a schematic diagram showing a transportation motor vehicle incorporating the electrical power generation system of the present invention for generating and supplying electrical power to electrically driven electric motors coupled to the wheels of the motor vehicle and incorporating FCB sub- Auxiliary and hybrid power supplies for metal-fuel recharging within the system;

Figure 23B is a representation of the power generation system of the present invention implemented as a stationary power plant with auxiliary and hybrid power sources for recharging the metal-fuel within the FCB subsystem therein;

24A is a schematic diagram showing a first illustrative embodiment of a power generation system in which a network of metal-air FCB subsystems is operably connected to a DC (direct current) power bus structure and is connected by a network-based metal-air FCB subsystem. The fuel management subsystem is operably associated with the network control subsystem control;

24B is a schematic diagram showing a second illustrative embodiment of a power generation system in which the DC power bus structure of FIG. 24A is operatively connected to an output AC power bus structure using a DC-AC (alternating current) power converter, Used to provide AC power to electrical loads;

Figure 24C is a schematic diagram representing the database structure maintained by the web-based metal-fuel/metal oxide management subsystem shown in Figures 24A and 24B;

Fig. 25 is a graph showing how an additional metal-air fuel cell bank (FCB) system is brought into operation in discharge mode as a function of increasing output power requirements for increasing electrical loads over time.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the best implementation mode of the present invention will be described according to technical details, wherein the same components are marked with the same reference numerals.

The present invention proposes a metal-fuel ribbon, one or more cathode structures, and an ionically conductive medium conveyed in a metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system, at each point where the ionically conductive medium contacts each cathode structure and metal-fuel ribbon. They are delivered at substantially the same speed at the site. This operating state significantly reduces the generation of friction forces (eg shear forces) between the metal-fuel strip, the respective cathode structure and the ionically conductive medium. This reduction in friction (e.g., shear) among these system components in turn results in a reduction in: the amount of electrical power required to deliver the various cathode structures, metal-fuel strips, and ionically conductive media during system operation; the metal oxide The shedding of particles from the metal-fuel ribbon and the embedding of these particles in the porous structure of the cathode; and the probability of damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel ribbon used in FCB systems. This operating principle is schematically represented for 3 different FCB system designs in Figures 1A to 1C.

A generalized first embodiment of the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1A. In this generalized first embodiment of the invention, the ionically conductive medium (ICM) 2 is realized as a fluid or fluid-like substance which is free to move relative to the metal-fuel strip 3 and cathode structure 4 employed inside the system , while the metal-fuel strips and cathode structures are transported at substantially the same rate during strip discharge and recharge cycles at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel strips and each cathode. As shown, the cathode-contact member 5 makes electrical contact with the cathode structure 4 while the anode-contact member 6 makes electrical contact with the metal-fuel strip (ie anode) 3 during operation of the system.

A second generalized embodiment of the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 1' in FIG. 1B. In this broad embodiment of the invention, the ionically conductive medium 2 is integral to the surface of the metal-fuel strip 3 (e.g. in the form of a gel or a solid film layer applied to the metal-fuel strip 3), and The metal-fuel strip 3, ionically conductive medium 2 and cathode structure 4 are transported at substantially the same speed at each point where the ionically conductive medium 2 contacts the metal-fuel strip 3 and cathode structure 4 during operation of the system.

A generalized third embodiment of the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 1″ in FIG. 1C. In this generalized embodiment of the present invention, (for example, in or in the form of a solid film layer applied to the metal-fuel strip 3), while the metal-fuel strip 3, the ionically conductive medium 2, and the cathode structure 4 are in contact with the metal-fuel strip 3 and the cathode during system operation. The location of each point of the structure 4 is transported at substantially the same speed.

The ionically conductive medium is implemented in various ways in these generalized embodiments of the metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) system of the present invention. Furthermore, speed control (ie, speed equalization) is implemented in various ways in these outlined system embodiments. Depending on how the cathode structure is implemented, the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be classified into two groups to simplify the description of each corresponding FCB system.

For example, in a first set of illustrative embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 to 6D, the cathode structure is realized as a rotating structure with a cylindrical geometry having fine through-holes and a hollow central hole on its surface, It is capable of delivering air (ie oxygen) to the junction between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium. In a second set of illustrative embodiments, as shown in Figures 7 through 10D, the cathode structure is realized as one having ultra-fine pores on its surface to allow oxygen transport to the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium belt structure. The FCB systems classified into these two groups are described in detail below.

First illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

In the first illustrative embodiment of the FCB system 10 shown in FIGS. The plastic cylinder structure 11 of the hollow center portion 11A of the junction formed between the fuel strips. As shown, the cathode member 14 is mounted on the outer surface of the plastic hollow cylindrical structure 11 . The cathode member 14 is formed from a nickel mesh 15 with carbon or catalytic material 16 embedded therein. Preferably, metal-fuel belt 13 is fed between a pair of supply and take-up rolls as set forth in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074,337. Alternatively, it may be fabricated using any of the techniques set forth in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337.

If the cathode cylinder 11 is employed within the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem, each of the subsystems contained within the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be combination into the system shown schematically in Figure 2. Thus, as proposed in applicant's co-pending applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507, the interior portion of the cathode cylinder 11 shown in FIG. air pump or oxygen source), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 22 can control the _pO2 content inside the cathode part 14 during the discharge operation, And maintain the temperature of the discharge head.

Similarly, if cathode cylinder 11 is employed within a metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem, the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 contained within Each of the subsystems is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 2 . Thus, as proposed in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337, the interior portion of the cathode cylinder 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be provided with an oxygen evacuation chamber (connected to a vacuum pump or similar device ), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharging head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 22 can control the _pO2 content inside the cathode part 14 during the recharging operation, and maintain the recharging head temperature.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the cathode cylinder 11 rotates around its axis of rotation at an angular velocity controlled by the cathode drive unit 17 . As shown, the cathode drive unit 17 has a drive shaft 18 with a gear 19 engaged with teeth formed on the edge of the cathode cylinder 11 . The metal-fuel ribbon 13 is conveyed over the surface of the cylindrical cathode member 14 by means of an operable fuel ribbon conveyor 21 during discharge and recharging operations. Cathode drive unit 17 and fuel ribbon delivery device 21 are controlled by system controller 22 so that metal-fuel ribbon 13, cathode structure 14, and ionically conductive medium are in contact with the metal-fuel ribbon and cathode structure at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel ribbon and cathode structure. Basically the same speed delivery. By controlling the relative motion between the metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the cylindrical cathode structure, the system controller 22 effectively minimizes frictional forces (eg, shear forces) arising therebetween, thereby addressing the relative motion associated with these forces. various problems.

In general, velocity control between the cathode structure, the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel ribbon can be achieved in various ways in the FCB system shown in Figure 2 . For example, one approach is to drive the cylindrical cathode structure 11 with a belt that is also used to feed the metal-fuel tape 13 (eg between a supply and take-up reel or hub inside a cassette-type device). Another method is to utilize a first set of DC controlled motors to drive the cylindrical cathode structure 11 while simultaneously utilizing a second set of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first set of DC controlled motors to drive the supply and take-up hubs of a cassette type device . It is obvious to those skilled in the art that reading this disclosure can benefit from other methods for speed control.

It is generally desirable in most applications to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contacts around the cylindrical cathode structure shown in FIG. 2 . This configuration will enable the maximum current sinked by each rotating cathode in the system at the output voltage produced. However, for clarity of illustration, only a pair of cathode and anode contacts mounted around the cathode cylinder structure shown in FIG. 2 are shown.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a conductive "cathode-contact" member 23 is rotatably supported at each end of the cylindrical cathode structure 11 by means of a pair of brackets or the like to configure the cathode-contact member 23 is in electrical contact with the nickel mesh fabric 15 exposed on its outer edge portion 24 and allows rotation about the axis of rotation of the cathode-contact member as the cylindrical cathode structure rotates about the axis of rotation of the cylindrical cathode structure. As shown in FIG. 2, an electrically conductive "anode-contact" member 25 is rotatably supported by a pair of brackets 26 or the like so that it is disposed in close proximity to the cylindrical cathode structure, with the bottom of the metal-fuel strip 13. The side surfaces make electrical contact and allow the metal-fuel ribbon to rotate about the axis of rotation of the anode-contacting member as it is conveyed over the rotating cathode structure with the ionically conductive medium disposed therebetween. As shown, the rotatable cathode-contact member 23 and anode-contact member 25 are electrically connected to electrical leads (eg lead wires) 27 and 28 which terminate at an output power controller 29 . And the electric load is connected to the output power controller 29 to receive the electric power provided from the FCB system.

As shown in Figure 2, oxygen-enriched air is caused to flow through a hollow central bore 11A formed by the cylindrical cathode structure 11 by passive diffusion or active forcing by means of a fan, turbine or similar structure. During strip discharge operation, oxygen-enriched air flows through the through-holes 12 formed in the cathode structure and to the junction between the ionically conductive medium (eg, electrolyte) 30 and the metal-fuel strip.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the ionically conductive medium 30 is implemented as an ionically conductive fluid or viscous gel applied in the form of a thin film to the outer surface of the cathode cylinder 11. The ionically conductive fluid/gel 30 may be applied to the cathode member or metal-fuel strip in a continuous or periodic manner to ensure that the ionically conductive medium is adequately replenished during system operation and thus maintained in the ionically conductive medium and metal-fuel strip. The optimal value of the hydroxide ion concentration at the junction between. Obviously, the required thickness of the ionically conductive thin film layer varies with different applications, but usually depends on many factors such as the conductivity of the ionically conductive medium, the current expected to be generated by the FCB system during discharge operation, the surface area of the cathode part, etc. .

Ionically conductive fluid/gel 30 can be made using the following formulation. Dissolve 1 mole of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 1 mole of calcium chloride in 100 grams of water. KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1/2 mole of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was added to the mixture as ionophore. The mixture was then stirred for about 10 minutes. After this, 0.1 mole of cellulose methoxy (yl)carboxylic acid, a gelling agent, was added to the stirred mixture. This formulation results in an ionically conductive gel that may be suitable for application to the surface of the cathode component 14 or metal-fuel belt 13 in an FCB system.

Alternatively, the ionically conductive medium 30 may be implemented as a solid ionically conductive film applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical cathode member 14 or to the inner surface of the metal-fuel strip. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, a solid ionically conductive membrane can be formed on the cathode member or metal-fuel strip using one of the following formulations in the following sections.

According to the first formulation, 1 mole of KOH, which is the source of hydroxide ions, and 1 mole of calcium chloride, which is the hygroscopic agent, are dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 milliliters of water and 40 milliliters of tetrahydrofuran (THF). After this, 1 mole of PEO was added to the mixture as ionophore. The resulting solution (e.g., mixture) is then cast (i.e., coated) as a thick film onto the outer surface of the cathode member 14, or as a thick film onto the bottom surface of the metal-fuel strip 13, whichever Either case is fine. Using the above formulation, an ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be obtained. An ionizable solid film is formed on the outer surface of the cathode member 14, or the inner surface of the metal-fuel strip, whichever is the case, due to the evaporation of the mixed solvent (ie, water and THF) within the applied film coating.

According to the second formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as an ion source, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1 mole of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was added to the solution in an amount sufficient to produce a gel-like mass. The solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto the outer surface of the cathode member 14, or as a thick film onto the bottom surface of the metal-fuel strip, whichever is possible. Using the above formulation, an ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be obtained. Due to the ability to evaporate the mixed solution (i.e., water and THF) within the applied coating, an ionically conductive solid film is formed on the outer surface of the cathode member 14 or on the bottom surface of the metal-fuel ribbon, whichever is the case. OK.

When using an ionically conductive medium 30 as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for interfacing between (1) the ionically conductive layer 30 and the metal-fuel strip 13 and (2) between the ionically conductive layer 30 and the movable cathode cylinder 11. Between the realization of "wetting" means. One method of achieving "wetting" is to continuously or periodically apply a coating of water ( _H2O ) and/or electrolyte make-up solution to the metal-fuel strip 13 during system operation (and/or the ionically conductive layer 30 ) to enable sufficient ion transport between the metal-fuel strip 13 and the ionically conductive medium 30 and between the movable cathode cylinder 11 and the ionically conductive medium 30 . Clearly, the thickness of the water coating applied to the metal-fuel ribbon (and/or the ionically conductive medium) depends on the metal-fuel ribbon's conveying speed, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , wetting of metal-fuel strip 13 and/or ionically conductive medium 30 may be accomplished using applicator 54 and spreading mechanism 55 . However, it should be understood that other methods of wetting metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13") and/or ionically conductive medium 30 may be used with superior results.

While some of the illustrative embodiments shown schematically in FIG. 1 and described above are for single cathode/single anode type applications, it should be understood that these system embodiments could be modified to include multiple 11 formed electrically insulated cathode members for use in conjunction with multiple track metal-fuel belts of the type set forth in applicant's co-pending aforementioned applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507. A major advantage of these system improvements is the ability to deliver electrical power at various output voltage levels required by each particular electrical load.

Second illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A second illustrative embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIGS. 3-3C is similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. 2, except that the metal-fuel belt employed in the FCB system shown in FIG. to its bottom surface rather than a solid ionically conductive coating 31 applied to the outer surface of the cathode structure as shown in FIG. 2 .

In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the metal-fuel strips employed in the FCB system shown in Figure 3 can be realized in various ways. A first type of metal-fuel strip 13' is formed by applying an ionically conductive gel or gel-like (ie solid state) layer 31 onto the surface of a thin layer of metal-fuel strip 32, as shown in FIG. 3C1. As shown in FIG. 3C2, a second type of metal-fuel ribbon 13″ is formed by including an ionically conductive medium 33 inside the substrate material and metal-fuel particles 34 in the substrate material 35. For making these structural forms The metal-fuel technology described in the aforementioned co-pending application No. 09/074337.

Third illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A third illustrative embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIGS. 4-4C is similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. outside surface forming electrical contact. Thus, the path of electric current through the metal-fuel strip used in the FCB system shown in FIG. 4 is different from that when the metal-fuel strip is used in the FCB system shown in FIG. 2 . All other aspects in the FCB system shown in FIG. 4 are similar to the system shown in FIG. 2 .

Fourth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A fourth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIGS. 5 through 5C2 is similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. , 13 "outside of the outer surface forming electrical contact. Therefore, the path of current through the metal-fuel strips 13', 13" used in the FCB system shown in Figure 5 is different from that in the FCB system shown in Figure 3 using the metal-fuel The path at the time of the fuel belt. In all other respects the FCB system shown in FIG. 5 and its embodiments are similar to the system shown in FIG. 3 .

Fifth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A fifth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6 . In this illustrative embodiment, the ionically conductive medium is realized in the form of an ionically conductive belt structure running between the belt conveyor cylinder and a cathode cylinder of the general type shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 .

As shown in Figure 6, the ionically conductive belt 35 is rotatably supported between the cathode cylinder 11 as described above and the belt delivery cylinder 36 of plastic or other non-conductive material. As shown, the supply of metal-fuel tape 13 is between a pair of supply and take-up reels and between ionically conductive tape 35 set forth in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074,337. on delivery.

If the cathode cylinder 11 is employed in a metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem, each of the subsystems contained in the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be combined into In the system shown schematically in Figure 6. Accordingly, the inner portion of the cathode cylinder 11 shown in FIG. 6 may be provided with an oxygen injection chamber (connected to to air pump or oxygen source), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 22 can control the _pO2 amount inside the cathode part 14 during the discharge operation value, and maintain the temperature of the discharge head.

Similarly, if the cathode cylinder 11 is employed in a metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem, each of the components contained in the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be The subsystems are combined into the system shown schematically in Figure 6. Therefore, as proposed in the aforementioned applicant's co-pending application No. 09/074337, the inner portion of the cathode cylinder 11 shown in FIG. equipment), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharging head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 22 can control the _pO2 value inside the cathode assembly 14 during the recharging operation, and maintain the temperature of the recharging head.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the cathode cylinder 11 rotates at an angular velocity controlled by a cathode driving unit 38 , and at the same time, the belt conveying cylinder 36 rotates at an angular velocity controlled by a driving unit 39 . During charging and discharging, the metal-fuel belt 13 is conveyed over the ion-conducting belt 35 and the cathode cylinder 11 by the control belt delivery mechanism 21 .

The drive units 38 and 39 and the belt conveyer 21 are controlled by the system controller 22 so that the ion-conducting belt 35 is fed to the various points at which the ion-conducting belt 35 contacts the metal-fuel belt 13 and the cathode cylinder 11 during system operation. Maintain substantially the same speed as the cathode cylinder 11. By controlling the relative motion between the metal-fuel strip 13, the ion-conducting strip structure 35, and the cylindrical cathode structure 11, the system controller 22 effectively minimizes the frictional forces generated therebetween, thereby reducing the friction between the cathode assembly 14 and the metal. - Probability of fuel belt 13 damage.

In general, speed control can be realized in various ways in the FCB system shown in FIG. 6 . For example, one approach could be to drive the cathode cylinder 11 and delivery cylinder 36 using a belt-like structure that is also used to convey the metal-fuel belt supply (such as in a cassette-type device supply and take-up reels or between the supply and take-up hubs). Another method is to utilize a pair of DC controlled motors to drive the cathode cylinder 11 and delivery cylinder 36 while utilizing a second pair of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first pair of DC controlled motors to drive the Supply and take-up hubs are available. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other methods can be used to achieve the degree of control.

In general, it is desirable in most applications to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contact members around the cylindrical cathode structure shown in FIG. 6 . This configuration will enable the maximum current sinked by each rotating cathode in the system at the output voltage produced. However, for clarity of illustration, only a pair of cathode and anode contacts mounted around the cathode cylinder structure shown in FIG. 6 are shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, a conductive "cathode-contact" member 23 is rotatably supported at each end of the cathode cylinder 11 by means of a pair of brackets, so that the cathode-contact member 23 is configured such that the cathode cylinder surrounds it. The rotation axis makes electrical contact with the nickel mesh fabric 20 exposed on the outer edge portion of the cathode cylinder 11 as it rotates. Furthermore, an electrically conductive "anode-contact" member 25 is rotatably supported by means of a bracket 26 positioned in close proximity to the cathode cylinder, which engages the outside of the metal-fuel strip 13 as the cathode cylinder rotates about its axis of rotation. The surface makes electrical contact. The cathode-contact part 23 and the anode-contact part 25 are electrically connected to electrical leads (eg lead wires) 28 and 27 , which are terminated at an output power controller 29 . And the electric load is connected to the output terminal of the output power controller 29 so as to receive the electric power provided by the FCB system.

As shown in FIG. 6, oxygen-enriched air is caused to flow through a hollow central bore 11A formed in the cylindrical cathode structure 11 by passive diffusion or active forcing by a fan, turbine or similar structure. During strip discharge operation, oxygen-enriched air is caused to flow through the through-holes 12 formed in the cathode structure 11 and to the junction between the metal-fuel strip and the ion-conducting dielectric strip structure 35 .

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 6A, the ion-conducting ribbon structure 35 is implemented as a flexible ribbon having ion-conducting properties. Such a belt may consist of an open cell polymer material having a porous structure impregnated with an ionically conductive material (KOH) capable of supporting ion transport between the cathode and anode of the FCB system. In general, there are many ways to make ionically conductive bands. For purposes of illustration, two formulations are described below.

According to the first formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1 mole of PEO was added to the mixture. The solution is then cast (coated) in thick film onto a substrate made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) type plastic material. This material has been found to work well with PEO, although it is expected that other substrate materials with surface tensions greater than this film material could be used with satisfactory results. When the mixed solvent evaporates from the applied coating, an ionizable solid film (ie thick film) is formed on the PVA substrate. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane or thin film is formed by peeling off the solid-state membrane to separate it from the PVA substrate. An ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be formed by using the above scheme. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane can then be cut into the desired shape to form a ribbon-like structure that can be transported around two or more rotating cylinders. The ends of the formed membranes may be joined using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, suitable fasteners, etc. to form the solid ionically conductive ribbon structure 35 used in the FCB system of the present invention.

According to the second formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After that, 1 mole of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was added to the mixture. The resulting solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto a substrate consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) type plastic material. This material has been found to work well with PVC, although it is expected that other substrate materials having a surface tension greater than this film material could be used with satisfactory results. When the mixed solvent evaporates from the applied coating, an ionizable solid film (ie thick film) is formed on the PVA substrate. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane is formed by peeling off the solid-state membrane to separate it from the PVA substrate. An ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be formed by using the above scheme. The solid film or film can then be cut into the desired shape to form a belt-like structure that can be conveyed around two or more rotating cylinders. The ends of the formed membranes may be joined using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, suitable fasteners, etc. to form the solid ionically conductive ribbon structure 35 used in the FCB system of the present invention.

When utilizing the ion-conducting strip 35 as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for (1) between the ion-conducting strip 35 and the metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") and (2) the ion-conducting strip 35 and the rotatable cathode cylinder 11 to achieve "wetting". One way to achieve "wetting" is to continuously or periodically replenish water (H ₂ O) and/or electrolyte during system operation A coating of (make-up) solution is applied to the surface of the metal-fuel strip (and/or ion-conducting strip) so that the movable cathode cylinder and the ion-conducting strip can be moved between the metal-fuel strip and the ion-conducting strip. There is a sufficient amount of ion transport between them. It is clear that the thickness of the water coating applied to the metal-fuel strip (and/or the ion-conducting strip) depends on the transport speed of the metal-fuel strip, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In Fig. In the illustrative embodiment shown in 6, wetting between metal-fuel strips and/or ionically conductive strips can be accomplished using an application applicator 54 and a spreading mechanism 55. However, it should be understood that other wetting metal strips can be used. - The method of fuel strips and/or ion conduction strips gives excellent results.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 6 is designed for use in a single cathode/single anode type of application, it should be understood that this system embodiment could be readily modified to include multiple Electrically isolated cathode components for use in conjunction with a multi-track metal-fuel belt of the type proposed in the aforementioned applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 08/944507.

In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the metal-fuel ribbon employed in the FCB system shown in FIG. 6 can be implemented using a variety of different methods. As shown in Figure 6B, a first type of fuel strip 13 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material (eg zinc). A second type of metal-fuel ribbon 13' is formed by depositing metal powder (eg zinc powder) and adhesive (eg PVC) 31 on a polyester substrate 32 . As shown in FIG. 6D, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 13″ is formed by infusing a metal powder (such as zinc powder) 33 inside a substrate material 34, such as PVC. For the manufacture of these forms of metal-fuel The technology is described in the aforementioned co-pending application No. 09/074337.

Sixth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

In Fig. 7, a sixth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system of the present invention is shown. In this illustrative embodiment, the moving cathode structure is realized in terms of a cathode belt structure 40 running between a pair of cylindrical (cylindrical) rollers 41 and 42 over which the feed metal-fuel belt 13 ( 13′, 13″).

As shown in Figure 7, the cathode belt structure 40 is rotatably supported between cylindrical rollers 41 and 42 driven by drive units 38 and 39, while the metal-fuel belt 13 (13', 13") is supported on the cathode The tape structure 40 is conveyed over and between a pair of supply and take-up reels, as described in co-pending application with application number 09/074337. Drive units 38 and 39 and Metal-fuel ribbon delivery means 21 to place the metal-fuel ribbon 13 (13', 13") and cathode ribbon structure 40 at points where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel ribbon and cathode structure during operation of the system Maintain essentially the same speed. By controlling the relative movement between the metal-fuel strip and the cathode strip structure between the cylindrical rollers 41 and 42, the system controller 22 effectively minimizes the frictional forces generated therebetween and thus reduces the metal-fuel strip formation. 13 for wear and tear.

The cathode strip structure 40 has very fine perforations in its surface to allow oxygen to be transported therethrough to the anode metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13") on which the anode is conveyed. A preferred method of forming a flexible cathode structure Carbon black powder (60% by weight) and, for example, Teflon A binder material (20% by weight) of an emulsifier (T-30 sold by Dupont) and a catalyst material such as manganese dioxide _MnO2 (20% by weight) are mixed and stirred to form a slurry. Then the slurry is poured or applied to the nickel sponge (or mesh fabric material). Thereafter the nickel mesh fabric material coated with slurry was dried in the air for about 10 hours. After this, at 200 lbs/ The dried particles are pressed under square centimeter pressure to form a flexible cathode material having the desired porosity (e.g., 30-70%) and about 0.5-0.6 mm. However, it should be understood that the thickness and porosity of the cathode material can vary with different The application occasion changes. Then, continue to carry out sintering at about 280 ℃ for about 2 hours so as to remove the solvent (such as water) and form a kind of flexible sheet cathode material, then the sheet cathode material can be cut into required size to form the Cathode strip structure for the FCB system as designed. The ends of the strip structure are joined using welds, fasteners, etc. to form a virtually seamless cathode surface around the closed strip structure. Nickel can be exposed at the end of the cathode strip structure 40 Mesh fabric material to enable the anode-contact member 48 to make electrical contact therewith during discharge and recharge.

When utilizing the ionically conductive strip 35 as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for between (1) the ionically conductive medium 53 and the metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") and (2) the ionically conductive medium 53 and the movable cathode belt 40 to achieve "wetting". One way to achieve "wetting" is to continuously or periodically apply a coating of water (H ₂ O) to the metal- on the surface of the fuel belt (and/or ionically conductive medium 53) so that there is a sufficient amount of ion transport between the metal-fuel belt and the ionically conductive medium 53 and between the movable cathode belt 40 and the ionically conductive medium 53. Obviously, the thickness of the water coating applied to the metal-fuel strip 13 (and/or the ionically conductive medium 53) depends on the transport speed of the metal-fuel strip 13, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In the illustrative In an embodiment, wetting between the metal-fuel strip and/or the ionically conductive medium 53 may be achieved using an application applicator 54 and a spreading mechanism 55. However, it should be understood that other wetting metal-fuel strips and/or The approach of the ionically conductive medium 53 also yields excellent results.

In general, speed control can be realized in various ways in the FCB system shown in FIG. 7 . For example, one approach could be to drive the feed cylinders 41 and 42 using a belt structure that is also used to feed the metal-fuel tape 13 (such as supply and take-up reels or supply hub and take-up in a cassette-type device). between the belt hubs). Another method is to use a first pair of DC-controlled motors to drive the delivery cylinders 41 and 42, while using a pair of DC-controlled motors synchronized with the first pair of DC-controlled motors to drive the supply in the cassette-type metal-fuel equipment. Belt hubs and take-up hubs. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that speed control can be achieved by other methods.

In general, it is desirable in most applications to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contact members around the cathode belt structure shown in FIG. 7 . This configuration will enable maximum current sinking at the output voltage produced by each cathode strip structure in the system. However, for clarity of illustration, only a pair of cathode and anode contact members mounted along the cathode strip configuration shown in FIG. 7 are shown.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a pair of brackets 49 are used to rotatably support the conductive cathode contact member 48 so that it is configured to be in contact with the cathode strip structure 40 when the cathode strip structure is conveyed between the conveying cylinders 41 and 42. The nickel mesh fabric 45 exposed on the edge portion of the rim forms an electrical contact. In addition, a conductive "anode-contact" member 50 is rotatably supported by each bracket 49 above the metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") and opposite the cathode-contact member 48 so that the anode-contact The components make electrical contact with the outside surface of the metal-fuel strip, as shown in Figure 7. The cathode-contact component 48 and the anode-contact component 50 are electrically connected to electrical leads (such as lead wires) that terminate at the output power Controller 29. An electric load is connectable to the output of the output power controller 29 in order to receive supplied electric power generated inside the FCB system.

If the cathode strip 40 is employed in the metal-fuel strip discharge subsystem, each of the subsystems contained in the metal-fuel strip discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be combined into the In the system shown schematically in 7. Thus, as described in the aforementioned applicant's co-pending applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507, current can be generated along the cathode strip structure 40 shown in FIG. A part of the system can be enclosed into an oxygen injection chamber (connected to air or an oxygen source), and have one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 22 can operate during discharge The _pO2 level inside this section of the moving cathode strip structure 40 can be controlled during the process, as well as maintaining the temperature of the discharge head.

Similarly, if the cathode strip structure 40 is employed in a metal-fuel strip discharge subsystem, each of the metal-fuel strip discharge subsystems disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 may be incorporated into The subsystems are combined into a system schematically shown in Figure 7. Thus, the portion of the cathode strip structure 40 shown in FIG. 7 along which current is generated may be enclosed as Oxygen evacuation chamber (connected to a vacuum pump or similar device) with one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharging head cooling device, etc., to enable system controller 22 to operate during recharging Control the _pO2 level inside this section of the cathode strip structure 40, and maintain the temperature of the recharge head.

As shown in FIG. 7, during strip discharge operation, oxygen-enriched air is made to flow or be forced through the perforations 21 formed in the cathode strip structure 40 and to the metal-fuel strips 13', 13" and the ionically conductive medium ( For example, the junction between the electrolyte gel) 53. During the belt discharge operation, the oxygen released from the junction between the metal-fuel belt and the ionically conductive medium (such as the electrolyte gel) is caused or forced to pass through the The perforations 21 formed by the cathode strip structure 40 flow into the surrounding environment.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 7A, the outer surface of the cathode strip structure 40 (i.e. facing the metal-fuel strip conveyed thereon) is coated with The solid-state ion-conducting film 53 that maintains ion transport between the metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13"). Alternatively, the lower surface of the metal-fuel strip facing the cathode strip structure 40 can be coated with a solid-state ion-conducting film 53 , the membrane 53 is capable of maintaining ion transport between the cathode strip structure 40 and the metal-fuel material along the direction of the transported metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13"). This approach enables a simpler cathode strip structure to be employed within the FCB system of this illustrative embodiment.

Another way to maintain ion transport between the cathode strip structure 40 and the metal-fuel material along the direction of the conveying metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") is when the metal-fuel strip is above the cathode strip structure 40 Ionically conductive gel (or liquid) 53 is applied to the underside surface 13A of the metal-fuel strip during delivery. Using an applicator 54 disposed below the metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") and controlled by the system This can be achieved by supplying the spreading mechanism 55 controlled by the device 22. In operation, a thin layer of ionically conductive gel 53 is spread by applicator 54 over the metal-fuel strip surface contacting cathode strip structure 40 . Obviously, the required thickness of the ionically conductive thin film layer varies with each application, but usually depends on many factors, such as the conductivity of the containing ionically conductive medium, the current expected to be generated by the FCB system during discharge operation, the surface area of the cathode component wait.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 7 is designed for use in single cathode/single anode type applications, it should be understood that this system embodiment can be readily modified to include multiple Electrically insulated cathode members (tracks) for use in conjunction with the multi-track metal-fuel belts proposed in the aforementioned applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 08/944,507.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the metal-fuel strips employed by the FCB system shown in Figure 7 can be implemented using various methods. As shown in Figure 7B, a first type of metal-fuel strip 13 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material such as zinc. A second type of metal-fuel ribbon 13' is formed by depositing metal powder (eg zinc powder) and adhesive (polyethylene) 31 on a polyester substrate 32, as shown in FIG. 7C. As shown in FIG. 7D, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 13″ is formed by injecting metal powder (such as zinc powder) 33 inside a substrate material 34, such as polyvinyl chloride PVC. Used to make these structures The metal-fuel technology described in the aforementioned co-pending application No. 09/074337.

The cathode strip structure 40 is conveyed between the conveying cylinders 41 and 42 at a controlled speed during operation of the system. Simultaneously, the metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13") supported above the surface of the cathode strip structure 40 are conveyed at substantially the same speed where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel strip and the cathode strip structure 40, and without slipping or Electric power is generated without damage to the cathode strip structure and the metal-fuel strip.

Seventh illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A seventh illustrative embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. 7 . The main difference between these two systems is that, in FIG. 8 , the cathode-contacting member 48 is positioned close to the delivery cylinder 41 so that it contacts the outer surface of the conductive strip structure 40 . Whereas the anode-contact member 50 is positioned close to the cathode-contact electrode 48 and forms electrical contact with the underside of the metal-fuel ribbon 13 (13′, 13″) fed over the cathode ribbon structure 40. Thus, the current The path that flows through the metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13") used in the FCB system shown in FIG. 13"). All other aspects in the FCB system shown in FIG. 8 are similar to the system shown in FIG. 7.

Eighth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

An eighth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. 7 . The main difference between these two systems is that, in Figure 9, the ionically conductive medium is implemented as an ionically conductive layer formed on the underside of the supply belt of the metal-fuel belt 13 (13', 13"). Figure 9B As shown in , a first type of metal-fuel ribbon 58 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material (such as zinc) 59 with an ionically conductive layer 60 laminated thereon. As shown in FIG. 9C , a second type of The metal-fuel ribbon 58' is formed by depositing metal powder (such as zinc powder) and adhesive (such as PVC) 61 on a polyester substrate 62, on which an ionically conductive layer 60' is laminated. As shown in FIG. 9D As shown, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 58" is formed by impregnating metal powder (eg, zinc powder) 63 within a substrate material 64, on which ionically conductive layer 60 is laminated. Techniques for making metal-fuels of these configurations are described in the aforementioned co-pending application No. 09/074337. All other aspects in the FCB system shown in FIG. 9 are similar to the system shown in FIG. 7 .

Ninth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

Figure 10 shows a ninth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system of the present invention. In this illustrative example, the cathode structure is realized as a belt structure 40 conveyed between a first pair of cylindrical rollers 41 and 42 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 42 are driven by drive units 37 and 38, respectively. The ionically conductive medium is realized by the ionically conductive belt 35 conveyed in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6 between cylindrical roller 66 and cylindrical roller 42 driven by drive units 62 and 38, respectively. drive. A supply of metal-fuel belts 13 (13', 13") is conveyed over an ionically conductive belt structure 35 between a pair of supply and take-up reels, as described in Applicant's Application Nos. 09/074337 and 08 Introduced in the co-pending application of /944507.The drive units 38, 39 and 62 and the belt drive unit 21 are controlled by the system controller 22 so that the metal-fuel belt 13, the ion-conducting belt structure 35 and cathode belt structure 40 maintain substantially the same velocity at the points where ion-conducting belt structure 35 contacts metal-fuel belt and cathode belt structure 40. By controlling the metal-fuel belt, ion-conducting belt structure 35, and cathode belt structure 40 The system controller 22 minimizes the friction generated therebetween, thereby minimizing the problems associated therewith.

In general, speed control in the FCB system shown in FIG. 10 can be achieved using various methods. For example, one approach could be to drive the delivery cylinders 41, 42, and 66 with a belt structure that is also used to transport the metal-fuel tape 13 (e.g., supply and take-up reels or supply tape hubs and take-up hubs). Another method could be to use a first set of DC controlled motors to drive the delivery cylinders 41, 42 and 66, while using another set of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first set of DC controlled motors to drive the metal-fuel cartridge type The supply and take-up reels or supply and take-up hubs inside the device. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that there are other ways to achieve speed control among the movable components in the FCB system.

In general, in most applications it is desirable to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contacts to the cathode belt configuration of the system of Figure 10 . This setup will enable maximum current collection from each moving cathode strip structure in the system at the resulting output voltage. However, for clarity of illustration, only one pair of cathode and anode contacts is shown in FIG. 10 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , a pair of brackets 69 are rotatably supported by a conductive "cathode-contact" member 48 so that it is configured to be in contact with the cathode strip structure 40 as the cathode strip structure is transported around the delivery cylinder 41. The nickel mesh fabric exposed on the outer edge portion of the electrical contact. In addition, conductive "anode-contact" member 50 is rotatably supported by a pair of brackets 70 disposed above the metal-fuel strip and opposite cathode-contact member 48 such that the anode-contact member is in contact with the metal-fuel strip. The outer surfaces of 13 (13', 13") form electrical contacts, as shown in Figure 10. The cathode-contact member 48 and the anode-contact member 50 are electrically connected to electrical leads (such as leads), which are terminated In the output power controller 29. The electric load is connected to the output power controller 29 to receive the electric power generated inside the FCB system.

When utilizing the ion-conducting strip 35 as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for (1) between the ion-conducting strip 35 and the metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") and (2) the ion-conducting strip 35 and the movable cathode belt 40 to achieve "wetting". One way to achieve "wetting" is to continuously or periodically add water (H2O) and/or electrolyte to the solution during system operation. Coatings are applied to the surface of the metal-fuel strip (and/or ionically conductive strip) to enable transport of sufficient quantities of ions between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive strip, and between the movable cathode strip and the ionically conductive medium. Obviously, the thickness of the water coating applied to the metal-fuel strip (and/or the ion-conducting strip 35) depends on the transport speed of the metal-fuel strip, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In the illustrative In an embodiment, wetting of the metal-fuel strip and/or ionically conductive strip 35 may be accomplished using an applicator 54 and a spreading mechanism 55 controlled by the system controller 22. However, it should be understood that other wetting metal-fuel strips may be used. The method with strips 13 (13', 13") and/or ion-conducting strips 35 can also give excellent results.

If the cathode strip 40 is employed in the metal-fuel strip discharge subsystem, each of the subsystems contained in the metal-fuel strip discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be combined into the In the system shown schematically in 10. Thus, as described in applicant's co-pending applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507, the portion of the cathode strip structure 40 shown in FIG. connected to an air pump or oxygen source), and have one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 22 can control the cathode strip structure 40 during the discharge operation The pO ₂ value inside this section, and the temperature to maintain the discharge head.

Similarly, if the cathode strip structure 40 is employed in the metal-fuel strip discharge subsystem, the metal-fuel strip recharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 contained within the Each subsystem is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 10 . Thus, as proposed in applicant's co-pending applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507, a portion of the cathode strip structure 40 shown in FIG. Evacuate the chamber (connected to a vacuum pump or similar device) and have one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharging head cooling equipment, etc., to enable the system controller 22 to The _PO2 level inside this section of the moving cathode belt structure 40 is controlled and the temperature of the recharge head is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 10 , during strip discharge operation, oxygen-enriched air is made to flow or be forced through the fine through-holes 21 formed in the cathode strip structure 40 to reach the gap between the metal-fuel strip and the ion-conducting strip 35. junction. During strip recharging operation, oxygen is caused or forced to escape from this junction between the metal-fuel strip and the ion-conducting strip 35 to flow to the surrounding environment through the fine through-holes 21 formed in the cathode strip structure 40 .

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is designed for use in a single cathode/single anode type of application, it should be understood that this system embodiment can be readily modified to include multiple strip structures 40 formed along the cathode. Electrically insulated cathode members for use in conjunction with multi-track metal-fuel belts of the type proposed in the aforementioned co-pending applications of the applicant's application numbers 08/944507 and 09/074337.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the metal-fuel strips employed in the FCB system shown in Figure 10 can be implemented using various methods. As shown in Figure 10C, a first type of metal-fuel strip 13 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material (eg zinc). A second type of metal-fuel ribbon 13' is formed by depositing metal powder (eg zinc powder) and adhesive (eg PVC) 31 on a polyester substrate 32, as shown in Figure 10D. As shown in FIG. 10E, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 13″ is formed by injecting metal powder (such as zinc powder) 33 inside a substrate material 34 (such as PVC). The metal used to make these structures -Technical presentation of the fuel is in co-pending applications with application numbers 08/944507 and 09/074337.

During the discharge operation, the cathode strip structure 40 is transported between the transport cylinders 41 and 42 at a controllable speed, and at the same time, the ion-conducting strip structure 35 is transported between the transport cylinders 41 and 42 at a controllable speed. Simultaneously, the supply strips of the continuous metal-fuel strips 13 (13′, 13″) are located above the surface of the cathode strip structure 40 at the points where the ion-conducting strip structure 35 contacts the metal-fuel strips and the cathode strip structure 40 in substantially Conveying at the same speed without slipping.

Some other embodiments of the FCB system of the present invention

Having described some illustrative embodiments of the invention, several modifications of these embodiments will yield advantages in the industrial practice of the invention.

In order to eliminate the need to separately drive and actively control the metal-fuel strip, the movable cathode structure and the ionically conductive medium in this system utilizing complex gel/solid film) and between an ionically conductive medium (such as a belt or applied gel/solid film) and a cathode structure (such as a cylinder or belt) to establish a state of "hydrostatic drag" (i.e., hydrostatic attraction) . When only one of these three movable system components (such as the metal-fuel ribbon, ionically conductive medium, or movable cathode structure) is conveyed by a mechanically (e.g., coil spring), electrically, or pneumatically driven motor, this state will This enables more efficient transport of the metal-fuel ribbon, ionically conductive medium, and movable cathode structure through the FCB system. This reduces system complexity and manufacturing costs. Additionally, the metal-fuel ribbon, ionically conductive medium, and movable cathode structure moving within the system can be made without significant frictional forces (eg, shear), thus utilizing a Torque control (or current control) technology delivers these system components at any time.

By maintaining sufficient strength of surface tension between the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel strip and movable cathode structure during system operation, hydrostatic drag forces can be generated between these system components.

When utilizing an ionically conductive medium as described above, by continuously or periodically applying a coating of water ( _H2O ) and/or electrolyte replenishment solution to the surface of the metal-fuel strip (and/or ionically conductive medium) Above all, surface tensions of sufficient strength can be formed between these three main movable system components in the FCB system, so that during the operation of the system, there will be a gap between (1) the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel belt and (2) ) "wetting" can be achieved between the ionically conductive medium and the movable cathode structure. Clearly, the thickness of the water coating and/or electrolyte make-up solution applied to the metal-fuel ribbon (and/or ionically conductive medium) depends on the metal-fuel ribbon's transport speed, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In each of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, wetting between metal-fuel strips and/or ionically conductive strips can be accomplished using applicator 54 and spreading mechanism 55 shown in the figures. However, it should be understood that other methods of wetting the metal-fuel strip and/or ionically conductive medium may be used with superior effect.

For example, in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, periodic or continuous wetting of the ionically conductive coating 30 on the metal-fuel strip 8 and/or cathode cylinder 11 can form a sufficient surface tension so that the cathode cylinder 11 passively moves (ie rotates) at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt it contacts, while the metal-fuel belt is only actively driven by the belt conveyor mechanism 21 . In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the cathode cylinder drive unit 17 and the speed equalization by the system controller 22 can be eliminated and still implement the principles of the invention. This improvement reduces system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, periodic or continuous wetting of the ionically conductive coating 30 and/or cathode cylinder 11 on the metal-fuel strip 8 creates sufficient surface tension therebetween, And thus enough hydrostatic drag is created to passively move the cathode cylinder 11 at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt it contacts, while the metal-fuel belt is actively driven only by the belt transport mechanism 21 . In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the cathode cylinder drive unit 17 and the speed equalization by the system controller 22 can be eliminated and still implement the principles of the invention. This improvement reduces system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, periodic or continuous wetting of metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13"), ionically conductive strips 35, and cathode cylinder 11 may form sufficient Surface tension, and thus hydrostatic drag, sufficient to cause the cathode cylinder 11, delivery cylinder 36, and ion-conducting belt 35 to rotate passively at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 13 in contact with it, while being only conveyed by the belt Mechanism 21 actively drives metal-fuel belt 13. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, drum drive units 38 and 39 and speed equalization by system controller 22 may no longer be used and still practice the invention In addition, in some cases, it is possible to actively drive the ion-conducting strip 35 and passively move the cathode cylinder 11, metal-fuel strip 13, at the same speed as the ion-conducting strip 35 in contact with it. In each case, These improvements reduce system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 7, periodic or continuous wetting of the metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13"), the ionically conductive medium 53, and the cathode strip 40 can form a sufficient surface Tension, and thus sufficient hydrostatic drag, to passively rotate the cathode belt 40, belt delivery cylinder 41, and ion-conducting belt 42 at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 13 in contact with them, while being only conveyed by their belts Mechanism 21 actively drives metal-fuel belt 13. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, drum drive units 38 and 39 and speed equalization by system controller 22 could be eliminated and the invention still practiced or, in some cases, actively driving the cathode strip 40 and passively moving the metal-fuel strip 13 at the same speed as the ionically conductive medium 53 in contact with it. In each case, these improvements reduce the system-to-system complexity, and reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, periodic or continuous wetting of metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13"), ionically conductive medium 53, and cathode strip 40 can create sufficient surface Tension, and thus sufficient hydrostatic drag, to passively rotate the cathode belt 40, belt delivery cylinder 41, and ion-conducting belt 42 at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 13 in contact with them, while being only conveyed by their belts Mechanism 21 actively drives metal-fuel belt 13. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, drum drive units 38 and 39 and speed equalization by system controller 22 could be eliminated and the invention still practiced In addition, in some cases, it is possible to actively drive the cathode belt 40 and bring the metal-fuel belt 13 into contact with the cathode belt and the metal-fuel belt to move passively at the same speed as the ionically conductive medium 53. In each case , these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 9, periodic or continuous wetting of the cathode strip 40 and the ionically conductive medium 53 on the metal-fuel strip 13 (13', 13") can form sufficient surface tension, and thus create sufficient hydrostatic drag to cause the cathode belt 40, belt delivery cylinder 41, and ion-conducting belt 42 to rotate passively at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 13 in contact with them, while being driven only by their Belt conveyor mechanism 21 actively drives metal-fuel belt 13. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, drum drive units 38 and 39 and speed equalization by system controller 22 may no longer be used, while still achieving Principles of the Invention Alternatively, in some cases, the cathode belt 40 may be actively driven and the ionically conductive medium 53 (and metal-fuel belt 13) in contact with the ionically conductive medium 53 may be passively moved at the same speed as the cathode belt 40. In each case, these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 10, periodic or continuous wetting of the metal-fuel strips 13 (13', 13") and the ionically conductive medium 35 on the cathode strip 40 may form sufficient surface tension, and thus form enough hydrostatic drag to make the cathode belt 40, the ion-conducting belt 35, and the belt delivery cylinders 41, 42, and 66 contact the ion-conducting belt 35 at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 13 Passive movement, while the metal-fuel belt 13 is actively driven only by its belt conveyor mechanism 21. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the drum drive units 38, 39 and 67 can no longer be used and no longer controlled by the system 22 to achieve speed equalization, while still realizing the principles of the present invention. Alternatively, in some cases, the cathode belt 40 (or ion-conducting belt 35) and the ion-conducting belt that brings the metal-fuel belt 13 into contact with it can be actively driven 35 passive movement at the same speed. In each case, these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Constituting the various components of the system to create a metal-air FCB system with increased volumetric power density

In Figures 11 to 22, a method of metal-air FCB systems is disclosed for improving bulk power density (VDP) characteristics by utilizing multiple moving cathode structures closely spaced together for contacting each cathode structure and The metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium are conveyed at substantially the same speed as the cathode structure at the location of each point of the metal-fuel strip. The goal to be achieved by utilizing such an operating regime is to increase the bulk power density (VDP) characteristics of the FCB system while at the same time enabling frictional forces (e.g., shear forces) generated between the metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the cathode structure to be reduced to Minimizes, and thus reduces the probability of delivering the required electrical power and damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel ribbon in FCB systems.

First illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

As shown in Figures 11 through 12C, a first illustrative embodiment of an FCB system 101 includes a metal-fuel belt discharge device (i.e., "engine") 102 comprising multiple rotatably mounted compact The cylindrical cathode 103 inside the fixing device (ie box) 104. The actual number of cathode structures provided in any particular embodiment of the invention depends primarily on the application. In addition, it should be understood that the physical arrangement of the cathode cylinders in the box 104 varies according to different applications, and the cathode cylinders are preferably arranged in an array scheme (eg 3×3, 4×5 or N×M). The power volume density characteristics of metal-fuel FCB systems should be maximized when arranging multiple cathode cylinders in a compact fixture case to form a charged discharge (power) device.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11 , each cylindrical cathode 103 in a power machine 102 is implemented as a plastic cylindrical structure having a hollow interior 106 and microscopic through hole. The function of these fine perforations is to enable oxygen transport to the junction formed between the ionically conductive medium 107 and the metal-fuel strip 108 transported over the corresponding cathode cylinder. Typically, each cathode cylinder 103 may be constructed of plastic, ceramic, or other suitable material. Each cathode cylinder has a similar or different outer diameter size, depending on factors such as speed control, power generation (device) capacity, and the like.

As shown in Figure 11, a compact housing 104 comprises a pair of spaced plates 104A and 104B having pairs of holes formed therein, within which each cathode cylinder in the array is rotatably supported by means of bearings or the like. Install. Top and bottom plates may be used to maintain the spacing between plates 104A and 104B. Other panels can be used to close the side openings of the box. Typically, each cathode cylinder 103 is rotated by a suitable drive mechanism which can be implemented in many different ways, such as by electric or pneumatic prime movers, gears, drive belts or similar devices well known in the belt conveying art. In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 11, each cathode cylinder 103 is provided with a gear 9 formed at one end thereof which meshes with the gear of an adjacent cathode cylinder within the cathode array. Gear 111 meshes with one of the cathode cylinders, and a geared prime mover 110 coupled to gear 111 can be used to apply torque to a particular cathode cylinder, which in turn applies torque to all other cathode cylinders in the cathode array Applying torque. With this arrangement, the cathode cylinders of the array of cathode cylinders mounted with the tank 10 cooperate to deliver the supply of metal-fuel ribbon 108 from the cassette 112 along a predetermined belt path inside the tank of the system. Take 112. As shown, belt guide rollers 114A and 114B may be critically mounted inside the power machine case 104 to guide the metal-fuel belt along a predetermined belt path through the case. In addition, belt guide deflectors 115 can be strategically positioned inside the tank to self-guid the metal-fuel belt through the tank and to assist in automatic (eg, self-)handling by an open type of reel and cassette type equipment Supplied metal-fuel belt.

As shown in FIG. 12D , a cathode member 116 is mounted on the outer surface of each cathode cylinder 103 . Preferably each cathode member 116 is constructed of a nickel mesh with carbon and catalytic material embedded therein. Preferably the metal-fuel tape 108 is transported between a pair of supply and take-up reels 117A and 117B contained within a cassette or cassette-like device, as co-pending in applicant's application No. 09/074337 filed in the application. In addition, the metal-fuel strips employed by the FCB system shown in Figure 11 may utilize any of the techniques set forth in Application Serial No. 09/074337.

If the cathode cylinder based power machine 102 is employed in the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem, the metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 may be incorporated within the Each of the subsystems is combined into a system shown schematically in Figure 11. Thus, as proposed in applicant's co-pending applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507, the inner portion of each cylindrical cathode structure 103 of a cathode cylinder based power machine may be provided with Aerobic injection chamber (connected to air pump or oxygen source), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 120 can control the discharge operation process The level of _pO2 inside the cathode assembly 116, and the temperature at which the recharge head is maintained.

Similarly, if the cathode cylinder based power machine 102 is employed in the metal-fuel ribbon discharge sub-system, the metal-fuel ribbon discharge disclosed in co-pending application Ser. Each subsystem contained within the electronic system is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 11 . Therefore, as proposed in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337, an oxygen evacuation chamber (connected to a vacuum pump or similar device) may be provided in the interior portion of each cylindrical cathode structure 103, a or multiple _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharge head cooling devices, etc., to enable system controller 120 to control the _pO2 level inside cathode assembly 116 during recharging operations, and to maintain recharge head temperature.

As shown in Figure 11, each cathode cylinder 103 rotates about its axis of rotation at an angular velocity controlled by a gear and a cathode drive unit (eg a prime mover) driving the cathode cylinder. The metal-fuel ribbon 108 is conveyed over the surface of each cathode member 116 by a controllable fuel ribbon delivery mechanism 21 during discharge and recharging operations. The cathode cylinder drive unit and fuel ribbon delivery device 121 are controlled by the system controller 120 so that the metal-fuel ribbon 108, the cathode structure array 103, and the ionically conductive medium are at each point where the ionically conductive medium contacts the metal-fuel ribbon and cathode structure. The parts are transported at basically the same speed. By controlling the relative motion between the metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the cathode cylinder, the system controller 120 effectively minimizes the frictional forces (eg, shear forces) - Reduced electrical power required for fuel strips, ionically conductive media and cathode structures. Metal oxide particles shedding from the metal-fuel belt and falling into the porous structure of the cathode is also reduced. This in turn reduces the likelihood of damage or destruction of the cylindrical cathode member 116 and metal-fuel ribbon 108 .

In general, velocity control between the cathode structure, the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel belt in the FCB system shown in Figure 11 can be achieved using various methods. For example, as shown in Figure 11, one approach could be to drive the array of cathode cylinders with a set of intermeshing gears. Another approach could be to drive the array of cathode cylinders with a belt structure that is also used to feed the metal-fuel tape 108 (such as supply and take-up reels or supply and take-up hubs inside a cassette-type device between). Yet another approach could be to use a first set of DC controlled motors to drive the array of cathode cylinders while a second set of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first set of DC controlled motors drives the tape supply inside a metal-fuel cartridge type device Hubs and take-up hubs. From reading this disclosure it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other ways to achieve speed control.

In general, it is desirable in most applications to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contact members 123 around the cathode cylinder shown in FIG. 11 . This configuration will enable the maximum current sinked by each rotating cathode cylinder in the FCB system at the output voltage dictated by the cathode and anode materials. Specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 11A, conductive "cathode-contact" members 123A are rotatably supported at the end of each cylindrical cathode structure 103 by a pair of brackets or similar structures. When properly mounted, each "cathode-contact" member 123A is configured to make electrical contact with the nickel mesh fabric exposed on its outer edge portion and to enable the It is rotatable about the axis of rotation of the cathode-contacting part.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the conductive "anode-contact" members 123B are rotatably supported by a pair of brackets or the like so as to configure the contact between each "anode-contact" member 123B and the metal-fuel strip 108. The bottom surface makes electrical contact and is able to surround the axis of rotation of the anode-contact member as the metal-fuel ribbon is transported over the rotating cathode cylinder due to the ionically conductive medium disposed between the metal-fuel ribbon and the cathode cylinder rotate. As shown in FIG. 11 , cathode cylinder 123A and “anode-contact” member 123B are electrically connected to electrical leads (eg, lead wires) 124 , which terminate at system controller 125 . The electrical load 26 is connected to the system controller 125 for receiving electrical power provided by the FCB system.

As shown in Figures 11 and 11A, during the discharge operation, the oxygen-enriched air flows through the hollow central hole 106 formed in each cathode cylinder and reaches the ions through the ultra-fine through-holes 21 formed in the cathode structure. The junction between the conductive medium (eg, electrolyte) 107 and the metal-fuel strip 108 . During discharge operation, oxygen liberated from the reduced metal-fuel strips flows to the surrounding environment along the central hole 106 formed through each cathode cylinder 103 and through the ultra-fine through-holes formed in the cathode structure.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 11, the ionically conductive medium is implemented as an ionically conductive fluid or viscous gel applied in thin film form over the outer surface of each cathode cylinder 103 in the FCB system. The ionically conductive fluid/gel 107 may be applied to the surface of the cathode member or the metal-fuel belt in a continuous or periodic manner to ensure adequate replenishment of the ionically conductive medium and thus maintenance of the ionically conductive medium and metal-fuel strips during operation of the system. The optimal magnitude of the hydroxide ion concentration at the junction between the fuel strips. Obviously, the required thickness of the ionically conductive thin film layer varies with each application, but usually depends on many factors, such as the conductivity of the containing ionically conductive medium, the current expected to be generated by the FCB system during discharge operation, the surface area of the cathode component wait.

The ionically conductive fluid/gel 107 used in conjunction with the FCB system shown in Figure 11 can be constructed using the following formulation. Dissolve 1 mole of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 1 mole of calcium chloride in 100 grams of water. KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1/2 mole of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was added to the mixture as ionophore. The mixture was then stirred for about 10 minutes. After this, 0.1 mol of cellulose methoxy (yl)carboxylic acid, a gel, was added to the stirred mixture. This operation results in an ionically conductive gel that is suitable for application to each cylindrical cathode member 116 in the FCB system or to the surface of the metal-fuel belt 13 transported through the FCB system.

Alternatively, the ionically conductive medium 107 may be implemented as a solid ionically conductive film applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical cathode member 116 or to the inner surface of the metal-fuel strip. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, a solid ionically conductive membrane can be formed on the cathode member or metal-fuel strip using one of the following formulations in the following sections.

According to the first formulation, 1 mole of KOH, which is a source of hydroxide ions, and 0.1 mole of calcium chloride, which is a hygroscopic agent, are dissolved in a mixed solvent consisting of 60 milliliters of water and 40 milliliters of tetrahydrofuran (THF). After this, 1 mole of PEO was added to the mixture as an ionophore. The resulting solution (e.g., mixture) is then cast (i.e., coated) as a thick film onto the outer surface of each cylindrical cathode member 116, or onto the metal-fuel strip 1108 bottom surface above, in either case. Using the above formulation, an ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be obtained. Due to the evaporation of the mixed solvent (i.e. water and THF) within the applied thin film coating, an ionizable gel-like (i.e. solid state) thin film is formed on the outer surface of the cathode member 116, or the bottom side surface of the metal-fuel ribbon 8, Either case is fine.

According to the second formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1 mole of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was added to the solution in an amount sufficient to produce a gel-like mass. The solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto the outer surface of each cathode member 116, or as a thick film onto the bottom surface of the metal-fuel strip, whichever is possible. Using the above formulation, an ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be obtained. Due to the ability to evaporate the mixed solvent (i.e. water and THF) within the applied coating, an ionically conductive gel-like (i.e. solid state) film is formed on the outer surface of each cathode member 116 or at the bottom of the metal-fuel strip. On the face of it, either case is fine.

When utilizing an ionically conductive medium 107 as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for intervening (1) between the ionically conductive layer 107 and the metal-fuel strip 108 and (2) between the ionically conductive layer 107 and each movable cathode The "wetting" between the cylinders 3 is achieved. One way to achieve "wetting" is to continuously or periodically apply a coating of water ( _H2O ) and/or electrolyte replenishment solution to the metal-fuel strip 108 (and/or ionically conductive layer 107) to enable transport of sufficient quantities of ions between the metal-fuel strip and the ionically conductive medium and between the movable cathode cylinder and the ionically conductive medium. Clearly, the thickness of the water and/or electrolyte make-up coating applied to the metal-fuel strip (and/or ionically conductive medium) depends on the metal-fuel strip's delivery rate, its water absorption characteristics, cathode cylinder surface temperature, etc. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , wetting of the metal-fuel strip 13 and/or the ionically conductive medium may be accomplished using applicator 107 and spreading mechanism 171 . It should be understood, however, that other methods of wetting the metal-fuel strip, cathode cylinder, and/or ionically conductive media may be used with superior results.

While some of the illustrative embodiments shown schematically in FIGS. 11 and 11A and described above are for single cathode/single anode type applications, it should be understood that these system embodiments may be modified to include multiple surrounding cathode supports. An electrically insulated cathode member formed of cylinders for use in conjunction with multiple metal-fuel belts of the type set forth in the aforementioned co-pending application serial numbers 09/074337 and 08/944507 of the applicant. A major advantage of these system improvements is the ability to deliver electrical power at various output voltage levels required by each particular electrical load.

As shown in Figure 12A, a first type of metal-fuel strip 8 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material (eg zinc). As shown in FIG. 12B, a second type of metal-fuel ribbon 108' is formed by depositing a metal powder (such as zinc powder) and a binder (such as polyethylene) on a polyester substrate 128. As shown in FIG. 12C, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 108″ is formed by infusing a metal powder (such as zinc powder) 129 inside a substrate material 130, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Used to fabricate these structures Form metal-fuel technology is described in co-pending application number 09/074337.

Second illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

In FIG. 13, a second illustrative embodiment of an FCB system 131 is shown. This illustrative embodiment is similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. 11, except that in the system shown in FIG. Of course, the conductive tape 107' passes through a predetermined tape path within the system box and out of the solid ion conductive tape 107' conveyed around a tape delivery cylinder 135 driven synchronously with the cathode cylinder in the FCB system. All other aspects of the FCB system shown in FIG. 18 are similar to the FCB system shown in FIG. 17 .

As shown in Figures 13 and 13A, each cathode cylinder 103 rotates about an axis of rotation at a speed controlled by a gear and a drive unit (eg, an electric motor) 110 that drives the cathode cylinder. The metal-fuel ribbon 8 is conveyed by a controllable fuel ribbon delivery mechanism 121 over the surface of each cylindrical cathode member 16 during discharging and recharging. The system controller 120 controls the cathode cylinder driving unit 110 and the fuel belt conveying mechanism 121, so that the metal-fuel belt 108, the cathode structure array 103 and the solid ion-conducting belt 107' that is still flexible contact the metal in the ion-conducting medium 107' - The fuel belt 108 and the cathode structure 116 are transported at substantially the same speed at each point. By controlling the relative motion between the metal-fuel strips, the ionically conductive strips, and the cathode cylinder within the power machinery case, the system controller 120 effectively minimizes frictional forces (eg, shear forces) that develop among each other. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the cylindrical cathode assembly 116 and metal-fuel ribbon 108 .

In general, velocity control between the cathode structure, ion-conducting band, and metal-fuel band can be achieved in various ways in the FCB system shown in Figures 13 and 13A. For example, one approach is to drive the array of cathode cylinders with a set of intermeshing gears, as shown in FIG. 11 . Another approach is to drive the array of cathode cylinders with a belt structure that is also used to feed the metal-fuel ribbon 108 (such as between a supply and take-up reel or a supply and take-up hub inside a cassette-type fuel device. between). Yet another method is to utilize a first set of DC controlled motors to drive the array of cathode cylinders while a second set of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first set of DC controlled motors is used to drive the supply and take-up hubs inside a cassette type fuel device. . It is obvious to those skilled in the art that reading this disclosure can benefit from other ways to achieve speed control.

In general, it is desirable in most applications to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contacts around each cathode cylinder shown in Figures 13 and 13A and described above. As shown in FIG. 13 , the cathode-contact member 123A and the anode-contact member 123B are electrically connected to an electrical lead (eg, lead) 124 , which terminates at an output power controller 125 . And the electric load is connected to the output terminal of the output power controller 29 so as to receive the electric power provided by the FCB system.

As shown in Figures 13 and 13A, during discharge operation, oxygen-enriched air flows along the hollow central hole 106 formed through each cathode cylinder and through the ultrafine through-holes formed in the cathode structure to reach the ion-conducting zone. The junction between (eg electrolyte) 107' and the metal-fuel strip. During recharging operation, oxygen released from the reduced metal-fuel strips flows along through the hollow central hole 106 formed in each cathode cylinder 103 and through the ultra-fine through-holes formed in the cathode structure 116 to the surrounding environment.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 13A, the ionically conductive belt 107' is implemented as a flexible belt composed of an open-pored polymer material, provided that the material has a porous Ion-conducting material (such as KOH) impregnation that sustains the transport of ions. As shown schematically in Figure 14, the ion-conducting strip 107' may be realized as a solid-state membrane having ion-conducting properties. In general, there are many ways to make ionically conductive bands. For illustration, two formulations are presented below.

According to the first recipe, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1 mole of PEO was added to the mixture. The solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto a substrate consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) type plastic material. This material has been found to work well with PEO, although other substrate materials with higher surface tensions than film materials are expected to work well with satisfactory results. When the mixed solvent evaporates from the applied coating, an ionizable solid film (ie thick film) is formed on the PVA substrate. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane or thin film is formed by peeling off the solid-state membrane to separate it from the PVA substrate. An ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be formed by using the above scheme. This solid film can then be cut into the desired shape to form a belt-like structure that can be conveyed around two or more rotating cylinders. The ends of the formed membranes may be joined using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, suitable fasteners, etc. to form the solid ionically conductive ribbon structure 107' for use in the FCB system of the present invention.

According to the second formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After that, 1 mole of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was added to the mixture. The resulting solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto a substrate consisting of a plastic material of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) type. This material has been found to work well with PVC, although other substrate materials with higher surface tension than film materials are expected to work well with satisfactory results. When the mixed solvent evaporates from the applied coating, an ionizable solid film (ie thick film) is formed on the PVA substrate. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane is formed by peeling off the solid-state membrane to separate it from the PVA substrate. The above formula can be used to form an ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm. The solid film or film can then be cut into the desired shape to form a belt-like structure that can be conveyed around two or more rotating cylinders. The ends of the formed membranes may be joined using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, suitable fasteners, etc. to form the solid ionizable conduction band structure 107' for use in the FCB system of the present invention.

The metal-fuel ribbon employed in the FCB system shown in Figure 13 can be realized using a variety of different methods. As shown in FIG. 15A, a first type of metal-fuel strip 108 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material such as zinc. A second type of metal-fuel ribbon 108' is formed by depositing metal powder (eg zinc powder) and adhesive (eg PVC) 127 on a polyester substrate 128 . As shown in FIG. 15C, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 108″ is formed by infusing metal powder (such as zinc powder) 129 inside a substrate material 130, such as PVC. Metal-fuel strips for making these structures The technology is described in the aforementioned co-pending application No. 09/074337.

When utilizing the ion-conducting strip 107" as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for (1) between the ion-conducting strip 107' and the metal-fuel strip 108 and (2) between the ion-conducting strip 7' and the possible "Wetting" is achieved between the moving cathode cylinders 103. One way to achieve "wetting" is to apply a coating of water ( _H2O ) to the metal-fuel belt (and/or ion-conducting belt) so that a sufficient amount of ions can be transported between the metal-fuel belt and the ion-conducting belt and between the movable cathode cylinder and the ion-conducting belt. Obviously, applying to the metal - The thickness of the water coating on the fuel strip 13 (and/or the ionically conductive strip) depends on the metal-fuel strip's transport velocity, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 13, it is possible to use Applicator 54 and spreading mechanism 55 effect the wetting between metal-fuel strip and/or ion-conducting strip.However, it should be understood that other wetting metal-fuel strip 108, ion-conducting strip 7′ and cathode cylinder can be used method to obtain excellent results.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 13 is designed for use in single cathode/single anode type applications, it should be understood that this system embodiment could be readily modified to include multiple electrodes formed around the cathode support cylinder. Insulated cathode members for use in conjunction with the multi-channel metal-fuel belts proposed in the aforementioned applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 08/944507.

Third illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

As shown in Figures 16 through 16A, a third illustrative embodiment of an FCB system 101 includes a metal-fuel belt discharge device (i.e., "power machine") 140 comprising A plurality of cathode strip structures 141 inside 142 and a plurality of ion-conducting strips 107'. As shown in Figures 16 to 16A, each cathode belt structure 141 is rotatably supported between a pair of belt delivery cylinders 143 and 144 mounted inside the system case and operated by The belt drive mechanism is driven at the required angular velocity. Similarly, each ion-conducting belt 107' is rotatably supported between a pair of belt delivery cylinders 144 and 145, which are mounted inside the system case and driven by the belt drive mechanism as required. angular velocity drive. Notably, one of the belt delivery cylinders 144 used to deliver the ionically conductive belt 107' is the same delivery cylinder used to deliver the corresponding cathode belt structure 141 in this illustrative embodiment. In addition, a supply belt 112 of metal-fuel belt 108 is transported over each ion-conducting belt structure 7' by a belt delivery drive mechanism 121 which cooperates with a pair of supply and take-up reels 17A and 17B. , as described in Applicant's co-pending application No. 09/074337.

The actual number of cathode strips 141 and ionically conductive strips 171 employed in any particular embodiment of the invention will depend upon the application at hand. In some cases, as shown in Figure 16, one ionically conductive strip is provided for each cathode strip configuration employed in the FCB system. In other alternative embodiments of the invention, a single (common) ion-conducting band structure conveyed over each cathode band structure in the FCB system may be used in a manner similar to that described in the FCB system shown in Figure 13 . In addition, it should be understood that although the actual physical arrangement of the cathode strips inside the box 142 varies with various applications, configuring the cathode strip structure in a stacked linear array scheme (eg, 1×3, 1×5, 1×M) is preferred. When a plurality of cathode strips are arranged inside the fixture box to constitute a discharge type power machine, the guiding principle should maximize the power volume density characteristics of the metal-air fuel cell stack (FCB) system.

Although not shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A for clarity of illustration, a pair of spaced apart plates having a pair of holes formed therein may be utilized to form a compact housing 142 within which each belt feed cylinder 141 utilizes bearings and/or A similar structure enables the belt feed cylinders 143 and 144 to be rotatably mounted. Top and bottom plates 142E and 142D may be used to maintain the spacing between plates 142A and 142B. Other panels can be used to close the side openings of the box. The suitable housing for compactly housing the components of the FCB system can be realized in many different ways.

Usually, each cathode belt 141 is conveyed between the conveying cylinders using a suitable drive mechanism, which can be realized in many different ways, such as using electric or pneumatic prime movers, gears, drive belts or in the field of belt conveying technology. known similar devices. Similarly, each ion-conducting belt 107' is conveyed between the respective conveying cylinders by means of a suitable drive mechanism which can be implemented in many different ways, for example by means of electric or pneumatic prime movers, gears, drive belts or in-belt Similar equipment known in the field of delivery technology. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, each belt delivery cylinder 143 and 144 may be provided with a gear 146 formed at one end thereof which is in contact with the belt delivery cylinder adjacent to the inside of the system case. The gears mesh. A geared prime mover 147 coupled to gear 111 on one of the belt delivery cylinders can be used to apply torque to a particular belt delivery cylinder 144 which in turn applies torque to all other belt delivery cylinders 142 in the housing 142. The belt conveyor cylinder applies torque. With this configuration, the cathode belt structure 141 and the ion-conducting belt structure 107 mounted inside the box cooperate with the belt drive mechanism 121 to move from the cassette 113 along a predetermined path inside the box of the system as shown in FIG. 16A The belt path transports the metal-fuel belt supply belt 112 . The cathode belt driving mechanism and the metal-fuel belt driving mechanism are controlled by the system controller 2 so that the metal-fuel belt 118 and the corresponding cathode and ion-conducting belt structures 141 and 107' are placed on the ion-conducting belt 107 during system operation, respectively. Substantially the same velocity is maintained at points contacting the metal-fuel strip 108 and the corresponding cathode strip structure 141 . By controlling the relative motion in the system between the metal-fuel strip, the cathode strip structure, and the ion-conducting conduction strip structure, the system controller 120 effectively minimizes the frictional forces generated therebetween and thus reduces the impact on the cathode strip structure and the ion-conducting strip structure. Metal-fuel belt damage.

To guide the metal-fuel tape through the tank along a predetermined belt path, belt guide rollers 148 may be mounted at strategic locations inside the power machine case 142, as shown in FIG. 16A. In addition, belt guide deflectors can be positioned inside the tank for self-guiding the metal-fuel belt through the tank, as well as assisting automatic (self-)disposal of metal-fuel belt supplied by open reel and cassette type equipment.

If the cathode cylinder-based power machine shown in FIG. Each subsystem contained within the electronic system is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 16 . Thus, as proposed in applicant's co-pending applications Nos. 09/074337 and 08/944507, those portions of each cathode strip where electrical power is generated may be provided with oxygen injection chambers (connected to air pumps or or oxygen source), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 120 can control the _pO2 value inside the cathode strip structure during the discharge operation, and Maintain the temperature of the recharging head.

Similarly, if the cathode belt-based power machine shown in Figure 16 is used in a metal-fuel belt discharge sub-system, the metal- Each of the subsystems contained within the fuel strip discharge subsystem is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 16 . Accordingly, those portions of each cathode strip that provide electrical power (during recharging) may be provided with oxygen evacuation chambers (connected to vacuum pumps) as proposed in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337. or similar device), one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharging head cooling equipment, etc., to enable the system controller 120 to The _pO2 level inside each cathode strip structure is controlled, as well as the temperature of the recharge head is maintained.

In general, velocity control between the cathode belt 141, the ion-conducting belt 107' and the metal-fuel belt 108 in the FCB system shown in Figure 16 can be achieved using various methods. For example, one approach is to use a set of intermeshing gears to drive the cathode and ionically conductive belt in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 11 . Another approach is to drive the cathode belt array and the ionically conductive belt using a belt structure that is also used to transport the metal-fuel belt (such as a supply and take-up reel or a supply hub and take-up inside a cassette-type device between the disc hubs). Yet another approach is to utilize a first set of DC controlled motors to drive the cathode strip array and ion conducting strips while simultaneously utilizing a second set of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first set of DC controlled motors to drive the metal-fuel cartridge type device. Supply and take-up hubs are available. From reading this disclosure it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are other ways to achieve speed control.

In general, it is desirable in most applications to mount multiple pairs of "rotatable" cathode and anode contact members 123A and 123B, respectively, along each cathode strip configuration shown in Figures 16 and 16A. This configuration will enable the maximum current sinked by each rotating cathode belt conveyed inside the FCB system at the output voltage dictated by the cathode and anode materials. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16C, conductive "cathode-contact" members 123B are rotatably supported at the ends of each cathode strip structure 141 by means of a pair of brackets or similar structures 150. When properly installed, the flange portion 151 disposed on each “cathode-contact” member 123B makes electrical contact with the nickel mesh fabric 52 exposed on the outer edge portion of the cathode strip structure 141, and when the cathode strip structure 141 It is allowed to rotate about the axis of rotation of the cathode-contacting member while conveying through the cathode-contacting member 123B.

As shown in FIG. 16C, the conductive "anode-contact" member 123A is rotatably supported by a pair of brackets or similar structures 153 so as to be configured such that the "anode-contact" member 123A is in contact with the bottom surface of the metal-fuel strip 108. electrical contact is made and enabled about the axis of rotation of the anode-contacting member as the metal-fuel strip and ionically conductive medium disposed between the metal-fuel and cathode strip structure 141 are conveyed over the moving cathode strip structure 141 rotate. As shown in FIG. 16 , the cathode and anode-contact members 123A and 123B are electrically connected to electrical leads (eg, leads) that terminate at the system controller 125 . The electric load 26 is then connected to the system controller 125 for receiving electric power provided by the FCB system.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the cathode belt structure 141 adopted in the FCB system has ultra-fine pores on its surface through which oxygen can be transported to the anode metal-fuel belt 108 . A preferred method of making a flexible cathode structure is to dissolve carbon black powder (by weight) in 100 milliliters of water (solvent) and a surfactant (such as Triton X-10 sold by Union Carbide) (2.0% by weight) 60% by weight) and binder material (20% by weight) such as Teflon (Teflon) emulsion (T-30 sold by Dupont) and catalyst material (20% by weight) such as manganese dioxide _MnO 20% by weight) were mixed and stirred to form a slurry. The slurry is then cast or coated onto the nickel sponge (or mesh fabric material). The slurry-coated nickel mesh material was then air dried for about 10 hours. After this, the dried particles are pressurized at 200 psig to form a flexible cathode material with a desired porosity (eg, 30-70%) and about 0.5-0.6 mm. However, it should be understood that the thickness and porosity of the cathode material may vary for different applications. Then, sintering is carried out at about 280° C. for about 2 hours to remove the solvent (such as water) and form a flexible sheet-like cathode material, which can then be cut to the required size to form Cathode strip structure of the FCB system. The ends of the ribbon structure are connected using welds, fasteners, etc. to form a virtually seamless cathode surface around the closed ribbon structure. The nickel mesh fabric material 151 may be exposed at the ends of the cathode strap structure 141, as shown in Figure 16C, to enable the anode-contact member 123A to make electrical contact therewith during discharging and recharging as discussed above.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 16A, each ionically conductive belt 107' may be implemented as a flexible belt composed of an open-celled polymer material having a porous structure and capable of being used in the cathode and An impregnation of an ion-conducting material (such as KOH) that transports ions is maintained between the anodes. The ion-conducting strip 107' may be realized as a solid-state membrane having ion-conducting properties. In general, there are many ways to make ionically conductive bands. For illustration, two formulations are presented below.

According to the first formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After this, 1 mole of PEO was added to the mixture. The solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto a substrate consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) type plastic material. This material has been found to work well with PEO, although other substrate materials with higher surface tensions than film materials are expected to work well with satisfactory results. When the mixed solvent evaporates from the applied coating, an ionically conductive solid film (ie thick film) is formed on the PVA substrate. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane or thin film is formed by peeling off the solid-state membrane to separate it from the PVA substrate. An ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm can be formed by using the above scheme. This solid film can then be cut into the desired shape to form a belt-like structure that can be conveyed around two or more rotating cylinders. The ends of the formed membranes may be joined using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, suitable fasteners, etc. to form the solid ionically conductive ribbon structure 107' used in the FCB system shown in FIG.

According to the second formulation, 1 mol of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.1 mol of calcium chloride were dissolved in a mixed solvent of 60 ml of water and 40 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). KOH functions as a source of hydroxide ions, while calcium chloride functions as a hygroscopic agent. After that, 1 mole of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was added to the mixture. The resulting solution is then cast (coated) as a thick film onto a substrate consisting of a plastic material of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) type. This material has been found to work well with PVC, although other substrate materials with higher surface tension than film materials are expected to work well with satisfactory results. When the mixed solvent evaporates from the applied coating, an ionizable solid film (ie thick film) is formed on the PVA substrate. The solid-state ion-conducting membrane is formed by peeling off the solid-state membrane to separate it from the PVA substrate. The above formula can be used to form an ion-conducting thin film with a thickness in the range of about 0.2-0.5 mm. The solid film or film can then be cut into the desired shape, forming a belt-like structure that can be conveyed around two or more rotating cylinders. The ends of the formed membranes may be joined using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, suitable fasteners, etc. to form the solid ionizable conduction band structure 107' for use in the FCB system of the present invention.

When utilizing the ion-conducting strip 107' as described above, it is necessary to provide a means for (1) between the ion-conducting strip 107' and the metal-fuel strip 108 and (2) between the ion-conducting strip 107' and the movable "Wetting" between the cathode strips 141 is achieved. One way to achieve "wetting" is to continuously or periodically apply a coating of water ( _H2O ) and/or electrolyte replenishment solution to the metal-fuel strip 108 (and/or ionically conductive belt 107') in order to be able to transport a sufficient amount of ions between the metal-fuel belt and the ion-conducting belt and between the movable cathode belt and the ion-conducting belt. Clearly, the coating thickness of the water and/or electrolyte replenishment solution applied to the metal-fuel strip (and/or ion-conducting strip) depends on the metal-fuel strip's delivery rate, its water absorption characteristics, the temperature of the cathode strip, etc. . In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 16 , wetting between the metal-fuel strip 108 ionically conducting strip 107 ′ and cathode strip 141 may be accomplished using applicator 107 and spreading mechanism 171 . It should be understood, however, that other methods of wetting the metal-fuel, ion-conducting, and cathode strips may be employed with superior results.

In general, speed control of each moving component in the FCB system shown in FIG. 16 can be realized in various ways. For example, one approach could be to drive the tape feed cylinders 143, 144, and 145 with a common belt structure that is also used to feed metal-fuel tape (such as the supply and take-up reels inside the cassette-type fuel device 113). reel or supply and take-up reel hubs 117A and 117B). Another approach could be to drive the delivery cylinders 143, 144 and 145 with a first set of DC controlled motors while simultaneously driving with a second set of DC controlled motors synchronized with the first set of DC controlled speed motors. Supply and take-up reels or supply and take-up hubs 117A and 117B in the cassette type fuel device 113 . It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that there are other ways to achieve speed control.

If the cathode belt-based power machine 140 is employed in the metal-fuel belt discharge subsystem, the metal-fuel belt discharge subsystem disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be incorporated into the Each subsystem is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 16 . Thus, those portions of the cathode strip structure 141 along which current is generated may be enclosed as oxygen injection chambers (connected to air pump or oxygen source), and have one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, discharge head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 122 can control the section of the moving cathode belt structure 141 during the discharge operation The internal _pO2 level, and the temperature at which the recharge head is maintained.

Similarly, if a cathode ribbon-based power machine 140 is employed in a metal-fuel ribbon discharge subsystem, the metal-fuel ribbon discharge electrons disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337 can be Each subsystem contained within the system is combined into a system schematically represented in FIG. 16 . Accordingly, those segments in each cathode strip structure 141 along which current is generated can be enclosed as oxygen evacuation cells (connecting to a vacuum pump or similar), and have one or more _pO2 sensors, one or more temperature sensors, recharging head cooling equipment, etc., so that the system controller 120 can control the moving cathode belt structure 141 during the recharging operation The _pO2 level inside this segment, and the temperature at which the recharge head is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 16, during the band discharge operation, the oxygen-enriched air flows through the ultrafine through-holes formed in the cathode band structure 141 and reaches between the metal-fuel band 108 and the corresponding ion-conducting band structure 107. of the junction. During strip discharge operation, oxygen released from the junction between the metal-fuel strip 108 and the ion-conducting strip structure 107 flows into the surrounding environment through the ultrafine pores formed in the cathode strip structure 141 .

The system shown in Figure 16 can be easily modified in various ways. For example, the ion-conducting strip structure 107' can be removed from the system and instead a thin film of ion-conducting gel 7 is applied to the cathode strip structure 141 or the metal-fuel strip 108 during system operation. This is accomplished by utilizing an electrolyte provided by an applicator disposed below the metal-fuel strip 108 and controlled by a dispensing mechanism controlled by the system controller 120 . In operation, a thin film of ionically conductive gel 107 is spread by an applicator on the surface of the metal-fuel strip that contacts the cathode strip 141 . Obviously, the desired thickness of the ion-conducting thin film layer 107 varies with different applications. However, it usually depends on many factors, such as the conductivity of the containing ionically conductive medium, the current expected to be generated by the FCB system during discharge operation, the surface area of the cathode components, etc.

Alternatively, the ion-conducting strip structure 107' can be removed from the system shown in Figure 16 and replaced with a solid ion-conducting thin film layer 107" applied to the cathode strip structure 141 or metal fuel strip during fabrication. In these modifications In the system, the required thickness of the ion-conducting thin film layer 107" will vary with different applications, but generally depends on many factors, such as the conductivity of the ion-conducting medium, the current expected to be generated by the FCB system during the discharge operation , the surface area of the cathode component, etc.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the metal-fuel ribbon employed by the FCB system shown in Figure 16 can be implemented using various methods. As shown in FIG. 17A, a first type of metal-fuel strip 152 is formed as a thin layer of metal-fuel material (such as zinc) 108 on which a thin layer of ionically conductive material 107″ is deposited. As shown in FIG. 17B , the second type of metal-fuel tape 152' is formed by depositing metal powder (such as zinc powder) and a binder (such as polyethylene PVC) on a polyester substrate to form metal-fuel tape 108', where Afterwards, a thin layer of ion-conducting thin film material 107″ is deposited thereon. As shown in FIG. 17C, a third type of metal-fuel ribbon 52 is formed by infusing a metal powder (eg, zinc powder) inside a substrate material, such as polyvinyl chloride PVC, to form a metal-fuel ribbon 108". Thereafter, a thin layer of ion-conducting thin-film material 107" is deposited thereon. Techniques for making metal-fuel ribbons of these configurations are described in co-pending application number 09/074337.

Another embodiment of the cathode strip structure employed in the FCB system shown in FIG. 16 is shown in FIG. 18 . The composition of this cathode strip structure can be made by depositing a thin layer of solid-state ion-conducting thin film on each cathode strip structure shown in the FCB system during the process of manufacturing the cathode strip structure, or by conducting thin-layer ion-conducting films during the working process of the system. This is achieved by applying a gel to each cathode strip structure. Various techniques are available for applying ionically conductive thin film layers to the cathode strip structure.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 16 is designed for use in a single cathode/single anode type of application, it should be understood that this system embodiment can be readily modified to include multiple Electrically isolated cathode components (tracks) for use in conjunction with the multi-channel metal-fuel strips proposed in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 08/944,507, aforesaid.

Fourth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A fourth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system is shown in FIGS. 19-19A. This FCB system is similar to the FCB system 40 shown in FIG. 16, except that it is modified to utilize a double-sided metal-fuel strip 155 in order to improve the FCB system volumetric power density characteristics. The main difference between these two FCB systems is that in the FCB systems shown in Figures 19 to 19A, the strip path layout in the FCB system 155 is designed so that the metal-fuel strips conveyed through the system 155 are discharged from both sides, thus, can Get more out of your metal-fuel belt. Clearly, metal-fuel strips 108 and 108" are double-sided and thus suitable for use in system 155. Metal-fuel strips 108 and 108" can be easily adjusted to carry metal-fuel material on both sides of their substrates. In all other respects, the FCB system shown in Figures 19 to 19A is similar to the FCB system shown in Figure 16 .

As shown in Figures 19 to 19A, the double-sided metal-fuel ribbons 108 and 108" are discharged along their lower (i.e. inner) surface 156 as they are transported over the first set of cathode and ion-conducting ribbons (141 and 171), And after routing for the path guide rollers 114A, the double sided metal-fuel ribbons 108 and 108" are discharged along their upper (ie outer) surface 157 as they are conveyed over the second set of cathode and ion-conducting ribbons. As shown, after being routed for the roller 148A, the double-sided metal-fuel ribbon 108 is again discharged along its lower (i.e., inner) surface 156 as it is conveyed over the third set of cathode and ion-conducting ribbons, and after routing for the path After being routed by guide rollers 148B, the double-sided metal-fuel ribbon 108 is again discharged along its upper (ie, outer) surface as it is conveyed over the fourth set of cathode and ion-conducting ribbons. As shown in Figures 19 to 19A, a plurality of cathode and anode contact members 123A and 123B are rotatably mounted along each set of cathode and ionically conductive strips inside the FCB system. As shown in more detail in Figure 19B - Pair of cathode and anode contact members 123A and 123B. As shown, a metal-fuel strip 108 (108"), a section of ion-conducting strip 107', and a section of cathode strip 141 (moving at the same speed) are arranged between the cathode and anode contact members 123A and 123B, during discharge operation Electric power is generated electrochemically during the process.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 19 and 19A is designed for use in single cathode/single anode type applications, it should be understood that this system embodiment can be readily modified to include multiple strip structures along the flexible cathode Electrically isolated cathode components (tracks) were formed for use in conjunction with the multi-track metal-fuel belts proposed in the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 08/944,507 of the applicant.

Fifth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A fifth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system is shown in FIG. 20 . This FCB system is similar to the FCB system 40 shown in Figures 19 and 19A utilizing a dual metal-fuel belt. The main difference between these two FCB systems is that in the FCB system shown in Figures 19 to 19A the ionically conductive medium is formed as an ionically conductive thin film layer 107 applied over each cathode strip structure. In all other respects, the FCB system shown in Figure 20 is similar to the FCB system shown in Figures 19 to 19A.

In FIG. 20B, a pair of cathode-contacting members 123A and anode-contacting members 123B employed in the FCB system shown in FIG. 20 is shown in more detail. As shown in the figure, a metal-fuel belt 108 (108"), a section of ion-conducting belt 107', and a section of cathode belt 141 (moving at the same speed) are arranged between the cathode and anode contact rollers 142 and 143, and during the discharge Electric power is generated electrochemically during operation.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 20 is designed for use in a single cathode/single anode type of application, it should be understood that this system embodiment can be readily modified to include multiple Electrically isolated cathode components (tracks) for use in conjunction with the multi-track metal-fuel belts proposed in the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 08/944,507 of the applicant.

Sixth illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A sixth illustrative embodiment of an FCB system is shown in FIG. 21 . This FCB system is similar to the FCB system shown in Figures 20 and 20A utilizing a double-sided metal-fuel ribbon 108 (108"). The main difference between the two FCB systems is that in the FCB system shown in Figures 20 and 20A , adjacent pairs of cathodes 141A and 141B, 141B and 141C, and 141C and 141D are closely installed together.As shown in Figure 20A, the double-sided metal-fuel strip can be discharged from its upper and lower sides, so as to improve the FCB system Bulk power density. This improved scheme needs to adopt the cathode and anode contacting mechanism shown in Fig. 21A.As shown in the figure, a pair of adjacent cathode belts 141A and 141B pass through a pair of system casings in a rotatable manner respectively The installed cathode contacting parts 123A1 and 123A2 are in contact, and at the same time, a common anode contacting part 62 mounted in a rotatable manner by the system case is in contact with the metal-fuel belt conveyed by this mechanism. This configuration makes the double-sided metal - Both sides of the fuel ribbon 108 (108") can be discharged simultaneously. In all other respects, the FCB system in Figure 21 is similar to the FCB system shown in Figures 20 to 20A.

In addition, the system shown in FIG. 21 can be improved in various ways. One approach is to remove the ion-conducting layer from the cathode strip structure and instead form a solid ion-conducting film (or gel) on both sides of a double-sided metal-fuel strip 108 (108") transported mechanically by discharge 107″.

Although the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 21 is designed for use in a single cathode/single anode type of application, it should be understood that this system embodiment could easily be modified to include multiple Electrically isolated cathode components (tracks) for use in conjunction with the multi-channel metal-fuel strips proposed in applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 08/944,507, aforesaid.

Seventh illustrative embodiment of the FCB system

A seventh illustrative embodiment of the FCB system is shown in FIG. 22 . This FCB system is similar to the FCB system shown in Figures 20 and 20A. The main difference between these two FCB systems is that in the FCB system shown in FIG. "B and 108C") are provided by supply reels 17A, fed around a plurality of cathode tape structures 411 (and ionically conductive tapes 107'), and then taken up by take-up reels 118B associated with tape cassettes 113 or similar devices, such as Introduced in the co-pending application of the aforementioned applicant's application number 08/944507. This configuration makes it possible for the metal-fuel tape to The bending radius of the metal-fuel belt can be significantly reduced when transporting between them.

Other embodiments of the FCB system of the present invention

Having described in detail some illustrative embodiments of the invention, several simple modifications to these embodiments are advantageous in practicing the invention.

In order to eliminate the need to separately drive and actively control the metal-fuel strip, the movable cathode structure and the ionically conductive medium in this FCB system utilizing complex gel/solid film), and a state of "hydrostatic drag force" established between the ionically conductive medium (such as a belt or applied gel/solid film) and the cathode structure (such as a cylinder or a belt). Because of this hydrostatic drag force, when only these three movable system components (such as metal-fuel belt, ionically conductive media, or The metal-fuel strip, the ionically conductive medium, and the movable cathode structure can be moved (at each point of contact therebetween) at substantially the same speed when moving within the cathode structure. This equalization of delivery and speed significantly reduces the complexity and manufacturing and maintenance costs of the FCB system. Additionally, the metal-fuel ribbon, ionically conductive medium, and movable cathode structure moving within the system can be made without significant frictional forces (eg, shear), thus utilizing a Torque control (or current control) technology delivers these system components at any time.

Hydrostatic drag forces can be generated between these moving system components by maintaining sufficient strength of surface tension between the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel strip and between the ionically conductive medium and the movable cathode structure during system operation . When utilizing an ionically conductive medium as described above, by continuously or periodically applying a uniform coating of water ( _H2O ) and/or electrolyte replenishment solution to the metal-fuel strip (and/or ionically conductive medium) Apparently, surface tensions of sufficient strength can be generated between these three main moving components in an FCB system so that during system operation (1) between the ionically conductive medium and the metal-fuel strip and (2) A "wetting" operation is achieved between the ionically conductive medium and the movable cathode structure. Clearly, the thickness of the water coating and/or electrolyte replenishment solution applied to the metal-fuel ribbon (and/or ionically conductive medium) depends on the metal-fuel ribbon's delivery rate, its water absorption characteristics, etc. In each of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, wetting of the metal-fuel strip and/or the ionically conductive strip can be accomplished using an applicator 170 and a spreading mechanism 171 as shown in the figures. However, it should be understood that other methods of wetting the metal-fuel strip and/or ionically conductive medium may be used with superior results.

For example, in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, periodic or continuous wetting of the metal-fuel strip 108 and the ionically conductive coating 107 on each cathode cylinder 103 can form a sufficient surface tension, thus creating sufficient hydrostatic drag so that each cathode cylinder in the system passively moves at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt it is in contact with while the metal-fuel belt 108 is actively driven only by the belt delivery mechanism 121 ( i.e. rotation). In this alternate embodiment of the invention, the cathode cylinder drive unit 110 and the speed equalization by the system controller 120 can be eliminated and still implement the principles of the invention. This improvement reduces system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 13, periodic or continuous wetting of the ion-conducting strip 107', the metal-fuel strip 108, and each cathode cylinder 103 creates sufficient surface tension therebetween, and Sufficient hydrostatic drag is thus created so that each cathode cylinder 103 in the system passively moves at the same speed as the metal-fuel ribbon it is in contact with while the metal-fuel ribbon 108 is actively driven only by the ribbon transport mechanism 121 . In this alternate embodiment of the invention, the cathode cylinder drive unit 110 and the speed equalization by the system controller 120 can be eliminated and still implement the principles of the invention. This improvement reduces system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, periodic or continuous wetting of metal-fuel strip 108, ion-conducting strip 107', and cathode strip 141 creates sufficient surface tension therebetween, and thus sufficient so that when the metal-fuel belt is actively driven only by its belt delivery mechanism 121, each cathode belt 141, belt delivery cylinders 143 and 144, and ion-conducting belt 107′ is in contact with the metal-fuel belt 108 same speed passive rotation. In this alternate embodiment of the invention, the drum drive unit 147 and speed equalization by the system controller 122 can be eliminated and the principles of the invention still be practiced. Additionally, in some cases, one ionically conductive strip 107' and/or the corresponding cathode strip 141 may be actively driven and the other cathode strip 141, ionically conductive strip 107', and metal-fuel strip 108 may be driven in conjunction with the actively driven cathode strip. The same speed means passive movement with minimum slip. In each case, these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 19, periodic or continuous wetting of the metal-fuel strip 108', the ion-conducting strip 107', and the cathode strip 141 can create sufficient surface tension therebetween, and thus form Sufficient hydrostatic drag so that each cathode belt 141, belt delivery cylinders 43 and 144 ion-conducting belt 107' and belt cylinder 145 come into contact with the metal-fuel belt when it is actively driven only by its belt delivery mechanism 21 The metal-fuel belt 108 passively rotates at the same speed. In this alternate embodiment of the invention, the drum drive unit 147 and speed equalization by the system controller 122 can be eliminated and the principles of the invention still be practiced. Alternatively, in some cases, the ion-conducting strip 107' and/or the corresponding cathode strip 141 can be actively driven and the other cathode strip 141, the ion-conducting strip 107', and the metal-fuel strip 118 can be driven in the same manner as the actively driven cathode strip. The speed is the passive movement according to the minimum slip. In each case, these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 20, periodic or continuous wetting of the metal-fuel strip 108 and the ion-conducting thin-film coating 107 can create sufficient surface tension therebetween, and thus a sufficient hydrostatic fluid. Drag force such that each cathode belt 141 , belt delivery cylinders 143 and 144 passively rotate at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 108 it is in contact with while the metal-fuel belt is actively driven by its belt delivery mechanism 121 alone. In this alternate embodiment of the invention, the drum drive unit 147 and speed equalization by the system controller 122 can be eliminated and the principles of the invention still be practiced. Alternatively, in some cases, one cathode belt 141 may be actively driven and the other cathode belt and metal-fuel belt 108 moved passively at the same speed as the actively driven cathode belt 141 ie with minimal slip. In each case, these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 21, periodic or continuous wetting of the cathode strip 108 and the ion-conducting thin film coating 107 can create sufficient surface tension therebetween, and thus a sufficient hydrostatic drag force. , so that each cathode belt 141 and belt delivery cylinders 143 and 144 passively rotate at the same speed as the metal-fuel belt 108 in contact with it while the metal-fuel belt is actively driven only by its belt delivery mechanism 121. In this alternate embodiment of the invention, the drum drive unit 147 and speed equalization by the system controller 122 can be eliminated and the principles of the invention still be practiced. Alternatively, in some cases, one cathode belt 141 may be actively driven and the other cathode belt and ionized conductive medium 108 moved passively at the same speed as the actively driven cathode belt 40, ie with minimal slip. In each case, these improvements reduce system complexity, as well as manufacturing and maintenance costs.

In addition, a plurality of cathode cylinders (or cathode belts) of the general type disclosed above can be rotatably mounted inside an array-like support structure, as described in the application number 09/110761 filed on the same day of the applicant, entitled "Using Multiple Metal-Air Fuel Cell Stack Systems with Moving Cathode Structures for Increased Bulk Power Density" is disclosed in a co-pending application filed herein, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The cathode support tube in each such cylindrical cathode structure may be driven by a supply belt of metal-fuel belt conveyed over its surface in a predetermined belt path. Metal-fuel belt delivery can be accomplished using a belt delivery structure similar to that disclosed in Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 09/074337. The ionically conductive medium may be realized as a solid film or thin layer applied to the outer surface of each cylindrical cathode structure or the inner surface of the metal-fuel strip, as described in the disclosed illustrative embodiments. Alternatively, the ionically conductive medium may be realized in the form of an ionically conductive strip configured to be transported through the cylindrical cathode array between the metal-fuel strip and the surface of the cathode cylinder. With this system design, very high electrical power can be generated from a physical structure occupying a relatively small spatial volume, thus having many advantages over prior art FCB systems.

Application of the metal-air FCB system of the present invention

Typically, the metal-air FCB system described above can be combined with other subsystems to provide a power generation system (or power plant) in which real-time management of the metal-fuel in the system is used to meet AC and/or DC peak power demands of all types of electrical loads without sacrificing reliability or operating efficiency.

For purposes of illustration, in FIG. 23A is shown a power generation system 700 of the present invention embedded in an electric vehicle, train, truck, or load powered by one or more AC and/or DC sources known in the art (e.g. electric motors) other types of power delivery systems implemented in the form of motor vehicles or within motor vehicles 701 . The power generation system 700 shown in FIG. 23B is implemented as a stationary power station. For each configuration, a power generation system 700 is shown with auxiliary and hybrid power sources 702, 703, and 704 connected thereto. In general, the power generation system 700 is configured to generate DC electrical power for provision to a DC type electrical load 702 (as shown in FIG. 23A ), or to generate AC electrical power for provision to one or more AC type electrical loads 702 (as shown in shown in Figure 23B). Each system embodiment is described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 24A, a first illustrative embodiment of a power generation system 700 includes: an output DC power bus structure 706 for providing DC power to a plurality of DC type electrical loads 707A-707D connected thereto; metal- A network of air FCB (sub)systems 708A-708H, each (sub)system operatively connected to the DC power bus structure 706 by its output power control subsystem so as to be able to provide DC electrical power to the DC power bus structure; output voltage control A subsystem 709, operatively connected to the DC power bus structure 706, for controlling (i.e., regulating) the voltage output along the DC power bus structure 706; a load detection circuit 710, operatively connected to the DC power bus structure 706, for real-time detection along the load state of the DC power bus structure 706 and generate an input signal representing the load state along the DC power bus structure 706; the network control subsystem (such as a microcomputer with RAM/ROM/EPROM) 711 is used to control each Operation of individual FCB subsystems (e.g. by controlling discharge/recharge parameters during operation in discharge/recharge mode, and collection of metal-fuel and metal-oxide representative data by each specific FCB subsystem on a real-time basis ); FCB subsystem control bus structure 712, with its input/output subsystem to which each FCB subsystem 708A-708H is operatively connected, for enabling metal-fuel representative data to be transmitted from the FCB subsystem to the network control subsystem 711 and enables control signals to be transmitted from the network control subsystem 711 to the FCB subsystem during power generation operation; and a network-based metal-fuel management subsystem (such as a relational database management system) 713 operatively connected to the network control subsystem 711 for storing information representative of the amount of metal-fuel (and metal-oxide) present along each zone in each metal-fuel track within each FCB subsystem that Connected between busbar structures 706 and 712 in the system; DC power busbar structure 714 for providing auxiliary and hybrid power supplies 702, 703, 704 and 704' to each FCB subsystem 707A-707H during recharging operation the generated DC electrical power; and an input voltage control subsystem 715 for controlling the input voltage of the DC power bus structure 714.

Generally, any FCB subsystem disclosed here can be connected to the above-mentioned power supply network. Embedding each FCB subsystem can be accomplished simply by connecting its input/output subsystem to the FCB subsystem control bus structure 712 and its output power control subsystem to the DC power bus structure 706 . In addition, each FCB subsystem contains a metal-fuel recharging subsystem for recharging the metal-fuel rails under the overall control of the network control subsystem 711 .

Another embodiment of the power generation system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 24B. In this alternative embodiment, a DC-AC power conversion subsystem 716 is provided between the output DC power bus structure 706 and the output AC power bus structure 70, to which AC type electrical loads 707A and 707D are controllably connected. superior. In this alternate embodiment of the power generation system of the present invention, the DC electrical power supplied to the DC power bus structure 706 is converted to AC power supplied to the AC power bus structure 717 . An output voltage control unit 709 is provided for controlling the voltage output along the AC power bus structure 717 . The AC electrical power delivered to the AC power bus structure 717 is provided to an AC electrical load (eg, an AC motor) connected thereto.

In the preferred embodiment, the relational database management system in fuel management subsystem 713 includes means for maintaining a plurality of information representing each of the metal-fuel rails along each FCB subsystem in the power generation system Information data sheets on regional availability of metal-fuel (and occurrence of metal oxides) quantities. In Fig. 24C, these data tables are schematically represented. As electrical power is generated by the various FCB subsystems, metal-fuel representative data is automatically generated within each subsystem during the discharge mode, while metal oxide occurrence data is generated during the recharge mode of operation. As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B , locally generated metal-fuel representative data and metal-oxide representative data are transmitted to network-based The metal-fuel/metal-oxide management subsystem 713.

In many applications it is desirable to manage the consumption of metal-fuel in each FCB subsystem 707A and 707D so that each such FCB subsystem has substantially the same amount of metal-fuel available at each instant in time. This metal-fuel equalization principle is implemented using the network control subsystem 711, which performs the following functions: (1) detection of the status of the actual load along the DC power bus structure by the load detection subsystem 710; (2) Responsive to these sensed load conditions cause specific FCB subsystems (708A-708B) to generate and provide electrical power to the DC output power bus structure 706; (3) manage using the web-based metal-fuel management (database) subsystem 713 Availability of metal-fuel and metal-oxide occurrence within FCB subsystems; and (4) selective discharge (and optionally metal-oxidation along) metal-fuel channels within selected subsystems material selective recharging) to substantially equalize the metal-fuel availability within each FCB subsystem according to the time averaging principle. This method can be realized by software programming techniques well known in the field of computer technology.

The advantages resulting from the network control subsystem 711 can be fully appreciated by way of example with reference to FIG. 25: "Fuel parity" on each FCB subsystem.

Generally, the amount of electrical power produced by a power supply system depends on the amount of electrical power required by electrical loads connected to the system. According to the present invention, by having an additional metal-air FCB subsystem under the control of the programmed network control subsystem 711 generate electrical power and provide this electrical power to the output power bus structure 706 (or 717 in the case of an AC load), The system increases output electric power. For example, consider a power supply system with 8 FCB subsystems connected between its DC power bus structure 706 and FCB subsystem control bus structure 712 . In such an example, the analogy of each FCB subsystem 707A through 708D as a "power cylinder" inside a power machine capable of doing work may help in understanding. Therefore, consider the example of an electric power generation system (or power plant) according to the present invention in which 8 sub FCB systems (i.e. power cylinders) are combined together and contained inside an electric motor vehicle or similar motor vehicle structure, as shown in Figure 23A . In this instance, the number of FCB subsystems (ie, power cylinders) that can generate electrical power at any instant depends on the electrical loads presented to the power generating stations on the motor vehicle. Therefore, when the motor vehicle is driving along the level road surface or sliding downhill, it can be considered that the network control subsystem 711 is used to enable only one or several FCB subsystems (ie power cylinders) to work, and when driving uphill or overtaking another In the case of a motor vehicle, use the network control subsystem 711 to enable more or all FCB subsystems (ie, power cylinders) to work, so as to meet the power requirements in these working states. The average rate of metal-fuel consumption within each metal-air FCB subsystem 708A through 708H is time-averaged substantially Equalization is such that the amount of metal-fuel available for discharge in each FCB subsystem 708A to 708H is maintained substantially equal on a time average using the network control subsystem 711 .

In this illustrative embodiment, network control subsystem 711 implements control processes (ie, algorithms) designed to receive various parameters and generate various output parameters to implement the control processes of the present invention in an automated fashion. The input parameters in this control method include, for example, some data related to the following factors: ① the load state detected by the load detection subsystem 710 and other sensors on the electric motor vehicle (such as the revolutions/minute of the motor, the motor vehicle's speed, etc.); ② the amount of metal-fuel available in each area along the metal-fuel belt inside each metal-air FCB subsystem; The amount of metal-oxide that occurs in each area; ④ discharge parameters related to each metal-air FCB subsystem; ⑤ recharge parameters related to each metal-air FCB subsystem (when recharging mode is provided inside hour). The output parameters in this control process include, for example, some control data for control: ① which set of metal-air FCB subsystems should be used for discharge work at any instant start-up; The metal-fuel area should be discharged at any instant; ③How to control the discharge parameters in each metal-air FCB subsystem at any instant; ④Which group of metal-air FCB subsystems should start working at any instant for regeneration The charging operation; ⑤ which metal-fuel region should be recharged at any instant within the FCB subsystem for start-up operation; and ⑥ how the recharging parameters should be controlled at any instant within each metal-air FCB subsystem. The network control subsystem 711 can be realized by using a programmed microcomputer so as to implement the above-mentioned functions in software. The network control subsystem can be embedded in a simple manner inside the main system (eg motor vehicle 701).

Notably, in the illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 23A through 24C, each metal-air FCB subsystem 708A through 708H has a discharge mode of operation and a recharge mode of operation. Thus, the power generation system (power station) of the present invention is capable of recharging selected areas in the metal-fuel (belt) when the corresponding metal-air FCB subsystem is not active in its discharge mode of operation (generating electric power). According to this aspect of the invention, for auxiliary generators (such as alternators, power supplied by stationary power sources, etc.) 702, 703 and/or hybrid generators (such as photovoltaic cells, Thermoelectric devices, etc.) 704 and 704' may be used to generate electrical power to provide to the input DC power bus structure 714 in the system shown in FIG. 23A. Obviously, during the recharging operation, inside the FCB sub-system of start-up operation, the input DC power bus structure 714 is designed to receive DC electric power from the auxiliary and hybrid power sources 702, 703, 704 and 704' for supplying to the embedded The metal-fuel recharging subsystem inside the metal-air subsystems 708A through 708H is powered to operate on discharge while the main motor vehicle (eg, car) 701 is in motion or stationary, as the case may be. When the metal-fuel is recharging while the motor vehicle is stationary, electrical power from a stationary power source (such as a power receiver) can be provided as an input to this input DC power bus structure 714 for enabling the metal-fuel inside the FCB subsystem to start working. Fuel recharge.

The FCB system of the present invention described above can be used to power various types of circuits, systems, and devices, but is not limited to power tools, household appliances, stand-alone portable generators, motor vehicle systems, and the like.

Having described various aspects of the present invention in detail above, it should be appreciated that modifications to the illustrative embodiments will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. All such modifications and changes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (131)

1. metal-air fuel cell group (FCB) system that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Movable cathode construction;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape that described relatively movable cathode construction can be carried;

The ionic conduction medium is arranged between described movable negative electrode and the described metal-fuel tape, is used for contacting described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape and keeps ionic conduction betwixt in the process of system works; And

Conveying mechanism, described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape are carried toward each other according to essentially identical speed in the position that is used for contacting at the ionic conduction medium at system work process the each point of described metal-fuel tape and described movable cathode construction,

Obviously reduce damage thus to described movable cathode construction and metal-fuel tape.

2. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 1, wherein said movable cathode construction are the middle part that cylindrical shape and having makes the hollow that air can flow through betwixt.

3. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 2, wherein said ionic conduction medium are and described movable cathode construction film in aggregates.

4. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 2, wherein said ionic conduction medium are and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

5. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 2, the ionic conduction band structure of wherein said ionic conduction medium between at least a portion of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, carrying.

6. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 3, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used at system work process described movable cathode construction being moved and according to moving with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape.

7. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 6, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

8. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 4, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used at system work process described movable cathode construction being moved and according to moving with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape.

9. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 5, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used at system work process described movable cathode construction being moved and according to moving with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape; And

The 3rd device, be used for system work process according to and the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape carry described ionic conduction band structure between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

10. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 2, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, and described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape are carried toward each other according to essentially identical speed in the position that is used for contacting at described ionic conduction medium the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

11. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 5, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, and described movable cathode construction, described ionic conduction band structure and described metal-fuel tape are carried toward each other according to essentially identical speed in the position that is used for contacting at described ionic conduction medium the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

12. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 1, wherein said movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure.

13. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 12, wherein said ionic conduction medium are and described cathode belt structure film in aggregates.

14. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 12, wherein said ionic conduction medium are and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

15. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 12, wherein said ionic conduction medium are to be arranged at least a portion of described cathode belt structure and the band structure between described metal-fuel tape.

16. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 13, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for contacting the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape at described ionic conduction medium according to moving described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process.

17. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 16, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

18. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 14, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for contacting the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape at described ionic conduction medium according to moving described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process.

19. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 18, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

20. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 15, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for contacting the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape at described ionic conduction medium according to moving described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process; And

The 3rd device, be used for system work process contact at described ionic conduction medium described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point the position according to and the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape carry the described ionic conduction band between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape in system work process.

21. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 20, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

22. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 12, wherein said conveying mechanism comprise the public band structure that is used to carry described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

23. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 1, the ionic conduction band structure of wherein said ionic conduction medium between at least a portion of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, carrying.

24. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 23, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for contacting the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape at described ionic conduction medium according to moving described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process; And

The 3rd device, be used for system work process contact at described ionic conduction medium described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point the position according to and the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape carry the described ionic conduction band structure between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape in system work process.

25. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 24, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

26. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 23, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, and described cathode belt structure, described ionic conduction band structure and described metal-fuel tape are carried according to moving relative to each other with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape in the position that is used for contacting at described ionic conduction medium the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

27. method that is used for producing electrical power from air-fuel battery group (FCB) system, this system has movable cathode construction, ionic conduction medium feed mechanism and ionic conduction medium source, be used for keeping ion at system work process between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape and carry, the step that described method comprises has:

(a) the supply band of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape is set, makes described ionic conduction medium be set to form physics and contact with described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape; And

(b) described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape are moved relative to each other.

28. method according to claim 27, wherein in step (b) process, described movable cathode construction moves according to essentially identical speed with the position that contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape at described ionic conduction band.

29. method according to claim 27, cylindrical and the middle part of wherein said movable cathode construction with hollow that the air flows of making therefrom passes through.

30. method according to claim 27, wherein said movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure.

31. method according to claim 27, wherein said ionic conduction medium are and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

32. method according to claim 27, wherein said described ionic conduction medium are and described movable cathode construction film in aggregates.

33. method according to claim 27, wherein said ionic conduction medium are arranged at least a portion of described movable cathode construction and the ionic conduction band structure between described metal-fuel tape.

34. comprising, method according to claim 27, wherein said step (b) utilize motor to move one or more described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

35. comprising, method according to claim 27, wherein said step (b) utilize public band structure to move described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

36. metal-air fuel cell group (FCB) system that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Movable cathode construction;

Can be described relatively in the process of system works the supply band of metal-fuel tape of carrying of movable cathode construction;

The ionic conduction medium is arranged between described movable negative electrode and the described metal-fuel tape, is used for contacting described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape and keeps ionic conduction betwixt in the process of system works; And

Conveying mechanism is used at system work process described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape being carried toward each other.

37. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 36, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a device, is used to make movable cathode construction to carry toward each other according to essentially identical speed at the position that described ionic conduction band contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape with described metal-fuel tape.

38. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 36, wherein said movable cathode construction is cylindrical and have a middle part that makes the hollow that air flows therefrom passes through.

39. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 38, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and movable cathode construction film in aggregates.

40. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 38, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and ionic conduction band film in aggregates.

41. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 38, wherein said ionic conduction medium is the ionic conduction band structure of carrying between at least a portion of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

42. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 38, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for moving described movable cathode construction at system work process relative to described metal-fuel tape.

43. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 42, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises the motor that one or more is used for moving relative to described movable cathode construction described metal-fuel tape with described second device.

44. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 39, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape to move described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of metal fuel band at system work process.

45. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 44, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

46. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 41, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First installs, and is used for moving relative to described movable cathode construction the supply band of described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for moving described movable cathode construction at system work process relative to described metal-fuel tape; And

The 3rd device is used for carrying described ionic conduction band at system work process between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

47. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 36, wherein said conveying mechanism comprise a public band structure, are used at system work process described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape being carried toward each other.

48. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 41, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used at system work process described movable cathode construction, described ionic conduction band structure and described metal-fuel tape being carried toward each other.

49. metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to claim 36, wherein said movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure.

50. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 49, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described cathode belt structure film in aggregates.

51. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 49, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

52. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 49, wherein said ionic conduction medium is one to be arranged at least a portion of described cathode belt structure and the band structure between described metal-fuel tape.

53. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 51, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape to move described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of metal fuel band at system work process.

54. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 53, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

55. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 54, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape to move described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of metal fuel band at system work process.

56. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 55, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

57. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 52, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for moving described movable cathode construction at system work process relative to described metal-fuel tape; And

The 3rd device is used for carrying described ionic conduction band structure at system work process between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

58. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 57, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

59. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 49, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used to carry described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

60. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 49, wherein said ionic conduction medium is an ionic conduction band structure of carrying between at least a portion of described movable cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

61. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 60, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape to move described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of metal fuel band at system work process; And

The 3rd device is used for contacting the position of each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape with metal fuel band essentially identical speed to carry described ionic conduction band structure at described ionic conduction medium at system work process between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

62. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 61, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

63. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 60, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used to make described cathode belt structure, described ionic conduction band structure and described metal-fuel tape to carry toward each other according to essentially identical speed at the position that described ionic conduction medium contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

64. metal-air fuel cell group (FCB) system that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Cathode construction;

The supply band of one metal-fuel tape that described relatively cathode construction can be carried in described system work process;

One ionic conduction band is arranged between described cathode construction and the described metal-fuel tape, is used for contacting described cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape and keeps ionic conduction betwixt in the process of system works; And

Conveying mechanism is used for carrying described ionic conduction band at described relatively metal-fuel tape of system work process and described cathode construction.

65. a metal-air fuel cell battery systems that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Movable cathode construction;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape can be carried by described relatively movable cathode construction in system work process; And

The ionic conduction medium is arranged between described movable negative electrode and the described metal-fuel tape, is used for contacting described cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape and keeping ionic conduction betwixt in the process of system works.

66. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 65, wherein also comprise conveying mechanism, be used for described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape being carried toward each other at system work process.

67. metal-air fuel cell (FCB) group system that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

A plurality of movable cathode constructions; Each is installed in box house, so that move around a closed path;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape can be carried in the predetermined belt path of described box house extension along one by described relatively movable cathode construction in system work process;

The ionic conduction medium, in the process of system works, be arranged between described a plurality of movable negative electrode and the described metal-fuel tape, be used at the process described movable cathode construction of contact of system works and metal-fuel tape of carrying thereon, and between described a plurality of movable negative electrodes and described metal-fuel tape, keep ionic conduction; And

Conveying mechanism is used for described relatively casing and carries described a plurality of movable cathode construction, described metal-fuel tape and described ionic conduction band medium.

68. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 67, wherein each described movable cathode construction is the middle part that cylindrical shape and having makes the hollow that air can flow through betwixt.

69. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 68, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and each described cathode belt structure film in aggregates.

70. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 68, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

71. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 68, wherein said ionic conduction medium is the ionic conduction band structure of carrying between at least a portion of each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

72. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 69, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the relative supply band of carrying described metal-fuel tape at each described movable cathode construction of described box house; And

Second device is used for moving and according to moving each described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process.

73. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 72, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate each described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described each movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

74. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 70, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that described relatively movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device is used for moving and according to moving described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process.

75. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 69, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that relative each described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for moving and according to moving described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape relative to described metal-fuel tape at system work process; And

The 3rd the device, be used for system work process between each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape according to carrying described ionic conduction band structure with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape.

76. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 68, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used to make each described cathode belt structure to carry toward each other according to essentially identical speed at the position that described ionic conduction medium contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape with described metal-fuel tape.

77. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 71, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used to make described movable cathode construction, described ionic conduction band structure and described metal-fuel tape to carry toward each other according to essentially identical speed at the position that described ionic conduction medium contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

78. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 67, wherein each described movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure.

79. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 78, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and each described cathode belt structure film in aggregates.

80. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 78, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

81. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 78, wherein said ionic conduction medium is the band structure that is provided with between at least a portion of each described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

82. 1 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that relative each described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device, be used at system work process, the position of moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point relative to described metal-fuel tape is according to moving each described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape.

83. 2 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate each described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described each movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

84. 0 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that relative each described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape; And

Second device, be used at system work process, the position of moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point relative to described metal-fuel tape is according to moving each described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape.

85. 4 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate each described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described each movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

86. 1 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that relative each described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device, be used at system work process, the position of moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point relative to described metal-fuel tape is according to moving each described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape; And

The 3rd device, be used at system work process contacts each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point at described ionic conduction medium position according to and the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape between each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, carry described ionic conduction band structure.

87. 6 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate each described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative described each movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

88. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 78, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used to carry described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

89. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 67, wherein said ionic conduction medium is the band structure of carrying between at least a portion of each described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

90. 9 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises:

First device is used for the supply band that relative each described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape;

Second device is used for moving and contact at described ionic conduction medium the position of each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point relative to described metal-fuel tape according to moving each described movable cathode construction with the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape at system work process; And

The 3rd device, be used at system work process contacts described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape each point at described ionic conduction medium position according to and the essentially identical speed of described metal-fuel tape in system work process, between each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, carry described ionic conduction band structure.

91. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 90, wherein said first device comprises the motor that one or more is used to rotate each described movable cathode construction, comprises one or more with described second device and is used for the motor that relative each described movable cathode construction is carried described metal-fuel tape.

92. 9 described metal-air fuel cell battery systems according to Claim 8, wherein said conveying mechanism comprises a public band structure, is used to make each described cathode belt structure, described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape to carry toward each other according to essentially identical speed at the position that described ionic conduction medium contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

93. method that is used for producing electrical power from air-fuel battery group (FCB) system, this system has casing, a plurality of movable cathode construction, ionic conduction medium feed mechanism and ionic conduction medium source, be used for keeping the conveying ion at system work process between each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, the step that described method comprises has:

(a) the supply band of described a plurality of movable cathode constructions and described metal-fuel tape is set at described box house, makes that described ionic conduction medium is set to be made it to become physics to contact with each described movable cathode construction with described metal-fuel tape; And

(b) each described movable cathode construction, described metal-fuel tape and described ionic conduction medium are moved relative to described casing.

94. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein described in step (b) process, described each movable cathode construction moves according to essentially identical speed with the position that contacts the each point of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape at described ionic conduction medium.

95. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said movable cathode construction is cylindrical and have a middle part that makes the hollow that air flows therefrom passes through.

96. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure.

97. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said described ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

98. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said described ionic conduction medium is and each described movable cathode construction film in aggregates.

99. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said ionic conduction medium is arranged at least a portion of described movable cathode construction and the ionic conduction band structure between described metal-fuel tape.

100. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said step (b) comprises utilizes one or more motor to move each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

101. according to the described method of claim 93, wherein said step (b) comprises utilizes public band structure to move described cathode belt structure and described metal-fuel tape.

102. metal-air fuel cell group (FCB) system that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

A plurality of movable cathode constructions, each is installed in box house, makes it to move around a closed path;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape, it can move along the predetermined belt path of extending at described box house relative to described movable cathode construction; And

The ionic conduction medium, be arranged between described a plurality of movable negative electrode and the described metal-fuel tape, be used for contacting each described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape of carrying thereon and between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, keep ionic conduction in the process of system works.

103., also comprise according to the described metal-air fuel cell group of claim 102 (FCB) system:

Conveying mechanism is used for described relatively casing and carries described a plurality of movable cathode construction, described metal-fuel tape and described metal-fuel tape.

104. a metal-air fuel cell battery systems that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Be installed in a plurality of movable cathode construction of box house;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape can be carried by described relatively a plurality of movable cathode constructions in described system work process;

Wherein, each described movable cathode construction has the ionic conduction coating on its outer surface, described coating is arranged between described movable cathode construction and the described metal-fuel tape, be used to contact described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, and in the process of system works, keep ionic conduction betwixt.

105., also comprise according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 104:

Conveying mechanism is used for carrying described metal-fuel tape at the described relatively a plurality of movable cathode constructions of the process of described system works.

106. a metal-air fuel cell battery systems that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Be installed in a plurality of cathode constructions of box house;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape can be carried by described relatively a plurality of cathode constructions in described system work process; And

The ionic conduction band is arranged between each described cathode construction and the described metal-fuel tape, is used for process each described cathode construction of contact and described metal-fuel tape in system works, and keeps ionic conduction betwixt.

107., also comprise according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 106:

Conveying mechanism is used for carrying described ionic conduction band at the described relatively metal-fuel tape of the process of described system works and described a plurality of movable cathode construction.

108. a metal-air fuel cell battery systems that is used to produce electrical power comprises:

Be installed in a plurality of movable cathode construction of box house, can move around a closed path;

The supply band of metal-fuel tape that described relatively a plurality of movable cathode construction can be carried;

The ionic conduction band, in described system work process, be arranged between described movable cathode construction and the described metal-fuel tape, be used at the process described movable cathode construction of contact of system works and described metal-fuel tape of on described ionic conduction medium, carrying, and between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape, keep ionic conduction;

Conveying mechanism, be used for the described a plurality of movable cathode constructions of described relatively casing active transportation, described metal-fuel tape and described metal-fuel medium at least one of them;

Surface tension is kept mechanism, be used for maintaining between (i) described ionic conduction medium and the described metal-fuel tape and/or the surface tension of the sufficient intensity between (ii) described ionic conduction medium and the described movable cathode construction at system work process, so that in system work process, work as described movable cathode construction, during dielectric one of them the relative described casing active transportation at least of described metal-fuel tape and described ion guide, utilization makes described metal-fuel tape by the hydrostatic of the surface tension generation of the described intensity of keeping, described ionic conduction medium and described movable cathode construction each contact point betwixt move with essentially identical speed.

109. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, wherein surface tension is kept mechanism and is comprised:

Damping device, be used for at system work process with water (H ₂O) and/or the coating of electrolyte make-up solution be applied to described metal-fuel tape and/or the dielectric surface of described ion guide so that in system work process between (i) described ionic conduction medium and the described metal-fuel tape and/or carry out wetting between (ii) described ionic conduction medium and the described movable cathode construction.

110. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 109, wherein the thickness of the described coating of water and/or electrolyte make-up solution depends on the speed and the water absorption characteristic of described metal-fuel tape.

111. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 109, wherein damping device comprises a mechanism, is used to scatter and apply the coating of described water and/or electrolyte make-up solution to described metal-fuel tape and/or the dielectric surface of described ion guide.

112. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, wherein said transport sector comprises one by machinery, electricity or the power-actuated prime mover of pneumatic action.

113. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, wherein said prime mover drives through spring mechanism.

114. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, wherein said movable cathode construction is cylindrical and have a middle part that makes the hollow that air flows therefrom passes through.

115. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 114, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described movable cathode construction film in aggregates.

116. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 114, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

117. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, wherein said ionic conduction medium is the ionic conduction band structure between at least a portion of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape.

118. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, the cathode belt structure that wherein said described movable cathode construction is.

119. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 118, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described cathode belt structure film in aggregates.

120. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 118, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

121. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 118, wherein said movable cathode construction is described cathode belt structure, and described ionic conduction medium is arranged at least a portion of described cathode belt structure and the ionic conduction band structure between described metal-fuel tape.

122. according to the described metal-air fuel cell battery systems of claim 108, one of them that wherein have only described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape in system work process with respect to described casing active transportation.

123. method that is used for producing electrical power from air fuel cell battery systems, this system has casing, movable cathode construction, the supply band of metal-fuel tape, ionic conduction medium supply source, this ionic conduction medium is used for keeping ion at system work process between described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape to be carried, and the step that described method comprises has:

(a) the supply band of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape is set at described box house, makes described ionic conduction medium be set to make it to form physics and contact with described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape; And

(b) the described movable cathode construction of described relatively casing active transportation, described metal-fuel tape and described ion guide dielectric at least one of them, simultaneously in system work process, maintain between described ionic conduction medium and the described metal-fuel tape and described ionic conduction medium and described movable cathode construction between the surface tension of sufficient intensity, make because the hydrostatic that the surface tension of the described intensity of keeping produces makes described metal-fuel tape, described ionic conduction medium moves with the essentially identical speed of respectively pressing that each movable cathode construction contacts betwixt.

124. according to the described method of claim 123, wherein said movable cathode construction is cylindrical and have a middle part that makes the hollow that air flows therefrom passes through.

125. according to the described method of claim 123, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

126. according to the described method of claim 123, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described movable cathode construction film in aggregates.

127. according to the described method of claim 123, wherein said movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure.

128. according to the described method of claim 127, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described metal-fuel tape film in aggregates.

129. according to the described method of claim 127, wherein said ionic conduction medium is and described cathode belt structure film in aggregates.

130. according to the described method of claim 123, wherein said movable cathode construction is a cathode belt structure, and described ionic conduction medium is arranged at least a portion of described cathode belt structure and the ionic conduction band structure between described metal-fuel tape.

131., wherein in step (a) process, in system work process, have only one of them relative described casing active transportation of described movable cathode construction and described metal-fuel tape according to the described method of claim 123.

Images