DE112016007000T5 - Metal-gas battery system comprising a gas distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal-gas battery system for providing electrical energy, in particular for a vehicle, having a metal-gas battery pack, which is set up for outputting electrical energy and has at least one battery cell with a first gas connection and a second gas connection, which are interconnected in such a way that gas can flow through the at least one battery cell. Preferably, the system further comprises a gas distribution device configured to selectively control a gas supply of the metal-gas battery pack. Further preferably, the system has two operating states, which are controlled by the gas distribution device, wherein gas flowing in a first operating state is distributed to the first gas connection and gas flowing in a second operating state to the second gas connection.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of metal-oxygen battery systems for vehicles, in particular for electric or hybrid vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a battery system having at least one battery cell with a first gas connection and a second gas connection, which are connected to each other in such a way that gas can flow through the at least one battery cell and a gas distribution device. Alternatively or additionally, the system may be used in stationary facilities, particularly as reuse after initial use in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

While most conventional long-distance vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and non-electrified locomotives, have been powered by gasoline or diesel engines, the development of electric or hybrid vehicles, particularly vehicles powered at least in part by electric motors, has steadily increased. In particular, a steady stream of improvements in battery research has brought a large number of hybrid electric vehicles to city streets. Additional benefits have a similar effect on so-called plug-in hybrids, hybrid vehicles, which can be recharged from the grid. Despite these achievements for electrically powered vehicles, both types of hybrid vehicles are heavily dependent on oil-fired internal combustion engines for line driving.

For this purpose, a variety of battery systems have been developed as suitable storage of electrical energy, including in particular lithium-ion batteries, which are used for most of today's electric and hybrid vehicles. A disadvantage of such lithium-ion batteries is their limited energy density, i. stored electrical energy based on the weight or volume of the battery. This limitation is caused, among other things, by the fact that all the chemical constituents needed for the electrochemical reactions taking place in the battery cells are already present in the charged battery, so that they add to the weight or volume.

In order to fully establish electric vehicles in the market, a battery storage of practical size and weight and affordable price is needed, which provides sufficient electrical energy in a single charge for a driver to drive at least a few hundred kilometers. In the light of this requirement, one focus of the electric vehicle industry is in battery research for a so-called "metal-air battery" or "metal-oxygen battery", which, for example, in US Pat U.S. Patent 5,510,209 to be discribed.

Such a battery comprises one or more electrochemical cells each having a first electrode - usually called an "anode" - made of or having at least one suitable metal and a second electrode - normally called a "cathode" - which is operated with ambient air or oxygen, and a separator, which is arranged between the two electrodes for electrically separating these, on. In particular, the anode may comprise an alloy comprising such a metal as the first constituent and one or more further metal or non-metal constituents, such as carbon ( C ), Tin (Sn) or silicon (Si), with the metal component remaining to react in the electrochemical, ie galvanic cell, electrochemical cell-generating chemical reactions. Instead of such an alloy, a transition metal oxide may also be used as the anode material. Furthermore, an electrolyte, which may be particularly organic, aqueous or solid, is present in the cathode and optionally in the separator. In particular, it is known to use zinc, aluminum or lithium as the metal for the anode. On the cathode side, oxygen is the relevant electrochemical component and, unlike lithium-ion batteries, it does not have to be present in the charged battery from the beginning, but rather from the ambient air or in the form of an oxygen-containing gas or pure oxygen from a source such as be supplied to a tank or other container during discharge of the battery this. As a result, batteries with a much higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries are possible. These metal-air batteries provide a high theoretical electrical capacity, especially when the oxygen mass is not taken into account.

In energy production, this oxygen reacts at the cathode of a lithium-ion-air battery with lithium to form LiO ₂ and / or Li ₂ O ₂ (lithium peroxide) as discharge (reaction) products. In this reaction, one mole of O ₂ releases two molar electrons. Furthermore, oxygen is generated at the cathode and can be reused in a subsequent discharge process when such a battery is being recharged.

The publication US 2010/0190082 A1 relates to a fuel cell comprising a stack of fuel channels through which fuel flows, and air passages through which oxygen flows, wherein the fuel passages and air passages are disposed on both sides of a reaction layer, an actuator arranged to be engaged in the air passages, wherein outside air of the stack through the actuator affects the air passages, and a lower part extends from the stack and which communicates with the air channels. The actuator can deliver an air flow in a direction to the air passages and in an opposite direction thereto, namely an oscillating flow (ie in the negative direction). Accordingly, the air within the air passages generates an oscillating flow within the air passages without hardly flowing out of the air passages under the influence of outside air which generates an oscillating flow. This becomes a factor for stably maintaining the temperature and humidity conditions of the outside air in the stack. In addition, the oscillating flow allows the water to be removed from the stack as a reaction by-product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved metal-oxygen battery system for vehicles, in particular with regard to homogeneity of performance and depth of discharge of the battery system.

A solution to this problem is provided by the teaching of the independent claims, namely a vehicle battery system according to claim 1 and a method of operating such a battery system according to claim 11 or 12.

Various preferred embodiments and further improvements of the invention are provided in the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a metal-gas battery system for providing electrical energy, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a metal-gas battery pack, which is set up for outputting electrical energy and at least one battery cell with a first gas connection and a second gas connection, which are connected to each other in such a way that gas can flow through the at least one battery cell. Preferably, the system further comprises a gas distribution device configured to selectively control a gas supply of the metal-gas battery pack. Further preferably, the system has two operating states, which are controlled by the gas distribution device, wherein gas flowing in a first operating state is distributed to the first gas connection and gas flowing in a second operating state to the second gas connection.

As used herein, the term "gas distribution device" is any means of distributing gas between different ports or supply lines. A gas distribution device is preferably controlled by at least one actuator and a control algorithm.

The term "gas" as used herein refers to a gas having oxygen as one of its constituents. In particular, the oxygen component may comprise a molecular oxygen, preferably O ₂ . Also, a substantially pure oxygen is a "gas" as used herein. The gas is selected in response to chemical materials of the electrodes of the battery pack, particularly its anode side, so that the necessary chemical reactions to generate electrical energy in the gas can take place during a discharge cycle.

The term "metal-gas battery pack" as used herein refers to a battery pack in which the electrochemically relevant chemical constituent of one of the electrodes is a gas, in particular O ₂ . In order to assist the electrochemical reactions taking place in the battery pack, the gas is provided to the at least two galvanic battery cells of the battery pack, in particular on the cathode side of the battery cells. In particular, the term "metal-gas battery" refers to a battery which uses oxygen as a gas, in particular a metal-air battery or a metal-oxygen battery.

The invention is based in particular on the approach that incoming gas, in particular oxygen, which is provided at the cathode of the battery cells during discharge, is distributed evenly to the first gas connections and the second gas connections of the battery cells.

Since oxygen responds from the moment it enters an inlet channel of a battery cell, the partial gas pressure from the inlet channel to the outlet channel decreases. This also reduces the rate of reaction from the inlet channel to the outlet channel during a discharge process. In particular, when no pure oxygen is used, but gas having a plurality of different types of pure gases, such as air, also the concentration of oxygen in this gas continuously decreases from the inlet channel to the outlet channel of a battery cell. This also reduces the reaction rate, which is greater at the inlet channel than at the outlet channel.

Furthermore, the discharge products may form layers at the cathode during a discharge process, which isolate the oxygen from the lithium cations and thus inhibit the discharge process. Additionally or alternatively, the discharge products may form blockages at the cathode which, together with increasing discharge oxygen, inhibit circulation around the cathode.

Both types of deposits of discharge products can have the effect of reducing or even eliminating the chemical reaction necessary for the unloading process. This may be due to either the layers formed, which form an insulator between the oxygen / gas and the lithium cations, or the blockages that block the connection between the inlet channel and the outlet channel, so that no further oxygen or gas is present the battery cell can flow in, which / which brings the discharge process to a standstill.

Nevertheless, according to the inventive concept, an increased reaction rate will still be present at the respective inlet channel, whereby a uniform distribution of reactive products between the first gas connections and the second gas connections as inlet channels is achieved. As a result, the formation of reaction products at the first gas connections and the second gas connections as inlet connections is at least halved.

Consequently, the time sequence until a certain reaction area at the cathode of a battery pack of a battery cell is isolated or the connection between an inlet channel and an outlet channel of a battery cell is greatly extended.

In the following, advantageous embodiments and variants of the system for providing electrical energy according to the invention will be described. Unless explicitly excluded or exclusive of one another, these advantageous embodiments and variants can be combined as desired with one another and with the second and third aspects of the invention as described below.

In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the gas distribution device has a first valve in order to switch the gas supply between the first gas connection and the second gas connection.

In a further advantageous refinement of the system according to the invention, gas flowing out in the first operating state leaves the at least one battery cell via the second gas connection and gas flowing out in the second operating state leaves the at least one battery cell via the first gas connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the system according to the invention has at least two battery cells, which each have a first gas connection and a second gas connection, wherein the first gas connections of the at least two battery cells are interconnected by a first channel, which has a first connection to the gas distribution device, and the second gas connections of the at least two battery cells are connected to one another by a second channel, which has a third connection to the gas distribution device. By providing channels interconnecting the respective first and second gas ports of some battery cells, separate gas lines from the gas distribution device to each battery cell can be replaced by a single channel. As a result, line and space requirements of the system according to the invention can be reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the gas distribution device has a second valve for the first connection and a third valve for the third connection in order to switch the respective connection between the two operating states.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the first channel has a second connection to the gas distribution device, wherein the first gas connections between the first and the second connection are arranged and wherein the second channel has a fourth connection to the gas distribution device, wherein the second gas connections between the third and fourth connection are arranged. This advantageous arrangement for each of the first inlets and second inlets provides two conduits for supplying these inlets with incoming gas. For the first gas connections these lines are the first and second connection, for the second gas connections these lines are the third and fourth connection. These connections also provide two alternative conduits for evacuating gas from the first and second gas ports. As a result, an even more homogeneous gas distribution at the first and second gas connections can be achieved. This improves the reaction distribution and thus also the heat distribution of the entire battery cell. "Hot spots" can thus be prevented in the battery cell in this way.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the system according to the invention has four operating states, with gas flowing in in the first operating state to the first connection is dispersed, in the second operating state, inflowing gas is distributed to the third connection, in a third operating state, inflowing gas is distributed to the second connection, and in a fourth operating state, inflowing gas is distributed to the fourth connection. By these four states, the highest oxygen concentration and / or the highest partial gas pressure are provided not only in an alternating state at the first gas inlets and second gas inlets but also at different sides of the first duct and the second duct which supply the gas inlets with gas , As a result, the highest reaction rate is not only changed from the first gas port to the second gas port and vice versa, but also the highest reaction rates between the two or more battery cells of a metal-gas battery pack are changed to an improved build-up of discharged products on each side reach each battery cell. Thus, the high pressure / oxygen content and thus the structure of discharge products in the cathodes is evenly distributed between different battery cells. This not only ensures a maximum discharge of each cell in a discharge process, but also a maximum discharge of all cells before one of the battery cells fails due to an insulating layer of the discharge product or a blocking of the air flow through a discharge product.

In a further advantageous refinement of the system according to the invention, gas flowing out in the first and third operating states leaves the system via the third connection and gas flowing out in the second and fourth operating states leaves the system via the first connection. Also by this, the proportion of "spent gas", which leaves the battery cells and remains in the lines of the system according to the invention, can be maximally reduced. Ideally, the first and second connections for this are as short as possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the second and third valves are further configured to switch the third and fourth operating states.

• Bereitstellen von einströmendem Gas an dem ersten Ventil der Gasverteilungseinrichtung;
• Schalten des ersten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an dem ersten Gasanschluss bereitgestellt wird; und
• Schalten des ersten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an dem zweiten Gasanschluss bereitgestellt wird.

A second aspect of the invention relates to the method of operating the system according to the invention, comprising the following steps in any order:

• Providing inflowing gas to the first valve of the gas distribution device;
• Switching the first valve so that incoming gas is provided at the first gas port; and
• Switching the first valve so that incoming gas is provided at the second gas port.

• Bereitstellen von einströmendem Gas an dem ersten Ventil der Gasverteilungseinrichtung;
• Schalten des ersten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an dem zweiten Ventil bereitgestellt wird und Schalten des zweiten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an dem ersten Anschluss bereitgestellt wird;
• Schalten des zweiten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an der zweiten Verbindung bereitgestellt wird;
• Schalten des ersten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an dem dritten Ventil bereitgestellt wird und Schalten des dritten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an der dritten Verbindung bereitgestellt wird; und
• Schalten des dritten Ventils, sodass einströmendes Gas an der vierten Verbindung bereitgestellt wird.

Another second aspect of the invention relates to the method of operating the system according to the invention, comprising the following steps in any order:

• Providing inflowing gas to the first valve of the gas distribution device;
• Switching the first valve so that inflowing gas is provided to the second valve and switching the second valve so that inflowing gas is provided at the first port;
• Switching the second valve to provide incoming gas at the second connection;
• Switching the first valve so that inflowing gas is provided to the third valve and switching the third valve so that inflowing gas is provided at the third connection; and
• Switching the third valve so that incoming gas is provided at the fourth connection.

The features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the invention and its advantageous embodiment and variants accordingly apply to the second aspect and third aspects of the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the steps are repeated periodically.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, each step has a duration of about 10 s to 1 s, preferably from about 3 s to 8 s, more preferably from about 5 s to 6 s on.

list of figures

• 1 zeigt wenigstens teilweise schematisch ein Metall-Gas-Batteriesystem gemäß einem ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 zeigt wenigstens teilweise schematisch ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Reihenfolge von Betriebszuständen des erfindungsgemäßen Systems von 1;
• 3 zeigt wenigstens teilweise schematisch ein Flussdiagramm, welches ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben des erfindungsgemäßen Systems von 1 darstellt;
• 4 zeigt wenigstens teilweise schematisch ein Metall-Gas-Batteriesystem gemäß einem zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 5 zeigt wenigstens teilweise schematisch ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Reihenfolge von Betriebszuständen des erfindungsgemäßen Systems von 4; und
• 6 zeigt wenigstens teilweise schematisch ein Flussdiagramm, welches ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems von 4 darstellt.

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures:

• 1 shows at least partially schematically a metal-gas battery system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 shows at least partially schematically a preferred embodiment of an order of operating states of the inventive system of 1 ;
• 3 shows at least partially schematically a flow chart, which is a preferred embodiment of a method for operating the inventive system of 1 represents;
• 4 shows, at least in part, schematically a metal-gas battery system according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 5 shows at least partially schematically a preferred embodiment of an order of operating states of the inventive system of 4 ; and
• 6 shows at least partially schematically a flow chart, which is a preferred embodiment of a method for operating a system according to the invention of 4 represents.

1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a system 1 for providing electrical energy according to the first aspect of the invention. The oxygen-containing gas, especially air or pure oxygen, is added to the system 1 over a line 15 provided. The gas is thereby provided by a gas container for storing the gas under pressure and / or a compressor for compressing such a gas. Furthermore, the oxygen-containing gas may have been purified by a cleaning device. The gas container, the compressor and the cleaning device are not shown in the figures.

management 15 is fluid communicating with a valve 6 connected, which is adapted to the line 14 over a line 17a with the first gas connection 4a the galvanic battery cell 3a connect to. Furthermore, the valve 6 set up the line 15 with a second gas connection 5a the battery cell 3a alternatively connect. Optional is a second valve 7 between the line 17a and the connection 11 Arranged to expel the spent air from the battery cell 3a exit, release. Preferably, such a valve is a check valve. Accordingly, a third valve 8th optional between the line 17b and the third connection 12 be arranged to remove spent gas from the battery cell 3a through the second gas connection 5a exit, release.

Oxygen, which is attached to the battery cell 3a in an oxygen-containing gas via the first gas connection 4a is provided in the battery cell 3a consumed so that the pressure and / or oxygen concentration of the gas in the cell decreases when the gas from the first gas connection 4a to the second gas connection 5a flows. The same applies if the gas at the second gas connection 5a provided.

If pure oxygen as the reaction gas for the battery cell 3a used are first and second valves 6 . 7 not mandatory. In other words, when oxygen-containing reaction gas is used with other gas components, consumed gas must be discharged from the battery cell 3a flows, preferably via the first and second valves 6 . 7 be transported away. Otherwise, the oxygen concentration in the battery cell would increase 3a Decrease piece by piece during unloading.

The spent gas is preferably from the first and second valves 6 . 7 via exhaust pipes 16a . 16b pushed out.

In this preferred embodiment, the gas distribution device through the first valve 6 and optionally through the second valve 7 and third valve 8th shaped.

2 shows two operating states A . B with which it is with the system 1 is possible, electrical energy according to the 1 provide.

The direction of inflowing gas and spent gas into the various components of the system 1 to various operating states is indicated by the arrows.

In operating condition A Gas is flowing over the pipe 15 , Valve 7 and the first gas connection 4 at the battery cell 3a provided. In the case that gas is used that not only has pure oxygen, the gas from the system 1 over the second valve 7 pushed out.

In operating condition B Gas is flowing over the pipe 15 , the first valve 6 , Management 17b and connection 12 at the second gas inlet 5a provided. In the case of using gas which is not pure oxygen, the spent gas which is the battery cell 3a over the first gas connection 4a leaves, over the connection 11 and a first valve 6 pushed out.

3 shows a flowchart for a method for operating a system according to the first preferred embodiment according to 1 , The steps of this method are preferably from deploying 101 of incoming gas to the gas distribution device, which is a first valve 6 having. Subsequently or at the same time, the first valve becomes 6 switched 102 , so that incoming gas at the first gas connection 4a is provided and subsequently the first valve 6 switched 103 in that inflowing gas is at the second gas connection 5a provided.

4 shows a second preferred embodiment of the system 1 for providing electrical energy according to the first aspect of the invention. In contrast to the first preferred embodiment according to 1 , points the battery pack 2 of the preferred second embodiment according to 4 at least two battery cells. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 2 four battery cells 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d on.

In the second embodiment, each battery cell 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d fluid communicating with the conduit 15 over the first valve 6 , the second valve 7 , the first connection 11 , the channel 9 and the first gas inlets 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d get connected. Alternatively, the first gas connections 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d with the line 15 be connected to incoming gas via the valve 6 , the valve 7 , the second connection 13 and the first channel 9 provide. Alternatively, the first gas connections 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d with the line 15 be connected to incoming gas via the valve 6 , the valve 7 , the second connection 13 and the first channel 9 provide. Furthermore, the first gas connections 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d with the exhaust pipe 16a over the first channel 9 and the second valve 7 get connected. This is the valve 7 which may include one or more sub-valves configured to provide fluid communication between the conduit 17a and the first connection 11 or a fluid connection between the conduit 17a and the second connection 13 , or a fluid connection between the first connection 11 and the exhaust pipe 16a build.

Accordingly, the second gas inlets 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d with the line 15 , the first valve 7 and the line 17b , the third valve 8th , the third connection 12 and the second channel 10 be connected in a fluid-communicating manner. Alternatively, the second gas inlets 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d the first line 15 over the first valve 6 , the second valve 7 , the fourth connection 14 and the channel 10 be connected in a fluid-communicating manner. Furthermore, the second gas inlets 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d with the exhaust pipe 16b over the second channel 10 and the third valve 8th be connected. Analogously to the second valve 7 , is the third valve 8th set up the line 17b with the third connection 12 , The administration 17b with the fourth connection 14 and the third connection 23 with the exhaust pipe 16b connect to. The valve 8th may also have one or more sub-valves.

In this preferred embodiment, the gas distribution device is the first valve 6 , the second valve 7 and the third valve 8th educated.

When pure oxygen is used as the inflowing gas, the second and third valves can 7 . 8th as well as the second connection 13 and the third connection 12 be omitted. In this case, the system would 1 does not exhaust gas, but merely provides inflowing gas at different gas ports of each gas port of the battery cells 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d ready.

5 shows an example of a sequence of operating conditions A . B . C . D of the system 1 according to the second preferred embodiment of 4 ,

In the first operating state A is incoming gas to the battery cells 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d over the first valve 6 , the second valve 7 , the first connection 11 and the first channel 9 at the first gas inlets 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d provided. The gas then flows through each of the battery cells again 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d to the second gas connections 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d , On the way through each battery cell 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d Oxygen is consumed during the discharge process at the cathode. Used gas with a reduced oxygen ratio and / or a reduced partial pressure leaves the battery cells 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d over the gas connections 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d , will be in the second channel 10 collected and then over the third connection 12 and the third valve 8th to the exhaust pipe 16b guided.

In the second operating state B inflowing gas flows to the second gas ports 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d from the battery pack 2 over the third valve 8th and the third connection 12 , On the other side of the battery pack 2 used air leaves the first gas connections 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d and will about the first connection 11 and the second valve 7 to the exhaust pipe 16a guided.

In a third operating state C Incoming gas is in turn connected to the first gas inlets 4a . 4b . 4c . 4d distributed. In contrast to the operating state A the gas is passing through the second valve 7 and the second connection on the first channel 9 and then to the battery cells 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d provided.

In operating condition D the incoming gas is again at the second gas inlets 5a . 5b . 5c . 5d of the battery pack 2 provided. According to the operating condition C and in contrast to the operating state B , the inflowing gas on the battery pack 2 over the third valve 8th , the fourth connection 14 and the second channel 10 provided.

The order of the operating conditions is not limited to the orders A . B or A . B . C as in 2 and 5 shown. In fact, any order of the illustrated operating states A . B and A . B . C . D possible and is included within the scope of the present invention.

6 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a system 1 for providing electrical energy according to the third aspect of the invention.

This method includes the step of providing inflowing gas to the first valve 6 the gas distribution device. Simultaneously or subsequently, the first valve 6 switched in such a way that inflowing gas at the second valve 7 provided. Simultaneously or subsequently, the second valve 7 switched in such a way that incoming gas at the first connection 11 provided. Subsequently, the second valve 7 switched in such a way that inflowing gas at the second connection 13 provided. Subsequently, the first valve 6 switched in such a way that inflowing gas at the third valve 8th is provided and then or simultaneously the third valve 8th switched in such a way that inflowing gas at the third connection 12 provided. Subsequently, the third valve 8th switched in such a way that incoming gas at the fourth connection 14 provided.

All these steps are repeated periodically and can be performed in any order. The duration of each step is preferably about 10 seconds to 1 second, preferably about 4 seconds to 8 seconds, and more preferably about 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

system

2

Metal-gas battery pack

3a, 3b, 3c, 3d

battery cells

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d

first gas inlet

5a, 5b, 5c, 5d

second gas inlet

6, 7, 8

Gas distribution means

9

first channel

10

second channel

11

first connection

12

third connection

13

second connection

14

fourth connection

15

Gas supply line

16

exhaust pipe

17

distribution line

A

first operating state

B

second operating state

C

third operating state

D

fourth operating state

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5510209 [0004]
• US 2010/0190082 A1 [0007]

Claims (14)

Metal-gas battery system (1), in particular for a vehicle, comprising: a metal-gas battery pack (2) which is set up for outputting electrical energy and at least one battery cell (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) having a first gas connection (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and a second gas connection (5a 5b, 5c, 5d) which are interconnected in such a way that gas can flow through the at least one battery cell (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d); a gas distribution device (6, 7, 8) which is adapted to selectively control a gas supply of the metal-gas battery pack (2); wherein the system (1) has at least two operating states which are controlled by the gas distribution device (6, 7, 8), wherein in a first operating state (A) inflowing gas to the first gas connection (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and in a gas flowing into a second operating state (B) is distributed to the second gas connection (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d). System (1) to Claim 1 wherein the gas distribution device comprises a first valve (6) to switch the gas supply between the first gas connection (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and the second gas connection (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d). System (1) to Claim 1 or 2 in which gas flowing out in the first operating state (A) leaves the at least one battery cell (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) via the second gas connection (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and gas flowing out in the second operating state overflows the at least one battery cell the first gas connection (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) leaves. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two battery cells, each having a first gas connection (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and a second gas connection (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), wherein the first gas connections (4a , 4b, 4c, 4d) of the at least two battery cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are interconnected by a first channel (9) having a first connection (11) to the gas distribution device (6) and the second gas connections ( 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the at least two battery cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are interconnected by a second channel (10) having a third connection (12) to the gas distribution device (6). System (1) to Claim 4 in that the gas distribution device (6, 7, 8) has a second valve (7) for the first connection (11) and a third valve (8) for the third connection (13) in order to open the respective connection between the two operating states (A , B) to switch. System after Claim 4 or 5 wherein the first channel (9) has a second connection (13) to the gas distribution device (6, 7, 8), wherein the first gas connections (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) between the first (11) and the second connection (13 and wherein the second channel (10) has a fourth connection (14) to the gas distribution device (6, 7, 8), wherein the second gas connections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) between the third (12) and the fourth Connection (14) are arranged. System (1) to Claim 6 comprising four operating states (A, B, C, D), wherein in the first operating state (A) inflowing gas is distributed to the first connection (11), in the second operating state (B) inflowing gas to the third connection (13) is distributed, in a third operating condition (C) inflowing gas is distributed to the second connection (13), and in a fourth operating condition (D) inflowing gas is distributed to the fourth connection (14). System (1) to Claim 7 in which gas flowing out in the first and third operating states (A, C) leaves the system (1) via the third connection (12) and gas flowing out in the second and fourth operating states (B, D) discharges the system via the first connection (11 ) leaves. System (1) to Claim 8 in which incoming gas is provided at the first valve (6) of the gas distribution device (101). System (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 9 wherein the second and third valves (7, 8) are further arranged to switch the third and fourth operating states (C, D). Method (100) for operating a system (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4 comprising the following steps in any order: providing incoming gas to the first valve (6) of the gas distribution device (101); Switching (102) the first valve (6) so that inflowing gas is provided at the first gas port (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d); and switching (103) the first valve (6) so that inflowing gas is provided at the second gas port (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d). Method (200) for operating a system (1) according to Claims 5 to 11 comprising the following steps in any order: providing incoming gas to the first valve (6) of the gas distribution device (201); Switching (202) the first valve (6) to provide incoming gas to the second valve (7) and switching the second valve (7) to provide incoming gas at the first port (11); Switching (203) the second valve (7) so that incoming gas is provided at the second junction (12); Switching (204) the first valve (6) so that incoming gas is provided to the third valve (8) and switching the third valve (8) so that inflowing gas is provided at the third connection (13); and switching (205) the third valve (8) so that inflowing gas is provided at the fourth connection (14). Method (100) according to Claim 11 or 12 wherein the steps are repeated periodically. Method (100) according to one of Claims 11 to 13 wherein each step has a duration of from about 10 seconds to 1 second, preferably from about 3 seconds to 8 seconds, more preferably from about 5 seconds to 6 seconds.

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