CA2149533C - Electrochemical actuator - Google Patents
Electrochemical actuatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2149533C CA2149533C CA002149533A CA2149533A CA2149533C CA 2149533 C CA2149533 C CA 2149533C CA 002149533 A CA002149533 A CA 002149533A CA 2149533 A CA2149533 A CA 2149533A CA 2149533 C CA2149533 C CA 2149533C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cell
- actuator according
- spacer
- electrochemical actuator
- counter electrode
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D23/1919—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the type of controller
- G05D23/1921—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the type of controller using a thermal motor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/008—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for characterised by the actuating element
- F03G7/011—Actuators having a material for absorbing or desorbing a gas, e.g. with a fuel cell reaction or a metal hydride
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/34—Gastight accumulators
- H01M10/345—Gastight metal hydride accumulators
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Fuel Cell (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
- Hybrid Cells (AREA)
Abstract
An electrochemical actor with a closed gas chamber has a plurality of cells (7), each of which contains a solid electrode (16) made of an electrochemically reversibly oxidisable substance and a counter-electrode (18), whereby a rise or fall in pressure convertible in one movement is effective by a reversible d.c.-generated electrochemical reaction pr ocess in the gas chamber. In order to simplify production and make it more economical and to improve its function, each cell (7) has a sta ckable frame-like spacer (12) of an electrically insulating and readily heat-conductive material comprising the edge (14) of a metal cell ho using (13) containing a matrix (15) impregnated with electrolyte, the solid electrode (16), a separator (17) and the counter-electrod e (18), with the counter-electrode (18) of each cell (7) closely stacked against the cell housing (13) of the next cell (7).
Description
ELECT~OC~IEMICAL ACTUAl'OR
This invention relates to an electr~chemical actuator which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1.
German patent document DE 41 16 739 C1 discloses an electrochemical actuator witll a housing in which electrochemical cells are stacked. When a direct current is applied, gas is generated or absorbed, depending on the direction of the current, so that a be]lows operatively coupled with the cells expands or contracts. Each cell in the 10 stack has a solid electrode, a separator and a counter electrode. The counter electrode is made of carbon layers and has a water repe]ling carbon layer to prevent that the electrolyte contacts a back layer made oE graphite paper. The stack of cells is a.ssembled from indiv~dual electrodes and separators and is disposed inside an isolating envelope. l'he layered construction of the counter electrode as well as the manner in which the stacks must be built up is complicated and relatively expensive. ~dditionally, the disclosed actuator has the disadvantage that generated heat is insufficiently 20 conducted away from the cells, Wlli.CIl adversely af~ects both the service life and functioning of tlle actuator.
Tlle problem underlying the present invention is to provide an electrochemical actuator whicll corresponds to the preamble of claim 1 but which is simpler and less costly to produce, which has a longer service life, and wllich functions better.
According to the present invention, there is provided an electrochemical actuator with a sealed gas space and a plurality of cells each including a solid body electrode 30 made of an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material and a counter electrode, wherein a reversible electrochemical reaction initiated by a D.C. current causes a pressure increase or a pressure decrease in the gas space which can be transformed into motion, characterized in that each cell is defined by a stackable, frame-shaped spacer constructed of a material which is an electric isolator and has good heat 7 ~ 3 ~
z conducting characteristics, the spacer receiving a rim of a metal cell cup (13) holding a matrix (15) soaked with an electrolyte, a solid body electrode (16), a separator (17) and a counter electrode (18), and wherein in a stack the counter electrode (18) of each cell (7) engages the cell cup (13) of the adjacent cell (7).
According to the present invention there is also provided an electrochemical actuator comprising means forming a scaled gas space and a plurality of cells each including a lo stackable spacer frame constructed of a material which is a relatively good heat conductor and an electric isolator, a metal cell cup connected with the frame, a matrix soaked with an electrolyte disposed in the cell cup, a solid electrode, a separator, and a counter electrode connected with the frame, the spacer frames being stacked one on top of the other so that the counter electrodes of the cell touch cell cups of respective adjoining cells, the solid electrodes being constructed of an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material so that the application of D.C. potential results in 20 an electrochemical reaction which increases or decreases a pressure in the gas space for generating motion therewith.
The provision of spacers which can be stacked has the advantage that the assembly and stacking of the cells is quick and efficient. A cell cup incorporated in the spacer receives a matrix for the electrolyte. The other components of the cell; namely, a solid electrode, a separator and a counter electrode, are placed on top thereof. The assembled cells are placed one on top of the other for stacking them so that preferably the counter electrode protrudes slightly from the spacer, extends into the spacer of an adjacent cell, and engages the cell cup of the latter. This construction prevents a lateral displacement of the cells in the stack.
The spacer with the cell cup is made of an electrically isolating material and substantially prevents stray currents between the cells. In addition, the spacers are constructed of a material which is a good heat conductor 2a so that generated heat is carried away from the cells.
Several materials or composites have such properties. The spacer can be injection molded from a plastic material including a powdered additive which is a good heat conductor and an electric isolator. Suitable additives are, for example, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide or quartz. However, the spacers can also be made of ceramic oxide materials.
The spacer preferably has cutouts for coupling the gas generating or absorbing counter electrode of the cell with lo the sealed gas space of the actuator. The cutouts form channels to the gas space along the circumference of the stack of cells. This assures an efficient pressure increase or decrease in the bellows surrounding the gas space.
The removal of heat from the cells is enhanced by preferably positioning the spacers of the cells closely against the housing in which they are received.
The matrix is advantageously soaked with the electrolyte to provide the relatively large amount of electrolyte that is needed for the long-term use of the 20 actuator. A variety of electrode pairs can be used for the reversible, gas generating or gas absorbing electrochemical reaction. Presently preferred are solid body electrodes made of silver or nickel hydroxide which cooperate with a gas generating or gas absorbing counter electrode made of a carbon material. A preferred, particularly easily manufactured counter electrode which is especially well suited for stacking and placement against adjacent cells is made of a carbon mass which includes a binder and which is applied to a stretch metal plate that forms a contact surface to the next cell.
A~'~
214~S3~
An exemplary embodiment is shown in the drawings.
Fig. 1 is an elevational view, in section, through an electrochemical actuator;
Fig. 2 illustrates, in section, two cells of the actuator shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the cells in Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section of a counter electrode for the cells.
Referring to Fig. 1, an electrochemical actuator constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a housing 1 having a base 2 with an opening 3, an actuator plate 4 and a metallic bellows 5. The bellows is secured to a periphery of the actuator plate and to a metal cover 6.
Housing 1 is closed by a cover 6, and a cell stack of electrochemical cells 7 is disposed inside the housing. A
first connector pin 8 is mounted on cover 6 and electrically coupled to a cell cup of the uppermost cell 7 via a lead 10.
A further contact pin 9 is electrically coupled to counter electrode 18 via an electric lead 11 embedded in the plastic material of which housing 1 is constructed.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, each cell 7 has a spacer ring 12, a cell cup 13, a matrix 15 saturation soaked with an electrolyte, a solid body electrode 16, a separator 17, and a counter electrode 18. The spacer 12 is constructed of a material which is a good heat conductor and an electric isolator such as a ceramic oxide or a plastic material to which a heat conducting, electrically nonconducting powdered additive has been added; for example, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, quartz or the like. The spacer can be injection molded. Cell cup 13 is constructed of a metal and has a flat rim 14 formed; e.g. molded, into spacer 12 so that it is rigidly connected thereto. Matrix 15 can be constructed of a material such as a porous ceramic oxide or the like that is capable of absorbing the electrolyte.
Solid body electrode 16 is constructed of an oxidizable material; for example, silver, nickel hydroxide or the like, and is preferably sintered. An electrode made of carbon is particularly well suited as the gas generating and 214~5~3 absorbing counter electrode 18. It comprises a carbon mass with a binder, such as PTFE, which is present in an amount from about 20 to about 40% by weight and is applied to a stretch metal plate 21 made of nickel, high-grade steel or the like, as is shown in Fig. 4.
Cells 7 are assembled as follows. Matrix 15 is first placed into cell cup 13 secured to spacer ring 12.
Solid electrode 16, separator 17 and counter electrode 18 are then placed on top thereof. Spacer 12 includes an annular under-cut 22 which is dimensioned to receive the components of the cell. The under-cut has a depth selected so that counter electrode 18 protrudes slightly past the end of the spacer.
The protruding counter electrode end is received in an annular under-cut 23 of the adjoining spacer 12 of the next cell 7.
In this manner the cells become interleaved when they are stacked one on top of the other to prevent relative lateral movements between them. Alternatively, lateral displacement can be prevented by providing cooperating recesses and projections in the respective opposing end faces of the spacers, in which event the counter electrode need not protrude past the end of the spacer. When stacked, the electrical contact surface formed by stretch metal 21 of counter electrode 18 contacts cell cup 13 of the adjoining cell in the stack so that the cells in the stack are connected in series.
Spacer 12 has radial and axial cutouts 19, 20 in the rim of the spacer adjacent the gas forming counter electrode 18. These cutouts form gas flow channels between the counter electrodes, to opening 3 in base 2 and/or into the gas space formed by bellows 5 and actuator plate 4.
When a D.C. potential is applied to contact pins 8, 9, with the pin 8 being positive, the metal of solid electrode 16 oxidizes while hydrogen is generated by counter electrode 18. This causes a pressure increase in the closed gas space and thereby forces actuator plate 4 away from housing 1. When a reverse potential is applied, the metal oxide of solid electrode 16 is again reduced while hydrogen is oxidized at the counter electrode, which in turn results in a pressure 214~33 reduction and therewith a return movement of the actuator plate. This back-and-forth motion of the actuator plate can be used for regulating or controlling processes or devices such as, for example, for operating control valves on heaters such as radiators.
When necessary, the rate with which the generated heat is removed from cells 7 can be increased by incorporating in housing 1 and/or cover 6 heat conducting bodies, or by constructing housing 1 and cover 6 of heat conducting and electrically isolating materials. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary heat conducting body 24 affixed to or incorporated into the under-side of cover 6.
- 21~9~33 Reference signs:
1 housing 2 base 3 opening 4 actuator plate bellows 6 cover 7 cells 8 contact pin 9 contact pin lead 11 lead 12 spacer ring 13 cell cup 14 rim
This invention relates to an electr~chemical actuator which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1.
German patent document DE 41 16 739 C1 discloses an electrochemical actuator witll a housing in which electrochemical cells are stacked. When a direct current is applied, gas is generated or absorbed, depending on the direction of the current, so that a be]lows operatively coupled with the cells expands or contracts. Each cell in the 10 stack has a solid electrode, a separator and a counter electrode. The counter electrode is made of carbon layers and has a water repe]ling carbon layer to prevent that the electrolyte contacts a back layer made oE graphite paper. The stack of cells is a.ssembled from indiv~dual electrodes and separators and is disposed inside an isolating envelope. l'he layered construction of the counter electrode as well as the manner in which the stacks must be built up is complicated and relatively expensive. ~dditionally, the disclosed actuator has the disadvantage that generated heat is insufficiently 20 conducted away from the cells, Wlli.CIl adversely af~ects both the service life and functioning of tlle actuator.
Tlle problem underlying the present invention is to provide an electrochemical actuator whicll corresponds to the preamble of claim 1 but which is simpler and less costly to produce, which has a longer service life, and wllich functions better.
According to the present invention, there is provided an electrochemical actuator with a sealed gas space and a plurality of cells each including a solid body electrode 30 made of an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material and a counter electrode, wherein a reversible electrochemical reaction initiated by a D.C. current causes a pressure increase or a pressure decrease in the gas space which can be transformed into motion, characterized in that each cell is defined by a stackable, frame-shaped spacer constructed of a material which is an electric isolator and has good heat 7 ~ 3 ~
z conducting characteristics, the spacer receiving a rim of a metal cell cup (13) holding a matrix (15) soaked with an electrolyte, a solid body electrode (16), a separator (17) and a counter electrode (18), and wherein in a stack the counter electrode (18) of each cell (7) engages the cell cup (13) of the adjacent cell (7).
According to the present invention there is also provided an electrochemical actuator comprising means forming a scaled gas space and a plurality of cells each including a lo stackable spacer frame constructed of a material which is a relatively good heat conductor and an electric isolator, a metal cell cup connected with the frame, a matrix soaked with an electrolyte disposed in the cell cup, a solid electrode, a separator, and a counter electrode connected with the frame, the spacer frames being stacked one on top of the other so that the counter electrodes of the cell touch cell cups of respective adjoining cells, the solid electrodes being constructed of an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material so that the application of D.C. potential results in 20 an electrochemical reaction which increases or decreases a pressure in the gas space for generating motion therewith.
The provision of spacers which can be stacked has the advantage that the assembly and stacking of the cells is quick and efficient. A cell cup incorporated in the spacer receives a matrix for the electrolyte. The other components of the cell; namely, a solid electrode, a separator and a counter electrode, are placed on top thereof. The assembled cells are placed one on top of the other for stacking them so that preferably the counter electrode protrudes slightly from the spacer, extends into the spacer of an adjacent cell, and engages the cell cup of the latter. This construction prevents a lateral displacement of the cells in the stack.
The spacer with the cell cup is made of an electrically isolating material and substantially prevents stray currents between the cells. In addition, the spacers are constructed of a material which is a good heat conductor 2a so that generated heat is carried away from the cells.
Several materials or composites have such properties. The spacer can be injection molded from a plastic material including a powdered additive which is a good heat conductor and an electric isolator. Suitable additives are, for example, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide or quartz. However, the spacers can also be made of ceramic oxide materials.
The spacer preferably has cutouts for coupling the gas generating or absorbing counter electrode of the cell with lo the sealed gas space of the actuator. The cutouts form channels to the gas space along the circumference of the stack of cells. This assures an efficient pressure increase or decrease in the bellows surrounding the gas space.
The removal of heat from the cells is enhanced by preferably positioning the spacers of the cells closely against the housing in which they are received.
The matrix is advantageously soaked with the electrolyte to provide the relatively large amount of electrolyte that is needed for the long-term use of the 20 actuator. A variety of electrode pairs can be used for the reversible, gas generating or gas absorbing electrochemical reaction. Presently preferred are solid body electrodes made of silver or nickel hydroxide which cooperate with a gas generating or gas absorbing counter electrode made of a carbon material. A preferred, particularly easily manufactured counter electrode which is especially well suited for stacking and placement against adjacent cells is made of a carbon mass which includes a binder and which is applied to a stretch metal plate that forms a contact surface to the next cell.
A~'~
214~S3~
An exemplary embodiment is shown in the drawings.
Fig. 1 is an elevational view, in section, through an electrochemical actuator;
Fig. 2 illustrates, in section, two cells of the actuator shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the cells in Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section of a counter electrode for the cells.
Referring to Fig. 1, an electrochemical actuator constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a housing 1 having a base 2 with an opening 3, an actuator plate 4 and a metallic bellows 5. The bellows is secured to a periphery of the actuator plate and to a metal cover 6.
Housing 1 is closed by a cover 6, and a cell stack of electrochemical cells 7 is disposed inside the housing. A
first connector pin 8 is mounted on cover 6 and electrically coupled to a cell cup of the uppermost cell 7 via a lead 10.
A further contact pin 9 is electrically coupled to counter electrode 18 via an electric lead 11 embedded in the plastic material of which housing 1 is constructed.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, each cell 7 has a spacer ring 12, a cell cup 13, a matrix 15 saturation soaked with an electrolyte, a solid body electrode 16, a separator 17, and a counter electrode 18. The spacer 12 is constructed of a material which is a good heat conductor and an electric isolator such as a ceramic oxide or a plastic material to which a heat conducting, electrically nonconducting powdered additive has been added; for example, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, quartz or the like. The spacer can be injection molded. Cell cup 13 is constructed of a metal and has a flat rim 14 formed; e.g. molded, into spacer 12 so that it is rigidly connected thereto. Matrix 15 can be constructed of a material such as a porous ceramic oxide or the like that is capable of absorbing the electrolyte.
Solid body electrode 16 is constructed of an oxidizable material; for example, silver, nickel hydroxide or the like, and is preferably sintered. An electrode made of carbon is particularly well suited as the gas generating and 214~5~3 absorbing counter electrode 18. It comprises a carbon mass with a binder, such as PTFE, which is present in an amount from about 20 to about 40% by weight and is applied to a stretch metal plate 21 made of nickel, high-grade steel or the like, as is shown in Fig. 4.
Cells 7 are assembled as follows. Matrix 15 is first placed into cell cup 13 secured to spacer ring 12.
Solid electrode 16, separator 17 and counter electrode 18 are then placed on top thereof. Spacer 12 includes an annular under-cut 22 which is dimensioned to receive the components of the cell. The under-cut has a depth selected so that counter electrode 18 protrudes slightly past the end of the spacer.
The protruding counter electrode end is received in an annular under-cut 23 of the adjoining spacer 12 of the next cell 7.
In this manner the cells become interleaved when they are stacked one on top of the other to prevent relative lateral movements between them. Alternatively, lateral displacement can be prevented by providing cooperating recesses and projections in the respective opposing end faces of the spacers, in which event the counter electrode need not protrude past the end of the spacer. When stacked, the electrical contact surface formed by stretch metal 21 of counter electrode 18 contacts cell cup 13 of the adjoining cell in the stack so that the cells in the stack are connected in series.
Spacer 12 has radial and axial cutouts 19, 20 in the rim of the spacer adjacent the gas forming counter electrode 18. These cutouts form gas flow channels between the counter electrodes, to opening 3 in base 2 and/or into the gas space formed by bellows 5 and actuator plate 4.
When a D.C. potential is applied to contact pins 8, 9, with the pin 8 being positive, the metal of solid electrode 16 oxidizes while hydrogen is generated by counter electrode 18. This causes a pressure increase in the closed gas space and thereby forces actuator plate 4 away from housing 1. When a reverse potential is applied, the metal oxide of solid electrode 16 is again reduced while hydrogen is oxidized at the counter electrode, which in turn results in a pressure 214~33 reduction and therewith a return movement of the actuator plate. This back-and-forth motion of the actuator plate can be used for regulating or controlling processes or devices such as, for example, for operating control valves on heaters such as radiators.
When necessary, the rate with which the generated heat is removed from cells 7 can be increased by incorporating in housing 1 and/or cover 6 heat conducting bodies, or by constructing housing 1 and cover 6 of heat conducting and electrically isolating materials. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary heat conducting body 24 affixed to or incorporated into the under-side of cover 6.
- 21~9~33 Reference signs:
1 housing 2 base 3 opening 4 actuator plate bellows 6 cover 7 cells 8 contact pin 9 contact pin lead 11 lead 12 spacer ring 13 cell cup 14 rim
Claims (18)
1. An electrochemical actuator with a sealed gas space and a plurality of cells each including a solid body electrode made of an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material and a counter electrode, wherein a reversible electrochemical reaction initiated by a D.C. current causes a pressure increase or a pressure decrease in the gas space which can be transformed into motion, characterized in that each cell is defined by a stackable, frame-shaped spacer constructed of a material which is an electric isolator and has good heat conducting characteristics, the spacer receiving a rim of a metal cell cup (13) holding a matrix (15) soaked with an electrolyte, a solid body electrode (16), a separator (17) and a counter electrode (18), and wherein in a stack the counter electrode (18) of each cell (7) engages the cell cup (13) of the adjacent cell (7).
2. Electrochemical actuator according to claim 1 characterized in that the counter electrode (18) protrudes past the spacer (12) and into the spacer (12) of the adjacent cell (7).
3. Electrochemical actuator according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer (12) is constructed of a plastic mass having a pulverized additive which is a electric isolator and has good heat conducting characteristics.
4. Electrochemical actuator according to claim 3 characterized in that the additive is selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide or quartz.
5. Electrochemical actuator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spacer (12) includes cutouts (19, 20) which form a flow communication between the counter electrode of the cell (7) with the gas space.
6. Electrochemical actuator according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the spacers (12) of the cells (7) arranged in a housing (1) of the actuator are closely adjacent the housing.
7. Electrochemical actuator according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the matrix (15) is constructed of a synthetic material. through which the electrolyte can flow.
8. Electrochemical actuator according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the solid body electrode (16) is constructed of silver or nickel hydroxide.
9. Electrochemical actuator according to one of claims l to 8 characterized in that the counter electrode (18) is constructed of a carbon mass which includes a binder and is applied to a stretch metal (21.) forming a contact surface for the adjacent cell (7).
10. An electrochemical actuator comprising means forming a scaled gas space and a plurality of cells each including a stackable spacer frame constructed of a material which is a relatively good heat conductor and an electric isolator, a metal cell cup connected with the frame, a matrix soaked with an electrolyte disposed in the cell cup, a solid electrode, a separator, and a counter electrode connected with the frame, the spacer frames being stacked one on top of the other so that the counter electrodes of the cell touch cell cups of respective adjoining cells, the solid electrodes being constructed of an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material so that the application of D.C. potential results in an electrochemical reaction which increases or decreases a pressure in the gas space for generating motion therewith.
11. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, wherein each spacer frame defines a recess and wherein the counter electrode protrudes past an end of the spacer frame and extends into a recess of the frame of the adjoining cell.
12. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, wherein the spacer frame is constructed of a plastic material which includes a powdered additive which is a relatively good heat conductor and an electric isolator.
13. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 12, wherein the additive is a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide and quartz.
14. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, wherein the spacer frame includes cutouts which establish flow communication between the counter electrode of each cell and the gas space.
15. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, including a housing, and wherein the spacer frames of the cells in the housing are in close proximity to the housing.
16. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, wherein the matrix comprises a synthetic material through which the electrolyte can flow.
17. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, wherein the solid body electrode is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of silver and nickel hydroxide.
18. An electrochemical actuator according to claim 10, including a stretch metal plate, wherein the counter electrode is constructed of a material comprising carbon and a binder, and wherein the counter electrode is connected to the stretch metal plate so that the stretch metal plate forms a contact surface for the adjoining cell.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4331763A DE4331763C1 (en) | 1993-09-18 | 1993-09-18 | Electrochemical actuator |
| DEP4331763.4 | 1993-09-18 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2149533A1 CA2149533A1 (en) | 1995-03-30 |
| CA2149533C true CA2149533C (en) | 1999-03-16 |
Family
ID=6498027
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002149533A Expired - Fee Related CA2149533C (en) | 1993-09-18 | 1994-07-07 | Electrochemical actuator |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5567284A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0670963B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2651747B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE139007T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2149533C (en) |
| DE (2) | DE4331763C1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO951016L (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995008709A1 (en) |
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| CZ20031901A3 (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2003-11-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Electric motor with armature coated with heat-conductive plastic |
| US7814641B2 (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2010-10-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Method of forming a power tool |
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| US6946758B2 (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2005-09-20 | Black & Decker Inc. | Dynamoelectric machine having encapsulated coil structure with one or more of phase change additives, insert molded features and insulated pinion |
| US7096566B2 (en) | 2001-01-09 | 2006-08-29 | Black & Decker Inc. | Method for making an encapsulated coil structure |
| US6834510B1 (en) | 2001-04-12 | 2004-12-28 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Refrigerant management system for optimal compressor performance |
| US7872396B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2011-01-18 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Electrochemical actuator |
| US7994686B2 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2011-08-09 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Electrochemical methods, devices, and structures |
| US8247946B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2012-08-21 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Electrochemical actuator |
| US7541715B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2009-06-02 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Electrochemical methods, devices, and structures |
| US7999435B2 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2011-08-16 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Electrochemical actuator |
| US8956746B2 (en) * | 2005-06-22 | 2015-02-17 | Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Apparatus, system, and method for battery venting containment |
| DE102006035265A1 (en) * | 2006-07-31 | 2008-02-07 | Andreas Borgschulte | Device for the direct transformation of chemical energy into mechanical work, comprises two movable catalytic electrodes and a mechanically distortable, flexible hydrogen muscle fiber for electrically separating the electrodes |
| US20090139722A1 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2009-06-04 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Capillary actuator device |
| WO2011140359A2 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2011-11-10 | Springleaf Therapeutics, Inc. | Systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent |
| DE102010038862A1 (en) * | 2010-08-04 | 2012-02-09 | Sb Limotive Company Ltd. | Method for producing battery modules or battery systems with a plurality of battery cells |
| US8368285B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2013-02-05 | Massachusette Institute Of Technology | Electrochemical actuators |
| EP2795124B1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2015-09-16 | Panasonic Corporation | Actuator |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3563878A (en) * | 1968-07-05 | 1971-02-16 | Hooker Chemical Corp | Electrolytic cellstructure |
| DE2222637A1 (en) * | 1972-05-09 | 1973-11-29 | Bayer Ag | SUPPORTING FRAME FOR ELECTRODES OF ELECTROLYSIS DEVICES |
| US4159367A (en) * | 1978-06-29 | 1979-06-26 | Yardney Electric Corporation | Hydrogen electrochemical cell and rechargeable metal-hydrogen battery |
| US4567119A (en) * | 1984-03-12 | 1986-01-28 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Nickel-hydrogen bipolar battery |
| US4565749A (en) * | 1984-12-26 | 1986-01-21 | Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation | Lightweight bipolar metal-gas battery |
| DE4116739C1 (en) * | 1991-05-23 | 1992-07-02 | Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, 7000 Stuttgart, De | |
| IT1263806B (en) * | 1993-01-22 | 1996-09-03 | Solvay | ELECTROLYZER FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A GAS |
-
1993
- 1993-09-18 DE DE4331763A patent/DE4331763C1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-07-07 DE DE59400333T patent/DE59400333D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-07 AT AT94924748T patent/ATE139007T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-07-07 US US08/416,676 patent/US5567284A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-07 EP EP94924748A patent/EP0670963B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-07-07 WO PCT/EP1994/002289 patent/WO1995008709A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1994-07-07 CA CA002149533A patent/CA2149533C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-07-07 JP JP7509514A patent/JP2651747B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1995
- 1995-03-16 NO NO951016A patent/NO951016L/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO951016L (en) | 1995-03-30 |
| ATE139007T1 (en) | 1996-06-15 |
| EP0670963A1 (en) | 1995-09-13 |
| CA2149533A1 (en) | 1995-03-30 |
| US5567284A (en) | 1996-10-22 |
| DE59400333D1 (en) | 1996-07-11 |
| JPH08501858A (en) | 1996-02-27 |
| JP2651747B2 (en) | 1997-09-10 |
| DE4331763C1 (en) | 1994-11-10 |
| EP0670963B1 (en) | 1996-06-05 |
| NO951016D0 (en) | 1995-03-16 |
| WO1995008709A1 (en) | 1995-03-30 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |