KR20010030958A - Metal-air fuel cell battery systems employing metal-fuel tape - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal-air fuel cell system, wherein the metal-fuel tape of the present invention is designed to be transferred to the discharge head assembly and the recharge head assembly of the system while automatically managing its usefulness to improve the performance of the system. It is about.

Description

Metal-air fuel cell employing metal fuel tape {Metal-air fuel cell battery systems employing metal-fuel tape}

In a pending US patent application (No. 08 / 944,507), Applicant discloses several types of metal air fuel cell (FCB) systems. During low power production, the metal fuel tape is transferred to an electrode structure fixed in an ion conducting medium, such as an electrolyte filled gel.

In accordance with the well-known laws of electrochemistry, the transported metal fuel tape is oxidized while generating electrical forces in the system.

The metal-air fuel cell system disclosed in US patent application No. 08 / 944,507 has several advantages over the prior art of electrochemical discharge structures. For example, the system can generate the required voltage output depending on the specific conditions of the electrical load connected to the system.

Another advantage is that the oxidized metal fuel tape can be repeatedly reconditioned (ie recharged) by the cell charging system even during discharge. Of course, it is also possible to perform individual discharge and charge.

Applicant in US Pat. No. 5,250,370 discloses a method and structure for recharging a metal oxide fuel tape that is improved over conventional metal air fuel cells. By further configuring the recharge head in the metal air fuel cell discharge system, this technical advance allows theoretically faster refilling of the metal fuel tape even during the discharge process. In practice, however, there are a number of important issues that need to be solved in order to commercialize rechargeable FCB systems.

Specifically, the tape type FCB system disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,250,370 assumes that the fuel listed in the metal fuel tape is consumed in a constant manner during discharge as it moves from the supply reel to the recovery reel. In practice, however, the metal fuel is not constantly consumed in the longitudinal direction of the tape because the electrical load conditions change during the movement of the tape during discharge.

As a result, the tape-based FCB system disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,250,370 leaves a significant amount of unused metal fuel on the tape during the discharge process. This results in inefficient redundant metal fuel in the discharging process and waste of electrical power in the recharging process.

Therefore, the metal fuel tape method needs an improved method and apparatus in order to overcome the problems of the prior art in terms of methods and apparatus.

The present invention is directed to improved means and methods for producing electrical force by passing a metal fuel tape through a metal air battery (FCB) system and apparatus.

To aid in a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, the following description of the drawings of the present invention.

1 is a schematic practical embodiment of the present invention, metal air FCB, wherein a metal fuel tape discharge subsystem and a metal fuel tape refill subsystem are mounted in a single rechargeable power generation construct and are applied to a metal fuel tape refill subsystem The advancing length extension mechanism is sufficiently long for the oxidized metal fuel tape to be longer than the advancing length maintained by the tape advancing length expansion mechanism applied to the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem (ie A _Recharge > A _Discharge );

FIG. 2A1 is a generalized schematic diagram of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIG. 1, shown in the form without a tape propagation length extension mechanism in this context.

FIG. 2A2 is a generalized schematic diagram of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIG. 1 showing the placement of the metal fuel tape with the tape travel length extension mechanism applied and the metal fuel to power the electrical load connected to the metal air FCB system. FIG. The combination with the discharge head provided in the length of the tape direction is shown.

FIG. 2A3 is a generalized schematic diagram of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIG. 1, the components of which are shown in greater detail, and the discharge head of the subsystem where the non-oxide metal fuel tape has been removed.

FIG. 2A4 is a schematic representation of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem shown in FIG. 2A3, wherein the tape travel direction length expansion mechanism is shown in its expansion mode, with four independent discharge heads in the travel direction of the expanded non-oxide metal fuel tape. In the process of discharging the metal fuel tape divided into zones through the discharge head assembly, the metal fuel zone (MFZ) is divided so that the system controller can store the discharge parameters of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem in the storage device. Information is generated.

2A5 is a high level flow diagram illustrating the basic process involved in discharging a metal fuel tape using the metal fuel tape discharge subsystems shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4.

2A6 is a perspective view of the anode support structure employed in each discharge head of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4.

The perspective view shows that the electrically conductive anode strip and the strip filled with ionically conductive electrolyte are firmly supported in five parallel channels.

Fig. 2A7 is an exploded perspective view of an oxygen pressure sensor installed in the anode, the electrolyte-filled strip and the anode support structure.

2A8 is an assembly used for the discharge head shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4, and is a perspective view showing an oxygen discharge chamber and an anode structure as a first embodiment of the present invention.

2A9 is a perspective view of a cross section of a non-oxidized metal fuel tape used in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIGS. 1, 2A3, and 2A4, showing the following features.

1) The parallel fuel strip of the non-oxide metal fuel tape is spatially located in the space coinciding with the anode strip in the anode structure of the discharge head, partly indicated in figure 2A8.

2) Schematically coded information tracks containing a sequence of code symbols in the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel to identify each metal fuel zone in discharge operation.

3) Read metal fuel indication information related to the recharging parameters and the pre-recorded metal fuel identification information from the previous recharging and discharging operation from the storage memory.

4) Reading the calculated metal oxidation indication information related to the discharge parameter and metal fuel zone identification information detected in the discharge operation and storing it in the information storage memory.

2A9 'is a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-oxide metal fuel tape used in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIGS. 1, 2A3, 2A4, showing the following features.

1) Parallel metal fuel strips are spatially located in a space coinciding with the anode strips in the anode structure of the discharge head, partly indicated in figure 2A8.

2) magnetically recorded information tracks embodying a sequence of symbols listed in the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel tape to identify each metal fuel zone;

3) Read metal fuel indication information related to the recharging parameters and the pre-recorded metal fuel identification information from the previous recharging and discharging operation from the storage memory.

4) Reading the calculated metal oxidation indication information related to the discharge parameter and metal fuel zone identification information detected in the discharge operation and storing it in the information storage memory.

2A9 '' is a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-oxide metal fuel tape used in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIGS. 1, 2A3, 2A4, showing the following features.

1) Parallel metal fuel strips are spatially located in a space coinciding with the anode strips in the anode structure of the discharge head, partly indicated in figure 2A8.

2) An optically encoded information track comprising a sequence of code symbols in the form of light transmission holes in the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel to identify each metal fuel zone in discharge operation.

3) Read metal fuel indication information related to the recharging parameters and the pre-recorded metal fuel identification information from the previous recharging and discharging operation from the storage memory.

4) Reading the calculated metal oxidation indication information related to the discharge parameter and metal fuel zone identification information detected during the recharging operation and storing it in the information storage memory.

2A10 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the discharge head assembled within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystems shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4 where the metal fuel tape is conveyed past the idle anode structure shown in FIG. 2A8 during discharge mode operation. . And multiple cathode contact elements making electrical contact with the metal fuel strip of the metal fuel tape carried through the discharge head.

FIG. 2A11 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled anode structure, which is cut along the line 2A11-2A11 of FIG. 2A8 and shows a more precise cross section.

FIG. 2A12 is a cross-sectional view of the metal fuel tape shown in FIG. 2A9 taken along line 2A12-2A12, showing a more precise cross section.

2A13 is a cross-sectional view of the oxygen injection chamber and anode structure of the discharge head shown in FIG. 2A10 taken along line 2A13-2A13.

FIG. 2A14 is a cross-sectional view showing a more detailed cross section taken along line 2A14-2A14 as the discharge head shown in FIG. 2A10.

2A15 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-track metal oxide sensing head employed in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem shown in FIGS. 2A1 through 2A4, in particular in real time to evaluate whether metal fuel remains in discharge operation. It was employed to detect the structure of metal oxides.

FIG. 2A16 is a schematic representation of an information structure maintained within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem of FIG. 1, wherein the information structure is a metal fuel zone for each zone along a portion of the metal fuel tape discharged upon operation in the discharge mode. It includes the configuration of the identified metal fuel indication information, the metal oxide, and the information stored for the discharge parameters.

FIG. 2B1 is a generalized schematic diagram of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem of FIG. 1, shown here in the form without a tape travel length extension mechanism.

FIG. 2B2 is a generalized schematic diagram of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem of FIG. 1, showing the placement of the oxidized metal fuel tape with the tape run length extension mechanism applied and the refill head installed with the run length of the metal fuel tape. FIG. have.

FIG. 2B3 is a generalized schematic diagram of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem of FIG. 1, the components of which are shown in greater detail, and the refill head of the subsystem with the metal oxide fuel tape removed.

FIG. 2B4 is a schematic representation of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem shown in FIG. 2A3, wherein the tape running length extension mechanism is its expansion mode, the components of which are more clearly shown and four independent in the travel direction of the expanded metal oxide fuel tape; It is plotted with a refill head, and the system controller reads the previously recorded discharge parameters and the metal fuel indication information related to each metal fuel region from the system storage location from the recharge head to provide optimal refill parameters during the recharging operation. The metal fuel zone identification information (MFZID) is generated to set the.

FIG. 2B5 is a high level flow diagram illustrating the basic process involved in refilling an oxidized metal fuel tape using the metal fuel tape refill subsystem indicated in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4.

2B6 is a perspective view of the anode support structure employed in each refill head of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4.

The perspective view shows that the electrically conductive positive electrode strip and the strip filled with the ion conductive electrolyte are firmly supported in five parallel channels.

FIG. 2B7 is an exploded perspective view of an oxygen pressure sensor installed in the electrolyte filled strip and anode support structure shown in 2B8. FIG.

FIG. 2B8 is a perspective view of the positive electrode structure and the oxygen discharge chamber embodied for the first time in the present invention, and is shown as being fully coupled by being employed in the recharge head shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4.

2B9 is a perspective view of a cross section of an oxidized metal fuel tape used in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem of FIGS. 2B3, 2B4, showing the following features.

1) The parallel metal fuel strip is spatially located in a space coinciding with the anode strip of the anode structure in figure 2B8.

2) Optimum symbolic information track including a sequence of code symbols in the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel to identify each metal fuel zone in recharging operation.

3) Based on the optimally coded information track described above, reading the metal oxide indication information associated with the discharge parameters and the metal fuel identification information previously recorded in the previous discharge and recharge operation from the storage memory device.

4) Read and store the calculated metal fuel indication information related to the refill parameters sensed during the recharging operation and the metal fuel zone identification information and store in the information storage memory.

2B9 'is a perspective view of a cross section of an oxidized metal fuel tape used in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem of 2B3, 2B4, showing the following features.

1) The parallel metal fuel strip is spatially located in a space coinciding with the anode strip of the anode structure in figure 2B8.

2) A magnetically coded information track including a sequence of code symbols in the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel to identify each metal fuel zone in recharging operation.

3) Based on the above magnetically encoded information tracks, read out the metal oxide indication information related to the discharge parameters and the metal fuel identification information recorded in the previous discharge and recharge operation from the storage memory device.

4) Read and store the calculated metal fuel indication information related to the refill parameters sensed during the recharging operation and the metal fuel zone identification information and store in the information storage memory.

FIG. 2B9 '' is a perspective view of a cross section of the reclaimed metal fuel tape for use in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem shown in FIGS. 1, 2B3, 2B4.

1) The parallel metal fuel strip is located in a space that coincides spatially with the anode strip of the anode structure of the refill head, partially shown in figure 2B8.

2) An optically encoded information track including a sequence of light transmission holes in the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel to identify each metal fuel zone in recharging operation.

3) Read metal oxide indication information related to the discharge parameters and the metal fuel identification information previously recorded in the previous discharge and recharge operation from the storage memory device.

4) Read and store the calculated metal fuel indication information related to the refill parameters sensed during the recharging operation and the metal fuel zone identification information and store in the information storage memory.

2B10 shows a perspective view of a refill head assembled within the metal fuel tape refilling subsystems shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4, where the metal fuel tape is conveyed past the idle anode structure shown in FIG. 2B8. And five cathode contact elements that make electrical contact with the metal fuel strip of the conveyed metal fuel tape.

FIG. 2B11 is a cross-sectional view of the anode support structure head of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem cut along line 2B11-2B11, showing a state in which a plurality of anodes and electrolytes are charged.

2B12 is a cross-sectional view of the metal fuel tape shown in FIG. 2B9 taken along line 2B12-2B12.

2B13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2B13-2B13 of the anode structure of the recharge head shown in FIG. 2B10.

FIG. 2B14 is a cross-sectional view of the rechargeable head assembly shown in FIG. 2B10 taken along line 2B14-2B14. FIG.

FIG. 2B15 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-track metal oxide sensing head employed in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem indicated by 2B4 in FIGS. 2B3, in particular to detect which metal fuel track has been discharged and thereby should be refilled by the subsystem. Was adopted.

FIG. 2B16 is a schematic representation of an information structure managed within the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem of FIG. 1, the information structure being identified for each zone along the portion of the metal fuel tape in operation of the refill mode. It contains the structure for recording metal oxide indication information, metal fuel and recharging parameters.

FIG. 2B17 is a schematic diagram of the FCB system of FIG. 1, showing sub-systems that enable the following operations in operation of the recharge mode.

1) Recognition of metal fuel zone identification from transferred metal fuel tape

2) recording of detected refill parameters and the calculated metal fuel indication information accordingly;

3) Recognition of discharge parameters and pre-stored calculated metal oxide indication information during the previous discharge and recharge mode operation.

Subsystems that enable the following operations in the operation of the discharge mode are indicated.

1) Recognition of metal fuel zone identification from transferred metal fuel tape

2) recording of detected discharge parameters and calculated metal oxide indication information accordingly;

3) Recognition of recharging parameters and pre-stored calculated metal fuel indication information from previous discharge and recharge modes during storage.

Fig. 3A is a schematic configuration diagram of a second embodiment in which the present invention's metal-air FCB system is realized as an external single entity, and a cassette-type mechanism for supplying oxidized metal fuel tapes is installed therein so that the metal fuel tapes can be further developed. Can be recharged faster for reuse.

Fig. 3B is a schematic configuration diagram of a third embodiment in which the present invention, the metal-air FCB system, is realized as an external single entity. Portions of the tape can be supplied and quickly refilled for reuse in power generation.

4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the metal air FCB system, wherein the metal fuel tape discharge and recharge functions are realized in one composite metal fuel tape discharge / recharge sub-system. The composite metal fuel tape discharge / recharge system employs a metal fuel tape traveling length extension mechanism so that the length of the metal fuel to be recharged is kept longer than the length of the metal fuel tape to be discharged.

5A1 is a schematic diagram of the composite metal fuel tape discharge / recharge system shown in FIG. 4, showing the discharge head and the recharge head without schematic of the expanded metal fuel tape.

5A2 is a schematic diagram of the composite metal fuel tape discharge / recharge system shown in FIG. 4, which is installed to enable simultaneous discharge and recharge along the traveling direction length of the metal fuel tape extended by the expansion mechanism to perform an optimal operation. A discharge head and a recharge head are illustrated.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the composite metal fuel tape discharge / recharge system shown in FIG. 4 and may store or process indication information and discharge / recharge parameters of metal fuel and metal oxide for use in discharge and recharge mode operation. FIG. Capture of data is also possible.

FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with the present inventors' power generation system, and the present invention is provided for the purpose of powering and generating electric drive motors interlocked with the wheels of the vehicle.

Auxiliary, combined power is then provided for recharging the metal fuel in the FCB subsystem.

Fig. 6B schematically shows the electricity production system of the present invention realized in the form of a stationary electric power plant with an auxiliary, combined power source for recharging metal fuel in an FCB system.

FIG. 7A shows a schematic diagram of a first power generation system embodied by way of example as controlled by a network control subsystem coupled to a direct current power integrated structure and interworking with a metal fuel management subsystem for a network such that the metal air FCB subsystems are operable; have.

FIG. 7B is a second power generation embodied as an example in which a converter for converting direct current into alternating current is installed in the direct current output power integrated structure mentioned in FIG. 7 to supply an alternating current to an electrical load. A schematic diagram of the system is shown.

FIG. 7C shows a schematic diagram of a system in which a database structure is maintained by the metal fuel / metal oxide management subsystem for a network shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 8 diagrammatically shows how additional metal air FCB subsystems can be switched to discharge mode in response to an increase in power demand by the electrical load over time.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for an improved electrochemical recharge and discharge metal air fuel cell (FCB) to overcome the drawbacks and obstacles noted in the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which the metal fuel tape is transferred to the discharge head structure in both directions while automatically adjusting the availability of the metal fuel to increase the efficiency of the system during the discharge process.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a metal fuel tape for discharging composed of multiple metal fuel tracks for generating different output voltages in a metal air fuel cell system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal fuel tape in which each zone and region are classified as a digital code using optical or magnetic means to enable the calculation of the usefulness of the metal fuel in each zone and the discharge related information during the discharge process. To provide.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system in which metal fuel tape is conveyed to the refill head structure in both directions while automatically adjusting the metal oxide to increase the efficiency of the system during the refill process.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an oxidized rechargeable metal fuel tape composed of multiple metal fuel tracks for generating different output voltages in a metal air fuel cell system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal fuel tape in which each zone and zone is classified as a digital code using optical or magnetic means so as to enable the calculation of the metal oxide for each zone and recharge related information during the refilling process. It is.

Another object of the present invention is to advance the direction of the oxidized metal fuel tape in order to quickly discharge the metal oxide fuel tape to satisfy the dynamic load conditions in the cassette structure or the supply reel in which the oxidized metal fuel tape is embedded during the discharge process. It is to provide a discharge subsystem of a metal fuel tape having a structure that is sufficiently extended in length by folding.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable head structure composed of a plurality of anodes and cathodes selectively arranged along the extended running length of the oxidized metal fuel tape during discharge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an oxidized discharge metal fuel tape composed of multiple metal fuel tracks for generating different output voltages in a metal air fuel cell system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a discharge force rectification system for the rectification of operating parameters during electrochemical oxidation of metal oxides and during discharge operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cassette structure in which an oxidized metal fuel tape is embedded in a recharging process or a structure in which the length of the oxidized metal fuel tape is sufficiently extended in order to quickly refill the metal oxide fuel tape in a supply reel. To provide a refill subsystem of metal fuel tape.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refilling head structure composed of a plurality of anodes and cathodes selectively arranged along the extended running length of the oxidized metal fuel tape during the refilling process.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a metal oxide fuel tape to be refilled consisting of multiple metal fuel tracks to generate different output voltages in a metal air fuel cell system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rechargeable rectification system for the rectification of operating parameters in the electrochemical reduction process and in the recharging operation of metal oxides.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an advanced length of the oxidized metal fuel tape in order to quickly recharge and discharge the metal oxide tape in a cassette structure or a supply reel in which the oxidized metal fuel tape is embedded during recharging and discharging operations, respectively. It is to provide a recharge-discharge composite subsystem of metal fuel tape having a sufficiently extended structure.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a composite system having a rechargeable / discharge head structure composed of a plurality of positive and negative electrodes which are selectively arranged along the extended running length of the oxidized metal fuel tape during the recharging / discharging process.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a composite system having a metal oxide fuel tape for discharge composed of multiple metal fuel tracks for generating different output voltages in a metal air fuel cell system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a complex system having a discharge force rectification system for the rectification of operating parameters during the electrochemical oxidation process and the discharge operation of the metal oxide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal air fuel cell system comprising the following structure.

Metal fuel discharge sub-system, in this sub-system, to generate control information signals for controlling the discharge parameters in real time, for example, discharge parameters such as anode cathode voltage and current level, partial pressure of oxygen at the anode anode, anode The relative humidity at the electrolyte interface and the speed of the metal fuel tape are automatically detected and recorded. Based on this, the metal fuel material can be discharged with good energy efficiency in a timely manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which metal fuel material to be discharged or recharged is stored in a cassette type structure which can be inserted into a storage compartment of the system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system having a metal fuel material to be discharged or recharged comprising multiple metal fuel tracks to produce different output voltages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal air fuel cell system comprising the following structure.

Metal fuel recharging subsystem, in which the recharging parameters such as anode cathode voltage and current levels, partial pressure of oxygen at the rechargeable anode, anode to generate control information signals for controlling the charging parameters in real time The relative humidity at the electrolyte interface and the speed of the metal fuel tape are automatically detected and recorded. Based on this, the metal fuel material can be discharged with good energy efficiency in a timely manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which a metal fuel material to be discharged and recharged is stored in a cassette type structure which can be inserted into a storage compartment of the system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system having metal fuel materials to be discharged and recharged comprising multiple metal fuel tracks to produce different output voltages.

Another object of the present invention is to automatically detect discharge parameters such as the anode cathode voltage and current level in the discharge mode of operation, the partial pressure of oxygen at the discharge anode, the relative humidity at the anode electrolyte interface, and the speed of the metal fuel tape. Metal discharged by being composed of a metal fuel discharge subsystem that records and a metal fuel recharge system managed by a system controller that automatically reads and operates to generate control signals for controlling recharging parameters in recharging mode of operation. To provide a metal air fuel cell system configured to efficiently and recharge fuel material in a timely manner.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide automatic refill parameters such as anode-cathode voltage and current levels, partial pressure of oxygen at the recharge anode, relative humidity at the anode electrolyte interface, speed of metal fuel tape, etc., during recharge mode operation. The present invention provides a system that automatically detects and records a state, and automatically reads and operates a state to generate a control signal for controlling discharge parameters while the discharge mode is in operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system in which the metal fuel material to be discharged and recharged can be used in a fixed and moving anode structure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system realized in the form of a metal fuel tape in which the metal fuel material to be discharged and recharged is transported past an anode structure coupled with the discharge and recharge head during discharge and recharge operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which a metal fuel material to be discharged and recharged is stored in a cassette type structure which can be inserted into a storage compartment of the system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system having a metal fuel material to be discharged and recharged consisting of multiple metal fuel tracks to produce different output voltages.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for each zone of metal fuel material to enable recording of discharge-related data for access and use of data for performing various various management operations, including subsequent rapid and efficient recharging operations during discharge mode operation. It is to provide a system which is classified into digital codes by optical or magnetic means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for adjusting the level of current and voltage applied to the recharging head of the system through the recorded load condition information during the recharging operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system having a refill mode that can optimally recharge a discharged metal fuel material based on the discharge conditions recorded at the time of discharge.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system capable of reading barcodes or other marks in each zone of metal fuel material using a small optical reader mounted in the system during tape discharge operation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system capable of reading bar codes or other indicia displayed in each zone of discharged metal fuel material using a small optical reader mounted within the system during tape refilling operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which information relating to the load conditions at each instant recorded along each zone of the metal fuel material is recorded in the storage by the system controller.

Yet another object of the present invention is that instantaneous load condition information of each metal fuel zone along the reel of the metal fuel can be obtained by optically detecting the barcode symbol information displayed on the zone of the metal fuel tape, and the recognized metal fuel zone It is possible to automatically detect the load condition at the discharge head and control the discharge process in real time based on the information, or load condition at the discharge head in order to control the recharge parameter in the subsequent recharging operation. This is to provide a system that can be recorded.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system having an aggregate consisting of discharge heads, each of which consists of an electrically induction anode structure, an ion induction medium, and a cathode contact structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system having an assembly of recharge heads, each of which consists of an electrically induction anode structure, an ion induction medium, and a cathode contact structure.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved metal air fuel cell system and method that can fully satisfy the maximum power requirements of the electrical loads connected to the system.

It is yet another object of the present invention, based on metal air fuel cell technology, to meet the maximum power requirements of electrical loads (eg, engines, motors, machines, tools, etc.) independently of the unused amount of metal fuel remaining in the power generation system. It is to provide a power generation system that can be used in a power plant that can be practically installed in any system, equipment or environment that must be satisfied.

Another object of the present invention is a system in which a network of metal air fuel cells is connected to an output aggregate structure, the network output aggregate structure being controlled by a network control subsystem connected to a metal fuel management (database) western system for the network. To provide.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide power to a plurality of electric motors installed in a vehicle such as an automobile and used to propel the vehicle without recharging during long distance travel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling the output power produced by enabling the selected metal air fuel electrical subsystem to power the output assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system having a sufficient amount of metal fuel for power generation at any time since the metal fuel in the fuel cell of each subsystem is managed on average.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which the amount of dischargeable metal fuel in each FCB subsystem is the same at any time, since the metal fuel in the network of metal air fuel cell subsystems is managed on average under the principle of equalization. have.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide practical applications in any system, apparatus or environment that must meet the maximum power requirements of electrical loads (eg, engines, motors, machines, tools, etc.) independently of the remaining metal fuel unused. It is to provide a power generation system that can be used in the power plant, which can be installed as.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the driving of only one or a small number of metal air FCB subsystems that can be attributed to the driving force when the main system, such as an automobile, drives down a hill or descends a hill. When it comes to overtaking a vehicle or driving down a hill, it is about providing a system that can operate almost all FCB subsystems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide information on the amount of unused metal fuel remaining in any metal air FCB western system in the metal air fuel electrical subsystem, so that the metal fuel is managed in accordance with the same principles of metal fuel control and network control. A subsystem is provided in a network metal fuel management database that is used to deliver the amount of unused metal fuel to the discharge head assemblies.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that can always meet the maximum power requirements of the main system regardless of the total amount of metal fuel remaining in the network of metal air FCB subsystems.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that allows the use of all metal fuel remaining in a metal air FCB network in a power generation system used to sufficiently meet the maximum power requirements of the main system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide metal fuel tapes for supplying to each metal air FCB subsystem while automatically adjusting the availability of the metal fuel to increase the efficiency of the system during the discharge process of each FCB subsystem. It is to provide a system that is realized in the form, and is transferred to the discharge head structure in both directions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which the metal fuel material for discharge consists of multiple metal fuel tracks to generate different output voltages from the metal fuel FCB sub-system.

It is another object of the present invention that each zone and zone may be digitalized using optical or magnetic means to enable the calculation of the usefulness of each zone's metal fuel and discharge related information during the discharge process in each metal air FCB sub-system. A system having a metal fuel tape classified as a cord is provided.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system in which the metal fuel tape is conveyed to the refill head structure in both directions while each metal air FCB sub system automatically adjusts the amount of metal oxide to increase the efficiency of the system during the recharging process. It is.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system in which the oxidized metal fuel tape to be refilled to generate various output voltages in each metal air FCB subsystem consists of multiple metal fuel tracks.

It is another object of the present invention that each zone and zone uses longitudinal or optical means for each metal air FCB sub-system to enable the calculation of the amount of metal oxide in each zone and the recording of recharge information during the recharge process. The present invention provides a system having a metal fuel tape classified as a digital code.

The object of this and other inventions is described in detail below.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The following best describes the technical state in detail with reference to the features in the accompanying drawings. Parts like components here will be referred to by reference numerals.

In general, many rechargeable metal air FCB systems in accordance with the present invention consist of the various subsystems that make up the system.

For example, metal fuel transfer subsystems, metal fuel discharge subsystems, metal fuel recharge subsystems.

The function of the metal fuel transfer subsystem is to transfer various types of metal fuel materials, such as tape, card, paper, cylinder, etc., to the metal fuel discharge subsystem or metal fuel refill system, depending on the function selection of the system.

When the metal fuel is transported to the metal fuel discharge subsystem, it causes an electrochemical reaction to produce the power required for the electrical loads connected to the subsystem, and the metal fuel discharges one or more while consuming water and oxygen at the anode electrolyte interface. It is discharged by the head.

Once the discharged metal fuel is transferred to the metal fuel refilling subsystem, the discharged metal fuel is oxygenated by an electrochemical reaction at the anode electrolyte interface to convert the oxidized metal fuel back to the original metal material for reuse in the discharge process. As is disengaged, it is recharged by one or more recharge heads.

The electrochemical basis for recharging and discharging is well known in Applicant's U.S. patent pending 08/944507 and in patent 5,250,370 and other related scientific publications. These applied laws of science can be summarized briefly as follows.

During the discharge operation in a metal air FCB system, a metal fuel material such as zinc, aluminum, magnesium, or beryllium is impregnated with a specific porous electrically conducting oxygen permeability by an ion conducting medium such as an electrolyte gel, KOH, NaOH or an ion conducting polymer. It is used as an electrically conductive cathode with a specific porosity (eg 50%) in ion contact with the anode structure.

When the structure of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is in ion contact, a specific open cell voltage is generated. The magnitude of the open cell voltage depends on the electrochemical potential difference between the negative electrode and the positive electrode material.

When the electrical load is connected to the structure of the anode and cathode of the metal-air FCB cell, oxygen in the surrounding environment is consumed, and the metal fuel anode material is oxidized to transmit power to the electrical load.

In the case of a zinc air FCB cell system or structure, zinc oxide (ZnO) is formed in the zinc cathode structure while oxygen is consumed in the region between the electrolyte medium and the interface of the anode structure (hereinafter referred to as the anode electrolyte interface) during the discharge process.

During the process of recharging, the metal fuel recharging subsystem connects the anode structure and the metal air FCB system of the oxidized metal fuel cathode to an external voltage source (2 volts or more in zinc air systems).

The metal fuel refill subsystem then controls the flow of current between the anode and the metal fuel cathode structure to reverse the electrochemical reaction that occurred during the discharge process. In the case of the zinc-air FCB system, zinc oxide (ZnO) formed at the zinc cathode during the discharge process is reduced to the original zinc, and oxygen is discharged to the environment at the anode electrolyte interface.

Means and specific methods for performing optimal discharging, recharging operations in metal-air FCB systems are described through the present invention, which is illustrated by various examples below.

First Example Embodiment of the Metal-Air FCB System of the Invention

An embodiment of the example described herein is depicted via 2B16 in FIG. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the present metal-air FCB system 1 is composed of various subsystems. That is, the mounting / removing subsystem 2 of the metal fuel tape cassette cartridge for mounting and detaching the metal fuel tape cassette mechanism 3 to the FCB system when performing the operation of mounting and detaching the metal fuel tape cartridge respectively;

A metal fuel tape conveyance subsystem 4 for conveying the metal fuel tape 5 supplied from the mounted cassette mechanism to the FCB system when performing discharge and recharging operations;

A metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 for producing power from the metal fuel tape when performing a discharge operation;

When performing the recharging operation, it consists of various subsystems such as a metal fuel tape refilling subsystem for electrochemically recharging the oxidized metal fuel tape.

In a practical embodiment of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6, which will be described in detail below, a combination of discharge heads is provided which discharge the metal fuel tape in the presence of oxygen and water to power an electrical load connected to the FCB system.

In order to have a metal-air FCB system with multiple discharge heads in the smallest possible space, the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 consists of a tape run length extension mechanism 8 as shown in FIGS. 2A1, 2A2.

2A1 shows a state where the fuel tape run length extension mechanism is not applied.

When the cassette cartridge 3 is mounted in the cassette storage compartment of the FCB system, as shown in FIG. 2A2, the traveling direction length extension mechanism 8 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 automatically uses the folding method to adjust the running length of the metal fuel tape 5. In addition, the combination of discharge heads 9 is arranged to produce power while efficiently utilizing the physical storage space during the discharge operation of the system.

Several advantages of using multiple discharge heads in a metal fuel tape discharge subsystem will be apparent in the following description.

Similarly, in order to have multiple metal oxide reduction (refill) heads in a limited small space, the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 also includes a metal fuel tape expansion mechanism 10. 2B1 illustrates a state in which the fuel tape run length extension mechanism is not applied.

When the cassette cartridge 3 is mounted in the cassette storage compartment of the FCB system, as shown in FIG. 2A2, the traveling direction length extension mechanism 10 in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 6 automatically uses the folding method to adjust the running length of the metal fuel tape 5. The combination of refill heads 11 is arranged to reduce the metal oxide tissue to the original metal structure while efficiently utilizing the physical storage space in the recharging operation of the system.

Full of air FCB for rapid recharging of the metal fuel tape from the metal fuel tape, the total area of the metal fuel tape recharging subsystem 7 refill head of A _recharge the metal fuel tape discharge sub-system 6, the discharge of the head-first actually materialized metal It is designed to be larger than the area A _discharge . This design is described herein by reference in Applicant's U.S. Patent 5,250,370. This design feature enables FCB systems to dramatically shorten recharge time without using large physical space.

The details of this subsystem will be described below in relation to the recharge discharge process of the metal fuel tape.

Brief summary of modes of operation of the first practically specified FCB system of the present invention

In performing the cartridge mounting operation, a cassette cartridge 3 for supplying the metal fuel tape 5 filled by the cassette cartridge mounting / removing subsystem 2 is mounted in the FCB system.

During the discharge operation, the charged metal fuel tape in the cartridge is mechanically adjusted by the run length extension mechanism8 so that the discharge heads for producing electrochemically power can be used to power the electric load connected to the system. The length of the metal fuel tape is sufficiently extended so that it can be disposed of.

During the refill operation, the oxidized metal fuel tape in the cartridge is mechanically adjusted by the run length extension mechanism10 so that the refill heads are placed in the run length to electrochemically reduce the oxidized metal tissue to the original metal tissue. In order to be able to, the length of the metal fuel tape is sufficiently extended.

During the cartridge detachment operation, the cassette cartridge is detached from the FCB system by the cassette cartridge loading / removing subsystem 2.

Some patent applications refer to a technique in which the recharging operation of the tape is temporarily suspended during the discharging operation of the tape, whereas the present invention is the first practical embodiment capable of simultaneously performing the recharging and discharging processes simultaneously. This feature of the present invention makes it possible to simultaneously perform the discharging and recharging operations of the metal fuel tape even during the production operation of electric power.

Multi-track metal fuel tape used in the first practical materialized FCB system

In the FCB system of FIG. 1, it is mentioned in pending US patent application (08 / 944,507) that the metal fuel tape 5 has multiple fuel tracks (for example five).

When using such a metal fuel tape, it is preferable to configure each discharge head as a multi-track discharge head in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6.

Similarly, each refill head of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 should also be designed as a multi-track refill head in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

As detailed in the pending US patent application (08 / 944,507), the use of multi-track metal fuel tapes and multi-track discharge heads enables simultaneous production of multiple supply voltages, and therefore, of electrical loads having multiple voltage bands. It is possible to develop and supply a wide range of voltage bands (V1, V2, V3) to meet the requirements.

Such output voltages are suitable for driving various kinds of electrical loads 12 connected to the output 13 of the FCB system. This effect is made possible by regulating the individual output voltages generated through each anode-cathode in the discharge operation of the fuel tape.

The functional aspects of such a system are described in detail below.

In general, single track and multitrack metal fuel tapes can be produced with a variety of different techniques. Typically, the metal fuel tape housed in the cassette mechanism 3 is made of zinc because of its advantages of being cheap, environmentally friendly and easy to work with.

Here we describe techniques for making several different zinc-fuel tapes according to the present invention.

For example, according to the first manufacturing method, a layer of thin metal (nickel or brass) with a thickness of about 1 to 10 microns is covered on the surface of a low density plastic material (tape form). The low density plastics material is chosen to be stable in an electrolyte such as KOH when selected. The role of the thin film metal layer is efficient current collection at the cathode surface. The zinc powder mixed with the fixing material is then coated on the thin metal surface to a thickness of about 10-1000 microns. The zinc layer must have a constant porosity of about 50% because ions must flow between the current collection elements of the anode and cathode in an ion conducting medium (eg electrolyte) with minimal electrical resistance.

In the second fabrication method, a layer of thin metal (nickel or brass), about 1 to 10 microns thick, is placed on the surface of a low density plastic material (tape form). The low density plastics material is chosen to be stable in an electrolyte such as KOH when selected. The role of the thin film metal layer is efficient current collection at the cathode surface. Zinc is then electroplated on the surface of the thin metal layer. The zinc layer must have a constant porosity of about 50% because ions must flow between the current collection elements of the anode and cathode in an ion conducting medium (eg electrolyte) with minimal electrical resistance.

In a third manufacturing method, zinc powder is mixed with a low density plastic substrate to extend it in the form of an electrically conductive tape. The low density plastics material is chosen to be stable in an electrolyte such as KOH when selected. The electrically conductive tape layer should have a constant porosity of about 50% because ions must flow between the current gathering elements of the anode and cathode in an ion conducting medium (eg electrolyte) with minimal electrical resistance. A thin metal layer (nickel or brass) of about 1 to 10 microns thick is then covered on the surface of the electrically conductive tape. The role of the thin film metal layer is efficient current collection at the cathode surface.

The method of making the metal fuel tape can also be modified by making a double-sided metal tape that provides a single track or multi-track metal fuel layer on both sides of the flexible base material.

Such a double-sided metal fuel tape can be usefully used in FCB systems having discharge heads on both sides.

Using a double sided metal fuel tape, it is necessary to form a current collection layer on both sides of the plastic substrate so that current can be collected from both sides of the metal with respect to other anode structures in almost all implementations.

In the production of double sided multi-track fuel tapes, it is necessary to laminate them in physical contact with the multi-track metal fuel tapes and the above mentioned substrates of each tape length.

It is obvious that a person skilled in the art has benefited by employing the above-described method for producing the double-sided metal fuel tape according to the present disclosure. In this practical embodiment of the present invention, the cathode contact structures of each discharge head will be modified to make electrical contact with an electrically insulated current collecting layer formed in each of the metal fuel tape structures of the present invention.

Method and apparatus for packaging metal fuel tape of the present invention

Multi-track metal fuel tapes produced by the above-mentioned methods can be packaged in a number of different ways. One of them is a method used by a 9-track digital recording tape, and a method of using a recovery reel which is wound on a supply fuel reel with a metal fuel tape. Another method of handling is the storage of metal fuel tape in a small cassette cartridge mechanism, which is preferred for the reel to reel method.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cassette mechanism 5 has a pair of shafts 15A and 15B that are spatially separated in the housing 14, in which the metal fuel tape 5 (5 ', 5 ") is a video-cassette tape. It is wound up in a format similar to The cassette mechanism 5 is provided with tape guiding rollers 16A and 16B spaced apart from each other at the front edge of the cassette housing, and an opening 17 is formed at the front end (i.e., side and top) 14A.

The front end opening 14A plays several important functions. For example, in the discharge operation, the multi-track discharge head assembly 9 plays a role in allowing the traveling length to be properly aligned with the position of the extended metal fuel tape; When the cassette cartridge is detached from the discharge compartment of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem, the multi-track discharge head assembly 9 is responsible for allowing the traveling length to escape from the position of the extended metal fuel tape; The tape run length extension mechanism 10 mounted in the FCB refill subsystem 7 can be positioned on the face of the metal fuel tape, allowing the tape run length extension by the two-step method shown in FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2.

Cassette housing opening 17 also serves to ensure that during refilling operation the multi-track refill head assembly 11 can be properly aligned with the position of the metal fuel tape after discharge with extended travel length; When the cassette cartridge is detached from the cassette storage compartment 15 of the FCB system, the multi-track refill head assembly 11 serves to allow the metal fuel tape to be released from the position. The opening may be provided with an openable window or door to shield the interior of the cassette from the surroundings when the cassette is not installed in the cassette storage compartment of the system. Various spring-loaded mechanisms can be used to install the opening and closing windows in the cassette cartridge of the present invention.

During the recharging or discharging operation of the system, a tape tensioning mechanism may be added, although not indicated to ensure that the metal fuel tape maintains the proper tension during the winding and unwinding of the metal fuel tape. Cassette housing can be made of any material resistant to heat and corrosion. Preferably the cassette housing uses an electrically nonconductive material for the safety of the user in the operation of discharging and refilling the tape.

Cassette cartridge mounting / removing subsystem for practical specification of the metal-air FCB system of the present invention

Cassette cartridge mounting / removing subsystem 2 of the FCB system of FIG. 1 is composed of several assistive mechanisms as shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2A3, 2A4 and detailed in US patent application pending 08 / 944,507.

1) a cassette input mechanism 16A which automatically receives a cassette cartridge at a cassette insert 17A formed in the front panel of the system housing 17 and automatically moves the cartridge to the cassette storage compartment of the system;

2) an automatic opening mechanism 16B for automatically opening and closing the doors formed in the cassette cartridges for accessing the metal fuel tape when the cassettes enter the cassette storage compartment of the FCB system;

3) Ejecting the cassette cartridge from the cassette storage compartment through the cassette insert in response to a predetermined condition (for example, pressing a cassette eject button provided on the front panel or automatically detecting the end of the metal fuel tape). Automatic cassette ejection mechanism for 16C;

In the practical embodiment of Fig. 1, the cassette input mechanism 16A can be realized in the form of a platform conveying structure that surrounds the outside of the cassette cartridge housing.

The platform transport structure is supported by a pair of parallel roller rails and transported by way of an electric motor and a cam mechanism.

These mechanisms are operatively connected to a system controller, which will be described in detail below. The function of the cam machine structure is to convert the rotational motion of the motor shaft into linear motion for conveying the cassette platform transport structure along the rail when the cassette is inserted into the platform transport structure. The position detector mounted on the system housing can detect whether the cassette cartridge is inserted through the insertion hole, and can detect the presence or absence of the tape located on the platform transport structure. The signal generated from the position sensor is provided to the system controller and used to initiate the cassette cartridge transfer process in an automated manner.

The automatic door opening mechanism 16B in the system housing system can be realized as a mechanical structure capable of pushing the cassette opening 14B to the open position when the cassette cartridge is completely located in the cassette storage compartment.

In practical embodiments, the automatic cassette ejection mechanism 16C is basically the same in structure and function as the cassette insertion structure described above. The main difference is that the automatic cassette ejection mechanism works by pressing the eject button provided on the front panel of the system housing or by functionally identical triggering conditions, events.

When the eject button is pressed, the system controller automatically disengages the discharge head from the metal fuel tape, switches the extended metal fuel tape into non-expanded mode, and removes the cassette cartridge from the cassette storage compartment through the cassette insert. Allow it to drain automatically.

Noteworthy here is that the control functions required in the cassette cartridge loading / removing subsystem as well as the control functions required in all other subsystems in the FCB system are performed by the system controller 18 illustrated in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4.

In practical embodiments, the system controller has a program storage memory (ROM) and an information storage memory (RAM), and is connected to one or more system integrated structures and is well known in the field of programmed microcomputing and control. Computer).

Metal Fuel Tape Transfer Subsystem for Practical Specification of the Metal-Air FCB System of the Invention

As shown in Figures 2A3 and 2A4, the actual specification of the metal fuel tape transport subsystem 4 includes the following components.

1) During discharge and recharge operation, when the cassette cartridge is inserted into the cassette input compartment of the system, a pair of synchronized electric motors 19A for driving the rotating shafts 20A and 20B located in the metal fuel cartridge 3 to drive the metal fuel tape in the reverse direction 19B

2) Electric drive circuits 21A and 21B for generating electrical drive signals for electric motors 19A and 19B.

3) a tape speed sensing circuit 22 for sensing the conveying speed of the tape and signal information used by the system controller 18 to control the conveying speed of the metal fuel tape in the discharging and recharging operation of the system;

4) Since the metal fuel tape transfer subsystem 4 of the first practical embodiment employs the system controller 18, it is preferable to include the system controller 18 as an auxiliary subsystem in the metal fuel tape transfer subsystem.

Metal fuel tape discharge subsystem for practical specification of metal-air FCB system of the present invention

As shown in Figs. 2A3 and 2A4, the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 is composed of various subsystems shown below.

1) a combination of multi-track discharge heads consisting of a multi-element anode structure and a cathode contact structure having electrically conductive outputs connectable in the manner described below;

2) a combination of metal oxide sensing heads 23 that detect the presence or absence of metal oxide tissue in a particular region of the metal fuel track as the metal fuel tape passes through the discharge heads during the discharge process;

3) the metal fuel tape run length extension mechanism 8 shown schematically in FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2 extending the run length of the metal fuel tape so that the discharge heads can be disposed around the metal fuel tape when performing the discharge operation;

4) Discharge to move a component consisting of the discharge head assembly 9 and the metal oxide sensing head structure 24 to or from the metal fuel tape when the metal fuel tape is placed in the extended state by the metal fuel tape run length extension mechanism8. Head feed subsystem 24;

5) Anode-cathode output end setting subsystem for setting the output end of the positive and negative contact structures of the discharge head under the control of the system controller 18 to maintain the required output voltage of a specific electrical load connected to the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem. 25;

6) an anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 for measuring the voltage generated through the anode and cathode of each discharge head and for generating digital information of the measured voltage level;

7) an anode-cathode current measurement subsystem 27 connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 for observing the flow of current at the anode and cathode of each discharge head during discharge operation and for digital information of the observed current levels;

8) An anode oxygen pressure control subsystem consisting of a system controller 18, a solid state oxygen pressure winding 28, and a vacuum chamber 29, as shown in FIG. 2A8, for controlling and sensing the oxygen pressure level in the anode structure of each discharge head 9. ;

9) a metal fuel tape speed control subsystem consisting of a system controller 18, motor drive circuits 21A, 21B, and a tape speed (speed and direction) detector 22 for controlling the speed in the forward and reverse direction of the metal fuel tape in accordance with the discharge head;

10) Conditions in the FCB system (e.g. moisture at the anode and electrolyte interfaces of the discharge head or An ion concentration control subsystem consisting of a system controller 18, a solid state moisture sensor 34 and a humidifier 35 to adjust and sense humidity levels;

11) The system controller 18, the solid state temperature sensor 271 (semiconductor resistance temperature sensor) mounted on the channel of each multi-anode support structure, and the system in order to maintain the temperature of each discharge channel within the optimum temperature range when performing the discharge operation. Discharge head temperature control subsystem consisting of discharge head cooling mechanism 272 that reacts in response to a control signal generated by controller 18

12) Correlated Metal Fuel Database Management Subsystem 275 (MFDMS) designed to accept specific types of information extracted from the output values of the various subsystems within the Metal Fuel Tape Discharge Subsystem 6 and associated with the system through regional linkage 276 ;

13) Information reading head 38, metal oxide sensing head structure 23 and associated circuits, and voltage measuring subsystem 26, anode-cathode current measuring system 27, metal oxide sensing head combination 23, installed close to the anode supporting structure of each discharge head 9, An information storage processing subsystem (DCPS) 277 consisting of an information processor for a microprocessor programmed to accept information signals generated from the anode oxygen pressure control subsystem and the ion concentration phenomenon control subsystem and to enable the following operations; Read metal fuel area identification from transferred metal fuel tape5. Store the sensed discharge parameters and the calculated metal oxide indication information in the Metal Fuel Database Management Subsystem (MFDMS) 275 using the local system passageway 278 depicted in FIG. 2B17. Read the refill parameters and metal fuel indication information previously recorded and stored in the Metal Fuel Database Management Subsystem (MFDMS) 275 using the Regional System Passage 278 above.

14) between the output terminals of the anode-cathode output terminal setting subsystem 25 and the input terminal of the electrical load 12 connected to the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 to rectify (constantly adjust) the output delivered to the electrical load. An output rectification subsystem 40 connected to the;

15) an input / output control subsystem 41 connected to the system controller for controlling all functions of the FCB system in a system equipped with the FCB system in a remote or direct manner;

16) a system controller 18 'installed in the metal fuel refilling sub-system as shown in FIG. 2B17 and connected to the integrated system connection structure 279 to provide a means for managing the operation of the various various subsystems mentioned above during the various operations of the system. System controller with

The subsystems are described in more technical detail below.

Multitrack Discharge Head Combinations in Metal Fuel Tape Discharge Subsystems

The function of the combination of the multiple discharge heads 9 is to produce power and supply it to the electrical load when the metal fuel tape is transported during the discharge operation of the system.

In practical embodiment each discharge head 9 consists of the following elements.

1) an anode element support plate 42 composed of a plurality of independent channels 43 through which oxygen can freely pass through the bottom 44 of each channel;

2) a plurality of electrically conductive anode elements 43 (eg, strips) to be inserted below each said channel;

3) a plurality of electrolyte filled strips 46 to be placed above the anode strips in channels 43 as shown in FIGS. 2A6 and 2A7;

4) an oxygen injection chamber 29 to be mounted on the upper (lower) surface on the anode element support plate 44 in a sealed manner;

As shown in Figs. 2A13 and 2A14, each oxygen injection chamber 29 has a plurality of failure chambers physically associated with each channel from channels 34A to 35E. Here each chamber is isolated from the other chambers and is in fluid communication with one channel in an electrode support plate consisting of one electrolyte filling element and one support electrode.

As can be seen, each fault in the discharge head assembly is aligned to allow fluid communication with an air compressor or oxygen supply means (tank or cartridge) and one of several tubular tubes. The oxygen supply means consists of a tubular tube and one channel of the various combinations 32, an electrically controlled air flow switch 31 as shown in FIG. 2A3 and operation is controlled via the system controller 18. This arrangement allows the system controller 18 to independently adjust the oxygen pressure in each of the oxygen injection chambers 29A to 29E in the discharge head structure to the optimum range by injecting selectively pressurized air through the air flow channel under the control of the system controller. Make it possible.

In practical embodiments, the electrolyte-filled strip can be realized by injecting a gel type electrolyte into the electrolyte absorbing carrier medium. The electrolyte carrier strip may be realized in the form of a low density strip made of an open cell foam material made of PET plastic.

The gel-type electrolytes used in each discharge cell are made by formulas of alkaline solutions (eg KOH) and gelatinous materials, water, and other additives, as is well known in the art.

In practical embodiments, each anode strip is made of a nickel mesh 47 plate coated with platinum or other catalyst 48 of porous carbon material and granules suitable for use in metal-air FCB systems. The detailed description of the anode structure disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,894,296 and 4,129,633 is hereby incorporated by reference.

In order to form a current collecting passage, an electrical conductor 49 is welded to each of the anode strip mesh plates below. As shown in Fig. 2A7, each electrical conductor 49 is connected to the anode-cathode output terminal setting subsystem 25 through a small hole 50 formed in the bottom surface of the channel 43 of the anode support plate. As can be seen, the anode strip is pressed into the bottom of the channel and held firmly in place. As shown in Fig. 2A7, the bottom (bottom) 44 of each channel 43 has several perforations 43A to smoothly supply oxygen to the anode strip.

In practical embodiments, the electrolyte filled strip 46 is positioned on top of the anode strip 46 and fixed on top of the anode support channel 43.

As shown in Fig. 2A8, when the anode strip and the thin electrolyte strip are each mounted in the corresponding channel, the outer surface of the electrolyte-filled strip is positioned to be in contact with the upper surface of the plate defining the channel, so that the metal fuel tape Allow it to be transported over it gently.

A hydrophobic agent is added to the carbon material constituting the oxygen permeable anode element in the discharge head assembly during the discharge operation to have a waterproof effect.

The inner surface of the anode support channel is also covered with a hydrophobic membrane (Teflon) to exclude moisture in the electrolyte-filled strip, allowing the optimized supply of oxygen through the anode strip to the injection chamber during discharge operation. Suitably the anode support plate is preferably made of an electrically nonconductive material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, as is well known in the art.

The anode support plate and the discharge chamber can be manufactured by injection molding techniques well known in the art.

In order to produce more efficient power from the discharge head, in order to detect partial oxygen pressure in the anode structure during the discharge operation, a solid state oxygen pressure sensor 28 is installed in each channel of the anode support plate 42 as shown in Fig. 2A7. The oxygen pressure sensor is then connected to the system controller 18 as an information input device.

In practical embodiments, it can be realized by using an oxygen pressure sensing technique adopted to measure the pressure of oxygen in the blood of the human body.

The prior art referred to in US Pat. No. 5,190,038 and the reference technologies mentioned therein can be made using small diodes which emit electromagnetic waves of two or more different wavelengths which are absorbed at different levels depending on the presence of oxygen in the blood. . The information gathered during this process is analyzed and processed to enable reliable oxygen pressure measurements.

In the present invention, in the same manner as the above cited technique, a light emitting diode of a specific frequency is used to perform a similar sensing function in the anode structure of each discharge head.

The multi-track fuel tape in the cassette fuel cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is shown in structural detail in FIG. 2A9. As shown in the figure, the metal fuel tape 5 includes the following components.

1) a flexible, electrically nonconductive base layer 53 made of a plastic material that is stable in electrolyte;

2) an ultra-thin current collection layer located above base layer 53, comprising a plurality of parallel, spatially separated metal fuel strips 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E;

3) a plurality of electrically nonconductive strips 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D, 55E positioned on the base layer 53 and present between the metal fuel strips 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E;

4) Parallel expanded channels (grooves) which allow the metal fuel tracks 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D and 54E to be in electrical contact through the grooved layer and located opposite the metal fuel strip and on the underside of the base layer. 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E;

It is noteworthy that when metal fuel tapes were to be used, the spatial arrangement and width of each metal fuel strip was considered to engage spatially well with the corresponding anode strip of the discharge head.

The above mentioned metal fuel tape can be produced by applying a zinc strip to the base plastic material 53 layer in the form of a tape, which may be produced using any of the above-mentioned methods. The metal tape strips can be separated in physical space arrangement or separated by Teflon for electrical insulation of each strip.

The spaces between the metal strips can be filled by coating with insulating material and then mechanically processed and laser etched to form microchannels that make electrical contact with each individual metal fuel strip through the base layer. Finally, the upper surface of the multiple fuel tracks is polished to remove all electrical insulators from the surface of the metal fuel that will contact the anode structure during the discharge operation.

2A10 is shown a typical metal fuel (cathode) contact structure 58 for use with the multitrack anode structure of FIGS. 2A7, 2A8. As shown, a plurality of electrically conductive elements 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, which are located adjacent to the movement of the fuel tape in the cassette cartridge, are supported from the platform 61. Each conducting element 60A-60E has a smooth surface that can be slidably engaged with one track of metal fuel through a fine groove formed in the base layer 53 of the metal fuel tape of the fuel track.

Each electrically conducting element is connected to an electrical conductor connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 under the control of the system controller 18. The platform 61 is connected to the discharge head transfer subsystem 24 and can be designed to be moved to the position of the fuel tape during the discharge operation of the system under the control of the system controller.

What is characteristic here is that the use of multiple discharge heads, in practical embodiments herein, can produce more power to power the electrical load with less heat generation at each discharge head than with the use of a single discharge head.

The characteristic of such a metal fuel tape discharge system is that it is possible to increase the replacement timing of the anodes employed as the discharge head of the system.

Metal oxide sensing head combination in metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

The function of the metal oxide sensing head assembly 23 measures the level of current generated in each individual fuel track during the discharge operation, and indicates an electrical signal indicating how much of the metal fuel track is being oxidized, i. To generate.

As shown in Fig. 2A5, each multi-track metal oxide sensing head 23 of the metal oxide sensing head combination consists of various parts as follows.

1) There is an anode support structure 63 for supporting a plurality of anode elements 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D, 64E, wherein the anode elements are respectively engaged with the upper surface of one of the fuel tracks, as shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4. As is connected to the low voltage power supply end 65A, 65B, 65C, 65D, 65E provided by the current sensing circuit 66 connected to the information storage processing subsystem 277 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6.

2) there is a cathode support structure 67 for supporting a plurality of cathode elements 68A, 68B, 68C, 68D, 68E, wherein the cathode elements are respectively engaged with the lower surface of the fuel track, each provided by a current sensing circuit 66; Are connected to the low voltage power supply ends 69A, 69B, 69C, 69D and 69E.

In the actual embodiment shown in Figures 2A3 and 2A4, each multi-track metal oxide sensing head 23 senses the actual amount of metal oxide prior to the discharge process, provides an information signal to the system controller 18 for determination and detects the condition of the actual metal fuel tape. In front of the discharge head 9.

In a practical embodiment of the FCF system, only one metal oxide sensing head combination 23 is shown. In the FCB system for bidirectional tape, the system controller is able to determine which metal fuel, regardless of which direction the metal fuel tape is being transported at any particular moment. It can be seen that it is desirable to install one metal oxide sensing head combination at each end of the discharge head assembly in order to be able to predict whether the zone's metal fuel has been exhausted. The combination of the above allows the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 to determine which part of which metal fuel track has sufficient capacity to produce power during the discharge operation, so that the metal fuel tape is in an optimal state during the discharge operation. Control the metal fuel tape transport subsystem so that it can be discharged.

This aspect of the invention will be described in detail below.

Mechanism for extending the length of metal fuel tape in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

As shown in Figures 2A3 and 2A4, the actual specification of the tape run length extension mechanism 8 includes the components indicated below.

1) Rollers 71A-71E in the first arrangement mounted to the support structure 72 for contacting the metal fuel portion of the metal fuel tape when the cassette mechanism 3 is inserted into the cassette input port of the FCB system;

2) a second arrangement of rollers 71A-71E mounted on a support structure 74 for contacting the base portion of the metal fuel tape when the cassette mechanism 3 is inserted into the cassette input port of the FCB system and positioned between the fixed rollers 71A-71E;

3) a conveying mechanism 75 of the electromechanical structure for conveying the roller support structures 72 and 74 according to the system housing;

In the setup illustrated in Fig. 2A3, the tape run length extension mechanism 8 is such that when the cassette mechanism 3 is inserted into the cassette input port of the FCB system, it is hardly in contact with the rollers of the first and second arrangements and the opposite side of the metal fuel tape. Are arranged. As shown in Fig. 2A4, the second roller arrangements 73A to 73E move at a distance from the first fixed roller arrangements 71A to 71E, thereby causing the traveling length of the metal fuel tape to be sufficiently larger than the traveling length shown in the setting of Fig. 2A3. Can be extended.

Due to this extended length of the metal tape, a plurality of discharge heads 9 can be disposed around the discharge operation.

In this setting, the anode structure 76 of each discharge head 9 is ionically contacted with the metal fuel structure along the metal fuel structure tape while the cathode contact structure 77 of each discharge head is in electrical contact with the metal fuel structure of the metal fuel tape. In this setting the metal fuel tape is positioned so that a plurality of discharge heads can be disposed on the metal fuel tape in the discharge operation.

By using the above multiple discharge heads, the low current load of the metal fuel tape is applied at the time of power generation, so that the structure of the metal oxide can be controlled more efficiently.

The above advantages will be evident in the following description.

Discharge Head Transfer Subsystem in Metal Fuel Tape Discharge Subsystem

The main function of the discharge head transfer subsystem is to transfer the discharge heads 9 (and the metal oxide sensing heads 23 supported thereon) to the metal fuel tape with the running length extended as shown in Fig. 2A3.

When the discharge head is properly moved while the metal fuel tape is transferred to the discharge head assembly by the metal fuel tape transfer subsystem when the discharge operation is performed, the positive and negative contact structures of the discharge heads are separated from the metal fuel track and the ion conduction, There is electrical contact.

The discharge head transfer subsystem 24 transfers the anode structure 76 and the cathode contact structure 77 of each discharge head around the metal fuel tape as shown in Fig. 2A4, and various electric machines capable of deviating from the metal fuel tape position as in the state of 2A3. It can be realized by using a suitable one of the mechanisms.

As shown, the transfer mechanism is connected to the system controller 18 and controlled according to the control program of the system controller.

Anode-cathode output end setting subsystem within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

2A3 and 2A4, the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 is connected between the input end of the discharge force rectifying subsystem 40 and the output end of the anode-cathode in the combination of the discharge heads 9.

System controller 18 is connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 to provide a control signal for performing its function during the discharge operation.

The function of the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 is to output the selected anode-cathode in the discharge head of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem to produce the proper output voltage level required by the electrical load connected to the FCB system during tape discharge operation. Setting the ends automatically (in series or in parallel).

In a practical embodiment of the present invention, the anode-cathode output end setting mechanism 25 can be realized by using one or more electrically programmable power switching circuits using transistor control techniques. Here the positive and negative contact elements in the discharge heads 9 are connected to the input end of the output rectifying subsystem 40. The switching operation is made under the control of the system controller 18 so as to produce the output voltage required at the overload load connected to the output rectifying subsystem of the FCB system.

Anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem in metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

As illustrated in Figures 2A3 and 2A4, the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 is connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 to sense the voltage level.

Although not illustrated, this subsystem is coupled to system controller 18 to receive the control signals required to perform its functions.

In the first practical embodiment, the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 has two important functions:

1) Automatically detects the instantaneous voltage level generated in the anode-cathode structure linked to the metal fuel tracks transferred to each discharge head when performing the discharge operation.

2) Generate a digital information signal of the sensed voltage for sensing, analysis and processing in the information storage processing subsystem 277. Then, the information accompanying the metal fuel database management sub-system 275 accessible by the system controller 18 when the discharge operation is performed is recorded.

In the first practical embodiment of the present invention, the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 detects the voltage generated in the anode-cathode structure connected to each metal fuel track transferred to each discharge head of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem. It can be realized by using the electrical circuit adopted for the purpose. In response to the sensed voltage level, the electrical circuit can be designed to generate a digital information signal indication of the sensed voltage level.

Anode-cathode current measurement subsystem within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4, the anode-cathode current observation subsystem 27 is connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25. The anode-cathode current measurement subsystem 27 has two main functions:

1) During discharge operation, each discharge head structure automatically detects the magnitude of the electrical flow through the anode-cathode of the metal fuel track.

2) Generate a digital information signal of the sensed current for detection, analysis and processing in the information storage processing subsystem 277. Then, the information accompanying the metal fuel database management sub-system 275 accessible by the system controller 18 when the discharge operation is performed is recorded.

In the first practical embodiment of the present invention, the anode-cathode current observation subsystem 27 senses the current passing through the anode-cathode of each metal fuel track in each discharge head combination and generates an information signal indicator of the sensed current. By using a sense circuit can be realized.

The sensed current levels are then aligned in the metal fuel database subsystem and used by the system controller 18 in various ways as follows.

1) Perform discharge rectification method.

2) Make a record of the discharge conditions for each zone of the discharged metal fuel tape. Etc

Anode Oxygen Pressure Control Subsystem Within Metal Fuel Tape Discharge Subsystem

The function of the anode oxygen pressure control subsystem defined above is to control (increase or increase) the oxygen pressure by sensing the pressure of oxygen in each channel of the anode structure of the discharge head 9 and in response to keeping the oxygen pressure in the anode structure constant. Decrease).

According to the present invention, the partial oxygen pressure in each channel in the anode structure of each discharge head provides a means for oxygen concentration to maintain an optimum level to enable optimum oxygen consumption in the discharge head when performing the discharge operation.

By maintaining the oxygen pressure in the channel of each anode structure, the output produced from the discharge head can be increased in a controllable manner. In addition, by measuring the pressure change of oxygen and generating digital information signals for analysis and detection by the system controller, the system controller 18 has controllable variables that can be used to even out the power supplied to the electrical load 12 during the discharge operation. It becomes possible.

In the first practical embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIG. 1, the information signal generated by the solid state oxygen pressure sensors 28A to 28E attached to the discharge head 9 is transferred to the information storage processing subsystem 277 as shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4. Is provided.

The information storage processing subsystem 277 converts this information into digital information and records it in the result information list in the information structure of Fig. 2A16, which is managed in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem.

These discharge parameters are such that system controller 18 has access to the parameter information through local passage 276 so as to be able to independently control the oxygen pressure level in each channel of discharge head 9 during the discharge process.

Metal fuel tape speed control subsystem in metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

The function of the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem 4 in the discharge process is to control the speed of the metal fuel tape at the discharge head in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6.

In practical embodiments, the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem consists of several components as follows.

1) system controller 18;

2) motor speed circuits 21A, 21B;

3) Tape speed sensor 22

As the tape passes through the speed sensor 22, an information signal indication of the tape speed (i.e., direction and speed) is generated and sent to the information storage processing subsystem 277.

As soon as this information signal is processed, the information storage processing subsystem 277 generates digital information of the extracted tape speed stored in the fuel database management subsystem 275 related to the metal fuel identification information (example code) input. By the discharge rectification method performed, system controller 18 automatically reads the speed of the tape from the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 through local system passageway 276. Using this information, system controller 18 controls (decreases or increases) the instantaneous speed of the metal fuel tape, depending on the discharge head.

This tape speed control is achieved by appropriately generating control signals for driving the electric motors 19A and 19B which are linked to the supply and recovery reels of the metal fuel tape.

The main reason for controlling the speed of the metal fuel tape is that these parameters are an important factor in determining how much current can be produced from the metal fuel tape at each discharge head in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6.

Ideally, during the discharge operation, the metal fuel tape should pass through the discharge head assembly as slowly as possible to produce as much power as required by the electrical loads connected to the system. For practical reasons, however, the speed of the metal fuel tape will be controlled so that the anode-cathode current (I _ac ) produced by each discharge head meets the requirements of the electrical load 12 connected to the system.

In most cases where the power demand of the electrical load is less than the FCB system's maximum output capacity, the speed of the metal fuel tape will increase once the total amount of metal fuel (TMFA) in each metal fuel zone is completely passed through the discharge heads of all discharge head combinations. It is controlled to be completely consumed so that the electrical load and the heat generation in each discharge head can be evenly distributed. This action plays a role in maximizing the replacement life of the discharge head.

Ion Concentration Control Subsystem within Metal Fuel Tape Discharge Subsystem

In order to achieve high energy efficiency during the discharge process, it is necessary to maintain the best concentration of ions in the anode electrolyte at the interface of each discharge head in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6.

Therefore, the primary function of the ion concentration control subsystem is to detect and modify the conditions so that ion concentration at the anode electrolyte interface in the discharge head can be maintained within the optimal range during the discharge operation. When an electrolyte containing potassium hydroxide (KOH) is used as an ion conducting medium between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, it is preferable to maintain the ion concentration phenomenon at 6 N (-6 M) during discharge operation.

Since moisture or relative humidity (RH%) can have a significant effect on the concentration of potassium hydroxide in the electrolyte, it is desirable to keep the moisture and relative humidity constant at the anode-electrolyte interface within each discharge head.

In order to control the ion concentration phenomenon in practical embodiment, the following various methods can be used. For example, a small solid humidity sensor 34 is installed inside the FCB system (as close as possible to the anode-cathode interface of the discharge head) to detect humidity conditions and generate digital information signals for them.

As shown in Figures 2A3 and 2A4, the digital information signal is sent to the information storage processing subsystem 277 to store that information in the information structure of Figure 2A16 maintained by the sensing and analysis and metal fuel data management subsystem 275.

When the moisture level or relative humidity in a particular channel of the discharge head is predetermined and falls below the threshold stored in the information structure of Fig. 2A16, the system controller 18 automatically increases the humidity of the particular channel to the humidifying element 35 for such a change in the humidity level. To generate a control signal.

In general, the humidifying element 35 can be realized in a number of different ways. As one method, it is possible to moisturize the surface of the metal fuel track of the tape by disposing the wick mechanism 36 in physical contact while the metal fuel tape is transferred to the discharge head assembly.

Another method may be to spray fine droplets (ultrafine mist) through micro nozzles installed along the top of each anode support structure that engages the metal fuel tape during the transfer of the tape.

The above operations will increase the humidity inside each discharge head to maintain the concentration of potassium hydroxide in the electrolytes-filled strips 46A-46E during discharge to maintain optimal ion transport.

Discharge head temperature control subsystem within metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

As illustrated in Figures 2A3, 2A4, 2A7, the discharge head temperature control subsystem installed in the first substantially specified metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 is configured as several components as follows.

1) system controller 18;

2) a solid state temperature sensor (resistance thermometer) 271 mounted inside each channel of the multi-anode support structure as shown in FIG. 2A7;

3) a discharge head cooling mechanism 272 that operates in response to a control signal generated by the system controller to lower the temperature of each discharge channel to an optimal temperature range in the discharge operation;

The discharge head cooling mechanism 272 may be implemented with various heat exchange techniques, such as a forced air cooling method, a water cooling method, a method using a coolant, which are well known in the art.

In the practical embodiment of the present invention, when producing a high level of power, it is preferable to install a jacket-type structure in order to circulate air, water or coolant for cooling purposes.

Information storage processing subsystem within metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

In the practical embodiment of FIG. 1, the information storage processing subsystem (DCPS) 277 shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4 performs various functions as follows.

1) Immediately identify the zone of the metal fuel tape and generate metal fuel zone identification information before the metal fuel tape is transferred to each discharge head in the discharge head assembly.

2) Detects various discharge parameters within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem while the identified metal fuel tape is transferred to the discharge head assembly.

3) One or more parameters are calculated to estimate or measure the amount of metal oxide produced during the discharge process. Then, metal oxide indication information representing the calculated parameters, the estimated value and the measured value is generated.

4) Saving the calculated metal oxide indication information of the corresponding metal fuel zone, as well as the discharge parameter information detected in the discharge operation, in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 for use by the system controller 18.

The recorded information held in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 by the information storage processing subsystem 277 can be used by the system controller 18 in various various ways as follows.

1) Partially or fully optimally discharging the oxidized metal fuel tape in an effective manner during discharge operation;

2) partially or fully optimally refilling the rapidly oxidized metal fuel tape in a refill operation;

In the discharge operation, the information storage processing subsystem 277 automatically collects discharge parameter information signals from various subsystems that make up the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6.

The values thus collected are symbolized as information in the information signals generated by the subsystems in the discharge operation.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, tape type discharge parameters will be included but are not limited to the following.

1) the voltage produced in the anode cathode structure of the particular metal fuel track measured by the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26;

2) current flow between the anode cathode in the particular metal fuel track as measured by the anode-cathode current measurement subsystem 27;

3) the speed (ie speed and direction) of the metal fuel in a particular zone of the metal fuel tape measured by the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem;

4) the saturation level of oxygen in the anode of each discharge head structure measured by the anode oxygen pressure control subsystem;

5) humidity level or relative humidity around the anode electrolyte interface of a particular metal fuel track at a particular discharge head measured by the ion concentration phenomenon control subsystem;

6) time interval in any state of the discharge parameters defined above;

Generally, there are several different ways for the information storage processing subsystem 277 to record tape-type discharge parameters during discharge operations. These other methods are described in detail below.

According to the first method of information recording shown in Fig. 2A9, a unique area for recognizing a symbol or mark 80 is realized in the form of a transparent strip to which a reflective film material is attached, and is stamped on the optical information track 81.

The function of this optical information track is to record a recognition symbol or sign unique to each metal fuel zone according to the supply of the metal fuel tape.

The location of the schematic zone recognition symbols must be physically consistent with the particular metal fuel zone involved.

The optical information track on which the zone identification code is printed by printing technology can be formed at the time the multi-track metal fuel tape is manufactured.

The metal fuel zone recognition symbol 80 formed along the edge of the tape is recognized by the optical information recognizer 38 realized by using an optical technique (for example, a laser scanning bar code symbol recognizer or an optical interpreter).

In practical embodiment, the digital information of the unique area recognition code to be recorded in the information storage structure formed for each metal fuel zone recognition is generated by the tape information recognizer 38 of the information storage processing subsystem 277.

Preferably, the information storage can be realized by an information recording operation performed by the information storage processing subsystem 277 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 in the discharge operation.

According to the second method of information recording shown in Fig. 2A91, the unique digital zone recognition symbol 83 is magnetically recorded on the magnetic information track 84 along the edge of each zone 85 of the metal fuel tape 5 '. The position of the symbol must be physically consistent with the particular metal fuel zone involved.

The magnetic information track on which the zone identification code is recorded can be formed at the time the multi-track metal fuel tape is manufactured.

The metal fuel zone recognition symbol formed along the edge of the tape is recognized by the magnetic information recognizer 38 'which is realized by using a magnetic information reading technique well known in the art.

In practical embodiment, the digital information for the unique zone identification code is generated for recording in the information storage structure. Preferably, the information storage can be realized by an information recording operation performed by the information storage processing subsystem 277 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 in the discharge operation.

According to the third method of information recording shown in Fig. 2A91, a unique digital zone identification symbol is a sequence of light transmission holes 86 located on an optically opaque information track 87 located along the edge of each zone 88 of the metal fuel tape 5 ''. Is recorded as. In such a perforation technique, information is encoded in the form of light transmission holes, and the interval and width of the light transmission holes are means of information encoding.

The position of the symbol must match the spatially related specific metal fuel zone.

The optical information track having the zone identification code recorded therein can be formed at the time the multi-track metal fuel tape is manufactured.

The metal fuel zone recognition symbol 86 formed along the edge of the tape is read by an optical information recognizer 38 '' which is realized by using a magneto-optical sensing technique well known in the art.

Preferably, the information storage can be realized by an information recording operation performed by the information storage processing subsystem 277 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 in the discharge operation.

According to a fourth alternative method of information recording, both the unique digital area identification code and each recognized metal fuel zone discharge parameter are realized in the form of a strip attached along the edge of the metal fuel tape of the present invention. Or perforation information tracks.

Information blocks relating to specific regions of the metal fuel schematically shown in FIG. 2A16 may be recorded in physically adjacent information tracks to facilitate easy access of the recorded information when performing a discharge operation. The information block typically includes a metal fuel zone indication number and discharge parameters detected by the information storage processing subsystem 275 when the metal fuel zone is transferred to the discharge head structure 9.

The first and second information recording methods mentioned above have several advantages over the third method. Especially when using the first and second methods, the information track provided along the metal fuel tape has a very low information volume. This is because there is very little information to be recorded in each metal fuel zone with a specific identifier (address number or zone indicator number).

It is also very economical to organize the information tracks according to the first and second methods as well as to read recorded area recognition information.

Discharge rectification subsystem in metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

As shown in Figures 2A3 and 2A4, the input of the discharge rectification subsystem 40 is connected to the output of the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25. Here, the output of the output end of the discharge rectifying subsystem 40 is connected to the input of the electrical load 12.

The primary function of the discharge rectification subsystem 40 is to keep the power supplied to the electrical loads connected to the system during the discharge operation, while the discharge rectification subsystem not only keeps the output voltage to the electrical load constant, but also during the discharge process. Constant current flow at the interface of the electrolyte. Such control functions are managed by the system controller 18 and are selected to be programmable in several ways to achieve optimal discharge of single track metal fuel tapes and multi-track metal fuels according to the present invention while meeting dynamic load requirements. Can be done.

The first practically specified discharge rectification subsystem can be realized using solid state power, voltage and current control circuits well known in the power, voltage and current control arts.

The circuit includes a programmable power telephone circuit using a transistor controlled technique, wherein the current control source is configured to control the current in response to a control signal generated by a system controller performing a discharge power control method. It is connected in series with the load.

The electrically programmable power switching circuit includes a technique in which the voltage control source is controlled by transistors connected in parallel to control the output voltage in response to a control signal generated by the system controller.

The circuits can be controlled and combined by system controller 18 to provide control of constant power to the electrical load.

In the practical embodiment of the present invention, the main function of the discharge power rectification subsystem 40 is to rectify the power supplied to the electrical load in real time using any of the discharge power control (rectification) methods described below.

1) Constant output voltage / variable output current method, where the output voltage across the electrical load is kept constant while the current changes according to the conditions of the electrical load.

2) With constant output current / variable output voltage method, the current supplied to the electrical load is kept constant under the output voltage which varies with load conditions.

3) In a constant output voltage / constant output current scheme, the voltage across the electrical load and the current supplied to the electrical load are kept constant for the load conditions.

4) In constant output power mode, the output power supplied to the electrical load is kept constant according to the load conditions.

5) Pulsating (pulse) output power system, where the output power to the electrical load supplies power in each cycle (cycle) so that the power is maintained for a predetermined time according to a predetermined condition.

6) Constant output voltage / pulse (pulse) output current method where the output voltage to the electrical load is kept constant while the current to the electrical load is pulsed in a constant cycle.

7) Pulsating (Pulse) Output voltage / constant output current method, where the output power to the electrical load pulses at a constant period while the current to the electrical load remains constant.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above seven discharge power rectification schemes are each pre-programmed in a ROM connected to the system controller 18.

The power rectification method may be selected in various ways as follows.

1) manually operating a button or switch on the system housing;

2) automatically operated by detection of optical, magnetic, electrical and physical conditions formed and detected at the connection between electrical load 12 and metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6;

I / O Control Subsystem in Metal Fuel Tape Discharge Subsystem

It is sometimes desirable to combine one or more FCB systems or metal fuel tape discharge systems in order to form a composite system having a function that cannot be provided by the FCB system or the metal fuel tape discharge system alone.

Looking at the composite system described above, the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 has an external system (microcomputer or microcontroller) in which the metal fuel tape discharge is discharged as if the system controller of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem is performing its control functions. An I / O control subsystem 41 is included to control and interfere with the subsystem.

In practical embodiments, the input / output control subsystem 41 is directly connected to the system controller 18 of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 and external and remote with means and methods capable of performing various functions of the system directly. It can be realized as an IEEE I / O bus structure providing a computer.

System controller within metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

As mentioned in detail above, the system controller 18 performs various operations to perform various functions of the FCB system in the discharge mode.

In the preferred embodiment of the FCB system of FIG. 1, system controller 18 is realized by a programmed microcontroller having a system passage structure and a program and information storage memory well known in the microcomputing art.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that two or more microcontrollers may be combined to perform the various functions performed by the FCB system.

All such embodiments are to be considered as embodiments of the present invention.

Discharge metal fuel tape within metal fuel tape discharge subsystem

2A5 shows a high level flow chart describing the basic steps of a discharge metal fuel tape using the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4.

As shown in block A, the user places the non-oxidized metal fuel tape at the cartridge input of the system housing so that the tape run length extension mechanism 8 can be adjacent to the metal fuel tape for discharge in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem.

As seen in block B, the travel length extension mechanism in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem extends the travel length of the metal fuel tape over the extended travel length region as shown in FIGS. 2A3, 2A4.

As shown in block C, the discharge head transfer subsystem 6 places the discharge head on the expanded metal fuel tape so that the ion conducting medium can be located between each anode structure and the adjacent rapid fuel tape.

As shown in block D, the discharge head transfer subsystem 6 sets each discharge head so that the anode structure is in ionic contact with the portion of the expanded metal fuel tape and the cathode contact structure is in electrical contact.

As seen in block E, the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 25 automatically sets the output end of the anode-cathode structure of each discharge head disposed around the expanded metal fuel tape. The system controller 18 then controls the metal fuel tape to produce and supply the output voltage required by the electrical load.

When the metal fuel tape is substantially or completely discharged, the cartridge mounting / removing subsystem 2 is programmed to automatically eject the cartridge to replace the metal fuel tape cartridge with a cartridge containing a filled metal fuel tape.

Metal fuel tape refilling subsystem for the first practical embodiment of the metal air FCB system of the present invention

As shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 of the first practical embodiment consists of several components as follows.

1) a multi-track metal oxide rechargeable head combination consisting of a multi-element anode structure having an electrically conductive input end connectable in the following manner and a refill head 11 of a cathode contact structure;

2) a combination of metal oxide sensing head 23 ′ that senses the presence of metal oxide tissue along a specific region of the metal fuel track while the metal fuel tape is transferred to the refill head in refill mode;

3) Schematically depicted in FIGS. 2B1 and 2B2, extending the running length of the metal fuel tape over a specific area within the cassette mechanism 5 and allowing a multi-track metal oxide refill head to be disposed around in discharge mode operation. Metal fuel tape running length extension mechanism10;

4) a refill head conveying subsystem 24 ′ for transferring the refill head assembly 11 and the metal oxide sensing head combination 23 to the metal tape in an expanded state by the metal fuel tape run length extension mechanism 10;

5) an input power supply subsystem 90 for converting an externally supplied AC power signal into a DC power source having a voltage suitable for recharging the metal fuel track delivered to the recharge head of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem;

6) supplying an input voltage under the control of the system controller 18 to electrochemically convert the metal oxide tissue to the original metal during recharging mode, and connecting the output end of the input power supply subsystem 90 to the input end of the positive and negative contact structures. Anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91;

7) Anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 'connected to the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91 to measure the voltage at the anode and cathode of each rechargeable head during recharge mode and to generate digital information of the sensed voltage level. ;

8) Anode-cathode current measurement sub connected to the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91 to measure the flow of current at the anode and electrolyte interface of each recharge head during recharge mode and to generate digital information of the sensed current level. System 27 ';

9) System controller 18, solid state oxygen pressure detector 28 ', vacuum chamber 29', vacuum pump 30 ', electrical circuits for sensing and controlling oxygen pressure levels in each anode structure channel of each refill head. An anode oxygen pressure control subsystem consisting of an air flow control mechanism 31 ', a branch pipe structure 32', and a multi-tubular tube 33 'controlled by means of control;

10) Metal fuel tape speed consisting of system controller 18 ', motor drive circuits 21A and 21B, and tape speed (speed and direction) detector 22' to control the speed of the metal fuel tape in both forward and reverse directions depending on the recharge head. Control subsystem;

11) System controller 18 ', solid-state humidity detector 34', humidifier 35 'to detect and correct conditions within the FCB system to ensure that the ion concentration at the anode and electrolyte interfaces in the recharge mode is maintained in the optimal range. An ion concentration control subsystem configured;

12) control signals generated by the system controller 18 ', the solid-state temperature detector 271' installed in each channel of the multi-anode support structure, and the system controller 18 'in order to lower the temperature of each recharge channel to an optimal range during the recharging operation. A refill head temperature control subsystem comprised of refill head cooling structure 272 'designed to respond;

13) Correlated Type Metal Fuel Database Management Subsystem 280 (designed to accept specific types of information extracted from the outputs of the various subsystems in the Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem 7 connected to the system controller 18 'by the local bus 281. MRDMS);

14) Information for the microprocessor adapted to accept information signals generated from the information decoding head 38 ', the metal oxide sensing head combination 23' and associated circuits, and the voltage measurement subsystem 26, which are installed close to the anode support structure of each recharge head 11. An information storage processing subsystem (DCPS) 282 consisting of a processor, a metal oxide sensing head combination 23 ', a tape speed control subsystem, an anode oxygen pressure control subsystem, and an ion concentration phenomenon control subsystem; Herein, the functions of the information storage processing subsystem are as follows. -Reading the metal fuel zone identification information from the transferred metal fuel tape5-recording the detected discharge parameters and the calculated metal oxide indication information to the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 via the local system bus 283-the local system bus Retrieve pre-stored metal fuel indication information and recharge parameters stored in the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 via the 281

15) an input connected between the output end of the input power supply subsystem 90 and the output end of the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91 to even out the input power delivered to the anode cathode structure of each metal fuel track being recharged in the recharge mode. (Recharge) power rectification subsystem 92;

16) an input / output control subsystem 41 'installed in the FCB system and connected to the system controller 18 for controlling all functions of the FCB system in a remote or synthetic system manner;

17) System controller 18 'for controlling the above-mentioned operations in various operating modes of the system.

These subsystems will be described in more detail below.

Multitrack Recharge Head Combination in Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem

The function of the combination of multi-track refill heads 11 is to electrochemically reduce the metal oxide tissue along the track of the metal fuel transferred to the refill head assembly 11 during operation in the refill mode.

In practical embodiments each refill head 11 consists of the following components.

1) an anode element support plate 42 having a plurality of channels 43 'separated for free passage of oxygen through the bottom portion 44' of each channel;

2) a plurality of electrically conductive anode elements (strips) 45A'-45E 'respectively inserted in the lower portion of the channel;

3) a plurality of electrolyte filling strips 46A 'to 46E' positioned on the anode strips 45A 'to 45E', respectively;

4) an oxygen discharge chamber 29 'mounted on the upper (lower) side of the anode element support plate 42' in a sealed manner as shown in Fig. 2B7;

As shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, each oxygen outlet chamber 29 'has a plurality of sub-chambers 29A'- 29E' that are physically associated with concave channels 154A'-154E ', respectively. Each vacuum chamber 29A'-29E 'is isolated from all other chambers and is in fluid communication with one channel supporting the anode element and the electrolyte filling element.

As shown in the figure, each of the inlet chambers 29A 'to 29E' is a multi-tubular tube 38 'branch pipe assembly 32' controlled by the system controller 18, and the vacuum pump 30 'through the electrically controlled air flow switch 31. Arranged to allow fluid communication.

This arrangement makes it possible for the system controller 18 'to selectively evacuate air from the chamber through the corresponding air flow channel in the branch assembly 32' so that the oxygen pressure levels in each chamber remain optimal during the refilling operation.

In practical embodiments, the electrolyte-filled strips in the refill head combination 11 can be realized by filling the electrolyte absorption media with a gel type electrolyte.

Preferably the electrolyte absorbing medium may be made of a low density, open electrical foam material made of PET plastic.

The gel-type electrolyte used in each rechargeable battery is made by a formula consisting of an alkaline solution (eg KOH), gelatinous material, water, and other additives, as is well known in the art.

In practical embodiments, each anode strip is made of nickel mesh plate 47 'coated with platinum or other catalyst 4'8 of porous carbon material and granules suitable for use in metal-air FCB systems. The detailed description of the anode structure disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,894,296 and 4,129,633 is hereby incorporated by reference.

To form a current collecting passage, an electrical conductor 49 'is welded to the bottom of each anode strip mesh plate. As shown in Fig. 2B7 ', each electrical conductor 49' is connected to the anode-cathode input terminal setting subsystem 91 through a small hole 50 'formed in the bottom of the channel of the anode support plate. As can be seen, the anode strip is pressed into the bottom of the channel and held firmly in place. As shown in Fig. 2B7, the bottom (bottom) 44 of each channel 43 has a plurality of perforations 43A so as to smoothly discharge oxygen from the anode electrolyte interface to the vacuum pump 30.

In practical embodiments, the electrolyte-filled strips 46A'-46E 'are positioned on top of the anode strips 45A'-45E' and are fixed on top of the anode support channel 43 '.

As shown in Fig. 2B8, when the positive electrode strip and the thin electrolyte strip are mounted in respective channels of the positive electrode support plate 42 ', the outer surface of the electrolyte-filled strip is positioned to be in contact with the upper surface of the plate defining the channel to refill the tape. Ensure that the metal fuel tape is smoothly transported over it.

A hydrophobic agent is added to the carbon material constituting the anode element in the refill head assembly 11 to have a waterproof effect from the oxygen permeable anode elements.

The inner surface 44 of the anode support channels is also coated with a hydrophobic film, such as Teflon, to ensure water resistance in the electrolyte fill strip to achieve a superfluous oxygen aeration in the anode strip during refill mode.

As is well known in the art, the positive electrode support plate is preferably made of an electrically nonconductive material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.

The anode support plate and the discharge chamber can be manufactured by injection molding techniques well known in the art.

In order to control the efficient metal oxide reduction in the recharging head, in order to detect partial oxygen pressure in the anode structure during the recharging operation, a solid state oxygen pressure sensor 28 'in each channel of the anode support plate 42' as shown in Fig. 2B7. Install it. The oxygen pressure sensor is then connected as an information input mechanism to the information storage processing subsystem 282.

The information signals generated by the oxygen pressure detector are received by the information storage processing subsystem 282 and converted into a suitable format and recorded in the information structure of FIG. 2B16 managed by the metal fuel database management subsystem 280. System controller 18 'may utilize the information stored in the database management subsystem via local system bus 281 as shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4.

In practical embodiments, it can be realized by using an oxygen pressure sensing technique adopted to measure the pressure of oxygen in the blood of the human body.

The prior art referred to in US Pat. No. 5,190,038 and the reference technologies mentioned therein can be made using small diodes which emit electromagnetic waves of two or more different wavelengths which are absorbed at different levels depending on the presence of oxygen in the blood. . The information gathered during this process is analyzed and processed to enable reliable oxygen pressure measurements.

In the present invention, in the same manner as the above cited technique, a light emitting diode of a specific frequency is used to perform a similar sensing function in the anode structure of each discharge head.

2B9 shows a portion of a multi-track metal fuel tape that is partially discharged and includes metal oxide tissue along the metal fuel track. This partially discharged metal fuel tape is stored in the cassette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 and needs to be refilled in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7 while the cassette mechanism is in the cassette storage compartment of the FCB system.

FIG. 2B10 includes a typical metal fuel (cathode) contact structure 58 'to be used with the anode structures shown in FIGS. 2B7 and 2B8. As indicated in the figure, a plurality of electrically conducting elements 60A-60E are supported by the platform 61 'located adjacent to the movement path of the fuel tape in the cassette cartridge. Each conducting element 60A-60E has a smooth surface for engaging a single engagement with one track through a fine groove formed in the base layer of the fuel tape of that fuel track.

Each conducting element is connected to an electrical conductor connected to the output of the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91. The platform 61 'is operatively associated with the refill head conveying subsystem 24' and can be designed to be conveyed to the position of the metal fuel tape under control of the system controller during the refill mode of the system.

As shown in the practical embodiment, the use of multiple refill heads can recharge a discharged metal fuel tape more quickly with less recharge current than with a single recharge head, thereby minimizing the calorific value of each refill head. have.

This feature of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 7 extends the life of the anode used in the discharge head.

Metal oxide sensing head combination in metal fuel tape refill subsystem

The function of the metal oxide sensing head combination 23 in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 detects in real time the current levels produced by the individual fuel tracks during the refill process, and any portion of the metal fuel tape track is oxidized to require reduction of the metal oxide. It is to generate an electrical signal indicating whether or not.

As shown in Figure 2B15, each multi-track metal oxide sensing head in the multi-track metal oxide sensing head 23 'combination consists of the following components.

1) Anode support structure 63 'for supporting a plurality of anode elements 64A'-64E', where each anode element is engaged with the top surface of one of the fuel tracks (possibly oxidized) and is shown in FIG. 2B3 and 2B4. The low voltage power supply ends 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D, and 59E are provided by a current sensing circuit 66 operatively connected to the information storage processing subsystem 282 in the tape refill subsystem 7.

2) a cathode support structure 67 for supporting a plurality of cathode elements 68A'- 68E ', wherein each cathode element is engaged with the lower surface of the fuel track and is provided by a low voltage power supply end 69A, 69B, 69C provided by the current sensing circuit 66; It is connected to, 69D, 69E.

In the practical embodiment shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, each multi-track metal oxide sensing head 23 'senses the actual conditions of the metal fuel tape. It is located very close to the discharge head 11 to provide a system controller with a signal for determining and detecting the metal oxide abundance prior to the recharging process.

In the practical specification of the FCF system, only one metal oxide sensing head combination 23 'is shown. In the FCB system for bidirectional tape, the system controller is not responsible for which metal, regardless of which direction the metal fuel tape is being conveyed at any particular moment. It can be seen that it is desirable to install one metal oxide sensing head combination at each stage of the refill head assembly in order to be able to predict whether the metal fuel in the fuel zone is fully charged, partially discharged or fully discharged.

With this arrangement the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 can actually determine which part of which metal fuel track should be reduced in the metal oxide during the recharging operation. Such information collection can be performed by using a current sensing circuit 66 'that automatically generates a test low pressure V _acr on each metal fuel track during the discharge mode to measure the response current I _acr .

The parameters are input to the information storage processing subsystem 282. The information storage processing subsystem 282 then processes the information captured in one or more ways to determine the presence of metal oxide tissue.

For example, the subsystem may compare the detected response current value with an initial current value stored in the metal fuel database management subsystem 280. Alternatively, the subsystem calculates the ratio of the test voltage and its response current to determine the resistance value for the cell and compares it with a reference initial value to determine whether the cell has a high electrical resistance. It can also be judged.

This information is stored in the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 and can be used by the system controller 18 'at any time during the recharge operation. Various methods used to derive real-time analysis of the information in the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 will be described in detail below.

Metal Fuel Tape Progression Length Expansion Mechanism Within Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem

As shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, the actual specification of the tape run length extension mechanism 10 includes the components indicated below.

1) the first arrangement of rollers 71A'-71E 'mounted to the support structure 72' for contacting the metal fuel portion of the metal fuel tape when the cassette mechanism 3 is inserted into the cassette input port of the FCB system;

2) a second arrangement of rollers 71A'-71E 'positioned between the holding rollers 71A'-71E' for contacting the base portion of the metal fuel tape when the cassette mechanism 3 is inserted into the cassette input port of the FCB system;

3) a conveying mechanism 75 'of the electromechanical structure for conveying the roller support structures 72 and 74 according to the system housing;

The roller arrangements 71A'-71E 'can be located on either the left or right side of the roller arrangements 73A'-73E of the tape running length extension mechanism of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 7.

Alternatively, another embodiment of the present invention preferably employs a single tape run length extension system for use with the discharge heads of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem and the recharge heads of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem.

In the setup shown in Fig. 2B3, the tape run length extension mechanism 10 for the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem is an arrangement of the first and second rollers 71A'-71E 'and 73A when the cassette mechanism 3 is inserted into the cassette input of the FCB system. The '~ 73E' is arranged so that it almost contacts the opposite side of the metal fuel tape.

As shown in Fig. 2B4, the second roller arrangements 73A'-73E 'are moved at a distance from the first fixed roller arrangements 71A'-71E', thereby causing the metal fuel tape to be sufficiently out of the running length shown in the setting of Fig. 2B3. You can extend the length of the run.

Due to this extended length of the metal tape, a plurality of refill heads 11 may be disposed around the refill operation.

In this setup, the anode structure 76 'of each of the refill heads 11 is ionically contacted with the metal fuel structure along the metal fuel structure tape, while the cathode contact structure 77' of each recharge head is electrically in contact with the metal fuel structure of the metal fuel tape. do.

In this setting the metal fuel tape is positioned so that a plurality of discharge heads can be disposed on the metal fuel tape in the discharge operation.

By using the above multiple refill heads, it is possible to recharge using a low current, which enables more efficient control of the conversion of metal oxide during refill of the metal fuel tape.

The above advantages will be apparent from the description below.

Recharge Head Transfer Subsystem within Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem

The main function of the refill head transfer subsystem is to transfer the combination of refill heads 11 (and the metal oxide sensing heads 23 'supported there) to a metal fuel tape with an extended running length, as shown in Figure 2B3.

When the refill head is moved properly by the metal fuel tape transfer subsystem by the metal fuel tape transfer subsystem and the recharge head is properly moved, the positive and negative contact structures of the recharge heads are connected to the metal fuel track and ion conduction, There is electrical contact.

The refill head transfer subsystem 24 'is capable of transferring the anode structure 76' and the cathode contact structure 77 'of each refill head around the metal fuel tape as shown in Figure 2B4, and are capable of disengaging from the metal fuel tape position as in the state of 2B3. It can be realized by using a suitable one of the branch electromechanical mechanisms.

As shown, the transfer mechanism is connected to the system controller 18 'and controlled according to the control program of the system controller.

Input power supply subsystem within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem

In practical embodiment, the primary function of the input power supply subsystem 90 is to receive the reference alternating current power (120 or 220 volts) as input via an insulated power cord, and the alternating current of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem This is the change in rectified direct current required at the recharge head.

In open cells with zinc anodes and carbon anodes, the voltage V _ac required to maintain the electrochemical reduction during recharging in each cathode-anode structure is about 2.2-2.3 volts.

This subsystem can be implemented by using a variety of methods, such as DC-AC conversion, AC-DC conversion, circuits for rectification, which are well known in the art.

Anode-cathode input end setting subsystem within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem

As shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91 is connected between the input end of the input power rectifying subsystem 90 and the input end of the anode-cathode associated with the multiple tracks of the recharge heads 11.

The system controller 18 'is connected to the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91 to provide a control signal for performing its function during the recharging operation.

The primary function of the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem91 is to provide the input (recharge) voltage level required during the tape refill operation to the anode head of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem to supply the anode-cathode structure of the metal fuel track. The output end of the selected anode-cathode is automatically set (in series or in parallel).

In a practical embodiment of the present invention, the anode-cathode input end setting mechanism 91 can be realized by using one or more electrically programmable power switching circuits using transistor control techniques. The positive and negative contact elements in the recharge heads 11 are here connected to the output end of the input power rectifying subsystem 92. The above switching operation is performed under the control of the system controller 18 'such that the required output voltage produced in the input power rectifying subsystem 92 can be transferred to the metal fuel track anode-cathode structure requiring recharging.

Anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem in metal fuel tape refill subsystem

As shown in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 'is connected to the anode-cathode input end setting subsystem 91 to sense the voltage level.

This subsystem is connected to the system controller 18 'to receive the control signals required to perform its functions.

In the first practical embodiment, the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 'has two important functions.

1) Automatically detects the instantaneous voltage level in the anode-cathode structure associated with the metal fuel track transferred to each refill head when performing the recharge operation.

2) Generate a digital information signal of the sensed voltage and ultimately respond by the system controller 18 'for sensing, analyzing and processing in the information storage processing subsystem 280.

In a first practical embodiment of the present invention, the anode-cathode voltage measurement subsystem 26 ′ detects the voltage across the anode-cathode structure associated with each metal fuel track transferred to each refill head within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem. It can be realized by using the electrical circuit adopted for the purpose. In response to the sensed voltage level, the electrical circuit can be designed to generate a digital information signal indication of the sensed voltage level.

As described in more detail below, the information signal may be used by a system controller to perform a method of recharging power in recharging mode operation.

Anode-cathode current measurement subsystem in metal fuel tape refill subsystem

As illustrated in Figures 2B3 and 2B4, the anode-cathode current measurement subsystem 27 'is connected to the anode-cathode output end setting subsystem 18'. The anode-cathode current measurement subsystem 27 has two main functions:

1) Automatically detect the magnitude of the flow of electricity through the anode-cathode of the metal fuel track at each refill head structure in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 11 during refill operation.

2) Generate a digital information signal of the sensed current for analysis and sensing by the system controller 18 '.

In the first practical embodiment of the present invention, the anode-cathode current observation subsystem 27 'can sense the current passing through the anode-cathode of each metal fuel track in each recharge head combination and can be sensed at the input of the system controller 18'. This can be realized by using a current sensing circuit that generates an information signal indicator of the sensed current. As will be described in detail below, this sensed current level can be used not only when the system controller performs its rechargeable power rectification method, but also can be used to generate recharge condition record information for each zone of the recharged metal fuel tape. .

Anode Oxygen Pressure Control Subsystem Within Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem

The function of the anode oxygen pressure control subsystem defined above is to control (increase or increase) the oxygen pressure by sensing the pressure of oxygen in each channel of the anode structure of the refill head 11 and in response to keeping the oxygen pressure in the anode structure constant. Decrease).

According to the present invention, the partial oxygen pressure in each channel in the anode structure of each refilling head is maintained at an optimum level to enable optimum oxygen discharge in the refilling head when performing the recharging operation.

By lowering (through exhaust) the pressure of oxygen in each channel of the anode structure, the metal oxide of the metal fuel tape can be fully reduced using the maximum input power supplied to the recharging head during the recharging mode.

In addition, by measuring the pressure change of oxygen and generating digital information signals for analysis and detection by the system controller, the system controller can have controllable variables that can be used to even out the power supplied to the electrical load during the recharging operation. do.

In the first practical embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIG. 1, the information signal generated by the solid state oxygen pressure sensors 28A'- 28E 'attached to the discharge head 11 is stored in the information storage processing subsystem as shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4. Provided at 282.

The information storage processing subsystem 282 receives this information signal and converts it into digital information and records it in the resulting information list in the information structure of FIG. 2B16, which information structure is contained within the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7. Managed.

Metal Fuel Tape Speed Control Subsystem Within Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem

As shown in the FCB system of Fig. 1, since the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem and the metal fuel tape of the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem are common in the discharge and recharge operation, the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem operating at any moment is Only one is needed.

Nevertheless, the system controllers 18 and 18 'connected to the sub-systems 6 and 7 can interoperate with one another as necessary to control the operation of the tape speed control subsystem in the discharge and recharge subsystem.

For example, during the refill mode, when the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 is not in operation (i.e., without power generation), the function of the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem described above is in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 It is to control the speed of the metal fuel tape in the refill head. With respect to the signal generated by the tape speed sensor 22 and in accordance with the recharging power rectification method carried out by the system controller 18 ', the system controller 18' operates the electric motors 19A and 19b which cooperate with the winding reel of the metal fuel tape to be recharged. By automatically generating an appropriate control signal for driving, the speed of the metal fuel tape in the discharge head is automatically controlled (decreased or increased).

The main reason for controlling the speed of the metal fuel tape is that in the recharging operation, each zone of the oxidized metal fuel tape when the oxidized metal fuel tape has been transferred to each refill head in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 6 This is because it is an important factor in determining how much electric charge is possible.

Ideally, the metal fuel tape should pass through the refill head assembly as soon as possible for a quick and complete refill of the metal fuel tape when performing a refill operation. On the contrary, in most cases, it is desirable that the metal fuel tape be transported as slowly as possible.

In general, when a constant cathode-anode current is applied to the recharge head with the required anode-cathode recharge voltage (i.e., constant input current / constant input voltage), the amount of electrical charge applied to each section of the metal tape is determined by It decreases with increasing speed of the metal fuel tape.

This inverse correlation can be explained by the fact that the metal fuel tape zone is filled in less time than the metal fuel tape zone is transported through the refill head.

In this situation, the function of the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem is to adjust the speed of the metal fuel tape so that the metal oxide tissue of the fuel tape can be reduced to the original metal in an optimal state.

For example, if the recharge mode and the discharge mode are operating simultaneously, it would be desirable to allow the system controller 18 to interfere with the controller 18 'to produce power in an optimal state of the system.

In another case, when the primary purpose of the FCB system is to recharge the metal fuel tape optimally and rapidly, the system controller 18 'of the recharging subsystem 7 interferes with the operation of the system controller 18 of the discharging subsystem 6. Will control the speed.

Ion-Enrichment Control Subsystem within Metal Fuel Tape Refill Subsystem

To achieve high energy efficiency during the refill mode, it is required to maintain an optimal (charge-associated) ion concentration at the cathode electrolyte interface of each refill head in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7. Also, the optimal ion concentration in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 may be different than what is required in the fuel tape discharge subsystem therein. For this reason, in particular, the utilization and / or necessity of providing an individual ion concentration control subsystem in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7 may arise. The main function of the ion concentration control subsystem is to detect and modify the masonry within the FCB system so that ion concentration at the cathode electrolyte interface of the recharge head must be maintained within the optimal range during the recharge mode of operation.

In an embodiment to describe the subsystem described above, a small solid state liquid in an FCB system (as close as possible to the cathode-anode interface of the refill head) to generate a digital data signal that detects and indicates the moisture state. Ion concentration can be controlled by incorporating a hydrometer (or humidity sensor) 34 '. The digital data signal is supplied to the data capture and processing subsystem 282 for sensing and analysis. When the moisture level or relative humidity drops below the predetermined limit set in the metal fuel database management subsystem 280, the system eliminator automatically contacts the metal fuel track of the metal fuel tape to be transported during the refill mode. ') Generates a control signal to be supplied to the humidifying member 35' recognizable. Another technique may include spraying fine moisture particles (such as ultra fine mist) from micro-nozzles provided along the top of each anode support structure facing the metal fuel tape during transfer. The above operation increases the degree of moisture or relative humidity inside the refill head (or system housing), so that the concentration of KOH in the electrolyte and thus the reduction of metal oxides in the electrolyte-impregnated strips is optimal for ion transport during tape refill operation. It can be maintained in the state of.

Recharge head temperature control subsystem within the metal fuel tape refill sus- tem system.

As shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4 and 2B7, the refill head temperature control subsystem is incorporated into the metal fuel tape refill system 6 of the first embodiment shown, which is shown in FIG. 2B7. A plurality of sub-elements, as shown, a system controller 18 ', a solid state temperature sensor (e.g. thermistor 271') embedded within each channel of the multi-anode support structure; A discharge head cooling device 272 'is responsive to control signals produced by the system controller 18' to lower the temperature of each discharge channel within the optimum temperature range during the discharge operation. The refill head cooling device 272 ′ may be implemented using a variety of heat exchange techniques, including butt-air cooling, water cooling and / or refrigeration cooling, which are well known in the heat exchange art. In some embodiments of the invention where high voltage power is generated, it is desirable to provide a jacketed structure around each refill head to circulate air, water or coolant for temperature control.

Data capture and processing subsystem within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the data capture and processing subsystem (DCPS) 282 shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4 performs several functions, eg, a metal fuel tape through each refill head in a refill head assembly. Immediately identifying each region or region of the apparatus and generating metal fuel region identification data indicative thereof; Detecting (ie, detecting) various refill parameters within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem that are present during the period during which the identified metal fuel region is transported through the refill head assembly; Calculating one or more parameters and estimates or measurements indicative of the amount of metal oxide produced during the tape refill operation, and generating metal oxide indication data representative of the calculated parameters, estimates and / or measurements; Recording sensed refill parameter data to the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 (accessible by the system controller 18 ') as well as the calculated metal oxide indication data associated with each other for each identified metal fuel region during the refill mode of operation. It will perform the function.

As will be evident later, the information maintained in the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 by the data capture and processing subsystem 282 as recorded above is partially or fully oxidized metal in a rapid manner, for example, during the recharging mode of operation. Da-In including optimally recharging the fuel tape Method can be used by the system controller 18 '.

During the refill operation, the data capture and processing subsystem 282 automatically samples (captures) a data signal representative of refill parameters associated with the various subsystems that make up the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 described above. This sampled value is encoded as information in the data signal produced by the subsystem described during recharge mode. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the tape-shaped recharge parameters may include, for example, the voltage supplied across the anode and cathode structures along a particular metal fuel track observed by the anode-cathode voltage monitoring subsystem 26 '; Electrical response current flowing across the anode and cathode structures along a particular metal fuel track observed by the anode-cathode current monitoring subsystem 27 '; The speed (ie, speed and direction) of the metal fuel during refilling of a particular area of the metal fuel tape observed by the metal fuel tape speed control subsystem; Oxygen saturation (ie, enrichment) level (pO ₂ ) in the anode structure of each refill head as observed by the anode oxygen pressure control subsystem 28 ', 30', 31 ', 18'; Moisture (H ₂ O) levels (at or near the anode electrolyte interface along particular metal fuel tracks, especially within the refill head, as observed by ion concentration control subsystems 18 '34', 35 '. 36', for example). Or relative humidity level); Such as, but not limited to, the duration T of the state of any recharge parameter identified as above.

Generally, there are a variety of other ways in which data capture and processing subsystem 282 can record tape-like refill parameters during a refill mode of operation. The method described above is similar to that used during the recording of the discharge parameters, which method is described in detail below.

According to the data recording first method shown in Fig. 2B9, an area (e.g., a small bar code symbol encoded with area identification information) indicating a code or a mark 80 printed graphically on the optical data track 81 uses optical technology. Can be read by an optical data reader 38 implemented using (eg, a laser scanning bar code symbol reader or an optical decoder). In the illustrated embodiment, for recording in an information storage structure as shown in FIG. 2B16 generated for each metal fuel region identified along the tape by the data reader 38 of the data capture and processing subsystem 282. Digital data representing the one area identification code is generated. Preferably, the information storage is implemented by a data recording operation performed by the data capture and processing subsystem in the metal fuel data management subsystem 280 during the recharging operation.

The digital area identification code 83 magnetically recorded in the magnetic data track 84 'according to the second data recording method shown in Fig. 2B9' is implemented using a magnetic sensing technique known in the magnetic stripe reading technique. Can be read by an optical data reader 38 '. In the illustrated embodiment, a digital code representing a code identifying the one region is generated for each metal fuel region identified along the tape by the data reader 38 'of the data capture and processing subsystem 282. It is created for recording in the storage structure information as shown in FIG. 2B16. Preferably, the above information storage is implemented by data capture and processing within the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 during the recharging operation and by data recording operations performed by the subsystem.

According to the third method of data recording shown in Fig. 2B9 ", the digital area identification code recorded as a series of light transmission gaps 86 in the optically opaque data track 87 uses optical sensing techniques known in the art. It is readable by the implemented optical sensing head 38 ''. In the illustrated embodiment, the digital data representing the one area identification code generates an information storage structure as shown in FIG. 2B16, which creates each metal fuel region identified along the tape by the data reader 38 ''. Is produced for the record on. Preferably the information storage is implemented by data capture and processing within the metal fuel database management subsystem 282 and data writing operations performed by the subsystem during the recharging operation.

According to another fourth method of data recording, one digital area identification code and a discharge parameter for each identified metal fuel area both extend along the leading edge of the metal fuel tape of the present invention and are implemented with magnetic and optical strips. Or recorded in the opened data track. The information block for a particular region or region of the metal fuel schematically shown in FIG. 2B16 may be recorded in a data track that is physically adjacent to the associated metal fuel region that facilitates easy access to the recorded information. Typically, the block of information will contain a set of refill parameters and metal fuel region identification numbers sensed by the data capture and processing subsystem 282 as the metal fuel region is transported through the refill head assembly 11. .

The first and second data recording methods have several advantages over the above-described third method as described above. In particular, data tracks provided along the metal fuel tape when using the first and second methods can have very low information capacities. This means that very little information needs to be recorded in order to attach a unique identifier (i.e. address number or area identification number) to each metal fuel area to the sensed tape refill parameters recorded within the metal fuel database management subsystem 280. Because there is. In addition, the formation of the data tracks in accordance with the first and second methods requires a low manufacturing cost and a simple method of recording the area identification information along the metal fuel tape.

I / O control subsystem within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem

In some applications, there may be a need or desire to combine two or more FCB systems or their metal fuel tape refilling subsystems to form a composite system having a function that is not provided solely by the operation of the above-described subsystems. In view of this application, the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7 may be adapted to an external system (e.g., microcomputer or microcomputer) to overcome and control aspects of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem as the controller of the system performs a control function. Input / output control subsystem 41 'allowing a controller). In the illustrated embodiment, the input / output control subsystem 41 ′ is in direct contact with the system controller of the metal fuel tape and has an exterior with means and methods for managing the various aspects of the system and operation of the subsystem in a direct forward manner. Or a standard IEEE I / O bus structure providing a remote computer system.

Recharge Power Control Subsystem Within Metal Fuel Tape Recharge Subsystem

As shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4, the output port of the rechargeable power regulation subsystem 92 is operatively connected to the input port of the anode-cathode input terminal type subsystem 91, whereby the rechargeable power regulation subsystem ( The input port of 92 is operatively coupled to the output port of the input power supply subsystem. The basic function of the recharge power regulating sub cyste 92 is that the recharging power regulating sub-system 92 will not only flow across the anode electrolyte interface during recharging operation, while the power supplied to the metal fuel tape is regulated during the recharging operation mode. It is also possible to regulate the voltage supplied across the anode-cathode structure of the metal fuel track. The control function is managed by the system controller 18 'and can be pre-selected from a variety of ways to enable optimal refilling of multi-tracked metal fuel tapes and single-tracked metal fuel tapes while meeting dynamic load requirements. Can be.

The rechargeable power regulation subsystem of the first embodiment can be implemented using solid state power, voltage and current control circuits well known in the power voltage and current control arts. One or more current controlled sources may be electrically connected in series with the positive and negative structures of the recharging head 11 to control the current passing therein in response to a control signal generated by a system controller performing a particular recharging power control method. Electrically programmable power conversion circuitry using transistor controlled technology can be included in the circuitry. The electrically programmable power switching circuit is a transistor controlled in which one or more voltage controlled sources are connectable in parallel with the positive and negative structures to control the voltage flowing therein in response to a control signal generated by the system controller. Technology may be included. The circuit can be coupled and controlled by the system controller 18 'to provide constant power (and / or voltage and / or current) control across the anode-cathode structure of the recharge head 11 of the FCB system. have.

In an embodiment for describing the present invention, the method of controlling the recharging power described below, that is, while the input voltage applied across each anode-cathode structure is kept constant, the current passing through it is formed by the formation of a metal oxide on the recharging tape. A constant input voltage / variable input current method that can be variable in response to an emerging load condition; A constant input current / variable input voltage method in which the current flowing into each anode-cathode structure remains constant while the output voltage across it is variable in response to a load condition; A constant input voltage / constant input current method in which both the voltage applied during recharging and the current flowing into each anode-cathode structure are kept constant with respect to the load state; A constant input voltage method in which the input power applied across each anode-cathode structure remains constant with respect to the load state during recharging; A pulsed input power method in which an input voltage applied across each anode-cathode structure during recharging is pulsed at a total efficiency period of each power pulse in which it is pre-installed or maintained according to dynamic conditions; A constant input voltage / pulsed input current method in which the input current flowing into each anode-cathode structure remains constant during recharging while the current flowing into the anode-cathode structure is pulsed at a specific total efficiency period; The real time of the anode-cathode structure of the recharging head of the system using any one of the pulsed input voltage / constant input current method, in which the input power supplied to each anode-cathode structure is pulsed while the current remains constant therein during recharging. Performing power regulation is the primary function of the rechargeable power regulation subsystem 92.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the seven rechargeable power regulation methods is preprogrammed into a ROM associated with the system controller 18 '. The power control method is selectable in a variety of different ways, for example by manually activating a switch or button in the system housing, or by forming or sensing at the interface between the metal fuel cassette device and the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7. Methods by automatic detection of electrical, magnetic and / or optical conditions are included.

System controller in metal-fuel tape refill subsystem

As described in the foregoing detailed description, the system controller 18 'performs various operations to perform various functions of the FCB system in the recharge mode. In the preferred embodiment of the FCB system of FIG. 1, the functionalization techniques used to implement the system controller 18 ′ in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 are provided in the system controller 18 ′. The same subsystem as used to implement the system controller 18 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 except with some programmed functionality that is not provided or vice versa. While common checkout counters can be used to implement the system controllers 18 and 18 ', the system controllers within the discharge and recharge subsystems are each implemented as separate subsystems with one or more programmed microprocessors to perform within the FCB system. A variety of functions can be performed. In either case, one or more external subsystems (such as management subsystems) can be designed as basic input / output control subsystems that can be connected to enable external or remote management of the functions performed within the FCB system.

Metal fuel tape recharging within metal fuel tape recharging subsystem

2B5 shows a high level flow chart showing the basic steps of a rechargeable metal fuel tape using the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 shown in FIGS. 2B3-2B4.

As shown in block A, the user locates (ie, inserts) a source of oxidized metal fuel tape into the cartridge receiving port of the system housing so that the tape path length extension device 10 provides a metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7. Adjacent to the metal fuel tape provided for recharging therein.

As shown in block B, the path length extension device 10 in the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7 provides a path for the metal fuel tape 5 over the extended path length area as shown in FIGS. 2B3 and 2B4. Increase the length

As shown in block C, the refill head transfer subsystem 24 ′ places the refill head 11 around the metal fuel tape beyond the extended path length of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7, thereby providing an ion conductive medium. Is disposed between the refill head and each anode structure of the adjacent metal fuel tape.

As shown in block D, the refill head transfer subsystem 24 ′ then forms each refill head such that the anode structure is in ion contact with a portion of the metal fuel tape with extended path length and the cathode contact structure is in electrical contact. .

As shown in block E, the anode-cathode input terminal forming subsystem 91 automatically forms an input terminal of each refill head disposed around the metal fuel tape with an extended path length, and then the system controller 18 '. ) Controls the metal fuel card refill subsystem 7 so that power is supplied to the metal fuel tape with extended path length at the required recharge voltage and current, and metal oxide formation on the tape is restored to the original metal. All or part of the metal fuel tape is refilled and then the cartridge loading / load removal subsystem 2 can be programmed to automatically eject the metal fuel tape cartridge for replacement with the cartridge containing the refilled metal fuel tape.

Metal fuel utilization and metal oxide presence management in the first embodiment of the metal air FCB system according to the present invention

The FCB system of the first embodiment has means for automatically managing the utilization of the metal fuel in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 during the discharge operation and the presence of the metal oxide in the metal fuel tape recharge subsystem 7 during the recharging operation. It is provided. The function of such a system will be described in more detail later.

During discharge mode

As shown in FIG. 2B17, the discharge parameters (e.g., i _{acd '} v _acd' , pO _{2d '} H ₂ O _d' H ₂ O _{d '} T _acd' v _ard / I _acr ) are determined by the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem. It is automatically provided as input to the data capture and processing subsystem 277 in (6). After sampling and capturing, the data signals are processed and implemented into corresponding data components, which are then recorded into information structure 285 as shown, for example, in Figure 2A16. Each information structure 285 is associated with a unique metal fuel region identifier 80, 83, 86 associated with a particular metal fuel tape supply (eg, reel to reel, cassette, etc.) and has a series of time stamped data elements. The unique metal fuel region identifier described above is determined by the data read heads 38, 38 ', 38 " shown in Fig. 2A6. Each time stamped information structure is recorded in the metal fuel data management subsystem 275 for later maintenance and access during subsequent processing and / or subsequent recharging and / or discharging operations.

As noted above, various types of information are collected and collected by the data capture and processing subsystem 277 during the discharge mode. The type of information described above includes, for example, the amount of current I _acd discharged across a specific anode-cathode structure within a specific discharge head; A voltage V _acd generated across each of the anode-cathode structures; The speed _d of the metal fuel region conveyed through the discharge head assembly; The degree of oxygen concentration (pO _2d ) in the subchamber in each discharge head; A degree of moisture near each anode-electrolyte interface in each discharge head H ₂ O _d and; A temperature T _acd in each channel of each discharge head. From this collected information, the data capture and processing subsystem 277 can quickly calculate the time t during which current is discharged across a particular anode-cathode structure within a particular discharge head.

The information produced and stored in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 based on real time may be used in various ways during the discharge operation. For example, the above-described current i _avg and time information T are respectively measured in amperes and time as in the prior art. The product of this measure (AH) provides a rough measure of the charge (-Q) discharged from the metal air fuel battery structure along the metal fuel tape. Thus, the calculated AH product will provide a rough amount of metal oxide that is expected to be formed in the identified (ie labeled) region of the metal fuel at a particular moment during discharge operation.

When information relating to the instantaneous velocity v _t of each metal fuel region is used in conjunction with the AH product, it is possible to calculate a more accurate amount of electrical discharge across the anode-cathode structure within a particular discharge head. From this more accurately calculated amount of discharge, data capture and processing subsystem 277 is transported through the discharge head at a given tape speed, with a given set of discharge conditions determined by the refill parameters sensed for each metal fuel region.

Using accumulated information about metal oxidation and reduction treatments, the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 can determine how much metal fuel (eg, zinc) is available to discharge (ie, produce power) from the zinc fuel tape. Or how many metal oxides are present for reduction along the zinc fuel tape. This information can thus be very useful for performing metal fuel management functions, including, for example, determining the amount of metal fuel available along a particular metal fuel region.

In the illustrated embodiment, the utilization of the metal fuel is managed in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 using one of two different methods for metal fuel utilization management described below.

First method for managing metal fuel utilization during discharge operation

According to a first method of managing metal fuel utilization, the data read heads 38, 38 ', 38 identify each metal region passing through the bottom of the metal oxide sensing head assembly 23 and identify the region indicating the same. Used to produce the data, metal oxide sensing head assembly 23 is used to measure the amount of metal oxide present along each identified metal fuel region. As mentioned above, each metal oxide measurement is performed by applying a test voltage across a particular track of metal fuel and sensing the current flowing across the area of the metal fuel track for this applied test voltage. The applied voltage (V _applied ) and its current (i _response ) during a particular sample period are processed and automatically detected by the data capture and processing subsystem 277 and the ratio of _applied voltage to response current (v _applied / produces a data component representing i _response ). This data component is automatically recorded in an information structure associated with the identified metal fuel region maintained in the metal fuel data management subsystem 275. By providing a direct measurement of the electrical resistance across the region of the metal fuel under the measurement of this data component (v / I), it is possible to accurately correlate with the measured amount of metal oxide present on the identified metal fuel region. As shown in FIG. 2A16, the metal oxide measurement (MOM) is shown connected to the identified metal fuel region where the response current measurement is taken.

The data capture and processing subsystem 277 then exposes the measured amount of metal oxide on the identified fuel region at an immediate time t (MOM _t ) and the region in a fully charged state where no metal oxide is formed thereon. Metal fuel remaining on the metal fuel region identified when using the previous information recorded in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 about the MFA _maximum potentially available past each metal fuel region. The amount of MFA _t can be calculated. This calculation can be mathematically expressed as MFA _t = MFA _maximum -MOM _t . As shown in FIG. 2A16, each of the foregoing data elements is automatically recorded in an information storage structure in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275. The address of each recorded information structure is linked to the identification data of the identified metal fuel region ID to be read during the discharge operation.

During the discharging operation, the above-described utilization update process of the metal fuel is carried out every t fuel area for each metal fuel region which is automatically identified by the data read heads 38, 38 ', 38 " _i -t _{i +} Performed every ₁ second. This allows the information structure to have updated information including discharge parameters, information such as metal fuel utilization status, metal oxide presence status, etc. for each metal fuel region along each track along the source of metal fuel.

Second method for managing metal fuel utilization during discharge operation

According to a second method of managing metal fuel utilization, the metal read heads 38, 38 ', 38 are used to identify each metal fuel region passing through the bottom of the discharge head assembly and to produce region identification data indicative thereof. On the other hand, the data capture and processing subsystem 277 automatically collects information about various discharge parameters and relates to the presence of metal fuel and utilization of metal fuel along each metal fuel region along a particular metal fuel tape. We will calculate the parameters. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the metal fuel management method is implemented in a three step process which is performed periodically in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 of the discharge subsystem 6. After each calculation cycle, metal fuel database management subsystem 275 includes current (updated) information about the amount of metal fuel disposed along each metal fuel region (located along any particular fuel track). . Information on each identifiable area of the metal fuel tape can be used to set the discharge parameters in an optimal manner during discharge operation, as well as managing the utilization of the metal fuel to meet the power requirements of the electrical loads connected to the FCB system. have.

As shown in FIG. 2A16, information structure 285 is recorded for each identified metal fuel region MFZ _k along each metal fuel track MFT _j at each sampled instant t _i . Initially, with the metal fuel tape fully charged or recharged, loaded into the FCB system, and fully charged, each metal fuel region has an initial amount of metal fuel present along its surface. The initial amount of such metal fuel can be determined in a variety of different ways, for example by encoding initial information on the metal fuel tape itself; Data by pre-recording initial information in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 at the factory and using the metal oxide sensing assembly 23 to actually measure the initial amount of metal fuel by sample values in multiple metal fuel regions. Automatically initialize by reading the code imparted along the metal fuel tape by the read head 38.38 '. 38; Other suitable techniques can be used.

As part of the first stage of the process, the amount of initial metal fuel available at the initial instantaneous time t ₀ and designated MFA ₀ is quantified by the data capture and processing subsystem 277, and the metal fuel database management subsystem Recorded in the information structure shown in FIG. 2A16 held in 275. FIG. This initial metal fuel measurement (MFA0) can be determined empirically through metal oxide sensing technology, which, in many applications, uses theoretical principles to calculate measurements after the tape has undergone a known process of processing (eg full refilling). It may be more convenient to use.

The second step of the process involves calculating the calculated metal oxide estimate MOE _0-1 corresponding to the amount of metal oxide produced during the discharge operation performed during the elapsed time t ₀ -t ₁ from the initial metal fuel amount MFA ₀ . Includes subtraction. During the discharge operation, the metal oxide estimate MOE _0-1 is equal to the collected electrical discharge current i _acd , the elapsed time T _d , and the mean v _0-1 of the tape area velocity during this elapsed time T _d . Calculated using the discharge parameter.

The third step of the process is a metal fuel estimate (MFE0-1) corresponding to the amount of metal fuel produced during any recharging operation performed between the elapsed time (t0-t1) and the calculated measurements (MFA0-MOE0-1). It includes adding. Apparently the metal fuel estimate MFE0-1 is calculated using the recharge parameters such as the collected electrical recharge current i _acr , elapsed time T, the speed of the tape area v0-1 during the discharge operation. Since MFE0-1 is precomputed and will be written into the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 in the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7, the system controller 18 may recharge the subsystem 7 during the discharge operation. There is a need to read pre-recorded information components from the database subsystem 280 within.

The calculated result of the above-described process (ie MFA0-MOE0-1 + MFE0-1) is the new current metal fuel amount MFA1 to be used in the next metal fuel utilization update process, which is in the discharge subsystem 6. It is delivered within the metal fuel management subsystem 275.

During the discharge operation, the above-described calculation update process is performed every ti-ti + 1 seconds for each metal fuel region which is automatically identified by the data read heads 38, 38 ', 38 by transferring the metal fuel tape. Each component (area ID data) of the metal fuel region identification data collected by the data read heads 38, 38 ', 38 during the discharge operation is used to indicate a memory storage location in the metal fuel data management subsystem 275,280. It is clear that the information structures related to each other are recorded during the data update operation. Since the discharge operation is performed at the same time as this database update operation is performed, in some applications, it may be convenient to perform the update operation after generating some predetermined delay period.

Effects of metal fuel utilization management during discharge mode of operation

During the discharge operation, the calculated estimate of the metal fuel present in any particular metal fuel region (i.e., MFE t1-t2) along any particular fuel track determined at the i th discharge head is determined by It can be used to calculate in real time the utilization of the metal fuel in the j + 1) th, (j + 2) th or (j + n) th discharge heads. Using these calculated measurements, the system controller 18 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 can determine (ie, anticipate) real time, during the discharge operation to the metal fuel region along the source of the metal fuel tape. The amount of metal fuel (such as zinc) is contained that satisfies the immediate electrical load state added by the tape discharge subsystem 6, and the metal tape is selectively advanced to an area known to be present. If a gap of energy depletion exists along any particular area of the tape, the tape transfer control subsystem will be able to quickly pass through this tape area to where metal fuel is present. This tape run (or pass) operation can be performed by the system controller 18 which temporarily increases the instantaneous velocity of the metal fuel, such that the tape-bearing metal fuel contents (e.g., sediment) along the particular tracks are applied to the electrical load 12. It is quickly utilized for the power production required. When the depleted area of the tape is transported through the refill head assembly for a short period of time, the discharge power regulation subsystem 40 equipped with something like a storage capacitor is used to regulate the required output voltage according to the electrical load conditions.

Another advantage derived from the above metal management capabilities is the information collected and recorded in the metal fuel database management subsystem 275 during the system controller 18 in the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 just before the discharge and recharge operation. It is possible to control the discharge parameters during the discharge operation.

Means for controlling discharge parameters during discharge mode using information recorded during the previous mode of operation

In the FCB system of the first exemplary embodiment, the system controller 18 inside the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 is collected during previous recharging and discharging operations and is inside the metal fuel database management subsystem of the FCB system of FIG. 1. The information recorded in the can be used to automatically control the discharge parameters.

As shown in FIG. 2B17, the subsystem structures and buses 276, 279, and 281 provided inside between the discharge subsystem 6 and the recharge subsystem 7 are located within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6. The system controller 18 accesses and makes available the information recorded inside the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 inside the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7. Similarly, the bus and subsystem structures provided between the discharge subsystem 6 and the refill subsystem 7 are provided by a system controller 18 ′ within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7. (6) Access the information recorded in the internal metal fuel database management subsystem 275 and make it available. Thus, the advantages of the information file and sub-file for distributing the possible power will be described later.

During the discharge operation, the system controller 18 can access various kinds of information stored inside the metal fuel database management subsystem of the discharge subsystem 6 and the recharge subsystem 7. One important information component relates to the amount of metal fuel generally available in each metal fuel region along a particular fuel track at a particular moment (ie MFEt). Using this information, the system controller 18 can determine whether the metal fuel is sufficient to meet the general power demand along a particular area of the tape. Areas located along one or more or all fuel tracks disposed along the metal fuel tape source may be nearly exhausted as a result of the last discharge operation and may not be recharged after the last discharge operation. System controller 18 can anticipate such metal fuel conditions before the tape area is transported over the discharge head. Depending on the metal fuel conditions in the upstream region of the tape, the system controller 18 increases the tape speed when thinner fuel is present in the identification area transported through the discharge head and tape speed when thicker fuel is present in the identification area. To meet the needs of electrical loads; When a high load condition is detected at the load 12, the anode-cathode structure of the metal fuel-rich track is connected to the discharge power control subsystem 40, and when a low load condition is detected at the load 12, the metal fuel is removed from the subsystem. Connects the anode-cathode structures of the depleted track; If thin metal fuel is present in the identification metal fuel region transported through the discharge head, the amount of oxygen injected into the corresponding anode support structure is increased (ie, the pO2 therein) and the identification metal fuel region is increased. Reducing the amount of oxygen injected into the corresponding anode support structure when thick metal fuel is present in the anode; If the sensed temperature of the discharge head exceeds a predetermined threshold, it may respond, for example, to control the temperature of the discharge head. In a variant of the invention, it will be appreciated that the system controller 18 may be operated in a different manner in response to the detection conditions of a particular track of the identification fuel region.

During recharging mode

As shown in FIG. 2B17, data signals indicative of refill parameters (e.g., iacr, vacr, ..., pO2r, H2Or, Tr, vacr / iacr) are automatically provided to provide a metal fuel tape refill subsystem ( 7) input to the internal data capture and processing subsystem 275. After sampling and capturing, these data signals are processed and converted into corresponding data components and then written to an information structure 286 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2B16. In the case of discharge parameter collection, each information structure 286 for refill parameters includes a set of data elements, which are "stamped" and source of metal fuel tape to be recharged (e.g., For example, it is associated with (ie, associated with) unique metal fuel region identifiers 80, 83, 86 associated with reels, cassettes, and the like. The unique metal fuel region identifier is determined by the data read heads 60, 60 ', 60 shown in FIG. 2B6. Then, each time stamped form of the information structure of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 shown in FIG. 2B17 for management, subsequent processing and / or access during subsequent recharge and / or discharge operations. Recorded inside the metal fuel database management subsystem 280.

As mentioned above, various kinds of information are sampled and collected by the data capture and processing subsystem during the recharge mode. This kind of information includes, for example, a recharge voltage supported across each such anode-cathode structure inside each recharge head; The amount of current (iac) supplied across each anode-cathode structure inside each recharge head; The speed of the metal fuel tape transported through the refill head assembly; The oxygen concentration (pO 2) level of each subchamber inside each refill head; The degree of moisture (H 2 O) near each anode-electrolyte interface inside each refill head; And the temperature Tac inside each channel of each refill head. From this collection of information, the data capture and processing subsystem 282 can quickly calculate various parameters of the system, including, for example, the period Δt during which current is supplied to a particular anode-cathode structure inside a particular recharge head. Can be.

The information structure created and stored inside the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 on a real time basis can be used in various ways during the refill operation. For example, the above-described current i avg and period Δt information obtained during the recharging mode are usually measured in amperes and time, respectively. The product (AH) of these measurements provides an approximate measure of the charge (-Q) supplied to the metal air fuel cell structure along the metal fuel tape during the recharging operation. Thus, the calculated product AH " provides an approximate amount of metal fuel that can be expected to have been generated in the identification (ie classification) area of the metal fuel at a particular moment during the recharging operation.

When information relating to the instantaneous velocity (vt) of each metal fuel region is used in combination with the product (AH), a more accurate measure of the charge (Q) supplied to a particular anode-cathode structure of a particular recharge head can be calculated. . From this accurately calculated refill amount, data capture and processing subsystem 282 provides a fairly accurate estimate of the amount of metal fuel produced as each identified metal fuel region is transported through each refill head at a particular tape speed. The given set of recharge conditions determined by the detected recharge parameters can be calculated.

When used with factual information about metal oxidation and reduction processes, the metal fuel database management subsystem within each metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 and refill subsystem 7 shows how much metal oxide (eg, For example, zinc oxide) may be used to calculate or determine whether a fuel should be present for refilling (ie, reducing zinc oxide back to zinc) along the zinc fuel tape. This information can thus be quite useful for performing metal fuel management functions, including, for example, determining the amount of metal oxide present along each metal fuel region during a recharging operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the metal oxide presence treatment may be managed inside the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 using one or two different methods described below.

First method of managing metal oxide presence during recharging operation

Metal Oxide Presence Management According to the first method, data identification heads 60, 60 ', 60 generate area identification data for identifying and indicating respective metal fuel regions passing under the metal oxide sensing head assembly 23'. Meanwhile; The metal oxide sensing head assembly 23 'measures the amount of metal oxide present along each identified metal fuel region. As mentioned above, each metal oxide measurement is performed by applying a test voltage over a particular track of metal fuel and detecting the current flowing over the area of the metal fuel track in response to the applied test voltage. Data signals indicative of the applied voltage (V _applied ) and the response current (i _response ) in a particular sampling period are automatically detected and processed by the data capture and processing subsystem 282 to apply the applied voltage versus response current (Vapplied / Create a data component that represents the ratio of iresponse). This data component is automatically recorded inside the information structure associated with the identification metal fuel region and maintained in the metal fuel data management subsystem 282 of the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7. As this data component (v / i) provides a direct electrical resistance measurement across the area of the metal fuel tape during the measurement, it can be accurately correlated with the measured amount of metal oxide present in the identifying metal fuel region. As shown in FIG. 2B16, this metal oxide measurement (MOM) is recorded in the depicted information structure associated with the identifying metal fuel region, where a response current measurement is taken during a particular recharging operation.

The data capture and processing subsystem 282 within the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 can then calculate the amount of existing metal oxide (MOAt) on the identified metal fuel region at time t. As shown in FIG. 2B16, each such data element is automatically recorded inside the information storage structure of the metal fuel database management subsystem 282 of the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7. The address of each such recorded information structure is associated with identification data of identification metal fuel region (ID) data read during the recharging operation.

During the recharging operation, the above-described metal oxide presence update process is carried out every second (ti-ti) for each metal fuel region which is carried with the metal fuel tape and is automatically identified by the data read heads 60, 60 ', 60. It is performed every +1).

Second method for managing metal fuel presence during recharging operation

According to a second method of managing the presence of metal fuel, the data read heads 60, 60 ', 60 are used to identify each metal fuel region passing under the refill head assembly and generate zone identification data indicative thereof. Meanwhile; Data capture and processing subsystem 282 automatically collects information relating to various refill parameters to determine parameters related to the utilization of metal fuel and metal oxides present along each metal fuel region along a particular metal fuel tape source. Calculate As described in more detail below, this metal oxide management method is implemented by periodically performing a three step process inside the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 of the recharging subsystem 7. After each calculation cycle, the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 has current (latest) information about the amount of metal fuel disposed along each metal fuel region (located along any particular fuel track). have. This information on each identifiable area of the metal fuel tape can be used to manage the presence of metal oxides that are effectively reduced to that primary metal as well as to set the refill parameters in an optimal manner during the refill operation.

As shown in FIG. 2B16, an information structure 286 is recorded for each identification metal fuel region MFZk disposed along each metal fuel track MFTj at each sampled instant ti. Typically, the metal fuel tape is fully or partially discharged and loaded into the FCB system of the present invention, in which the initial amount of metal oxide present along its surface of each metal fuel region generates power inside the FCB system. Can not. By different methods, for example by encoding such initialization information on the metal fuel tape itself; By pre-recording such initialization information inside the metal fuel database management subsystem 282 at the factory and automatically initializing by reading the code applied along the metal fuel tape by the data reading heads 60, 60 ', 60; By actually measuring the first amount of metal oxide by sampling a value in multiple metal fuel regions using metal oxide sensing assembly 23 '; Or other suitable technique to determine the initial amount of metal fuel.

According to the first stage portion of the metal oxide management process, the amount of this initial metal oxide (MOAo) available at the first to is determined by the data capture and processing subsystem 282, and the metal fuel tape refill sub It is written inside the information structure of FIG. 2B16 maintained inside the metal fuel database management subsystem 282 of the system 7. Although this initial metal oxide measurement (MOAo) can be determined empirically through metal oxide sensing technology, in most applications the tape is subjected to a known process (eg, full discharge) to calculate these measurements. It may be more convenient to use theoretical principles.

In the second step of the metal oxide management process, the calculated metal fuel estimate MFE0-1 corresponding to the amount of metal fuel generated during the recharging operation performed between the intervals to-t1, from the original amount of metal oxide MOAo. Subtract). During the recharge operation, the metal oxide estimate MOE0-1 is calculated using the collected recharge parameters: electrical recharge current iacr, duration ΔT and tape area velocity v0-1.

In the third step of the metal oxide management process, the metal oxide estimate MOE0-1 corresponding to the calculated measurement MOAo-MFE0-1 corresponding to the amount of metal oxide generated during the recharging operation performed between the intervals to-t1. Add. In particular, the metal oxide estimate MOE0-1 uses the discharge parameters collected, that is, the electrical discharge current iacd, the period ΔTr, and the average speed v0-1 of the tape area over that period during the recharging operation. Is calculated. As the metal oxide estimate MOE0-1 is precalculated and recorded inside the metal fuel database management subsystem inside the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6, the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem 6 during the recharging operation. It is necessary to read a previously recorded information component from an internal database.

Then, the calculation result of the aforementioned calculation process (i.e., MOA0-MFE0-1 + MOE0-1) is calculated as the amount of new general metal oxide (MOA1) used in the neighboring metal oxide presence update process. Mailed to the metal fuel database management subsystem 280.

During the recharging operation, the above-described calculation updating process is performed every second (ti-ti + 1) for each metal fuel region which is automatically identified by the data reading heads 60, 60 ', 60, whereby the metal fuel tape Is transported. In particular, each component of the metal fuel region identification data (region ID data) is collected by the data reading heads 60, 60 ', 60 during the recharging operation, and the correlated information structure is recorded during the database update operation. It is used to address memory storage locations within the metal fuel database management subsystem 280. This database update operation is performed at the same time as the recharge operation is performed, but in some applications it may be convenient to perform such an update operation after some predetermined deferral period has occurred.

Effect of Managing Metal Oxide Presence During Recharge Mode

During the refill operation, the calculated amount present over any particular metal fuel region (i.e., MOEt1-t2) along any particular fuel track determined at the ith refill head is (j + 1) th down from the jth refill head, It can be used to calculate in real time the metal fuel presence in the (j + 2) th or (j + n) th refill head. Using these calculated measurements, the system controller 18 inside the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 contains metal oxides (eg, zinc oxide) that require refilling and does not require refilling. Metal fuel regions along the metal fuel source containing metal fuel may be determined (ie, predicted) in real time. In the case of a metal fuel area requiring refilling, the system controller 18 ′ may use a metal fuel tape to rapidly reduce the tape support metal oxide content (eg, sediment) along the specific track to metal fuel inside the refill head assembly. You can increase your speed temporarily.

Another advantage that results from this metal oxide management capability is that the system controller 18 inside the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 collects and records the information collected within the metal fuel database management subsystem 280 during the last recharge operation. It is possible to control the recharging parameters during the recharging operation. This advantage is described in more detail below.

During the recharging operation, the collection information can be used to calculate an accurate measure of the amount of metal oxide present along each metal fuel region at any moment. This information stored inside the information storage structure maintained inside the metal fuel database subsystem 280 may be used to control the amount of current supplied across the anode-cathode structure of each refill head 11. (7) The internal system controller 18 'can be accessed and used by the controller. The magnitude of the current is chosen to ensure that the estimated amount of metal oxide (present in each zinc) is fully reduced to its original metal (eg zinc).

Means for controlling recharging parameters during recharging mode using information recorded during the last operating mode

In the FCB system of the first exemplary embodiment, the system controller 18 ′ inside the metal fuel tape refilling subsystem 7 is collected during the last discharge and recharge operation and is inside the metal fuel database management subsystem of the FCB of FIG. 1. The information recorded in the can be used to automatically control the recharge parameters.

During the refill operation, the system controller 18 ′ inside the metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 can access various kinds of information stored within the metal fuel database management subsystem 275. One of the important information components stored inside the metal fuel database management subsystem relates to metal oxides that are generally present in each metal fuel region along a particular fuel track at a particular moment (ie MOEt). Using this information, the system controller 18 'can determine the exact location where the metal oxide deposits are present along a particular area of the tape, and accordingly the metal fuel tape can be used to efficiently and quickly perform a refill operation along that location. You can move forward. The system controller 18 ′ can anticipate the conditions of this metal fuel before the area of the tape is transported over the refill head. Depending on the metal fuel conditions in the upstream region of the tape, the system controller 18 ′ of the exemplary embodiment speeds up the tape if the metal oxide is thin in the identification zone and tape speed if the metal oxide is thick over the identification zone. Slow down; Connect the anode-cathode structure of the metal oxide rich track to the recharging power control subsystem 92 for a longer recharge period and to connect the track depleted of metal oxide from the subsystem for a shorter recharge period; Increase the rate of oxygen exhaust from the anode cathode structure with the thickly formed metal oxide formation present in the identification metal fuel region transported through the refill head and with the thinly formed metal oxide formation present in the identification metal fuel region. Reduce the rate of oxygen exhaust from one anode cathode structure; If the sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, it may respond, for example, to control the temperature of the refill head. In a variant of the invention, it will be appreciated that the system controller 18 ′ may operate in a different manner depending on the detection conditions of a particular track of the identification fuel region.

Second Exemplary Embodiment of Metal Fuel Tape FCB System of the Present Invention

A second exemplary embodiment of a metal air FCB system is shown in FIG. 3A. As shown, this FCB system 100 comprises a plurality of subsystems, namely metal fuel tape as described above, for loading and separating the metal fuel tape cassette device 3 into the FCB system during its cartridge loading and detaching mode of operation. A cassette cartridge loading / removing subsystem 2; A metal fuel tape transport subsystem 4 as described above for transporting the metal fuel tape through the system during its discharge and recharge mode of operation; Metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 as described above for the area of the electrochemically recharged (ie decreasing) of the metal oxide fuel tape during the recharging mode of operation. Details regarding each of these subsystems are described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIG. 1. The biggest difference between the systems shown in Figs. 1 and 3 is that the system of Fig. 3 functions only as a recharging device, as it does not have a metal fuel discharge subsystem 6, but is not a discharge (i.e. power generating) device. Is the point.

Third Exemplary Embodiment of Metallic Air FCB System of the Invention

A third exemplary embodiment of a metal air FCB system is shown in FIG. 3B. As shown, this FCB system 101 includes a metal fuel tape cassette cartridge loading / removing subsystem 2 for loading and separating the metal fuel tape cassette device 4 into a plurality of subsystems, namely the FCB system; A metal fuel tape transport subsystem (4) for transporting metal fuel tape through the system during discharge and recharge operating modes; A metal fuel tape refill subsystem 7 for areas of electrochemically recharged (ie, decreasing) of the metal oxide fuel tape during a recharging mode of operation. Details regarding each of these subsystems are described above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of the FCB system shown in FIG. 1. The greatest difference between the systems shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is that the system of FIG. 3B may incorporate one or two discharge heads as well as other elements associated with the metal fuel discharge subsystem 6 (3). ) Can be recharged.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment of the Pneumatic Metal FCB System of the Invention

4 to 5B show a fourth embodiment of the FCB system. The system 420 is a hybrid of the system of FIG. 1, combined as a single assembly in which the discharge head assembly and the recharge head assembly can perform discharge and recharge operations simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 4, the FCB system 420 includes a tape transport subsystem 2, a cassette tape loading / removing subsystem 2, and a mixed metal fuel tape discharge / recharge subsystem 425. Include. The tape transport subsystem 4 and the cassette tape loading / removing subsystem 2 are provided with the subsystems disclosed in connection with the exemplary first, second and third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A and 3B. It is substantially the same and is therefore not repeated for clear description. This mixed metal fuel tape discharge / recharge subsystem 425 used in the system of FIG. 4 is quite different from the subsystem described above for the reasons described below.

As shown in FIGS. 5A1 and 5A2, the metal fuel tape discharge / recharge subsystem 425 includes a discharge head subassembly 9 ′, a recharge head assembly 11 ′, a discharge power regulation subsystem 40, And a recharging power regulation system of the type used in the FCB system of FIG. 1. The discharge and recharge head subassembly 9 ', 11' is a common discharge / recharge transport having the same function as the discharge head transport subsystem 24 and the recharge head transport subsystem 24 'shown in FIGS. 2A3 and 2A4. Mounted on subsystem 424. The discharge power regulation subsystem and the recharge power regulation subsystem have functions similar to those described above. The system bus structure of the mixed metal fuel tape discharge / recharge subsystem 425 is shown in FIG. 5B and is similar to the structure shown in FIG. 2B17.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A1 and 5A2, the refill surface area of the refill head subassembly 11 ′ is substantially larger than the discharge surface area of the discharge head assembly 9 ′ to ensure rapid refilling operation. The terminals of the respective anode electrolyte structures of the heads 9 'and 11' are connected to the anode electrolyte terminal shaping subsystem 426, which allows the terminal of the heads 9 'and 11' to be adapted for specific applications. It may be programmed to shape its head terminal to function as a discharge head or a recharge head as needed. The programmable anode electrolyte terminal shaping subsystem 426 is controlled by the system controller 18 and is used for most support subsystems used in the discharge subsystem 6 and the recharge subsystem 7 of the FCB system of FIG. 1. Surrounded by.

When a particular head inside the metal fuel tape discharge / recharge subsystem 425 is configured to function as a discharge head, its output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the discharge power regulation subsystem 40 shown in FIGS. 5A1 and 5A2. While connected, pressurized air is fed into its anode structure to increase the pO 2 therein during discharge mode. When a particular head inside the metal fuel tape discharge / recharge subsystem 425 is configured to function as a recharge head, its input terminal is connected to the output terminal of the recharge power regulation subsystem 92 shown in FIGS. 5A1 and 5A2. While connected, pressurized air is exhausted from its anode structure to drop the pO 2 therein during recharge mode. This hybrid structure has several advantages: it allows multiple discharge heads for applications that require high power generation over long periods of time, allows multiple recharge heads when significantly faster recharging operations are required, and moderate electrical load conditions. If sufficient, discharge and recharge can be performed simultaneously.

Another embodiment of the FCB system of the present invention

The FCB system described above has multiple discharge heads and multiple recharge heads to provide the significant advantages that these features provide. However, it will be appreciated that the FCB system of the present invention may be manufactured with only a single discharge head or in combination with one or more recharge heads, as well as with only a single discharge head or in combination with one or more discharge heads. will be.

In the FCB system described above, the anode structures of the discharge head and the recharge head are shown in a flat or substantially flat structure that is substantially stationary with respect to the cathode contact electrode or electrode, while the metal fuel (ie, cathode) material is In a stationary state with respect to the anode structure of the metal fuel card embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 6; Or in a moving state with respect to the anode structure of the metal fuel tape embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 8.

However, the metal air FCB system of the present invention is not limited to the use of a flat stationary anode structure, but is alternatively adapted to rotate and ionic contact against a metal fuel tape or metal fuel card during discharge and / or recharge operations. It will be appreciated that one or more cylindrical anode structures may be constructed, which anode structures perform all the electrochemical functions that can be achieved in a metal air FCB system. The anode structure of this variant is a METAL AIR FUEL CELL BATTERY SYSTEM EMPLOYING A PLURALITY OF MOVING CATHODE STRUCTURES FOR IMPROVED Pending application No. 09 / 110,761 entitled VOLUMETRIC POWER DENSITY; Pending Application No. 09 entitled METAL AIR FUEL CELL BATTERY SYSTEM EMPLOYING METAL FUEL TAPE AND LOW FRICTION CATHODE STRUCTURES, filed July 3, 1998 / 110,762 are described in considerable detail, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In particular, the same techniques that are being used to construct a flat stationary anode structure as described above can be quickly applied to support the same charge collection substructures normally provided in the anode structure as described in detail above and to be driven by an electric motor. It is possible to form a cylindrical anode structure centered on the hollow breathable support tube.

In this variant of the invention, the ion conductive medium disposed between the cylindrical rotating anode structure and the transport metal fuel tape is in many different forms, for example a solid state electrolyte impregnated gel or other medium attached to the outer surface of the rotating anode. In the form; In the form of a solid electrolyte impregnated gel or other medium attached to the surface of the transport metal fuel tape arranged in ion contact with the rotating cylindrical anode structure; A belt-like structure comprising a flexible porous substrate having a solid cylindrical ion conductive medium transportable to both a rotating cylindrical anode structure and a moving metal fuel tape or (card) during discharge and / or recharge operations; Or in the form of a liquid ion conductive medium (such as an electrolyte) disposed between the rotating anode structure and the transport metal fuel tape (or card) to transport ionic charge between the anode structure and the cathode structure during discharge and recharge operations. Can be obtained as

One particular advantage of using a solid state ion conductive belt-like structure of the type described above is that it provides a non-frictional contact between the transport metal fuel tape and its rotating cylindrical anode structure, thereby providing the amount of power required for the transport metal fuel tape. In addition to reducing the pressure, the wear and damage of the anode and cathode structures of the FCB system is minimized during operation.

Arrays as disclosed in pending application No. 09 / 110,762 entitled Metallic Air Fuel Cell Systems, in which multiple anode cylinders or belts have a metal fuel tape and a low friction anode structure, filed July 3, 1998 of the Applicant. Embodiments mounted inside the mold structure generate significantly higher power from physical structures that occupy a relatively small volume of space, providing various advantages over conventional FCB systems.

Application of Metal Air FCB System of the Invention

In general, the aforementioned metal air FCB system is integrally formed with other subsystems to provide a power generation system (or facility), where real-time management of the metal fuel within such a system does not degrade reliability or operating efficiency. It is used to meet the highest power requirements of type AC and / or type DC electrical loads.

For illustration purposes, it may be implemented in the form of an electrically powered vehicle, train, truck, motorcycle, or other type of vehicle having one or more AC and / or DC powered loads (eg, motors) well known in the art. A power generation system 700 of the present invention as shown mounted within a possible electrically powered transportation system or vehicle 701 is shown in FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6B the power generation system 700 is shown as a stationary power station. The power generation system 700 is shown connected with auxiliary hybrid power sources 702, 703, 704. Generally, power generation system 700 is configured to generate DC power supplied to one or more DC type electrical loads 702 as shown in FIG. 6A, or one or more AC type electrical loads as shown in FIG. 6B. It may be configured to generate AC power supplied to the. The system of each of these embodiments is described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a first exemplary embodiment of a power generation system 700 includes an output DC power bus structure 706 for supplying DC power to a plurality of connected electrical loads 707a-707d; A metal air FCB (sub) system operatively connected to each of the DC power bus structures 706 via an output control subsystem 40 (shown in FIG. 2A3) to supply DC power to the DC power bus structures ( 708a-708h); An output voltage control subsystem (709) operably connected to the DC power bus structure (706) to control (ie, regulate) output voltage along the structure; A load sensing circuit 710 operatively connected to the output DC power bus structure 706 to sense a real time load condition along the DC power bus and generate an input signal indicative of the load condition along the DC power bus structure; Each FCB subsystem inside the network (by controlling discharge / recharge parameters during each discharge / recharge operation mode and collecting metal fuel and metal oxide indication data from a particular FCB subsystem on a real-time basis) A network control subsystem (for example, a microcomputer with RAM / ROM / EPROM; 711) for controlling; Each FCB subsystem 708a-708h is operably connected by its input / output subsystem 41 (shown in FIG. 2A3) to provide metal fuel indication data from the FCB subsystem to the network control subsystem 711. An FCB subsystem control bus structure 712, capable of transmitting a control signal from the network control subsystem 711 to the FCB subsystem during a power generation operation; Metal fuel operatively connected to the network control subsystem 711 and present along the respective fuel of each metal fuel track within each FCB subsystem connected between the bus structures 706 and 712 of the system. And a network-based metal fuel management subsystem (e.g., correlation database management system) 713, which stores information indicative of the amount of metal oxides; An input DC power bus structure 714 for supplying DC power generated from auxiliary mixed power sources 702, 703, 704, 704 ′ to each FCB subsystem 707a-707h during a recharge operation; And an input voltage control subsystem 715 for controlling the input voltage along the input DC power bus structure 714.

In general, one of the FCB subsystems disclosed herein may be mounted within the aforementioned power supply network. This FCB subsystem connects its input / output subsystem 41 (shown in FIG. 2A3) to the FCB subsystem control bus structure 712, and to the output control subsystem 40 (FIG. 2) in the DC power bus structure 706. It is simply attached by connecting (shown in 2a3). Each FCB subsystem also includes a metal fuel refill subsystem 7 that recharges the metal fuel track under overall control of the network control subsystem 711.

7b shows a variant of the power generation system of the present invention. In this variant of the invention a DC-AC power conversion subsystem 716 is provided between the output DC power bus structure 706 and the output AC power bus structure 717, which includes a plurality of AC type electrical loads 707a. 707d are connected in an operable manner. In this variant of the invention, the DC power supplied to the DC power bus structure 706 is converted into an AC power supply supported by the AC power bus structure 717. An output voltage control unit 709 is provided for controlling the output voltage along the AC power bus structure 717. AC power delivered to the AC bus structure 717 is supplied to an AC electrical load (eg, an AC motor) connected thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, the metal fuel management subsystem 713 holds information indicating the amount of each metal fuel available along each area of each metal fuel track within each FCB subsystem of the power generation system. And a correlation database management system having means for maintaining a plurality of data tables. 7c shows such a table of data, as power is generated from each FCB subsystem, metal fuel indication data is automatically generated inside each subsystem during the discharge mode, while metal oxide is present during the recharging mode of operation. The data is generated. Details of the information items in this table are shown in FIG. 2B16 and as described above.

In most applications, it is desirable to manage the metal fuel consumption of each FCB subsystem 707a-707d so that each FCB subsystem can use substantially the same amount of metal fuel every minute. This metal fuel equalization principle includes the ability of the network control subsystem 711 to sense actual load conditions along the DC power bus structure by the following functions: load sensing subsystem 710; The specific FCB subsystems 708a and 708b to generate power to power the output DC power bus structure 706 in response to this sensed load condition; Using network-based metal fuel management (database) subsystem 713 to manage the presence of metal oxides within the FCB subsystem and the utilization of metal fuel; And selectively discharging metal fuel tracks (and selectively recharging metal oxides) within the selected FCB subsystem so that the metal fuel utilization within each FCB subsystem is substantially evenly based on average time. Is accomplished by performing a function. This method can be accomplished by a simple way of programming techniques that are well known in the field of computer computing.

The benefits of having a network control subsystem 711 that performs metal fuel equalization across each FCB subsystem can be best appreciated with reference to FIG. 8 for illustration.

In general, the amount of power generated by the power generation system of the present invention depends on the amount of power required by the electrical load connected to the system. According to the present invention, the output power from the system is the output power bus structure 706 or AC load under the control of the programmed network control subsystem 711 after the additional metal air FCB subsystem generates power. 717 is increased by being able to supply. For example, a power system with eight FCB subsystems connected between the DC power bus structure 706 and the FCB subsystem control bus structure 712 is contemplated. In this case, each FCB system 707a-708d may be regarded as a power cylinder inside the operable engine. Thus, in the case of a power generation system (or installation) according to the present invention in which eight FCB subsystems (ie power cylinders) are formed and mounted together inside a structure such as an electrically powered vehicle as shown in FIG. 6A. Is considered. In this case, the number of FCB subsystems (i.e. power cylinders) that can generate power at any moment depends on the electrical loads present at the power generating facilities outside the vehicle 701. Thus, when the vehicle is traveling along a flat horizontal road surface or a steep downhill, the network control subsystem 711 allows only one or a few FCB subsystems (ie, power cylinders) to drive uphill. When passing through or passing through another vehicle, more or all FCB subsystems (ie, power cylinders) are allowed to expect that the power requirements required by these operating conditions are met. Regardless of the load conditions imposed on the vehicle-mounted power generation system, the average consumption rate of the metal fuel inside each metal air FCB subsystem 708a-708h is based on the average time according to the above-described metal fuel equalization principle. By being substantially the same, the amount of metal fuel available for the discharge of each FCB subsystem 708a-708h based on the average time is maintained substantially the same by the network control subsystem 711.

In an exemplary embodiment, the network control subsystem 711 performs a control process (ie, an algorithm) designed to receive various input parameters and generate various output parameters, thereby making the control process of the present invention in an automated manner. Is performed. The input parameters of the control process include, for example, the load conditions (eg, RPM of the electric motor, speed of the vehicle, etc.) detected by the load sensing subsystem 710 and other sensors mounted in the electrically operated vehicle. ; The amount of metal oxide present along each metal fuel region within each metal air FCB subsystem; The amount of metal oxide present along each metal fuel region within each metal air FCB subsystem; Discharge parameters associated with each metal air FCB subsystem; And data relating to the recharge parameters associated with each metal air FCB subsystem (if a recharge mode is provided therein). The output parameters of the control process are such that, for example, a set of metal air FCB subsystems is allowed every minute for the discharge operation; How the discharge parameters must be controlled inside each applied metal air FCB subsystem every moment such that the metal fuel region is discharged inside the applied metal air FCB subsystem every moment; The metal air FCB subsystem set is allowed every second for recharging operation; Control data for controlling the metal fuel region to be discharged inside the applied metal air FCB subsystem every moment and how the refill parameter is to be controlled inside each applied metal air FCB subsystem every minute. The network control subsystem 711 can be implemented using a microcomputer programmed to perform the functions described above in a simple manner. The network control subsystem can be mounted inside the host system (eg, vehicle 701) in a simple manner.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-7C, each metal air FCB subsystem 708a-708h has a discharge mode of operation and a recharge mode of operation. As a result, the power generation system (i.e., facility) of the present invention can recharge a selected area of metal fuel (tape) when the corresponding metal air FCB subsystem cannot be in its discharge (power generation) operating mode. . Due to this aspect of the invention, an auxiliary power generator (eg, alternator, supply of power from a fixed source, etc.) and / or to generate power supplied to the input DC power bus structure 714 of the system shown in FIG. 7A and / or Alternatively, the hybrid power generators shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B (eg, photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric devices, etc .; 704, 704 ') may be used. In particular, during a recharging operation inside an applied FCB subsystem, the input DC power bus structure 714 receives DC power from auxiliary mixed power sources 702, 703, 704, and 704 'and supplies that power to the metal air FCB subsystem. By supplying to the metal fuel refill subsystem 7 mounted inside 708a-708h, a discharge operation is made while the host vehicle (eg, a car) 701 is moving or stationary in some cases. It is. If the fuel is refilled while the vehicle is stationary, the power from the stationary source (eg, power store) is input to the input DC power bus structure 714 to refill the metal fuel inside the applied FCB subsystem. Can be.

The aforementioned FCB system of the present invention can be used for various types of power sources, including but not limited to lawn mowers, standalone portable generators, vehicle systems and nominal 200 kW discharge systems.

While various aspects of the invention have been described in detail, modifications to the exemplary embodiments with advantages of the invention will be readily made to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims of the invention.

Claims (190)

A metal fuel tape source for supplying a metal fuel tape wound on a feed spindle while being wound on a supply spindle, the metal fuel tape source having a plurality of areas predetermined along the length of the metal fuel tape; A power supply terminal for delivering a voltage generated from the metal fuel tape source to an electrical load at a specific output voltage; A discharge head assembly for producing power from a metal fuel tape source as the metal fuel tape is conveyed through a discharge head assembly during the discharge mode of operation; A bidirectional tape transfer device for transferring metal fuel tape through the discharge head assembly at a speed and direction selected for the discharge head assembly; Metal fuel measuring means for measuring the utilization of metal fuel along the regions of the metal fuel tape during the discharge mode of operation; And a discharge operation mode having control means for controlling the bidirectional tape transfer device in response to the fuel measuring means. The discharge head assembly of claim 1, wherein the discharge head assembly is disposed through the discharge head assembly at a speed and direction relative to the discharge head assembly to allow a sufficient amount of metal fuel to be present along the metal fuel tape for use in generating power across the power supply terminal. A metal air fuel cell, wherein the metal fuel tape is conveyed. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discharge head assembly comprises: an anode support structure supporting an anode electrode that is oxygen permeable and electrically conductive; A cathode contact structure for supporting an electrically conductive cathode contact electrode that is in electrical contact with the metal fuel tape; And an ion medium providing an ion source between the electrically conductive cathode contact electrode and the electrically conductive anode electrode associated with the discharge head assembly. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the bidirectional tape transfer means comprises means for transferring the metal fuel tape past the anode support structure and the cathode contact electrode, respectively, and wherein the ion medium is disposed between the metal fuel tape and the electrically conductive anode electrode. A metal air battery system. 2. The metal fuel cell system as recited in claim 1, wherein said feed spindle and said dry spindle are driven by a motor. 6. The metal-air fuel cell of claim 5, wherein the motor is an electric motor. 2. The metal-air fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the metal fuel tape source to be discharged is provided with multiple metal fuel tracks used to generate different output voltages from the metal-air fuel cell system. 2. The metal fuel tape according to claim 1, wherein each predetermined area of the metal fuel along the length of the metal fuel tape is digitally coded through optical or magnetic means to record the discharge related data and the metal fuel along the source of the metal fuel tape during the discharge operation mode. The metal-air fuel cell system characterized by the availability measurement. 9. The metal-air fuel cell system as recited in claim 8, wherein said discharge related data is recorded in a memory storage device. 9. A metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said memory storage device is operatively connected to a control means. A power supply terminal for receiving power supplied from a power supply under a specific input pressure; A metal fuel tape source wound on a feed spindle, wound on a dry spindle, and defined along a length of the metal fuel tape and having a predetermined number of areas; A refill head assembly that receives power from a power source as the metal fuel tape is transferred through a refill head assembly during a refill mode of operation; A bidirectional tape transfer device for transferring metal fuel tape through the refill head assembly at a speed and direction selected for the refill head assembly; A metal-oxide measuring device for measuring the presence of metal-oxides along the plurality of areas of a metal fuel tape in a recharging mode during operation. 12. The metal fuel tape according to claim 11, wherein the metal fuel tape is conveyed through the refill head assembly at a speed and direction relative to the refill head assembly such that a sufficient amount of metal oxide is present along the metal fuel tape to transition into the metal fuel during the refill mode of operation. Metal air fuel cell, characterized in that the. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the refill head assembly comprises: an anode support structure for supporting an oxygen permeable electrically conductive anode electrode; a cathode contact structure for supporting an electrically conductive cathode contact electrode forming electrical contact with the metal fuel tape; And an ion medium providing an ion source between the electrically conductive cathode contact electrode and the electrically conductive anode electrode associated with the refill head assembly. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the bidirectional tape conveying means is provided with conveying means for conveying the metal fuel tape past the anode support structure and the cathode contact electrode and wherein the ion medium is disposed between the metal fuel tape and the electrically conductive cathode electrode. Characterized in a metal air fuel cell. 12. The metal-air fuel cell system as recited in claim 11, wherein said feed spindle and said dry spindle are driven by a motor. 16. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 15, wherein said motor is an electric motor. 12. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 11, wherein the metal fuel tape to be recharged is provided with multiple metal fuel tracks to generate different output voltages from the metal air fuel cell system. 12. Each region of the predetermined metal fuel along the length of the metal fuel tape according to claim 11, through optical or magnetic means, so as to record filling related data along the source of the metal fuel tape and calculate the presence of the metal oxide during the recharging operation. And the digital code is assigned to the metal-air fuel cell system. 19. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the charge related data is written to a memory storage device. 20. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 19, wherein said memory storage device is operatively connected to said control means. Tape transfer device for transferring metal fuel tape through the discharge head assembly in a bidirectional manner, and automatically managing the utilization of metal fuel along the metal fuel tape to improve the performance of the metal air fuel cell system during discharge mode of operation. A metal air fuel cell system with a discharge mode of operation, comprising a metal fuel management means. A tape transfer device for transferring metal fuel tape through the refill head assembly in a bidirectional manner, and a metal oxide that automatically manages the presence of metal oxide along the metal fuel tape to improve the performance of the metal air fuel cell system during refill mode of operation. Metallic air fuel cell system with recharging mode of operation with management means. Supplying a metal fuel tape wound on the feed spindle and the dry spindle and having a plurality of regions predetermined along the longitudinal direction of the metal fuel tape; Generating power from a source of metal fuel tape as the metal fuel tape is transferred through the discharge head assembly during the discharge mode of operation; Conveying the metal fuel tape through a discharge head assembly at a speed and direction selected for the discharge head assembly; Determining utilization of the metal fuel along a predetermined area of the metal fuel tape during the discharge mode of operation; There may be a sufficient amount of metal fuel for use in generating power from the metal fuel cell system along the metal fuel tape by controlling the transfer of the tape in both directions in the transfer phase of the metal fuel tape in response to the fuel utilization determination step. A method of generating power from a metal-air fuel cell system having a discharge mode of operation with a bidirectional tape feed control step of causing a metal fuel tape to be conveyed through the discharge head assembly at a speed and a direction relative to the discharge head assembly. Supplying a metal fuel tape wound on the feed spindle and the dry spindle and having a plurality of predetermined areas along the length of the metal fuel tape; Receiving power from the power supply as the metal fuel tape is transferred during the recharging mode of operation; Conveying the metal fuel tape through the refill head at a selected speed and direction for the refill head assembly; Determining the presence of metal oxide along a predetermined region of the metal fuel tape during the recharging mode of operation; In response to the determination of the metal oxide in the step of determining the presence of the metal oxide, the amount of the metal oxide sufficient to be transferred into the metal fuel during the recharging operation mode by controlling the bidirectional tape transfer in the transfer of the metal fuel tape. A method of refilling a metal fuel tape using a metal air fuel cell with a recharging mode of operation configured to control delivery of the metal fuel tape at a speed and direction relative to a refill head assembly to be present. First and second power supply terminals for receiving power generated from a source of metal fuel tape at a predetermined output voltage; A metal fuel tape source wound on a feed spindle and dried on a dry spindle; Metal fuel tape arranging means for arranging the metal fuel tape in a space previously defined along a folded path such that a plurality of discharge heads are arranged around the metal fuel tape during a tape ejection operation; A metal air fuel cell (FCB) system having a plurality of discharge heads that produce power from a source of metal fuel tape as the metal fuel tape is transferred through each discharge head during a tape discharge operation. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein each discharge head comprises: an anode support structure supporting an anode electrode that is oxygen permeable and electrically conductive; A cathode contact structure for supporting an electrically conductive cathode contact electrode that is in electrical contact with the metal fuel tape; And an ion medium providing a source of ions between the electrically conductive cathode contact electrode and the electrically conductive anode electrode associated with the discharge head. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising tape transfer means for transferring a metal fuel tape past the anode support structure and the cathode contact electrode, respectively, wherein the ion medium is disposed between the metal fuel tape and the electrically conductive anode electrode. Metal air fuel cell. 28. The metal-air fuel cell as recited in claim 27, wherein said feed spindle and dry spindle are driven by a motor. 29. The metal-air fuel cell of claim 28, wherein the motor is an electric motor. First and second power supply terminals for receiving power supplied from a power supply at a predetermined input voltage; A source of metal fuel tape wound on a feed spindle and dried on a dry spindle; Metal fuel tape arranging means for arranging the metal fuel tape in a pre-defined space along a folded path such that a plurality of refill heads are arranged around the metal fuel tape during a tape refill operation; A metal air fuel cell (FCB) system having a plurality of recharge heads to receive power from the power supply as the metal fuel tape is transferred through each of the recharge heads during a tape refill operation. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein each refilling head comprises: an anode support structure for supporting an oxygen permeable and electrically conductive anode electrode; A cathode contact structure supporting an electrical precursor cathode contact electrode to form an electrical contact with the metal fuel tape; And an ion medium providing an ion source between the electrically conductive anode electrode and the electrically conductive cathode contact electrode associated with the recharge head. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising tape conveying means for conveying the metal fuel tape through the anode support structure and the cathode contact electrode, respectively, wherein the ion medium is disposed between the metal fuel tape and the electrically conductive anode electrode. Metal air fuel cell. 31. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 30, wherein the feed spindle and the dry spindle are driven by a motor. 34. The metal-air cell system of claim 33 wherein the motor is an electric motor. A pair of feed reels and guns with a device that extends the path length of the oxidized metal fuel tape during a refill operation such that multiple refill heads can be selectively aligned around the extended path length of the metal fuel tape during a refill operation. A metal air fuel cell system that generates power from a source of metal fuel tape that is transported between zurils. A metal fuel tape discharge subsystem; A metal fuel tape refill subsystem integrated with said metal fuel tape discharge sus- tem system; Metal fuel tape refill subsystem to extend the oxidized metal fuel tape to a path length longer than the path length maintained by the tape path length expansion device within the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem (i.e. A _refill > A _discharge ). And a tape path length expanding device provided therein. Metallic air having a metal fuel tape discharge and refilling means in a single hybrid subsystem equipped with a tape path length extension device for extending the metal fuel tape to be refilled beyond a path sufficiently larger than the path retained for the metal fuel tape to be discharged. Fuel cell system. Metal fuel tape discharge and recharge means in a single hybrid subsystem, wherein the discharge head and the recharge head are disposed in the system around the extended path length of the metal fuel tape to enable simultaneous discharge and recharge operations. Air fuel cell system. A metal air fuel cell (FCB) system in which one or more recharging parameters are automatically controlled to optimally refill the oxidized metal fuel material (ie, the cathode) for reuse within the metal air FCB system. A metal air fuel cell (FCB) system, wherein one or more discharge parameters are automatically adjusted to optimally discharge the metal fuel material (ie, the cathode) to generate power within the metal air FCB system. A metal air fuel cell system, comprising a subsystem for controlling refilling of metal oxide along the oxidized metal fuel tape, wherein the metal oxide is completely reduced on the metal fuel tape without damaging the porous structure of the metal fuel tape. . 42. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 41, wherein the metal fuel anode to be recharged (ie, electrochemically reduced) is a fixed and / or mobile anode structure. A metal air fuel cell cell system implemented in the form of an oxidized metal fuel tape wherein the metal fuel structure to be recharged is transported across an anode structure associated with the discharge head of the metal air FCB system during a discharge operation. A metal air fuel cell system in which the path length of the oxidized metal fuel tape is sufficiently extended during the recharging operation so that the source of oxidized metal fuel tape embedded in the cassette device or on the supply reel can be quickly recharged. The oxidized metal fuel tape to be recharged is embedded in a cassette type device that can be inserted into a storage compartment of a compact FCB discharge unit. The oxidized metal fuel tape to be refilled has a metal air fuel cell system having multiple metal fuel tracks used to generate different output voltages from the metal air FCB system. A metal air fuel cell system in which the path length of the oxidized metal fuel tape is sufficiently extended within the recharging chamber of a system using a tape path length expansion device. The refill head assembly includes a plurality of positive and negative electrode structures selectively aligned around the extended path length of the oxidized metal fuel tape during a refill operation. A metal air fuel cell system equipped with a recharge power regulation subsystem to adjust operating parameters during recharging a metal oxide during a recharge operation. A metal air fuel cell system wherein oxygen generated from within the anode electrode to the recharge head of the metal air fuel cell system is discharged under the control of the recharge power regulation subsystem during recharging. The relative humidity in the anode electrode of the recharge head of the metal air fuel cell system is controlled by the recharge power regulation subsystem. The speed of the oxidized fuel tape conveyed past the refill head is controlled under control of the recharge power control subsystem. And a pressure applied across the oxidized metal fuel tape during the recharging operation is regulated under the control of the recharging power control subsystem. A metal oxide sensing head is provided upstream for sensing the fuel track along the length of the multipath metal fuel tape, and the refill head is disposed downstream with a plurality of pairs of electrically isolated anode and cathode structures. A metal air fuel cell system that selectively recharges only sufficiently oxidized (ie consumed) metal fuel tracks. A metal air fuel cell system in which a source of metal fuel card or sheet is embedded in a cassette storage cartridge. Each metal fuel card or plate is automatically loaded from a cassette cartridge into a recharging chamber of the system. A metal air fuel cell system with a subsystem for recharging a metal fuel card or sheet that has been oxidized during a discharge mode of operation. And each oxidized metal fuel card or sheet is manually loaded into a recharging chamber of the metal air fuel cell system, and after this recharging is completed, the card is discharged from the recharging chamber semi-automatically. Each oxidized metal fuel card or sheet is automatically loaded into the recharging chamber of the metal air fuel cell system, and after this recharging is completed, the card is automatically released from the recharging chamber, and the other oxidized metal fuel card automatically recharges. Metal air fuel cell system, characterized in that it is loaded therein. It is possible to record discharge-related data during the discharge mode of operation, and to perform engineering or to each area or part of the metal fuel along the length of the metal fuel tape track for use in performing various management operations including additional access and quick and efficient refilling operations. Metallic air fuel cell system, characterized in that the digital code is coated by magnetic means. A metal air fuel cell system in which a metal fuel tape is transferred in a bidirectional manner through a discharge head assembly and a recharge head assembly, whereby the utilization of metal fuel is automatically managed to improve the performance of the metal air fuel cell system. An assembly of recharge heads is provided in the recharge chamber, each having an electrically conductive anode structure, an ion conductive medium and a cathode contact structure. A metal air fuel cell system, wherein a plurality of oxidized metal fuel cards or sheet metals are automatically transferred into the metal air fuel cell system and recharged at high speed. A metal air fuel cell system in which a plurality of discharge heads are used during a discharge cycle to discharge a metal fuel tape at a controlled cathode-anode current level to control the formation of a metal oxide pattern that can be optimally reduced during the discharge cycle. The use of multiple discharge heads during the discharge cycle allows each discharge head to be slightly loaded, thus improving control of metal oxide formation during the discharge cycle so that a complete transition into the original metal can be achieved in an optimal manner. Fuel cell system. A metal air fuel cell system, wherein information about an instantaneous load state along each area (ie frame) of a metal fuel tape is recorded in a memory by a system controller. Acquiring means for acquiring identification data for each metal fuel region along the spool of the metal fuel tape to determine respective classifications; Sensing means for sensing load state data associated with each of the classified metal fuel regions; A metal air fuel cell system with recording means for recording load state data for subsequent use during a sequential tape refill operation. A metal fuel cell system wherein the charge state information recorded during a tape recharge operation is read from memory and used to set the current and voltage levels maintained in the recharge head of the metal air fuel cell system. A metal air fuel cell system in which a metal fuel tape discharge state is recorded during discharge and used to optimally recharge a metal fuel tape discharged during a recharging operation. During tape discharge operation, bar code data is optically sensed along each area of the metal fuel tape using a miniaturized bar code symbol reader embedded in the anode structure of each discharge head of the metal air fuel cell system. Air fuel cell system. During tape refilling operation, bar code data is optically sensed along each area of the discharged metal fuel tape using a miniaturized bar code symbol reader embedded in the anode structure of each recharge head of the metal air fuel cell system. Metal air fuel cell system. And the subsystems of the metal air fuel cell system are remotely controllable through an input / output subsystem operatively connected to the system regulator. A metal air fuel cell system in which a plurality of metal fuel cards can be loaded in a metal fuel card discharge chamber and at the same time discharged within the metal fuel card discharge subsystem to generate and transport power across an electrical load coupled thereto. . Multiple metal fuel cards can be loaded in the metal fuel card recharging chamber and at the same time recharged in the metal air card recharging subsystem to transfer metal oxides back to the original metal along the metal fuel card for reuse in discharge operations. Metal air fuel cell system. A metal air fuel cell system having a metal fuel card discharge and recharge subsystem that is simultaneously operable under the control of a system controller associated with a synthesis system such as a power management system. A metal fuel tape discharge subsystem; A metal fuel tape discharge subsystem integrated with the metal fuel tape discharge subsystem; The metal fuel tape refill sub-sub to extend the oxidized metal fuel tape above the path length (i.e., A _recharge > A _discharge ) sufficiently larger than the path length maintained by the tape path length expander in the metal fuel tape discharge sub-system. Metallic air fuel cell system with a tape path length extension device used in the system. With means for discharging and refilling the metal fuel tape in a single hybrid type subsystem, the tape path length extension device extends the metal fuel tape to be refilled beyond a path sufficiently larger than the path maintained for the metal fuel tape to be discharged. Metallic air fuel cell system used to. Means for discharging and recharging the metal fuel tape in a single hybrid type subsystem, wherein the discharge head and the refill head of the subsystem are aligned around the extended path length of the metal fuel tape to enable simultaneous discharge and recharge operations; Metal air fuel cell system. A metal-air fuel cell system having multiple subsystems for enabling the capture, processing and storage of metal fuel and metal oxide identification data as well as discharge and recharge parameters for use during discharge and recharge operating modes. Storing a source of metal fuel card (or sheet) in a cassette cartridge type device having an internal volume partitioned for storing (re) charged and discharged metal fuel cards in separate storage compartments formed in the same cassette cartridge type device. Metallic air fuel cell system with means. A metal fuel supply means for supplying a metal fuel material for generating electric power during a discharge operation mode, wherein the metal fuel material is provided with a plurality of regions or zones partitioned along the metal fuel material and each region is indexed with a code Means; Code reading means for reading a digital code along each area of the metal fuel material during discharge of each area during the discharge operation mode; Discharge parameter detecting means for detecting a series of discharge parameters during the discharge of each region of the metal fuel material during the discharge mode of operation; A metal having a discharging mode of operation comprising parameter processing means for processing a series of discharge parameters sensed in the regions of each metal fuel material and generating control data signals to control one or more discharge parameters as the region is discharged Air fuel cell system. 84. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 81, wherein the series of sensed discharge parameters are recorded in a memory and read from the memory for processing during a discharge mode of operation. 82. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 81, wherein said code is a digital code. 84. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 81, wherein said digital code is optically sensed. 86. The metallic air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 84, wherein said digital code is a bar code symbol. 84. The system of claim 83, wherein said digital code is electromagnetically sensed. 84. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein: each region of the metal fuel material is provided with a plurality of metal tracks; Discharge parameter detecting means for detecting a series of discharge parameters for each metal fuel track along each of the regions of the metal fuel material during a discharge operation mode; And a code reading means for reading a digital code along each of said areas during discharge of a region of the metal fuel material during a discharge operation mode. 84. The metal-air fuel cell system as recited in claim 81, wherein said metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. 84. The metal-air fuel cell system as recited in claim 81, wherein said metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal card or sheet. 84. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein said parameter processing means processes a series of discharge parameters sensed in each region of the metal fuel material, wherein the regions are discharged to discharge the regions of the metal fuel at once and / or in an energy efficient manner. A metal air fuel cell system, characterized by generating a control data signal to control one or more discharge parameters. A metal fuel supply means for supplying the metal fuel material for recharging during the recharging operation mode, the metal fuel material having a plurality of areas or areas distinguished along the metal fuel material, wherein each area is a metal fuel indexed by a code Supply means; Code reading means for reading a digital code along each area of the metal fuel material during refilling of the area during the mode of operation of recharging; Recharging parameter detecting means for detecting a series of recharging parameters during recharging of each region of the metal fuel material during the recharging mode of operation; And a parameter processing means for processing a set of recharge parameters sensed in each zone of the metal fuel material and generating control data signals to control one or more refill parameters when the zone is recharged. 92. The metal-air fuel cell apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said series of sensed recharge parameters are written to a memory and read from said memory for processing during a recharge mode of operation. 93. The metal fuel cell system in accordance with claim 91, wherein said code is a digital code. 95. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 93, wherein said digital code is optically sensed. 93. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 91, wherein said digital code is a bar code symbol. 92. The metal fuel air according to claim 91, wherein said digital code is magnetically sensed. 92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein each region of the metal fuel material has a plurality of metal fuel tracks, and wherein the refill parameter sensing means sets a series of refill parameters for each metal fuel track along the area of the metal fuel material during a recharging mode of operation. Detect; And the code reading means reads a digital code along each of the areas during recharging of the area of the metal fuel material during the recharging mode of operation. 92. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 91, wherein said metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel tape. 92. The system of claim 91, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. 92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said parameter processing means processes a set of recharge parameters sensed in each region of the metal fuel material, and wherein the regions of the metal fuel are one or more at once and / or in an energy efficient manner when the regions are recharged. And a control data signal for controlling the recharging parameters. Metal fuel supply means for supplying metal fuel material to be recharged during recharging operation mode and recharging during recharging operation mode, wherein the metal fuel material is divided along the length of the metal fuel material. A plurality of zones or zones, each zone having a metal fuel supply means indexed by code; Discharge parameter detecting means for detecting a series of discharge parameters during metal fuel material discharge in each region during the discharge operation mode; Code reading means for reading a digital code along each area of the metal fuel material not only during discharging the area during the discharge operation mode but also during recharging the metal fuel of the area during the recharging operation mode; Discharge parameter recording means for recording a series of discharge parameters sensed in each area of the metal fuel material, the recorded series of discharge parameters being discharge parameter recording means indexed by a code indexed to the area; Discharge parameter reading means for reading the recorded discharge parameter; Means for processing a series of recorded discharge parameters read from the discharge parameter recording means, generating a series of first control data signals used to control the recharging parameters during recharging mode of operation to discharge the discharged metallic fuel material at a time; And / or discharge parameter processing means for enabling recharging in an energy efficient manner; Recharging parameter detecting means for detecting a series of recharging parameters during recharging of each region of the metal fuel material during the recharging operation mode; Means for recording a set of recharge parameters sensed in each zone of the metal fuel material, wherein each recorded set of recharge parameters are recharged parameter recording means indexed with a code indexed to the zone; Recharge parameter reading means for reading a recorded series of recharge parameters; Record from the recharge parameter recording means to generate a series of second control data signals used to control the discharge parameters during the discharge mode of operation so that the (re) charged metal fuel material can be discharged at one time and / or in an energy efficient manner. And a recharge parameter processing means for processing a series of recharge parameters. 102. The metal-air fuel cell system according to claim 101, wherein the discharge parameter recording means and the recharge parameter recording means are each provided with a memory device. 102. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 101, wherein said code is a digital code. 109. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 103, wherein the fraud digital code is optically sensed. 103. The system of claim 103, wherein the digital code is a bar code symbol. 109. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 103, wherein said digital code is magnetically sensed. 109. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the discharge parameter processing means each zone of metal fuel material to determine an amount of power to be transferred to the area when the area is recharged and an amount of power to be used to generate a control data signal during a recharging mode of operation. A discharge parameter processing means for processing the series of discharge parameters recorded in association with the fuel cell system. 102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein each region of the metal fuel material is provided with a plurality of metal fuel tracks, and the discharge parameter detecting means comprises a series of discharge media for each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material during a discharge mode of operation. Detecting a variable, wherein the code reading means reads the digital code along each area during recharging of the area of the metal fuel material during the recharging operation mode as well as during discharge of the area of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; The discharge parameter recording means records a series of discharge parameters sensed in each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material, and the recorded series of discharge parameters are coded in the metal fuel track along the area. Indexed; And the discharge parameter reading means reads the discharge parameter recorded in the parameter recording means. 102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the refill parameter processing means processes a series of refill parameters recorded in association with each area of the metal fuel material to determine the amount of metal fuel present in each area during discharge of each area of the metal fuel material. And the amount of metal fuel present is used to generate a control data signal during the discharge operation mode. 102. The system of claim 101, wherein: a plurality of metal fuel tracks are provided in each region of the metal fuel material; The recharge parameter detecting means detects a series of recharge parameters for each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material during the recharging mode of operation; The code reading means reads the digital code along each area during the discharge of the metal fuel material region during the discharge operation mode as well as during the recharging of the metal fuel material region during the recharging operation mode; The refill parameter recording means records a set of recharge parameters sensed in each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material, and the set of refill parameters recorded in this code are indexed to the metal fuel track along the area. Indexed as; And said recharging parameter reading means reads recharging parameters recorded in said parameter recording means. 102. The metal air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 101, wherein said metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel tape. 102. The system of claim 101, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. A plurality of first subsystems that cooperate to sense, store and process the discharge parameters during the discharge mode of operation, the first subsystem using the discharge parameters to generate a control data signal to control the recharge parameter during the mode of recharge operation; And a plurality of second sub-systems for coordinating the sensing, storage and processing of the recharging parameters during the recharging mode of operation and for generating control data signals for controlling the recharging parameters during the discharging mode of operation. A metal air fuel cell system having a discharge operation mode and a recharge operation mode. A metal fuel discharge device for discharging the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; A discharge parameter detecting device for detecting a discharge parameter while discharging the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; A discharge parameter processing device for processing the sensed discharge parameter to generate a series of first control data signals for control of the recharge parameter during the recharge operation mode; A metal fuel recharging device for recharging the metal fuel material during the recharging operation mode; A recharge parameter detecting device for recharging a recharging parameter while recharging a metal fuel material during the recharging mode of operation; And a recharge parameter processing device for processing the sensed recharge parameters to generate a second set of control data signals for controlling the discharge parameters during the discharge mode of operation. Metallic air fuel cell system. 118. The apparatus of claim 114, wherein the discharge parameter is an element selected from the group consisting of anodic-cathode voltage and current level, partial pressure of oxygen in the discharge anode, relative humidity at the anode electrolyte interface, and a rate of metal fuel material suitable therefor. Metal air fuel cell system. 116. The method of claim 114, wherein the recharge parameter is an element selected from the group consisting of anodic-cathode voltage and current levels, partial pressure of oxygen in the recharge anode, relative humidity at the anode electrolyte interface, and a rate of metal fuel material suitable thereto. A metal air fuel cell system. 116. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 114, wherein each series of first control data signals is used to control discharge parameters such that regions of the metal fuel material are recharged in an energy efficient manner. 116. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 114, wherein the metal fuel material region is recharged in an energy efficient manner that is used to control each of the series of second control data signal recharge parameters. 116. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 114, wherein the metal fuel material to be recharged is used with a moving anode structure used in a stationary and / or metal air fuel cell system. 118. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 114, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel tape. 123. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 120, wherein the metal fuel tape is embedded in a cassette type storage device. 124. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 124, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. 126. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 124, wherein the metal fuel card or sheet is embedded in a cassette type storage device. A metal fuel supply means for supplying a metal fuel material to be used for generating electric power during a discharge operation mode, the metal fuel material having a plurality of areas or regions partitioned along the metal fuel material, wherein each area is a metal fuel indexed by a code Supply means; Parameter detecting means for detecting a series of discharge parameters during the discharge of each region of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; Code reading means for reading a code along each area of a metal fuel material during discharge of the area during a discharge operation mode; A parameter recording device for recording a series of discharge parameters sensed in each area of the metal fuel material, wherein the series of discharge parameters recorded are parameter recording means indexed by a code indexed in the area; Parameter reading means for reading the recorded discharge parameter; And a parameter processing means for processing a series of discharge parameters recorded from the parameter recording means. 124. The metal air fuel cell of claim 124, wherein the series of treated discharge parameters are used during a discharge mode of operation. 126. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 124, further comprising a recharging mode of operation, wherein the series of treated discharge parameters are used during the recharging mode of operation. 124. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 124, wherein said parameter recording means comprises a memory device associated with said metal air fuel cell system. 124. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 124, wherein the code is a digital code. 129. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 128, wherein the digital code is optically sensed. 129. The system of claim 128, wherein the digital code is a bar code symbol. 129. The system of claim 128, wherein the digital code is magnetically sensed. 124. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein said parameter processing means processes a series of discharge parameters recorded in association with each region of the metal fuel material to determine the amount of power to be transferred to the region when recharging the region. Metal air fuel cell system. 124. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein each region of the metal fuel material is provided with a plurality of metal fuel tracks; The parameter detecting means detects a series of discharge parameters for each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; The code reading means reads the digital code along each area during discharge of the area of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; The parameter recording means records a series of discharge parameters sensed in each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material, and is indexed by a digital code indexed to the metal fuel track along the area; And said parameter reading means reads a discharge parameter recorded in said parameter recording means. 126. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 124, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel tape. 127. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 124, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. A metal fuel supply means for supplying a metal fuel material for recharging during a recharging operation mode, the metal fuel material having a plurality of areas or regions partitioned along the metal fuel material, wherein each area is supplied with a metal index indexed by a code Means; Parameter detecting means for detecting a series of recharging parameters during recharging of each region of the metal fuel during the recharging mode of operation; Code reading means for reading a code indexed to each area of the metal fuel material during the charging operation mode; Parameter recording means for recording a set of recharge parameters sensed in each area of the metal fuel material, each recorded series of recharge parameters being parameter indexed indexed by a code indexed to the area; Parameter reading means for reading a recorded series of recharging parameters; And parameter processing means for processing a recorded series of discharge parameters read from said parameter recording means. 137. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 136, wherein the series of processed recharge parameters is used during a recharge mode of operation. 136. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 136, further comprising a discharge mode of operation, wherein the series of processed recharge parameters are used during a discharge mode of operation. 137. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 136, wherein each of said series of sensed discharge parameters is recorded in a memory device associated with the system. 136. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 136, wherein the code is a digital code. 142. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 140, wherein the digital code is optically sensed. 142. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 140, wherein the digital code is a bar code symbol. 142. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 140, wherein the digital code is magnetically sensed. 131. The method of claim 130, wherein said parameter processing means processes a series of recharge parameters recorded in association with each region of the metal fuel material to determine the amount of power that can be produced from said region when discharging said region. Metal air fuel cell system. 131. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein: each region of the metal fuel material is provided with a plurality of metal fuel tracks; The parameter detecting means detects a series of recharging parameters for each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material during the recharging mode of operation; The parameter detecting means detects a series of recharging parameters for each metal fuel track along each metal fuel region during the recharging mode of operation; The parameter recording means records a set of recharge parameters sensed in each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material and the recorded series of refill parameters are indexed by a digital code indexed to the metal fuel track along the area. Become; And said parameter reading means is adapted to read the recharging parameter recorded in the parameter recording means. 131. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 130, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel tape. 131. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 130, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. A metal fuel supply means for generating electric power during a discharge operation mode and supplying a metal fuel material for recharging during the recharging operation mode, the metal fuel material having a plurality of regions or areas partitioned along the length of the metal fuel material, Each region is a metal fuel supply means indexed by a code; Discharge parameter detecting means for detecting a series of discharge parameters during discharge of each region of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; Code reading means for reading a code along each area of the metal fuel material during charging of the area of the metal fuel during the recharging operation mode as well as during the discharge of the area during the discharge operation mode; A discharge parameter recording means for recording a series of discharge parameters sensed in each area of the metal fuel material, the recorded series of discharge parameters being discharge parameter recording means indexed by a code indexed in the area; Discharge parameter reading means for reading the recorded discharge parameter; Discharge parameter processing means for processing a series of recorded discharge parameters read from the discharge parameter recording means; Recharge parameter detecting means for detecting a series of recharge parameters while recharging each region of the metal fuel during the recharging mode of operation; Recharge parameter recording means for recording a sensed recharge parameter in each area of the metal fuel material, wherein each recorded series of recharge parameters are recharge parameter recording means indexed with a code indexed in the area; Recharge parameter reading means for reading a series of recorded recharge parameters; A metal-air fuel cell system having a discharge mode of operation and a mode of recharge operation with recharge parameter processing means for processing a series of recharge parameters recorded from the recharge parameter recording means. 148. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 148, wherein the series of discharge parameters processed are used during a discharge mode of operation. 148. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 148, wherein the series of discharge parameters processed are used during a recharging mode of operation. 148. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 148, wherein the processed series of recharge parameters are used during a recharge mode of operation. 148. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 148, wherein the series of refill parameters processed is used during a discharge mode of operation. 148. The metal-air fuel cell system in accordance with claim 148, wherein said discharge parameter recording means and said recharge parameter recording means each comprise a memory device. 148. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 148, wherein each code is a digital code. 154. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 154, wherein the digital code is optically sensed. 154. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 154, wherein the digital code is a bar code symbol. 154. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 154, wherein the digital code is magnetically sensed. 148. The apparatus of claim 148, wherein the discharge parameter processing means determines the amount of power to be delivered to the area when recharging the area by processing a series of recorded discharge parameters associated with each area of the metal fuel material. Metal air fuel cell system. 148. The apparatus of claim 148, wherein: each region of the metal fuel material includes a plurality of metal fuel tracks; The discharge parameter detecting means detects a series of discharge parameters for each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material during the discharge mode of operation; The code reading means reads the code along each area not only while charging the area of the metal fuel material during the recharging operation mode but also while discharging the area of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; A series of discharge parameters sensed in each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material is recorded, the series of recorded discharge parameters indexed by a code indexed in the metal fuel track along the area; And the discharge parameter reading means reads the discharge parameter recorded in the parameter recording means. 145. The method of claim 146, wherein the refill parameter processing means processes a series of refill parameters recorded in association with each area of the metal fuel material to determine the amount of metal fuel present in each area during discharge of each area of the metal fuel material. Metallic air fuel cell system characterized by. 148. The apparatus of claim 148, wherein: each region of the metal fuel material is provided with a plurality of metal fuel tracks; The recharge parameter detecting means detects a series of recharge parameters for each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material during the recharging mode of operation; The code reading means reads the code along each area during the discharge of the area of the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode as well as during the discharge of the area of the metal fuel material during the recharging operation mode; The refill parameter recording means records a series of recharge parameters sensed in each metal fuel track along each area of the metal fuel material; And the recharging parameter reading means reads the recharging parameter recorded in the parameter recording means. 148. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 148, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of metal fuel tape. 148. The system of claim 148, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. A metal-air fuel cell system having a plurality of subsystems that cooperate with each other to cause data sensing, storage, and processing of discharge and recharge parameters used during discharge and recharge operating modes. A metal fuel discharge device for discharging the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; A discharge parameter detecting device for detecting a discharge parameter when discharging the metal fuel material during the discharge operation mode; A metal fuel recharging device for recharging the metal fuel material during the recharging operation mode; A metal-air fuel cell system with a recharging mode of operation and a discharging mode of operation comprising a recharge parameter sensing device that senses recharging parameters while recharging the metal fuel during recharging mode of operation. 165. The method of claim 165, wherein the discharge parameters are elements selected from the group consisting of the anode-cathode voltage and current level, the partial pressure of oxygen in the discharge anode, the relative humidity at the anode electrolyte interface, and the rate of applicable metal fuel material. Metal air fuel cell system. 165. The method of claim 165, wherein the recharging parameter is an element selected from the group consisting of the anode-cathode voltage and current level, the partial pressure of oxygen in the recharge anode, the relative humidity at the anode electrolyte interface, and the rate of applicable metal fuel material. Metal air fuel cell system. 167. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 165, wherein the discharge parameters are automatically sensed and recorded during a discharge mode of operation and automatically read and processed during a recharge mode of operation to recharge the metal fuel material in an energy efficient manner. . 167. The metal-air fuel cell system of claim 165, wherein the discharge parameters are automatically sensed, recorded, and processed during a discharge mode of operation to discharge the metal fuel material in an energy efficient manner. 167. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 165, wherein the metal fuel material to be recharged is used in conjunction with a fixed and / or moving anode structure used in the metal air fuel cell system. 162. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 162, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel tape. 172. The metal air fuel cell system of claim 171, wherein the metal fuel tape is embedded in a cassette type storage device. 167. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 165, wherein the metal fuel material is implemented in the form of a metal fuel card or sheet. 176. The metal air fuel cell system according to claim 173, wherein the metal fuel card or sheet is embedded in a cassette type storage device. An output bus structure to which at least one electrical load is connected; A plurality of metal air fuel cell (FCB) subsystems each having a metal fuel supply source, capable of producing and transferring power to said output bus structure, and connected to said output bus structure; A control subsystem that controls the operation of multiple metal air FCB subsystems, in which the power bus structure is supplied with a sufficient amount of power to satisfy the needs of the power load, regardless of the total metal fuel remaining in the power generation system. Power generation system with a system. 175. The system of claim 175, further comprising an input voltage bus structure for receiving power from one or more power assist and / or hybrid sources and for powering a plurality of metal air FCB subsystems for rechargeable metal fuel during a recharging operation. A power generation system characterized by the above. 175. The power generation system of claim 175 wherein the power generation system is provided in a body. 175. The power generation system of claim 175 wherein the power generation device is provided in a stationary or movable power unit. And a network metal air FCB subsystem connected to the power bus structure and controlled by a network control subsystem associated with the network-based metal fuel conditioning subsystem. The output power produced from the power bus structure is controlled by allowing the metal air FCB subsystem of the selected heat to power the power bus structure. And a network of metal air FCB subsystems controlled by a network control subsystem associated with the network-based metal fuel conditioning subsystem and coupled to an output power bus structure, wherein metal fuel within each FCB subsystem is a network control subsystem. Power production system regulated by the system, on average each FCB subsystem having substantially the same amount of metal fuel available for power generation. In accordance with the metal fuel equalization principle, the discharge of the metal fuel available in each metal air FCB subsystem is managed so that on average, the amount of metal fuel available for discharge is substantially the same in the metal air FCB subsystem. Method of operation of the network of metal air FCB subsystem. In virtually any system, device, or environment that is required to meet the peak power requirements of power loads (eg, motors, appliances, machinery, tools, etc.) independently of the amount of unconsumed total metal fuel remaining in the power generation system. Power generation system implemented in the form of installable power plant. A net of metal air FCB subsystems connected to a power bus structure and controlled by a network control subsystem associated with a network-based metal fuel management subsystem, wherein the only one or fewer metal air FCB subs The systems are capable of discharging when the fuselage moves along a flat or underfloor, and many or all metal air FCB subsystems are electrically driven when the fuselage is capable of discharging when the fuselage attempts to drive past or climb uphill. fuselage. An output power bus structure to which the electrical load is coupled; A plurality of metal air FCB subsystems operatively connected to the output power bus structure; With a computer-based metal fuel management subsystem that manages the amount of available metal fuel, the amount of metal fuel in each metal air FCB system discharges power for supply to the output power bus structure based on average time. And a power generation system that is substantially equal to the amount available to produce. 185. The system of claim 185, further comprising an input power bus structure that receives power from one or more power assistance and / or hybrid sources and supplies the power to a plurality of metal air FCB subsystems that recharge metal fuel during recharging operations. Power generation system 185. The power generation system of claim 185, wherein the power generation system is provided in the fuselage. 185. The power generation system of claim 185, wherein the power generation system is provided in a stationary or movable power plant. An electrical insulator anode embedded structure having a plurality of grooves on the flat top and bottom surfaces, and an air permeable anode in each of the grooves, the grooves, and grooves on the bottom surface from the top surface so that air flows toward the air permeable anode embedded therein. A plurality of gaps extending through the anode embedded structure, a pad containing an electrolyte disposed in a recess on the air permeable anode to provide electrolyte contact with the anode; A conductive material of several longitudinal lengths, one of which is in electrical contact with one of the air permeable anodes and extends upwardly through the top surface of the anode support structure to be individually in electrical contact with each anode for use in a fuel cell. A metal air fuel cell head employing a metal fuel tape having a conductive material having a plurality of longitudinal lengths to provide an electrically conductive passageway from each anode within. 187. The metal air fuel cell head of claim 189, wherein a metal fuel tape is employed in which an oxygen sensor is disposed in each recess to measure the presence of oxygen.