WO2004038827A2 - Structure de connexion electrique et de joint liquide - Google Patents

Structure de connexion electrique et de joint liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004038827A2
WO2004038827A2 PCT/US2003/033810 US0333810W WO2004038827A2 WO 2004038827 A2 WO2004038827 A2 WO 2004038827A2 US 0333810 W US0333810 W US 0333810W WO 2004038827 A2 WO2004038827 A2 WO 2004038827A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
anode
electrochemical cell
connection
metal air
sealing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/033810
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004038827A3 (fr
Inventor
William F. Morris
Julio G. Solorzano
Original Assignee
Inventqjaya Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inventqjaya Sdn. Bhd. filed Critical Inventqjaya Sdn. Bhd.
Priority to AU2003284910A priority Critical patent/AU2003284910A1/en
Publication of WO2004038827A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004038827A2/fr
Publication of WO2004038827A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004038827A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/04—Construction or manufacture in general
    • H01M10/0413—Large-sized flat cells or batteries for motive or stationary systems with plate-like electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/04—Construction or manufacture in general
    • H01M10/0468—Compression means for stacks of electrodes and separators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M12/00—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M12/04—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type
    • H01M12/06—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
    • H01M12/065—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode with plate-like electrodes or stacks of plate-like electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
    • H01M50/138—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings adapted for specific cells, e.g. electrochemical cells operating at high temperature
    • H01M50/1385—Hybrid cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M2004/024—Insertable electrodes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • Metal air electrochemical cells are desirable energy sources, particularly for features such as relatively high specific energy (W-H/kg).
  • metal electrode materials anodes
  • hydroxide ions formed at an air diffusion electrode (cathode).
  • a typical metal air cell provides for electrical connection between cathodes and anodes by external current collectors. Further, many of electrochemical cells require the presence of a liquid electrolyte, which must preferably be contained to prevent spillage.
  • a metal air cell system is provided, generally wherein a common structure is used to electrically connect anodes and cathodes, and provide a sealed structure preventing liquid electrolyte leakage.
  • a mechanism is provided which provides a downward force on an anode holder, pressing it onto a top plate of a base unit or cathode module. This downward force serves two purposes. First, a pressure is provided for a seal between the anode holder and the cathode module. This seal contains the electrolyte in the cathode module. Further, the interconnections provide a low resistance connection between anodes and cathodes.
  • Figure 1 is a general schematic of a metal air cell system showing a set of anodes supported in an anode holder and a corresponding base unit;
  • Figure 2A shows the anodes inserted in the cathode structure and a contact cover of the base unit in the open position
  • Figure 2B shows the contact cover of the base unit closed
  • FIG. 3 details the electrical connection
  • Figure 4A shows the springs locks and external connection terminals.
  • Figure 4B shows the anodes inserted in the cathode structure and a contact cover of the base unit in the open position;
  • Figure 4C shows a magnified view of the anodes inserted in the cathode structure and a contact cover of the base unit in the open position
  • Figure 4D shows the posterior view of the contact cover of the base unit in the open position.
  • Figures 1-4D generally show a system that allows for a common structure to electrically connect anodes and cathodes and provide a liquid electrolyte seal.
  • a system 100 includes a base unit or structure 110 having one or more cathode structures 112 corresponding to anode receiving compartments 114 therein; an interconnect/seal cover or sealing connection stracturel20; and a set of anodes 140.
  • the base unit 110 generally comprises one or more anode receiving structures 114.
  • Each anode receiving structure 114 may include one or more air cathode structures 114 therein.
  • Each anode compartment 114 is formed so as to contain a quantity of liquid electrolyte suitable for electrochemical reaction.
  • access openings 116 are provided on a side of the base 110 to allow air to access the air cathodes 114. Details of this structure are described, for example, in PCT Application Serial No. US03/00473 entitled "Reserve Battery” filed on January 8, 2003, and PCT Application Serial No.
  • the metal anode may comprise suitable oxidizable metals such as magnesium, zinc, aluminum, calcium, lithium, ferrous metals, and combinations and alloys comprising at least one of the foregoing metals.
  • suitable oxidizable metals such as magnesium, zinc, aluminum, calcium, lithium, ferrous metals, and combinations and alloys comprising at least one of the foregoing metals.
  • the metal is generally converted to a metal oxide.
  • the anode may be in the form of a solid metal plate, or a structure of metal particles formed contiguously with suitable binders and the like.
  • the electrolyte generally comprises ion conducting liquid media.
  • a neutral electrolyte such as salt water is used.
  • caustic electrolytes may be used, e.g., potassium hydroxide, in zinc air or aluminum air system.
  • the air cathode may be a conventional air diffusion cathode, for example generally comprising an active constituent and a carbon substrate, along with suitable connecting structures, such as a current collector.
  • the carbon used is preferably chemically inert to the electrochemical cell environment and may be provided in various forms including, but not limited to, carbon flake, graphite, other high surface area carbon materials, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing carbon forms.
  • a binder is also typically used in the cathode, which may be any material that adheres substrate materials, the current collector, and the catalyst to form a suitable structure.
  • An exemplary air cathode is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
  • a separator is generally provided between the electrodes.
  • the separator may be disposed in physical and ionic contact with at least a portion of at least one major surface of the anode, or all major surfaces of the anode, to form an anode assembly, hi still further embodiments, the separator is disposed in physical and ionic contact with substantially the surface(s) of the cathode that will be proximate the anode.
  • the physical and ionic contact between the separator and the anode may be accomplished by: direct application of the separator on one or more major surfaces of the anode; enveloping the anode with the separator; use of a frame or other structure for structural support of the anode, wherein the separator is attached to the anode within the frame or other structure; or the separator may be attached to a frame or other structure, wherein the anode is disposed within the frame or other structure.
  • the separator may be any commercially available separator capable of electrically isolating the anode and the cathode, while allowing sufficient ionic transport between the anode and the cathode, and maintaining mechanical integrity in the cell environment.
  • the separator is flexible, to accommodate electrochemical expansion and contraction of the cell components, and chemically inert to the cell chemicals.
  • Suitable separators are provided in forms including, but not limited to, woven, non- woven, porous (such as microporous or nanoporous), cellular, polymer sheets, and the like.
  • Materials for the separator include, but are not limited to, polyolefin (e.g., Gelgard® commercially available from Dow Chemical Company), polyvinyl alcohol (PNA), cellulose (e.g., nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, and the like), polyethylene, polyamide (e.g., nylon), fluorocarbon-type resins (e.g., the ⁇ afion® family of resins which have sulfonic acid group functionality, commercially available from du Pont), cellophane, filter paper, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials.
  • the separator may also comprise additives and/or coatings such as acrylic compounds and the like to make them more wettable and permeable to the electrolyte.
  • the anode set 140 generally includes one or more anodes in the form of a card structure.
  • each of these anodes may comprise a plate 142 of an oxidiable metal material.
  • this metal material comprises magnesium.
  • a common support structure 144 is optionally provided for ease of replacement of the anode set 140.
  • the support structure 144 may serve as a gasket to prevent electrolyte from escaping the anode receiving structures 114.
  • a top portion 146 of each anode plate extends through the structure 144.
  • this top portion 146 is the top of the anode plate 142 itself, thus, no external fasteners, wires, or other current collecting structures are required to be permanently attached to each anode plate 142.
  • a current collector may be used and protrude through the anode holding plate.
  • the interconnect/seal structure 120 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 A as being hingedly secured to the base 110 (e.g., with one or more suitable hinge structures); however, it is understood that the interconnect/seal structure 120 may be completely detachable from the base 110.
  • a set of electrical leads 122 extend from each cathode 114 into the connect/seal structure 120 (which is also described in the above cited references, particularly PCT Application Serial No. US03/00473entitled "Reserve Battery” filed on January 8, 2003) These leads 122 through the connect/seal structure 120 provide operable electrical connection with corresponding anode connection terminals or contacts 124.
  • the anode contacts 124 are positioned and dimensioned to mate with the top portions 146 of the anodes 142 when the anode set 140 is inserted within the base 110 and the cover 120 is closed (see detail jn Figure 3).
  • the anode contact may be any suitable electrical conducting structure. Preferably, this contact is resilient, such as a spring contact.
  • the contacts 124 may be supported by the connect/seal structure 120 at plural ends (e.g., as depicted in Figures 1 and 2A), or by one end.
  • a locking structure or mechanism 128 may be provided at one side of the connect/seal cover 120 (e.g., wherein hinges are used on the opposing side), however, it is understood that a pair of locking structures may be used to secure the cover 120 to the base 110 (e.g., where no hinges are used).
  • Other locking mechanisms may also be provided, as may become apparent to those skilled in the mechanical arts, for example, mating the connect/seal structure 120 with inside portions of the frame or case for the assembly. As depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, locking structure 128 mates with a corresponding protrusion 129 on the base 110.
  • spring locks 130 maybe provided on the connect/seal structure 120 that engage slots 132 of the side walls of the base unit 110 (e.g., where the side walls extent at least to the level of the connect/seal structure 120).
  • spring locks 130 extending from each cathode 114 is a set of electrical leads 122 whereby each lead is connected to traces or circuit line 121; wherein each traces 121 is mounted within an insulated circuit board 123.
  • the insulated circuit board 123 is generally integral with the connect/seal structure 120.
  • One of the key advantages of the system described herein is that in order to remove the complete anode set 140, no mechanical force is required to overcome the electrical interconnections, since the anode set 140 is positioned within the base 110 with no mechanical resistance from the interconnects, hi one known metal air refuelable system, a mechanical locking structure is used to secure the anodes into the anode receiving structures for example, in PCT/US00/28185 filed on 10/12/2000 entitled "Fuel Cell Support and Electrical Interconnector", incorporated by reference herein.
  • the anode current collector extends from the anode structure and is electrically and mechanically connected with a cathode terminal; therefore to remove the anode, the force of the current collector and terminal interaction must be overcome.
  • the force that secures the anode set 140 is the locking force, e.g., of the mechanism(s) 128 in the depicted embodiment of Figures 2A-3, and 130 in Figures 4A-4D.
  • the anode set 140 is also released both electrically and mechanically.
  • each of the receiving structures 114 it is desirable to have a structure that prevents electrolyte from leaking out of the receiving structures, particularly when the anode set 140 is in place.
  • this is accomplished by utilizing an elastomeric material for the anode support structure 144.
  • the top of the base structure 110 and the underside of the interconnect/seal cover 120 are configured and dimensioned to tightly receive this elastomeric material providing a gasket seal.
  • this seal also serves to prevent any liquid between the connection of the top portion 146 of the anode 142 and the anode terminal 124 on the underside of the cover 120.
  • thermoset, thermoplastic, and rubber materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyetherimide, polysulfonate, polyethersulfonate, polyarylether ketone, Viton® (commercially available from El DuPont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington Delaware), Delrin® (commercially available from El DuPont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington Delaware), ethylenepropylenediene monomer, ethylenepropylene rubber, and mixtures comprising at least one of the foregoing materials.
  • thermoset, thermoplastic, and rubber materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyetherimide, polysulfonate, polyethersulfonate, polyarylether ketone, Viton® (commercially available from El DuPont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington Delaware), Delrin® (commercially available from El DuPont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington Delaware), ethylenepropylenediene monomer, ethylenepropylene rubber, and mixtures comprising

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Hybrid Cells (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de cellules air-métal, dans lequel, généralement, une structure commune est utilisée pour connecter électriquement des anodes et des cathodes. L'invention concerne également une structure rendue étanche empêchant une fuite d'électrolyte liquide. L'invention concerne en outre un mécanisme qui assure une force descendante sur le support d'anode, le pressant sur une plaque supérieure d'une unité de base ou module de cathode. Ladite force descendante a deux effets. D'abord, une pression est assurée pour permettre un joint facial entre le support d'anode et le module de cathode. Ledit joint contient l'électrolyte dans le module de cathode. Par ailleurs, les interconnexions sont conçues de telle sorte qu'elles permettent à cette même force descendante d'assurer une connexion de faible résistance entre anodes et cathodes.
PCT/US2003/033810 2002-10-23 2003-10-23 Structure de connexion electrique et de joint liquide WO2004038827A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003284910A AU2003284910A1 (en) 2002-10-23 2003-10-23 Liquid seal and electrical connection structure

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US42054202P 2002-10-23 2002-10-23
US60/420,542 2002-10-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004038827A2 true WO2004038827A2 (fr) 2004-05-06
WO2004038827A3 WO2004038827A3 (fr) 2007-11-01

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AU (1) AU2003284910A1 (fr)
TW (1) TW200414589A (fr)
WO (1) WO2004038827A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108878720A (zh) * 2018-07-06 2018-11-23 杨俊� 一种便携组合式特种电源盒体结构
CN113471577A (zh) * 2021-07-27 2021-10-01 烟台浩忆生物科技有限公司 一种软包金属空气电池及其使用方法

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4871627A (en) * 1986-10-22 1989-10-03 Alcan International Limited Multi-cell metal/air battery
US5650241A (en) * 1994-09-09 1997-07-22 Mcgee; Richard L. Metal-air cell battery

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4871627A (en) * 1986-10-22 1989-10-03 Alcan International Limited Multi-cell metal/air battery
US5650241A (en) * 1994-09-09 1997-07-22 Mcgee; Richard L. Metal-air cell battery

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108878720A (zh) * 2018-07-06 2018-11-23 杨俊� 一种便携组合式特种电源盒体结构
CN113471577A (zh) * 2021-07-27 2021-10-01 烟台浩忆生物科技有限公司 一种软包金属空气电池及其使用方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003284910A1 (en) 2004-05-13
TW200414589A (en) 2004-08-01
AU2003284910A8 (en) 2004-05-13
WO2004038827A3 (fr) 2007-11-01

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