WO2024062496A1

WO2024062496A1 - Aluminum air anode sediments cleanup system

Info

Publication number: WO2024062496A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neha Shailendra Yadav; Shailendra Yadav
Original assignee: Neha Shailendra Yadav
Priority date: 2022-09-21
Filing date: 2023-09-21
Publication date: 2024-03-28

Abstract

The present invention describes an aluminum air sediment cleanup system 100. The cleanup system 100 comprises of a circular housing 106, battery 104, an oscillator 208 and an oscillating plate 212. The cleanup system 100 prevents the deposition of the sediments on the aluminum anode of the ALAIR battery 104. The oscillations of the oscillating plate 212 caused due to the oscillator 208 dislodge the sediments accumulated on the aluminum anode plates 204 of the battery 104. An electrolyte pump 216 pumps electrolyte via flexible pipe connections. The cleanup system 100 thus totally eliminates frequent replacement of the aluminum anode of the battery and improves the overall efficiency of the battery.

Description

“ALUMINUM AIR ANODE SEDIMENTS CLEANUP SYSTEM”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to sediment management solutions for primary batteries of aluminum air batteries, more particularly the present invention relates to an aluminum air sediment cleanup system for aluminum anode air batteries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Batteries are convenient and handy sources of energy that are easy to use due to their compact nature and ease of transport. A lot of electronic and mechanical devices are powered by batteries. Batteries provide electrical energy to power the devices by converting the chemical energy stored in the batteries to electrical energy. Various batteries are available in the art that are of different types and capacities and cater to the need of the user according to different power requirements.

The batteries known in the art are basically divided into rechargeable and non- rechargeable batteries. The non-rechargeable batteries are also known are primary batteries and are the use and discard type of batteries. The aluminum - air battery is a primary battery that has an aluminum anode and works by producing power by reacting the oxygen present in the air with aluminum. Aluminum air batteries have high power potential that other comparable primary batteries available in the market due to their high energy density. US Patent Application No. US2012251897A1 to Yager Thomas A and others describes a method for producing aluminum air battery having a composite including an aluminum anode core coated with a selectively reactive coating of zinc alloy. US2012251897A1 however does not disclose a cleanup system for sediments that are accumulated by use of the battery. Another European Patent Application No. EP0358335A1 to Hunter John Anthony and others discloses a high amp-hour aluminum battery having a cathode, an alkaline electrolyte, a massive aluminum anode plate and an electrolyte with dissolved indium, such that the battery remains viable during and after aluminum hydroxide precipitation in the electrolyte. This European Patent application however, does not disclose a sediment cleanup system for the sediments that are accumulated due to the use of such battery.

The Aluminum-Air batteries known in the prior art face a significant issue concerning the accumulation of sediments on the aluminum anode after use. This sedimentation impairs the efficiency of the battery, thereby reducing its operational lifespan. As a result, users encounter the need for frequent aluminum anode replacement. Given the high material costs associated with aluminum, these frequent replacements represent a substantial economic burden and serve as a significant hindrance to the otherwise high utility and power potential of Aluminum- Air batteries. There is a need for an efficient aluminum air power system battery for reducing the sediment accumulation on aluminum anode, thus improving the overall productivity of the battery system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

An aluminum air anode sediments cleanup system including a battery being removably centrally positioned on an oscillator in a housing. The cleanup system further including a pair of opposed pockets and wherein a first pocket defines a tank and a second pocket defines an air filter. The battery of the cleanup system of the present invention includes a plurality of aluminum plates that define an anode with the aluminum plates being circularly positioned by plurality of connecting clips around an oscillation mechanism assembly (oscillator) defining a through hole in the housing. The cleanup system also includes an oscillating plate positioned below the circular housing with a circular cavity positioned approximately centrally. The oscillator is positioned below the circular housing and the oscillating plate to dislodge the sediments accumulated in the aluminum plate anode by vibrations or oscillations. Lastly, the cleanup system includes a pump with a pair of connection pipes to circulate electrolyte through the housing and the battery.

The oscillator of the cleanup system includes a motor, a spur gear, an oscillating shaft and a connection wheel that are enclosed in an assembly cover to oscillate or vibrate the oscillating plate. It is to be noted that the connection wheel connects the motor with the oscillating shaft which further connects with the spur gear, oscillating and dislodging sediments accumulated on the aluminum plate anode.

The pluralities of connecting clips of the cleanup system include an anode connecting clip and a cathode connecting clip in each pair. The first anode connecting clips are of shape that resembles with the English alphabet ‘L’ and the second cathode connecting clips are of shape that resembles the English alphabet ‘U’. Further, the circular housing is centrally positioned in the trunk of any vehicle, with the first pocket and the second pocket is positioned on the left and right side of the housing. Also, the pump, the connection pipe and the connecting pipe together form a circulator system.

A method of cleaning sediments accumulated on the air anode of the battery includes multiple steps. First, activating the motor of the oscillator. In a next step, activating the spur gear and oscillating shaft by the motor. In a next step, oscillation of the oscillating plate that cause vibration of the aluminum plates. In another step, continuous flow of electrolyte is maintained in the system by the circulator system simultaneously. Further, accumulated sediments on the aluminum plates are dislodged by vibrating the oscillating plate. In a last step, collecting sediments in the reservoir by circulating electrolyte in the system. It is to be noted that the oscillator, the oscillating plate and the circulator assembly are activated for cleaning of sediments of battery as soon as the vehicle is stationary. Further, the oscillator is powered by a second battery positioned in the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the aluminum air anode sediments cleanup system 100 positioned in a trunk of a vehicle; FIG. 2A shows a top view of the aluminum air anode sediments cleanup system 100 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the aluminum air anode cleanup system 100 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 A shows a front perspective view of a plurality of anode cathode connecting clips defining a circular arrangement of the cleanup system 100 of FIG. 1;

FIG 3B shows an enlarged front perspective view of one of the anode cathode connecting clips of FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the aluminum air anode cleanup system 100 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the oscillator (oscillator) of the aluminum air anode cleanup system 100 of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the oscillator (oscillator) of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention. The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an aluminum air anode sediment cleanup system 100 is described. The aluminum air anode sediment cleanup system (herein after referred to as cleanup system 100) is advantageously removably positionable in a trunk of a vehicle, for example a sedan car, an SUV, a hatchback car, etc. The cleanup system 100 includes a battery 104 that is removably positioned in a housing 106. The cleanup system 100 includes a pair of opposed pockets 108 and 112. The battery 104, preferably, an aluminum anode air (ALAIR) battery is approximately centrally positioned in the housing 106 that is positioned between the pair of opposed pockets 108 and 112.

The first pocket 108 defines a tank 116 and the second pocket 112 defines an air filter 120 or a radiator 120. The battery 104 is positionable in the trunk of any vehicle, supported by the trunk board 128. In accordance with the present invention, the battery 104 is securely positioned in the housing 106 by a press fit or a securing mechanism.

In this embodiment, the battery 104 and housing 106 are of cylindrical shape and the top cover 132 is circular in shape. The battery 104 includes a cylindrical through hole 136. The housing 106 includes a cover 132. The top cover 132 is threadably positionable on the housing 106. In this one embodiment, the battery 104 is advantageously positioned on an oscillator (oscillator) (Not seen) that is accessible through the hole 136 of the cylinder.

Nowreferring to FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the cleanup system 100 of the present invention is described. The cleanup system 100 includes aluminum plates 204, an oscillator208, an oscillating plate 212, a pump 216 and a connector 220. The cleanup system 100 further includes a plurality of anode cathode connecting clips 210 (Ref. FIG. 3 A and 3B).

In accordance with the present invention, the battery has a plurality of aluminum plates 204 that define the anode of the battery 104. The aluminum plates 204 are advantageously circularly positioned in a circular arrangement around the oscillator 208 defining the hole 136 in the housing 106. However, it is understood that the aluminum plates 204 are positioned over the oscillator 208 such that the oscillator 208 is accessible through the top via hole 136. The oscillator 208 is powered by a second battery that is positioned in the trunk of the vehicle. Each of the aluminum plates 204 are connected by a pair of connecting clips 210. Each pair of connecting clips 210 have two clips. The aluminum plates 204 are connected in a circular position by respective pairs of connecting clips 210.

In accordance with the present invention, each pair of connecting clip 210 includes a first anode plate clip 308 and a second cathode connecting clip 312. The first anode connecting clips 304 are of shape that resembles with the English alphabet ‘L’. The second cathode connecting clips 308 are of shape that resembles the English alphabet ‘U’. The first anode connecting clips 304 and the second cathode connecting clips 308 are connected via nuts and bolts. The aluminum plates 204 are circularly arranged advantageously allowing access that is normal to the plane of the oscillating mechanism assembly. A circular cavity is defined approximately at the center of the housing 106 of the battery 104.

The circulator includes the pump 216, the connecting pipe 220 and the circular pipe 211. The circulator circulates electrolyte, for example, water or the like throughout the battery 104. The pump 216 also regulates the flow of the electrolyte through the battery 104. It is, however, noted that the continuous flow of electrolyte throughout the system is essential for the cleanup of sediments accumulated in the battery 104 in accordance with the present invention. The pump 216 is configured to perform uniform and continuous flow of electrolyte through the battery 104 during the operation of the cleanup system 100.

The oscillating plate 212 is positioned between the battery 104 and the oscillator 208. The oscillator 208 vibrates the oscillating plate 212. The vibration of the oscillating plate removes/ dislodges sediments from the aluminum plates 204.

A plurality of metal balls 211 are positioned between the battery 104 and the oscillating plate 212. These metal balls 211 reduce the friction that is caused due to the oscillations of the oscillating plate 212. Further, an electrical routing 412 connects the battery 104, the circulating assembly and oscillator 208. Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded view of the cleanup system 100 is described. The cleanup system 100 includes a battery 104 removably positionable in a circular housing 106. The housing 106 in turn is removably positionable in the approximate center of the trunk of any vehicle. The circular housing 106 includes a top cover 132 with a hole at its approximate center. The top cover 132 encloses the battery 104 and the cleanup system 100. The circular pipe 211 of the circulating assembly is positioned below the top cover 132. The circular pipe 211 surrounds the aluminum plates 204 on the top and the bottom. In accordance with the present invention, the aluminum plates 204 defines the anode of the battery 104 and the air defines the cathode of the battery 104. The aluminum plates 204 are connected via connecting clips 210. Further, it is to be noted that the aluminum plates 204 are advantageously supported by a stack housing 404. The stack housing 404 includes gaps into which the aluminum plates 204 are individually positioned in.

The battery 104 has spacers 408 that defines air gap in between the aluminum plates 204. The spacer 508 ensures that the air that is the cathode of the battery 104 comes in contact with the aluminum plates 204 that act as the anode of the battery 104. The pump 216 and the reducer 224 are connected to the battery and the connecting pipes through the spacer 508. The oscillating plate 212 is positioned below the housing 106. An oscillator 208 is positioned below the oscillating plate 212 and is depicted below the trunk board 128 in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 6 and 7, the oscillator 208 of the cleanup system 100 is described. The oscillator 208 includes a motor 704, an oscillating shaft 708 and a spur gear 712. The oscillator 208 also includes a fastener nut 716, a wheel 720 and an assembly cover 724. The motor 704 is connected to the spur gear 712 via the oscillating shaft 708. The oscillating shaft is engaged with the motor through the wheel 720. The wheel 720 defines free motion of the oscillating shaft 708 along the X axis. The oscillating shaft 708 and spur gear 712 are enclosed by the assembly cover 724. The motor 704 protrudes from the assembly cover 724 along the Y axis. The assembly cover 724 is preferably secured with a plurality of nuts and bolts.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the working of the oscillator 208 of the cleanup system 100 is described. Accordingly, when the vehicle is in a stationary mode, the motor 704 is activated. The wheel 720 that is connected to the motor 704 activates the oscillating shaft to oscillate or vibrate. Further, the oscillating shaft activates the spur gear. In a next step, the vibrations from the oscillations of the spur gear 712 and oscillating shaft oscillates the oscillating plate 212. It is noted that the oscillating plate 212 is positioned approximately below the battery 104. The oscillations or vibrations of the oscillating plate 212 vibrates. These vibrations dislodge the sediments present on the aluminum anode plates 204 of the battery 104.

Now referring to FIG. 1 to 7, the operation of the cleanup system 100 is described. It is known that use of aluminum air anode batteries lead to formation of aluminum sediments to get accumulated on the aluminum anode, reducing the efficiency of the battery. The cleanup system 100 is activated when the vehicle with the aluminum air anode battery is stationary. When the vehicle is stationary, the oscillator 208 is activated. The motor 704 causes the spur gear 712 and oscillating shaft 708 to oscillate. These oscillations lead to oscillation of the oscillating plate 212. The oscillations of the oscillation plate result in vibrations in the battery 104. These vibrations convert the anode of the battery 104 to the cathode, in turn dislodging the sediments attached to the aluminum plates. Further, a continuous flow of electrolyte is maintained in the system by the circulating system that includes the pump 216, the connection pipe 408 and the connecting pipe 220. The oscillations of the oscillation plate 220 cause vibration in the aluminum plates.

The combination of the continuous electrolyte flow and the vibrations result in removal of the aluminum sediments from the aluminum plates in the aluminum air anode battery 104. The sediments are collected by the flowing electrolyte that flows out into an electrolyte reservoir that is positioned in the first pocket 108 of the trunk of the vehicle that holds the battery 104. Once the sediments on the aluminum plates are removed, the cleanup system 100 is turned OFF by switching off the motor 508.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An aluminum air anode sediments cleanup system (100) comprising: a battery 104 being removably centrally positioned on an oscillator in a housing 106; a pair of opposed pockets 108 and 112 wherein a first pocket 108 defining a tank 116 and a second pocket 112 defining an air filter 120; a plurality of aluminum plates 204 defining an anode, the aluminum plates 204 being circularly positioned by plurality of connecting clips 210 around an oscillator 208 defining a through hole 136 in an housing 106; an oscillating plate 212, the oscillating plate 212 being positioned below the circular housing 106 with a circular cavity positioned approximately centrally; an oscillator 208, the oscillator 208 being positioned below the circular housing 106 and the oscillating plate 212 for dislodging the sediments accumulated in the aluminum plate anode 204 through vibrations or oscillations; and a pump 216, the pump 216 including a pair of connection pipes 408 and 220 for circulating electrolyte through the housing 106 and the battery 104.

2. The aluminum air sediments cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the oscillator 208 including a motor 704, a spur gear 712, an oscillating shaft 708 and a connection wheel 720 being enclosed in an assembly cover 724 for oscillating or vibrating the oscillating plate 212.

3. The aluminum air sediments cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the connection wheel 720 connects the motor 704 with the oscillating shaft 708 that further connects with the spur gear 712 oscillating and dislodging sediments accumulated on the aluminum plate anode 204.

4. The aluminum air sediments cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the plurality of connecting clips 210 including an anode connecting clip 304 and a cathode connecting clip 308 in each pair.

5. The aluminum air sediments cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first anode connecting clips 304 are of shape that resembles with the English alphabet ‘L’ and the second cathode connecting clips 308 are of shape that resembles the English alphabet ‘U’.

6. The aluminum air sediments cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the circular housing 106 being centrally positioned in the trunk of any vehicle, with the first pocket 108 and the second pocket 112 positioned on the left and right side of the housing 106.

7. The aluminum air sediments cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pump 216, the connection pipe 408 and the connecting pipe 220 together form a circulator system.

8. A method of cleaning sediments accumulated on the air anode of the battery

a. Activating the motor 704 of the oscillator 208; b. Activating the spur gear 712 and oscillating shaft 708 by the motor 704; c. Oscillation of the oscillating plate 212; d. Vibration of the aluminum plates 204 due to oscillation of the oscillating plate 212; e. Simultaneously, continuous flow of electrolyte is maintained in the system 100 by the circulator system; f. Dislodging of the accumulated sediments on the aluminum plates 204 by vibrating the oscillating plate 212; and g. Collecting sediments in the reservoir by circulating electrolyte in the system 100. The method of cleaning sediments accumulated on the air anode of the battery 104 of the cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the oscillator 208, the oscillating plate 212 and the circulator assembly are activated for cleaning of sediments of battery 104 as soon as the vehicle is stationary. The method of cleaning sediments accumulated on the air anode of the battery 104 of the cleanup system 100 as claimed in claim 8 wherein, the oscillator 208 is powered by a second battery positioned in the vehicle.