MXPA99003844A - Method and apparatus for refueling an electrochemical power source - Google Patents

Abstract

A transportable container (10) for refueling a refuelable battery (40) includes a case (26), an electrolyte reservoir (14) within the case (26), an electrolyte reservoir (14) within the case (26), afirst valve connected to the electrolyte reservoir (26), a fuel compartment (12) within the case (26), a second valve connected to the fuel compartment (12), and a conduit (24) connected to the electrolyte reservoir and the fuel compartment (12), when the transportable container (10) is attached to a refuelable battery (40), a closed flow circuit for the circulation of electrolyte (60) is defined. Fuel particles (62) and electrolyte (60) are fed from the transportable container (10) into the refuelable battery (40). When the refuelable battery (40) is discharged, the transportable container (10), containing spent electrolyte and reaction products, is detached from the refuelable battery (40).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTING OF FUEL TO A SOURCE OF ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention are energy sources that employ electrochemical cells. It is known that electrochemical energy sources employ electochemical cells that use electrodes of material in the form of particles. An electrode of material in the form of particles is generally constituted by a bed of electrochemically active particles or particles on which electrochemically active material can be deposited electrolytically. The electrode of material in particulate form can be used in a cathodic process, such as electrodeposition of metals on the particles, or it can be used in an anodic process, such as dissolving metal to produce electrical energy. Electrochemical energy sources using the anodic process include, but are not limited to, metal / air batteries, such as zinc / air and aluminum / air batteries. Such metal / air batteries that employ an anode, consisting of metal particles fed to the cell and dissolved during discharge, are often called refillable fuel batteries. The cells of rechargeable zinc / air fuel batteries are constituted by an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. The anode is generally formed of zinc particles immersed in electrolyte and can be held in place by a mesh or an inert conductor honeycomb. The cathode is generally comprised of a semipermeable membrane, an inert conductor mesh and a catalysed layer to reduce oxygen diffusing through the membrane from outside the cell. The cathode and the anode are generally separated by an electronic insulator which is permeable to the electrolyte. A replenishing battery of zinc / air battery consumes zinc and oxide particles to produce electricity and reaction products. The reaction products are generally made up of dissolved zincate and zinc oxide particles suspended in the consumed electrolyte. Rechargeable metal / air fuel batteries can be refueled in minutes or seconds, compared to the several hours typically required to recharge conventional batteries. This makes refillable fuel cells very suitable for use in mobile applications, such as electric vehicles, grass mowers, portable power sources and many other applications in which the application of fast fuel supply is desirable. During the refueling operation, new electrochemically active particles, such as aluminum or zinc pellets and electrolyte, are added to the refillable fuel battery, and the consumed electrolyte containing the reaction products is removed.

Typically, the consumed electrolyte containing the reaction products can then be regenerated. The reaction products of the aluminum / air rechargeable batteries should be transported to a larger industrial facility (such as an alumina plant) for recycling or use, as is, for another purpose (such as a water treatment). The consumed electrolyte containing the reaction products of the rechargeable zinc / air fuel batteries can be completely regenerated in a much smaller facility with higher efficiency. For this reason and due to the lower degree of parasitic corrosion, zinc may be preferable to aluminum, such as anodic fuel and metal / air refillable batteries for potential commercial applications. However, the higher energy density of aluminum may make it more suitable for some applications, especially if more progress is made in reducing the degree of parasitic corrosion. Various methods to replenish Fuel refillable metal / air fuel batteries have been proposed by others. One such method includes a fuel replenishment system for a replenishing zinc / air fuel battery in which hoppers are hydraulically filled above each cell from a zinc forming apparatus by a high speed electrolyte jet that passes through from the top of each hopper. This and other hydraulically refueled systems have the drawback that they require a large electrolyte recirculation to achieve full fuel replenishment, as well as the close proximity to an apparatus for storing or forming the zinc fuel fuel. This makes them unsuitable for many applications, such as grass mowers and portable power sources, where it is impractical to return them to the service site for each refueling. Another method involves an inert conductor honeycomb sheet that is filled with a watery mixture of fine zinc particles, electrolyte and additives to form a flat anode cassette. The battery is refueled by replacing these cassettes (one cassette per cell). The system has the more or less severe disadvantage of requiring the replacement of a large number of cassettes (for example, 528 in an electric van). Even for a small application, such as an electric grass mower, such a system would require the replacement of perhaps 24 or more individual cassettes during each refueling operation. Additional drawbacks to such include less than 100% utilization of the zinc and the potential exposure of the user to a caustic electrolyte, which is typically potassium hydroxide. Other refillable fuel battery designs employ a storage hopper on top of each cell to hold a pool of metal particles, but do not adequately address the problem of how the particles and the new electrolyte can be fed in a convenient, reliable, fast and precise to the multiple storage hoppers, without exposing the user to the caustic electrolyte. These and other designs also do not adequately address the problem of safely, quickly and conveniently removing the consumed electrolyte and the reaction products of the battery cells. In this way, it is clear that a more convenient, safe and faster fuel replenishment method and apparatus is needed for refillable metal / air fuel batteries. This is especially the case if metal / air refueling batteries have to be practical to provide power for small devices, such as electric grass mowers and portable equipment. In particular, it would be advantageous if a system of refillable fuel batteries included transportable containers, capable of feeding more than one electrochemical cell. It would be further advantageous if the refueling fuel system did not allow the user to be exposed to the caustic electrolyte at any time, especially during the refueling operation during the replacement and refilling of the transportable containers. Finally, it would be advantageous if the transportable containers could be filled conveniently, safely and quickly with an apparatus for storing or forming the metal fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method and apparatus for refueling and operating a battery rechargeable battery. In a first separate aspect of the invention, a transportable container, capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery and of refueling it, comprises an electrolyte reservoir, at least one fuel compartment, at least one conduit in connection of fluids to at least one fuel compartment and to the electrolyte reservoir, and a plurality of valves in fluid connection to the electrolyte reservoir and at least one fuel compartment, the valves being connectable to a refillable fuel battery , so that, once connected, the transportable container and the refillable fuel battery define an electrolyte flow circuit through the refillable fuel battery and the transportable container during the refueling battery operation. In a second separate aspect of the present invention, a container, capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery, comprises at least one battery behavior and a plurality of valves in fluid connection at least one fuel compartment capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery, so that, once connected, the transportable container and the refillable fuel battery define an electrolyte flow circuit through the refillable fuel battery and the transportable container during the operation of the battery refueling fuel. In a third separate aspect of the present invention, a refillable fuel electrochemical energy source comprises a refillable fuel battery and a transportable container removably attached to the refillable fuel battery, wherein the refillable fuel battery and the transportable container define a electrolyte flow circuit through the refillable fuel battery of the transportable container during the operation of the refillable fuel battery. In a fourth separate aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a refillable fuel electrochemical energy source comprises attaching the transportable container to a refillable fuel battery to define an electrolyte flow circuit through the refillable fuel battery and the transportable container, supplying the fuel particles and the electrolyte solution of the transportable container to the refillable fuel battery, circulating the electrolyte through the battery and the transportable container attached for a time to discharge the refillable fuel battery and dissolve thus some of the fuel particles in the reaction products and the consumed electrolyte, disengage the transportable container containing the reaction products and the electrolyte consumed from the refillable fuel battery, and join a transportable container containing partici fuel cells and new electrolytes to a fuel refueling battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, where similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout all the various views: Figure 1 is a diagram showing the flow of fuel and electrolyte through a discharge and regeneration cycle. Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a transportable container and a refillable fuel battery before joining. Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the first embodiment of the transportable container and the refueling fuel battery of Figure 2, joined together. Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the first transportable container embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, attached to a transportable container filler apparatus. Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a transportable container attached to a fuel refueling battery.

Figure 5B is a schematic illustration of a side view of a transportable container attached to the refueling fuel battery shown in Figure 5A. Fig. 5C is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 5A, showing a thin strip in the open position. Figure 5D is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Figure 5A, showing the thin strip of Figure 5C in a partially closed position. Figure 5E is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Figure 5A, showing the thin strip of Figure 5C in the fully closed position. Figure 6 is an enlarged view taken in section B of figure 5B. Figure 7A is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a transportable container attached to a refillable fuel battery. Figure 7B is a schematic illustration of a side view of the transportable container attached to the refueling fuel battery shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7c is a schematic illustration of a side view of the transportable container attached to the refueling fuel battery shown in Figure 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A system is exposed which is capable of feeding electrochemically active fuel particles such as zinc pellets, and electrolyte, such as potassium hydroxide, from containers transportable to refillable fuel batteries using multiple battery packs having electrodes of material in the form of of particles which use an anode process. The circulation of the consumed electrolyte and the reaction products of discharged battery cells back to transportable containers is provided, as is the feeding of electrochemically active fuel particles and the electrolyte to the container transportable from an apparatus for storing or forming the fuel particles electrochemically active The electrolyte consumed and the reaction products of the battery cells discharged from the transportable containers can be fed to an apparatus to store or regenerate the reaction products. One or more of the transportable containers may be attached or inserted into an electrochemical device, such as a refillable metal / air fuel battery. The electrochemically active fuel particles in the transportable container can be automatically fed by gravity into each of the transportable containers or one or more electrochemical cells in the device. In addition, the electrolyte can be fed to one or more transportable containers or thereof, together with any electrochemically active fuel particles or reaction products that can be entrained in the electrolyte, or propelled along with it. The transportable containers can be of any configuration and can preferably be made of an inert material to the electrochemically active fuel particles and to the electrolyte. The transportable containers are preferably simple and economical to manufacture and capable of withstanding considerable abuse without leakage. They are preferably of a configuration and size that make efficient storage and easy handling possible and do not significantly reduce the physical stability of an electrochemical device when one or more transportable containers are attached to it. A number of variations are possible on the physical interface between an electrochemical device, such as a refillable fuel battery and a transportable container. Some advantageous features of this interface include the promotion of a reliable fuel particle feed from the transportable vessel to the refueling battery cells, the promotion of reliable electrolyte feed from the transportable vessel to the battery cells, the promotion of the reliable electronic feed consumed from the battery cells to the transportable container, the minimization of the user's exposure to the electrolyte at all times, especially during the replacement of transportable container, the promotion of easy and fast replacement of the transportable container, minimization of parasitic electrical conduction between battery cells, efficient use of space, simplicity, durability and low manufacturing cost. It is also possible a group of variations on the physical interface between the transportable containers and a filling device for transportable containers. Advantageous characteristics of this interface include the promotion of the reliable feeding of electrolyte consumed from transportable containers to the filler apparatus, the promotion of reliable feeding of the fuel particles from the filler apparatus to the transpoortable vessels, the promotion of reliable feeding of new electrolyte from filling device to transportable containers, minimization of user exposure to electrolyte in thermometer, especially during refilling of transportable containers, promotion of easy and fast filling of transportable containers, efficient utilization of space , simplicity, durability and low manufacturing cost. Figure 1 shows a flow chart showing the flow of fuel particles and electrolyte through the century of discharge and regeneration of a replenished zinc / air fuel battery. This diagram shows a closed-loop system that employs the following steps: (A) new zinc and electrolyte fuel particles are introduced into a transportable container using a filler device in the transportable container; (B) the transportable container is then transported to a refillable fuel battery; (C) the transportable container is then attached or inserted to the refillable fuel battery, becoming part of the electrolyte flow circuit, and the contents of the transportable container, the zinc fuel particles and the electrolyte are used to discharge the refillable battery of fuel for a time; (D) The transportable container, which contains at least partially consumed electrolyte and products of the action, is removed from the refillable fuel battery and transported back to the filler apparatus; and (E) the contents of the transportable container are emptied into the filling apparatus and the step of (A) is repeated. In addition, (F) the electrolyte consumed from the reaction products of the filler apparatus is transferred to the zinc regeneration apparatus, where the electrolyte consumed in the reaction products is regenerated again as new zinc and electrolyte fuel particles, which (G) are returned to the filler device. The filler apparatus and the zinc regeneration apparatus may be separate and distinct or may be integral parts of a single general apparatus. If a metal other than zinc is used, such as aluminum, the metal regeneration apparatus can be a large industrial installation far away from the filler apparatus or the metal can not be regenerated. In Figures 2 and 3 a first embodiment of a transportable container 10 and its manner of sealing and joining with a refillable fuel knob 40 are shown. As shown in the figures, the transportable container 10 is shown, for purposes of illustration, as designed to feed a three-cell refueling battery 40 uses fuel particles 62 in an anode process. The transportable container 10 and the refillable fuel battery 40 together define a closed flow circuit for the circulation of electrolytes 60 through the transportable container 10 and the refillable fuel battery 40 during operation of the battery. The transportable container 10 is constituted by a box 26, which can be sealed with liquid and which is a set of compartments for fuel 12, which are preferably electrically isolated from one another. The fuel compartments can be isolated by separating them with dividing walls 28, which can be made of any layer material and electrically isolate the fuel compartments 12 from one another. Plastic materials, such as PVC or acetal are typical for the transportable container 10. The fuel compartments 12 are connected to each other by means of narrow and relatively long conduits 24. The fuel compartments 12 are also connected to an electrolyte reservoir 14 by means of a wider conduit 25. A filter 34 is placed in each of the conduits 24 or the fuel compartments 12 adjacent to the conduits 24 to prevent the passage of particle and fuel 62 through the conduits 24 between the fuel compartments 12. If fuel particles enter. 62 to the conduits 24, they can usurp an obstruction of the conduits 24 or an electrical short circuit. The fuel compartments 12 are capable of containing a volume of the particles and fuel 62, such as zinc pellets, which are immersed in an electrolyte obstruction 60, which is typically potassium hydroxide. The electrolyte reservoir 14 is similarly layers containing an additional electrolyte volume. A wide variety of relative, configurations and positions of the fuel compartments 12 and the electrolyte reservoir 14 are possible. The fuel compartments 12 may be made large enough to accommodate the volume of the electrolyte solution 60 which would otherwise be contained. for him deposit electrolyte 14. In addition, although the fuel compartments 12 are shown schematically in a parallel arrangement for the flow of the electrolyte solution 60, a series arrangement or combination thereof can also be used. Alternatively, the transportable container 10 may have an electronics container 14 if the fuel compartments 12, a refillable fuel battery 40 with electrolyte 60 being provided for circulation during the operation of the battery. In this case the fuel particles 62 would be fed to the refueling fuel battery 40 separately from the electrolyte 60.

Connected with the fuel compartments 12, are the channels 18 passing through the box 26, such that one end 30 of each channel 18 extends further from the box 26. The ends 30 of the channels 18 are flexible . Connected to an electrolyte tank 14, by means of a tube 22, there is a channel 20 that also passes through the box 26, such that the end 32 of the channel 20 extends further from the box 26. The end 32 Channel 20 is also flexible. The transportable container 10 further comprises a sealing member 16 movably attached to the transport container 10 and positioned so as to be able to move between a closed position and an open position to seal and unblock the channels 18 and 20. In this way, it can be see that the channels 18 and 20 act as valves for the fuel compartments 12 and the electrolyte reservoir 14. It is possible, however, that other valve arrangements are used. The sealing member 16 is positioned in such a way that the electrolyte 60 with the fuel particles 62 is prevented from flowing through the channels 18 and 20 by, for example, closing the flexible ends 30 and 32 of the channels 18 and 20: Also a shutter 16 in a means (not shown) for conveniently moving between the open and closed positions, shown in Figures 2 and 3. Any convenient means can be used for this purpose, such as a lever or a cam. With the transportable container 10 is not attached to the refillable fuel battery 40, the sealing member 16 is moved to the closed position, shown in Figure 2, and the flexible ends 30 and 32 of the cables 18 and 20 are closed. storage and transport, the transportable container 10 can be stored to the upper part below the orientation shown in figure 2, minimizing the possibility of slow leakage from the channels 18 and 20. Additionally, a box 36 can be advantageously used ( not shown) to provide an optional seal for channels 18 and 20 during storage and transport of the transportable container 10. The box 36 could be palmarized with an embossed lip 38 (not shown) or a similar structure placed on the box 26 around channels 18 and 20. Other variations are possible. The box 36 could be a separate component or could be attached, with a living hinge, for example to the box 26 of the transportable container 10. The refueling fuel battery 40, is configured to receive the transportable container 0. With reference to figure 2 and 3, the refueling fuel battery 40 is shown, for purposes of illustration, which comprises three battery cells with the particulate material electrode, each of which has an upper end 56 and a lower end 52. material cells 42 are connected to each other via narrow and relatively long duct 54 to the lower end 52 and each battery cell 42. The battery cells 42 are also connected to a pump 44, which is inside the battery fuel refueling 40, by means of a wider duct 55.

Although the battery cells 42 are shown schematically in a parallel arrangement for the electrolyte flow 60, a series arrangement or a combination of both could also be used. In a series arrangement, the pressure required to pump the electrolyte 60 through the battery would be increased by replenishing the fuel 40 and the transportable container 10, while decreasing the ability of the electrolyte 60 to dissipate the heat from the battery cell 42. A filter 34 is placed in each of the ducts 54 or lower end 52 of each of the battery cells 42 adjacent the ducts 54, to prevent passage in the fuel particles 62 through the ducts 54 between the battery cells 42. If the fuel particles 62 enter the conduits 54, an obstruction of the conduits 54 or an electrical short circuit may result. The filter 34 can be made of any material capable of resisting the electrolyte 60 such as a rolled polypropylene screen, and which allows the liquid electrolyte 60 to pass through to prevent the passage of the fuel particles 62. It is possible that the ducts 54 and 24 are made sufficiently narrow to prevent passage of the fuel particles 62 even with the filter 34 while still allowing the passage of the electrolyte 60 and of the consumed fuel. The fuel particles 62, such as zinc pellet, for the size during the operation of the fuel refillable battery 40. Zinc pellets having diameters of 0.060 mm, 0.762 mm or 1.016 mm can be used. However, other sizes, as well as other fuels, can also be used. The conduits 54 are narrow and relatively long to substantially minimize the electrical connectivity and the leakage of eddy currents between the battery cells 42 through the electrolyte 60. Similarly, the conduits 24 are also narrow and relatively long in order to substantially reduce to a minimum the electrical connectivity and the leakage of parasitic currents between the fuel compartments 12 through the electrolyte 60. The leakage of eddy currents can also be minimized by arranging the battery cells 42 and the fuel compartments 12 in series for the electrolyte flow. The filters 34 prevent the passage of the fuel particles 62 to the ducts 54 and 24, which also minimizes the electrical conductivity through the ducts 54 and 24. If a sufficient quantity of fuel particles is formed 62 of ducts 54 and 24, this would cause an electrical short circuit through the fuel particles 62 between the battery cells 42 and the fuel compartments 12. During the operation of the refueling battery 40, it is substantially reduced to the minimum , preferably, parasitic energy tests due to electrical leakage through electrolyte conductor 60 in conduits 54 and 24. Total parasitic losses of less than 5% of the total energy output of the refillable fuel battery are preferred. 40 By reducing the minimum diameter of the ducts 54 and 24 and increasing their length, the electrical resistance can be increased through the ducts substantially in order to reduce parasitic losses. The electrical resistance of a conduit that contains electrolyte is: L R = AC where R is resistance through a conduit, L is the length of the conduit, A is the cross-sectional area of the conduit and C is the conductivity of the electrolyte. For example, in a 100-watt prototype system that has twelve battery cells and fuel compartments, both arranged in parallel, two parallel conduits connecting each of the fuel compartments to the electrolyte reservoir will cause parasitic losses of 4.5 Watts or 0.45 porcientp of the total output power of 1000 watts of the refueled fuel battery when the conduits have a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 10 mm and the conductivity of the electrolyte, of the potassium hydroxide, is 0.25 mho / cm . In practice, the amount that parasitic losses can be reduced in this way is limited, however, because the fluid flow of the electrolyte 60 must still be maintained through the conduits 54 and 24 and the hydraulic resistance to the flow increases. fluid through the ducts 54 and 24, as the diameter decreases and the length increases. In this way, a variety of different combinations of duct diameter, length and amount are possible to achieve a balance between maintaining the flow of the electrolyte 60, while the electrical conductivity and resulting parasitic losses are substantially reduced to a minimum. ducts 54 and 24. Multiple parallel ducts are used instead of ducts 54 and 24 only shown to provide reinforcement in the event of a duct obstruction. Multiple parallel ducts tend to prevent the hydraulic pressure from backing up behind an obstruction and keeping it in place. Connecting to the upper end 56 of the battery cells 42 are the openings 50 which are configured to receive the ends 30 of the channels 18 of the transportable container 10. The refillable battery 40 further comprises a channel 46 which connects the pump 44 to an opening 48 which are configured to receive the end 32 of the channel 20 of the transportable container 10. As shown in Figure 3, the transportable container 10 is coupled to a refillable fuel battery 40 by lowering it directly downwards, so that the ends 30 of the channels 18 fit into the openings 50 and the end 32 of the channel 20 fits into the opening 48 and, preferably, deforms slightly, so that a sealed connection is established for the flow of the electrolyte 60. Other types of seals are possible. The transportable container 10 can be attached to the refueling fuel battery 40, using any convenient method.

Once the portable container 10 is connected to the refueling battery 40, the operating member 16 is moved to an open position, so as to allow the fuel particles 62 and the electrolyte 60 to flow through the channels 18 and the battery cells 42, thereby refueling the fuel refill battery 40. The shutter member 16 can be moved, using any convenient mechanism (not shown), such as a lever and a cam, a screw or other mechanism. During the operation of the battery, the pump 44 circulates the electrolyte 60 through the refueling battery 40 and the usable container 10, extracting the electrolyte 60 from the lower parts 52 of the battery cells 42 by means of the conduits 54 and 55 and pumping it through the channel 46 of the transportable container 10 through the connection made by the opening 48 and the channel 20. The electrolyte flows through the tube 22 and the electrolyte reservoir 14 and from therethrough the conduits 24 and 25 to the fuel compartments 12, wherein the electrolyte 60 passes through downwardly to the battery cells 42 through the connection made by the channels 18 and the openings 50. The particles of fuel 62 are made to be fed downwardly from the fuel compartments 12 to the battery cells 42, where the fuel particles 62 dissolve over the course of the discharge of the battery. In this way, it can be seen that the transportable container 10 and the refillable fuel battery 40 define a closed flow circuit for the circulation of the electrolyte 60 during the operation of the battery. When the electrolyte 60 becomes sufficiently filled with the reaction products to render it incapable of supporting the continuous battery discharge or the level of the fuel particles 62 have fallen sufficiently, the refillable fuel battery 40 is deactivated, disconnecting the pump 44 and closing the channels 18 and 20, moving the shutter member 16 to a closed position. The transportable container 10, which now contains the consumed electrolyte and the reaction products, can then be removed from the refillable fuel battery 40 and repositioned with another transportable container 10 containing fresh electrolyte 60 and fuel particles 62. invest in all the modalities the direction of the electrolyte flow. It has been found that the direction shown provides reliable limitation of the fuel particles 62 from the fuel compartments 12 to the battery cells 42. It is also possible that within the refueling battery 40 is the additional electrolyte reservoir for the electrolyte storage. Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the transportable container 10 attached to a filling apparatus 64. As shown in Figure 4, in the filling process, the transportable container 10, in orientation with the top part downwards, is attached to the apparatus filler 64 The transportable container 10 is coupled to the filling apparatus 64, so that the ends 30 of the channels 18 fit into the corresponding openings 68 on the filling apparatus 64 and the end 32 of the channel 20 fits in the opening 66 of the filling apparatus 64, of So as to establish a sealed connection for the flow of the electrolyte 60, similar to the connection of the transportable container 10 to the refueling battery 40. The transportable container 10 can be attached to the filling plant 64, using the convenient method. The sealing member 16 is then moved from the closed position to the open position, so that the channels 18 and 20 are opened. The consumed electrolyte is then removed from the transportable container 10 by means of a tube 22, which is connected to the lower (in the orientation shown in Figure 4) the electrolyte reservoir 14 of the transportable container 10. New fuel particles 62, such as zinc pellets, are raised with the electrolyte 60 in the fuel compartments 12 from the filling apparatus 64 through channels 18. This procedure is continued until sufficient fuel particles 62 are washed from grocery compartments 12 and channels 18 are substantially clear of fuel particles 62. If necessary, additional electrolyte 60 is adhered. through the channel 20 and the tube 22 until the electrolyte reservoir 14 follows with the electrolyte 60. The member is then moved operator 16 to the closed position, so that the channels 18 and 20 are obtained to prevent the previous passage of the combustible particles of 62 and the electrolyte 60. The transportable container 10 of the filling apparatus 64 is then required. This completes the procedure for filling the transportable container 10. Figure 5 illustrates the second embodiment of a transportable container 70 in that of similar reference numbers denoting elements similar to the first embodiment presented in figures 2 to 4. The transportable container 70 has a system of alternative valves for capturing the fuel behaviors 12 and the electrolyte reservoir 14, as well as an alternative way of coupling to a fuel supply battery 90. As in figures 2 to 4, the transportable container 70 is shown in FIG. the refillable fuel battery 90, for purposes of illustration only, of a 3-cell configuration. The transport container 70 comprises a plurality of through holes 74 located on an interface surface 72 of transportable container 70, which passes through the box 26 and which are connected to the fuel compartments 12. The holes 74 correspond in position a the openings 92 on the fuel rechargeable battery 90 which are connected to the upper parts 56 of the battery cells 42. The transportable container also has a hole 76 located on the interface surface of p2 which also passes through the box 26 and which are connected to • the electrolyte reservoir 14 by means of the tube 22. The orifice 76 corresponds in position to an opening 94 on a rechargeable fuel battery 90 which is connected to the channel46.

The transportable container 70 further comprises a thin band 80 having a narrow portion 82 and a wide portion 84 which is movably attached to the box 26 of the transportable container 70. The thin band 80 may be made of stainless steel or of any other material sufficient strong, able to resist the caustic electrolyte. In the closed position, shown in Figure E, the wide portion 84 covers the holes 74 and 76 to prevent the flow of the electrolyte 60 and the fuel particles 62. In the open position, shown in Figure 5C, the narrow portion 82 moves over the the holes 74 and 76 to allow the flow of the electrolyte 60 and the fuel particles 62. A narrow orifice 86 is generally left. - up to 0.076 mm between the thin strip 80 and the thin surface 72 to eliminate flicting between the thin strip 80 and the interface surface 72. A gap 86 allows a small amount of liquid electrolyte 60 to leak between the fuel compartments 12. This allows for identical leakage current parasitic between the series of batteries 42 when the reabsterable fuel battery 90 is operating, but these leakage current dissipate only a small fraction of the energy output of the reabsterable fuel battery 90, provided that that the gap 86 be narrow enough. The electrolyte 60 is prevented from leaking from the transportable container 70 through the gap 86 of a ring trumpturator O-78 located between the thin strip 80 and the interface surface 72, and which is positioned around the holes 74 and 76. The thin strip 80 of the O-ring trupler 78 can be held in place on the transportable container 70 by a seal member 88, as seen in Figure 6. The seal member 88 also allows the chink 86 to be maintained at a controlled thickness. The thin strip 80 may be of fixed length and be attached to receiving reels (not shown) communicating or other means (not shown) for rotating the receiving reels, so that the thin strip 80 moves between the open and closed positions. closed. Alternatively, the thin band 80 may be a continuous loop, in which case it may pass around the transportable container 70 and have a linear pull mechanism (not shown) or other means for moving the thin band 80 between the open and closed positions. Before the connection of the transportable container 70 to the reabsterable fuel battery 90, the thin band 80 is in the closed position, in such a way that the holes 74 and 76 are obtained. Then the connection of the transportable container 70 to the reabstetible battery of fuel 90, the thin band 80 is moved to the open position, so as to allow passage of the fuel particles 62 and the electrolyte 60 through the holes 74 and 76. During the operation of the fuel rechargeable battery 90 , the pump 94 pumps the electrolyte 60 from the lower parts 52 of the battery cells 42, through the channel 46 and the transportable container through the connection made by the opening 94 and the orifice 76, through the tube 22 and the electrolyte reservoir 14, and from there, through the conduits 24 and 25 to the fuel compartments 12, wherein the electrolyte 60 passes down through the connection made by the orific ios 74 and openings 92 and upper end 56 of battery cells 42. When thin strip 80 is in the open position, shown in Figure 5C during the operation of the refillable fuel battery 90, only a narrow portion 82 of the thin strip 80 extends over the interface surface 72 of the transportable container 70 where the holes 74 are located. This narrow portion 82 is located outside the O-ring trupturator 78, so that the thin strip 80 does not put on short circuit the battery cells 42. When the electrolyte 60 becomes sufficiently charged with the reaction products only unable to withstand the continuous battery discharge or at the level of the fuel particles 62 a sufficiently risen below the container interface / battery, the fuel cell 90 is deactivated, the pump 44 is deactivated and the holes 74 and 76 are blown, or by viewing the thin strip 8 0, from the open position to the closed position. The transportable container 70, which now contains the consumed electrolyte and the reaction products, can then be coupled and removed from the refillable fuel battery 90, and replaced with another transportable container 70 containing new fuel particles 62 and new electrolyte 60. Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of transportable container 150 and an unobstructed fuel battery 170. The transportable container 150 and the refillable fuel battery 170 are shown., for purposes of illustration only, in a 3-cell configuration. The transportable container 150 comprises a canister 152 having a fuel compartment 154 and an electrolyte reservoir 156 for containing and dispensing, respectively, a measured quantity of fuel particles 62 and electrolyte 60. Attached to the canister 152, are the flexible channels 158 and 162 which are connected to the fuel compartments 154 and the electrolyte vessel 156, respectively. The flexible channels 158 and 160 are permanently attached to the can 152 and are held together at an opposite end 162 by an elongate end piece 164 or other convenient means. At a lower end 156 of the fuel compartments 154, there are narrow and relatively long conduits 168 that connect the fuel compartments 154 to one another. The fuel compartments 154 are also connected to the electrolyte reservoirs 156 by means of a wider conduit 165. A filter 34 is placed in each of the conduits 68 or to the fuel compartments 154 adjacent the conduits 168, to prevent the passage of the fuel particles 62 through the conduit 168 between the fuel compartments 154. If the fuel particles 62 enter the conduits 168, it can cause a smearing of the conduits 168 to an electrical circuit breaker. The fuel rechargeable battery 170 has a set of openings 172 that are configured to receive the end piece 164 to form a sealed connection between the transportable container 150 and the unobstructed fuel battery 170. Once connected, the transportable container 150 and the fuel breech battery 170 defines a closed flow circuit for circulation of electrolyte 60 during battery operation. The set of openings 172 is connected to the hoppers 174 within the fuel reboiler battery 170 and to a channel 176. The hoppers 174 are configured to contain a volume of fuel particles 62 in the electrolyte 60. Located under each of the hoppers 174, there is the battery series 178. The battery cells 178 are connected to one another by means of the narrow and relatively long conduits 182, connected to a lower end 184 of each battery celtic 178. The battery cells 178 are also connected to a pump 180 by means of a wider conduit 185. Connected to the pump 180, is the channel 176 which is connected again to an aperture assembly 172. A filter 34 is placed in each of the conduits 182 with the battery cells 178 adjacent the conduits 182 to prevent the passage of the fuel particles 62 through the conduits 182 between the battery cells 178. It is possible that the ducts 182 and 168 may be made sufficiently narrow to prevent passage of the fuel particles 62 including the filter 34, while the passage of electrolyte 60 is allowed. The conduits 182 and 168 are configured to substantially reduce the minimum parasitic measurements similarly the conduits 54 and 24. The internal volume of the can 152 is relatively larger than the volume available in the refillable fuel battery 170 when the battery cells 178 are filled with fuel particles 62 ceta. The refueling battery 170 is supplied, the end piece 164 of the transportable container 150a connecting a set of openings 172 on the refueling battery 170, whose battery cells 178 have been filled with fuel particles 62 ceta. The can 152 is raised to win the fuel particles 62 contained in the can 152, but not a significant portion of the electrolyte 60, to the stops 174 above the battery cells 178. After they have completely emptied the fuel particles 62 to locks 174,. the transportable container 150 is lowered to the position shown in Figure 7C and the fuel refillable battery 170 is secured. During the operation of the battery, the pump 180 pumps into the electrolyte 60 via conduits 182 and 185 from the battery cells 178 up through the channel 176 and the flexible channel 160 to the electrolyte reservoir 156 of the can 152. The electrolyte 60 then flows to the the fuel compartments 154 by means of the conduits 168 and 165 and then the hoppers 174 through the flexible channels 158. The electrolyte 60 then flows back the battery cells 178 from the hoppers 174. The fuel particles 62 are free to feed down from the hoppers 174 to the battery cells 178, the fuel particles 62 dissolve over the course of the description of the battery. When electrolyte 60 arrives it has to be sufficiently charged with the reaction product to be unable to withstand the continued battery discharge or the level of the fuel particles 62 on ignition sufficiently, the refueling fuel battery 170 is deactivated, disconnecting the pump 180. The transportable container 150, which now contains the electrolyte consumed from the reaction products, can then be disconnected from the fuel refill battery 170 and replaced with another container 150 containing new fuel particles 62 and new electrolyte 60. In this manner, a method and apparatus for feeding multiple electrochemical cells employing electrodes of particulate material is described. Those skilled in the art of the invention will appreciate that it is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described above. The foregoing description of the preferred and alternative embodiments and embodiments is for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention in the precise manner set forth. Many more modifications and variations are possible and deviate from the inventive concepts in the present. The invention, therefore, should not be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (33)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A transportable container for refueling a refillable fuel battery having an electrochemical cell employing an electrode of material in the form of particles, comprising: (a) a box; (b) an electrolyte reservoir, within the box, capable of containing a volume of electrolyte solution; (c) a first valve, in fluid connection with the electrolyte reservoir, which passes through the box and is capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery; (d) a fuel compartment, inside the box, capable of containing electrochemically active fuel particles and electrolyte solution; (e) a second valve, in fluid connection with the fuel compartment, which passes through the box and is capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery; and (f) a conduit, in connection of the fluid with the electrolyte reservoir and the fuel compartment, in such a way that the transportable container and the refillable fuel battery define the closed flow circuits for the circulation of and the electrolyte solution through the transportable container and the refillable fuel battery, while the transportable container is connected to a refillable fuel battery during operation of the refueling fuel battery.

2. - The transportable container according to claim 1, further comprising a filter capable of preventing the passage of the fuel particles in the fuel compartment of the electrolyte tank.

3. The transportable container according to claim 1, the conduit being narrow enough to prevent the passage of the fuel particles, however unable to allow the passage of the electrolyte solution.

4. The transportable container according to claim 1, are constituted the first valve and the second valve of large and flexible, contained plus the transportable container a beeling member, movably attached to the transportable container, which is able to tighten for close the flexible channels.

5. The transportable container according to claim 1, further comprising a cover capable of sealing the first valve and the second valve with the transportable container is not connected to a refillable fuel battery.

6. The transportable container according to claim 5, is attached to the cover to the box.

7. The transportable container according to claim 1, the box with liquid is sealed.

8. A transportable container for refueling a refillable fuel battery having an electrochemical cell employing an electrode of material in the form of particles, comprising: (a) a cover; (b) an electrolyte reservoir, inside the cover, capable of containing a volume of electrolyte solution; (c) a first valve, constituted of a flexible channel, in fluid connection with the electrolyte reservoir, which passes through the cover and is capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery; (d) a fuel compartment, inside the cover capable of containing electrochemically active fuel particles and electrolyte solution; (e) a second valve, constituted by a second flexible channel, in fluid connection with the fuel compartment, which passes through the cover and is capable of being connected to a refillable fuel battery; and (f) a conduit, in connection of the fluid with the electrolyte reservoir and the fuel compartment, in such a way that the transportable container and the refillable fuel battery define the closed flow circuits for the circulation of and the electrolyte solution through the transportable container and the refillable fuel battery, while the transportable container is connected to a refillable fuel battery during the operation of the refueling fuel battery; (g) an obturator, movably attached to the transportable container capable of tightening to close the first and second flexible plans; and (h) a cover capable of sealing the first valve and the second valve when the transportable container is more connected to a refillable fuel battery.

9. - The transportable container according to claim 8, further comprising a filter capable of preventing passage of the fuel particles in the fuel compartment of the electrolyte tank.

10. The transportable container according to claim 8, the conduit being narrow enough to prevent passage of the fuel particles, however unable to allow the passage of the electrolyte solution.

1 1. A transportable container for refueling a refillable fuel battery having an electrochemical cell employing an electrode of material in the form of particles, comprising: (a) a cover; (b) an electrolyte tank, inside the cover, capable of containing electrochemically active fuel particles joining valves, connecting the two with one or more fuel compartments, which pass through the box after being connected or a battery refueling fuel; and (d) one or more conduits connecting one or more fuel compartments to each other, such that the transportable container and a refillable fuel battery define a closed flow circuit circulation of the electrolyte solution through the container transportable and the refillable fuel battery while the transportable container is connected to the refueling battery of the refueling fuel battery.

12. - The transportable container according to claim 1, further comprising an electrolyte reservoir, inside the box and connected to one or more fuel compartments, and a second valve, in fluid connection with the electrolyte reservoir which It goes through the box and is able to connect to a refillable fuel battery.

13. The transportable container according to claim 1, wherein the one or more conduits are capable of substantially reducing to the minimum the electrical conductivity between each of the one or more fuel conduit compartments when the transportable container contains electrolyte solution.

14. The transportable container according to claim 13, the one or more conduits being sufficiently narrow or relatively long to substantially reduce to the minimum the electrical conductivity between each of the one or more fuel compartments through the conduits when the container transportable contains electrolyte solution.

15. The transportable container according to claim 11, further comprising one or more filters capable of preventing the passage of fuel particles between each of the one or more fuel compartments.

16. The transportable container according to claim 11, of one or more conduits sufficiently narrow to prevent the passage of combustible particles, however able to allow the passage of the electrolyte solution.

17. The transportable container according to claim 12, the plurality of valves comprising the second valve flexible channels, the transportable container further comprising a shutter, being movable to the transportable container, which is able to tighten to close the flexible channels.

18. The transportable container according to claim 12, the plurality of valves and the second valve comprising breaches through the transportable container box and a thin, immovably band of the transportable container and an immovably transportable container thin strip, which it is capable of moving from an open and a closed position to unblock and obturate, respectively, openings through the box.

19. The transportable container according to claim 1, further comprising a cover capable of sealing the plurality of valves with the transportable container is not connected to an unobstructed fuel battery.

20. The transportable container according to claim 19, the cover being attached to the transportable container box.

21. The transportable container according to claim 1, the box being sealed with liquid.

22. - The transportable container according to claim 1, wherein the one or more fuel compartments are connected in parallel for the flow of the electrolyte solution.

23: - A reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source comprising: a) a reabstecible fuel battery having one or more electrochemical cells employing electrodes of particulate material and one or more conduits connecting the one or more electrochemical cells one to another; and b) a transportable container, movably attached to the unobstructed fuel battery, having: a box; a compartment within the box, capable of containing a volume of electrolyte solution, and a first valve and a second valve in fluid connection with the compartment and which pass through a box and are removably connected to the reabstectable battery of fuel, so that the transportable container and the unobstructed fuel battery define by closed-focus circuit for the circulation of the electrolyte solution through the transportable container and the electrochemical cells of the unobstructed fuel battery while the transportable container is connected to the fuel battery during the operation of the fuel tank.

24.- A reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source that comprises: a) a reabstecible fuel battery that has one or more electrochemical cells that use electrodes of material in the form of particles and one or more conduits that connect the one or more electrochemical cells one to another; and b) a transportable container, movably attached to the unobstructed fuel battery, having: a box; one or more fuel compartments within the box, capable of containing a volume of electrochemically active fuel particles and electrolyte solution; a plurality of valves in fluid connection with the one or more fuel compartments and which pass through the box and are removably connected to the unobstructed fuel battery, going more seconds circuits, which connect the one or more fuel compartments one to another, in such a way that the transportable container and the unobstructed fuel battery define a closed flow circuit for the circulation of the electrolyte solution through the transportable container and the electrochemical cells of the unobstructed fuel battery, while the transportable container is connected to the fuel battery during the operation of the fuel tank.

25. The refillable fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 24, the one or more electrochemical cells being connected in parallel for the flow of the electrolyte solution.

26. The source of reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy according to claim 25, the one or more first conduits being capable of substantially reducing to the minimum the electrical conductivity through the electrolyte solution between each of the one or more cells electrochemical and the one or more second conduits being capable of substantially reducing to the minimum the electrical conductivity through the electrolyte solution between each of the one or more fuel compartments.

27. The source of reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy according to claim 26, the one or more first conduits being sufficiently narrow and relatively long to substantially reduce to the minimum the electrical conductivity through the electrolyte between each of the one or more electrochemical cells and the one or more second conduits being sufficiently narrow and relatively long to substantially reduce to a minimum the electrical conductivity through the electrolyte between each of the one or more fuel compartments.

28. The reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 24, the one being, electrochemical cells connected in series for the flow of the electrolyte solution.

29. The source of reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy according to claim 24, the transportable container further having an electrolyte reservoir, inside the box and connected to one or more fuel compartments, and a second valve, in connection with fluid with the electrolyte reservoir and which passes through the box and is connected removably to the re-fuel battery.

30. - The reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 24, the transportable container being capable of feeding fuel particles and electrolyte solution directly to each one of the one or more electrochemical cells of the reabsterable fuel battery.

31.- The reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 24, further having the unobstructed fuel battery one or more hoppers capable of containing a volume of fuel particles and electrolyte solution, and connected to the one or more electrochemical cells, the transportable container being capable of feeding fuel particles to the one or more hoppers.

32. The source of reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy according to claim 31, further having the fuel rechargeable battery an electrolyte reservoir, capable of containing a volume of electrolyte solution, which is connected to the one or more hoppers .

33. The source of reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy according to claim 24, further having the reabsterable fuel battery an electrolyte reservoir, capable of containing a volume of electrolyte solution, which is connected to the one or more cells electrochemical 34.- A method for operating a reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source, comprising the steps of: a) attaching a transportable container containing fuel and electrolyte particles to one. fuel battery, and allow fuel particles and electrolyte to be supplied to the fuel cell; b) having the electrolyte solution calculated by the reabsterable fuel battery and the transportable vessel and attached for a period of time and thereby discharging the reabsterable fuel battery and dissolving part of the fuel particles as reaction products in the consumed electrolyte; c) disengage the transportable container with the reaction products and the electrolyte consumed from the unobstructed fuel battery; and d) attaching a transportable container containing new fuel particles and electrolytes to the unobstructed fuel battery. The method for operating a reabspectable fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 34, further characterized in that after the transportable container with the reaction products and the consumed electrolyte of the refillable fuel battery is disengaged, they remove the reaction products and the consumed electrolyte and are replaced with new fuel particles and electrolytes from a filler apparatus. 36.- The method for operating a reabspectable fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 34, comprising the fuel particles of zinc pellets.

37. - The method for operating a reabstecible fuel electrochemical energy source according to claim 34, comprising the fuel particles of aluminum pellets.