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WO1992002964A1 - Rechargeable electrical power storage unit for use in electrical transport system - Google Patents

Rechargeable electrical power storage unit for use in electrical transport system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992002964A1
WO1992002964A1 PCT/US1991/005325 US9105325W WO9202964A1 WO 1992002964 A1 WO1992002964 A1 WO 1992002964A1 US 9105325 W US9105325 W US 9105325W WO 9202964 A1 WO9202964 A1 WO 9202964A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power storage
electrical power
electrical
storage medium
interior space
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1991/005325
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Arnold J. Goldman
Eugeny Pecherer
Original Assignee
Luz Electric Fuel Israel Ltd.
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 Luz Electric Fuel Israel Ltd. filed Critical Luz Electric Fuel Israel Ltd.
Publication of WO1992002964A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992002964A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L1/00—Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of vehicles
    • B60L1/003—Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of vehicles to auxiliary motors, e.g. for pumps, compressors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
    • B60L50/60—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
    • B60L50/64—Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
    • B60L50/60—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
    • B60L50/66—Arrangements of batteries
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/50—Charging stations characterised by energy-storage or power-generation means
    • B60L53/53—Batteries
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/60—Monitoring or controlling charging stations
    • B60L53/63—Monitoring or controlling charging stations in response to network capacity
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
    • B60L53/60—Monitoring or controlling charging stations
    • B60L53/64—Optimising energy costs, e.g. responding to electricity rates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B60L55/00—Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B60L58/10—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries
    • B60L58/24—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries
    • B60L58/26—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by cooling
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
    • H01M10/613—Cooling or keeping cold
    • 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
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/62—Heating or cooling; Temperature control specially adapted for specific applications
    • H01M10/625—Vehicles
    • 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
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
    • H01M10/656—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells characterised by the type of heat-exchange fluid
    • H01M10/6567—Liquids
    • H01M10/6568—Liquids characterised by flow circuits, e.g. loops, located externally to the cells or cell casings
    • 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
    • H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
    • H01M10/66—Heat-exchange relationships between the cells and other systems, e.g. central heating systems or fuel cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/18—Regenerative fuel cells, e.g. redox flow batteries or secondary fuel cells
    • H01M8/184—Regeneration by electrochemical means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/22—Fuel cells in which the fuel is based on materials comprising carbon or oxygen or hydrogen and other elements; Fuel cells in which the fuel is based on materials comprising only elements other than carbon, oxygen or hydrogen
    • H01M8/225—Fuel cells in which the fuel is based on materials comprising particulate active material in the form of a suspension, a dispersion, a fluidised bed or a paste
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2210/00—Converter types
    • B60L2210/30—AC to DC converters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2210/00—Converter types
    • B60L2210/40—DC to AC converters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/10—Vehicle control parameters
    • B60L2240/34—Cabin temperature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/40—Drive Train control parameters
    • B60L2240/54—Drive Train control parameters related to batteries
    • B60L2240/545—Temperature
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
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    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • 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
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    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. 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
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    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
    • 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
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    • 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
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    • Y02T90/167—Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles, i.e. smartgrids as interface for battery charging of electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
    • 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
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    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S10/00—Systems supporting electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y04S10/12—Monitoring or controlling equipment for energy generation units, e.g. distributed energy generation [DER] or load-side generation
    • Y04S10/126—Monitoring or controlling equipment for energy generation units, e.g. distributed energy generation [DER] or load-side generation the energy generation units being or involving electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV], i.e. power aggregation of EV or HEV, vehicle to grid arrangements [V2G]
    • 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
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    • Y04S30/00—Systems supporting specific end-user applications in the sector of transportation
    • Y04S30/10—Systems supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles
    • Y04S30/14—Details associated with the interoperability, e.g. vehicle recognition, authentication, identification or billing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electrical energy systems generally and more particularly to electrical energy systems incorporating electric vehicles.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved, rechargeable, electrical power storage cell overcoming disadvantages of known art.
  • a further aim of the present invention is to provide an electrically powered vehicle utilizing the improved rechargeable power storage cell of the invention and a system for efficiently recharging the storage cell.
  • an electrical power storage unit having one or more rechargeable electrical cells, each of which includes outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space.
  • the inner electrode apparatus also includes apparatus for removing a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom.
  • the electrical power storage unit constitutes a power source for an electrically powered vehicle.
  • the outer electrode apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define the interior space and an opening communicating therewith, and the inner electrode apparatus includes a generally planar current collector member having a first end portion configured to cooperate with the outer electrode members so as to seal the opening, the current collector member also having a second end with which the apparatus for removing is integrally formed.
  • an electrical power storage system including an electrical power storage unit having one or more rechargeable electrical cells, wherein each cell includes outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space.
  • the inner electrode apparatus includes apparatus for removing a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom, and there is also provided apparatus for replacing a discharged volume of the electrical storage medium with a charged volume of the electrical storage medium.
  • apparatus for directing a fluid at the inner electrode apparatus so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
  • an electrical transport system including an electrically powered vehicle having vehicle drive apparatus; rechargeable electrical power storage ⁇ IMt ... 2/02964
  • - 4 - apparatus electrically coupled to the vehicle drive apparatus, and including one or more rechargeable electrical cells each including outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space and defining integral apparatus for removing a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom.
  • apparatus for replacing a discharged volume of the electrical power storage " medium with a charged volume of the electrical power storage medium is also provided.
  • apparatus for directing a fluid at the inner electrode apparatus so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
  • an electrical energy system including an electric utility having electricity generation apparatus and distribution lines; a plurality of electric vehicles, each having vehicle drive apparatus; and a rechargeable electrical power storage unit electrically coupled to the vehicle drive apparatus.
  • the rechargeable power storage unit has one or more rechargeable electrical cells, each of which includes outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space and defining integral apparatus for removing at least a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom.
  • the electrical energy system also includes electric power storage apparatus receiving electrical power from the electric utility and supplying electrical power to each rechargeable electrical power storage unit and to the electric utility when required.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustration of an electrical energy system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the system of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an electric vehicle battery recharging subsystem forming part of the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a pictorial block diagram of an electrolyte regeneration facility forming part of the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 5 is a flow-chart of the operation of the regeneration facility of Fig. 4;
  • Figs. 6 and 7 are general schematic illustrations of two types of electric vehicle useful in the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Figs. 8A. 8B and 8C are respective side, top and end view schematic illustrations of the vehicle of Fig. 7. illustrating the general location of major operating systems therein;
  • Fig. 9 is a partially cut away illustration of the installation of a zinc-air battery in a vehicle of the type illustrated in Fig. 6;
  • Figs. 10 and 11 are illustrations of two variations of a zinc-air battery suitable for use in electric vehicles; - 6 -
  • Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a thermal management subsystem useful in the vehicles of Figs. 6 and 7;
  • Fig. 13 is a pictorial illustration of a multi- cell metering pump assembly useful in the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 14 is an exploded view illustration of an zinc-air battery cell useful in the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a partial sectional illustration of the assembly of the battery cell of Fig. 14;
  • Fig. 16 is a pictorial illustration of the battery cell of Fig. 14;
  • Fig. 17 is an exploded view illustration of assembly of the battery cell of Fig. 14;
  • Fig. 18 is a pictorial illustration of a zinc air utility storage battery useful in the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 19 is a schematic illustration of the connection of the battery of Fig. 18 in its operating environment
  • Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the principal functional components of the battery of Fig. 19;
  • Figs. 21 and 22 are flow chart illustrations of power station utility battery charging and discharging functions respectively;
  • Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a zinc-air battery cell constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 24 is a schematic illustration of the current collector employed in the battery cell of Fig. 23:
  • Figs. 25A - 25D are schematic illustrations of stages in the replacement of discharged slurry with charged slurry
  • Fig. 26 is a flow chart illustration of the slurry replacement process depicted pictorially in Figs. 25A - 25D; and Fig. 27 is sectional illustration depicting the cleaning of discharged slurry from an array of central current collectors taken in the direction of line 27-27 in Fig. 25C.
  • FIG. l illustrates in generalized block diagram form an electrical system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and including an electrical utility having electricity generation apparatus and distribution lines, a plurality of electric vehicles and electric power storage apparatus receiving electrical power from the electric utility and supplying electrical power to the plurality of electric vehicles and to the electric utility when required.
  • FIG. 1 Illustrated in Fig. 1 is an AC transmission line 10 which is arranged for power transfer via a power conversion unit 12 with a storage battery bank 14 and with a bank of electrolytic cells 16.
  • the electrolytic cells 16 are operative to electrically charge an energy storage slurry, such as a mixture of zinc granules and alkaline potassium hydroxide solution, thereby storing energy therein.
  • discharged slurry is stored in a discharged slurry storage facility 18 and supplied to electrolytic cells 16 via suitable pumps (not shown) .
  • the charged slurry is received in a facility 20 and then stored in storage battery 14 or supplied to electric vehicles 22.
  • Discharged slurry is received at facility 18 from the electric vehicles 22 and from storage battery 14.
  • the storage battery 14 provides, when necessary or economical, electrical power to transmission line 10 via conversion unit 12.
  • the present invention through the synergistic combination of two disparate activities, utility energy storage and electric vehicle operation, each of which is presently uneconomical, provides economical electrical utility off-peak power storage, surge protection, on-peak and super-peak demand power supply, spinning reserve and electric vehicle system.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the system of Fig. 1 in greater detail.
  • the AC utility transmission line here indicated by reference numeral 30 is coupled via a transformer 32 to a power line conditioner 34 which includes high capacity AC to DC and DC to AC converters.
  • Reactive and other line control apparatus 36 such as peak switching in detectors may be associated with the power line conditioner 34.
  • a DC output of conditioner 34 may be supplied via a slurry reconditioning control circuitry 38 to a slurry reconditioning facility 40.
  • the DC output of conditioner 34 may also be supplied via a charge control unit 42 to a bank of lead acid batteries 44.
  • Slurry reconditioning facility 40 is operative to provide charged slurry, via slurry pumping apparatus 46 to an electric vehicle refueling station 48, for supply to electric vehicles.
  • Facility 40 is also operative to supply charged slurry via slurry pumping apparatus 46 to a zinc air battery 50.
  • Charged slurry from facility 40 may also be stored in a charged slurry storage tank 52.
  • Discharged slurry removed from electric vehicles is supplied from electric vehicle refueling station 48 to a discharged slurry storage tank 54 and is supplied at appropriate times to facility 40 by slurry pumping apparatus 46. Normally recharging of slurry is carried out by facility 40 during offpeak times for utility supplied electricity.
  • Electrical power may be drawn from battery 50 when needed, and supplied via discharge control circuitry 56, power line conditioner 34 and transformer 32 to the utility
  • Electrical power may be drawn from battery 44 when needed, and supplied via discharge control circuitry 58, power line conditioner 34 and transformer 32 to the utility via power line 30.
  • discharge control circuitry 58 power line conditioner 34 and transformer 32 to the utility via power line 30.
  • power line conditioner 34 Normally power transfers between battery 44 and utility power line 30 take place in order to balance the impedance of the power line 30, to absorb short term peaks and shortfalls, typically having a time constant of less than one-half hour.
  • Fig. 3 is a pictorial illustration of an electric vehicle refueling station, such as station 48 (Fig. 2).
  • the refueling station includes a plurality of drain units 60 which are operative to remove discharged slurry from electric vehicles 62.
  • the discharged slurry is supplied to discharged slurry storage tank 54 (Fig. 2) .
  • Automatic moving platforms 64 are preferably provided for moving the electric vehicles 62 from the drain units 60 to charged slurry supply units 66, which supply charged slurry from charged slurry storage tank 52 to the electric vehicles 62.
  • Fig. 4. illustrates a electrolytic reprocessing subsystem, which is indicated generally by reference numeral 16 in Fig. 1.
  • Discharged slurry here of the composition: unreacted zinc granules, zinc oxide and alkaline potassium hydroxide solution, stored in tanks 74, is supplied to a bank of electrolytic baths 78, such as modified alkaline zinc plating baths with scrapers for periodically removing zinc deposits thereon.
  • Baths 78 receive an electrical input from power conversion unit 12 (Fig. l).
  • Freshly generated zinc mixed with alkaline potassium hydroxide solution is pumped from electrolytic baths 78 to a zinc treatment facility 80, such as a classifier for particle sizing, which provides a purified zinc output to a storage tank 82.
  • KOH is received from electrolytic baths 78 and is supplied to a holding tank 84.
  • the contents of tanks 82 and 84 are supplied to a formulation tank 86 in which they are combined to provide a recharged slurry.
  • the recharged slurry is stored in a storage tank 88.
  • a reformulation facility such as tank 84 (Fig. 4) in which KOH and other additives are added to the zinc to provide a regenerated slurry which is stored as in tank 88 (Fig. 4).
  • Fig. 6. illustrates a typical electric car, including a zinc air battery 100.
  • the zinc-air battery 100 is typically located centrally along the longitudinal axis of the car and is mounted on frame rails 102. Provision is made for distilled water dropping tubes 104 and a scrubbed air flow channel 106 within an air tight enclosure 108, which surrounds the battery cells 110. Enclosure 108 is typically covered by thermal and acoustic insulation 112.
  • the structure of the battery and its function may be based on known principles and designs which are set forth, inter alia in the references cited in the Background of the Invention section hereinabove, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Figs. 7, 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the general configuration of an electric driven van useful in the present invention.
  • the van is provided with two zinc-air battery banks 120 and 122 on opposite sides of the body.
  • An auxiliary lead- acid battery 124 is preferably provided in addition.
  • a power switching system 126 governs the supply of power to and from the various batteries.
  • Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C also illustrate preferred locations of a 12 volt vehicle utility battery 128, a traction motor and drive 130, a cabin heater 132, and a DMS (Driving Management System) 134.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates one embodiment of zinc-air battery suitable for powering an electric vehicle.
  • the battery includes a multiplicity of cells 140 which are arranged in association with a slurry filling port 142, a slurry drain port 144 as well as coolant inlets and outlets 146 and 148 respectively and treated air inlets and outlets 150 and 152 respectively.
  • FIG. 11 An alternative battery configuration is illustrated in Fig. 11 and includes a multiplicity of cells 160 which are arranged in association with a slurry filling port 162, a slurry drain port 164 as well as coolant inlets and outlets 166 and 168 respectively and treated air inlets and outlets 170 and 172 respectively.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates a thermal management arrangement for an electric vehicle battery of the type illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11.
  • the battery is indicated by reference numeral 180.
  • a coolant passes therethrough as indicated in solid lines.
  • Temperature sensors 182 and 184 are located respectively at the coolant inlets and outlets to the battery 180.
  • Heated coolant from the battery 180 is supplied via a circulating pump assembly 186 via a cabin heating system 188, for heating of the vehicle cabin as necessary and via a radiator assembly 190 for cooling of the coolant.
  • a temperature sensor 196 associated with the cabin heating system 188 and provides control outputs to cabin heat system fan motor 198 and radiator fan motor 200 as well as control inputs to the fuel heater 194, pump 186, and a cabin heating system input valve 202 and a radiator input valve 204.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates a typical arrangement for metering the supply and drain of slurry in a battery unit.
  • the apparatus shown in Fig. 13 includes a recharged slurry tank 206, which outputs into a manifold 212 having a plurality of outlets 214, each of which is supplied with a non-return valve 216 and communicates with a battery cell 218. Draining of slurry from the battery cells 218 takes place via an outlet manifold arrangement 220 including non-return valves 222 for each cell.
  • a common drain conduit 224 is provided for removal of discharged slurry.
  • each cell includes a plastic frame 250, a current collector 252, typically formed of nickel mesh, an air electrode 254, typically formed of a wet-proofed, catalyzed carbon layer formed on the nickel mesh, a separator 256, typically formed of non-woven porous nylon, a plastic frame 258, a central current collector 260, typically formed of nickel plated copper, a plastic frame 262, a separator 264, typically formed of non-woven porous nylon, an air electrode 266, typically formed of a wet-proofed, catalyzed carbon layer bonded to nickel mesh, a current collector 268 typically formed of nickel mesh, and a plastic frame 270, typically formed of polypropylene.
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a section of an individual cell taken through its narrowest dimension
  • Fig. 16 illustrates such a cell in a partially cut away illustration
  • Fig. 17 shows a cell assembly in exploded view.
  • Figs. 18, 19 and 20 illustrate the general configuration of a zinc-air utility storage battery. It is noted that the battery comprises a multiplicity of cells 300, each containing, inter alia an air electrode 301 and a current collector 303, connected in series. Air is supplied from the outside atmosphere by a blower 302 via a C0 2 scrubber 304.
  • Thermal management apparatus 308 is provided as is a water humidifier 310. Apparatus 308 is operative to ensure optimum operating temperatures for the battery irrespective of the local ambient temperature and deals with parasitic heat generated by the battery during discharge. Humidifier 310 is operative to control the humidity of the incoming air to the battery and prevents slurry dry-out.
  • Figs. 21 and 22 illustrate the function of the utility battery during respective charging and discharging operations.
  • AC line power is supplied via a transformer 320, rectifier 322 and control unit 324 to the battery.
  • power from the battery 300 is supplied via control unit 324, AC converting unit 336 and transformer 320 to the AC line.
  • Figs. 23 - 26 in which there are illustrated a battery cell construction and apparatus for replacing discharged slurry therein with charged slurry, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • discharged slurry has a much greater viscosity than charged slurry, and that it may, therefore, be useful to provide a direct mechanical method of removing discharged slurry from a battery cell, wherein the effectiveness of the method is not significantly influenced by the viscosity of the slurry.
  • rechargeable multicell battery is intended for installation, inter alia, in battery banks 120 and 122 (Figs. 7 - 8B) of an electrically powered vehicle.
  • Battery cell 400 includes a pair of plastic frame members 402 typically formed of polypropylene, each supporting an outer electrode unit 404 substantially as described and shown in conjunction with Fig. 14. Accordingly, each unit 404 includes an outer current collector typically formed of nickel mesh; an air electrode, typically formed of a wet-proofed, catalyzed carbon layer bonded to nickel mesh; a porous separator, typically formed of non-woven porous nylon; and a plastic frame, A central current collector 406 is also provided.
  • a cover or base portion 408 located at a bottom end of the central current collector 406, and a slurry removal element 410 located at a top end of the central current collector.
  • the slurry contained within an interior storage space 411 of cell 400 is confined between the outer electrode units 404 and between the removal element 410 and the base portion 408 of the central current collector 406.
  • removal element 410 is a relatively rigid flange member attached to the top end of central current collector 406 such that when the central current collector is removed from the cell 400, element 410 is operative to directly engage and thus displace the bulk of the slurry contained within space 411 to the exterior. It will thus be appreciated that the slurry removal apparatus of the present embodiment is equally effective with a relatively viscous slurry as with a non-viscous slurry.
  • a first stage is to remove the central current collector 406 of each of the cells via its base portion 408.
  • the base portions 408 of each of the individual cells are joined or integrally formed so as to constitute a single base member, thereby facilitating the removal of all of the central current collectors simultaneously.
  • base portions 408 of the respective central collectors 406 are secured via first reversible actuator means 417 to a platform element 416.
  • the platform element 416 is mounted onto second reversible actuator means 418, thereby permitting removal of the central current collector from each of a plurality of the battery cells simultaneously. As described above, removal of the central current collectors is operative to cause emptying of each of the individual cells of the discharged slurry contained therein as it is engaged and displaced by removal element 410. This is indicated schematically by arrows 405.
  • jets 415 of a fluid are directed between the current collectors so as to flush the slurry therefrom. Fluid jets may also be directed upward into the cells 400 so as to wash any residual discharged 2964
  • a platform element 416 supports a plurality of central current collectors 406, ,as shown, and has mounted thereon a plurality of baths 424.
  • Platform element 416 is typically positioned on the floor of a housing 422 via second reversible actuator means 418.
  • the baths 424 are filled with a volume of charged slurry 426 approximately corresponding to the volume of slurry required to fill associated cells 400.
  • second actuator means 418 are operated so as to displace the platform element 420 upwardly toward the cells 400, until sealing gaskets 427 located on the edges of baths 424 engage a lower surface 425 of the battery bank so as to define a seal therewith.
  • first actuator means 417 are operated so as to displace central current collectors 406 towards cells 400. As the central current collectors are displaced toward the cells, each base portion 408, which is submerged in a volume of charged slurry, applies a generally upward pressure on the charged slurry.
  • sealing means 419 so as to prevent leakage of slurry from cells 400 once the central current collectors 406 have been replaced therein.
  • Suitable sealing means may be rubber gaskets, such as O-rings.

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Abstract

An electrical power storage system for use with an electric vehicle and having one or more rechargeable electrical cells, each cell including outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space. The inner electrode apparatus also includes apparatus for removing at least a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom. There is also provided apparatus for replacing a discharged volume of the electrical power storage medium with a charged volume of the electrical power storage medium.

Description

RECHARGEABLE ELECTRICAL POWER STORAGE UNIT FOR USE IN ELECTRICAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical energy systems generally and more particularly to electrical energy systems incorporating electric vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Over the years, various proposals have been made for electric powered vehicles. To date, for a number of reasons, electric vehicle systems have yet to become commercial for urban and highway applications.
There have been proposals to employ zinc/air batteries for urban vehicle propulsion. An example is the following publication:
Improved slurry zinc/air systems as batteries for urban vehicle propulsion, by P.C. Foller, Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 16 (1986), 527 - 543.
Metal/air battery structures are described in the following publications:
U.S. Patent 4,842,963. entitled Zinc Electrode and Rechargeable Zinc-Air Battery;
U.S. Patent 4,147,839, entitled Electrochemical Cell with Stirred Slurry;
U.S. Patent 4,908,281, entitled Metal/air Battery with Recirculating Electrolyte;
U.S. Patent 3,847.671, entitled Hydraulically- Refuelable Metal-Gas Depolarized Battery System;
U.S. Patent 4,925,744, entitled Primary Aluminum- Air Battery;
U.S. Patent 3,716,413, entitled Rechargeable Electrochemical Power Supply;
SUBSTITUTESHEET - 2 -
U.S. Patent 4,925,744, entitled Primary Aluminum- Air Battery;
Electrical energy storage systems are described in the following publications:
U.S. Patent 4,843,251 entitled Energy Storage and Supply Recirculating Electrolyte;
Energy on Call by John A. Casazza et al. IEEE Spectrum June, 1976, pp 44 - 47.
U.S. Patent 4,275,310, entitled Peak Power Generation; U.S. Patent 4,124,805, entitled Pollution-Free Power Generating and Peak Power Load Shaving System;
U.S. Patent 4,797,566, entitled Energy Storing Apparatus.
The teachings of the foregoing publications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved, rechargeable, electrical power storage cell overcoming disadvantages of known art.
A further aim of the present invention is to provide an electrically powered vehicle utilizing the improved rechargeable power storage cell of the invention and a system for efficiently recharging the storage cell.
There is provided, therefore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an electrical power storage unit having one or more rechargeable electrical cells, each of which includes outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space. The inner electrode apparatus also includes apparatus for removing a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom. 2964
- 3 -
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical power storage unit constitutes a power source for an electrically powered vehicle.
Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the outer electrode apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define the interior space and an opening communicating therewith, and the inner electrode apparatus includes a generally planar current collector member having a first end portion configured to cooperate with the outer electrode members so as to seal the opening, the current collector member also having a second end with which the apparatus for removing is integrally formed.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electrical power storage system including an electrical power storage unit having one or more rechargeable electrical cells, wherein each cell includes outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space. The inner electrode apparatus includes apparatus for removing a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom, and there is also provided apparatus for replacing a discharged volume of the electrical storage medium with a charged volume of the electrical storage medium.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is also provided apparatus for directing a fluid at the inner electrode apparatus so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electrical transport system including an electrically powered vehicle having vehicle drive apparatus; rechargeable electrical power storage ~IMt... 2/02964
- 4 - apparatus electrically coupled to the vehicle drive apparatus, and including one or more rechargeable electrical cells each including outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium, and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space and defining integral apparatus for removing a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom. There is also provided apparatus for replacing a discharged volume of the electrical power storage "medium with a charged volume of the electrical power storage medium.
Further in accordance with the present embodiment, there is also provided apparatus for directing a fluid at the inner electrode apparatus so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an electrical energy system including an electric utility having electricity generation apparatus and distribution lines; a plurality of electric vehicles, each having vehicle drive apparatus; and a rechargeable electrical power storage unit electrically coupled to the vehicle drive apparatus. The rechargeable power storage unit has one or more rechargeable electrical cells, each of which includes outer electrode apparatus configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode apparatus configured for removable insertion within the interior space and defining integral apparatus for removing at least a major portion of the electrical power storage medium from the interior space upon removal of the inner electrode apparatus therefrom. The electrical energy system also includes electric power storage apparatus receiving electrical power from the electric utility and supplying electrical power to each rechargeable electrical power storage unit and to the electric utility when required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustration of an electrical energy system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an electric vehicle battery recharging subsystem forming part of the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 4 is a pictorial block diagram of an electrolyte regeneration facility forming part of the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 5 is a flow-chart of the operation of the regeneration facility of Fig. 4;
Figs. 6 and 7 are general schematic illustrations of two types of electric vehicle useful in the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figs. 8A. 8B and 8C are respective side, top and end view schematic illustrations of the vehicle of Fig. 7. illustrating the general location of major operating systems therein;
Fig. 9 is a partially cut away illustration of the installation of a zinc-air battery in a vehicle of the type illustrated in Fig. 6;
Figs. 10 and 11 are illustrations of two variations of a zinc-air battery suitable for use in electric vehicles; - 6 -
Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a thermal management subsystem useful in the vehicles of Figs. 6 and 7;
Fig. 13 is a pictorial illustration of a multi- cell metering pump assembly useful in the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 14 is an exploded view illustration of an zinc-air battery cell useful in the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a partial sectional illustration of the assembly of the battery cell of Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a pictorial illustration of the battery cell of Fig. 14;
Fig. 17 is an exploded view illustration of assembly of the battery cell of Fig. 14;
Fig. 18 is a pictorial illustration of a zinc air utility storage battery useful in the system of Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 19 is a schematic illustration of the connection of the battery of Fig. 18 in its operating environment;
Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the principal functional components of the battery of Fig. 19;
Figs. 21 and 22 are flow chart illustrations of power station utility battery charging and discharging functions respectively;
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a zinc-air battery cell constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 24 is a schematic illustration of the current collector employed in the battery cell of Fig. 23:
Figs. 25A - 25D are schematic illustrations of stages in the replacement of discharged slurry with charged slurry;
Fig. 26 is a flow chart illustration of the slurry replacement process depicted pictorially in Figs. 25A - 25D; and Fig. 27 is sectional illustration depicting the cleaning of discharged slurry from an array of central current collectors taken in the direction of line 27-27 in Fig. 25C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is now made to Fig. l. which illustrates in generalized block diagram form an electrical system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and including an electrical utility having electricity generation apparatus and distribution lines, a plurality of electric vehicles and electric power storage apparatus receiving electrical power from the electric utility and supplying electrical power to the plurality of electric vehicles and to the electric utility when required.
Illustrated in Fig. 1 is an AC transmission line 10 which is arranged for power transfer via a power conversion unit 12 with a storage battery bank 14 and with a bank of electrolytic cells 16. The electrolytic cells 16 are operative to electrically charge an energy storage slurry, such as a mixture of zinc granules and alkaline potassium hydroxide solution, thereby storing energy therein.
In the illustrated embodiment, discharged slurry is stored in a discharged slurry storage facility 18 and supplied to electrolytic cells 16 via suitable pumps (not shown) . The charged slurry is received in a facility 20 and then stored in storage battery 14 or supplied to electric vehicles 22.
Discharged slurry is received at facility 18 from the electric vehicles 22 and from storage battery 14. The storage battery 14 provides, when necessary or economical, electrical power to transmission line 10 via conversion unit 12.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention, through the synergistic combination of two disparate activities, utility energy storage and electric vehicle operation, each of which is presently uneconomical, provides economical electrical utility off-peak power storage, surge protection, on-peak and super-peak demand power supply, spinning reserve and electric vehicle system.
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which illustrates the system of Fig. 1 in greater detail. As shown in Fig. 2 the AC utility transmission line, here indicated by reference numeral 30 is coupled via a transformer 32 to a power line conditioner 34 which includes high capacity AC to DC and DC to AC converters. Reactive and other line control apparatus 36. such as peak switching in detectors may be associated with the power line conditioner 34.
A DC output of conditioner 34 may be supplied via a slurry reconditioning control circuitry 38 to a slurry reconditioning facility 40. The DC output of conditioner 34 may also be supplied via a charge control unit 42 to a bank of lead acid batteries 44.
Slurry reconditioning facility 40 is operative to provide charged slurry, via slurry pumping apparatus 46 to an electric vehicle refueling station 48, for supply to electric vehicles. Facility 40 is also operative to supply charged slurry via slurry pumping apparatus 46 to a zinc air battery 50. Charged slurry from facility 40 may also be stored in a charged slurry storage tank 52.
Discharged slurry removed from electric vehicles is supplied from electric vehicle refueling station 48 to a discharged slurry storage tank 54 and is supplied at appropriate times to facility 40 by slurry pumping apparatus 46. Normally recharging of slurry is carried out by facility 40 during offpeak times for utility supplied electricity.
Electrical power may be drawn from battery 50 when needed, and supplied via discharge control circuitry 56, power line conditioner 34 and transformer 32 to the utility
ET via power line 30. Normally power is supplied to the utility from battery 50 at times of peak power consumption.
Electrical power may be drawn from battery 44 when needed, and supplied via discharge control circuitry 58, power line conditioner 34 and transformer 32 to the utility via power line 30. Normally power transfers between battery 44 and utility power line 30 take place in order to balance the impedance of the power line 30, to absorb short term peaks and shortfalls, typically having a time constant of less than one-half hour.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which is a pictorial illustration of an electric vehicle refueling station, such as station 48 (Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 3, the refueling station includes a plurality of drain units 60 which are operative to remove discharged slurry from electric vehicles 62. The discharged slurry is supplied to discharged slurry storage tank 54 (Fig. 2) .
Automatic moving platforms 64 are preferably provided for moving the electric vehicles 62 from the drain units 60 to charged slurry supply units 66, which supply charged slurry from charged slurry storage tank 52 to the electric vehicles 62.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4. which illustrates a electrolytic reprocessing subsystem, which is indicated generally by reference numeral 16 in Fig. 1. Discharged slurry, here of the composition: unreacted zinc granules, zinc oxide and alkaline potassium hydroxide solution, stored in tanks 74, is supplied to a bank of electrolytic baths 78, such as modified alkaline zinc plating baths with scrapers for periodically removing zinc deposits thereon. Baths 78 receive an electrical input from power conversion unit 12 (Fig. l).
Freshly generated zinc mixed with alkaline potassium hydroxide solution is pumped from electrolytic baths 78 to a zinc treatment facility 80, such as a classifier for particle sizing, which provides a purified zinc output to a storage tank 82.. KOH is received from electrolytic baths 78 and is supplied to a holding tank 84. The contents of tanks 82 and 84 are supplied to a formulation tank 86 in which they are combined to provide a recharged slurry. The recharged slurry is stored in a storage tank 88.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which describes the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 4. It is see that the discharged electrolyte slurry containing Zn, ZnO, Zno2= and KOH has its concentration adjusted by the addition of KOH. Subsequently, the discharged electrolyte having a predetermined concentration undergoes separation and reduction, the KOH being removed to a KOH storage tank such as tank 86 (Fig. 4) and the solids being supplied to a zinc storage facility, such as tank 82 (Fig. 4) . The zinc is supplied to a reformulation facility such as tank 84 (Fig. 4) in which KOH and other additives are added to the zinc to provide a regenerated slurry which is stored as in tank 88 (Fig. 4).
Reference is now made to Fig. 6. which illustrates a typical electric car, including a zinc air battery 100. As seen with greater particularity in Fig. 9, the zinc-air battery 100 is typically located centrally along the longitudinal axis of the car and is mounted on frame rails 102. Provision is made for distilled water dropping tubes 104 and a scrubbed air flow channel 106 within an air tight enclosure 108, which surrounds the battery cells 110. Enclosure 108 is typically covered by thermal and acoustic insulation 112. The structure of the battery and its function may be based on known principles and designs which are set forth, inter alia in the references cited in the Background of the Invention section hereinabove, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Reference is now made to Figs. 7, 8A, 8B and 8C which illustrate the general configuration of an electric driven van useful in the present invention. As seen in Fig. 7, the van is provided with two zinc-air battery banks 120 and 122 on opposite sides of the body. An auxiliary lead- acid battery 124 is preferably provided in addition. A power switching system 126 governs the supply of power to and from the various batteries.
Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C also illustrate preferred locations of a 12 volt vehicle utility battery 128, a traction motor and drive 130, a cabin heater 132, and a DMS (Driving Management System) 134.
Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which illustrates one embodiment of zinc-air battery suitable for powering an electric vehicle. The battery includes a multiplicity of cells 140 which are arranged in association with a slurry filling port 142, a slurry drain port 144 as well as coolant inlets and outlets 146 and 148 respectively and treated air inlets and outlets 150 and 152 respectively.
An alternative battery configuration is illustrated in Fig. 11 and includes a multiplicity of cells 160 which are arranged in association with a slurry filling port 162, a slurry drain port 164 as well as coolant inlets and outlets 166 and 168 respectively and treated air inlets and outlets 170 and 172 respectively.
Fig. 12 illustrates a thermal management arrangement for an electric vehicle battery of the type illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. The battery is indicated by reference numeral 180. A coolant passes therethrough as indicated in solid lines. Temperature sensors 182 and 184 are located respectively at the coolant inlets and outlets to the battery 180.
Heated coolant from the battery 180 is supplied via a circulating pump assembly 186 via a cabin heating system 188, for heating of the vehicle cabin as necessary and via a radiator assembly 190 for cooling of the coolant.
Operation of the entire system is governed by a suitable battery thermal control units, which receives inputs from temperature sensors 182 and 184 as well as from 02964
- 12 - a temperature sensor 196 associated with the cabin heating system 188 and provides control outputs to cabin heat system fan motor 198 and radiator fan motor 200 as well as control inputs to the fuel heater 194, pump 186, and a cabin heating system input valve 202 and a radiator input valve 204.
Reference is now made to Fig. 13. which illustrates a typical arrangement for metering the supply and drain of slurry in a battery unit. The apparatus shown in Fig. 13 includes a recharged slurry tank 206, which outputs into a manifold 212 having a plurality of outlets 214, each of which is supplied with a non-return valve 216 and communicates with a battery cell 218. Draining of slurry from the battery cells 218 takes place via an outlet manifold arrangement 220 including non-return valves 222 for each cell. A common drain conduit 224 is provided for removal of discharged slurry.
Reference is now made to Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17 which describe the construction of a modular zinc air battery according to the present invention. It is seen that each cell includes a plastic frame 250, a current collector 252, typically formed of nickel mesh, an air electrode 254, typically formed of a wet-proofed, catalyzed carbon layer formed on the nickel mesh, a separator 256, typically formed of non-woven porous nylon, a plastic frame 258, a central current collector 260, typically formed of nickel plated copper, a plastic frame 262, a separator 264, typically formed of non-woven porous nylon, an air electrode 266, typically formed of a wet-proofed, catalyzed carbon layer bonded to nickel mesh, a current collector 268 typically formed of nickel mesh, and a plastic frame 270, typically formed of polypropylene.
Fig. 15 illustrates a section of an individual cell taken through its narrowest dimension, Fig. 16 illustrates such a cell in a partially cut away illustration, and Fig. 17 shows a cell assembly in exploded view.
SUBSTITUTESHEET Reference is now made to Figs. 18, 19 and 20 which illustrate the general configuration of a zinc-air utility storage battery. It is noted that the battery comprises a multiplicity of cells 300, each containing, inter alia an air electrode 301 and a current collector 303, connected in series. Air is supplied from the outside atmosphere by a blower 302 via a C02 scrubber 304.
Slurry is pumped to and from the cells 300 by pumps 306. Thermal management apparatus 308 is provided as is a water humidifier 310. Apparatus 308 is operative to ensure optimum operating temperatures for the battery irrespective of the local ambient temperature and deals with parasitic heat generated by the battery during discharge. Humidifier 310 is operative to control the humidity of the incoming air to the battery and prevents slurry dry-out.
Reference is now made to Figs. 21 and 22 which illustrate the function of the utility battery during respective charging and discharging operations. During charging, AC line power is supplied via a transformer 320, rectifier 322 and control unit 324 to the battery.
During discharge, as illustrated in Fig. 22. power from the battery 300 is supplied via control unit 324, AC converting unit 336 and transformer 320 to the AC line.
Reference is now made to Figs. 23 - 26, in which there are illustrated a battery cell construction and apparatus for replacing discharged slurry therein with charged slurry, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that discharged slurry has a much greater viscosity than charged slurry, and that it may, therefore, be useful to provide a direct mechanical method of removing discharged slurry from a battery cell, wherein the effectiveness of the method is not significantly influenced by the viscosity of the slurry.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that the herein-described rechargeable multicell battery is intended for installation, inter alia, in battery banks 120 and 122 (Figs. 7 - 8B) of an electrically powered vehicle.
In accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, and with particular reference to Fig. 23, there is illustrated a zinc-air battery cell, referenced generally 400, constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Battery cell 400 includes a pair of plastic frame members 402 typically formed of polypropylene, each supporting an outer electrode unit 404 substantially as described and shown in conjunction with Fig. 14. Accordingly, each unit 404 includes an outer current collector typically formed of nickel mesh; an air electrode, typically formed of a wet-proofed, catalyzed carbon layer bonded to nickel mesh; a porous separator, typically formed of non-woven porous nylon; and a plastic frame, A central current collector 406 is also provided.
Referring now also to Fig. 24, there is provided a cover or base portion 408 located at a bottom end of the central current collector 406, and a slurry removal element 410 located at a top end of the central current collector. As illustrated in Fig. 23, the slurry contained within an interior storage space 411 of cell 400 is confined between the outer electrode units 404 and between the removal element 410 and the base portion 408 of the central current collector 406.
According to the illustrated embodiment, removal element 410 is a relatively rigid flange member attached to the top end of central current collector 406 such that when the central current collector is removed from the cell 400, element 410 is operative to directly engage and thus displace the bulk of the slurry contained within space 411 to the exterior. It will thus be appreciated that the slurry removal apparatus of the present embodiment is equally effective with a relatively viscous slurry as with a non-viscous slurry.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET Referring now to Figs. 25A - 26, a process of removing discharged slurry from a multi-cell battery arrangement mounted in a housing 412 of one of the battery banks 120 or 122 of the body of a vehicle, such as shown and described above in conjunction with Figs. 7 - 8B, and subsequent cleaning and filling of each of the battery cells, is described below, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. A first stage is to remove the central current collector 406 of each of the cells via its base portion 408. According to one embodiment, the base portions 408 of each of the individual cells are joined or integrally formed so as to constitute a single base member, thereby facilitating the removal of all of the central current collectors simultaneously.
Referring now particularly to Fig. 25B, base portions 408 of the respective central collectors 406 are secured via first reversible actuator means 417 to a platform element 416.
The platform element 416 is mounted onto second reversible actuator means 418, thereby permitting removal of the central current collector from each of a plurality of the battery cells simultaneously. As described above, removal of the central current collectors is operative to cause emptying of each of the individual cells of the discharged slurry contained therein as it is engaged and displaced by removal element 410. This is indicated schematically by arrows 405.
Depending on the viscosity of the discharged slurry, a large proportion of the discharged slurry removed from cells 400 may remain between adjacent central current collectors 406 as they are withdrawn from the cells. Accordingly, as illustrated schematically in Figs. 25C and 27, jets 415 of a fluid, typically water or KOH, are directed between the current collectors so as to flush the slurry therefrom. Fluid jets may also be directed upward into the cells 400 so as to wash any residual discharged 2964
- 16 - slurry therefrom. The removed discharged slurry is conveyed away for reconditioning as described hereinabove.
Reference is now made to Fig. 25D, in which is illustrated the step of refilling of the cells with charged slurry. A platform element 416 supports a plurality of central current collectors 406, ,as shown, and has mounted thereon a plurality of baths 424. Platform element 416 is typically positioned on the floor of a housing 422 via second reversible actuator means 418.
Initially, the baths 424 are filled with a volume of charged slurry 426 approximately corresponding to the volume of slurry required to fill associated cells 400.
Subsequently, second actuator means 418 are operated so as to displace the platform element 420 upwardly toward the cells 400, until sealing gaskets 427 located on the edges of baths 424 engage a lower surface 425 of the battery bank so as to define a seal therewith. Subsequently, first actuator means 417 are operated so as to displace central current collectors 406 towards cells 400. As the central current collectors are displaced toward the cells, each base portion 408, which is submerged in a volume of charged slurry, applies a generally upward pressure on the charged slurry. As baths 424 are sealed to lower surface 425 of the battery banks by gaskets 427, slurry subject to the described upward pressure is forced upward into the interior space 411 of each the cells, as depicted by arrows 431, while each central current collector 406 is reinserted into its cell. Preferably, there are also provided sealing means 419 so as to prevent leakage of slurry from cells 400 once the central current collectors 406 have been replaced therein. Suitable sealing means may be rubber gaskets, such as O-rings.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather
UTE SHE' the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow:

Claims

CLAIMS,
1. An electrical power storage unit having at least one rechargeable electrical cell, each said cell comprising: outer electrode means configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode means configured for removable insertion within said interior space and defining integral means for removing at least a major portion of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space upon removal of said inner electrode means therefrom.
2. An electrical power storage unit according to claim 1, and wherein said outer electrode means comprises first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define said interior space and an opening communicating therewith, and said inner electrode means comprises a generally planar current collector member having a first end portion configured to cooperate with said outer electrode members so as to seal said opening, said current collector member also having a second end with which said means for removing is integrally formed.
3. An electrical power storage unit according to claim 2, and wherein said means for removing comprises flange means arranged across said interior space.
4. An electrical power storage unit according to claim 1, and wherein said rechargeable electrical power storage medium is a liquid medium.
5. An electrical power storage unit according to claim 4 and wherein said liquid medium is a metal/air slurry.
6. An electrical power storage unit according to claim 1, and wherein said at least one rechargeable cell comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells.
7. An electrical power storage system comprising:
SU an electrical power storage unit having at least one rechargeable electrical cell which comprises: outer electrode means configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode means configured for removable insertion within said interior space and defining integral means for removing at least a major portion of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space upon removal of said inner electrode means therefrom; and means for replacing a discharged volume of said electrical storage medium with a charged volume of said electrical storage medium.
8. An electrical power storage system according to claim 7. and wherein said outer electrode means comprises first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define said interior space and an opening communicating with said space, and said inner electrode means comprises a generally planar electrode element having a first end portion configured to cooperate with said outer electrode members so as to seal said opening, said electrode element also having a second end portion with which said means for removing is integrally formed.
9. An electrical power storage system according to claim 8, and wherein said means for removing comprises flange means arranged across said interior space.
10. An electrical power storage system according to claim 7, and wherein said rechargeable electrical power storage medium is a liquid medium.
11. An electrical power storage system according to claim 10, and wherein said liquid medium is a metal/air slurry.
12. An electrical power storage system according to claim 7, and wherein said at least one rechargeable cell comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells.
13. An electrical power storage system according to claim 8, and wherein said means for replacing comprises: means for removing said inner electrode means from said interior space, so as to remove at least a major portion of said discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space; and means for filling said interior space with a volume of charged electrical power storage medium.
14. An electrical power storage system according to claim 13, and wherein said means for filling said interior space also includes means for replacing said inner electrode means in said interior space upon filling thereof with said charged electrical power storage medium.
15. An electrical power storage system according to claim 13, and wherein said means for replacing also comprises means for directing a fluid at said inner electrode means so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
16. An electrical power storage system according to claim 15, and wherein said means for directing a fluid at said inner electrode means comprises means for directing jets of a cleansing fluid thereat.
17. An electrical power storage system according to claim 13, and wherein said means for replacing also comprises means for removing residues of said discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium from said outer electrode means.
18. Electrically powered transport apparatus comprising: an electrically powered vehicle having vehicle drive means; and rechargeable electrical power storage means electrically coupled to said vehicle drive means, and including at least one rechargeable electrical cell, each said cell comprising: outer electrode means configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode means configured for removable insertion within said interior space and defining integral means for removing at least a major portion of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space upon removal of said inner electrode means therefrom.
19. Transport apparatus according to claim 18, and wherein and wherein said outer electrode means comprises first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define said interior space and an opening communicating therewith, and said inner electrode means comprises a generally planar current collector member having a first end portion configured to cooperate with said outer electrode members so as to seal said opening, said current collector member also having a second end with which said means for removing is integrally formed.
20. Transport apparatus according to claim 19, and wherein said means for removing comprises flange means arranged across said interior space.
21. Transport apparatus according to claim 18, and wherein said rechargeable electrical power storage medium is a liquid medium.
22. Transport apparatus according to claim 21, and wherein said liquid medium is a metal/air slurry.
23. Transport apparatus according to claim 18, and wherein said at least one rechargeable cell comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells.
24. An electrical transport system comprising: an electrically powered vehicle having vehicle drive means; rechargeable electrical power storage means electrically coupled to said vehicle drive means, and including at least one rechargeable electrical cell, each said cell comprising: outer electrode means configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode means configured for removable insertion within said interior space and defining integral means for removing at least a major portion of said e.lectrical power storage medium from said interior space upon removal of said inner electrode means therefrom; and means for replacing a discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium with a charged volume of said electrical power storage medium.
25. An electrical transport system according to claim
24, and wherein said outer electrode means comprises first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define said interior space and an opening communicating with said space, and said inner electrode means comprises a generally planar electrode element having a first end portion configured to cooperate with said outer electrode members so as to seal said opening, said electrode element also having a second end portion with which said means for removing is integrally formed.
26. An electrical transport system according to claim
25, and wherein said means for removing comprises flange means arranged across said interior space.
27. An electrical transport system according to claim 24, and wherein said rechargeable electrical power storage medium is a liquid medium.
28. An electrical transport system according to claim 27, and wherein said liquid medium is a metal/air slurry.
29. An electrical transport system according to claim 24, and wherein said at least one rechargeable cell comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells.
HEET
30. An electrical transport system according to claim 25, and wherein said means for replacing comprises: means for removing said inner electrode means from said interior space, so as to remove at least a major portion of said discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space; and means for filling said interior space with a volume of charged electrical power storage medium.
31. An electrical transport system according to claim 30, and wherein said means for filling said interior space also includes means for replacing said inner electrode means in said interior space upon filling thereof with said charged electrical power storage medium.
32. An electrical transport system according to claim 30, and wherein said means for replacing also comprises means for directing a fluid at said inner electrode means so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
33. An electrical transport system according to claim 32, and wherein said means for directing a fluid at said inner electrode means comprises means for directing jets of a cleansing fluid thereat.
34. An electrical transport system according to claim 30, and wherein said means for replacing also comprises means for removing residues of said discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium from said outer electrode means.
35. An electrical energy system comprising: an electric utility having electricity generation apparatus and distribution lines; a plurality of electric vehicles, each having vehicle drive means; a rechargeable electrical power storage unit electrically coupled to said vehicle drive means, and including at least one rechargeable electrical cell, each said cell comprising: outer electrode means configured to define an interior storage space for a rechargeable electrical power storage medium; and inner electrode means configured for removable insertion within said interior space and defining integral means for removing at least a major portion of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space upon removal of said inner electrode means therefrom; and electric power storage means receiving electrical power from the electric utility and supplying electrical power to each said rechargeable electrical power storage unit and to the electric utility when required.
36. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said outer electrode means comprises first and second spaced apart generally planar outer electrode members arranged so as to define said interior space and an opening communicating with said space, and said inner electrode means comprises a generally planar electrode element having a first end portion configured to cooperate with said outer electrode members so as to seal said opening, said electrode element also having a second end portion with which said means for removing is integrally formed.
37. An electrical energy system according to claim 36, and wherein said means for removing comprises flange means arranged across said interior space.
38. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said rechargeable electrical power storage medium is a liquid medium.
39. An electrical energy system according to claim 38, and wherein said liquid medium is a metal/air slurry.
40. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said at least one rechargeable cell comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells.
41. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and also including means for replacing a discharged volume
HEET of said electrical power storage medium with a charged volume of said electrical power storage medium.
42. An electrical energy system according to claim 41, and wherein said means for replacing comprises: means for removing said inner electrode means from said interior space, so as to remove at least a major portion of said discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium from said interior space; and means for filling said interior space with a volume of charged electrical power storage medium.
43. An electrical energy system according to claim 42, and wherein said means for filling said interior space also includes means for replacing said inner electrode means in said interior space upon filling thereof with said charged electrical power storage medium.
44. An electrical energy system according to claim 42, and wherein said means for replacing also comprises means for directing a fluid at said inner electrode means so as to remove discharged electrical power storage medium therefrom.
45. An electrical energy system according to claim 44, and wherein said means for directing a fluid at said inner electrode means comprises means for directing jets of a cleansing fluid thereat.
46. An electrical energy system according to claim 42, and wherein said means for replacing also comprises means for removing residues of said discharged volume of said electrical power storage medium from said outer electrode means.
47. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said electric power storage means is operative to receive electrical power from the electrical utility at off-peak times and to provide electrical power to the electrical utility at peak demand times.
48. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said electric power storage means includes surge switching means for enabling the electric power storage apparatus to absorb undesired power surges from the electrical utility in real time or near real time.
49. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said electric power storage means is operative to provide electrical power to the electrical utility at peak and super peak demand.
50. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said electric power storage means is operative to provide electrical power to the electrical utility at real or near real time to serve as a spinning reserve.
51. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and wherein said electric power storage means includes electrical power storage units employing a liquid-like metal/air slurry as a rechargeable electrical energy storage medium.
52. An electrical energy system according to claim 51, and wherein said electrical power storage units coupled to said vehicle drive means are employed for relatively more frequent charging and discharging, while said electrical power storage units of said electric power storage means are employed for less frequent charging and discharging.
53. An electrical energy system according to claim 35, and also comprising an electric vehicle recharging depot including apparatus for removing discharged slurry from vehicles and supplying it to a storage facility to await off-peak recharging and means for supplying recharged slurry to vehicles from the electric power storage apparatus.
PCT/US1991/005325 1990-07-27 1991-07-29 Rechargeable electrical power storage unit for use in electrical transport system WO1992002964A1 (en)

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