CN111430632A - metal fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a metal fuel cell, comprising a casing, a cover plate and a plurality of battery cells. The casing and the cover plate are detachably sealed and connected, and the casing is provided with a plurality of grooves for fixing the battery cells. , the space between the adjacent grooves is maintained, the space between the adjacent grooves of the casing is provided with ventilation holes, the battery cells are embedded in the grooves, and a plurality of battery cells are fixed in parallel in the casing. The bodies are connected in series through conductive connectors; the battery cell includes a single shell, a single cover, a cathode film, an electrolyte and a metal anode plate, and the cathode film is fixed on both sides of the single shell, and the single shell and the cathode film form an electrolyte cavity, the monomer shell and the monomer cover are detachably sealed and connected, the metal anode plate is fixed on the monomer cover, the metal anode plate is inserted into the electrolyte in the electrolyte cavity, and the monomer cover is provided with an inlet that communicates with the electrolyte cavity. The liquid inlet is covered with a waterproof and breathable sheet. The metal fuel cell of the invention is firm and reliable, is convenient for hydrogen discharge, and has good comprehensive performance.

Description

metal fuel cell

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of batteries, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a metal fuel cell.

Background technique

Metal fuel cell, as the name suggests, is a new type of battery that uses metal and air as battery materials. Metal fuel cells are composed of multiple battery cells in series. In the battery cells, metals such as magnesium, aluminum, and zinc are used as negative electrodes, oxygen is used as positive electrodes, and lye or salts are used as electrolytes to generate electricity by redox.

Taking the aluminum-air battery as an example, there are two kinds of aluminum-air batteries commonly used at present: one is the circulating electrolyte aluminum-air battery, which has high integration and high discharge power, and is often used as a backup power generation device, which is a substitute for diesel generator sets; The other is the non-circulating electrolyte aluminum-air battery, such as the aluminum-air batteries disclosed in patent application CN107579187A and patent application CN110137632A, both of which have relatively high energy density and are often used as large-capacity portable power sources. In the application of large-capacity portable power sources, the aluminum-air battery needs to be specially designed in its structure because it needs air to participate in the reaction.

In the patent application CN110137632A, bipolar electrodes are used to reduce the volume of the battery, but because the contact area between the cathode film and the air in the cavity is limited, and the contact surface between the electrolyte and the positive and negative electrodes is limited and not fixed, it is very difficult. It is difficult to achieve the desired discharge effect and discharge stability.

Moreover, in the existing non-circulating electrolyte aluminum-air battery, multiple battery cells are often fixed by gluing or lacing, the gluing fixing method is not firm, and the lacing fixing method is not easy to replace .

On the other hand, if the battery cell is well sealed, it will be difficult to release the hydrogen gas precipitated by the battery reaction, which is a safety hazard; if the battery cell is not well sealed, it will cause the risk of liquid leakage; these problems limit the portable metal fuel The application and development of batteries.

In view of the limited contact area between the cathode film of the metal fuel cell and the air, the limited and unfixed contact surface between the electrolyte and the positive and negative electrodes, the unstable fixation between multiple battery cells, and the safety hazards caused by the sealing performance of the battery cells, etc. , a metal fuel cell with improved discharge effect, discharge stability and safety is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problems caused by the limited contact area between the cathode film and the air of the existing metal fuel cell, the limited and unfixed contact surface between the electrolyte and the positive and negative electrodes, the weak fixing between multiple battery cells, and the sealing performance of the battery cells. In view of potential safety hazards and other problems, the present invention innovatively provides a metal fuel cell, which is firm and reliable, easy to discharge hydrogen, and has good overall performance.

In order to achieve the above technical purpose, the present invention discloses a metal fuel cell, comprising: a casing, a cover plate and a plurality of battery cells, the casing and the cover plate are detachably sealed and connected, and the cover plate An anode lead-out point and a cathode lead-out point are arranged on the casing, and a plurality of grooves for fixing the battery cells are arranged on the casing, and the adjacent grooves are spaced apart. There are ventilation holes in the space between the two batteries, the battery cells are embedded in the grooves, a plurality of the battery cells are fixed in the casing in parallel, and the plurality of battery cells are connected in series through conductive connectors, and a plurality of the battery cells are connected in series. The negative electrode formed by the series connection of battery cells is electrically connected to the anode lead point, and the positive electrode formed by the series connection of a plurality of battery cells is electrically connected to the cathode lead point;

The battery cell includes a single shell, a single cover, a cathode film, an electrolyte and a metal anode plate, the cathode film is fixed on both sides of the single shell, the single shell and the cathode film An electrolyte cavity is formed, the monomer shell and the monomer cover are detachably and sealedly connected, the metal anode plate is fixed on the monomer cover, and the metal anode plate is inserted into the electrolyte in the electrolyte cavity Among them, a liquid inlet communicated with the electrolyte cavity is opened on the monomer cover, and the liquid inlet is covered with a waterproof and breathable sheet.

Further, the cathode film is connected with conductive tabs, the top of the single cover is fixed with an anode conductor and a cathode conductor, the anode conductor is fixedly connected with the metal anode plate, and the cathode conductor is connected with the anode conductor. The conductive electrodes on both sides of the electrolyte chamber are connected.

Further, the cathode conductor is connected to the conductive tabs on both sides of the electrolyte cavity through conductive elastic sheets, the conductive elastic sheets are U-shaped, and the conductive elastic sheets include a horizontal sheet and two vertical sheets. The horizontal piece of the elastic sheet is fixed between the cathode conductor and the monomer cover, and the two vertical pieces of the conductive elastic sheet are respectively in contact with the conductive electrodes on both sides of the electrolyte chamber.

Further, the anode conductors and cathode conductors of a plurality of the battery cells are alternately arranged, the conductive connectors are U-shaped, the first ends of the conductive connectors are connected to the anode conductors, and the conductive connectors The second end is connected to the adjacent cathode conductors in the same row.

Further, the conductive connectors are respectively clamped with the anode conductor and the cathode conductor.

Further, after a plurality of battery cells are connected in series, the anode conductor that is not connected to the conductive connector is clamped to the anode lead-out point, and the cathode conductor that is not connected to the conductive connector is connected to the cathode lead-out point after the plurality of battery cells are connected in series. Card access.

Further, the anode conductor and the metal anode plate are integrally formed.

Further, the upper cover of the liquid inlet is provided with a screw cap, the screw cap is provided with a through hole communicating with the liquid inlet, the waterproof and breathable sheet is fixed inside the screw cap, and the waterproof and breathable sheet is between the liquid inlet and the through hole.

Further, the waterproof and breathable sheet is a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet.

Further, a cover plate is detachably connected to the casing, and the cover plate is provided with an anode lead-out point and a cathode lead-out point. After a plurality of battery cells are connected in series, the anode conductor of the conductive connector is not connected to the anode. The lead-out point is clamped, and after a plurality of battery cells are connected in series, the cathode conductor that is not connected to the conductive connector is clamped and connected to the cathode lead-out point.

Further, the cathode membrane includes a catalytic layer, a current collector and a waterproof and breathable layer sequentially arranged from the inside to the outside, the catalytic layer is in contact with the electrolyte, and the current collector is connected to the conductive tabs.

The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

(1) The battery cells of the metal fuel cell provided by the present invention maintain an interval, and the ventilation holes on the casing can ensure that a sufficient amount of air enters the interval between the battery cells, and the entering air contacts the cathode film and participates in chemical reactions. , both sides of the battery cell are provided with cathode films to increase the contact area with the air.

(2) both sides of the battery cell of the metal fuel cell provided by the present invention are provided with cathode films to increase the contact area between the electrolyte and the cathode; the metal anode plate is inserted into the electrolyte to increase the contact area between the electrolyte and the anode ; Improve the discharge effect. The cathode film and the monomer shell form an electrolyte cavity, and the metal anode plate is fixed on the monomer cover. The fixing method is stable and improves the discharge stability.

(3) The battery cells of the metal fuel cell provided by the present invention are connected by conductive connectors, and the conductive connectors are respectively clamped to the anode conductor and the cathode conductor, and the connection is firm and easy to replace.

(4) The liquid inlet of the metal fuel cell provided by the present invention is covered with a waterproof and breathable sheet, which facilitates the release of hydrogen produced by the reaction and avoids the leakage of the electrolyte in the electrolyte cavity, thereby solving the design problem of battery cell sealing.

(5) In the metal fuel cell provided by the present invention, the anode conductor and the anode lead-out point are clamped, and the cathode conductor and the cathode lead-out point are clamped, which is convenient for disassembly and installation.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a metal fuel cell.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the structure of the casing.

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the connection relationship between the metal fuel cell casing and the battery cell.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a battery cell.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection relationship between the liquid inlet, the screw cap and the waterproof and breathable sheet.

In the figure,

1. Shell; 2. Battery cell; 3. Groove; 4. Ventilation hole; 5. Conductive connector; 6. Monolithic shell; 7. Monolithic cover; 8. Cathode film; 9. Metal anode plate; 10. Liquid inlet; 11. Waterproof and breathable sheet; 12. Conductive electrode ear; 13. Anode conductor; 14. Cathode conductor; 15. Conductive spring sheet; 19. Anode lead-out point; 20. Cathode lead-out point.

Detailed ways

The metal fuel cell provided by the present invention will be explained and described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, this embodiment specifically discloses a metal fuel cell, comprising: a casing 1, a cover plate 18 and a plurality of battery cells 2, as shown in Figure 1, the casing 1 and the cover The plate 18 is detachably sealed and connected, and the cover plate 18 is provided with an anode lead-out point 19 and a cathode lead-out point 20 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the casing 1 is provided with a plurality of grooves 3 for fixing the battery cells 2 . Preferably, grooves can be set on one of the side walls of the casing 1 ; The two opposite side walls of the battery are provided with grooves, and the two opposite grooves 3 are a group to fix one battery cell 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , during installation, the battery cells 2 can be directly inserted into the casing 1 and snapped into the grooves 3 . The adjacent grooves 3 on the same side wall are kept at intervals, and the interval between the adjacent grooves 3 of the casing 1 is provided with a ventilation hole 4, and the battery cells 2 are embedded in the grooves 3, so that a plurality of battery cells are formed. The bodies 2 are fixed in parallel in the casing 1, and a gap is maintained between the adjacent battery cells 2. The air entering from the ventilation hole 4 enters the gap between the battery cells. The ventilation hole 4 can ensure that a sufficient amount of air enters the battery cells. In the gap between the bodies, both sides of the battery cells 2 can be in contact with the air, which increases the contact area with the air. A plurality of battery cells 2 are connected in series through the conductive connectors 5. The negative electrode is electrically connected to the anode lead-out point 19 , and the positive electrode formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells 2 in series is electrically connected to the cathode lead-out point 20 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the battery cell 2 includes a cell shell 6, a cell cover 7, a cathode film 8, an electrolyte and a metal anode plate 9. The cathode film 8 is fixed on both sides of the cell shell 6, and the two cathodes The membranes 8 can all be in contact with the air, and the air participates in the chemical reaction of the battery on the cathode membrane; the single shell 6 and the cathode membrane 8 form an electrolyte cavity, the single shell 6 and the single cover 7 are detachably sealed and connected, and the metal anode plate 9 Fixed on the monomer cover 7, the metal anode plate 9 is inserted into the electrolyte in the electrolyte cavity to increase the contact area between the electrolyte and the anode, and the monomer cover 7 is provided with a liquid inlet 10 that communicates with the electrolyte cavity, The number of liquid inlets 10 is one or more, the liquid inlet 10 is used to add electrolyte into the electrolyte cavity, the liquid inlet 10 is covered with a waterproof breathable sheet 11, and the waterproof breathable sheet 11 is used for the hydrogen gas precipitated by the reaction. discharge, while avoiding the leakage of the electrolyte in the electrolyte cavity, which solves the design problem of the sealing performance of the battery cell.

The cathode film 8 is connected with the conductive lugs 12, the top of the single cover 7 is fixed with an anode conductor 13 and a cathode conductor 14, the anode conductor 13 is fixedly connected with the metal anode plate 9, and the cathode conductor 14 is connected to both sides of the electrolyte cavity. The conductive tabs 12 are connected to each other, that is, the anode conductor 13 is electrically connected to the metal anode plate 9 , and the cathode conductor 14 is electrically connected to the conductive tab 12 .

Preferably, the anode conductor 13 and the metal anode plate 9 are integrally formed, so that the metal anode plate 9 is fixed firmly and the discharge stability of the battery is improved. In this embodiment, the metal anode plate is a magnesium anode plate, an aluminum anode plate or a zinc anode plate.

The cathode conductor 14 is connected to the conductive electrode ears 12 on both sides of the electrolyte cavity through the conductive elastic sheet 15. The conductive elastic sheet 15 is U-shaped. The conductive elastic sheet 15 includes a horizontal sheet and two vertical sheets. The horizontal sheet of the conductive elastic sheet 15 is fixed on the cathode. Between the conductor 14 and the cell cover 7 , the two vertical pieces of the conductive elastic sheet 15 are respectively in contact with the conductive tabs 12 on both sides of the electrolyte cavity, so that the cathode conductor 14 is electrically connected to the cathode film 8 .

The cathode film 8 includes a catalytic layer, a current collector and a waterproof and breathable layer which are arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside; the waterproof and breathable layer is in contact with the air, which can ensure the smooth entry of air and prevent leakage of the electrolyte; the catalytic layer is in contact with the electrolyte to provide three-phase The interface catalyzes the cathode reaction at the same time; the current collector is located between the waterproof and breathable layer and the catalytic layer, and is used to export the electric charge generated by the cathode reaction.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the anode conductors 13 and the cathode conductors 14 of the plurality of battery cells 2 are arranged in a staggered manner, that is, when the battery cells 2 are embedded in the casing, the battery cells and the battery cells are installed in one front and one reverse. , to prevent the conductive elastic sheets 15 from touching each other. The conductive connector 5 is U-shaped, the first end of the conductive connector 5 is connected to the anode conductor 13, and the second end of the conductive connector 5 is connected to the adjacent cathode conductor 14 in the same row, reducing the length of the conductive connector 5 , and easy to install. Preferably, the conductive connector 5 is clamped with the anode conductor 13 and the cathode conductor 14 respectively. For example, the anode conductor 13 and the cathode conductor 14 are cylindrical, the vertical section of the conductive connector 5 is cylindrical, and the conductive connector 5 The first end of the cathode conductor 14 is inserted into the anode conductor 13, and the second end of the cathode conductor 14 is inserted into the cathode conductor 14, which is firmly fixed and easy to disassemble and replace. The anode conductor, the cathode conductor and the conductive connector can also be designed as other snap-fit structures.

After a plurality of battery cells 2 are connected in series, the anode conductor 13 of the conductive connector 5 is not connected to the anode lead-out point 19, and the cathode conductor 14 of the conductive connector 5 is not connected to the cathode lead-out point after the plurality of battery cells 2 are connected in series. 20 clip connection, that is, the anode conductor 13 of the unconnected conductive connector 5 at the end of the plurality of battery cells in series is the negative electrode, and the unconnected conductive connector 5 at the end of the plurality of battery cells in series. The cathode conductor 14 is the positive electrode, the negative electrode formed by the series connection of a plurality of battery cells 2 is electrically connected to the anode lead-out point 19, and the positive electrode formed by the series connection of the plurality of battery cells 2 is electrically connected to the cathode lead-out point 20, so that the generated electric charge is lead out.

The anode conductor is clamped with the anode lead point, and the cathode conductor is clamped with the cathode lead point, which is convenient for disassembly and installation. Preferably, the anode conductor 13 and the cathode conductor 14 are cylindrical, the anode lead-out point can be directly sleeved outside the anode conductor 13, and the cathode lead-out point can be directly sleeved outside the cathode conductor 14, or the anode lead-out point can be directly sleeved outside the cathode conductor 14. The lead-out point is inserted into the anode conductor 13 and the cathode lead-out point is inserted into the cathode conductor 14, which are directly clamped in place in one step, which is convenient for disassembly and installation.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the upper cover of the liquid inlet 10 is provided with a screw cover 16 , the screw cover 16 is provided with a through hole 17 communicating with the liquid inlet 10 , the waterproof and breathable sheet 11 is fixed inside the screw cover 16 , and the screw cover 16 The waterproof breathable 11 is fixed on the liquid inlet 10, and the waterproof breathable sheet 11 is located between the liquid inlet 10 and the through hole 17, and the hydrogen gas precipitated by the reaction is discharged while avoiding the leakage of the electrolyte in the electrolyte cavity, which solves the problem of battery sealing. design challenges.

Further, the waterproof and breathable sheet 11 is a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", " Rear, Left, Right, Vertical, Horizontal, Top, Bottom, Inner, Outer, Clockwise, Counterclockwise, Axial, The orientations or positional relationships indicated by "radial direction", "circumferential direction", etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying the indicated devices or elements. It must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and other terms should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection , or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between the two elements, unless otherwise specified limit. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

In the description of this specification, reference to the terms "this embodiment", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" or the like is meant to be combined with the description of the embodiment A particular feature, structure, material or characteristic described or exemplified is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any at least one embodiment or example. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples, without conflicting each other.

In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature delimited with "first", "second" may expressly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined.

The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and simple improvements made in the essence of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Inside.

Claims (10)

1. A metal fuel cell, characterized by comprising: a casing (1), a cover plate (18) and a plurality of battery cells (2), the casing (1) and the cover plate (18) Removably sealed connection, the cover plate (18) is provided with an anode lead-out point (19) and a cathode lead-out point (20), and the casing (1) is provided with a plurality of for fixing the battery cells In the grooves (3) of (2), an interval is maintained between the adjacent grooves (3), and a ventilation hole (4) is provided in the interval between the adjacent grooves (3) of the casing (1). The battery cells (2) are embedded in the grooves (3), a plurality of the battery cells (2) are fixed in the casing (1) in parallel, and the plurality of battery cells (2) are electrically conductive The connecting pieces (5) are connected in series, the negative electrode formed by the series connection of the plurality of battery cells (2) is electrically connected to the anode lead-out point (19), and the positive electrode formed by the series connection of the plurality of battery cells (2) is drawn out from the cathode. point (20) is electrically connected; The battery cell (2) comprises a cell shell (6), a cell cover (7), a cathode film (8), an electrolyte and a metal anode plate (9), and two sides of the cell shell (6) The cathode membrane (8) is fixed to each other, the single shell (6) and the cathode membrane (8) form an electrolyte cavity, and the single shell (6) and the single cover (7) can be connected to each other. The sealing connection is disassembled, the metal anode plate (9) is fixed on the monomer cover (7), the metal anode plate (9) is inserted into the electrolyte in the electrolyte chamber, and the monomer cover ( 7) A liquid inlet (10) communicating with the electrolyte cavity is provided on the liquid inlet (10), and a waterproof and breathable sheet (11) is covered on the liquid inlet (10). 2 . The metal fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein the cathode membrane ( 8 ) is connected with conductive tabs ( 12 ), and the top of the cell cover ( 7 ) is fixed with an anode conductor ( 13 ). 3 . ) and a cathode conductor (14), the anode conductor (13) is fixedly connected to the metal anode plate (9), and the cathode conductor (14) is connected to the conductive lugs (14) on both sides of the electrolyte cavity. 12) Connect. 3 . The metal fuel cell according to claim 2 , wherein the cathode conductor ( 14 ) is connected to the conductive tabs ( 12 ) on both sides of the electrolyte cavity through a conductive elastic sheet ( 15 ), and the The conductive elastic sheet (15) is U-shaped, the conductive elastic sheet (15) includes a horizontal sheet and two vertical sheets, and the horizontal sheet of the conductive elastic sheet (15) is fixed on the cathode conductor (14) and the monomer cover Between (7), the two vertical pieces of the conductive elastic sheet (15) are respectively in contact with the conductive tabs (12) on both sides of the electrolyte cavity. 4. The metal fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that the anode conductors (13) and cathode conductors (14) of the plurality of battery cells (2) are staggered, and the conductive connectors ( 5) It is U-shaped, the first end of the conductive connector (5) is connected to the anode conductor (13), and the second end of the conductive connector (5) is connected to the adjacent cathode conductor (14) in the same row ) are connected. 5 . The metal fuel cell according to claim 4 , characterized in that the conductive connector ( 5 ) is clamped to the anode conductor ( 13 ) and the cathode conductor ( 14 ), respectively. 6 . 6. The metal fuel cell according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that after a plurality of battery cells (2) are connected in series, the anode conductor (13) of the conductive connector (5) is not connected to the anode lead-out point (19) Clamping, the cathode conductors (14) of the plurality of battery cells (2) not connected to the conductive connectors (5) are clamped to the cathode lead-out points (20) after being connected in series. 7. The metal fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the anode conductor (13) and the metal anode plate (9) are integrally formed. 8 . The metal fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein a screw cap ( 16 ) is provided on the upper cover of the liquid inlet ( 10 ), and the screw cap ( 16 ) is provided with a connection with the liquid inlet. 9 . The through hole (17) communicated with the port (10), the waterproof and breathable sheet (11) is fixed inside the screw cap (16), and the waterproof and breathable sheet (11) is located between the liquid inlet (10) and the between the through holes (17). 9. The metal fuel cell according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the waterproof and breathable sheet (11) is a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet. 10. The metal fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, the cathode membrane (8) comprises a catalytic layer, a current collector and a waterproof and breathable layer sequentially arranged from the inside to the outside, and the catalytic layer is in contact with the electrolyte, The current collector is connected to the conductive tab (12).

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