Particle feeding apparatus for electrochemical power source and method of making same
US6162555A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A novel fuel particle feeding mechanism that significantly improves operation of a refuelable electrochemical power source is provided. One embodiment of the mechanism provides an input of electrolyte and electrochemically active particles into one or more electrochemical cells through a feed tube. The feed tube has several embodiments that improve the flow of electrolyte and particles, and the even and complete settling of particles into individual cell cavities. Each cell cavity is completely filled, evenly and without clogging when open, and fluid communication between cell cavities is completely cut off when closed, to prevent short-circuiting of the power source during discharge or standby. Means are provided to prevent clogging of the feed tube with fuel particles, to promote complete filling of the cell cavities with fuel, and to prevent fuel particles from prematurely flowing out of the cell cavities. A method of operation is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.