Electrically rechargeable, metal anode cell and battery systems and methods

US9680193B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EOS Energy Storage LLC · US

Inventors

• Steven Amendola · Waretown, US
• Michael Binder · Brooklyn, US
• Phillip J. Black · McConnellsburg, US
• Stefanie Sharp-Goldman · East Brunswick Township, US
• Lois Johnson · Chanute, US
• Michael Kunz · Steinheim an der Murr, DE
• Michael Oster · Red Bank, US
• Tesia Chciuk · Bethlehem, US
• Regan Johnson · Gettysburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 2012
• Grant date: Jun 13, 2017
• Expiry date: May 19, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The invention provides for a fully electrically rechargeable metal anode battery systems and methods of achieving such systems. An electrically rechargeable metal anode cell may comprise a metal electrode, an air contacting electrode, and an aqueous electrolyte separating the metal electrode and the air contacting electrode. In some embodiments, the metal electrode may directly contact the liquid electrolyte and no separator or porous membrane is needed between the air contacting electrode and the electrolyte. Rechargeable metal anode cells may be electrically connected to one another through a centrode connection where a metal electrode of one cell and an air contacting electrode of a second cell are electrically connected. Air tunnels or pathways may be provided between individual metal anode cells arranged in a stack. In some embodiments, an electrolyte flow management system may also be provided to maintain liquid electrolyte at constant levels during charge and discharge cycles.