Zinc-Air Design Concept for the DOE-EHP IDSEP van

摘要

The present Zn-air battery concept design exhibits some of the same characteristics as earlier versions of this battery, in particular, the energy densities of 100 to 110 Wh/kg and 50 to 60 Wh/L are typical of all the previous circulating electrolyte designs. These energy densities are much lower than the ''golden rule'' of 25% of the theoretical (894 Wh/kg), but this result is inherent in the fact that he electrolyte is really the active material rather than Zn metal (12 M KOH containing 260 g Zn/L has a theoretical energy density of 368 Wh/L or ca. 230 Wh/kg). The major departure of the present system from all other Zn-air versions is in the power density, electrical efficiency, cycle life, and cost. The new zinc electrode concept has eliminated the zinc electrode as a life limiting factor, and the improvements in power, efficiency, and cost have come from the improvements made in air electrode technology.The advantages of the Zn-air battery, as realized in this design for the IDSEP van, over other battery systems are: (1) energy capacity, exceeds the minimum by 50%; (2) low weight, less than maximum allowed weight by 50%; (3) minimal environmental impact and superior safety; (4) constructed entirely of common materials; (5) low materials cost, uncomplicated manufacture. The anticipated difficulties in realizing these advantages will be in sustaining the power required for acceleration over the lifetime needed for economic life-cycle cost. 8 refs., 3 figs. (ERA citation 13:030516)