Current Status of the Development of the Refuelable Aluminum-Air Battery.

摘要

This report reviews the technical status of a refuelable aluminum-air battery using flowing caustic-aluminate electrolyte at 50 to 70 exp 0 C. Four distinct designs for rapidly-refuelable cells were evaluated in single or multicell modules on an engineering scale (167 to 1000 cm exp 2 /cell). Consideration is given to cells of the wedge configuration, which allow partial recharge, high anode utilization, and rapid refueling. Kinetic models developed for aluminum trihydroxide precipitation are used to predict the behavior of integrated cell/crystallizer systems. Drive-cycle life and polarization data are reviewed for air-electrodes under simulated vehicle operating conditions. Problems in the development of cost-effective anode alloys are described. These results are interpreted from the perspective of the potential of an aluminum-air battery to provide an elecric vehicle with the range, acceleration and rapid-refueling capabilities of common automobiles. (ERA citation 08:036018)