JP6410078B2 - Air battery unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air battery unit including an air battery that uses oxygen as a positive electrode active material.

  As this type of air battery unit, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1 under the name of a spare battery. The air battery unit described in Patent Document 1 is used in an electrochemical battery system, and includes a housing in which dry components including a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked and accommodated, and positive air (oxygen) is contained in the housing. ).

JP 2005-527069 A

  By the way, in recent years, research and development of air batteries used for emergency charging power supplies of electric vehicles have been promoted, and as a measure to shorten the charging time from the air battery to the secondary battery, the discharge time of the air battery is shortened. And improvement of the reaction rate of the negative electrode are being studied.

  Here, in order to shorten the discharge time of the air battery, it is important to achieve uniformity of dissolution of the negative electrode metal constituting the negative electrode. However, when a temperature gradient occurs in the negative electrode, the reaction speed of the negative electrode metal increases at a relatively high temperature portion (is easily dissolved). For this reason, in the conventional air battery unit, the discharge time has to be determined at a portion where the reaction rate of the negative electrode metal is slow, and measures for eliminating the temperature gradient of the negative electrode have not been taken, so the discharge time is shortened. There was room for improvement in achieving this.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and provides an air battery unit capable of eliminating the temperature gradient of the negative electrode, achieving uniformity of dissolution of the negative electrode metal, and shortening the discharge time. It is intended to provide.

An air battery unit according to the present invention includes at least one air battery having a structure in which an electrolyte containing portion containing an electrolyte is sandwiched between a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer, and air along each surface of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer. And an air circulation space for circulation. In the air battery unit, the air battery is arranged in a vertically arranged state in which the electrolyte accommodating portion, the positive electrode layer, and the negative electrode layer are arranged in the horizontal direction, and the air adjusting means is provided on the introduction side of the air circulation space. In addition, the structure is an introduction-side air adjusting means for relatively increasing the amount of air to be introduced with respect to the upper region of the negative electrode layer that is relatively hot, and means for solving the conventional problems with the above-described structure It is said.

Since the air battery unit according to the present invention employs the above-described configuration, the temperature gradient of the negative electrode can be eliminated, the uniformity of the dissolution of the negative electrode metal can be achieved, and the discharge time can be shortened. In particular, the air battery unit described above is an air battery in which the electrolyte container, the positive electrode layer, and the negative electrode layer are arranged in a vertically arranged state, and in this case, the upper side of the air battery by the convection of the electrolytic solution. Since the temperature of the region becomes relatively high, the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer is reduced or eliminated by cooling the upper region of the air battery with the introduction side air conditioning means, and the dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer proceeds. Can be made uniform and the discharge time can be shortened.

It is sectional drawing (A) of the air battery explaining 1st Embodiment of the air battery unit concerning this invention, the side view (B), and horizontal sectional view (C) of an air battery unit. It is a perspective view explaining 1st Embodiment of an air battery unit. It is a perspective view explaining 2nd Embodiment of the air battery unit concerning this invention. It is a perspective view explaining 3rd Embodiment of the air battery unit concerning this invention. It is a perspective view explaining 4th Embodiment of the air battery unit concerning this invention.

<First Embodiment>
The air battery unit U shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes at least one air battery A having a structure in which the electrolyte container 1 is sandwiched between the positive electrode layer 2 and the negative electrode layer 3, and the respective surfaces of the positive electrode layer 2 and the negative electrode layer 3. And an air circulation space 4 through which air is circulated. The air battery unit U includes air adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the negative electrode layer by adjusting the air flowing through the air circulation space 4. The air adjustment means in this embodiment is an introduction side air adjustment means that is provided on the introduction side of the air circulation space 4 and relatively increases the amount of air introduced relative to the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer 3. is there.

  The introduction side air adjusting means of this embodiment includes an air introduction path 5 arranged on the introduction side of the air circulation space 4 and an introduction side control plate 6 arranged between the air circulation space 4 and the air introduction path 5. Yes. The introduction side control plate 6 is provided with a plurality of introduction ports 7, and the number of introduction ports 7 is relatively large with respect to the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer 3.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the air battery A has a configuration in which the electrolyte container 1 is sandwiched between the positive electrode layer 2 and the negative electrode layer 3 and the outer periphery thereof is held by the outer frame member 8. is there. The electrolyte storage unit 1 is a space for storing an electrolyte solution (not shown), and may be configured to be filled with the electrolyte solution in advance, or may be configured to inject the electrolyte solution at the time of start-up as a liquid injection type air battery. The electrolyte to be used is not necessarily liquid but may be solid or gelled.

  The positive electrode layer 2 has a structure in which a positive electrode member 2A and a liquid-tight ventilation member 2B are laminated from the electrolyte container 1 side. On the other hand, the negative electrode layer 3 has a structure in which a negative electrode metal layer 3A and a negative electrode current collecting layer 3B are laminated from the electrolyte container 1 side.

  The air battery unit U includes a case C that forms an appearance. The case C has an introduction part C2 and a discharge part C3 with the battery housing part C1 in between, the air introduction path 5 is formed by the introduction part C2, and the air discharge path 15 is formed by the discharge part C3. .

  The air battery unit U accommodates a plurality of air batteries A having the same positive and negative directions in the battery housing part C1 of the case C at a predetermined interval, and air between adjacent air batteries A or at the end. An air circulation space 4 is formed between the battery A and the inner surface of the case C. At this time, each air battery A is arranged in a vertically arranged state in which the electrolyte container 1, the positive electrode layer 2, and the negative electrode layer 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction.

  The air battery unit U of this embodiment includes open / close valves 5V and 15V that open and close the respective paths below the air introduction path 5 and the air discharge path 15. Thereby, the air battery unit U introduces air into the air introduction path 5 from the lower side, particularly as shown by an arrow in FIG. 1 (B), and distributes the introduced air in the air circulation space 4 in the lateral direction. Air is discharged downward through the air discharge passage 15.

  The air battery unit U of this embodiment includes a plurality of air batteries A having the same positive and negative directions. Therefore, the air circulation space 4 between the air cells A is a space for supplying air (oxygen) to the positive electrode layer 2 of one air cell A, and at the same time, the negative electrode layer 3 of the other air cell A is cooled. It is also a space where the air that circulates. The air circulation space 4 between the positive electrode layer 2 of the air battery A and the inner surface of the case C is a space for supplying air (oxygen) to the positive electrode layer 2, and further, the negative electrode layer 3 of the air battery A. And the air circulation space 4 between the inner surface of the case C is a space through which air for cooling the negative electrode layer 3 is circulated.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 (C) and 2, the air battery unit U described above connects the units via the partition wall B, and electrically connects the units to form an air battery system. To do. Although not shown, such an air battery system includes a supply source of an electrolyte and air, various devices such as a pump and a valve constituting a flow path, and means for controlling these devices.

  In the air battery unit U described above, the air battery A is arranged in a vertically arranged state in which the electrolyte container 1, the positive electrode layer 2, and the negative electrode layer 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction. The temperature of the upper region of the battery A becomes relatively high.

  Therefore, the air battery unit U is an introduction-side air adjusting means provided on the introduction side of the air circulation space 4, that is, a means for relatively increasing the amount of air introduced into a relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer 3. However, this is a means for relatively increasing the air flow rate with respect to the upper region of the negative electrode layer 3 that is relatively hot.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the introduction-side air adjusting means of this embodiment includes an air introduction path 5 and an introduction-side control plate 6. In the introduction-side control plate 6, the upper side of the negative electrode layer 3 that is relatively hot. A relatively large number of introduction ports 7 are arranged with respect to the region. More specifically, in the upper region of the introduction side control plate 6, the number of introduction ports 7 per unit area is larger than in the lower region, and the interval between the introduction ports 7 is small. In the illustrated example, the interval between the introduction ports 7 gradually changes from the upper side to the lower side of the introduction side control plate 6, but may be changed stepwise.

  The air battery unit U having the above configuration introduces air from the air introduction path 5 to each air circulation space 4 to supply air (oxygen) to the positive electrode layer 2 of each air battery A, whereby each air battery. Start A. At this time, since the air battery unit U has the air battery A placed vertically, the temperature of the upper part of the air battery A becomes relatively high due to the convection of the electrolytic solution. When such a temperature gradient occurs in the air battery A, the reaction of the negative electrode metal layer 3A proceeds in the upper region of the negative electrode layer 3, the uniformity of dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer 3A is impaired, and the discharge time becomes longer.

  On the other hand, the air battery unit U is an air adjusting means that makes the temperature distribution of the negative electrode layer 3 uniform by adjusting the air flowing through the air circulation space 4, more specifically, the introduction of the air circulation space 4. The negative electrode layer 3 is provided with an introduction side air adjusting means that is provided on the side and relatively increases the amount of air to be introduced with respect to the relatively high temperature region (upper region) of the negative electrode layer 3. More air is introduced into the upper region of the air and the upper region is intensively cooled. Thereby, the air battery unit U can reduce or eliminate the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer 3, uniformize the progress of dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer 3 </ b> A, and realize a reduction in discharge time.

  In the air battery unit U of the above embodiment, the introduction-side air adjusting means includes the air introduction path 5 and the introduction-side control plate 6, and the introduction-side control plate 6 is provided with a plurality of introduction ports 7, and the negative electrode By arranging a relatively large number of inlets 7 in a relatively high temperature region of the layer 3, it is possible to make the dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer 3A uniform and shorten the discharge time with a relatively simple structure. Can be realized.

  3-5 is a figure explaining the 2nd-4th embodiment of the air battery unit concerning this invention. In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Second Embodiment
The air battery unit U shown in FIG. 3 has a basic configuration equivalent to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and on the introduction side of the air circulation space, the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer, Introducing air adjustment means for relatively increasing the amount of air to be introduced is provided. In the illustrated air battery unit U, the air batteries are arranged in a vertical state, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer is the upper region of the negative electrode layer.

  The introduction side air adjusting means of this embodiment includes an air introduction path 5 arranged on the introduction side of the air circulation space (see reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1), and an introduction side control arranged between the air circulation space and the air introduction path 5. And a plate 6. The introduction side control plate 6 is provided with a plurality of introduction ports 7 and has a structure in which the opening area of the introduction port 7 is relatively large with respect to a relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer, that is, the upper region. .

  In the air battery unit U, as in the previous embodiment, a large amount of air is introduced into the upper region of the negative electrode layer that becomes high temperature by the introduction-side air adjusting means, and the upper region is intensively cooled. Thus, the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer is reduced or eliminated, the progress of dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer is made uniform, and the discharge time is shortened.

  In the air battery unit U, the introduction side air adjusting means includes the air introduction path 5 and the introduction side control plate 6. The introduction side control plate 6 is provided with a plurality of introduction ports 7, and the negative electrode layer 3. By relatively increasing the opening area of the inlet 7 with respect to the relatively high temperature region (upper region), the dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer is made uniform and the discharge time is shortened with a relatively simple structure. Can be realized.

<Third Embodiment>
The air battery unit U shown in FIG. 4 has a basic configuration equivalent to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and on the introduction side of the air circulation space, on the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer, Introducing air adjustment means for relatively increasing the amount of air to be introduced is provided. In the illustrated air battery unit U, the air batteries are arranged in a vertical state, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer is the upper region of the negative electrode layer.

  The introduction side air adjusting means of this embodiment includes an air introduction path 5 arranged on the introduction side of the air circulation space (see reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1), and an introduction side control arranged between the air circulation space and the air introduction path 5. And a plate 6. Although the illustration of the introduction side control plate 6 is omitted, for example, a material having a breathable material such as a net or punching metal can be used at least partially.

  The introduction-side air adjusting means has a structure in which the diffuser 20 that relatively increases the amount of air to be introduced is arranged in the air introduction path 5 with respect to the relatively high temperature region of the negative electrode layer, that is, the upper region. Yes. The diffuser 20 is composed of various members such as a current plate.

  In the air battery unit U, as in the previous embodiment, a large amount of air is introduced into the upper region of the negative electrode layer that becomes high temperature by the introduction-side air adjusting means, and the upper region is intensively cooled. Thus, the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer is reduced or eliminated, the progress of dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer is made uniform, and the discharge time is shortened.

  In the air battery unit U, since the introduction side air adjusting means includes the air introduction path 5 and the diffuser 20, the dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer can be made uniform and the discharge can be made with a relatively simple structure. A reduction in time can be realized.

<Fourth embodiment>
The air battery unit U shown in FIG. 5 has a basic configuration equivalent to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the air batteries are arranged in a vertical state. In the first to third embodiments, the illustrated air battery unit U is provided with an introduction side air adjusting means on the introduction side of the air circulation space, whereas on the discharge side of the air circulation space, the discharge side Air conditioning means is provided.

  The discharge-side air adjusting means increases the amount of air discharged relative to the relatively high temperature region (upper region) of the negative electrode layer. Is equivalent to In other words, the illustrated discharge-side air adjusting means includes an air discharge path 15 disposed on the discharge side of the air circulation space (see reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1), and a discharge-side control disposed between the air circulation space and the air discharge path 15. And a plate 16. The discharge side control plate 16 is provided with a plurality of discharge ports 17 and has a structure in which a relatively large number of introduction ports 17 are arranged with respect to a relatively high temperature region (upper region) of the negative electrode layer. Yes.

  Since the air battery unit U includes the discharge side air adjusting means on the discharge side of the air circulation space, the air cell unit U increases more in the upper region by promoting the discharge of air in the upper region of the negative electrode layer 3 that becomes high temperature. The air in the upper region is intensively cooled. Thereby, the air battery unit U can reduce or eliminate the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer, uniformize the progress of dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer, and realize a reduction in discharge time.

  The discharge-side air adjustment means itself has a certain effect of reducing the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer, but in combination with the introduction-side air adjustment means described in the first to third embodiments, A further effect is exhibited with respect to the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer.

  That is, the air battery unit U includes the introduction-side air adjustment means on the introduction side of the air circulation space, and the discharge-side air adjustment means on the discharge side of the air circulation space. The introduction and discharge of air to and from the relatively high temperature region becomes even smoother, the cooling effect in the high temperature region can be enhanced, and the temperature gradient of the negative electrode layer can be eliminated. Thereby, the progress of dissolution of the negative electrode metal layer is made uniform, and the discharge time is shortened.

  The configuration of the air battery unit according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the details of the configuration may be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention, or the configuration described in each embodiment. Can be combined.

  In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the air battery A is placed vertically and the introduction-side air adjustment means and the discharge-side air adjustment means are arranged in the upper region of the negative electrode layer that is relatively hot is described. did. However, in the air battery unit according to the present invention, the attitude of the air battery is not particularly limited. If a temperature gradient occurs in the negative electrode layer due to the form of the air battery or the configuration of peripheral devices, the temperature gradient is reduced. Correspondingly, it is possible to arrange introduction air adjusting means and exhaust air adjusting means.

A Air battery U Air battery unit 1 Electrolyte accommodating part 2 Positive electrode layer 3 Negative electrode layer 4 Air circulation space 5 Air introduction path (introduction side air adjustment means)
6 Introducing control board (introducing air adjustment means)
7 Introduction port (introduction air adjustment means)
15 Air exhaust passage (exhaust air adjustment means)
16 Discharge side control board (discharge side air adjustment means)
17 Discharge port (exhaust air adjustment means)
20 Diffuser (introducing air adjustment means)

Claims (4)

At least one air battery having a structure in which an electrolyte containing portion containing an electrolytic solution is sandwiched between a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer;
An air circulation space for circulating air along the respective surfaces of the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer;
And an air adjusting means for equalizing the temperature distribution of the negative electrode layer by adjusting the air flowing into the air flow space,
The air battery is arranged in a vertically arranged state in which an electrolyte container, a positive electrode layer, and a negative electrode layer are arranged in a horizontal direction,
The air adjustment means is an introduction-side air adjustment means that is provided on the introduction side of the air circulation space and relatively increases the amount of air to be introduced with respect to the upper region of the negative electrode layer that is relatively hot. An air battery unit characterized by that. The introduction side air adjusting means includes an air introduction path arranged on the introduction side of the air circulation space, and an introduction side control plate arranged between the air circulation space and the air introduction path,
The introduction-side control plate, provided with a plurality of inlets, in claim 1, characterized in that the relatively large place a number of inlets to the upper region of the relatively high temperature of the negative electrode layer The air battery unit described. The introduction side air adjusting means includes an air introduction path arranged on the introduction side of the air circulation space, and an introduction side control plate arranged between the air circulation space and the air introduction path,
The introduction-side control plate, provided with a plurality of inlets, in claim 1, characterized in that the relatively large opening area of the inlet to the upper region of the relatively high temperature of the negative electrode layer The air battery unit described. The introduction side air conditioning means includes an air introduction path arranged on the introduction side of the air circulation space,
The air battery unit according to claim 1 , wherein a diffuser that relatively increases an amount of air to be introduced is disposed in the air introduction path with respect to an upper region of the negative electrode layer that is relatively hot. .

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