WO2000036688A1 - Packaging for metal-air batteries with hydrogen release valve - Google Patents

Packaging for metal-air batteries with hydrogen release valve Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000036688A1
WO2000036688A1 PCT/IL1999/000684 IL9900684W WO0036688A1 WO 2000036688 A1 WO2000036688 A1 WO 2000036688A1 IL 9900684 W IL9900684 W IL 9900684W WO 0036688 A1 WO0036688 A1 WO 0036688A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
package
packaging
metal
air
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL1999/000684
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Menachem Givon
Original Assignee
Electric Fuel Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/293,927 external-priority patent/US6517967B1/en
Application filed by Electric Fuel Limited filed Critical Electric Fuel Limited
Priority to AU16778/00A priority Critical patent/AU1677800A/en
Publication of WO2000036688A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000036688A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/231—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks having a layered structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/06—Electrodes for primary cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M12/00—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M12/04—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type
    • H01M12/06—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M12/00—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M12/04—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type
    • H01M12/06—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
    • H01M12/065—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode with plate-like electrodes or stacks of plate-like electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/62—Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/62—Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
    • H01M4/628—Inhibitors, e.g. gassing inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/64—Carriers or collectors
    • H01M4/70—Carriers or collectors characterised by shape or form
    • H01M4/72—Grids
    • H01M4/74—Meshes or woven material; Expanded metal
    • H01M4/745—Expanded metal
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    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M4/8605—Porous electrodes
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    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery
    • H01M50/102—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery characterised by their shape or physical structure
    • H01M50/109—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery characterised by their shape or physical structure of button or coin shape
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    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery
    • H01M50/138—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery adapted for specific cells, e.g. electrochemical cells operating at high temperature
    • H01M50/1385—Hybrid cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/227—Organic material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/233—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions
    • H01M50/238—Flexibility or foldability
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M6/50—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance, e.g. for maintaining operating temperature
    • H01M6/5033—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance, e.g. for maintaining operating temperature used as charging means for another battery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0223—Composites
    • H01M8/0228—Composites in the form of layered or coated products
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/44—Methods for charging or discharging
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M16/00—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M2004/021—Physical characteristics, e.g. porosity, surface area
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M2004/8678—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells characterised by the polarity
    • H01M2004/8689—Positive electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2200/00—Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
    • H01M2200/20—Pressure-sensitive devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
    • H01M4/62—Selection of inactive substances as ingredients for active masses, e.g. binders, fillers
    • H01M4/621—Binders
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M4/90—Selection of catalytic material
    • H01M4/9016—Oxides, hydroxides or oxygenated metallic salts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/10—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery
    • H01M50/102—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery characterised by their shape or physical structure
    • H01M50/103—Primary casings, jackets or wrappings of a single cell or a single battery characterised by their shape or physical structure prismatic or rectangular
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
    • H01M50/342—Non-re-sealable arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M6/42—Grouping of primary cells into batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M6/50—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance, e.g. for maintaining operating temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0206—Metals or alloys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/0204—Non-porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0213—Gas-impermeable carbon-containing materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
    • H01M8/04089—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to packaging for storing metal-air battery cells and devices that contain metal-air battery cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to a packaging that substantially prevents water and other debris from entering the packaging and permits the release of hydrogen out of the packaging. The packaging also restricts the ingress of oxygen into the packaging.
  • high-drain portable electronic devices are powered by secondary or rechargeable batteries.
  • high-drain devices are cellular telephones, notebook computers, camcorders, and cordless hand-tools.
  • the reason primary batteries are unattractive in such applications is that the life-span of a typical primary or single-use batteries is so short, and the cost so high, that they ultimately prove too costly for long-term use.
  • their weight alone would discourage a person from carrying enough primary batteries for a long-term operation of the device.
  • a cellular telephone with alkaline batteries would last about as long as a single charge of a nickel-metal-hydride battery, but in the long term, cost far more per unit energy.
  • a nickel-metal hydride battery though initially expensive, costs only pennies to recharge.
  • New primary battery technologies have emerged that have, in principle at least, the ability to offer sufficient energy and power at a sufficiently low cost to make these batteries attractive for high-drain portable devices.
  • One such technology is metal-air batteries, for example zinc-air batteries.
  • a zinc-air battery one of the electrodes of the battery uses oxygen that can be supplied by ambient oxygen. Since oxygen is available everywhere, a zinc-air battery need house only one consumable electrode. Because of this, the energy capacity per unit weight is magnified greatly. Unfortunately, the intrinsic benefits of electrochemical cells that use air as an electrode are attended by some serious technical problems.
  • metal-air batteries needed for oxygen. Although zinc-air batteries have high energy densities, they are moderately low on power. To increase their power, large amounts of oxygen must be supplied. Increasing the batteries' access to oxygen is sometimes accomplished by designing the metal-air batteries or the housings that encase one or more metal-air batteries with relatively large and/or numerous openings. However, increasing the size and number of openings may also increase the likelihood that water and other debris may contact or enter the metal-air batteries. Increasing the size may also cause water vapor to leave the batteries, resulting in battery desiccation. Both of these occurrences may increase the likelihood that the battery will malfunction.
  • a metal-air battery's exposure to oxygen is preferable when the battery supplies energy, such as when a device connected to the battery is turned on. During non-use times, it is preferable for the battery to cut off from outside contaminates, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • the batteries may produce hydrogen due to the natural corrosion of a zinc oxide.
  • the production of hydrogen can be released to the outside ambient air through the same openings by which oxygen and other gases enter the batteries.
  • the competing interest of storing the batteries in an air tight enclosure to limit the batteries' exposure to carbon dioxide, oxygen, water and other debris may counter the need to release hydrogen from the enclosure. Enclosing the batteries in an air tight packaging may prevent the hydrogen from leaving the packaging and cause the packaging to expand and possibly burst.
  • the present invention provides a package for encasing an electrochemical device requiring an ambient gas.
  • the package has an enclosure capable of encasing the electrochemical device that is substantially impermeable to oxygen so that the ingress of oxygen into the packaging is restricted. Restricting access to oxygen may increase battery life.
  • the packaging also permits the egress of hydrogen out of the packaging, which can build up during the storage of metal-air batteries.
  • the package is made of a substantially air- impermeable material that is sealed to enclose the device.
  • a hole is formed in the packaging and that hole is covered with ' a one way valve sticker or other material that can be adhered to the packaging to restrict the flow of gases, water and other debris through the hole and into the packaging.
  • the sticker also permits the diffusion of hydrogen gases out of the packaging so as to prevent the packaging from expanding to a volume that may cause the packaging to rupture.
  • the material behaves as a one way valve for the release of gases out of the packaging.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prismatic metal-air battery cell.
  • FIG. 2 is a set of illustrations from front and side of an embodiment of a packaging configuration.
  • a metal-air battery cell 101 has a casing with holes 105 for the egress and ingress of air through the casing.
  • the ingress of air is a necessary operation for the proper functioning of a metal-air battery cell 101.
  • One or a multiple of the battery cells 101 can electrically connected and housed in a battery casing to form a battery pack.
  • a gas impermeable bag 500 encloses a battery pack 520 holding at least metal-air battery cell.
  • the bag 500 has a hole 505.
  • the hole 505 is covered by a one way valve 510 to prevent the egress or ingress of air except through the one way valve 510.
  • the one way valve 510 permits hydrogen gas to escape from the enclosure of the bag 500. Hydrogen gas may be produced when the zinc anode of the metal-air battery cell corrodes. This hydrogen gas should be released from the bag to prevent the bag from expanding considerably and possibly causing the bag 500 to rupture.
  • An example of a suitable one way valve is the product N45 Aromafme, which is made by Bosch® and is typically used for storing coffee. This one way valve 510 permits the release of hydrogen out of the bag 500 and prevents the flow of oxygen into the bag 500.
  • the gas impermeable bag 500 can made of a flexible plastic, a foil plastic laminate, or any other air impermeable material that protects the battery pack 520 from the outside environment.
  • the one way valve 510 is attached to the bag 500 and covers the hole 505.
  • the valve 510 is adhered to the bag through an adhesive, by thermally bonding the valve 510 to the bag 500, or by any other method that will form an air tight seal with the bag 500.
  • the one way valve 510 can be replaced with an air permeable sticker or alternative air permeable material.
  • the air permeable sticker permits hydrogen gas diffuse out of the bag 500.
  • the sticker also prevents water and other debris from entering the bag.

Abstract

A packaging for metal-air batteries and devices with metal-air batteries. The packaging substantially restricts the ingress of oxygen into the packaging, as well as other undesirable elements such as water, dirt and carbon dioxide. The packaging also allows for the egress of hydrogen out of the packaging, which may be produced during the corrosion process of the metal anode. The packaging is made of an air-impermeable material with a one-way valve for the egress of hydrogen gas.

Description

PACKAGING FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES WITH HYDROGEN RELEASE VALVE
Cross Reference to Related Applications Priority is claimed to the following United States Patent Applications: serial number
60/161,767 filed on October 27, 1999, serial number 60/112,292 filed on December 15, 1998, serial number 60/129,666 filed on April 15, 1999, serial number 09/293,927 filed on April 15, 1999, and serial number 60/119,568 filed on February 10, 1999.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to packaging for storing metal-air battery cells and devices that contain metal-air battery cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to a packaging that substantially prevents water and other debris from entering the packaging and permits the release of hydrogen out of the packaging. The packaging also restricts the ingress of oxygen into the packaging.
Background of the Invention Most high-drain portable electronic devices are powered by secondary or rechargeable batteries. Examples of such high-drain devices are cellular telephones, notebook computers, camcorders, and cordless hand-tools. The reason primary batteries are unattractive in such applications is that the life-span of a typical primary or single-use batteries is so short, and the cost so high, that they ultimately prove too costly for long-term use. In addition, their weight alone would discourage a person from carrying enough primary batteries for a long-term operation of the device. For example, a cellular telephone with alkaline batteries would last about as long as a single charge of a nickel-metal-hydride battery, but in the long term, cost far more per unit energy. A nickel-metal hydride battery, though initially expensive, costs only pennies to recharge.
New primary battery technologies have emerged that have, in principle at least, the ability to offer sufficient energy and power at a sufficiently low cost to make these batteries attractive for high-drain portable devices. One such technology is metal-air batteries, for example zinc-air batteries. In a zinc-air battery, one of the electrodes of the battery uses oxygen that can be supplied by ambient oxygen. Since oxygen is available everywhere, a zinc-air battery need house only one consumable electrode. Because of this, the energy capacity per unit weight is magnified greatly. Unfortunately, the intrinsic benefits of electrochemical cells that use air as an electrode are attended by some serious technical problems.
One problem concerns the metal-air batteries needed for oxygen. Although zinc-air batteries have high energy densities, they are moderately low on power. To increase their power, large amounts of oxygen must be supplied. Increasing the batteries' access to oxygen is sometimes accomplished by designing the metal-air batteries or the housings that encase one or more metal-air batteries with relatively large and/or numerous openings. However, increasing the size and number of openings may also increase the likelihood that water and other debris may contact or enter the metal-air batteries. Increasing the size may also cause water vapor to leave the batteries, resulting in battery desiccation. Both of these occurrences may increase the likelihood that the battery will malfunction.
However, a metal-air battery's exposure to oxygen is preferable when the battery supplies energy, such as when a device connected to the battery is turned on. During non-use times, it is preferable for the battery to cut off from outside contaminates, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Another problem concerns the production of hydrogen. During operation and during storage of some metal-air batteries, the batteries may produce hydrogen due to the natural corrosion of a zinc oxide. During normal operation, the production of hydrogen can be released to the outside ambient air through the same openings by which oxygen and other gases enter the batteries. However, in the storage context, the competing interest of storing the batteries in an air tight enclosure to limit the batteries' exposure to carbon dioxide, oxygen, water and other debris may counter the need to release hydrogen from the enclosure. Enclosing the batteries in an air tight packaging may prevent the hydrogen from leaving the packaging and cause the packaging to expand and possibly burst.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a package for encasing an electrochemical device requiring an ambient gas. The package has an enclosure capable of encasing the electrochemical device that is substantially impermeable to oxygen so that the ingress of oxygen into the packaging is restricted. Restricting access to oxygen may increase battery life. The packaging also permits the egress of hydrogen out of the packaging, which can build up during the storage of metal-air batteries. The package is made of a substantially air- impermeable material that is sealed to enclose the device. A hole is formed in the packaging and that hole is covered with' a one way valve sticker or other material that can be adhered to the packaging to restrict the flow of gases, water and other debris through the hole and into the packaging. The sticker also permits the diffusion of hydrogen gases out of the packaging so as to prevent the packaging from expanding to a volume that may cause the packaging to rupture. The material behaves as a one way valve for the release of gases out of the packaging.
The invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. With reference to the figures, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prismatic metal-air battery cell.
FIG. 2 is a set of illustrations from front and side of an embodiment of a packaging configuration.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, a metal-air battery cell 101 has a casing with holes 105 for the egress and ingress of air through the casing. The ingress of air is a necessary operation for the proper functioning of a metal-air battery cell 101. One or a multiple of the battery cells 101 can electrically connected and housed in a battery casing to form a battery pack. Referring to FIG. 2, a gas impermeable bag 500 encloses a battery pack 520 holding at least metal-air battery cell. The bag 500 has a hole 505. The hole 505 is covered by a one way valve 510 to prevent the egress or ingress of air except through the one way valve 510. The one way valve 510 permits hydrogen gas to escape from the enclosure of the bag 500. Hydrogen gas may be produced when the zinc anode of the metal-air battery cell corrodes. This hydrogen gas should be released from the bag to prevent the bag from expanding considerably and possibly causing the bag 500 to rupture. An example of a suitable one way valve is the product N45 Aromafme, which is made by Bosch® and is typically used for storing coffee. This one way valve 510 permits the release of hydrogen out of the bag 500 and prevents the flow of oxygen into the bag 500.
The gas impermeable bag 500 can made of a flexible plastic, a foil plastic laminate, or any other air impermeable material that protects the battery pack 520 from the outside environment. The one way valve 510 is attached to the bag 500 and covers the hole 505. The valve 510 is adhered to the bag through an adhesive, by thermally bonding the valve 510 to the bag 500, or by any other method that will form an air tight seal with the bag 500.
In the alternative, the one way valve 510 can be replaced with an air permeable sticker or alternative air permeable material. The air permeable sticker permits hydrogen gas diffuse out of the bag 500. The sticker also prevents water and other debris from entering the bag. The following examples are descriptions of the use of the present invention. These examples are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, but are merely examples of specific embodiments.
It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

Claims
We claim: L A package for a metal-air battery comprising: a gas impermeable enclosure with a valve communicating an interior of said enclosure with an outside of said enclosure; and wherein said valve is effective to permit the egress of hydrogen gas from said inside to said outside of said enclosure.
2. A package as in claim 1 wherein said valve is a one-way valve
3. A package as in claim 2 wherein said enclosure is formed of a flexible plastic.
4. A package as in claim 2 wherein said enclosure is formed of a foil/plastic laminate.
5. A package as in claim 2 wherein said valve prevents the ingress of fluid into said enclosure.
6. A package as in claim 2 wherein said enclosure prevents a pressure buildup in said enclosure.
7. A package as in claim 2 wherein said enclosure prevents the ingress of oxygen into said enclosure.
8. A package as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is formed of a flexible plastic.
9. A package as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is formed of a foil/plastic laminate.
10. A package as in claim 1 wherein said valve prevents the ingress of fluid into said enclosure.
11. A package as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure prevents a pressure buildup in said enclosure.
12. A package as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure prevents an ingress of oxygen into said enclosure.
13. A package for a metal-air battery comprising: a substantially gas impermeable enclosure with an air permeable portion communicating an interior of said enclosure with an outside of said enclosure; and wherein said air permeable portion is effective to permit the egress of hydrogen gas from said inside to said outside of said enclosure.
14. A package as in claim 13 wherein said air permeable portion is an air permeable sticker attached to said enclosure.
15. A package as in claim 13 wherein said enclosure prevent the ingress of fluid into said enclosure.
16. A package as in claim 13 wherein said enclosure prevents a pressure buildup in said enclosure.
17. A package as in claim 13wherein said enclosure is formed of a flexible plastic.
18. A package as in claim 13 wherein said enclosure is formed of a foil/plastic laminate.
PCT/IL1999/000684 1998-12-15 1999-12-15 Packaging for metal-air batteries with hydrogen release valve WO2000036688A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU16778/00A AU1677800A (en) 1998-12-15 1999-12-15 Packaging for metal-air batteries with hydrogen release valve

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11229298P 1998-12-15 1998-12-15
US60/112,292 1998-12-15
US11956899P 1999-02-10 1999-02-10
US12966699P 1999-04-15 1999-04-15
US09/293,927 US6517967B1 (en) 1998-12-15 1999-04-15 Battery pack design for metal-air battery cells
US60/129,666 1999-04-15
US09/293,927 1999-05-20
US60/119,568 1999-05-20
US16176799P 1999-10-27 1999-10-27
US60/161,767 1999-10-27

Publications (1)

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WO2000036688A1 true WO2000036688A1 (en) 2000-06-22

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WO (1) WO2000036688A1 (en)

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WO2005018024A2 (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-02-24 The Gillette Company Battery
US20190221803A1 (en) * 2018-01-17 2019-07-18 Vital Connect Inc. Safety mechanism for sealed packages containing a battery
CN110402503A (en) * 2017-03-16 2019-11-01 奥迪股份公司 Battery and motor vehicle for motor vehicle

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US20190221803A1 (en) * 2018-01-17 2019-07-18 Vital Connect Inc. Safety mechanism for sealed packages containing a battery

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