FURTHER-STUDIES OF A ZINC AIR CELL EMPLOYING A PACKED-BED ANODE .3. IMPROVEMENTS IN CELL DESIGN

A laboratory-scale zinc-air cell described previously has been redesig ned with the intention of improving its performance. The zinc was pres ent as a packed bed of 600 mum particles and in this concept the elect rolyte and particles are replaced with fresh ones at the end of discha rge, permitting the use of a monofunctional air electrode. The improve d design had a reduced electrolyte volume on the air side of the cell and better electrical connection to the bed of particles, along with m ore conveniently located conduits for electrolyte flow driven by natur al convection. When discharged at room temperature under the Simplifie d Federal Urban Driving Schedule (SFUDS) regimen (modified to eliminat e regenerative braking) the cell yielded energies that were 2.8 times higher than the original cell (Part I). Increasing the cell temperatur e (up to 55-degrees-C) was found to bring further improvements. Natura l convection was shown to be necessary for good cell performance.