Hybrid Energy Source Comprising a Metal-Air Battery and a Fuel Cell

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a hybrid energy source combining a metal-air battery with a hydrogen fuel cell. The key innovation is using a foam anode in the metal-air battery, which leverages the 'parasitic corrosion' effect to produce hydrogen during battery operation. This hydrogen is then supplied via a fluid connection to the hydrogen fuel cell, where it is used to generate additional electrical energy. This dual-system design not only improves energy efficiency but also allows for the use of less pure, more readily available metals as battery anodes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Power source for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), such as cars, buses, and trucks, to extend range and reduce reliance on traditional batteries
• Stationary or semi-stationary backup power systems (e.g., generators, battery banks, power plants)
• Energy source for machinery in industrial settings, including cranes and excavators
• Power supply in remote or off-grid locations, such as in deserts or crisis areas, where fuel delivery and infrastructure are an issue
• Utilization in the aluminum production Bayer process, improving energy and materials efficiency
• Applications in renewable energy storage to buffer supply/demand mismatches
• Distributed power generation infrastructures aiming to reduce carbon emissions

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Higher overall energy efficiency by utilizing byproduct hydrogen that would otherwise be wasted in the battery
• Ability to use less pure or recycled metals for the foam anode, lowering material costs and environmental impact
• Reduced overall mass of the energy storage system, enabling higher ranges for vehicles and easier transportation
• Flexible system design—metal-air battery and fuel cell can be spatially separated and independently maintained
• Dual output of electrical and usable thermal energy, increasing total system utility
• CO2-neutral energy production, as water is the main reaction byproduct, supporting climate-friendly applications
• Enhanced energy security and resilience due to diverse supply sources (metals and air) and on-the-fly hydrogen production
• Potential to leverage existing infrastructure, such as modified fueling stations for hybrid systems

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an energy source comprising a metal-air battery and a hydrogen fuel cell. The metal-air battery and the hydrogen fuel cell are connected to one another by a fluid connection means. The metal-air battery has a foam anode. The effect of parasitic corrosion at the foam anode is utilized in order to introduce the hydrogen formed thereby into the hydrogen fuel cell. In addition, the invention is directed to a system comprising an energy transducer and the energy source according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates, in further aspects, to uses of the energy source according to the invention in a Bayer process in the context of aluminium production and in stationary, semistationary and/or dynamic applications.