High-Amperage Energy Storage Device and Method

Abstract

An electrochemical method and apparatus for high-amperage electrical energy storage features a high-temperature, all-liquid chemistry. The reaction products created during charging remain part of the electrodes during storage for discharge on demand. In a simultaneous ambipolar electrodeposition cell, a reaction compound is electrolyzed to effect transfer from an external power source; the electrode elements are electrodissolved during discharge.

1 . An apparatus for receiving electrical energy from an external circuit, storing electrical energy, and delivering electrical energy to an external load, the apparatus comprising:
 a. at least one electrochemical cell having an operating temperature, the cell comprising
 i. a negative electrode of a liquid metal comprising a first element; 
 ii. a negative current collector in contact with the negative electrode for delivering electrons to and receiving electrons from the liquid metal; 
 iii. a positive electrode of an electronically conductive liquid metalloid comprising a second element; 
 iv. a positive current collector in contact with the positive electrode for delivering electrons to and receiving electrons from the electronically conductive liquid metalloid; and 
 v. a liquid electrolyte, comprising a mutual reaction compound of the first and second elements, in contact with the negative and positive electrodes; 
   b. a negative terminal in electrical contact with the negative current collector for alternative connection to the external circuit and load; and   c. a positive terminal in electrical contact with the positive current collector for alternative connection to the external circuit and load.