Metallic electrochemical cells and methods for producing on-demand electricity

Abstract

A method and system is provided for producing direct current electricity from electrochemical oxidation of one of at least magnesium, zinc, or aluminum metal by at least one of water and oxygen to produce at least one of magnesium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide. The design of dry-cells for the same using relatively light weight materials provides a transportable, infinite energy supply system that is activated with the addition of at least one of an aqueous solvent or a polar solvent to produce an electrolyte solution. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for the same are provided for introducing electrolyte solutions and changing solid plates comprised of at least one of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum—also referred to as fuel cards—to initiate or sustain electricity generation. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the same that accelerate electricity generation by the introduction of one of at least air or oxygen. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for the same are provided that reduce electricity generation by introduction of at least one of an inert gas such as nitrogen or by separating the electrolyte solution from the reaction cell. Systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same are provided.

I claim: 
     
         1 . In a battery that contains a cathode, a metal anode, and an electrolyte material for conducting anodic and cathodic reactions to produce a metal oxide when oxygen is introduced into the cell, the improvement comprising:
 a drain for removal of the electrolyte and metal oxide material upon substantial depletion of the metal anode.   
     
     
         2 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising a graphene coating on the metal anode. 
     
     
         3 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising the metal anode is selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, aluminum and combinations of these metals. 
     
     
         4 . The battery of  claim 3 , the improvement further comprising the electrolyte including propylene glycol mixed with water. 
     
     
         5 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising the metal anode being constructed and arranged as a renewable fuel card. 
     
     
         6 . The battery of  claim 5 , wherein the renewable fuel card is constructed and arranged for recharging the battery cell by replacing the fuel card. 
     
     
         7 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising a plurality of the battery cells electrically coupled in an assembly configured to produce electrical power in a range from 100 kW-hr to 10 MW-hr. 
     
     
         8 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising an absorbent pad interposed between the anode and the cathode for dispersion of the glycol to facilitate the anodic and cathodic reactions. 
     
     
         9 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising an oxygen source selected as a gas pump or pressurized canister configured to supply oxygen to facilitate the anodic and cathodic reactions. 
     
     
         14 . The battery of  claim 1 , the improvement further comprising means for selective control of the reactions by removing the glycol to stop the anodic and cathodic reactions. 
     
     
         15 . A method for producing on-demand high performance direct current using a battery cell according to  claim 1 , comprising
 providing all elements of the battery cell except for the glycol; and   when electricity is required on-demand, adding the glycol for generation of the electricity.