An electrochemical reactor includes an ion ON/OFF surface switch operating as an ionic conductor, which includes a pair of electrodes, an electrolyte aqueous solution present between the pair of electrodes, a water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane disposed such that at least one surface thereof is in contact with the electrolyte aqueous solution and including a plurality of pores communicating with each other and a pressing equipment configured to pressurize the electrolyte aqueous solution. As such, electrolysis, a secondary battery and a capacitor, which uses the water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane as an ion ON/OFF surface switch, can be provided.

An electrolyte is introduced into an electrochemical device, passed, via a first corrugation feature, through a first electrode of the electrochemical device, passed through an ion permeable separator, and contacted with a second electrode. The first or second electrode comprises a second corrugation feature in fluid communication with the first corrugation feature to contact the electrolyte across a portion of an active surface of the first or second electrode.

An air cell includes a plurality of electrode structures each including a filling chamber for an electrolyte liquid interposed between an air electrode and a metal negative electrode; an electrode housing portion individually housing the plural electrode structures; and a liquid supply unit which supplies the electrolyte liquid to the plural electrode structures. The electrode housing portion includes a plurality of liquid injection holes to inject the electrolyte liquid into the filling chambers of the respective electrode structures and a plurality of liquid junction prevention portions each dividing a space between the liquid injection holes adjacent to each other. The liquid supply unit includes a liquid injection device allowing the electrolyte liquid to flow into the plural liquid injection holes.

An air cell includes a plurality of electrode structures each including a filling chamber for an electrolyte liquid interposed between an air electrode and a metal negative electrode; an electrode housing portion individually housing the plural electrode structures; and a liquid supply unit which supplies the electrolyte liquid to the plural electrode structures. The electrode housing portion includes a plurality of liquid injection holes to inject the electrolyte liquid into the filling chambers of the respective electrode structures and a plurality of liquid junction prevention portions each dividing a space between the liquid injection holes adjacent to each other. The liquid supply unit includes a liquid injection device allowing the electrolyte liquid to flow into the plural liquid injection holes.

Methods and systems for providing battery backup power to a home or other building are disclosed. Methods and systems include a fluid container holding an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution is prevented from flowing through an array of galvanic cells having annular flow paths via a fluid flow control mechanism, such as a valve, which is energized by an external power source. When the external power source is removed, such as during a power outage, the fluid flow control mechanism is deenergized and electrolyte solution is allowed to flow through the galvanic cell array, generating electric current. Energy produced by the system then powers the home or other building until the external power source returns, which in turn closes the fluid flow control mechanism and ceases energy production by the system.

Methods and systems for providing battery backup power to a home or other building are disclosed. Methods and systems include a fluid container holding an electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution is prevented from flowing through an array of galvanic cells having annular flow paths via a fluid flow control mechanism, such as a valve, which is energized by an external power source. When the external power source is removed, such as during a power outage, the fluid flow control mechanism is deenergized and electrolyte solution is allowed to flow through the galvanic cell array, generating electric current. Energy produced by the system then powers the home or other building until the external power source returns, which in turn closes the fluid flow control mechanism and ceases energy production by the system.

A battery includes a battery casing with a chamber that includes an electrolyte powder. The electrolyte powder surrounds a zinc material that is separated from the electrolyte powder by a permeable separator sheet. The battery also includes a conductive member with a first end in electrical communication with an anode terminal of the battery, and, a second end in electrical communication with the zinc material. A conductive layer is between an inner surface of the casing and the electrolyte powder and in electrical communication with the cathode terminal. There is also a liquid release mechanism that releases a liquid in the chamber to activate an ion flow between the electrolyte powder and the zinc material via the permeable separator sheet.

A battery includes a battery casing with a chamber that includes an electrolyte powder. The electrolyte powder surrounds a zinc material that is separated from the electrolyte powder by a permeable separator sheet. The battery also includes a conductive member with a first end in electrical communication with an anode terminal of the battery, and, a second end in electrical communication with the zinc material. A conductive layer is between an inner surface of the casing and the electrolyte powder and in electrical communication with the cathode terminal. There is also a liquid release mechanism that releases a liquid in the chamber to activate an ion flow between the electrolyte powder and the zinc material via the permeable separator sheet.

An aluminum-air battery is provided. The battery comprises a hydrophilic and porous electrolyte substrate, a conductive layer comprising aluminum on one surface of the electrolyte substrate or inside the electrolyte substrate as battery anode, an oxygen reduction catalyst on an opposite surface of the electrolyte substrate as battery cathode, and an electrolyte either applied to the electrolyte substrate externally or pre-deposited into the electrolyte substrate. A battery shell can be employed for a multi-use rigid battery design, or it can be eliminated for a single-use flexible battery design.

A battery including: a casing having a cylindrical portion, an end portion configured for covering an opening disposed in an end of the cylindrical portion, and an inner surface defining a chamber in which an electrolyte is disposed therein; a conductive surface located within the chamber adjacent the inner surface of the casing, the conductive surface being configured for electrical communication with an anode terminal of the battery; a permeable separator sheet located within the casing configured for electrically isolating the electrolyte from the conductive surface; a conductive rod having a first end configured for electrical communication with a cathode terminal of the battery, and, a second end of the conductive rod configured for electrical communication with the electrolyte; wherein the end portion and the cylindrical portion are movably attached to each other, the end portion and cylindrical portion being movable relative to each other between at least a first attached position whereby the end portion covers the opening disposed at the end of the cylindrical portion so as to substantially block ingress of a liquid into the casing via the opening, and, a second attached position whereby the end portion is displaced from the end of the cylindrical portion so as to allow ingress of a liquid into contact with the electrolyte in the chamber via the opening so that the electrolyte is suitable for allowing a potential difference to be generated between the conductive surface and the conductive rod of the battery.