The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method of using a silver-zinc rechargeable battery to power a device. The method includes drawing, in a first mode of operation of a power management circuit, a first current from the battery to power the device. The first current is selected such that a target percentage of a capacity of the battery is discharged in a predetermined time of use of the device. The method also includes switching to a second mode of operation after the target percentage of the capacity of the battery is discharged. In the second mode of operation, a second current is drawn from the battery, wherein the second current is less than the first current. The method further includes powering the device using the second current.

The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method of using a silver-zinc rechargeable battery to power a device. The method includes drawing, in a first mode of operation of a power management circuit, a first current from the battery to power the device. The first current is selected such that a target percentage of a capacity of the battery is discharged in a predetermined time of use of the device. The method also includes switching to a second mode of operation after the target percentage of the capacity of the battery is discharged. In the second mode of operation, a second current is drawn from the battery, wherein the second current is less than the first current. The method further includes powering the device using the second current.

Provided is a layered double hydroxide (LDH) separator capable of more effectively restraining short circuiting caused by zinc dendrites. The LDH separator includes a porous substrate made of a polymer material and LDH plugging pores in the porous substrate, and has a linear transmittance of 1% or more at a wavelength of 1000 nm.

The alkaline battery of the present invention includes, as power generation components, a positive electrode containing silver oxide as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode, a separator, and an alkaline electrolyte solution. At least one of the power generation components contains tellurium or a compound of tellurium. The total content of tellurium element contained in components housed in the battery is 0.4 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of silver element in the positive electrode active material. The positive electrode is substantially free of cadmium.

Provided is an LDH-like compound separator that includes a porous substrate made of a polymer material and a layered double hydroxide (LDH)-like compound plugging pores in the porous substrate, and has a linear transmittance of 1% or more at a wavelength of 1000 nm.

An Automatic Service Station Facility (ASSF) for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the automatic service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the vehicle. In another embodiment, the service station facility may also stock replaceable batteries for selective delivery onboard battery-operated vehicles. In another embodiment, the ASSF is self-propelled, remotely controlled, and solar powered, being able to move long distances to remote locations which may be hazardous to humans, such as disaster zones or battle fields, where the ASSF can service AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles needed for the particular applications. Alternatively, the solar powered ASSF can be made to move continuously and service vehicles continuously for long duration operations like herding cattle for example.

An Automatic Service Station Facility (ASSF) for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the automatic service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the vehicle. In another embodiment, the service station facility may also stock replaceable batteries for selective delivery onboard battery-operated vehicles. In another embodiment, the ASSF is self-propelled, remotely controlled, and solar powered, being able to move long distances to remote locations which may be hazardous to humans, such as disaster zones or battle fields, where the ASSF can service AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles needed for the particular applications. Alternatively, the solar powered ASSF can be made to move continuously and service vehicles continuously for long duration operations like herding cattle for example.

Provided is a secondary battery including a power generation unit including a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, a porous separator, and an electrolytic solution. The negative electrode layer is a dissolution-deposition electrode. When viewed in plan view, a functional region, identified as a region where the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the electrolytic solution, and the porous separator overlap, is divided into power generation regions and a linear non-power generation region demarcating each power generation region. The power generation regions have a value α of 30 or less, the value α being defined by the equation: α=ΦP/wt, wherein Φ represents an area equivalent diameter (mm) per region of the power generation regions, P represents a thickness (mm) of the negative electrode layer, w represents a line width (mm) of the non-power generation region, and t represents a thickness (mm) of the porous separator.

The present invention provides novel cathodes having a reduced resistivity and other improved electrical properties. Furthermore, this invention also presents methods of manufacturing novel electrochemical cells and novel cathodes. These novel cathodes comprise a silver material that is doped with a silicate material.

The present invention provides novel cathodes having a reduced resistivity and other improved electrical properties. Furthermore, this invention also presents methods of manufacturing novel electrochemical cells and novel cathodes. These novel cathodes comprise a silver material that is doped with a silicate material.