SBIR Phase I: Dynamic, Variable Area, Rechargeable Zinc-Air Fuel Cells as Small Power Sources for Cold Regions

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9860513 This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will elucidate and optimize the fundamental electrochemistry involved in a revolutionary zinc-air Fuel Cell Battery (FCB) for operation in low-temperature environments. This technology will be utilized in a 500-watt remote portable power system to be coupled with a wind or solar recharger in an automated system. The FCB exhibits greater energy- and power-density than other battery technologies and is easily transportable, while avoiding the fuel logistics of a gasoline-powered generator and being far more environmentally benign. The FCB anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials and reaction pathways will be optimized for low-temperature performance. This research will explore the electrochemistry of the zinc-air FCB and will make an important contribution to the global commercialization of this promising technology. This technology is scalable to any power output from watts to hundreds of kilowatts. It is expected to provide power for small electrical devices, scooters, snowmobiles, snowplows, and automobiles, as well as remote power systems during winter seasons and in the cold climates of North America, Northern Europe, Russia, and the Polar Regions.