Importance

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Abstract

Air managers for metal-air batteries are described, utilizing a diaphragm or bellows to move air in and out of one or more air openings or to move air from an inlet to an outlet. The diaphragm or bellows may be reciprocated by a linear actuator, such as an electromagnetic oscillator, or a shape memory alloy wire. Micromachines such as microrelays may be used as actuators. The battery may include one or more air passageways preferably including an isolating passageway such as a thin elongate tube shaped to impede air flow to the air electrode when the air moving device is not operative, even while the tube remains unsealed. The result is an improved air moving device for metal-air cells that occupies a minimal amount of the volume available for battery chemistry, is usable with advanced systems for isolating the air electrodes when power is not being drawn from the metal air cell, and is capable of developing high pressure for high velocity air movement at a relatively low rate of power consumption. Prismatic and cylindrical batteries incorporating the invention are described.

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First Claim