Computational analysis of the zinc utilization in the primary zinc-air batteries. (1st May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jung, Chi-Young; Kim, Tae-Hyun; Kim, Wha-Jung; Yi, Sung-Chul
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 102(2016)
• Page Start: 694
• Page End: 704
• Publication Date: 2016-05-01
• Subjects: Zinc air battery -- Zinc utilization -- Discharge -- Capacity; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: A one-dimensional mathematical model is implemented in order to explore the design parameters of the zinc-air batteries. The proposed model provides a realistic prediction by considering the effect of the hydroxide ion on formation of the zinc oxide precipitates. The predicted discharge curves are in more reasonable agreement with experimental data at a typical discharging current density of 10 mA cm −2 . The proposed model is subsequently used to predict the discharge performance with varying the thicknesses of the zinc anode and the microporous separator. It is demonstrated that the highest zinc utilization of 97% is obtained for the compact anode (0.61 mm thick) assembled with the sufficiently thick microporous separator (0.11 mm thick). Highlights: Zinc-air battery modeling is conducted in a full cell scale. Air cathode is evidenced to be partially saturated with a depth of 200 μm. The proposed model enables an accurate prediction of the discharge performance. The highest zinc utilization of 97% is obtained at an anode thickness of 0.61 mm.