MagPower - Magnesium Air Fuel Cell (MAFC) Datasheet

THE MAFC TECHNOLOGYThe MAFC is a metal-air fuel cell that uses a metal (anode) such asmagnesium, aluminum or zinc as the fuel immersed in an electrolyte coupled witha gas diffusion cathode to generate a direct current.Metal-Air TypesMagnesium Aluminum ZincSpecific Gravity 1.74 2.70 7.13SHE -2.363 -1.662 -0.763Energy # electrons 2 3 2Open Circuit voltage 1.7 1.2 1.3Anode Composition >90% 99.999% 99.99%Current capacity Ah/kg 2200 2500 (alloy) 740Electrolyte salt water KOH KOHpH electrolyte 6–8 13–14 13 - 14Source(s) seawater, brines bauxite zinc sulphideslimestone, magnesiteserpentineThe Magnesium-Air ChemistryThe MAFC has the electrolyte versatility of using a common saline (salt) solutionor ocean water. The performance capabilities of the MAFC can be enhancedthrough the addition of MagPower’shydrogen inhibitors.Magnesium + Oxygen + Water + Salt + Additive? Direct Current? Material pure magnesium or magnesium alloys (AM60, AT61)? Electrolyte tap water, seawater (or urine)? Additive Hydrogen InhibitorAnode Reaction:Mg–2e- + 2H2O ? Mg(OH)2 + 2H+Cathode Reaction:1 /2O2 + H2O + 2e- ? 2OH-Overall Parasitic Reaction:Mg + 2H2O ? Mg(OH)2 + H2(gas)The formation of hydrogen has negative ramifications in the performance of theMAFC. The importance of Hydrogen Inhibition in the Magnesium-air fuel cell:? Increased power efficiency? Reduction of cell resistance and/or over voltages due to gassing? Reduction or elimination of pressure and/or volume increase due tohydrogen gassing resulting in smaller metal-air fuel cells, and batteries? Improved safetyDue to the corrosion of the magnesium anode and the consumption of water,these components require replacing at intervals.Discharge Curve–1 cell at 5 ampsEnergy = 108 whrs, Temp: 55C; vol = 0.5 l; wt anode = 140 gmscathode surface area = 240 cm2Short Circuit Graph–1 cell (5 amps)short = 212 seconds00.511.520 4 8 12 16 20 24Time (hours)Voltage(volts)00.20.40.60.811.21.40 500 1000 1500 2000 2500Time (seconds)Voltage(volts)THE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGYMagPower has developed a unique cell using the injection molding process. TheMAFC’s advanced injected mould design is made from plastic (some of which is recycled plastic) which has substantial advantages over other types of energygeneration and power storage forms:1. It is environmentally safe to manufacture and assemble. It createsno toxic substances nor creates disposal concerns. All parts aredeemed to be recyclable.2. It is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.3. The MAFC cell design is extremely versatile as the cells can be stacked.The design can be scaled to produce large primary and secondary powersystems as well as being used in conjunction with hybrid power systems.4. The MAFC uses environmentally benign Magnesium (or magnesium alloy)as the fuel source. The magnesium used in this fuel cell is essentiallymaterial that is already readily available for other commercial andindustrial uses. (the AM60 anode is the same material that automotivemanufacturers use).5. Designed and manufactured to industrial codes and standards.