26-10-2019, 10:31 AM
(This post was last modified: 26-10-2019, 10:33 AM by Mike Watterson.)
The "Austin" company has no monopoly on this, nor the commercial or technical expertise. Put your money elsewhere, Sam.
Wikipedia isn't always accurate, but:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium%...ir_battery
The two big issues are that it's a primary cell, not rechargeable, so the economics are dubious and the Aluminium Oxide issue, which may inherently prevent the cell being viable. Viable electrode designs dramatically increase the cost and reduce the ability to recycle them. Without cheap complete recycling the cell is a disaster.
The technology has been in development for over 30 years and is unlikely to be viable. Why the obsession? The energy density.
Actually NiMH in volume are close to Lithium Ion in capacity (they weigh a lot more hence not used for cars) and may have longer life.
NiMH and LiIon may have 500 to 2000 cycles. Lead Acid more. I'm not sure about Nickel - Iron (used in Victorian era for electric cars).
Zinc Air cells used for everything from hearing aids to electric fences. They decay as soon as the air seal is opened. Aluminium Air cells have all the issues of Zinc (very similar) but harder to solve.
Wikipedia isn't always accurate, but:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium%...ir_battery
The two big issues are that it's a primary cell, not rechargeable, so the economics are dubious and the Aluminium Oxide issue, which may inherently prevent the cell being viable. Viable electrode designs dramatically increase the cost and reduce the ability to recycle them. Without cheap complete recycling the cell is a disaster.
The technology has been in development for over 30 years and is unlikely to be viable. Why the obsession? The energy density.
Actually NiMH in volume are close to Lithium Ion in capacity (they weigh a lot more hence not used for cars) and may have longer life.
NiMH and LiIon may have 500 to 2000 cycles. Lead Acid more. I'm not sure about Nickel - Iron (used in Victorian era for electric cars).
Zinc Air cells used for everything from hearing aids to electric fences. They decay as soon as the air seal is opened. Aluminium Air cells have all the issues of Zinc (very similar) but harder to solve.
