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- Are QSI’s zinc-air batteries rechargeable?
MetAir™ Cells are primary (non-rechargeable) cells which can be conveniently used and replaced much like replacing the ink toner cartridge in a printer. Once discharged (completely utilized), the MetAir™ Power Cartridge is replaceable and can be disposed of in the normal waste stream.
Relying on combustible fuels, or solar- or wind-generated power in an “off-the-grid”, emergency power outage, or military situation can be dangerous, unpredictable, and inefficient. The MetAir™ Ranger PPS is lightweight, safe, and reliable for emergency back-up power needs – day or night – when diesel generators, solar, or wind are not available for recharging batteries.
- What is the typical voltage of zinc-air chemistry?
QSI’s zinc-air chemistry provides 1.4V Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and 0.9V-1.25V per cell under load or closed circuit voltage (CCV).
- How does the discharge voltage curve slope relative to lead acid and lithium-ion batteries?
The zinc-air discharge curve is completely flat 90% of the discharge time and then drops off sharply toward the end of the battery life, whereas lead acid and lithium-ion will tend to decrease voltage gradually throughout the discharge period. Alkaline and lead acid batteries suffer from low rate self-discharge that decrease shelf life dramatically. When lead acid batteries are stored fully charged, they suffer from a permanent capacity loss over time and must be maintained (re-charged) every three months to ensure a full state of charge and operational readiness.
- What is energy-to-density/weight ratio of the zinc-air chemistry?
The MetAir™ Ranger PPS is about the size of a single deep cycle (heavy duty) lead acid marine battery, yet it weighs roughly half as much and provides more than EIGHT times the equivalent energy density per kilogram. This chemistry offers specific energy (energy density) of up to 440 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/Kg). It offers the highest energy/weight ratio of any commercially available primary/disposable or rechargeable battery.
- What are the current delivery capabilities of zinc-air chemistry?
Delivery capabilities range from 500 milliamps, 1 amp, 2 amps, 3 amps and 4 amps per cell, or up to 40mA/cm2 in a complete cell.
- What is the shelf life of a sealed zinc-air cell or battery?
A MetAir™ Replaceable Power Cartridge offers an unprecedented shelf life and performance warranty of up to 5 years before initial use in the original airtight wrapper. The self-discharge rate is less than 5% per year (when un-activated / sealed in original packaging). Once activated (exposed to air), the battery should be completely utilized within two months.
- Can a user stop the discharge of an active zinc-air cell or battery once it has been activated?
Yes, if properly re-sealed to cut-off the air supply, you can slow the discharge rate and re-use the battery again for up to two months.
- Where is zinc-air technology most commonly used today?
Zinc-air batteries are currently used for hearing aids, watches, telecommunications equipment, ocean buoys, railway remote signaling, and military applications.
- Does conventional fuel gauge technology (for lead acid, nickel, or lithium batteries) work with zinc-air?
Standard battery fuel gauge technology does not work for zinc-air because of the constant discharge curve. A custom low cost battery management system was designed to read the actual capacity left in the battery based on usage.
- Does zinc-air require United Nations (UN) or Department of Transportation (DOT) approval for commercial shipment?
No. Because they are non-toxic and non-combustible, zinc-air batteries are approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for travel / transport via air, land, and sea with no further permissions needed.
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