A Mechanically Rechargeable 1-KW Zinc-Air Battery

Although the zinc-air battery system has been known for many years for its excellent energy storage characteristics (50–60 Whr/lb), the system has been limited in its applications by the low power output capability (< 1.0 W/lb). More recently, efforts have been made to increase the power output and maintain the good energy storage characteristics of this system. A mechanically rechargeable, 1-kW zinc-air battery has been designed, built, and tested which achieved a power density of 14–26 W/lb and an energy storage capacity of 30 Whr/lb. The battery weighed 72 lb and was used to replace 260 lb of lead-acid batteries as the power source in a 1-hp two seater Cushman electric cart.