IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
US-0755379
(2010-04-06)
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등록번호 |
US-8778552
(2014-07-15)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Chiang, Yet-Ming
- Bazzarella, Ricardo
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
15 인용 특허 :
74 |
초록
▼
An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called “fuel”) is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the “fuel” tanks are remov
An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called “fuel”) is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the “fuel” tanks are removable and are separately charged in a charging station, and the charged fuel, plus tanks, are placed back in the vehicle or other power system, allowing fast refueling. The technology also provides a charging system in which discharged fuel is charged. The charged fuel can be placed into storage tanks at the power source or returned to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the charged fuel in the storage tanks can be used at a later date. The charged fuel can be transported or stored for use in a different place or time.
대표청구항
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1. A method of operating a portable device comprising a power system housed within the device, comprising: providing:(a) a plurality of secondary flow cells, each flow cell comprising: a positive electrode current collector,a negative electrode current collector,an ion-permeable membrane separating
1. A method of operating a portable device comprising a power system housed within the device, comprising: providing:(a) a plurality of secondary flow cells, each flow cell comprising: a positive electrode current collector,a negative electrode current collector,an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors;wherein said positive electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a positive electroactive zone for accommodating a positive electroactive material;wherein said negative electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a negative electroactive zone for accommodating a negative electroactive material;wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive materials comprises a flowable redox composition in said electroactive zone; andwherein the flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states; orthe flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active condensed liquid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a condensed liquid in all of its oxidation states;(b) at least one dispensing vessel for dispensing a flowable redox composition into one of the positive or negative electroactive zone; wherein said dispensing vessel is connected with said plurality of flow cells and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the dispensing vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell; and(c) at least one receiving vessel for receiving flowable redox composition from one of the positive or negative electroactive zone, wherein said receiving vessel is connected with said flow cell and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the receiving vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell; andintroducing said flowable redox composition from said dispensing vessel into at least one of the electroactive zones to cause the flow cell to discharge to provide electric energy to operate the device; andreceiving the discharged redox composition in the receiving vessel. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising replacing said receiving vessel with a new empty receiving vessel. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said portable device is a vehicle. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said portable device is a portable power generator. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said vehicle is a land, air, or water vehicle. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising refueling said power system by replacing said dispensing vessel containing said redox composition with a new dispensing vessel containing a fresh flowable redox composition. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said fresh redox composition has at least one different characteristic from said redox composition. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different power densities. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different energy densities. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different semi-solid particle sizes. 11. The method of claim 7, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different electroactive material concentrations. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein said fresh redox composition has smaller semi-solid particle size and higher power density than said redox composition. 13. The method of claim 7, wherein said fresh redox composition has higher electroactive material concentration and higher energy density than said redox composition. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing vessel and receiving vessel form a unitary body. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of flow cells form a stack of flow cells, and said dispensing and receiving vessels are reversibly connected with the flow cell stack. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said flow cells are connected in parallel. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said flow cells are connected in series. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a pump disposed between one or both of said dispensing and receiving vessels and said flow cell stack. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein said pump is a reversible flow pump that is operable for flow in both directions. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing or receiving vessels comprise a flexible bladder. 21. The method of claim 15, further comprising valves positioned at the entrance of each fuel cell to control the flow of redox composition into the respective flow cell and minimize shunt current between adjacent flow cells. 22. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a multiport injection system configured and arranged to control the amount of redox composition delivered to each electroactive zone of each flow cell. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the multiport injection system comprises a plurality of compartments, each compartment in flow communication with a subset of the flow cells in the flow cell stack and injectors for introducing redox composition into each compartment. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein pressure in the plurality of compartment is greater than the pressure in the electroactive zone pressure. 25. The method of claim 15, further comprising a cooling system for circulating a coolant in said flow cell stack. 26. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a monitoring meter connected to one or both of the dispensing and receiving vessels for monitoring the volume or content of the redox composition in one or both of the dispensing or receiving vessel. 27. The method of claim 1, further comprising replenishing the dispensing vessel with fresh redox composition. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein replenishing the dispensing vessel comprises introducing new redox composition into the dispensing vessel. 29. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the discharged redox composition from the receiving vessel. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein removing the discharged redox composition from the receiving vessel comprises emptying the receiving vessel of discharged redox composition. 31. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing and receiving vessel form a unitary body, said unitary body having a movable membrane between said receiving and dispensing compartments and the method further comprises replacing said unitary body with a new unitary body comprising a power storage vessel containing fresh flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox compositions and an empty spent redox composition storage vessel. 32. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the levels of said flowable redox compositions in said dispensing or receiving vessels. 33. The method of claim 1, further comprising reversing the direction of flow of the redox composition so that the spent redox composition flows from said receiving vessel to said electroactive zone; andapplying a reverse voltage to said power system to recharge said discharged redox composition. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising advancing the recharged redox composition from said electroactive zone to said dispensing vessel for storage. 35. The method of claim 33, wherein said flow of the spent redox composition is controlled by a reversible pump. 36. The method of claim 1, wherein the particle size of the flowable semi-solid ion-storing redox composition being discharged is selected to provide a preselected power density. 37. The method of claim 1, wherein the load in wt percent of the flowable semi-solid ion-storing redox composition being discharged is selected to provide a preselected energy capacity of the redox composition. 38. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the condition of the redox composition before during or after discharge. 39. The method of claim 16, wherein the condition monitored comprises the temperature, flow rates, or the relative amounts of the cathode or anode redox compositions. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising modifying a property of the redox composition based on the results of the monitoring. 41. The method of claim 1, further comprising increasing the flow rate of the redox composition along the electroactive zone to increase the power of the flow cell. 42. The method of claim 1, further comprising reconditioning said flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein said reconditioning comprises sequesting residual water from the said redox composition;adding additional salt to improve ion conductivity;adding solvents or electrolyte additives;adding additional solid phases including active materials used for ion storage, or conductive additives;separating solid phases from the liquid electrolyte;adding coagulation aids;replacing the liquid electrolyte; orany combination thereof. 44. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of said flow cells comprises: an electrode comprising a flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition capable of taking up and releasing said ions during operation of the cell; anda stationary electrode. 45. A method of operating a stationary device comprising a power system housed within the device, comprising: (a) providing a plurality of secondary flow cells, each flow cell comprising: a positive electrode current collector,a negative electrode current collector,an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors;wherein said positive electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a positive electroactive zone for accommodating a positive electroactive material;wherein said negative electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a negative electroactive zone for accommodating a negative electroactive material; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive materials comprises a flowable redox composition in said electroactive zone; andwherein the flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states; orthe flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active condensed liquid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a condensed liquid in all of its oxidation states;(b) at least one dispensing vessel for dispensing a flowable redox composition into one of the positive or negative electroactive zone; wherein said dispensing vessel is connected with said plurality of flow cells and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell; and(c) at least one receiving vessel for receiving flowable redox composition from one of the positive or negative electroactive zone, wherein said receiving vessel is connected with said flow cell and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell;introducing said flowable redox composition from said dispensing vessel into at least one of the electroactive zones to cause the flow cell to discharge to provide electric energy to operate the device; andreceiving the discharged redox composition in the receiving vessel. 46. The method of claim 45, further comprising replacing said receiving vessel with a new empty receiving vessel. 47. The method of claim 45, wherein said stationary device is a stationary power generator. 48. The method of claim 45, further comprising refueling said power system by replacing said dispensing vessel containing said redox composition with a new dispensing vessel containing a fresh flowable redox composition. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein said fresh redox composition has at least one different characteristics from said redox composition. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different power densities. 51. The method of claim 49, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different energy densities. 52. The method of claim 49, wherein said plurality of flow cells form a stack of flow cells, and said dispensing and receiving vessels are reversibly connected with the flow cell stack. 53. The method of claim 45, further comprising providing a monitoring meter connected to one or both of the dispensing and receiving vessels for monitoring the volume or content of the redox composition in one or both of the dispensing or receiving vessel. 54. The method of claim 45, wherein the dispensing and receiving vessel form a unitary body, said unitary body having a movable membrane between said receiving and dispensing compartments and the method further comprises replacing said unitary body with a new unitary body comprising a power storage vessel containing fresh flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox compositions and an empty spent redox composition storage vessel. 55. The method of claim 45, further comprising reversing the direction of flow of the redox composition so that the spent redox composition flows from said receiving vessel to said electroactive zone; andapplying a reverse voltage to said power system to recharge said discharged redox composition. 56. A vehicle comprising a power system housed within the vehicle, wherein said power system comprising: (a) a plurality of secondary flow cells, each flow cell comprising: a positive electrode current collector,a negative electrode current collector,an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors;wherein said positive electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a positive electroactive zone for accommodating a positive electroactive material;wherein said negative electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a negative electroactive zone for accommodating a negative electroactive material; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive materials comprises a flowable redox composition in said electroactive zone; andwherein the flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states; orthe flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active condensed liquid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a condensed liquid in all of its oxidation states;(b) at least one dispensing vessel for dispensing a flowable redox composition into one of the positive or negative electroactive zone; wherein said dispensing vessel is connected with said plurality of flow cells and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell; and(c) at least one receiving vessel for receiving flowable redox composition from one of the positive or negative electroactive zone, wherein said receiving vessel is connected with said flow cell and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell; wherein said dispensing vessel and are located to provide access for removal and replacing. 57. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein said receiving vessel is capable of being replaced with a new empty receiving vessel. 58. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein said power system is capable of being refueled by replacing said dispensing vessel containing said flowable redox composition with a new dispensing vessel containing fresh flowable redox composition. 59. The vehicle of claim 58, wherein said fresh redox composition has at least one different characteristic from said redox composition. 60. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different power densities. 61. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different energy densities. 62. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different semi-solid particle sizes. 63. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different electroactive material concentrations. 64. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein the dispensing vessel and receiving vessel form a unitary body. 65. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein said plurality of flow cells form a stack of flow cells, and said dispensing and receiving vessels are reversibly connected with the flow cell stack. 66. The vehicle of claim 65, wherein said power system further comprising a pump disposed between one or both of said dispensing and receiving vessels and said flow cell stack. 67. The vehicle of claim 66, wherein said pump is a reversible flow pump that is operable for flow in both directions. 68. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein the dispensing and receiving vessels comprise a flexible bladder. 69. The vehicle of claim 65, further comprising valves positioned at the entrance of each fuel cell to control the flow of redox composition into the respective flow cell and minimize shunt current between adjacent fuel cells. 70. The vehicle of claim 69, further comprising a multiport injection system configured and arranged to control the amount of redox composition delivered to each electroactive zone of each flow cell. 71. The vehicle of claim 56, further comprising a monitoring meter connected to one or both of the dispensing and receiving vessels for monitoring the volume or content of the redox composition in one or both of the dispensing or receiving vessel. 72. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein the dispensing and receiving vessel form a unitary body, said unitary body having a movable membrane between said receiving and dispensing compartments and the method further comprises replacing said unitary body with a new unitary body comprising a power storage vessel containing fresh flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox compositions and an empty spent redox composition storage vessel. 73. A power system, comprising: (a) a plurality of secondary flow cells, each flow cell comprising: a positive electrode current collector,a negative electrode current collector,an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors;wherein said positive electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a positive electroactive zone for accommodating said positive electrode;wherein said negative electrode current collector and said ion-permeable membrane define a negative electroactive zone for accommodating said negative electrode; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electrode comprises a flowable redox composition in said electroactive zone; andwherein the flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states; orthe flowable redox composition comprises a redox-active condensed liquid which is capable of taking up or releasing a working ion of the cell and which remains a condensed liquid in all of its oxidation states;(b) at least one dispensing storage vessel for dispensing said flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition into one of the positive or negative electroactive zone; wherein said dispensing storage vessel is connected with said plurality of flow cells and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the dispensing vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell; and(c) at least one receiving storage vessel for receiving flowable redox composition from one of the positive or negative electroactive zone, wherein said receiving vessel is connected with said flow cell and in fluidic communication with said electroactive zone and the receiving vessel is capable of being connected and disconnected from said flow cell. 74. The power system of claim 73, wherein said positive electrode comprises a cathode slurry comprising said flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox compositions and said negative electrode comprises an anode slurry comprising said flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox compositions. 75. The power system of claim 73, wherein said power storage vessel and said spent redox composition storage vessel form a unitary body. 76. The power system of claim 73, wherein said plurality of flow cells form a stack of flow cells, wherein each flow cell comprises at least one electrode comprising a flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition which is capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell; and said dispensing and receiving vessels are reversibly connected with the flow cell stack. 77. The power system of claim 76, wherein said flow cells are connected in parallel. 78. The power system of claim 76, wherein said flow cells are connected in series. 79. The power system of claim 73, further comprising a pump disposed between one or both of said dispensing and receiving vessels and said flow cell. 80. The power system of claim 79, wherein said pump is a reversible flow pump. 81. The power system of claim 73, wherein the dispensing and receiving vessels comprise a flexible bladder. 82. The power system of claim 76, further comprising valves positioned at the entrance of each fuel cell to control the flow of redox composition into the respective flow cell and minimize shunt current between adjacent fuel cells. 83. The power system of claim 76, further comprising a multiport injection system configured and arranged to control the amount of redox composition delivered to each electroactive zone of each flow cell. 84. The power system of claim 83, wherein the multiport injection system comprises injectors for introducing redox composition into a compartment supplying redox composition to a sub-portion of the total flow cells. 85. The power system of claim 83, wherein the multiport injection system provides a greater compartment pressure than electroactive zone pressure to minimize shunt current between each flow cell. 86. The power system of claim 73, further comprising a cooling system for circulating a coolant in said flow cell. 87. The power system of claim 73, further comprising a level meter connected to said power storage vessel for monitoring the state of charge of the flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition. 88. A method of operating the power system of claim 73, comprising: providing power system of claim 73;introducing said flowable redox composition from said dispensing vessel into at least one of the electroactive zones to cause the flow cell to discharge to provide electric energy to operate the device; andreceiving the discharged redox composition in the receiving vessel. 89. The method of claim 88, further comprising refueling said power system by replacing said dispensing vessel containing said redox composition with a new dispensing vessel containing fresh flowable redox composition. 90. The method of claim 88, further comprising replacing said receiving vessel with a new empty receiving vessel. 91. The method of claim 89, wherein said fresh redox composition has at least one different characteristic from said redox composition. 92. The method of claim 91, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different power densities. 93. The method of claim 91, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different energy densities. 94. The method of claim 91, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different semi-solid particle sizes. 95. The method of claim 91, wherein said fresh redox composition and said redox composition has different electroactive material concentrations. 96. The method of claim 91, wherein said fresh redox composition has smaller semi-solid particle size and higher power density than said redox composition. 97. The method of claim 91, wherein said fresh redox composition has higher electroactive material concentration and higher energy density than said redox composition. 98. The method of claim 88, wherein the dispensing vessel and receiving vessel form a unitary body. 99. The method of claim 88, wherein said plurality of flow cells form a stack of flow cells, and said dispensing and receiving vessels are reversibly connected with the flow cell stack. 100. The method of claim 88, wherein said flow cells are connected in parallel. 101. The method of claim 88, wherein said flow cells are connected in series. 102. The method of claim 88, wherein said power system further comprises a pump disposed between one or both of said dispensing and receiving vessels and said flow cell stack. 103. The method of claim 102, wherein said pump is a reversible flow pump that is operable for flow in both directions. 104. The method of claim 88, wherein the dispensing or receiving vessels comprise a flexible bladder. 105. The method of claim 88, further comprising valves positioned at the entrance of each fuel cell to control the flow of redox composition into the respective flow cell and minimize shunt current between adjacent flow cells. 106. The method of claim 105, further comprising providing a multiport injection system configured and arranged to control the amount of redox composition delivered to each electroactive zone of each flow cell. 107. The method of claim 106, wherein the multiport injection system comprises a plurality of compartments, each compartment in flow communication with a subset of the flow cells in the flow cell stack and injectors for introducing redox composition into each compartment. 108. The method of claim 107, wherein pressure in the plurality of compartment is greater than the pressure in the electroactive zone pressure. 109. The method of claim 102, further comprising a cooling system for circulating a coolant in said flow cell stack. 110. The method of claim 88, further comprising providing a monitoring meter connected to one or both of the dispensing and receiving vessels for monitoring the volume or content of the redox composition in one or both of the dispensing or receiving vessel. 111. The method of claim 88, further comprising replenishing the dispensing vessel with fresh redox composition. 112. The method of claim 111, wherein replenishing the dispensing vessel comprises introducing new redox composition into the dispensing vessel. 113. The method of claim 88, further comprising removing the discharged redox composition from the receiving vessel. 114. The method of claim 113, wherein removing the discharged redox composition from the receiving vessel comprises emptying the receiving vessel of discharged redox composition. 115. The method of claim 88, wherein the dispensing and receiving vessel form a unitary body, said unitary body having a movable membrane between said receiving and dispensing compartments and the method further comprises replacing said unitary body with a new unitary body comprising a power storage vessel containing fresh flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox compositions and an empty spent redox composition storage vessel. 116. The method of claim 88, further comprising monitoring the levels of said flowable redox compositions in said dispensing or receiving vessels. 117. The method of claim 88, further comprising reversing the direction of flow of the redox composition so that the spent redox composition flows from said receiving vessel to said electroactive zone; andapplying a reverse voltage to said power system to recharge said discharged redox composition. 118. The method of claim 117, further comprising advancing the recharged redox composition from said electroactive zone to said dispensing vessel for storage. 119. The method of claim 117, wherein said flow of the spent redox composition is controlled by a reversible pump. 120. The method of claim 88, wherein the particle size of the flowable semi-solid ion-storing redox composition being discharged is selected to provide a preselected power density. 121. The method of claim 88, wherein the load in wt percent of the flowable semi-solid ion-storing redox composition being discharged is selected to provide a preselected energy capacity of the redox composition. 122. The method of claim 88, further comprising monitoring the condition of the redox composition before during or after discharge. 123. The method of claim 122, wherein the condition monitored comprises the temperature, flow rates, or the relative amounts of the cathode or anode redox compositions. 124. The method of claim 122, further comprising modifying a property of the redox composition based on the results of the monitoring. 125. The method of claim 88, further comprising increasing the flow rate of the redox composition along the electroactive zone to increase the power of the flow cell. 126. The method of claim 88, further comprising reconditioning said flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition. 127. The method of claim 126, wherein said reconditioning comprises sequesting residual water from the said redox composition;adding additional salt to improve ion conductivity;adding solvents or electrolyte additives;adding additional solid phases including active materials used for ion storage, or conductive additives;separating solid phases from the liquid electrolyte;adding coagulation aids;replacing the liquid electrolyte; orany combination thereof. 128. The power system of claim 88, wherein at least one of said flow cells comprises: an electrode comprising a flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid ion-storing redox composition capable of taking up and releasing said ions during operation of the cell; anda stationary electrode . 129. The method of claim 1, wherein said redox composition comprises a flowable semi-solid ion-storing redox composition comprising a redox-active solid which remains a solid in all of its states during the operation of the cell without going into solution. 130. The method of claim 45, wherein said redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states during the operation of the cell without going into solution. 131. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein said redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states during the operation of the cell without going into solution. 132. The power system of claim 73, wherein said redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states during the operation of the cell without going into solution. 133. The method of claim 88, wherein said redox composition comprises a redox-active solid which remains a solid in all of its oxidation states during the operation of the cell without going into solution.
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