Title page for ETD etd-01125-102801

Document Type thesis

Author Name White, Leo J

URN etd-01125-102801

Title An Approximate Analytical Model for the Discharge Performance of a Primary Zinc/Air Cell

Degree MS

Department Chemical Engineering

Advisors
Prof. Ravindra Datta, Advisor

Keywords
electrochemistry
air
performance model
zinc
performance modeling

Date of Presentation/Defense 2005-01-12

Availability unrestricted

Abstract
The characteristics of a Zinc/Air (Zn/Air) primary cell are discussed. In addition, current technologies and the corresponding electrical performance are introduced. The basic principles of operation of a Zn/Air primary cell are discussed, focusing on the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. Basic kinetic and transport expressions are developed for the two main components of the cell: the anode and cathode compartments, based on which an overall formula for the cell polarization is developed. Input parameters are selected and approximated where possible to observe the model¡¦s ability to predict potential versus current density. Time-dependent anode performance is accomplished through the use of the shrinking core reaction model for the discharge of the zinc particles. The time-dependent dimensionless radius of the zinc particle (ƒè) is then used in conjunction with the developed transport and kinetic expressions for the prediction of the overall cell performance as a function of time. Plots of cell voltage prediction versus time and percent capacity versus time are presented. The simulations indicate an adequate approximate analytic model valid for a variety of drain rates corresponding to current hearing instrument devices in the market.

Files
lwhite.pdf

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Document Type	thesis
Author Name	White, Leo J
URN	etd-01125-102801
Title	An Approximate Analytical Model for the Discharge Performance of a Primary Zinc/Air Cell
Degree	MS
Department	Chemical Engineering
Advisors	Prof. Ravindra Datta, Advisor
Keywords	electrochemistry air performance model zinc performance modeling
Date of Presentation/Defense	2005-01-12
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The characteristics of a Zinc/Air (Zn/Air) primary cell are discussed. In addition, current technologies and the corresponding electrical performance are introduced. The basic principles of operation of a Zn/Air primary cell are discussed, focusing on the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. Basic kinetic and transport expressions are developed for the two main components of the cell: the anode and cathode compartments, based on which an overall formula for the cell polarization is developed. Input parameters are selected and approximated where possible to observe the model¡¦s ability to predict potential versus current density. Time-dependent anode performance is accomplished through the use of the shrinking core reaction model for the discharge of the zinc particles. The time-dependent dimensionless radius of the zinc particle (ƒè) is then used in conjunction with the developed transport and kinetic expressions for the prediction of the overall cell performance as a function of time. Plots of cell voltage prediction versus time and percent capacity versus time are presented. The simulations indicate an adequate approximate analytic model valid for a variety of drain rates corresponding to current hearing instrument devices in the market.
Files	lwhite.pdf