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.

Creator

• White, Leo J

Contributors

• Datta, Ravindra

Degree

• MS

Unit

• Chemical Engineering

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Language

• English

Identifier

• etd-01125-102801

Keyword

• performance modeling
• zinc
• performance model
• air
• electrochemistry

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra

Defense date

• 2005-01-12

Year

• 2005

Date created

• 2005-01-12

Resource type

• Thesis

Rights statement

• In Copyright