Pneumatic battery : a chemical alternative to pneumatic energy storage

Abstract

Pneumatic power is traditionally provided by compressed air contained in a pressurized vessel. This method of energy storage is analogous to an electrical capacitor. This study sought to create an alternative pneumatic device, the pneumatic battery, that would be analogous to an electrical battery. A pneumatic battery allows energy to be stored chemically in a Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) solution and released when the solution decomposes, producing oxygen gas. This decomposition is sped up with the aid of a platinum catalyst. A mechanical negative feedback system regulates the exposure of the catalyst, allowing the battery to generate a user specified pressure at its outlet. The prototype produced was observed to generate an outlet pressure of up to 470 kPa (68 psi) and is theoretically capable of generating up to 689 kPa (100 psi) with a volumetric energy density greater than that of conventional compressed air tanks.