Abstract

An electrochemical power generating system has a base unit and a replaceable fuel unit. The base unit comprises controller for controlling operation of the pump. The fuel unit comprises a second housing releasably connectable to the first housing and a row of metal-air cells in the second housing electrically inter-connected together. Each cell includes a casing, a metal anode within the casing, an air cathode, a spacer between the cathode and anode for preventing the anode from contacting the cathode, an electrolyte intake port and an electrolyte discharge port in the casing for passage of electrolyte through the casing and between the anode and cathode. The fuel unit further comprises a manifold, an electrolyte reservoir, and a fluid line. The manifold has an intake port and a plurality of discharge ports in fluid communication with the electrolyte intake ports of the cells so that electrolyte flowing through the manifold is directed through the intake ports of the cells. The electrolyte reservoir and intake port of the manifold are operatively connectable with the electrolyte pump for fluid communication therewith so that the pump is able to pump electrolyte from the reservoir to the manifold. The fluid line operatively connects the discharge ports of the cells with the reservoir so that electrolyte discharged from the cells flows to the reservoir. The replaceable fuel unit is releasably attachable to the base unit so that the fuel unit can be quickly attached to and detached from the base unit.