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This system is similar to zinc-air and is mechanically rechargeable. Three types of Al-O2 cells have been developed to date. The first is a solids free system (SFS) that uses pumps and auxiliary equipment to manage the reaction products. The second is a solids self-management system (SSMS) that eliminates much of the auxiliary equipment by allowing the reaction products to solidify in the cell enclosure during the discharge cycle. Thirdly, there is a solids management system (SMS) which controls the precipitation of the aluminum hydroxide in a separate tank. The specific energy and energy density of all three systems appear very attractive for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) applications. The main components of an aluminum power system are shown here.
