Refuelable electrochemical power source capable of being maintained in a substantially constant full condition and method of using the same

A method of providing particulate material to one or more cells of a refuelable electrochemical power source having one or more electrochemical cells each having a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path through which particulate material and fluid flow, and an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, the method comprising:

• constantly, periodically, or intermittently circulating particulate material and fluid through the flow path;
• and
• providing a fluid mechanical device within or adjacent the flow path that allows particulate material and fluid to flow past the fluid mechanical device, thereby creating at least one vortex that allows at least a portion of the particulate material to pass into the electroactive zone of said one or more electrochemical cells.

A refuelable electrochemical power source, comprising:

• one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes, the one or more cells including a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and means for creating at least one vortex that allows at least a portion of the particulate material to pass from the flow path into the electroactive zone of the one or more cells.

A refuelable electrochemical power source, comprising:

• one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes, the one or more cells including a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanical device adjacent to or within said flow path configured to allow particulate material and fluid to flow past the fluid mechanical device and allow at least a portion of the particulate material to pass into the electroactive zone of the one or more cells, and at least a portion of said fluid mechanical device is located between said flow path and said electroactive zone.