In conventional light metal-air batteries (LMB), hydrogen production has a performance-reducing effect and should therefore be avoided wherever possible. In the case of aluminium-based LMBs, for example, this means that only high-purity and therefore expensive aluminium (purity >99.99) can usually be used.

The main feature of the underlying invention is the combination of a light metal foam air battery (LMSLB) with a fuel cell.

This combination makes it possible to utilize the hydrogen produced parasitically during operation of the LMSLB for the fuel cell. It is therefore now possible to use aluminium materials with a lower degree of purity. The provision of externally generated hydrogen is no longer necessary.

The invention thus offers the possibility of a significantly improved cost-benefit ratio, both compared to an LMB and compared to a fuel cell. Initial results indicate that the potential performance could even exceed that of conventional light metal foam batteries in combination with high-purity aluminium.

The two technologies are not electrically connected. Thanks to the separate design thermal and chemical correlation effects can be ruled out.

The replacement of failing components is made considerably easier. Technological advances can also be adapted quickly and easily.