Abstract:
The present application provides configurations, components, assemblies and methods for sealing cells of sodium-based thermal batteries, such as NaMx cells. In some embodiments the cells may include an integrated bridge member hermetically sealed to an electrically conductive case and a ceramic collar of the cell to hermetically seal an anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the cells may include the ceramic collar hermetically sealed to an electrolyte separator tube of the cell to hermetically seal the anodic chamber of the cell. In some embodiments the anodic chamber may be defined, at least in part, by the case, integrated bridge member, ceramic collar and electrolyte separator tube. In some embodiments the cells may include a current collector hermetically sealed to the ceramic collar, and a cap member hermetically sealed to the current collector tube to hermetically seal a cathodic chamber of the cell.
Abstract:
A method for joining a ceramic component to a metallic component is described. At least one initial layer of an active metal is applied to one of the joining surfaces, by a cold spray technique. At least one second layer of a nickel-based braze composition is then applied over the initial layer by cold-spraying. The braze composition and components are then heated, so as to form an active braze joint between them. A method of sealing an open region of a sodium metal halide-based battery is also disclosed, using the brazing technique described herein to form braze joints that seal various components in the battery cells, such as metallic rings and ceramic collar structures.
Abstract:
An electrochemical cell is described, including an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber separated by an electrolyte separator tube, all contained within a cell case. The cell also includes an electrically insulating ceramic collar positioned at an opening of the cathodic chamber, and defining an aperture in communication with the opening; along with a cathode current collector assembly; and at least one metallic ring that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in the range of about 3 to about 7.5 ppm/° C., contacting at least a portion of a metallic component within the cell, and an adjacent ceramic component. An active braze alloy composition attaches and hermetically seals the ring to the metallic component and the collar. Sodium metal halide batteries that contain this type of cell are also described, along with methods for sealing structures within the cell.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for forming a thermal barrier coating having a non-linear compositional gradient and/or a non-linear porosity gradient, along with coated components formed therefrom. The method includes spraying a deposition mixture of a first composition and a second composition via a solution precursor plasma spray apparatus onto a surface of a substrate; while spraying the deposition mixture, adjusting at least one deposition parameter such that the thermal barrier coating is formed with the non-linear gradient.
Abstract:
A method for joining a ceramic component to a metallic component is described. At least one layer of molybdenum is applied to a surface of the ceramic component, by a high-velocity molybdenum wire spray technique. A layer of a nickel-based braze composition is then applied over the molybdenum layer. The braze composition and the ceramic and metallic components are then heated to a sufficient brazing temperature, so as to provide a braze joint between the components. The method can be used to seal an open region of a thermal battery, e.g., a sodium metal halide-based battery.
Abstract:
A compressor blade generally used in turbine engines is presented. The compressor blade includes a protective covering bonded to a tip portion of the blade with a braze material. The braze material includes from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent of an active metal element, based on the total amount of the braze material. A compressor rotor is also provided that includes a plurality of the compressor blades. A method for joining a protective covering to a tip portion of a compressor blade, and a method for repair of a compressor blade, are also provided.
Abstract:
An electrical switch and a circuit breaker are presented herein. The electrical switch includes a graded resistance block comprising a first end having a first electrical resistivity and a second end having an electrical resistivity greater than the first electrical resistivity. The electrical switch further includes a fixed contact electrically coupled to the first end of the graded resistance block, and a sliding contact configured to slide over the graded resistance block. In addition to the components of the electrical switch, the circuit breaker also includes a forcing mechanism to slide the sliding contact over the graded resistance block from the first end to the second end.
Abstract:
A braze alloy composition is disclosed, containing nickel, about 5% to about 40% of at least one refractory metal selected from niobium, tantalum, or molybdenum; about 2% to about 32% chromium; and about 0.5% to about 10% of at least one active metal element. An electrochemical cell that includes two components joined to each other by such a braze composition is also described. A method for joining components such as those within an electrochemical cell is also described. The method includes the step of introducing a braze alloy composition between a first component and a second component to be joined, to form a brazing structure. In many instances, one component is formed of a ceramic, while the other is formed of a metal or metal alloy.
Abstract:
A composition is provided of a rare earth-doped zirconium oxide having a tetragonal structure and having a formula: YaLnbTaxNbzZr1-a-b-x-zO2-δ where Ln is a rare earth element or a mixture of rare earth elements; 0≤a≤0.06; 0.06≤b≤0.12; 0≤x≤0.1; 0≤z≤0.1; 0.08≤(x+z)≤0.1; 0.16≤(a+b+x+z)≤0.22; and 0.01≤δ≤0.05. Methods of forming a coating with this composition, along with the coated components, are also provided.
Abstract:
A composition comprising a rare earth-doped zirconium/hafnium oxide is provided that has a defect-fluorite structure or a pyrochlore structure. The rare earth-doped zirconium/hafnium oxide has a formula: (Ln1aLn2aLn3aLn4aLn5b)2M2O7 where each of Ln1, Ln2, Ln3, Ln4, and Ln5 is a different rare earth element such that Ln1 and M have a first atomic radius ratio that is 1.35 to 1.45, Ln2 and M have a second atomic radius ratio that is 1.35 to 1.45, Ln3 and M have a third atomic radius ratio that is 1.46 to 1.78, and Ln4 and M have a fourth radius ratio that is 1.46 to 1.78; a is 0.2 or 0.25; b is 0.2 when a is 0.2, and b is 0 when a is 0.25; and M is Zr, Hf, or a mixture thereof. Methods of forming a coating that includes this composition, along with the resulting coated components, are also provided.