Abstract:
Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries, modules and fluid-cooled battery pack systems. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power. The fluid-cooled battery pack includes; 1) a battery-pack case having coolant inlet and outlet; 2) battery modules within the case such that the battery module is spaced from the case walls and from other battery modules to form coolant flow channels along at least one surface of the bundled batteries; and 3) at least one coolant transport means. The width of the coolant flow channels allows for maximum heat transfer. Finally the batteries, modules and packs can also include means for providing variable thermal insulation to at least that portion of the rechargeable battery system which is most directly exposed to said ambient thermal condition, so as to maintain the temperature of the rechargeable battery system within the desired operating range thereof under variable ambient conditions.
Abstract:
A fuel cell utilizing parallel flow of a hydrogen stream, an oxygen stream, and an electrolyte solution with respect to the electrodes, while maintaining mechanical support within the fuel cell. The fuel cell utilizes framed electrodes to maintain a high air flow rate and low pressure throughout the fuel cell. The fuel cell is also designed to maintain mechanical support within the fuel cell while the electrodes expand and contract in response to the absorption of oxygen and hydrogen. Gas is predistributed by the compression plates and frames to supply the electrodes with high concentrations of oxygen from air.
Abstract:
A metal alloy for use in a wire included in an electrochemical cell is disclosed having an amorphous structure, microcrystalline grains, or grains that are sized less than about one micron. In various embodiments, the microcrystalline grains are not generally longitudinally oriented, are variably oriented, or are randomly oriented. In some embodiments, the microcrystalline grains lack uniform grain size or are variably sized. In some embodiments, the microcrystalline grains have an average grain size of less than or equal to 5 microns. In some embodiments, the metal alloy lacks long-range crystalline order among the microcrystalline grains. In some embodiments, the wire is used in a substrate used in the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the metal alloy is formed using a co-extrusion process comprising warming up the metallic alloy and applying pressure and simultaneously passing a core material through a die to obtain a composite structure.
Abstract:
An active material mixture for use in a paste for fabricating positive electrodes, comprising a nickel hydroxide material, and an additive material comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of a misch metal or a misch metal alloy. A nickel positive electrode and an alkaline electrochemical cell using this active material mixture.
Abstract:
A metal alloy for use in a wire included in an electrochemical cell is disclosed having an amorphous structure, microcrystalline grains, or grains that are sized less than about one micron. In various embodiments, the microcrystalline grains are not generally longitudinally oriented, are variably oriented, or are randomly oriented. In some embodiments, the microcrystalline grains lack uniform grain size or are variably sized. In some embodiments, the microcrystalline grains have an average grain size of less than or equal to 5 microns. In some embodiments, the metal alloy lacks long-range crystalline order among the microcrystalline grains. In some embodiments, the wire is used in a substrate used in the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the metal alloy is formed using a co-extrusion process comprising warming up the metallic alloy and applying pressure and simultaneously passing a core material through a die to obtain a composite structure.
Abstract:
An active composition for an electrode of an electrochemical cell. The active composition comprises an active electrode material and a conductive polymer. The electrochemical cell is preferably a battery cell or a fuel cell.
Abstract:
A complex aluminum hydride doped with a catalytic material adapted to increase the kinetics of hydrogen absorption/desorption of the aluminum hydride without reducing the hydrogen storage capacity of the aluminum hydride.
Abstract:
A hybrid fuel cell/battery including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.
Abstract:
Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.
Abstract:
A method of activating a metal hydride electrode of an alkaline fuel cell. The method comprises the step of applying current cycles to the anode where each current cycle includes a forward current effective to at least partially charge the electrode and a reverse current effective to at least partially discharge the electrode.