Abstract: A cylindrical battery pack-based energy storage system is presented. The system includes a cylindrical battery pack configured for below grade installation and an environmental enclosure communicatively coupled with the cylindrical battery pack. The cylindrical battery pack includes battery modules, a cylindrical environmental enclosure configured to be filled with an inert gas, and a controller. The battery modules include lithium ion, advanced lithium ion, metal air, lead acid, advanced lead acid batteries, and/or rechargeable alkaline battery cells. The cylindrical environmental enclosure includes dual walls, end caps, and sensors for detecting moisture, pressure, and/or temperature. The environmental enclosure includes electronics configured to control the supply to and from the one or more battery modules.

Abstract: High performance flow batteries, based on alkaline zinc/ferro-ferricyanide rechargeable (“ZnFe”) and similar flow batteries, may include one or more of the following improvements. First, the battery design has a cell stack comprising a low resistance positive electrode in at least one positive half cell and a low resistance negative electrode in at least one negative half cell, where the positive electrode and negative electrode resistances are selected for uniform high current density across a region of the cell stack. Second, a flow of electrolyte, such as zinc species in the ZnFe battery, with a high level of mixing through at least one negative half cell in a Zn deposition region proximate a deposition surface where the electrolyte close to the deposition surface has sufficiently high zinc concentration for deposition rates on the deposition surface that sustain the uniform high current density.

Abstract: High performance flow batteries, based on alkaline zinc/ferro-ferricyanide rechargeable (“ZnFe”) and similar flow batteries, may include one or more of the following improvements. First, the battery design has a cell stack comprising a low resistance positive electrode in at least one positive half cell and a low resistance negative electrode in at least one negative half cell, where the positive electrode and negative electrode resistances are selected for uniform high current density across a region of the cell stack. Second, a flow of electrolyte, such as zinc species in the ZnFe battery, with a high level of mixing through at least one negative half cell in a Zn deposition region proximate a deposition surface where the electrolyte close to the deposition surface has sufficiently high zinc concentration for deposition rates on the deposition surface that sustain the uniform high current density.

Abstract: High performance flow batteries, based on alkaline zinc/ferro-ferricyanide rechargeable (“ZnFe”) and similar flow batteries, may include one or more of the following improvements. First, the battery design has a cell stack comprising a low resistance positive electrode in at least one positive half cell and a low resistance negative electrode in at least one negative half cell, where the positive electrode and negative electrode resistances are selected for uniform high current density across a region of the cell stack. Second, a flow of electrolyte, such as zinc species in the ZnFe battery, with a high level of mixing through at least one negative half cell in a Zn deposition region proximate a deposition surface where the electrolyte close to the deposition surface has sufficiently high zinc concentration for deposition rates on the deposition surface that sustain the uniform high current density.

Abstract: The methods, system, and infrastructure described herein generally relate to methods for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle. The methods described provide a method of charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle. The method includes the following steps: (a) while the vehicle is stationary, rotating a shaft of an electric traction motor of the vehicle using mechanical energy; (b) converting the rotation of the shaft into electrical energy by using the electric traction motor as an electrical generator; and (c) storing the electrical energy in the rechargeable battery of the vehicle. A system for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle is also described. The system includes a rechargeable battery of a vehicle, an electric traction motor of the vehicle, and an external vehicle interface configured to rotate the shaft of the electric traction motor using mechanical power while the vehicle is stationary. An infrastructure for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: High performance flow batteries, based on alkaline zinc/ferro-ferricyanide rechargeable (“ZnFe”) and similar flow batteries, may include one or more of the following improvements. First, the battery design has a cell stack comprising a low resistance positive electrode in at least one positive half cell and a low resistance negative electrode in at least one negative half cell, where the positive electrode and negative electrode resistances are selected for uniform high current density across a region of the cell stack. Second, a flow of electrolyte, such as zinc species in the ZnFe battery, with a high level of mixing through at least one negative half cell in a Zn deposition region proximate a deposition surface where the electrolyte close to the deposition surface has sufficiently high zinc concentration for deposition rates on the deposition surface that sustain the uniform high current density.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to compositions and formulations that can be used for the treatment of diseases such as End Stage Renal Disease (“ESRD”) and Chronic Renal Insufficiency (“CRI”). Specifically, it is directed to lanthanum-based compounds that bind phosphate and that can be formulated to provide for a reduced pill burden relative to other phosphate binders. In a formulation aspect of the present invention, a formulation is provided the includes a lanthanum-based, phosphate binder. The formulation is typically characterized in that in may be swallowed without chewing. Formulations of the present invention, along with a lanthanum-based compound, may optionally include the following: mass diluting agents; binders; coatings; compression/encapsulation aids; disintegrants; lubricants; plasticizers; slip/anti-electrostatic agents; powder lubricants; and, sweeteners. Where the formulation is in the form of a tablet, it typically has a volume between 0.3 cm3 and 1.2 cm3, preferably between 0.

Abstract: The methods, system, and infrastructure described herein generally relate to methods for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle. The methods described provide a method of charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle. The method includes the following steps: (a) while the vehicle is stationary, rotating a shaft of an electric traction motor of the vehicle using mechanical energy; (b) converting the rotation of the shaft into electrical energy by using the electric traction motor as an electrical generator; and (c) storing the electrical energy in the rechargeable battery of the vehicle. A system for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle is also described. The system includes a rechargeable battery of a vehicle, an electric traction motor of the vehicle, and an external vehicle interface configured to rotate the shaft of the electric traction motor using mechanical power while the vehicle is stationary. An infrastructure for charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions comprises a polymeric material having dispersed therein (a) conductive particles composed of a highly conductive material and (b) a particulate filler. The compositions exhibit a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity and undergo a large increase in resistivity as the temperature increases above a certain value. The compositions are useful in preparing electrical devices such as current limiting devices, heaters, EMI shields and the like.

Abstract: Melt-processable fluorocarbon polymer compositions requiring high temperature processing can be highly crosslinked by exposure to radiation after post-extrusion incorporation of at least one of certain crosslinking agents. These polymer compositions can be crosslinked to exceptionally high levels affording polymeric materials of improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, especially when utilized in wire constructions.

Abstract: Electrical devices comprising PTC elements have improved electrical stability when they comprise an oxygen barrier which restricts access of air to the element so that the PTC element absorbs oxygen at a rate less than 10.sup.-6 cc/sec/gram. The devices are for example circuit control devices or self-limiting heaters. Preferred PTC elements comprise a polymer having dispersed therein carbon black and an additive which stabilizes the polymer against degradation, especially an organic antioxidant. The oxygen barrier may for example be a layer of a polymeric composition or a self-supporting container principally made of metal and filled with an inert gas.

Abstract: Compositions which exhibit PTC behavior with a switching temperature (T.sub.s) above 0.degree. C., which have a resistivity at a temperature below T.sub.s of less than 7 ohm. cm, and which comprise a crystalline polymer and a particulate filler component which comprises carbon black having a particle size, D, which is from 20 to 150 millimicrons and a surface area S in m.sup.2 /gram such that S/D is not more than 10. The composition preferably has a peak resistivity of at least 1000 ohm. cm and is electrically stable when aged at elevated temperature. The quantity ##EQU1## is preferably less than 1, especially less than 0.5. Shaped articles of such compositions are prepared by a process in which the carbon black is dispersed in the molten polymer and the dispersion is then melt-shaped, the total energy used in preparing and melt-shaping the dispersion being 1 to 300 hp. hr. ft.sup.-3, preferably 1 to 100 hp. hr. ft.sup.-3, especially 1 to 50 hp. hr. ft.sup.-3.

Abstract: Compounds useful as crosslinking agents have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently vinyl, allyl, methallyl, propargyl, crotyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.18 alkyl, aryl or inert group substituted derivatives thereof and where X is a saturated or unsaturated alkylene moiety having up to 12 carbon atoms saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 heteroaliphatic, C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 heteroaromatic, C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 alicyclic or C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 heterocyclic, where n and m are independently 0 or integers of from 1-12 inclusive. These compounds are particularly useful as crosslinking agents for high temperature processable (>200.degree.) polymers, especially fluorocarbon polymers. Also described are polymer compositions comprising from about 0.1 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of said crosslinking agent or mixture of said crosslinking agents.

Abstract: Melt-processable fluorocarbon polymer compositions requiring high temperature processing can be highly crosslinked by exposure to radiation after post-extrusion incorporation of at least one of certain crosslinking agents. These polymer compositions can be crosslinked to exceptionally high levels affording polymeric materials of improved mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, especially when utilized in wire constructions.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer having a processing temperature of at least 200.degree. and from about 0.1 wt % up to about 30 wt % of crosslinking agent said crosslinking agent comprising a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen and Y is ##STR2## and X and Y are substituents on adjacent carbon atoms of A or wherein X and Y together form the imide ring system ##STR3## which is joined to A on adjacent carbons atoms, thereof, wherein A is an aromatic, heteroaromatic, alicyclic, or heterocyclic system or an open chain aliphatic moiety, where R is vinyl, allyl, methallyl or propargyl and wherein R' is hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl or R and mixtures thereof.Compounds per se and articles manufactured from the above-indicated polymer compositon are also taught.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer having a processing temperature of at least 200.degree. and from about 0.1 wt % up to about 30 wt % of crosslinking agent said crosslinking agent comprising a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen and Y is ##STR2## and X and Y are substituents on adjacent carbon atoms of A or wherein X and Y together form the imide ring system ##STR3## which is joined to A on adjacent carbons atoms, thereof, wherein A is an aromatic, heteroaromatic, alicyclic, or heterocyclic system or an open chain aliphatic moiety, where R is vinyl, allyl, methallyl or propargyl and wherein R' is hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl or R and mixtures thereof.Compounds per se and articles manufactured from the above-indicated polymer composition are also taught.