Abstract: An improved electrolyte circulation subsystem which reduces and minimizes the effect of parasitic currents in secondary batteries having a plurality of cells connected electrically in series and a common electrolyte in communication with the cells is described. The improved electrolyte circulation subsystem includes means for pumping an electrolyte, and manifold means for conveying electrolyte to a plurality of cells connected electrically in series. The manifold means generally comprises an outer tube formed with an outlet port at each end thereof, and an inner tube concentrically disposed within the outer tube generally along one-half of the outer tube length. The inner tube is in fluid communication with the pumping means at a first end thereof and is in fluid communication with the outer tube at a second end thereof. The inner tube also has means associated with the second end for generally equally diverting the flow of the electrolyte through the inner tube to each of the outlet ports of the outer tube.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is described which generally comprises a first electrode, a pair of second planar electrodes, a generally rectangular frame member for supporting each of the second electrodes substantially along three sides thereof, the rectangular frame member having a pair of spaced inwardly extending channels through which said second electrodes slide into and which mask the edges of said second electrodes along the three supported sides, and a laterally displaced integrally formed, inwardly facing elongate channel along an unsupported side of the second electrode which is adjacent to an external face of one of the second electrodes and shaped to receive one side of the first electrode while masking the adjacent second electrode along the unsupported side thereof, a generally elongated frame member coupled to the rectangular frame member between the second electrodes along the unsupported edge thereof, and conduit means associated with the elongated frame member for conveying fluid to the cavity betw

Abstract: A battery which makes possible a long-time operation under high load. The ttery is made of a plurality of galvanic elements, especially metal-air-cells, each of which comprises a consumable metal electrode of planar shape which extends into a receptacle which is flushed with electrolyte. The sidewalls of the receptacle can be flushed free of air or oxygen. Each of the receptacles supports at least one gas diffusion electrode at a distance from the working surface of the consumable metal electrodes. In order to provide a battery which can be stored without restriction due to activation and deactivation, and which permits a rapid mechanical recharging independent of the electric circuit, a supply reservoir for the electrolyte is disposed in a housing below at least one cell unit. The supply reservoir is connected via a closure member with an electrolyte activation tank which is disposed at least partially above the working level of the electrolyte in the cells.

Abstract: Zinc-bromine battery with recirculating electrolyte and multi-cell array, with predominant concentration of the bromine in the array at all stages of battery cycling; an array of bipolar electrode assemblies (16) with anode (26A) and cathode (26C) faces, including in each such assembly a chamber of unbound--but well contacted (electrically)--charcoal (C) stored at the cathode face and means for controlling zinc plating and deplating at the anode face; and with provision of surface area enhancement at the anode and cathode faces; electrolyte flow, pH and recirculation controls inherent in the construction, all comprising an anti-degradation combination generally.

Abstract: An electric storage battery is provided wherein the electrolyte is transferred under pressure of an inert gas to a reservoir for containment during periods of non-use of the battery. The inert gas also serves to blanket the battery electrodes during such non-use periods, preventing oxidation while not exposed to electrolyte. Thus, there is no discharge of the battery during even prolonged periods of non-use and on return of the electrolyte to the battery cells the battery is in ready condition for use at relatively full charge.

Abstract: A battery system (10,110) wherein an electrolyte solution of lithium hydroxide dissolved in seawater is circulated through a battery cartridge (11,111). The system is placed under pressure. A portion of the electrolyte mixture is discharged from the system through a suitable pressure regulating valve (20) while concurrently, fresh seawater is delivered into the system as by a pressurizing pump (17). The increased pressure acts to increase the density of the gaseous portion of the ejected gas liquid mixture, reduce the volume of the gaseous portion of the ejected gas-liquid mixture, thereby reducing the total volume of the ejected mixture, and reduce the ratio of gas volume to liquid volume in the system as well as the ejected gas-liquid mixture.

Abstract: An improved battery structure for a multicelled primary cell circulating electrolyte battery which provides for uniform distribution and rate of flow of the electrolyte to all of the cells. Batteries of this type include an intake raceway to conduct electrolyte along the edges of the cell plates to introduce the electrolyte to all of the cells. The invention contemplates the use of a flow restrictor in the form of a physical separator between the intake raceway and the cells which is interrupted by passages to permit a controlled flow of electrolyte to the cells. The passages are sized and located responsive to system parameters to provide a uniform flow and a predetermined pressure drop at the restrictor which is preferably of the order of ten times the pressure drop of the electrolyte through the cells.

Abstract: In an electrolyte circulation type metal-bromine secondary battery of the kind in which the negatively active material is a metal selected from the group consisting of cadmium, zinc and lead, the anode electrolyte storage tank comprises an anode electrolyte zone and a complexing agent zone having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the anode electrolyte zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte circulation type cell stack secondary battery in which the negatively active materials is a metal selected from the group consisting of cadmium, zinc and lead. An electrode is positioned in the vicinity of each of the catholyte inlet and outlet channels of each secondary cell and the electrodes are connected to the cathode of the cell by a connector, thereby maintaining the electrodes at the same potential as the cathode and preventing the occurrence of abnormal electrodeposition.

Abstract: A metal halogen battery construction, with the improved combination comprising, at least one cell having a positive electrode and a negative electrode for contact with aqueous electrolyte containing the material of said metal and halogen, sump means wherein the electrolyte is collected, store means wherein halogen hydrate is formed and stored as part of an aqueous material, circulation means for transmitting electrolyte through the battery, conduit means for transmitting halogen gas formed in the cell to hydrate forming means associated with the store means, fluid jet pump means operative to cause circulation of gases from the sump including hydrogen and halogen to contact a reactor means whereby hydrogen and halogen are combined and returned to the sump, and valve means sensitive to gas pressure in the sump means whereby when sump pressure drops below a desired setting of said valve means, the valve opens and permits halogen gas from the store to be transmitted to the electrolyte circulation means.

Abstract: A metal halogen battery construction containing a novel reactor means having at least two reaction zones with a reaction initiator device in each zone, whereby the reactor permits controlled recombination of hydrogen gas and halogen gas in the system to form hydrogen halide, which is then dispersed into the aqueous electrolyte of the battery.

Abstract: In a system for controlling the flow rates in a storage battery of the type having at least one pump driven at a controlled speed by a motor driven at a speed determined by the average applied voltage and the load experienced by the pump, which system includes a circuit for applying an average voltage to the motor and means for generating a reference signal for controlling the general magnitude of the average applied voltage to drive the pump at the desired speed, there is provided an improvement.

Abstract: An improved fuel cell comprising an anode section including an anode terminal, an anode fuel, and an anolyte electrolyte, a cathode section including a cathode terminal, an electron distributor and a catholyte electrolyte, an ion exchange section between the anode and cathode sections and including an ionolyte electrolyte, ion transfer membranes separating the ionolyte from the anolyte and the catholyte and an electric circuit connected with and between the terminals conducting free electrons from the anode section and delivering free electrons to the cathode section, said ionolyte receives ions of one polarity moving from the anolyte through the membrane related thereto preventing chemical equilibrium in the anode section and sustaining chemical reaction and the generating of free electrons therein, said ions received by the ionolyte from the anolyte release different ions from the ionolyte which move through the membrane between the ionolyte and catholyte and which add to the catholyte.

Abstract: A metal halogen battery system, including at least one cell having a positive electrode and a negative electrode contacted by aqueous electrolyte containing the material of said metal and halogen, store means whereby halogen hydrate is formed and stored as part of an aqueous material, means for circulating electrolyte through the cell and to the store means, and conduit means for transmitting halogen gas formed in the cell to a hydrate former whereby the hydrate is formed in association with the store means, said store means being constructed in the form of a container which includes a filter means, said filter means being inoperative to separate the hydrate formed from the electrolyte, said system having, a hydrate former pump means associated with the store means and being operative to intermix halogen gas with aqueous electrolyte to form halogen hydrate, said hydrate former means including, multiple outlet nozzle means connected with the outlet side of said pump means and being operative to minimize pluggi

Abstract: Electrochemical systems having a plurality of cells which are hydraulically and electrically connected in series develop shunt currents in the electrolyte of adjacent cells. The shunt currents are reduced or eliminated by the placing of an electrical bypass across two adjacent intercell conduits, and applying a protective current through the electrical bypass in a direction of the shunt currents and of a magnitude that can effectively reduce the shunt currents.

Abstract: A battery activate assembly having an enclosed box with multiple cavities d a storage area. A valve is attached to the lid of the box for connection to a vacuum pump. Each cavity has a needle nozzle projecting beyond the box for connection to tubing which is adapted to be attached at the other end to an individual battery cell. A knife edge is provided in each cavity to pierce the membrane of an electrolyte bottle when inserted into the cavity to allow the electrolyte to flow from the cavity through the needle nozzle and tubing into the battery cell.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of cooling zinc halogen batteries which involves the use of a liquid-overfeed cooling system utilizing a fluorocarbon refrigerant or the like. This new method is adaptable for use in either cooling the battery store water during charge so that a solid halogen hydrate will form, or for use in cooling the battery electrolyte, or both. This direct-cooling, liquid-overfeed system is especially suited for use with a series of batteries as is proposed for use in utility load leveling systems and provides several advantages over other conventional cooling alternatives including an improved coefficient of performance, better heat transfer and temperature control, and reduced capital cost.

Abstract: Control valve actuated pneumatic means evacuating electrolyte from a storage battery cell to an adjacent storage compartment and for returning the electrolyte to the cell when desired, having a storage compartment, a battery cell, pipe means extending to a lower part of the cell, control valve means for regulating the evacuation and thereafter return of the electrolyte to the cell as desired.

Abstract: Monopolar battery performance may be enhanced by circulating the electrolyte. A circulating electrolyte configuration for this type of system, however, gives rise to undesirable shunt current effects when used in series arrays. A protective current is applied to reduce or eliminate the shunt currents. The application of the protective current in aqueous monopolar battery systems will result in a REDOX reaction couple, wherein water is electrically consumed at the protective current anode and electrically replaced at the protective current cathode.

Abstract: A process for carrying out chemical and/or electrochemical reactions in a reaction chamber traversed by a suspension of particles in a fluid is improved due to the fact that the suspension emerging from the chamber is separated into two fractions: a "concentrated fraction" comprising the greater part or all of the particles and a "fluid fraction" comprising the greater part or all of the fluid. The "fluid fraction" is introduced into a reservoir. A flow of the fluid from the reservoir is combined with the "concentrated fraction" in order to form a suspension, which is then introduced into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An electrolyte reservoir in fluid communication with the cell of a storage battery is intermittently pressurized with a pulse of compressed gas to cause a flow of electrolyte from the reservoir to the upper region of less dense electrolyte in the cell. Upon termination of the pressure pulse, more dense electrolyte is forced into the reservoir from the lower region of the cell by the differential pressure head between the cell and reservoir electrolyte levels. The compressed gas pulse is controlled to prevent the entry of gas from the reservoir into the cell.

Abstract: A metal-halogen battery, specifically a zinc-bromine battery of the rechargeable type, is disclosed herein and includes a housing, spaced positive and negative electrode plates located within the housing and an arrangement for providing continuous flow of electrolyte solution through the housing between the plates. This battery also includes a network of electrically non-conductive projecting ribs which engage the negative electrode plate for providing a fixed spacing between the two plates but which, at the same time, are specifically designed to reduce dendrite growth.

Abstract: A metal-halogen battery assembly, specifically a zinc-bromine battery assembly of the rechargeable type, is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. The assembly includes a housing having an internal chamber, a liquid separator or membrane which divides the chamber into two sections, a metal-reacting negative section and a halogen-reacting positive section, and two electrodes, a negative electrode fixedly located within the metal-reacting chamber section and a positive electrode fixedly located within the halogen-reacting chamber section. The assembly also includes metal and halogen containing electrolyte solution, a first fixed volume of which is continuously circulated and recirculated through the negative chamber section while a separate, lesser volume of the solution is circulated and recirculated through the positive chamber section.

Abstract: A power module of the electrochemical battery type wherein shunt losses along the side edges of the anodes disposed generally parallel to the electrolyte path are prevented by the anode side edges being sealed relative to the casing by the casing being constructed with internal side walls which are deformable under gaseous pressure to maintain sealing contact with the cell units.

Abstract: A method for cooling high rate discharge primary batteries comprising absorbing the heat of reaction of the primary battery by a nonaqueous liquid depolarizer, circulating it, cooling it, and returning it to the primary battery, and a primary battery system including one or more primary batteries, a cooling means, and a fluid communication means between the primary battery and the cooling means.

Abstract: A power module assembly in the form of an electrochemical battery which is composed of a plurality of anode-cathode units arranged in stacked relation within a housing. It is necessary that the anodes and cathodes be tightly pressed together at all times so that as an electrolyte flows therebetween there will be the desired electrochemical reaction. This is accomplished by a pressure device. Since the anodes are consumable, as the anodes are consumed it is necessary that the stack be compressed to that the same pressure may be maintained between the anodes and cathodes. Accordingly, the pressure device is capable of expanding and at the same time transmitting constant pressure on the stack.

Abstract: A power module assembly of the electrochemical battery type. The assembly is formed of a plurality of individual monopolar cells which are mounted in stacked relation between a pair of end plates. Each cell is generally self-contained except for the electrolyte supply, and includes a slidably mounted anode which is held in constant contact with a cathode plate by a pressure bag assembly. The side faces of the anode are sealed against electrolyte flow so as to segregate adjacent cells against power robbing eddy currents.

Abstract: An electrically rechargeable battery comprising an inert cathode, a zinc anode and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, for example, NaOH, in which said anode and cathode are immersed. The alkaline electrolyte in the vicinity of the cathode contains an alkali metal ferricyanide salt, such as K.sub.3 Fe(CN).sub.6 or Na.sub.3 Fe(CN).sub.6. Optionally, a mechanical separator is utilized between the anode and cathode to prevent gross mixing of the saturated electrolyte at the cathode with the electrolyte in the vicinity of the anode. Preferably, the separator is of the ion exchange type. During electrical discharge, at the anode and cathode, the battery produces soluble reaction products which are transported in the electrolyte to respective external storage tanks which increase battery capacity. During the charge cycle, the reverse conditions occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for generating power utilizing reverse electrodialysis in which a concentrated ionic solution and a dilute ionic solution are passed through two pathways in a reverse electrodialysis unit including a membrane stack, whereby solute from the concentrated solution passes through the membrane to the dilute solution accompanied by the generation of an output electrical current and voltage. The concentrated and dilute ionic solutions are regenerated by thermal separation from the solutions exiting from the unit and are recycled back through the unit.

Abstract: In a battery of electrochemical unit cells in which an active metal in powder form is an electrode, high rate reaction at high efficiency is achieved by slurrying the powdered metal in the cell electrolyte. The slurrying is carried out entirely within each cell so that no transfer of electrolyte to and from the cell during discharge is necessary. Such batteries are suitable for powering vehicles. A battery of such cells can be emptied and then refuelled either by pressure or by vacuum; in one embodiment the active metal can be regenerated in each of the cells from the discharge products formed therein.

Abstract: A zinc-chlorine battery system in which chlorine gas evolved from the cell structure of the battery during charging of the battery is combined with a stored supply of water to form solid chlorine hydrate. During the discharge cycle of the battery, the chlorine hydrate is decomposed to replenish the chlorine content of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell in which the reactive gases are hydrogen and chlorine and the electrolyte is an aqueous solution of a conductive salt or acid in which hydrogen chloride gas is soluble.

Abstract: An energy system of the type having a galvanic cell which is supported within a receptacle for contact with an electrolyte within the receptacle. The galvanic cell includes a solid metal core, a porous electrode having a positive charge with respect to the core, and a porous separator layer disposed between and separating the core from the electrode to enable the flow of electrolyte therebetween. The electrode and separator layer are disposed about the core and the core is of a flat configuration having a large surface area as compared to its thickness so as to provide a high power output per unit of volume of the core. The electrode and separator layer are of a multi-layer construction being made of sheet material and wrapped about the core to enable control of the surface area of the electrode and the thickness of the separator layer whereby the power output and operating life of the cell may be controlled.

Abstract: A metal halogen cell, especially a zinc-bromine cell, employs a circulating electrolyte system containing a complexing agent to effectively remove cathodic halogen from the electrolyte during charging of the cell. The complexing agent is one which in the presence of halogen forms a water insoluble halogen complex. This separated and stored source of cathodic halogen can be returned to the cell during cell discharge.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage device comprising at least one cell containing a normally positive electrode at which a halogen is reduced and a normally negative electrode at which a metal is oxidized during an electrical discharge of the storage device. The halogen and oxidizable metal components consumed during the electrical discharge of the device are regenerated during an electrical recharging of the storage device and the halogen component is recovered and converted to a halogen hydrate for storage in the system.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery including a plurality of modules interconnected electrically in series. Each module comprises a plurality of cells connected electrically in parallel. Each cell includes positive and negative electrodes. An electrolyte supply channel is individually connected to electrolyte spaces in each cell to supply electrolyte thereto. The cells of each module are fluidly interconnected at their lower ends in parallel by means of cross-channels. Optionally, these cells may also be fluidly interconnected at their upper ends in parallel by additional cross-channels.

Abstract: A system which permits self-generating halogen liquifaction in a rechargeable battery and apparatus for use in that system are disclosed. The system includes the use of separate electrolyte flows for the metal electrode and halogen electrode, the electrolyte being separated by a permselective membrane, and a halogen gas accumulator which communicates with the halogen gas being generated at the halogen electrode.

Abstract: A battery in which, to improve its discharging performance, the liquid electrolyte is maintained at a specific gravity that is optimum for electrical conductivity, and a magnetic flux is imposed upon the battery plates, and other such conditions which also favor electrical conductivity, saturation, storage and desaturation are maintained.

Abstract: Halogen complexing alcohols and nitriles are disclosed as additives for use in complexing halogens in cells and batteries of the type which utilize the electrochemical reaction X.sub.2 .revreaction.2X.sup.-, where X is Br, Cl, I, or a combination of these halides. The alcohols and nitriles form insoluble oil-like complexes with the halogens which prevent the halogens from being dissolved in the electrolyte of the cell or battery in which they are used.

Abstract: Halogen complexing ethers are disclosed as an additive for use in complexing halogen in cells and batteries of the type which utilize the electrochemical reaction X.sub.2 .revreaction. 2X.sup.-, where X is Br, Cl, I or mixtures thereof. The ethers form insoluble oil-like complexes with the halogens which prevent the halogens from being dissolved in the electrolyte of the cell or battery in which they are used.

Abstract: A two-stage electrolyte circulation system for a multi-cell battery in which a large pump distributes the electrolyte through hydraulically driven circulators to the individual cells.

Abstract: A system is provided for improving the charge efficiency of a zinc-chloride battery by reducing the chlorine concentration on charge in a flowing electrolyte system by desorbing chlorine from the flowing electrolyte under reduced pressure and removing the desorbed chlorine from the electrolyte flow loop.

Abstract: A metal halogen cell, especially a zinc-bromine cell, employs a circulating electrolyte system containing a complexing agent to effectively remove cathodic halogen from the electrolyte during charging of the cell. The complexing agent is one which in the presence of halogen forms a water insoluble halogen complex. This separated and stored source of cathodic halogen can be returned to the cell during cell discharge.