Abstract: The invention provides a rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell. The cell has an anode compartment defined between a cell casing and a separator, the anode compartment containing active anode material which is liquid at the operating temperature of the cell. The separator defines a cathode compartment containing an electrolyte which is liquid at the operating temperature of the cell, and an active cathode material. The separator separates said compartments from each other and during discharge of the cell the active anode material passes from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment through the separator, to enter the cathode compartment in ionic form. The active anode material passes through the separator from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment during charging of the cell.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the charge and/or discharge cycles of an alkali-metal/sulphur cell or battery has detecting means for detecting predetermined high and/or low levels of alkali-metal in the anode compartment of a cell or in an alkali-metal reservoir communicating with the anode compartment whereby the end of the charge and/or discharge cycles is determined. Alternatively, similar detecting means can be associated with an alkali-metal/alkali-metal cycling device which is connected electrically in series with a group of series-connected cells of an alkali-metal/sulphur battery to determine the end of the charge and/or discharge cycles of the battery.

Abstract: An alkali metal-sulphur cell has an outer tubular casing and an inner tubular solid electrolyte dividing the cell into anode and cathode compartments and whose interior provides one of such compartments. The outer tubular casing and the tubular solid electrolyte are spaced apart to define an annular space, which provides the other compartment of the cell.A primary porous coating is provided on at least one surface of the solid electrolyte and an outer layer is provided on the primary porous coating, the outer layer being more dense than the primary porous coating.

Abstract: A sodium sulphur cell comprising inner and outer tubes the inner tube constituting the solid electrolyte for the cell. The interior of the inner tube defines the anode compartment of the cell and the space between the inner and outer tubes defines the cathode compartment of the cell. The inner tube contains metal wool and/or a plate spaced from the inner surface of the inner tube to cause molten sodium to be distributed over the inner surface of the inner tube by capillary action. The inner and outer tubular members are closed at one end by a compression seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a flange on the inner tubular member engaging the end of the outer tubular member to close the end of the outer tubular member, a closure member engaging the flange to close the inner tubular member, and a clamping member fitting over the closure member and being held in position by the outer tubular member.