Abstract: A stand alone battery module including: (a) a mechanical configuration; (b) a thermal management configuration; (c) an electrical connection configuration; and (d) an electronics configuration. Such a module is fully interchangeable in a battery pack assembly, mechanically, from the thermal management point of view, and electrically. With the same hardware, the module can accommodate different cell sizes and, therefore, can easily have different capacities. The module structure is designed to accommodate the electronics monitoring, protection, and printed wiring assembly boards (PWAs), as well as to allow airflow through the module. A plurality of modules may easily be connected together to form a battery pack. The parts of the module are designed to facilitate their manufacture and assembly.

Abstract: A separator system for a LiAl/FeS.sub.x electrochemical cell includes microporous sintered metal particle retainer screens fabricated by cold compacting, tape casting or plasma spraying, followed by sintering. The separator may consist of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or MgO powder, AlN microporous particles, AlN microporous disk or ceramic standoff sandwiched between two screens or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or MgO powder plasma sprayed onto one screen surface. The various separator system combinations are impregnated with 20% to 50% by volume electrolyte salt for ionic conductivity. Pore size is less than 10 .mu.m, excluding electrode particles from reaching the separator.

Abstract: A loosely wrapped multi-layer thermal insulation structure is provided by coextensively winding, a continuous thin metal foil and a superimposed continuous low thermal conductivity porous material spacer about a mandrel, preferably functioning as an inner metallic shell for such loosely wound metal foil and spacer assembly. A plurality of narrow low thermal conductivity porous material strips are interposed between adjacent turns of the spiral wound metal foil and spacer assembly at laterally spaced positions throughout the assembly to form localized, narrow dense wound material areas defining an integral load-bearing system for the thermal insulation structure. Longitudinally extending permanent getter material strips may be bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the inner metallic shell defining gas passages for gas diffusion within the metal foil and spacer assembly. The metal foil may be perforated to facilitate that action.

Abstract: Flanged U-shaped cup members abut the exterior of the negative electrode and positive electrode of a Li alloy/FeS.sub.x multi-cell battery array and function to form a peripherally sealed structural enclosure for these elements, while capturing and maintaining ceramic seal rings between respective flanges. The flanged cup-like members act in conjunction with either back-to-back similarly shaped and sized inverted flanged cup-like members or C-shaped upper and lower spacer rings whose vertical height is double that of the electrodes. At least one of the flanges of the electrode containment structure extends radially outwardly and downwardly oblique from the other flange of the C-shaped support structure, and the periphery thereof is welded to the periphery of a similar diameter juxtaposed cell cover ring to form a complete multi-cell envelope for the battery by welding of two seal assemblies together.

Abstract: In an activatable AgO/Al battery, the electrolyte tank is partitioned into two portions (31, 32) which are simultaneously filled on activation. During a first discharge stage electrolyte in one of said portions (31) is used and is then removed from the battery. During the second discharge stage, the battery operates using concentrated electrolyte to be found in the second portion (32) of the tank.

Abstract: A battery which is activatable by seawater and which uses electrochemical AgO/Al couples includes means (200, 12) for eliminating the aluminates which form in the electrolyte during discharge, and for regenerating the electrolyte.