Abstract: Various constructions of battery are disclosed, each comprising one or more arrays of single cells or series arrangements of cells, arranged between bus plates and separated by separator members and spacers.

Abstract: An alkali metal electro-chemical storage cell comprising anode and cathode regions containing alkali metal and cathodic reactant respectively. A cationically conductive solid electrolyte member separating the anode and cathode regions and respective anode and cathode current collectors. The cell is formed with a contact breaker region which in the event of a breach in the electrolyte member functions to make the cell become an open circuit and thus not provide a discharge path for any other cells connected thereto.

Abstract: In a sodium sulphur cell having, within a metal housing, a ceramic electrolyte tube separating the liquid alkali metal from the cathodic reactant, a current collector extends into the region inside the electrolyte tube and is electrically insulated from the electrolyte by an insulating element. The metal housing is sealed to the insulating element in a region around the current collector which region has a maximum cross-section substantially less than the maximum cross-section of the electrolyte tube and preferably lies wholly within the outer periphery of the electrolyte tube. The small seal areas with the constructions described give improved economy and reliability. The constructon has particular advantages with cells of short length.

Abstract: A battery module for a sodium sulphur battery containing a plurality of cells comprises a container housing the cells with an evacuated region between the cells and the walls of the container, this evacuated region containing a plurality of layers of metal foil between the cells and the wall. At least one tube extends through the module in contact with the cells for conveying a thermally-conductive fluid by means of which the cells can be heated or cooled.

Abstract: A sodium sulphur battery formed of a plurality of modules each containing a cell or cells has a passage through each module for a heating and/or cooling fluid and thermostatically controlled valve means for controlling the flow of fluid through this passage which valve means is open at temperatures above a predetermined temperature, e.g. 370.degree. C. for passage of a coolant fluid and is also open at temperatures below another predetermined temperature, e.g. 300.degree. C. for passage of a heating fluid. The valve is preferably gradually closed and opened between these tempteratures. Each valve is controlled in accordance with the temperature of the associated module.

Abstract: In an electrochemical cell such as a sodium sulphur cell using a ceramic electrolyte tube (e.g. of beta-alumina), the electrolyte tube is secured to a rigid annular element of, for example, alpha-alumina, having substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the electrolyte tube, this annular element being radially thicker than the electrolyte tube and having two oppositely sloping tapered surfaces on its outer face. Metal elements are then forced onto the tapered surfaces with an interstrate layer of soft metal, e.g. aluminium, which deforms into a groove or grooves in the tapered surfaces to form a hermetic seal.

Abstract: In an electrochemical cell such as a sodium sulphur cell using a ceramic electrolyte tube (e.g. of beta-alumina), the electrolyte tube is secured to a rigid annular element of, for example, alpha-alumina, having substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the electrolyte tube, this annular element being radially thicker than the electrolyte tube and having two oppositely sloping tapered surfaces on its outer face. Metal elements are then forced onto the tapered surfaces with an interstate layer of soft metal, e.g. aluminium, which deforms into a groove or grooves in the tapered surfaces to form a hermetic seal.

Abstract: A cathode current collector for a sodium sulphur cell is formed of a metal substrate, for example of a nickel alloy such as Inconel 600, which is provided with a firmly adherent coating of carbon which is produced by decomposition of a carbon-containing gas in a glow discharge with the substrate heated to a temperature of 200.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. in an electric field, conveniently a radio frequency field employed for inductively heating the substrate.

Abstract: For sealing metal annular elements on to a cylindrical ceramic member, e.g. a ceramic electrolyte tube in a sodium-sulphur cell without causing excessive hoop stress in the ceramic, the ceramic tube is formed with tapered inner and outer surfaces at one end, correspondingly tapered inner and outer annular elements are put over these surfaces with a soft metal, e.g. aluminium interface layer, the inner and outer annular elements having coefficients of thermal expansion respectively less than and greater than that of the ceramic, the assembly is then heated and the annular elements forced in the axial direction onto the ceramic whereby the ceramic material, on cooling, is tightly secured between the annular members.