Abstract: A battery comprises an acid electrolyte in which a compound provides acidity to the electrolyte and further increases solubility of at least one metal in the redox pair. Especially preferred compounds include alkyl sulfonic acids and alkyl phosphonic acids, and particularly preferred redox coupled include Co3+/Zn0, Mn3+/Zn0, Ce4+/V2+, Ce4+/Ti3+, Ce4+/Zn0, and Pb4+/Pb0.

Abstract: In a secondary cell which generates a direct current when the positive electrode complex and the negative electrode complex thereof conduct a reversible redox reaction in the presence of an electrolyte, the positive electrode complex and the negative electrode complex are in a combination (represented by positive electrode complex/negative electrode complex) selected from the group consisting of lead/chromium complex, chromium complex/aluminum complex, and manganese complex/zinc complex. The secondary cell has relatively high capacitance and can be manufactured at low cost. Moreover, it provides more stable chemical reactions and can therefore be stably charged/discharged with large current and without risk of explosion.

Abstract: A process for the production of a vanadium compound from carbonaceous residues containing vanadium, which includes the steps of: (a) combusting the carbonaceous residues at a temperature of 500-690° C. in an oxygen-containing gas to form vanadium-containing combustion residues; (b) heating the vanadium-containing combustion residues at a temperature T in ° C. under an oxygen partial pressure of at most T in kPa wherein T and P meet with the following conditions: log10(P)=−3.45×10−3×T+2.21 500≦T≦1300 to obtain a solid product containing less than 5% by weight of carbon and vanadium at least 80% of which is tetravalent vanadium oxide; (c) selectively leach tetravalent vanadium ion with sulfuring acid at pH in the range of 1.5-4; (d) separating a liquid phase from the leached mixture; (e) adding an alkaline substance to the liquid phase to adjust the pH thereof in the range of 4.5-7.

Abstract: A method suitable for detecting the onset of colloid formation within a solution whose composition is in a state of change, which method makes use of the technique of acoustophoresis and which comprises the step of either (I) applying an oscillating electric field to the solution and monitoring the amplitude of the resultant acoustic signal, the onset of colloid formation being detected by a change in the amplitude of the resultant acoustic signal, or (ii) applying an oscillating acoustic signal to the solution and monitoring the resultant oscillating electric field, the onset of colloid formation being detected by a change in the amplitude of the resultant oscillating electric field, or (iii) applying an oscillating electric field to the solution and monitoring the resultant oscillating electric field, the onset of colloid formation being detected by a change in the amplitude of the resultant oscillating electric field.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy active material for the anode of Ovonic instant startup/regenerative fuel cells. The active material includes a hydrogen storage alloy material with a water reactive chemical hydride additive, which, upon utilization of the active material in an anode of an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell, gives the anode added benefits, not attainable by using hydrogen storage alloy material alone. These added benefits include 1) precharge of the hydrogen storage material with hydrogen; 2) higher porosity/increased surface area/reduced electrode polarization at high currents; 3) simplified, faster activation of the hydrogen storage alloy; and 4) optionally, enhanced corrosion protection for the hydrogen storage alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of producing a trivalent and tetravalent mixed vanadium compound having excellent solubility with sulfuric acid directly from a tetravalent or pentavalent vanadium compound by using a reducing agent,and a method of producing a vanadium electrolyte. For example, a vanadium compound mainly containing a pentavalent vanadium compound; sulfur and concentrated sulfuric acid in molar ratios with respect to (one mol of vanadium atom in the pentavalent vanadium compound) 0.35 to 0.4:1.2 to 1.9 are kneaded into paste form, and the paste-form mixture is calcined at a temperature of not less than 150° C. to less than 440° C. so that a trivalent and tetravalent mixed vanadium compound is obtained, and a redox flow battery-use vanadium electrolyte is obtained by dissolving the trivalent and tetravalent mixed vanadium compound in a sulfuric acid solution.

Abstract: An electric device has a plurality of cells in which in an acid electrolyte a lanthanide and zinc form a redox couple that provide a current, and in which at least two of the cells are separated by a bipolar electrode that comprises a glassy carbon or a Magneli phase titanium suboxide.

Abstract: Two co-catalysts selected from the transitional metals can be employed in proton exchange membrane fuel cells to catalyze a borohydride anolyte, such that diatomic hydrogen produced on the surface of a particle of a first catalyst is diffused to an adjacent surface of a particle of a second catalyst. At the second catalyst the diatomic hydrogen is catalyzed to produce hydrogen ions, which are employed as the mobile ion transported across the electrolyte concurrent with the generation of electrical current. The apparatus operates without the accumulation of hydrogen gas, except as adhered to the surface of the two catalysts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a high energy density (HED) electrolyte solution for use in an all-vanadium redox cell, a high energy density electrolyte solution, in particular an all-vanadium high energy density electrolyte solution, a redox cell, in particular an all-vanadium redox cell, comprising the high energy density electrolyte solution, a redox battery, in particular an all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte solution, a process for recharging a discharged or partially discharged redox battery, in particular an all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte solution, a process for the production of electricity from a charged redox battery, and in particular a charged all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte, a redox battery/fuel cell and a process for the production of electricity from a redox battery/fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved semi-fuel cell and an improved cathode used therein. The semi-fuel cell stack comprises a housing, an anode within the housing, a porous cathode within the housing, an aqueous catholyte within the housing, an aqueous anolyte stream flowing in the housing, and a membrane for preventing migration of the catholyte through the porous cathode and into the anolyte stream. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catholyte comprises an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the anolyte comprises a NaOH/seawater solution, and the membrane permits passage of OH— ions while inhibiting the passage of hydrogen peroxide. The membrane is attached to a surface of the cathode or alternatively, impregnated into the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a recombinator and a method for using a recombinator, wherein the recombinator comprises a housing operatively associated with a zinc-bromine battery, wherein the housing comprises an outer wall that defines a reaction space therein, means for introducing hydrogen into the reaction space from the zinc-bromine battery, means for introducing bromine into the reaction space from the zinc-bromine battery, means for controlling the delivery of bromine into the reaction space, wherein the delivery control means comprises at least one flow channel associated with the inner surface of the outer wall, means for reacting the hydrogen and the bromine together so as to form hydrobromic acid; and means for distributing the hydrobromic acid back into the zinc-bromine battery for the reacidification of same.

Abstract: A fuel composition for fuel cells includes a polar solvent such as water, a first portion of a first fuel dissolved in the solvent at a saturated concentration, and a second portion of the first fuel suspended in the solvent to serve as a reservoir of fuel as the dissolved portion is consumed. Preferably, the first fuel is a hydride such as NaBH4. Optionally, the fuel composition also includes a second fuel such as an alcohol that also controls the solubility of the first fuel in the solvent, inhibits decomposition of the first fuel and stabilizes the suspension. Preferably, the fuel composition also includes an additive such as an alkali for stabilizing the first fuel.

Abstract: A fuel cell device for generation of electricity from a polar oxidizer liquid and a non-polar fuel fluid includes a cathode in contact with the polar oxidizer liquid; an anode in contact with the non-polar fuel fluid; and a separator for separating the polar oxidizer liquid from the non-polar fuel fluid. The separator is made from material that is lyophobic with respect to the oxidizer liquid, and has a plurality of apertures, which are appropriately sized and spaced to form a meniscus in each aperture. The meniscus forms a liquid heterointerface between the conductive polar oxidizer liquid and the non-polar fuel fluid providing a controlled contact surface for oxidation processes. The fuel side of the separator may be coated with a conductive material to form the anode, in electric contact with the perimeter of the meniscus, and the cathode may be formed on the oxidizer side of the separator.

Abstract: A very low emission hybrid electric vehicle incorporating an integrated propulsion system which includes a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine, a metal hydride hydrogen storage unit, an electric motor, high specific power, high energy density nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and preferably a regenerative braking system. The nickel-metal hydride battery module preferably has a peak power density in relation to energy density as defined by: P>1,375−15E, where P is greater than 600 Watts/kilogram, where P is the peak power density as measured in Watts/kilogram and E is the energy density as measured in Watt-hours/kilogram.

Abstract: A multicell assembly is constituted by alternately stacking two types of pre-assembled elements: a bipolar electrode holding subassembly and a membrane holding subassembly. The alternate stack of elements is piled over a bottom end element and the stack is terminated by placing over the last membrane holding element a top end electrode element.

Abstract: A fuel cell/battery uses amine-based liquid complexes as a direct oxidation fuel in an alkaline fuel cell/battery. Oxidant solutions are used on the cathode side to improve power density.

Abstract: Batteries including a lithium anode stabilized with a metal-lithium alloy and battery cells comprising such anodes are provided. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell having an anode and a sulfur electrode including at least one of elemental sulfur, lithium sulfide, and a lithium polysulfide is provided. The anode includes a lithium core and an aluminum-lithium alloy layer over the lithium core. In another embodiment, a surface coating, which is effective to increase cycle life and storageability of the electrochemical cell, is formed on the anode. In a more particular embodiment, the anode is in an electrolyte solution, and, more particularly, an electrolyte solution including either elemental sulfur, a sulfide, or a polysulfide where the surface coating is composed of Al2S3.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an ion-conductive solid polymer-forming composition, a binder resin and an ion-conductive solid polymer electrolyte comprising (A) a polymeric compound containing polyvinyl alcohol units and having an average degree of polymerization of at least 20, in which compound some or all of the hydroxyl groups on the polyvinyl alcohol units are substituted with oxyalkylene-containing groups to an average molar substitution of at least 0.3, (B) an ion-conductive salt, and (C) a compound having crosslinkable functional groups. The composition and the polymer electrolyte obtained therefrom have a high ionic conductivity and a high tackiness. Moreover, the polymer electrolyte has a semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure, giving it excellent shape retention.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel polymeric compound comprising polyvinyl alcohol units and having an average degree of polymerization of at least 20, in which some or all of the hydroxyl groups on the polyvinyl alcohol units are substituted with oxyalkylene-containing groups to an average molar substitution of at least 0.3; a binder resin composed of this polymeric compound; an ion-conductive polymer electrolyte composition having a high ionic conductivity and high tackiness which lends itself well to use as a solid polymer electrolyte in film-type cells and related applications; and a secondary cell.

Abstract: Provided is a battery comprising a first compartment, a second compartment and a barrier separating the first and second compartments, wherein the barrier comprises a proton transporting moiety.

Abstract: The carbon electrode material of the present invention is used for a vanadium redox-flow cell. The carbon electrode material has quasi-graphite crystal structure in which <002> spacing obtained by X-ray wide angle analysis is 3.43 to 3.60 Å, size of a crystallite in c axial direction is 15 to 33 Å and size of crystallite in a axial direction is 30 to 70 Å. In addition, an amount of surface acidic functional groups obtained by XPS surface analysis is 0.1 to 1.2% and total number of surface bound-nitrogen atoms is 5% or smaller relative to total number of surface carbon atoms. The carbon electrode materials formed of a non-woven fabric of a carbonaceouss fiber is preferable.

Abstract: An electrical battery has a vessel accommodating an electrolyte, a positive electrode and a negative electrode arranged in the vessel at a distance from one another in contact with the electrolyte, and a partition arranged in the vessel between the electrodes so that positive ions formed by an electrolytic process from a material of the positive electrode in the electrolyte move toward one side of the partition, and negative ions formed by an electrolytic process from a material of the electrolyte move to an opposite side of the partition during charging of the battery, so that the positive ions and the negative ions at both sides of the partition are attracted to one another and accumulate at both sides of the partition in great quantities so as to provide a significant charge in the battery, one of the electrodes being movable toward the partition to be located in a zone of accumulation of the ions of corresponding charge so as to obtain the charge with high voltage, so that a discharge of the battery is pe

Abstract: The capacity of an electro-chemical power source having an initial amount of an oxidizable material and an initial amount of a reducible material, is adjusted to a target capacity by altering the initial amount of one or both of the oxidizable material and the reducible material available to participate in the source by a technique selected from the group consisting of adding, removing and isolating a known fraction of the initial amount from the power source.

Abstract: A redox flow battery composed of a plurality of cells in electrical series defined by a stacked and repetitive arrangement of a conductive intercell separator having a generally bipolar function, a positive electrode, an ion exchange membrane, a negative electrode and another conductive intercell separator, is operated by flowing a positive half-cell electrolyte containing reducible and oxidizable ions of a first redox couple through the compartments containing the positive electrodes and a negative half-cell electrolyte containing reducible and oxidizable ions of a second redox couple through the compartments containing the negative electrodes in cascade in a counter or equi-current mode. The difference of cell voltage between the first and the last cell of the stack is sensibly reduced and by-pass currents are substantially eliminated thus resulting in an increased overall faradic efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel cell having an anode immersed in an electrolyte in an anode tank, and a cathode immersed in the electrolyte in the cathode tank, and the anode and the cathode connected to an external electrical load. Fuel is supplied to the anode tank and an oxidant to the cathode tank. Each electrode is a monolithic electrode, a composite electrode, or an internally coupled electrode having a catalyst surface. There may be an external reaction vessel for processing electrolyte before returning it to the tanks and conditioning and recycling of fuel. The impedance of the fuel cell is reduced substantially over fuel cells having an electrical path through the solution.

Abstract: Borides generally can produce a cell with a high energy density. High power densities are also achievable using borides that are reasonably good conductors of electricity. High density is important to achieve high energy density. Another important factor is lower molecular weight per available electron. The borides generally provide a favorable balance of these factors compared to a number of other materials, such as lithium or zinc. Individual borides have other important characteristics. Titanium diboride is safe. The inclusion of a halide, particularly fluoride, in the anodic storage medium signficantly improvers performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved magnesium semi-fuel cell which has a magnesium anode, a seawater/catholyte electrolyte, preferably containing acid to solubilize solid precipitates, and an electrocatalyst composed of palladium and iridium catalyzed onto carbon paper. The acid added to the electrolyte is preferably selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A recombinator device and associated method for re-acidification of an electrolyte in a flowing electrolyte zinc-bromine battery. The recombinator device receives hydrogen, formed as a result of electrolysis within cell stacks of the zinc-bromine battery, as well as aqueous bromine from the zinc-bromine battery. Upon receipt, the hydrogen and bromine are introduced into a reaction chamber in the recombinator device so as to form hydrobromic acid. The hydrobromic acid is then reintroduced back into the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine battery for re-acidification of same.

Abstract: A recombinator device and associated method for re-acidification of an electrolyte in a flowing electrolyte zinc-bromine battery. The recombinator device receives hydrogen, formed as a result of electrolysis within cell stacks of the zinc-bromine battery, as well as aqueous bromine from the zinc-bromine battery. Upon receipt, the hydrogen and bromine are introduced into a reaction chamber in the recombinator device so as to form hydrobromic acid. The hydrobromic acid is then reintroduced back into the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine battery for re-acidification of same.

Abstract: A multi layer electrolyte and a secondary cell using the multi layer electrolyte. The multi layer electrolyte comprises a solid electrolyte and other electrolyte such as gel electrolyte and/or electrolytic solution layer laminated on the solid electrolyte. The secondary cell using the multi layer electrolyte includes at least a positive electrode, a negative electrode and the multi layer electrolyte which comprises: a solid electrolyte layer; and at least one electrolyte layers selected from a gel electrolyte layer and an electrolytic solution layer and laminated on the solid electrolyte layer. By this structure, it is possible to use active material dissoluble in electrolytic solution as electrode active material and to realize a cell which can be quickly charged and discharged and which has superior capacity appearance rate and superior charge-discharge cycle characteristics.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy active material for the anode of Ovonic instant startup/regenerative fuel cells. The active material includes a hydrogen storage alloy material with a water reactive chemical hydride additive, which, upon utilization of the active material in an anode of an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell, gives the anode added benefits, not attainable by using hydrogen storage alloy material alone. These added benefits include 1) precharge of the hydrogen storage material with hydrogen; 2) higher porosity/increased surface area/reduced electrode polarization at high currents; 3) simplified, faster activation of the hydrogen storage alloy; and 4) optionally, enhanced corrosion protection for the hydrogen storage alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of producing a trivalent and tetravalent mixed vanadium compound having excellent solubility with sulfuric acid directly from a tetravalent or pentavalent vanadium compound by using a reducing agent,and a method of producing a vanadium electrolyte. For example, a vanadium compound mainly containing a pentavalent vanadium compound; sulfur and concentrated sulfuric acid in molar ratios with respect to (one mol of vanadium atom in the pentavalent vanadium compound) 0.35 to 0.4:1.2 to 1.9 are kneaded into paste form, and the paste-form mixture is calcined at a temperature of not less than 150° C. to less than 440° C. so that a trivalent and tetravalent mixed vanadium compound is obtained, and a redox flow battery-use vanadium electrolyte is obtained by dissolving the trivalent and tetravalent mixed vanadium compound in a sulfuric acid solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are positive electrodes containing active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The cells include active-sulfur, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor. These materials are provided in a manner allowing at least about 10% of the active-sulfur to be available for electrochemical reaction. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The method begins with a step of combining the electrode components in a slurry. Next, the slurry is homogenized such that the electrode components are well mixed and free of agglomerates. Thereafter, before the electrode components have settled or separated to any significant degree, the slurry is coated on a substrate to form a thin film. Finally, the coated film is dried to form the electrode in such a manner that the electrode components do not significantly redistribute.

Abstract: A lithium-sulfur battery includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a negative active material selected from materials in which lithium intercalation reversibly occur, lithium alloy or lithium metal. The positive electrode includes at least one of elemental sulfur and organosulfur compounds for a positive active material, and an electrically conductive material. The electrolyte includes at least two groups selected from a weak polar solvent group, a strong polar solvent group, and a lithium protection solvent group, where the electrolyte includes at least one or more solvents selected from the same group. The electrolyte may optionally include one or more electrolyte salts.

Abstract: A high performance lithium-sulfur battery cell includes the following features: (a) a negative electrode including a metal or an ion of the metal; (b) a positive electrode comprising an electronically conductive material; and (c) a liquid catholyte including a solvent and dissolve electrochemically active material comprising sulfur in the form of at least one of a sulfide of the metal and a polysulfide of the metal. Such battery cells are characterized by an energy density, calculated based upon a laminate weight, of at least about 400 Watt-hours/kilogram when discharged at a rate of at least 0.1 mA/cm2. Cells meeting these criteria often find use as primary cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a galvanosorptive reaction cell with closed substance circulation for the conversion of low temperature heat, preferably of waste heat into useful electrical work. The reaction cell and the accompanying isobaric substance circuit are presented. The galvanosorptive reaction process inside the cell is carried out polytropically with an electrostatic auxiliary voltage, which is superimposed onto the inherent voltage of the cell. In this way, not only free but, with cooling of the reaction system, also substance-bound reaction work can be extracted from the reaction system. The electrical energy yield and the power density of galvanosorptive reaction cell are thereby increased many times over.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a high energy density (HED) electrolyte solution for use in an all-vanadium redox cells, a high energy density electrolyte solution, in particular an all-vanadium high energy density electrolyte solution, a redox cell, in particular an all-vanadium redox cell, comprising the high energy density electrolyte solution, a redox battery, in particular an all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte solution, a process for recharging a discharged or partially discharged redox battery, in particular an all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte solution, a process for the production of electricity from a charged redox battery, and in particular a charged all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte, a redox battery/fuel cell and a process for the production of electricity from a redox battery/fuel cell.

Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.

Abstract: An electric storage cell (10) comprises a zinc anode (12) and a sulfur cathode (14), wherein the zinc and the sulfur are in contact with an aqueous solution (22) containing sulfur during the process of battery discharge. In this invention, specific conditions for the aqueous sulfur electrolyte are chosen to overcome the normal ineffectiveness of zinc oxidation in the presence of aqueous zero valent sulfur. Normally, a zinc anode (12) cannot be oxidized in an aqueous solution containing sulfur, because the product of the discharge would be zinc sulfide. This zinc sulfide is a highly insoluble salt and creates a layer which passivates the zinc and renders it completely ineffective to battery discharge. The performance of the battery is made possible by high OH- and HS-ion concentrations formed by the addition of salts to the aqueous zero valent sulfur solution, and permits effective and efficient battery discharge.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, and an associated process, wherein the cell includes a controlled electrode surface comprising an electrode with a metallic current collector having a surface, an electrolyte and a reduced additive. The invention further includes a passivating layer at the interface between the metallic current collector and the electrolyte. The passivating layer includes the reduced additive. This passivating layer substantially precludes contact between electrolyte solvent and surface of the metallic current collector to, in turn, substantially prevent gas formation within the cell, which would otherwise result from decomposition of the solvent upon contact with the surface of the metallic current collector. Also, the reduced additive will likewise be substantially precluded from generating a gas upon its decomposition.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolyte solvents for ambient-temperature lithium-sulfur batteries. The disclosed solvents include at least one ethoxy repeating unit compound of the general formula R.sub.1 (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n R.sub.2, where n ranges between 2 and 10 and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are different or identical alkyl or alkoxy groups (including substituted alkyl or alkoxy groups). Alternatively, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may together with (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n form a closed ring. Examples of linear solvents include the glymes (CH.sub.3 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3). Some electrolyte solvents include a donor or acceptor solvent in addition to an ethoxy compound as described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkali metal negative electrode having a protective layer. Specifically, the disclosed negative electrode includes a glassy or amorphous surface protective layer which conducts alkali metal ions but effectively blocks the alkali metal in the electrode from direct contact with the ambient. The protective layer has improved smoothness and reduced internal stress in comparison to prior protective layers such as those formed by sputtering. In a specific embodiment, the protective layer is formed on the lithium metal electrode surface by a plasma assisted deposition technique.

Abstract: Batteries including a lithium electrode and a sulfur counter electrode that demonstrate improved cycling efficiencies are described. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell having a lithium electrode and a sulfur electrode including at least one of elemental sulfur, lithium sulfide, and a lithium polysulfide is provided. The lithium electrode includes a surface coating that is effective to increase the cycling efficiency of said electrochemical cell. In a more particular embodiment, the lithium electrode is in an electrolyte solution, and, more particularly, an electrolyte solution including either elemental sulfur, a sulfide, or a polysulfide. In another embodiment, the coating is formed after the lithium electrode is contacted with the electrolyte. In a more particular embodiment, the coating is formed by a reaction between the lithium metal of the lithium electrode and a chemical species present in the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises a housing defining an interior space, and a separator in the housing dividing said space into an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. A sodium anode is in the anode compartment, a cathode being in the cathode compartment, electrochemically coupled by the separator to the anode. The anode is molten, the separator being a conductor of sodium cations and comprising at least 5 tubes having open and closed ends, the cathode being in the tubes and each tube communicating with a header space in an electronically insulating header. The relationship of the combined area of the tubes available for sodium conduction, and the volume of the interior space, as defined by the quotient: ##EQU1## (in which l is a unit length), has a value of at least 1.0 l.sup.-1.

Abstract: A composite electrical battery including a primary electrochemical cell and a fully or partially discharged rechargeable electrochemical cell. The rechargeable electrochemical cell is electrically connected in parallel to the primary electrochemical cell. The open circuit voltage of the primary electrochemical cell is significantly lower than the open circuit voltage of the rechargeable cell when the rechargeable cell is fully charged. The self discharge rate of the rechargeable electrochemical cell after electrically connecting the rechargeable electrochemical cell to the primary electrochemical cell is less than a predetermined self discharge rate. The composite battery has an improved current delivery capability for an extended life span compared to the primary electrochemical cell by itself. A method is provided for forming such a composite electrical battery.

Abstract: A perforated fabric for modifying the effective electrochemical surface area of a cell is described. The size and pattern of perforations in the fabric determine the effective electrochemical surface area of the cell. In practice, the modified cell comprises a layer of perforated fabric placed between the anode and the cathode along with a suitable electrolyte absorbent separator material. Electrodes are then assembled into a cell using typical techniques with a spirally-wound configuration being preferred. The present perforated fabric provides for the production of cells with variable effective electrochemical surface areas while using a single manufacturing line. A preferred cell chemistry comprises a fluorinated carbon electrode present in an alkali metal system with the preferred perforated fabric comprising a Fluorpeel fabric, which is a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with PTFE polymer.

Abstract: A battery system and method of operation are shown. The battery system utilizes a microparticle fuel slurry containing microparticle spheres surrounded by active electrochemical material. In the operation of the battery system, the microparticle spheres are attracted to battery-cell electrode plates and held there by a magnetic field. The core of the microparticle spheres and battery-cell electrode plates may be permanently magnetic or ferromagnetic in nature. The magnetic field may originate from permanently magnetic materials or be induced using magnetic field windings or the like. The battery system may be recharged by replacing spent microparticle fuel slurry with unspent slurry. In some applications, such as when used to power an electro-motive vehicle, a reserve of unspent microparticle fuel slurry may be stored on-board the vehicle and used to periodically replace spent microparticle fuel slurry during operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid-circulating type redox flow battery which comprises(a) said battery being defined by a ratio (H/L) where (H) is the average height of each of said porous electrodes in a flow direction of each of said electrolytic solutions, and (L) is the length of each of said porous electrodes in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of each of said electrolytic solutions, the ratio (H/L) being in the range of 0.18 to 1.95; and(b) said battery being defined by ratios (.SIGMA.s.sub.ai /S.sub.a) and (.SIGMA.s.sub.ci /S.sub.c) where (.SIGMA.s.sub.ai) is the sum of the cross-sectional area of an inlet for introducing said positive electrolytic solution into said positive cell, (.SIGMA.s.sub.ci) is the sum of the cross-sectional area of an inlet for introducing said negative electrolytic solution into said negative cell, (S.sub.

Abstract: Boron redox species can provide electrochemical cells for battery or energy storage systems that are characterized by favorable specific energy, energy density, capital and operating cost, recharge efficiency, safety, environmental impact, serviceability and longevity.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method for producing same. The cell includes a metal anode, a non aqueous liquid cathode solution, an electrolyte dissolved in the non aqueous liquid cathode solution, a porous carbon current collector, a separator disposed between said anode and said porous carbon current collector, and a non-porous current collector disposed adjacent the porous current collector for conducting current from the porous current collector to the cell pole, the non-porous current collector being characterized in that its surface adjacent the porous current collector is made essentially of non-porous carbon.