Development of high performance sodium/metal chloride cells
Abstract
Sodium/metal chloride (MCl2) cells and batteries are being studied at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) for stationary energy storage and transportation applications. The work is being directed toward (1) development of thin, high capacity density electrodes and inexpensive beta double prime alumina-glass composite electrolyte materials to replace beta double prime alumina, and (2) the development of models to project MCl2 system performances. In our NiCl2 electrode work, the effects of charge/discharge rates, temperature, electrode porosity, and sulfur content on electrode performance were determined using annular electrodes fabricated in the uncharged state. Of all electrode design parameters mentioned, electrode porosity, sulfur content, and charge rates have the greatest effect on utilization and on the area-specific impedance. The beta double prime alumina-glass composite electrolyte work has led to the development of a highly conductive (3.3 x 10(exp -2)S/cm at 250 C) composite material. Preliminary modeling studies indicate that the performance of the MCl2 electrodes can be fitted by a mathematic model very successfully and that cell electrolyte configurations of either multiple tubes joined at a header or compartmented flat structures of either beta double prime alumina or of the composite material would result in high performance batteries with power-to-energy ratios of about 5.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 8th Beta Battery Workshop
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990beba.work...12V
- Keywords:
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- Battery Chargers;
- Chlorides;
- Electric Batteries;
- Electrolytes;
- Mathematical Models;
- Sodium;
- Aluminum Oxides;
- Electrodes;
- Energy Storage;
- Nickel Compounds;
- Temperature Effects;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering