Iron--air battery development program. Interim report, June 1976--June 1977
The research and development efforts of the program at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation on iron--air batteries during the period June 1976--May 1977 are described. This battery is being developed for electric-vehicle propulsion. The present cell uses a bifunctional air electrode in combination with a high-performance iron electrode, operating at ambient temperature in KOH electrolyte. Objectives for both electrodes and cells were established to be compatible with a final, fully engineered battery which will store greater than 110 Wh/kg (50 Wh/lb) and deliver greater than 88 W/kg (40 W/lb). Work, during this portion of the development program, concentrated on advancing and upgrading the performance and life of both electrodes. The air electrode performance characteristics for this portion of the program were established for 300 cycles. Additional work in cell development showed energy storage densities at about 80% of the expected goal, with polarization (power profiles) compatible with the goals. Fabrication, composition, testing, and life characteristics of both the iron and air electrodes were studied with several approaches. The cyclic voltage efficiency of the air electrode was investigated in order to improve the overall energy efficiency of the system to >50%. Progress toward reducing the oxygen overvoltage and improving the oxygen reduction potential in low-cost structures was made. The performance of the iron electrode, at 0.4 ampere hours/gram in a cell configuration was also accomplished. Long-term cyclic stability of greatr than 500 cycles on the air electrode and greater than 100 cycles in full cells was not achieved. Continuing programs are presently underway to increase the cyclic life of both air electrodes and cells, while also improving energy efficiency.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-02-2949
- OSTI ID:
- 5058465
- Report Number(s):
- COO-2949-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
IRON-AIR BATTERIES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
ANODES
CATHODES
FABRICATION
PERFORMANCE
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDES
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXIDES
METAL-GAS BATTERIES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
VEHICLES
250901* - Energy Storage- Batteries- Design & Development