Lithium-water-air battery automotive propulsion. Final report, October 28, 1976-September 28, 1977. [360 mW/cm/sup 2/]
Cell and battery tests were made to evaluate the technology involved in the operation of a Li-H/sub 2/O-air battery. Power densities of 44 mW/cm/sup 2/ (2.2 V, 200 mA/cm/sup 2/) were obtained in cells with cathodes catalyzed with platinum black. A power density of 360 mW/cm/sup 2/ (2.0 V, 180 mA/cm/sup 2/) was achieved in cells with cathodes containing 2 mg/cm/sup 2/ of platinum on carbon. Lithium utilization efficiencies in excess of 80 percent were realized when electrolyte composition was controlled. Parameters affecting cell operation include electrolyte flow rate, air flow rate, pressure differential across the cathode, concentration of LiOH in the electrolyte, and (outside of certain limits) electrode contact pressure. A paper study was made of two-step methods of lithium reprocessing. A preliminary cost estimate of 65 cents per pound was made for reprocessed lithium produced from a 50,000 tons per year plant by using low-temperature electrolytic cells. Although problems were encountered in the operation of multicell batteries related to the balancing of electrolyte flow and the pressure differential across the cathodes in individual cells, these do not appear insurmountable. The concept of using Li-H/sub 2/O-air battery for automotive propulsion appears viable, and additional effort should emphasize the design and operation of a larger size battery with automatic control of electrolyte dilution and power optimization. A more detailed examination of lithium reprocessing should be made for establishing the overall economics of using the system for automotive propulsion. 30 figures, 6 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Lockheed Palo Alto Research Labs., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-03-1262
- OSTI ID:
- 5512219
- Report Number(s):
- SAN-1262-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
An intermediate temperature garnet-type solid electrolyte-based molten lithium battery for grid energy storage
High Energy Storage Capacity Low Cost Iron Flow Battery
Related Subjects
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
LITHIUM-WATER-AIR BATTERIES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
COST
DESIGN
ECONOMICS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GRAPHS
IMPURITIES
LITHIUM
PERFORMANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
TESTING
ALKALI METALS
DATA
DATA FORMS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
INFORMATION
METAL-GAS BATTERIES
METALS
NUMERICAL DATA
VEHICLES
250901* - Energy Storage- Batteries- Design & Development