Development of aqueous batteries for electric vehicles. Summary report, October 1979-September 1980

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5895031

The results of research studies during FY 1980 on lead-acid, iron-nickel and nickel-zinc batteries for electric vehicles are summarized. Key results indicate achievement of most of FY 1980 performance goals. In the lead-acid system the specific energy was increased from less than 30 Wh/kg to 41 Wh/kg at the C/3 rate; the peak power density improved from 70 W/kg to 111 W/kg at the 50% state of charge; and a cycle life of over 280 deep-discharge cycles was demonstrated. In the nickel/iron system a specific energy of 48 Wh/kg was achieved; a peak power of about 103 W/kg was demonstrated; and a life of over 379 cycles was obtained. In the nickel/zinc system, specific energies of up to 68 Wh/kg were shown; peak powers of 131 W/kg were obtained; and a life of over 165 cycles was measured. Testing of over 323 cells was completed by NBTL. Cell evaluation included a full set of performance tests plus the application of a simulated power profile equivalent to the power demands of an electric vehicle in stop-start urban driving. In the area of battery support, a new theory was developed on the passivation phenomena observed in zinc electrodes. Investigations on the nickel electrode have identified the need for overcharge requirements. In the lead-acid battery, Laser Raman spectroscopic studies have revealed chemical changes in addition to electrochemical transformations. The ventilation requirements during operation of the lead-acid battery in vehicles in order to eliminate the effects of noxious gases were identified. A charge voltage limit of 2.49 volts for the lead-acid battery cell was identified to provide the optimum product of battery efficiency and discharge capacity. New equipment has been designed to make the measurement of separator characteristics meaningful. The static/dynamic behavior of batteries has been modeled, and an initial assessment of the materials availability and cost of critical materials has been made.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31-109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5895031
• Report Number(s): ANL/OEPM-81-5; ON: DE82005964
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
25 ENERGY STORAGE
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
IRON-NICKEL BATTERIES
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
NICKEL-ZINC BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
DESIGN
BATTERY CHARGING
COST
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
DATA
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
INFORMATION
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
NUMERICAL DATA
TESTING
VEHICLES
330300* - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Electric-Powered Systems
250900 - Energy Storage- Batteries