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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Sealed bipolar multi-cell battery

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5915338

A low maintenance battery comprises a sealed casing having a cavity receiving a stack of monopolar and bipolar plates interspersed with mats of fiberglass felt immobilizing electrolyte and forming a gas path for diffusion of oxygen to the negative electrode. The casing contains a single, resealable vent. During charging, oxygen generated at the positive plate diffuses through the mat and decomposes at the negative plate. The negative plate has a larger capacity than the positive plate to prevent evolution of hydrogen. Voltage potential is increased or decreased by placing one or more bipolar plates in series relation between alternating positive and negative monopolar plates that are connected in parallel to respective positive and negative battery terminals. The monoplates are connected in parallel to respective postive and negative battery terminals, by way of bus plates. The resealable vent permits operation by way of the oxygen cycle which prevents loss of electrolyte. The vent prevents invasion of oxygen from the ambient to discharge negative plates.

Assignee:
California Institute of Technology
Patent Number(s):
US 4539268
OSTI ID:
5915338
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English