Status of nickel/zinc and nickel/iron battery technology for electric vehicle applications

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6434593

Yao, N P; Christianson, C C; Elliott, R C; Miller, J F

Significant progress in nickel/zinc and nickel/iron technology has been made towards achieving the battery technical performance goals necessary for widespread use of these battery systems in electric vehicle applications. This progress is reviewed. Nickel/zinc module test data have shown a specific energy of nearly 70 Whr/kg and a specific power of 130 W/kg. However, cycle life improvements are still needed (presently demonstrated capability of 120 cycles) and are expected to be demonstrated during 1980. Nickel/iron modules have demonstrated a specific energy of nearly 50 Wh/kg and a specific power of 100 W/kg. Indications are that improved performance in these areas can be shown during 1980. Nickel/iron modules cycle lives of 300 have been achieved during early 1980 and testing continues. Energy efficiency has been improved from less than 50% to over 65%. Cost reduction (both initial and operating) continues to receive major emphasis at developers of both nickel/zinc and nickel/iron batteries in order to achieve the lowest possible life cycle cost to the battery user.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6434593
• Report Number(s): CONF-800612-6; ON: DE81023572
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250901* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Design & Development
250904 -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Other Applications
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330300 -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Electric-Powered Systems
CAPACITY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
IRON-NICKEL BATTERIES
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
NICKEL-ZINC BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SERVICE LIFE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
VEHICLES
WEIGHT