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Title: High-performance batteries for off-peak energy storage and electric-vehicle propulsion. Progress report, April--June 1976. [Li--Al/LiCl--KCl/FeS or FeS/sub 2/, operate at 400 to 450 C; some work on Na/FeS/sub 2/ and CaMg/sub 2//CaCl/sub 2/--LiCl/sub 2/KCl/FeS cells]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7143138· OSTI ID:7143138

The research and management efforts of the program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) on lithium/metal sulfide batteries during the period April--June 1976 are described. These batteries are being developed for energy storage on utility networks and for electric-vehicle propulsion. The present cells, which operate at 400 to 450/sup 0/C, are vertically oriented, prismatic cells with a central positive electrode of FeS or FeS/sub 2/, two facing negative electrodes of lithium--aluminum alloy, and an electrolyte of molten LiCl--KCl. Electrodes and cells are being fabricated by several industrial firms. Cells produced are being tested and evaluated--as single cells and as two- and three- cell batteries. New electrode and cell designs are being developed and tested, and promising designs will be incorporated in industrially fabricated cells. The concepts receiving major attention include the fabrication of electrodes in the uncharged state (positive electrodes of Li/sub 2/S and Fe and negative electrodes of porous aluminum), the use of carbon-bonded current-collector structures in the positive electrode, the fabrication of electrodes by hot-pressing active materials and electrolyte, and the use of additives. Efforts are also under way to develop improved cell feedthroughs and electrode separators. Design work is in progress on a 30-kWh battery for a small four-passenger vehicle; this effort includes design calculations and setting specifications for the vehicle. Other battery engineering work is directed to the development of monitoring and cycling equipment and battery components. Cell chemistry studies include the wetting of materials by molten LiCl--KCl and potentiometric measurements on metal sulfide phases. Work is continuing on the development of alternative secondary cell systems. 17 figures, 11 tables.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31-109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
7143138
Report Number(s):
ANL-76-81
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English