Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation

Aeronutronic Ford Corporation

Ronald J Haas

Donald C Briggs

Donald D Briggs

This specification teaches a battery structure of lightweight construction. Such a battery is particularly useful as the power source for a space satellite. The battery structure includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a plurality of non-strengthened cell walls which contact other nonstrengthened cell walls when the cells are in an assembled condition. Each cell also has strengthened cell walls which do not contact any other cell walls when the cells are in an assembled condition. Structurally strengthened end plates are located at opposite ends of the assembled cells to provide support for any nonstrengthened cell walls of the cells coming in contact therewith. Structure is provided for holding the structurally strengthened end plates and cells in an assembled condition. By strengthening only exposed walls, a lightweight battery construction is achieved.

Battery structure

This application discloses a secondary fuel cell having improved electrode zones. Each cell has two electrode zones each containing a pair of electrode structures. A first such electrode structure in each zone is more efficient in operation during discharge of the fuel cell. Electrical structure is provided so that the first electrode structures are utilized during charging of the fuel cell and the second electrode structures are utilized during discharge of the fuel cell. The size and configuration of each of the electrode structures is a variable depending upon the particular cycle the fuel cell is to be subjected to in operation.

Secondary fuel cell

A rechargeable electrochemical cell is disclosed which includes both a cathode and a gas generating and consuming anode housed within a closed container. A closed volume is provided within the container for storing the gas used by the cell. A separator and electrolyte storage material is located between the electrodes of the cell. A reservoir is formed of a material capable of storing electrolyte. This reservoir is in liquid transfer contact with the separator and electrolyte storage material between the electrodes. If any electrolyte of the cell stored in the separator and electrolyte storage material is vaporized into the gas storage volume, such electrolyte is replaced by transfer of electrolyte from the reservoir to the separator and electrolyte storage material.

Electrochemical cell of a rechargeable nature

A rechargeable electrochemical cell is disclosed which includes both a cathode and a gas generating and consuming anode housed within a closed container. A storage volume is provided within the container for storing the gas used by the cell. A capillary mat lining material is provided throughout the gas storage volume of the cell. This lining material is in liquid transfer contact with a separator and electrolyte storage material located between the electrodes of the cell. If any electrolyte (i.e. water) of the cell is vaporized into the gas storage volume, the electrolyte will condense on the lining material and be conducted back to the separator and electrolyte storage material positioned between the electrodes.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Ronald J Haas