Rechargeable metal oxide-hydrogen battery

Abstract

A rechargeable metal oxide-hydrogen battery including an outer pressure vessel and a plurality of cell modules are disposed within the vessel. Each module is formed of a pair of back-to-back positive electrodes spaced apart by a separating layer, and a negative electrode having a hydrophilic surface is disposed adjacent each positive electrode and separated therefrom by a separator layer. An electrolyte, such as potassium hydroxide, is impregnated in the separator layers and is in contact with the positive and negative electrodes. Each module is semi-circular in planar configuration and is contained in an open-ended semi-cylindrical container formed of a polymeric material. A plurality of containers are stacked in side-by-side relation. The curved peripheral edges of the stacked containers are disposed adjacent the inner surface of the vessel, while the straight open ends of the containers are sealed and disposed in opposed relation to the sealed open ends of a second stack of module-containing containers. A plurality of metal tabs are connected to the straight edges of the positive and negative electrodes of each module and the tabs are connected by bus bars in a manner to obtain the desired voltage output for the battery. Electrical leads are connected to terminals on the battery and extend in sealed relation through a fitting in a head of the vessel to the exterior.