Advances in zinc bromine batteries for motive power

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Advances in zinc bromine batteries for motive power

Bellows, R.J. / Grimes, P. / Shropshire, J.A.

Extensive studies on advanced batteries for E.V. applications indicate that initial battery cost is a major parameter in the ultimate applicability of any battery system. This has spurred research on potentially low-cost battery couples, such as zinc-bromide. Development of this couple in a bipolar configuration, using conductive plastic electrodes, will be discussed. Key to overcoming the historic problem of self-discharge is the use of a circulating electrolyte configuration with a complexing agent which permits separation of the bromine from the catholyte stream by phase separation. The present efforts are directed to the development of 52-cell bipolar stacks which would give approximately 80 V on discharge for direct use in a D.C. propulsion system. The combination of a bipolar stack with a common circulating electrolyte leads to shunt current related problems which limit operational life. A novel solution to these shunt current problems is discussed. A 20 kWh (net) electric vehicle battery prototype has been designed based on 600 cm² electrodes. This system uses six substacks of 52 bipolar cells. These are then connected in parallel. Electrolyte is contained in reservoirs beneath the electrochemical module. Complexed Br2 is surrounded by anolyte as an additional safeguard. Specific energy for this complete package design for vehicle insert is 62-66 Wh/kg and 85 WH/l.