Development of high-performance Na/NiCl/sub 2/ cell

• Published in: IEEE 35th International Power Sources Symposium pp. 343 - 345
• Main Authors: Redey, L., Prakash, J., Vissers, D.R., Myles, K.M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 1992
• Subjects: Battery charge measurement; Current density; Current measurement; Density measurement; Electrodes; Impedance; Nickel; Power measurement; Temperature; Vehicle dynamics
• DOI: 10.1109/IPSS.1992.281986
• ISBN: 9780780305526; 0780305523

The performance of the Ni/NiCl/sub 2/ positive electrode for the Na/NiCl/sub 2/ battery has been significantly improved by lowering the impedance and increasing the usable capacity through the use of chemical additives and a tailored electrode morphology. The improved electrode has excellent performance even below 200 degrees C and can be recharged within one hour. The performance of this new electrode was measured by a conventional galvanostatic method and by a newly developed power dynamic method. These measurements were used to project the performance of 40- to 60-kWh batteries built with this new electrode combined with the already highly developed sodium/ beta "-alumina negative electrode. These calculated results yielded a specific power of 150-400 W/kg and a specific energy of 110-200 Wh/kg for batteries with single-tube and bipolar cell designs. This high performance, along with the high cell voltage, mid-temperature operation, fast recharge capability, and short-circuited failure mode of the electrode couple, makes the Na/NiCl/sub 2/ battery attractive for electric vehicle applications.< >