CA1155488A - Metal-oxide-hydrogen cell with variable conductant heat pipe - Google Patents
Metal-oxide-hydrogen cell with variable conductant heat pipeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1155488A CA1155488A CA000371584A CA371584A CA1155488A CA 1155488 A CA1155488 A CA 1155488A CA 000371584 A CA000371584 A CA 000371584A CA 371584 A CA371584 A CA 371584A CA 1155488 A CA1155488 A CA 1155488A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- heat pipe
- shell
- positive
- electrode stack
- coupling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 29
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000017525 heat dissipation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001026 inconel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000021715 photosynthesis, light harvesting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000352 storage cell Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/34—Gastight accumulators
- H01M10/345—Gastight metal hydride accumulators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/61—Types of temperature control
- H01M10/613—Cooling or keeping cold
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/64—Heating or cooling; Temperature control characterised by the shape of the cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/60—Heating or cooling; Temperature control
- H01M10/65—Means for temperature control structurally associated with the cells
- H01M10/655—Solid structures for heat exchange or heat conduction
- H01M10/6552—Closed pipes transferring heat by thermal conductivity or phase transition, e.g. heat pipes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
- Hybrid Cells (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A rechargable metal oxide-hydrogen cell having an electrode stack within a pressure vessel. The electrode stack is aligned on a control alignment member and has separate positive and negative bars coupling respective positive and negative electrodes to like terminals. A
variable conductance heat pipe includes a portion of the alignment member and couples the interior of the electrode stack to a radiator. The heat pipe uses a working fluid such as Freon? 21,
A rechargable metal oxide-hydrogen cell having an electrode stack within a pressure vessel. The electrode stack is aligned on a control alignment member and has separate positive and negative bars coupling respective positive and negative electrodes to like terminals. A
variable conductance heat pipe includes a portion of the alignment member and couples the interior of the electrode stack to a radiator. The heat pipe uses a working fluid such as Freon? 21,
Description
1 ~5548~
This invention relates to a metal-oxide-hydrogen cell and more particularly, to a variable conductant heat pipe which is an integral part o~ such a cell to improve thermal control.
Metal-oxide-hydrogen batteries are well-known as typified by U. S. Patent 4,115,630. Typical is the nickel-hydrogen cell such as shown in Figures 5 and 6 o~ the '630 patent, Cells of that type have been used successfully as prime energy storage systems on earth satellites. The cell shown in U. S. Patent 4,115,630 has been used, for example, aboard the ~TS-2 (Navigation Technology Satellite-2) space-craft, In such spacecraft designs battery modules can be located` at various places on the spacecraft. For example, a preferred location is on an outside panel that may view cold space. Heat which is generated by the battery will be rejected to space as a result of a completely passive direct radiation system. In such passive systems, radiator sizing can be optimized to maintain battery temperatures at acceptable levels during various cyclic operations, for example, during period of trickle charge. However, passive systems are not generally effective during prolonged time periods where the radiator is exposed to the sun or heat generation rates vary vis-a-vis normal spacecraft orbital operation, For example, during periods of eclipse heat generation can cause significant rises in battery temperature.
For example, in the case of the ~TS-2 a passive system was designed to maintain the battery at temperature levels of approximately 0 to 5C. However, during eclipse battery temperatures were actually in the order of 15C to 25C, that is, an increase of approximately 10C.
1 ~554~
Accordingly, within this technology a need exists to de~ine a system having higher heat rejection rates to flatten the battery temperature profile and thereby lower the average operating temperature of the battery.
Accordingly, a requirement of thermal control in such spacecraft batteries exists which cannot be adequately satisfied by using completely passive direct radiation systems. Such completely passive systems do not have the ability to provide active thermal control during periods of high battery heating such as during periods of high battery heat dissipations such as eclipse periods.
In spacecraft power systems there is a standing design goal to increase usable energy density. Increases in energy density are accomplished by reducing overall weight of such spacecraft cells and/or increasing the depth of dis-charge of such systems. These design techniques in turn aggrevate problems of thermal control by increasing both the end of discharge and the average operating temperature.
Passive systems are simply not satisfactory for such storage systems having very deep discharge cycles. If such were used, unacceptable temperature swings could result during operation of the system. For example, in the case of a low orbit spacecraft application, with a 90 minute orbital period stored energy would have to be removed within 30 minutes yet completey returned within 60 minutes. The limited amount of time for energy dissipation results in higher temperatures. Passive systems do not have the capability for variable heat control.
In addition to the passive system as used in a spacecraft environment, the prior art defines other techniques 1 15~48~
of passive thermal control in context of non-spacecraft cell designs. One such technique is shown in Sanderson, U. S.
Patent 3,498,844, which shows the use of a heatîng vent 25 in Figure 2 of that patent, located at the center of a primary fuel cell evaporator 20, In this passive heat transfer system, heat produced at the electrodes 8 and 10 causes the temperature of the working fluid to increase until it is high enough to open a pressure regulating valve 27, As a result, water vapor will be exhausted through vent 25 as a result of the pressure increase in the system.
Another passive system is shown in U. S. Patent 3,B65,630 which in Figure 2 also shows a heat pipe 27 utilized as a heating device for electrolyte 23 in a molten salt battery. As shown in that system, the heat pipe is a unitary body which is integrated into the framework of the battery. The heat pipe cannot actively vary its conductants in response to a change in temperature of the system.
Metal-oxide-hydrogen batteries, in particular, nic~el-hydrogen batteries, are assembled utilizing a multi-tude of cells having an electrode stack contained within a pressure vessel. As shown in Figure 5 of U. S. Patent 4,115,630 the pressure vessel 90 contains an electrode stack which is axially aligned on a centrally disposed -rod 52. Two sets of electrodes comprising a first hack-to-back stack of positive electrodes 74 are coupled to a positive bus bar 92 and a second stack of negative electrodes 78 are disposed relative to a negative bus bar 94, At one end of the cell, coupled to the negative bus bar, a negative support 114 is used as a negative terminal. At the other 1 ~55~88 end, a fill tube 126 is disposed coaxially within a positive terminal 112 coupled to the positive bus bar 92. As indi-cated, such a cell relies on passive thermal control. The predominant transfer path for heat which is generated in the electrode stack within the cell is radially through the hydrogen gas and then through the pressure vessel to the battery structure and finally, radiated to space.
Given the shortcomings of the prior art passive systems, it is an object of this invention to provide an active thermal control system for use in metal oxide-hydrogen cells.
It is another object of this invention to improve the thermal control system of a nickel-hydrogen battery using an active control system by modulating the heat rejection rate.
A further object of this invention is to improve a nickel-hydrogen cell by using an active thermal control system which flattens the temperature profile of operation to thereby lower the average operating temperature of the cell.
A still further object of this invention is ~o define an active heat pipe system for use in metal gas energy storage cells.
These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by means of a variable conductance heat pipe which has no moving parts yet forms an active thermal control system. As a result of the use of heat pipe technology improved usable energy density for the battery results .: .
~ . . . _ . _ . . _ , . , . . _ _ . , ~ ~554~8 as a consequence of improved temperature control. Another significant accomplishment of this system is that the cells may now be placed anywhere within the spacecraft body as opposed to prior disposition along outside spacecraft panels.
Accordingly, spacecraft design is given a wider degree of latitude and flexibility since there is no requirement that the cells be placed on an outside panel for direct passive radiation.
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention there is provided a rechargable metal oxide-hydrogen cell having an outer shell, an electrode stack within the shell having positive and negative elect-rodes positioned on an alignment member, and positive and negative bus bars coupling respective positive and negative electrodes to like conductive terminals. In accordance with the invention, a variable conductance heat pipe includes at least a portion of the alignment member, the heat pipe coupling the interior of the electrode stack to a radiator outside the shell, and a working fluid within the heat pipe.
By using a heat pipe which connects the cell to a radiator which may be located on the spacecraft exterior, heat which is generated within the cell interior is trans-mitted by the heat pipe to a radiator, It is rejected into space by the radiator. During idle periods, for example, trickle charging between eclipse seasons, the active feed-back controlled variable conductance heat pipe prevents low cell temperatures by significantly reducing the heat trans-fer to the radiator. The heat pipe itself can be fabricated from any electrolyte resistant material, for example, stain-less steel or nickel. The wall thickness can be increased in the electrical current conducting region and also at the seal. mis invention, there~ore, utilizes a heat pipe as a part of one terminal forming the axial rod holding the elect-rode stack. Accordingly, the heat pipe in accordance with this invention serves not only as a portion of the active thermal control system ~ut also as an electrical feedthrough, that is, a terminal of the cell.
This invention will be described in greater detail by referring to the accompanying drawing and the description of the pre~erred embodiment that follows.
Figure 1 is a cutaway side view of a first pre-ferred embodiment of this invention showing a completed cell having a multi-electrode stack coupled in a parallel arrangement with the heat pipe in place; and Figure 2 is a cutaway side view of a second pre-~erred embodiment showing a completed cell having a multi-electrode stack with the heat pipe disposed in an electric-ally floating arrangement coaxial with the electrical current conductor.
Referring now to Figure 1, a cutaway side view of a first embodiment of this invention is shown. This cut-away side view corresponds closely to the side view shown in Figure 5 of U. S. Patent 4,115,630 to the extent that a prior art cell structure is shown. However, Figure 1 departs significantly in the sense that it shows a feedthrough utilizing the heat pipe as will be described herein.
As shown in Figure 1, the operational cell is formed utilizing a pressure vessel 10 which is generally made in two half shell sections. Those shell sections can be made by hydroforming Inconel ~ 718. A weld ring 12 is used to join the two sections. A more complete des-cription of the pressure vessel in the -630 patent.
1 1 554~8 As shown in Figure 1, an electrode stack array is disposed about a center rod assembly 14. The electrode stack 16 may be configured in a manner consistent with that aescribed in the -630 patent having a series of back-to-back electrodes forming a stack of positive and negative - 6a -1 ~ 55~8~
electrodes separated by separators. ~le positive electrodes are coupled to a positive bus bar 18 while the negative elect-rodes are coupled to a negative bus bar 20. These bus bars are used to couple individual electrodes, for example, by tabs 22, 24 which are coupled into slots in the respective bus bars. Top and bottom plates 26 and 28 are used to hold the stack in place by any customary means. They are held and aligned about the center rod 14 in compression.
As shown in Figure 1, a pair of insulating washers 30, 32 separate nut 34 which is disposed about a threaded por-tion 36 of the rod 14. The negative bus bar 20 has a coupling portion 38 to provide a conductive path between the respective electrodes and a negative terminal feedthrough 40~
The negative feedthrough 40 has a fill port 42~used to load the pressure vessel with electrolyte and hydrogen gas, These aspects of a metal oxide hydrogen cell are considered conventional and shown in the prior art. In this invention coupling of the feedthrough is to the negative bus, but coupling to the positive bus in the prior 4,115,630 patent is equivalent.
As shown in Figure 1, the positive feedghrough 44 forming a component part of the axial rod 14 utilizies an axially disposed heat pipe 46 which extends into the center portion of the electrode stack. The heat pipe is fabricated from any electrolyte resistant material such as stainless steel or nickel. As shown in Figure 1, the heat pipe has a variable wall thickness, thinner at the central section 46 and having a thicker section 48 at the current conducting regions. The section 48 of the heat pipe is coupled to the positive bus bar 18 by means of a flange member 50.
_ ~, . .,, _ ,,,, . ... . - . . - , 1 ~554~
Additionally, a third region of a still thicker cross-sectional area is provided in the region 52 disposed relative to the compression seal 54 The inside of the com-pression seal 54 is generally made of a plastic material and is crimped to reduce its diameter. This effectively seals the positive feedthrough 44 ~ he interior of the heat pipe 46 is loaded with a suitable working fluid such as Freon ~ 21. As shown in Figure 1, given the central location of the working fluid within the electrode stack, conduction of heat is maximized within the cell structure. Moreover, because the heat pipe must penetrate through the pressure vessel wall, it is ideally suited to perform the complimentary task of electrical feed-through, in this case, coupling the positive bus bar to the outside electrical system forming the complete battery.
In the system shown in Figure 1 thermal resistance is in the order of 0.04C/watt. This value should be com-pared with the existing thermal existance in the order of 0.93C/watt for conventional hydrogen gap cells as typified 20 by that shown in U.S. Patent 4,115,630.
While the invention has been shown with respect to the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, modifications of this system are possible within the scope of the invention, For example, as shown in Figure 2, a dual compression seal is utilized. In this system, the positive feedthrough 44 comprises an outer conductive member with an inner coaxial heat pipe member 45. The electrical feedthrough 44 is coupled to the flange 50 in a manner consistent with that shown in Figure 1. The heat pipe 45 is therefore electri-cally floating and is held in place by means of a flange .~
1 ~5~8~
element 55 abutting a notched portion of the top inplate 26.
The lower portion o~ the heat pipe is held in place by means of a threaded portion 56 in the nut 34 disposed between the two insulating washers 30 and 32.
Because the heat pipe is a separate element, there is no requirement that it have a variable wall thickness to accommodate electrical current conduction. Accordingly, the heat pipe 45 is of a unitary cross-section within the positive feedthrough 44, with that latter element having generally a greater wall thickness to accommodate electrical current conduction. A seal element 54 is crimped consistent with the seal in Figure 1 to hemispherically seal the pressure vessel at 10 yet provide an insulating seal at the point of exit of the positive feedthrough, a similar compression seal is used with respect to the negative feedthrou~h.
Another modification of this system would be to use the heat pipe as an electrical current conductor but to have the heat pipe directly welded to the pressure vessel. In such a system, the pressure vessel would not be electrically float-in~ and, accordingly, appropriate insulators would be neededbetween the p~essure vessel and appropriate elements of the electrode stack to prevent a short circuit condition. How-ever, with the heat pipe welded directly to the pressure vessel, one compressive seal can be eliminated It is apparent that other modifications of this invention are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
.. , . _ . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .... .. . .
This invention relates to a metal-oxide-hydrogen cell and more particularly, to a variable conductant heat pipe which is an integral part o~ such a cell to improve thermal control.
Metal-oxide-hydrogen batteries are well-known as typified by U. S. Patent 4,115,630. Typical is the nickel-hydrogen cell such as shown in Figures 5 and 6 o~ the '630 patent, Cells of that type have been used successfully as prime energy storage systems on earth satellites. The cell shown in U. S. Patent 4,115,630 has been used, for example, aboard the ~TS-2 (Navigation Technology Satellite-2) space-craft, In such spacecraft designs battery modules can be located` at various places on the spacecraft. For example, a preferred location is on an outside panel that may view cold space. Heat which is generated by the battery will be rejected to space as a result of a completely passive direct radiation system. In such passive systems, radiator sizing can be optimized to maintain battery temperatures at acceptable levels during various cyclic operations, for example, during period of trickle charge. However, passive systems are not generally effective during prolonged time periods where the radiator is exposed to the sun or heat generation rates vary vis-a-vis normal spacecraft orbital operation, For example, during periods of eclipse heat generation can cause significant rises in battery temperature.
For example, in the case of the ~TS-2 a passive system was designed to maintain the battery at temperature levels of approximately 0 to 5C. However, during eclipse battery temperatures were actually in the order of 15C to 25C, that is, an increase of approximately 10C.
1 ~554~
Accordingly, within this technology a need exists to de~ine a system having higher heat rejection rates to flatten the battery temperature profile and thereby lower the average operating temperature of the battery.
Accordingly, a requirement of thermal control in such spacecraft batteries exists which cannot be adequately satisfied by using completely passive direct radiation systems. Such completely passive systems do not have the ability to provide active thermal control during periods of high battery heating such as during periods of high battery heat dissipations such as eclipse periods.
In spacecraft power systems there is a standing design goal to increase usable energy density. Increases in energy density are accomplished by reducing overall weight of such spacecraft cells and/or increasing the depth of dis-charge of such systems. These design techniques in turn aggrevate problems of thermal control by increasing both the end of discharge and the average operating temperature.
Passive systems are simply not satisfactory for such storage systems having very deep discharge cycles. If such were used, unacceptable temperature swings could result during operation of the system. For example, in the case of a low orbit spacecraft application, with a 90 minute orbital period stored energy would have to be removed within 30 minutes yet completey returned within 60 minutes. The limited amount of time for energy dissipation results in higher temperatures. Passive systems do not have the capability for variable heat control.
In addition to the passive system as used in a spacecraft environment, the prior art defines other techniques 1 15~48~
of passive thermal control in context of non-spacecraft cell designs. One such technique is shown in Sanderson, U. S.
Patent 3,498,844, which shows the use of a heatîng vent 25 in Figure 2 of that patent, located at the center of a primary fuel cell evaporator 20, In this passive heat transfer system, heat produced at the electrodes 8 and 10 causes the temperature of the working fluid to increase until it is high enough to open a pressure regulating valve 27, As a result, water vapor will be exhausted through vent 25 as a result of the pressure increase in the system.
Another passive system is shown in U. S. Patent 3,B65,630 which in Figure 2 also shows a heat pipe 27 utilized as a heating device for electrolyte 23 in a molten salt battery. As shown in that system, the heat pipe is a unitary body which is integrated into the framework of the battery. The heat pipe cannot actively vary its conductants in response to a change in temperature of the system.
Metal-oxide-hydrogen batteries, in particular, nic~el-hydrogen batteries, are assembled utilizing a multi-tude of cells having an electrode stack contained within a pressure vessel. As shown in Figure 5 of U. S. Patent 4,115,630 the pressure vessel 90 contains an electrode stack which is axially aligned on a centrally disposed -rod 52. Two sets of electrodes comprising a first hack-to-back stack of positive electrodes 74 are coupled to a positive bus bar 92 and a second stack of negative electrodes 78 are disposed relative to a negative bus bar 94, At one end of the cell, coupled to the negative bus bar, a negative support 114 is used as a negative terminal. At the other 1 ~55~88 end, a fill tube 126 is disposed coaxially within a positive terminal 112 coupled to the positive bus bar 92. As indi-cated, such a cell relies on passive thermal control. The predominant transfer path for heat which is generated in the electrode stack within the cell is radially through the hydrogen gas and then through the pressure vessel to the battery structure and finally, radiated to space.
Given the shortcomings of the prior art passive systems, it is an object of this invention to provide an active thermal control system for use in metal oxide-hydrogen cells.
It is another object of this invention to improve the thermal control system of a nickel-hydrogen battery using an active control system by modulating the heat rejection rate.
A further object of this invention is to improve a nickel-hydrogen cell by using an active thermal control system which flattens the temperature profile of operation to thereby lower the average operating temperature of the cell.
A still further object of this invention is ~o define an active heat pipe system for use in metal gas energy storage cells.
These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by means of a variable conductance heat pipe which has no moving parts yet forms an active thermal control system. As a result of the use of heat pipe technology improved usable energy density for the battery results .: .
~ . . . _ . _ . . _ , . , . . _ _ . , ~ ~554~8 as a consequence of improved temperature control. Another significant accomplishment of this system is that the cells may now be placed anywhere within the spacecraft body as opposed to prior disposition along outside spacecraft panels.
Accordingly, spacecraft design is given a wider degree of latitude and flexibility since there is no requirement that the cells be placed on an outside panel for direct passive radiation.
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention there is provided a rechargable metal oxide-hydrogen cell having an outer shell, an electrode stack within the shell having positive and negative elect-rodes positioned on an alignment member, and positive and negative bus bars coupling respective positive and negative electrodes to like conductive terminals. In accordance with the invention, a variable conductance heat pipe includes at least a portion of the alignment member, the heat pipe coupling the interior of the electrode stack to a radiator outside the shell, and a working fluid within the heat pipe.
By using a heat pipe which connects the cell to a radiator which may be located on the spacecraft exterior, heat which is generated within the cell interior is trans-mitted by the heat pipe to a radiator, It is rejected into space by the radiator. During idle periods, for example, trickle charging between eclipse seasons, the active feed-back controlled variable conductance heat pipe prevents low cell temperatures by significantly reducing the heat trans-fer to the radiator. The heat pipe itself can be fabricated from any electrolyte resistant material, for example, stain-less steel or nickel. The wall thickness can be increased in the electrical current conducting region and also at the seal. mis invention, there~ore, utilizes a heat pipe as a part of one terminal forming the axial rod holding the elect-rode stack. Accordingly, the heat pipe in accordance with this invention serves not only as a portion of the active thermal control system ~ut also as an electrical feedthrough, that is, a terminal of the cell.
This invention will be described in greater detail by referring to the accompanying drawing and the description of the pre~erred embodiment that follows.
Figure 1 is a cutaway side view of a first pre-ferred embodiment of this invention showing a completed cell having a multi-electrode stack coupled in a parallel arrangement with the heat pipe in place; and Figure 2 is a cutaway side view of a second pre-~erred embodiment showing a completed cell having a multi-electrode stack with the heat pipe disposed in an electric-ally floating arrangement coaxial with the electrical current conductor.
Referring now to Figure 1, a cutaway side view of a first embodiment of this invention is shown. This cut-away side view corresponds closely to the side view shown in Figure 5 of U. S. Patent 4,115,630 to the extent that a prior art cell structure is shown. However, Figure 1 departs significantly in the sense that it shows a feedthrough utilizing the heat pipe as will be described herein.
As shown in Figure 1, the operational cell is formed utilizing a pressure vessel 10 which is generally made in two half shell sections. Those shell sections can be made by hydroforming Inconel ~ 718. A weld ring 12 is used to join the two sections. A more complete des-cription of the pressure vessel in the -630 patent.
1 1 554~8 As shown in Figure 1, an electrode stack array is disposed about a center rod assembly 14. The electrode stack 16 may be configured in a manner consistent with that aescribed in the -630 patent having a series of back-to-back electrodes forming a stack of positive and negative - 6a -1 ~ 55~8~
electrodes separated by separators. ~le positive electrodes are coupled to a positive bus bar 18 while the negative elect-rodes are coupled to a negative bus bar 20. These bus bars are used to couple individual electrodes, for example, by tabs 22, 24 which are coupled into slots in the respective bus bars. Top and bottom plates 26 and 28 are used to hold the stack in place by any customary means. They are held and aligned about the center rod 14 in compression.
As shown in Figure 1, a pair of insulating washers 30, 32 separate nut 34 which is disposed about a threaded por-tion 36 of the rod 14. The negative bus bar 20 has a coupling portion 38 to provide a conductive path between the respective electrodes and a negative terminal feedthrough 40~
The negative feedthrough 40 has a fill port 42~used to load the pressure vessel with electrolyte and hydrogen gas, These aspects of a metal oxide hydrogen cell are considered conventional and shown in the prior art. In this invention coupling of the feedthrough is to the negative bus, but coupling to the positive bus in the prior 4,115,630 patent is equivalent.
As shown in Figure 1, the positive feedghrough 44 forming a component part of the axial rod 14 utilizies an axially disposed heat pipe 46 which extends into the center portion of the electrode stack. The heat pipe is fabricated from any electrolyte resistant material such as stainless steel or nickel. As shown in Figure 1, the heat pipe has a variable wall thickness, thinner at the central section 46 and having a thicker section 48 at the current conducting regions. The section 48 of the heat pipe is coupled to the positive bus bar 18 by means of a flange member 50.
_ ~, . .,, _ ,,,, . ... . - . . - , 1 ~554~
Additionally, a third region of a still thicker cross-sectional area is provided in the region 52 disposed relative to the compression seal 54 The inside of the com-pression seal 54 is generally made of a plastic material and is crimped to reduce its diameter. This effectively seals the positive feedthrough 44 ~ he interior of the heat pipe 46 is loaded with a suitable working fluid such as Freon ~ 21. As shown in Figure 1, given the central location of the working fluid within the electrode stack, conduction of heat is maximized within the cell structure. Moreover, because the heat pipe must penetrate through the pressure vessel wall, it is ideally suited to perform the complimentary task of electrical feed-through, in this case, coupling the positive bus bar to the outside electrical system forming the complete battery.
In the system shown in Figure 1 thermal resistance is in the order of 0.04C/watt. This value should be com-pared with the existing thermal existance in the order of 0.93C/watt for conventional hydrogen gap cells as typified 20 by that shown in U.S. Patent 4,115,630.
While the invention has been shown with respect to the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, modifications of this system are possible within the scope of the invention, For example, as shown in Figure 2, a dual compression seal is utilized. In this system, the positive feedthrough 44 comprises an outer conductive member with an inner coaxial heat pipe member 45. The electrical feedthrough 44 is coupled to the flange 50 in a manner consistent with that shown in Figure 1. The heat pipe 45 is therefore electri-cally floating and is held in place by means of a flange .~
1 ~5~8~
element 55 abutting a notched portion of the top inplate 26.
The lower portion o~ the heat pipe is held in place by means of a threaded portion 56 in the nut 34 disposed between the two insulating washers 30 and 32.
Because the heat pipe is a separate element, there is no requirement that it have a variable wall thickness to accommodate electrical current conduction. Accordingly, the heat pipe 45 is of a unitary cross-section within the positive feedthrough 44, with that latter element having generally a greater wall thickness to accommodate electrical current conduction. A seal element 54 is crimped consistent with the seal in Figure 1 to hemispherically seal the pressure vessel at 10 yet provide an insulating seal at the point of exit of the positive feedthrough, a similar compression seal is used with respect to the negative feedthrou~h.
Another modification of this system would be to use the heat pipe as an electrical current conductor but to have the heat pipe directly welded to the pressure vessel. In such a system, the pressure vessel would not be electrically float-in~ and, accordingly, appropriate insulators would be neededbetween the p~essure vessel and appropriate elements of the electrode stack to prevent a short circuit condition. How-ever, with the heat pipe welded directly to the pressure vessel, one compressive seal can be eliminated It is apparent that other modifications of this invention are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
.. , . _ . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .... .. . .
Claims (14)
1. In a rechargable metal oxide-hydrogen cell having an outer shell, an electrode stack within said shell having positive and negative electrodes positioned on an alignment member, positive and negative bus bars coupling respective positive and negative electrodes to like conductive terminals, the improvement comprising a variable conductance heat pipe including at least a portion of said alignment member, said heat pipe coupling the interior of the electrode stack to a radiator outside said shell, and a working fluid within said heat pipe.
2, The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising con-ductive means to electrically couple one of said bus bars to said heat pipe, wherein said heat pipe is an electrical feed-through conductor from one set of electrodes to an electrical terminal outside said shell.
3, The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electrode stack is axially aligned about said heat pipe and said heat pipe comprises a variable wall thickness pipe having increased wall thickness in the portions between said electrical coupling means and said electrical terminal.
4. The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 further compris-ing first means to secure said heat pipe to said shell and second means to secure said heat pipe within said shell.
.
.
5. The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 further compris-ing first means to secure said heat pipe to said shell and second means to secure said heat pipe within said shell, and wherein said first means comprises a compression seal secur-ing said heat pipe to said shell and said second means com-prises a threaded coupling between said alignment rod and a securing member.
6, The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said heat pipe comprises said alignment member and is axially disposed in said shell.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising con-ductor means coaxial with said heat pipe and insulated there-from coupling one bus bar to an electrical terminal outside said shell.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the wall thickness of said conductor means is greater than the wall thickness of said heat pipe.
9. The apparatus of claims 2 or 3 wherein said con-ductor means is coupled to the positive electrical bus bar.
10. The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said heat pipe comprises an electrolyte resistant material such as stainless steel or nickel.
11. The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said working fluid is Freon? 21.
12. The apparatus of claims 7 or 8 wherein said con-ductor means is coupled to the positive electrical bus bar.
13. The apparatus of claims 6, 7 or 8 wherein said heat pipe comprises an electrolyte resistant material such as stainless steel or nickel,
14. The apparatus of claims 6, 7 or 8 wherein said working fluid is Freon? 21
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US164,382 | 1980-06-30 | ||
| US06/164,382 US4324845A (en) | 1980-06-30 | 1980-06-30 | Metal-oxide-hydrogen cell with variable conductant heat pipe |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1155488A true CA1155488A (en) | 1983-10-18 |
Family
ID=22594239
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000371584A Expired CA1155488A (en) | 1980-06-30 | 1981-02-24 | Metal-oxide-hydrogen cell with variable conductant heat pipe |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4324845A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0043634A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5749175A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1155488A (en) |
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| US4420545A (en) * | 1981-11-05 | 1983-12-13 | Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation | Lightweight metal-gas battery |
| DE3401794A1 (en) * | 1983-01-26 | 1984-07-26 | South African Inventions Development Corp., Pretoria, Transvaal | ELECTRICITY BATTERY |
| US4477546A (en) * | 1983-02-03 | 1984-10-16 | Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. | Lattice for a battery electrode substrate |
| DE3333475C1 (en) * | 1983-09-16 | 1985-01-10 | Deutsche Automobilgesellschaft Mbh, 3000 Hannover | Pressure-resistant housing for alkaline electrochemical hybrid cells with a gaseous reactant, in particular metal-hydrogen cells |
| JPS60115151A (en) * | 1983-11-25 | 1985-06-21 | Shin Kobe Electric Mach Co Ltd | Nickel-hydrogen battery |
| FR2569059B1 (en) * | 1984-08-10 | 1992-08-07 | Sanyo Electric Co | ALKALINE METAL / HYDROGEN ACCUMULATOR |
| US4546054A (en) * | 1985-02-22 | 1985-10-08 | Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. | Support assembly for cells of a secondary battery |
| US5208118A (en) * | 1988-05-02 | 1993-05-04 | Gates Energy Products, Inc. | Vessel for a metal gas cell |
| US4957830A (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1990-09-18 | Globe-Union Inc. | Rechargeable metal oxide-hydrogen battery |
| US4923769A (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1990-05-08 | Globe-Union Inc. | Pressure vessel construction for a metal oxide-hydrogen battery |
| US5064732A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1991-11-12 | International Fuel Cells Corporation | Solid polymer fuel cell system: high current density operation |
| CA2038354A1 (en) * | 1990-03-30 | 1991-10-01 | William H. Kelly | Ni-h2 battery having improved thermal properties |
| US5082754A (en) * | 1990-05-24 | 1992-01-21 | Globe-Union Inc. | Pressure vessel construction for a metal oxide-hydrogen battery |
| US5135824A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1992-08-04 | Globe-Union Inc. | Coaxial terminal construction for a sealed pressurized battery |
| FR2679382B1 (en) * | 1991-07-15 | 1996-12-13 | Accumulateurs Fixes | ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR OF HIGH SPECIFIC MASS ENERGY. |
| US5262252A (en) * | 1991-10-09 | 1993-11-16 | Globe-Union Inc. | Welded pressure vessel for a metal oxide-hydrogen battery utilizing a flexible weld ring |
| US5304435A (en) * | 1992-08-07 | 1994-04-19 | Globe-Union Inc. | Pressure vessel construction for a metal oxide-hydrogen battery |
| US5354630A (en) * | 1992-12-10 | 1994-10-11 | Comsat | Ni-H2 battery having improved thermal properties |
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| US5395708A (en) * | 1994-01-14 | 1995-03-07 | Space Systems/Loral, Inc. | Bimodal electric vehicle battery system |
| RU2118873C1 (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1998-09-10 | Ракетно-космическая корпорация "Энергия" им.С.П.Королева | Storage battery with metal-gas cells |
| US6258170B1 (en) | 1997-09-11 | 2001-07-10 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Vaporization and deposition apparatus |
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| US6010800A (en) * | 1998-06-17 | 2000-01-04 | Hughes Electronics Corporation | Method and apparatus for transferring heat generated by a battery |
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| US6146786A (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 2000-11-14 | Hughes Electronics Corporation | Electrochemical storage cell having a central core providing mechanical, thermal, and electrical functions |
| US5939864A (en) * | 1998-10-28 | 1999-08-17 | Space Systems/Loral, Inc. | Lithium-ion battery charge control method |
| DE19929950B4 (en) * | 1999-06-29 | 2004-02-26 | Deutsche Automobilgesellschaft Mbh | Bipolar stacked battery |
| US7112541B2 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2006-09-26 | Applied Materials, Inc. | In-situ oxide capping after CVD low k deposition |
| US7743614B2 (en) | 2005-04-08 | 2010-06-29 | Bsst Llc | Thermoelectric-based heating and cooling system |
| US7273823B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2007-09-25 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Situ oxide cap layer development |
| US20100155018A1 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2010-06-24 | Lakhi Nandlal Goenka | Hvac system for a hybrid vehicle |
| JP4438784B2 (en) * | 2006-08-25 | 2010-03-24 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Power storage device |
| KR102112970B1 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2020-05-19 | 젠썸 인코포레이티드 | Battery thermal management system |
| DE112012002935T5 (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2014-05-15 | Gentherm Inc. | Thermoelectric based thermal management of electrical devices |
| US20130043071A1 (en) * | 2011-08-17 | 2013-02-21 | General Electric Company | Thermal energy management component and system incorporating the same |
| WO2014110524A1 (en) | 2013-01-14 | 2014-07-17 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric-based thermal management of electrical devices |
| US10270141B2 (en) | 2013-01-30 | 2019-04-23 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric-based thermal management system |
| CN106030898B (en) | 2013-10-29 | 2019-04-05 | 詹思姆公司 | Battery Thermal Management Using Thermoelectrics |
| CN106717139B (en) | 2014-09-12 | 2019-07-12 | 詹思姆公司 | Graphite thermoelectric and/or resistive thermal management systems and methods |
| EP3259189B1 (en) * | 2015-06-02 | 2018-07-18 | Airbus Defence and Space SAS | Artificial satellite |
| US10193196B1 (en) | 2016-04-19 | 2019-01-29 | Mainstream Engineerding Corporation | Internal battery cell cooling with heat pipe |
| JP2018014244A (en) | 2016-07-21 | 2018-01-25 | 株式会社日本製鋼所 | Battery negative electrode, battery, and battery negative electrode manufacturing method |
| CN121230238A (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2025-12-30 | 金瑟姆股份公司 | Thermoelectric control systems and methods |
| US11152557B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-10-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board |
| US12537270B2 (en) * | 2022-06-01 | 2026-01-27 | EnerVenue Holdings, Ltd. | Electrode stack assembly for a metal hydrogen battery |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3424622A (en) * | 1966-02-10 | 1969-01-28 | Standard Oil Co | Fused-salt battery with self-regulating insulating system |
| US3498844A (en) * | 1967-08-21 | 1970-03-03 | United Aircraft Corp | Fuel cell waste heat and water removal system |
| US3525386A (en) * | 1969-01-22 | 1970-08-25 | Atomic Energy Commission | Thermal control chamber |
| US3865630A (en) * | 1971-01-13 | 1975-02-11 | Eberhart Reimers | Electrochemical cell having heat pipe means for increasing ion mobility in the electrolyte |
| DE2321087A1 (en) * | 1973-04-26 | 1974-11-14 | Varta Batterie | FUEL CELL UNIT |
| FR2301107A1 (en) * | 1975-02-14 | 1976-09-10 | Sovel Vehicules Electr Indls | Heat pipe containing a freon - has fins and fits on filler cap to cool electrolyte of electric battery |
| US4115630A (en) * | 1977-03-17 | 1978-09-19 | Communications Satellite Corporation | Metal-hydrogen battery |
| US4189527A (en) * | 1979-01-17 | 1980-02-19 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Spherical heat pipe metal-hydrogen cell |
-
1980
- 1980-06-30 US US06/164,382 patent/US4324845A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1981
- 1981-02-20 EP EP19810300722 patent/EP0043634A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1981-02-24 CA CA000371584A patent/CA1155488A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-06-30 JP JP10219981A patent/JPS5749175A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4324845A (en) | 1982-04-13 |
| JPS5749175A (en) | 1982-03-20 |
| EP0043634A1 (en) | 1982-01-13 |
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