EP0972153A1 - Dispositif de remplissage de liquide - Google Patents

Dispositif de remplissage de liquide

Info

Publication number
EP0972153A1
EP0972153A1 EP97916009A EP97916009A EP0972153A1 EP 0972153 A1 EP0972153 A1 EP 0972153A1 EP 97916009 A EP97916009 A EP 97916009A EP 97916009 A EP97916009 A EP 97916009A EP 0972153 A1 EP0972153 A1 EP 0972153A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
trap
electrolytic cell
electrolyte
passage
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97916009A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0972153A4 (fr
Inventor
William B. Brecht
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Trojan Battery Co LLC
Original Assignee
Trojan Battery Co LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trojan Battery Co LLC filed Critical Trojan Battery Co LLC
Publication of EP0972153A1 publication Critical patent/EP0972153A1/fr
Publication of EP0972153A4 publication Critical patent/EP0972153A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K49/00—Means in or on valves for heating or cooling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/60—Arrangements or processes for filling or topping-up with liquids; Arrangements or processes for draining liquids from casings
    • H01M50/609—Arrangements or processes for filling with liquid, e.g. electrolytes
    • H01M50/627—Filling ports
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to devices that are used to fill one or more electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery with water and, more particularly, to a liquid filling device adapted to fill one or more electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery with water without the use of moving parts, and without the need for circulating battery electrolyte from the cells.
  • the desired electrolyte level generally corresponds to the volume of electrolyte that is needed to completely submerge the battery electrode plates contained within the electrolytic cell.
  • Completely submerging the electrode plates of the battery with electrolyte promotes optimal battery operation, as it provides a maximum degree of electrolyte to electrode plate contact, and thereby promotes a maximum degree of electricity generating electrochemical reaction within each electrolytic cell of the battery.
  • the battery electrolyte level must be checked regularly and replenished in the event that it is below a desired level.
  • the electrolyte level in the electrolytic cells of a battery is not static, but is dynamic due to the effects of evaporation, leakage or spillage, and due to outgassing that occurs during overcharge in the charging process.
  • the battery electrolyte level be checked and adjusted during and after the charging operation, to thereby ensure a maximum degree of electrolyte to electrode interface during the charging process.
  • An electrolyte battery typically comprises a number of electrolytic cells.
  • a conventional 12 volt electrolyte battery comprises six two-volt electrolytic cells.
  • Different battery applications call for different overall battery voltages and, therefore, different battery configurations.
  • Such battery applications typically require that the battery be stored onboard the battery-powered device or vehicle at a location that does not always permit easy access to each electrolytic cell, making electrolyte level inspection and electrolyte replenishment difficult and time consuming.
  • Devices have been constructed in an attempt to address such difficulties associated with electrolyte level checking and electrolyte replenishing in such applications. To reduce or eliminate the risk of environmental hazard or health danger during the electrolyte replenishment operation, it is desired that only water be used or circulated to fill the electrolytic cells.
  • Pass-through devices that are adapted for installation into each electrolytic cell of the battery.
  • Such pass-through devices typically include an inlet port and an outlet port that are positioned within the cell to permit flow-through passage of electrolyte from the cell when a determined electrolyte level in that cell is achieved.
  • the pass-through devices are installed into each electrolytic cell of the battery and are hydraulically connected together to permit the serial circulation of electrolyte through each electrolytic cell, filling each cell to a determined electrolyte level, and finally out of the battery for collection.
  • Electrolyte replenishment or filling is accomplished using such a pass-through device by routing water from a water source to a first device, that is disposed in a first electrolytic cell, until the electrolyte level reaches a determined level. While water addition to the first filled cell is continued, water mixed with electrolyte from the filled cell is routed through its respective device to another device that is installed in a different cell. This chain of electrolyte transfer continues until the determined electrolyte level in a final battery cell is achieved and electrolyte is routed away from the battery and the water flow is discontinued.
  • a disadvantage of the pass-through device is that it requires electrolyte, rather than only water, to be transferred through the electrolytic cells and eventually away from the battery, where it can pose an environmental or health risk. Additionally, when connected in series with a number of other such devices, the device is unable to provide a desired concentration of electrolyte in each cell. Rather, as mixed water and electrolyte is circulated through each cell the electrolyte concentration in each cell become progressively more diluted than the next cell in the series, thereby causing the electrolyte concentration in each cell to vary.
  • Another device designed to facilitate electrolyte leveling and replenishment is a mechanical "float-type” device that is configured to fit into an electrolyte fill opening of an electrolytic cell.
  • the device comprises a body that is engaged into the fill opening.
  • a plunger extends from the body into the cell and includes a float that is designed to float in the electrolyte.
  • the body includes a valve mechanism which is located outside of the electrolytic cell and is designed to open and close the flow of water through a water inlet in the body to the cell, depending on the position of the plunger and float.
  • the valve in the body When the electrolyte level in a cell is low, and the plunger and float extend downwardly into the cell a determined distance, the valve in the body is opened to permit water flow into the cell. Once a desired electrolyte level is achieved, and the plunger and float rises in the cell to a determined point, the valve is closed, causing water flow to the cell to cease.
  • the device also includes a vent passage in the body that allows air being displaced by the water entering the cell to be routed from the cell through the body and to the atmosphere.
  • Embodiments of the above-described float-type device are designed to permit the filling of more than one electrolytic cell from a single location.
  • each device additionally comprises a water outlet that permits the passage of water through its body either during or after the determined electrolyte level, for the particular cell within which the device is installed, is achieved.
  • the device is placed into each electrolytic cell and is hydraulically connected, with piping or tubing and the like, to permit electrolyte filling of each cell with water from a single point.
  • the use of such device allows the electrolyte level in each cell to be replenished without circulating electrolyte between cells and away from the battery
  • Such a device permits circulation of water from a water source through each device without allowing electrolyte to leave the battery, it does so using mechanically moving parts, e.g., the plunger and valve arrangement.
  • the use of a device having moving parts in an electrolyte battery cell service is not desired because of the likelihood that such mechanism will fail, or its operation will become impaired or unpredictable, due to its exposure to the highly corrosive environment of the electrolytic cell, e.g., its exposure to sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid vapors and the like.
  • Sulftiric acid vapors, nascent oxygen, and hydrogen produced during operation or charging of the battery are allowed to escape from each cell via a passage through the device body, thereby placing the moving parts in direct exposure to such corrosive and highly aggressive vapors. It is known that prolonged exposure to such vapors eventually reduces the operating life of the device due to part failure.
  • plastics and rubbers that are used in conjunction with the device and/or device-to-cell seal are known to decompose after being exposed to such corrosive liquid and/or vapor. The products of such decomposing material enter the device and are known to interfere with the movement of the parts, e.g., causing the valve to stick in an open or closed position and, thereby rendering the device inoperative. Additionally, the decomposition products of such plastic and rubber parts are known to enter the electrolytic cell, interfering with the efficiency of electrochemical reaction occurring therein.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,754,777 discloses another device for replenishing the electrolyte level in electrolyte battery cells.
  • the device comprises a body that fitted into the fill opening of an electrolytic cell.
  • the body has no moving parts, but provides water flow into the cell from a water inlet via a water trap arrangement.
  • the water trap is designed so that water from the water inlet is directed through the trap at a particular supply pressure and into the electrolytic cell.
  • the water flow through the trap and into the cell terminates when the pressure of air trapped within the device equals the water supply pressure, causing the supply water to bypass the trap and be routed from the device via a water outlet to the next serially connected such device an another battery cell.
  • the water pressure inside the trap when water flow through the trap ceases is related to the water supply pressure, which is regulated by a pressure control valve installed between a water inlet of the device and a water source. Because the shut-off water pressure in the trap is a function of the inlet water pressure, the electrolyte level that is provided by the device is pressure sensitive, i.e., the electrolyte level in each electrolytic cell varies depending on the inlet water pressure that the device sees. For this reason it is necessary that the pressure control valve be used to fix the inlet water pressure to a desired constant value that provides a desired electrolyte level.
  • U.K. Patent No. 1,041,629 discloses another "trap-type" device that is very similar to the trap-type device described above, in that the device makes use of a water trap to control the dispensement of water into an electrolytic cell.
  • the device operates using the same principles of operation as the other trap-type device and is constructed to provide an electrolyte level within the cell that is sensitive to the water supply pressure.
  • trap-type devices are adapted to be hydraulically connected in series with identical such devices that are installed in other electrolytic cells to provide serial battery leveling and replenishment.
  • the inlet water pressure to each device determines electrolyte level in each cell
  • the pressure losses that occur through the series arrangement of devices can cause the electrolyte level to be progressively lower in each sequentially arranged cell, making accurate electrolyte leveling in each cell difficult.
  • such trap-type devices are constructed so that once the desired cell electrolyte level is achieved, and gas that is produced within the cell is prohibited from exiting the cell, thereby creating a potential explosion hazard.
  • trap-type devices do permit electrolyte leveling and replenishment without circulating electrolyte between electrolytic cells and away from the battery, and without the use of moving parts, the ability of such devices to do so is dependent on the inlet pressure of the water, thereby making such devices unsuited for use in applications where precise water pressure regulation is not available and/or practical.
  • the described trap-type devices are not capable of operating under vacuum conditions, e.g., where a differential pressure through the device is created under vacuum rather that positive pressure operating conditions.
  • the ability to perform electrolyte leveling and replenishment using a vacuum induced differential pressure through the device is desirable because it eliminates the possibility of water leakage occurring outside of the battery, which may be caused by leaking connection tubing or the like.
  • a device which has some of the following characteristics: it permits electrolyte leveling and electrolyte replenishment for electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery from a single point, i.e., from a single connection point with a water source; it is capable of both replenishing an electrolytic cell with water to a determined electrolyte level and circulating water, not electrolyte, through the device to one or more other devices that are installed in respective cells once its own cell is filled; it has no moving parts and can provide electrolyte leveling and replenishment independent of variations in the differential pressure within the device; and it can be used in either positive pressure or vacuum operating conditions.
  • this invention comprises a device that permits the replenishment of one or more electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery with water to a determined electrolyte level without the use of moving parts, without the need for electrolyte circulation outside of the battery, in a manner that is independent of water supply pressure, by creating a pressure differential within the device by either pressure or vacuum operating conditions.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the device comprises a body having a chamber therein, and having first and second water ports that extend through the body into the chamber. The first and second water ports can be used interchangeably as either water inlet or water outlet ports.
  • the device body also includes first and second water passages that are independent of one another that extend axially in the annular chamber, that are in hydraulic connection with respective first and second water ports, and that have lower ends in the cavity below the ports. Water entering the device via one of the water ports travels axially in the device via a respective water passage.
  • a trap is disposed within the device body and has an inlet bowl at a position below the lower ends of the first and second water passages. Water passing through one of the water passages passes into the trap.
  • the trap includes first and second weirs disposed therein.
  • a bell chamber is disposed within the body adjacent an outlet of the trap. Water passing the weirs of the trap enters the bell chamber and is passed therethrough out of an open end of the bell chamber and into the electrolytic cell.
  • the trap and bell chamber are defined to trap a volume of air therein when the surface of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell meets the bell chamber open end. As water continues to pass through the device and into the electrolytic cell, the trapped air becomes pressurized by electrolyte rising in the bell chamber. The flow rate of water through the trap is reduced as pressure of trapped air begins to approach the head pressure of water in the device caused by the level of water therein.
  • the trap and bell chamber are designed so that water flow through the trap to the electrolytic cell terminates, and the determined electrolyte level within the cell is achieved, at the point where the pressure of trapped air at least equals the head pressure of water in the bowl.
  • the device may be configured to include a gas vent for releasing gas pressure from the electrolytic cell to the atmosphere, or to collection for further treatment, after the watering cycle.
  • the device is operated by imposing a pressure differential between water inlet and outlet passages of sufficient amount to effect water flow into the device from a water source connected to the device.
  • the pressure differential can be imposed by either positive pressure or vacuum operating conditions.
  • the device can be embodied to either fit within an electrolyte fill opening in an electrolytic cell, to facilitate retrofit application with an existing electrolyte battery, or as an integral part of a new battery construction.
  • Liquid filling devices of this invention can be hydraulically connected together for use in an electrolyte replenishment and leveling system for filling a respective number of electrolytic cells.
  • An advantage of using such device in such system is that it simplifies the replenishment and leveling of multiple electrolytic cells by allowing such operation to be conducted from a single location, i.e., a single connection with a water source, without the need to gain physical access to each cell.
  • a structural embodiment of the invention can comprise a body that defines first and second water flow ports, and a trap that has a bowl located below the water ports.
  • the body also includes first and second water passages that separately connect respective ports to the bowl for ingress and egress of water to and from the bowl.
  • the trap has a discharge weir lip between the bowl and an outlet from the trap located below the lip at a location a selected distance below a desired liquid level to be established in a chamber to which the outlet is connectable.
  • the trap has an outlet that is located vertically relative to the lip and the lower end of the one of the first and second passages.
  • a procedural embodiment of the invention can include the steps of creating a pressure differential between a water inlet passage and water outlet passage of a liquid filling device, and causing water to pass through a water inlet passage of the device, through a trap of the device, through a bell chamber of the device, and into an electrolytic cell. A volume of trapped air is formed within the bell chamber and trap when the level of electrolyte within the cell reaches an open end of the bell chamber.
  • FIGS. 1 -9 are sequential, cross-sectional elevation, schematic views of a simplified exemplary watering device, illustrating principles of this invention, at successive stages in practice of the procedural aspects of this invention; more specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates placement of a watering device within a head space of an electrolytic cell having a less than full electrolyte level and at time before commencement of an electrolyte replenishment operation;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates commencement of the electrolyte replenishment operation where water is introduced into the device and is passed to a trap bowl of the device;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the filling of the bowl to a water level equal to a lip height of an exit weir of the device;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the passage of water from the bowl, over the exit weir lip, through a bell of the device, and into the electrolytic cell;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates passage of water through the trap into the electrolytic cell at a time when the electrolyte level in the cell is raised to a mouth of the bell, forming an air pocket within the bell;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates further passage of water into the electrolytic cell, causing the electrolyte level to be raised above the bell mouth and increasing the pressure of air trapped within the air pocket
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the continued filling of the bowl and passage of water into the electrolytic cell, causing water in the bowl to be raised to an open end of a water outlet passage of the device for flow from the device;
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a first embodiment of the device, constructed according to principles of this invention, adapted for attachment within an electrolyte fill opening in an electrolytic cell;
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view the device of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-1 1 in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken alone line 13-13 in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the device of FIG. 10 rotated by 90 degrees, i.e., a view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 11 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a section plan view of the device taken across section 15-15 in FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a device similar to that of FIG. 14, comprising a checked vent cap arrangement;
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device constructed, according to principles of this invention, as an integral member of the battery cover; and
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an electrolyte leveling and replenishment system comprising a number of the devices shown in FIGS. 10-15 or FIG. 16 installed in electrolytic cells of an electrolyte battery and hydraulically connected in series;
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional plan view depicting the device shown in FIGS. 10-15 as mounted in a water fill port of a battery;
  • LFDs Liquid filling devices of this invention operate under principles of hydraulic pressure differentials to provide electrolyte leveling and electrolyte replenishment for one or more electrolytic cells in an electrolyte battery.
  • LFDs of this invention are disposed within a head space of an electrolytic cell and provide electrolyte leveling and replenishment without circulation of battery electrolyte, without the use of moving parts and in a manner that produces a determined electrolyte level that is independent of the pressure or vacuum conditions that are used to create a pressure differential in the LFD for introducing water into the device and into the adjacent cell.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates in schematic form the fundamental structural features of LFDs 10 constructed according to principles of this invention. It is to be understood that the LFD illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 is presented in simplified form for purposes of clearly illustrating the operating principles of LFDs constructed according to principles of this invention.
  • LFDs of this invention are installed within a head space of an electrolytic cell 12 of an electrolyte battery, i.e., above the electrolyte surface and below an electrolytic cell cover.
  • the LFD illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 is shown disposed completely within the electrolytic cell for purposes of simplicity.
  • An LFD of this invention can be constructed to fit through an electrolyte fill opening in the cell cover of an existing electrolyte battery, or it can be constructed as an integral part of the battery, e.g., constructed as a part of the cell cover itself.
  • the second bowl passage is defined along its top portion by a ceiling 34, and along its bottom portion by a second weir lip 36.
  • a second weir lip 36 contributes to the hydraulic operation of the LFD in replenishing electrolyte to a determined level within the cell.
  • a bell chamber 33 extends downwardly away from weir lip 36 and the LFD body into the electrolytic cell and includes a mouth 38 at an open end opposite the body that is positioned at a desired position in the cell and relative to the other structure of the LFD.
  • FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the simplified embodiment of a LFD of this invention at different times during leveling and replenishing electrolyte in an electrolytic cell.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the LFD 10 disposed within a head space of an electrolytic cell 12 that contains battery electrolyte 22 at a less than desired level.
  • the low electrolyte level can be the consequence of loss of water from the acid electrolyte.
  • water 40 from a suitable water source is introduced into the water inlet passage 14, and is directed therethrough to the LFD bowl 20.
  • the water is introduced into the LFD by a pressure differential that is created between the water inlet and water outlet passages 14 and 16.
  • the pressure differential can be imposed by either positive pressure (e.g., pumping the water through passage 14 at any desired convenient pressure) or vacuum operating conditions (e.g., connecting passage 16 to a source of vacuum) without affecting the leveling and replenishment performance of the LFD.
  • positive pressure e.g., pumping the water through passage 14 at any desired convenient pressure
  • vacuum operating conditions e.g., connecting passage 16 to a source of vacuum
  • the water inlet passage 14 is connected at an inlet end 46 to a non-pressurized water source (not shown).
  • the water outlet passage 16 is connected at an outlet end 48 to a vacuum source (not shown), and a vacuum is imposed on the water outlet passage.
  • water 40 is drawn through the water inlet passage 14 and into the cell in the manner described above.
  • the open end 44 of the water outlet passage 16 it is picked up by the vacuum in the passage and is drawn therethrough.
  • water movement through the water outlet passage 16 continues, water continues to enter the cell via the water inlet passage 14, and water continues to enter the cell via flow through the bell chamber 33.
  • the LFD is designed to stop water flow from the bowl 20 into the cell 12 after a determined or desired electrolyte level is achieved.
  • the first and second weir lips 30 and 36 and the open end 44 of the water outlet passage 16 are located within the bowl 20 so that, when the determined level of electrolyte in the cell is reached, the trapped air 42 is pressurized by an amount sufficient to impose an equalization pressure on the surface of the water in the second bowl passage 29.
  • the LFD is designed so that the equalization pressure causes both the water level within the second bowl passage 29 to be moved to a location at or below the second weir lip 36, thereby terminating further water passage from the bowl 20 through the bell chamber 33, and causing the water level in the bowl to rise to the open end 44 of the water outlet passage 16, thereby allowing water still entering the bowl to be removed from the LFD 10, i.e., to flow through the LFD without entering into the electrolyte space of the cell.
  • the equalization pressure i.e., the desired cell electrolyte level is achieved
  • the flow rates of water passing into and out from the LFD reach equilibrium, and the LFD performs a water circulating rather than an electrolyte replenishing function.
  • the water inlet passage 14 is connected at its inlet end 46 to a pressurized water source.
  • the outlet end 48 of the water outlet passage 16 is at atmospheric pressure.
  • water enters the LFD it fills the bowl 20 and electrolytic cell 12 with water as described above.
  • the water level in the bowl 20 reaches the open end 44 of the water outlet passage 16
  • the water level in the bowl continues to rise until the pressure of the trapped air 42 reaches the equalization pressure, where the water in the second bowl passage 29 is moved below the second weir lip 36. At this point, the water level in the bowl is sufficient to effect water passage from the bowl through the outlet water passage 16.
  • the LFD Like the vacuum operated system, once the LFD reaches its equalization pressure the desired cell electrolyte level is achieved, the flow rates of water passing into and out from the LFD reaches equilibrium, and the LFD performs a water circulating rather than an electrolyte replenishing function.
  • LFDs of this invention are designed to provide a desired electrolyte level within the cell by either a pressure or vacuum induced pressure differential, and are designed provide such electrolyte level independent of the particular operating pressure or vacuum conditions that are used.
  • the LFD 10 is illustrated at a point where the equalization pressure between the pressure of the trapped air 42 and the head pressure of the water in the bowl has been achieved, and the pressure of the trapped air 42 in the second bowl passage 29 and the bell chamber 33 has caused the water level in the second bowl passage to be moved sufficiently relative to the second weir lip 36 to terminate water passage into the bell chamber 33. Equilibrium has also been achieved in the bowl 20 so that the rate of water entering the bowl is equal to the rate of water routed from the LFD via the outlet water passage 16. At this point, the electrolyte leveling and replenishment is complete.
  • the LFD may be used to fill a single electrolytic cell, in which case the water routed from the cell can be collected in a water reservoir or the like, and the water flow into the cell can be terminated after water flow is detected from the outlet water passage 16.
  • LFDs constructed according to principles of this invention can be used to fill a number or plurality of electrolytic cells in an electrolyte battery. In such application, one LFD is installed into each electrolytic cell and the water inlet and outlet passages of each LFD are hydraulically connected to permit leveling and replenishment of multiple electrolytic cells in series and/or parallel. An exemplary system for leveling and replenishing electrolyte in multiple electrolytic cells is better described below with reference to FIG. 17.
  • the water inlet passage 14 and water outlet passage 16 be cleared of any remaining liquid, e.g., water trapped within the water inlet and outlet passages that extend between hydraulically connected
  • LFDs Purging water from the water inlet and outlet passages is desired because it prevents the passage of water between the electrolytic cells and ultimately from the battery during battery discharge or charging due to pressure being built up within each cell.
  • Gas pressure within each cell is known to increase during the charging process due to the liberation of gas (hydrogen and oxygen), i.e., outgassing from the electrolyte, which can cause liquid disposed within the water inlet and outlet passages to travel through hydraulically connected electrolytic cells, and ultimately out of the battery.
  • the water inlet and outlet passages 14 and 16 are purged by either: (1) passing air through the water inlet passage 14, causing liquid contained in each water outlet passage to be passed therethrough until the water level in the bowl 20 moves below the open end 44 and air is passed therethrough; (2) passing air through the water outlet passage 16, causing liquid contained therein to be reverse purged into the bowl 20 until air passes therethrough; (3) inducing a vacuum on the water inlet passage 14, causing water contained within the water outlet passage to be reversed purged into the bowl; or (4) inducing a vacuum on the water outlet passage 16, causing the water contained therein to be pulled therethrough until the water level in the bowl
  • LFD 54 constructed according to principles of this invention, generally comprises the same structural features described above for the simplified LFD 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, and has been configured to enable its placement (see FIG. 19) within an electrolyte fill opening of an electrolytic cell.
  • LFD 54 is formed from a multi-piece construction comprising, moving from an uppermost end of the device downward: a LFD cap 56; a LFD upper body part 58 disposed below the cap 54 and attached thereto at an open top end 60 of part 58; a lower body part 62 attached to a bottom open end 64 of part 58; and a trap and bell chamber body 66 attached to a bottom end 68 of body part 58.
  • Elements 56, 58, 62 and 66 are generally round, are coaxially aligned, and are interconnected at their rims.
  • LFD 54 The overall configuration of LFD 54, except for the duct connection nipples which preferably extends laterally from the LFD and which define passage ports 70 and 72, is circularly cylindrical with appropriate external features that enable it to be secured in a water fill port of an existing battery, such as a lead-acid battery.
  • water enters the LFD upper body 58 through either one of two water ports 70 and 72 and is routed through the LFD body 58, through a trap formed by body part 62 and bell chamber body 66, and into the electrolytic cell.
  • the LFD is constructed to provide electrolyte leveling and replenishment according to the hydraulic principles described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9.
  • LFD 54 is designed to accommodate water flow through either one of its water ports 70 and 72, thereby simplifying its hydraulic connection.
  • the LFD 54 is generally cylindrical in shape to permit installation within an electrolyte fill opening of an electrolytic cell.
  • the upper body 58 includes a water chamber 74 extending therethrough from its first (top) open end 60 to its second (bottom) end 64, and water ports 70 and 72 positioned adjacent the first end 60 that each extend radially outwardly therefrom.
  • Water ports 70 and 72 preferably extend from the LFD body 58 at diametrically opposed locations.
  • Two vertical spaced water baffles 76 are disposed within the chamber and are each oriented having a front side surface 78 perpendicular to a respective water port.
  • Each water baffle 76 is connected along its lengthwise edges to an interior wall surface of the upper body part 58, forming a pair of diametrically opposed vertical water passages 80 that are each disposed between a baffle front side surface 78 and an adjacent body wall surface.
  • Each water passage 80 extends downwardly from a respective water port 70 or 72 to the (lower) second end 64 of the upper body.
  • the LFD body 58 is symmetric in cross section about a vertical central axis.
  • the LFD 58 also includes vertical gas baffles 112 that are positioned within the chamber 74 perpendicular to the water baffles 76.
  • the LFD 54 includes means for providing releasible attachment with an electrolyte fill opening of an electrolyte battery.
  • such means is in the form of a collar 82 that is disposed circumferentially around the LFD body 58, and that extends axially along the body between the water ports 70 and 72 and the LFD body second end 64.
  • An O-ring seal 83 is disposed circumferentially around an outside surface of the LFD body 58 and is interposed between the collar 82 and the LFD body to form a gas and liquid-tight seal therebetween.
  • the collar 82 can either be attached around the LFD body by interference fit or by other connection means, such as by adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like; it is preferred, however, that the body be rotatably carried in the collar.
  • the LFD 54 is disposed coaxially through the collar 82 and is both sealed and held in place inside of the collar by a tight fit provided by the O-ring seal 83. Attaching the LFD 54 to the collar in this manner permits the LFD to be rotated within the collar, to accommodate routing of any external plumbing and the like, without upsetting the attachment and seal formed between the collar and the cell fill opening. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the assembled LFD 54 is inserted into the collar 82 after the collar has been engaged within an electrolyte fill opening of an electrolytic cell.
  • the collar 82 is adapted to facilitate releasible attachment with an electrolyte fill opening of an electrolytic cell, and includes a first flange 84 that extends radially away from the one axial end of the collar and is positioned adjacent the water ports 70 and 72.
  • the first flange 84 is sized to have a diameter greater than that of the electro lyte fill opening to limit an insertion depth of the LFD into the electrolytic cell.
  • the first flange can have an external shape designed to fit a hand or other type of tool conventionally used for rotating a member. Configured in this manner, the first flange accommodates the use of such tool to install and rotate the collar into place within the electrolytic cell opening.
  • the collar 82 also includes two lower second flanges 86 that extend radially away from an opposite axial end of the collar adjacent the second end 64 of upper body 58.
  • the second flanges 86 are located at diametrically opposed locations on the collar and extend partially (preferably about 90 degrees) about the circumference of the collar, and are sized for installation within the electrolyte fill opening.
  • the upper surface 88 of each flange 86 is helically sloped in a way that is designed to provide a releasible interlocking fit with a complementary helically sloped surface defined on the bottom surface of a ledge 170 which extends from the outer diameter of an electrolyte fill opening 171 defined in a battery cover 172; see FIG. 19.
  • the collar 82 is designed to provide a releasible interlocking fit within the electrolyte fill opening by inserting the second flange 86 therein so that the first flange 84 is placed against a top surface of the battery cell, e.g., the battery cover, and rotating the LFD 54 within the opening a determined amount (preferably 90 degrees) to cause a camming (threading) cooperation between flanges 86 and the fill opening ledges 170 which cause upper circumferential collar flange 84 to seat and seal against the battery cover surface about the electrolyte fill opening.
  • the collar also preferably includes two movable members 89 (one such member can be used) in the form of a tab that is integral with a side wall portion of the collar, as illustrated in FIG. 14.
  • the tab is designed having an outer surface that is planar with an outside diameter of the collar, and having an inside surface that extends radially inwardly from an inside diameter of the collar, when the LFD 54 is not disposed within the collar.
  • the tab is forced by cam action to move radially outward so that its outer surface projects a distance away from the collar outside diameter.
  • the tab is positioned along the collar so that, when the LFD 54 is installed within the collar which has been mounted in a battery fill opening, the tab projects into the fill opening tongue and groove arrangement to abut against an adjacent end of the fill opening ledge to lock the collar into its fully rotated position within the fill opening.
  • Such locking engagement of the collar within the opening is important to prevent the collar from being rotatably moved and loosened within the fill opening, thereby ensuring that a gas- and liquid-tight seal between the collar and fill opening is maintained.
  • Such a seal is important for allowing watering under vacuum operating conditions.
  • the collar comprises two tabs 89 that are positioned diametrically opposed from one another to engage diametrically opposed complementary portions of the fill opening, as shown in FIG. 19.
  • the collar may include one or more washers (not shown) disposed circumferentially therearound between the first and second flanges to facilitate achieving a gas and liquid-tight seal against the outside surface of the battery cover.
  • the LFD lower body part 62 (also referred to as a weir body because it defines a structure which corresponds to a first weir lip 30 shown in FIGS. 1-9) is attached to the second end 64 of, and has the same outside diameter as, the LFD upper body 58.
  • the weir body 62 includes a pair of solid sections 90 that each extend in a horizontal direction radially across the diameter of the weir body from diametrically opposed body edges, wherein the solid sections 90 each form a floor portion for a respective water passage 80 through the LFD.
  • solid sections 90 of the lower body part form the floor of a bowl which extends in the LFD upwardly to parts 70 and 72, and passages 80 extend downwardly from those parts into the bowl.
  • the body 62 includes a centrally located passage 92 that extends axially therethrough a distance downwardly from the solid sections 90.
  • the passage 92 is defined vertically by wall surfaces 94 that form a first weir 95.
  • the weir body passage 92 has a rectangular cross sectional shape, as best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13.
  • the first weir 95 includes a first weir lip 96 at its open end that extends a determined distance into a central passage 97 in an upper portion of the bell chamber body 66. Referring to FIGS.
  • the bell chamber body 66 is generally cylindrical and has a diameter that preferably is approximately equal to that of the LFD body parts 58 and 62.
  • the bell chamber body 66 has a passage 97 that extends axially therethrough from a first body end 98, attached to weir body 62, to a second lower open end or mouth 100.
  • the bell chamber annular passage 97 shall be referred to as the bell chamber.
  • the bell chamber 97 includes a water reservoir 102 disposed therein that is defined vertically by a pair of diametrically opposed side walls 104, that each extend axially along the bell chamber a determined length, and that are attached along lengthwise edges to a wall surface of the bell chamber body.
  • the side walls 104 have upper ends 110 located below solid sections 90 of body part 62 to form a second weir 105; compare second weir wall 32 shown in FIG. 1.
  • the reservoir is defined horizontally by a floor 106 that extends between the lower ends of the side walls 104, and that has lengthwise edges that are attached thereto.
  • the floor 106 has widthwise edges that are attached to the wall surface of the bell chamber 96.
  • the water reservoir 102 is designed to accommodate placement of the weir body passage 92 therein, so that the first weir lip 96 is positioned a determined distance above the reservoir floor 106, and so a second weir lip 110 (defined at the top edges of walls 104) is disposed a determined distance below the weir body solid sections 90, and a determined distance above the first weir lip 96. Together, the first weir 95 and the second weir 105 form a trap disposed within the LFD 54 in the bottom of the bowl below ports 70 and 72.
  • the water reservoir floor 106 is disposed a determined distance above the bell chamber mouth 100 to produce a desired volume of trapped air therein during electrolyte leveling and replenishment operation of the device.
  • the LFD 54 is constructed to permit unidirectional water flow therethrough using either water port 70 or 72 as the water inlet. Water is introduced into the LFD 54 by a creating a differential pressure between the water ports 70 and 72, by either pressure or vacuum operating conditions. Water entering the LFD passes from the inlet port through a respective vertical water passage 80 in the LFD body chamber 74, into the LFD trap, through the weir body central water passage 92, past the first weir lip 96, and is directed upwards by the second weir 105. The water passes over the second weir lip 110, through the bell chamber 97, and into the electrolytic cell where it mixes with and replenishes the existing electrolyte.
  • the LFD 54 functions in the same manner as that previously described above for the simplified arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1-9.
  • the pressure of air trapped within the bell chamber and trap imposes an equalization pressure onto the surface of the water disposed between the first and second weirs that is equal to or greater than the head pressure of water within the LFD body 58 associated with the water level in the bowl of the LFD.
  • Pressurizing the air trapped within the bell chamber causes the water disposed between the first and second weirs to be at or below the second weir lip 110. Once the pressure of the trapped air is at or above the pressure head of water in the LFD body, water flow to the cell is terminated.
  • FIG. 14 shows the LFD 54 of FIG. 10 in a section plane which is perpendicular to the section plane used in FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 14 shows the gas distribution structure of LFD 54.
  • a pair of gas baffles 112 are disposed axially within the LFD chamber 74 and extend from a position adjacent to and slightly below the LFD upper body first end 60 to the weir body 62. Walls 1 12 have continuations 112' in lower body part 62 which extend those walls to solid sections 90, i.e., to the bottom of the water bowl in the LFD. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the gas baffles 112 are positioned perpendicular to, and are attached along lengthwise edges between, the water baffles 76; see FIG. 11.
  • a pair of gas passages 114 are each formed within the chamber 74 between a front side surface 116 of each gas baffle 112 and a respective adjacent chamber wall surface.
  • a central passage 118 is formed along the central axis of chamber 74 between the inner (back) surfaces of both the water baffles 76 and the gas baffles 112.
  • the weir body 62 includes one or more vent openings 120 that extend through the walls of the weir body into gas passages 114.
  • the weir body 62 includes a pair of vent openings 120 that are diametrically opposed from one another and are formed through the cylindrical wall of the body above body sections 90, which form the floor of the bowl of the LFD.
  • the LFD cap 56 is generally in the form of a disk.
  • the cap 56 has a diameter that is similar to that of the LFD upper body 58, and is attached along its circumferential edge to the open end 60 of the LFD upper body 58.
  • Gas that has entered the central chamber 1 18 passes downwardly through the chamber where it passes under the bottom edges 125 of the water baffles 76 and enters one or both of the water passages 80 for removal from the LFD 54 via a water port 72 being used to remove water from the LFD.
  • gas within the central chamber exits the LFD 54 via a water passage 80 that is used to transport water from the LFD 54.
  • the LFD prevents pressure from both being built up in the cell during the electrolyte replenishment operation, due to the displacement of air in the cell, and during discharge and charging operations (provided that the water outlet port is not blocked in and is vented to either the atmosphere or to a gas collection unit), which buildup of pressure could cause an explosion hazard when the buildup pressure is caused by liberation of gas from the water component of the electrolyte.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates another preferred embodiment of LFD 124 that is similar to the LFD 54 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10-15, except that in LFD 124 a valve carrier 125 is interposed between cap 56 and upper LFD body part 58.
  • LFD 124 is configured to allow gas that enters the LFD to be vented therefrom.
  • Valve carrier 125 has a circular disk-shaped configuration and is attached about its circumferential edge to the open end 60 of the LFD upper body 58.
  • the valve carrier has a transverse bottom wall 130 through which are formed a central valve mounting opening 126 in the center of a pattern of gas vent holes 131.
  • the valve carrier also has a side wall that extends around its circumferential edge and in which at least one vent opening 132 is formed.
  • Check valve means 127 is disposed within the central opening 126 to provide a one-way passage of gas from the central chamber 74 through the carrier and to prevent the passage of air from the atmosphere into the LFD. Such checked or one-way gas venting from the LFD is desired to permit use of the device under vacuum operating conditions.
  • the check valve means 127 is in the form of a resilient check valve member or stopper that is disposed above and around the vent holes 131. It is mounted in via a central mounting stem 128. It has a second flared end 129 that cooperates with the top of wall 130 outwardly of the vent holes.
  • an LFD comprising such a gas venting cap arrangement can be used to advantage in a battery watering system for a battery-powered golf cart where an off-board reservoir is used and the water inlet and outlet conduits to the battery LFDs have check valves which close when the conduits are disconnected from the water source, thereby to prevent water leakage when the conduits or hoses are disconnected from a watering station.
  • the above-identified members forming LFDs 54 and 124 can be made from any structurally suitable material that is adapted to withstand the hostile environment of battery service.
  • the LFD may be made from suitable polymeric or fluoropolymer materials that are known to exhibit a good degree of structural rigidity and that provide a good degree of good corrosion and/or chemical resistance, including resistance to nascent oxygen.
  • the members that are used to form the LFDs can be either machined or molded.
  • the LFD upper body 58, LFD cap 56, carrier 133, weir body 62, bell chamber body 66, and collar 82 are each molded from a rigid battery grade polypropylene, and are attached together using conventional attachment methods.
  • valve stopper 127 and O-ring 83 are each formed from a material that both possesses the desired elastomeric properties that are called for in the particular application, and that is adapted to withstand the hostile environment of battery service.
  • the stopper and O-ring are formed from EPDM rubber.
  • the number of LFDs 133 formed in the cover 134 equals the number of electrolytic cells 136, and each LFD is oriented within the battery cover so that it is disposed within a head space of a respective cell.
  • the cover 134 includes a water inlet port 142 that is in hydraulic connection with the water inlet passage 144 of a first LFD.
  • the LFDs are hydraulically connected to one another in series between their water inlet and water outlet passages 144 and 146 via water transport passages 148 disposed within the battery cover.
  • the cover 134 includes a water outlet port 150 that is hydraulically connected to a water outlet passage 146 of a terminal (last) LFD.
  • LFDs 133 also include vent ports 152 disposed within the battery cover to allow for built-up pressure from the cell to be removed therefrom via the LFD, as described above for LFD 43., e.g.
  • LFDs of this invention can be configured as integral components of a battery having any number of electrolytic cells. It is also to be understood that the particular construction of the LFDs as being integral with the battery cover is but one method of making the LFDs as part of the battery, and that other constructions, e.g., making the LFD integral with the electrolytic cell wall, are intended to be within the scope of this invention.
  • LFDs constructed as integral members of an electrolyte battery, rather than as separate devices that are adapted for retrofit through the electrolyte fill openings of an electrolyte battery, are desired because only one water source coupling and water outlet coupling is needed to effect electrolyte leveling and electrolyte replenishment for all of the battery cells, thereby further simplifying the electrolyte leveling and replenishment operation. Also, avoiding the need to retrofit LFDs into each electrolytic cell both eliminates having to fabricate and maintain external plumbing between the LFDs, thereby easing battery maintenance and avoiding potential sources of water leakage outside of the battery, and avoids any spatial concerns that may be associated with using add-on LFDs with existing batteries in certain space-tight applications.
  • a feature of LFDs of this invention is that, when installed into each electrolytic cell of the battery and when hydraulically connected together, the process of electrolyte leveling and replenishment is reduced to a simple act of making a single connection with a water source, creating a pressure differential within LFDs, and waiting until water passes from the terminal
  • LFD LFD Using LFDs of this invention avoids the need to gain physical access to each cell for electrolyte leveling and replenishment, and avoids the need to circulate electrolyte outside of the battery, thereby eliminating a potential source of property damage or health risk.
  • LFDs of this invention Another feature of LFDs of this invention is that the operation of electrolyte leveling and replenishment is accomplished without the use of moving parts in or at a battery.
  • the use of moving parts in battery service is not desired due to the hostile environment with which the parts may come into contact.
  • the use of moving parts in such a hostile environment is known to result in the failure of the parts and/or the improper operation of such parts, in either case impairing the proper operation of the device.
  • a further feature of LFDs of this invention is that they permit electrolyte leveling and replenishment under a wide range of differential pressure conditions that can be imposed under either pressure or vacuum operating modes.
  • LFDs of this invention are designed to provide a determined electrolyte level within a cell, based on the equalizing pressure between the trapped air within the bell chamber and the pressure head associated with the water level in the bowl inside the LFD body, independent of the particular pressure or vacuum operating conditions, their use minimizes or eliminates altogether any effects that inconsistent pressure or vacuum operating conditions could have on the LFDs ability to consistently provide the determined electrolyte level in each battery cell.
  • LFDs of this invention a person carrying out the electrolyte leveling and replenishment operation can be confident that the electrolyte in each cell is replenished to the determined level without having to worry about the specific pressure or vacuum operating condition.
  • Such feature of the invention also makes the leveling process easily adaptable to a variety of different pressure or vacuum sources.
  • LFDs of the invention The amount of differential pressure needed to operate LFDs of the invention depends on the particular LFD application and size. For example, LFDs configured and sized to be used with an automobile or golf cart battery could be operated using a smaller differential pressure than that associated with a LFD which has been configured and sized for use with a submarine battery. In an exemplary embodiment, where the LFD is sized for use in an automobile or golf cart application (i.e., where the LFD is in the form of that illustrated in FIGS.
  • LFD electrolyte leveling and replenishment under differential pressure conditions (absolute) in the range of from about 0.1 to 20 Psia, without affecting the desired electrolyte level that is provided by the LFD in the cell.
  • differential pressure conditions absolute
  • the LFD can be configured and sized to operate under different differential pressure conditions depending on the particular application.
  • LFDs of this invention can be constructed and used to perform electrolyte thermal conditioning in addition to filling and leveling.
  • the LFD 10 can be designed having one or more heat transfer elements 170 that projects downwardly from the bowl bottom or floor 26 a distance from the bell chamber so that each such element 170 is immersed into the electrolyte a desired depth.
  • the heat transfer elements 170 are connected to the LFD 10 at a position that permits conductive heat transfer from the water entering and circulating through the LFD to the electrolyte.
  • the heat transfer elements can be made of from a material having good thermal conductivity properties, such as metal or the like (e.g., stainless steel).
  • a LFD comprising such heat transfer elements may be desirable in applications where heating or cooling the electrolyte is desired for optimum battery performance and/or service life. In such applications, the electrolyte in each cell can be heated by circulating heated water through each LFD, or can be cooled by circulating cooled water through each LFD.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a liquid filling system (LFS) 154 comprising a number of LFDs 54 that are described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10-16, and that are each disposed in a respective electrolytic cell 158 of an electrolyte battery 160.
  • the LFDs 54 are hydraulically connected to each other in series via water transport passages 162 that are each interposed between respective water ports 164 of adjacent LFDs.
  • the LFS illustrated in FIG. 18 is adapted to provide electrolyte leveling and replenishment when a differential pressure is imposed between the water ports 164 of each LFD 54 by either vacuum or pressure operating conditions.
  • the water port 164 of a first LFD 54 is connected to a water supply line 166 that is connected to water source (not shown).
  • the water supply line 166 is connected to a water supply source that is adapted to provide water at a suitable pressure and flow rate, e.g., water at line pressure and the like.
  • the water supply line 166 is connected to a water source that is adapted to supply water at atmospheric pressure, e.g., from a water reservoir and the like.
  • FIG. 18 affords an opportunity to note that the bodies of LFDs 54 are rotatable in their mounting collars, so that the angular position of an LFD can be adjusted to efficiently implement any desired scheme for interconnecting the LFD in a multi-cell LFS.
  • the water port 164 of a terminal LFD 54 is connected to a water drain line 168. If desired, an outlet end of the water drain line may be connected to a water reservoir or the like (not shown) to capture water exiting the LFS after the leveling and replenishment operation is completed.
  • a quick-connect type fitting attachment (not shown) can be used to provide a single location connection point for both the water supply line 166 and the water drain line 168.
  • Such fitting attachment may preferably be configured to provide a releasible interlocking watertight fit between respective ends of the water supply and drain line. It is additionally desired that such fitting attachment include a check valve or the like at each connecting end that is adapted to both permit flow through the coupled line ends when connected, and prevent flow though the uncoupled line ends when disconnected.
  • the use of a fitting attachment configured in this manner is desired because it reduces the steps required to initiate electrolyte leveling and replenishing to two; namely, activating the supply source, and connecting the fitting attachment.
  • LFS 154 is operated by activating the pressure or vacuum supply source to provide a desired differential pressure within each LFD 54, causing water to be routed to into the first LFD 54.
  • the water enters the first LFD it passes through the LFD to the electrolytic cell in the same manner described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9.
  • the electrolyte level in the first cell rises until the pressure of the trapped air in the bell chamber reaches the equalization pressure, causing the water passage into the cell to cease, and causing the water level in the LFD to rise until it reaches the mouth of the empty water passage and is passed therethrough out of the LFD.
  • Water that is circulated through the first LFD is routed via the water transport passage 162 to the water port 164 of the next LFD in the series, where the process repeats itself. Water is circulated between each LFD in the series until the desired electrolyte level in a terminal cell
  • the water ports 164, water passages within the LFDs, and water transport passages 162 hydraulically connecting the LFDs are purged of water contained therein by one of the four methods described above.
  • the water can be purged by passing pressurized air through the interconnected electrolytic cells in either direction using line 166 or line 168 as the air input line. Once air is observed to exit from the other line, the air pressure source is disconnected and the electrolyte leveling and replenishment operation is complete.
  • the electrolyte leveling and replenishing operation can take place before, after or during the process of charging the battery; during and/or after being preferred.
  • LFSs of this invention may alternatively make use of other LFDs of this invention, and that such use is intended to be within the scope of this invention.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling, Topping-Up Batteries (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

Ce dispositif de remplissage de liquide (10) permet de compléter le niveau d'eau de batteries. Son corps comporte un premier et un second orifice à eau (18, 44) qui traversent le corps et se raccordent, dans le corps, à un premier et un second passage d'eau (14, 16) indépendants l'un de l'autre. Un piège (27) est disposé dans le dispositif en dessous du premier et du second passage d'eau (14, 16). Une chambre en cloche (33) située en sortie du piège (27) comporte une extrémité ouverte. L'eau traverse le dispositif (10) par le premier ou le second passage (14, 16), via le piège (27), la chambre en cloche (33) et arrive dans la cellule de batterie (12). Piégeant un volume d'air, le dispositif (10) fait monter la pression de l'air piégé au fur et à mesure que le niveau d'électrolyte monte dans la cellule (12) jusqu'à un niveau défini, cette pression atteignant un niveau au moins égal à la pression de tête de l'eau dans le dispositif, ce qui empêche tout écoulement ultérieur d'eau dans la cellule (12).
EP97916009A 1997-03-13 1997-03-13 Dispositif de remplissage de liquide Withdrawn EP0972153A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/US1997/004159 WO1998040653A1 (fr) 1997-03-13 1997-03-13 Dispositif de remplissage de liquide

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EP0972153A1 true EP0972153A1 (fr) 2000-01-19
EP0972153A4 EP0972153A4 (fr) 2004-10-06

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JP (1) JP2001517356A (fr)
KR (1) KR100450350B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU725492B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2283205C (fr)
WO (1) WO1998040653A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10036462A1 (de) 1999-07-26 2001-05-17 Johan Christiaan Fitter Befüllsystem für Mehrfachbehälter
US6446681B1 (en) 1999-08-24 2002-09-10 Johan Christiaan Fitter Filler unit for topping up a container with liquid
US6718996B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2004-04-13 Club Car, Inc. Filling pod for a battery, vehicle and method of supplying fluid to a battery
US6786226B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2004-09-07 Club Car, Inc. Battery fluid supply system
US6622744B2 (en) 2000-04-10 2003-09-23 Club Car, Inc. Filling pod for a battery, vehicle and method of supplying fluid to a battery
US20100147391A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-17 Chevron U.S.A. Inc Apparatus and method for controlling a fluid flowing through a pipeline

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US3556175A (en) * 1968-11-12 1971-01-19 Gould National Batteries Inc Liquid filling apparatus
FR2259445A1 (en) * 1974-01-24 1975-08-22 Magneti Marelli Spa Accumulator cell filler - has hollow stoppers interlinked with parallel and series liquid distribution from storage
US4113925A (en) * 1975-08-26 1978-09-12 Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft Battery filling and venting structure
US4544004A (en) * 1983-01-26 1985-10-01 Johan Christiaan Fitter Filler unit for topping up a container with liquid

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US539689A (en) * 1895-05-21 Sewer-trap
US1869258A (en) * 1925-02-11 1932-07-26 Philadelphia Storage Battery Battery vent construction
US1791152A (en) * 1925-12-29 1931-02-03 Jr Solomon L Van Meter Storage battery
US1765433A (en) * 1928-01-07 1930-06-24 Charles O Lavett Apparatus for controlling density or viscosity of liquids
SE448650B (sv) * 1985-08-14 1987-03-09 Sab Nife Ab Ventil for vattenpafyllning vid elektrokemiska ackumulatorbatterier

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3556175A (en) * 1968-11-12 1971-01-19 Gould National Batteries Inc Liquid filling apparatus
FR2259445A1 (en) * 1974-01-24 1975-08-22 Magneti Marelli Spa Accumulator cell filler - has hollow stoppers interlinked with parallel and series liquid distribution from storage
US4113925A (en) * 1975-08-26 1978-09-12 Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft Battery filling and venting structure
US4544004A (en) * 1983-01-26 1985-10-01 Johan Christiaan Fitter Filler unit for topping up a container with liquid

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See also references of WO9840653A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2328997A (en) 1998-09-29
EP0972153A4 (fr) 2004-10-06
CA2283205C (fr) 2002-11-19
CA2283205A1 (fr) 1998-09-17
KR20000076235A (ko) 2000-12-26
AU725492B2 (en) 2000-10-12
KR100450350B1 (ko) 2004-09-30
JP2001517356A (ja) 2001-10-02
WO1998040653A1 (fr) 1998-09-17

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