A HIGH ENERGY DENSITY ZINC/OXYGEN BATTERY SYSTEM

Abstract

A primary battery operating at low oxygen pressure and demonstrating excellent low temperature performance has been developed. previously described zinc /oxygen s ys tems require pressures up to 150 psia, the present operation at atmospheric oxygen pressure eliminates the need of a cylindrical battery container, thereby providing greater design flexibility. High capacity systems will deliver 150 watt-hoursllb. at the 50-400 hour rate; cryogenic oxygen affords energy densities of 175 watt-hours /lb. weight cathode structures and porous zinc anodes capable of utilizations of 90% a re employed. The individual cells, having a nominal underload voltage of 1 .35 volts, consist of an anode sandwiched between two parallel connected cathodes. Intercell separators permit oxygen access to the cathode; the cell stack is encased in a container into which the oxygen is fed. tested to -40°F and is capable of providing 100 watt-hours /lb. at this temperature. Whereas