LITHIUM-WATER-AIR BATTERY AUTOMOTIVE PROPULSION. FINAL REPORT, OCTOBER 28, 1976-SEPTEMBER 28, 1977

Cell and battery tests were made to evaluate the technology involved in the operation of a Li-H sub 2 O-air battery. Power densities of 44 mW/cm exp 2 (2.2 V, 200 mA/cm exp 2 ) were obtained in cells with cathodes catalyzed with platinum black. A power density of 360 mW/cm exp 2 (2.0 V, 180 mA/cm exp 2 ) was achieved in cells with cathodes containing 2 mg/cm exp 2 of platinum on carbon. Lithium utilization efficiencies in excess of 80 percent were realized when electrolyte composition was controlled. Parameters affecting cell operation include electrolyte flow rate, air flow rate, pressure differential across the cathode, concentration of LiOH in the electrolyte, and (outside of certain limits) electrode contact pressure. A paper study was made of two-step methods of lithium reprocessing. A preliminary cost estimate of 65 cents per pound was made for reprocessed lithium produced from a 50,000 tons per year plant by using low-temperature electrolytic cells. Although problems were encountered in the operation of multicell batteries related to the balancing of electrolyte flow and the pressure differential across the cathodes in individual cells, these do not appear insurmountable. The concept of using Li-H sub 2 O-air battery for automotive propulsion appears viable, and additional effort should emphasize the design and operation of a larger size battery with automatic control of electrolyte dilution and power optimization. A more detailed examination of lithium reprocessing should be made for establishing the overall economics of using the system for automotive propulsion.

• Corporate Authors:

  Lockheed Missiles and Space Company

  Palo Alto Research Laboratory
  Palo Alto, CA  United States  94304

  Department of Energy

  1000 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20585
• Authors:
  • Bauman, H F
  • Adams, G B
• Publication Date: 1977-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 60 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Design; Economic factors; Economics; Electric batteries; Electric vehicles; Electrolytes; Evaluation; Feasibility analysis; Graphs; Impurities; Lithium; Lithium batteries; Performance; Propulsion; Recommendations; Research projects; Systems analysis; Technology; Testing; Vehicle power plants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Experimental data; Propulsion systems; Research programs
• Old TRIS Terms: Economic considerations
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Energy; Finance; Highways; Research; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00314337
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Contract Numbers: EY-76-C-03-1262
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 27 1981 12:00AM